Weekend Trips and Sunday Morning Coffee

This summer has been one of my favorites, as our weekends have been filled with family, dear friends, and little adventures that have reminded me how wonderful it is to simply get away for a few days.

I’m also sharing some of the handmade hostess gifts I’ve been creating in my craft room because nothing makes me happier than giving something made with love. And after a summer of weekend travel, I’ve finally discovered a few simple habits that have made packing easier and encouraged me to say “yes” to even more opportunities to spend time with the people I love.

A woman in a patterned dress stands by a table on a covered patio, with colorful flowers and a green lawn in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Enjoying the Writers Conference this weekend in Sun Valley.
Season 6 Volume 28

Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s catch up on everything that’s making this summer so memorable.

A collage with a house exterior, a kitchen, a door with a wreath, text "Sunday Morning Coffee," and a Christmas ornament labeled "The Santa Family.

About Me

A group of twelve adults sit together on a wooden wagon with yellow rails, parked outdoors on a sunny day next to a blue metal wall.
Wine Tasting in Lompoc, Ca.

Have you ever noticed that some of the very best memories are made over just a few days?

This summer has reminded me that you don’t always need a two-week vacation to feel refreshed. In fact, I think I’ve become a huge fan of weekend trips.

Three adults stand together in a lobby with glass doors and trees outside. One man wears a white shirt and red pants; two women wear light-colored and black outfits, smiling at the camera.
Weekend wedding in NYC.

Dave and I spent the weekend in Sun Valley for the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference, with three other couples, and it has been such a wonderful getaway.

A wooden table with a woven runner, glass vases holding flowers and greenery, and glass candle holders with white candles.
A fun gals dinner in Sun Valley.

Last weekend, we spent a few days in Ventura and Lompoc with five other couples, wine tasting, sharing long dinners, and enjoying the kind of conversations that only happen when everyone slows down for a bit.

Looking ahead, we have a weekend in Northern California with our family, a family gathering at our Ventura beach house, and a girls’ weekend at the beach that I’m already counting down to. Our big vacation to France is coming up in August, but until then, our calendar is happily filled with these shorter adventures.

Smiling woman sitting on a white couch holds a baby who is resting on her shoulder in a bright living room.
A family weekend in Ventura.

I’ve started to wonder if weekend trips might actually be my favorite kind of travel. They’re easier to plan, you don’t have to pack nearly as much, and somehow they fit so naturally into everyday life.

You come home refreshed without feeling like you’ve been away forever. Best of all, they give us so many opportunities to spend time with the people we love, and that’s really what makes any trip memorable.

At this stage of life, I’ve realized it’s not about how far we travel or how long we’re gone. It’s about saying yes to spending time together whenever we can, even if it’s just for a weekend. I have a feeling these little trips are going to be some of my favorite memories of the summer.

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Beige duffel bag with brown handles and a detachable shoulder strap, featuring a front zipper pocket and a bottom compartment; inset shows open bag with shoes and clothes inside.
Extra Large Travel Duffel Bag
A navy blue quilted duffel bag with two long handles and an exterior side pocket is shown against a white background.
Vera Bradley Women’s Premium Cotton Large Original Duffel Bag
Beige quilted duffel bag with a magazine, travel documents, and a pink bottle in its pockets, plus a matching zip pouch in front.
Lightweight Puffer Duffle Bag
Three-piece cream-colored luggage set includes a hard-shell rolling suitcase, a weekender bag with handles, and a small toiletry pouch, all featuring tan accents and trim.
Coolife 3 piece luggage Carry On Hardside Set 
Black quilted duffel bag with two shoulder straps, a zippered main compartment, and side pockets, shown against a white background.
Vera Bradley Women’s Featherweight Large Original
Three matching travel bags with blue floral patterns, including a large duffel, a small zip pouch, and a long strap, arranged against a white background.
Floral Quilted Duffle Bag
My Latest Project

My Latest Project

White handkerchief with an embroidered design featuring the letter "R" inside an oval frame topped with a bow, placed on a plain surface.
I embroidered 12 dinner napkins for our hosts in Sun Valley.

One of my favorite parts of all of these summer weekend trips has been creating handmade gifts for our hosts. There’s just something special about arriving with a gift that you’ve made yourself. It feels so much more personal, and I always hope it lets our friends know just how much we appreciate their hospitality.

This week I finished several embroidered dinner and cocktail napkins, and I love how they turned out. Each set is a little different, which makes them even more fun to create.

