Life has been good! After our Florida trip, we went north to NYC where I met my buddy, Annie from Most Lovely Things.
She took me to La Mercerie…a wonderful French restaurant and home store.
I ordered the soft boiled eggs with “soldiers” (toast in strips)…and since I was still a little bit hungry, Annie and I 
split the profiteroles… wow! Isn’t that pretty tile on the wall, by the way?
I bought Annie a little black bowl for a memento…
Then, I went to Summit, NJ to visit my wonderful cousin, Patricia. She taught me her family’s secret recipe for stuffed grape leaves (she is half Lebanese on her mom’s side).
Patricia says it’s not an exact science. She tweaks this recipe every time and THIS TIME OURS TURNED OUT GREAT.
You steam them covered on the stovetop for about 30 to 45 minutes. She served them with Greek yogurt.
We had some beautiful walks in her neighborhood…
Including a visit to their new Serena and Lily store.
I want these candlesticks.
I came home to San Francisco on Thursday and on Friday, our daughter, Alie brought Chief back to us. We walked to dinner at a little French place in our neighborhood called Cocotte. They make delicious roasted chicken with three sauces.
On Saturday, we did some shopping on Chestnut Street and I got a new iPhone X. So I am hoping you will notice the upgrade with my photos soon :)…in fact come back on Thursday for some Christmas table ideas (you can start pinning now for the holidays) and a fun DIY party favor everyone can use!
Thanks for visiting.
Mary Ann
Note to self: Do not look at blogs when hungry. :-} xo
I don’t know who has MORE FUN YOU OR THAT DOG OF YOURS!!!!!!
This looks like a fabulous trip! I have never made grape leaves but I am going to try your family recipe! I love the candles sticks but I would love that little room with the bunk beds, the entire room is so cute, especially the wallpaper.
Looking forwarded to seeing your Christmas decor and finds.
Mary Ann,
That was the best day! So much fun to see you and check out so many fun places together. And we had perfect weather for your NYC visit! I LOVE my little dish from Roman and Williams Guild. I use it for something every day! Like my daily allotment of power berries!
xo
Annie
Love following your adventures!
Thanks, Kim!!!
I feel like I had a trip out myself thanks to this. Those stuffed grape leaves look awesome!
Looks like so much fun! i want to come next time
Wish you had been with us, Cindy. We need to plan something.
Sounds like a great trip! I need to get over to that Serena and Lily store! Enjoy your week!
Shelley
I am definitely going to try and make the stuffed grape leaves. What a fun day with Annie!