Today on Weekend Meanderings, a summer wardrobe stable, what I wore to a beach town retreat, a gripping Netflix series and a good read.
Happy weekend, friends!
It’s Saturday and I’m joining Kim and Elizabeth for Weekend Meanderings.
Our weekly roundup of inspiration and goings on.
This post includes affiliate links for your convenience at no additional cost to you. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
How was your week?
It was chilly and rainy here in Northern California.
Yep, more rain.
But our garden is showing signs of life with lots of purple blooms.
On a sunnier note, the Warriors made it to the second round of the playoffs!
Let’s get to it.
WHAT I WORE … TO A RETREAT IN AVILA BEACH!
I’m at a retreat this weekend … in Avila Beach. It’s about a 4-hour drive down the coast. I’ve shared Kym Showers Life Coach podcast several times (it’s so good), and my decision to join one of Kym’s coaching groups. The Dream Big Retreat is Kym’s first ever in-person event. I’m excited and inspired to be here with a phenomenal group of women … all of whom are Kim’s coaching clients. I was so excited to receive the retreat invitation.
And even more excited to meet Kym in person. Isn’t this a fun back drop? And look at Kym’s fabulous Veronica Beard suit!
Of course, the big question is … what I wore?! Packing, as you know, is not my strong suit, but my rolling rack makes it a little easier to pull options, arrange outfits and make decisions.
I’m only gone for three nights, but there’s no plane travel involved so I opted for my mid-size Tumi graphite, expandable suitcase. Of course, I utilized the packing cubes and all the other packing paraphernalia I mentioned in my packing for Mexico post two weeks ago. I also brought my nylon carryall which is great for skincare, makeup, hair tools, electronic gadgets, snacks, etc. Don’t laugh, but I even threw my on-it’s-last-legs Breville milk frother into the bag (current version here) so I can make my own cocoa (which is the best) at the hotel. And I brought my to-go cup just in case. Turns out there are coffee cups in my room. That said, Jim the traveler says NEVER drink from a hotel glass.
I bought a couple of new dresses with the retreat in mind … as well as my upcoming trip to Italy. I wore a Frame dress for dinner on Thursday night, and a Steve Madden lime print dress to dinner at Kym’s house last night. The lime print dress is a little crazy for me, but I thought it kind of fun and it’s priced right for risk taking. I adore this bone-colored Vince shirt-style jacket that works well with both dresses. It’s chilly in California this week … especially at the coast so layers are essential.
I have to admit to being a little nervous on the drive down to the retreat, but the second I stepped into the welcome reception all my jitters subsided. Everyone was so warm, welcoming and funny. Hilarious actually. And I’m having the best time. So glad I made the decision to step outside my comfort zone and be part of this amazing coaching group and inaugural retreat.
Put me in coach!
You can learn more about Kym’s coaching groups here. As a client you’ll be invited to her next Dream Big Retreat … which she plans to host twice a year. How fun!
Be sure to follow Kym on Instagram where she shares daily doses of inspiration, wisdom and encouragement.
CLINIQUE MOISTURE SURGE
We recently discussed skincare products here and here. I’m not a fan of heavy creams and serums and for our trip to Mexico – hot humid weather – I wanted to lighten things up a bit in terms of facial moisturizer. I had a spray tan before we left and didn’t wear any makeup, aside from mascara and lip gloss, the entire time. Moisturizing is key to prolonging a spray tan and I remembered how much I used to like Clinqiue’s Moisture Surge, which is a light-weight, gel-like product.
My esthetician always dismisses Clinique as an ‘entry level brand for teenagers.’ I quietly disagree and like Moisture Surge very much … particularly during the summer months (summer is coming, right?) when heavier moisturizers can feel greasy. I also use Clinique’s Clarifying Lotion No. 2 and Calyx fragrance.
ROMANTIC COMEDY
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld has gotten a lot of positive attention and I downloaded and started to read it before we left for Mexico. Intending to finish it there. I found it a little hard to get into. Not that it’s awful or anything, but, for me, it didn’t start out as a riveting page turner. When we got to Mexico I had to take a break and switch to a hardcover book because reading on an iPad outdoors isn’t a great experience. Once we boarded our flight home I fired it back up and finished yesterday. To say it took a turn for the much-more-interesting is an understatement and I loved it.
The story takes place on a fictional Saturday Night Live-ish TV production backdrop. It revolves around the theory that not-wildly-attractive male actors/musicians/comedians punch above their weight when it comes to the women they date (think Pete Davidson/Kim Kardashian romance that started when she hosted SNL). While the same does not (or does it?) apply when the roles are reversed. It’s a Reese’s Book Club selection.
SUMMER NIGHTS
This J.Crew Barrie stripe, tiered cotton mini dress is one of my best purchases, and a reader favorite too. I wore it to dinner on our first night in Mexico, and even though it was very warm out, and the dress has long sleeves, it’s made of a breezy cotton and I was cool and comfortable. My BFF, Jane, packed it for her trip to Mexico this week and she text me to rave about it.
I thought it’s high time to create a collage for what’s going to be a summer wardrobe staple.
Tiered Mini Dress | Lantern Earrings | Clutch | Low-Platform Sandals
Speaking of J.Crew their super popular woven market tote is on sale this week.
