On Tuesday, we are flying to Los Angeles to meet our new granddaughter! Here’s what I plan to wear on the plane (think layers and comfort), the delicious and healthy breakfast that I am making again, and some good things to watch on the screen!
It’s time for my favorite things with Annie and Cindy.
What To Eat — Anti-inflammatory Foods
This article by Better Homes & Gardens “8 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Add to Your Diet” is a good reminder. Takeaway: It seems that we can all start our day out right with berries and whole grains. It’s been a while but, this Oatmeal Yogurt Parfait going back into my repertoire for breakfast.
This is great for a quick breakfast. Mix the night before you serve it. It keeps as long as the expiration date of the yogurt
- 32 oz container vanilla (not Greek) yogurt
- 2 cups plain uncooked oatmeal
- 1 small can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 2/3 cup sliced almonds
-
Stir and serve in the morning with fresh fruit. I've used strawberries, blueberries, apples, and peaches…whatever fruit we have on hand.

I have used sliced peaches, too. Try a different fruit each morning.
What To Watch
Elvis the Movie
When Howard went to a football game, I watched “Elvis” on television at home (I paid $20 for it). But I kept thinking how great the movie would be on the big screen. So I would recommend that. It’s really good.
Downtown Abbey Movie: A New Era
This was fun to have the gang back!
What To Wear To Dinner – A Comfortable Maxi Dress
This comfortable maxi dress from Anthropologie comes in Petite, Regular, and Plus sizes.

Other colors:

Our New Bedroom Sneak Peek
Next Thursday, I’m planning to show you our bedroom. It’s really huge so I can’t say it’s finished. But here is a sneak peek…

Wear On The Plane Travel Outfit
Since it will be hot in Jacksonville and hot in Los Angeles, I’m thinking comfort and layers will be key.
I tried the leopard print cardigan on in the J. Crew store. It’s nice and lightweight but I do not need any more sweaters! I will wear one of these that I already have with the comfy sneakers. I have the hair claws and carry one in my purse to get my hair off my neck when it’s hot. The Sugar lip treatment is hydrating and tinted for the high altitude.

Here are the links to the items above:
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:
Susan and I are nothing but thrilled for Picketts one and all. Aunt Louise is taking an extra somersault in Heaven in honor of little Louisa. Love from the Lemanns
I think Mom is happy too, Walter!
Congratulations on your granddaughter! I am so excited for you and Howard! I cannot wait to see the hundreds of photos! Enjoy your trip! Love this outfit, great for travel and for a casual day out.
Looks like I be updating my breakfast menu. Yogurt parfait, please! So excited for you and Howard and the arrival of baby Louisa. You’re going to be the casually, chic-est grandparents ever. My nieces went to see the Elvis movie and now they’re Elvis obsessed. They’re reading and watching everything they can about him. I’m a little amused that they think they’ve discovered something new. Can’t wait to see it myself … sounds like the theater experience may be the way to go. But let’s face it, I’m going to pay for the sofa experience … and it will be just fine. Happy travels!!! xo
Great post! I, too, LOVED ELVIS! Truly thought it was an excellent movie. Now, for the highlight of your post! Grandma and Grandpa are going to meet the baby that will truly change their lives forever. I can remember thinking the first time I saw my first granddaughter, “Oh, now I get it! This is what it’s all about!” You said you would take a few pictures? I think several hundred is far more likely! Congratulations!
Hi Mary Ann,
I’m so excited for you to meet your new grandchild! What a wonderful blessing to your life.
I start almost every day with a yogurt parfait, I make my own granola with GF oatmeal, use fresh berries always, and Greek yogurt with lots of protein. I don’t get hungry again until 2, often not at all! A perfect start to the day.
That dress is cute on you, and I like your travel outfit! I have a similar sweater that I wear as a top, gosh I wish I had travel plans!!
Xoxo Heidi
I look forward to trying your oatmeal parfait: looks much more enjoyable than standard OATMEAL! I have been cooking groats with a bit of brown sugar or agave, a diced apple and orange peel/cardamom spice. Then we add a dollop of yogurt, nuts and dried berries: similar to a parfait, but warm (and requires cooking time).
Enjoy this unforgettable week meeting your new granddaughter!
Oh my, Mary Ann! I can’t wait to see photos of your precious granddaughter. So special! Enjoy, they grow up so fast.
I will try to snap some, Kathy!
You are in my thoughts, it’s such a special time in all of your lives. How exciting to be present for your first granddaughter.
I know…we are excited!
The breakfast recipe looks healthy & delish. It says to Not use Greek yogurt. Why? I thought Greek yogurt was the healthiest.
Congratulations! Your first grandchild! You will be instantly in love.
I think it is because the Greek yogurt separates…but you could just stir it more often.
I’ll try it with a small amount and see how it holds up. I eat berries on yogurt most days for lunch but can switch that to breakfast.
Mary Ann,
Do you use instant or old fashioned oats for your parfait?
Old fashioned…but not the steel cut.
Congratulations on your soon-to-be literal coastal grandma status!! Love your travel outfit. I recently bought the leopard print J Crew sweater, such great warm colors.
Oh…I am so torn about buying it, Sarah!
Congratulations! Such an exciting time. How fun to have a new little baby girl.:)
Can’t wait…almost time, Cathy.
Enjoyed your Sunday post. Thanks for the recommendations.
Thanks, Linda!
Mary Ann! You look stunning in your maxi dress! I want to try it on in a tall! xx
Mari Ann so excited for you! What a fun time. Love your airport look and the pretty maxi dress. I make a similar breakfast parfait with Max’s granola! Elvis looks good! I will have to watch.. Max didn’t want to go see it in the theatre either. Have a great trip!! xo
Thanks Kim! I still want to make Max’s granola
Mary Ann
Steve has been eating a version of that Parfait since you first introduced us to it! We don’t even overnight it. I think that black dress is darling on you and your plane outfit is fabulous. I don’t know anyone that looks better in a cardigan than you! I am so long waisted I have the same problem with cardigans and shirtdresses! Otherwise I would be all over that outfit!
I bet Steve’s cholesterol is good!!!
Can’t wait for your granddaughter’s arrival!! How exciting for you and your husband!!!!!! Enjoy your time with your first granddaughter!!! Safe travels!!😊
Thanks so much, Sandra!!
I just bought that exact same bow front chest that’s in your bedroom picture. I love it!
We like it too!! We have two of them.
Have a wonderful time meeting your grandchild!!!! Can’t wait to hear more! I’ve forced myself to start eating berries for breakfast too. I also ordered beetroot powder from Costco to sprinkle on top. I recently read all the benefits of that. Hope it’s tolerable haha
oh I wish I liked beets! Can you taste them?
I don’t like them either! The first time I tried them I added the recommended teaspoon and needed up throwing the whole thing away lol 😆 The second day I added a 1/4t and really can’t taste them! I use the frozen organic blueberries from Costco so there’s some blueberry juice there that helps mask the taste – it definitely wouldn’t work with fresh berries (for me anyway lol). Can’t wait to see pics of Louisa! Congratulations!
I have been making the Oatmeal Yogurt Parfait on rotation for awhile. It’s so quick and easy. I don’t recall where I found the recipe. Possibly on your blog? I enjoy all the recipes that you share. Is there a quick easy way to access them on your blog?
Thanks for sharing!
Yes…it was on the blog a few years ago. I’m ready to start making it again! You can switch up the fruit to make it differently.