Shannon Ables's Blog, page 253

This & That: June 23, 2017

Beauty
— Dr. Dream Dream Age Rejuvenating Serum

A reasonably priced top quality anti-age serum was something I discovered recently on Violet Grey’s beauty website. Enabling skin to become smoother, brighter and healthier, the rose stem cell extract can reduce fine lines, hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. One of the best ways of presenting our best face, I have found, is less about the makeup we use and rather about how we care for our skin, and this luxurious addition to our everyday beauty routine may just be the missing piece.

Books
—Meet Me in the In-Between: A Memoir by Bella Pollen

Released earlier this month, Bella Pollen’s book explores her unconventional childhood being raised by parents who moved back and forth between American and Britain, and now as an adult, the existential examination of life and what and how she wants to live is the focus of her full attention. Torn between a life of adventure and a life of expected convention, if you too are grappling with what you should and what you want to do when it comes to societal expectation, this may be a book to check out.

—The Worry Trick: How Your Brain Tricks You Into Expecting the Worst and What You Can Do About It by David A Carbonel

While published a few years ago, psychologist and anxiety expert David Carbonel’s book is something to consider reading if you find yourself experiencing too much anxiety throughout your day. As Carbonel points outs how our mind can trick us to worry unnecessarily, and in reading the book, you will discover how to relearn how to handle life experiences and unknown situations as to enable you to live more fully and most enjoyably.

Decor
~Hay Needle Hammocks

On the first day of summer this past week, I found myself arriving at home from work, greeting and petting the boys and then heading straight out to my hammock in the backyard (see the picture below). There is truly something soothing about hanging in the air, gently swaying from side to side and putting one’s feet up all in the comfort of the outdoors and fresh air.

So what is your hammock situation? Can your yard accommodate one? Whether you string up a hammock between two trees as I happen to have two pine trees placed the perfect distance apart (pick up these hammock hanging straps as they usually do not come with the hammock) or hang it on a hammock stand, for fewer than $100 you too could have a simple, leisurely retreat right at home. Hay Needle Hammocks offers the two different styles often seen in a variety of colors and textures, and if you purchase before July 4th and use promo code OUTDOOR10, you can save 10%. Be sure to check out their full selection here.

Film
—Beatriz for Dinner

Reaching select theaters earlier this month, Salma Hayek stars in the film Beatriz for Dinner which premiered at Sundance. Depending upon whether you want to immerse yourself in more politics or step away for awhile, this film may or may not be something you want to watch, but if you do, the quality and acting will not disappoint. Hayek’s character is an immigrant living the American dream of which she had journeyed to her new country for; however, it is at one of her wealthy client’s dinner parties that she meets John Lithgow’s character, a man of great wealth who has a staunchly different stance on how the country should be governed than she. The two butt head and thus begins the drama. Have a look at the trailer below.

—The Big Sick

Premiering today in theaters and based on a true story, another film that debuted at Sundance which received a warm reception, is a film written by the star and his wife (Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon) about how the two met. The film is a comedy, as Nanjiani continued to remind on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert earlier this week, because even though Zoe Kazan’s character (who plays Emily V. Gordon) falls into a coma for eight weeks, it is during this time that Nanjiani attempts to win her parents over (played by Holly Hunter and Ray Romano) and during which the comedy ensues. Take a look at the trailer below.

Francophile Find
—My Good Life in France by Janine Marsh

This is an early heads up as on August 7th, Janine Marsh, a British woman living in northern France, a blogger and now author, releases her book My Good Life in France. Founder of her blog and website The Good Life France, be sure to put this book on your summer reading list to be savored in the later months.

Shopping
—Osklen Ipanema V Sunglasses  or Garrett Leight ‘Hampton’ sunnies

Tuesday’s Style Inspiration post was one of the most visited such posts in quite some time. Why? Diane Lane’s wardrobe in Paris Can Wait. And while I shopped a variety of options for the linen pants, top and shoes, I neglected to shop her sunglasses which readers asked about. And so I have found two similar glasses that look quite similar to those she wore. The lenses are different, but the frames are neutral and light in color and the frames are a shade of matte fawn tortoise which while being unique are quite timeless.

