It’s been a while since we’ve peeked inside my friend, Debbie’s Newport Beach living room furnished with pretty decor. She’s a pro at keeping it fresh over time.
And I’m answering some questions about how we painted our mantel, sharing my daughter’s pasta recipe that people wanted and a recommendation about what to watch on television and what to read.
It’s “pretty” favorite things time with Annie and Cindy!
Keeping A Traditional Beach Home Fresh With Pretty Decor
While we were in Southern California recently, I stopped by my talented designer friend, Debbie’s home for coffee.
Even with six little grandchildren, she keeps her home looking fresh with re-upholstery (on the chairs and sofa after several years) and even re-staining wood furniture pieces.
This proves that you don’t have to start over to have a fresh look…just maintain what you have (and that is better for the environment).
The result is that it looks better than ever (even though I sprung taking these impromptu photos on her)! But for years here on CCH everyone has asked to see more of Debbie home!
That’s a real live olive tree in the corner. Wouldn’t you like to hang out here and peruse some books?
Debbie must keep up with painting the stair risers to have them looking so good.
And keeping clutter to a minimum keeps it clean-looking.
Those real amaryllis flowering bulbs are from Trader Joe’s.
If you would like to see how Debbie refreshed the banquette in her kitchen, check out this post.
How To Paint Over A Wood Fireplace Mantel According To A Professional Painter
First clean with denatured alcohol and tape off.
One coat of Prep Rite Primer by Sherwin Williams and two coats BM Regal Select Black Satin.
You may like Shopping Our Home.
Alexandra’s Lemon Artichoke Pasta
My daughter served this at room temperature at her son’s baptism party (all your comments warmed my heart). We’ve had requests for the recipe (and I’d like to have it, too).
She wanted me to tell you that the first time she made it, she was “winging” it but her family liked it so much, it’s become a regular!
She’s a busy mom of two under three-year-olds and is back to work full-time, but it I managed to obtain it!
Lemon Artichoke Heart Pasta
Ingredients
- Two 12 oz. bags Trader Joe’s Frozen Artichoke Hearts thawed
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 jar capers including the liquid
- Two lemons juiced and zested
- One lb. package of curly short pasta (Cavatappi, Rotini, etc)
- One cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tbs. chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Sautee the artichokes in a large saucepan on medium/low for 10 minutes until they begin to break down.
- Add in the capers (including juice) and garlic for another 10+ minutes until the moisture has evaporated.
- Everything should be broken down, with some of the artichokes a bit crispy.
- Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than directed. Drain pasta (saving a bit of the water) and add into the artichoke mixture.
- Sauté gently until the pasta is al dente and finish with lemon juice, parmesan and parsley.
- Add in some of the pasta water if needed.
What To Watch On TV – With Love, Meghan On Netflix
If I’m alone for lunch, I like to watch a little television while eating (something other than the news). So I’m glad I didn’t let cynical reviews dissuade me from watching this light and pretty show.
I love Montecito, California (shopping post about it here) where the Sussex’s live (and a lot of celebs like Oprah). Which is one reason I thought I’d like the show.
Anyway, watch a couple of episodes and tell me what you think.
What To Read: A Grown-Up Kind Of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson
“Fifteen-year-old Mosey Slocumb — spirited, sassy, and on the cusp of womanhood — is shaken when a small grave is unearthed in the backyard, and determined to figure out why it’s there. Liza, her stroke-ravaged mother, is haunted by choices she made as a teenager. But it is Jenny, Mosey’s strong and big-hearted grandmother, whose maternal love braids together the strands of the women’s shared past — and who will stop at nothing to defend their future.”
This mystery takes place in Mississippi and I like the southern voices in the audio version. There is some disturbing sexual abuse of a 14 year old, however the women characters are strong , likable and funny. The book is from 2013 and I am not sure how I missed it.
If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
Where did she find that beautiful rug?
Unscuffed stair risers? A miracle for sure. I don’t eat pasta, but I really like the artichoke-caper combo and add chicken to make a higher protein dish. I know it’s not a vegetarian option, but it’s good. I think all this Megan & Harry vs the Royals is really political, If you like her show, you should watch it; how is it different really from Joanna Gaines? BTW, despite what Megan said, the last name of her kids is not Sussex; it is Mountbatten-Windsor, I believe.
Debbie has such a lovely home! It looks so fresh and I’m envious it’s ready for pictures sprung on her at the last minute!
I love her home, too!
Debbie’s home … swoon! And that staircase, what a statement. I’m sure it’s a lot of work to keep it so pristine, but it’s fabulous. Thanks for the yummy pasta recipe. So wowed by young mom’s like Alexandra who do it all! xo
Sorry, I agree with the person who said she can’t get on the “Meghan train”……….she is a very self-serving individual.
Hi Mary Ann, Thank you for a peek into Debbie’s gorgeous home. I remember the first time you posted her previous home and how I thought how perfect every detail was and how I could move right in and not change a thing. Then you shared her new home and it blew me away, the architectural details are spectacular and her gift of design and decor are amazing.
Thank you for Alexandra’s delicious sounding Lemon Artichoke Paste, I’ll definitely try it this summer. And I always love your TV and book recommendations.
Debbie has the best taste, Gail!
Thank you for the recipe, will make it. Debbie’s home is beautiful, loved the marble window sill.
I love that too!!
I love seeing Debbie’s new port beach house! And I will be making Alexandra’s lemon artichoke pasta!! Yum!!
