Today, my Five Faves include some gorgeously neutral interiors with pops of color, an Australian television show that we binge-watched, a good book, winetasting ideas, and more!
Hello from Napa, California where we have spent a few days visiting with our friends, Jim and Lisa, and my sister Teresa. This is a beautiful valley in Northern California and we have been enjoying the food and wine.
1. Neutral Decor With Pops Of Color On Cedar Key Florida
With the cooler weather that we have been having these refreshingly sunny interiors in the Winter Issue, 2021 of Coastal Living are a welcome sight!
This is on the small island of Cedar Key (where we have stayed with friends before) on the Gulf of Florida.
The designer is Kara Miller and the photographs are by Carmel Brantley.
Shop The Look:
2. Healthy Canned Soups And Some Not So Healthy
When I had a bad cold right before Christmas, I was wishing I had some canned soup in the cupboard. So, I found this article interesting and thought you might too.
18 Best Healthy Canned Soups by Pure Wow
3. What to Watch: RFDS (Royal Flying Doctor Service)
This is a PBS show that we watched on Amazon Prime. Howard and I blew through the first season and we are hoping there will be a second season! It has a likable cast (cute male nurse) and takes you to the Outback of New South Wales in Australia.
“Based on remarkable real-life stories, this gripping drama series follows the modern-day heroes of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.”
4. What To Read (or Listen to): “The Lincoln Highway” by Amor Towles
I couldn’t put this down. It’s written by the author of “A Gentleman In Moscow.” Both my friend, Laura, and Howard recommended it to me.
“In June 1954, eighteen-year-old Emmett Watson is driven home to Nebraska by the warden of the juvenile work farm where he has just served fifteen months for involuntary manslaughter. His mother is long gone, his father recently deceased, and the family farm is foreclosed upon by the bank, Emmett’s intention is to pick up his eight-year-old brother, Billy, and head to California where they can start their lives anew. But when the warden drives away, Emmett discovers that two friends from the work farm have hidden in the trunk of the warden’s car. Together, they have hatched an altogether different plan for Emmett’s future, one that will take them all on a fateful journey in the opposite direction—to the City of New York.”
5. Intimate Wine Tasting And Tips
We had a lovely time tasting wine at Covert Estate (reservations necessary) where they make delicious premium wines.
“At Covert Estate, we use traditional Bordeaux winemaking techniques combined with Californian creativity. We utilize a very conservative and sustainable approach that respects the terroir and results in wines that are delicate and elegant with distinct personality.”
Underneath the blue napkins were small trays of cheese and sausages to complement the wines. Notice the little glass cover lids? They keep the aroma in (and bugs or debris out). This would be fun for a wine tasting party at home.
Have you heard of “double decanting”? Our guide, Emily said it’s when you pour the wine in a decanter to let it breathe and then back into the bottle so that guests can still see the label. Double decanting allows the wine to open up and helps restrict the amount of sediment in your glass.
On Thursday, I will be joining Cindy’s Ageless Style series for a one-time special, and I will be featuring my sister, Teresa. So please come back for “My Sister, Teresa’s Unpretentious But Spectacular Ageless Style!”
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:
lorraine says
I love your work! Can you please tell me where you purchased such large curtain rods? It is hard to find such continuous rods that go over corners. Thank you!
Jennifer Connolly says
Such beautiful rooms, Mary Ann. I have new used blue in my home but feel the need to try.
Looking forward to reading about your sister!!
Heidi says
Hi Mary Ann,
Great post, as always! Love that room with the soft fabric hanging behind the bed. I’m so sorry I had to give up my iron 4 Poster frame when we moved up to a king size mattress. I used to hang curtains on it and loved the effect.
Going to look for that show on Amazon, it sounds fun.
Amor Towles is such a wonderful writer, I’ve read all his books and they are great escapes.
Wine tasting is a fun way to spend the afternoon, or several! I love Napa Valley. It’s gorgeous up there.
Looking forward to seeing your sister in the next fashion post!
Xo Heidi
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Heidi. I want to read more of his books!
