The First Thing You Should Do When Visiting Waco + (Much) More on Today’s Weekend Meanderings

The first thing you should do when visiting Waco, the prettiest dress for spring weddings, and a Yuzu juice cocktail. All this and more in today’s Weekend Meanderings.

Happy weekend, friends!

It’s Saturday and I’m joining Kim and Elizabeth for Weekend Meanderings.

Our weekly roundup of inspiration and goings on.

This post includes affiliate links for your convenience at no additional cost to you. You can read my full disclosure policy here.

Close up of spring coffee table.

We had another week of incredible, stormy weather.

This year is one for the records books.

Its been sunny and (relatively) warmer the past few days.

A nice respite while we brace for the next storm tomorrow.

Did you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

I skipped the corned beef and cabbage.

And took my new favorite green bag for a spin.

Green Woven Bag.

Let’s get to the good stuff.

DON’T PUT OFF LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE

Don’t put off living your best life, and if you need help – get it! If you’re over 40, over 50, or 60, like me, whatever your age, striving to live the best and fullest life possible is more important than ever. I don’t know about you, but I still have big dreams, and goals, that I intend to accomplish in my life. And while I plan to live a long, long time … I’m more aware than ever that time isn’t infinite. So if not now, when?

Kym Showers Life Coach - Reinvented After 40

I’ve mentioned the Kym Showers Reinvented After 40 Podcast several times. I’m a huge fan and I think you will be too. And that’s the reason for everything I share here. Kym also has an uplifting Instagram page where she posts daily doses of wisdom and encouragement for women in the second half of life. In addition to being a podcast host and an Instagram sunny spot, Kym is a life coach. I first learned about her through influencer Kristy Wicks. I think Kristy and Kym are related, or something, by marriage. But that’s neither there nor there. I’m just grateful for being pointed in Kym’s direction and I look forward to Thursday’s when her weekly podcast drops.

Want to know a secret? I joined one of Kym’s coaching groups. The group started in February and meets once a week via Zoom for six months. There are nine other women in the group. But I won’t say more to protect everyone’s privacy. Kym has another group starting later this month. I’m not sure there are spots available, but I know she’ll have more groups starting in the future. And, she’s hosting a retreat in May for all her past and present clients. I’m going! It’s a little out of my comfort zone, and I’m super excited.

Anyway, I highly recommend Kym’s podcast (start at the beginning), following her on Instagram and, if you’re interested, check out group coaching options on her website.

 

SPRING WEDDING GUEST DRESS

If I were going to a spring wedding – sadly, I’m not – this is exactly what I’d wear. When this dress popped up in my text messages a few weeks ago I fell head over heels. Side note –  have you noticed that retailers are no longer satisfied with your email address? Now they want your text too. Enough already. Anyway, this text from Tuckernuck turned out to be a happy one because I adore this dress and I can’t wear it to a spring wedding, maybe you can.

Floral dress from Anthropology, perfect wedding guest dress look.

Floral Dress | Platform Sandals | Clutch | Earrings

Last year, when Jim and I felt like we were full-time wedding guests, I admired Loeffler Randall shoes again and again. They come in many gorgeous styles and colors. Truly, they’re the ultimate wedding guest shoe. We’re going to a summer wedding in Italy and I think it’s my chance to acquire a pair. I need to find a summer-wedding-in-Italy dress first. But, back to the spring wedding guest dress.

Tuckernuck paired the dress with Loeffler Randall’s pleated platform sandal in emerald green. I like their velvet platform sandal, in spruce, too. If you read my post last weekend, you know I’m in a green phase.

To complete my fantasy spring wedding guest ensemble, I added a canvas clutch embellished with crystals, and silk and leather orchid earrings. Since we’re talking about Loeffler Randall, and weddings, they make wonderful clutch bags too. Like this one and this one.  And I adore this Cuyana little bow bag too (maybe for Italy).

 

OSCAR LOOKS – NAILED & FAILED

Did you watch the Oscars last Sunday? I did, for the first time in years. That said, I was slightly distracted and didn’t give it my undivided attention. Thank goodness for the internet. I intended to include some of my favorite and least favorite looks today, but it’s 9:00pm and I’m running out of time and steam. And why reinvent the wheel when the amazing Joni Webb of Cote de Texas nailed it in her post the morning after the awards. How on earth did she do that? Probably stayed up all night. So without further ado … in the event you haven’t already read it … Joni’s brilliant Oscar recap.

