Friday Flotsam

Frrrrrrrrrrrrrederlee doo! Wait have I done that one before?

I realized yesterday that I’m well on my way to becoming a hanger person. A travel hanger person. One of those GARMENT BAG HANGER PEOPLE.

You know what I’m talking about. Think about when your parents visit you, and they get out of the car, and then open the door to the back seat and pull out the big zipped-up plastic vinyl brown garment bag (probably Samsonite <“I was way off!”>) with the cluster of metal hanger hooks sticking out the top they’ve had since 1981.

That. I am that. Yesterday I was ironing (ugh) a few button ups (downs?) for our little Easter trip to Fayetteville this weekend, and I was complaining that I’m going to put them into my suitcase, only to wrinkle again, therefore causing me to have to iron (ugh) them again later on. And then I was like, “I need something to just contain the hangered items so they don’t wrin- ohhhhhhhh no.”

This is apparently where I am in life.

Do you use garment bags? Are they even called garment bags?

Thus bringing me to a very important question/poll: what’s a cute slash stylish garment bag I could look into?

Ugh.

And I know what you’re thinking.

Because I used to think it, too. “Just don’t own clothing that you have to iron.” PA-REACH. I feel you hard. Except, it’s just not reality for an old lady like me anymore.

I’ll tell you what still is reality though: “Don’t own clothes that say dry clean only.” Girl that’s the plan.

It reminds me of this Mitch Hedberg bit from yonderlore about dry cleaning. Hold on, let me look it up so I get it right.

Hold on.

Okay here it is, omg. “This shirt is dry clean only, which means, it’s dirty.”

Mitch, truer words have never been spoken. (RIP)

Garment bags though! I’m wrapping my head around this. Give me the goods.

This is something I think about at night and all the time:

You know the little Dove chocolates with the messages inside? I know we’ve talked about this before. The messages. But have you ever noticed that the messages are sort of built around inspiration for the day ahead? For the whole day that’s in front of you?

Dove, I’m not eating this chocolate at breakfast. We need to rethink these messages. I’m unwrapping that sucker post dinner and right before kitchen cleanup. 6:30pm. There’s no need to inspire me now. How about the messages say something like, “Just call it. You’re fine.”

or, “Get to this tomorrow.”

or, “Kick your feet up and finish that book already.”

or, “The kids don’t really need a shower tonight.”

or, “I won’t tell if you pour that glass of wine.”

or, “It’s okay if you don’t want to talk to anyone tonight.”

or, “No one will know if you leave right now.”

or, “The car keys are right there.”

jk.

I think?

Tell me your favorite SOUNDTRACK. All caps.

We’re road tripping today and while I’m desperate finish these last few pages of Illicit Intent and start The Nest, I’m still in the passenger seat and in charge of the tunes, bruh.

Aaron just watched Death on the Nile (the new one! oh it is GORGEOUS to look at. I didn’t watch the whole thing, just like 20 minutes.) and he said the soundtrack is outrageous. He didn’t say outrageous.

Can you imagine Aaron using a word like outrageous? Ha! I can’t remember how he phrased it. Something like, “Pulling up this soundtrack for you, Bev. You’ll love it.” That.

So we’ll throw that on. But what else! Besides Dirty Dancing and Amélie and High Fidelity, I’m dry. What should we listen to?!

Easter weekend plans?

It’s going to be a rainy WASH this weekend in Arkansas, but we’re going and I’m excited and I don’t even care. I’m making a springish potato salad for a pot luck (also that’s who we are now. pot luck people- story for another day) tomorrow at my girl Sarah’s. A bunch of old friends are getting together and hopefully the rain will chill out for a little bit so we can spill outside into the chilly 60s. We’ll be okay. This is what wine is for.

From this week, in case you missed it!::: Salmon, Leek and Potato Chowder! The perfect Easter weekend soup, if you have room on your table. And Skillet Shellbows with Shallots, Peas and Tomatoes! Ultra comforting, but still with a kick of seasonal vibrancy.

A lot of work goes into these recipes and blog posts, so if you’re able, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. I miss the dialogue we used to have with recipes. I know it’s not your job to comment and stroke a food blogger’s ego, but – it helps. It keeps me motivated to put out content for you. Keeps me inspired to give you something fun and delicious and maybe make you giggle. Because if I hear nothing, I feel nothing. I’d love some love on these posts, if you have twenty seconds. I still love ya! Just remember that the conversation is the best part about this whole blogging job. So without it, it starts to feel pointless. Which yes, is dramatic – but true. And I miss that. So much.