 

~the recipe for Fig and Almond Tart by Patricia Wells~

I do believe the summer season (winter for my southern hemisphere readers) is upon us. How quickly June has flown by and now just a week to savor, but savor it I know I will. School has just been released for the summer holiday and with it a deep breath as I step into the season that affords me the opportunity to work entirely on my blog and writing. I cannot wait.

What are you most looking forward to these next few months? Do you have a travel itinerary that just thinking about makes you giddy? Or maybe you are like me and will be savoring time in your chosen hometown for the summer? However you are organizing the next eight to nine weeks, I do hope it brings you a sense of enlivenment, a bit more freedom and time to breathe and assess all that is going well.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend and a few articles below you might enjoy. Until Monday, bonne journée!

~Wanting to live with less but have a more fulfilling everyday life? Read “How Space Influences What We Buy”

~Say it isn’t so! Daniel Day-Lewis announces some big news.

~Whether you are a parent, an aunt, an uncle, a teacher or a lover of learning (aren’t we all?!) Knowing how to raise a reader is worth reading.

~Summertime and French-inspired ways to wear athleisure wear

~9 Good Reminders that Will Change the Way You Think

~Now this is news to be aware of – The Rising Price of Butter Could Be a Harbinger of a French Croissant Crisis

~And just don’t do these things and you will be quite blissful: Some Common Ways We Screw Up Happiness from Gretchen Rubin

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Summer Essentials

When I think of summer, the first thing I think about is sunscreen (La Roche Posay is my go-to brand), but then it’s all about staying cool, yet stylish. From tops that allow your skin to breathe, to shoes that provide structure but are casual, to protecting your visage from the sun, and being comfortable at the beach, as well as to and from, I’ve gathered up five summer wardrobe essentials that will make your days comfortable, functional and simply chic.

Kaftans or coverups . . .

~Etro silk-chiffon cover-up/kaftan, 30% off~

~Vanessa Seward crocheted cotton mini dress, 50% off~

 

In lieu of sunglasses or paired with your favorite sunnies . . . 

~San Diego Hat Company XL Brim Sun Hat (other colors are available)~

 

Espadrilles . . . 

~Loeffler  Randall Harper Wrap Esapdrille Wedges and here~

~more here~

 

White Linen Shirts . . .

~Ralph Lauren Polo relaxed fit linen shirt or tunic or roll-cuff shirt~

~Equipment Signature Linen Shirt~

~Vivid classic linen long-sleeve shirt (other colors available)~

~more here ~

 

Market Baskets . . .

~French Market Basket with double leather handles~

~more here~

 

SHOP THE SUMMER ITEMS:

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~Shop more clothing essentials here in TSLL SHOP for your capsule wardrobe

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Subtle Sophisticated Color Choices

Often the use of bold colors throughout a home can peghole it, placing it concretely in a particular time era or feel more trendy rather than timeless. If nothing else can be learned from interior designer Meg Braff’s work in this new Southampton home it is that color can be elegant and subtle when used in proportion to neutral hues and paired with the most complementary textures and furnishings.

The clients were not afraid to dabble with color, as art collectors they embraced the use of orange, blue, yellow and green throughout the home, and in so doing created a space defined by Braff as “sophisticated and elegant, with character and personality”.

I especially gravitated toward the sun-drenched breakfast room (seen above). The jute rug provides a neutral base while the white trimmed green-print wallpapered walls lighten the room not only in color but in the mood. You’ll notice that jute flooring is the theme throughout which I think is something to consider to provide the balance with the use of such a variety of beautiful color choices.

Take a tour and learn more about all of the details here in Hamptons Cottages & Gardens, June 2017 issue.

