It’s Saturday.
Yay!
And time to meet up with Kim and Elizabeth for another edition of
Weekend Meanderings.
What a week it’s been.
More senseless terror and suffering in Ukraine.
And the dreadful incident on the Brooklyn subway.
So many thoughts, and I don’t know how to adequately put them into words.
What I do know is that I’m grateful for little things.
That allow me to momentarily escape to a happier place.
Like good books, television shows, and my favorite blogs.
Speaking of blogs, it was flashback week here on Make Mine A Spritzer.
Monica Vargas Photography
I offered up a repeat performance of my niece’s baby shower.
It’s my most popular post ever.
Did you know it was inspired by Cindy Hattersley?
More on Cindy later.
Let’s get to my picks of the week.
Here we go …
LOVE LILLY PULITZER
What comes to mind when you think of Lilly Pulitzer? For me it’s looking through my mom’s Town and Country magazines as a kid, Jackie Kennedy, Palm Beach and … Roxanne. I’m not sure how Roxanne Pulitzer is related to the family, but she was embroiled in quite La Scandal back in the 80’s. But back to the matter at hand. I wore a Lilly Pulitzer maxi dress to host my nieces baby shower. Lilly P is very baby and bridal shower appropriate. I thought it would be fun to put together a head-to-toe Lilly look for spring and summer showers. Baby shower, bridal shower … or any spring and summer soiree. What do you think?
Shop Maxi ~
Lilly’s bright, colorful prints are so cheerful … and look great on everyone. More importantly they photograph beautifully. Not a small consideration when attending events in the age of social media. Just kidding. Sort of.
I prefer the maxi length, but Lilly has midis and minis too. Something for everyone.
Shop Midi ~
Shop Mini ~
REUSABLE TO GO CUPS
At the beginning of the pandemic our Starbucks shut down for a couple of months. Maybe weeks. Alright, a few days. Quel horreur! I’d been buying a morning cocoa at Starbucks for years, decades. Over those years I tried and failed to make a good cocoa at home, buying and discarding several milk frothers. Nothing I tried came close to the real thing. But necessity breeds invention … and, well, I didn’t invent anything, but I did finally discover the Breville milk frother that, combined with Starbuck’s Classic Cocoa Powder, made a darned serviceable cocoa. In fact, I like it so much I never returned to Starbucks.
As is typically the case, one solution leads to 10 other problems … like how to transport my homemade cocoa in the car to take the dogs for their morning walk? Using an insulated mug is out of the question. For one thing, they’re designed to keep drinks hot (or cold) for long periods of time. And I like to sip my cocoa during the short car ride, without scorching my tongue, and be finished by the time we hit the trail.
This is a very longwinded way of saying these inexpensive, light-weight, reusable to-go cups are great, and I highly recommend them.
Note: The Breville frother I love is no longer made. Probably because it’s temperamental. Jim tracked down a bunch of replacement parts to keep mine limping along. Breville came out with this new model which I’ll reluctantly switch to once mine gives up the ghost.
MOTHER DENIM
I’m asked about these jeans every time I wear them. Which is often. Out and about and on Instagram stories. I love them because they’re comfortable and apparently other people think they’re cute. I better buy another pair before they’re discontinued. Like every other favorite thing I love.
Just enough stretch but not so much they get saggy. Higher waisted without being too high. The dark wash is flattering … and the cropped, flare, raw hem can be worn with boots in the winter and sandals in the summer.
Mother Denim Insider Crop Step Fray in Tongue And Chic
Ok, they’re not cheap. But the quality is there, the fit is great, and the compliments keep rolling in. Look, they come in white too. And a slew of other washes.
Mother Denim Insider Crop Step Fray in Fairest of Them All
OUTDOOR LIVING THE CINDY HATTERSLEY WAY
I may have been a little hasty getting our outdoor cushions out of storage. Two rainstorms came through this week, and another is expected today. No complaints. We need the rain. But I’m ready to throw open the doors and start enjoying Snowberry’s back patio again. With outdoor living in mind, I’m flipping through magazines, combing Pinterest and Instagram for outdoor patio inspiration. And no one creates outdoor spaces more beautifully than Cindy Hattersley. You know Cindy. She’s the incredibly talented design and style blogger whose posts I click on the second they land in my inbox. The past couple of years Cindy and her husband sold two homes, renovated, and moved into one of their rentals in a cute downtown area, and bought a new home they’re about to move into. What do all their homes have in common? Amazing indoor / outdoor living spaces curated for comfort and entertaining. Cindy’s an expert entertainer. And she’s been sharing her plans for her new home’s courtyard and pool areas.
Image via Cindy Hattersley / The front garden of her former home.
Last month Cindy shared her plans for their new courtyard here. The sellers of the property have been been renting back so Cindy’s had time to design and order furnishings for the courtyard so they can start enjoying the space as soon as they move in. Smart.
Image via Cindy Hattersley / A glimpse into the pool area of her former home.
If that’s not amazing enough, look at her new pool area here! Wow … it has the look and feel of a resort. I love the direction she’s headed with the design. Hope she has her guest rooms ready … her family and friends are going to beat a path to her new front door!
I’m looking forward to watching Cindy turn her new home into another designer showplace. If you don’t already, be sure to follow Cindy on her Instagram and blog.
GRAND MIMOSA SPRITZ
Last week I featured this cute book, Spritz Fever. I promised to mix my way through the book and this week I’m making a perfect brunch Spritz … the Grand Mimosa. It’s a simple recipe and serves 8.
