Happy Saturday, friends!
It’s time for the weekend post with Kim and Elizabeth, our weekly roundup of inspirations and goings on. In today’s dispatch, a new house build update, a visit from two style icons, a beautiful fall tote, cozy Crocs slippers, Hawaii plans, and the week in review.
It’s been another week in crazy town … all good, but I don’t know if I’m coming or going and I’m feeling majorly discombobulated. It’s the nature of the final stage of a build (or renovation), when hurry-up-and-wait turns into everything all at once. And … all one’s chickens come home to roost … as in, screw-ups come to light. But let’s not dwell on that.
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So much is happening that I can’t possibly share it all. (I see you breathing a sigh of relief.) A few highlights …
Last weekend was Chateau Sonoma’s annual French Bubble Club Party. It was a white party … which I didn’t realize until the last minute. Fortunately, my many-years-old Jenni Kayne Summer Dress is white and ideal for a warm, late-summer day (love this newer style from JK). I look forward to the Bubble Club event, and Sarah never fails to wow us with something different and special. This year it was crepes and caviar … and plenty of bubbles and music by a lovely quartet.
While I was sipping champagne and gobbling up just-picked strawberries on the veranda with my Instagram and Bubble Club friends Tanya and Tara, Jim, to my astonishment, went rogue and bought one of the antique Hungarian baby bathtubs Sarah uses to chill champagne. I’m not sure what he was thinking … I think Sarah gave him one too many glasses of bubbly. Stay tuned for its appearance at our first Folly function.
After the party we had dinner at the Glen Ellen Star, which is even better than everyone says. I can’t believe it took me so long to get there. We scored an outside table on a perfectly warm summer evening, completely charming and the food was out of this world good. The tiny kitchen and pizza oven crank out countless pizzas, the most amazing sourdough focaccia, roasted veggies and so much more. Jim had the Wagyu steak, also finished in the pizza oven … incredible. Our server Matt made the experience extra special. If you’re visiting the wine country, I highly recommend it and ask for a table in Matt’s domain.
Sunday, we met up with Kyle, Melody, baby Shya, and family and friends for the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival. This event gets bigger and better every year, and it was an honor to accompany Shya-girl to her inaugural festival.
Over at the house we have wallpaper. Morris & Co. Pimpernel in the downstairs bathroom and Thibaut Sydney grass cloth in the living room.
The highlight of the week was Kim and Cindy coming over for a look-see at the house. I was a little nervous, both of them being style icons and all, but they were incredibly nice and complimentary, and assured me the things I’ve been worried about are no big deal. Everyone deserves friends like them.
Speaking of Kim and Cindy, their latest Signature Style post is out … all about fall dressing. See Kim’s here and Cindy’s here. In super exciting, related news, have you seen Cindy’s In Good Company campaign with Mersea? She’s a longtime fan of the brand (and they of her) and their partnership is a match made in heaven. Cindy, photographed in her beautiful home, is gracing Mersea’s Instagram and website.
I’m embarrassed to say I considered Mersea an accessories brand (I have an older version of their uber popular market tote), but they’re so much more. Based in Kansas City their clothing and accessories have a very California vibe. If you’re not familiar check out Cindy’s fall style edit.
Back to the Folly our three area rugs were delivered. I forgot to snap the bedroom rug which is the best. All three from Stark Carpet a la our fabulous designer Jaklyn.
Don’t laugh, but a big thrill of the week was seeing the original mailbox zhushed (painted to match the house), mounted on a new post, and returned to its proper place on the street. It’s the little things, right?
Yesterday brought a slew of deliveries and I spent most of the day waiting on their arrival. I’ve been going through these cute Dear Annabelle notepads like crazy making endless to-do lists.
What arrived … the living room chaise sectional, my blog WHQ desk, and the European Oak dining table I ordered from Sonoma Country Antiques back in December. Boom, boom, and boom.
Ok, that’s the Folly update. Let’s touch on a few other things and get on with our weekends …
This week I’m turning my focus to Hawaii. One of BFF Jane’s daughters is getting married in Maui. Last week I shared my wedding guest ensemble (I bought these earrings which I love, and returned these which are beautiful but a little much for me.). plus a new Tommy Bahama dress and linen jacket for the welcome party. The day after the wedding, we’re hopping over to the Big Island for a few days at the incredible resort Kim raved about few months ago. I’m a terrible packer, but I plan to give it a good shot this week, and next weekend I’ll share what ends up in my suitcase. I know … you’ll hold your breath.
I rarely shop at Target these days, but it was my only options for a grocery item this week, and on my way through the store a collection of woven bags caught my eye. Long story short, I came home with this tote in olive green. I love it and have carried it around all week. It’s pretty heavy-duty and excellent for hauling samples, note pads, and my regular stuff back and forth to the Folly. It’s a mile walk, and a tote with good shoulder straps helps. Besides the full-size tote, there’s this mini tote, this shoulder bag, and this pouch with wrist strap. Honestly, I wanted one of each, but I exercised restraint and made do with the tote.
