Happy Friday friends.
How was your M-TH that’s so much better now that your looking F-S-S square in the eye? I thought so.
My week started off with a definite uptick in my demeanor and in my desire to dig into work. I believe I have one thing to attribute it to and it’s that Monday rolled around and I was refreshed and inspired after a weekend getaway of womanly girl time with a few of the many inspiring bloggers I’m lucky to now call friends.
Who’da thunk that a virtual job where I don’t see anyone all day except my dogs when they’re begging for a bite of my lunch, and the occasional drop-in from my husband when he forgets a tool, his wallet or is craving his afternoon serving of cracked black pepper pistachios—BTW, they are unreal!—would result in real-life, flesh and blood friendships?
Not me.
My summer rounded out to be a bit of a bummer thanks to my broken wrist, so when I got an invite from Lori of Recipe Girl to come stay at her house in Lake Tahoe and hang out with a few blogging friends, I took a look at my calendar, booked my flight and said, “Yes! This is exactly what I need.”
From left: Amy of She Wears Many Hats, Lori of Recipe Girl, Kristen of Dine and Dish, myself, Kathy of Noble Pig and Sandy of Reluctant Entertainer
A little R&R, some great shopping on quaint mountain streets and an amazing deck to park ourselves on for a view of the lake for what I dubbed, “the mature blogger’s wine drinking and life lessons girl’s weekend.”
Originally Lori was going to have us all come to her own home, but had an issue with a water leak, so she rented this Lake Tahoe house for us to stay in. VRBO rules when you’re traveling, especially with a group where you all want to be together in one spot, rather than parked in separate hotel rooms.
While there was blog shop-talk, the better part of our time was spent drinking our morning #shotofcoffee on the deck, cooking together and talking about our families, our lives past and present and what we’re hoping to see in our futures.
Whether you’re a blogger or not, these types of getaways should be mandatory. Just like birthdays and paying taxes. It isn’t about being inclusive or exclusive, it’s about commonality and taking the time to develop friendships. So call / text / evite a few friends and be the instigator for your own woman-a-woman get together. Your friends will thank you.
Here are a few Friday Faves from my weekend. I hope you too can find a few nuggets of inspiration.
While on my shopping spree with the #tahoeretreat gals over the weekend, we headed to the neighboring town of Truckee where I found this 3-pocket, handmade apron. I’ve barely taken it off since I got back into the kitchen and even wore it when I picked up Smudge after school. She told me it was cute. Validation! I bought it at the Truckee Artisan Marketplace and while they don’t have an online store and I don’t know who actually made it, you can find other aprons like it here.
I had to buy this sweater. LOVE. Literally.
This was my favorite store we happened upon. The store’s mix of jewelry (I walked out with the earrings I’m wearing right now—I’ll share soon) letterpress paper goods, hipster mountain clothing and just super cool home stuff (terrariums!) brought Brooklyn hipster-ness to Truckee. I’ll be shopping their online store.
That’s where I saw these. I’m not usually one for motivational (aka sappy) word thingys, but these handmade plaques spoke to me. And the artist does custom sayings, too.
These flour sack hand towels had us all laughing because they hit just a weeee bit tooooo close to home.
This one was my favorite saying of the lot. Hello Mondays!
Of course we had to eat. And drink…
Kathy made mojitos, her recipe might just be, like she says, the best.
Lori made her famous dessert. I couldn’t keep my hands off them. And then she served her favorite wine. Yes!
Amy showed up with gifts for all of us. I LOVE my new bracelet! You have to check out her stuff. GORGEOUS!
Sandy made every night’s tablescape on the fly with random findings around the house, inside and out. She gathered enormous pinecones from the property to set next to just picked wildflowers nestled among the flickering candles. I bet the owners never knew how good their deck could look. Here are her tips so you can look like an entertaining whiz too.
Kristen shared some of her favorite online list makers aka Friday Faves, here and here.
And I blackened this incredible looking salmon and made the picatta dressing for the halibut while Amy helmed the grill for a fresh fish dinner that was delivered overnight from here. It was divine. I’m totally jumping on their seafood delivery bandwagon.
