Happy Valentine’s Day, friends!
It’s time for the weekend post with Kim and Elizabeth, our weekly roundup of inspirations and goings on.
It feels like spring here in Northern California and I’m kinda loving it. Yesterday I drove to Sonoma where the hills are at their lushest green, the wild mustard is beginning to bloom, and pink tree blossoms are opening up. It’s glorious.
Because I was off galavanting I got a late start on today’s dispatch, so let’s jump in. But first, Miss Pippa wishes you a very good morning and a wonderful Valentine’s Day.
This post includes some commissionable links; see my disclosure policy here.
Yesterday, while in Sonoma to pick up my French Bubble Club allocation at Chateau Sonoma, I met up with my friend Sheila of the French inspired design blog, Maison de Cinq We sat outside on the Sunflower Caffe’s charming secret garden-like patio and chatted away.
A few doors down from the Sunflower, Chateau Sonoma is ready for Valentine’s Day.
Talented floral designer, Juan Mendoza Le Jardinier Floral, was in the house finishing up his spectacular special order Valentine bouquets.
I stopped by Basque Boulangerie for a Valentine treat.
In addition to bringing home my quarterly bubbles, which included a rosé and that’s why I’m grinning like a goof, I picked up an adorable ceramic pig for the new house.
I’m partial to pigs, and have collected them. Decorative pigs, not real ones. In the early 90’s my mom gave me a ceramic pig that sat on my front doorstep for years. Someone snatched the pig off my porch and I’ve been mourning its loss for 20+ years while searching – in vain – for another as adorable as the first.
Yesterday marked two years since I first laid eyes on our little house project, now the Folly. The cute red heart on the front door really sold it.
This is what it looked before being gussied up for sale.
Last weekend I mentioned my nostalgia for See’s Candy and this week I made it to the store to pick up treats to send to the grands. Everyone working in the store is so nice. That plus the samples they generously dispense makes it an A+ shopping experience.
After gathering cute boxes and tins of candy, bags of little chocolate hearts, and, of course, lollipops, I decided to buy their reusable totes to package the kids treats. So cute.
Speaking of See’s lollipops, when oldest niece Sam was about five, she stuck a half eaten See’s lollipop to the back of my car’s headrest … which I didn’t discover until a couple of weeks later. It’s been a joke between us ever since. Anyway, I picked up gifts for a few friends too … I love all the varied package options, especially the XO box, and is there anything sweeter than the classic heart box? I’m sure the stores will be crazy today.
I never met a platform shoe I didn’t love so when Instagram’s algorithm correctly fed me Tom’s Valencia Platform Espadrille in a champagne metallic basketweave, I said … Happy Valentine’s Day to me. I predict this will be my shoe of spring and summer and I’m eyeing a pair in black canvas. Anyway, get 25% off during Tom’s Long Weekend sale with code SAV25.
Speaking of treating myself, by Heart: Recipes to Hold Near and Dear caught my eye at the bookstore a couple of weeks ago. Not only is the colorful cover appealing, but the title brings to mind recipes collected over time from special people. Without investigating beyond the charming cover and title I bought the book. The author, Hailee Catalano is a chef, recipe developer, and content creator who is TikTok famous.
A word about the Olympics, I’m loving every second … are you? There have been some incredible Wild World of Sports worthy (the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat) moments. And so much drama inside and outside of competition. What’s with the infidelity confession. And finish line engagement. Our women’s ice hockey team is killing it. The misfortune of Lindsey Vonn and disappointment of Mikaela Shiffrin. Ryan Cochran-Siegle stricken with food poisoning in a gondola. And on and on.
The figure skating has been up down and all around drama and I was heartbroken for Ilia Malinin last night. At the same time I can’t help but be happy for Kazakhstan skater, Mikhail Shaidorov, who seems completed stunned and overwhelmed to win gold. Take about preparation meeting opportunity.
What really got me was the ice dancing – which is so beautiful – but ended in heartbreak for Madison Chock and Evan Bates. Their performance was perfection. If the Canadian team of Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier bested them I could have understood it. Their performance was gorgeous, emotional (I teared up the moment Vincent began to play) and it was executed beautifully. But the French team made an obvious mistake and in my humble opinion, that should be game over, or gold medal over. I get it, it’s subjective, and it wouldn’t be the Olympics without a judging controversy.
