Happy weekend, friends.
It’s time to meet up with Kim and Elizabeth for our weekly favorites.
Monica Vargas Photography
This week went by in a flash.
I had a lovely lunch in town with our favorite Contessa.
Joined the ‘big time’ bloggers to share main dish salads.
I made Asian Chicken Salad.
Yesterday I had the pleasure of hosting Ashley, of Modern Glam Home, for lunch.
I served – surprise – Asian Chicken Salad.
But forgot to add the chicken.
Fortunately, I caught it before it was too late.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again.
I’m not an effortless entertainer.
I also neglected to take pictures.
Ashely looked so pretty and stylish in pink.
She was probably wearing pieces from her shop, Flaunt.
Ok, enough about me.
Let’s get to my weekly favorites.
(Haha)
DEAR ALICE PODCAST
If you love podcasts like I love podcasts, discovering a new pod is E X C I T I N G! When I say new, I mean new-to-me. My latest pod discovery is Dear Alice: A Lifestyle Approach to Interior Design. An interior design podcast hosted by Jessica Bennett and Suzanne Hall of Alice Lane Interior Design. The witty banter between these designing women is so natural and fun. You can tell they’re friends as well as colleagues. Their projects are high end, but I always learn something that I can apply at (not high end) Snowberry.
Garden Cottage / Alice Lane Interior Design / Builder: Jackson and Leroy / Photo: Josh Caldwell
Recently I hopped onto their website to peruse their design projects. Oh my gosh … amazing. I’m smitten with their Garden Cottage project (pictured above). Let’s have a look inside.
Garden Cottage / Alice Lane Interiors / Builder: Jackson and Leroy / Photos: Josh Caldwell
Swoon. I love the use of a garden stool indoors. I’m big on garden stools, if you hadn’t noticed, and shared a few of my favorites here.
Their Somerset Tudor project is pretty awesome too.
Somerset Tudor / Alice Lane Interior Design / Photos: Lindsay Salazar
If you’re not into podcasts, you may enjoy their Instagram page. They have an online shop too. Their stuff is pricey. But it costs nothing to look.
THE BEST PART OF MY DAY
When someone tells me they don’t eat breakfast I’m stunned. DON’T EAT BREAKFAST?! It’s my favorite meal of the day. If I skipped it things would get ugly. Don’t ask Jim. My breakfast generally consists of two slices of toast, or a bagel, with butter. Whipped butter. And a mug of hot cocoa as you probably know because I talk about it so much. Occasionally I worry I’m not getting enough protein, so I scramble an egg. Recently I changed things up by switching to cinnamon raisin toast. Not just any cinnamon raisin toast. Boudin Bakery’s cinnamon raisin toast. I don’t know who needs to hear this but, oh my gosh, this cinnamon raisin toast is so good. And it’s not the small, thinly sliced loaves sold at the grocery store. These are big loaves with thick slices. Taking in the cinnamon aroma wafting around the house while the bread toasts is the best way to start the day.
If you live in the Bay Area, or have traveled through SFO, you’re familiar with Boudin and have probably eaten in one of their cafes … and certainly enjoyed their famous sourdough. Their Walnut Creek café is a favorite of my nieces and that’s where I go to buy the raisin bread. Two loaves at a time. I freeze one.
I didn’t know this but at their flagship store at Fisherman’s Wharf they have a demonstration bakery where you can watch all the goodness being made. And enjoy lunch, or dinner at their waterfront Bistro Boudin. I think a field trip is in order.
Boudin Bakery
You can also order their famous sourdough, cinnamon raisin bread and other baked goodies online.
By the way, my oversize cup and saucer is New Italian by Spode purchased from Replacements. It’s sold out but they have a similar one here. I get asked a lot … ‘is it big?’ Yes, it’s big but it holds my 12 oz morning cocoa beautifully.
