Today on Weekend Meanderings, my favorite banana muffins, mood board for a winter themed baby shower, the most beautiful green kitchen, a fall porch revamp and a Thanksgiving side dish. Join me!
Happy Saturday, friends!
Today I’m joining Kim and Elizabeth for Weekend Meanderings.
Our weekly recap of inspiration and goings on.
It was a busy week around here.
Pumpkins were procured.
Muffins were baked.
The Urban Oasis was reviewed.
A baby shower was planned.
And I took my first step class in 20 years.
(Don’t ask.)
Are you ready?
Let’s go!
HAVE YOU MET ERIN?
You know I’m wild about green kitchens. And one of my favorite green kitchens belongs to my friend Erin of Erin Evolving. Earlier in the week I asked Erin if I could feature her on Weekend Meanderings and she said yes. Lucky us!
Ta da … Erin’s kitchen!
Images via Erin Evolving
Her perimeter cabinets are the softest green and brilliantly complement her wood stained island. I love the look of a contrasting island. Wrapping the range hood with wood is a lovely detail as well. The outer cabinets are Benjamin Moore’s Vale Mist. One of my favorite green paint colors. And look at her beautiful styling. I wish my kitchen looked this good.
A thread of green runs throughout Erin’s traditional home in Maryland. Her dining room side board is a beauty … and that wallpaper!
Erin is a styling genius and I love her vignettes.
Oh my gosh, her green cupboard with the copper pots. Swoon.
I asked Erin to share a little more about herself, here’s what she said.
To see more of Erin’s beautiful home, follow her on Instagram here. And subscribe to her blog.
THE BEST BANANA STREUSEL MUFFINS
Last week I ran out of cinnamon raisin breakfast bread and when I stopped by Boudin to restock they were out. What’s a carb loving girl to do? Make muffins, of course. Back in my commute-to-the-City years, I made a batch of muffins every Sunday and froze them for the week ahead. I’ve fallen out of that routine, and the fall season feels like the right time to jump back in. We had bananas on hand so I whipped up a batch of banana streusel muffins and enjoyed them every morning this week.
Here’s the recipe ~
Banana Streusel Muffins
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp Nutmeg
- 2 Ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 Tbsp Unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 Tbsp Milk
- Optional: raisins or nuts
Streusel Topping
- 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar
- pinch Salt
- 2 Tbsp Unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425. Prepare muffin tin (grease, use non-stick spray or muffin cup liners)
- Combine flour, baking powder & soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a bowl.
- In a mixer (or large bowl), combine mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, vanilla and milk.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Add raisins or nuts, if desired, and fold into batter.
- Using an ice cream scoop, add batter to cupcake liners.
- Add streusel topping to each muffin (topping instructions below).
- Bake 5 minutes at 425, then lower heat to 350 for another 15 minutes.
- Cool in the pan for 5-10 mites then transfer to wire rack.
Streusel Topping
- Combine flour, brown sugar and salt in medium sized bowl.
- Add butter and cut in to form course crumb-like mixture. You can use a pastry cutter, two knives, or a fork.
- Sprinkle over tops of each muffin before baking.
I added a 1oz box of raisins, because I had it in the cupboard and I like raisins. Nuts would make a good addition too, if you’re into that. I’m not. I mean I like nuts but never in muffins, cookies or brownies.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, skip the streusel and substitute half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. A trick I learned from the late great Jane Brody.
By the way, the cute cookie plate is from Annie’s (Most Lovely Things) shop. I have a set of six and they make me happy.
PLANNING A BABY BOY SHOWER
Niece Sophie is having a boy! Remember when she and Chad got married last June? I’m doing what Auntie’s do and throwing a baby shower. Niece Shelby is my co-host. She and I hosted her older sister Sam’s shower a few years ago. I wrote about it here. Sophie’s shower will happen in December and we’ve chosen a winter theme.
Yesterday I drove a couple hours north to the gold rush town of Grass Valley to check out event space at the Holbrooke Hotel. When Sophie and Chad got married the Holbrooke is where we, and all out-of-town guests, stayed. The hotel dates from 1852 and was declared a California State Landmark in 1974. The hotel went through a major renovation a couple of years ago and it’s like stepping back in time. It’s beautiful, charming and the perfect location for a baby shower. We’ll be in the brick lined North Hall.
