Good morning! Welcome to my Five Faves this week with Annie and Cindy. Today I’m going to wrap presents to take with us for our family trip to Palm Springs, California for Christmas. And I’ll start a little packing for it which will include a “Comfortably Festive At Home Christmas Outfit.” We won’t be doing anything really dressy…how about you?
I’ve been taking it easy as I came down with a terrible cold and cough this past week. I took a Covid test to make sure I wasn’t contagious (it was negative) and basically stayed in bed for two days. Just have a lingering cough. How are you feeling?
1. Bay Leaf Wreath
My friend, Liana gave me this square bay leaf wreath that I have hanging in the kitchen. We’ve snipped a few of the leaves for spaghetti sauce or to use in my pickled carrot recipe (did you see that post for homemade gifts? So many great ideas!).
This wreath is a gift that I will leave up after Christmas by just removing the bow!
2. What to Read “Malibu Rising”
While recuperating, I finished this entertaining book on tape from the library. I learned of it on The Today Show: Jenna’s Book Club recommendations. It takes place in the ’80s when I lived close to Malibu in Santa Monica. Not great literature but a fun read.
“Four famous siblings throw an epic party to celebrate the end of the summer. But over the course of twenty-four hours, the family drama that ensues will change their lives will change forever.”
3. Festive At Home Holiday Outfit
As I mentioned, we are renting a condo in Palm Springs, CA for Christmas. We will have a lot of family there, so it will be fun!
It will be warmer during the day but chilly at night. I’m going to be wearing a comfortable outfit like this at home. The only new item for me: the beaded ballet flats (that I ordered)…and possibly the earrings to be a little festive with my hair pulled back.
red ribbed turtleneck • I have two pairs of these high-rise leggings (I wear a petite 8) • Black vest Good extra layer• LOVE my new Dior Rouge 999 Velvet lipstick for when I want to feel like a French girl (say in an LBD or jeans and a white buttondown)…makes a nice gift. • beaded ballet flats
Speaking of red turtlenecks… did you see how great 89-year-old Rita Moreno looked on the news talking about the new West Side Story?
4. Cute Face Masks
My friend Kim from Northern California Style says she throws her face masks into the laundry each night. Great idea. I was admiring her mask at lunch recently. These below are Masks By MRE. Since we are wearing them in SF and on airplanes, I’m going to order some more!
Heidi Michelle Art Studio uses the plastic insert to put some breathing space (and save her lipstick). Seems like a great idea! Especially with my new red lipstick 🙂
5. What To Watch: “King Richard”
BIG THUMBS UP. Howard and I watched King Richard on Friday night on HBO Max at home. Will Smith is amazing as the father of Venus and Serena Williams. Actually, the whole cast is great. And what an inspiring true story! It would be nice to see it again in a theater.
Those are some good things including a Festive At Home Christmas Outfit, and what to watch and read!
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:
Jan brooks says
Hi Mary Anne, I have been enjoying your posts after the introduction from Cindy. Can you help me find a recent post with a book recommendation for a “man of a certain age” I don’t know if it was in your posts, but I have already checked with Cindy and it was not in hers. I hope you can help locate this book.
Thank you
Mary Ann Pickett says
Could it have been “A Gentleman in Moscow”? I loved that book.
Gail says
Hi Mary Ann,
I think that a cold and cough is going around. First Kenny had it and Sunday my luck ran out and I now have it. We tested negative too, but this is a bad bug!
Love the bay leaf wreath and the beaded ballet flats, perfect for the holidays. Have a wonderful time in Palm Springs.
Annie Diamond says
And I love those masks too that Kim shared! I have a few! I have a CA flag one with orange Poppies on the inside and Patrick took that one…because he like the flowers! ha
Annie Diamond says
Mary Ann! I love your favorites! Your Christmas outfit with those flats…perfect! Love a Bay wreath and a square one is so fun! Brent and I enjoyed King Richard and have even more admiration for Venus and Serena after seeing the movie! Will Smith, and like you said, all the actors were amazing!
xx
Mary Ann Pickett says
I hope they have a follow-up movie, Annie!
Juliet says
So sorry you’ve been under the weather. Boo hiss. Love the bay leaf wreath, holiday outfit and masks. I have a dozen and love them and get so many compliments. Great book recommendation … sounds like the perfect read for this hectic season. xo
Mary Ann Pickett says
Merry Christmas, Juliet!!
Heidi says
Mary Ann I’m sorry you were sick. This is the worst time of the year to try to relax in be to recuperate. Glad you’re feeling better. We are all healthy here.
so many nice ideas here – love that wreath I’l enjoy that in my kitchen for sure.
Those flats are so pretty. I don’t have any special looking shoes to wear around the house. Uggs just won’t do for Christmas Day. That entire outfit is so you and looks perfect for anytime, especially a family gathering at the holidays.
Have fun with everyone! Stay well.
XO Heidi
Mary Ann Pickett says
Merry Christmas, Heidi. I love the little Christmas tree painting!
Katherine says
Hi Mary Ann,
Sorry to hear you were sick with a terrible cold and cough. It’s no fun being sick when you have so much to do.
Great news you tested negative for Covid. You take care. I am feeling well thanks for asking.
The square bay leaf is beautiful that Liana gifted you.
Yes, I did see very quickly some of the homemade gifts. Your pickled carrots were so Mary Ann, your presentation was fabulous.
Have a memorable and wonderful time with your family in Palm Springs for Christmas. The beaded ballet
flats are adorable.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Merry Christmas to you, Katherine!!
Clair says
I always enjoy reading your posts and often go back in search of recipes. We are excited to hear you are looking in Florida for a 2nd home- I hope that means we’ll get to see you often! Merry Christmas cute friend!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Yes…will be nice to be closer to you!
Francesca B. says
Lovely post thank you! Those beaded shoes are gorgeous… Happy times in Palm Springs 🙂
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Francesca!
Holly Beaver says
Very cute outfit. I’m thinking of following in your ‘footsteps’ and quickly ordering the beaded flats. Our holiday is so casual but I think the flats would perk up the outfit. Do they run true to size?
Mary Ann Pickett says
I’m waiting for the shoes to arrive Holly, but I ordered a 38 and I am normally a 7 or 7.5 in US sizes.
cindy says
Love that casual outfit and the beaded flats so cute! I love vests for our weather. I am going to check out King Richard. I need to order new masks and Heidi’s insert is such a great idea. That wreath Liana sent is wonderful. I just love your Sunday favorites. There are always so many great finds! Need to watch King Richard. You and Howard are my movie moguls!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Cindy…I’m off to read your post.