Hello! Today I’m showing you a San Francisco Studio Airbnb where we stayed (Howard is still there and I’m on my way to Jacksonville, FL to meet the movers). It’s sparkling clean and well stocked.
There is also a great gluten free dessert, new design book and more. Annie and Cindy are also sharing their favorites at the end of the post.
1. Trader Joe’s Vanilla Mochi
Have you tried their mochi? Vanilla ice cream surrounded by sweet rice dough…delish! 80 calories per serving, so it’s sort of portion controlled if you can eat just one!
They also have green tea and mango versions.
2. What to Read: A New Design Book
“At Home on The Water” by Jaci Conry
Our new home isn’t on the water like these in this book…but it’s close enough! And we have a hanging bed like in the photo off of the primary bedroom.
“Coastal havens designed for laid-back living. The idea of a retreatāa place removed from oneās daily stressors, a secluded haven to be enjoyed by family–is more appealing than it has been in decades.”
3. What To Watch
“Ladies In Lavender.” Somehow I missed this pleasant movie from 2004. It’s free on Prime Video. The scenery and music are lovely.
“Aging spinster sisters Ursula (Judi Dench) and Janet (Maggie Smith) discover a young man near death on the beach by their home in a small Cornish fishing village. Taking him in, they discover that he is Andrea, a violinist from Krakow, Poland.”
4. San Francisco Sparkling Airbnb Studio: Live Like A Local
With our apartment cleared out and the furniture on the way to Florida, Howard, Chief and I have been staying in this nice little Airbnb studio apartment. It has a sunny private garden which makes the space feel larger.
You can walk to the restaurants and shops in the Marina so that you don’t really need a car. The host is renting it for 30 days or longer. I’d wait to come in the Fall (June and July can be foggy).
5. A Fond Farewell To San Francisco
Last Wednesday, I had such a nice time with some blogger/instagram pals. We were celebrating Heidi’s birthday and my departure. But that is the good thing about social media…we will never really be that far away and hopefully we will make our “girls’ trip dreams” come true.
There are many things to admire about these talented women apart from their creativity. They are supportive, kind…and funny!
Au Revoir San Francisco
Our SF Home tour here.
I will miss so many wonderful people in the Bay Area. To all my clients who became dear friends (thank you)…remember that I’m just an email or phone call away.
My favorite walks with Chief in what I honestly believe is the most beautiful city in the world.
There is a reason for the lyric “I left my heart in San Francisco” because a large part of mine will stay behind.
We’ve leaving sunsets over the Pacific for sunrises over the Atlantic. And more adventures ahead. Thanks for hanging with me.
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:
I will miss your livingroom view that looked like art, but looking forward to new creative posts from the east coast. Wishing you and your family good health and happiness on your latest adventure.
Thanks, Donna, I will miss those views too!!!
I was selfishly upset when I first read you were moving until I realized nothing would really change. You would keep doing your blog and instagram, you would take us with you when you walk Chief, you will keep sharing Howard’s recipes and we will continue seeing you work your magic in interior design.
You have made all your readers your friends. We get involved in your life whether you want us or not! I know you will leave a little bit of your heart in San Francisco, everyone does, but, I know, too, you will thrive in Florida!
Oh, thanks so much, Judie. You are right…lots more coming to share.
Best Wishes, Mary Ann! I have loved following your blog (local SF gal myself) and will miss seeing SF through your eyes. š
Thank you, amy!
We’re in southern California and we too recently bought a home in Florida. Although we love Florida, we will continue to live most of the year here in the L.A. area. With daughters and grandchildren still in California, it’s impossible for us to permanently leave. Enjoy your new chapter!
Thanks, Shari, we may buy a condo there too…but stay more of the year here.
MaryAnn,
Welcome home, welcome to JAX. You are going to love being so close to the ocean. I loved my time in Jax, and it is going to be fun to see my old stomping ground through your eyes. I cannot wait to see what you do with your new place. Social media makes the world so small, as you say you are a phone call, text, tweet away. Good luck with the movers, the move, etc. Take your time and enjoy the process.
I loved that movie and I am off to check out the book!
Thanks so much, Elizabeth, I’ve already had some beautiful walks on the beach.
Those mochi’s … I’ve got to try them! And a decor book I don’t have … it looks dreamy. And speaking of dreamy I can’t wait to see snippets of your new home. Warm, coastal and a swing bed … too too good. Like many others I’m going to miss your lovely City apartment. And your walks with Chief around town. He’s going to enjoy having a yard, and better weather too. I hope your moving truck arrives sooner rather than later. Sure had fun at lunch with you … not even a week ago. What a difference a week makes. You’re right, social media will make us feel like you’re just next door. On the sunnier side of the fence. Best wishes to you Mary Ann … I hope you have the most wonderful experience settling into your new, forever home. Looking forward to watching you make it your own. xo
Gosh, I canāt imagine leaving San Francisco for Jacksonville. Best of luck to you. There are many other states you might consider after spending time there.
Roberta, although I grew up in California and lived several years there, I have also lived in Florida twice and have friends and family here. It’s actually a nice place and I have lived in New York, Chicago and Paris, too!
Hi Mary Ann,
I will miss seeing SF during your walks with Chief, and that view! But I look forward to your adventures in Florida. I’ve only been to Florida once (Captiva Island) and it will be fun to see a bit more. Best of luck during the move.
I really enjoy your posts.
xo,
Karen B.
There are lots of pretty places in Florida, Karen.
āLadies in Lavenderā was indeed a lovely movie; having spend my 30ās in the UK it brought back many fine memories of Cornwall and all the other lovely parts of England etc. thanks for the recommendation, made me misty eyed with memories.