 

~Enjoy Similar Posts from the Archives below:

 

All images via Cottages & Gardens

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A Grecian Couscous Salad

 

My first introduction to couscous salad was in Paris. And it was love at first taste. In fact, it became my comfort food as I was on my first international trip and the furthest from home thus far in my life at the age of 20. Being the novice that I was with food at that time in my life, when I returned to the states, I could not figure out how to replicate the recipe. Keep in mind this was in 2000 – the internet was not the resource it is today. (Did we even have the internet we have today in 2000???). Anyway, I never forgot the many picnics I had in les jardins in Paris with my baguette, ham, my disbelief and absolute awe that I was finally in the city I had been dreaming about, and yes, couscous salad.

 

And as it is picnic season, I pulled together a recipe that has made my mouth water each time I have made it this past month.  Compiled from a recipe for the dressing adapted from Ina Garten and completed with my favorite ingredients when I think of Greek salads, it couldn’t be simpler and your taste buds will thank you, as will your schedule (it is so simple and quick!).

 

 

After having made the recipe with Moroccan couscous for the first time in May, I still had a few ingredients in my épicerie left over (see above – the only additions were the two ingredients I needed from the produce stand), so I decided to make it again with Israeli couscous this time. Stopping by the local produce stand, I pick up fresh grape tomatoes and a cucumber. And then I headed home to made a simple dinner as I added grilled chicken tenders for the balance of protein. As you will see in the video below, I made a smaller portion as it was just for me (dinner and then the next day’s lunch). Notice in the recipe, you can change the serving sizes to convert the recipe to exactly the amount of people or meals you wish to make. I love this component of my new recipe plug-in (by the way, it is quite customizable, so if you have suggestions of information you would like me to add, tweaks to be made to make it easier to use, just email me)!

 

 

Have a look at the video below which takes you from market to table. As you will see, it is simple, and I guarantee delicious.

 

A Grecian Couscous Salad









Servings6

Prep Time15 minutes

Passive Time1 hours







Ingredients




Dressing



1teaspoon

dried oregano

2cloves

garlicminced

1/2teaspoon

Dijon mustardMaille is my favorite

1/4cup

red wine vinegartop quality

1teaspoon

kosher salt

1/2teaspoon

freshly ground black pepper

1/2cup

good olive oil





Salad



1

cucumberdiced, the fewer the seeds, the better

1pint

cherry or grape tomatoesquartered

1/2cup

kalamata olivesseeded, and sliced in half or quartered

3/4cup

feta cheesediced, not crumbled

1 1/3cups

uncooked couscouschoose your preferred varietal: Israeli (pearl), Moroccan (tiny grains of semolina), M'Hamsa (whole wheat semolina) or Palestinian (Maftoul - whole wheat mixed with chickpeas)

2tablespoons

unsalted butter










Instructions




Dressing




In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the garlic, oregano, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper. Still whisking, slowly add the olive oil to make an emulsion.






Salad




Check the cooking time for the couscous per the instructions on the package. Depending upon the couscous you have chosen, time will vary by a few minutes 5-10.



Bring the water in a saucepan to boil. Once boiling, add the couscous, unsalted butter and a pinch of salt (optional). Stir once to incorporate. Remove from the heat, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes (again, check the instructions on the package, as different couscous will have different sit times).



After resting time, fluff the couscous with a fork.



While the couscous is cooking, mix the dressing (see instructions below), dice and slice each of the four ingredients: feta (dice), cucumber (dice), olives (slice/quarter), and tomatoes (quarter).



To combine: add salad ingredients (see video), and finish with dressing - add less than you think you will need. Toss salad and taste. If you need more dressing, add. I usually do not need all of the dressing I have made and reserve it for salads throughout the week.



Place salad in the refrigerator for one hour. Then serve and enjoy!

Shop varietals of couscous below:

~M’Hamsa  (whole wheat semolina)

~Maftoul (Palestinian – whole wheat with chickpeas)

~Pearl (Israeli)

~Moroccan (rolled semolina)

 

~View more TSLL Salad Recipes here

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7 More Signs You’re Moving in the Right Direction

“There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” —Zora Neale Hurston, from her book Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937)

Each year, much like each individual we encounter in life, has a different purpose, a different personality, something different for us to observe, absorb and experience.

