TOP SECRET FOR 34 YEARS … ALL IS REVEALED TODAY ON WEEKEND MEANDERINGS

Happy holiday weekend, friends!

It’s Saturday and I’m meeting up with Kim and Elizabeth for Weekend Meanderings.

Front porch bench and planting basket

Monica Vargas Photography

Can you believe it’s July?!

What are your plans for the holiday weekend?

Jim was traveling all week.

And we’re looking forward to a long, leisurely weekend at home.

With a few gardening projects.

And a lot of iced tea sipping, reading time on the patio.

June was a busy month on the blog.

I shared Snowberry’s front porch decked out for summer.

And our traditional primary bathroom reveal.

Instagram Reel tour here.

Main Bath Tub Before

Before. Obviously. / Monica Vargas Photography

Let’s get into the good stuff.

 

NANCY MEYERS REVITALIZED HOME IN AD

Going out on a limb here and guessing you love Nancy Meyers movies, and interiors, as much as I do. What a treat to find Nancy’s own home featured in AD this month. What’s your favorite Nancy Meyer’s movie interior? I think mine’s a cross between Something’s Gotta Give and It’s Complicated. Home Again is another recent interior favorite. Nancy’s daughter, Hallie Meyers-Shyer, directed and Nancy produced. Good taste runs in the family. Anyway, Nancy almost left her home to build another and then fell in love with it again. After Mark D. Sikes worked his magic.

This room has something of everything I love. White, cozy sofa, blue and white stripes, rattan, woven rug, an ottoman tray with a pop of brightly colored dahlias.

Nancy Meyers Home from AD

 for AD

You can see the rest of Nancy’s swoon worthy home, and how she almost let it go, here.

This AD article from 2017 explains the psychology behind our love/need/desire for Nancy Meyers movie homes.

 

FATHER OF THE BRIDE REMAKE

Last weekend we watched the new remake of Father of the Bride on HBO Max. Starring Andy Garcia and Gloria Estefan, this update is a fun and frivolous romp set in Miami. The story line remains true to the Steve Martin, Diane Keaton version … a bride, her reluctant dad, exasperated mom, and wacky wedding planner. That said, this version is not going to win any awards or be talked about 30 years from now. That said, it’s charming, lighthearted entertainment and we enjoyed it.

 

JULIET’S TOP-SECRET WORLD-FAMOUS BEAN DIP

Friends, I can’t believe this is happening. The moment you’ve all been waiting for. My Top-Secret World-Famous Bean Dip recipe revealed. Held under lock and key for 34 years. My nieces have asked for it again and again and again. My lips were sealed. How else could I lure them to my house if I gave up their favorite and most requested recipe? Well, time marches on, the girls grew up, moved away … and I folded. Last year I begrudgingly gave them the recipe. It makes an Aunties heart swell with pride when they text photos of my Top-Secret World-Famous Bean Dip made for their family and friends. Now that the girls have the recipe, I see no reason not to share it with everyone. It’s so good.

Bean Dip Ingredients

Easy to find ingredients. I forgot to include the Lawry’s Garlic Powder. 

This is no high falutin recipe for elegant entertaining. But when it’s time to gather family and close friends for a casual BBQ or the big game, there’s nothing better. It should only be served with Ruffles potato chips (preferably with sea salt, but I couldn’t find that today). Fritos chips are ok, if you’re marooned on Mars and there’s no other option. We did a taste test yesterday and Jim agrees Ruffles is the only way to go.

A couple of notes on ingredients. A Pico de Gallo style salsa is ideal. If you live near a Safeway, their house brand is very good. In a pinch, go ahead and use a pre-shred Mexican cheese mix. And, diced chilis are a nice addition.

Jim tasting Bean Dip

Did you hear USC & UCLA are moving to the Big Ten? Speechless.

Warning. This recipe is addictive and must be used sparingly. Many years ago, when I made it for a summer gathering, my sister and I parked ourselves next to the dish and didn’t stop chipping and dipping until it was all gone. In her defense, she was pregnant. I had no excuse. Since then, I only allow it in our house twice a year. On Super Bowl Sunday and the 4th of July. Guess what?! It’s the 4th of July. Enjoy!

Top Secret World Famous Bean Dip

JULIET'S TOP-SECRET WORLD FAMOUS BEAN DIP

Juliet
5 from 3 votes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 2 9 oz cans Bean Dip
  • 1/2 cup Pico de Gallo or Chunky Salsa
  • 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Shredded Jack Cheese or Pepper Jack Cheese
  • 1 tsp Lawry's Garlic Powder with Ground Parsley
  • Additional shredded cheese to top
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro sprinkled over top for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat over to 350 degrees.
  • Thoroughly combine bean dip, salsa, cheeses and garlic powder in a shallow baking dish.
  • Top with additional cheese.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until very hot and bubbly.
  • Remove from oven and let sit and cool for 10 minutes or so.
  • Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with Ruffles potato chips.
Keyword Dip

 

SERENA & LILY SALE AND SNOWBERRY’S FOYER

Meet Snowberry’s foyer. Not terrible, but not complete. I can’t find an area rug to fit the space because the front door won’t open over the thinnest of rugs. And the walls are a blank canvas. When we moved in I ordered this RH bench thinking we’d use it to sit and put on our shoes before walking the dogs. Turns out, we put our shoes on in the great room and head out the garage door. A good reminder that sometimes you need to live in a space for a while before purchasing furniture. How you think you’ll live and how you actually do are often different.

