Today on Weekend Meanderings, it’s all about fall. Fall outfits, fall reading, fall baking and more.
Happy weekend friends! It’s time for the weekend post with Kim and Elizabeth. Kim is back … we’re all present and accounted for and ready to share weekly roundup of inspirations and goings on.
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There’s no denying it, fall is in the air. And pumpkins are at Orchard Nursery … please leave some for me. In addition to shorter days and cooler nights, our trees are dropping leaves, needles and acorns like nobody’s business. And the squirrels are working overtime. Poor Maggie is being driven insane by their activity. I picked the last of our Dahlias this week, they’ve been incredibly beautiful and plentiful this year.
Early Fall Outfits
This week I intended to publish a What I Bought for Fall post, but I’m slow and missed my own deadline. Not to worry, it’s coming soon. In the meantime I’m sharing a couple of transitional, casual looks that are going to get me through the next couple of months.
It’s the time of year in Northern California where sweaters make an appearance but sandals are still going strong.
A couple of weeks ago I bought these Bermuda length cut-offs when shopping with Kim. I’ve worn them nearly everyday since along with a white tee or tank. This week it cooled off so I added a lightweight cropped, cotton cardigan, and finally pulled the trigger on these suede Beek slides that I LOVE and will be wearing constantly the next couple of months. Did you know (I did not) that Beek donates one day’s worth of meals to a child in need for every pair of shoes sold?
Kim must be a bad influence because I bought this denim dress when I was with her too.
I’ll be packing it for an upcoming wine country weekend where it will likely be warm (hot) during the day, and chilly at night. My cropped cotton cardigan will come in handy.
Apple Cinnamon Scones
Signs of fall are everywhere but you know how I really know it’s fall? My Apple Cider Aperol Spritz recipe zooms to the top of the most visited posts and shared Pins.
Nothing says fall like a good apple recipe so I’m kicking off the season with Apple Cinnamon Scones. I’ve been craving apple cinnamon scones and saving recipes to Pinterest. I’m going to try them all and find the best one. I started out with this recipe from Live Well Bake Often and it’s pretty darned good. The recipe suggests, and I agree, the scones be eaten the same day they’re baked.
I don’t bring pumpkins out until October 1st, it’s a hard and fast rule. I made an exception for this pumpkin print dish towel that my BFF Jane’s daughters gave me. It’s so cute I had to start using it right away. It’s from Anthropology, they have some beautiful autumn kitchen linens … like this fall foliage motif and this trick or treat towel … fun if you have kids or grands in the house.
Cozy Up with These Books
Reading is one of my favorite things … always has been. I was a kid who never had a problem entertaining herself … with a book. I probably picked it up from my mom, a former English teacher, who always had her nose buried in a book. At the beginning of this year I resolved to up my book reading which has fallen off in recent years. I blame the internet.
My most recent and charming read is the The Potting Shed Murder by Paula Sutton. Tag line – There’s death amongst the dahlias. How can you resist? You may know Paula as Instagram sensation @hillhousevintage and her first novel is what I’d call a cozy mystery. Set in the English countryside there may be a few autobiographical elements to the story. In any event, it’s my hope that this is the first in a series of Daphne Brewster of Pudding Corner mysteries.
My most highly anticipated fall (and beyond) book releases (in order of release date) ~
Kingmaker: Pamela Harriman’s Astonishing Life of Power, Seduction, and Intrigue by Sonia Purnell
I’ve been fascinated with Pamela Harriman since reading Sally Bedell Smith’s biography, Reflected Glory: The Life of Pamela Churchill Harriman, published a year before Pamela’s death. She went from English baron’s daughter to United States diplomat and was up close and personal to some of the most important events – and people – of the 20th century. I can’t wait to read this new biography.
Be Ready When the Luck Happens, a Memoir by Ina Garten
Don’t you love that title? Ina’s going on a book tour, but not just any book tour … more like Taylor Swift stadium tour. Ok that’s an exaggeration but the tour is billed as An Evening with Ina and is filling theaters and auditoriums around the country. Sadly, for those of us who didn’t act quickly enough, most of her stops are sold out. This article in the New Yorker will whet your appetite … ha!
Signed copies of the book (signed on book plates) are available at Barefoot Contessa.
Be Ready When the Luck Happens
Patina Homes & Gardens by Brooke and Steve Giannetti
The Giannetti’s are about to release the fifth book in their Patina Home series and first book since relocating their family (people and animals) to Tennessee. The new book is being released exclusively through their shop in October. Signed copies purchased directly from them will begin shipping October 1st … pre-order signed copies here. The book’s wide release is slated for January 28th and can be pre-ordered here. The price is the same but shipping costs vary.
