Happy weekend, friends!
It’s Saturday and I’m catching up with Elizabeth and Kim for Weekend Meanderings.
How was your week?
Mine was busy.
I put my new gathering basket to use.
And actually cut some hydrangeas in the garden.
It pains me to cut flowers.
Silly, but it does.
Look what I scored at the Serena & Lily outlet!
Last weekend I said I looking for the Blake Console Table and I found it.
In natural … the indigo was too dark.
Not only that its was 40% off the already discounted outlet price.
Sometimes things work out.
Now comes the hard part … rug, ottomans, mirror, lamp, etc. etc.
Stay tuned.
And I finally replanted the window boxes.
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Enough small talk.
Let’s get to it.
MY NEW FAVORITE ROSE
It’s summer and spritzers are being made regularly at Snowberry. I recently discovered the best Rosé … for mixing spritzers and as a stand-alone wine. The 2021 Campuget Tradition Rosé. A product of France, this wine is a blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache. A few tasting notes –
The Rosé has a nice appearance with a light and fresh pink color.
This particularly fruity taste of raspberries and strawberries,
typical of the Campuget style, has a good and refreshing acidity.
It is perfect for summertime meals, with fresh salads or around the barbecue.
It’s light, refreshing and the ideal Rosé for the Rosé Hibiscus Spritz recipe mentioned a few weekends ago. And it’s under $12. Jim declared it very pleasant and drinkable. Unlike me, he knows a thing or two about wine. I buy it at our local grocer, Diablo Foods. Looks like you can also find it at Safeway. Your local grocery or wine store may carry it. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Blog post on this, my new favorite summer Spritzer, coming soon.
SUMMER DRESSES
Over the last few years, I’ve really embraced dresses for summer. I don’t mean for going out to nice places. That too. But for every day. Recently I’ve added quite a few to my collection.
Meyer Lemon Dress / Hat / Bag / Sandals / Sunnies / Hoop Earrings / Nail Polish
A couple of weeks ago Kim and I met up for lunch, blog planning and research. Our investigative journey led us to my favorite boutique, Flaunt in Danville. This Meyer lemon dress had my name written all over it and Kim encouraged me to try it on. She might be a bad influence. She thought I should try this one too. I went in saying I was only going to look and walked out with two new dresses. That settles it, Kim is a very bad influence.
I’ve linked to online options, but if you live in the Bay Area head over to (or call) Flaunt.
Kim aka Bad Influence
Here’s my new collection of summer dresses from frou frou boutiques to Target, I love them all.
Oh, I almost forgot … my sister told me to tell you she adores this Beachcomber Linen Dress from Flax. She says she bought it in six colors and lives in it.
GRACIE PIZZAS
Today I made Gracie pizzas for lunch, and it occurred to me this a great thing to share in my weekend favorites
What are Gracie Pizzas and who is Gracie? Great questions. Gracie is / was my dad’s wife. My dad passed away in January, so I guess that makes her my dad’s widow. So weird to think of her this way. Anyway, Gracie makes legendary pizza, from scratch. She’s been doing it since long before pizza dough at the grocery store was a thing. Gracie’s pizza making was an all-day activity and big event. It drew a crowd. Gracie and my dad have seven daughters between them. Everyone showed up on pizza night, including friends, boyfriends, and various hangers on (as my dad would say). Oh my gosh, I loved her pizza. But THIS is not THAT. Sorry.
Gracie Pizza is a short-cut version made on tortillas. I remember the first time we had it. My dad and Gracie were at our house to accompany us to the Avenue of the Giants marathon. Jim was running the half marathon. My dad had run this race many times and was excited to cheer on his relatively new son-in-law. Before we hit the road my dad wanted lunch. Gracie rummaged through the cupboards to see what she could come up with and Gracie Pizza was born.
Here’s what you’ll need.
- Flour tortillas – soft taco size
- Pizza sauce
- Mozzarella cheese, shred
- Pepperoni
You can use any toppings. I stick with the tried-and-true mozzarella and pepperoni. I like Hobbs Pepperoni.
The key to Gracie Pizza is getting the tortillas crisp but not too crisp. Here’s how to do it.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Place tortillas on a cookie sheet and bake for 2 minutes.
- Flip the tortillas and bake another 1-2 minutes.
- Add pizza sauce and toppings.
- Return to oven for 5-7 minutes, until cheese is bubbling and before tortillas start to brown.
Another thing I remember about the invention of Gracie Pizza is that on the road to Humboldt County Gracie wondered out loud if she’d turned off the oven. This sent my dad and Jim into fits. We debated turning around – we were halfway to Humboldt – and thankfully were able to reach a neighbor who sent her daughter over to check. She had to break in though the garage window and discovered that the oven was off. Phew.