You will love Florida because having lived in many cities in many countries it is ourselves who make the decision to ābloom where you are plantedā. Having family there adds to the adventure. Blessingsā¦
I really want to go to Cornwall. I appreciate your comment!
I just started following your blog and now youāre leaving! I lived in SF for many years and then moved to the East Bay; but, I couldnāt leave it completely. I bought a small condo in North Beach just to stay in touch. Your SF home is stunning. And the views, how can you leave? I know, I understand, and I hope you find happiness in Florida. Unfortunately, SF isnāt what it used to be. I do look forward to your future blogs and I am curious what you have planned for us.
How fun to have a place in North Beach…we had dinner there on Thursday. It’s really cleaned up now and lots of families were in the park.
P.S. Thanks for the Ladies In Lavender tip! I love Maggie and Judi and I still think they are so fab together in Room With a View, my all-time favorite film! xo
I need to watch that one again, Kim!
Mary Ann, What a sweet post and a bit of a love letter to SF. You truly ended up being the city girl- walking and taking the cable car all over! I was amazed at the miles you – and sometimes Chief too, trekked. I loved these photos and I cried a little reading this. I am so glad we got to squeeze in a little lunch before you said goodbye. Wishing you much happiness at the new location. I know it must be beautiful and can’t wait to see what you do with it. So nice you’ll be close to Tommy too so we can get more of his recipes. Big hugs and love, Kim
P.s. Love this book- ordering and can’t wait to see your hanging bed.
Hi Maryann,
Found you through Cindy Hattersley and look forward to your blog posts! Good luck on your move to FL. and my niece lived in Ponte Vedra for about 3 yrs. I understand you used to live in Ft. Lauderdale too so it will be like returning home!
Having just moved myself I can sympathize with the hard work it takes to get settled. Looking forward to many blogs on your new home!
Sharon swallow
Thanks, Sharon…I am telling myself that I can take my time getting thing right here. How long did it take you to get settled?
Wishing you and your family happy trails and a smooth transition. You are a ray of sunlight, regardless from whatever location that may shine. Can’t wait to follow what you do with your new home.
Thanks, Sarah…I couldn’t sleep last night thinking about the furniture will go when it gets here.
Dear Mary Ann, I just know you will love your new home, remember there are people that think it is their way or their way. I can tell you all states have a mix, the church they go to, the party they belong to, what they believe in and how they raise their family. With the world up side down, I only pray we have a beautiful life ahead and we are not running from bombs and death.
Ha! Love that you are “The Other Mary Ann.”
We have been in our son’s rental for about 5 weeks, 10 days until we move into our new home in central Ohio after moving from Chicago area. It’s a bit of an adventure but worth it to have all our new-found time with the grandsons before they outgrow us! E enjoy your move — cant wait to see your new home!
What a great son you have, Janet!
Wonderful farewell photos, Mary Ann!
“My favorite walks with Chief in what I honestly believe is the most beautiful city in the world.”
Hard NOT to leave a bit of your heart behind in San Francisco!
I was a little sad when I wrote that, Joan.
Iām reading this from an Airbnb home. Iām currently in the process of clearing out and putting my sisterās home on the market so not a fun or exciting time as yourās. I look forward to seeing your new home turned into your sanctuary.
Me too, Joanna!!
Mary Ann, I feel like I am moving too! I hope you love your new home. Thanks for sharing SF with us!
I did go back to your previous post to read the comments. You handled the mean girl remarks with grace and aplomb. Hard to believe your move created such a backlash!
Welcome to Florida, Mary Ann! Hope you will be happy here & I can’t wait to follow along as you design your new home.
That’s a great price for an Airbnb place in SF and with a courtyard too! I’m sure it’s hard to leave your California friends but you have girl’s trips in your future to look forward to. How nice that you made all these connections while you were living there! Still can’t believe you were there for 8 1/2 years. And I was reading your blog long before that. Where does the time go? š©
Linda
What a sweet studio! Moving is always a bit traumatic, but it looks like your furniture will fit in nicely in Florida. From one coast to the other. We live on the gulf side, but I have a dear friend who lives in Jacksonville. I especially love Amelia Island!
Cheers!
Ry
Oh Mary Ann, Iām so surprised to learn you are moving to FL. I guess Iām sad that I will no longer see those beautiful pics from your living room window š¢. I wish you safe travels and may you enjoy your new home. Looking forward to seeing pics of your different local. Blessings to you.
I had no idea you were leaving San Francisco for good. I must have missed that if you told us. Born in San Francisco and raised on The Peninsula, where am I going to get my fix of the view of The Bay from your window and your journeys through The City? Again, if you’ve told us exactly where in Florida you’re planting your feet in the sand, I missed that too. (Note to myself: I need to devote more time to reading my favorite blogs!). However, as a transplanted Californian to a Floridian, welcome to your new state. I’m in Naples, and it’s beautiful! So many areas of Florida are. I look forward to your change in all things living in a warmer climate!
I’m a bit in the same camp, Cherie and Mary Ann: born and raised on the Peninsula (P.A.), I loved getting a “my City” fix from your San Francisco home and environs!
Well, time and change do not stop, so we must come to embrace, or at least accept!
I missed reading about the move too! Best wishes Mary Ann, take your time unloading and we will be here awaiting more beauty from you! Thanks for all the incredible SF views and vibes.
Thank you so much, Carol!
Mary Ann,
I could hardly wait to read your post this week! Moving is hard, and you certainly have left a piece of your heart in beautiful San Francisco, but you are going to love Florida and a whole new adventure. So many new beginnings and lovely surprises await! You and Howard will have so much fun settling into a new home, and neighborhood….and you already have friends that can’t wait for you to get there!
I can’t wait to hear more about this girl’s trip!
Your Airbnb looks lovely!
Looking forward to connecting on this coast!
xoxo