Welcome to our weekly “walk and talk,” where we bring our weekly walks to you. Our walks are a time to catch up on family life, share online shopping hits and misses, exchange recipes, discuss our newest Netflix binge — all the stuff that friends share with each other. And now we’re sharing with you!
Don’t miss any of the good stuff! Click here for previous editions of our “Walk and Talk.”
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WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
CHRISTA : Finished The White Lotus (Season 2; HBO Max) last night. I won’t give anything away in case you’re still catching up, but let me say that ending was GREAT (although not the ending I wanted)! And can we pause a moment to discuss Portia’s crazy wardrobe? So happy to see Jennifer Coolidge was nominated for a Golden Globe for her role. If you haven’t seen The White Lotus, it’s a great binge for your winter break.
MEGAN : Fa la la la la-ing through all the Christmas movies. I finally got to pick one! The Noel Diary was sweet but not syrupy. Jacob is a best selling author and a recluse. He goes back to his mom’s house after she dies to clean it out and finds an old diary. The mystery begins there. Oh and his best friend is a dog. Who doesn’t love that? Well cast and the acting was pretty good. A creative story, but still a little bit cheesy. That’s part of the appeal though. Move this one to the top of your list of Christmas movies to watch.
PS: Currently binging White Lotus so I can compare notes with Christa. So far it’s really good!
WHAT WE ARE MISSING
MEGAN : On our walk this week, Christa and I realized the Golden Globe nominations just came out! Christa quickly whipped off her gloves and googled the details. And boy, do we have some movies to watch! I was shocked that I had only seen ONE of the best pic nominees. Some of the movies I hadn’t even heard of. I’m so ashamed. Usually I’m the friend that’s totally on it, seen the movies, knows what’s up, and this year, I’m out of the loop. I’m committing right now to see as many as I can before award season. On the bright side, I’ve seen 99% of the tv shows and series. How many have you seen? Anyone want to do a movie meet up? Here’s a link to an article about the nominees. Mark your calendars — the Golden Globes will be broadcast January 10th on NBC.
MY FAVORITE THING GIFT
CHRISTA : My gift for our annual favorite things party this year included (no surprise!) the tarte Maracuja juicy lip (in Hibiscus); a sample of some yummy cookies I like to send as care packages; and this super handy box opener (my friend Terry gave me a set last year — she knows how much online shopping I do!). I packaged them in these cute little stockings from Amazon and placed them inside clear bags. All of these items (except the cookies) are available for Christmas delivery. (The cookies are no longer available for holiday shipping, but you’ll be ahead of the game if you order now for Valentine’s Day for your student!)
SOMETHING YOU NEED
MEGAN : Last week I was aimlessly wandering the aisles of Whole Foods and discovered something too good not to share. It’s the ultimate ice cream sandwich, iSwich Gourmet Ice Cream Sandwiches (Chocolate, Pretzel and Caramel), and it is so good my family has been asking for them every night. They are kinda spendy so I’m reserving them for special occasions, but YUM.
WHAT WE’RE READING
MEGAN : Have you guys heard of a “BRAD”? It stands for Beach Read After Dark aka XXX…holy smokes! Ok, so now you know and if you are interested in a BRAD, I read one this week. I’m still blushing and I’m no sissy! Scandalized by Ivy Owens is the story of two childhood friends who reconnect (ah-hem they really “connect”) at an airport, one is a famous movie star and the other a writer for the LA Times. They are both involved in a scandal and have to decide if they want to fight for love. Pro tip: Don’t listen on Audibles unless you have headphones on.
WHAT WE’RE SHOPPING FOR
CHRISTA : I’m looking ahead to New Year’s Eve. Our evening will be spent at home playing games and watching movies, so comfort is the name of the game! This oversized sweater is the PERFECT fun pink, and I’ll pair it with my favorite comfy Levi’s jeans I already own and wear all the time (I have the Lapis Sun color). I might need some matching slippers…these are in my cart. (These pink sling heels would be a great option if you’re heading out.)
FRIENDS SHARE THE GOOD STUFF
Have something you love or can’t live without? Did you find a great deal? Well, do tell! Share with us and we’ll pass it along…because friends share the good stuff!
MEGAN’S KITCHEN UPDATE
Fingers crossed I’m going to be able to put up my Christmas tree this weekend. Painters are in full swing and I’m loving it! I feel like these weekly pics are kind of like “Can You Spot the Difference” pictures in an old Highlights magazine circa 1982. Can you spot my work station? It’s been a little hectic but this is where the magic happens.
SOMETHING JUST FOR FUN
CHRISTA : Time to order a new calendar — January 1st is just around the corner! I use my calendar on my phone for tracking appointments, holidays and birthdays, but it’s still fun to have a pretty calendar decorating my office wall.
First Row: Magical Meadows wildflowers calendar // Perpetual Calendar to track birthdays // Travel Destinations filled with beautiful illustrations
Second Row: Desktop watercolor calendar with gold bamboo stand // Floral heavyweight calendar to hang with gold clip // Framable wall calendar – makes beautiful wall art!
Third Row: Colorful wall calendar with whimsical painted scenes // Paper Source calendar with templates to create bookmarks, notecards and gift tags with the finished calendar pages // Desktop calendar with wooden stand
AND, HERE’S WHERE WE WALKED
It was a chilly walk and talk this week, but no wind and we are thankful for that. The window displays and fun decorations are on point in our Town Center. Feeling festive and inspired on our walks!
CHRISTA’S WALK AND TALK LINKS
- The White Lotus (Season 2; HBO Max)
- favorite things gift — tarte Maracuja juicy lip (in Hibiscus); yummy cookies; super handy box opener; cute little stockings; clear bags
- New Year’s Eve outfit — sweater // jeans // slippers
- 2023 Calendars — here’s my favorite
MEGAN’S WALK AND TALK LINKS
- The Noel Diary
- Golden Globes: link to an article about the nominees
- iSwich Gourmet Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Scandalized by Ivy Owens
WHAT’S HAPPENING ON THE BLOG
Our holiday gift guides are available here. If you’re still shopping (no shame in that!), check them out for ideas. Regular shipping deadlines have passed for many retailers, but you can find many of these items in store or try express shipping.
If you’re shopping is done and now you’re ready to wrap, check out our collection of gift wrap supplies to make wrapping much easier! (And if wrapping isn’t your thing, gift bags are socially acceptable, too!)
As you’re getting ready to celebrate the holidays, check out our place setting post for ideas to set a festive table.
Walking is always so much better when you go with a friend! We hope you’ll share our blog with your walking bestie. And let us know in the comments what you’re watching, wearing, eating, planning or shopping for.
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