Reporting in with some fun Autumn Updates for the home, fashion, and another of Howard’s delicious recipes for dinner!
But first, when we had our little family trip to Lake Arrowhead, I kept thinking about how lucky I was in spite of the pandemic and the wildfires in California. And then, as I have mentioned, last week my mom fell and broke her hip. We can’t see her in the rehab nursing home. Trying to stay upbeat here is hard. But the good news is we can talk by phone/Facetime and I am hoping she will be out just in time for my birthday!
Here are Five Faves…Autumn Updates and More!
I’m looking forward to reading Annie’s and Cindy’s Five Faves this week at the end of the post, too!
1. Fall Coffee Table
I haven’t done much decoration for Fall yet as in San Francisco we get a wonderful Indian Summer with little fog…so I am holding on to that. But I did these minor changes to our coffee table.
I polished the copper pot that I got at a Paris flea market with Barkeepers Friend and put a plant in it from Trader Joe’s. Then I put a fresh candle in this African bowl with these little pumpkin-shaped seeds.
2. Eyelet Top From the Banana Republic
It was Kim’s Northern California Style birthday last week and we met for lunch with Cindy Hattersley and Elizabeth from The Vintage Contessa.
I should have asked Cindy what she was wearing first as she was the one who told me about the CP Shades skirt that she and I both ended up wearing versions of! Yes, I copied her. I love her style.
But you can get the eyelet blouse from the Banana Republic on sale plus an extra 50% off right now (comes in tall, regular, and petite). Tommy did a video of me “modeling it” but I couldn’t get it to upload so here is a screenshot…
Ugh…I need to get back on Weight Watchers! But first, look at this recipe.
3. Howard’s Veal Milanese With Fresh Grape Tomato Topping
Howard has been making this for years and did again just the other night since our son, Tommy was here. He loves it, too! Of course, the recipe is in Howard’s head but I got this out of him even though it was Saturday and college football was on…
Veal Milaneses with Chopped Grape Tomatoes
- Use veal scallops (scallopini). Pound them thin.
- Dredge in flour, then in beaten eggs, then in good quality, fine bread crumbs.
- Fry in olive oil in batches – put finished pieces in the oven on low heat on a platter.
Tomato Topping
- chopped tomatoes, garlic, red onions, and basil. Toss with olive oil and salt/pepper and serve on the warm veal
He served it with spaghetti tossed in extra virgin olive oil and a green salad. Delish!
4. Juliet From Make Mine a Spritzer
Juliet has been a long time client and friend. I love that she has definite opinions and knows what she likes… making what I do for her more like being a sounding board and resource. Recently, she started a blog called Make Mine A Spritzer. Which takes guts as I have been doing this for over 10 years and the learning has been cumulative. So to start now…I say “Go Juliet!!!”
Her home is a fresh mix of greens and blues and beautiful millwork. The striped Roman shade is custom using Ralph Lauren Emeline fabric in Leaf. I like how Juliet stained the top of the coffee bar/buffet.
The Roman shade and pillow below are custom-made using Thibaut Mitford linen fabric and the swivel club chair is also custom from Lee Jofa.
I was just at her house last week for her library/living room finishing touches and boy…you should see her garden! I hope there will be lots more about it on her blog.
5. Bookcase Styling
My client wanted her rental home to feel like a real home while they renovating their forever home over the next year.
Last week, we got all their art hung around the house (which really makes things cozier) and decorated their bookshelves with things they already owned. (We wear masks and keep some distance). I’d rather save buying new things for their new house.
More tips: Step By Step BOOKSHELF Styling Tips Before and After and How We Styled My Friend’s Shelves
Those are my Five Faves: Autumn Updates, Veal Milanese recipe, Make Mine a Spritzer, etc!
Let’s see what my friends have in store for us…
Rough Luxe
Most Lovely Things
Come back on Thursday as we have a Project Design: Fall Fashion for you will some of my favorite over 50 style bloggers!
Your blog post is stunning. Thanks!!
