Hello from Cortona, Italy. Today I’m sharing some dresses to love wearing in Europe (like I have in Paris and Tuscany) and some major/wonderful news for our family. Welcome to my favorite things along with Annie and Cindy!
Linen Summer Dress
The linen dress that I mentioned last weekend and wore in Paris this week is on sale now–27% off. It comes in tall, regular and petite.
Salade Nicoise
Enjoying everything French…so much so that I want to make this salad when we get home to prolong the trip. It’s nice that we will have a grill now to sear the tuna. We did this platter at my sister’s house.
Don’t forget to read Fun Things to Do In PARIS Right Now…all the latest goodies.
Linen Shirt Dress
This has been an easy dress to wear in Cortona, Italy.
Maeve Dresses For Anthropologie
I love Maeve dresses for Anthropologie. I’ve linked to this dress I’m wearing before. Sorry it’s sold out now…hope you got one. But it’s another of my dresses to love wearing in Europe,
Our Wonderful News
Our daughter, Alexandra and son-in-law, Luca are expecting a bambina! You may remember their wedding in Madrid last year. On this trip, her “baby bump” has really grown and I even felt the baby kick.
Whitening Heirloom Baby Clothes
A few weeks ago Alexandra and I whitened the heirloom baby clothes found in my mother’s cedar chest. They had yellowed with age.
Here’s what we did… in the sink with cold water, we added one tablet of Oxyclean and let it dissolve. Then we added the dresses one by one and gently washed them. Followed by throughly rinsing them and letting them air dry.
Alexandra loves vintage things and I think my mother, Louise would be happy to see the clothes her children wore be used for her great grand-daughter.
If you follow me on Instagram…you can see that we are having a dreamlike vacation. We are now in Cortona with our large group of buddies that we travel with and tomorrow we are going to Puglia.
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:
Linda Grubbs says
Oh congratulations! Grand babies are so wonderful! Thrilled for you!!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Linda!!!
Linda Salazar says
Congratulations to you and your family…grandchildren are the best! The dresses are adorable. Glad you are having a nice trip.
Barb L says
Looks like an amazing vacation! Love all the dresses. Congratulations to you and your familyđź’ť This little one has a beautiful mama and grandmama. What a treasure to have the heirloom clothing!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks so much, Barb!!
Joni Webb says
Congratulations!! I was hoping this was your announcement !! Cycle of life. Y’all are so lucky!! Can’t wait to see the photos of the events as they happen !!! Congrats again. (Pssst. I’m so jealous🤣!!!)
Mary Ann Pickett says
Ha! Joni, bet you will have a similar announcement soon!
Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns says
Congratulations! I am so excited for you! Enjoy the rest of your trip, love following along.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks so much, Elizabeth!
Gayle says
What a beautiful post! A new baby❤️❤️❤️My husband says a grandchild is the only thing in life that is not over rated. We love Puglia. And I have vintage dresses to whiten for two new great grand nieces.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Good luck with the whitening, Gayle. I think the key is to be patient!
Kathy says
Oh how exciting!!! I am so happy for your family. Beautiful dresses. Did I miss something…are the having a girl? Enjoy your time together, sweetie. XO Kathy and Ken
Mary Ann Pickett says
Yes, they found out that it will be a girl!
Ry says
Congratulations to you and your family! What happy news and those sweet little dresses are adorable! Looks like you are having a wonderful time on your vacation.
Mary Ann Pickett says
It is a wonderful vacation, Ry!
Judy Rief says
Congratulations on becoming a grandma! Nothing better in the world.
Those dresses are absolutely beautiful!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thank you, Judy!
Kim says
Mary Ann so excited for Alexandra and you all! How wonderful. Enjoying your trip and the dresses!! Love all of them. Looking forward to your Puglia pics.
Mary Ann Pickett says
We are on our way to Puglia now, Kim.
Katherine says
What wonderful news that you are going to be a grandma, what exciting news for everyone. I have no doubt you will be the best grandma. The exquisite vintage baby clothes are spectacular. Your mother would be so pleased to see that they will be put to use. I like the care that you used in washing them. These clothes are such a treasure. I love the look.
It sounds like you are having an amazing time with family and friends. It looks like you are right at home.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Katherine…such a fun trip.
Sarah says
Congratulations to you and your family! Your universe will soon expand in joyous and unexpected ways.đź’•
Mary Ann Pickett says
Sounds like you may already be a grandma, Sarah?
Gail says
Congratulations to you all, what exciting new! Those precious white dresses are so beautiful and will be such a special addition to the new babies closet. I bet you’ve found some adorable French baby clothes to buy there. Your trips are always amazing, but this one is extra special and I can’t wait to see more about it when you get home. Now that you’re in FL the trip across the pond is much shorter! Lucky you. Again, I’m so very happy for you all.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Gail…we actually bought some cute baby clothes at Monoprix. Even Tommy picked out a darling little flowered dress for her.
Lori Tally says
Congratulations! Grands are great!!
Love the dresses and scenery! Where are the brown sandals from?
Mary Ann Pickett says
They were by Cole Haan on Amazon but I don’t think they are available anymore. Super comfortable.
Carol Heartfelt Whimsies says
Mary Ann,
I promise that you are in for one of the sweetest pleasures of life! We just welcomed grandbabe #4 and with each, my heart expands exponentially. I’m so happy for you and your beautiful family!! Those treasured baby clothes are just beautiful! Safe travels!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Such beautiful words, Carol…I can’t wait.
Roberta Garrido says
Congratulations to you all. God bless your beautiful family.
Mary Ann Pickett says
God bless you, Roberta!!
Nancy says
As Judie posted earlier, when I held my eldest granddaughter for the first time and watched my Dad cry when he held her. This is what life is all about.
