For the last nine years that I’ve been blogging, I’ve tried to mostly show the “pretty” side of life. There’s enough bad news out there.
Good:
Having CCH has given me the opportunity to meet lots of friends in real life and cyberspace, record great moments and help my business. Thank you for being here.
Bad:
Everyone has their struggles/less than perfect life. The reality is, so do I sometimes.
Good: Today is my birthday. I’m 63 years old.
I don’t feel like an old lady but this leads me to truth #2
Health Issues
Good: I’m healthy!
Bad: When I dislocated my ankle tripping over Chief on stairs three years ago, I never showed you this Xray.
My ankle has mostly healed and gratefully I don’t limp. But it still aches every day…some days worse than others. A reminder that everyone carries some kind of pain… and to be careful on stairs especially with your dog.
Candles
Good: Looks nice, right?
Bad: Don’t buy the black Pottery Barn candles! What a mess!
I tried so hard to clean them and finally poured hot boiling water over them and that worked.
It’s back to battery-operated candles like these…
Good: Instagram can be fun and diverting.
Bad: I’ve been frustrated trying to get my Instagram followers to the magic number of 10K followers (allows you to have a swipe up feature).
I’ve decided to forget about the numbers. This guy’s take on influencers is pretty funny…(hahaha…I’ve watched it twice).
Compliments
Good: Who doesn’t love receiving a sincere compliment? If I’m thinking about it…I pass it along. My kids will tell you that they’ve learned this from me.
This is interesting:
How To Compliment Someone Without Mentioning Their Looks
After I read the above, I sent out a slew of texts to friends and family such as:
“Thank you for being the glue in our family.”
“I love how you take such good care of Mom.”
“Thank you for making me feel special.”
“I love it when you call just to chat.”
“You made everyone feel comfortable and loved with that dinner last night.”
“You give the best hugs! I’m looking forward to getting one from you soon.”
“You bring a lot of joy to everyone and make this city feel more like a small neighborhood. Can Chief get a walk on Wednesday, please?”
Bad: Nothing about an honest compliment is bad really.
Decorating
Good: I like things to look nice…
Bad: Reality — Four pm on Sunday
Good: Madeline Stuart’s recent talk at the San Francisco Fall Art & Antiques Show
I’ve asked for her new book, “No Place Like Home” for my birthday 🙂 She is really talented AND funny.
Bad: Why I hardly ever show you the left side of our mantel…
That’s it for random things Good and Bad. But generally, you can expect more Good here.
We had a party on Saturday and I forgot to take photos…usually a sign I’m having fun.
I hope your week is off to a beautiful start! You can get this easy to wear jumpsuit here.
Shop the post:
Happy Birthday! I thought you were at least 15 years younger. Could you please go on line and reveal all your skin secrets? I loved showing the good and the bad. Especially Sunday at 4. Loved it. Also that video is hysterical. I loved how he nailed it. Boy, he says it all. I think realness is much missed. Great post. Please do it more often. Oh, those black candles…thanks for the warning. What a mess.
My skin secret is not to have any close-ups…Ha! And lots of moisturizer.
Another belated Happy Birthday, Mary Ann. I worried about your foot at the time of your injury, but clearly I didn’t worry enough. Ouch! I enjoy your blog so much, your personality shines through with each photo and comment. Your good/bad post reveals that you are as genuine now as you have always been. You did inspire me finally to do a complete makeover of our bedroom/sitting room & bathroom. Thanks so much!
That’s so exciting about your home makeover, Sue. My ankle is so much better…not perfect but I’m walking all over the hills in Lisbon so can’t complain!
Hi
i hope you don’t mind me saying, but you don’t look anywhere near sixty!
Also i love the chest of drawers that sits your t.v. Though i prefer grey chests to black.
How did I miss this! Happy Belated birthday! I love this post! I love honest bloggers and posts. I get tired of seeing the perfect side of everyones lives, I don’t remember it being like that in the old days of blogging.
You are fabulous, look to be 43! I love every post you write and you make me happy when you write a new one! Love your decor style and personal style. OK, I am gushing, but I mean every word.
How on earth did I get so behind on your posts! This was fabulous and I love reading all the comments from your loyal readers. Those candles geez! I bought some from Michaels one year that did that, but Pottery Barn? Really? You should return them! So glad we got to celebrate your birthday together!!
Mary Ann,
We all have some “bad” in our lives, but it’s nice to hear those we admire sometimes do too. This was honest and actually fun to read…especially the video of the Instagram guy. (Puts a proper perspective on the importance of IG! Haha) You are one of my favorite sites to visit because you are always so down to earth and inspirational.
Happy Birthday…no one would guess your age!
Karen
Thanks so much, Karen!! Isn’t that guy funny?!