Update on the judging controversy (gift link here) do you remember Skategate 2002?
Credit: Elsa / Getty Images
And finally, a feast for the eyes, Chanel’s Spring Couture show at the Grand Palais Paris, creative director Matthew Blazy’s couture debut. I don’t follow fashion week – or weeks – but photos and video of this show were everywhere and the whimsical ‘birds of a feather’ theme caught my eye and imagination.
The backdrop of weepy pink trees and oversize toadstools in pinks and reds felt very Alice and Wonderland … but also Valentine’s Day. Many of the clothes were breezy and sheer … pinks, reds and warm whites, worn by models of diverse backgrounds and – surprise – ages.
Odds & Socks ~
This dress was super popular on the blog last week, and it’s on final sale at a third of the price in sizes XS and S.
Very excited for this book available for pre-order now.
This vintage J.Crew sweater is getting lots of attention.
Dear Pam Bondi, (A Letter From A Father)
Local friends, if you’re going to Downtown Martinez Wine & Chocolate Stroll this afternoon – lucky you – stop by Partner’s Place and wish one-year old Poppy a happy first birthday and pick up some healthy treats for your pups.
Current Favorites ~
And that’s what I have for you today. If you missed last week’s dispatch it’s all about the progress of our home build aka death by 1000 decisions, you can catch up here.
Let’s see what’s inspiring Kim and Elizabeth.
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I watched most of Pam Bondi’s testimony with my jaw on the floor. Pastor Pavlovitz’ powerful letter should run in the NYT, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post.
Barb, I agree … I long for the day we return to dignity, decorum, and accountability in our country’s leadership. xo
Well since you brought up the Olympics, I’ve been glued to the ice skating. Yes, so disappointing for the American ice dancing team. I watched bother performances a second time and I have to say I was more enchanted and pulled into the French teams dance. It was a close finish. On the topic of solo skating…I wish there wasn’t so much emphasis on jumps. I feel the actual artistry of the program is mostly gone. If you go back and watch any of Johnny Weir’s skate performances you will see what I mean. It has now changed to see who can execute the most jumps and not the artistry and choreography of skating. I much prefer the ice dancing now.
I love those cute Tom shoes and may have to treat myself. Thanks for the coupon code. Have a Happy day!
Nanci, I agree with you about the emphasis on jumping and pushing the limits. I recall past Olympics where nearly all the skaters fell at least once, including those on the podium, attempting more aggressive jumps that otherwise marred beautifully executed programs. I added a link to the post on the ISU comments related to the ice dancing judging and how the scoring system was changed following 2002’s Skategate … which I vaguely remember. By all means, treat yourself and Happy Valentine’s Day! xo
Thank you for the link to A Letter from a Father! It’s good to know that others feel the same way I do.
Madeline, I believe the majority of us feel this way and look forward to bringing this shameful chapter in our history to a close. Sooner rather than later, and with accountability. xo
I really like the new font & font size you’re using now! Thank you for the letter to Pam Bondi. This nightmare our country is in seems never ending. It’s also so infuriating to watch some women support these monsters. I don’t know how they can look at themselves in the mirror anymore.
Michelle, it truly feels as though we’re in the midst of a never ending nightmare. I believe most of us long for dignity and decorum in our elected officials as well as accountability. Wrong is wrong regardless which political party one was affiliate with prior to this aberration. xo
Happy V day to you. Your day in Sonoma makes me long to be there. One of my favorite places.
Ice Skating will be the death of me as I am ridiculously invested. Sigh. Too subjective and easy for judges to put their fingers on the scales
Hope the Folly continues on track. Keeping my fingers crossed. And the pig is wonderful… he needs a name. Pancetta?
Karen … Happy Valentine’s Day! I’m with you, Sonoma is a wonderful place and I’m so lucky to be less than an hour away. Oh my gosh, the emotion invested in the skating. Can we handle it for another week? I just read an article on the judging and updated the post with a new link. Pancetta … love it. xo
Hi Juliet, so look forward to your posts on Saturday! But you will always be Snowberry to me. Anyway, this has nothing to do with anything except a favor. Can you recommend a interior paint colorist? Got some lighting problems around here.
