Buddy the Elf Pasta, Hello Lovely, Jamie and John Dewberry and more on Weekend Meanderings.
WEEKEND MEANDERINGS
Good morning and a happy Saturday to you! It’s time for weekend meandering with Kim and Juliet, our weekly series where we share all of the things that piqued our interest and caught our eye over the past week.
Ok, let’s get to it.
ONE TO FOLLOW~Hello Lovely
Do you know Michele of Hello Lovely? If not you are missing out. If you do than you know that she is not only an amazing woman but a beautiful award winning blogger as well.
Michele and I go way back, to the Midwest where we are both from, but also in Blogland. We both started blogging around 2010, and have never looked back. Not only is Michele a prolific blogger but she and her husband DIY/remodel houses in IL and AZ. I have lost count on how many houses they are transformed from forlorn to fabulous. Michele is also a licensed counselor, former educator, writer and designer.
Hello Lovely is a place to visit daily for timeless French country and European inspired spaces and subjects but also to fill your cup and to replenish your soul. Michele works tirelessly to bring the best of everything to her blog from her photos, quotes and the products and people that she shares. She shares sources, paint colors and more. But at the end of the day it is her friendship, and fellowship that I come for.
One of my favorite posts of late, Permission to Chill! If you only read one post this holiday season READ THIS POST.
Your holiday doesn’t have to look like it did in the past, or mirror those your see on the square of Instagram and Tik Tok. You do not have to rush to join the hustle and bustle or to feel “LESS” if you don’t have the viral HD tree, or if you skipped the Elf on the Shelf this year, if you are sick and tired or keeping up or just sick and tired. You don’t need permission to chill but it is a reminder that it will be ok if you do.
I love this quote, “You and yours are free to embody and welcome calm this Christmas. Free to choose how a joyous December and magical holiday will feel, sound, taste and look.”
You can follow Michele on her blog or on Instagram.
Christmas with Jaimie and John Dewberry
Speaking of timeless design and inspiration, this video of Jamie and John Dewberrys’ Charleston home is one I recently discovered on Youtube. The collected pieces, history and thoughtful sentimental pieces make this grand old house a home.
Buddy the Elf Spaghetti
Elf is one of my all time favorite Christmas movies and apparently the week Elf Spaghetti is one of the the Google trends. Does anyone actually make “dessert” spaghetti? For those who don’t know the recipe, it is spaghettini drenched in chocolate sauce and maple syrup, topped with broken fudge pop tarts, sprinkles, marshmallows M&Ms and other candy.
If you don’t think you can make this on your own you can also add it to your Hello Fresh order.
You can also order it at Miss. Ricky’s Chicago eatery.
What do you think? Is this something that you would ever make? I personally will pass on this recipe but if you have tried it let us know. I do like my sweet treats but not sweet spaghetti.
Cranberries the fruit of Christmas
If you have been around this blog, not bog, for more than a minute you know that I love cranberries, especially at the holiday. My signature cocktails always have cranberries and some of my favorite dessert do as well. Here are a few cranberry treats I think would be perfect on your holiday table and you can bet they will be on mine.
Cranberry Swirl Bundt cake, this cake is delicious in at brunch, with a cup of tea and for dessert too.
Browned Butter Cranberry Streusel Bars, a layer of buttery shortbread topped with cranberry jam and then streusel.
Cranberry Walnut loaf. Make a few of these to give the neighbors and your house guests to take home when they leave.
Easy, homemade cranberry cordial.
If cranberries aren’t your thing and you don’t like to bake try this no-bake peppermint tart or these gingerbread cupcakes!
Don’t forget the Christmas cookies! Last week I joined 6 friends and we shared some easy and delicious cookies to add to your holiday table.
Seeing Red
Red is such a cheerful color, especially on dark winter days.You can create an entire red outfit with a sweater and skirt or use red as the accent and pair it with blue or black.
As for your home, red plaid is always a beautiful look. I have gathered up a few red accent pieces for your home and wardrobe, and the best part, many are on sale.
LINKS TO READ+WATCH+LISTEN
DO NOT put essential oils in your vacuum no matter what Instagram tells you.
