Today on Weekend Meanderings, rearranging shelves, a novel, a cocktail and more!
Happy Weekend Friends!
It’s time for the weekend post with Kim and Elizabeth.
Our weekly roundup of all manner of inspiration and goings on.
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We returned from our Caribbean adventure on Monday.
Our flight home was delayed first by a mechanical issue and then by the crazy weather.
We finally made it home around 2:00am and realized we were missing my carry-on bag.
What?!
Turns out we left it in the baggage claim area each thinking the other had it.
And neither noticing the other did not.
Until we got home.
Jim heroically drove back to SFO and miraculously the bag was right where we left it.
That aside, our 5-night cruise on the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection’s Evrima was pretty darned fabulous.
But we’ll talk more about that next week.
If you’re interested I saved my Instagram stories from the trip to a highlight called RCYacht.
Let’s get to today’s topics.
REARRANGING SHELVES
In my ongoing effort to tackle some loose-end projects around the house, I re-zhushed the left side of our great room shelves. I shared the right side here a couple weeks ago. I was waiting for a pair of blue and white candlesticks from Mrs. Alice that arrived while we were on vacation. This is a similar, less expensive option. I’m loving the Serena & Lily Beaufort trays on both sides and I’m so glad I finally pulled the trigger on them.
Also while we were away the wider, shorter terracotta planter I needed for the right side built-ins arrived. Later today I’ll replant the maidenhair fern into its new pot. Maidenhair ferns are so pretty and I love them, but it’s a struggle to keep them alive. Hoping this one gets enough light and not too much or too little water.
My shelfie updates aren’t exactly earth shattering, but small changes can have a big impact and for me these little tweaks make the room feel more complete. I can’t wait to share the entire room refresh with you very soon. As well as the story of what finally got me moving to finish this project.
BIG BEAUTIFUL COW, A NOVEL
While on vacation we received sad news that a mutual friend passed away. Jillian Navarro, a delightful woman and friend who Jim and I worked with in the early aughts. I may have previously shared that I met Jim at work when the company he worked for acquired the winery I worked for and Jillian was part of their human resources department. As a result I became part of the HR team and Jillian was given the unenviable job of training me in the company’s systems. We became fast friends. At least I quickly came to adore and enjoy her. She probably thought I was completely hopeless. Jillian was kind, caring, smart and warm with a wicked sense of humor and wit … all the things one wishes for in a friend. One of the first things I learned from Jillian was that she was a writer and dreamed of publishing a novel. After I left the company Jillian and I stayed in touch. Sporadically. I last heard from her a few years back when she published her novel, Big Beautiful Cow. What a thrill to learn she achieved her dream.
I believe the novel is a little bit autobiographical in that it takes place in and around Jillian’s hometown of Berkeley and Sonoma County where Jillian lived with her husband, Ed, and their two children. I’m going to reread the book and continue reminiscing about Jillian, true gem of a human, and how lucky I was to know her.
Big Beautiful Cow by Jillian Navarro
ELMO’S CHECK-IN
I was really touched by beloved Sesame Street character Elmo’s recent social media post checking in with his friends.
Elmo’s check-in struck a nerve and received an overwhelming number of replies from people of all ages, all over the world who are hurting, lonely, facing challenges and may not feel they have a trusted friend who cares. Elmo was touched too and followed-up.
Thanks, Elmo, for caring about us and the reminder of how important it is to make time to check-in with our friends.
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?!
In case you aren’t aware it’s Super Bowl weekend! Will you be watching? The game, or the ads? I’m looking forward to both … plus the food. As a long-time football fan, my interest in pro-football has fallen off in recent years. Ever since my Raiders decamped to Vegas. I stuck with them through thick and thin, their departure to Los Angeles, and welcomed them home with open arms. But enough is enough, my fragile heart can’t take it anymore. And now I find myself in the strange position of embracing the other Bay Area team. I’m excited for them, of course. But somehow the spark just isn’t the same. Don’t judge me too harshly, while I’m no longer under the Raiders spell, the wound is still fresh and it’s too soon to jump into another serious relationship. On the topic of relationships, I’m totally enjoying the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce romance. I don’t understand the disparagement directed toward these two talented professionals at the top of their respective games. I never heard anyone complain when Gieselle was flashed onto our screens during Patriot games. It makes football even more interesting and fun. And speaking of fun, Jason Kelce, the Eagles star center (and Travis’ big brother) has been declared Americas Sweetheart after his antics at the Chiefs vs Bills division championship game. I’m all in on Jason too. Have you watched the KELCE documentary on Amazon Prime? Made long before Taylor Swift entered the picture, it’s a look at the Eagle’s beloved center, his wife Kylie and their three adorable daughters. I watched it for a second time with Jim, who’s a big fan of Jason and Travis’s New Heights podcast. Warning: adult language. Will Jason retire or return to play another year? It’s a cliffhanger.
I shared my close encounter with Mama Kelce when we visited Santa Monica last month. Of course, I’ll be making my Top Secret World Famous Bean Dip tomorrow for the game.
PAINKILLER COCKTAIL
My week was full of ups and downs and last night seemed like a good time for a cocktail. Circling back to our Caribbean adventure I decided to attempt a Painkiller which is prevalent throughout the Caribbean Islands, and featured in Elin Hildebrand’s The Paradise Trilogy … which takes place in and around the island of St. John. I had my first Painkiller on the Ritz Carlton yacht … its flavor profile is quite similar to a Pina Collada, but it’s not a blended drink. I followed this recipe.
Oh my gosh, these are SO good! Maybe even better than the ones I had in the Caribbean. Cheers to the islands! And if you haven’t read The Paradise Trilogy, the books are great beach reads and a lovely escape.
Odds & Socks ~
My search for a cruelty-free nighttime eye cream resulted in ordering this one. I’ll let you know how I like it.
Did you hear about the latest password wake-up call. 🙁
I need another jacket like a need a hole in my head, but when niece Shelby showed up to dinner this week wearing this cute, quilted jacket I had to have it. The price is right, but it’s a final sale item. Shelby wears the x-small and I ordered the small.
3 Ways to Get What You Want … you know I love my friend, life coach Kym Shower’s, podcast and this episode (#125) is particularly good!
My friends at Silver Stag Winery are having a 50% off Valentine sale!
Current Favorites ~
And that’s what I have for you today.
As we approach Valentine’s week, brace yourself for a little love bombing from me via the blog.
I’ve got two posts slated for this week … I know, two!
The absolutely best bedding that I’m totally excited about and have to share.
And my review of our Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection Caribbean cruise.
Now let’s visit Kim and Elizabeth to see what’s inspiring them.
If you missed last weekend’s post, you can catch up here.
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Until next time, cheers from Snowberry!
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