Good morning! I have my Five Faves today including how a new rug, paint, and linens create a restful retreat along with an enjoyable book and a source for sweater basics (on sale). Annie and Cindy are also sharing their favorite things too!
1. Rug, Art and Linens Create A Restful Retreat
My clients, Kathy and Ken in North Carolina wanted to refresh their bedroom while keeping their antique iron bed. The walls were painted Benjamin Moore White Dove, and we added a pretty wool rug and nightstands from Pottery Barn, bed linens from Serena and Lily, landscape art from McGee and Co, and a long pillow from Lulu and Georgia.
Notice I suggested adding a third piece of art. Sometimes it can be tough doing things virtually, but I have to say Kathy is amazing! I will suggest something and before I know it, it’s achieved!
Here are the rug and linens we used to create a restful retreat:
You may also like 8 Ways to Create A Serene Master Bedroom.
2. “The Teresa Spritz” No Alcohol Cocktail
We are doing “Dry January” until we go to Napa, California with friends in a few weeks. Howard and I do this every year as a reset. I’m also trying to shed a few pounds.
Here is a low-calorie, drink inspired by my sister, Teresa. Just add ice, sparkling water, a splash of cranberry juice, and an orange slice! Cheers!
Not exactly low-cal but interesting here are: Food 52’s 30 Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks.
3. What To Watch: “The Tender Bar” On Amazon Prime
The book “The Tender Bar: A Memoir” by JR Moehringer was a great read so I was excited about the movie version. The movie was good but I think I liked the book better.
“In 1972, 9-year-old J.R. Maguire moves into his grandfather’s dilapidated house in Long Island, N.Y. Searching for a father figure, he falls under the unconventional tutelage of his uncle Charlie, a charismatic, self-educated bartender who introduces him to a handful of the bar’s colorful regulars.”
4. What To Read: The Brilliant Life Of Eudora Honeysett
While on walks with Chief, I finished this charming British book by Annie Lyons (on tape from the library) in a few days.
“Eudora Honeysett is done with this noisy, moronic world—all of it. She has witnessed the indignities and suffering of old age and has lived a full life. At eighty-five, she isn’t going to leave things to chance. Her end will be on her terms. With one call to a clinic in Switzerland, a plan is set in motion.
Then she meets ten-year-old Rose Trewidney, a whirling, pint-sized rainbow of sparkling cheer.”
5. Land’s End For Sweaters
When was the last time you shopped at Land’s End? I haven’t recently but Howard bought this Land’s End turtleneck for me for Christmas. It is nice and warm while taking Chief out for a walk. This is in a regular small…I think a petite would be better for me as the sleeves are a little long. Comes in tall too.
Shop the look:
Land’s End has good quality for basics. Last week, a couple of readers asked where they could buy long cardigans. There are lots of colors and in petite, regular, and tall. On sale for $35… cute with t-shirts and jeans…even just around the house.
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:
Mary Ann what a lovely rug you used in that bedroom. I am writing about what to spend money on and PB’s rugs are really nice for the cost. Made a big difference in that space. Your outfit is darling and I love the boots. I may have to get them. Thanks for the book and show recommendation. Need them this time of year! xo
Thank you, Mary Ann, for making our bedroom so serene and pretty. Your suggestions are spot on. Ken always says, “Ask Mary Ann”. He has complete confidence in you. We love you and can’t wait to start our next project. You are awesome.
YOU are awesome, Kathy. I hope we can meet in person one day!
Hi Mary Ann,
That bedroom makeover is so good! I love how changing just a few key elements refreshed the entire space, while retaining the character of the origina. Lands End has great basics. But, if I buy one more sweater this winter I will officially need to go to rehab! Thanks for the book and show recommendations, I’m always looking for what to add to my library list, and never know what to watch anymore! There’s too much and most of it is not that great.
Chief always looks so eager for his walks! The red looks great on you! What’s black and white and red all over?!
Have a great week.
Heidi
Thanks, Heidi. Chief does like a walk! But then we don’t have a yard for him.
Mary Ann, I know how bone cold San Francisco weather is, at the same time the fog rolling in is
so special. What a thoughtful gift from Howard, looking after your interest to keep you warm on your walks.
Chief is as cute as you are with the pink bow, just too cute,
The bedroom looks nice, peaceful and relaxing, as a bedroom should be.