Juliet says
Thanks, I needed that burst of coastal decor … badly. As a lover of all things blue, I could be persuaded (easily) toward coral. Just gorgeous. Wine tasting is so much fun. I haven’t heard of double decanting … makes sense though. Love the idea. Excited to see your sister featured on Ageless Style later this week. xo
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks so much for your comment, Juliet!!! I have had my own coral spurts!
Stephanie says
Kara Miller’s work is beautiful! Can wait to watch that Australian show!!
Annie says
Lovely to hear Australia mentioned in the post! I know you visited some time ago. I really enjoyed this post and all your interior design, fashion and travel posts. I so look forward to seeing them in my inbox. All your posts are so detailed, relevant and achievable. Thank you, Annie, Sydney, NSW
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks so much, Annie!!!
Karen B. says
Hi Mary Ann,
Great post, as usual. I was really interested in the canned soup piece. I’m fond of the occasional canned soup for a quick meal. There were some on this list I’ve never tasted.
I really enjoyed the Audible of Lincoln Highway. I really like all the author’s books.
The wine tasting sounds like fun.
xo,
Karen
Mary Ann Pickett says
It was a good book…surprise ending.
Cathy says
I love your blog Cindy! I always learn so much!
And your instagram with Sandra this last week was a hoot. I learned so much! I haven’t bought any makeup in two years so thanks to the recommendations I stocked up from Nordstrom. My son-in-law works there so he likes it when I support the store.
BJ Collier says
WOW! The backsplash tile in the kitchen! New and different!
Mary Ann Pickett says
I like that it is neutral!
Alison says
So glad you found our RFDS it is a great TV show with a terrific cast. I believe it is an accurate portrayal of life in far western NSW. Love Me is another quality show. This one has Melbourne as a setting. It is on Foxtel here.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Oh good…I will look for it. Thanks!
Mary Ann Herlihy says
Thanks for suggesting The Paris Apartment. I did an ebook on Libby and only waited 3-4 days for it. I could put it down.
I love your Sunday favorites. You always have great ideas.
Mary Ann Pickett says
I liked it too, Mary Ann!!
cindy says
Thank you for sharing that gorgeous home! I am in love. I am so glad you always have something fun to watch. I always love your suggestions, Csnt wait to see that gorgeous sister of yours next week.
Karen says
Loving your book reviews , reading them, too.
Kim says
Fun post Mary Ann. Love Coastal Living and that home. Great recommendations too. I have that show on my watch list next! I hear from my neighbor that the Lincoln Highway is a great one too. So funny about canned soups. I also crave them when I’m feeling cruddy and want some comfort. Lipton was always a go to, but I know it has a LOT of sodium. Hope you’re enjoying Napa. It’s been a while, since the pandemic since I’ve been. I’m wondering how it is? xo
Mary Ann Pickett says
Someone told me that the new cans of soup really don’t have that much sodium…but they don’t put that on the label as “low sodium” soups don’t sell as well! Not sure if it’s true.
Annie Diamond says
Mary Ann, I love your suggestions on what to watch and what to read! RFDS will have to wait until the Australian Open is over, but by then I’ll be ready to binge-watch the entire season!
I’ve loved following along on your trip to Napa on Instagram. Looks so beautiful!
xx
Marcia Rayne says
Mary Ann, I have discovered Woolite’s dry cleaning cloths. I am probably late to the game but I have been using them for 3 years now. I am still finding out my friends don’t know about them either. For about $8 you can dry clean up to 30 items in your dryer. I use them on my sweaters and even blazers. Have not been to the cleaners in 2 years. . My clothes smell fresh and clean. Almost a miracle in my book. Thought I would share.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks for the great tip, Marcia!
Mary Beth says
Cindy – beautiful bedroom – love it! I’m seeing lately the modern farmhouse now mixed with Ralph Lauren style, so a couple vintage dark pieces like an armoire, baby grand piano, brick floors, even plaid wallpapers and polo prints mixed in with farmhouse tables, reclaimed wood, white walls. Have you seen this also? I love the light and dark mixed with deep muted colors…
Mary Ann Pickett says
Sounds pretty, Mary Beth. You called me Cindy! I consider it a compliment 🙂
Mary Beth says
Just saw that name error, I’m so sorry! 🙂