White linen napkin with an embroidered letter "S" inside an oval with a bow, neatly folded in a white box.
Cocktail napkins for my girlfriends.
White handkerchief with an embroidered letter "W" inside an oval with a bow, placed neatly in an open white box.

Earlier this summer, I also made several of my quilted bandana tote bags, and they’ve become one of my favorite gifts to give. They’re practical, colorful, and every time I finish one, I immediately start thinking about who would enjoy receiving it.

A large tote bag made from purple bandana fabric with "ELLIE" embroidered on the front, hanging on a white door handle.
Bandana bag gifts.

Of course, my gift-making isn’t finished yet! I still have four more hostess gifts to make before the summer is over, and I already have ideas swirling around in my head. Honestly, I think creating handmade gifts is almost as much fun as giving them away. Every stitch, every detail, and every finishing touch reminds me of the person I’m making it for. It’s become one of my favorite summer traditions, and I have a feeling I’ll be spending plenty more hours in my craft room before our last weekend trip is over.

Two crewneck sweatshirts, one peach and one lavender, both with the word "VENTURA" embroidered in large letters across the front, are folded on a marble surface.
I love these single-color sweatshirts. I finally have a few at the beach house, ready to give away!
Text logo reading "MY 100 YEAR OLD HOME | WHAT WORKED THIS WEEK" in gray, minimalist font on a white background.

What Worked This Week

A woman wearing a matching set stands in front of a house, holding two suitcases. The house has a steeply pitched roof, dormer windows, and is surrounded by a well-maintained lawn.

One thing that has definitely worked this summer is finally learning how to pack for weekend trips. You would think that after all these years I would have this figured out, but somehow I always find myself rushing around the house at the last minute, trying to remember chargers, toiletries, sunglasses, and all those little things that seem so important once you’re already on the road.

A few weeks ago, I decided enough was enough. I put together a small travel bag that stays packed with all of the essentials, so now I only have to add my clothes and a few extras before we leave. It’s such a simple change, but it has made getting out the door so much easier. I spend a lot less time wondering what I forgot and a lot more time looking forward to the weekend ahead.

A rectangular bag with beige and white checkerboard pattern and white handles sits on a marble countertop.
I love my new Travel Toiletry Bag.

The other thing that has really worked this summer is something that’s a little less tangible. I’ve started saying “yes” more often. Yes to a quick weekend away. Yes to inviting friends over. And yes to one more dinner on the deck.

It would be easy to look at the calendar and think we’re too busy, but I’ve realized these little trips and gatherings are the moments I’ll remember most. The laundry can wait another day, and there will always be emails waiting when I get home.

As I look back on the summer so far, I don’t think I’ll remember everything I crossed off my to-do list. I’ll remember wine tasting with friends, watching the sunset from our beach house, afternoons with our family, and weekends that seemed to fly by much too quickly.

I’m so glad we’ve made these little getaways a priority because they’ve reminded me that some of life’s very best memories don’t require a long vacation. Sometimes all you need is a weekend and the people you love most.

Set of six green and white checkered packing cubes and pouches with mesh panels and zipper closures, perfect for organizing during your next trip. Shop now during the Amazon Big Spring Sale for exclusive deals!.

Narwey 6 Set/5 Set Compression Packing Cubes

A beige Owala travel tumbler with a pink and purple lid and a purple carrying handle, standing upright against a white background.

Owala Water Bottle

A set of empty travel-size toiletry containers in various shapes, including bottles, jars, pouches, and tools with black, white, and clear designs—perfect for stocking up during the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Kitsch 11 PCS Travel Containers for Toiletries

Rechargeable Travel Makeup Vanity Mirror

16 Pack Travel Bottles Set – TSA Approved

A light pink rectangular backpack with black buckles, padded straps, side handles, and the brand name "Taygeer" printed at the bottom corner.

Taygeer Travel Backpack

This week's to do list.
  • Finish set up of my two new craft machines.
  • Make grandkid summer embroidered items for our trip up north.
A closed black suitcase on a white rug with a straw hat, sunglasses, woven bag, and straw sandals next to it in a bedroom with light flooring.

8 Things to Organize at Home Before Leaving for Vacation

A cast iron skillet filled with cheesy nachos and beans, surrounded by bowls of sliced jalapeños, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and radishes on a marble surface.

This Taco Casserole makes the best summer meal.

Several green potted plants with deeply lobed leaves are arranged in a row on a stone ledge outdoors, with moss growing on the surface.