Gracie pizzas are a great go-to for lunch – or dinner – and I always keep the ingredients on hand. Serve with a simple salad and everyone’s happy.
HALFTIME ON NETFLIX
Remember when Jennifer Lopez and Shakira headlined the Super Bowl halftime show? It was in 2020. What? I swear it was just a few months ago. Anyway, a documentary crew shadowed Jennifer through her halftime preparations while simultaneously navigating award season as her movie, Hustlers, generated Oscar buzz. The film also looks at her entire career – from Fly Girl to Golden Globe nominee and Halftime entertainer – which is quite interesting and eye opening. I haven’t followed JLo’s closely, but I came away with a newfound respect and appreciation for her. Jim and I enjoyed this documentary, four thumbs up.
HOUSE CRUSH
This decorating project by designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas, and featured in Southern Living, makes my heart skip a beat … or two.
Southern Living Magazine / Photograph by: Annie Schlechter; Styling: Page Mullins
The home, a former rental in WaterColor, Florida began with a great floor plan and no structural changes were required. That’s my kind of home project.
Southern Living Magazine / Photograph by: Annie Schlechter; Styling: Page Mullins
You can see more of this amazing home here.
So there you have it,
Now let’s see what Elizabeth and Kim are up to.
IN OTHER NEWS ~
- Early Access for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is on. You probably hadn’t heard. Insert eye roll. I’m not big on shopping sales. But there’ve been too many times I’ve bought something two weeks AFTER it was on sale and wished I’d planned better. It’s a good time to stock up on things you use regularly like fragrance, beauty products, basics, socks and unmentionables. Or something you’ve had your heart set on that might be a splurge.
- July 12 & 13 is Prime Day at Amazon. I’m not really sure what Prime Day is … and why is it called Prime Day if it’s two days? I assume it’s a big sale and what I said about Nordstrom applies. People seem to get all hot and bothered over it so I might try to figure it out. Or not.
- While we’re on the subject, Serena & Lily is having their Tent Sale.
- This outdoor summer table setting is dreamy.
- Do you love hydrangeas?! Everything you need to know about growing them can be found right here.
- We just watched this series starring Julia Roberts and an unrecognizable Sean Penn. It’s so well done, except for episode 7 which goes slightly off the rails. And that led us to rewatch this classic movie.
As always, I appreciate your visit and welcome your thoughts in the comments below.
Cheers from Snowberry!
It pains me to cut flowers too. I really never do anymore as I enjoy them more outside. If I want inside I pick up already cut Trader Joe’s. I guess still indirectly cutting. Oy. Currently in heated discussion over removing a tree…really dislike cutting anything down. I make Gracie’s as well. Less carby!
Jackie … you get me! I’d rather buy them too … and I know its silly. Removing trees is also an agony … I feel you on that. Sometimes it must be done. Yep, Gracie pizzas are light on the carbs. Hope you enjoy! xo
Juliet so much to love here.. Where to begin? I wish I had window boxes. I have serious envy and love those yellow flowers! The rose looks great. I will defer to you and Jim as Max and I know little about wine, except we belong to a local winery and don’t even go pick up our bottles! I aim always looking for the coppery colored rosé they have in Southern France and this seems to be it! You can drink them like water there and they never seem too alcoholic! I can’t wait to see your spritz..
Now where is the photo of you in this darling lemon dress?? You looked amazing in it and it needs to be added here. You can make anything look good and have the figure of Kate Middleton – tall and willowy! You had to have that dress! Bad influence must be good for you! LOL.
Hey great idea Gracie’s pizzas. I need something like this for the college kid who is eating me out of house and home. I think I’ll get the makings for this and start dishing a few of these out. The artisan pepperoni is so good right? Thank you I so needed more food ideas that are fast and yummy.
LOVE this home in Watercolor ! First, I just want to say, can I live there? Anytown with that name has me at hello! This is my kind of house – whites and natural woods and those curtains!! I am clicking over now…
Again so fun to read your post always.. Oh and I was wondering about the Julia R movie! I am watching the FLDS thing, ‘Keep Sweet..’. now and it’s disturbing, but like Tiger King addicting.
Have a great weekend Juliet!
PS. The table looks amazing and you will have fun styling it up!
x x
Haha, Kim … Gracie Pizzas are perfect for a hungry college kid. The good news is once you open a jar of pizza sauce you need to use it up … so I make the pizzas for lunch all week. He’ll probably eat at least 2 at a sitting so no wasted sauce!!! Winning. Yes, Watercolor … can we move there? And into a cottage like this? I’m ready. Ok, I need to get that photo out … but tall and willowy. I think not. I love you for saying it though. Hope you have a fun but restful weekend. You deserve it! xo
Juliet,
Gracie pizza! Such a sweet name for an easy and delicious meal. I have never made pizza like this before, I may or may not be thanking you once I try it. I don’t think I should be eating pizza for every meal and with a recipe this easy I may start to.