Monica Vargas Photography

And this leads me to Serena & Lily’s Fourth of July Sale Event. 20% off everything with code SPLASH. I think their Blake Console will work well here. It’s the same depth as the current bench (which will be recycled to our guest room) and just a few inches longer. In other words, perfect. Here’s the big question, the console is wrapped in woven raffia in a natural or natural finish. At first I thought the natural, but now I’m leaning toward indigo. I could order fabric swatches, but I don’t think the sale lasts beyond this weekend. I may visit the San Francisco store, or Vacaville outlet today to get a better idea of both finishes.

What do you think? Option 1: Natural / Option 2: Indigo /Option 3: Hate them both.

 

CANDIDLY DEENA

Speaking of Serena & Lily, meet my friend Deena Knight. Her home on Martha’s Vineyard looks like it popped right out of a Serena & Lily photo shoot. I’ve been following Deena for … well, a while. I think she lived in North Carolina when I discovered her Instagram. She’s since moved to Memphis and realized a dream by purchasing a second home on Martha’s Vineyard. See, I knew you’d like her. Don’t we all want a friend with a home on Martha’s Vineyard?

 

Seriously though, while I admired Deena’s style it wasn’t until the summer of 2020, aka the summer of our discontent, that I took notice in a new way. Deena spoke out, and continues to speak out, on the issues of the day and how they affect her and her family. And all of us. She has a gift for communication which has led me, and I suspect many of her followers, to consider a myriad of issues from new and different perspectives. And for that I’m appreciative and grateful.

Mostly though, she’s a cool gal with great taste and style … and a house on Martha’s Vineyard. Did I already mention that?

Deena Knight

Right out of a Serena & Lily photo shoot or a Nancy Meyers movie. / Image via DeenaKnight.com

Deena’s a designer, wife, mom of three, and recent empty nester. She has a lovely blog and a swoon-worthy Instragram. And she’s a champion captioner. Is that a word? You know what I mean, she writes great captions.

So here you have it, a few fun things for the holiday weekend.

Now let’s see what Kim and Elizabeth are up to.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE

PINECONES AND ACORNS

In other news ~

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

Cheers from Snowberry!

 

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  • 5 stars
    Great minds think alike Juliet, I posted about Nancy Meyers too! I loved the article in AD and all of the others I read this week too! She is an amazing lady and so talented…and the house isn’t bad either.
    I cannot wait to try your bean dip! It sounds delicious and perfect for the 4th.
    As for the foyer, I love the indigo table! It introduces the color blue as people walk in and it is carried into almost every room in your house. It’s lovely.
    So many great links for me to explore, I am off to make a chocolate and I will be clicking away for at least an hour or two.
    Happy 4th of July to you and Jim, enjoy a leisurely weekend. xoElizabeth

    • Good morning, Elizabeth … I laughed when I realized all of us led off with Nancy’s home in AD. It can’t be written about enough to do it justice! Thanks for your thoughts on the foyer table … I go aback and forth. We’re going to the outlet today so hopefully we can see both finishes. Maybe we’ll get lucky and they’ll have a console in the store … if so that might be the deciding factor on color. I just finished my chocolate and settling in for some great blog reading before lunch and shopping. The bean dip is good … but don’t say I did’t warn you on it’s addictive properties. Have the best weekend! xo

  • 5 stars
    Okay, everyone knew about Nancy Meyer’s home except me! I cannot wait to get my July issue of AD!
    I love both options for your entryway! The Blake console table is perfect and practical with the ability to place stools under it. I have the Cooper stools from Serena & Lily under mine and they come in handy a few times of the year! Book club, playing scrabble during the holidays….and I just love the look of the stools under a console!
    That recipe sounds so good and so dangerous! ha

    • Annie, now you know!!! Her home is everything I would expect. We need another movie (house) from her soon. Thanks for the tip on the Cooper stools. I’m going look them up now and head to the outlet later. The dip is dangerous and I extreme caution advised. Happy weekend! xo

  • 5 stars
    I love her movies too!! Her houses in her movies definitely remind me of you.
    WARNING FOR THE BEAN DIP- your most likely going to need to double, or triple the ingredients it’s that good.

    Can’t wait to make it again.
    And I agree. Ruffles for the win

    • Oh, Sophie … that’s the nicest thing to say to your Auntie! And, yes, Ruggles are the best … and two bags is probably what’s required! Happy weekend! xo

  • Love this entire meandering! I vote for the neutral console. I think the indigo detracts from the gorgeous color of your front door. Add color to the top of the console, for balance, with beautiful accessories. I love the indigo, don’t get me wrong, but I like the door color too much to fight it. If you decide down the road you decide that you do want color – paint it the color of your choice. Easy.