Is it hard for you to stay warm in San Francisco? I always remember being so cold. Moving to Marin
County helped.
It’s a gorgeous day today…but it does get really cold…with the fog or wind.
The bedroom refresh is wonderful! I’m going to have to try that drink! I also want to watch that movie. It looks like a good one. I’m always looking for something new to watch. Thank you!
You are so welcome, Sherri!
Anyone out there with long legs and/or long arms should become a regular LandsEnd shopper. It is the only place I know that consistently carries TALL. There are other companies who have a few things here and there but that is hit and miss. If I look at LandsEnd I can always find what I am looking for…..and once you order they send many emails with Sale discounts which helps with the budget. I am sooo tired of the short pants thing because the short length offered looks like capris on me and that is just not a good Winter look to have blue ankles. At LandsEnd I can get pants in my length all the time
I feel for you Lauren as I have the opposite problem!! I will be checking Lands End more regularly.
Mary Ann,
The red tunic is wonderful. I haven’t visited Land’s End for some time. I will be looking around for a few additions to the winter closet. Thank you.
I really like the redo of the bedroom. It turned out so pretty and inviting.
xo
Karen
Thanks, Karen!!!
Oh, my … swooning over the bedroom refresh. I particularly love the calming color palette and the long pillow. The three prints on the side wall gave me an idea for my bedroom. Don’t you wish all your clients were so on top of things?! Your red sweater looks so cozy for these cold months … good job Howard. Making note of your sisters Spritz … right up my alley. Happy New Year! xo
You do like a spritzer, Juliet😁👍
I forget about Lands End. I used to buy their t-shirts and turtlenecks and then they changed the design. I love that red on you! Great job Howard! That cardigan is great too. Great finds as always!
My friend JoAnn loves their tee shirts too!
I always look forward to you Sunday blog (I almost said column)…that dates me, I suppose. Your taste is my taste; decorating, fashion, etc. Thank you for your fabulous content!
SUCH a nice comment, Kandy! Thanks.
I have to agree. I look forward to your blog posts, too. I relate to your classic casual style and down to earth classiness. I also enjoy the recipes your husband shares.
Wow…”down to earth classiness” is SO NICE. Especially as that would describe my mom who I loved so much. And I will tell Howard what you said.
Happy New Year! Love the non-Catholic spritz! I will have to try it.
The sweater is beautiful! I have several cashmere sweaters and a robe that are 15 years old from Land’s End and they are fabulous. Most recently someone gave me a down jacket and the quality is great as is the pattern. I personally love their plaid totes! I have several and they are perfect for hauling groceries, books or whatever.
Your sweater looks beautiful! And your dog is adorable.
Almost forgot, the bedroom looks beautiful!
Have a wonderful day Maryann.
Thanks, Elizabeth…I want to head over to your blog! Love your book recommendations.
Wow. I love the room!! GREAT job. You make these things look so simple Mary Ann and I love that you always work so well with what people already have. And RED is a great color on you!!!
Love these posts.
Anne 🙂
I’m so excited about your bedroom project, Anne. Love the paisley!
Good morning, Thanks for getting my Sunday off to a good start with your interesting mentions. I will vouch for The Tender Bar. I have only re-read a few books in my life but I did this one, it was that good. I even gave a copy to my favorite bartender, a 30-something guy! I’ll check out the movie but movies usually can’t do justice to the book. Happy Sunday~
It IS a good book. I love it if I can read a popular book before they make a movie out of it. The only problem is…no surprizes in the movie.
Love the bedroom refresh. Just a couple of tweaks and the room is ah-some! Thanks for the tip on The Tender Bar. Always looking for something to watch on Saturday night. Have a great week!
I think you will enjoy the movie, Holly!
Love the red tunic sweater on you, and of course that pup. We have a red Boston which is actually brown. I think I’ll get the tunic in a color to compliment my pup’s coloring so we look that nice on our walks😊
HAHA! Chief and I seem to match a lot. He has brindle in him too. I’d love to see a photo of him,Joni! Can you send to:
[email protected] please?
Mary Ann! I always love your five favorites! You always seem to cover the bases with a book or a show (your book commendation has me intrigued) and something to refresh the home (love Kathy’s bedroom refresh) and something to wear. You look gorgeous in red!❤️
Thanks, Annie…love YOUR faves. Like that hummus recipe…yum!