DOVE DEEP MOISTURE BODY WASH
One of the blessings and curses of getting older is dry skin. When I say blessing, as someone who struggled with oily skin in my younger years (and beyond), moving past it is something to be thankful for. But sometimes skin can be too dry. When an annoying itchy patch sent me running to the dermatologist in fear (I’ve already had one Mohs surgery so I’m hyper-vigilant paranoid about it), she gave me a prescription cream and recommended that I switch from using soap in the shower to a body wash. Specifically, Dove’s Deep Moisture Body Wash. I was a little skeptical. Does body wash get the job done? Well, I can attest that it does. I’ve also gotten better about slathering my entire self in moisturizer while still wet from the shower. I like CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, which was also recommended by my dermatologist. For Jim I still keep soap in the shower. A gentle, fragrance-free oatmeal soap that’s supposed to be good for those with sensitive skin. Anyway, I really like the body wash in lieu of soap. And it’s gentler on your shower tile and glass too. Win win.
TARGET PORCELAIN SERVING PLATTERS AND BOWLS
Last summer I organized an outdoor event for a lot of people. It was catered but the food was to be delivered on biodegradable trays. I wanted the food table to look elevated and decided to buy matching white platters and bowls. Renting was an option, but I thought it would be smart to own a nice set of platters for home. And it is. I’ve reached for them many times since. I didn’t want to spend a fortune, so I searched Home Goods first. They had several options but not the simple, plain white I had in mind. Next, I went to Target and to my surprise they have an entire aisle of white, porcelain platters and serve ware, in all shapes and sizes. As with most things at Target, the price was right and the quality good. I may have gone a bit overboard, but if you need help hosting an event I’m prepared.
Last week I joined a group of bloggers to share recipes for main dish summer salads. I served up my Asian Chicken Salad in one of my new, big serving bowls. I could have opted for a platter, and I love having choices. It makes me feel so chef-y.
Monica Vargas Photography
On the salad front, Kim and I were thinking along the same lines, and she made Asian Noodle Salad. It looks delish and I’m going to make it this week.
Northern California Style
A LOVELY LIFE
Melissa Michaels, of The Inspired Room fame, has a new book out this week. A Lovely Life: Savoring Simple Joys in Every Season. I pre-ordered months ago and look forward it landing at Snowberry early next week. Melissa’s written many books. I read her first (I believe it’s her first), Love the Home You Have, earlier this year. Like her popular blog, her easy, conversational writing style translates well to a longer format and I’m eagerly anticipating this new release. Here’s what the Amazon page has to say –
Home-decorating expert Melissa Michaels invites you to experience the peace and joy that come from a well-balanced life that nurtures your home and soul throughout the year.
You might think that you need to make big changes to create a better life but it’s often the small, intentional, everyday decisions that shape our environment over time and bring sustained contentment and well-being. Savor the process.
Sounds good to me. Last week I told you about Melissa’s recent blog post on Coastal Grandmother style … that again. And I also mentioned that her new home is in the same neighborhood as our Fidalgo Island house. You can see it from her front porch. I get such a kick out of this. If we had stayed there maybe I’d be sipping my morning cocoa on the deck with this famous blogger. In my dreams. We’ve already established that Coastal Grandma style has nothing to do with living on the coast or being a grandmother. But, in this case … Melissa does live on the coast and her new home has the Coastal Grandma vibe.
The Inspired Room
I can see the windows of our den in this photo. Oops, I mean former den. I still feel so protective of our old house.
The Inspired Room
Here’s a photo of our Fidalgo Island living room. Miss that view.
My Fidalgo Island Home
Anyway, I’m excited to get my hands on Melissa’s new book!
So, there you have it.
Now let’s visit Kim and Elizabeth to see what’s on their minds this weekend.
In other news …
- The baseball cap washing frame recommended by Patric Richardson (the Laundry Love book) STILL hasn’t arrived. I checked on my order status and it isn’t expected to ship for another couple of weeks. Maybe there was a run on them after Patric’s appearance on Live with Keli & Ryan.
- Bosch is back! We binged the 7-season detective series, Bosch, last year. As with any good series, we were sad when it came to an end. But not to worry, Harry Bosch is back with season one of Bosch: Legacy on Amazon Freevee. Mimi Rogers (Tom Cruise’ first wife!) returns as Honey ‘Money’ Chandler as does Madison Lintz as Bosch’s daughter, Maddie. The first six episodes are available now with four more to come. And it’s been renewed for season two.
- The Serena & Lily sale is still on! Take 20% off everything, including new arrivals, with code GOFORIT.
As always, I appreciate your visit and welcome your thoughts in the comments below.
Cheers from Snowberry!
