Good day, sunshine! ☀️?
Did that make you think of the opening lines to this song?
’tis a good day to celebrate love, so here are some of the things I’ve been loving lately…
1. This Serena & Lily French bistro-inspired kitchen
Now that’s a phrase I did not expect to ever see in print…because when have I ever thought that deeply about kitchens?
For the record, Serena & Lily is not a hip 20-something singer-songwriter duet. They’re a high-end furniture line kinda like a more streamlined, bougie-er Pottery Barn (as if that were possible). Think Crate & Barrel meets minimalist French country.
As I was flipping through their latest catalog, looking for design ideas, these cute kitchen scenes caught my eye…
THOSE BLACK AND WHITE BISTRO CHAIRS!
Now, I’m not normally a big wicker person (hard to clean, cat claws get caught in it, squeaks when you sit down), but I love the look of these chairs. They bring back so many memories of strolling the streets of Paris with El Hub (who was El Boyfriend at the time) and sipping strong cups of coffee at cute, cozy sidewalk cafes.
I love the feminine curves and how the chairs look like they’d be comfortable to sit in for hours. They’re crazy expensive, though, so I don’t plan to get ’em, but I sure do like how they look in this room!
2. Chantecaille everything
Speaking of French style, I have a low-key Chantecaille addiction brewing. I’ve been wearing their gel bronzer and blush on bare skin (apparently, I can’t be bothered with foundation anymore), and man! — SO GOOD. You can’t see the edges of either the blush or the bronzer, and neither one moves an inch.
I squeeze a tiny bit of the bronzer on the back of my hand, swirl a small blush brush around in it, then buff that on my upper cheekbones. Then I do the same thing with the blush (same brush), applying it only on the apples.
I like that you really can’t tell where the blush and bronzer begin and end (like something you’d see on Megan Markle on her wedding day), and it’s the kind of makeup that looks particularly good in full sunlight, like at a BBQ or a beach wedding.
3. “Say You Will” by Fleetwood MAC
Um…did I really just automatically capitalize the word “MAC” when I typed “Fleetwood Mac”? Yes, yes, I think I did.
My three-year-old loves this song, which in my mind also means that she loves Stevie Nicks…
OK, my work here is done.
4. Low-tech, old-school handwritten everything
Lately, I’ve been ditching my computer keyboard for ye olde paper and pencil. I’ve been writing everything — lists, notes, blog drafts — longhand, and while it’s much s-l-o-w-e-r than sprinting across the keyboard with my fingertips, there’s something therapeutic and almost meditative about seeing each letter emerge from the tip of my pencil.
I’m convinced that physically writing words down on paper unlocks different parts of my brain — those quiet, dusty corners where all the weird (and fun) stuff hides.
Side note: Do they still teach cursive handwriting in school?! I hope so.
5. The Nudestix Eyebrow Stylus Pencil & Gel
FYI: Not only is applying mascara a perishable skill. Filling in one’s brows is, too, and yes, I know this from personal experience. If you’re currently suffering from brow-filling amnesia (brow-nesia?), grab one of these dual-ended pencils. There’s a goof-proof, long-wearing semi-transparent angled brow pencil on one end (so there’s no chance of overdoing those fuzzy little caterpillars) and a stiff, clear brow gel on the other.
It’ll get your brows right as rain.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Samantha Platania says
Target has similar chairs to the Serena & Lily ones! We just ordered them in gray for our patio.
https://www.target.com/p/french-caf–233–4pk-wicker-patio-dining-chair—gray-white—threshold–153-/-/A-52651952
Karen says
Oh, thank you Samantha! I just did a quick google search and found a bunch on Wayfair, too. I had no idea you could actually buy them, silly me.
Rachel says
Oooh now I want these even though I don’t need a new patio set!
Rachel says
I love those chairs too! Wish I had a kitchen island or bar height counter in my house!
Karen says
Seriously! We have a bar height counters but would have to have the current counter extended to make a true bar. I really want to do that someday.
Chelsea says
Those chairs are cute! I wear the Chantecaille gel blush in Lively almost every day! It’s such a beautiful finish. I’ve also been handwriting more things at work because I really do remember things better that way.
Karen says
Hi Chelsea,
I want to get Lively next. Wish they made them in more colors!
P.S. Tell me all about that adorable black and white kitty you posted on FB. She’s super cute. (THAT TUM, OMG!)
