Today on Weekend Meanderings, a fun way to serve fruit salad, coffee table books, a couple things you may need for your dog, my new favorite jeans and a skincare roundup.
Happy weekend, friends!
It’s Saturday and I’m joining Kim and Elizabeth for Weekend Meanderings.
Our weekly roundup of inspiration and goings on.
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I finally squeezed the last of our Meyer lemons.
Although I discovered two more hanging on the tree,
I’m reluctant to pick them.
Kim tells me that Meyer lemon trees produce fruit four times a year.
What?!
I had no idea, and I’m delighted.
I have a lot to learn about gardening.
Obviously.
Let’s jump right in.
MORNING MEETING
Last week I had a friend over for a mid-morning chit chat and made a loaf of my favorite banana bread (we all have a go-to recipe, right?) and fruit salad … on cocktail picks. When we lived in our Fidalgo Island home I got the idea to skewer the fruit when hosting a casual neighborhood brunch. An idea I liked so much it stuck.
I like to slice the banana bread in half length-wise and then across … it’s easier to pick up and nibble this way.
Here’s my recipe for fruit salad served on bite-sized skewers … or free range (in a bowl).
Cantaloupe Blackberry Bite-Sized Skewers
Equipment
- 16 Cocktail Picks
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cantaloupe, cut into cubes
- 2 cups Blackberries
- 1 tbsp Sugar (super fine if you have it)
- 1 tsp Fresh Ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 tsp Lime Zest
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice
- 2 tbsp Fresh Mint Leaves cut into ribbons
Instructions
- In a medium sized bowl, combine all ingredients except mint ribbons. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes (or refrigerate overnight and bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving).
- Place one cantaloupe cube and blackberry on each cocktail pick.
- Sprinkle mint ribbons over skewers.
ELEVATED WORK-FROM-HOME OUTFIT … Joking about the elevated part!
Yep, I did it … I put on ‘hard’ pants. I’ve gotten so used to wearing joggers all day at home (and, yes, running around town) putting on real pants seemed like a really big deal and worthy of creating a Reel. Haha … I crack myself up. Anyway, I’m loving the return of straight, looser leg denim styles and I bought this pair of Levi’s at Target a couple months ago. You can find the same style here in seven other non-distressed washes. My button front cardigan is from Target too. I have it in grey and brown, and it comes in a few other colors. It’s so warm and cozy … it’s been very cold here this week. Normally I’d buy a small, but for this sweater a medium was the better fit. Side note, check out this adorable striped cardigan and this cable knit pullover. I never thought I’d say this but Target has become my go-to for (affordable) everyday, casual wear.
My Ugg Tasman slippers could double as outside shoes, but I stepped it up by changing into my Adidas slip-on sneakers before hitting the grocery store. I have an image to maintain.
By the way, I bought the CEO Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric face oil that everyone’s been talking about. I’ve been applying it every morning for a few weeks now (before moisturizer, with SPF). (My thoughts on the oil a little further down the page.) And my morning routine isn’t complete without an overhead spritz of Calyx.
Cardigan | Faux Diamond Studs | Long-Sleeve Tee | Levi’s Denim | Adidas Sneakers | Ugg Tasman Slipper
CEO Glow Face Oil | Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer, SPF 15 | Calyx
DOG STAIRS & ELEVATED FOOD BOWLS
Last month, our sweet puppy, Pippa, mysteriously injured her back or neck. We suspect it was related to jumping on and off the bed. Pippa is almost nine and our vet recommended pet stairs and elevated food bowls which are gentler on dogs necks. I ordered these stairs from Chewey.com.
It comes in a three stair and four stair configuration. We went for the four which gets the girls to the bottom-of-bed bench. The fleece cover is easily removable for washing. It took Pippa a minute to accept it … but now she and Maggie take the stairs!
I bought the only small-dog elevated bowls at our local Pet Food Express. They’re not cute and the bowls are too small. The water bowl needs constant refilling. Also, the bowls are aluminum … I’d prefer ceramic for my discerning girls. I’ve been looking and looking and finally decided on this elevated bowl and stand (it comes in two sizes for small and larger dogs) at Pottery Barn. This is a cute personalized dog bowl mat. I wish we’d switched to elevated bowls for our lab Sasha in her later years. Live and learn.
UPDATE: I received the elevated frame and dog bowls (in the small size) and it’s too tall for my little dogs. The stand is too high, and the bowls are too deep. This is NOT a good option for small dogs. It’s totally cute and well made and I love it, but the small size is going to be suitable for medium sized dogs, not small dogs.
Pottery Barn Elevated Dog Bowls & Stand
NIGHT CREAM FOLLOW-UP
Last month I shared my quest for the perfect nighttime moisturizer. I’m currently using CeraVe Renewing Night Cream and Jones Road Light Moisture Cream. I like both. A lot.
Many of you chimed in with your favorite skincare products and I promised to share. So here goes.
There’s a lot of love for CeraVe and many of you mentioned that your dermatologist recommends it. Mine does too (including the Daily Moisturizing – body – Lotion that I adore). Cindy uses the CeraVe Renewing Night Cream, Mary Anne recommends the CeraVe facial cleanser – I think she means this one for normal to dry skin. She says it’s ‘so creamy’ and ‘a game changer for dry skin’. Joan likes the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum.