8 Effective Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites

Person holding a cardboard box labeled "DONATION" filled with assorted folded clothes, positioned on a wooden table.

8 Things You Should Never Donate to the Thrift Store

Two plates of spaghetti carbonara with bacon, served with forks. A cheese grater and a block of parmesan cheese are on a cutting board nearby. A yellow napkin and glasses of water are also present.

This Quick Spaghetti Carbonara is amazing!

8.5″ White Ceramic Serving Bowls

Stainless Steel Mini Whisks

A wooden salad bowl with a matching wooden serving spoon and fork placed in front of it on a white background, perfect for serving a fresh grilled peach salad.

12″ Salad Bowl Set with 2 Wooden Hands

And what a week it was!

  • A cream and pink tote bag with pink handles hangs on a door knob. A flower-shaped keychain is attached to one handle.
    The Best Paper Napkin Crafts – Mondays in the Craft Room
    Paper napkin crafts are among my favorite ways to create beautiful handmade projects without spending a fortune or requiring advanced artistic skills. It’s amazing how a simple decorative paper napkin can transform clay, terra cotta, ornaments, pumpkins, and so much more…
  • A woman in a patterned dress stands by a table on a covered patio, with colorful flowers and a green lawn in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
    Weekend Trips and Sunday Morning Coffee
    This summer has been one of my favorites, as our weekends have been filled with family, dear friends, and little adventures that have reminded me how wonderful it is to simply get away for a few days. I’m also sharing some…
  • A bright kitchen features a white island with two wicker barstools, pendant lights, stainless steel appliances, white cabinetry, and large windows.
    A Top Trend – Rattan Furniture and Accessories
    A decor trend taking the interior design world by storm this year is rattan furniture and accessories. These timeless materials bring warmth, texture, and natural beauty to any space. From its historical roots to modern applications, rattan furniture and accessories can…
  • Three pink and orange fish-shaped ornaments decorated with sequins and beads are displayed on a cream and pink fabric background.
    Beaded Bag Charms – A Handmade Summer
    If you’ve been looking for a fun way to add personality to your favorite tote bag, you’ll love these Beaded Bag Charms. This colorful project is the perfect combination of creativity and sparkle, using seed beads, sequins, tube beads, and felt…
  • A white platter with arugula, sliced peaches, candied pecans, and creamy dressing, garnished with extra arugula and peach slices on a light wooden surface.
    Grilled Peach Burrata Salad with Honey Balsamic Drizzle
    Some recipes just taste like summer. You know the kind—fresh, colorful, effortless, and bursting with flavor. One of my absolute favorites this season is this Grilled Peach Burrata Salad with Honey Balsamic Drizzle. It’s everything I love in a summer dish:…
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    My Obsession with Hand-Building Clay Pottery Ideas
    For the past year, I have enjoyed one of the most rewarding creative experiences I’ve had in a long time: hand-building clay pottery ideas. What started as a curiosity quickly turned into a full-blown passion, and I’m thrilled to share the…
A canvas tote bag with lavender handles and base, featuring two cotton bolls on the front pocket and adorned with cute polymer clay charms for a playful touch.

Lavender Canvas Tote Bag

A wooden cake stand with a clear glass dome cover, shown with examples holding a cake, pie, fruits, and even used as a snack tray with nuts or to elegantly present a grilled peach salad.

Acacia Wood Cake Stand with Glass Lid – 12″

White plate with a light blue rim, featuring a painted design of five orange circles and green leaves arranged in a pattern.

47th & Main Hand-painted Decorative Plate

Square vintage-style tabletop clock displaying the time as 2:09. The clock has bold black numerals and metallic framing.

Small Gold Table Clock

Set of 2 Tart Pans, 9.5 inch

A white, cordless hot glue gun with a gray tip and the brand name "HOTO" printed on the side, standing upright on its base—perfect for your next coastal mirror DIY project.

HOTO Cordless Hot Glue Gun

Modern kitchen with light green cabinets, central island with white countertop and wicker chairs, stainless steel appliances, and decorative pendant lights overhead.

Martha shared an article titled “Sage Green May Be the New White.” Music to my ears!

Lots of fun things are scheduled for next week.

