Today on Weekend Meanderings I’m sharing five things I’m (really) loving this month. A cozy cardigan, a viral lip mask, lemon poppy seed muffins and more. Plus my controversial thoughts on a much loved, viral item.
Happy Weekend Friends!
Is it too soon to say the year is flying by?
Well, January sure is and there is nothing but Valentine’s Day in my inbox.
And all the shop windows.
Don’t worry, we won’t be talking about that today.
This article includes affiliate links; if you click on a shopping link and make a purchase I may receive a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
It’s safe to say that winter is in full swing.
If you’re dealing with freezing temperatures, snow and ice, I’m sorry.
We’re facing down another ‘parade’ of rain storms.
They started up last night and will continue through the early part of next week.
Forecast says the skies will clear for today’s 49er game.
I’m driving to the City tonight with BFF Jane.
We’re meeting her daughter for dinner and I’ve Had It Podcast’s live show at the Palace of Fine Arts.
We couldn’t have picked a worse night to go out on the town.
But rain or shine more rain we’ll have a good time.
So let’s get into it … a few things I’m loving this month.
QUINCE 100% ORGANIC COTTON CABLE KNIT CARDIGAN
I’ve been wearing Quince’s 100% organic cotton oversized cardigan non-stop all month. You know I’m a fan of their $50 cashmere sweaters. And now I’m a cardigan devotee. Most days, at home and out and about, I’m wearing some sort of jeans, tee, cardigan combination. Ok, lots of times it’s joggers instead of jeans. But my upper half remains the same.
Quince Cardigan | Tee | Denim | Boots
I’m wearing a small, and could easily have ordered x-small, but it’s meant to be oversized (hence ‘oversized’ in the name). The sweater is thick, soft and combined with the oversize fit it’s so comfy and cozy for these cold winter months. Quince has a wonderful selection of well-priced cardigans from cotton to cashmere. These are my favorites …
LANEIGE OVERNIGHT SLEEPING LIP MASK
You may already know about, and religiously use, the Laneige overnight sleeping lip mask. Apparently it’s a thing. As usual I’m late to the party and Jim’s daughter-in-law, who gave it to me for Christmas, had to bring me up-to-speed.
I read up on it and not only is the mask extremely popular, but it’s very hydrating and packed with antioxidants including Vitamin C. Goodbye flakey, chapped winter lips.
What it is: A leave-on lip mask that delivers intense moisture and antioxidants while you sleep with Berry Fruit Complex™, Murumuru seed and Shea butter.
It’s an easy addition to my evening routine. More of an upgrade really becuase I always put some sort of lip moisturizer on before bed. This one feels super luxurious. It comes in the Original Berry, Vanilla (which I have), Gummy Bear, and Sweet Candy. The latter two sound a bit wild. I can only vouch for the vanilla. but any scent is very subtle, and I’m super sensitive to fragrance. Anyway, just in case I’m not the last person on earth to hear about Laneige’s overnight mask … now you know too.
LEMON POPPY SEED MUFFINS
As I mentioned last week, our Meyer lemon tree is working overtime. And I’ve been squeezing and zesting lemons into just about everything. This week I tried Preppy Kitchen’s Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins. They’re delish!
The recipe says it makes about 22 muffins. I got 15, and wish I’d reduced to 12 (and spread the additional batter amongst the dozen) … bigger is better when it comes to muffins.
It looks like I didn’t add the lemon glaze, but I did. I erred on the side of too much lemon juice and my glaze was very runny. The good news it that it soaked into the muffins and was every bit as delicious. Things go wrong, but in the wise words of Tim Gunn, ‘make it work.’
MINIMALISTA BY SHIRA GILL
I briefly mentioned Minimalista: Your Step-By Step Guide to a Better Home, Wardrobe, and Life by Shira Gill when I shared her latest book, Organized Spaces, in my first post of the year. Let’s circle back. Minimalista, Shira’s first book, deserves its own mention and is currently a fixture on my nightstand. As mentioned in my New Year’s post, I’ve come to the somewhat stunning revelation that I just might be a minimalist. At least a minimalist as defined by Shira. After reading the book I began a major decluttering project resulting in multiple donation runs … and I’ve already accumulated another considerable donation box. It’s ongoing.
We all like to start off the new year with a clean slate, and just about every blog and social media post landing in my feed this month has been around decluttering and organizing. We’re motivated! In Minimalista, Shira walks through her easy and manageable steps to creating a clutter-free and organized home. Today I’d like to focus on one area in particular that’s been hilariously (or horrifyingly) in the news of late. I’m talking about water bottles. Shira observes …
‘I’ve been behind the scenes in a lot of people’s kitchens, and there is a strange but universal truth at work. Most humans have managed to cling to the idea that it makes sense to clutter up their kitchen cabinets with every imaginable shape and size of coffee thermos, beverage tumbler, water bottle and smoothie cup they can shake a stick at.’
Guilty as charged. Shira suggests reducing your family’s water bottle collection to one per person and corralling them in a box or basket WITH their lids. And that’s what I did. Jim wasn’t thrilled, he collects a lot them (they’re a favorite corporate swag item) and he seems attached to the memory associated with each one (usually a trip) of his bottles that he does not use.
But back to the news, you may have heard about the Target x Starbucks x Stanley Quencher collaboration also known as the Stanley Cup Stampede. Well, this seemingly innocuous collaboration coinciding with Valentine’s Day has resulted in kicking, screaming and brawling in the aisles of Target locations. The object of everyone’s desire quickly sold out and the pink, jumbo cups are now being offered on eBay for astronomical sums. I don’t get it, this obsession with carrying around huge, ugly insulated cups with big fat straws sticking out.
It’s inelegant in my opinion, but you may think differently than me and love your Stanley Cup. Maybe you even scored a highly coveted pink Target x Starbucks x Stanley Quencher. Hopefully you weren’t hurt in the process. So perhaps it’s time to commit yourself fully to Stanley and let your assortment of lesser water bottles and tumbers go.
I said I do to a white Hydraflask and am pleased to see it made Wirecutter’s list of 8 Best Water Bottles. Stanley, sadly, did not.
Minimalista: Your Step by Step Guide to a Better Home, Wardrobe, and Life
VIGIL
We recently watched and loved Vigil. If you haven’t seen it, drop everything!
We watched it on Peacock. A second season is coming soon … February 15th. That’s 27 days, but who’s counting?!
Odds & Socks ~
Serena & Lily’s Up to 35% of Everything + Free Shipping is still going on! I took advantage and finally pulled the trigger on the Beaufort Tray. It’s been on my wish list for several years and I’ve hesitated because I need not one, but two. When the sale started I asked myself, if not now when? The trays arrived last week and are exactly right for our great room lower shelves. If there’s something you’ve been eyeing at Serena & Lily, now might be the right time to bring it home!
Going to a fancy event this year? Check out these gorgeous, but comfortable shoes said to be the secret weapon of celebrity stylists. (Update: The brand is Sole Bliss for those who can’t open the article!)
I’m working on a little bedroom refresh and based on this article I’m 2 for 8.
Last weekend I shared our weekend getaway to Santa Monica, and this week posted a brief tour of the hotel Casa Del Mar you can watch here.
Current Favorites ~
And that’s what I have for you this week.
Let’s see what’s inspiring Kim and Elizabeth …
Until next time, cheers from Snowberry!
Reader Interactions