Martha: The Cookbook: 100 Favorite Recipes, With Lessons and Stories From My Kitchen by Martha Stewart
What can I say, it’s Martha.
Cher: The Memoir, Part One by, who else, Cher
Only Cher could write a memoir in two parts. I’ve always loved Cher, who doesn’t? But I’ve come to know more about her than I ever thought possible due to my BFF Shelley being a super fan. Shelley’s husband has seen Cher so many times he begged Shelley to ‘please take someone else’ to Cher’s last two concert tours, and that someone else was me!
Part One takes us up through Cher’s marriage to Sonny. And Part Two, coming early next year, probably begins with her relationship with Gregg Allman. If he was alive, and I wasn’t married, he’d be my boyfriend. Just saying.
There’s Always Room at the Table: Farmhouse Recipes from My Family to Yours by Kaleb Wyse
Kaleb aka @wyseguide, is one of my favorite social media follows. His life on his family’s farm in Iowa intrigues me … all that cooking, gardening, and decorating. I couldn’t be more excited for his first book. But before we get carried away, it’s not coming until next year. Still, we can be first in line. I hope the book includes some looks inside his recently – and beautifully – renovated farmhouse.
There’s Always Room at the Table
My Honest Opinion on Jones Road Beauty Miracle Balm
Unless you live under a rock you’ve heard of Jones Road Beauty Miracle Balm. Jones Road is the newish skincare and makeup line by Bobbi Brown following the sale of her eponymous line. While everyone on the internet has been extolling the virtues of Miracle Balm, I held back over fear it would feel heavy or greasy on my skin. That said, I’ve been Miracle Balm curious and when Jones Road sent me a couple of shades to try … I didn’t hesitate.
First of all, what is it? According to Jones Road’s ‘how to use it’ guide (which is very helpful), Miracle Balm is a ‘no-makeup makeup’ with a multitude of uses and, depending on the shade, (there are 13, including the very popular Pinky Bronze which I did not try) it can be used for moisture, glow, color correction, blush, bronzer, and highlighter. Wow.
The most satisfying part of the entire thing is breaking the balm’s surface seal.
This week I test drove the two shades I received – Flushed and Dusty Rose. I liked one better than the other, here’s why …
First I tried the Flushed shade and applied it like a cream blush (with fingers over cheekbones) and over a lightweight foundation. Quite honestly, I didn’t see any blush effect and felt like I needed something more. Maybe I could have layered it up … they suggest that. I did try blending with their Everything Brush which I also received, but didn’t find it helpful. It’s a good brush though and I’ll use it for other things.
Next I tried the Dusty Rose shade. This time I used moistuizer/suncreen mixed with Glotion as a base and applied it same as before … fingers to cheekbones. The blush effect was noticeable. It’s light and subtle with just a hint of rosy glow. I didn’t feel it absorbed into my skin and it felt a little bit sticky. Someone compared it to the feeling of Aquaphor on the skin, and I think it’s totally accurate. Jones Road suggests applying it over powder to minimize the shine while keeping the glow. Maybe that would reduce stickiness. Adding more makeup layers while trying to achieve a no-make up look isn’t what I have in mind, but I’ll give it a try and see.
Bottom line, I’m not in love with it, but I did appreciate the rosy glow and will continue using and experimenting with the Dusty Rose shade. I have a feeling that those with dryer skin will like this product more than those with oily or combination skin. I didn’t do a deep dive into Miracle Balm’s ingredients because I know Jones Road to be clean, cruelty-free beauty brand. It does contain jojoba seed oil, an active ingredient that could be irritating to sensitive skin. It hasn’t bothered me … so far. Kim also tried Miracle Balm so be sure to check out her review too. Have you tried Miracle Balm? Let me know in the comments.
Current Favorites ~
Odds & Socks ~
Speaking of books, favorite blogger Preppy Empty Nester is back from summer vacation and her summer book round up nearly bankrupted me.
Another favorite blogger and podcaster, Shannon Ables, was a guest on the Frugal Friends podcast chatting about contentment, small luxuries and spending habits. I loved listening to Shannon on the other side of the interview desk … she’s fun and engaging and I appreciate her outlook and approach to life.
Have you watched The Perfect Couple? Probably, because everyone’s talking about it and it’s numero uno on Netflix. You may have already learned the choreography. If you know you know. And if you don’t, binge it tonight.
And that’s what I have for you today. Let’s see what’s inspiring Kim and Elizabeth.
In case you missed last weekend’s post, you can catch up here.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
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