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- North Hall
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- Event Planner Auntie
The hotel has the best lobby. I absolutely love the round banquette, upholstered in deep green velvet, with a library above.
And this seating area with tufted leather sofa and worn leather chairs is so good.
And these!!!
The hotel restaurant and bar are amazing too.
Gather & Mill is a lovely home shop in the hotel. We did some browsing after lunch.
Grass Valley is a cute town to visit. And Nevada City, a few miles away is even better. The National Exchange Hotel in Nevada City is a sister hotel of the Holbrooke. It’s hard to say which hotel I like more … both ooze history and charm. It’s a toss up. The Sierra foothills are a great place to spend a day or weekend.
After meeting with the event planners, Sophie arrived with baby Haddie and we had lunch on the patio. I had to rush home to finish this post.
Out Aunting! Grand-niece Haddie is 14-months old.
FALL PORCH TRANSITION
And finally, Snowberry’s fall porch transition has begun. First up I flipped the rug. It’s dark on one side and light on the other. Works year-round. Then I placed last year’s plaid doormat on top. I found a gorgeous magnolia wreath at Diablo Foods. Although a little mishap during hanging created an issue that I hope to repair this weekend. I visited the nursery for tall grass and mums for the porch pots. I’m not a mum fan, but I’m keeping an open mind. And, yes, I submerged them in water for an hour as per every active Instagram and TikTok account instructed. At Trader Joe’s I found an autumn croton plant in a seagrass basket. And last but not least, pumpkins. I gathered pumpkins from Diablo Foods, Trader Joe’s and Orchard Nursery. Over the week I shared stories of my porch progress and the general consensus is … more pumpkins. I’ll take care of that this weekend.
Oh, I almost forgot, I added pukta pods and mini-pinecones (collected from our driveway over the year) to the bottom of the lanterns. I’ve ordered white pukta’s but they’re delayed and will probably arrive in January.
THANKSGIVING SIDE DISH ESSENTIAL
I know what you’re thinking. Calm down, Juliet. Thanksgiving is way off. You know I’m not one to get ahead of myself, but it’s never too early to start squirreling away recipes for the holidays. And Ina Garten’s Green Bean Gremolata is a holiday essential. I make this recipe year round … or whenever I can get my hands on good green beans. Kim brought green beans from her dad’s garden when she was here for her birthday lunch. And, last weekend Jim and I spent a day in Sonoma (more on that another day) and I picked up farm fresh green beans at the Patch. This recipe will convert the most staunch green bean hater. It did me.
Ina’s new book, Go-To-Dinners, is coming out in a few weeks. Preorder now for delivery October 25th.
So there you have it, my weekend meanderings.
Let’s visit Kim and Elizabeth to see what they’re up to this weekend.
Odds and Socks ~
This pumpkin craft will send you foraging in your yard.
My favorite blogger went on vacation, hilarity ensued.
Don’t miss this fall style edit.
What are grandmother’s supposed to wear???
My favorite store, Serena & Lily, is having a fall sale. 20% off with code HOMELOVE.
If you missed last weekend’s meanderings, you can catch up here.
Yesterday I reviewed HGTV’s Urban Oasis in Nashville, Tennessee. Let me know what you think.
As always, I appreciate your visit and welcome your thoughts in the comments below.
Follow along for more fun on Instagram and Pinterest.
Cheers from Snowberry!
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Good morning Juliet,
In my book it is never too early to prepare for the holidays! I am already making my list of sides for Thanksgiving and my baking list for Christmas.
I love your fall porch, it looks beautiful. Mums are not my friends, I never ever have good luck with them so this year I gave up. I hope that you have better luck with the soaking from the bottom method.
The baby shower is going to be amazing, what a wonderful venue. You are the best Aunt and party planner.
As for the muffins, I cannot wait to try these, they look delicious.
Thank you for the introduction to Erin, I am off to check out her blog and all of your links.
