A Sneak Peek of a Charming Small House, Chickpeas in Vodka Sauce, and More Sunday Faves
I have a confession. I’ve spent most of my design life walking into big houses and quietly thinking the small ones had more soul. This week’s favorites prove my point (at least to me), starting with a peek inside a little house that is all heart, followed by an appetizer you can feel virtuous about and still go back for thirds.
Pour yourself something nice. Here are my four and one surprise.
1. A Sneak Peek Inside Juliet’s Charming Small House
Kim (Northern California Style) and I recently went to lunch with our friend Juliet (Make Mine a Spritzer). Juliet asked us if we wanted to see her (nearly finished) new house (are you kidding?). Juliet’s husband Jim recently retired and they sold their beloved “Snowberry” to downsize. Her new house stopped me in my tracks the minute I stepped inside. The attention to detail was pure Juliet, and I’ve been itching to share a few sneak peeks with you.
Let’s start with the millwork, because that’s where my interior designer heart goes first. Beautiful millwork is the difference between a house and a home with a point of view. It gives a room bones, interest, and it makes even a modest footprint feel considered. Juliette’s house has that quality you can’t fake with paint and a few throw pillows.
The primary bath is a little jewel box. Trust me you will love it!
As Steve and I keep looking at houses, I’ll admit this one has me rethinking square footage. A smaller home, done this well, is not a compromise. It’s an edit. Follow Juliet at Make Mine a Spritzer for the full reveal coming soon!
2. A Healthy Appetizer: Chickpeas in Vodka Sauce with Crostini
This is the hearty appetizer I’ll be making all fall. Chickpeas simmered in a silky vodka sauce, spooned over crisp crostini. It tastes indulgent, the way penne alla vodka does, but the chickpeas bring protein and fiber, so it eats more like a small meal than a guilty pleasure.
It’s also wonderfully forgiving. The sauce comes together in one pan, the chickpeas come straight from a canand the whole thing can be made ahead and warmed when friends arrive. Serve it in a shallow bowl with the crostini alongside and let everyone help themselves. A glass of something crisp and dry alongside it won’t hurt either!!
This recipe was adapted from Eating Well’s Chickpeas alla Vodka.
Chickpeas with Vodka Sauce & Crostini
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup vodka any brand is fine, as long as it’s not bottom shelf
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion cut into ¼-inch dice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus additional to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic minced (about 4 teaspoons)
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 15-ounce cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup greek yogurt
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan plus additional for serving
- 1/2 cup baby kale
- 4 T freshly sliced basil
- 1/4 c fresh parmesan
- 1 sliced toasted baguette
Instructions
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and just starting to brown around edges, about 4 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 45 seconds.
- Stir in chickpeas, tomato sauce, pepper, oregano, crushed red pepper and salt; baby kale, vodka and yogurt, cook, stirring often, until the chickpeas are warmed through, about 2 minutes. Add chopped fresh basil and parmesan before serving. Serve with crostini for dipping if served as an appetizer
3. Collected Look Outfits of the Week
You know I love a collected look. So when an influencer I know and adore told me recently that nothing I post looks like what everyone else is doing on Instagram, I took it as a compliment. Then I wondered if it really was one. (I’ve decided it was, whether she meant it that way or not.)
Because honestly, why would we want to look like everyone else? Do we really need the It bag of the moment, or the one pair of jeans every algorithm insists we buy this season? Heck no. We’ve earned the right to wear what we love and make it our own with accessories that tell our story. A vintage brooch, a scarf picked up on a trip, a bag that has outlived three trends. That’s the collected look, and it never goes out of style because it was never chasing style in the first place.
When I invest in something pricey it better work overtime! I bought myself an early birthday present. This scarf looks like a vintage textile and is absolutely fabulous. I will be sharing next week.
The blazer is an investment from Vince. Nordstrom Rack has a great cheap chic option here. The bag is from TJ Maxx!
Here is a “cheap chic” look that wont’ break the bank. The faux suede jacket (also comes in chocolate)and scarf are from Zara, The bag is from TJ Maxx, my favorite Chicos jeans (I get asked if these are RL constantly) and comfy booties.
4. 1883 on Paramount
We are late to the party (what else is new?) We are watching the pre yellowstone miniseries 1883 that follows the Dutton family as they travel west acros the great plains to find a new home in Montana. Who knew that Faith Hill and Tim McGraw could be so good? Steve and I are loving 1883.
5. Our House Goes on the Market Friday
This one is bittersweet. This house, in the town we adore, goes on the market this Friday.
