Today I want to tell you about new Target Home Finds that I discovered, what I learned about the Mahjong craze, what Howard, my sister and I all like on television… and more.
It’s Sunday Faves time with Annie and Cindy.
The Mahjong Craze – “It’s Not Bunko”
Last week, Mercedes, Sandy and I went to our first Mahjong lesson at a local community center.
What is Mahjong?
American Mahjong is a social tile game that blends strategy, memory, and a bit of luck. Played with a standard set of tiles and an annual card that guides the hands…it’s complicated.
The three of us agreed that it is not “a social drinking game” as it’s challenging at the beginning to the point of headache inducing (while learning anyway–all three of us got one). But guess what? I won (total fluke)!
We are going back for a second lesson tomorrow. They say this game is good exercise for your brain.
While it has roots in traditional Chinese Mahjong (did you see the movie “Crazy Rich Asians’?, trailer below), the American version has its own rules and traditions—making it especially popular for weekly games, community gatherings, and long afternoons with friends.
Popular Movie For Long Airplane Rides
I was just reading (and my friend Sandy agrees) that this is a great movie to select on long airplane rides (which for me is often having grandchildren in California).
We are planning a trip to Asia, too and I’m looking forward to watching it again. Apparently a sequel is in the works.
What To Watch On Television “Landman” (the second season is out on Paramount)
On the way home from Target, I called my sister Teresa. We started talking about the second season of “Land Man” (that we both had just finished). Teresa and I talked so long about it that Howard came out to ask why I was still sitting in the car in the garage. 🙂
We both agreed that all the women are gorgeous and all the men are seriously not. Teresa said that there was great character development and we chatted about who we liked and the season finale, etc. She said she heard that the skinny son and the darling Latina are actually dating in real life.
Anyway, we both recommend you watch it.
What’s New At Target
I saw lots of pretty new things at our “good” Target. Not all Targets have the best homeware departments as you probably know. This local one usually has the latest Studio McGee and Hearth & Home accessories.
small lemon print (nice in a kitchen) • larger neutral landscape • vintage looking landscape set • metal ottoman in performance fabric (love) • small wicker lamp (cute for a kitchen counter) • ceramic vase in two sizes (I’ve mentioned this before) • large chunky weave basket • marble candle holder plate • wicker lamp with pleated drum shade (I think my sister should grab this) • small still life (also good for a kitchen) • wool cotton 5 x 7 area rug • woven wood bench (our daughter-in-law bought this for their entry–it looks more expensive without the pad–and I gave her a long designer lumbar for it)
Outfit Of The Week – Mahjong Winter White Outfit
Have you checked out the J. Crew sale?
Ecru boot cut jeans on sale • Quince $50 cashmere crew neck sweater • denim shirt (similar) or Ralph Lauren • Sezane dark brown python leather belt • dark brown boots on sale, comes in black too
I’m using a new lip liner, Sephora Colorful 8HR Longwear Lip Liner in Soft Suede. You softly draw just outside your natural lip line to make your lips look fuller and distract from the vertical lines (I saw the technique somewhere on Instagram) with a moisturizing YSL Candy Glow Tinted Butter Balm 7B.
If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Mary Ann – I enjoy your eye for design, appreciate your home decorating posts, and few years ago I hired you to advise me on my bedroom. Regarding your Target recommendations, I’ve chosen to stop shopping there. It was disappointing to see it suggested as I try to support brands that align more closely with my values. Just wanted to offer that perspective as you consider future recommendations—I’d love to see more alternatives from other sources.
Hi Mary Ann,
I found the cream belt I was looking for on line at The Vermont Country Store. In leather medium I think it’s going to work out swell. I appreciate your help.
Mary Ann,
Mahjong lessons sound like a great start to the new year. It is always a good thing to challenge your brain. I have to be honest, this game looks way too complex for me. Is it fun?
Love your outfit, you always look so stylish.
When I am on long plane rides I like to watch the foreign films that don’t make it to the theater near me.
We have a trip to Israel this year, fingers crossed.
My husband watches Landman, as for the women, Ali Larter is amazing!
Have a wonderful week.
Hi Mary Ann,
Thank you for getting back to me on the belt.
This is not the one, only have large left on this one.
Have a lovely day.
Mary Ann—I’ve always wanted to learn to play Mahjong, maybe in the future… I love that bench from Target. It looks similar to our benches from Serena and Lily
Those jeans look great on you Mary Ann!
Xx
I am learning to play American MahJong (there is also Chinese, Japanese, etc.) While ultimately the rules are important, it is best to learn to play with people who are forgiving of a beginner. Find a friendly group rather than a group more fixated on the rules than having fun. There is a lot on YouTube but my favourite is Southern Sparrow….she has a whole series of YouTube lessons that are very good
Wow Mahjong that is impressive! Landman is so fun. I love Billy Bob Thornton. I agree you look amazing in that seated picture!
Hi Mary Ann,
I’m so impressed that you, Mercedes, and Sandy are attempting to learn how to play Mahjong. I’ve heard it’s not easy. I can see it being headache inducing.