Since January’s arrival, it has at times felt as though I have stepped into a year which is an ocean of questions ebbing and flowing around me, and I am merely trying to keep my composure, keep my head above water and do all that I can to appreciate the beauty, but not be pulled under.

Not all years take on this composition, in fact very few, and none have felt as overwhelming, exhilarating and ripe with potential if only I could learn how to swim amongst the goodness that surrounds me at every turn.

As the past five and a half months have passed, I have grappled with the question, am I heading in the right direction for my life, for the life I have been building for myself this past decade? And the answer always arrives quickly and without hesitation: yes. I wouldn’t want to be at any other point at any other destination, surrounded by any other opportunities.

How can I be so confident with so much uncertainty? Take a look at my seven reasons below. I titled this post “7 More Signs” because in 2014 I created a list of 10 Signs You’re On the Right Track as I was as well at a point in my life when questions loomed, many questions but as well, an immense amount of hope. And the good news is, if the following 2015 of my life was any indication, all went well, and so too will the future ahead of us all if you too find yourself in any of the scenarios below.

1. Arrival in Limbo Land 

Perhaps you’ve felt this at some point in your life, many of the priorities in your life seem to be in flux. Unknowns dance in your mind that will effect your future in more than just a minor way due to entities that our completely outside of your control. The economy – out of your control; the landlord’s decision to raise the rent – out of your control; the weather – out of your control; how others will vote – out of your control; others’ life choices and priorities – out of your control.

The lesson to keep in mind if you find yourself in Limbo Land is to assess what you do have control over. Are you handling your finances to the best of your ability, how are your interpersonal skills – building and establishing relationships, are you taking care of your health, are you doing what you can to further your progress, knowledge and skill base, are you the master of your mind, your thoughts and your attitude, are you giving your willpower a chance to work for you?

In order to change, to grow, to move forward, we do have to put our lives in the hands of others we do not know or do not know what they will decide. Doing so can be frightening, but if you are in this position, you are giving yourself a chance, and very good chance, so long as you have done your homework, selected wisely and are doing what you can, to put yourself in the best position possible for progress toward your dreams.

2. Feeling challenged, as though you are a novice

It happened this past January, I signed my love and myself up for skate skiing lessons. As a classic skier I was feeling quite confident that skate skiing wouldn’t be all that much of a challenge. Wrong. Big time, wrong.

Feeling clumsy, even falling down at one point, my frustration was subtle but definitely alive. And what I chose to do was enjoy being a novice, keeping my mind open, listening to someone who knew far more than I and letting go of my pride. It helped, and we had a wonderful, most memorable time. While I am by no means proficient at skate skiing, I was thankful I chose to do something I didn’t know because it not only kept me humble, but reminded me that feeling as though I am a novice is a sign I am choosing to grow.

3. You have a lot of questions and you continue to seek the answers

“Doubt, of whatever kind, can be ended by action alone.” — Thomas Carlyle

Referring to the analogy at the top of the post, if you feel you are surrounded by a sea of questions, so many that it doesn’t feel there are answers, and if there were you couldn’t find them because of how many questions abound, you are doing something right. Yep, you read that correctly.

For me, at such moments in my life, the feeling of being overwhelmed is best navigated when I have a sanctuary to come home to at night and wake up to in the morning, whether that is my cottage in Bend or a particular person who I can completely relax with and just be me. It is a refueling of my energy, my willpower, my confidence and my belief that I can navigate successful through what is now unknown that when I am rebooted can take on the world of unknowns with my full force tomorrow.

Similar to #2, when you have many unanswered questions, so long as you are seeking out the answers, it reveals you are choosing to grow, and growth of one’s self, while often unknown as to where you will end up until you get there, puts into your hands more power, more control.

