How are you holding up? Things are ok here. The weather in San Francisco has been spectacular! I’ve been washing our windows and enjoying the views.
One positive thing to come out of this pandemic is having our son Tommy here from L.A. working remotely. We are all taking turns cooking and Tommy, Chief, and I have been taking long hilly walks. He is probably going home soon though.
Just wanted to fill you in on…
Five Good Things
I had a little mishap coloring my hair…I’ve never done it before (supposed to be “honey” but looks rather orange). Oh well…it’s starting to fade! This is pretty much my quarantine uniform…
Madewell T-shirt • old Banana Republic cardigan • Nordstrom Rack Paige jeans • Jenni Kayne slides (similar)
Buying that Madewell T-shirt on-sale for about $15 was a nice boost! I know our economy is scary and unemployment is high, but getting a really good deal can make you feel a little better.
Here are some other good deals…
J. Crew Peasant Top (buy one shirt and get one free) • J. Crew Navy Eyelet Blouse (I bought this. Comes in white, too. On-sale and also “buy one get one free”) • White jeans (25% off) • Red bandana $12.50 • Blue and White Boat Neck Tee (again “buy one get one free”) • Madewell Crossover bag (on sale plus 50% off) • Black sandals with pom-poms (25% off) • Red slides (25% off)
My son, Tommy says that his favorite Old Navy Soft Wash Heavy Pocket T-shirts are on sale, so I am getting a few for him and for my husband. Nothing like a fresh T-shirt 🙂 With the sale and code, they are about $10 each. They are a nice weight and there are several colors like white, black, and green.
Design
My 45 minute Facetime design consultations have been effective and such fun as many of the clients are longtime readers and we already feel like friends! (For example, Sue in Connecticut mentioned how it’s nice that my sister takes care of my mom:) It is!
Before each consultation, I ask for photos to be sent of the space and accessories to be compiled in one spot so that we can be really efficient with time. They get a bit of workout moving things around.
I will have some examples to show you soon. But here is one from my daughter, Alie. She started a new job during this stay at home order and is working from a little desk in her guest room. We did this in about 20 minutes via Facetime. She took measurements. I looked at her art and did a quick diagram sketch. I told her to start hanging from the center then out on the right and left about three inches apart.
Pretty Video By Thibaut
Thibaut is to the Trade but you can order through me. Refer to my Services page.
Books
I just finished listening or reading a few books…
“The Wives” by Tarryn Fisher got good reviews and kept me spellbound… but I sort of need happier material right now. “The Cactus” by Sarah Haywood was lighter. “The Library of Lost And Found” by Phaedra Patrick was charming. I just finished and enjoyed “Nine Perfect Strangers” by Liane Moriarty (she also wrote “Big Little Lies.” Have any recommendations?
Television
We liked watching The English Game on Netflix. There is just one season but it’s the story of how English football went from being just for the upper-class to the masses. Not a ton of soccer, but it may be enough to get your husband to watch it with you.
That’s Five Good Things.
Wishing you a peaceful Sunday and start to your week.
Stay well,
Mary Ann
cindy says
How did I miss this post? You have been a posting madwoman! What else is there to do, right? If I could wear regular sandals I would snatch up those ones with the pom poms. They are adorable, and that Madwell crossover bag is darling. I think you are going to get me into trouble. Need to watch the English game. We fall asleep so early it takes us forever to get through a series!
Carol S. says
Your honey hair looks terrific! Enjoyed your blog good things. Lots to be grateful for.
Gail says
Love all of your five good things, you always have the best suggestions. One of my favorite things is getting one of your blog posts in my “In” box! It makes me happy!
Mary El says
I always look forward to your blog! Great ideas!
Looks like we shop at the same places. If you haven’t already read it, The Danish House is excellent. The Weekenders is interesting too and light summer reading.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Mary. Do you mean The Dutch House? I put it on hold and The Weekenders.
Karen B. says
Mary Ann,
I’m watching The English Game and a series called Dr. Thorne (Amazon Prime). Both give me my English fix. 🙂
I agree with you, I only want to read and listen to fairly happy books right now.
Have a wonderful upcoming week. Maybe in 4 weeks, we’ll have a few more options.
xo,
Karen
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Karen, we will check it out.
Pat Huber says
Hi Mary Ann! We enjoyed The English Game too. 😊 Enjoyed your 5 good things!
Laurie Cordeniz says
Hi Mary Ann,
Thanks for all the tips and recommendations today and always. One of my favorite books that is a heart warming story is “The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell” by Robert Dugoni. I hope you get a chance to read it!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Loved “The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell” too, Laurie!