Infusing grandeur into otherwise drab Mondays with five things/ideas/events for the week:

I. Yesterday, my Sunday Funday included an impromptu excursion to Healdsburg. I woke up to a voicemail from my girlfriend Lauren, who is renting a house for the week, suggesting I come visit and I couldn’t refuse. Determined to make the most of the day, we decided to visit a few wineries before lounging at the pool, then making a huge farm to table dinner. Several wineries dotted Lauren’s street, so we haphazardly picked three without checking reviews. The first two wineries were a bit disappointing, so we were wary as we embarked on our last stop. We couldn’t have been more thrilled with Christopher Creek. Nestled in the hills on a sprawling estate featuring poolside tastings, the wine (viognier, cab franc, and meritage were our favorites) and staff (six 24-year old boys who have been best friends their entire lives) were equally charming. The winery rents a house that sleeps twelve next to the pool on weekends for $1,500 per night, perfect for birthday celebrations and bachelorettes.

II.  On our way out of town this morning, we stopped at SHED in idyllic downtown Healdsburg. Lauren promised that it would be my mecca, and she was correct. Equal parts restaurant, grocery, and culinary equipment mercantile - SHED is a perfectly curated warehouse of all that Sonoma Valley has to offer. Most of the goods come from a ten-mile radius and it’s all absolutely gorgeous. I had to stop myself from emptying my bank account on everything from fresh blue eggs to housemade capacollo. Luckily, the insanely delicious bread served at the cafe is made in San Anselmo, so I’ll be able to indulge in it without the two-hour drive.

III.  With vino on my mind, I’m making Eggs in Wine for dinner this evening using my newly procured blue eggs. A friend guest blogged the recipe years ago on Table + Teaspoon, and it’s been a regular in my house ever since. A blend of shallots, bacon, garlic, red wine, and butter turn basic eggs into anything but. I highly recommend you try it the next time you’re craving a whimsical breakfast for dinner.

IV.  When I was a little girl, my mother frequently gave me the job of separating and placing paper doilies for her dinner parties. I hated the job then, and haven’t been particularly inspired by them since. …Until I found this adorable photo on Pinterest. Plain folded placecards are a pet peeve of mine, so the idea to write directly on a doily underneath a clear glass plate is genius. The paper immediately becomes more delicate and the placecard is safely preserved. I love this for ladies luncheons and showers, especially in this raspberry hue.

V.  One of the most uncomfortable moments as a bridesmaid is when you disagree with the bride about what you’re going to wear (cue scene from 27 Dresses). Not only do you have to don the dress for an entire day and take hundreds of pictures in it, you also have to pay a lot for the experience. Corie Hardee, CEO/Founder of Union Station, is tackling the sore subject with her line of rental bridesmaid dresses in every color imaginable for under $100 each. Problem solved! Now if she could just do something about those Bridezillas…

Have a wonderful week!  xx tt