We have been here coming up on five years. We lived in our last home 35. This was a great move for us. I honestly feel like this is one of the greatest small towns on earth. I’ll admit I’ve been walking through the town and the rooms in my home a little more slowly this week.
I want to be clear about one thing. We aren’t leaving because we’ve fallen out of love with this place. We love this community, and the friends we’ve made here are the kind you keep for life. We’re moving for the one reason that could ever pull us away: to be closer to our kids.
I’ve always believed a house is meant to be loved well and then handed to someone who will love it next. Whoever lives here next is getting more than a house. They’re getting a wonderful town and some pretty terrific neighbors.
If you or someone you know has been dreaming of a home here, contact our realtor David Crabtree.
Until Next Sunday
If this week taught me anything, it’s that the best things rarely need to be big. A small house with good bones. A humble can of chickpeas dressed up for company, or a reason to make a big move. That’s a philosophy I’m happy to carry into this chapter.
I will be back on Tuesday with how I updated my guest bedroom without breaking the bank (before I knew we were moving).
In case you missed last weeks fab five you can find them here.
Now go see what Mary Ann and Annie are loving this week:
Wow, congrats on the move!
Paso Robles and Sonoma are definitely sister cities.
We lived on a horse ranch in Paso for a year as a sabbatical after we sold our restaurant and it was sooo fun, great town. Sonoma village and the entire area is very similar, same vibe, great wine, food, people.
My BIL is a winemaker in Healdsburg so we are up there a lot. Always new places to try and the good old standbys as well. Close to the coast (and so many other great places) as well, you’re going to love it!!
You take your talent, eye and personality with you wherever you go so I’m looking forward to your posts about your new home 🫶
Hi Valletta
Well we have to get this house sold first! I agree Sonoma and Paso are similar. Where is your brother a winemaker?
Yes, that your posts are unique is a compliment.
When I’m looking for a more budget friendly scarf, I check out museum stores. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s online store has several scarves that are carpet/tapestry inspired right now.
Cindy, I can so relate to this. Dick and I recently made the move to be closer to our kids and grandkids, and we absolutely love it. Just last night we had kids and grands over for dinner, sitting outside, talking, laughing and simply being together. It reminded me again why we made the move. There’s something wonderful about being close enough for those ordinary, spontaneous moments—they really are the best ones. I’m excited for you and Steve and this next chapter! ❤️
Wow Cindy! Moving on to your next adventure… We downsized and moved closer to our son and family 2 1/2 years ago leaving our home of 23 years. So many emotions but we knew it was time to downsize and we haven’t looked back. (ok – the painstaking process of what to take and what to go…ugh. Our 2 sons and daughter-in-law wanted nothing – in fact I’ve seen several articles on the topic usually titled ‘Your kids don’t want your s***. We love our new community and found we are busier than ever (and honestly haven’t missed the ‘stuff’. Being closer to family is the best (most days). I have loved seeing your beautiful homes and your designs in them so I can’t wait to see what magic you bring to your new place. Good luck!
Hi Barbara
Thank you so much for the encouragement! We hate leaving here as we have so many friends. It is a wonderul town. We aren’t downsizing as much as we should be-that will be the next move!!
Cindy I agree none of your looks are ever like anyone else’s and that is what makes you stand out. Love all these jackets and lovely accessories.
I am saving the chickpea app.Maybe that could be dinner too? Looks delicious.
I had a great time with you and Juliet. So excited you will be back up this way. I cannot imagine selling your gorgeous home, but for sure you won’ regret being near the kids! Whatever you land on, you’ll make it amazing. xo
Hi Kim
The chickpea app is actually supposed to be a meal! I have just never served it that way!!
Dear Cindy,
I adore your blog and those of the Fab Five. I adore your design, the recipes and the clothes. It is a joy to follow each of you. I have noted that your clothing is getting pricier. I just can’t afford $300 jeans and sweaters, $500 jackets and $1000 handbags. I imagine there are many of your followers who are also
frustrated with the top prices.
Please keep this in mind as you continue your wonderful blog.
Many thanks,
MZ
Hi Marlene
I agree it is frustrating how expensive things have gotten, that is why I try to bring in brands with lower price points. I will continue to do so. I would love to hear what your favorite brands are. Next week I will be doing a post on Quince favorites, and I have ordered some great items from Zara as well
I appreciate the uniqueness of your blog. You don’t try to sell me stuff or post “what every woman over 50 needs now”. I’ve left many blogs over that stuff.
