Today on Weekend Meanderings, an easy winter cocktail for your holiday celebrations, what to wear to a Christmas tea, and today is the Army Navy game.
Happy weekend, friends!
It’s Saturday and I’m joining Kim and Elizabeth for Weekend Meanderings.
Our weekly roundup of inspiration and goings on.
It’s been a busy week.
But I can’t think of a single thing I accomplished.
So why don’t we jump in.
Are you ready?
Let’s go!
HOLIDAY COCKTAIL
Earlier this week I shared a holiday cocktail idea, the Cara Cara Winter Spritz. Well, it didn’t turn out to be a true Cara Cara spritz because Cara Cara’s are behind schedule this year due to lack of frost. Not to worry, they’ll be available early next month. Anyhoo, I substituted navel oranges, and the spritz is still delicious and a fun idea for holiday brunches, lunches, cocktail hours, and midnight toasting.
Niece Shelby, my youngest niece who recently turned 21, came over to make my Cara Cara Winter Spritz. Watch our video here. We then retired to the library for take-out Chinese. Retired to the library… ha! You have no idea how long I’ve waited to say something like that.
Do you have a room you don’t use often? Decorate it for the holidays, like I did our library. It will motivate you to find ways to spend time in it. I promise.
TEA FOR THREE
On Thursday I attended the annual Walnut Creek Historical Society Holiday Tea accompanied by the Contessa and BFF Jane.
The tea is held at the 120-year-old Penniman mansion, home to the Shadeland’s Ranch Museum. In addition to tea, there is a lovely holiday faire in the upstairs rooms of the mansion. I bought a lovely table runner … and also picked up Walnut Creek: An Illustrated History. I love learning about the history of my hometown and surrounding areas.
During the pandemic, the Historical Society sold tea-in-a box with all the makings for a home tea party. Of course, I shared all my tea party here.
If you’re local the holiday faire runs through the weekend, and I highly recommend it. There are rooms full of wonderful holiday decor and gift items and they’re so well priced. I mean, seriously, I should have offered to pay more. They’ll be open today and tomorrow from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
HOLIDAY OUTFIT
Taking a page from Kim’s Signature Style post this week, I rummaged through my closet for something to wear to the tea. Something that could be holiday-ed up a bit. I decided on this Staud sweater dress that I bought last year. It comes in a short version as well. And in this gorgeous merlot color. I love sweater dresses; in my office dwelling years they were a winter staple.
Sweater dresses are generally form fitting, and with my no-longer-svelte midsection, a little harder to pull off. And quite honestly, I was in no mood to squeeze into a pair, or two, of Spanx. I rummaged a little further and pulled out a several-years-old Soia & Kyo long camel coat vest. Could it work as a top layer?! Would I look too Bea Arthur in her Golden Girl days? You be the judge.
On the morning of the tea, Kim and I did our second Instagram Live. If you missed it, you can see it here. We chatted about her Signature Style post and wearing holiday pins and sparkly things passed down from our mom’s or acquired ourselves. That inspired me to pull out my holiday snowflake pin and pop it on my lapel. Voila … my winter outfit became holiday festive.
I have no idea where I got this pin. I’ve had it forever, but it’s not an inherited piece. This one is similar and I found so many other holiday pin options. I ordered this one. Pins are fun pieces to search for in vintage and consignment stores.
During our Live, Kim came up with the idea to create a hashtag (#blingit) and encourage others to show off their blingy holiday pins, jewelry and clothing on Instagram. Here’s my not very blingy pin collection.
Not an extensive collection. The two on the right are from my grandmother. She died when my mother was 3 weeks old, so they’re special treasures. My grandmother on my dad’s side loved to wear sparkly, blingy pins and jewelry. Especially at Christmas. I wish I had inherited some of them … not that I would have fully appreciated their sentimental value when I was younger.
But back to my holiday tea outfit … I also wore my Aquatalia boots, current version here, and my prized Nina Ricci tote. I call it my ladies-who-lunch bag. My J.Crew multi-strand pearls are no longer available, but you may find them on resale sites. By the way the Staud sweater dress runs on the roomy side and I’m wearing an XS.
Sweater Dress | Camel Coat Vest | Snowflake Pin | Earrings | Tote Bag | Boots
The camel coat vest I’m showing in the collage is pricey. It was the closest I could find to mine. Here are some other options. I think the merlot dress would be pretty paired with a gray or ivory.
