Hello, friend! I am in San Diego…reporting my FUN five faves with Cindy and Annie. They include new Studio McGee Home Accessories At Target (with texture and organic basics), what to watch, cook, and more!
1. “MOVIN’ ON UP” to a Deeluxe Apartment In the Sky
My sister, Teresa’s new place in San Diego is pretty fancy! We are here helping her decorate it. Her new sofa and chair won’t be here for about 11 more weeks but at least I can show you some of the common areas of the new apartment complex.





It’s near University Town Center (da mall) and we have already walked over twice to eat in a couple of the many restaurants (great stores too). I am happy for this new lifestyle change for Teresa.
2. Best New Studio McGee Home Accessories At Target
I love these new neutral, textured basics to update things at a good price.

Linen Tray • French Welcome Mat • Wooden Fruit Bowl • Checked Boxes • Straw Tote (Cute for Spring…even on a hook near the door) • Scented Candle (wild iris and santal–good reviews) • Jute Floor Runner • Ceramic Off-White Vases Love these.• Bamboo Arched Mirror (24″ x 34″ nice for a powder room)• Basket (16″ x 16.5″ place to drop things like shoes by the front or back door?)
We got this cute lamp for Teresa’s kitchen counter.

3. Morning Cup Ritual
Many years ago, I casually mentioned to Howard “Rick brings Debbie coffee in bed every morning.” And every day since, guess who also gets a cappuccino in bed? 🙂 I know I am lucky!!

These stoneware mugs are stackable and we love our new Nespresso machine. Cloud Linen Quilt in Sand and Sutter Linen Quilt in White.
4. What to Watch: Reacher
It’s on Prime Video. We almost didn’t start watching it as the lead character seems a little too “beef cakey” but boy does he grow on you. It’s for mature audiences.
“Jack Reacher, a veteran military police investigator, has recently entered civilian life when he is falsely accused of murder.” It takes place in a small town in Georgia.
5. Spaghetti Vongolé
Howard wanted to make this fairly easy dish for Teresa and me in her new apartment (nice and homey). He likes the smaller clams called cockles from Whole Foods. It was delicious!

Howard served it with toasted French bread and a Fresh Fennel and Orange Salad.
You may also like Braised Short Ribs With Creamy Polenta for a winter dish!
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:
Wowie, Theresa’s new home looks really nice. I’m sure you both will create a magical environment. What a big
lifestyle change this is for her. A new home a new chapter to make memories in.
Your hubby is a keeper, what a sweetheart. Not only does he cook yummy meals, he also is in tune about your friend receiving coffee in bed. He did not want that guy showing him up. Then here comes your Cappuccino in bed, what a guy.
You are blessed, no you both are. Guess what? Me too! I adore my hubby. Aren’t we all so blessed?
We are definitely blessed, Katherine!
Not sure how I missed this! Love your sisters new apartment! San Diego is one of my favorite places to visit, lots to do and a lot that is walkable. Looking forward to seeing what you do with the space.
I just adore a penthouse view! Every week, you provide a shopping list for me, based on your recommendations, all purchases justified by saying “Mary Ann said I must get this.” We watched Reacher and it did grow on us, too.
HA! You are so funny, Karen!
So excited for your sister and her new chapter. Her apartment environment looks amazing and I can’t wait to see more of her place … I can already tell the kitchen is lovely. That lamp! Howard is a keeper … love a man who cooks. And brings coffee to his wife in bed. I may casually mention to Jim. Mary Ann’s husband … etc. Wish me luck. Reacher’s on my watch list. And, apparently I need to forget gathering our tax info and get over the Target. The accountant can wait. xo
Yes, Juliet…Target vs. Taxes…I with you.
Mary Ann,
What a great new start for your sister. It looks like a resort you’d see in Europe. I love the new selection of accessories from Studio McGee. I just started watching Reacher. My husband was a big fan of Tom Cruise movies. I love the new series.
Karen B.
Congratulations to Teresa on her new gorgeous
Residence. I would love to be able to walk to
a super nice mall with restaurants, I am jealous.
I am sure you will show us the finished design after her furniture arrives.
Reacher was good to watch, very violent, but I stayed with it and look forward to a sequel.
Hi Mary Ann,
Teresa’s new home looks amazing. I think I’d feel like I was on vacation every day and I would never get tired of that view of the mountains. I can’t wait to see what you two ladies do with her apartment. I look forward to Sundays every week to see what you, Cindy and Annie have to share with us.
Thank you so much, Annemarie!!!
Love your sister’s new “digs!” I will try every one of the recipes – they’re always excellent. I have never been disappointed! Actually, your recipes have become my recipes! (Should I be thanking Howard?) Darn good post, Mary Ann. Thank you.
Thanks, Judie…that brought a smile to Howard’s face.
So happy for Teresa!Her place looks amazing! Love the Target goodies you shared and Howards pasta looks fabulous. I love the combination of orange and far below! As always great favorites!!
So excited for your sister! It looks like a beautiful spot. I hope she’ll be happy. Love your bedding. That stitched kind of quilt is so pretty. Howard is a keeper. Nothing like cappuccino delivered! Have a great week Mary Ann and enjoy San Diego. xo
Happy new beginnings for your sis, the new place looks gorgeous.
My husband is an avid reader of the Jack Reacher books (author Lee Childs) so the show was a must see for us.
Loved it and can’t wait to see what the next season will bring.
Hi Mary Ann
Your sister’s new digs look pretty fabulous. Good for her to have made that big change.
Coffee in bed, lucky you! And Howard cooks such delicious food, a few of the recipes you’ve posted here are on rotation at my house now! Nice to have a husband that is comfortable and capable in the kitchen.
Hope you’re having a great weekend!
xo Heidi
I read you comment to Howard, Heidi!
Nothing special to say except how much I love your weekly posts and varied topics!
Thank you.
thank you Maureen.
As a fan of the Reacher books, this actor seems to be more how I would imagine how Reacher looked.
Love the look of your sister’s new home.
I know. He was supposed to be a really big guy.
Ooh La La…a deluxe apartment in the sky, indeed! Can’t wait to see how you work your magic, I know it will be fantastic. Howard is not only the server of your morning coffee, but also a fabulous cook, how lucky are you? Always love Studio McGee so will have to make a trip to Target. Will also check out Reacher. Your recommendations for everything is always spot on!
Thanks, Gail. Reacher is a bit violent…so watch out. I do feel lucky with Howard in my life 🙂
Good Sunday morning Mary Ann, I love all the beautiful things you show us and it’s the best inspiration to get my home in order. Today in “the morning cup ritual, where is the bedding from? Hugs, Joan
Thanks, Joan. The white line quilt is from Serena and Lily and the sand one is from Pottery Barn. I will put the links in the post.
Good Sunday morning Mary Ann, I love all the beautiful things you show us and it’s the best inspiration to get my home in order. Today in “the morning cup ritual, where is the bedding from? Hugs, Joan
Isn’t San Diego the best? Looking forward to seeing her apartment when you add your stylish touch.
I’m looking forward to coming back when the furniture arrives, Holly!
Beautiful post. Love your sisters new place.
Teresa is really happy, Lyn.
Well, I love Theresa’s new home! What a fun change from the suburbs to a “deluxe apartment in the sky!” The penthouse, the pool…it’s gorgeous.
I love that Howard brings you a cappuccino in bed every morning! I knew that he did, but I didn’t know how it started!
Looks like I need a trip to Target!
Have fun in San Diego!
xx
I think you could drop a subtle hint to Brent about the coffee in bed idea!