4. People in your life are few but quality

Look around you. Who have you chosen to bring into your life? Who do you spend time with when you have a choice? How do you feel when you are around them? How do you interact with them? If the responses to each of these are positive, then you are growing. You are homing your interpersonal skills, you are strengthening what you do have control over and you are aware of the power and influence the quality of people you bring into your life has on your quality of life.

5. An incessant curiosity about what may be around the bend runs through your being

“One doesn’t discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.”  — Andre Gide

While the unknowns may be vast, you find yourself almost giddy as to what you will find once you finally overcome them. Simply put, that is a very good sign.

You have chosen a course, of which, its path in front of you is uncertain, but you chose it anyway due to the knowledge of yourself, your passions and your hopes. Strive forward with confidence. I am excited to hear what you find.

6. Comparison to your past self rather than to others

The more time you have spent in this world, the more you have realized your uniqueness and you most likely have come to recognize that true character, strength and good health reside on the inside far more than what people first notice on the outside. Due to this, you have found there to be no good reason to compare your life to anyone else’s and instead compare where you are today with where you were yesterday, last year, 10 years ago. Keep this habit.

7. The obstacles appear bigger, but your knowledge to tackle them is keeping pace

“If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Ten years ago had you come up against the challenges you are facing now, you may have cowered in fear. Why? You didn’t have the skills, the knowledge, the life experience to recognize them as the opportunity that they were.

Choose to see the obstacles as the flavor, as Eleanor Roosevelt states above, the flavor of the life you have the fortune to experience. Revel, observe, take in the moment and the beauty and choose to see them as seeds for growth. And when you do, celebrate that you have grown because as John Finley reminds,“Maturity of mind is the capacity to endure uncertainty.”

Life can seem upside down at times. Take the ladybug in the image above for example: The limb on which it is climbing is severely bent due to the weight of the ladybug, and in that moment the ladybug may question if the brand will hold it. But so long as it keeps moving in the right direction, toward the base, the limb will lift, a sense of ease and more certainty will come, but it will just take time and require of each of us to keep striving forward in the right direction.

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~10 Things People Who Have Found Contentment Understand About Uncertainty

~10 Signs You Are on the Right Track

~38 Invaluable Lessons About Attaining  Happiness

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Diane Lane’s Wardrobe in Paris Can Wait

 

Paris Can Wait is a feast for the eyes not only due to its geographic location set in the South of France and the exiqsuite teasing of the taste buds, but the sartorial selections as well.  After sharing my review of Eleanor Coppola’s film starring Diane Lane yesterday (the Petit Plaisir of this week’s episode of the podcast), many asked a question I too had dancing around in my mind: Where can I find her wardrobe? From the stunning French red dress she chooses to wear to dinner on the first night of their 48 hours excursion, (I am still trying to figure out who designed it – I promise I will share if I find out), to the simple sophisticated linen taupe pants and white linen top finished with espadrilles, Lane’s wardrobe is so refined and understated, it sings as though not to compete with the other magnificent sites to see, but all the while becoming quite the star of the show.

Effortless, classic, the underlining premise of building a wardrobe of quality over quantity which enables the woman wearing the clothing to shine.

While I have looked all over the web for the exact label of linen pants without finding the precise pair, I have found many that are similar at a variety of price points. I have also found espadrilles and white linen shirts for you to peruse as well (see all these items at the end of the post). I do hope you find something you love.

And now, even more linen inspiration. Enjoy!

 

 

~SHOP Linen Pants:

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~SHOP White Linen Shirts:

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~SHOP Espadrilles:

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~View more Style Inspiration posts here

 

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The Butterfly Moment in Life: Don’t Wait, Just Live Well

~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #160
~Subscribe to The Simple Sophisticate: iTunes | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

“‘How does one become a butterfly?’ she asked pensively. You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.”  —Trina Paulus

In a blink of an eye, in an unexpected, ordinary moment, the unimaginable can materialize before our eyes. And in such a moment, due to its magnificence, a feeling of surreality washes over us and we stand confounded, yet buoyant as it feels we’ve reached the surface finally after much hard work, planning, and hoping what seemed against hope.

