After the Christmas tree and decor is put away, do things feel a little bland? How about a refresh with plants? I have some examples for you along with tips for happiness, a lobster salad that is a winner, some gorgeous fabrics, and more.
It’s Five Faves time with Annie and Cindy!
The Daily Habits Of Happiness Experts by Time Magazine
“Experts were divided on whether happiness can be bought. As author and podcaster, Gretchen Rubin put it, “Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy many things that contribute mightily,” such as exciting experiences. Spending money on others is also linked to happiness. Still, many of the most reliable ways to increase happiness levels are free, like meditating and practicing compassion, gratitude, and altruism.”
Also, noted were: basking in nature, staying curious, surprising a loved one with a gift, and listening to upbeat songs.
Listening to music while walking on the beach gives me happiness.
Facetiming With This Little Lady Also Brings Joy
Her other grandmother, Francesca knitted that darling sweater!
I’m going to see Louisa in March, May, and July…so that helps even though we are on opposite coasts. And thank God for Facetime.
Lobster, Grapefruit, Avocado Salad
My sister, Teresa had a small dinner party and wanted to make this salad (a hit from years ago on the blog). She was annoyed that the recipe couldn’t be printed out (that was before the days of CCH having a recipe plug-in).
So, Teresa here is the printable recipe again for next time.
- 1 large cooked, chilled lobster tail (or you could cook it yourself)
- 2-3 tbsp finely chopped shallot
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 pink or ruby red grapefruits
- 1 large avocado choped
- 8 cups baby greens
- course ground sea salt to taste
- 3 tbsp toasted pinenuts if desired
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Dressing: stir the shallot, lemon juice and salt in small bowl and let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Then add the oil with a small whisk.
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Cut the peel and pith from the grapefruits and take the segments out of the membranes and cut in half…put on paper towels to drain…ok, this was a little time-consuming, but worth it.
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Cut the lobster tail in half and slice
Divide the grapefruit, avocado and lobster on among the salad plates
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Top each mixture with a handful of the greens and drizzle with the dressing. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt (and pinenuts if desired) and serve right away.
You may also like 7 Creative Salads Your Family And Guests Will Love!
Sarah Bartholomew’s Beautiful Fabric Filled Home
Refresh After The Holidays With Plants
A trip to Trader Joe’s and Home Depot/Lowes/Ace Hardware for house plants can brighten up your home after the holidays.
This orchid is from Trader Joe’s. You can watch how I easily embellished it here. Please “like it” if you have time 🙂 We got the rocks last summer in Italy on the beach.
This fiddle leaf fig plant came in the cute planter with a stand for around $30 at Home Depot.
Try a trailing plant like ivy in a soup tureen or fruit bowl. Makes an easy centerpiece!
This little plant in a pot from Target (last year) adds a nice spot of green.
A little tip: I water once a week (Sundays for me) unless the plant looks droopy. For the orchid, you can just place two or three ice cubes at the base. And that’s how to Refresh After The Holidays With Plants!
Note: my favorite luxe cashmere tunic sweater is on sale plus 50% off.
Lots of colors. I’m wearing a petite small here.
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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:
Joan says
Just a note about fiddle leaf figs and watering (as everyone has already stated the obvious about adorable Louisa!): a plant whisperer I know said to let your water aerate overnight. Fiddle leaf figs dislike /are sensitive to the chlorine in our tap water. This immediately improved the health of my rapidly growing and healthy fig.
Kathy W says
OMG. Louisa is so precious. Pretty sweater too. That’s an heirloom. Her eyes remind me of yours. She looks so happy.
Juliet says
MA … Ace Hardware is a hidden gem for so many things. You’ve given me some ideas for a winter refresh … I’m going in search of a trailing ivy plant for the great room. Louisa is the cutest and already a trend setter … that sweater and bow!!! xo
Karen B. says
This Fav Fives was filled with the best ideas. I loved the tour of Sarah Bartholomew’s home, it was great. I love her style. The salad sounds delicious. I’ll print it out for future use, thank you. Your sweet Louisa is absolutely beautiful. It’s nice to have scheduled visits. Time will fly by, and you’ll visit before long. I agree, I keep up with my oldest son, his sweet wife and my two grandkids who live in Austin, by FaceTime every Sunday.
Have a wonderful week.
Karen B.
Annie Diamond says
Mary Ann! In total agreement with that article on happiness! From buying exiting experiences to gifts and then the things that are free! Listening to music while out in nature… what could be better? Well maybe FaceTime with Louisa and her mommy!! That sweater is adorable! Louisa is adorable!!
Also, who knew about using ice cubes to water your orchid?? Great tip!!!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Annie…love YOUR plants.
cindy says
Omg that lobster salad count me in!! Love that sweater too. Teresa can I come to your party? Just teasing.
Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns says
Mary Ann,
I do not have a green thumb, in my world more water is best and then they die. But I might give them another try, the ivy is a good option.
Love your sweet granddaughter, FaceTime is always good and how wonderful to be able to go back and forth to visit.
Have a great week!
Gail says
Louisa could not be any cuter, and the sweater Francesca made for her is adorable. Isn’t it great to have FaceTime to see her often but not like actually hold her and spend days with her. So glad you’ve already planned trips here!
And your Sunday 5 favs are always inspirational, thatlobster salad looks divine.
Carol says
Louisa is a cutie pie! I water ALL my house plants with ice cubes. I had read an article in
Southern Living that this is the way to water house plants & it is!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Yes…why not when you think about it. I’m just not sure how many cubes that would be for my fiddle leaf fig trees?
Katherine says
Good morning Mary Ann,
The sweater that Francesca knitted for Louisa is gorgeous. The buttons make the sweater. Louisa is a beautiful baby. How nice you will be visiting often.
Mary Ann Pickett says
I love that sweater, too. Francesca has made baby blankets, too.
Katherine says
Good morning Mary Ann,
The gorgeous sweater that Francesca knitted for Louisa is really so special. The buttons make the sweater. The picture of Louisa is precious, she has such a beautiful face.
Deanna says
Your granddaughter is so adorable! That outfit is so cute, and the sweater is the frosting on the cake! Thinking about refreshing with some plants. Thanks for the suggestions. I have a few thrifted pots that need to be filled. Have a great week.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thrifted pots are a great idea!!
kim says
Love your plants Mary Ann! I agree about listening to music.. and walks..though we’ve has so much rain here it’s been even hard to get them in they always get me happy! So fun to see your darling Louisa and exciting you will get to see her a lot soon! Sarah’s house is inspiring too.
Have a great weekend
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Kim… at least the drought there is over!
Laura says
Love your use of greenery in living spaces! Where are the stoneware candle holders with the glass cylinders from?
Mary Ann Pickett says
Pottery Barn…they are linked under the Shop Our Home tab.