Good luck with your house sale. Bittersweet
Hi Rose
Thank you for that. I think we all know what we need and want. We don’t need someone like me saying don’t wear this or that. The beauty of being this age is we know our own style, all we may need is a little inspiration, or to think outside the box.
Golly – moving! But such good reasons for moving!
We downsized at 65 years old and it was actually a doddle. We have always had massive annual sort-outs and there’s not much left to worry about these days. There’s a systematic approach to moving (we had moved 12 times through husband’s media job) and we just followed the steps and also always employed a good removal company. It all comes together that way.
However, I wouldn’t move again now at 75 – three reasons: Happy at where we’re at home-wise, haven’t got the energy to renovate again and want to spend energy on enjoying life with our family because who knows what’s round the corner.
Best of luck with new purchase and the move. What an exciting time.
Hi Prue
We still have a ton of stuff to get rid of!! We won’t be downsizing as much as we should be!! The beauty of the new place (if we get it) is that it has great guest quarters for our family or whatever is needed down the road! How is your recovery coming along?
I’ve never commented on your blog, but always enjoy it. Reading the comments, I saw that Sonoma could be a possible landing place. My husband and I moved here to be close to family…We’ve lived in some great places, and had nice houses as well. However, we’ve now been in our 1500 square craftsman house for 16 years in Sonoma, and love this house and town more than any other place we’ve lived. There is a real community spirit here, and many things to do if one wishes. I’m an avid gardener, and grow many roses and other plants that thrive here. Have a small patch of land, but keeps me quite busy. It’s pretty much heaven for those of us of a certain age. Best wishes in your home finding quest wherever you decide to live.
Hi Mary
We are heading your way if all goes well!! I would love to see your garden and meet up for coffee or a glass of wine!!
Cindy, we moved into a townhouse community a year ago to be closer to family and to better healthcare. We now see one of our grandchildren almost daily! We’re also much closer to the airport when we travel to visit the rest of the family across the country. We did a lot of purging when leaving our home of 40 years and find that we don’t really miss what we no longer need. My husband is happy to be rid of the mowing and other lawn maintenance, and I’m having fun decorating a new space. I hope you find your next home soon and look forward to seeing how you make it yours. Moving is a lot of work, but it will be well worth it to be closer to Summer and your kids!
Hi Barb
We will be closer to a major airport as well!! Thanks for the encouragement!
Oh lucky you Cindy for getting to see Juliet’s beautyful new home! I think the size looks perfect! Especially when every square inch has been considered!
Love that photo of you, Juliet and kim!
Love all the outfits! Collected is misspelled.
I think the chickpea recipe would be great as a pasta sauce too. Good luck on your move. It is indeed a pain especially when you live your community but being near kids and grandkids makes it worthwhile. We retired to a Retirement community to simplify/ downsize and then after several years moved back to the Bay Area and our grandkids. We were missing out on too much. It was not an easy decision and we were not always aligned but we found our favorite house in the end and yes, it is the smallest one yet.
You had me at “Heck, no!”-still chuckling. Your refusal to follow “trends” is why I am a fan & continue to read. Good luck with the move, and the emotional journey that goes with it. And don’t fear a smaller house! We moved to a small house on a lake, and have all we need & more-so liberating! Think St Chapelle vs Notre Dame, and make it your personal “ jewel box”!
Hi Cindy,
Love the chickpea recipe thank you and I love your new scarf ! All the best with the house sale and looking for a new home. Transitions are not easy sending love! xox
Cindy such a fun post. Loved your take on Juliette’s new cottage, you’re so right all the details impeccable! I agree with the comment no one else can do what you do with your wardrobe. You’re unique, original therefore timeless! I totally understand moving closer to family. You’re so wise. Can’t wait to hear more about your new journey, it’s going to be wonderful for you both and especially your daughter and sweet Summer.
I really wanted to see Juliet’s house. Unfortunately, I can’t find a way to open the link. Way too many ads popping up. Is it just me? I have this problem all the time on this website now.
Hi Mary
Clear your cache I am sure that is the problem
Oh Cindy! How exciting to be moving! I admit that I love to. Pitch a new “tent”. Start fresh. Arrange new cabinets and closets. Make a strange home a friend. I think I was a bedouin in a previous life! Looking forward to seeing where you land and all the new adventures with Summer and family. Best of luck with the sale!