BTY I’m wearing my favorite white tee, these pants that have been best sellers, and these sandals.
Martha Stewart’s Elm Biosciences surprised me with their Elemental Lip Collection. The four lip serums are full of peptides and other good things and they’re kind of like a throwback to lip gloss (a hint of color plus shine) with good ingredients. Or good things as Martha would say. My favorites are Blush and Petal which I’ve been alternating all week. The packaging is really nice too. Not that that has anything to do with anything. Just saying.
In other news from the style gods, Crocs offered me a pair from their latest styles and no surprise, I chose these cozy slippers. They come in whole sizes only; I sized down and should have sized up. Reluctantly, I sent the slippers to niece Shelby and bought a new pair in my size. Shelby loves a cozy slipper every bit as much as I do, and she lives on the coast where it can be quite chilly year-round. She sent me multiple pics of herself wearing them. I’m envious and hope mine arrive soon.
Odds & Socks ~
- I’m devoted to my Drybar blow dryer brush, but it gave up the ghost this week. It was many, many years old and served me well. A replacement will arrive (hopefully) before I pack for Hawaii. It’s my good fortune that it quit this week and not in Hawaii while I was getting ready for the wedding.
- Speaking of Hawaii, I placed my annual pre-vacation order of Salty Face Tanning Water. It loses effectiveness over time, and I don’t want to mess around with that. I also added the face tanning brush for a more even application, and the Daily Moisturizer.
- Also for the trip, my body oil and lotion duo in travel size.
- I ordered this durable and washable runner for the new house’s entry hall. With so many comings and goings, plus the move-in, I want that high-traffic area protected. Update: the rug arrived and its coloring doesn’t look good with the floor; I’m going to exchange it for another but haven’t decided which one yet. Stay tuned.
- Banana Republic’s Friends & Family sale is on with 40% off full priced merch.
- Nathan Turner, local boy made good, answers five questions in Diablo Magazine. It was so much fun meeting Nathan earlier this summer when his book tour stopped at The Spotted Cow in his hometown of Martinez.
Local friends ~
- Walnut Creek’s Oktoberfest continues today 12-9 in Civic Park.
Current Favorites ~
And that’s all I have for today. If you missed last weekend’s post, I shared the outfit I’m wearing to a Maui wedding, and another warm weather vacation dress plus light-weight jacket I’ll be packing, a Folly build update and much more; catch up here.
Let’s see what’s inspiring Kim.
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Love your new home. Exterior so charming! Can you share the exterior paint color?
Kim! Yes, it’s White Dove. Happy weekend! xo
Benjamin Moore?
Yes!
HOW fun you got to see Cindy and Kim! Your home looks amazing. This was such a good post!
What pants are you wearing with your favorite?
You look terrific with your hair back.
Love the wallpaper. Waiting for the move in!
Nan! Thank you. Here’s a link to the pants … they’re really comfy. xo https://go.shopmy.us/p-78540024
MA! Wish you were here to join us. I really miss your guidance with this house. xoxo
Juliet! Whew! Lots going on at the Folly. Absolutely charming, interior and exterior. Love your hardwood floors…a little info about them, please? How fun to have Cindy and Kim come to your home pre-move-in! Curious about your Painter pants as they look so comfy. I’m not sure about the barrel leg look yet. Enjoy your Hawaii trip. I’m a terrible packer too. Just remember the shoes! Xx
Karen! Oh, the shoes … the worst part of being a bad packer. Love the pants, and love the barrel let … I resisted for a long time. Anyway, they’re very comfortable and easy to wear. Happy weekend! xo
Juliet!
Such a FUN dispatch!! EVERYTHING is happening… FOLLY is a stunner!!
Love your friendship with K & C….just beautiful!
Thanks for sharing…you’re the queen!
XO Kymmie
Kymmie!!! Thank you for your kind words … hope you’re well on your way to a fabulous weekend. I know you are! xoxo
Gorgeous William Morris-style wallpaper! I’m dying to know where it came from.
And l love how you’ve spiffed up Susan Hale’s old mailbox. It looks great!
Cinda! I ordered the wallpaper through Rejuvenation. I’m so glad you approve of the mailbox refresh … I love that mailbox and it cleaned up nicely! xo
SO so fun seeing you and the house! Gosh you built such a welcoming and cozy home. I truly love every detail. We missed the rugs and the tables, but they look prefect!! So exciting. Lafayette is a darling town and clearly I need to get back there. I wish we had cute open air dining spots and all the lovely oak trees. Isn’t Cindy the best? Love her.
I don’t know how you have been doing it all honestly. I am so glad you are getting away. Thank you for sharing my Hawaii post and the fall fashion.
I love the snap of you with your hair back. That bag is perfect for fall and so good with this outfit. I am going to try and get those pants- now! I may also need the blow dryer.
