Today on Weekend Meanderings, white denim options, pretty garden stools, a really good book and a quick trip to Napa Valley.
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.
We got the nicest surprise on our doorstep Easter Sunday.
These beautiful tulips delivered by the cutest little boy.
The note reads Honey Bear Flower Farm.
I went immediately to Instagram and had the nicest exchange with Jen.
Jen and her young son have a mini flower farm at their home.
They give away their flowers around town (like my doorstep surprise)
and occasionally at a little farm stand made by Jen’s father.
Isn’t that the nicest thing?!
On that happy note, let’s get into it …
SPRING CHICKEN LUNCHEON SALAD
Earlier in the week I joined a fun group to share spring salad recipes. Nine delicious recipes! I turned a first course salad recipe from Joanna Gaines into a main course salad by adding chicken. As Ina would say, how easy is that?! And speaking of Ina, I used her method for roasting chicken breasts. Watch my salad making Reel here. It’s riveting. And you can read the post and get the recipe here.
In the process of setting my all-occasion spring table for this post, I realized the versatility of my new table throw from Pottery Barn (it’s on sale!). I know I’ve been yammering on and on about it … but I’m in love with it. Anyway, it’s full of so many beautiful and cheerful spring colors it works with just about every napkin in my linen cupboard.
You can play around with colorful glasses too. I’ve been using these etched wine goblets non-stop, paired with my everyday water glasses, green-tint Moroccan glasses or these blush, stemless wine glasses. The possibilities are endless.
IT’S WINE TASTING SEASON
Ok, it’s always wine tasting season. But longer, warmer, sunnier days make it even more fun. Yesterday I was invited to do the Hallmark tour and tasting at Hall Winery in St. Helena. I’m a fan of Hall wines, as I’ve mentioned before, but I’ve never visited the winery. I invited my youngest niece, Shelby, and her friend, Lauren, to come along. Shelby recently celebrated her 21st birthday and this was her first wine tasting experience. Lauren’s too.
Old Bergfeld winery building at Hall St. Helena
Wine Educator, Dennis Cooney, led our group on a fun stroll around Hall’s amazing St. Helena property. Wow, it’s really spectacular.
Us girls with Bunny Foo Foo
The property is home to a number of large art pieces, including Bunny Foo Foo, a Lawrence Argent sculpture made of polished stainless steel. Bunny Foo Foo greats visitors at the entrance to the winery … and can’t be missed from highway 29. There’s actually art all over the winery – inside and out – including the wine labels.
And we lucked out with a bright, sunny day. We were also fortunate to be there just after bud break … a few weeks delayed due our very cold winter. As we walked the property we sipped the BACA Zinfandel and Walt Pinot Noir.
Then we got down to business tasting through some of Hall’s incredible cabernet’s. Hall is, of course, known for their cabs which did not disappoint. And we nibbled on marcona almonds and delicious cheeses. Pro tip: don’t go wine tasting on an empty stomach!
Thank you to Hall for hosting us. We had such a fun experience and as a newly minted wine club member, I’ll be back!
GARDEN STOOLS
We’ve been enjoying a week of warm, sunny days. Apparently rain is expected next week. Enough already. I want to open up our back patio … meaning get the cushions, pillows down from the rafters and give everything a good cleaning. Including our garden stools. I’m obsessed with garden stools. We have these ivory colored garden stools on our front porch and back patio. But I’m seriously tempted by the green version and so many beautiful floral options. These are a few that have me doing a double take. And all of them are on sale.
THESE WHITE DENIM JEANS ARE COMING MY WAY
White jeans have been on my shopping list for a while but I’ve held off for a couple of reasons. First of all, the boring story of wanting to lose weight. Let’s not even go there. Second, white denim can be challenging … especially for those of us in the prime of life. Ahem … over 50. Alright, alright, I’m over 60. All denim is not created equal and I prefer a heavier denim. But not too heavy or stiff which is uncomfortable, hot and constricting. My ideal white denim is a medium weight with a tiny bit of stretch … and a looser leg. I came across this pair at J.Crew while doing vacation shopping … I love the cropped flare style. That said, at slightly (and I mean slightly) over 5’4″, cropped styles often fall at an awkward length on me so I ordered the petite. I’ll let you know how that works out.
