A Time to Celebrate Friends and Sunday Morning Coffee

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After a crazy week of Amazon Prime Day, this weekend was the time to celebrate friends. Five of my closest friends joined me in Ventura for lots of fun, sun, and celebrating.

Thanks for joining me for Sunday Morning Coffee. This is where we share, learn, explain, dream, and have fun.

Six women wearing matching peach tops stand together on a balcony overlooking the beach with houses and the ocean in the background.
Season 5 Volume 28
Collage with a cozy interior featuring a dining area, kitchen, and coffee-themed text: "Sunday Morning Coffee.

About Me

Older woman with white hair raises a red drink while seated at an outdoor table set for a meal by the ocean, with food and drinks visible on the table.

Dave has been golfing in Scotland all week, so of course I planned a girls’ weekend at the beach. We are having the best time, and I love weekends like this. They are filled with relaxation, laughter, and lots of fun activities.

For those of you asking, here is the link to our amazing sweatshirts.

Two women wearing matching peach-colored tops sit closely together at a bar, smiling at the camera. Dodgers signs and drinks are visible in the background.

We started the weekend at an excellent restaurant in Ojai, Nocciola. It’s amusing that I’ve been trying to find this restaurant for years. I dined here with clients many years ago, and for some reason, I couldn’t remember the name. I just remembered the incredible food and the fabulous porch.

It’s a miracle I happened to find it on Yelp, and as soon as I saw the photos, I knew this was it!

I’m looking forward to taking Dave here. It was that good!

We also had a great time at the beach. Lazy afternoons with girlfriends, reading, and relaxation were precisely what we needed.

We grilled dinner on the deck on Saturday and enjoyed lots of cocktails and homemade ice cream. What a perfect way to celebrate summer.

We also found some time for biking, which I enjoyed so much!

A Ninja food processor with a main container of blended mixture attached, plus three additional jars with gray, yellow, and red lids beside it—an ideal pick to snag during Amazon Prime Day.

Ninja CREAMi

Gevi Household V2.0 Countertop Gemi Nugget Ice Maker

Four clear margarita glasses, two filled with drinks—one yellow with lime, mint, and sugar rim, one pink with a lemon slice—are displayed alongside two empty glasses and a product box.

LUNA & MANTHA Martini Glasses

My Latest Project

My Latest Project

A set of interconnected white ceramic bowls with uneven gold edges, arranged on a flat surface.
My inspiration on Amazon

I will return to the pottery studio this week after a two-week break to try a new project. I love these appetizer plates/bowls/trays (I have no idea what to call this), but they are expensive, and I decided I should try to make my own.

We all know I could buy one on Amazon (they call it a Serving Cluster Bowls), but I am ready to try to make my own.

Prices for these on Amazon range between $200 and $300, and I think I could make this for about $30.

Makes sense, right?

A set of white ceramic bowls with gold rims arranged on a light wood surface, labeled with a tag reading "Strobler.

I think it’s worth a try. What do you think?

If you love this as much as I do, I think you should go ahead and buy one unless you want to learn hand-building clay pottery! Hehe.

I may sometimes use affiliate links on this blog, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.

A cluster of irregularly shaped, white ceramic bowls with gold-toned rims connected together, displayed on a white background.
Zodax Cluster of Nine Round Serving Bowls
An overhead view of assorted cookies, chocolates, and pastries arranged in five connected gold bowls on a white background.
The Refined Dwelling 5 Cluster Serving Tray
Five white ceramic bowls with brown rims, four arranged on a matching tray and one separate, which is filled with pistachios.
ONEMORE Chip and Dip Serving Set

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My Biggest Challenge This Week

Two raised wooden garden beds with lush green plants growing up and around a black metal arch, set outdoors with trees in the background.

Who is eating my tomatoes?

I have no idea, but it’s so frustrating. My guess is squirrels, but it could also be birds. We don’t have any rabbits, and I don’t think anyone is coming into our backyard.

But whoever it is has been able to figure out how only to take (or eat) the ripe ones.

Seriously?

I bought some netting on Amazon and tented all four of my raised garden beds. I really like this black netting because it offers good protection, but it’s not visible. So your garden still looks great.

Green unripe tomatoes growing on a vine with abundant leaves, supported by a black garden stake and surrounded by protective netting.
A hand holds up a section of torn black garden netting in front of leafy plants, some with brown, wilted leaves.
A roll of black garden netting lies on top of green leafy plants.

When I get back home later today, I cannot wait to see if my defensive idea has worked.

What do you think?

A hand with pink nail polish holds a section of black garden netting near green plants and soil in an outdoor setting.