Chelsea says
Zack’s best friend Mike is Paul the cat’s assistant, and he’s been in San Francisco so I’m subbing in as a temporary pet assistant. She is such a sweetie. Purrs the instant I come in the room, loves belly rubs (her belly is SO SOFT), gives kisses, wants all the pats. Love her tuxedo fur. I love her very much.
Karen says
Her belly looks LUSH! She looks like a very cuddly baby girl. I have a big crush on her!
Chelsea says
She’s so sweet and cuddly! I’ll have to tell Mike how popular she is.
Candice says
Studies show that you retain more information when you physically write things down or take notes vs. typing!
Karen says
Hi Candice,
I believe it! I definitely process information differently when I see my own hands writing it down.
Ruchita says
You know, I’ve been feeling the same way about writing things down on paper. There is something satisfying about actually putting a line through something on my to-do list.
Speaking of which, back in the day did you ever have one of those pens that had multiple color selections?
Those chairs are so pretty! I love the black and while color in contrast with the wood.
Karen says
Hi Ruchita,
Oh, totally. Or highlighting things after you’ve finished them! I love a piece of paper with tons of colorful highlighter showing me everything I’ve done so far in my day.
And yes, I had a pen like that in college (#datingmyself). 🙂 I remember being in my chemistry classes and hearing everyone’s pens click furiously.
How are you doing today, by the way?
Ruchita says
Oh yes, I love colorful highlighters too! Buying new school supplies was one of my favorite things to do. 🙂
I’m doing well today. Wouldn’t you know, I’m fostering a new kitty who showed up about a month ago. He wasn’t neutered yet and was kind of rough around the edges but he is all fixed up now. His name is Lucky. He’s an orange floof ball and has been keeping me busy.
I’m looking forward to the upcoming long weekend. Hope you and the family have some time to relax. I’m sure the weather must be nice out there!
Karen says
I’m still a sucker for steno. Whenever I go into Target or Office Depot I’ll grab a new notebook or a pen or some Post-Its. 🙂
Oh yes, I remember seeing that big orange boy in your feed. Are your other resident fur kids treating him well?
So, believe it or not it’s been unseasonably cold here in Northern California for the last week. Like wear two layers at night and throw on an extra blanket cold!
What are you guys doing this weekend? Anything fun?
Ruchita says
Sorry the weather hasn’t been nicer! It is finally warming up to the 80s out here. I think we may do an informal cookout this weekend, but other than that I just plan in relaxing. 🙂
Lucky and the resident kitties mostly get along. Louis is not always a fan, but Billy and Nina are doing okay. I’m on the lookout for another home for him because I think he would do great as a single kitty. For now he’s getting spoiled and loved!
Tatiana says
I keep getting those Serena & Lily catalogs and I wonder where they got my name and address because nothing in those catalogs is remotely my style. I’m more mid-century modern. Hello Charles Nelson and Ray and Charles Eames.
Gotta check out those Chantecaille products they look lovely. That Chanel polish is very pretty too, but $28/bottle, ouch!
As someone who always has a sketch/notebook with them, I’ve never been able to think as well over a keyboard as I do with pencil and paper.
So proud of you for passing on the love of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac to your child!
Karen says
I have no idea how they got my name, either. I’m guessing that it’s probably related to catalogues I’ve received in the past for Crate & Barrel or Pottery Barn?
If you love mid-century modern, you’ll probably appreciate this: there are several Cliff May houses in Novato. There are apparently three tracts here in town where a bunch of the houses are located.
While you’re checking out the Chantecaille also peep their Mermaid Matte Cream Shadows if you haven’t already (Bee is my favorite). I really want to try their Future Skin Foundation but it’s $78!
P.S. If you ever listen to books on Audible, they have a free one right now about Stevie in celebration of her birthday on May 26th.
Tatiana says
Oh, thanks for the audible tip. I’ve been meaning to sign up with them as they have a series of French books I’ve been reading in paperback and I know it would be good to hear it spoken as I read it.
I love the Future Skin Foundation. It’s my go to when I can’t decide what to put on my face. I need all the moisture I can get. I doesn’t last more than 6 to 8 hours, but the long lasting matte foundations just make me look dead and lifeless these days.
Ah, if Serena & Lily are owned by the same parent company as C&B and PB that explains it. Bought wedding presents for nephew and new niece from them last autumn.
I need to google the Cliff May houses. I’ve pretty much given up my dream of ever owning a modern house of my own.
Karen says
You’re so welcome. I love listening to audio books because I can sneak in reading when I’m in the bathroom, or cooking dinner or driving! I have to remember to download the free Stevie book before the month’s end (note to self).
