Today on Weekend Meanderings an eagerly anticipated cookbook debut, spring and summer things, plus my friend Shelley’s over-the-top amazing Easter decorations.
Happy Weekend Friends!
It’s time for the weekend post with Kim and Elizabeth.
Our weekly roundup of inspiration and goings on.
This article includes affiliate links; if you click on a shopping link and make a purchase I may receive a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Happy first week of Spring!
It’s been like summer here … just glorious.
Although I should know better than to speak too soon.
It’s currently raining.
And on that note, let’s jump in.
STYLING OUR DINING TABLE WITH COFFEE TABLE BOOKS
While many of you are setting your tables for Easter, I’m setting mine with books. Snowberry overflowith with books so it seemed like a good idea. More about how and what inspired me here.
Speaking of books, earlier in the week Elizabeth spotlighted artist Kate Lewis. Kate’s bright and whimsical art includes a book series that makes my heart go pitter patter. She also illustrated a just-released edition of one of my all time favorite books, The Secret Garden. Of course, I ordered it immediately. Be sure to read Elizabeth’s artist spotlight here.
COOKING IN REAL LIFE
I won’t be deterred from my favorite topic … books. Last week Lidey Heuck’s new (and first) cookbook arrived and it’s a delight. Following in the footsteps of her former employer and mentor, Ina Garten (she wrote the forward which is very sweet), the recipes are ‘delicious and doable’ and I’ve post-it noted many that I can’t wait to try.
This week I made her Banana Cake with Dark Chocolate Frosting & Sea Salt. Yum!
Lidey’s website is full of her previously posted recipes, including those featured in New York Times Cooking (subscription needed to access). And of course you can follow her on Instagram.
SPRING & SUMMER THINGS
Yesterday I took a stroll through downtown Walnut Creek to see what’s new for Spring (and summer). Our recent good weather has me counting the days until we uncover our patio furniture and pull down the outdoor cushions. It’s raining right now so … not yet. This year I’d like to change up our outdoor pillow situation by adding more vibrant pattern and color. This scene from the Pottery Barn catalog got me thinking.
More At Pottery Barn ~
We’ve been using beautiful green and white Serena & Lily outdoor pillow covers for the past four years. They’re still in great shape and I still love them, but I’m craving something different this year. Serena & Lily is on the pricier side and their pillow covers are an investment. So … I don’t want to go overboard on a second set of pillows. Maybe I can do a little mix and match. When I mentioned my idea for new outdoor pillows to Jim he looked at me askance. He can’t remember my middle name, but has perfect recall on the Serena & Lily pillow invoice. Anyhoo, I know how he thinks so I’ve created a deck and a spreadsheet … a full presentation. I’ll let you know if I’m able to persuade the board.
I walked into Pottery Barn excited to see the new pillows for myself … and they weren’t there. What? I was about to leave the store, thinking I was too late and the pillows sold out, when the freight elevator door opened and there they were, carts stacked with new outdoor pillows. The catalog’s been out for weeks, but apparently they’re just rolling into stores. The corals and florals are gorgeous. Truth be told, I’m not sure if they’d work on our patio. I sure do love them though.
Pottery Barn’s catalog inspiration photo is a little misleading. Not all the pillows shown are outdoor pillows. My outdoor furniture isn’t covered and we do get a lot of sun, so I have to stick with outdoor fabrics. If you have a fully covered patio, I’m happy for you.
At Crate & Barrel ~
Crate & Barrel’s outdoor pillow selection leans toward neutrals with the exception of these pretty yellows.
I appreciate that they’ve gone to the trouble of putting together pillow grouping ideas … I tend to get overwhelmed and confused when faced with so many choices.
At Anthropology ~
The Terrain shop at Anthropology is always a visual delight. And yesterday I learned that citronella candles have taken a major step forward in technology. Not only are they pretty, but they smell pretty good.
Hanging Sanded Glass Citronella Candle | Mosaic Palo Santo Citronella Candle
Into the Anthro proper part of the store, more beautiful candles. Yellow is having a moment. These Capri Blue Rattan candles are so pretty, and Anthro’s volcano scent is fruity, tropical and divine.
Capri Blue Volcano Candle | Pink Peony & Neroli Boxed Candle
I didn’t have time to try on, but I’m fairly comfortable with my sizing at Anthro for ordering online. This Farm Rio dress is on my list as is this pretty green pastel-ish cropped cardigan.