Xx
The pasta dish does sound yummy! Cannot agree with you re Meghan, her mocking actions re the curtsey on Oprah were unbelievably rude. She and Harry made the late Queen’s life very sad in her last months. It was cruel and unnecessary. I know American’s are better than that.
I don’t know about the rude curtsey?
During the Oprah interview Meghan mockingly did an exaggerated curtsey that she said she was required to do. It was done in a very disrespectful way. Harry looked uncomfortable but said nothing. Perhaps one has to be British (or part of the Commonwealth in my case) to appreciate it. Of course my opinion is not based solely on that one episode. Best I leave it at that.
Wow…that does seem disrespectful!
Debbies home is beautiful – thanks for sharing! The pasta sounds great. The kids were here this weekend and we watched the 1st episode of Meghan. Everyone seemed to agree – meh.
I always look forward to your posts. However, I have far too much respect for Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, William and Catherine to support Harry and Meghan. I just think respecting your family should be a top priority. Jealousy is never a pretty trait. Just my own opinion
Yes, publicly airing family disagreements is terribly disrespectful and only creates more divisiveness, deepening hard feelings . Harry’s grandparents were elderly and unwell, making it even worse. Since we are on the outside looking in, I keep trying to give Harry and Meghan the benefit of the doubt. But even in her new video series, Meghan seems to be using it for self-vindication and self-promotion. I would actually love the music, beautiful videography, elements of style and the message…if only it rang true.
Wow. I just enjoyed the magazine like content.
And I had no desire to see the original Oprah interview.
This definitely touched a nerve that I was unaware of!
The jealousy wasn’t on Harry and Meghan’s side. When they got married the British public adored them. But they became a little too popular, with ratings higher than William and Kate, and that can’t happen so they started a vicious hate campaign against Meghan in the tabloids, which was very successful. Would you want to live through that? Would you be just a bit resentful if your family did that to you and/or your spouse? Nobody’s perfect but what Will and Kate did was far worse in my opinion.
Thank you so much for the pasta recipe! I’m hosting my vegan daughter-in-law for the first time and will make this for her! Also, I love all the interesting items on Debbie’s coffee table. My coffee table is small and round and I’m having such a hard time making an interesting display there. Any ideas or previous posts? Thank you!
Sheryl
I definitely have styling your coffee table posts. Sounds like it’s time for another.
Mary Ann—
Thank you so much for sharing that recipe! I think my family will love it!
Debbie’s home is indeed so fresh and up-to-date and it inspires me (grandmother of 5 littles) that it CAN be achieved.
I’m going to try Love, Meghan.
Could you please share what type of shades those are in Debbie’s living area……Thanks!
Unlined grass shades in white. Lots of companies carry similar like Smith and Noble.
Thank you for asking Alexandra to share her pasta recipe! After relocating from inland SoCal to another college town in the MW, frozen artichokes have been impossible to find — but I never bothered to check “our” TJ’s (50 miles away – better than not having one at all)!
Debbie’s home is gorgeous— I bet she is an energizer bunny keeping her home that well-cared-for (with 6 grandkids!). It took a LOT to convince my woodworker husband to allow me to paint our trim and baseboards off-white! With housecleaning help, not damaging legs and doorways with the vac hose is priority #1… 😉
Will give Meghan’s show a look.
Hi Mary Ann,
How nice you are enjoying your long-time friend and Teressa is with you.
Debbie’s Newport Beach home is gorgeous. Everything is in perfect neat condition.
Your fireplace turned out great, it’s very elegant.
Alexandra’s Lemon Artichoke Pasta recipe looks awesome. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve watched all of the episodes of Meghan’s show and love the calm, peaceful tone she provides. I’ve been a fan of her easy style since Suits. In this crazy time, sitting down to watch this lovely young woman show her guests love and appreciation in this beautiful setting was just what I needed.
I know…that’s sort of how I feel…just a little escape.
Oooo, thank you for the recipe! We’ll be staying at a friend’s house in a couple weeks and I always like to make a dinner as a thank you. Recipe sorted!
Alexandra says she used defrosted artichoke hearts.
Love seeing Debbie’s home! Enjoy your time with family and friends. Sorry, can’t get on the Meghan train, I find her very unrelatable. Won’t be watching.
Your daughter is a busy gal! Good for her!
Meghan does seem to be polarizing.
Can’t wait to try the pasta recipe! Debbies’ home is beautiful and classic. Your fireplace looks beautiful! Thanks for the painting tips!
Have a wonderful weekend with your friends and sister.
We are having fun, Elizabeth!
Love seeing more of Debbie’s home! Alexandra’s artichoke pasta sounds delicious! I just started on Meghan’s show and thought it had some fun ideas. Liked her outfits too. Love your mantel! xo
Thanks, Kim.
Thank you for the pasta recipe Mary Ann. Gorgeous home your friend has thanks for sharing! Happy week!
Love seeing Debbie’s beautiful home again, and I can’t wait to try Alie’s pasta. It sounds delicious!!
Beautiful home! In the recipe for the artichoke pasta, do you thaw the frozen artichokes before cooking or add them frozen?
Such good, essential ideas!
Thanks for sharing the good stuff.
I also liked the first several episodes of Meghan Sussex’s new Netflix show. She was relatable and kind in a way I wasn’t expecting. I’m excited to try the one dish pasta recipe she shared in the first episode.
I’d like to try that reipe too!