Here are easy ways to create a cozy weekend at home. One that you will enjoy, feel pampered and recharged. It includes cozying up your living room, creating a warm, plush bed, reading a cozy mystery, wearing well-priced athletic/loungewear and binging a fast-paced television show set in London.
It’s Five Faves time with Annie and Cindy!
Our Living Room For Winter
Cozy Warm Throws
We enjoying using these affordable luxury cashmere throw blankets from Quince in blue and camel. There are other colors, too. They are perfect for a nice nap.
Stayed tuned as we have decided to recover the well-made furniture here. You can’t see that the sofa fabric is thin and sun damaged in places.
Warmth With Fireplace And Candles
The focal point gas fireplace turns on with a remote control and I find myself lighting candles more in the winter. Also, the battery operated candles on the mantel are set to turn on at dusk.
In fact, we like to have quick homemade dinners like soups or stews in here by the fire.
Samsung Frame TV With Changeable Art
Howard gave me this Frame TV for Christmas. It’s fun to choose from the wide selection of art.
Handsome Dog
Having a good-looking pup intensifies the coziness 🙂 Chief will be 12 this year. He loves a golf cart ride, a run on the beach and a warm blaze by the fire.
That’s his “Blue Steel” Look.
Shop Our Living Room
Our Bedroom For Winter
Down Alternative Comforter With White Duvet Cover
For the cooler weather, I switched the cotton coverlet for a fluffy premium down alternative duvet and cover from Quince.
Crisp Sheets On Sale
Serena and Lily has great cotton percale sheets and the light blue gingham set is deeply discounted, so I recently purchased them.
Velvet Comforter
In the guest room, I replaced the cotton coverlet with the warmer velvet quilt by Serena And Lily for the Winter.
Shop The Bedrooms
Gap “Sweats” On Sale – up to 40% off
These sweats are thicker cotton and so comfortable. They come in petite, tall and regular. Mine are a petite medium. The Hoka sneakers are slip-ons which I love.
Shop The Cozy Outfit
What To Read – The Little Lost Library by Ellery Adams
I hadn’t heard of a “cozy mystery” before…but you can get the idea of a book you read under a soft throw blanket with a cup of tea with drizzling weather outside. This is that kind of book and it kept me guessing.
“Big clues come in small packages as Miracle Books owner Nora Pennington and the Secret, Book, and Scone Society attempt to solve a series of murders connected to a bibliophile’s missing books in the latest cozy mystery from New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams.”
What To Watch – The Agency On Showtime Paramount Plus
Make some homemade popcorn and binge some good TV for a cozy night. We watched the first two episodes of “The Agency” (about the CIA based in London) on a free trial and got so hooked, Howard and I decided to subscribe to Paramount. It’s $12.99 per month and even though we are trying to limit our streaming services like Netflix, but there are other shows that we are interested in on Paramount like “Matlock” and “Landman.”
“A covert CIA agent is ordered to abandon his undercover life and return to London Station; when the love he left behind reappears, romance reignites.”
What is your idea of cozy quality time? You may also like The Best Modern Adirondack Rocking Chairs For A Cozy Porch.
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Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
Cindy Hattersley Design
Most Lovely Things
I’ve never heard of a frame TV before. It’s a great idea. Your home is absolutely lovely! I really love the colors. It’s so warm and inviting!
Thanks, Kadie!
Hi Mary Ann,
I never get tired of seeing your gorgeous home and the little changes you make as the seasons change. You always have good tips on how to make our homes fresh by doing small things that won’t break one’s budget.
Oh, Sweet Chief. I remember like it was yesterday when you got him, when we rushed him to the emergency pet hospital after he was stung by a bee, and painting his adorable portrait. Our pets are such a cherished part of our lives. At 12, he still looks as distinguished as ever, such a cutie!
This past week has been so devastating for all of us in So. Cal. I want to wake up and discover this is all a nightmare. I know it will be years before things return to normal for all those who have lost everything but I have faith that the people of Los Angeles and around the country will do whatever they can to help rebuild these communities.
Please take care, Mary Ann and give Chief a hug for me.
I LOVE both paintings that you did of Chief and Rocky, Gail. You are so talented!
The fires ARE a nightmare that we can’t wake up from especially for those who have lost everything. And I know it is still scary for you with the winds picking up again.
Take care!!
Mary Ann
Hi Mary Ann,
Your home always looks inviting, and cozy. I’m sure that people that visit do not want to go home.
Your fur baby Chief is adorable and looks so good at 12 years young.
So glad your daughter and family are safe, and in Palm Springs. The sadness and loss we are all feeling is deeply felt for all the people in Southern California. The courage, and heroism by all the first responders police, firefighters, and everyone that came together. To be displaced, the loss of your home, car, and everything you have owned is unthinkable. Not to mention the 16 people that lost their lives.
We have so much to be thankful for.
You are so sweet, Katherine! We do have a lot to be thankful for. It sounds like you have been glued to the news as much as I have been.
Mary Ann! Everything looks so cozy and beautiful! With the devastating losses in LA, I’m appreciating my little house even more.
Xx
Me too. Just walking around thinking that Annie.
That series sounds fabulous!! We have got to check it out!!
It’s pretty good, Cindy…we are caught up and a new episode comes out Thursday.
MA! Your home looks so comfortable and inviting. With so many lovely spots to curl up with a cozy mystery, and Chief, of course. I can’t believe the handsome guy is going to be 12. Love the frame TV. Good job, Howard. My January no-buy pledge is out the window now that I’ve seen your new sweats and slip-on Hokas. The ideal January uniform. Continuing to hold good thoughts for those under seige in SoCa. Glad to know Alexandra and family are safe. xo
But the Gap sweats are a deal 🙂
My brother’s family is in South Pasadena and San Marino: it is so painful to follow the news and know how many people, animals, and property have been affected.
I hope Sandy and her family all stay out of harm’s way. My thoughts are with those in SoCal and I dearly hope there is more that the state of CA can do to be proactive for future events.
Mary Ann, Chief is a handsome boy! Thank you for the book suggestion, as cozy mysteries are my favorites, and this is a nice series with quite a few books!
Your brother is neighbors with my daughter!
I am in Southern California-my sister is in Malibu. My son in Pasadena. I just watered down my yard, sprayed the trees, as we are under a high wind warning for the next few days-again. The skies are blue as the wind blew the smoke in another direction, but we remain glued to the news, and watching the skies…
I was born in Pasadena, many generations strong. Altadena is a stunning community, full of rich architecture and historic properties. There is a feel of richness-not in wealth but culture and depth…a resistance and fortitude. The support of fellow Californians is immeasurable, the incoming President ( I cannot say his name) has only proved what a disturbed person he is…attack this great state in our grief is despicable…we are deeply saddened and it is not over yet…
I have lots of friends and family in SoCal too and a daughter in So. Pasadena. We need to support each other.
All great recommendations, per usual! I’ve always loved your fireplace screen and not sure you’ve ever shared the source? One goal for 2025 is to do something about the big black hole (fireplace) in our den and start using it !
That sounds like a great goal. Howard and I got that screen many years ago when we were living in Paris. On a weekend trip to Provence (with two kids and a minivan) we picked it up in Isle Sur La Sorge at a small, packed antique shop. A nice memory 🙂
Awesome post this morning! Sitting in my living room watching a recorded Texans playoff game (Awesome) and watching the rain falling softly past my windows. A perfect day to stay in and relax.
I love the color of blue and am taking notes of your recommendations. M definitely in need of a good chimney sweep.
Have a wonderful day!
Sounds like a perfect Sunday, Rhoda.