Just Getting Better

This week’s wine picks come with fizz, flavor—and chips.

Julia is sipping on Marqués de Cáceres Brut Cava, a dry Spanish sparkler crafted by winemaker María Gallo. She’s on a mission to expand everyone’s bubble vocabulary beyond Champagne and Prosecco—and explains why Cava deserves a spot in your glass (but please, no orange juice). Bonus points for pairing it with Aldi’s honey jalapeño chips.

Michelle brings Field Recordings “Skins”, a skin-contact white blend from California that drinks like sunshine in a bottle. Floral, textural, and super versatile, this orange wine is perfect with everything from salty snacks to dinner party mains—and easy to find at Whole Foods and indie shops alike.

Also in this episode:
– Julia’s favorite new color corrector (shoutout to Cali Ray)
– Michelle’s travel-size beauty hacks featuring Westman Atelier
– Why both hosts are solidly anti-mimosa
– And how to travel like a pro without sacrificing your blush stick

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Stop asking where the Obamas are — and start asking what you can do.

This week, we talk about ownership, the power of 3.5%, and why it only takes a small group to spark big change. Plus: Summer Fridays, Brad Pitt’s maybe-filler, Rare Beauty love, and an AITA about drinking alone that had us both shouting.

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Two wines, two winemakers we love — and why these bottles deserve a spot in your summer lineup.

Michelle kicks things off with Leah Jorgensen’s stunning Blanc de Cabernet Franc, a rare white wine made from Cab Franc grapes grown in Oregon. Bright, zesty, and full of minerality, it’s perfect for everything from popcorn and book club to cheese plates and patio nights. Leah is a creative force and a champion for Cabernet Franc, and this bottle shows just how good she is at her craft.

Julia brings it home with Massican’s Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay (2024) from Napa. Made by Dan Petroski, this wine is fresh, nuanced, and endlessly drinkable — the kind of Chardonnay that reminds you why Napa whites still matter. Dan’s literary and artistic approach to winemaking shines through, and this bottle is a party in itself.

Also in this episode:

– Why small-production wines are worth the hunt
– Julia on the power of boredom and why stillness matters
– Michelle’s discovery of Marley Spoon meal service and why she’s hooked
– Michelle on setting “Summer Friday” boundaries (and actually sticking to them)
– A fun detour into the world of perfumers

Wines:

– Leah Jorgensen Blanc de Cabernet Franc (Oregon)
– Massican Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay 2024 (Napa Valley, CA)

Vibes: meaningful pours, Summer Fridays, group texts, and giving yourself permission to slow down

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We’re talking about the little things that say a lot—like eating alone, sitting in silence, and being honest about the work you’ve had done. From solo dinners and the lost art of boredom to calling out celebrity “natural” beauty claims, this one’s about owning your choices without apology.

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Great wine isn’t just about what’s in the glass—it’s about who makes it, and why their story matters.

Julia and Michelle each bring a bottle this week that proves it:

Julia pours a bright, easy-drinking white blend from I Best Wines, a Black woman–owned brand out of South Africa. A mix of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, it’s the kind of bottle made for patios, picnics, or just winding down after a long day.

Michelle is sipping a beautifully expressive Grenache blend from Hamel Family Wines in Sonoma, crafted with volcanic soils and a winemaker obsessed with terroir. Light enough for summer but full of depth, it’s a perfect match for summer dinners or even a quiet glass on the porch.

Also in this episode:

– Why small producers deserve more of your attention

– How a simple weekly “brain dump” is helping Julia stay sane

– Michelle on why family time is still the ultimate reset Because good wine, like life, is always better when you pause to appreciate the story behind it.

Wines:

– I Best Wines White Blend (South Africa)

– Hamel Family Wines Grenache (Sonoma, CA)

Vibes: picnic tables, family dinners, clean notebooks, and wines with heart

New episode is live on YouTube + all podcast platforms.

Follow us on Instagram: @justgettingbetternow