    • Beth, I think you’re right and Jim agrees! On the backside of the foyer is the library, painted the same color as the front door, so too much color competition. Love your ideas, thank you. And have a wonderful weekend! xo

  • Just pinned that dip! It does look wicked good and worth parking next to…
    Thanks for pointing to Deena Knight. Love her Martha’s Vineyard master bedroom “wallpaper”. So darn creative and dare I say … brave?!

    • Holly … yes, Deena’s ‘wallpaper’ … I remember watching her paint it. In awe. I could never. You’re going to love the dip. Enjoy! xo

  • Juliet, Looks like we were all on the same page about Nancy and her home! Who doesn’t want to live like her? I guess it’s our California style.. She has it with the light colors and casual feel of her home! I’m super excited you revealed the bean dip recipe! This looks amazing. I also have issues with dips and appetizers and have to limit myself . I’d eat until I am ill. I am going to make this in Tahoe for the family.
    I also have a problem with my entry.. no rug fits. I have a very thin one from World Market I love, and yet still need to move it when the door is fully opened.. Annoying. I also have this console. I love it and it was in my entry, which was the right size and perfect spot. Sadly I had to move it as we have sun and skylights and grasscloth doesn’t do well with that. Now it’s next to my bed and I love it. The two shelves are especially useful! My books are on one shelf and trays with all my other bits are on top. I have baskets underneath. Love the looks you put together here. Both gorgeous. Good time to get this console!!

    I can’t wait to read and follow Deena. Her home looks beautiful and I love people who use their platform to make meaningful change in this nation. We need all the voices we can get now.
    By the way, the original Father of the Bride was on PBS last weekend with Elizabeth Taylor as the bride and Spencer Tracy as the dad.. so good! I will look for this one.
    Have a beautiful weekend! xo

    • I can’t believe I’ve never seen the original Father of the Bride. I wonder if it’s still available onDemand. I’m going to look. Good info about the console. I read it is sensitive to sunlight. Our foyer doesn’t get any direct light so I think we should be good, but I’m going to research a little more. The rug thing is a real issue. Add that to the list of things to consider when renovating our next houses. Haha … kidding. I think you’re going to love Deena. She’s definitely your kind of gal. Glad to hear I’m not the only one with a weakness for dips … the struggle is real. Wishing you and Max a fun and relaxing weekend in Tahoe! See you next week ! xo

  • Happy 4th of July! Another fantastic post with so many GREAT links and insight. I’ve pinned your “not so secret” bean dip and can’t wait to try it.
    As for the Blake Console choices, my vote is #2, Indigo.

  • This recipe looks yummy! Thanks for revealing your trade secret. What size baking dish to use?

    Glad you’re leaning toward the neutral console. I agree that the navy would compete with your sweet door.

  • I vote for the neutral console. Very calming. And thanks for the bean dip recipe! Love down-to-earth food just as much as gourmet food. 🙂

  • First off, I LOVE Nancy Meyers! I’m with you on my favorites (so far) being her interiors for ‘It’s Complicated’ (an all time favorite movie of my) & ‘Something’s Gotta Give’. Haven’t seen the new ‘Father of the Bride’ but looking forward to seeing it, hoping to spot some familiar Miami spots. Loved the original movie (you must see it, wasn’t there a sequel FOTB2?).

    I vote for the neutral console in your entry. It will look fabulous & you can later more easily use it in different areas if need be.

    Happy July 4th Weekend
    ~Scarlett

  • Hi J! Go with the natural table. You can add color with accessories. The blue might limit you down the road.

    Nancy Meyers. Sigh. Love her movies and set designs. So welcoming and beautiful.

    That bean dip sounds delicious. I will try it out at my next soirée. I’m sure we will love it. And thanks for sharing.

    Enjoy your 4th of July.

  • Recipe help needed! I hope that you check back and see my question (some Bloggers check once after posting then not again) OR that another late-comer reading this can provide help. I live in Canada….yes we have Fritos but I have never seen Frito Bean Dip. I will try grocery stores other than my usual but in case I don’t find it I need to know what is in it. Is it Black Beans…Kidney beans….or something else that goes with beans more like a regular chip dip??? Can someone please describe the product or maybe a list of what is in it…PLEASE!
    Thanks

  • What a beautiful post Juliet! I cannot wait to try the bean dip! Have a wonderful fourth July.

  • I love the houses in Nancy Meyers movies too. There’s so much great stuff in this blog post. I really enjoyed reading it.

    • Diane, I’m so excited to hear that … and happy you and your husband liked it! There’s never any left over! xo

  • I missed this last week since I had friends visiting. Your Saturday post always makes me smile and is always full of things I love! Can’t wait to check out the AD article and try your formerly Top Secret bean dip recipe. Oh, and of course I prefer the blue console table. The color really makes it stand out. Can’t wait to check out the new-to-me account and blog too. So many good tidbits today!

    • Hi Molly, I ended up with the natural. In person the indigo was too dark and competed with the other blues in our space. Also, the natural was in better shape. I’ll accessorize with some pretty blues. Thanks for stopping by … I’m headed over to visit you soon. Happy weekend! xo

  • 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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