Quick & Easy Banana Muffins, Cuppa Comfort (My New Nightly Ritual) & Revisiting a Favorite Book

Today on weekend meanderings, a quick and easy banana muffin recipe, brewing up a cuppa comfort (my new nightly ritual), rereading a favorite book that should become a movie. I have casting ideas. Also, Jim on the red carpet and a few thoughts about my mom on the anniversary of her passing.

Happy Saturday, friends!

It’s time for the weekend post with Kim and Elizabeth. Our weekly roundup of inspirations and goings on.

It was a quiet week … in my life. Yes, there’s a lot of chaos and tragedy happening in the real world but let’s not go there. Here in my hermitage, everything is lovely and I hope the same can be said for you and yours.

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Bird bath.

It was one of those weeks when I flipped my calendar on Sunday night to find a whole lot of blank space. Ahhhh. My favorite kind of week. The only things on my calendar were a walk with my BFF Jane and a visit to the dermatologist. I thought I was having my stitches removed but arrived to find out that’s next week. Oops. My biggest accomplishment this week? Wrapping and shipping copies of Shira Gill’s LifeStyled to the giveaway winners, Dawn and Paula.

Woman gift wrapping books in a green kitchen.

Congrats –  again – Dawn and Paula. I hope UPS delivers sooner rather than later.

Books wrapped in lemon themed paper on kitchen counter.

In other news …

 

Quick & Easy Banana Muffins

Last week I shared an easy 5-ingredient biscuit recipe I rustled up online. This week I needed a quick and easy banana muffin recipe to use up a couple of bananas that were fading fast. Jim loves bananas and consumes one a day. I do not like them, unless they’re disguised in a muffin, quick bread, or smoothie. The recipe is as advertised – quick and easy – and the muffins are delicious and made a wonderful breakfast all week.

Basket of banana muffins.

Cuppa Comfort

Over the holidays I came across a soothing ‘tea’ recipe while scrolling TikTok. It’s actually not tea, there’s no tea involved. It’s a citrus, cinnamon, and honey mixture recommended as a morning beverage to chase away toxins, encourage weight loss, and assist digestion. Ok, I’m not buying any of that, but I do think it’s healthy, hydrating, soothing and I’m into it.

I’ve since deleted TikTok and can’t credit the source. I did some googling to track it down but came up empty handed. It’s not a novel idea though, there are a ton of the same and similar concoctions extolling the health benefits of all the individual ingredients.

Lemons, oranges, honey and cinnamon.

It’s quickly become an essential early evening ritual and I’m pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy and look forward to it.

Jim is not as enamored with my comfort potion and gives it a thumbs down. He prefers a glass of wine, and if it’s Friday or Saturday night, something stronger. Fooey on him.

Anyway, he’s been gone all week. Last night he was in LA for the MusiCares pre-Grammy benefit gala honoring the Grateful Dead. Ooh la la. While he was hobnobbing with the riff raff, I enjoyed my Cuppa Comfort while watching old episodes of Hot in Cleveland.

 

I’m alternating Hot in Cleveland with old episodes of The Golden Girls. Do you love these shows too? They’re the height of comfort viewing and a nice break from more intense shows … we just finished The Agency and Landman. Holy moly.

Back to the matter at hand, I’m calling this concoction my evening Cuppa Comfort. Here’s how I make a batch to last the week ~

  • Slice a lemon and an orange (a ruby red grapefruit could be delicious too) into a bowl
  • Squeeze a little citrus juice (from the ends of each fruit) on top
  • Sprinkle with a tablespoon or so of ground cinnamon
  • Add raw honey … maybe 1/4 cup
  • Mix it up, cover tightly, and let marinate in the fridge for a few hours (this mixture lasts me about 5-7 days)

I use the medium bowl from my new glass storage container set I bought to replace my old plastic stuff … the lids are so much easier to snap into place than the old ratty ones.

When it’s time to brew up a Cuppa Comfort, spoon one slice each of lemon and orange into a mug and top it with a tablespoon or so of the liquid. Add hot water, stir, and let steep.