Hope you get a breather this weekend. Oh and the family event looked like a blast. You are lucky to be so close to wine country!
xo
Kim! So fun to have you and Cindy here … Los Gatos is so close and yet so far away. Thanks for the great photos … Jim needs to take note. Can’t wait to experience the Rosewood … I’m rereading your blog posts to make sure we do it right. xoxo
i love how your new house is tirni g out! Would you mind d sharing the paint color for your kitchen cabinets? Thank upu!
Maria! TY … the cabinets are Edgecomb Gray. Happy Sunday! xo
I just love Jim going rogue and buying a baby tub — for all of our careful style choices, partners can ruffle our plans in a second! I had my husband assemble canapes once, and they all ended up with smiley faces… I didn’t know Mersea was based in Kansas City — just down the road from us! I envy your ability to start afresh in The Folly w/ well-chosen and scaled pieces that are perfect for your new home. You will have a very quick ‘move in / settle in’ and can soon enjoy living there! How wonderful to have Cindy and Kim visit — The Folly looks elegant, spacious AND functional (which is under appreciated as we age).
Joan! You’re right on the money … function is everything and something we can appreciate more and more. I didn’t know Mersea was a KC brand either. Not sure if I’ve told you my mom’s family is from KC. Do you ever visit Nell Hill? xo
Such a great post! On the Pimpernel wallpaper I don’t see the color of your paper on their site. Can you share a little more information on what color your paper is?
Serena! It’s the Bayleaf & Manilla … https://go.shopmy.us/p-89605878 xo
Dear Juliet,
Folly is extraordinary! Your floors and carpets (Kim shared your favorite today) create such a warm cohesive base for the entire home. I’m partial to dark counters and love the drama they create in your kitchen. The green grass cloth softly carries your palette into your living area. While It’s difficult to decide my favorite area so far, your bathroom wallpaper, tile and marble take my breath away.
Hugs from Mercer Island,
Diney
Diney from Mercer Island! Thank you, you’re so sweet. It’s coming together and I can’t wait to move in. Happy weekend! xo
Hi Juliet,
So lovely seeing you and Cindy and Kim together!! Love your carpets.
Have a lovely weekend! I have dear friends coming over and should be cleaning lol !!
Francesca! I know that pressure … better get to it. Ha! xoxo
Great post on all fronts! Picking up that mini tote at Target in a couple of hours and can’t wait to transfer my summer purse to autumn purse. Have a great time in Hawaii!
Holly! What color did you choose … love all the autumn tones. Happy weekend! xo
Why green of course! I love it! I now look very chic, just like you!
Holly!
The house is turning out beautifully!! No surprise!! I love all your selections! The rugs are amazing!!
I’m flying to Hawaii in October- I’m in Kona, Honolulu and Kauai- it would be funny if I saw you there!!I decided I’d better fly and cover some of the never ending change orders!!
Good luck on the upcoming move!!
Martha
Martha! You’re funny, I could use a side hustle to generate some cash to cover our overruns. I sure wish I was on your flight to or from Hawaii. I’ll be on the look out for you when I get over there. Can’t wait to see more of your new home project … I love that you’ll be so close. xo
So exciting to see things coming together! Curious what framed TV you have over the fireplace? We are moving and that looks nice. Have a great week ahead.
Nanci! The TV is Jim’s department, he says it’s the latest version of the Samsung frame TV. He purchased it at Best Buy. In this house we didn’t do a recessed TV and I was a little uncertain, but I do like it. Happy weekend! xo
Hi Juliet,
Wowie, I knew your home would be wonderful, a cozy cottage feel. Everything is coming together, your sofa looks wonderful and your dining room table lovely.
The mailbox is charming, I love it, yes, it’s the little things that make us so happy is right.
How special to have a visit from Cindy and Kim, wonderful that they made the trip to see your Folly.
You will be ready to chill in Hawaii.
You are truly in the home stretch. I am sorry for the oh my’s that popped up. No surprise.
You are one of the most amazing ladies on the planet to pull all of this off. You must be very organized. It helps making lists. This is the only way I can function.
Katherine! You’re always so sweet … thank you. I’m looking forward to leaving the chaos behind and enjoying some island time. Hope you’re enjoying a wonderful weekend! xo
The house looks great ! I’m just getting back to reading my favorite blogs and you never disappoint! You are so stylish with your home , and the way you dress! I’m also going to order some lip gloss! I’m always a lip gloss gal! Thank you for sharing !
Mary Anne … hi there! Thank you for your kind words. I think you’ll love the ‘gloss’ (serum), I’m already addicted! xo
The house is looking great. I had no idea that was the original mailbox. Very cool. Enjoy some time off in Hawaii. When you return you will really be nearing there finish line.
Karen! Yes, the original mailbox. A couple have neighbors have commented that it makes them happy to see the prior owners mailbox … since there was little else that could be salvaged or repurposed it makes it extra special. xo