And for what’s it’s worth are some of my favorite and least favorite looks.

Yes!

Images: Mike Coppola via Vanity Fair

No.

Images: Mike Coppola via Vanity Fair | Arturo Holmes via GETTY IMAGES | Mike Coppola via Vanity Fair

These gowns were popular best-dressed vote getters, from reliable sources. For me … while both women look stunning STUNNING … these looks scream Dynasty. Too soon. But I see the direction we’re headed and I need a little more time to get on board.

Images: Mike Coppola via Vanity Fiar

That said, I loved this dress. Maybe because there are no giant shoulders. This might even be my favorite dress. See, I’m coming around.

Stephanie Hsu

Image: Arturo Holmes via GETTY IMAGES

And let’s hear it for them men! They’ve gotten a lot more creative in their award show style … plain black tux no more.

Yes, please!

Images: Mike Coppola via Vanity Fair | GETTY IMAGES via People | Mike Coppola via Vanity Fair

No, thank you.

Images: Mike Coppola via Vanity Fair | Arturo Holmes via Vanity Fair | Kevin Mazur via GETTY IMAGES | Arturo Holmes via Vanity Fair

Well, I guess I got a little carried away. Still, I know nothing, this is just my uninformed opinion.

 

VISITING WACO? DO THIS FIRST.

Are you planning to visit Waco? Every week when I see friends posting fun videos and pictures from The Silos at Magnolia – and all over Waco – I’m reminded of my girl’s trip to Waco in 2017. So much has changed in the six years since I visited. Tons of new shops and restaurants and places to stay. I’d love to visit again and see how it’s grown.

The Silos at Waco Texas.

There are many articles and blog posts about planning a trip to Waco, including this recent post from Leslie at My-100-Year-Old-Home. She renovated a darling house in Waco and you can stay there. During our trip we stayed at the Hotel Indigo (popular with Baylor parents) which was a great location for walking to the Silos and all over downtown.

four women standing under Magnolia sign in Waco, Texas.

The best – and first thing – we did on our trip to Waco is take a Waco Tour. This is something I rarely see mentioned in the myriad of articles written about visiting Waco. Waco Tours is co-owned by David Ridley, who you may remember as ‘the bachelor’ in season one of Fixer Upper. In fact, David, greet us at our hotel as we boarded the sprinter van for our two and a half hour tour. David is every bit as charming – and handsome –  as he appears on the show. He’s married now, with two little girls.

Our tour took us through the Baylor campus (gorgeous), where we stopped for coffee at Heritage Creamery, owned by another Fixer Upper couple from season one. Our fun tour guides shared the history of Waco while continuing on through some beautiful Waco neighborhoods (passing by several Fixer Upper houses), with additional stops at Clint Harp’s wood working shop and Cameron Park. The tour lasts about two and a half hours and we did it first thing in the morning on our first day there … I recommend doing the same. We were returned to our hotel late morning and set off on foot to the Silos for lunch.

Since our visit, Waco Tours has expanded and now includes a river cruise tour, private tours and special Christmas experiences. When I go back, the river cruise will be first on the agenda.

Our Waco Tour was not only the first thing we did on the trip, but our favorite thing as well. Have you been to Waco? What was your favorite thing?

Four women standing with David Ridley of Waco Tours.

With David Ridley of Waco Tours

YUZU MEZCAL MARGARITA

Last night – after a long pause – Cocktail Night at Snowberry returned. I made Yuzu Mezcal Margaritas. What’s Yuzu? Good question … I recently learned about the grapefruit sized, floraly citrus fruit from this article the Citrusy Ray of Sunshine Your Winter Cooking needs. Grown in east Asia, the fruit is not widely available in the states, but the juice is. And it’s currently popular with chefs at some very high end restaurants … on their food and beverage menus. They look more like rough skinned lemons to me. Yuzu can be added to anything you’d add lemon to … including water, iced tea, or a spritzer! Think marinades and vinaigrettes … even cakes and pastas.

Yuzu Fruit.

Jim came up with the Yuzu Mezcal Margarita. It’s delicious and refreshing just like a regular margarita. But the mezcal adds a bit of depth and smokiness. I’m not usually a fan of mezcal, but in this drink … I’m all in.

Yuzu Mezcal Margarita Ingredients.

