What I’m Packing For A Long Weekend In L.A.
Hello! We are planning a quick trip to Los Angeles to see the kids and celebrate my birthday. I’m sharing what I’m packing along with a delicious chicken dish that Mercedes made recently and another great book to read or listen to. It’s Sunday Faves time with Annie and Cindy!
Packing For A Long Weekend In L.A.
It’s still going to be warm the first week of October in Los Angeles so I am packing layers.
Casual Barn Jacket and Denim Outfit
This classic barn jacket is a brand new version from J. Crew. It has a plaid lining and roomy pockets. I will be grabbing this a lot this coming season since it goes with everything.
Dinner with Howard in Santa Barbara – Slim Skirt and Sweater
While in Southern California, we are making a quick trip up to Santa Barbara and I’m taking this Tuckernuck outfit (a 70th birthday present to myself–Howard you are off the hook).
Pencil/fitted skirts are in style this season and practically everyone looks good in one if you get the correct fit. In my case, I go up a size and have it shortened if not in a petite size.
I bought this soft embroidered cardigan and jacquard skirt recently. The skirt is already backordered online. I will wear the cardigan with the skirt and also with denim trousers or ankle black pants. I have that dressier pouch purse with chain and the comfortable Mary Jane flats. The moisturizing lipstick is in a nice shade.
Small Birthday Party At My Daughter and Son-in-law
Alexandra and Luca are planning an al fresco dinner party at their house and I may wear this new soft, airy silk dress.
It’s comfortable, lined and has pockets. I bought the dress locally at a fun shop called Hearth and Soul in Atlantic Beach. The dress is by a new-to-me brand called Rungolee. Have you heard of it? They have some beautiful silk blouses, too, like this one.
These two-inch wider heeled black boots give me a little height but don’t hurt my feet.
Mercedes’ Weeknight Mississippi Chicken
Entering Mercedes and Mark’s house the other night, we were met with a delicious aroma of slow-cooker chicken thighs with garlic and an herby, buttery sauce. It needs six hours to cook in a slow-cooker, so start it early in the day.
You could serve it with rice or potatoes…but it was wonderful the way Mercedes served it with delicate butter noodles. I’d like it once a week!
Mercedes bought the hand-painted plate on her recent trip to the Amalfi coast.
Mississippi Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 8 whole pepperoncini stemmed and halved, plus ½ cup liquid from the jar
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- ¾ cup unsalted butter cut into tablespoons
- 1 cup unsalted chicken stock
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley minced
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh chives
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh dill
- Salt
Instructions
- Sprinkle the onion on the bottom of a 6- to 8-quart slow-cooker, then lay the chicken thighs on top. Add pepperoncini, garlic and butter to the pot, then pour in the stock, pepperoncini liquid and soy sauce. Stir to combine.
- Cover the pot and cook on low for 6 hours. Once the chicken is done, use two forks to gently pull it apart. Add the herbs and mix into the gravy. Taste for salt and serve hot. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
What to Read/Listen To: The Road To Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett
This audiobook made me look forward to getting out and walking (and also the cooler weather).
“A darkly comic and warm-hearted novel about an old man on a cross-country mission to reunite with his high school crush—bringing together his adult daughter, two orphaned kids, and a cat who can predict death.”
PS. I know I tell you all the time about the app from the public library called Libby. Have you gotten it yet? My own husband hasn’t either but…
It’s free and easy once you sign up. You might have to wait a bit for the digital book you want, but eventually you get it. Every time I get a book recommendation, I put it in the search bar on the app and then it gets stored on the Bookshelf. If too many books become available at one time, you can suspend them to accept when you are ready. Plus, if you start reading a book and realize you don’t really like it…just give it back. After all, it was free!
If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
Happy Birthday, all the best Mary Ann!
Happy Birthday!
Wish I could send the screenshot I just took of the expected weather for when you are here in Southern California but alas I can’t.
Just know it will be around 95 degrees during the day so sandals, a white blouse and linen pants would work. Santa Barbara at night will be cooler and you could wear a sweater with those linen pants. But girl dump the boots.
Yes…I check all the time. Going to be hotter than here!
Happy Birthday!
To be your happiest here in So Ca…you may want to rethink your wardrobe. Just know it’s not our normal Chamber of Commerce weather. It was hot and humid even along the coast in Laguna Beach this weekend.
Thanks, Cathy…I will! I see it’s getting hotter in the 10 day forecast. But the evenings can be cool.
Hope your bday is great! October is the best time here in So Cal! Love your outfit choices!
Happy Birthday!!
I too, discovered ‘Libby” this year and it’s been a game changer for my reading habit. I still buy an actual book or two when visiting independent book stores, but Abby is SO handy for traveling; I travel at least 5-6 times a year for business, on top of personal travel, where I’ve been known to devour at least two books a trip.
A great app!
Cheers,
Deb
Happy Birthday Mary Ann! Have a fabulous time with your family celebrating you! Love your Tuckernuck picks. Santa Barbara is so gorgeous and Summerland too. Enjoy x
MA! Love all your 70th birthday celebration choices … from the looks of it 70 is the new 40. You look amazing! xo
Love that skirt and sweater! And looking forward to trying the chicken recipe. Happy Birthday!
Hi Mary Ann,
Happy healthy everything on welcoming your 70th birthday. You are an excellent roll model for how a 70 year old lady can look if they look after themselves on every level.
“You Go Girl”.
Nice your daughter and son-in-law are hosting a dinner party for you.
Love your outfits. My style too. Wowie, you can wear fashionable boots. You are the luckiest girl on the planet.
I am in Howards camp, I need to get current on Libby. Thanks so much for the gentle reminder. Repetition is the mother of learning.
Take TLC and happy birthday for the entire month of October. I am older than you, it’s ok I still like you. 🤣
Happy Birthday! I know it is a big one! Welcome to your seventies! You look darling in that black and white dress. I am continually impressed by the shoes you can still wear, or should I say jealous!! Have fun in L.A and Santa Barbara!
I’ve been celebrating my birthday since you gave me the shell candle sticks months ago 🙂
Happy Birthday! I visited my brothers in SB two weeks ago. My hometown is the prettiest! Your sweater/skirt combo is perfect for a night out!
Thanks, Lulu…it is a pretty place!
Love the skirt and sweater and also the silk dress. So pretty.
Thanks, Kay, for commenting!