Fruit Salad on a Stick, My New Favorite Jeans, a Skincare Roundup + More on Today’s Weekend Meanderings

Today on Weekend Meanderings, a fun way to serve fruit salad, coffee table books, a couple things you may need for your dog, my new favorite jeans and a skincare roundup.

Happy weekend, friends!

It’s Saturday and I’m joining Kim and Elizabeth for Weekend Meanderings.

Our weekly roundup of inspiration and goings on.

This post includes affiliate links for your convenience at no additional cost to you. You can read my full disclosure policy here.

Framed lemon print

I finally squeezed the last of our Meyer lemons.

Although I discovered two more hanging on the tree,

I’m reluctant to pick them.

Kim tells me that Meyer lemon trees produce fruit four times a year.

What?!

I had no idea, and I’m delighted.

I have a lot to learn about gardening.

Obviously.

Let’s jump right in.

MORNING MEETING

Last week I had a friend over for a mid-morning chit chat and made a loaf of my favorite banana bread (we all have a go-to recipe, right?) and fruit salad … on cocktail picks. When we lived in our Fidalgo Island home I got the idea to skewer the fruit when hosting a casual neighborhood brunch. An idea I liked so much it stuck.

I like to slice the banana bread in half length-wise and then across … it’s easier to pick up and nibble this way.

Here’s my recipe for fruit salad served on bite-sized skewers … or free range (in a bowl).

Cantaloupe and blackberries on cocktail picks.

Cantaloupe Blackberry Bite-Sized Skewers

5 from 3 votes
Servings 4 (4 per person)

Equipment

  • 16 Cocktail Picks

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 Cantaloupe, cut into cubes
  • 2 cups Blackberries
  • 1 tbsp Sugar (super fine if you have it)
  • 1 tsp Fresh Ginger, peeled and grated
  • 1 tsp Lime Zest
  • 1 tbsp Lime Juice
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Mint Leaves cut into ribbons

Instructions
 

  • In a medium sized bowl, combine all ingredients except mint ribbons. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes (or refrigerate overnight and bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving).
  • Place one cantaloupe cube and blackberry on each cocktail pick.
  • Sprinkle mint ribbons over skewers.

ELEVATED WORK-FROM-HOME OUTFIT … Joking about the elevated part!

Yep, I did it … I put on ‘hard’ pants. I’ve gotten so used to wearing joggers all day at home (and, yes, running around town) putting on real pants seemed like a really big deal and worthy of creating a Reel. Haha … I crack myself up. Anyway, I’m loving the return of straight, looser leg denim styles and I bought this pair of Levi’s at Target a couple months ago. You can find the same style here in seven other non-distressed washes. My button front cardigan is from Target too. I have it in grey and brown, and it comes in a few other colors. It’s so warm and cozy … it’s been very cold here this week. Normally I’d buy a small, but for this sweater a medium was the better fit. Side note, check out this adorable striped cardigan and this cable knit pullover. I never thought I’d say this but Target has become my go-to for (affordable) everyday, casual wear.

Woman wearing jeans and grey cardigan.

My Ugg Tasman slippers could double as outside shoes, but I stepped it up by changing into my Adidas slip-on sneakers before hitting the grocery store. I have an image to maintain.

By the way, I bought the CEO Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric face oil that everyone’s been talking about. I’ve been applying it every morning for a few weeks now (before moisturizer, with SPF). (My thoughts on the oil a little further down the page.) And my morning routine isn’t complete without an overhead spritz of Calyx.

Casual outfit collage.

Cardigan | Faux Diamond Studs | Long-Sleeve Tee | Levi’s Denim | Adidas Sneakers | Ugg Tasman Slipper

CEO Glow Face Oil | Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer, SPF 15 | Calyx

 

DOG STAIRS & ELEVATED FOOD BOWLS

Last month, our sweet puppy, Pippa, mysteriously injured her back or neck. We suspect it was related to jumping on and off the bed. Pippa is almost nine and our vet recommended pet stairs and elevated food bowls which are gentler on dogs necks. I ordered these stairs from Chewey.com.

Dog Stairs.

Fleece Covered Dog Steps

It comes in a three stair and four stair configuration. We went for the four which gets the girls to the bottom-of-bed bench. The fleece cover is easily removable for washing. It took Pippa a minute to accept it … but now she and Maggie take the stairs!

Two small dogs on bed next to dog stairs.