Okay go get Eastered! And um, garment bags. Help.

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37 Responses to Friday Flotsam

  1. Jenn P April 15, 2022 at 8:51 am #
    Yes, they're called garment bags. I don't have a specific brand (I'm a costumer and we typically use clear plastic ones for multiple reasons), but in my personal life I like the muslin ones or a nonwoven one that I can throw (violently) in the washing machine every once in a while. And I was recently reminded that the Romeo + Juliet soundtrack (also baby Leo and Claire in that movie, UGH) is great, and I dearly love the Empire Records soundtrack (baby Renee Zellweger before she did all those things to her face, and baby Liv Tyler - CAN'T).
  2. Lindsay Williams April 15, 2022 at 8:51 am #
    Love this! My only garment bag is a very loud and very puffy Vera Bradley number gifted to me by my mother. It dies the job, but now I’m inspired to find a Paraval or Mark & Graham type bag - oozing with prep and timeless class. As far as soundtracks go, my two favs are Garden State and The Last Kiss. The instrumentals from Braveheart are spectacular. If you’re into film score, James Horner and Ennio Morricone are all so moving and perfect. Happy travels!!
  3. Lindsay April 15, 2022 at 8:53 am #
    Love this! My only garment bag is a very loud and very puffy Vera Bradley number gifted to me by my mother. It dies the job, but now I’m inspired to find a Paraval or Mark & Graham type bag - oozing with prep and timeless class. As far as soundtracks go, my two favs are Garden State and The Last Kiss. The instrumentals from Braveheart are spectacular. If you’re into film score, James Horner and Ennio Morricone are all so moving and perfect. Happy travels!!
  4. Hannah April 15, 2022 at 9:04 am #
    I haven’t made that chowder, but I’m gonna. We live in the PNW and are always looking for new ways to make salmon. So this is definitely added to the list. Also, I know when you go through all the trouble to create, make, shoot, and edit recipes and no one responds it feels like you’re talking to an empty room (Beuller?), but you aren’t. I know myself and a couple girlfriends read you recipes every single week. I also search through your website for recipes because I always know you’ll have good ones. SO, just know. It’s not all for nothing. ALSO also, I think you might have to commit and embrace the garment bag. This is who you are now. And that’s ok. Have a great Easter weekend!
  5. Jules April 15, 2022 at 9:06 am #
    My new over and over obsession song is " Reckoning" by Alanis Morrisette. It so good. I'm not great with the words but feel something deep inside be still and calm while it plays.
  6. Jenn April 15, 2022 at 9:27 am #
    I needed a garment bag this weekend to transport mine and my husbands Easter clothes to the lake. Nope, nah, never....just folded those suckers in half and but them on top of the bags. Now my parents, who traveled here too.....I'm going to sneak in their room later and I can 100% guarantee they have a garment bag. I feel like it would be something I use once and then it would collect dust in my basement. I'm good with my method for now.....in 10 years maybe. If you buy and USE one.....report back. Reading The Last Green Valley (its a good one) and hoping this Midwest weather is nice to us this weekend. Happy Easter to you and your family!
  7. Rebekah S April 15, 2022 at 9:55 am #
    I actually think garment bags are sophisticated. You were someone important if you carried a garment bag. I feel like I leave the same comment on every food post. “Oh yum!!! I need to make this ASAP!” It’s always a sincere comment, but I usually spread it out so it’s not just redundant. Weekend plans: (we live near Fayetteville so same rainy weather) Peter Pan ballet rehearsals, clean up the yard of our mid-construction house, read the sequel to The Things We Cannot Say. (So Good!)
  8. Sarah April 15, 2022 at 10:01 am #
    I so appreciate your presence here in this blog, insta, in my reading lists, in the recipes I hold on to, all of it. In an internet world awash with BILLIONS of food writers and peeps, so many fleeting and forgettable, you are a mainstay of this big digital world. I’ve always been drawn to your words and humor and energy and talent and I’m glad to “know” you! Keep doing you :-) Soundtrack rec, sort of…just saw the Broadway show Ain’t to Proud! https://open.spotify.com/album/53HLTRRmSjHtuybrSK32fV?si=xoCR4XHvQB-m8m4YEv_hGg
  9. Sarah April 15, 2022 at 10:02 am #
