Hello! Today I have some good things for you like breezy summer dresses, an easy, crunchy salad, my Florida friends’ sunblock recommendations, and more! Be sure to check out Annie and Cindy’s finds at the end!
INSALATA FINOCCHIO (Fennel, Celery Salad with Oranges)
We had a delicious, refreshing salad at Cafe Zoetrope. The cafe is owned by Francis Ford Coppola (and he works in the historic building).
Howard made it for me at home and it’s delicious. Serves two.
- 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 4 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1 orange, cut into segments with skin removed
- 3 tbsp chopped Italian parsley
- 1/3 cup shaved Pecorino cheese
- drizzle with extra virgin olive oil
- spritz with juice from 1/2 lemon
- salt and pepper to taste
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Combine ingredients and serve.
What To Read
I enjoyed this audiobook “The Rose Code” by Kate Quinn. “1940. As England prepares to fight the Nazis, three very different women answer the call to mysterious country estate Bletchley Park, where the best minds in Britain train to break German military codes.” All three women are interesting but I really liked the vivacious and witty debutante, Osla.
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The Best Sunblocks
My Florida girlfriends and I have a text chain where we can keep in touch. Recently, everyone chimed in with what they use for sunblock. Which was timely as my dermatologist told me I should be wearing an SPF of 50 every day.
- Mary Ann’s: La Roche Posay (recently a few people recommended this to me on Instagram when I mentioned needing something). I like that it’s tinted.
- Neutrogena: Another recommendation that I received. It’s a spray…so that is convenient. I use it on my arms, hands, and chest too.
- Dorothy uses PCA Skin “My favorite as it is water-resistant 80 minutes and has zinc and titanium.”
- Mercedes uses Dermalogica. Pricey but I got this as a gift and really liked it.
- Julz works for a skin cancer foundation and recommends Isdin.
- , 7. Netta uses Elta MD…another brand that several people recommended on my Instagram page.
11 Healthy Trader Joe’s Snacks
Take a look at this article. There are some things I have to look for at Trader Joe’s next time.
Breezy Summer Dresses ~ Reasonably Priced
Recently, I bought a dress from Bohme. Have you heard of them? I saw them on Instagram and then their advertisements on CCH. Anyway, I purchased a white embroidered, comfortable dress and it’s already sold out. So if you like something, don’t wait.
They have some flowy, affordable things for summer like…
Siya Embroidered Dress I bought this one. Haven’t received it yet. Comes in Cream, too.
You may also like Wearable Spring Fashion.
Those are my picks this week: breezy summer dresses, fennel/orange salad, sunblock recommendations, and a good book.
Now let’s check out…
Suzanne says
Hi, love your blog! Did you ever receive the lovely dress from Bohme? Just curious what you thought of it?
Mary Ann Pickett says
I love the white embroidered one but the rust/peach colored one I couldn’t get over my head so I had to return it. It needs a zipper.
Cathy says
This post was timely as Bohme ads keep showing up online and in my Instagram feed and I’ve wondered about the quality given the low prices. But you look great in that dress so I’ll take a look at their dresses.
cindy says
I literally just made an iteration of that salad Saturday night when we had the kids over. My version did not have cheese however. That dress is darling on you. I use the elta md and love it. I have the tinted version snd the regular. It was recommended by the girls who work in my deems office. Great post! I think Howard needs to write a cookbook! Love that idea!
Mary Ann Pickett says
I could have that salad every night, Cindy! Can’t wait to see more of your new home.
Karen B. says
Hi Mary Ann,
Your recipe for Fennel and orange salad looks so delicious. I’ve printed the recipe and will make it this week. Summer is coming, I know it, but I’m not ready for summer dresses just yet. As a redhead, I must wear great sunscreen. I really like Super Goop. It goes on smoothly and doesn’t leave that sticky feeling.
xo,
Karen
Mary Ann Pickett says
I saw Super Goop in Sephora, Karen. Need to check it out.
Pam says
I have worn the Elta md uv clear untinted for years, and finally even got my husband to wear it every day. It totally rubs in easily and leaves no white tint behind. It is a chemical/zinc oxide blend. It also comes in a tinted version. I get it through LovelySkin and wait for a sale. I just got some last week for 20% off.
Mary Ann Cunningham Pickett says
Thanks so much for the sun block tip!!
Patricia says
I just bought The Rose Code a week ago but have not yet started it. Her previous book, titled “The Huntress”, is one of my all time favorites about WW2. Happy Birthday to Howard!!!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Oh good. I will get that book!
Alexis says
Mary Ann , I so enjoyed your post this week the bathroom make over was fabulous
great tips on ordering only what’s in stock .
Building cost continue to go up now is the time for this type of make over !
Another great recipe make over from Howard , in his spare time he could write a cookbook
“ Classic casual cooking with Howard “ just say’n….
Mary Ann Cunningham Pickett says
Love that cookbook idea!!
LA CONTESSA says
La Roche Posay was my foundation for years!STill use but recently found a 70 sunblock who’s name I don’t remember…….it is in my bathroom will look!I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT LA ROCHE POSAY!
The photo of YOU in the white dress is BEAUTIFUL!That lipstick is GREAT ON YOU!
NICE TO HAVE FRIENDS WHO KEEP IN TOUCH.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Elizabeth! Wow! A 70 SPF! Does it sink in?
Francesca B. says
Lovely post thank you Mary Ann, I am going to make that gorgeous salad and read the book! Just finished “Klara and the Sun” by Kazuo Ishiguro whcih is just terrific. Beautiful dresses too….. how lovely to start the day this way! Happy week:)
Mary Ann Pickett says
I’ve heard that book is good. Going to look for it.