You can see my Yuzu Mezcal Margarita video here.

woman holding yuzu mezcal margarita.

Yuzu Mezcal Margaritas.

Yuzu Mezcal Margarita

5 from 2 votes
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 1 oz Mezcal
  • 1 oz Reposado Tequila
  • 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1/2 oz Yuzu Juice
  • 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
  • 1/2 oz Agave Nectar
  • Lime Wheels for garnish
  • Rimming salt, if desired

Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  • Shake well and strain into chilled glasses over ice.
  • Garnish with a lime wheel.
  • If you like a salt rim for your margarita, you'll like it for this version too. Totally optional.

This is the juice I ordered from YUZUCO … they offer several products and I found the options a little confusing. I placed an order for 4 small bottles and they arrived within a week and included a sample of the concentrate. It looks like they’re currently a couple weeks delayed in shipping. Likely the result of the WSJ article. You can also find Yuzu juice (not the YUZUCO brand) on Amazon … but, again, I found the options confusing.

Yuzu Mezcal Margaritas.

I hope you give Jim’s Yuzu Mezcal Margarita a try. And let me know what you think.

By the way, I’ve been making large format ice cubes for cocktails … they keep drinks cold longer and they melt more slowly so your drink won’t get as watery. I like my cocktails COLD and it takes me a while to drink them. You can buy round ice cube molds or square ice cube molds. Jim prefers the round, I like the square. Since I’m the maker of ice cubes at our house … guess what kind we have?

 

So there you have it.

My weekly favorites.

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

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE

PINECONES AND ACORNS

Odds & Socks ~

I adore Suzanne of Crazy Blonde Life, and her recently posted arm workout is the best.

Suzanne’s post also mentions the horrors of crepey skin. A side effect of age plus sun damage. Sigh. I glommed onto a reader comment (thanks, April) saying that as a young nurse this Fruit of the Earth Vitamin E Skin Care Cream was recommended to her by her nursing supervisor to sooth her hands after endless washing. She’s used it ever since, all over her body, and her elderly mother uses it as well with great results. (She says she adds rose rip or plain rose oil to the cream.) Well, of course, I ordered it immediately. It’s incredibly inexpensive, the packaging is lackluster (it’s sold in packs of 2 – 4 oz jars), but it’s lovely in texture, scent and my skin feels baby soft after just a few days. Of course, I have no idea how or if this will in any way address the crepey skin I’ve noticed on my upper arms. Quel horreur. But we’ll see. I also bought this fancy pants cream. I’m going to try it on my thighs, another horror story, and compare the two.

Planning a spring break getaway? This week Kim (Resort Looks and Packing Tips) and Cindy (Best Resort Wear for Women Over 50) shared resort-wear tips on their Signature Style series.

Designer extraordinaire Heather Chaduck Hillgas, she’s also Colonial Williamsburg’s designer-in-residence, collaborated with Chairish this week to share her historic picks and favorite things from the site. I swooned over all her choices, including a console that might work for my foyer!

Jansen Home’s just-arrived Spring collection launched yesterday! I’ve purchased so many favorites from the photogenic sisters of Jansen Home. And their stuff frequently sells out … I say having learned the hard way.

Current Favorites ~

 

Catch up on last weekend’s meanderings here.

And all my Weekend Meanderings posts are collected here.

Follow along for more fun on Instagram and Pinterest.

As always, I appreciate your visit and welcome your thoughts in the comments below.

Pitcher of tulips on kitchen counter.

Cheers from Snowberry!

 

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  • This post was just what I needed as I face a crisis in my life and listened to a couple of podcasts from Kym Showers. Thank you.

    • Megan, I’m sorry to hear your dealing with a tough time … I hope listening to Kym helps. If nothing else a brief moment of respite. Wishing you well, my friend. xo

  • Oh Juliet, you had me laughing about your arm and thigh “horror stories”! Only because I’m in the same boat with my legs. No matter how thin I am, ALWAYS have cellulite and after 3 children I have spider veins everywhere. I have not worn shorts or anything shorter than ankle length pants for 10 years but we’re moving to Florida so that will have to change. I think I’m finally going to look into having something done about the spider veins (at least from the knees down so I can wear knee length skirts and shorts again. Do you know anyone who has done this and what’s involved?

