Happy New Year! Today for my Five Faves with Annie and Cindy I’d like to share my new comfortable washable loafers, my cousin’s gazpacho recipe, and other things I’m loving!
But first, how are you feeling about 2022? Let’s go in with the glass half full and a smile in our hearts. That’s what I’m telling myself anyway. And a reader reminded me of this post from last January about “Five Ways To A Healthier You.”
I’m starting today!
1. What To Eat: Walter’s Famous Healthy Gazpacho
Besides being a brilliant neurologist, my cousin Walter Lemann is a perfectionist when it comes to cooking! Take it away, Walter…
“I am so excited and flattered that Mary Ann invited me to join Classic Casual Home as your occasional culinary contributor. Our first offering is a super healthy treat. Besides being 100% gluten-free (leave off the bread), it is vegan and Kosher. What food boasts all of that and tastes so good. Served ice cold from the frig, I enjoy a small bowl or glass every day.”
Ingredients:
- Diced or Chef’s cut canned tomatoes, One 28 oz. and one 15 oz can (juice and all)
- Lemon or lime juice 2-3 Tbs
- Long cucumber, use half of it cut in chunks
- Onion half large or 1 whole medium cut in chunks
- Large green bell pepper half cut in chunks
- Garlic cloves 3 to 4 or 5 to 6
- Cilantro, half a large bunch, stems and all
- Salt 2 tsp or more
- ground black pepper to taste.
- Tabasco or Sriracha to taste, if you like it spicy.
Sriracha is pretty thick so I would add it toward the bottom so it gets thoroughly distributed - Stale white bread 1-2 pieces to thicken (optional)
Directions: Place 1/3 of tomatoes in a blender. (I have a Kitchen Aid 2 quart capacity with all the bells and whistles). Then add all other ingredients. Put the remainder of the tomatoes on top. Then add cilantro and bread (if using it). Now add all the rest of the big tomato can. Pulse on chop, then on the mix. Push chunks down with a spatula. Now add the 15 oz tomato can and chop and mix. Refrigerate in the coldest area of the frig.
2. What To Watch “Being The Ricardos” Movie on Prime Video
This was an interesting recreation of Lucy and Desi Arnaz’s complicated relationship. I won’t say too much more, but Howard and I enjoyed it.
“In 1952, Hollywood power couple Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz face personal and professional obstacles that threaten their careers, their relationship, and their hit television show.”
3. What To Wear: Birdies Super Comfortable, Washable Loafers
My husband, Howard knows I like Birdies shoes (especially their flats). The Birdies SF store is right next to his favorite sports bar (convenient). For Christmas, he gave me the Blackbird shoe in camouflage. I already had them in black. I normally wear a size 7 and in the pointed styles like this 7.5 (he bought the correct size). HAPPY FEET!
Camouflage Loafers • Crossbody Bag • Sunglasses • Black Jeans • Black Sweater • Olive Cardigan (Similar)
Other Birdies That I Love:
4. What To Listen To: “Glory Over Everything” Book By Kathleen Grissom
Once I started, I didn’t want to stop listening to this audiotape version. I highly recommend it. It’s about slavery in the South and personal trials. Once again, I got it for free from the public library on the “Libby” app.
5. Home Refresh With Anthropologie
Around this time of year, people feel like refreshing their interiors. I got some ideas while in Los Angeles last week at Anthropologie in Century City.
That long Kantha-stitched lumbar would freshen up a bed (LOVE it) and one of those capiz shell hurricanes would be pretty with a candle on the coffee table (while we still have long nights).
Also, if organizing is on your mind, Anthro has some pretty baskets such as:
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:
Terence Lewis professional training institute says
Great Blog had a good time reading it.
Nan, Odessa, DE says
Mary Ann, help me find a short, long cardigan.
I am short, heavy, and the cardigans I like are down to the calf in my leg! Where is a short, light weight sweater??? Thanking you in advance.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Look for places that carry petite sizes…like Banana Republic (that’s where the one above was from) or Nordstrom.
Wren says
P.s. put the audio book onto the wait list at Libby (2 weeks)
Mary Ann Pickett says
Good job!
Karen B. says
Mary Ann,
Cindy, Annie, and you start the week every Sunday with wonderful things. Thank you. I love the single pair of Birdies I have, they are as close to slippers as they could be. I will have to download Kathleen Grissom’s books. I really enjoy audible books.
Happy New Year my friend.
Karen B.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Karen for reading and commenting!!
Wren says
Hi Mary Ann, As I told Cindy, I don’t remember how or when I found your blogs but I think it was at the beginning of lockdown. You were kind enough to tell me where you purchased burlap ribbon with Merry Christmas scripted in red that you used last Christmas so it’s been over a year.
You, Cindy and Kim are my favs and it just so happens, you are all Californians! Maybe that’s why I enjoy your posts so much; I can relate. Every item you mention in the post today looks like a winner!
All best in the new year~
Mary Ann Pickett says
What a nice comment, Wren!
Paula Clifton Messimer says
I just recently found you. Thank you so much for your hard work for the blog. I know this Texas girl is happy to read your information.
Paula
Mary Ann Pickett says
Welcome. Paula. I love Texas!
cindy says
Hi Mary Ann
Love those Birdies. I don’t think I can wear that style because of my bunion. I should ask Teresa! Otherwise I would be all in. Love the whole outfit. Love gazpacho and that o e sounds delicious!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Oh, I am not sure about that. I got Teresa the Starling in wide for the bunion.
Lynne says
Happy 2022, Mary Ann!
Thank you for the recipe! It looks like a very health one to have on hand!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Yes! Happy New Year, Lynne!
Debra says
Thanks for continuing to promote your library’s ebook collection. Particularly during the Omicron outbreak, it’s great to have at-home access to thousands of titles. Can you tell I work at a library?
Mary Ann Pickett says
You have a noble profession, Debra. I sure love the ease of the Libby app! All for free. It’s amazing. I keep telling my husband about it (he buys audiobooks on tape)…oh well.
Annie Diamond says
Mary Ann! You look gorgeous in your olive green cardigan and camo Birdies! Such a great look! I can’t wait to try Walter’s healthy gazpacho! What a fu idea to have a contributor!
xx
Mary Ann Pickett says
I can’t wait to try your muffins!
Stephanie says
I want to make Walter’s gazpacho! And that woven leather basket would be perfect to store all the reading materials in the family room! Happy New Year!
Mary Ann Pickett says
I’m making his soup, too, I have all the ingredients. I think I will leave out the bread. Time for a body reset after the holidays!
Amy says
I love to read your emails each Sunday! Also, just wanted to say that in the photo above you look so happy, and your hair looks amazing. Happy New Year!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks so much, Amy. I am happy! I used the hairdryer brush that Cindy recommends in her post today (but I waited until it was mostly airdried).
Happy New Year to you!!