IT’S ARMY NAVY GAME DAY … GO NAVY!
It’s Army Navy game day and I’m excited. Navy’s had a rough few seasons but they came on strong in their last few games. They gave Notre Dame a good scare and they beat UCF. I have a good feeling about today. The team uniforms were revealed a couple weeks ago. The Midshipmen’s uniforms are a tribute to NASA. The Naval Academy has produced more astronauts than any other school. One of the many fun things about this rivalry is the spirit spots produced by both schools leading up to the game. Apparently Army’s feathers are ruffled by the Midshipman’s NASA nod … boo hoo.
The uniform reveal. Navy’s are better. Obviously.
College football has changed a lot over the years, particularly in the last few and it’s hard to distinguish it from professional football … aside from the athletes not getting paid. The transfer portal and other changes have made it even more difficult for service academy football to compete. This article explains how the landscape has changed dramatically for the Army, Navy and Air Force teams. And, that’s why … I love service academy football all the more. Because the players aren’t likely to find their way to the NFL, although a few do. They juggle intense academics, military training AND playing division one sports. And when their college football careers are over they’ll go on to serve our country. And for that, I believe, they deserve our respect and our eyes on today’s game.
The President often attends the game and sits on one sideline for the first half and changes sides for the second half. This year the Commander-in-Chief trophy, awarded to the service Academy that beats both others, will stay at the Air Force Academy (they beat Army and Navy this year). The CIC winner also earns a team trip to the White House to meet with the President. Trophy and White House visit aside, this is the biggest game of the year for Army and Navy, and I can’t wait.
My bad photo of the CIC in Annapolis, where it usually resides.
What’s my interest in Navy football? My dad went to the Naval Academy. Class of 1955. I was born on a Navy base in the Philippines. He retired from the Navy when I entered kindergarten but served in the reserves for another decade. Navy football was a big deal in our household, and Jim has become an enthusiastic fan. And, yes, I cheer for his alma mater, USC.
My Dad (right) as a Mid
My dad passed away in January, and we’ve missed his amusing emails following USC games either congratulating or consoling Jim who he referred to as MBSWS (Mr. Big Shot Wine Salesman). My dad was a funny guy and we’ll be thinking about him a lot today.
MBSWS Tailgating with Navy
Attending the Army Navy game is a bucket list item for sports fans. It’s usually held in Philadelphia, but moves around occasionally. Jim and I went in 2012 when the game was held in Washington D.C. We’ve never been so cold in our lives, but we had a blast and attended all the events … pep rallies, tailgates and after parties. The Navy crowd is a fun one. I can’t find my photos from Army Navy, but these are few from other Navy tailgates we’ve attended over the years.
Looks like George W. Bush (cut out) was President, so this is a long time ago. I remember seeing Senator John McCain at this tailgate, he was class of 1958. My dad’s class tagline sign (that he carried around to all Navy tailgates, to Jim’s horror) is in our library.
A more recent tailgate with niece Shelby, friend & Bill the Goat. I believe this was a Navy vs Notre Dame game.
My dad remembered his Naval Academy years with a great degree of hilarity and he stayed very active in the alumni association. I love his comment on the photo below, when he marched in President Eisenhower’s Inaugural Parade.
In 2010 Jim and I, with niece Sophie, accompanied my dad to his 55th class reunion in Annapolis. What a cool and historic town. The Academy sits on the Severn River and couldn’t be more picturesque. It meant so much to my dad to show is granddaughter around the Yard (the campus, but never call it that) … he was so proud. And we are so proud of him.
Grandpa & Soph at Navy-Marine Corp Memorial Stadium Tailgate / 2010 Homecoming Weekend
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- The March On
Jim, Soph and I in front of a scaffolded Tamanend on the Yard.
HOLIDAY PROGRESS
Confession … my tree is STILL not decorated. I know. There’s no excuse. I’ll get to it this weekend. I hope. The good news is I’ve made progress in other areas …
We love this garland and used it in the Great Room and Library.
You can still order Hood Canal Candle Company’s holiday scents. I’ve been burning Gingerbread Cottage.
So there you have it, this weekend’s meanderings.
Let’s visit Kim and Elizabeth to see what’s they’re sharing.
Odds & Socks ~
This weekend we’re going to the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Spectacular. It’s a tradition we love and we’re looking forward to its return after a two year absence.
I love spotting dogs in decor, especially on a holiday home tour; mine won’t pose like these good dogs do.