The Best Renaissance Artist You’ve Never Heard Of
When New York’s Biggest Private Landlords Are Columbia and NYU
I just discovered this podcast, History Tea Time.
3 Fundamental Lessons Too Many of Us Learn Too Late in Life
Giant Food Companies Are Quietly Ruining Your Favorite Snacks — and Hoping You Don’t Notice
How Much to Tip and Tipping Culture Are Controversial. But Why Do We Care?
Multitasking Makes You Less Productive. Here Are 4 Ways to Actually Get Work Done.
If Your Christmas Holds Some Sadness, Tears & Hardships
The At Home Pizza Revolution is Here.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT~THIS WEEK ON THE BLOG
Monday I shared this beautiful outfit, which looks like a skirt but it actually culottes, a great holiday book and lots more.
Tuesday, 15 ways to spread joy through the holidays!
I finally shared my holiday and Christmas gift list for the men in your life. This is a tough one for me but my husband offered suggestions, he/we own 90% of these things so can vouch for the quality.
10 Free Gifts to Give this Christmas was my most popular post this week.
Last but not least, Friday Favorites! This week I shared holiday appetizers, books to add to your stack, a beautiful outfit and lots more.
Shop the Outfit
UNTIL NEXT TIME
I hope that you enjoyed meandering with me today. Did you enjoy Buddy the Elf Pasta, Hello Lovely, Jamie and John Dewberry and more on Weekend Meanderings?
If you did please share the post on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!
Have a great day! Don’t forget to pop over visit my friends Kim and Juliet you can find the links below.
If you missed any of the previous Weekend Meandering posts you can find them all here.
This post contains affiliate likes, as an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission if you purchase an item using a link.
Merry Christmas, Elizabeth! I need more RED and your cookies!
Thank you for honoring me so kindly, so lovingly. I’m renewing your permission slip to chill for the rest of the season so FEEL FREE to be free of weariness, free of the weight of expectations and all the things (especially blogger things – good gracious). PINECONES & ACORNS: for me, they are two of the most special seeds on the earth. Acorns and walnuts began to appear everywhere here this fall. I found a couple on the bistro chairs on the deck just last night where squirrels maybe came to hang out. This is a magical thing since not a single acorn was spied last year or the year prior. My squirrels were beyond precious to me in our former home. I have missed their energies and daily teachings. I take the appearance of acorns as a supreme gift to me personally, and no one can talk me out of my conviction. Hahahahaha. I don’t know anything at all, but I am open to magic, to mystery, to wonder. Awe just never gets old. Neither does growing. And I sense that desire to grow, plant seeds, and nurture in you as well. May awe and Christmas wonder reign here for your friends. May it continue to blossom in your lovely heart. xox
Elizabeth, you’re not going to believe this but I’ve need seen the movie, Elf! I know … what?! Love your friend, Michele … and how fun that you are longtime real life and blog buds. Her aesthetic is beautiful. The Dewberry’s home is a gem, I’m going to be watching that video again and again. And one of these day’s I’m going to get to Charleston and stay in their hotel. Cranberry everything … bring it on! Have the best weekend … and Merry Christmas! xoxo
I had to laugh at your Valentine comment as only yesterday I said to my daughter “You wait, just after Christmas day there will be Valentine cards out”. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year. Thank you for all the lovely posts you put so much effort into.
I relate to the weariness. Hopefully with the blog winding down for a few days, you can enjoy your break. Merry Christmas Elizabeth.
Rachel, Merry Christmas. I think we both deserve a break after a long productive year.
Elizabeth you deserve a break too. I think you’ve been entertaining more than most of us! You have a lot going on with your blog, baking, and all the links and shopping. I wonder how you do it all. I am late commenting as I had a houseguest and it was fun, but a lot. I’m so ready to do less. Michelle is right, we have to step off the hamster wheel or when will we actually enjoy the season?
I love all your bakes. I would like to try the cranberry walnut bread if I can squeeze it between cookie baking. Love the video! So much inspiration.
Happiest Christmas to you Elizabeth! Here’s to a good 2024. I love doing this with you!
xo