Let’s talk about how a spring vest creates new outfits with what you have. When I tried it on in the store over a button-down shirt and jeans…it finished off my outfit. So, I ended up walking out with it on (after paying for it, of course).
AND I have four other fun things to share along with Cindy and Annie today.
1. Beautiful Designs By Rachel Halvorson
Do you follow Rachel Halvorson on Instagram? Here is some eye candy for you. I will try to condense into JUST ONE word my favorite thing about the photo. Tell me yours if you can.
A. Tile

B. Paint
And that chair and fabric.

C. Spigots

But I wonder how it’s to code to get the pool so close to the house? Who cares?
D. Wallpaper

2. Sweet Handy Dishwashing Brush
When Cindy Hattersley was washing dishes at my house (she insisted), she marveled at my dish brush.

I like how the dish soap is always ready in the reservoir. So, I sent her one!
3. What To Read: “The Guncle”
A reader, Laura, commented on the blog: ” I am still living blissful after reading a great book, ‘The Guncle’. Weird title, yes, but a life affirming and great book about love. Romantic love, family love and best friend love. Grab a tissue, you will need it!” Thanks, Laura.
“ …a warm and deeply funny novel about a once-famous gay sitcom star whose unexpected family tragedy leaves him with his niece and nephew for the summer“.

I am listening to in on audio from Libby. It’s funny and sweet. Do you have any book recommendations for me?
4. Linen Vest To Create New Outfits With What You Have
This new linen vest inspired me to create a couple of outfits out of things I already had. It’s a fun extra layer to finish a casual look. It comes in Tall, Regular and Petite in beige, white and a stripe.
I’m wearing a petite 8. I will wear it with white jeans and a tee-shirt in the summer.

The lower photo was when Cindy and I were at the Birdies store and I’m holding the washable camo flats that I love. I’ve already washed them with no problem.
Shop the Look:
5. What To Cook: Garlic and Honey-glazed Pork Chops
Our son, Tommy is here and cooked delicious Honey Glazed Pork Chops with sliced roasted potatoes with Parmesan cheese. He made the following additions to the pork chop recipe:
- roast sliced wild mushrooms in the oven with olive oil, thyme, salt and pepper at 350 degrees for 15 minutes
- slice pork chops when cooking is complete
- top the sliced port chops with the roasted mushrooms, glaze sauce and chopped parsley


That’s it for this week: a vest that creates new outfits with black, white or blue denim closet staples, tasty pork chop recipe, designs by Rachel Halvorson and more!
If you are new here, each Sunday I share my top five favorite things along with my friends, Cindy and Annie. It’s like our weekly “catch-up” phone call. If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Fun linen vest … looks great on you and there are so many options to wear it! Rachel Halverson is new to me and … wow! That library! Your son needs a cooking show. His plating is divine. I love a pork chop and will be making this recipe! Books looks great too! xo
Mary Ann, Fab post. Rachel Halvorson is so talented! That pool with the spigots! Looks like somewhere is Florida. No way would California let you have that.. Maybe you can do this? Love the bathroom too. The vest looks great on you both ways and I think Banana has really been killing it lately with beautifully made things. It looks like one of their heritage pieces! I just ordered the Guncle and the dish brush from you! I am excited to get them and I want a happy book. Tommy is aa real talent in the kitchen. The photos of his food are so good too. Maybe he needs a cooking blog?? xo
Mary Ann,
You look great in that vest both ways! I might order it! You’re right it goes with what you already have in your closet! It’s the perfect piece!
Tommy’s pork chops look ahhhhh-mazing!
xo
annie
Love the cover illustration for ‘The Gunkle’: fun, and clarifies the story line. Makes me want to read it!
Rachel Halvorson’s aesthetic is ultra-refined: love her natural-toned cabinets and profiles. My only criticism is libraries with non-real displays of books that are all antiques in the same artful color!
Pork chop menu looks great for Spring dining — thank you!
It’s a sweet book. I’m almost finished with it but it’s one of those that you don’t want to end. Thanks for commenting, Joan!
Always love, love, love your posts! Pork chop recipe is a must try. How does Tommy do the potatoes? They look yummy too!!!
I will get his recipe for next week, Sue! Not exactly low calorie tho.
“The Lincoln Highway” by Amor Towles. Engaging, heartwarming story set in the 50s about three boys who meet in a reform school for teenagers and set out to overcome harsh childhoods and start new lives.
Loved that book…and I mentioned it here. Thank you!!
Your recipes and pictures of delicious things to eat always make me want to get up from the computer and cook! Haha.
The vest is great and dresses up jeans and a blouse outfit. Thanks for the inspiration.
Karen B.
Thank YOU, Karen!!