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No wonder you are attached to your Fidalgo Island House; it is beautiful! Those views! I understand where you are coming from on the weather though. We left the northeast in the early 90s because my husband couldn’t take the heavy gray clouds and cold from November through March. We are working our way south and are currently renting a lovely apartment on the gulf coast of Florida where for the last 5 months we have had sunshine nearly every day. Always enjoy your entertaining posts!
Kelly … the gulf coast sounds wonderful. Cool gray climates aren’t for everyone, right? Hope you have an amazing weekend! xo
HI Juliet,
I think I deleted my own comment.
You had me at Tejava. Costco sells it in cases. My brother and I have an agreement that whenever they hit the shelves (again) we grab a case for the other sibling. Pinned and printed the asian chicken salad!
I love your dutch door paint color! Everytime I see your door I remember I need to paint mine. The wind is finally settling down here in Colorado.
The wind is killing my tennis game! xo laura
Oh no, that darned wind. Tennis is a joy of life. You’re a fellow Tejava devotee too! So glad it’s back, and I buy it buy the case at Trader Joe’s … which is on my agenda today! Don’t tell anyone, but our Dutch door needs some painting touch up. It’s on the list!!! Happy weekend! xo
Juliet, there is so much to see, read and enjoy this morning! Your Fidalgo house was amazing, the views, etc but if your heart is in California that is where you should be. I love that one of your favorite bloggers lives just down the street.
I am sure that lunch with Elizabeth was amazing, she is such a wonderful lady. Your lunch salad with Ashley looks delicious! As did all of the others in the series. I have pinned them all. I know what you mean about the “big bloggers” Cindy, MaryAnn and Annie are amazing and it is always fun to be included in their series.
Love that podcast and all of their homes. As for garden benches in the house, yes! Always a great idea and you can move them around where you need them.
I do not eat breakfast, I do drink hot chocolate for breakfast. That said, I love cinnamon toast, but not raisins!
Thanks for sharing all of your fun finds, memories, recipes and this weekly series with Kim and I! The three of us are small but mighty!
Good morning, Elizabeth! Ok, I can’t get past the no breakfast part. Especially the no cocoa. When do you enjoy your hot chocolate? Inquiring minds need to know! xo
A great post Juliet! I am not an effortless entertainer either. I love to do it, but am not great at it.
I don’t eat breakfast! At least at breakfast time anyway. I try to fast 16 hours a day.
And love that Garden House project! Thanks!
Good morning, Gray! I’m astounded by the number of people who put of breakfast. I just can’t!!! I try to do the 8-hour eating window too which means I stop eating by 4pm. A little upside down, but works for me. Glad you loved the Garden House too … it’s absolutely charming. Have an amazing weekend! xo
And just like that, my Saturday is off to a great start! Fun read and a small shopping spree via Replacements. Thank you, Juliet. I indulged in the Fidalgo Island Home Tour again too. Swoon! Coastal decor perfection. I just love what you did with that place. Wishing you and yours a fabulous weekend!
Good morning, Pamela! Replacements is quite the rabbit hole to fall down, isn’t it?! Thank you for your kind words. I do miss that house … and knowing that you were just across the water … somewhere out there … was fun too. Hope you’re enjoying your coastal home today … happy weekend! xo
Oh Juliet I’m so loving all this! You and I are always on the same page – today sharing bakeries and cool design people who inspire us! I can’t wait to follow this podcast and also ordering Melissa’s book, which sounds like my kind of thing. How did you ever leave Fidalgo island?? Your home was GORGEOUS. It looks like paradise. I would die for that view, but if it is grey a lot, I may not have been able to deal. As a lifelong Californian I get depressed with too many days without sun.
Boudin’s is one of my favorites and I concur their sourdough is the bomb. I must have at least one of their Turkey Havarti sandwiches on sliced sourdough every other week. I wish I could do the toast, but if I have sweets in the morning I get kinda nauseous. I now only have an oat milk latte and occasional granola and yogurt on the weekend. I eat a regular dinner and lunch so one less meal is better and I still need to lose weight sadly.
I love where you have your breakfast! That is California living! P.S. Oh the Target white plates. My bowl was Hudson Grace, but I have many good basic whites and that is all we need right? Love your bowl! xoxo
Juliet
I know how you feel about being protected over your old house. I didn’t expect to see my former home that we sold to Melissa on your blog. she is going to take that cute little beach house into its next phase of cuteness.
