Say hello to Chief and his brother Judge after a nice walk to Union Square, here in San Francisco.
Dungeness crab season is back! I set a casual table with newspaper and butchers’ paper for easy cleanup. Placesetting tags were just written with a marker and I knotted the napkins instead of using rings.
This bedroom plan is in the works for a 13-year-old boy (that will grow up with him). Hopefully, I will show you the finished product but in the meantime,
if you need a good-sized, reasonably priced industrial desk this one is nice… (free shipping right now).
I headed down to Newport Beach to get our house ready for new tenants. That was hard as they left it a mess and took things like the garage openers and the ice bin (the ice machine in the fridge doesn’t work without it). So, I had the interiors painted and cleaned and took care of lots of minor maintenance (a few trips to Home Depot)… that is too boring to discuss. I did get some lavender and mulch for the front.
And planted succulents in the French stone trough and baskets…low maintenance!
We picked up all the wrapping paper at Home Goods…including the wooden spoons, which I think everyone can use new ones.
On Monday, I went back to Orange County to meet two old friends, Kathie and JoAnn at Disneyland. This will really get you in a cheery mood. Kathie knows everything about Disneyland and California Adventure…like which rides have a holiday theme. For example, “It’s A Small World”…
I loved the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride. Can you spot me?
On my way back to San Diego, I made a brief pit stop in Juxtaposition (always like to do that, as you may know)…I love how they scattered little green trees in containers…I may copy this.
This is cool how they display African baskets.
I like the round mirror with tall lamps.
I ordered a similar one for our dining room from Rejuvenation. It arrived shattered, so I sent customer service a photo and they are sending me a new one without having to ship the damaged one back.
The drive to San Diego on Pacific Coast Highway is pretty.
I stopped in Laguna Niguel to visit one of my favorite clients…
On a sadder note, yesterday, Chief and I flew back to San Francisco. This was the view of the Southern California fires.Sending love and prayers to those affected.
I hope you are not feeling pressured around this time to do too much…some things can slide! Enjoy your family.
Wishing you peace,
Mary Ann
Gail Storti says
Hi! I don’t know how I missed this post! I’m so sorry your Lido house was left in such a horrible state. People are so rude! I was wondering if you know what kind of countertop was used in the kitchen of your good friend and client,
not the island but around the range? It looks almost like concrete.
Glad I saw this post, lots of great things and ideas. Love your new round mirror. I’m thinking of it in gold for over
the chest in our guest bedroom. Wish the mirror was beveled though.
xo
Sandra Sallin-apartfrommyart says
Well, you certainly have been busy. Up and down the coast and busy where ever you go. Love your visuals. Great idea to give wooden spoons. I love them. Still us my mothers. Many years old. Happy Holidays, Mary Ann.
Juliet Russell says
So sorry to hear about the state of your beautiful SoCa home. How disappointing. Praying for those affected by the terrible fires. Still reeling from wine country fires – our former home, and entire Fountaingrove neighborhood, burned to ground. Let’s hope for a kinder, gentler 2018. Love those tall lamps. Chief and Judge in Union Square makes me smile. We’re looking forward to spending the weekend in Union Square – and getting into the Christmas spirit – before heading South. Merry Christmas!
Brenda Murphy says
Always love your posts! Do you know the manufacturer of the black ceiling mounts in the kitchen? Love!
Mary Ann says
Here you go, Brenda…
https://www.wayfair.com/lighting/pdp/trent-austin-design-montreal-1-light-semi-flush-mount-trnt1276.html?PiID%5B%5D=21228709&source=hotdeals
LA CONTESSA says
VERY CALM THIS YEAR………..
AS YOU it has taken a bit to get in the SPIRIT!
I know you told me which street………..But looking at your house in NEWPORT I know I have walked by it a few times in MY LIFE as I would spend summer HOLIDAYS on THAT ISLAND!IT HAS CHANGED since THAN I am CERTAIN!Couldn’t agree MORE about HOME DEPOIT!!!!!!YOU will ALWAYS find me in the PLANT DEPARTMENT!
WHO has CHIEFS BROTHER? A GOOD FRIEND?
THAT IS SO CUTE!!!!!!
MERRY HOLIDAYS………….XX
Mary Ann says
Our house is on Lido Isle. My sister has Chief’s brother Judge from the same litter! Hope to see you soon!
keven says
Love the crab table idea! Also, the apple picture above the fireplace is great… where might I find it or the artist?
Thank you!
Keven
Mary Ann says
Thanks! Here is the artist: http://www.louisegirling.com
Annie Diamond says
Mary Ann,
I love seeing your travels around California! I loved going to Juxtapostion after Bar Method for inspiration. I don’t think they were as happy to see me as I was them! They used to have a firm no photos policy! Have they lightened up on that? So sad to see all the fires in California!
xo
annie
Mary Ann says
I told them once in Juxtaposition that it was for my blog and they were fine with me taking photos. But that has happened to me before in Napa.
So scary about the fires! I am worried for my mom and sister in San Diego.
Pat huBer says
I love your crab season table setting! The names on the butcher paper is so fun. Great idea!
Mary Ann says
THANK YOU, PAT!