Speaking of retinol, Joan emphasized its importance and shared this article from Forbes. She uses Paula’s Choice Intensive Repair Cream over her retinol product at night and the Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 for day. Joan also recommend Angie’s Hot & Flash’s YouTube channel. My friend, Laura, introduced me to Angie and I love her. She’s a wealth of information and tests and reviews skincare, makeup and hair care products for women over 50.
Mary Anne loves Skin Medica’s product line.
Gray recommends Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum. This product has a major cult following and I’ve tried it. It’s a little sticky for me, and the scent is strong (again, for scent-sensitive me) … but people love and swear by it. The product line expanded and they now have an Active Renewal Cleanser and Active Treatment Essence (a hydrator) too. It’s also a pricey product, but, again, people swear by it.
A note about cleansers … my dermatologist once told me that a cleaner is on your face for the least amount of time, so don’t spend a lot of money here.
Tamara likes Biossance Skincare.
Contessa is a fan of argan oil and says that MG Moroccan Gold Argan Oil is the only one she uses. Check out their Instagram here.
Molly loves the French line, Caudalie. Made with grape extracts (a holy grail ingredient) she says their serum is nice and their night cream absorbs beautifully. She gushes that the facial spray (I think she means this mist) feels like heaven. I’m in!
Kim says she has a soft spot for Cle de Peau products and has used Jan Marini C-serum forever.
I’m just realizing we haven’t mentioned eye creams. I use Amore Pacific product that’s been discontinued and I’m looking for a new, and less costly, product. Maybe I’ll do an eye cream round up next.
Final note, a few weeks ago I added a new product to my routine, the much talked about CEO Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil (mentioned above). I was concerned about using it with my beloved SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, but the package specially states “this cold-pressed oil can be layered with any other Vitamin C products.” And suggests the proper order is oil first, followed by vitamin C serum. This layering of products starts to get a little complicated for me … I’m not multi-step skincare kinda gal. Testing out a face oil was a big step. I’m squeamish about products that feel greasy or sticky on my face (PTSD from my acne-prone teen years) but this oil does absorb well … and I use the tiniest amount. Let’s talk about the scent. It smells. Like what? I don’t know … a little herbal. And it’s notable long after being applied. That said, it’s not perfumey or offensive, but for someone who seeks out fragrance-free products, I’m getting used to it and will keep at it.
BOOKS I PRE-ORDERED AND CAN’T WAIT TO RECEIVE
Pre-ordering books is a way to help authors with the successful launch of their books. I pre-order because I can’t wait. But I’m happy my impatience helps the authors. Here are four books I pre-ordered over the past few month with publications dates coming very (not soon enough) soon!
History Reinterpreted: The Myles Standish Hotel from favorite architect, Patrick Ahearn (release date May 17)
“Highlighting how new life and modernity can be breathed into an historic structure while still respecting the past, the volume includes the architect’s own hand-drawn elevations, before and after floor plans, and countless full-color photos from yesteryear and today to delight architecture and history enthusiasts alike.”
Charm School: The Schumacher Guide to Traditional Decoration for Today, Emma Brazilian & Stephany Diaz (release date March 8)
“Charm School features rooms by contemporary icons of interior design, including Miles Redd, Celerie Kemble, and Mark D. Sikes, as well as storied decorators like Mario Buatta, Sister Parish, and Billy Baldwin.”
The deVOL Kitchen, Paul O’Leary, Helen Parker, Robin McLellan (UK release date May 23-25, 2023)
“From the directors of the divine deVOL Kitchens (seasons one and two of For the Love of Kitchens is streaming on Discovery +) I cannot wait to get my hands on the book. Ordering was a little tricky. It’s not on Amazon (US) yet. I’ve noticed that UK book releases generally make it to the US six or more months later. Why?! I ordered the book through the UK Amazon link which is found through deVOL’s web-page. You can also order it direct from deVol, signed by directors Paul, Helen and Robin. In either case, shipping from the UK is $15.”
In Good Company: Notable People with Their Pets, by Johanna Siegmann (release date February 20)
“In Good Company (Notable People with their Pets)” by photographer, Johanna Siegmann is a rare collection of unique portraits, portraying everyday tender heartfelt moments between people with their pets. The images are both intimate and familiar, whimsical, touching, often humorous, and always genuine. Johanna uses personal details, provided by her human subjects, to create concepts for their portrait, resulting in images that are highly specific and unique to each person. As a result, her pet portraits are in a unique category of their own, focusing exclusively on the connection between two beings that care for each other, and how they express that love. Siegmann has the rare ability to capture that very special moment in time with exuberance and joy, highlighting the love between her “notable” subjects and their pets. With a background in theater, Johanna’s photography is known for her exceptional use of lighting, which has also influenced her use of color and textures. This collection features notables from the world of entertainment, music, science, and everything in between. It’s a coffee table book that you will need two of because the first one will wear out!’
Oscar’s Place, a donkey sanctuary near and dear to my heart, is featured in the book. Jim and I are monthly supporters of Oscar’s Place, you can learn more about them here. And, please, follow along on Instagram … donkey content is really all we need.
So there you have it.
Let’s see what going on with Kim and Elizabeth.
Odds & Socks ~
Look at this charming cottage for sale in my neighborhood. I can’t figure out why it’s not selling. It’s a storybook setting, I drive by it everyday. And the updates needed seem mostly cosmetic. It’s open this weekend; I think I’ll drop by for a look-see.
If you missed the last weekend’s meanderings, you can catch up here.
And follow along for more fun on Instagram and Pinterest.
As always, I appreciate your visit and welcome your thoughts in the comments below.
Cheers from Snowberry!
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