I bought the only small-dog elevated bowls at our local Pet Food Express. They’re not cute and the bowls are too small. The water bowl needs constant refilling. Also, the bowls are aluminum … I’d prefer ceramic for my discerning girls. I’ve been looking and looking and finally decided on this elevated bowl and stand (it comes in two sizes for small and larger dogs) at Pottery Barn. This is a cute personalized dog bowl mat. I wish we’d switched to elevated bowls for our lab Sasha in her later years. Live and learn.

UPDATE: I received the elevated frame and dog bowls (in the small size) and it’s too tall for my little dogs. The stand is too high, and the bowls are too deep. This is NOT a good option for small dogs. It’s totally cute and well made and I love it, but the small size is going to be suitable for medium sized dogs, not small dogs.

Elevated Dog Stand and Bowls.

Pottery Barn Elevated Dog Bowls & Stand

 

NIGHT CREAM FOLLOW-UP

Last month I shared my quest for the perfect nighttime moisturizer. I’m currently using CeraVe Renewing Night Cream and Jones Road Light Moisture Cream. I like both. A lot.

Many of you chimed in with your favorite skincare products and I promised to share. So here goes.

There’s a lot of love for CeraVe and many of you mentioned that your dermatologist recommends it. Mine does too (including the Daily Moisturizing – body – Lotion that I adore). Cindy uses the CeraVe Renewing Night Cream, Mary Anne recommends the CeraVe facial cleanser – I think she means this one for normal to dry skin. She says it’s ‘so creamy’ and ‘a game changer for dry skin’. Joan likes the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum.

Speaking of retinol, Joan emphasized its importance and shared this article from Forbes. She uses Paula’s Choice Intensive Repair Cream over her retinol product at night and the Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 for day. Joan also recommend Angie’s Hot & Flash’s YouTube channel. My friend, Laura, introduced me to Angie and I love her. She’s a wealth of information and tests and reviews skincare, makeup and hair care products for women over 50.

Mary Anne loves Skin Medica’s product line.

Gray recommends Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum. This product has a major cult following and I’ve tried it. It’s a little sticky for me, and the scent is strong (again, for scent-sensitive me) … but people love and swear by it. The product line expanded and they now have an Active Renewal Cleanser and Active Treatment Essence (a hydrator) too. It’s also a pricey product, but, again, people swear by it.

A note about cleansers … my dermatologist once told me that a cleaner is on your face for the least amount of time, so don’t spend a lot of money here.

Tamara likes Biossance Skincare.

Contessa is a fan of argan oil and says that MG Moroccan Gold Argan Oil is the only one she uses. Check out their Instagram here.

Molly loves the French line, Caudalie. Made with grape extracts (a holy grail ingredient) she says their serum is nice and their night cream absorbs beautifully. She gushes that the facial spray (I think she means this mist) feels like heaven. I’m in!

Kim says she has a soft spot for Cle de Peau products and has used Jan Marini C-serum forever.

I’m just realizing we haven’t mentioned eye creams. I use Amore Pacific product that’s been discontinued and I’m looking for a new, and less costly, product. Maybe I’ll do an eye cream round up next.

Final note, a few weeks ago I added a new product to my routine, the much talked about CEO Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil (mentioned above). I was concerned about using it with my beloved SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, but the package specially states “this cold-pressed oil can be layered with any other Vitamin C products.” And suggests the proper order is oil first, followed by vitamin C serum. This layering of products starts to get a little complicated for me … I’m not multi-step skincare kinda gal. Testing out a face oil was a big step. I’m squeamish about products that feel greasy or sticky on my face (PTSD from my acne-prone teen years) but this oil does absorb well … and I use the tiniest amount. Let’s talk about the scent. It smells. Like what? I don’t know … a little herbal. And it’s notable long after being applied. That said, it’s not perfumey or offensive, but for someone who seeks out fragrance-free products, I’m getting used to it and will keep at it.

 

BOOKS I PRE-ORDERED AND CAN’T WAIT TO RECEIVE

Pre-ordering books is a way to help authors with the successful launch of their books. I pre-order because I can’t wait. But I’m happy my impatience helps the authors. Here are four books I pre-ordered over the past few month with publications dates coming very (not soon enough) soon!

History Reinterpreted: The Myles Standish Hotel from favorite architect, Patrick Ahearn (release date May 17)

Highlighting how new life and modernity can be breathed into an historic structure while still respecting the past, the volume includes the architect’s own hand-drawn elevations, before and after floor plans, and countless full-color photos from yesteryear and today to delight architecture and history enthusiasts alike.