Not sure why but I didn’t get this post until today and I’m disappointed because I now have to wish you a Happy “Belated” Birthday! If I had to guess, I’d say you were celebrating your 43 birthday! Honey…you look marvelous! Love this Good and Bad post, if my day is heading toward bad, I look at CCH archives and my day turns immediately to good! Thank you for all the good you’ve brought into my life.
I cringed when I saw the black candle wax dropped down your pretty candlesticks onto your mantle top. Did it stain the white paint? I got red wax on white painted surface and it stained it pink!
Then sweet Chief, his adorable smile made my heart smile. It also made me smile that your bedroom does not always look like a photo from a magazine which proves you are just like the rest of us.
I’m etching your compliment suggestions in my brain, I never can think of something like that to say.
I’ll make all my friends follow you on Instagram but doubt that will give you enough to “swipe up!”
I sincerely wish you a great birthday year ahead.
XOXO
GAIL, I adore YOU. Yes, the black wax stained the mantel…and I even chipped some of the paint trying to get it off. C’est la vie!
Happy birthday Mary Ann! You were one of the first people I ever followed and still do. You are so real and I really enjoy your posts, travels, food ideas, and decorating! You always inspire me and that’s what good blogs are supposed to do! Your kids seem like such great adults, know you are proud of them. I remember when you fell over Chief, never knew how bad that break was, yikes!
Have a great trip and again, happy birthday! PS that video…..😂
Susan
Thank you SO much Susan…the fact that you would remember me tripping over Chief…that bad day. Everything is good now tho. Sending a hug.
Mary Ann,
I love your blog, but I have to say that this was my favorite post ever! It made me smile, and the video made me laugh. Everyone tries to paint such a perfect life on social media, but the reality of it is that no one has the perfect life, husband, kids, house, etc. I love that you gave us a glimpse of your “real” life! Happy Birthday!!
Yep, Kathy, no one has a perfect life. Should I show more of it in the future?
I would love that!!
Mary Ann,
Thank you for keepin’ In real! I absolutely adore you. Getting your blog post is always a highlight!!! Happy birthday!
Thanks so much, Adrienne!!!
Happy Birthday and thanks for all that you shared today. I have followed you for a long time and am so inspired by your wonderful design work and friendly personality. I moved from Orange County to Virginia many years ago and find I enjoy glimpses of my home state from your blog. I think it’s beneficial for everyone to see the “good” and “bad” …but your “good” is great.
You are the best, Karen!!!
Happy Birthday Mary Ann! I really enjoyed the “bad” and your ability to smile and move on, accentuating the good. Your help on our kitchen and living room redo has been invaluable and it is really coming together. I can’t wait to share it with family and friends by Thanksgiving! I’ll be in touch soon with questions on a couple of details.
Thanks for everything and enjoy the rest of Birthday month!
Yay! Your home is starting to look so GREAT!
The happiest of birthdays to you!!! I really like your blog, and the pictures are great. I think the good and bad post was great–your “bad” picture of your bedroom would be my “good!” Ha. Thank you for being such an inspiration.
Thanks for this sweet comment, Nancee. Means a lot to me.
PHEW!!!!!
I was bracing myself for bad news, really bad!
still cannot believe you are 63, come on girlfriend, do a post on your secrets please :-). by the way, that was my compliment for you!!
xx
debra
And I can’t believe what a dynamo you are, Debra!
Hope you had a wonderful birthday!! You look fantastic Mary Ann! Whatever you’re doing I need the directions please! Thanks for always keeping it real. xoxo, Nancy
Thanks so much, Nancy!!
Happy birthday!! Seeing this post, makes me not feel so bad about my messy house!! 😉
I’ll take 63! Got you beat by ten years. Happy Birthday!
All the best to you, Shari!
Have a very, very Happy Birthday beautiful lady ! And no, you definitely did not overshare ! It makes a reader feel better to see ‘reality’ sometimes. As a subscriber to your blog, and other lovely blogs, you can sometimes feel a little bad about your own messy home. It’s nice to see that even our favorite bloggers have real life moments !!
Thanks, Patricia. I think I will show more of our messes once in a while as things can still be “lived in” but pretty!
Happy, happy bday! Great post. Watch out for stairs-they can be evil👿 (personal experience).
I know…they scare me now.
Happy Birthday!
That ankle- yikes
Those candles – yuck
This blog- wonderful
Thanks, Joy…I was worried it was too much BAD news.
Happy Birthday Mary Ann!! You do not look 63!! I turned 62 in August…not an easy pill to swallow but thank goodness I am healthy! I had a very bad case of anxiety & depression (runs in my family) 2 years ago due to a lot of stress/life circumstances. Guess I’m oversharing too lol. Exercise was always my outlet for stress, but when my foot problems set in I was not able to workout. Luckily I got the right treatment and have pretty much been back to normal…exercising again too! :o)
That x-ray is awful…ouch!! Thanks for sharing the good and not so good things…no one’s life is perfect that’s for sure.