It is a beautiful area and I will always treasure my time there. However, we knew our time there was limited.
Really enjoyed all your links and information on the
Blog this week. Awaiting your next post.
Hi Jessica … I think we both feel the same about our old neighborhood. Loved our homes, miss our homes and the view … but the weather! xo
So many fun finds for this rainy Saturday in NJ! Yes, your previous home sure had some stunning views! Wow! And I need to check out that podcast…their designs look amazing! Enjoy your weekend!
Shelley
Hi Shelley … I think you’d enjoy the podcast … a lot! xo
Juliet- I hope this isn’t a repeat comment…It just disappeared. It did that before! Anyway…I was saying how I love that you drink your morning hot chocolate over coffee. So luxurious. I recently cleaned out the pantry and found a bit of hot cocoa from Williams Sonoma, immediately made a cup and thought of YOU! Now I want a thick slice of raisin toast!
xx
Hi Annie … I love that and I hope you enjoyed! I’m sure there are many places to get a good cinnamon raisin toast in your neck of the woods! Have a great week! xo
Good morning Juliet, pretty new to your blog here! I had not heard about the Bosch Legacy series, but we stumbled on a new Netflix series of the Lincoln Lawyer last night. The first 2 episodes were enough to make us want more, you may enjoy it.
Hi Nancy, and welcome! So glad to have you hear. And you’re already teaching me new things. Jotting down Lincoln Lawyer now. Have a wonderful week! xo
A BIT LATE TO THE PARTY BUT AS YOU KNOW I DONOT TURN THE COMPUTER ON DURING THE WEEKENDS!THANK YOU FOR THE MENTION AND I AM THRILLED YOU ARE ENJOYING THAT BLUE CUP!I USE IT MOST DAYS!
SO MUCH TO TAKE IN…………as you know I do not USE your DECOR AESTHETICS which is the STYLE OF THE MOMENT.I have ALWAYS BEEN THE ODD BALL OUT……….but I SURE LOVE TO VISIT IT AS I FEEL I’m ON VACATION!
KEEP ON KEEPING ON……..and by the way I LOVE RASIN CINNAMON BREAD which I have found in the GLUTEN FREE DEPARTMENT!
AS A CHILD IT WAS MY FAVORITE TOO!
XXX
Contessa … you are uniquely you. La Contessa. And your admirers are gaga over your style and aesthetic … if only we could pull it off. Alas I cannot and must stick to more conventional methods. I believe we learned the word ‘te’ with the blue cup and saucer … but it perfect for my cioccolato! Gluten free cinnamon raisin bread … a gift from the gods. It’s so good. I may take your lead and turn off my computer on weekends … and enjoy this lovely s spring. xo
“It makes me feel so chef-y.” This is one of the reasons I love you…you are so down to earth. Great post!
Hahaha … I love that you love my humor. Not everybody gets me. xo
Such a great post. From cinnamon raison toast to beautiful coastal homes and SALADS, I enjoyed every bit of it! So much to see and learn from each other. I am (trying) to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of that. I need a huge Spode cup of hot cocoa outside every morning. I am going to do it! Thanks for all your inspiration
XO,
Kim
Do it, Kimberly! You deserve it … as well as slowing down to savor the simple pleasures in life. xo
Great post, Juliet. Always fun to read about a variety of topics big or small.
You now have me craving good raisin bread. The Braeburn restaurant in Langley on Whidbey island had a sandwich of hearty raisin and walnut bread with grilled cheese and bacon that was irresistible. Now I want that too.
Boudin Bakery has such great bread. Whoever said man doesn’t live by bread alone was just plain wrong.
Oh my gosh, that sounds so good … I’m feeling the need to visit Langley! xo
Great post as usual. Chicken Salad sounds yummy. You do need protein 2 slices pf toast just doesn’t cut it.
Mother Parsley
Yes, Mother Parsley! xoxo
What a fantastic post Juliet. I can’t wait to try both of these salads. Or should I say, get my hubby to try them since he does most of the cooking in this house.
Wendy … I love that our husband does the cooking. I like him already! Happy weekend! xo