I’m packing for SoCal (San Diego and Palm Springs) next week and will show you what’s in my suitcase for warmer weather. No one from California really calls it “Cali” for short but you definitely hear “SoCal” (I was born there and so were my parents). The term SoCal includes everything from north Los Angeles to Mexico!
It’s Five Faves time with Cindy and Annie (at the end of the post I’m going to tell you some things that you may not know about them), along with a sneak peek of our pool and more.
Also, according to this website’s analytics, about half of you read this on a computer and half on a mobile screen. Which do you prefer?
1. A Sneak Peak Of Our New Plunge Pool
We are so happy the pool is finished (and are neighbors must be too)! It’s an irregular shape in our backyard due to the small triangle-shaped area and property setbacks.
You cannot really see it but the tall poles are there for the string lights (I call them party lights) that have a remote control. I will be showing more of this space soon.
2. Packing For For SoCal
My friend, Juliet says that if you have one or two new things in your suitcase, everything feels fresh! In fact, she has a very fresh Spring table on her blog right now.
Howard and I are going to stay with my sister in San Diego, see my girlfriends and our accountant (yikes! I need to get the tax files ready), and then go to Palm Springs to be with family. Here’s what I am packing (or wish I was packing for SoCal like the pricey bathing suit and pareo).
packable hat (I have this) • eyelet blouse with a cami (on sale–everything at J. Crew is 25% off with code) I tried it on and want it • black sandals • off-white graphic Tee • no iron linen blouse (ordered this) • pareo coverup • Miracle suit (expensive but they do hold you in) • green and white chinos (I have the green which is a little darker than shown, flattering) • striped Tee • Somerset maxi dress (I have this and in black too — lots of patterns) • reasonably price straw tote with a zipper • platform wedge sandal (I have these and they are comfortable for a shoe with a heel)
tunic dress (lots of colors). Very comfortable. I’m wearing a small (I’m 5’1″). If you are taller, it will be more of a midi length. It’s not lined but I don’t think you can see through it. • sunglasses • earrings (I like how light these are) • my fave lipstick now by Selena Gomez • nude colored sandals
3. Dried Flowers Are Back
On the last couple of trips to Paris, I saw lots of dried flower arrangements. They are basically dead flowers, but something is appealing.
So I added some of my own to the lavender that I had in a vintage pitcher. But I first dried them by hanging them upside down…and I think I will dry some hydrangeas next (they are starting to show up in our yard).
4. What To Watch On Netflix
Treason: Howard and I both liked this… “When the past catches up with the newly appointed head of MI6, in the form of a Russian spy with whom he shares a complicated past, he is forced to question everything and everyone in his life.”
Maestro in Blue: I’ve been watching this on my own. It’s dubbed in English. “A musician goes to lead a festival on a scenic Greek island, where he begins an unexpected romance and finds himself entwined in other people’s secrets.”
5. What You Might Not Know About Cindy and Annie
Cindy, the friend you want in an emergency:
Cindy has a sort of mid-western tough exterior. She never complains and gets the job done! Dependable. But she is as sweet as can be, too.
When hurricane Ian was pounding the west coast of Florida and starting across the state, our son, Tommy finished an important business call from California. Then he decided to drive the two hours from Orlando to us in Jacksonville…just ahead of the eye of the storm. Making me a nervous wreck, of course.
While Tommy was driving, Cindy and I talked on the telephone about everything imaginable. Finally, she said, “Is Tommy there yet?” …just as I heard the garage door open with Tommy coming through it. She had intentionally kept me distracted on the phone for over an hour!
I really appreciated that.
Annie, the friend that builds you up:
Annie is funny and has such an easy laugh. She’s thoughtful and a little quiet, usually, it’s because she is listening more.
Annie makes you feel good about yourself. She will say so earnestly to me “Mary Ann, you are the nicest person.” Or “That’s so beautiful, Mary Ann!” And that certainly brings a wave of happiness!
Annie makes you believe you are the person you want to be.
So, yeah, I’m pretty lucky in the friend department and to think we initially all met online! That’s why I am all for online dating apps! 🙂
Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Lovely post, Mary Ann — revealing and sweet stories about Cindy and Annie.
I enjoyed your pool preview and your SoCal travel wardrobe — always appreciate seeing your travel outfit coordination! As a native NorCalifornian who (long ago) went aX the country for college, I was weirded out to hear new names for California — Cali — and Frisco (for SF)!
Congrats on accomplishing the pool project, one more thing out of your hair now. The dress looks sensational with your proportions, and makes you look 6ft tall. Unfortunately I’ve never had a chance to meet neither Cindy or Annie, but I can tell they are both a solid friends in your life.It’s interesting how the internet brings people into our lives, that we wouldn’t have met otherwise. Let’s have a coffee In case you find a little time to squeeze into your Cali schedule 😉
MA … your pool! A cocktail pool! I die. Yes, that’s an old and outdated Rachel Zoe expression, but I can’t think of anything more appropriate. I’m dead. And will remain that way until the full reveal. How long are you going to keep us waiting?! Love your travel looks … and I’m glad you addressed the ‘Cali’ term. Is there anything more annoying to a life long Californian. Well, maybe Frisco, which is even worse. But your SoCa outfits are perfection and I hope the weather cooperates. It’s still raining here in NoCa. Ugh. Cindy and Annie are certainly amazing friends and you three are a dynamic trio. Thanks for mentioning my spring post. You’re a pretty darned great friend too. Happy travels. xo
Your pool is beautiful! I love outdoor lights makes it more special I think. You look great in that pretty dress. You , Cindy and Annie are my favorite blogs and I can’t wait for your new posts. I think you all genuinely seem so nice and positive and your comments reflect that.