Sandra Sallin-apartfrommyart says
What a trip. You’ve been busy. Those trees in pots are great looking. I love how you included Disneyland on your trip. Lovely photos. Always a treat to see what you’ve been up to. Happy Holidays. I like your take on them.
Mary Ann says
I put a little tree in a pot yesterday, Sandra 🙂 Happy holidays to you!!
cindy hattersley says
Oh my those fires are scary. One of these days I am going to join you at Juxtaposition! Love the pottery! What a darling pick of the doggies on Union Square!!
Mary Ann says
I wanted to buy some of that pottery, too! We need another trip to So. Cal!
sherry Hart says
You have been busy! Love that store…so much good stuff! I am trying to get in the spirit if my clients would just leave me alone:)
Mary Ann says
I wish you and I could go to that store together, Sherry!!
Dianne says
My husband and I were at Union Square two weeks ago, the finishing touches were being applied to the area where your cute dogs are sitting. Love San Francisco, my son and daughter in law live in Pacific Heights, we
enjoy our time with them every year (we visit from Australia). I think the homeless problem is becoming a world
wide problem as we are seeing it in more now in Australia.
Mary Ann says
My husband and I are coming to Australia next month! Happy holidays, Dianne!
Weary in Alabama says
Juxtaposition is such an interesting name. I thought it must be a small town on the West Coast. Ha!
I just love your doggies faces and names, Chief & Judge, perfect!
Mary Ann says
Thank you so much! We love them too! My dad was Judge Cunningham… (he was a judge…but I think he is fine with Judge being named after him 🙂
Calypso in the Country says
I have been taking a slower approach this holiday season. I am trying to just enjoy time with my family and decorating a bit in between. Such a shame about those fires. Prayers to all who are affected!
Shelley
Mary Ann says
Shelley, I think you have the right approach to the holidays!
Taste of France says
Juxtaposition looks like a great shop. I would find lots to lust over there, plus lots of ideas for stuff I already have.
Thanks for the little Christmas trip.
Mary Ann says
Thanks for visiting!!!
Csrol says
It’s all so pretty. I love home goods wrapping paper,too. I always buy it there.. The wooden spoons on the package is so fun. I love doing stuff like that. Thanks for sharing.
Mary Ann says
Thanks for reading, Carol. What else do you put on Christmas gifts?
kathysue says
I love post like these! You have been one very busy lady. Time at home will help get you in the spirit or a visit to the flower mart that always does it!! Merry Christmas to you and yours, Mary Ann!! I just posted our Falala home on my blog today, I have been doing fewer and fewer post as well.
Mary Ann says
Yay…can’t wait to read your post, Kathysue! I just got back from buying fresh greenery and am enjoying “fluffing.”
nancy buchanan says
Wow, that sounds like a productive and fun trip! So sorry about your home in Newport – I just don’t understand people who do that kind of thing… ugh!
LOVE your table for dungeness crab – yum!!!
You are right about letting some things slide – I need to get better about that!!
Mary Ann says
Yes, Nancy, like I am thinking about not doing Christmas cards…although I love to receive them and have them in a glass box on my coffee table…so I might change my mind. Hugs to you and your family!
Judy B says
Hello Mary Ann from Oregon!
Your posts are one of my favorites. I always love seeing your great taste in decorating and food/events. Maybe also to see the City by the Bay, where we lived for 2 years after we got married. We lived in Tiburon and San Rafael, but my husband worked in the city, so we spent a lot of time there. Fond memories of taking the Larkspur ferry to meet him in the city after work. Such an exciting city back then. I have heard from many people recently how S. F. Has changed for the worse. WE are struggling in Portland to deal with the homeless situation too. It’s not enjoyable to go downtown now. Businesses are closing here due to the aggressive nature of some of the street people toward employees. So sad to see these beautiful cities disrespected.. Just seems the caring and culture is deteriorating rapidly. Thank you for showcasing beauty in your lovely blog!
Mary Ann says
Yes…the homeless situation is bad, Judy. In San Diego and L.A. as well. My daughter and I volunteered at a homeless shelter that helped get people back on their feet in Fort Lauderdale. It really seemed to work but so many people don’t want the help. Some parts of the city are worse than others…but some can’t be avoided like on the way to the design center. Well, I’m glad you have happy memories of your time here. It’s gorgeous today…so many shades of blue.
Our French Oasis says
It sounds as if you have been super busy, this time of year does it to all of us. I do love that white kitchen with the oak shelves, just my style and those little Christmas trees scattered around, completely au naturel, just perfect, an idea I may well have to steal as we are planning to buy our tree tomorrow and decorate this weekend.
Mary Ann says
Susan, I bought a couple little trees today…and burgundy poinsettias. I’m going to keep it fairly simple since we are going to my sister’s house for Christmas.
Terry delkeR says
Enjoy your writings and designs very much. Just wanted to know the name of the climbing rose(I think) at your Newport Beach House. I have been wanting that look for my white stucco house. Thanks, Terry
Mary Ann says
Terry, it’s actually a pink camellia bush. I bet it would be pretty on your white house.
Isora martinez says
Wow nice trip and beautiful tree I know the area we live in Mission Viejo for 21/2 year HB was working for a company in Irvine I miss all that.
I been prayers for all those they lost there beautiful Houses so sad
Have blessing day
Happy Holiday
Isora
Mary Ann says
Merry Christmas to you, Isora!