 Outdoor Garden Arch 

A roll of black plastic mesh netting partially unrolled, showing a grid pattern.
Bird Netting, 7.5 x 100 FT

Raised Garden Bed Planter

This week's to do list.
  • Get back into the pottery studio and finish my long wish list of projects.
  • Start creating content for my new collaboration with Calico Corners! It’s so exciting.
  • Plan Ellie’s baby shower. I cannot wait to host it next month.
A wicker vase holds a mixed bouquet of pink, white, and purple flowers on a set dining table with glassware and teal vases.

Mine are in full bloom, and I love this article titled Decorating with Hydrangeas.

Pink macramé in progress on a wooden dowel next to gold scissors, a coiled pink cord, and a Stanley 12 ft tape measure on a white surface.

I haven’t done this craft in a long time and think you might enjoy this How To Macrame: A Step By Step Guide For Beginners.

Three peach popsicles on ice in a tray, with whole and halved peaches nearby on a wooden surface.

This is a great recipe to make Peach Popsicles.

Collage showing a tidy bedroom, organized pantry shelves with jars and baskets, neatly stacked dishes, and a bright kitchen with orange blinds. Text reads "2 Two Minute Decluttering Habits to Save You Time.

All of us should read 22 Two-Minute Decluttering Habits That Will Save You Time.

A pair of green rain boots filled with gardening gloves, seed packets, flowers, a small shovel, a rolled-up mat, and a Martha Stewart gardening book on a speckled table.

I love these 5 Easy Creative Summer Gift Ideas.

A red popsicle mold set with six compartments, popsicle sticks, a cleaning brush, plastic bags, a blue funnel, and an instruction booklet.
Homemade Popsicle Molds, Silicone, Makes 10
Clear glass jar with a wide mouth, wrapped in a woven rattan sleeve around the lower half—a stylish addition to your backyard putting green décor.

Bloomingville 8″H Glass Vase with Decorative Cane Sleeve

A single off-white ankle rain boot with a side elastic panel and a pull tab at the back, shown in profile on a white background.
Short Rain Boots

And what a week it was!

  • A woman holding a child stands behind a table with various cookies, greenery arrangements, and two small lamps in a well-lit room.
    All of Our Christmas Party Recipes
    Hosting a Christmas party for 150 – 200 people is no small feat, but it’s one of my favorite ways to celebrate the season and unite those we love. Today, I am sharing our Christmas Party recipes. Every December, my kitchen…
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    Christmas Shopping on a Budget
    There’s something magical about Christmas shopping, finding the perfect gift that you know will make someone’s eyes light up. What about Christmas shopping on a budget? We all love the twinkling lights in every store, the smell of cinnamon drifting through…
  • A woman wearing a light green apron stands in a kitchen with bags of bread rolls on the counter; a window with a holiday wreath is in the background.
    Last Minute Shopping and Sunday Morning Coffee
    Here we are, December 14th, the day after our party, and the moment every year when I suddenly realize Christmas is really around the corner. It’s time for last-minute shopping. I may not be quite as prepared as I hoped. Even…
  • A living room decorated in neutral colors of tan, white, silver, and light green with silver frosted trees, white poinsettias and more holiday decor.
    ‘Tis the Season of Giving Christmas Gifts Under $25
    The holidays are the season of giving. With so many amazing gifts under $25, you might find something for everyone on your list! The good news is the season of giving does not have to break the bank. There are so…
  • A large, detailed gingerbread house with white icing decorations sits on a wooden table, surrounded by small, silver holiday trees.
    How to Make a Cardboard Gingerbread House of Your Home – A Handmade Christmas
    It’s week fifteen of my A Handmade Christmas series, and I decided to take on a project I’ve dreamed about for ages: replicating our actual house in a cardboard gingerbread house. Every year, I try to create at least one handmade Christmas project…
  • Two wrapped gifts with red and gold paper, decorated with large bows and handmade gift tags featuring wax seals and handwritten names from Mom to Matt and Andrew.
    Handmade Christmas Gift Tags – A Thoughtful Touch for the Holidays
    Every year, as the holidays approach, I find myself returning to one of my favorite creative traditions: making handmade Christmas gift tags. There’s something so special about those final details … the thoughtful touches that make a wrapped gift feel personal…
A cordless stick vacuum cleaner with LED lights, featured with various attachments, filters, and detachable handheld configurations—perfect for snagging deals during Amazon Prime Day.

LEVOIT Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Three ribbed glass mixing bowls in yellow, green, and blue with matching lids are stacked on top of each other against a white background—perfect for upgrading your kitchen this Amazon Prime Day.

Pyrex Colors Tinted 6-PC Full Set

A Nespresso coffee machine set with a milk frother, a glass of latte, a cup of espresso, and two coffee capsules displayed in front—perfect for elevating your mornings, especially with Amazon Prime Day deals.


Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine

Black and white photo of rocky formations in calm water, elegantly framed with a wide white mat and thin gold frame—a timeless piece to elevate your space this Amazon Prime Day.

