Fun Halloween Decorations, A Gift Idea for the Littles + My Favorite Bag Is On Sale

Today on Weekend Meanderings fun Halloween decor around my neighborhood, an essential Thanksgiving playbook, a gift idea for the littles, and my favorite fall bag is on sale!

Happy weekend, friends!

It’s Saturday and I’m joining Kim and Elizabeth for our weekend roundup.

All manner 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.

Our fall decorations are (finally) out.

Just in time for Christmas.

Seriously … Christmas is everywhere.

And it’s not yet Halloween.

Thanksgiving really gets the short shrift.

Let’s not rush and take a moment to dwell on some fall things.

 

HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD

Does your neighborhood decorate for Halloween? Our neighborhood association puts up the cutest decorations and I thought it would be fun to share. I tried to capture them during the golden hour which unfortunately coincides with the commute hour. Seriously, I risked my life to bring you this hard-hitting reporting. Happily, I was able to dodge the cars only to lose my balance and fall backwards into the mud. Embarrassing. Here’s a peek at some of the fun Halloween decorations that welcome us at the entrance to our beloved ‘hood.

 

GOBBLE: THE QUINTESSENTIAL THANKSGIVING PLAYBOOK

Thanksgiving is coming and this is my annual reminder to get yourself a copy of the Gobble book (Gobble: The Quintessential Thanksgiving Playbook). And if you already have it (because you’re on top of things), send one to a young friend or family member embarking on their adulting adventures. I love to give it to newlyweds. Written by favorite blogger Preppy Empty Nester’s sister and nephews, Nadine, PK and Christoph Isacs (I’d like to be a guest at their Thanksgiving), it’s the fun and approachable holiday entertaining guidebook I wish I’d had back in the day. I’ve pulled mine down from the shelf so I can start to get into the holiday spirit.

Pulling Gobble book off shelf.

Gobble: The Quintessential Thanksgiving Playbook

UGGS FOR LITTLES

Grand-niece Maeysn is excited to share that she scored a pair of Ugg Tasman slippers at Nordstrom Rack this week. I fondly remember buying her mom, my eldest niece Sam, her first pair of Ugg boots. Same with her sisters, nieces Sophie and Shelby. And many subsequent pairs over the years. Shopping and lunching with the girls was and is one of my favorite aunting activities. And Maeysn’s excitement over her new slippers reminds me that Uggs are always welcome gifts. Something to keep in mind as the holidays (rapidly) approach.

Little girl leaning against a chest of drawers wearing Ugg slippers.

I love this forest color. Maesyn is 5 and wearing 12T’s. You can see Nordstrom’s Ugg Kids collection here. And on Zappos here.

 

Did you know Uggs have been around since the late 70’s? But they really exploded onto the scene when the U.S. Olympic team wore them at the 1994 Lillehammer games. These days Uggs come in so many styles and they’ve always been a staple on my nieces’ Christmas and birthday wish lists. I love that a new generation is embracing them too … I guess that makes them somewhat of a comfort classic. I wear my black Tasman’s around the house daily … year round.

 

In related news, Maesyn’s big brother Beau turns 7 on Monday and he requested another favorite of my generation … Crocs! Specifically white Crocs. His mom tell me they’re worn at school with socks and shorts. Picture my dismayed face. Happy Birthday Beau!

Seven year old boy sitting on stool for portrait.

 

BECKHAM ON NETFLIX

The Beckham 4-part documentary-series on Netflix is SO GOOD. You don’t have to care about soccer or the Spice Girls (I certainly don’t) to be enthralled with this series and fall in love with this couple. No one is more surprised than me to be saying that. Of course, I’m well aware of David and Victoria Beckham. Who isn’t? But I’ve never given them any real thought until now. The series focuses on David soccer career that began professionally when he was just a teen. His father was, how to put it diplomatically, a bit of an obsessive soccer dad. And over the course of his career, David was alternatively a golden boy and an object of intense abuse and hatred by the media and British fans. Quite honestly I don’t know how he came through it with his sanity and humor intact, but he seems to have managed it brilliantly. As his wife said, ‘he just kept going.’ I’m stunned looking back on the way he, Victoria and their children were so aggressively pursued by paparazzi. The only comparison I can draw would be the late Princess Diana. This documentary is so well done. Did I already say that? It’s fascinating to hear the perspective of David’s parents, coaches, teammates and friends. And David and Victoria’s self-reflection and humor really draws you to them. It’s impossible not to admire the beautiful life they’ve built for themselves and their family. Oh, and wait until you see his closet!

 

J.CREW’S POPULAR BUCKET BAG IS ON SALE

This J.Crew’s small woven bucket bag has been a very popular item on the blog (and in my closet) … and it’s on sale!