History Reinterpreted book cover.

History Reinterpreted

 

Charm School: The Schumacher Guide to Traditional Decoration for Today, Emma Brazilian & Stephany Diaz (release date March 8)

Charm School features rooms by contemporary icons of interior design, including Miles Redd, Celerie Kemble, and Mark D. Sikes, as well as storied decorators like Mario Buatta, Sister Parish, and Billy Baldwin.

Charm School book cover.

Charm School

 

The deVOL Kitchen, Paul O’Leary, Helen Parker, Robin McLellan (UK release date May 23-25, 2023)

“From the directors of the divine deVOL Kitchens (seasons one and two of For the Love of Kitchens is streaming on Discovery +) I cannot wait to get my hands on the book. Ordering was a little tricky. It’s not on Amazon (US) yet. I’ve noticed that UK book releases generally make it to the US six or more months later. Why?! I ordered the book through the UK Amazon link which is found through deVOL’s web-page. You can also order it direct from deVol, signed by directors Paul, Helen and Robin. In either case, shipping from the UK is $15.”

The deVOL Kitchen book cover.

Order via devolkitchens.com

 

In Good Company: Notable People with Their Pets, by Johanna Siegmann (release date February 20)

In Good Company (Notable People with their Pets)” by photographer, Johanna Siegmann is a rare collection of unique portraits, portraying everyday tender heartfelt moments between people with their pets. The images are both intimate and familiar, whimsical, touching, often humorous, and always genuine. Johanna uses personal details, provided by her human subjects, to create concepts for their portrait, resulting in images that are highly specific and unique to each person. As a result, her pet portraits are in a unique category of their own, focusing exclusively on the connection between two beings that care for each other, and how they express that love. Siegmann has the rare ability to capture that very special moment in time with exuberance and joy, highlighting the love between her “notable” subjects and their pets. With a background in theater, Johanna’s photography is known for her exceptional use of lighting, which has also influenced her use of color and textures. This collection features notables from the world of entertainment, music, science, and everything in between. It’s a coffee table book that you will need two of because the first one will wear out!’

Oscar’s Place, a donkey sanctuary near and dear to my heart, is featured in the book. Jim and I are monthly supporters of Oscar’s Place, you can learn more about them here. And, please, follow along on Instagram … donkey content is really all we need.

In Good Company book cover.

In Good Company

 

So there you have it.

Let’s see what going on with Kim and Elizabeth.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE

PINECONES AND ACORNS

Odds & Socks ~

Look at this charming cottage for sale in my neighborhood. I can’t figure out why it’s not selling. It’s a storybook setting, I drive by it everyday. And the updates needed seem mostly cosmetic. It’s open this weekend; I think I’ll drop by for a look-see.

 

If you missed the last weekend’s meanderings, you can catch up here.

And follow along for more fun on Instagram and Pinterest.

As always, I appreciate your visit and welcome your thoughts in the comments below.

Flowers in green vase surrounded by lemons.

Cheers from Snowberry!

 

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  • 5 stars
    Juliet – always love waking up to your blog! Re the house. I knew the people who lived there back in the 1970’s – kids went to Miramonte! A real flash from the past. I have to say, I don’t think that the red exterior is doing anyone any favors. My opinion only, is that it is screaming “barn”, which is likely not what most people are looking for in Orinda. A beautiful updated color would perhaps appeal to more people. I would also manicure the foliage a bit to tidy it up. I am just not seeing great curb appeal here….As I said, my opinion only.

    • Good morning, Beth … I agree, the barn red color is not for everyone, but paint is an easy fix. Can’t wait to see it in person and get a better feel. We once bought a brand new house (that had been sitting on market) that was originally barn red … by the time we saw it had been repainted, but the neighbors always remembered that red! So fun to know the history of houses. Hope you have a great weekend! xo

  • Juliet, Your banana bread looks yummy and so do the fruit skewers…so pretty. I need to try that. Much easier than a bowl of fruit right?
    Love your work at home look. I am with you and need to get out of leggings. I wear them maybe once a week. I love the jeans and have to try them. You know I am a jean person. Nice roundup on a lot of products, which I will save. Good to know abut the numeric oil. I also get confused what can be layered?? I never know if I am doing them in the right order.
    Love that little red house ! It’s darling and someone will snap it up.
    I already pre-ordered that Charm book too. Will check out the others!
    Have a great weekend.
    xx
    P.S. Like this pretty elevated bowls. Need that for Marlo!