Overhead shot of citrus, honey and cinnamon tea in cup and saucer.

If you aren’t ready to commit to an entire batch but want to give it a test drive,  you can make a single serving.

  • Add one slice each of lemon and orange to a mug
  • Squeeze in a little juice from each fruit
  • Sprinkle 1/2 – 1 tsp cinnamon over the top
  • Add 1 tbsp raw honey
  • Pour hot water over the top, stir and steep

If your mug is oversized like mine, be generous with the portions.

Woman shipping cuppa comfort in green kitchen.

Whenever I use my oversized cups and saucers I get questions. They’re Spode Blue Italian.

Some other options ~

 

It’s February 1st and I’m Missing My Mom

My mom died 26 years ago today. It’s impossible to believe it’s been that long. Yesterday I picked camellias from our garden and took them out to the cemetery. I don’t go there as often as I should or as often as my mother would have liked. She was adamant about being buried (she was cremated and her ashes are buried) in the town where my sister and I grew up so that we, and her granddaughters, could visit often. She painstakingly chose her burial spot, and much to our surprise when the day came we found out that she’d made a last minute change to a different – one presumes better – location. She wasn’t terribly sentimental, or religious, but somehow she was sure that her presence would remain here, that she’d be aware of our comings and goings, and would continue to be present in the town she loved so much.

Camelias on headstone.
Since her passing she gained a third granddaughter … and two new sons-in-laws. She would have loved Jim, and he would have loved her. She was from the South and when there was a gentleman present her accent became more pronounced. I would probably have been irritated. A couple of months before her passing, I arranged for her and a friend to spend a couple nights at Buena Vista’s guest house, just across the parking lot from my office. It was my 36th birthday and I knew she was nearing the end when presented me with her diamond engagement ring from my dad. This must be the last photo we ever took together, two months later she was gone.

She spent her last Christmas with friends in Hawaii and when she returned she declined rapidly. Her doctor told us she would not make it through the weekend … five weekends running. She insisted she’d live to see February and she did. She died two hours into February 1st. I didn’t intend to write a novel, I just wanted to acknowledge the date. She would have enjoyed my blog a great deal, and would have been ‘tickled pink’ to find herself mentioned. So there you go, mom. I wish you were here to correct my grammar and answer all the questions I have now that I never thought to ask then.

 

Snobs by Julian Fellows

Last week I reread Julian Fellowes’ – of Downton Abbey fame – first novel, Snobs: A Novel of Modern Manners. It’s one of my favorite books and I continue to be astounded that it hasn’t been made into a movie or limited series. My mom would have loved this book, she was a voracious reader and follower of all things British upper crust life.

Book shelf with pig paperweight.

The book, published in 2004, is probably set in the mid-1990’s. It’s a British country house – Broughton Hall – class satire.

During my recent rereading I paid closer attention to the character descriptions to see if they matched up with who I envisioned them to be. And I’ve thought about the actors who might embody the characters in a film or series. My fantasy casting, and it truly is fantasy given time and space travel. Humor me …

The never-named narrator … Tristan Rogers from his 1980’s run on General Hospital.

Edith Lavery … I have a clear picture of Edith in my mind, but unattached to a specific actress. After some inter web searching I feel that Elle Fanning (or Florence Pugh) would do her justice.

Charles, Earl Broughton … the book describes him and blonde but I’ve always pictured him as a young Dan Aykroyd.

Marchioness Uckfield … I like Emma Thompson for this role. Nicole Kidman could be good too.

Simon Russell … In my first reading, two decades ago, I pictured Simon MacCorkindale in his Falcon Crest era. I’ve since come to see Simon as a young Simon Baker. So many Simons.

Tristan Rogers | Elle Fanning | Dan Aykroyd | Emma Thompson | Simon Baker

If you haven’t read Snobs, I highly recommend. It’s a light, fun, fast read and a nice escape. Also wonderful in audio.

Snobs by Julian Fellows book cover.