Woman taking closet selfie showing off J.Crew woven bucket bag.

J.Crew Woven Bucket Bag

Fall Things (click image to shop) ~

Odds & Socks ~

The Most Lovely Things Shop reopened this week with lots of new and wonderful French and French inspired finds.

Make this Ham, Gruyere & Picked Apple Tartine recipe ASAP!

If you’re local, Orchard Nursery’s Holiday Shop opens this Thursday, November 2nd!

The World Feels Like an Awful Place Right Now. Here’s How to Make it Better.

Current Favorites ~

 

And that’s what I have for you this week.

Let’s see what’s inspiring Kim and Elizabeth …

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE

PINECONES AND ACORNS

If you missed my last post, you can catch up here.

You can also follow along on Instagram and Pinterest.

Any thoughts you’d like to share?

I’d love to hear them and you can drop them in the comments below.

Woman standing on beach under pier.

Cheers from  Snowberry!

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  • Love your blog. You are very funny, it comes through in your writing. Someone I’d sit next to at dinner! lol
    Our street shuts down for a block party on Halloween and it’s epic. We have multi generations come back for all block parties, Xmas progressives, etc., it’s fantastic. Our neighborhood was founded in the 1920s so it’s special, if you appreciate that sort of thing like I do. (Willow Glen,CA)

    • Hi Valletta … a Halloween block party sounds like so much fun! And a Christmas progressive. Sounds like you’ve got an amazing neighborhood. And, yes, we’d sit next to each other at dinner! xo

  • We started watching Beckham based on your recommendation. We are still in the part where the fans are brutal!

  • Juliet,
    You are so right about Ugg slippers and boots! I kind of forgot that, and I’ll bet a few pairs under the tree would be very welcome gifts! I see kids wearing white Crocs around here, too!
    Thank you so much for linking my shop, Juliet! That is so sweet! I love all your pumpkin decor!
    xx

    • This week took a turn for the cold and I wore my old Ugg boots last night. I always thought of my Crocs as garden shoes not to be worn in public … but the kids know! xo

  • Hi Juliet!
    I love reading your blog!
    I am curious about your front door rug and mat.
    Would you please share where you got them?
    Thank-you so much!!

    • Hi Judy, thanks so much for the nice compliment. I’m so happy to have you here. As for the mats, I got the top door mat from Target years ago and it’s no longer available. And the rug came from a friend and I’ve searched and searched and never been able to find a similar one. I believe it’s 3″x5″ … Annie Selkie and Dash & Albert have nice outdoor rugs in that size option. xo

  • Hi Juliet, You got some great shots of the Halloween decorations in your neighborhood. Sorry about the fall into the mud, tho. I love seeing all the pumpkins because I’m a Halloween baby . I’m with you on enjoying the seasons and not rushing ahead for the next one. I won’t be getting into the Xmas festivities until December! Ok, I will queue up the Beckham series on Netflix based on your rec. I’ve never been much of a fan of Victoria, but maybe I will after watching. Enjoy the last few days of beautiful October.

    • Karen, I wasn’t a Victoria fan either, but this series changed that. I’ll be interested to know what you think. And happy Halloween Birthday! xo

      • Binged two episodes of Beckham last night, and found it very good. Oh my, this couple have been through so much. I’m more of a fan now. Thanks so much for the birthday wishes!

  • Hi Juliet! I had no idea your neighborhood is called Sleepy Hollow! Perfect for Fall! My husband grew up in Tarrytown where the original Sleep Hollow is located! I watched an episode of Beckham with my kids last weekend, and I agree with you completely. Not a soccer fan at all, and I found it fascinating. I have to say, I love my Uggs and my Crocs! Have a good week!

    • Oh wow, the original Sleepy Hollow! All our streets are named after characters … and last night I saw a headless horseman trick or treating at our downtown kids Halloween celebration. Hope you’re having a nice weekend, Molly. What a week it’s been for you. xo

  • Thank you for the fun Halloween photos and Thanksgiving talk: we have crazy Christmas stuff allover, as well — bought two rolls of Xmas gift wrap at Home Goods, TBH ;-{ BUT, I dislike having Christmas takeover lovely Fall and its holidays!

    Perhaps Uggs are a good gift item for a brother, niece & nephew — thank you!

    Will see if Hubs wants to give Beckham a go: we always have some difficulty finding mutually enjoyable programming!

