Today, it is all about lemons! Lemon recipes and a Spring Table with a lemon centerpiece. Also, the casual chinos and a no-iron linen top that I’m loving. It’s time for my five faves with Cindy and Annie.
Greetings from my sister, Teresa’s highrise apartment in San Diego. It’s great to be together, go out for Mexican food, cook, walk the dogs and just be together. It’s been colder than normal but look at the view from her balcony.

1. Soft Chinos And Linen Top for Spring and Summer
This is in the communal top living room in Teresa’s building. Great views. I mentioned that I had purchased these casual slim chinos from Ann Taylor Loft (they were in this fashion collage). The pants are 30% off and now with an extra 20% off. Lots of colors.
Teresa tried mine on and ordered a pair, too.

I rolled the hem here, but you don’t have to. I’m wearing a Petite 6 (normally I have to size up to a Petite 8 or a 6 regular). The denim jacket is from our recent Denim Jacket post.
I ordered the chinos in white as an alternative to white jeans…and to take advantage of the sale.
Also, I walked around Teresa’s nearby shopping center in those platform espadrille sandals and my feet were fine. 🙂
This is also in Teresa’s building…the library.

I haven’t bought much from Chico’s in the last several years, but I really like this no-iron linen top (size .5) I’m wearing it with my favorite relaxed cashmere black tunic sweater above.

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2. Easter Spring Table With Bunnies and Lemons
I set the table for Spring when my mother-in-law and sister-in-law were visiting us in Jacksonville. The moss-covered bunnies were in the discount section at the front of our Target.

I added ribbons around their necks and Lindt Carrot Shaped Milk Chocolates. We used lemons as an easy centerpiece.

3. Lemons Recipes
While at my sister’s apartment, Howard made Annie’s Smashed Potatoes with Green Goddess Dressing (there is some lemon juice in it) and it was delicious! We had it with filet mignon and salad.

For the Spring dinner (with the lemon centerpiece), I made this winner of a lemony blueberry tart again. This time I scattered fresh blueberries on top in addition to the ones baked in the tart. We served it with fresh whipped cream.

If you have any left, you can freeze it for a week or so.
4. The Painting My 93-Year-Old Mother-In-Law Made For Us
Recently, my mother-in-law took up a paintbrush again and it has given her great creative motivation. She’s been making art for everyone in the family and for her friends. Mostly of flowers…we both share a love of those. This is one of the paintings that she gave us.

5. Comfortable Transitional Modern Counter Stools
Everyone gravitates to sit in these low back counter stools from Crate and Barrel. The low back gives you a little support but remains unobtrusive.

You may also like 20 Great Bar Stools to Update Your Look!
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That’s it for Lemon Recipes, my Spring Table, My Fave Casual Pants, And More!
We are headed to Palm Springs on Tuesday and there will be more on my Instagram. Plus on Thursday, I’m joining my stylish pals for what’s on our radar for our Spring/Summer Wishlists.
Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Painting…. Such a beautiful treasure 💕
Wherever your sister moved seems fabulous! Speaking of fabulous I ordered those chinos in white and green. Love your Easter table setting and your MILs painting. What a joy to have talent like that. Last but not least, your lemon recipes. Specially the potatoes. I could like on potatoes alone! xo
Mary Ann,
Your spring table is so pretty and aren’t those smashed potatoes with the lemony green goddess sooooo good? Love Theresa’s view!
Love those pants! The green are such a great transition color from spring to summer to fall! And the white might be cooler than white denim!
That painting by your 93 year old mother-in-law is so pretty! I wonder why she ever stopped or took a break from painting…how wonderful to pick it up again!
Enjoy this time in California!
xx
Thanks, Annie. I think the white chinos will be cooler than white jeans!
Hi Mary Ann,
I love the Loft chinos, perfect for the warmer weather sure to arrive sometime soon. 😉
The view from your sister’s building is beautiful. I love the addition of the rainbow!
The little floral painting your MIL painted is wonderful. It’s a nice addition to the counter on the island.
Have a wonderful week.
Karen B.
Mary Ann,
Love your outfits and your views from your sisters apartment, both are beautiful.
Your table looks beautiful, I am sure that you SIL and MIL enjoy their time with you and Howard in JAX.
That little painting is beautiful, ti be so talented and to take up a paintbrush at 93 is a wonderful thing.
Have a great trip!
Hi Mary Ann,
The Easter table is so pretty, you have such a great eye for details, it’s the accessories that make such a special touch.
What a touching gift that your mother-in-law gave you. She has talent. It’s so nice she has the desire to still paint. Please let her know I think she is pretty special.
Mary Ann, This was a lovely post. From your mother-in-law’s painting to your Easter table setting and the yummy sounding food, I found inspiration. Although I rarely shop at Chico’s, I make an exception for their no-iron linen shirts. They are great. Have had mine for five years and it still looks great. In the market for another one. Enjoy your visit!
Mary Ann I love that little painting your mother in law did! I want to make those smashed potatoes too! That linen top from Chicos looks great. I have a couple of their no iron white shirts and they are great! Will you come do my Easter tablescape?
Great post! For the tart, did you use a 10” or 14” rectangular pan?
I believe 14″ There was extra lemon custard that I baked in ramekins.
Love your Easter tablescape, Mary Ann — so pretty (and the chocolate carrots are so fun!).
Will give the Loft chinos a try (shopped there for the first time last Fall and found some excellent leggings only to learn that our store lost its lease this spring and has left this market: back to mail order :-(…).
I tried them on in our local store, Joan and liked the fit. So does my sister.
❤️The little painting!
Me too
You are in our neck of the woods!! or just up the road near Carlsbad!! it has been so cold for San Diego. You’ll be missing your Florida weather for sure. Love the little painting by your mother-in-law, how special.
We were so happy to see the sun yesterday and today, Martha!!
How dear is that little floral painting by your MIL? Just darling.
It was so sweet of her, Holly.
Love the chinos – I need them…and the blue top and how you styled it with the black pants and the sweater! Your Easter table is beautiful. Where did you get the ruffled dishes? We also made Annie’s smashed potatoes last weekend and loved them. I wanted those adorable bunnies too. So funny my favorite French bakery in town had them on the counters and had a sign saying ‘these are at the Target dollar section’ because so many people stole them off the display! Can you believe it? Have fun with your sis. Nothing like San Diego Mexican food right? xo
You will like the comfort of the chinos, Kim, and the price! The ruffled plates are really old from a trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. I’m glad I grabbed a couple of those cute bunnies to give to my mother and sister in laws!
I love your blue tunic top but find ordering from Chicos iffy. Their sizing is so strange.
I hope you find Palm Springs weather better. I’ve read California has been inundated with rain, rain, rain. Still, it’s fun to spend time with your sister and I’m sure you are finding lots to do indoors.
Love that your other in law has rekindled her love of painting. I’ve been trying to get myself into watercolour but life got in the way and it’s been a good twenty years since I last painted. I seem to fear failing. Silly, I know.
Yesterday, in San Diego it was in the 60’s but warm in the sun by my sister’s patio!
Hello, I have admired your kitchen and took a screen shot for inspiration. We are in the middle of a remodel of a smaller house. Could you share the product names if the countertops and subway tile, please. Thx. Linda S
I got the tile at Floor and Decor. You could check their website. The are a zellige type tile and I think they are made in Spain. I know the countertops are a natural light granite but I don’t have the name.
Hi! I have been following for a long time, and rarely comment, but I just had to compliment your mother in law on her painting talent!!! I love that little painting, and what a gift she is sharing with her people. I love it!
I know!! She’s amazing!