Today on weekend meanderings, we’re chatting about a mega moisture duo that I’m loving and think you will too, a much anticipated summer book launch (and giveaway!), Ralph Lauren’s Team USA Collection, and Serena & Lily’s July sale.
Happy weekend friends! It’s time for the weekend post with Kim and Elizabeth, our weekly roundup of inspirations and goings on.
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Tomorrow is the last day of June. What?! I thought the year got off to a slow start and then … fast forward and it’s half over.
I’ve been caught flat footed with regard to the 4th of July. I have nothing to offer in terms of ideas for eating, drinking or celebrating because I’ve given it no thought. Clearly. Thankfully, many others are on top of it so there’s no shortage of inspiration and ideas out there. I’ve linked a couple in Odds & Socks. But, this isn’t your first rodeo 4th of July and you know what to do.
I don’t think I left the house all week. I’m serious. I woke up Monday feeling panicked and overwhelmed, like the world was coming to an end. A clear sign that a timeout – or reset – is in order. Jim was out of town which made my reclusive ways easier to pull off. It turned out to be a nice staycation and I feel much better now.
Also on Monday I managed to delete my email inbox. The entire thing. How? I have no idea, but, whoosh, it’s gone. I suppose if anyone truly needs me they’ll follow up.
Things can only get better from here so let’s get the frivolity underway …
Summer Whites
The highlight of my week was joining Annie, Cindy and Mary Ann to style our favorite summer whites. I chose a white shirt dress. Why? Because I’ve seen so many cute ones on other bloggers recently (I’m talking to you Cindy and Kim) and wanted to give them a chance. I guess I thought a shirt dress would look boxy and unflattering on my not-tall-and-willowy frame. So I dipped my toe into the shirt dress waters with Quince’s 100% European Linen Shirt Dress. The price is right so it was low risk … and guess what? I’m a convert. I styled mine three ways and you can see how here.
Shop ~
A few questions from the comments section of that post:
- How tall am I? 5’4-1/4″ … so the dress is a little longer on me which I like.
- Is the dress see through? No. It’s not entirely opaque either. I layered it for fun, not because there’s a transparency issue.
- What lipstick am I wearing? Revlon’s Colorstay Lip Liner (I use it as a full coverage lipstick) in nude, and Glo Skin Beauty’s gloss in naked.
Osea Body Moisture Duo
Body moisturizer isn’t something I’ve always been good about. Having been through the trauma of oily skin as a teen, my twenty’s … and beyond, moisture was my enemy. Or so I thought. And I neglected my body too. I got over that hiccup ten or more year ago and since then have tried a gazillion body moisturizers – there are so many that I like. Recently I’ve felt that my skin is getting dryer, thinner and – quel horreur – crepey. I wanted to add a layer of body oil underneath my moisturizer decided to give Osea’s products a try. I’ve been using their Mega Moisture Duo for a few months and I love it so much I just placed a reorder.
You can also buy each individually. The Algae Body Oil (in three sizes), and the Collagen Body Lotion (in two sizes; and you can order scented or fragrance free). I should also mention their Bodycare Travel Set that was a godsend on our recent trip to Italy.
First let me say that I’ve become a huge fan of the Osea brand … a clean beauty brand … you can learn more about them here. A few months ago I bought their Advanced Repair Eye Cream and I like it a lot. I’m running low on my night time moisturizer (I’ve been using Jones Road which I like, but it’s a little heavy for me – weird because it’s called ‘light”.) and I just I ordered Osea’s Advanced Protection Cream. When it arrives and I’ve had a chance to try it I’ll let you know what I think. I also just ordered the Salt of the Earth Body Scrub. As I run low on other products I’ll probably dip my toe further into Osea’s product line.
But back to the body moisture. For those of you that use body oil, you may know it can be hard to apply to dry skin. I feel like I’m pulling or stretching – not good. Suddenly it dawned on me that, similar to facial moisturizer, if I apply it when slightly damp it will glide on without a struggle. Hello?! So now I take the oil and moisture into the shower and apply it while I’m still soaking wet (I actually stand on my towel so the oil doesn’t get drip onto tile creating a slip & slide situation or a cleaning nightmare. Oil first, moisturizer on top … it goes on like a dream and I use a lot less product this way. Is this totally obvious? Well, I thought I’d share because it was a light bulb moment for me.
A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey … Giveaway!
Kristy Woodson Harvey’s latest novel, A Happier Life was released this week. You probably know Kristy from her OG blog (alongside her mom, Beth Woodson), Design Chic, in addition to her delightful novels. I preordered A Happier Life and then was surprised with an advanced copy … which I read immediately and loved. The copy I pre-ordered arrived this week so let’s do a giveaway!
Giveaways are so fun and the timing is perfect. Summer days are here and A Happier Life is best enjoyed at the beach, or poolside. Or in my case, on the patio and cozied up in bed. Anywhere you read it you’re going to lose yourself in this delightful book set in the charming, seaside town of Beaufort, North Carolina (where Kristy lives with her family). It’s been fun following along on Kristy’s Instagram as she attends launch parties, book signings and all that fun stuff. Her book tour is posted there too if you’re lucky enough to live in an area she’s visiting.
