Winter Gratitude: What we have. What we can give.

Tuesday might mark the official Winter Solstice, but we’re already feeling the season’s first chill. That’s why we’re grateful for the roof over our heads and the hot cup of cocoa in our hands, and we pause to offer comfort to those who are not so fortunate this time of year.

Please consider donating to a local charity doing good things in your community. If you need suggestions, the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits put together this guide.

Chic vs. Geek: Preparing for Disaster

Most homeowners don’t think about tragedies like tornados, wildfires, and floods until it’s too late. But Californians have learned to prepare for the worst.

CHIC (PEARL)

When you live in a region that literally moves and shakes with unpredictable regularity, you owe it to yourself to invest in earthquake insurance. The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) is a reliable resource with a variety of options for owners of single-family homes, condos, and RVs. They also offer policies to protect renters..

GEEK (KEVIN)

You can pay for all the insurance you want, but if you truly want to protect your home and the loved ones inside from the next “big one”, you should consider a full seismic retrofit. Visit the CEA website to learn about the most common hazards and vulnerabilities and how to find a good contractor to help make your home more resilient.

Chic's Picks: Holiday Fun in Silicon Valley

We don’t know about you, but this pandemic has us missing live theater, music, and other arts and cultural activities. That’s why we’re excited to see the return of holiday events that are sure to bring joy to the season. Palo Alto Weekly put together this list.

There are so many beautiful places in the Bay Area, and we feel so privileged to experience them. One of those places is the Filoli Historic House and Garden in Woodside. Earlier this week, we stopped by for Holidays at Filoli and wandered through a garden of sparkling lights.

These pictures can’t do it justice. We recommend seeing it for yourself. You’ll feel like you’re Alice in Wonderland! Get more info on the Filoli website.

Chic vs. Geek: To wash or wipe?

Tired of toilet paper? Consider adding a washlet or bidet to your porcelain throne!

CHIC (PEARL)

Last year, when the pandemic hit and left us all sheltering in place, toilet paper became a hot commodity, and the shelves at our local supermarket were regularly bare. That’s one reason we invested in a bidet. Not only did it get the job done without wasting paper, the model we installed also came with a seat warmer to keep our butts cozy while we did our business.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Most people don’t like to talk about poop, but it’s just a natural part of life. We all do it, so why treat it like an ancient mystery? Installing a bidet is so easy and inexpensive that any weekend home improvement warrior can get it done without breaking a sweat. Need extra oomph for those really tough spots? Just turn it up a notch with an adjustable flow option. Ours goes to 11!

Chic vs. Geek: Love Where You Live

It’s the holiday season, and that means a visit to the Los Altos Festival of Lights. We both love this annual celebration – for different reasons, of course!

CHIC (PEARL)

Every year around this time, we look forward to attending the Festival of Lights Parade in Los Altos. Unfortunately, COVID kept us from holding a festival last year, so we knew the 2021 edition would be extra special. It got even more special when I got to ride on a Compass-themed “float” in the parade!

GEEK (KEVIN)

So what was I doing while Pearl was having all the fun? Taking these wonderful photos to document the occasion! Seriously, though, I love seeing everyone in our community join in the spirit of the season. It’s just another reminder of how awesome it is to live where we live. Get out and enjoy it!