MCS Master & Co. Foundry Metal 18×18 Square Picture Frame

A set of white ceramic dinnerware including plates, bowls, and small dishes arranged in rows against a white background—perfect for upgrading your table setting this Amazon Prime Day.

famiware Star Dinnerware Sets

Woman wearing a long-sleeve, white crochet cover-up dress over a white bikini, holding a woven straw bag—perfect for an Amazon Prime Day beach getaway.

Crochet Swim Cover Up 

A two-tier naked cake topped and surrounded by assorted fresh berries and flowers sits on a white cake stand, with a bowl of raspberries nearby.

Martha shared 42 Berry Desserts You’ll Want to Make All Summer Long.

  • The Best Salads – Summer Chicken Recipes
  • How We Built Our Home Wine Cellar at the Beach House
  • Summer Fruits – How to Clean Them, Remove Pesticides, and Prevent Mold
  • The Best Smoked Brisket Recipe
  • Protein Ice Cream for the Ninja Creami
  • Summer Beach Dinner – Part One
Six clear wine glasses are displayed, with one glass in the front filled with red wine while the other five remain empty—perfect for entertaining or gifting during Amazon Prime Day.

ZWIESEL GLAS Pure Cabernet Red Wine Glass

A salad spinner with a transparent bowl, green inner basket, and a white lid featuring a green push button on top—perfect for upgrading your kitchen essentials this Amazon Prime Day.

Farberware Easy to use pro Pump Spinner with Bowl

A black Ninja countertop appliance with digital display showing 450°F and 20:00, featuring multiple cooking functions and a silver handle—perfect to score on Amazon Prime Day.

Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 FlexBasket Air Fryer

You Might Also Need…

Sophie Conran Salad Bowl

A smart home control panel screen displays camera feeds, lighting, device statuses, security, locks, climate settings, and connected media at 9:45—perfect for keeping tabs on your home during Amazon Prime Day deals.

Amazon Echo Hub | 8” smart home control panel

Bamboo Cutting Board

Three brown solar-powered LED lights are mounted on a gray outdoor railing, illuminating the surface with a warm glow at dusk—perfect for adding ambiance to your space, especially with great deals during Amazon Prime Day.

SOLPEX Solar Deck Lights Outdoor 16 Pack

Three gold-toned metal bells of varying sizes hang from knotted rope loops against a plain background—perfect for adding charm to your space. Don’t miss out on special Amazon Prime Day deals for this unique decor piece.

Deco 79 Metal Decorative Cow Bells

A living room with a gray tufted sofa, three cushions, a white-framed window with a beige Roman shade, wall art, a table lamp, and a plant—perfect inspiration for your Amazon Prime Day home decor finds.

Madison Park Galen Cordless Roman Shades

A woven jute rug on a dark wood floor, with a basket, potted plant, and a wooden shelf holding decor and books in the background—perfect for refreshing your space just in time for Amazon Prime Day.

Hand Woven Chunky Jute Natural 8 ft. x 10 ft.

A matte beige Stanley travel tumbler with a handle, clear lid, and straw, featuring the Stanley logo printed in white on the side—perfect for staying hydrated during Amazon Prime Day deals.

STANLEY Quencher H2.0 Tumbler

A brass floor lamp with a white drum lampshade, adjustable swing arm, and round base, photographed against a plain white background—an elegant addition to any space and a stylish pick for Amazon Prime Day deals.

SAFAVIEH Lighting Collection

A Home to Share
A Home to Share, by Leslie Saeta
Shop My Home
Amazon Best Sellers

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Six women wearing matching peach tops and white pants stand together on a deck by the ocean, smiling at the camera under a clear sky.

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11 Comments

  2. When I was growing tomatoes, the culprits that were eating ours were possums and neighborhood cats. The raccoons seemed to leave them alone.

    Reply

  3. I say its a raccoon, lol. But how frustrating to get a homegrown ripe tomato and then its gone before your very eyes. Our next door neighbor uses that black netting on his tomatoes, they are slow this year to even appear. We are thankful here in the Hill Country for some summer rain, but our dear friends in Kerrville have such a disaster still going on. The beach sounds heavenly to a displaced Valley girl.

    Reply

    1. I didn’t look for it consistently as I had discovered it had closed. But it opened up again!

      Reply

  7. Sounds like the absolute best way to decompress after a busy Prime Day! Celebrating with five closest friends in Ventura, enjoying fun and sun, truly embodies the title’s spirit. It’s wonderful that you took the time to make such great memories and cherish those important connections. What a perfect weekend!

    Reply

  8. What a perfect way to unwind after a crazy Prime Day week! It sounds like you had an amazing time celebrating with your five closest friends in beautiful Ventura. Fun, sun, and good company are truly the best way to recharge. I love hearing about these kinds of special get-togethers!

    Reply

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