  • 5 stars
    Good morning Juliet!
    I love the idea of fruit salad on a stick! This is so cute and perfect for a tea date, luncheon or party. Thanks for the tip.
    I am sorry that you Pipi is having back/neck issues. We have 3 dachshunds and have little ramps everywhere. Instead of the stairs we use the soft triangle ramps to get them on and off the bed, the ottomans and couches and they love them. I hope the stairs help your pups as they age. As for the raised dog bowls, TJMAXX, HomeGoods and Marshalls have cute ones.
    So many great suggestions for skin! I need to bookmark this, although as I said to Kim, I am lazy about this. I simply wash my face and occasionally use moisturizer. I use a mask once a week.
    I Love your new work outfit. I am the same, joggers, shorts or yoga pants unless I am leaving the house.
    I just ordered two of the books you shared! I had them on my list! Great minds think alike!
    Have a wonderful day Juliet.
    xo Elizabeth

    • Elizabeth … when our lab got older we got a ramp for the car and she was terrified of it. Wouldn’t use it. Ugh. In hindsight we should have introduced it with a trail of treats, but who knew? I was afraid we were headed the same direction with the stairs. Maggie adapted quickly but Pippa was reluctant. She fully on board now thank goodness. I need to check out the triangle ramps. Parenting dogs is a continuous learning experience, right?! xo

  • Hi Juliet! Definitely need to try your banana bread! Love your work from home look — I am a jeans gal through and through! Thanks for sharing my skincare recommendations. Funny thing, I went to restock some things on the Caudalie website the other night and I couldn’t read a thing. The type was a deep purple and the background black. I just kept clicking randomly on things until I got to a picture that I could actually see. It was the weirdest thing! Have a great week!

    • Oh no, Molly … I hope the Caudalie site is back up and running. I’m planning to order a few different products in various lines mentioned … including one from them … and do a little experimenting. Heading to your blog soon. Happy weekend! xo

  • Skin care. I’m awful at following a routine… which comes first? Last? Too many potions, lotions, creams, serums. I should be more careful and mindful about it but I’m not.

    Paul and Helen from deVol are my two new favorite people. I really need the book. Love the show.

    I think that red house is darling… except for the red part. I’d be very tempted to grab it if it were here, not there.

    • Except for the red part! Haha!!! I know, I think of it as a character house. Of course, painting is an easy fix … but I just kind like the red. It’s grown on me. As for skincare, the order of things confuses me and I had someone write it down once … imagine needing notes to perform your nightly skincare regime?! So complicated. Paul and Helen are wonderful, I have a few episodes left in season two. Hope season three is coming soon! xo

  • Hi Juliet,
    Everyone always thinks they have the best banana bread recipe in the whole wide world. Well, I am here to tell you I do. Yes, I’ve been to sharing school and graduated with an A++. If you love yours will you share it?
    Thank you❣️

    • You’re right on about that, Katherine … that’s why I didn’t bother sharing mine. But I’d be happy to … I’ll link it next week! Hope you have a wonderful weekend! xo

  • Hi Juliet,
    Your banana bread looks great — love its deep color — will search for it here! And I printed your fruit salad recipe bc herbs take fruit to another level and I misplaced the recipe I used to use with mint and our Tangelos (our wonderful Tangelo tree was one of the few things I was truly fond of when we lived @ SoCal…).

    Like your new jeans! I tried on some leftover from the Talbots winter sale that I loved — and I am NOT a jeans girl. These were their “Stove pipe” jeans w/ high waist and straight or slightly-flared silhouette. They don’t emphasize your tummy nor ride up/down like most jeans, but the cut probably appeals more to infrequent jeans-wearers…

    If our elderly pooch was the type to get on our bed, I would definitely order the sherpa-covered stairs! She repeatedly had pain in her neck that required very brief nsaids during her early senior years, 8-9-10 (was a frisbee girl). And elevated bowls are definitely healthier.

    Did you make it to the open house? Lovely property: the vintage and original styling reminded me of the home I lived in until 6 — CA farmhouse with vaulted living room and the beams/bracing: we used to tie string to our puppets and throw them over the bracing for “performances”. The kitchen has managed to avoid any real reno since it was built, I think! Perhaps various owners did not want to invest in the property too much?

