Summer Faves, Aperol Spritz Cocktail, Pavlova, Cute Walking Shoes
We are having a much-needed relaxing weekend at home! How about you? I’m excited to share my Summery Five Faves including a refreshing Aperol Spritz cocktail, a cool new shop, my favorite comfortable walking loafers, and more! And Annie and Cindy are sharing theirs too.
Blu Canoe Shop On Balboa Island
It’s so exciting that one of my favorite bloggers/designers Kelley from Kelley and Company has opened a little shop on Balboa Island in Newport Beach. I stopped by last week. I wanted one of everything! Stop by if you can and tell them I sent you 🙂
This is Kelley’s Instagram.
The Contessa’s Birthday At Juliet’s House
I had such a nice time at Juliet’s house (Make Mine A Spritzer) celebrating the Contessa’s birthday! Kim from Northern California Style organized us and we also had one of my favorite artists, Heidi from Heidi Michele Art Studio (she made the flowers we are wearing).
Everyone brought food except me as I had the jetlag excuse. We got back two days before–9-hour time difference :/
You can read more about our luncheon here over at the Contessa’s. It was really relaxing and the food was great too!
Pavlova with Berries
Speaking of which, I asked the Contessa for the link to her Pavlova recipe.
She was at the airport on her way to a wedding and texted this to me instead. She makes it sound easy…
- four egg whites, beat until stiff
- add 1 1/4 cups sugar bit by bit
- add one teaspoon vanilla and one teaspoon lemon juice
- two teaspoons corn starch
- on parchment paper make a round circle (use a plate and pencil for a template)
- pour and spread the mixture
- bake at 300 degrees for one hour
- whip cream and add on top
- add berries
I’m going to give it a shot!!!
You may also like this Blueberry Lemon Tart Recipe.
Trader Joe’s Honest and Humorous Reviews
The girls on our trip were talking about how much they love Alex Beggs Reviews in Bon Appetit. Check it out! I’m thinking I need the Spicy Mango lemonade to mix with iced tea.
Aperol Spritz Cocktail
Yes, this cocktail has been around for a while but I just fell in love with it again in Italy. And they are a cinch to make.
Here we are with the McGowans in Rome before going to dinner.
Aperol is a bitter/sweet orange liqueur with notes of herbs and rhubarb. It was invented in Padua, Italy, back in 1919 by a pair of Italian brothers, and it’s been a cultural institution ever since. Light and palate-cleansing, it makes a refreshing aperitivo.
To make one, all you need to do is pour
- 3 oz. prosecco and
- 1.5 oz. Aperol liqueur
- over ice, stir once,
- then top off with a splash of club soda
- and an orange slice to garnish.
- I basically just “eyeball” the measurements
Easy Layered Outfit With Great Walking Shoes
The main thing I want to share is how comfortable these Birdie loafers are! My feet happily walk the several blocks to my hair salon. I noticed that the Contessa has the same pair. I usually wear a 7.5 in Birdies but since this material stretches, I got a 7.0. There are other colors.
belt • sunglasses • long lightweight cardigan • crew neck tee • skinny jeans (40% off) • necklace (similar) • crossbody bag • pretty neutral lipstick • Birdie loafers
Let’s check out what Cindy and Annie have for us!
Mary Ann,
I’m happy you’re home and getting some R & R. I love the outfit. I own some Birdies loafers and they are so comfortable, like slippers.
Have a great week.
Karen
Lovely green dress at the girls’ party! Can you tell me about it?
Thanks! I got it last year at Anthropologie. They might still have it.
The Blue Canoe … I can tell it’s going to be my favorite shop too! When we make our annual holiday pilgrimage to SoCa I’ll (leave extra room in my luggage and) swing by. Contessa’s birthday lunch was so much fun and I’m glad you wrangled her Pavola recipe … I want to make it too. Do you know I ate it for breakfast lunch and dinner the following day. Truth. The Aperol Spritz is my very favorite cocktail … after the classic Spritzer, of course. It’s the perfect summer drink … heck its the perfect year round drink. Cheers! xo
Wow! I would love to have some pavola for breakfast right now!
Love the outfit
NOW I HAVE THE JETLAG AS I JUST GOT HOME LATE LAST NIGHT!
PAVLOVA is EASY…….YOU CAND DO IT!
I DIDNOT KNOW HEIDI MADE THOSE FLOWERS?!!!
I HAVE MINE ON A LAMPSHADE!
I HAVE THOSE BIRDIES IN YELLOW AND BROWN I LOVE THEM AND SO DOES THE ROTTI PUP!!!!
LET ME KNOW HOW YOURS COMES OUT!
XXX
Don’t men to get too personal but would you mind sharing your height , weight and the size of the clothes when you post. Several other bloggers do. It helps to know if that would look like on the readers. I know you re short like me so I would be interested in knowing if the jeans and t shirt are petites
That’s a good idea, Cathy. I’m only 5’1″ and around 121 (I’m always working on that). Usually, I will order a petite small or medium if available but since I am long waisted, sometimes regular fits better and with dresses I can just wear longer (like a midi is a maxi on me). But yes, those jeans (size 27 petite) and t-shirts (petite medium) come in regular and long too.
Can’t believe we both featured birdies this week! Great minds think alike. I need to make pavlova!! So sorry I missed Eliz celebration!!
We really missed you, Cindy. Let’s plan another lunch!
Mary Ann, so much good info in today’s post. I love Aperol spritzers and you have reminded me how much I will need one this evening. Love the outfit….also looks like the perfect thing to wear on a plane. Both you and Cindy have mentioned Birdies and wonder if they work with someone who has a bunion….? Love the photo of Rome….I cannot wait for our trip to Europe in December. Happy Sunday!
I have the beginnings of a bunion on my right foot and I love them. Cindy has bunions, too, and she likes them. But they might not work for everyone.
Good morning dear Mary Ann, love to read your blog so many good years of following you.
From Newport Beach to the BIG CITY. Your daughters wedding was beautiful and she is gorgeous.
Also love the Blue Canoe a great shop for all to visit.
Thanks for being a faithful friend, Mary Ann!