Dresses are my favorite thing to wear. I hate long pants and try not to wear them if I don’t have too. We have a vey similar style and in fact have purchased some of the same dresses this year.
Your window boxes are charming, as in your entire yard. I hate to cut flowers too but I also prefer to cut my flowers than to buy them. Your hydrangeas look beautiful as do you and your pups.
As for the Nordi sale, so far I’ve only found a couple of things that I think I “need” what about you?
Have a wonderful week, enjoy Jim and the pups!
One more thing, your new table looks beautiful! Serendipity to be sure.
Hey there, good morning! Gracie Pizzas are addicting … and the other thing, once you open a jar of pizza sauce you need to use it up! Can you believe the table … it was the first thing I saw when I walked in the store. Serendipity to be sure! It’s great that we can buy the same dresses and not worry about running into each other at the grocery store. Opposite coasts has some advantages … although I wish you lived closer so we could do lunch … ahem, blog research … together. Have a lovely weekend! xo
A beautiful post Juliet. The whole post is like a storybook. The photography is stunning.
Gray, you are the sweetest! Good morning! Wishing you the BEST weekend. xo
I bought some of JLO’s cosmetics they are Good!
How much sun do your hydrangeas get?
I see they are in the sun in this photo.
You did?! What products did you buy? I’m so curious about them. Yes our hydrangeas do get some afternoon sun. Not the best but … the bigger problem is gofers running amok. I mean … if it’s not one problem it’s ten others. Happy weekend! xo
What a great post, my friend. I cannot wait to try the Rose. It sounds like the perfect mix for a spritzer.
As always, I love your dress choices. So cute.
Thank you for featuring my blog post on Hydrangeas. You are so kind.
Hi Wendy, I’m going to be following your hydrangea advice. Closely! Happy weekend my friend. xo
Well, first of all, if that’s a MEYER lemon dress how come I don’t have one, says Karen Meyer.
Your console was a steal and I love it in your entry way. The tortilla pizza sounds delish… I will definitely try that. Who doesn’t love a short cut?
I don’t like to cut my flowers either. Seems like this is a common problem and I thought I was the only person not to do this. Even if I have a cutting garden. That’s what Trader Joes is for.
Obviously you NEED this dress! Apparently squeamishness about cutting flowers is real. I feel seen. xo
Hi Juliet, I love this post! Great job!
Okay need a new show so Gaslight looks like a winner (I think that’s what it’s called).
We just finished We Crashed. We have several We Works in downtown Denver.
Love the tortilla pizza!
I screwed up and thought Prime Days was last Friday! Okay I need help with my reels. Yours look great! I spent 55 minutes on one reel! Happy Weekend!
laura in Colorado
Laura, Reels are the worst and it takes me hours to make one (and a not very good one). I may throw in the towel. We loved WeCrashed. Started Super Pumped last night … about Uber. These tech founders … cray cray (as the kids say). xo
Hi Juliet…where to begin? I absolutely love this post! It’s so full of great info! I’m so jealous of your Serena & Lily find and I know you choose just the right things to go with it…can’t wait to see!
Thank you for the Gracie Pizza recipe – I’ll definitely be making that soon. I’m also excited to try the Rosé as soon as I’ve finished my “dry July”.
Also, Baldy and I are always looking for suggestions about what to watch on Netflix and we will put these on the list!
I hope you’ve had an amazing weekend so far! Thank you for an amazing post!
Suzanne!!! You’re the best. xoxo
I hope we get to meet one day, because I feel like we are kindred souls in many ways. (Even though I voted for the indigo table…. I get that it might have been too dark. 🙂 ) I feel the same way about cutting flowers. They last much longer on the plant and I enjoy them in my yard! And really I have a hard time cutting anything living — trees, plants, and definitely animals. (I am a vegetarian.) I will have to give the quick pizzas a try sometime! And I will be looking for that rose you recommend! Have a great week!
Molly! Apparently reluctance to cut flowers is a real thing. Who knew? I feel less alone. These pizzas are the best … quick, relatively light and great for vegetarian toppings. Love learning more about you! xo
Thank you for sharing my summer table!
I can’t wait to have you over for cocktails when the backyard is finished!
I’m so excited!!! xo
Your pictures are just beautiful!!! I’ve never had flowers at my house (other than a hanging basket). Missouri summers are so hot and dry and I’ve always worked full-time, but I’d LOVE to have those gorgeous flowers you have. Maybe when I retire LOL. I’ve never made pizzas on a tortilla. But as I’m reading I thought “now why didn’t I think of that?” I’ll have to give that a try. Have a wonderful day my friend!