    The DeVOL book and Peoples w/ Their Pets look delightful!

    • Hi Joan … tangelos were all over our front yard when I was growing up and I haven’t heard that name in a long time. Good memories … I can almost smell them on the tree! I didn’t make it to the open house today, I’ll go tomorrow. The kitchen is so retro but I love that it looks clean and in good condition. I always like to live in a house a while before making renovation decisions. I hope someone buys this house soon … it’s strange that it’s been on the market so long. Of course, the red paint … but paint is an easy fix. xo

  • That’s my FAVORITE house in our town too from the outside!!!!It use to have cows painted life size in the front yard!!!
    How long has it been for sale?
    Thank you for the mention!
    I’m so tired by bedtime the creams don’t have a chance!But this oil has proven its self over and over again to me!
    Xxx

    • Contessa! Of course, you know the house … you know every house in town! I missed the cows … how fun. Its been for sale since last October with the price lowered once or twice … I’m going to check it out tomorrow. xo

  • My sister in law gave us a Meyer Lemon tree as a wedding gift and it’s my favorite 30 years later! We must get 1000 lemons per year in our small backyard. I don’t harvest them like many do traditionally but let them stay on the tree until I use them or pull batches of them for neighbors and friends. (I’m in Willow Glen, so not too far from you)
    Love your blog!

    • Hi Valletta! Wow,1000+ lemons … that’s wonderful and amazing! Your neighbors must love you, especially during lemon season. Thank you for reading the blog, it’s fun to know you’re just a hop, skip and a jump away. Happy weekend! xo

  • 5 stars
    I love seeing your Fidalgo Isalnd home! We learn so much from building home, don’t we?
    Your banana bread and fruit skewers are so perfect for a morning meeting!
    xx

  • Great fun post Juliet! You do NOT wanna see what I wear at home! Usually painting or doing yardwork, so lots of stains and paint on them!
    I agree on the house – it’s the red. Now I don’t hate red – our first house was red. But it was more subdued – straight out of Colonial Williamsburg. It was a copy of the Nicholson shop. This red is pretty bright!
    What I can’t get over is the price! Real estate out there is unbelievable!
    Happy Weekend!

      • Hi Juliet

        I am so impressed with the length of you ladies posts! You must spend hours on your posts. Your banana bread looks amazing and love those cute skewers. You really know how to create appetizers with style. Interesting about the layering. I have always read that the order should be lightest to heaviest. Hmmmm I wonder who is right? More research ha ha! I think all of those ceravie products are great!

  • Hi, Juliet —
    I also recommend Angie at “Hot and Flashy”. She takes a scientific approach to skin care.
    I have been following her skin care regime for a few weeks now and really feel that it’s made a difference. I printed it out from a link on her you tube channel, and keep it in my bathroom. It is multiple steps, but it takes the guesswork out of the order in which to use what products. I have added her recommended products bit by bit. I use the stopwatch on my apple watch to time applying things, as she recommends allowing 90 seconds between each. That may seem like a lot — and I figure 60 seconds is better than nothin’ — however, I can easily find other puttering to do in my bathroom while I’m waiting.
    If I don’t do this now, when am I going to start taking care of my skin? I am a minimal make up user, and am trying to buy less clothing, especially working from home. Therefore, I can justify some spending and time on skin care, right?

    • Absolutely, Julia … that’s a great trade off. I didn’t know about the 90 seconds. Oops, I’ll have to adjust that. Thanks for the tip. xo

  • Pippa deserves all the help she can get. So cute. Chief thinks our new end-of-bed bench is all for him to hop on the bed easier. He loves it. I cut banana bread the same way.
    Your reel was sooooo cute. Love the jeans,

  • A much needed post on dog dish and steps. Our little dog Brie..needs more destilled water to keep the dark tear stains from forming. Now she will have a big girl dish with more H20 space. Chewy had lots of dishes and stairs too. I am waiting for the Log Cabin dish to arrive. Nice to know they also have Buddy soft treats for older or adopted dogs with few teeth. Thanks so much!

    • So many things we need to learn about to care for our older dogs … I love Chewey? I didn’t know about distilled water. That’s great info! xo

  • Hi, I’m Juliet … welcome to Make Mine a Spritzer where we talk about all things home décor, classic style and more! I’m so happy you’re here!

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