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!
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