NIGHT AGENT ON NETFLIX
Several friends recommended Night Agent on Netflix and we started watching last weekend. Starring Gabriel Basso and Luciane Buchanan, it’s a fast paced, 10-episode, political conspiracy thriller based in Washington D.C. We’re hooked. Jim was busy several nights this week and I’m away for the weekend … I hope we can get back to it tomorrow night. Apparently it’s been renewed for a second season, with a new location and cast. Interesting. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves … season one is so good and if you like a good thriller I think you’ll enjoy it.
And that’s what I have for you this week.
Let’s see what’s inspiring Kim and Elizabeth …
And another thing ~
Loneliness is epidemic, and as bad for our health as smoking.
This laptop stand is the best thing I’ve bought all year. It’s the ideal height for Zooms and if you have keyboard irritated wrists like me it’s very helpful. It collapses flat for travel.
Fun and coastal inspired Mother’s Day gift ideas.
Current Favorites ~
If you missed last weekend’s post, I shared what I packed versus what I wore for our recent vacation in Mexico.
Plus a few other fun things.
You’ll find all my Weekend posts collected here.
You can also follow along on Instagram and Pinterest.
As always, I appreciate your visit and welcome your thoughts in the comments below.
Cheers from Avila Beach!
I totally agree on the Clinique moisture surge. Makes your skin feel good! Have used Clinique for years….they may say it’s for teens…but I can assure is is for all ages. I enjoy your blog!
Thanks, Edie … glad you’re with me on Clinique!!! xo
We too enjoyed the night agent. But what we thought was even better was Bodyguard with Richard Madden. Not to be confused with the Whitney Houston /Kevin Costner film. It’s British and definitely a thriller.
Oh, Mary … I have to agree. The Bodyguard is fabulous. Wish there were more seasons! xo
Juliet,
I am so excited for you! Enjoy every second of your retreat and the amazing ladies you are there with. I am sure that you will have lots to share upon your return.
Love all of your outfits, they all look beautiful on you. And the tips for packing are bookmarked for my next trip, I am a serial over packer.
I bring my own hot chocolate when I travel too and a candle for the hotel room. It’s nice to have some of the comforts of home along.
I read Romantic Comedy, I felt the same as you, a little hard to get into but I am glad I persevered.
I am not familiar with The Night Agent, I will check it out.
Take care traveling and again, soak it all in and enjoy every minute.
xo Elizabeth
Agree on Romantic comedy. Check out the Diplomat with Kerry Russell, so very good!
Already watched it … so good! And it’s renewed for second season. Yay! xo
That is such a good tip about the rolling rack…I use my bed or the stand for steaming clothes. You look darling.
Will check out Night Agent!
That’s what I used to do, the rolling rack makes a huge difference and it collapses and fits under the garage cupboards! xo
Hi, Juliet —
Another vote for The Diplomat with Keri Russell! It reminded me a bit of the West Wing. Very fast paced and smart. My husband and I also enjoyed the Bodyguard and the Night Agent, but I appreciate watching a smart show with a female lead (v. all the action series with a male lead a la the Jason Bourne plot line… seems like we watch a lot of those!).
Happy travels!
May I ask where you stayed at Avila Beach? I play Pickelball in Avila every week and it does not look familiar. It appears to be a nice recommendation. Thank you
Hi Greer … we’re at the Avila Lighthouse Suites. so fun! xo
I love how you mix your clothing up – the lime print dress is so fun and adds that pop of color! I always enjoy reading your blog.
Juliet, You look lovely in the green dress! You know I dig that small jacket too. I am so glad you had fun and are enjoying the people too. Looks like a good group. Can’t wait to hear all about it. Kym is such an inspiring person. She dresses like her personality- exuberant!
Avila is a cute town. I think the blue stripe dress is a good one for so much right. I l bought the suggestion for the computer and it helps already.
Enjoy the weekend and the retreat and hoping more sun soon! xo
I was also wondering about the avila venue. It looks great!
I’ve driven 101 to Pismo/Avila a hundred times and it still takes my breath away when the ocean first appears as the road bends on the coast. Love your blog!
HOW FUNNY I JUST BOUGHT THAT CLINIQUE STUFF!I HAD A SAMPLE AND LOVED IT!
SO I PURCHASED A JAR!
PISMO/AVILA IS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY…………I USE TO THINK ONCE I HIT THERE DRIVING I WAS ALMOST TO L.A.!!!
HOPE YOU ENJOYED YOURSELF!
XXX
Hi Juliet,
The retreat looked good. Many new people to meet and things to learn. I like the lime green dress, it was colorful. Kym looks like a fun gal.
I admire you took the leap and drove all by yourself. Yay for you.
Hi Juliet, Sounds like a fun retreat.. I’m unfamiliar with Kym so I will have to catch a podcast. I love the lime green dress and a nice change from all the blue. Hope you were able to catch highlights of the Coronation…I was busy watching this today. ~ Karen
Juliet, love your tip on using a rolling rack…just seeing your clothes lined up like that looks so smart to find the right looks, especially for travel!!
Xo
Hi Juliet! You are the sweetest! Thank you for sharing the Mother’s Day gift boards I worked so hard on, haha! What an inspiring retreat that must have been! I am definitely going to start listening to the podcast. I could definitely use some coaching these days…. Thanks for the book and tv show recommendations. I have downloaded a sample of the book. Love the striped dress! Hmmm…. Do I need another striped dress??? Have a great week!
I am intrigued by your weekend! Started following her podcast.
AND of course you look darling in each and every freakin outfit!
I am asking for Kym’s legs for Christmas…..
LOVE the Night Agent! Isn’t it good?!! ❤️