Cindy! We are later to the party than you … and can’t wait to start in on 1883. It’s bittersweet selling a home you love in a community you’ve embraced, but we all understand the pull of family. If you do settle in Sonoma, and I hope you do, I think you’ll find the community feels similar to Paso and you’ll love it just as much. Thanks for the kind words about my little house. It’s been a journey trying to squeeze a workable home into a tiny space and hearing such lovely thoughts from you makes me feel that we may have got it right. xoxo
Hi Cindy! Wishing you the very best in your next chapter! Thank you for sharing your Paso home, full of your collectives and creativity! Looking forward to joining you as you embark on your new adventure! Anna in Arizona
moving is tough – especially in our 70’s!!!!! We just moved three months ago from our beloved home in SLO to Monterey to be closer to family and Stanford (medical). It was tough! Donating, selling, gifting, tossing – downsizing. Lifting, tugging, pulling. So many SLO memories and leaving our dear friends. It was very humbling.
Moving/Change keeps you curious, though, and creative and truthfully, we will never be any younger or healthier. A new beginning. A new chapter in our books of life. I have been loving creating our new chapter in our little Forest home in Monterey.
I know you could make a derelict shack into someplace glorious and magical…..and I cannot wait to see.
Best to you
moving truly is bittersweet and P.S. not easy in our 70’s. We sold our beloved home in SLO a couple of months ago and moved to Monterey to be closer to our family and to Stanford (medical) and basically to downsize . Donating, tossing, selling and packing up years of family and love is HARD! I was in SLO for 37 years : friends, a business we loved, kids growing up in schools, sports, memories etc…..It was not easy!!!!!! You did it 5 years ago so this will be a bit easier but what a beautiful place you created in Paso.
New is good. Adventures keep us curious and open minded and we are not getting any younger or any healthier.
I hope you found a special place north close to family. You could make a shack glorious with your talent and charm. Can’t wait to see
Hi Dianne
We have an offer on a place in Sonoma but who knows. We do want to move to Sonoma. We may have to rent for awhile and store. We are prepared to do that if necessary. We love Paso and our friends here, but want to be closer to our kids. I know that was a big move for you. I am sure you are not loving the Monterey weather after having beautiful weather in SLO!!
I love love the Monterey weather. SLO was getting too hot for us! We love the beach and the forest and the foggy mornings. It was a good move!
Please disregard the second post – I didn’t think the first one went through.
Sonoma is lovely. Hope it all works out
Your recipes were not the reason I started following you, but dang! They are quickly becoming one of my favorite things! Thank you
Hi Kristi
I love to cook so I am so glad you enjoy my Sunday recipes!!
Sorry to hear you are selling that beautiful home. Where will you be going. Still in California?
We moved to be close to one of our 3. They were spread out. They are all in northern California but as you know traffic can make a place not far, very far. Our only grandchild lives in Castro Valley, we are in Sonoma.
We also downsized a bit but since 2 of our sons currently live with us not much. Just finished remodeling the living/kitchen area making it open and light. Love the built-ins at Juliet’s. We did the same lots and lots of deep cabinets. Can’t sing their praises enough.
Will you be going back to a community you have lived before? Or will you be starting over again?
We are starting over and joining several local groups like AAUW, Rotary, Art houses and Historical Society has helped us meet and make new friends. Love your style can’t wait to see what you do with a new place.
Cristi! We are moving to Sonoma! If we can find a place we like!! Our granddaughter is in Walnut Creek and our son now lives up in the Sierra’s!
Wouldn’t that be fun if you ended up in my neck of the woods! Fingers crossed.
Shocking but understandable. Still being in our home of 32 years, I can’t imagine leaving. I am still making it my own.
I can’t wait to see the next place you make into another amazing oasis. Cheers to the hard work it takes to make all this happen.
Hi Gray
Moving is a pain!! We got rid of a lot of the “rif raf” of over 35 years when we moved here and we have much more to go!!
I can only imagine. I am also on a decluttering mission of my own, so no one has to do as much after I am gone! Tons of work!
It’s already sad that you’re leaving the area but when I read that the friends you made here are the kind you keep for life made my eyes sting with tears. I like your concept of small is not sacrificing which I learned from personal experience. I hope you land someplace that “deserves” you and Steve and whatever/wherever that is, I know you will make the most of it!
Thanks pal!! I know a move is on the horizon for you as well…we just have to stay in touch!
Sob… it’s bittersweet for me too, Cindy. But change is good…and so are your reasons for doing it. I was just thinking about your homes that I have been fortunate to visit. Your next one will be just as great.
Juliet’s house is lovely and I can’t wait to give Howard the chickpea recipe 🙂
Hi Mary Ann
I have never served the chick pea concoction as a main dish but it is a great appetizer for a crowd!!