New things Archives - Two California Sisters

Exploring the power of a flower brooch

I have a pretty neutral wardrobe, which I love and appreciate. But sometimes it gets a little boring. And as I was scrolling through The RealReal for inspiration, I remembered a lovely Chanel flower brooch I used to have. (Like this one– picked up for a song back in my days working at Galeries Lafayette.) I’m not spending $300+ for a fabric flower brooch! But, Etsy to the rescue!

It really jazzes up what is quite a plain (but incredibly cozy) jacket. And it was only $34. Quite the bargain for something I can wear with lots of things.

I think the key is to not go to cutesy with a flower brooch. So I’ll be wearing it with loafers, cropped flare pants (no, not these! yikes) and a turtleneck. It’s all about the contrast, right?

Hat tip to Leandra Cohen for the inspiration. Maybe I need red next? There are lots of fun ones available- for a lot less than Chanel’s camilla. (Darn it, 1994 Amy- there are so many things I wish you had not discarded so lightly!)

This might be what gets me back into video games

There’s a theory out there that if you want to be happier, one way is to rediscover your childhood passions. And I think there’s something to that. I spent quite a bit of time during the pandemic doing exactly that. Fountain pens. Journaling. Office supplies. Penpals. Cooking. Even starting this blog- I’ve always loved writing.

But one major childhood passion has remained unexplored…until potentially now. Video games! I loved all the old classics from the 80s. Mystery House. Zork. Myst. And then I went to college and pretty much never played again.

And then I saw this…

I guess I need to buy an Xbox?? Where do I start?? But feeling excited about video games for the first time in a long time…

A few tips for getting (back) into hot yoga

It has been years since I had taken a hot yoga class. Maybe 15-20 years?? So when Kate invited me to join her in a hot yoga class in Santa Ynez, I was a bit anxious and excited. I knew it would be tough- but I am ready for a challenge. So I jumped right in and I’ve got a few tips for those of you who might be interested.

a woman in activewear sitting on a yoga mat — Photo by KoolShooters on Pexels.com

Why did I wait so long to get a robot vacuum?

I know, I know. Everyone probably already has a robot vacuum. But if you are one of the few holdouts, let me tell you that you need this. Seriously.

round robot vacuum — You need one of these in your life. Photo by Jens Mahnke on Pexels.com

Checking out the Serena & Lily outlet in Berkeley

During Kate’s recent Bay Area visit, we stopped by the Serena & Lily outlet. Although it’s a lot smaller than the one in Vacaville, it’s a lot more convenient as well. Like most outlets, it probably pays to be a regular visitor, to score the best deals.

A wonderful tour of Heath Ceramics in Sausalito

Kate came for a visit recently, and I took the opportunity to book a terrific tour of Heath Ceramics in Sausalito. Dear Husband had grudgingly agreed to go with me when I suggested it. So he was happy to have my much more enthusiastic sister take his place 🙂

Kate’s started a business! Bookkeeping in Santa Ynez Valley

I am so proud of my little sister! She and Steve have started a new business. They are official owners of a business focused on bookkeeping in Santa Ynez Valley. And while I am sure they will be doing lots of other marketing, I didn’t want to waste the opportunity to tell all of you!

How to wake up inspired with daily meditations

Repost from October 2021: Kate and I have been exchanging thoughts on our Daily Stoic emails and it prompted me to repost what I wrote on daily mediations a couple of years ago. Holds true today!

I’m a big fan of my morning routines and a recent addition has been morning pages. There are days when writing three pages is no problem. I may have something on my mind that needs processing, or something big happened. But other days, well, I wake up pretty uninspired. That’s where these three sources of daily mediations come in. They are perfect for journaling prompts. And they are a great way to start each morning with a bit of philosophy.

nimbus clouds, daily meditations — Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

‘Tis the season to order advent calendars

If September is Planner Season, then October is decidedly Advent Calendar Season. And I am here for it! I love how creative people have gotten with new varieties of advent calendars. And because they range (quite a bit) in price, you might be able to afford to splurge on a few advent calendars.

decorative advent calendar with christmas illustration in house — Photo by Any Lane on Pexels.com

Some recent Fall fashion news (for those who care!)

We are well into the onslaught of Fall fashion, and there’s lots of interesting stuff coming out of the SS24 shows across the globe. For those who find such things interesting (that would NOT be Dear Husband), I’ve got a few bits of fashion news to keep you in the know.

white long sleeves shirts on brown wooden clothes hanger — Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels.com