Farm Rio Ocean Tapestry Dress | Mariel Cropped Cardigan
Isn’t this checkerboard hat the best? I’ve been seeing sparkly bags everywhere and these rhinestone minis are adorable.
Checkerboard Bucket Hat | Rhinestone Mini Bag
I just read a New York Times Style Magazine piece on pale blue bags for spring (sorry if the article is paywalled). All the bags highlighted are PRICEY. So when I saw this cute little pale blue number at Anthro I made a beeline.
Brea Faux Leather Shoulder Bag
This t-shirt made me smile and reminded me of our recent cruise and fabulous day spent in St. Barths! And right behind the shirts, these fabulous compote bowls.
St. Bart’s Tee | Compote Bowls
Last stop Loft ~
My last stop was Loft where they’re having a 40% off everything sale. Same deal online, PLUS free shipping! I didn’t intend to buy anything on my spring exploratory window shopping excursion, but we’re going to Italy in a couple of months and I thought these pieces would be nice additions to my packing. Plus … 40% off!
First of all, this shirt. Do I need another striped shirt? Mind your own business.
Who doesn’t need this linen blend blouse … with floral appliqué sleeve detail?!
It comes in a swing dress style too. $47.98 … that’s right! I bought the blouse, but not the dress … I wasn’t thinking clearly.
I’ve been sitting on the sidelines when it comes to vests … but I’m finally in the game with this white pocket version. It comes in a toasted beige too. These wide leg pants are the best pants EVER. First of all, this style looks good on everyone, they’re high waisted (but not too high-waisted), they have just the right amount of stretch, and are super soft and very comfy. They come in several colors and it was all I could do NOT to buy each one. I know Jim’s reading this and I hope he appreciates my restraint.
And finally ~
I’m not usually a Talbots shopper, but I parked right outside and this pretty, striped caftan in the window caught my eye. A great piece for summer … and summer travel.
SUMMER WATER
Occasionally a brand slides into my DM’s and asks if they can send me their product. And if it’s wine, who am I to say no? Earlier this week Summer Water did just that and before I could blink FedEx was on my doorstep asking for an over-21 signature. Yes, I’m over 21. Anyway, it was feeling very summery so I opened a bottle just to be polite. And … it’s really good! What is it? It’s a Rose, from the Central Coast. California’s Central Coast. And it’s everything a Rose should be dry, crisp, and refreshing … it feels like summer. Not only that, wine connoisseurs cover your eyes, I really love the packaging! Long story short … Summer Water and I are going to get along just fine.
I picked up these bee tumblers recently. Even Jim loves them and has been using them as wine glasses.
Looks like you can find Summer Water at all the usual places … Whole Foods, Safeway, BevMo, Walmart, Total Wine. And you can order direct from their website. Anyway, if you’re hosting Easter this is a lovely wine to have on hand. And if you’re guesting, a lovely wine to bring.
SHELLEY’S EASTER DECORATIONS
My friend Shelley is a holiday decor aficionado and last week I promised a peek at her Easter decorations. Because she spends weeks – WEEKS – preparing for each holiday and decorates her entire home I decided to narrow our focus to her kitchen area. No one sources decor like Shelley. She scours Home Goods, Hobby Lobby, Amazon and Etsy, all the usual suspects. As well as favorite local shops (she lives in the Sacramento area) and some a little outside her area like The Front Porch in Auburn, which I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, and Cabin Fever in Tahoe City. Hemmings & Jarret, also Tahoe City, was her favorite favorite, but closed up a few years ago. Don’t you hate it when favorite shops close? Shelley and I still lament the closing of Elegant Clutter in Danville. We’ll never get over it. But back to Easter and Shelley’s incredible decor. The theme for her Easter kitchen is Cottontail’s Bakery.
Shelley created her kitchen table setting around darling melamine bunny plates that she found at Home Goods several years ago. She paired them with striped placemats that she also already owned but hadn’t used. I love how it all came together!
You can follow Shelley on Facebook which I’d say is her preferred social media hangout. Thanks Shelley Welley for sharing … you must be exhausted. Hope the Easter Bunny’s good to you!
Current Favorites ~
And that’s what I have for you today.
Let’s visit Kim and Elizabeth to see what’s inspiring them.
If you missed last weekend’s post, you can catch up here.
Are you subscribed to the blog?
Sign-up here and get my latest posts delivered straight to your inbox.
Until next time, cheers from Snowberry!
Reader Interactions