Linda
Linda! You have inspried me to get some exercise today!!! Your comment is so important to me!
Glad to hear that I inspired you Mary Ann! Exercising has been a part of my life for so long…my husband and I actually met at the gym in 1995. Now if I could only get him to exercise like he used to. :o)
Mares I just loved this post! Truly we get caught up on all the beautiful pics of instagram and forget what’s “real” life. Thank you for this post. A lot of us needed to see this. Happy Birthday.
Thanks, Cutie!!!
This was a fun little post! None of us have perfect lives but the internet has a way of only showing the best – perfectly styled homes, lovely families, expensive ever revolving wardrobes…Thank you for sharing the Bad side.
I saw that video and enjoyed it so much I now follow him. He hit it right on! I watch these stories and they always start the same way. Lol
Happy Birthday! I’m 66. We have so much more life to enjoy. The good definitely overshadows the bad (your ankle/my joint replacements). BTW You look wonderful at 63 years young.
Thanks, Joanna! Isn’t he funny? Even with my wardrobe posts…I always incorporate things I already own.
I cannot believe you are in your sixties! I figured with grown children you must be barely 50. We are about the same height and I love all your cute outfits. I have been dieting to be able to wear something similar. I’m 65. Have a wonderful birthday 🎂
My kids are 31 and 26…I can hardly believe I’m “in my EARLY 60’s” 🙂 either. Thank you!!!
Ouch!!! So glad you’re able to walk after your break. Hoping the pain eases over time for you. Thanks for sharing the less glamorous side of your life. Wishing you a wonderful trip with your husband. Now that’s glamorous 😊
I’m getting excited for the trip, Peggy!
Happy Birthday and thanks for the Sunday at 4 photo ❤️! You version of “BAD” is my version of keeping it real. Life is not perfect for any of us so that gentle reminder is appreciated.
Thanks, Denise! The other side of the room looked even worse!
Such a fun post! Thanks for sharing. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday and a wonderful year ahead.
HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON, MINDY!
Hi Mary Ann,
Happy Birthday! That’s for sharing the other side of things. I am 61. I still need to send you photos of how our bathroom turned out. You helped me with mirror and light fixture selection. It turned out great. Sometime next year when we move to SC I will be contacting you again. I have been following your blog for a long time now, not sure 5-8 years. Had a stent put in yesterday, hows that for over sharing, but it’s a relief to to worry about that heart blockage anymore and I feel wonderful. Love your blog, think you are great and have it very together. Besides that you seem like a genuine nice person. Love that! You also have genuine talent, too.
Thanks so much, Debbie! Good luck with your health. Send a photo of the bathroom!
Happy Birthday! 🎉
Loved this post
Thanks, Dana.
Mary Ann, I have been following your blog for years, but I have never felt inclined to comment until today! Your post so resonates with me. I too love looking at all things pretty on Instagram, etc., but I so often find I’m reminding myself that all we see on Instagram, etc. isn’t actually real life. I turned 60 last week and as I have been reflecting on this later phase of my life, I realize I certainly still want pretty in my life and home (and hope I always do), but I also want the prettiness combined with simplicity, realism, and practicality. I feel you have shown a bit of that today in your post. I have wondered before where your television sits in your beautiful apartment. So glad to finally see it!!! It seems to be in a perfect location. Thank you, thank you for this real life post. It made my day.
Thanks, Mary. My son said I may be oversharing but that funny video reminded me of how it’s important to inspire but to show real life. You’re only 60! Still a youngster 🙂 Thanks so much for commenting…made MY day.
Thanks for keeping it real with a good sense of humor! Your posts are fun, informative, helpful and never fail to entertain your followers! Happy Birthday to a beautiful woman inside and out😍
THANK YOU, LINDA!
DID YOU GET HER BOOK?IF NOT THAT will be my gift TO YOU!
I was walking by when she was signing her books!I love that her FATHER did CHARLIE and THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY!I had tickets for BUNNY WILLIAMS the next day and thought of YOU!But I ended up not going!Next year let’s plan it!YOU are so close………..
I hope you made it back today I did hear they weren’t closing the tunnel!!!
LUNCH next WEDNESDAY if your in my HOOD to CELEBRATE?
Let me know about THAT book with a YES or NO!
HAPPY HAPPY DAY AFTER 63!!!!!!!!!!
XOXO
Yes, I got the book …thanks! Been swamped today. We have to go to the Fall Show together next year. Kim wants to go too.