Butterflies have always been a source of spontaneous glee for me. As I shared more than six years ago, spotting a butterfly is a reminder: “This was what the struggle was all about.  Now you have the knowledge.  Now you know how to fly on  your own and reveal your gifts to the world without disguising yourself to fit in.”

Much like the people that come into our lives and the opportunities that cross our paths, we cannot know when the butterfly will metamorphosize from the stage of being a caterpillar.

Two weekends ago, we decided to go paddle boarding, and along the way, the butterflies began to dance around me. Like a child giddy at the sight of a new puppy, I all but tap danced on my board. As we continued to paddle, I noticed they were puddling, and it seemed endless butterflies were all clustered at this one wet, muddy puddle area on the side of the river. Never before had I been surrounded by so many fluttering wings, paying me no mind and going about their nutrient gathering behavior.

Then again this past weekend, as Norman and I were on a walk amongst the pines, more than a handful of butterflies joined us as we took our daily constitutional.  And I couldn’t help but remember how six years ago, the butterfly was on the other side of the picture window and Norman was intent on watching it, trying to make sense of what it was. Now, the butterflies walked with us and Norman didn’t bat more than an eye or a quick nod. And so I began to ponder further lessons butterflies can teach us.

Always trying to remember the lesson of the butterfly, as mentioned above, these most recent encounters made me take note that no matter how badly we might want to become something or evolve into something, sometimes it is our intense focus that blinds us and prevents what we desire from materializing.

While we must put out into the world, and know within ourselves, what it is we seek, what it is we wish to become, once these truths become clear, we need to step back and just go about the everyday tasks, take the necessary risks and accept the uncomfortable challenges so that we can gradually grow and evolve into the person we wish to be. At that point, we don’t know when we will attract the similar energy of others or jobs or beautiful life moments that take on the guise of the “blink of an eye” moment mentioned at the top of the post. We cannot know. Just as I could not know about the many butterflies I was going to paddle into when I placed my board onto the water that morning. But here’s the lesson, we have to keep putting our board in the water. We have to keep paddling in order for those moments to have an opportunity to be discovered.

You may be wondering, Okay, Shannon, speak to me directly. What are you talking about? How do I keep putting my board in the water? How can I apply this to my life right now? Two things: First decide what you want and how to attain it, followed by focusing on what you’ve decided to pursue and letting go of what is not part of the equation. Now, what each of us will have ascertained will be unique, but something that is universal which will help you along your journey is to strengthen these 11 skills, focus more on your “to be” list rather than your “to do” list, cultivate everyday habits that build a life of true contentment, and become comfortable in your own unique skin.

In tending to each of these, you let go of your strangle-hold on the outcome and hold fast to what you can elevate (yourself and the person you bring to the table each and everyday). And in so doing, the life that is meant to be yours will cross your path and you and it will begin to intertwine as you recognize how well the two entities work together. 

This is the butterfly moment. The natural coming together, and the ability to recognize it and appreciate it and be reminded that the life you’ve built did take work and will continue to take work, but the work enables the quality of your life experiences as you travel together with the partner you have found, with the friendships you have built, with the career you have invested in, to be heightened to a level you may not have truly trusted was possible.

Edith Wharton says it beautifully regarding when the moment you’ve hoped for will happen (the butterfly moment so to speak), “They seemed to suddenly come upon happiness as if they had surprised a butterfly in a winter wood.” You truly cannot know when it will all come together, but at least you know you’ll be ready to walk with it when it crosses your path. And it all begins with what the first quote at the top of the post brings to our attention, decide to let go of being a caterpillar, in order for your wings to break through and reveal themselves to not only the world, but to you. You may just be amazed at what is hidden in the depths of your being if only you would allow it to come forth.

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~What Butterflies Have Taught Me

~Let Go and Elevate Your Life

~12 Ways to Live a Full Life

~Why Not . . . Trust the Timing of Your Life?