There’s nothing quite like Christmas in a beach town.
Remember when Martha Stewart used to do this for parties?
This was a popular holiday cocktail last year.
This bloggers holiday home tour is my inspiration for next year.
With any luck, my better-late-than-never holiday gift ideas will be out in the next couple of days. Try to contain your excitement.
Kim and I will be be doing another Instagram Live on Thursday at 9:00am PST, our last Live of the year. We’d love for you to join us.
Housekeeping item, one of my readers let me know that the expression Odds & Socks, is really Odds & Sods. It’s British. I picked it up from my dad who used it in his very entertaining emails. I’m certain he wrote Socks, not Sods. Whether I remember it incorrectly, he understood it incorrectly, or he understood it just fine but put his own twist on it, I don’t know. I put my money on the latter. I’m leaving it as is because it’s make me think of my dad and smile.
If you missed 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.
Go Navy, Beat Army!
I just recently came to your blog. I never comment but wanted to let you know that your library is beautiful. It’s elegant and warm and inviting. I was inspired to create a few things by your Christmas home tour library post so thank you for sharing all your hard work. I enjoyed today’s post about Army vs. Navy. My daughter is applying to the USNA right now so our fingers are crossed for her as she goes through the appointment and nomination process. Thank you again for your thoughtful content. Have a wonderful holiday!
Ashley! I’m so glad you’re here and thank you for your comment. How exciting for your daughter … the process is nerve racking but I bet she’s a shoe-in. I sure hope so … let me know. What an exciting experience to attend the Academy. Not for the faint of heart to be sure, but a truly unique and wonderful experience. I’m not sure my dad loved it when he was there, but like so many others developed a close bond with his class over their shared experience. And the education she’ll receive … the world will be her oyster. Thanks again for taking time to comment … and happy holidays! xo
I loved your stories about your dad and his connection to Navy. I was also touched by the fact that your grandmother died when your mother was only 3 weeks old. If you don’t mind sharing, I’d like to hear more of that story. I know your mother was very proper from your comments in the past of “Mother would/would not approve.” So I’m curious who raised your mom. Always enjoy your posts. Have a wonderful holiday!
Hi Kelly! Thank you … what a good memory you have. Yes, our mother did not approve of so much of what my sister and I got up to. So, she was born in New York City with a very accomplished and interesting mother, such a tragedy. Her father raised her in New York, with a nanny, until she entered school. Then she went to live with her grandfather and step-grandmother in Birmingham, Alabama where she stayed through college. It’s an interesting story and I’ll have to share more about it on the blog sometime. I appreciate your comment and kind words. Wishing you a wonderful weekend. xo
Juliet! I love this post today! As I was reading all I could think about is—why are you so excited about the Army/Navy game! I kept reading and you answered my and everyone’s question! What an interesting story! I’m sure you will be thinking about your dad today!
I love your new hashtag with kim! #blingit —perfect! So lovely that you have so many with so much meaning!
Your “tea” attire is gorgeous!! Of course! Love your style!
Xx
Annie! You’re the best. Thank you and have an amazing weekend … I wonder if you’ll be headed into the city?!!! xo
Juliet,
Your busy week sounds wonderful! A cocktail, a tea with friends, Instagram live and holiday decor, all fun, festive and keeping you busy.
I loved your live this week, so fun to have everyone pulling out their vintage jewelry and airing the stories and love of each piece.
Your enthuasium for the Army Navy game is infectious, I am going to turn in on and root for your dads team. Although I think my brother a veteran of the Army would not approve. I love hearing and learning more about your love for the game and seeing you with your dad. I am sure my friend that he is smiling down on you and will be sitting beside you as you watch the game.
Annapolis is a beautiful place to visit, having lived in Virginia for 13 years we made many trips there.
Tea with the Contessa sounds lovely, and all of your look beautiful!
Your outfit is fabulous! I love the vest over the sweater dress.
Have a wonderful weekend Juliet, enjoy the game and stay safe in the stormy weather. xo
Well, Elizabeth … the game did not turn out as hoped. Time to make a cocktail and move on. We’ll get them next year! No, your brother would not approve … and he must be thrilled by today’s win. Congratulations to him! Hope you have a nice weekend planned … now that the game and dogs are walked (there was break in the storm, but halfway through out walk it started up again) I’m headed over to visit you and Kim online. xoxo
Another wonderful post. Truly!