    • Kelly, I hear you … and feel the same about shorts. I’ve had my spider veins treated several times with very little impact so I won’t do it again. But everyone is different. If you’re in the Bay Area I believe Dr. Brar in Danville in an expert on veins … that’s all she does. Keep me posted. xo

    • Removing spider veins takes time (years) and MANY treatments because the tiny needles with saline can only manage one tiny spider vein at a time. My Dermatologist tells me that if you are prone to spider veins that you will need to keep up the treatments as the darned things will keep forming. This is an ongoing years kind of thing so one or two treatments will hardly make a dent if you have tons of them (this is why Juliet saw little progress).
      And on another note: Juliet you missed the gorgeous black dress that Haley Bieber wore

      • Oh, Lauren … I had at least six treatments over a number of years … and my spiders weren’t even that bad. But it never got better and weathering the dreadful stockings after is just something I’ll never do again. Wish they’d come up with a new treatment. I’ll have to look for Haley Biever’s dress … I missed it and, truthfully, a lot of dresses! xo

  • Hey, let’s meet in Waco and take the boat tour! I think it’s halfway for both of us.
    That lotion sounds great. I used Eucerin Intensive repair (twice) before a wedding where I was wearing a cap sleeve. It worked pretty well.
    Jim’s margarita sounds awesome.

  • I don’t know how you get all your listening and Reading in!!But good job!
    Italy in your future!!!Where are you headed?
    It will be so good to get out of DODGE‼️
    Remember that saying?
    Xoxo

    • Yes, I remember that saying and use it often … dating myself!!! The wedding is at a winery in Erbusco? And we’ll go to Lake Como after that. I’ve never been to Como!!! Any suggestions?!

      • You will LOVE Como! Take a boat tour along the lakeshore – take in all the fancy places, such as George’s place. Visit Bellagio and Como! Take the funicular up the hill in Como and also go see the Duomo. Visit the gorgeous gardens at Villa Carlotta ❤️ If you get the chance, go to Lake Maggiore nearby and see the islands in the lake – spectacular.

  • Hi there
    I have downloaded Kym’s podcast thank you for the recommendation. It’s been rather unsettling here lately. One very sad thing yesterday was my Mom’s Angel day . Just so happens my brother lost his dog named Lucy after our Mom, although her name was not Lucy it was a Nick name he called her. Lucy was a beautiful black boxer and was so well behaved and gentle. We all will miss sweet Lucy. Have a good weekend.

    • Oh, Jessica … I’m so sorry to hear about Lucy the boxer. I know she had a beautiful, too short, life. The anniversary’s of our parents passing is always a somber one. Wishing you peace and comfort this weekend. xo

  • Hi Juliet,
    Thank you for a fun and uplifting post! I have subscribed to the Instagram account of Kym Showers as she sounds good and l will have a listen to her podcasts thanks for sharing! I wonder if the wedding dress you mentioned is the one from Tuckernuck not Anthropology?I bought the shorter version of the English garden print and had to return it so reluctantly as it was too short for my figure, but the print is gorgeous and l love those leather earrings too. Such a great store. Have a lovely weekend l so enjoy reading your blog!

    • Hi Francesca … you’re right, it’s from Tuckernuck. I was looking at something at Anthropology and got confused. Thank goodness you’re paying attention! I really think you’ll enjoy Kym’s podcast … and Instagram. She’s got such a sunny and positive way about her … and always lifts me up. Thanks so much for being here. Wishing you the best weekend. xo

  • Lovely post, as always! I am going to give that Fruit of the Earth Cream a try. Keep us posted on the results you’re seeing with it. Enjoy your weekend!

  • 5 stars
    Juliet what a fun wedding look. I love that dress and the shoes! I also adore Loeffler Randall. How nice you have an Italy wedding in the future. You definitely need some cute sandals for it too. I enjoyed the Oscars more than usual and sadly not many of the movies that were so dark. I think my favorite looks were Michelle Yeoh and Emily Blunt. Love that the guys are getting out of their comfort zone and wearing some things with flair!
    Will save your Marg drink and look for Yuzohs in the market. I might try with tangelos.
    You know I adore Kym’s podcast and you’ll have to report back on how her coaching session is! Fun to see your trip to Waco. Thanks for mentioning the resort post. Love your woven bag and all woven bags. So cute for spring.
    Hope you have a beautiful weekend and enjoy the sun while we have it!

