Hello! Is it just me or do you feel like treating yourself to a little holiday cheer? Time for my Five Faves along with Cindy and Annie. Today, I’m sharing affordable holiday treats at Trader Joe’s, cashmere, a couple of fun chick flix’ and a free template designer! There is also caviar (ok this isn’t “affordable” but it’s for a special occasion).
1. Corny Chickflix’ On Netflix That I Loved
Don’t judge this guilty pleasure (while football is on or Howard has a late work night)…
Love Hard
“A romantic comedy about the lies we tell for love. An unlucky-in-love LA girl falls for a rugged East Coast guy on a dating app and decides to surprise him for the holidays—only to discover that she’s been catfished by his childhood friend.”
Yeah, I didn’t know what “catfished” meant either. You will learn. I watched it while doing laundry and actually cried at the end. Glad no one was around to see me.
A Castle For Christmas
My cousin said it was good so, why not. I loved the scenery and Brooke Shields. My daughter liked it too.
“Famed author, Sophie Brown (Brooke Shields), travels to Scotland hoping to buy a small castle of her own, but the prickly owner, Myles, the Duke of Dunbar, is reluctant to sell to a foreigner.”
2. Caviar “So you want to be fancy?”
Our cousins brought caviar from The Caviar Co. as an appetizer for Thanksgiving. They served it with blinis, creme fraiche, chopped egg and onion AND Champagne and chilled vodka. LIVING!
3. And Comfortable in Cashmere?
Meanwhile, my sister went into my closet and pulled out one of my J. Crew cashmere ponchos that I have been telling you about lately. I have it in black too (shhh…I’m going to wrap up this camel one and give it to her).
4. Holiday Treats at Trader Joe’s!
Fun things that we sometimes have to wait all year for:
Sparkling Pomegranate Punch Beverage Add ice and a lime slice and this makes a great non-alcoholic cocktail. It’s 50 calories so I add a bit more sparkling water. Or some people I know might put some vodka in there. “This bubbly Beverage is bright and richly fruity—powered by pomegranate, pineapple, orange, and apple juices —with a kick of ginger, and just enough effervescence to make any occasion reason to celebrate.”
Candied Pecans…I like these in salads.
Jingle Jangle: “Mini pretzels covered with milk and dark chocolate and drizzled with white chocolate; dark chocolate-covered caramel popcorn, etc.” Put out if you have a crowd.
Spiced Cookie Mug Hangers are just fun.
Fried Olive Bites: Start your diet after the holidays.
Read more of Trader Joe’s holiday guide here.
5. Canva For Holiday Messages And More
I’ve mentioned Canva before. They have templates for everything. There is a free version that I started with but now I have the paid version for more options. The Trader Joe’s collage above was made with Canva as is this…
This is our dog, Chief’s family (Judge is his brother from the same litter), Dolly (our daughter’s dog), and Tazi (our niece’s dog) have the same father. Even though they are all Boston Terriers, they all have such DIFFERENT personalities! I guess it’s like children…you never know what you will get 🙂
PS. That was not an easy photo to get at the dog park!
If you are new here, each Sunday I share my top five favorite things along with my friends, Cindy and Annie. It’s like our weekly “catch-up” phone call. If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Cindy Hattersley Design
Most Lovely Things
And come back on Thursday when we show you some thoughtful homemade gifts you can make.
LA CONTESSA says
WILL DEFINITELY WATCH THE CHRISTMAS MOVIES!
THANKS!
Patriciap says
Hi Mary Ann,
Great Suggestions this week! I will be at Trader Joe’s later this week and am going to look for the pomegranate punch. I am addicted to their Triple Ginger Cookie Thins….delicious!
I do not have Netflix, so I can’t watch the one movie suggestion, wish I could. I have been watching a great comedy/Love story on Amazon Prime called “Love Hurts” with Zoe Wanamaker and Adam Faith. It was filmed in 1992 to 1994 with 3 seasons to watch. If you enjoyed the chemistry with Stefanie Powers and Robert Wagner in “Hart to Hart”, you will love this show. Frank (Adam) and Tessa (Zoe) are two totally different personalities who are sexually attracted. Frank is really adorable and one of those charming men who is hard to turn away. Great fun and a well written story. Season 1 gets bogged down towards episode 9 & 10 but episode 1 of season 2 is just delightful. Obviously I am loving this series.