Have a wonderful day! xo Elizabeth
I can’t wait to see how the shower turns out!!!!!! I’m so excited
As for the muffins ….. how did you forget to bring some to Haddie and I!?!!!!!!!
Also- yes the foothills is a great place to visit… also a great place to live
Love that cute shop connected to the hotel. Definitely a go to for gift buying
Excited for the shower too! Sadly, I ate all the muffins!!! xo
These muffins sound so good and I love streusel I think I’m going to make this in a loaf pan.
Erin’s home is beautiful. Pinned both!
Great post Juliet full of inspiration! You know I love a green kitchen and Erin’s is a beautiful one for sure. Love Grass Valley too My sons family lives up there. Your fall touches look great and I agree it’s never to early to plan fir the holidays! Fun post!
Juliet, those muffins look amazing! And your fall pumpkins and flowers…gorgeous! Step class…I almost forgot about those. Do tell…how was it?
xx
I get such a kick out of your posts, Juliet. It’s like we are having lunch together. I definitely want to make your green bean recipe and the baby shower looks like it will be amazing!
Thanks for the link to my decorated pumpkins. I wish I had some Japanese maple leaves but they don’t grow here….not sure why. That’s about the extent of my “crafting” skills. 🙂
The baby shower sounds like it will be fabulous and that pic of you and your little grand niece is way too cute.
Hi Marty! Thank you so much … it’s such fun having these events to look forward to! xo
Ina‼️
New book‼️
I’m on it‼️
You are a walking book of need to know knowledge ‼️
Xoco
ErinEvolving! Gosh, that’s so good!! And yes, she’s got a new follower!
Sorry I’m so late to the party..Love your porch. I am just situating my mums and pumpkin procurement as we speak.. I bought a wreath yesterday and I need a pumpkin run.. Love the soft green kitchen of Erin !! I am saving your muffin recipe and will try it next time in instead of mine. I like the streusel option too! Looks delicious.
I’m so impressed with your shower planning skills.. If I ever get to that point, I’m going to refer back to all your wonderful posts. I’ve saved all of them. this hotel is beautiful and how fun to meet your niece and Haddie too.
And thanks for Preppy Empty Nester she cracks me up!
By the way, I have that blue dress and it looks so good on you. We will have to twin sometime as a joke. Have a great weekend! xoxo
Hi Juliet,
The Holbrooke Hotel looks like a wonderful place to have a baby shower for your beautiful niece. You are the best Auntie.
You and Grand-niece Haddie are so sweet together. Both of you are adorable together. I feel and sense the love.
Your front door porch looks very festive.
I do not respond often to your blogs’ however I want you to know I enjoy what you have to say and share very much. By the way your green kitchen from a previous post is gorgeous. I like it because it’s very peaceful. Cooking and baking can make you very tired if you’re on your feet all day.
Sending smiles.
Hi Katherine … how sweet of you. Thank you so much for taking the time to say something. You’re right, cooking and baking can be exhausting but so fun. Wishing you a beautiful week ahead! xoxo
Your porch is beautiful, Juliet!!! I painted pumpkins with my grandsons yesterday and we had a ball. Fall is the BEST! You are such a GREAT AUNT to host the shower and that location looks gorgeous. Can’t wait to see the shower pics. Have a blessed day!
Thanks, Robbin … you know another shower post is coming! Can’t stop won’t stop! Ha ha … Have a beautiful week! xo
Both of those hotels in the Gold Country are darling. The Holbrook kind of reminds me of the Hotel Emma in San Antonio. We never get up there. We must when Steve retires. I love green beans any time of the year! I bet your niece is going to be one lucky gal!
The best hotels are the old, historic ones … love being surrounded by the history. xo
Hi, I loved Erin’s pictures. I tried to subscribe to her blog via your link, but I did not see where to sign up. I tried emailing erinevolving.com but the address is not recognized. Any suggestions as to how I could sign up to receive her blog? I plan on trying those banana streusel muffins; they look amazing! Thanks for your help, Nancee
Hi Nancee … are you on Instagram. Erin’s Instagram account is @erin.evolving and you can message her there. I couldn’t find contact information on her blog either. Hmmmm… I hope you enjoy the banana muffins. I might make another batcht this week too. xo