Ugh, so now that I know you love it I will have to get it for myself. I do have a Nordstrom gift card burning a hole in my pocket… So hmmm!
Apparently Cliff May is considered one founding fathers of the mid century ranch house? When we were looking to buy I remember looking at some of the houses in the tracts in Novato and thinking the bedroom windows were set up unusually high and very small. If I had cash to splash I’d buy a fixer-upper house built in the ’40s and do it up!
Tatiana says
Get a sample of the Future Skin or try it in store and wear it for a good while to see how you like it, before you splurge. I guess if you get it at Nordstrom you can always return it, they’re good about returns of things that don’t work out. It’s really suited best for more mature and dryer skins. And I still think of you as really young.
Karen says
I still think of me as really young too but I’m literally eating dinner at 4:30, in my pajamas at 6 and falling asleep at 8. I’m (almost) 44 going on 94. LOL
That’s one of the reasons why I shop at Nordies. You can’t beat that return policy, especially with their beauty products!
Tatiana says
They say eating dinner early is healthier for you and helps to prevent weight gain. I wish I could eat dinner at 4:30. Dear Husband has a job in The City now and by the time he walks to 4th & King, takes the train then walks home it’s 7pm at the earliest. Sigh.
L says
Products look great. I always love Chantacaille’s LEs devoted to endangered species . . . usually too pretty to use.
I never see Raoul anymore, or Harris. You DO remember them, yes?
Love, hugs, and dammit, still tears
L
❤️
Karen says
I still have tears, too, my friend. I was thinking about him last night and got a little weepy before I fell asleep.
On a happy note, his ashes will be coming home to me tomorrow. I can’t wait to have him back in the house again.
Suzanne C says
I was looking at those chairs thinking “I’ll bet Wayfair has something similar”, lol. At least half of my furniture is from Wayfair, I think.
Karen says
I love the idea of buying furniture online but I have to absolutely see it and touch it and sit on it first, you know? What brands from Wayfair have you had good experiences with?
Suzanne C says
Our dining room chairs are Lark Manor- they’ve been durable and were easy to put together. Our d.r. table and matching bench are by Grain Wood Furniture and are toddler, tween, and teen proof. Our kitchen cart that we use as an island is by August Grove and it still looks nice after 2 1/2 years of constant use/abuse.
I prefer to see things in person, too, but around here it’s not always possible. The options are limited and mostly low-quality or perfectly fine, but overpriced. So I prioritize: mattresses, couches, etc. are in-person only. Tables, headboards, things like that I’ll order online.
Karen says
Thanks, friend! I just looked up Grain Wood Furniture and found a few pieces I like. 🙂 That’s a good idea to prioritize the things that you’ll sleep or sit on.
Gina says
That blush is gorgeous. You are literally GLOWING! Is this brand sold at Sephora? Happy Wednesday ❤️
Karen says
Hi Gina,
Unfortunately I don’t think they carry Chantecaille. Do you live by a Nordstrom? They carry the line, and their return policy is great.
LindaLibraLoca says
Handwriting totally activates different kinds of the brain – I tend to handwrite things that are close to my heart. It just feels different.
Barb says
Sadly, I don’t think penmanship is taught in schools anymore, which is sad 🙁
That blush looks amazing on you!!
Today is my Friday. My oldest son bought me tickets to see Billy Joel tomorrow night so I’m really looking forward to that and having a nice relaxing weekend. The weather is supposed to be gorgeous here in Philly this weekend.
Hope you guys have a great one.
Kim says
I really like the packaging of those Chantecaille products. Yes, I immediately thought of Good Day Sunshine. And when you wrote “right as rain”, it made me think of the Oracle in the Matrix. 🙂 It’s funny you say that about the handwriting. I wrote you a note today and apologized for the terrible writing which is half-print/half-cursive. If your memory is like mine lately, you’ll have forgotten by the time it arrives. HAHA! But aside from the occasional grocery list and scribbled notes (and the very infrequent checks), I never hand write anymore. And it shows!
Karen says
Oh, I remember that scene. The one with the cookies in the kitchen, right? I have a good memory for Keanu, LOL!
Kim says
Yes, that’s the scene! One of the boys saw John Wick 3 this weekend and came home saying it was a waste of money. I was horrified that he could think such a thing. HAHA! I haven’t seen it but I’m sure it’s much like 1 & 2 which I found quite enjoyable. I do love the Matrix (original) best, though. It’s my favorite Keanu. 🙂