It’s Weekend Meanderings time with Elizabeth and Juliet, and our chance to share some cool things that have come to our attention this week. It has been a week hasn’t it?
Thursday night we went out to grab Mexican food at one of our local favorites in Los Gatos, Zona Rosa. We couldn’t believe how many people were on the streets, beautiful weather and Californians seem to be so ready to be out and about again. Max and I said it was the most people we have ever seen out since the pandemic around here! Things felt almost normal again.
What do you grab if you have to evacuate?
Anyhow, we went home and at 2:45 a.m. I was woken by popping sounds and bright lights. I thought we had lightening, which is pretty rare, and then got up and noticed the electric wires above my neighbor’s home that runs along our backyards, looked like a firework display and after huge sparks and noise, was on fire!
This is the second time this has happened in a year. Anyhow fire came immediately and PG&E a half hour later, but we were out on the street, in our pjs with the neighbors until 3:30 in the morning. My poor friend whose home it was behind, took shelter in her car with her young kids. We just didn’t know if this was one of those power line fires that would move rapidly through our neighborhood or not.
There was no weather to speak of that day and they later determined it was rats or squirrels gnawing on the line that caused this! I’m a big proponent of getting the lines buried We have less than 18% in California.
Anyhow, if something like this occurs again, I need to think fast and I need to grab my photo albums and family heirlooms.. I was thinking I need to have all the albums in bags that I can just grab and go. They need to be more accessible, like very easy to reach, not in the gallows of the house.. I am committed to having what really matters easy to go at a moment’s notice. As Californians with the wildfires and things, we all need a backup plan. Max has emergency water, flashlights and other supplies in a spot in the garage, but I haven’t figured out the valuable stuff yet, but I am and will share. Do you all think of that? Do you have precious albums and things easy to grab and if so how?
Outdoor Pillows
It’s getting the lovely time of year and I have been working on getting my garden started and my yard spruced up. The one thing that didn’t do so well over the winter was outdoor throw pillows. I’m in the market for new ones that will clean easily and won’t fade. I figured you might be too about now, so I rounded up a few that caught my eye..
This Etsy Shop, CalifornialivinHome seems to have the coolest selection of outdoor pillows and they are custom made in California!
An idea for thrifted finds..
I’ve been determined to buy more things for the home that are upcycled, vintage and unique and so when I am downtown in my town of Los Gatos, I will pop into the American Cancer Discovery Shop if I have a few extra minutes. I try to do this whenever I’m near any thrift or antique store. The last two times I saw nothing and then today, I popped in there again and right away I spied two very heavy and beautiful glass urns. I knew I could use them in so many ways and they were just beautiful and for $20 each a good price.
When I came home I washed and shined them and played around with using them to hold a candle, utensil holder, even limes at the bar. Then I remembered I had two faux ferns (you can get them here) and some moss, that would make a fresh little spring look that I wouldn’t need to water. Just add some moss, drop in your fern and top with more moss.
You could do this with a large vintage goblet, glass or any kind of old urn or vessel that isn’t huge. When you are out thrifting, look for silver, heavy glass and other objects with shine to give a bar a bit of elegance. That’s where I put these two for now, but they would be pretty on a spring table with masses of white votives, white plates and pretty glasses or crystal and green napkins of some kind don’t you think?
Madewell Sandals
I’ve been loving my new Charley Slides from Madewell. I had them on the blog last week on the casual outfit look. They come in black, cream and I went with the tan with the contrasting black sole. These were comfortable right out of the box. They are 20% off now with code WARMUP.
Update: A few inquiries about my little Longchamp bag I am wearing above.. It’s the best and can hold a full wallet, phone and tons more. this bag was on my mind after Juliet shared she had one on this post.. Mine is the nylon version and it was found at The Rack, I can’t seem to find the same one online, but the leather version here and more options in comments below. (Also a nearly exact same J. Crew blazer as mine is now at J.Crew factory here in camel and navy. )
Lemon Glazed Cookies
My friend Jeanne is an amazing baker and she made me the most wonderful light shortbread lemon glazed cookies. I have been eating mostly healthy ( trying :/) , but these tiny shortbreads were small and so fresh and delicious with the addition of the glaze from yard lemons! Since we all have so much citrus now, I thought you could use another great lemon recipe. Original Source here.
American Viscountess
Are you an anglophile? A fan of Downton? Well you may enjoy American Viscountess Julie Montagu and her Youtube channel. Julie is an American girl from outside Chicago who married the Earl of Sandwich. They are in the process of renovating their Mapperton Country estate, which she raises money for, but she also visits other stately homes and meets interesting aristocracy. She’s a likable gal, also a yoga instructor and narrates specials on CNN like the latest one on Princess Diana. It’s a fun escape and you can find her channel and many episodes to binge here..and also follow her on Instagram here and here.
Serena & Lily 20% Off
This Serena & Lily sale is a great time to get things and I have to mention the 20% off when it happens as it’s the best time to buy. Use the code GOFORIT to get the discount. One of the best things on this sale is their Seaview Runner for hallways, bath and kitchen that I have here.. Mine is grey.
More of the Serena & Lily things I love and have in my house on this post.
Well that’s my meanderings for this week now please pop over and see what great ideas my friends Elizabeth and Juliet have for you…I really enjoy what they share every week.
PINECONES AND ACORNS
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
Wishing you all a beautiful weekend.
Thank you for being here!
Kim
If you missed last week’s post with healthy eating ideas, a plant based pasta dinner, the perfect black dress and more you can find it here.
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