 

Petit Plaisir:
~ Paris Can Wait , starring Diane Lane, directed by Eleanor Coppola
~View theaters and times here 

~If you are in Bend, it plays at the Tin Pan Theater through this Thursday June 22nd.

Over the weekend, the small boutique theater in Bend brought to its small screen the film written, directed and produced by Eleanor Coppola. Yes, that Eleanor Coppola, wife of Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather series, The Outsiders, etc.) for 54 years. Debuting at the Tribeca Film Festival this past May, Paris Can Wait is Eleanor’s first narrative feature film, but you wouldn’t have known. Now, not all the critics are loving it: The Boston Globe felt it was strained and relied too heavily on clichés, even those who thought they would love it came away unsure due to the ambitious ending, but it is precisely the different approach to making the film that makes it lovely.

Coppola has shared that the film’s plot was inspired by her own life (be sure to read the San Francisco Chronicle‘s interview with her here), but not every piece and parcel of the story (there was no male companion). Along with the struggle Diane Lane’s character (Anne) wrestles with is what Coppola herself did as well, the “‘inner conflict, the push and pull’ she’s felt her whole adult life about pursuing her own creative ambitions while raising three children and supporting her husband’s career”.  As well, both women (the character and Coppola) have suffered the loss of a child which is briefly, but touchingly included in the film.

Some readers have shared with me, they didn’t enjoy the insinuation of infidelity, but I think that may be taking it further than Coppola intended as nothing occurred, merely adoration and a woman (Anne) who was keenly aware and  steadfast. What Anne’s journey does do for her is awaken her to her strengths, to her passions, to the realization yes of her imperfect, but still very adoring husband. And by not giving viewers the concrete ending, leaving us wondering, Coppola does something I must applaud her for: She doesn’t tell us how to think.

As someone who has been immersed in Hollywood due to her husband, then daughter and son’s successful involvement with silver screen productions, she doesn’t fall prey to the formula. Maybe she does have a sequel in mind, but I hope not only because this film, as she has stated, took six years to raise funds as it wasn’t full of “aliens, nobody dies, there are no guns and no car crashes. There was nothing that an investor wants to invest in. No sex, no violence”.  Rather it was a piece of her life she wanted to share and explore, and in so doing, she allows the viewers to ponder what we don’t often see in movies: a leading female role who is complete all by herself so long as she embraces her passions, lets herself feel what she feels, appreciates her allure which may be initially noticed due to her beauty but is profoundly powerful and substantive due to her intellect and character.

And whether or not she remains with her husband (who isn’t perfect) or explores her attraction to Jacques, played by Arnaud Viard (who also isn’t perfect or ideal either) shouldn’t be needed for a happy ending. What the happy ending is is liberation for Anne who hears the reminder from Jacques to share her talents with her husband (and perhaps the world if she so chooses), and to savor the pleasures of everyday moments and food without rushing to Paris.

 

Download the Episode

This & That: June 16, 2017

Books
—Footsteps: From Ferrante’s Naples to Hammett’s San Francisco, Literary Pilgrimages Around the World by The New York Times

Have you ever wondered where the inspiration was derived for an author to sit down and pen what we now deem a beloved classic? Well, in a new book based off The New York Times’ Travel column Footsteps, many of such wonderings will be answered. For travel and literature lovers, pour over the journeys of the artists and see where their muse for creativity was found.

—Girling Up: How to be Strong, Smart and Spectacular by Mayim Bialik

Dr. Mayim Bialik (aka Blossom or Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler) has just released a new book for young readers, but I think it may just be perfect for anyone raising, teaching or being a role model for any girl in your life. Girling Up shares the why behind the questions of growing up. The physiological, biological and sociological events that occur and often leave girls and their parents perplexed is clearly explained through inclusion of scientific facts, personal anecdotes, and wisdom. Critics are loving and I too am now certainly curious.

