Today on Weekend Meanderings holiday cookies, cocktails, and perfectly practical presents.
Welcome friends!
It’s Saturday and I’m joining Kim and Elizabeth for our weekend roundup.
All manner of inspiration and goings on.
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Last weekend Jim and I got back to basics with a martini and spritzer night.
Our beautiful wreath from Branches & Bloom is finally on the front door.
The Army Navy Game kicks off today at noon (pacific) in Foxborough at Gillette Stadium.
HOLIDAY COOKIES
Earlier this week Elizabeth organized a virtual holiday cookie exchange. I wish it had been in person because all the cookie recipes look so darned good. If you haven’t read it yet start here with my Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookie recipe and follow the links to all my friend’s holiday cookie ideas.
HOLIDAY COCKTAIL NIGHT
Last weekend niece Shelby and friend Ashlyn came over for a holiday cocktail night. The girls were excited to put our Bartesian Cocktail Maker into action and test some holiday cocktails. In preparation for their arrival I ordered several of holiday appropriate glass rimmers like Cranberry Cheer and Candy Cane. And I also had fun garnishes on hand like cinnamon sticks, herb sprigs, cherries, citrus peels and candy canes.
The girls got the hang of the machine pretty quickly. Although it took Shelby a couple of tries to understand that a glass, or cocktail shaker, MUST be placed on the mat BEFORE pressing start. Insert eye roll.
Clausmopolitan, Peary Christmas, Grinch Appleton, Mistletoe Margarita
If I’m being completely honest, Jim and I aren’t wild about the holiday cocktails although they are extremely pretty and festive. As is typical in any restaurant or bar, holiday themed drinks tend to be on the sweeter side and that’s not for us. However, the younger palettes among us did enjoy the holiday libations. Jim and I are sticking to the classic cocktails which we love.
THE SISTERS MARKET HOLIDAY GIFT BOXES
Around this time last year I shared this delicious Cara Cara Winter Spritz recipe. Have you seen Cara Cara oranges in your market yet? December through April is generally the season, but last year it was a bit delayed. Anyway, these Spritz’ are so good and you can make them with navel oranges too.
Cara Cara Winter Spritz
Ina Garten recommended The Sisters Market as her source for Cara Cara’s and other citrus fruits. The Sisters Market is a small family farm in California’s Central Valley, run by you guessed it, three sisters. Last year I mentioned their holiday gift boxes and this year they’re back along with winter navel oranges and sugar bomb persimmons. Take a look at their beautiful gift box options here. I sent them to a few friends last year and they were a big hit. December 18th is the cut off date for delivery by Christmas, but I’d be happy to find a box on my porch after Christmas or in the New Year. I’m intrigued by the Vitamin C, Tea & Chill box!
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- The Holiday Box
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- Vitamin C, Tea & Chill box
ROSIE THE ROOMBA II … ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS
It’s not all cookies and cocktails around here. Someone has to keep the house clean and Rosie the Roomba, our many-years-old robot vacuum abruptly announced her retirement. Truth be told we’ve been eyeing her replacement, the iRobot Roomba j9+, for quite some time. The self-emptying feature is pretty darned enticing. I know what you’re thinking, but come on … it’s the little things in life. Anyway, Jim scoured the internet for the best deal available and we ordered Rosie the Roomba II from Walmart. Amazon offers the same price. Yesterday we thanked Rosie I for her service and welcomed Rosie II to Snowberry. She’s our Christmas gift to each other. I’ve told you before, we are very practical gift givers and generally don’t exchange presents with one another. As Jim likes to say, everyday with me is a gift.
Rosie resides in the great room and as soon as I leave to take the dogs for their morning walk, she gets to work. If you’ve ever considered an iRobot vacuum (I’m a huge fan) the price is right … right now.
IVY COVE TOTE
Looking ahead to the New Year, Jim and I have a couple of warm weather vacations on the books. It’s never too early to start pre-packing and my rolling rack is filling up with a things that will be going into my suitcase. Like this Barefoot Dreams caftan I included in my holiday gift ideas. And Ivy Cove’s East West Tote. Ok, the tote won’t be in my suitcase, I’ll be carrying it on the plane, to the beach and everywhere in between. Isn’t it fabulous?!
Ivy Cove is a Southern California based leather goods company. You may have noticed my fun cocktail shaker and bottle opener up above. When Ivy herself reached out and offered to send me a few of her pieces from her collection I said ‘I don’t know, let me think about it.’ Kidding, of course, I said yes. The brand is classic and fun with a preppy twist. Right up my alley. The collection is full of wonderful accessories, home goods, travel essentials for men and women, even pets.
The East West Tote is the perfect size for everyday and travel. I did a test run and I was easy able to fit all my plane travel essentials, including my good sized laptop, inside with no problem.
My future self headed to the Caribbean.
Take a stroll through Ivy Cove’s website and use code SPRITZER20 at checkout for 20% of your order!
Odds & Socks ~
Reminder … December 13th is the last week to order Hood Canal Candle Co.’s winter fragrances.
Still shopping for gifts? Be sure to consult my better-late-than-never holiday gift ideas.
And that’s what I have for you this week.
Let’s see what’s inspiring Kim and Elizabeth …
If you missed my last post, you can catch up here.
I always love to hear from you, so leave a comment below.
Cheers from Snowberry!
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