Hopeful and thanks!
Barbara, I know, Snowberry was special and I wish I could have picked up that house and moved it to a downtown location. As for a paint colorist, I’m not sure exactly what you mean … like a consultant? Farrow and Ball has consultants that will come to your home. Benjamin Moore used to have designers in store on a regular basis for point consultancy in store … or you can arrange to have them come to your home for a fee. Some interior designers may provide this service as well. xo
Happy Valentine’s Day to you. What a fun posting. It is a rainy day here in Oregon so I vicariously enjoyed you outing. Thank you for all you do.
Claudette, we’ve had a really lovely couple of weeks, but rain is forecast to return tomorrow. Thank you for your sweet comment and Happy Valentine’s Day to you too. xo
Happy Valentine’s Day Juliet! Can we all just live under giant red and pink toadstools and wear breezy flowery Chanel everyday?
Another Beautiful Inspiring Dispatch…Thank you
XO Kymmie
Kymmie! Yes, let’s!!! xoxo
Hi Juliet,
I love the Ann Mashburn dress thanks for noticing that, its a real win. I was conflicted about the ice skating and the drama and why the french judge was not investigated more as Chock/Evans were so impressive…but hey sports! Her designs are so incredible and she is going to do so well selling her skating designs all over the world! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Francesca! I didn’t realize Madison Chock was a costume designer until I heard an announcer mention that another skater was wearing her design. Yep, she and Evan will be fine, although I’ll always feel they were robbed of the gold. You’re right, that’s sports … and judging controversies in skating are nothing new. Hope you had a lovely Valentine’s Day. xo
Hi Juliet, and Happy Valentine’s Day! Enjoyed all the news here. I want one of those cookies! Speaking of See’s Candies, I love them too. My father-in-law was a candy maker, and he created many of the recipes for See’s. We miss him dearly. I am binging the Olympics and it is one thing that is helping me get my mind off all the horrendous news. Love all your updates on the Folly Cottage. It’s moving fast! Xx
Karen! Yes, thank goodness for the Olympics and this wonderful two-week interlude of riveting distraction. I’m fascinated by your father-in-laws story … a candy maker and creator of See’s recipes. Wow. He must have been wonderful tales to tell. Hope you had a wonderful Valentine’s weekend. xo
Yay! A pig for the new abode! You know how I love a cute decorative pig, or goat, or rooster, or swan, or cow, or duck…. Speaking of See’s do you know they will refill a See’s heart box year after year? I was in a See’s the other day and heard a customer tell the employee that he had been bringing the same heart box back to See’s for 15 years!
Shelley Welley! I know … you never met a farm animal you didn’t love to collect. And I admire your collections. Those swans! I had no idea about the refillable boxes. This is important information … and I’m going to file it away for next year. 15 years … wow! Hope you and Bill have a lovely Valentine dinner. xo
Good morning Juliet! I hope that you, Jim and your pups had a lovely Valentine’s Day. Did you have some See’s, Rose and cookies as well?
My mom loves the Sees lolly pops and in fact I gave her two boxes as part of her Christmas gifts.
I too am enjoying the Olympics, the ice dancing made me angry. The American should have won. Lyndsey Vonn, heartbreaking. I read where she could actually lose her leg!
As for the skier who tried to apologize to his former girlfriend whom he cheated on? That failed.
The folly looks so sweet. I had no idea that you liked pigs, my mother-in-law did too and we have several of her pigs here to remember her by.
I ordered that cookbook too and have made several of her recipes from TikTok.
Have a beautiful day and enjoy the early Spring weather.
xo
Elizabeth! Our early spring weather came to an abrupt end. It’s raining today. But all good for watching more Olympic coverage. So much drama, right? I love those See’s lollipops and when I worked in the city I’d drop into the store for them on a regular basis. Hope you’re enjoy a nice, long Valentine’s weekend. xo
What a great post starting with that first shot o Pippa! I think I need those cute espadrilles just for the extra height!!