Of course, once I ordered the J.Crew white denim, yesterday I saw this pair of Rails white denim at Nordstrom. Yes, Rails makes denim. Who knew. From the web-site photo they appear to also be a cropped style. However on me they’re full length and I like them that way. This pair is high-waisted with a button fly. But they have a bit of stretch and feel very comfortable. Yes, they came home with me … so they’re a sure thing if the J.Crew’s aren’t quite right. I think they’ll be cute with a blue and white shirt tied at the waist and these block heeled cork sandals I bought for our upcoming vacation.
Finally, I saw this pair of white denim at Nordstrom Rack online. Also high-waist flares … they appear to be full-length … on the model who is no doubt taller than me! Anyway, they’re under $100 … on sale.
THIS IS A REALLY FUN, EASY-BREEZY READ
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson … recommend, recommend recommend! It’s been a while since I’ve read a novel that held my full attention. I think social media has decreased my attention span … so I was happy to find that I can still get drawn into a good book. And this is a good book.
“Darley, the eldest daughter in the well-connected old money Stockton family, followed her heart, trading her job and her inheritance for motherhood but giving up far too much in the process; Sasha, a middle-class New England girl, has married into the Brooklyn Heights family, and finds herself cast as the arriviste outsider; and Georgiana, the baby of the family, has fallen in love with someone she can’t have, and must decide what kind of person she wants to be.
Rife with the indulgent pleasures of life among New York’s one-percenters, Pineapple Street is a smart, escapist novel that sparkles with wit. Full of recognizable, loveable—if fallible—characters, it’s about the peculiar unknowability of someone else’s family, the miles between the haves and have-nots, and the insanity of first love—all wrapped in a story that is a sheer delight.”
Author Jenny Jackson is a publishing executive and this is her debut novel. Imagine hitting it out of the park on your first try!
That’s what’s on my mind this week.
Let’s go see what’s inspiring Kim and Elizabeth …
And another thing ~
How did Hoka’s Become so Popular (who says they’re ugly?) … about my favorite walking and workout shoe.
If you have beach house envy, don’t read this.
The surprisingly modest (by Hollywood standards) and charming home of Angela Lansbury the market.
If you like Spritz’ like I like Spritz’!
Kim and Cindy were back with their Signature Style series this week … I look forward to these posts. Kim’s got a round-up of casual chic dresses. And Cindy’s covering my favorite topic, wedding guest looks.
Current (vacation-on-the-brain) Favorites ~
If you missed last weekend’s post, I shared a super yummy muffin recipe and a new dessert cookbook.
You’ll find all my Weekend posts collected here.
You can also follow along on Instagram and Pinterest.
As always, I appreciate your visit and welcome your thoughts in the comments below.
Cheers from Snowberry!
Loved today’s post! Ordered the table throw – it’s on clearance at PB right now, put Pineapple Street on hold at the library, and “followed” honey bear flower farm on Instagram. She has beautiful flowers posted and I love the concept of giving flowers to random people; and what a great thing to be teaching her son. She only has 73 followers so far so hopefully your readers up that count. Also seriously thinking of ordering some new white jeans Hope you have a lovely weekend!
Juliet, good morning! Happy Weekend.
I love your spring table and in fact ordered your table throw because you loved it so much! I cannot wait for mine to arrive.
Your spring salad looks delicious, I make one similar and now I can add your recipe to my rotation.
Hall’s looks beautiful and such a fun adventure for your and your niece and friend! I’ve not been wine tasting in Cal for years, but in the past we visited 2-4 times a year. I rarely drink wine but I love champagne!
White jeans are a must for summer! Off to check out rails, as you and Kim have both lauded their quality.
I hope you are able to get out your garden bench soon!
Have a wonderful weekend Juliet!
x Elizabeth
Hi Juliet, just started reading your blog recently and I really enjoy it. I have a serious question though – what is the difference between a table throw and a tablecloth?? I’m confused!
Excellent questions, Patricia. And welcome, by the way, I’m thrilled to have you here. A table cloth covers the entire table and hangs off (at whatever length) evenly. A table throw generally will not cover the entire table. In my case, round table … or oval with leaf … it will hang off a big in some places and the table will be exposed in others. So I move it around until it looks nice. This is not a very good explanation … but does it make a little sense?! xo
Hi Juliet, thank you, yes, I understand – I think I actually have some table throws, i.e. tablecloths that are not big enough for my table! ;0) Anyway, I’m enjoying the blog, and also your ‘Lives’ with Kim – although I usually miss them live and have to watch them after the fact.
Hi Patricia … Kim and I are going to do a live soon. Maybe next week. Stay tuned! xoxo
Love the girls dresses….can you link to them?