Love your skirt and blouse … and you did get the video loaded on Instagram! Loved it. WW?! You’re nuts. You look as adorable as ever. Howard’s recipe looks delish and I need to try it … before I get back on my own version of WW. You are a magician with shelves … your client must be thrilled. So nice to feel at home and settled in a rental while renovating. Oh my gosh … scrolling through your post and I see a familiar room. Ha! Thank you for mentioning my blog … you’re the best and one of my first blogging mentors. Can’t wait for the library to come together. xo
Hi MaryAnn, so many great things I do not know where to start. I think you look fabulous, don’t worry about WW. How wonderful to get together with such wonderful and talented ladies, one of these days I hope we can all meet somewhere for a blogger “pow wow”.
I love Juliets house! And blog. Can;t wait to see what you worked on with her.
Mary Ann sorry I am so late to reply. Fun post. Thank you for planning my fun lunch what a great day I just wish we had more time together. I had the best time with you ladies. We have to plans yours. You looked so pretty in that blouse and skirt. I don’t know what you are talking about Weight Watchers!! Silly you are so lovely. Juliet’s blog is great and the house is really pretty!!
xo
Hi Mary Ann,
another winner! I just went over to BR and ordered a bunch of stuff I probably don’t need. Thanks a lot.
I’ve been copying your husband’s recipes, never had one fail me yet! They are all so delicious and the kind you can cook from memory adding your own touch, which I like, because I don’t usually follow recipes when I cook. I just kind of throw things together but it’s good to have a starting off point!
Juliet and I are Instagram friends, she bought one of my paintings for the house before this one, I hope it made the cut when they moved! Her newly remodeled house is gorgeous and that garden is going to be spectacular. I’m so jealous whenever I see new landscaping going in. My dream…Elizabeth knows.
The bookcases you styled look good! We have so many books and dodads, there would never be any empty space on our shelves. But I try to make them look nice. Your tips are always helpful!
Hope you have a good week,
XO Heidi
Oh my goodness this is filled with so many good ideas. Juliet’s coffee bar is to die for and can’t wait to see her garden! Looks like Howard did it again. I don’t think that would be allowed on ww do you? We need to get on it!! I keep putting it off.
Mary Ann,
You look great. I don’t see where you need to lose anymore weight. What a fun post. I’ve visited your friend’s new blog and subscribed. I’m always looking for new blogs to follow since so many of my favorites hardly post anyniore,
It would be hard to watch what I eat if my husband could prepare wonderful meals like the one Howard prepared.
Happy autumn.
Karen
Mary Ann, I’m on the East Coast, and really enjoy reading your Sunday Five Faves in the late afternoon as a transition to a relaxing night. I had never heard of the pumpkin seed pods and am so curious about them. Will be thinking of your mom and family. Mine was in a similar situation in April and not being able to see her during that time was difficult. Wishing you a great week!
I will be trying Howard’s recipe with chicken breasts— any idea though, which quality fine bread crumbs he used?? Thanks for introducing us, readers, to Juliet’s blog.
I just looked in the pantry, and it looks like he used Progresso Italian style bread crumbs.
Thank you very much!!
I really love this post. So glad you, Kim, Elizabeth and Cindy were able to get together.
Thanks Robin!
Lovely things to see and eat, bliss, thank you Mary Ann. Have a wonderful week:)
Francesca
Same to you Francesca!
What a beautiful photo of all of you at lunch. Love the outfits! Yes, I’m happy Juliet started a blog. I’ve been following her on IG for awhile and admire her style. Great list of five favorites! Enjoy your week!
Shelley
Thanks, Shelley!
I MISSED YOU BY MINUTES the other day at JULIETS!SHE COULD HEAR ME GROANING on my way to the front door about THE GARDEN!GOOD GOD it will be BEAUTIFUL!
THAT LIBRARY TOO I do NOT think I would ever leave especially in WINTER!SO COZY AND WARM.
I do Howards recipe with RED MEAT…………..and lemon!
BIRRHDAY!!!!!
I think it is in OCTOBER……….WE MUST CELEBRATE………will BE IN TOUCH!
XX
Yes… and the backyard too!!
I know…such a cozy library!
Great post! Love what you accomplished with this makeover. You did GOOD!