My sister had the heart shaped See’s box out for temptation on the table while I was in San Diego last week. No See’s in Florida so naturally I had to have a few 🙂
MA! We need all the height we can get. I saw that See’s box in your weekend post. A friends just told me you can save the box and take is back to See’s for a refill. Who knew?! xo
Hi Juliet,
Your Saturday posts never disappoints! So much inspiratiion and links to interesting articles. I loved the “A Letter From a Father” by John Pavlovitz. I follow him on Instagram.
How fun to get together with Sheila!
And I had no idea you collected pigs! I too think he needs a name! I like Karen’s idea!
xx
Annie! That settles it, Pancetta it is. xoxo
Stopped my morning to watch, and thoroughly enjoy , the Chanel video you included. What an amazing talented designer. Like you, haute couture passes me by, but this was a feast for the senses. Such delightful camera work and music.
At 75, recently divorced and editing almost monthly for the local consignment shop…my fun “ side hustle” … I just rediscovered my cream coloured and very sheer pajamas …which are totally inadequate for a winter’s eve! They could have been worn by one of the tall, beautiful models showing the exquisite golden lace work on the camisole . However, they fit this owner who is only 5’3”! I have rarely worn them, being rather shy about wearing something so sheer, for with a rather complacent partner. Sigh…Shall I finally wear them for my own enjoyment ? … or take them to the shop with a card saying…
” Chanel inspired spring pj’s” !
I so appreciate being introduced to the writer of “A Letter from a Father”… will now follow him. Your country is truly experiencing a difficult time. I have faith that there will be a reset in the not too distant future… to Dignity, decorum and accountability. Well said.
Cath! I’m glad you enjoyed the Chanel show … truly a fairytale like experience and nice escape. I say wear the PJ’s. Thank you for your sympathy to the plight of your Southern neighbors. I hope it’s known that the majority of us vehemently oppose the direction our current leadership is taking us and hope we soon return to being a trusted and steadfast neighbor and partner. Hope you had a lovely Valentine’s weekend. xo
Hi Juliet — Wow, your Folly sure was a diamond in the rough. I am loving the Olympics, but the U.S. team has had a lot of rough moments. I was so disappointed about and for Ilia Malinin. I have never seen him do all his amazing jumps and I was looking forward to a performance. Love love love that J Crew sweater, I am happy to see both fashion and home decor getting more colorful and interesting again. Have a lovely week!
Hi Juliet,
Your Pippa pic is one of the cutest little dogs I have ever seen. I know you both are the best parents too. Our fur children are a very big part of our families aren’t they?
Oh wow, I love to make and look at sugar cookies, the pretty pink ones you treated yourself to look so good.
I love Sees candy, when I was a youngster it was always a big treat to have a pound passed around the table in their traditional white box with Mrs. Sees in black. Look at the fancy boxes today. You are the sweetest Aunt to your nieces and great nieces. They are like your children too right? They must adore you. Ms. Thoughtful of Quite A lot would be you.
Adorable pic of you smiling with your bubbly.
Your new ceramic pig is the cutest. I like cute pigs too.
Have a good week.
Juliet, What a fun post. You could just do Olympic talk because I am here for it. I am very invested in the skating. I agree our ice dancing team was robbed if you ask me. I loved both performances, but to me it was clear, the others made a mistake and that should be under review. Not fair at all. I am saddened for all those they hype up – too much almost. Like poor Ilia. The Quad God.. IMHO they need to stop as they already have HUGE pressure on them. It was nice to see someone unexpected win though – and his dream come true. Hopefully Ilia will get more chances. The Amber fall last night was another.. I do think they have a lot of stress.
I am a See’s devotee. Everyone gets some for Valentine’s here- and Max got me a small box. I am curious what is your favorite? Mine has morphed from Bordeaux when I was young (too sweet now) to Scotchmallow and the dark Marzipans. I do love a Divinity Puff and the Honey coconut one. After a week of rain and no tennis and a lot of chocolate, I need to detox.
I love the Chanel show and thanks for sharing the Jon Pavlovitz letter. He is so good.
Hope you are having a great week. Sorry this was so late. xo
P.s love your cottage with all those flowers.