Hello! How are you doing? I’ve been busy with some design projects that I will hopefully be able to show you in the coming weeks (check out my Instagram stories for the occasional progress shots). Sometimes I will think “I need to share this with my readers” and I put the idea in a draft post…and pretty soon it becomes “Five Random Things I’m Loving Right Now!”
Sherry’s One Room Challenge
Sherry Hart from Design Indulgence did beautiful job redecorating not one but THREE rooms for her sister (what a wonderful sister). Check it out.
I love that it has her sister’s personality and #TheCollectedLook (a new Instagram hashtag that’s really fun to follow). Annie, Cindy and I are picking our favorites each Friday.
Summer Reading For You
You know how much I love my Kindle. I’ve been reading more with it. It’s so easy to tote…fits in my purse. And I will definitely be taking it with me for our summer vacation.
Here are some books that I highly recommend!!!
Where The Crawdads Sing This is a touching and surprising best seller.
Beneath A Scarlet Sky (free on Kindle with Amazon Prime) It’s about a young man’s extraordinary challenges in Italy in World War II. True story! I think my husband will love this one, too.
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell Another heartfelt story, charming story. I could relate to the Catholic school part.
My blogging friend, Kristy’s Harvey’s (Design Chic) new book is out. The Southern Side of Paradise (Peachtree Bluff Series).
Kristy sent me the paperback, that I’d like to give to you since I am going to order it on Kindle. Please leave a comment for the chance to win it.
Korean face mask
My husband brought back these face masks from a recent trip to Korea. You can get them on Amazon. You leave them on for 20 minutes while doing something (like writing a blog post or folding laundry). Afterward, you pat the remaining serum into your skin. My face felt plumper and softer after one use.
Target faux leather ottoman
I just saw this versatile ottoman in Target for $69.99. I can think of lots of uses for it.
Pledge to Clean Patent Leather
A shoe repairman told me that Pledge is a good cleaner and conditioner for patent leather. Did you know that? I just used it on this “vintage” purse and two pairs of shoes. They look much better.
That’s it for now. On Monday, I’m going to post about a “Summer Travel Wardrobe.” Our big vacation is coming up and I’m getting excited!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Mary Ann
Ironmongery Experts says
Lovely redecorating! Kudos to Sherry! Thanks for all the tips. Carolina at Ironmongery Experts.
Linda Salazar says
Beautiful redecorating job by Sherry!! I have been wanting some black and white prints in gold frames like the one on the mantel, but didn’t want to pay the price. I followed another blogger’s DIY idea using a chisel tip paint marker and sketch paper. :o)
I have used Windex in the past on patent leather, never heard of Pledge!
Also I just found out the “Full House” house is for sale in San Francisco. Bet it won’t last long…it’s gorgeous!!
Linda in San Diego
Jennifer says
I always love your posts! I would love to win Kristy Harvey’s Latest book for a fun summer read!
Susan C says
Loved Kristy Harvey’s other books! Have not read the new one yet!
Jules Belanger says
Would love to get the Kristy Harvey book!
sherry hart says
Thank you for the shout out! I’m so glad you liked my ORC….it was definitely a labor of love:) AND…..I think I need those face mask for some summer plumping!
Karen Bunch says
Have a wonderful weekend!
Karen
Loren says
What a great ottoman! Thanks for all the tips! New to your site and love it already! ❤️
Mary Ann says
Thanks, Loren!
Leah says
Adding your book recommendations to my list now! All sound like great reads! The other Peachtree Bluff series books have been hard to put down so I know this last one will be no different!
Dana Barry says
I READ WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING. LOVED IT! I FOLLOW KRISTY TOO. I’D LOVE TO READ HER BOOK
Kristy Harvey says
Thank you so, so much for including The Southern Side of Paradise!! I appreciate it so much ❤️❤️❤️ I’m loving following along with the ORC! Always so good. xoxo Kristy
cindy hattersley says
Loved this post!! Pledge? Wow interesting. It is terrible for your furniture because of the build up so interesting that it works on shoes and purses. I am going to have to check out a couple of those books if I can find time to read!! Loved Sherry’s one room challenge! She is amazing!
Stephanie says
I’d love to win the latest Peachtree Bluff book. I’ve read the others.
Mary says
Loved Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell ! I also totally related to the whole Catholic school experience! Haven’t read any of Kristy’s books but high time I do! 😉 Love your blog!
Mary Ann says
Thanks, Mary!
Sandy W says
Loved Where the Crawdads Sings. Such a surprise ending. Thanks for the windex tip.
GaIl Storti says
Always love you little tip posts! I thought Sherry’s One Room Challenge was fabulous, she’s so talented, just like you! Wondering about the masks, there are four different to choose from but it doesn’t tell what the difference is, maybe fragrance?
Have a fun weekend!
xoxo
Mary Ann says
Gail, Howard got me the assortment but so far I’ve only used the collagen and I loved it!
Suzanne G Towles says
I just finished Where the Crawdads Sing (on my Kindle, too!) last night! Loved it. And I loved Beneath a Scarlet Sky, too. Another fun post, as usual. Gonna grab some Pledge and polish some shoes. I usually use Windex! Enjoy your weekend!
Mary Ann says
HA! Have a great weekend!
DW says
When I was a child in Newport, we used to clean our patent leather shoes with vaseline. Of course back then patent leather was actually “leather” which is so difficult to find now.
Mary Ann says
That old Chanel purse is actually leather. So are my shoes…so it’s still around some places!
Michelle says
Thanks for the heads up on the ottoman from Target-I’ve been looking for something just like this, but I didn’t want to spend much. This looks perfect!
Mary Ann says
Oh good. It’s so cute!