Quickly give your casual jeans and t-shirt outfit polish with a long blazer! It has the look of a riding jacket and covers your rear. There is also a delicious seared scallop and risotto recipe that Howard makes, curtain hanging tips with a before and after, and more.
Annie and Cindy are also sharing their Five Faves again too. Annie is in London right now (lucky girl).
1. Hanging Curtains With A View: Before and After
My clients never close their bedroom curtains as they have a view of the Bay, no privacy issues, and blackout shades when necessary. So, we just made them prettier with custom sheers using the same hardware, just hung higher.
2. What To Read: Apples Never Fall By Liane Moriarty
This was a very quick read/listen to with an audiobook from the library. I like the author’s dry humor, turn of a phase, and ability to develop characters and mystery intrigue. The wife, Joy reminds me…of me!
“Stan and Joy Delaney, partners both in life and on the tennis court, are the parents of four grown children. Each child, former tennis players themselves, suffers from their own successes and demons. But jealousy is piqued when a mysterious young woman named Savannah shows up at their parents’ house and begins living with them. Then Joy goes missing and Savannah is MIA, and the most obvious suspect is the stormy and physically dominant Stan.”
3. Long Blazer To Boost Everyday Jeans and T-shirt
To be honest, I wear jeans and t-shirts a lot (no dry cleaning or ironing)! So, I am always on the lookout for jackets that can elevate this basic outfit. This long blazer from the Banana Republic does just that! It’s made from twill and is light enough for Spring. It also comes in black and navy and in regular, petite, and tall sizes. This is a petite size 8.
“Crafted in a beautifully soft, yet sturdy wool-blend fabric from Italy’s Marzotto mill. Princess seams accentuate the waist to create an intentionally feminine fit.”
4. Utility Jackets
Speaking of jackets…Did you see Cindy’s post on utility jackets? It’s a great round-up! I wear my stone-colored one (similar) all the time. I’d like a black one from Cindy’s post.
You may also like The Best Neutrals To Wear This Spring.
5. Howard’s Seared Scallops and Asparagus Risotto
Howard loves grocery shopping (thank God) and always knows where to get the freshest ingredients like these scallops from Molly Stone here in San Francisco. I wish he would make this once a week.
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cups vegetable stock
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 shallot diced
- Kosher salt and pepper
- 3/4 cup arborio rice
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 8 oz thin asparagus
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan plus more for serving
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 10 sea scallops, patted dry
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh chives
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Heat the stock in a medium saucepan over medium heat; lower the heat so the stock stays warm without simmering.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot, season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 1 minute. Add the rice, season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is coated and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the wine and cook, stirring constantly, until completely absorbed, about 1 minute.
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Ladle about 1/4 cup hot stock into the risotto and cook, stirring, until absorbed. Continue to add the stock in additions of about 1/4 cup, gradually working up to 1/2-cup additions, stirring until absorbed before adding more. Continue adding broth and stirring until the rice is tender and creamy, about 18 minutes.
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While the rice cooks, trim the asparagus and cut the stalks into 3/4-inch pieces.
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Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the asparagus, remaining 2 tablespoons butter, the Parmesan, lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring until the risotto is creamy. Add a splash of water to loosen, if necessary. Season with salt and pepper.
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Heat a medium nonstick skillet over high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Season the scallops with salt and pepper and add them to the skillet. Cook until browned and crisp on the bottom, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the scallops and continue to cook until just cooked through, about 1 more minute. Transfer to a plate.
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Divide the risotto between bowls and top with the scallops; sprinkle with chives and more Parmesan.
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’m commenting mainly on the fit @BR item, but my hubby will adore the risotto great idea, love scallops now as he always makes them perfectly! I was searching styling riding jacket, and so happy to discover your blog, in Nor Cal, because I just made two blazer impulse buys Saturday April 9, a loose fit, single breasted with moderately understated lapel, pale pink linen and 2nd @ Banana Republic: olive green, slim fitting, long riding jacket! I noticed almost every blazer at BR was double breasted with wide edged lapels! But the riding jacket was very tight “lean” fit which required me to size up to a #6! The weight is heavy enough for SF Spring/Summer climate and travel- now that I moved up into the Sacramento River region it’s hot beyond the day, not like even Napa Valley cooler eves, where I work. But the air conditioning requires a good cover up layering, often so I usually collect more coverage layers in my wardrobe for travel, etc. coordinating to be well accessorized I suppose. I didn’t have anything like this riding jacket so it’s a perfect impulse buy, I have maybe one new double breasted navy metal buttoned blazer, as I don’t feel attracted to dress with them. They’re overstated really, I don’t get why they’re in now of all the periods. Utility jacket looks good in your stone tone, btw. (Good selections well done from BR, I would think the utility style. Very SF travel.)