Happy Birthday! I love your blog and look forward to reading every new edition. Keep up the good ideas ….I like your style and the realistic options you offer. Everything you show is not super expensive and out of reach for many people. We don’t all choose to spend our extra money on decorating…maybe traveling or saving for retirement are more important…but it’s nice to have some options that make our homes and lives better without having to disrupt our budgets. Have a wonderful year!!
Thanks, Catharine. I do try to keep it realistic from a budget standpoint…I personally don’t need a lot of “stuff’ anymore but tweaks can help. And sometimes you just have to replace things….like upholstery. YOU have a wonderful year!!
Happy Birthday—-you look so much younger by the way!
Loved the good/bad —-that guy’s video was so funny (and a little-too-true 🙉).
I really enjoy your blog and your IG feed.
Thanks so much, Carol…love your feed!!!
Happy Birthday! Great post. Reality and humor. Thank you.
Thanks, Helen!!!
Happy Birthday…and remember “age is but a number” I turned 65 this year, and yes, as we age, we see the changes in our bodies, minds, etc. It was very strange to file for Medicare and all that goes with it, but I am so grateful that I am in good health, have great friends and family. I love your blog and all that you do for your readers….you add “sunshine” to our lives. Thanks again, and enjoy your special day ( I am sure you will get the book, it is great!)
Thanks so much, Cheryl. I had a great day…and your comment made it even better!
Happy birthday, hope it was a good one! My bedroom looks like that as well, on a weekend, ha! Too bad your ankle still gives you problem, I blame the weather on my knee! As far as those darn stairs I am so glad for my 1 story home. I try to avoid stairs at all costs, I have seen to many falls with family and friends.
Yes, same here…worse with cold damp weather. I just always hold the banister now!! Thanks for commenting, Shelly.
Happy Birthday – thank you for sharing your work with us, and for letting us in on the “real”. Of course most grown people understand that snapshots are just that – snapshots – not the whole camera roll, but it’s always reassuring to see the left side of a terrific decorators fireplace.
Good lard, your ankle! It makes me hurt to look at it. I’m so sorry that happened to you, I’m sure it does still hurt. Yikes.
Thanks so much!! Sometimes even when taking photos of client’s homes, I just move things out of the way 🙂 we all have messes.
Sorry for complaining about my ankle. People have much worse miseries!!
Happy Birthday!!! I just LOVE your view!
Thanks Ron! Me too!
What a fun post – well, except for those candles! Thanks for the warning – ha! And Happy Birthday! There is no way you are 63! You look incredible!
Cheers!
Shelley
You are so sweet!!
Your honesty made my day……just reaffirmed that i know most of what I see on blogs and instagram is not real everyday living, but I still can go down that rabbit hole.
That’s so true!!
Happy Birthday! Mine is on the 10th. 🙂 But you DO NOT look 63, more like 33!!
Have a great day!!
So sweet!!!
Happy Birthday, Mary Ann. I turned 64 on September 10. We are closer in age than I thought.
Great post!
Yes, Kim. I thought you were a lot younger!
Happy Birthday Mary Ann,
Thanks for “keeping it real”. We all aspire to have picture perfect homes but the reality is we have to live our lives and share our lives with others (Sunday football & the humungous TV). Living our lives with gratitude and lovely blogs like yours.
Yep!! REAL for sure.
Happy Birthday Mary Ann,
Thanks for “keeping it real”. We all aspire to have picture perfect homes but the reality is we have to live our lives and share our lives with others (Sunday football & the humungous TV). Living our lives with gratitude and lovely blogs like yours.
Great post! Keeping it real. I find the need to accommodate the people I live with means I make compromises and the house only rarely looks the “beautiful” way I prefer it to look.
I know what you mean. When we had little kids, though, every night I would pick things up and chalk it up to “exercising” 🙂
Happy Birthday! Best post ever!
Thanks, Cheryl. When my son called to wish me a happy birthday this morning I told him about the post and he said “Mom, you may be oversharing.” But you guys have been hanging with me a long time.
Your compliment tips are wonderful. And it’s true that we shouldn’t just say nice things about someone’s appearance.
Good luck with the ankle. I hope it keeps getting stronger.
Merci beaucoup! I’ve come such a long way from the cast and crutches and then boot. And if you saw the stairs, you’d know that I’m lucky to be alive! So it’s all good, really.
Happy Birthday! I enjoy your blog. I already follow you on instagram and enjoy that too! This is a great post. I can’t believe those candles! That IS bad. Sheesh
I KNOW. There is still some on the mantel and floor :/
I love your blog and never thought to follow you on instagram! So now, because of your post, I just started following you! One closer to the 10K (and you are VERY close!).
Ha!!! Thanks so much, Lisa. 🙂
HAppy birthday to a beautiful lady inside and out! Thanks for sharing the good and the bad and for ideas on how to compliment other stuff in such a beautiful and meaningful way!
You are the best, Jackie! And THAT is a sincere compliment!