 

Super Bowl Food

We’re a week away from Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. A familiar match-up – Chiefs vs Eagles – and half-time show by Kedrick Lamar. And who knows how many commercials. Whether you’re interested in the game, the commercials, the half-time show, all three, or none of the above, it’s hard to avoid.

I don’t care what’s on screen if there’s good food laid out in front of me. Although you probably know that I love football.

Links to my Super Bowl menu ~

Truly Delicious Dip – great with crudités, crackers … or anything

Juliet’s Top-Secret World Famous Bean Dip served with Ruffles (Jim likes to be contrary and requests corn chips)

Sticky Baked Chicken Wings

French Lentil & Hominy Chili

Mini Twice-Baked Potatoes

Who are you cheering for?

Divider graphic.

Snobs | Cropped Cardi | Cup & Saucer | Uggs

Current Favorites ~

 

Divider graphic.

And that’s what I have for you this week. Let’s see what’s inspiring Kim and Elizabeth.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE

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  • Great post, lots of good stuff and love the links to SB food! Followed link to bean dip and now need to run through the links there, Nancy Meyer homes. Gosh your mom was pretty and passed away too young but sure hope you know time spent thinking of her is as important as gravesite visits. She would not want you to feel guilty I’m sure! Curious of Jim’s connection to that event, looked great. Thanks for entertaining me this lazy Sat morning.

  • Juliet, I truly became teary reading the beautiful memories in honor of your mother. Oddly enough, my mother also died today, Feb 1. It has only been two years, but all of your lovely comments really resonate with me. My mother was a tremendous Anglophile as well and inhaled everything she could about “the Brits”, “the Royals”, “stately homes”, and, well you understand! A bit of a struggle today, but so many incredible memories to brighten the day. Take care out there in Orinda – I was born and raised there. Take care….

    • Happy weekend, Beth. Sounds like our mom’s had a lot in common. Two years is a very short time. Orinda is a lovely place to grow up – and live. I feel very lucky. xo

  • Beautiful memories of your Mom. You really brought her to life! As I get older, I’m more aware of my memories, and connection to the past, and try to share those stories with my children, and niece and nephews.
    How fun to read a favorite book, and populate the cast with the appropriate actors! I still think my best compliment from my husband was, when we were bantering about who would play us in a movie of our lives (very boring movie, really!), he said Suzanne Pleshette would be perfect for the part!
    Yes to the yummy Super Bowl menu! Not that into the football itself, but a fun reason for a party! I use a recipe from Bon Appetit for baked chicken wings. They recommend nesting a cooling rack onto your baking sheet, to bake the wings. That way, the fat drips away from the chicken. Lightens it up a bit!

  • Oh! I also meant to suggest that you star Jim in a column. I’d love to see more of his style. My husband could use a wardrobe makeover!

  • Such a lovely post. Today is the 13th anniversary of my Dad’s death, my Mom is gone just 8 months. It is sad to ponder the things they have not or will not share with us. I have enjoyed tripping down memory lane, such as going through the awesome photo albums and travel albums my Mom put together. For my husband and I, we love to travel with our son and focus on experiences shared.

    • Jill, I’m so sorry for your very recent loss. When our parents are gone we’re truly treasure the photos, old movies, and memories. It becomes so clear that the time we spent together creating memories are all that matters. Thanks for sharing that. xo

  • That is a lovely photo of you in the kitchen, Juliet… I am beginning to realize at age 64 that I will never become innately stylish!

    Your memories of your mom resonate with me. My dad died when I was 35, and how you wish you’d had more time to spend together. My mom lived to 90, yet after, you realize when your best times together were, and simply wish there had been more.

    I read ‘Snobs’ perhaps not very long after your blog started, on your recommendation. Despite having read a good amount of Brit Lit, I didn’t find it quick, but I found it engrossing, and Fellowes’ characters extremely well-developed. The title is perfect!