I love hearing about your family’s history with the Army/Navy rivalry (you understand the FL/GA thing we have here). What a great guy your dad was and I can see where you get your wonderful humor. My dad was in WWII and although he went into law and politics, he stayed in the Air Force reserves almost his entire life. We are missing the commissary privileges…especially for holiday food shopping!
Thanks for mentioning my Hometown Beach post. We have some kind of mini orange/clementine/cuties growing on our tree in the back and I’m going to give your spritz a whirl!
Merry Christmas, Juliet.
Funny you should mention that, MA. I loved going to the Navy Exchange with my dad … it was so great. And missed it once he fully retired. Also hoping on military flights out of Alameda when the Navy was still located there. Fun perks for a kid. I knew your dad went into law, but not sure I realized he was in the Air Force. Well, the Air Force keeps the CIC trophy this year so good for them. I loved your Hometown Beach tour … it’s pouring rain and windy here and I’m ready to move. At least for the winter … and sip Cara Cara Winter Spritz on your ladies loft! xo
Thank you to your Dad for his Service! We live in Colorado about 2 hours from the Air Force Academy. What a thrill to get to see a game in their Stadium (plus the beautiful campus snuggled into the mountains). All the young men and women in uniform, the traditions & pride. Everyone who can should watch at least 1 Service Academy game in person. A beautiful experience
Hey there, thank you so much! The Air Force Academy is in the most beautiful setting. My high school sweet heart went to the Academy, to the horror of my dad. Seriously, my dad gave him a hard time, but wrote him a recommendation and was secretly thrilled he got it. Wishing you the best weekend! xo
Hi Juliet,
You’ve covered a lot here! Your house looks beautiful even if the tree isn’t decorated yet!
The tea sounds like it was fun. I’m looking for an event to attend around here that will put me in the holiday spirit. But I’m still not too keen on being in a crowd, so that eliminates a lot of things I could do. Ah well.
I loved reading about your dad. I know you miss him. Mine passed away in 2010 and I still miss him every day, WWll vet and30 years in the Air Force (starting when it was the Army Air Corps). Both our dads were members of “The greatest generation”, they contributed so much and it’s up to us to honor their memories. Which you’ve done with the lovely tribute to your dad here.
Happy holidays friend!
Xo Heidi
Happy Holiday’s, Heidi … you said it they were part of the tail end of the greatest generation and it feel good to honor them. I know you were a military brat too … for much long than I was. You’ve got lots of stories to tell too. Hope you have a lovely rest-of-the-weekend. xo
Juliet loved reading more about your dad and also about these guys who play football for them I had no idea about it all. They are special guys for sure.
The photos of your dad over the years and in the inaugural parade are so cool. Wonderful you guys made an effort to go to all the games and reunions. I love that. My dad was in the Coast Guard and Max’s dad in the army. They all were such a great generation weren’t they? I bet you miss him a lot this weekend. I’ll try and catch the game. I’ll be thinking of you.
Love you ladies at the tea, those little local bazaars and holiday things are such a treasure and it’s good to make an effort to keep attending them – or they go away! The Campbell one near me is very similar at The Aynsley House!
I’m a fan of the sweater dress too and this one is lovely and so is the camel long vest.. I need that. Your pins are lovely and how nice you have the ones of the grandma you never knew too. Love the flower one! I hope you wear the snowflake for our #blingit! It looks great on the camel coat.
Happy weekend Juliet! Looking forward to next week’s live and our holiday break too.. xo
Hey there, Kim … I love learning more about your dad. First the USC and now the military connection … I’ll bet our dad’s are very similar. And you’re right, part of a wonderful generation. Oh my gosh, when I read bazaar I smiled. I kept wanting to call our local craft fair that … it reminds me of my grandma, always off to a bazaar of some kind. With a blingy pin on her lapel! Yes, I’m looking forward to our next live AND our holiday break. Happy weekend! xo
You are so sweet to feature my Christmas tour as your inspiration – thank you Juliet!! Love these posts! Also didn’t know you and Kim were doing IG Lives – I’m going to have to go give a listen now!
Good luck with the rest of your decorating, I know it will be beautiful!