    My typo will drive me nuts! *Too
  10. Bri April 15, 2022 at 10:11 am #
    Okay top soundtrack ALWAYS is French Kiss. I also like Dan in Real Life, and you already mentioned Amelie. Last one that’s a guilty-not-guilty pleasure is Prince or Egypt!!
  11. Carla April 15, 2022 at 10:16 am #
    Soundtrack: 500 Days of Summer
  12. Nan April 15, 2022 at 10:16 am #
    Soundtracks: Little Women (1994)! And mad men - I haven’t listened to them all but often put on season 5? :)
  13. Carla April 15, 2022 at 10:18 am #
    500 Days of Summer Soundtrack
  14. Caitlin April 15, 2022 at 10:26 am #
    I have no tips about garment bags or sound tracks, but just wanted to say that your Friday Flotsam are my favorite! I chuckle out loud (it’s the new laugh out loud because it’s more realistic for me) every week, starting with your opener! (How will she say Friday haha!) Thank you.💕
  15. Amanda April 15, 2022 at 11:09 am #
    We recently went on a Disney cruise with my in-laws and they had multiple of those garment bags and we just had old hand-me-down suitcases stuffed full 😂
  16. rita April 15, 2022 at 11:11 am #
    one of my personal favorites is the soundtrack from guardians of the galaxy. the first song of the movie after starlord is grown is chris pratt dancing to redbone's come and get your love. the rest of the movie has a pretty good soundtrack too. i guess part of it is chris pratt well, dancing in a long leather duster. i guess that visual won't work while riding in the car but worth a look! safe travels and happy easter!
  17. Jennif April 15, 2022 at 11:12 am #
    Pulp Fiction soundtrack! But...not for little ears!
  18. Nikki April 15, 2022 at 11:44 am #
    One Tree Hill Season 1 soundtrack is still amazing. Pinky promise :)
  19. Ashley April 15, 2022 at 12:36 pm #
    I too feel the need for interaction when working behind a screen. After teaching almost two years virtually to a class full of students that refused to turn their cameras on, I started to really understand why Tom Hank’s character created Wilson. We don’t want you to get to that point! 🥰
  20. Julie April 15, 2022 at 1:49 pm #
    I ordered garment bags from Amazon, like a 10 pack of them. I use them for off season coats/dresses/suits and hang them up downstairs and everything is neat and tidy! They are not stylish by any means but they do the trick. Happy Easter Bev and fam.
  21. Jess April 15, 2022 at 2:13 pm #
    I made your Mediterranean bean salad over the weekend for a pot luck and people kept coming up to me throughout the day to compliment me on how much they liked it! Thanks for making me look good! Any Wes Anderson soundtrack is always fun, and I really liked the eclectic one for Baby Driver too.
  22. Joanne April 15, 2022 at 3:22 pm #
    I had a garment bag that came with my luggage set when I graduated high school-- I used it until it broke! That was genius for not wrinkling things and I don't care how old it may have made me look. Back then I thought it made me look rather cosmopolitan. I literally just unwrapped a Dove chocolate as I was reading this (my mom sent our family a chocolate/candy box for Easter and it has been dangerous!) and something like "it's not too early for pj's" would have been a perfect saying! I didn't check out either of this week's recipes as I am really trying to avoid any with dairy in them-- I love dairy and can't resist recipes that use it but my eczema reminds me that I'm really not supposed to be eating it. And no... the milk in milk chocolate does not count. :) Enjoy your trip.
  23. Anonymous April 15, 2022 at 3:48 pm #
    You are so cool!! I just love your sense of Humor. I definitely lol every time I read anything your wrote. You always make me smile. Thank you for that. And your recipes geez, so so good. They inspire me for sure. Happy Easter to your sweet family! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
  24. Susan April 15, 2022 at 3:59 pm #
    Soundtracks I love are Reality Bites, Swingers, Stealing Beauty, and O Brother Where Art Thou. All goodies for a road-trip!
  25. Emily P April 15, 2022 at 4:42 pm #
    Some good soundtracks already mentioned above… one to add to the list: When Harry Met Sally (HCJ).
  26. Kindy DiPalma April 15, 2022 at 5:44 pm #
    Just popping in to say that you’re my fave blogger of all-time, Bev!! Please keep up the fabulous recipes and entertaining posts!
  27. Adriana April 15, 2022 at 8:38 pm #
    Patch Adams and Remember the Titans soundtracks are always road trip go to's for me