  • Loved your post today Juliet!
    Can’t wait to try Jim’s recipe. I too favor the square ice cube molds & my hubby prefers the big round ice molds…but like you, I’m the ice cube filler upper so.

    I love my Randall Loeffler’s. I have a few pairs (various heel heights) but after seeing the SPRUCE pair you linked…I think it’s time for another pair. How can I pass on the SPRUCE? I mean….

    Loved seeing your take on The Oscar Attire. I haven’t watched them in YEARS but do enjoy seeing the fashion.

    I’ve followed Joni Webb of Cote de Texas for more years than I can recall & just love her! Her Oscar take was a hoot & right on point (as expected).

    Always love reading your posts each week.
    Happy Weekend my friend,
    Scarlett

  • Thanks for an interesting post! I plan to check out Kim’s podcast; it sounds like just what I need. I’m still amazed that Waco has become a “destination “. I lived there for four years in the 80’s while attending Baylor, and there was nothing to do in that town! If there was no football game everyone headed to Dallas or Austin for the weekend. I’ve been back recently and things have certainly changed for the better! I love Magnolia and now have to go back to take a Waco Tour! Thanks again for the great post.

    • Ha, Kathy … isn’t it amazing how a town can change!!! Hope you enjoy Kym’s podcast … I think you will! xo

  • Okay! Third time is a charm…for some reason my comment keeps disappearing. Jim’s cocktail sounds amazing. I love the idea of adding mezcal. I am all for a little smokiness. That green bag is darling…love anything and everything woven! Happy Sunday. If this doesn’t go through I give up!

    • Shoot, Cindy … I’m sorry. I’ve had that issue here and there and it’s frustrating. Thanks for persevering! xo

  • Juliet, thank you for the all of the interesting goodies you share. I will check out the Kym Showers podcast for sure. I really enjoyed the Oscar telecast this year and agree that Jamie Lee Curtis looked just great. No mention of Andie McDowall in any articles I have read but she was beautiful, head to toe. I guess the dresses with slits don’t appeal to me. I don’t like the leg hanging out thing, especially on older ladies. And I was interested in reading of your experience in Waco. I live in Texas but haven’t been to Waco since the Gaines Renaissance. Will put it on the list. Thanks for sharing. Love your blog.

    • Hi Linda, Andie did look wonderful and I loved seeing her presenting with Hugh. Her dress was simple and elegant but maybe not the wow factor to get notice on the red carpet. Or maybe she didn’t walk the red (champagne carpet). Thanks for being here, I really appreciate it! xo

  • 5 stars
    Juliet,
    A wedding in Italy…how lovely! We have been rewatching Stanley Tucci, just can’t seem to get enough of Italy!
    I was not familiar with Kym Showers, but I can’t wait to start listening to the podcast at the gym this week.
    Congratulations on signing up for her mastermind group! That’s a big deal! Can’t wait to hear more!
    Hopefully the sun comes out this week in your neck of the woods!
    xx

  • I had bookmarked your Yuzu margarita recipe and recently collected the ingredients so plan to make them next weekend. Where did you get the glasses? I have smaller hands and they look like they might be a perfectly comfortable size for me. Thank you!

  • Hi Juliet, Argh your newsletter ended up in my spam folder!
    Pinned the margarita recipe! Happy Day! laura in Colorado

  • Juliet, we are going to be in Sonoma next month. I went back and read your post from October. Do you have additional recommendations, particularly for wineries?

    Thank you,
    Debbie

    • Oh my gosh, Debbie … so many winery’s to choose from. St. Francis Winery is a little up the road nearly Kenwood. They have lovely wine and food pairings (full disclosure – I used to work there so I’m partial), there are many winery’s surrounding the Plaza. Buena Vista, where I also worked, has been redone and I haven’t been since then but I hear it’s marvelous. Rams Gate, as you enter into Sonoma is phenomenal. And, of course, Scribe if you can get in. All the restaurants on the Plaza are good. I love Cafe Le Haye for dinner … and Della Santina for lunch or dinner. You can’t go wrong with the El Dorado Hotel. Be sure to stop into Chateau Sonoma for fun shopping … and for clothing I love the Loop. If you’re staying the weekend, MacArthur Place Hotel is wonderful and convenient. Their restaurant is wonderful also. Hope that helps! xo

  • Thank you so much! I will look at some of those wineries and restaurants. Such a fun place to vist!

  • 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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