Great comment. I sized up to an 8P.
I am going to make the scallop recipe as soon as I have the ingredients. Oh, btw, try Tito’s vodka! Make in Austin Tx. Hand crafted and Tito’s donates to dog rescues!
Love your blazer and utility jacket!
💙💛
Peace!
Hi Mary Ann,
I love jackets that cover my rear. They really can elevate an outfit of jeans and T-shirts. That’s such a great summer-weight jacket.
The recipe looks delicious. I’m by myself and don’t cook anything that can’t be eaten twice. haha. But, this looks like something I would like.
xo,
Karen B.
Absolutely love a blazer … especially this one in olive. The new, longer styles are so flattering and versatile. Same thing with utility jackets … enjoyed Cindy’s post and your light colored option. Howard’s scallops looks so good … as do as do recipes. How can I get Jim into the kitchen?! xo
Hi Mary Ann,
Great post again! I like the jacket but really don’t need another one. But I may need to take a peek anyway…
That recipe sounds delicious. I can’t eat scallops but will try it without, bet it’s just as good.
I’m always on the lookout for a good read, need to add this title to my list.
I hope you’re having a nice weekend up there in the big city!
Xo Heidi
Great post Mary Ann! I need a new book to listen to on my morning walk so will check this one out, I’ve read her other books and have enjoyed them. You look so gorgeous in the long blazer, really does elevate jeans to a new level. Cindy’s post on utility jackets has me thinking I really need one. Much cuter than a Jean jacket for some things. Howard’s scallop dish has my mouth watering. You always share the best recipes. Thanks for always giving the best fav five tips every Sunday.
HOPE YOU PRAISE YOUR JEWEL,HOWARD,he cooks and shops,does he clean up too! My husband is turning into a really good cook. will pass that recipe on to him. We love scallops!If we could just have a world-wide women’s conference, we could take care of all that disagreement in Middle Europe! One sangsation the news people have not mentioned is VODKA! But isn’t it nice that we have choices! Have a good week. It is warming up here in Ne Florida!
He is a jewel…that is for sure. But I do the cleanup! I heard they were taking Russian vodka off our shelves…but that most of it is not made in Russia. We need to stop buying their oil.
I heard the weather IS great where you are.
P.S.I am sending the recipe to my dad who love scallops. There are some ads obscuring part of it if you try to save it. Not sure if you can remove those or they are random. xx
Thanks for telling me about that Kim. I think it can be printed. I bought an 8 petite in the blazer.
Mary Ann great post. I always love your style tips. That jacket is a beautiful basic and I am going to my BR in town today to check it out, but I will buy it through you. Whaat size did you order? Something about riding jackets is so chic. The utility jacket is too. I agree jeans and a t-shirt with a jacket is a easy polished look and jeans and a t are also my go-to. Must be our California girl thing! You are so lucky Howard likes to cook and shop. This looks so delicious. Max likes to cook also..and doesn’t mind shopping. He started doing more during the pandemic and started liking it. After 25 years of doing it, I am happy to pass it to him. Have a beautiful day. xo Kim
p.s. Love that window- what a view and the sheers are all they needed!
Hi there!! The link to Annie Diamond’s site actually takes us to Smitten Kitchen (which is also awesome! – lol!)
I am in Canada and we have a high population of Ukranian people so this invasion is hitting close to home. It is so hard to watch. It is at the point where doing the day to day stuff almost seems useless, but somehow we need to keep going.
I love your Sunday post. It is wonderful!
Oh thanks, Brenda…I just fixed the link. I followed Annie’s link there…that does look like a tasty recipe.
No wonder we love Canadians and the Ukrainians so much…strong, nice people. My mom grew up in Alberta.
Yes! I live in Central Alberta!
Happy to see another Canadian here. Love these posts and style!!! Wish it was easier to shop the ideas!!! J.
Thanks for the mention!! I love your utility jacket. You look so great in it and that blazer looks fabulous with jeans. I want to try Howard’s recipe. Anything scallops works for me!! That book sounds like a great one for the airplane
You are such a great cook, Cindy! This book would be good for an airplane ride!