Quote of the Day
Summer Reading: Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution
As a completely self-acknowledged history geek, I'm not afraid to admit I love a good historical novel. Romanovs, (I always hope that somehow things will end better for them), Civil War (It's never completely Gone With the Wind....see what I did there. OK, forgive me, it's been a long day), and French Revolution (I think Marie Antoinette was misunderstood) are favorites. However, what I really enjoy, and what I think is the most interesting, are stories that speak to the women of the respective eras - how they lived, who they loved, how the survived. Since history books are often limited to the male-perspective, it's often in historical fiction, where like-minded authors have put together pieces of female history, where I get my fix.
Right now, I'm reading Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution. I've just started, but I can tell that by the end, I'll be heading to Times Square with all the tourists to check out the display for myself!
Happy Weekend!
Friday Finds
This week has been a busy one to say the least. (And the pace doesn't seem to be slowing any time soon!) However, it's starting to really heat up (bring on the humidity!), and that alone is cause for celebration in my book. Here are a few things I'm excited about this week:
- These summer salads are beyond gorgeous. I want to try them all - especially this one and this one.
- Trying to have a sense of style in small space is undeniably hard. This guide makes breaks it down.
- June marks the beginning of wedding season. Ensure your complexion looks fab for the big day (even if it's not YOUR big day).
- Sharon Tate seems to be having another moment. This photo is my favorite.
- I'm a serious low-maintenance hair girl. However, this topsy-tail throw-back style has me intrigued.
Friday Finds
-On this cloudy Friday, I'm dreaming about Central Park picnics. This service makes prep even easier - and would make such a fun gift!
- Heading to Liberty State Park this weekend? Here is some polo-appropriate style inspiration.
- Stumbled upon this amazing blog and am already addicted.
- Gearing up for the summer means clam bakes at the lake. No beach? No problem! Create a stove-top version.
-Gwyneth is goop-ifying the beauty scene and you know it's going to be perfect.
Everyday Indulgences
During a busy week, it's always nice to take a deep breath with a relaxing night in. Tonight is that night, and I'm indulging in a few little at-home treatments.
- A pretty scented spring candle can transform any room.
- A fresh pedi. Tonight's color of choice is Clinique's Really Rio.
- An at-home facial treatment with Rouge Bunny Rouge's Make-Up Melt Cleanser. Total bliss and super smooth skin.
- The latest issue of Vogue.
- Early bedtime. A luxury like no other.
Happy Memorial Day
Friday Finds: Hostess Gifts
Memorial Day Weekend is the official kick off to the summer season, and means attending brunches, BBQs and long weekends. While a bottle of wine is never amiss, especially if it's the hostess' favorite, here a few fresh ideas to show your thanks:
1. Coffee Table Books. Purchasing them for yourself can feel a bit indulgent, but getting them as a gift feels just right! It also shows you know her taste and style, double win. (image)
2. Kitchen Accessories. I love a pretty apron (no sayings please!). Done right, these are fashionable meets function = an invite back. Pair with a fun ice-cube tray for the hostess who loves a fabulous cocktail (nothing dresses up a cocktail like a pineapple ice cube!). (image, image)
3. Cin Cin! Champagne is always a good idea, so is a summer rosado for dining al fresco. (image)
4. Monogrammed Anything. Show your appreciation by going the extra mile with a well placed monogram. Who could resist these? (image)
5. Say It With Flowers. Who doesn't love a big bouquet of their favorite flowers? Not sure what hers are? You can't go wrong with peonies in the spring or sunflowers or lilacs in the summer.
MC Moves: Yoga
Image Source
Fact: I want to be a person who loves to workout and get that endorphin high I recognize how good it is for you - everything from your bones to your skin benefits from a good sweat session, but I can't seem to get into any sort of rhythm. It seems that when things get busy, it's the first thing you should do, and more often than not, the last thing I do, do, favoring instead sleeping or writing or late night closet organizing. However, when obsessive thoughts get to be a bit more crazy than usual, I know it's time to do some yoga. I've taken classes - hot is my favorite - and I know how beneficial it really is (kept sanity in check throughout the entire wedding planning process thankyouverymuch!). For me it's less about the physical challenge, although, that is, of course, a great side benefit, and more so about the mental challenge of honing in and tuning out. And with that said, I'm off to put in some mat time.
Here are a few more reasons to do those sun salutes.