  • Hi Juliet,
    Looks like your neighborhood is ready for Halloween. I love seeing the decorations around this time of year, and the humor in so many of them makes me feel better about people in general, if you know what I mean.
    Yes to Uggs, I have been wearing mine forever. And I need them because it gets so cold here during the winter. Cold feet are miserable! The heater is officially on for the season, I was hoping to make it until November but nope.
    I was all set to watch the Beckham series when I got the dreaded message that Netflix was” no longer supported on this device”. Yikes! I never watch network television but I do love TCM, Showtime, Max, and Netflix was my go-to for things to watch. Any suggestions? We still pay for our subscription.
    It’s that time of year. We’re planning on starting Thanksgiving festivities at my daughter’ tiny house in her garden, and then having everyone walk up to mine for the main event. A sort of progressive dinner! I think it will be fun, unless it rains.
    Holidays are weird for me right now, I need to get used to my new normal and creat fun new ways to celebrate.
    I’m planning to start your painting soon!
    Xo Heidi

    • Hi Heidi, yes, it suddenly got so cold. I took my old Ugg boots for an outing last night. Burrr. A progressive Thanksgiving sounds like fun to me. Hope you’ve having a grand time in Tahoe! xo

  • Hi Juliet,
    The community that you live in, Sleepy Hollow is beautiful. It’s wonderful how the HOA decorates for Halloween. Oh no, what a shock that you fell backwards. That must had been a shock. I hope you are okay. No, our HOA does not decorate for Halloween. They do for Christmas. I agree about Christmas out in the stores so early. I understand why they do but still. It’s like Thanksgiving does not even exist. It’s been like this for years.
    Maeysn and Beau are so cute. You are so thoughtful to give some of your family members Uggs. A cozy and well used gift.
    Your front entrance looks inviting. The wreath is special, a lovely touch.

    • Hi Katherine … thanks for the sympathy. I was crouching down to take photos and lost my balance. No harm done to anything but my ego! Have a wonderful week. xo

  • Juliet,
    First thank you for sharing my tartine, the pickled apples are a must for Fall and winter(in my opinion). They are great in charcuterie boards, cheese trays, as gifts, in salads, etc.

    Your house and Fall, pumpkins, touches look beautiful. Understated and beautiful, as your decor always does.

    As for your neighborhood, it looks so cute! Thank you for embarrassing yourself to get these photos!

    I have not watched the documentary on the Beckhams, it is so strange to me how there is such an interest in peoples lives. In todays day, Taylor Swift and whomever she happens to be dating, currently the guy from the Chiefs, his name escapes me. I do not get the relentless pursuit of these people.
    The Beckhams seem like a lovely family, and they are definitely “go getters” soccer, businesses, investments, fashion, etc. I will have to check out the series.
    I’ve never embraces Ugg boots but love the slippers! As for Crocs, is it just me or doesn’t anyone else find themselves tripping when they wear them?
    Your grand-niece and nephew are adorable.
    Annies shop is lovely, most everything is sold out. She might need to schedule another trip to France.
    Interesting article about the world, it does seem like an ugly place most days, there are kinds amazing people in the world but… Social media seems to continue to fan the flames of hate.
    Have a wonderful weekend Juliet.
    xo
    P.S Loved your reel this morning!

  • Always love to hear you chat about what’s going on in your life. I loved Orchards nursery when I lived in the Bay Area. They know just how to inspire you for the holidays. I love a good teatime and I’ve never pickled an apple. I better get on that.

    We put up some Halloween decor yesterday because we saw the neighbors have decorated. I think it’s a signal that we will get some trick or treaters.

    • How fun to have Trick or Treaters. We don’t get them here and I miss that. Orchard Nursery is a treasure … their Christmas shop used to open Thanksgiving weekend. Remember? Everything comes earlier now. xo

  • Juliet,
    First, love your blog. It is a favorite that I look forward to reading and have now started creeping on you ‘gram. Thanks for the Beckham documentary recommendation. What I am dying to know is where did you source the pretty and comfortable looking slippers you are wearing in your opening photo. Please do share.

    • Thank you, Rosa … so glad you’re here and over on the ‘gram. Those slippers are my new Birkenstock clogs. They’re so cozy and comfortable they’ve very much like a slipper and I’ve taken to them like a duck to water. Linking below (affiliate). Have the best day. xo

      https://bit.ly/47g4I2P

  • Juliet, love that your neighborhood is. Sleepy Hollow. It’s appropriate you guys should have cute Halloween decor! So fun to see those cute cutie pies in their shoes!! Agree Uggs are the nicest gift.

    I watched the documentary on the way to the UK and agree it was super good. I learned so much about soccer and also David Beckham is such a nice person as is Victoria!

    Love the crossbody! It’s so pretty and just the right size!

    Can’t wait to get back to California! 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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