The weekend reminded me of how important it is to devote time to cultivating friendships, new and old. While I think of my friends all of the time, I’m really a terrible friend when it comes to taking the time to let them know.
But thanks to the girl’s getaway, I’m inspired to make friends—not work—more of a priority. I made some changes just this week to do that.
After dropping Smudge off at school, I was invited to breakfast by another mom from school who’s become a friend I’d like to know better. Normally I’d think I’m too busy, but I skipped out on my work for an hour (gasp!) and she made me beignets and milky, chickory coffee. Yep. I’ll definitely be reciprocating.
I had a lovely backyard lunch with some of my favorite Utah foodies, gals I don’t have to hop on a plane or go far and wide to enjoy their company, wisdom and friendship. I treasure them, I hope they know that.
I’ve texted a few old college friends and am making plans to host a brunch at my house before the weather goes South so we can enjoy the dying embers of fall on my deck.
And I’m hoping for a hike next week with one of my most inspiring friends who’s been asking me to go with her for the past 2 weeks.
I’m on a roll people.
I hope you guys get out and enjoy what your weekend has to offer, and PLEASE! Cook something good.
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Patti
I’m so happy you had such a wonderful time and I’m going to remind you to keep your pledge to spend more quality time for yourself and your friends that you so deserve. As you get older you realize that connections with others is the frosting on the cake, it’s what gives your life relevance and meaning. I’m so proud of you and love you with all my heart.
Aggie
I clicked over here from your current Friday faves…so glad I did. I can’t tell you how much I can relate to what you are saying about connecting with friends, face to face. Your weekend in Tahoe looks dreamy, in every possible way. I love the term “mature bloggers wine time”…I so need some mature anyone wine time these days.
So many things to check out here — thanks for sharing!
Sandy @ ReluctantEntertainer
Such a special weekend, and I always learn so much from you, Heidi. The way you love and care about people is infectious! Love and cheers to a great weekend!
Lori @ RecipeGirl
LOVE this post and all you chose to share. You took far more photos than I knew you were taking, lol! Gotta get my butt in gear and write up one too. Loved hosting you all- such a fun and inspiring weekend!
Cathy Pollak ~ Noble Pig
Loved our weekend so much and spending time just hanging out. Can’t to do it again and hopefully see each other swoon. Have a great weekend!!
kelley
I love your enthusiasm! You’re seriously The Goods, my friend. You inspire me to be better and do more. Thanks for your friendship and here’s to another fabulous week. Also, I might steal your apron and is it cool if we get matching LOVE sweaters?
mary
we love bespoke and are so excited to see our porcelain tags on your blog!
Alpha Cut HD Reviews
I like what you guys tend to be up too. Such clever work and exposure!
Keep up the great works guys I’ve added you guys to blogroll.
Kristen
I loved spending the weekend with you and appreciate the sincere way you share what you’ve got with others. I consider you a dear friend and am thankful to know you!
Your Friday Faves is my fave… and I am so happy you are realizing (or reminding yourself) the importance of connecting with others in real life. That makes me happy :)
Yvette (Muy Bueno)
Completely agree! It’s easy to say we are too busy and life just passes us by. I was reminded of that last week while in beautiful Wyoming. We need to stop and smell the roses and make time for the people we love. Next time you go out on one of these amazing events can I tag along ;)
Celestine
Wow! Looks like an amazing trip. Thanks for sharing.
Ali | Gimme Some Oven
Cheers to your girls weekend, prioritizing friendships, and cultivating optimism. Love it all! :)
Emily {Jelly Toast}
I love your Friday Faves posts, Heidi! This one is absolutely beautiful!
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl
Best Friday Faves yet! I had no idea how gorgeous Lake Tahoe is but I did know how gorgeous all of you ladies are!! Love the photos and I love the message. I’m hosting a lunch play date for 8 this afternoon and am looking forward to face time with friends. I also have a Holland Michigan lakeshore retreat on my mind for 2015! Boom. Cheers to friends!