Sheila
xo
Sheila! If only I could get you over here to direct me … maybe I could achieve something close to your beautiful holiday decor. Yes, please join us on a live … we have fun. Hope you’re weekend’s off to an amazing start! xo
I laughed out loud at your Bea Arthur reference, but I think you looked fabulous (as always). Love the dress! Nice to hear all your remembrances of your dad. Losing a parent is so hard. Have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks, Molly … seriously, Bea Arthur is the first image that came to mind when I pulled out that vest. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by … and I hope you have an amazing weekend too in your beautiful decorated living room. xo
Great post. We are watching the Army Navy game as I type this! My husbands
father was a graduate of the Naval Academy also and retired as a Admiral. My
husband also went to many games and relished the memories and the
traditions .What traditions! He was in the Army though, long story,
but roots for Navy on this day! Good luck finishing that tree. Mine
was up before Thanksgiving, I know some can’t abide by that
but I love Christmas and want to enjoy my tree with all the lights
and ornaments that hold so many memories .Putting it up is
so fun, taking it down so much work! Enjoy the season!
Hi Char … not the outcome we were hoping for today, but a good game. I love that your husband cheers for Navy … and, wow, your father-in-law!!! Good for you for getting your tree up for Thanksgiving. That was my goal too. It is nice to enjoy it for a period of time after doing so much work. Even though my tree’s not decorated I still turn the lights on and it makes me so happy. I’m going to start tying bows in a few minutes. Thanks for chiming in … I love hearing from you and so many others your connections to Navy. And, ok, Army too! xoxo
HI Juliet,
Always love your posts and your sense of humor. Obviously you inherited that from your Dad. Today’s post really hit close to home, literally, as I live in Philadelphia about 3 miles from Lincoln Financial Field. I tried to get a photo of the flyover today but it’s soooo blurry. I was scanning the sky and spotted them at the last second. They do sneak up on you as you don’t hear them coming only leaving. One year they flew right over my head as they approached the stadium. I was cheering for Navy as my dad, brother and nephew all served in the Navy. Philadelphia will not host again until 2027.
Now I must go and pull out my Christmas pins! Love this idea!
Hello Annemarie … you’re a Navy family too! I know, those jets really do sneak up. Not a the outcome we hoped for today, but a good game and we’ll get them next year. What a gorgeous day in Philadelphia, I’m sure it was cold but the sun was shining! Thanks for reading and leaving a comment … I really appreciate it. Enjoy the rest of your weekend … I’m sure your city is hopping with all the excitement in town. xo
Our good friends son graduated from Annapolis and he ( the dad) now leads Naval academy tours. We got our own personal tour when we visited last summer!! It’s s Beautuful school.
Loved your post – especially the Christmas pins ! I have a star very similar to your that I wear!! Everything looks fabulous !
You know I’ve never done a formal tour … just a dad led tour 😉 … next time we visit we’ll do it! We need to see your Christmas star, Martha … #bling it! xo
TEA was LOVELY and I ADORED MEETING YOUR BUDDY JANE.
THANK YOU FOR THE INVITE AND CARTING ME AROUND…………….
HORRORS YOU HAD TO COME TO THE FRONT DOOR!
CHRISTMAS BOXES STILL OUT HERE NOT EMPTIED YET!I HAD TO QUIT YESTERDAY AND TAKE A NAP!
XOX
There is nothing quite a wonderful as an afternoon nap! xo
Juliet, I love hearing about your father. I live an hour away from Annapolis and love spending time there. There are some wonderful restaurants and fun shopping. It was wonderful to see the photos of your father. Love the caption on the one photo about feet being tired. It has to be hard around the holidays without parents. My Jim’s parents are deceased. I know this time of the year he misses his mother’s baking.
You looked beautiful for the tea. The outfit was very chic.
Thank you for sharing the link to my home tour and my sweet fur babies. You are so sweet.
Living near Annapolis … and so many other wonderful, historic towns must be wonderful. Especially this time of year with all the holiday lights and decorations adding to the charm. Love your tour … and you very well behaved doggie models!!! xo
I wondered what your connection to the game was when I started reading. My son is a firstie (senior) at West Point and stormed the field after the win along with all the other cadets in attendance. My husband was excited too, but I don’t think security would have been happy with old grads storming the field as well. This year some Navy guys flew over and dropped Beat Army ping pong balls and paper during lunch formation. The Supe told the exchange middies to secure their trash. It’s all good natured fun.
I enjoy your blog.
Melinda! How excited were those cadets storming the field?! I’m sure the Supe granted extra privileges for all. It was a great game and congrats to them on a BIG win. I heard about the ping pong ball caper … love all the antics and spirit spots. Hope you have your Cadet home with you soon … maybe you do already. Happy Holiday’s to you and Happy New Year too! xo