Watching your daughter become a mother is pretty amazing too.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Your comment brought tears to my eyes.
Annie Diamond says
Your trips are always so dreamy and what a memorable way and time to announce the happy news! Congratulations! Those vintage baby dresses are so beautiful! I found 2 vintage RL dresses that I’ll be sending to you next week….nothing this special, but so cute for someone that loves vintage! I love following along on your trips! You look gorgeous and right at home in France and Italy! xx
Mary Ann Pickett says
Oh Alexandra will LOVE those Annie!
Melinda says
Congratulations on the upcoming addition to the family. She is going to be one lucky girl to have a grandmother like you.
I love the necklace you wore with the blue dress.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks so much, Melinda!
Homebeforedark says
I thought I saw a bump? Looks like that sexy gown you gave her at her wedding shower worked its magic! Such happy news.
Mary Ann Pickett says
HAHAA! I forgot about that! So I guess I can take credit for the baby 🙂
Barb says
Congratulations on becoming a grandma! We recently learned that our son and daughter-in-law, who live less than two hours away, are also pregnant; so exciting! In addition, we have a three-year-old grandson who lives across the country. We so love our limited time spent with him! Your dresses look great. I am also petite and have a hard time finding dresses that fit me well. I enjoy seeing what you’re wearing. Enjoy the remainder of your trip!
Heidi says
Hi Mary Ann,
I am so jealous of your fabulous trip! It looks like you are having the best time!
Wonderful news for your family, it’s expanding! I know you can’t wait.
Those little white dresses are just perfect. My girls wore my christening gown and I have it all ready for my own possible future grand babies. None on the horizon though! . My mom sewed every stitch by hand and smocked and embroidered it. I really hope we can use it someday. I’m sure your mom would smile to know those dresses are going to be used again, by her great-granddaughter!
Enjoy the rest of your trip with your friends and family!
Xo Heidi
Mary Ann Pickett says
Wow…your heirloom dress sounds amazing and filled with love!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Wow Barb! Such great news!
Karen B. says
Mary Ann,
Such wonderful news. Congratulations! Being a grandma has been one of the absolute best things about growing older. What a fun trip you’re having and it’s so nice you’re with your family.
xo,
Karen B.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Karen for the sweet comment!
Judie Olivero says
You’re thinking life has been very good to you? You and Howard are going to find out that the most spectacular time of your life is just beginning when you become GRANDPARENTS!!! What I felt and said aloud the first time I held my grandchildren? “Oh, this is what it’s all about!” Yes, this is what it’s all about!
Mary Ann Pickett says
YAY! I can’t wait to find out.
Susan Kelley says
GLAD TO SEE THAT YOUR DAUGHTER LIKES tHOSE HEILOOM CLOTHES. i SPENT SO MUCH TIME IN THE EARLY80IES,LIEANING TO SMOCK,ETC. mOST OF THE MILLENIAL DONT’S LIKE THE TRAITIONAL CLOTHES. iT’S ALL GAP FOR THEM! wHANT A YEAR. nEW HOME, GRANDBABY, EUROPE. WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK ! CONGRATULATIONS. YOU DESERVE EVERY BIT OF IT!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thank you, Susan!!
Karen H. says
A big shout out and congrats, Mary Ann! How exciting you will be a proud gramma!
Enjoy your trip =)
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Karen!
Amy says
We just got home from six weeks in Europe. We spent time in Lecce. Are you going there?
Amy says
Oh! Congratulations to you! We became first time grandparents to a little girl as we were flying home! We took a taxi straight from SFO to the hospital to meet her!
So exciting! Love the clothes!
Mary Ann Pickett says
What a wonderful memory, Amy!
Mary Ann Pickett says
I don’t think so, Amy…we are driving south from Tuscany to Puglia today,
Amy says
Lecce is in Pulgia, in the heel of the boot. We drove down the Adriatic Sea. When you get there there are beaches on all sides. The two seas meet. Very interesting! Stayed in a beautiful Airbnb with a pool.
So fun to watch your travels!
Karen says
Congratulations to your beautiful daughter and son-in-law! Being a grandparent is the best. You’re going to love spoiling that little princess!
Mary Ann Pickett says
I think you are right, Karen.
cindy says
Congrats to the whole Pickett clan. I can’t wait for you to become a grandma! Allie is looking beautiful. Doesn’t Oxy work wonders on whites. I am amazed you could get them that white even in cold water. I realize you would not want to use hot water on anything so delicate. Have fun on the rest of the trip! Love all your dresses!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks Cindy, You are my grandma role model.
Meredyth Baker Anderson says
Congratulations! Such exciting news and the dresses are precious. You should see the handsmocked outfits I have for my future grandson. Your trip looks amazing too! Again, congratulations!!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thank you Meredyth!
Juliet says
So excited for you and Howard! Grandparents! Your family heirloom dresses are amazing and washed up beautifully. I love that Alexandra values these treasured pieces. Your summer vacation always gives me the travel bug and your travel wardrobe is perfection. Of course. Keep the Instagram stories coming. xo
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks so much, Juliet!
Sandra B. says
Congratulations on being a grandmother!!
The dresses turned out beautiful and are all beautiful!!!
Enjoy the rest of your vacation!!!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Sandra!!
holly says
Congratulations on becoming a G-Honey! Grandkids are such a wonderful gift. Enjoy your trip and time with family and friends.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Love that…G-Honey 🙂
Margot says
Congratulations on becoming a grandmother! The baby clothes turned out beautifully! And I am envious of your trip. Could you tell me about the tan leather sandals you are wearing? They look like the type of thing I’ve been looking for.
Mary Ann Pickett says
They are by Cole Haan…and I can’t find them anymore, Sorry!