  28. Melanie Carter April 15, 2022 at 8:39 pm #
    You da best! I've commented before to acknowledge and appreciate your multi-talents and uniqueness. We're with you.
  29. KC April 16, 2022 at 12:23 am #
    I lovey doodle doo Friday Flotsam :) thank you for consistently posting and for great recipes that my family enjoys. For a throw back, I love the Dumb and Dumber soundtrack. And the music on the Outlaws is really catchy too. Happy Easter!
  30. RiverboatSam April 16, 2022 at 12:31 am #
    Last of The Mohicans and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Ok, yeah, they're a little different.
  31. Lori April 16, 2022 at 6:30 am #
    Can you please write for Dove in your spare time? Those were hilarious especially no one will know if you leave now… lol. Have a good weekend!
  32. Sue April 16, 2022 at 7:48 am #
    My favorite bloggers are women I feel like I would be friends with, and I’m sure that we would be besties! I love your posts, recipes, and book reviews. Please keep it up! We’re here for it! My kids are grown, but this will be the first Easter in 33 years where I haven’t dyed or hidden eggs. They’re working or away, and I’m pretty sad about it. I’m a soundtrack freak: Grease, The Sound of Music, The Muppet Movie, Urban Cowboy, Moulin Rouge, Saturday Night Fever, Dirty Dancing…
  33. Kiersten April 16, 2022 at 2:21 pm #
    The Big Chill soundtrack forever!
  34. Annie April 16, 2022 at 9:45 pm #
    Bev, please oh please do not stop writing blog posts! I love Friday flotsam and your recipes and thoughts in general because they are original and funny and reminds me of how I think :). Soundtracks are my JAM. When I was in high school I would wait an eternity for them to be released on cds so I could go buy them and then listen to them over and over on my stereo while reading the lyrics from the front. Someone already mentioned Garden State, which is one of my all time favorites. But I think you would like Great Expectations (from the '98 film with Gwyneth). There's a couple songs on there that I'm like meh, but the rest are all very moody, haunting melodies. Some of them have a Parisian flair, (which I know you love!) and there's a waltz that begins and ends with some lovely piano. Try it. It's so so good. Notting Hill is also really good. If you want like classic, sing all the songs happy oldies (Beatles, the Turtles, The Who, The Hollies, Otis Redding, Cream.. I mean, come on) Pirate Radio can't be beat. And my favorite instrumental soundtrack is actually not available on any streaming device, so you'll have to just watch the movie when you're back home...Sabrina, the '95 version with Harrison Ford and Julie Ormond. Bonus because you get to see Paris mid-nineties! It's done by John Williams and I mean, what doesn't he do well? It's beautiful and I love it. Enjoy your trip and have a happy Easter!
  35. Emily M April 17, 2022 at 10:24 am #
    HAPPY EASTER!! So I have always just called it a “Hanging bag”. Since it “Hangs”! Hahahaha… guess i got that from my parents. My husband has this fancy thing that is technically one, but also folds in half, but still keeps your clothes neat and tidy. I’d say look for one like that. Ok- super random soundtrack suggestion, but i think you just might LOVE IT: “French Kiss”. The old movie from mid-90s with Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline... “Express, not repress!!” … I can quote the whole thing (it was on repeat in my freshman dorm room!), and the French songs all over that soundtrack make me happy. Enjoy!
  36. Rosemary April 18, 2022 at 9:04 pm #
    Just catching up after the busy weekend -loved reading all the comments, i need to make the mediterranean bean salad! We love you, thanks for calling us out on holding up our side of the relationship!!! Sometimes i just use a cleaners cover bag because -lazy - but i do have pretty linen look garment bags that came from TJ Maxx. Your ig reels have been so artistic and beautiful - Thank you for sharing the gorgeous lens that you see life through!!!!
  37. Julie April 20, 2022 at 5:10 pm #
    This is late and you already went on your road trip, but you must listen to the soundtrack from Coda. It is so good. Also, did you ever get those Dove chocolates with directives from Martha Stewart written in them. They were terrible. I just want to enjoy my chocolate Martha, not feel guilty that I am not cutting fresh greens for my table.

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