A few weeks or so you had the J.Crew jeans on like the ones you have on today. Would you share with me where you purchased the pretty belt that you wore with the blue stripe shirt? I think it’s classic and very pretty.
Good luck with you ladies sticking at learning Mahjong. The steep learning curve.
I think this is the belt, Kathy: https://go.shopmy.us/p-23419321
MA! Loved Crazy Rich Asians and the Mahjong scenes. I’m afraid trying to learn this complicated game would give me a headache too. My dad’s wife was a serious player, and she’d throw up her hands at my inability to grasp the concepts. I do love your Mahjong ensemble … I bet you were the best dressed there. I also envy your pool … ooh la la. Anyway, I’ve procrastinated starting Landman season 2, because I’ve heard so much chatter about the wife and daughter being even more ridiculous and obnoxious this season. Hard to imagine. But, interesting that the son and DIL are dating IRL!!! I think Night Manager is out and I can’t wait to see that. Happy Sunday! xo
I started playing Mahjong a few months ago in my new community. Its been great to meet new people and challenge myself to do and learn new things, but I still feel like haven’t mastered it yet. Goals. Great outfit and who doesn’t love Target. Have a great week, and remember to order your new Mahjong card.
I already ordered the new card, Barb.
That seated photo of you is terrific, Mary Ann! I have loved the ease and comfort of new trouser cut jeans which do not bind like fitted jeans do on me, but I’m sure traditional styles of jeans are more flattering (like your attractive bootcut ecru pair). One of my best girlfriends, who is in Kansas City, has been teaching mahjong, so she is playing twice weekly! I have yet to try it, as I am generally poor at card games. I loved “Crazy Rich Asians”; I recently watched ‘Downtown Owl’, an Indie film set in 1983 North Dakota(!) on Netflix and was surprised to realize that Henry Golding of ‘CRA’ was the romantic interest when the credits rolled. Love the Target ceramic wicker pot!
Good to have a Netflix recommendation, Joan!!
You are so right, I think everyone gets a headache during their first mahjong lesson! I know my friends and I did. I have two friends that play online with me at night or on a rainy day. We can actually see and talk to one another. You can also play by yourself with Bots. Check out the website I love Mahjong. It’s free for a couple of weeks then only $6 a month. I am totally addicted. Let me know if you do and when you figure out the bots names. It’s hysterical.
Your brain must really be getting its exercise, Cathy!!
My sister, who lives by me here in San Diego, has been encouraging me to take up mahjong. This might be my nudge! Landman to me is ridiculous, but also fun. And a fun escape, and It’s getting better!.. Another really good show is “The Night Manager”! Thanks for the great Target links! I love the white wicker ceramic vase and the lemon print!
Have a beautiful week, Mary Ann.
I like the Night Manager, too! The second season of Landman you just roll with it (even the ridiculous parts). 🙂
Hi Mary Ann,
I put a four some together and a friend I play Pickleball with taught us how to play. I wanted to learn something new for my brain and I love it. I watch a lot of You Tube videos and I am very comfortable playing now. My one big stress is picking a hand!! My group is so much fun!! Keep doing it and you will find it so much fun.
Pat
Thanks for the encouragement, Pat! I think I will look on You Tube now!
Fun fact! There is a lovely scene (the decor is and lighting, my goodness!) in the movie “Driving Miss Daisy” with Jessica Tandy’s character and friends at their weekly Mahjong game. Even in that short scene, the game moves so very fast! I have my first lesson coming up soon, after so many years of wanting to learn more!
I need to watch that movie again!
Looking up where to learn mahjong after reading your post …
Target always has the best small marble pieces. I have purchased a few marble accent pieces that were much higher priced, and a few pieces at Target. One of my favorites is an old marble soap dish from Target.
I’m still mentally working myself up to Season 2 of Landman.
Yes…I’m seriously considering that little candle holder.
I just googled where to learn mahjong in my area and found a group at a day/time I can do! I’ve been wanting to learn for ages. Landman season 2 finale: The Lawyer scene! IYKYK
Good for you, Chris to put yourself out there!
I play Mah Jongg but not well! The hardest part is reading the card. It’s like a different language! It’s fun to play with friends that aren’t too serious about the game.
Living in Texas, my husband and I are “Landman” fans too. I lived in Midland for over 30 years so it’s fun to see the oil industry through the show’s eyes. The mom and daughter are a bit over the top!
That must be interesting since you lived there. The mom and daughter are really over the top…my sister and I talked about that. But entertaining.
Our daughter learned how to play mahjong when she and her husband moved to Tampa. She loves it and has a great group she joined. She tried to explain it to me, but it seemed so complicated! Hope you will enjoy it as much as she does.
Good to know, Mary Kay. I have a long way to go learning it.
I started playing mahjong 5 years ago when I retired, moved from NY to CA to be with the grandkids and did not know a soul in my new community. Mahjong has introduced me to so many ladies; one of our players is 95 and often beats us all! The game definitely works your brain! The scene in Crazy Rich Asians with the future dil and mil playing mahjong is fun but you really get the implications when you know the game. Stick with it!!
Thanks for the encouragement, Linda!