- 5 ½ oz Grand Marnier
- 12 oz Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
- 1 bottle well chilled Prosecco (or any sparkling wine)
- 8 orange wheels for garnish
Divide Grand Marnier between 8 sparkling wine flutes, followed by the orange juice. Top with Prosecco and garnish with orange. Our son and daughter-in-law gave us these elegant, gold rimmed champagne flutes last Christmas. Cheers!
So, there you have it, a few fun things that caught my eye.
Now, let’s see what Kim and Elizabeth have for us this week.
It’s fun to look back to what was going on last Easter.
I shared a few easy Easter recipes here.
And what I’m wearing to Easter lunch this year.
Can I tell you my favorite way to make asparagus?
Put the spears (use the thinnest available) on a cookie sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with Kosher salt, a few turns of the pepper mill and grated Parmesan cheese.
Shake the tray back and forth to get the spears good and coated.
Roast at 400 for 10 minutes (or less).
So good.
As always, I appreciate your visit and welcome your thoughts in the comments below.
Happy Easter if you celebrate.
Cheers from Snowberry!
Juliet,
I love Lily! Her colorful dresses “scream” happy, unloving and summer. They look beautiful on everyone!
Your nieces shower was beautiful, I can see why it was one of your most popular posts. IT was a wonderful celebration.
As for Cindy, everything she does is beautiful, thoughtful and lovely. Her gardens were amazing. I cannot wait to see the new place.
I too am a hot chocolate lover but unlike you I love it extra hot and if I take it on the road I put it in an insulated cup so that I have it to sip for several of the long hours on the trip.
As for your cocktails, I have tried many and love them all. I love cocktails, especially on a hot day. This one looks fabulous. I might make these for brunch tomorrow.
Your Easter table looks beautiful! The pink and blue are sophisticated and a great combination to celebrate the day. I hope that you have a wonderful time with your sister. Happy Easter!
Good morning1 Ok, you got me … I do use the insulated cups for long car rides where I need the cocoa to last! Ha! Ittakes all kinds of cups and containers to properly maintain our cocoa habit. Right?! Thanks for the kinds words, Elizabeth. Happy Easter! xo
HI Juliet! Wow fun post and your Lilly P outfits are beautiful. I especially want that bamboo handle tote! I wish I could wear that long slim look. The jeans are adorable..just my style. They are out of my size in both. Hoping I can find them still! You’re so right they are perfect for our California wardrobes and the day to day! I also love the brand Mother, it’s well made.
Cindy’s outdoor spaces are always goals. I also excited to see what she does with that gorgeous pool area. She takes the California living to a new level. By the way, I loved the shower re-issue. So smart with all going on this year. I pinned all of it! Off now, we are shopping for our Easter Brunch and I think we’ll give your mimosas a try. Hope you have a great Easter weekend Juliet! Love always all you share and the honor of doing this with you and Elizabeth! xo
I cannot wait to sip this cocktail. Took a pic of how to do it!!! Love reading all your posts, and all the other gals too. You have got me ready for patio fun!!!
XOXO,
Kim
Hi Kim … I think you’ll love this version of the mimosa! Easy, fun and so good! Yes … it’s time for be on the patio and I can’t wait! Hope you have a wonderful weekend! xo
Love your outfit choices and that cocktail too. Great post and filled with fun ideas.
Hi Marty … thank you so much. Wishing you a lovely weekend! xo
Juliet, your posts always have so much good stuff from fashion to spritzers! I adore Cindy’s outdoor spaces! Can’t wait to see her new one! She and Steve are so creative!
I know, right! That house is going to be amazing inside and out!!! xo
Julie, I love all of the cute outfits. The Lily dresses scream spring and summer.
Hope you had a wonderful, Easter.
Thanks, Tammy! Hope yours was great too. That bunny ear toss looked fun! xo
I RECALL THAT SHOWER FOR THE NIECE!
YES, CINDY IS SMART TO BUY THE FURNITURE NOW FOR THE OUTDOOR SPACES!
I LOVE LILY P.but they aren’t long enough for me!( wait until you see tomorrows post!)
I will NEVER DRINK AGAIN most likely so forgive me I will jump over the BEVERAGE BAR!
YOU ENJOY FOR ME!
XXX
Oh, Contessa … I thought we had you sipping Kir Royale’s! xo
NO MORE!!
ZERO ZIP…………..MY LIFE IS ALMOST OVER!
THANK GOODNESS FOR A CAFE LAIT!
XXX
Juliet such a fun post. Love the maxi dresses shared from Lily.
Of course I love your cocktail.
I have a collection of mugs to travel too. Having the perfect hot drink is a must.
Pinned!
Cindy, you’re right … as Martha Stewart says, you must have the proper tools. And that goes for travel beverages too! xo
A fun post and THANK YOU FOR FINDING ME A NEW CLUTCH!
I also love Cindy’s homes – for someone on the East Coast, they look like vacation properties! Amazing.
She does such a good job!
Oh,yay! Glad I could help! Yes, Cindy’s home are resort like. If I liked there I’d never leave! xo
Great post, loved reading it.
Mother Parsley
I am so embarrassed I missed this! I am so honored! I was just looking for the link to your mother of the bride outfit to send to a reader. I am so sorry. It has been a little crazy in my neck of the woods lately.