“If you love small towns, Southern charm, family mysteries, or, romance, this novel needs to be in your beach bag. I loved it.”
~ Emily Giffin, New York Times bestselling author
One of the central characters in the book, Salt, is an adorable dog based on Kirsty’s own dog and namesake. She recently wrote this cute article in Parade about how the real Salt won her heart.
Enter to win by …
- Being a subscriber to the blog. If you’re not already, sign up here.
- Leave a comment below letting me know you’re a subscriber and what you’re looking forward to most this summer!
On Monday, July 1st at noon I’ll draw the winning name. And, with any luck I’ll connect with the winner and have the book in the mail by the end of the day. And maybe – just maybe – it will arrive by July 4th and the long holiday weekend. Good luck!
Ralph Lauren & Team USA
Are you excited for the Olympics in Paris? I am. And they’re coming right up July 26 to August 11. Ralph Lauren unveiled their Team USA Collection this week and of course it’s spectacular. Particularly the athlete’s opening ceremony’s look.
Such a classic look … jeans, Oxford shirt and blazer with sneakers. Love love love. As soon as I saw it I went to Ralph Lauren’s website and nearly everything is sold out. But, not to worry, it’s available at Bloomingdales too. Although the full opening ceremonies look will set you back nearly $1,500 … without sneakers. Ouch. I do love the jeans though.
Perhaps a sweatshirt or t-shirt to show team spirit!
Serena & Lily – July Sale
Summer sales season is upon us and I received my Nordstrom anniversary catalog this week. But first things first, Serena & Lily’s July Sale started Thursday and runs through July 10th. Up to 40% off everything … and if you’re considering any big purchases, free shipping on orders over $2,500.
I thought I’d share some of my Serena & Lily rattan, wicker and woven treasures. I ordered this wicker pineapple set yesterday. Do I need them? No. But … pineapples + rattan + sale = SOLD.
South Seas Console Table | Rechargeable Lamp Shades | Scallop Trays
Norich Round Mirror | Cabo Placemats | Catalonia Coasters
Tulum Wine Cooler | Wicker Pineapples | Braided Wicker Frames
Some of my other Serena & Lily favorites are on sale too. Like the Oakmont wool area rug in our library, Hattie Table Lamps in our bedroom and Westerly Inlay Table Lamp and Beaufort trays in our great room.
Thank goodness for sales because Serena & Lily isn’t inexpensive, but they offer beautiful, quality pieces that last. I won’t aways remember where I got some of the miscellaneous decor in my home, but I will know that THAT tray (or pillow or throw) came from Serena & Lily.
Odds & Socks ~
Looking for a fun party favor – or dessert – for your 4th of July gathering?! Elizabeth has you covered with these adorable dipped cones. I vote for ice cream in mine.
Cal Shakes is back this summer celebrating their 50th year with As You Like It running September 12 – 29th. Tickets are on sale here … I got mine yesterday. It’s a shame that, post pandemic, their seasons have been shortened to just one play. But, I’m grateful for that and happy to support their work so that one of these year’s we can get back to three or four production seasons. I’ve been attending summer Shakespeare at the Bruns magical theater under the stars since the late 80’s with my BFF Bonnie. She’s moved out of the area so Jim accompanies me. He’s thrilled, of course. Thrilled they serve wine. If you’re local, don’t miss it!
Don’t miss Kim’s easy summer style ideas … with some great inspiration for what we can wear this 4th of July and all our summer adventures.
Jim and I are passionate supporters of Oscar’s Place a donkey adoption center and sanctuary in Hopland. Several years ago we followed the story of Penelope and Ivy, two rescue donkey’s, leaving the sanctuary for their forever home at Country Hill Ranch in the Sierra foothills. I’ve continued to follow the girls through their adoptive mom Laura Instagram. What a fun surprise to find that she’s published a children’s book, with illustrator Sydney Coleman, Good Night Barn That is Red. Of course I ordered copies for each of my grandnieces to include in their birthday packages next month. It’s a sweet little book about a young girl’s move from city to country property with an empty red barn. And then her dreams come true when that empty barn fills up with baby goats. At Country Hill Ranch, that red barn is filled with Penelope and Ivy, goats, sheep, chickens and horses and you can follow their shenanigans here.
I haven’t shared a cocktail in a while, and need to remedy that, so I’ll remind you of a few summer favorites in case you’re looking for something colorful and refreshing this holiday week.
Limoncello Spritz | Rose Hibiscus Spritz | Grapefruit Aperol Spritz
Current Favorites ~
And that’s what I have for you today. Let’s see what’s inspiring Kim and Elizabeth.
In case you missed it, last week I toured a rose garden, and a tech bro’s house in my neighborhood, among other things … catch up here.
Happy 4th of July week from Snowberry!
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