    • The title IS perfect! I wonder why it was never made into a movie? Looking back I feel like 35/36 is a very young age to lose our parents. We feel like adults, but we’re really baby adults. At the same time, I feel for those who lost parents much younger and I’m grateful to have had my mom well into adulthood. I lost my dad three years ago and he nearly made it to 90. Thanks for sharing. xo

  • Hello Juliet,

    Thank you for sharing about your mom.She sounds wonderful.Sending you a giant hug.My brother died a year and a half ago and I talk to his photograph now to keep me company.We all do these things…I am going to try your cinnamon lemon tea thank you!Happy weekend 🙂

    • Francesca, I’m so sorry about your brother. It’s very comforting to continue a dialogue with our departed loved ones. As I get older I feel like I’m conversing with heaven more than earth. xo

  • That was a lovely tribute to your mother. Incidentally, I’m from the South, and I sometimes notice my mom thickening up her accent, depending upon who she’s talking to. It’s quite amusing.

    Thank you for the dip recipe with no mayonnaise. I despise it as well & feel like there’s rarely a dip without it. I’ll give this a try!

  • I can almost feel your mom smiling in heaven.

    Thanks for the book recommendation. We need to step up our Super Bowl fare. Howard is thinking wings too.

    • Can’t go wrong with wings, MA. I can picture you guys on your back deck dipping and viewing … maybe a quick swim during half time. What a life! xo

  • Juliet, this is a lovely tribute to your mom. I am absolutely positive that she would love your blog, it is wonderful, funny and beautifully written. Your mom is proud of you my friend, and she is in your beautiful memories and in your heart.

    How nice for Jim to be on the red carpet. I am sure that you had a wonderful and quiet evening at home.

    The banana muffins look delicious! As does your Super Bowl food. I cannot wait to make your dip. Bill is from KC and is is very excited for the game. I like you am there for the food.

    I loved The Snobs, and agree with you, why has it not been made into a movie yet? Your picks for the characters are great. I prefer Emma over Nicole though.

    This nightly beverage sounds delicious! I am going to try it this week. I love citrus and cinnamon, the more the better. Thanks for the recipe.

    Have a wonderful and relaxing month, hopefully your calendar will remain empty.
    xo

    • Oh my gosh, Elizabeth … with Bill from KC it’s going to be an exciting week at your house. Quite honestly I think I prefer a Super Bowl where I have nothing at stake and can just watch and eat – and eat – without the ‘home team’ anxiety. The bean dip is excellent, but as a friend I should warn you to steer clear. It’s an addiction. 😉 xo

  • Juliet, I am so glad you shared your lovely mama today and more about her. Love the photo so much. She would have loved your blog for sure. In one week, it will be 10 years since my mom passed. February is hard because she was also born on Leap Year… The years go to fast and how I wish I could spend just one more day with her. I still hear her voice.

    Love your drink and the muffins.. I am trying no sugar this month so I’ll give it a go with sans honey. Cinnamon is so good for us too!

    Thank you for resharing your super bowl recipes! That bean dip I really want to try..
    Putting Snobs on my list. xo

    • Happy weekend, Kim. Ten years … wow … time goes by so fast and it’s amazing that our memories stay vivid. Even though we can’t remember a lot of other stuff. Trust me when I tell you to steer clear of my bean dip and Ruffles. At all costs. It’s a terrible addiction and you don’t want to go there! 😉 xo

  • UPS delivered today! I have some time to myself tomorrow and I can’t wait to start on Shira’s book. But wait you’ve got banana muffins, a Comfort Cuppa, two
    dips and I need to get my hands on the Julia Fellowes Snobs book. Fun week ahead of me. Another great blog, Juliet!

    P.S. Wonderful tribute to your mother. Reminds me I want to put words to paper in my journal about my mother who passed away in January 10 years ago.

    • Dawn! Yay … it got there! Hope you enjoy it on this cold, rainy day. It’s so nice to take time to remember our moms on the page. You’d think that as time goes by our memories fade, but I find its just the opposite. xo

  • I too like to cast real actors in the books I read and love it when I can envision Kate Winslet as a character. Can’t wait to read Snobs with my cuppa citrus tea. Love your blogs. GO CHIEFS.