You are so kind, Barb. I appreciate YOU.
This is such a lovely post. Your interiors, food and taste in clothing are always inspiring but I also love to follow you because your “voice” is so gracious and positive. Thank you for the little bits of beauty (of all kinds!) you share.
Wow, Sue, that is just the sweetest comment. I do try to stay positive, at least in this little space. Life isn’t always the best…but it is nice to escape to the beautiful parts.
Mary Ann! I read this earlier today on my phone and have been thinking about your incredibly kind and sweet words all day! I’m the lucky one! To have a friend like you! Always caring, helpful, generous and kind. I just adore you and so happy we met so many years ago in SoCal…I cannot call it Cali!!
I love your dress! It’s soooooo perfect with your pool! I can’t wait to take a dip someday!
xx
annie
Annie, you are the generous and kind one!
working with simply white in kitchen. what color for walls. have wood floor that are distressed maple in a darker orange-yellow color. shud I look at white dove as opposed to simply white? currently have greige walls. thanks.
You should try both, Sharon. We used White Dove in our last bright kitchen but it didn’t look good in our kitchen now. We wanted a brighter white since there is not a lot of sunlight.
Hi Mary Ann,
Your pool looks fabulous and so does that pretty blue dress. You and Cindy are my first stop every morning as I check my iPad for emails over breakfast! You are both so cheerful and practical, with different but excellent taste. X
Thanks, Helen, that really means a lot to me.
I like reading your Sunday missives on my computer. Love your pool and how you match. Lovely description of your very talented friends. Of course I visit them every week. Always goodies I must have. I think it’s the television stations that call LA SoCal. Ha!
Thanks, Sandra! Probably the stations call it SoCal as it includes OC and Ventura counties (right?) but my sister is in San Diego and they call it SoCal to describe the whole of Southern Cal.
Mary Ann, I think that Tuckernuck dress looks so much better on you than in their online ad! Really pretty. So fun to hear your perspective on Cindy and Annie, as I follow them both too. Have fun on your trip!
Thanks, Mary…so sweet of you.
Okay Mary Ann..I’m jealous over here..ha! How online did you meet your friends? It seems my husband and I have tried to meet people that way and boy I’ve always felt odd or nobody really clicked.
My husband works 7 days a week and since I’ve been home (last 5 years) caring for Cavalier pups, gardening when the season is warm here but I miss the working and chatting with the girls. I miss the laughs.
SoCal sounds wonderful and I hope you have a great trip! Love the maxi dress and sandals above..I’ll have to look those up whenever we can get away again.
It’s just following blogs, Lori. I need to make new friends locally in our new hometown. I guess I will find a church and a place to volunteer…and we joined a country club that I should participate in…like golf or yoga classes! Guess you could do the same. Good luck!
Hi Mary Ann,
Yay, congratulations on the completion of your pool. A huge undertaking and project to complete.
It will be so nice to start enjoying it. The party lights will be so pretty. The maxi dress you are wearing by the pool is so pretty.
Enjoy your trip to SoCal, being with family is the best.
What lovely comments you made about your dear friends Cindy and Annie. “Grit and Grace” comes to mind in your friendships. It’s wonderful how both ladies add so much to your life and vice versa.
Safe travels.
That’s beautiful, Katherine. “Grit and Grace.”
What fabulous friends you have! And thank you for clarifying that us SoCal natives do not say “Cali!” Love all of your picks for your trip. Hopefully, it will warm up here as it’s forecast to be in the 60’s all week with a thunderstorm next Thursday. We’ve gotten so much rain that our drought is over, but I’m ready for some spring weather. Always enjoy and am inspired by your blog, MaryAnn!
Thanks for the heads up about the weather, Niki…those chino pants will be good, and the denim jacket (Tuesday’s post). We land on Wednesday so hopefully will miss flying in the storm.
Hi Mary Ann
Well first of all you look beautiful in that dress. I just hope it warms up here so you can wear it. We went to a fabulous wine event yesterday all bundled up like it was the dead of winter. I feel so fortunate to have you and Annie as friends as well. Blogging can be a lonely existence. You two keep it light and fun. We are a team and that is what I love.
Glad you are on MY team, Cindy.
Bring a jacket to the desert! We are still unseasonably cool, though sunny.
Thanks, Ginger. I definitely will!!
I love that Tuckernut dress on you!! I wish I’d had it with me in Mexico this week. It’s perfect! I couldn’t agree more with you about Cindy, she’s the best. I look forward to getting to know Annie more soon. Have a great trip!
XoJennifet
I so glad to know YOU, Jennifer.