  • The Best Paper Napkin Crafts – Mondays in the Craft Room
  • The Best Salads – Summer Chicken Recipes
  • My Favorite Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream
  • How to Use Paper Clay
  • Summer Fruits: How to Clean, Store, and Bake Them
  • Summer Outdoor Table Decor Ideas

You Might Also Need…

Six clear wine glasses are displayed, with one glass in the front filled with red wine while the other five remain empty—perfect for entertaining or gifting during Amazon Prime Day.

ZWIESEL GLAS Pure Cabernet Red Wine Glass

A beige nonstick frying pan with a lid and matching handle, shown next to a wooden spatula on a white background—perfect for upgrading your kitchen this Amazon Prime Day.

Goodful All-in-One Pan, Multilayer Nonstick

A round, shallow wicker basket with a woven pattern, shown at an angle on a white background.

Wicker Round Bowl

A woven laundry basket with handles sits next to a beige sofa, adding a touch of vintage decor. A piece of light-colored fabric drapes gracefully over the basket's edge, contrasting with the light blue wall behind.

Tall Woven Basket

Large Gold Cage Lantern Light Fixture

A plain white ceramic cake stand with a wide, round top and a sturdy pedestal base—perfect for showcasing your favorite spring cake.

Portmeirion Sophie Conran Cake Stand, Mini, White

Green and brown ceramic colander bowl with handles and drainage holes along the bottom.

Creative Co-Op Stoneware Berry Bowl with Handles

KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

A group of fourteen stacked and unstacked white ceramic ramekins with brown rims, arranged on a plain background—perfect vessels for your favorite mini tart recipe.

ONEMORE Ramekin Set of 14

Shop My Home
Amazon Best Sellers

A Home to Share, by Leslie Saeta

This Week’s Top Sellers

We shared many of our favorite home items this week, and here are the top sellers!

A box of 10 wooden texture rollers with unique patterns; a circle inset shows hands using one roller on clay.

Clay Texture Rollers

A row of twelve neatly folded, light pink bandanas with a white and black paisley pattern.

Rose Soft Thin Handfeel Cotton Bandanna

Hammered Copper Bowl

Aboofx 9″ x 9″ Large Microwave Flower Press Kit

A small, white bottle labeled "Clay Glaze" with a blue label indicating it's a gloss varnish. The label shows art-related icons and states the volume as 100ml/3.4oz.

 Air Dry Clay Varnish

KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

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Woman in a patterned dress stands on a patio with outdoor tables, colorful flowers, and a scenic mountain background. Text reads: "Weekend Trips and Sunday Morning Coffee.

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6 Comments

  1. Hi, Leslie! We have a lake house and when we host, it is SO MUCH work! I work before, DURING, and so much afterwards. Often, I’m working on the next meal or getting the boat/snacks/etc ready…and others are visiting and laughing. Recently, some were planning a trip we will all be taking together while I was in the kitchen. This can lead to resentment for me. We had guests a few weekends ago, and left for a trip right after. I have 4 bedrooms that need cleaning/sheets washed/etc just waiting for me. Beyond prior planning, do you have tips for making a vacation home more enjoyable for the HOSTS? Thanks so much in advance.

    Reply

    1. Yes I do!
      I have started a fun plan where we share the dinner prep. Each couple gets a night and they cook for everyone. It works well because guests enjoy being able to help and giving them an assigned task makes it easy for them to do so.
      I also ask my guests to remove their sheets when they leave and replace them with the clean sheets in the closet. That saves me hours and I don’t mind doing the laundry as it’s easy but takes time!
      Once you create a way for your guests to help they will be happier. And you too!
      I hope this helps as you need to be able enjoy hosting. It makes a huge difference, I promise.

      Reply

  2. We have a lake house on the back of Lookout Mountain. It is such a restful place and is like going on a quick vaca. We travel a lot, and since we are retired can go in the middle of the week, to avoid weekend crowds. I say we are retired but we have 3 large antique booths that we are constantly restocking. We travel and pick, driving 2 lane highways, stopping in small towns, eating in locally- owned diners and meat and threes. We kinda know our destination but we will take a detour if we see a sign of an interesting place. Last trip we went to a petrified forest in Mississippi! This was my husband’s Mississippi Blues Trail birthday trip. We don’t give gifts, we give experiences. Our august trip is to Montana to see a jam band called Goose. My philosophy is to squeeze the life out of every day!

    Reply

  3. Great ideas. I’m committed to doing these and helping myself enjoy all of this much more. Thank you!!

    Reply

    1. I have been doing this for years. I kind of realized that it was my fault for doing everything myself. By asking my guests to participate it’s been so wonderful! For all of us.

      Reply

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