Stay safe and enjoy this Christmas season!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Triple Ginger Cookie Thins sounds right up my alley!!! Thanks for the TV show recommendation!
Mary says
I watched Love Hard and was rooting for the man she met, even though he wasn’t what he said he was.
I ordered the camel poncho when you first suggested it, however, I live in SoCal and the weather has been too warm so haven’t had the opportunity wear it. No matter, I still love it!
Heidi says
All fun things today! I love the cashmere wrap and need a navy one! Trader Joe’s is on my list of things to do tomorrow, will look for that fizzy drink it sounds delicious.
I’m going to snuggle down to one of those movies tonight, thanks for the recommendation!
Hope you had a nice weekend Mary Ann!
Xo Heidi
Katherine says
Hi Mary Ann,
Thank you for the “heads up” on the Netflix movies. I too cry in movies, my hubby always says to me. “oh honey it’s just a story in this movie,” I have always cried, even in Jurassic World, I cried and and got upset while people were being killed and eaten. My hubby asked, “I will take you out, this is way too violent for our taste.” I agree but we were with family, and the young boys really loved it, and were laughting as I was holding onto the arms in the theater many years ago. One of my all time faves was, was “Somewhere In Time” an movies like “Downton Abbey,” and “The Crown,” I look forward to hopefully watching “A Castle For Christmas,” we have been to Scotland.
The fur babies are too cute, love your photo card. That was not easy to capture all of them.
I am a HUGE fan of the Candied Pecans, been buying them forever, use in salads too. They can become addictive, one does taste like several. Since we are into sharing great finds at Trader Joe’s have you ever purchased”Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Covered Minty Mallows, they are Light and Fluffy Peppermint Marshmallows Drenched in Smooth Dark Chocolate”. They are so good. Also
TJ Grapefruit & Lemon Hand Sanitizer Spray. We keep two in our SUV and I carry one in my handbag.
I like the fragrance and does not dry out your hands. You may be familiar with both of these items since you are a Trader Joe’s shopper too.
Sending smiles.
Mary Ann it is so nice what you are doing for your sissy for Christmas. “Mum is the word.” She is darling, I can tell you belong together.
Annie Diamond says
Okay, Im ready to watch those movies…I need a break from Succession!
You always find the best things! I’ve never seen that pomegranate punch! I just want to follow you around all the time and learn your ways!
Your pups are soooooo cute! What a fun card!
xx
Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns says
I love Trader Joes! Sadly I do not live near one anymore. My sister brought me the pecans when she came to visit and they are scrumptious!
Love Canva but I have been a Picmonkey user for a long time and it is hard to switch. I occasionally use the free version.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
Wren says
Thanks for the TJs suggestions…..easier than wading thru the Fearless Flyer and with your good pictures. When I was spending time at my house in Kona, I really missed having a store on the island.
Will check out the Netflix recommendations.
The Bostons are adorable and I can see how it would have been hard to get 4 to cooperate for the picture. My little granddog, Pepper, is a spitfire!
Enjoy the season~
Joan Munoz says
Merry Christmas to you and you’re family…..I love all the GREAT things you share with us, so inspiring, fun, creative, and beautiful Blessings to you
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thank you, Joan! YOU are great! Merry Christmas.
Kory says
Love the picture of the pooches! I can’t even imagine trying to get that shot!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks!! It wasn’t easy. Treats were involved.
holly says
Love the Holiday Card with the babies! Chief is by far the most handsome! Will try the Trader Joe’s Sparkler and add some of our pomegranate tree’s fruit nibs and vodka! Definitely a celebration in a glass! Thanks for all the recommendations! Oh and that poncho . . .
Mary Ann Pickett says
You can call it the “Holly Jolly” cocktail!
Linda Salazar says
Great suggestions! Will have to check out the films on Netflix, maybe my husband will watch one with me. Sometimes I will watch a TV show or a YouTube video while I am ironing. I picked up a small box of Trader Joe’s chocolate sea salt caramels while in line last week. Will probably get more for stocking stuffers. I haven’t tried them yet but I’ve never had any that weren’t good!
Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas season.
Linda
Mary Ann Pickett says
That sounds like a good idea, Linda!