Hi Deb … I’ll check with the girls and see if I can find their dresses! xo
Ok, I got the info. Shelby’s floral dress is from Anthropology about a year ago and I don’t see it online anymore – affiliate link – https://bit.ly/41trEsu and Lauren’s dress is from Khush Clothing, Say Yes to the Maxi Dress is Murky Jade – non-affiliate link https://shopkhushclothing.com/products/say-yes-to-the-maxi-dress-murky-jade?pr_prod_strat=use_description&pr_rec_id=acf610382&pr_rec_pid=6698175955062&pr_ref_pid=6621864689782&pr_seq=uniform – Thanks for asking, the girls were thrilled to be asked! xo
YOU ARE SO BUSY!
GREAT THAT YOU GOT OUT OF The CASA DE SNOWBERRY AND RAN NORTH!
VINO KILLS ALL GERMS!
XXX
You know you can never move…, how could you ever have a better house name than Snowberry?
Great post. Makes me long for some
spring weather. I am a huge fan if garden stools, inside and out. They are just the perfect size for a drink, a candle, a little plant or bunch of flowers.
Thank you for the book rec.
Hope you love it! xo
Loved the flowers how sweet! You girls all look beautiful and make wine tasting look so glam! It’s been a while since I went. Like pre-pandemic! Hall is a beautiful space isn’t it?
I just have to say love the green pillows on your pretty couch. Gorgeous.
You know I am a white denim person and I have to check these out!! Rails denim I am intrigues and love the J Crew jeans. I usually order regular size on crops. I like the side pockets on the one pair..
Pineapple sounds like a good book for us Nor cal gals. I will order now!
Have a beautiful weekend Juliet.
xo
P.s. Thank you for mentioning the dress post! Loved the salad. xx
I clicked the link for your salad but was sent to a pair of white jeans instead. Maybe that’s to tell me I must eat salad to wear white jeans..lol. Can you fix the link?
Thanks, Nanci … fixed! xo
Hi Juliet
Okay you and your nieces look like you are the same age. I am sure everyone says that. I think you served that chix salad a Kim’s soiree and it was fabulous. I wonder if Joanna Gaines really cooks…just curious ha ha!! I have been on the wide leg white jean hunt and you are exactly right sometimes the cropped ones on us are well..not cropped! I am thrilled that raw hems are in we can just chop them off!
Haha … Cindy, that’s nice of you to say! Good question about Joanna Gaines … I’m not so sure!!! xo
Loved your post and the suggestions for the white jeans. My current white jeans are looking a little sad. I will also pick up a copy of the book suggestion for our upcoming vacation. Sounds perfect! And the flowers on your doorstep, how sweet is that? We used to buy our Xmas trees from Honey Bear trees and they gave out a jar of honey with each tree. I wonder if it’s the same people? Happy Spring!
Late to the party as usual, but I am also on the hunt for white denim – wide leg. I have 6 pair of white skinnies and straights. (But I’m keeping them – they’ll be cool again sometime soon.) You are so right, for those of us 5’5″ and under, cropped lengths are hard. I gave up on cropped flares – I look ridiculous.
I’m so jelly you are that close to freakin St. Helena!!!!!! SUCH a cool place. We stayed in Calistoga years ago and visited SH…
Being height challenged has its pros and cons … but cropped style can be a real con. I know we’re lucky to live so near the wine country. It was even better when we lived there. Calistoga is one of my favorite places. You need to plan another trip! xo
Hi Juliet! Love your spring table with the Pottery Barn throw! And all those cute cloth napkins! I just finished Pineapple Street! Loved it! The characters were so great! Summers here are generally pretty cool, so white jeans are my go-to! That wine tasting looked so fun! What a beautiful place!
Hi Molly … glad to hear you enjoyed Pineapple Street too. What a fun read. xo
Juliet! I love how all those linen napkins look so beautiful with your table throw! I think the polk a dot are so fun and a modern contrast for a fun mix! Perfect with your strawberry salad!
xx
Hi Juliet,
What a lovely gesture, to deliver the beautiful tulips to the doorstep. The name,
“Honey Bear Flower Farm” is a cute name.
Don’t you just love surprises like this? Random acts of kindness when you least expect it brings pure joy and big smiles. The
Farm picked the right house.
Your niece Shelby and her friend Lauren are so cute together not to mention you. The leader of the pack. The Hall in St. Helena is in such a special place of the world. Looks like you gals had a fun day together. The girls keep you current and young at heart.
Great post. The salad looks amazing. Thanks for the book recommendation too.
I think you’ll enjoy the book, Carol! xo