  • Your tribute and comments about your Mother were so sweet and touching. I too miss my Mother every single day. Thank you for sharing with all of your readers. Loved the photos. And thinking about your book rec, I was amused to see that you do the same thing I do when reading a book you like. I cast the movie in my head. Fun!

    • Hi Linda, isn’t it funny how we imagine book characters in our heads. When a favorite book gets made into a movie sometimes it’s a tough adjustment from how I see the character and who is cast in the film. I usually come around though. Missing our mom’s, no matter our age, is a universal experience isn’t it? xo

  • Hi Juliet, Such a lovely tribute to your mom, and the white camellias are gorgeous! She would have loved your blog. I know you miss her. I miss mine and think of her everyday.
    Great pic of Jim on the red carpet…well, blue carpet! So glad they are raising funds for the fire victims. Every one of your recipes sound delish, and I can’t believe I have your auntie’s Beau Monde dip. I’ve made it for years’s bc it’s so good! Enjoy this rainy weekend staying cosy!

  • Hi Juliet,
    What a lovely and touching tribute you have shared with us. I love the picture of you and your mother together, what a treasure that is. To have your mother give you your dad’s diamond engagement ring means so much. It was especially meaningful that you brought some gorgeous camellias to her from your garden. Your mother passed 26 years ago this Feb. 1st, my mama this year on December 12th will be 25 years since she passed away. We both lost our mothers when they were still young by today’s standards. I think when we no longer have either one of our parents as we both do. On that day forward we are changed forever.
    Onto a brighter subject I see your honey, Jim is famous, he made the red carpet photo op, good for him, he’s all smiles. Hopefully his ego is still in tack.
    This past week was hard to witness, hopefully this week will bring good things.
    Your banana muffins look yummy. I bake often, it’s often the place I go to for my creativity and to help me escape from world evens or things that bother me politically.
    How is the bruising coming along? It probably takes about two weeks plus to go away. Icing has probably been your very best friend. Take TLC of your self.
    Hugs

    • Hi Katherine, you’re right, our mother’s were young. At the time I thought I’d be fine, I was 36 and a grown woman. Looking back now I was just a baby adult. But no matter our age – or our parents age – it’s a traumatic event that changes everything. My bruising is almost all gone. Some swelling remains but that will take months to go away. Yes, ice has been a lifesaver! Baking is a wonderful salve, particularly during these distressing times. Bake more, news less! xo

  • Sending you love as you remember and celebrate your mom. She sounds lovely. The apple didn’t fall far 🙂 Cheers to her!

    • Alli, how sweet of you. Thank you. You’ve been on my mind and I need to get in touch about a final Snowberry project. Happy New Year! xo

  • I loved reading about your mom. I too lost my mom when I was just 38. I’m now 72 and feel robbed that I didn’t have her longer, so I know how hard it is. I wish she and my husband would have met too.
    I’m going to try your dip recipe..I’ve never used Beau Monde. I love chip and dip too as it reminds me of when I was growing up. It was such a treat.
    I also want to read Snobs now. I need all the fun and levity I can get in these crazy days ahead!!

  • What wonderful memories you have of your mom, as I have of mine. I can’t imagine that 26 years have gone by. My mom has been gone 6 and a half and I still can’t believe it. I miss her more as time goes by, all the things she has missed out on. I’m absolutely positive your mom would be oh so very proud of you. As to the Super Bowl, you know I will be cheering on my Chiefs. Your recipes look amazing. I might have to add those to my list. Hugs dear friend!

  • Hi Juliet — Thanks for the banana muffin recipe! I will be adding Snobs to my to-read list. Definitely need something light and entertaining these days. Every weekday evening I enjoy a glass of kombucha and before bed a cup of Yogi Bedtime tea. On weekends I have the hard stuff — a glass of wine. My mom’s ashes are still unburied, but my sisters and I have decided that her final resting place will be my wildflower field. I look forward to visting her up there regularly for a chat.

  • Hi, I’m Juliet … welcome to Make Mine a Spritzer where we talk about all things home décor, classic style and more! I’m so happy you’re here!

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