Francophile find
—Murder in Saint-Germain by Cara Black

The latest book in mystery writer Cara Black’s Aimée Leduc series was just released last week, and it is set in Paris, July 1999, and it is certain to keep readers intrigued and on the edge of their seats. With Aimée’s child now 8-months old, not only is she already working on a big case, the novel begins with Leduc being blind-sided by a Brigade Criminelle agent on an elite counterterrorism squad who adamantly believes she is being stalked by a ghost. With each of the novels I have read by Black, when I do sit down to read, they don’t last long as I stay engaged from chapter to chapter, and if I don’t have to, I do not want to put it down. Perhaps this will be yet another to pass a few leisurely hours.

—A Paris Year: My Day-to-Day Adventures in the Most Romantic City in the World by Janice MacLeod

Being released on Tuesday June 20th, author of Paris Letters, Janice MacLeod shares her journal so-to-speak of her first year in Paris. As an artist, illustrations play an integral role, and what readers will be gifted with will be a love letter to a city so many of us adore. With personal anecdotes and beautiful memories with vivid imagery, pick up A Paris Year and be swept away to France no matter where you live.

Shopping
—Moroccan Straw Shopper Bag

Measuring 21″ by 20″, this medium size straw tote is perfect for a jaunt to the farmer’s market to pick up a few items for an evening dinner. Not too cumbersome, it could easily be your tote of choice for summer style. If you would like to look at more farmer’s market tote options, have a look here.

Television
—Grantchester, Season 3 premiere

PBS is full of premieres this weekend (see below), and one is the season three premiere of Grantchester. Masterpiece Mystery returns with the sleuthing clergyman and his unofficial crime-solving partner Gordie this Sunday, June 18 ,at 9/8c.

—The Great British Baking Show , Season 4 (season 7 in the UK)

After much patience, the fourth season of PBS’ version of The Great British Bake-Off, known in the states as The Great British Baking Show, will premiere! Today in fact. Be sure to tune in or set your DVRs at 9pm for the first episode of what was season 7 in the UK.

~recipe for Creamy Garlic Herb Mushroom Spaghetti~

The last weekend has arrived before the final week of school, and I, as I am sure my students are, am ready for the shift of schedules. Don’t be mistaken, the school year offered an inspiring group of students who I will greatly miss not having in my class next year, but as with nurturing and growth of any kind, the next step needs to be progressed toward and the transition needs to include a time to celebrate and savor all that has been accomplished, which I feel fortunate to say was much. After next week, I will be savoring and appreciating, and I hope they will be as well. I cannot wait.

In the meantime, this weekend Paris Can Wait has finally arrived in Bend. Showing at the small boutique theater in town, I will be there with bells on and will be sure to recommend it if it is as good as I think it will be. Tune in to an upcoming Petit Plaisir on the podcast if all goes well (it’s Diane Lane in France, how could it possibly go wrong???).

And now to the weekend. Below are a few articles I thought you might enjoy, and doesn’t the pasta dish above look decadently delicious? A must-try that may make its way onto my dinner table this weekend. Thank you for stopping by and until Monday, bonne journée!

~How to Snack (or not) Like a French Person

~French Etiquette to Make Your Visit Even More Enjoyable

~15 Wonderful Signs You Are in the Right Relationship

~7 Things to Stop Believing in order to Live a Successful Life on Your Own Terms

~7 Things to Stop Buying as You Actually Do Not Need Them

~A worthwhile read revealing the distinct difference from one culture to the next of a woman’s role, place and expectation . . .  America Made Me a Feminist as written by a Swedish woman.

The Mighty Midi

 

~Cushnie et Ochs draped stretch-cady midi dress~

~Tabitha Simmons Leticia perforated cork and leather sandals~

~Thom Browne floral clutch bag~

~Isabel Marant geometric earrings~

~Aerin Amber Musk d’Or Eau de Parfum~

~Aurelie Bidermann Ginkgo cuff~

~L’Appart: The Delights and Disasters of Making Paris My Home by David Leibovitz

~SHOP THE OUTFIT:

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~SHOP more Midi Dresses:

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~View OUTFITS of the WEEK from the Archives here

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A Bibliophile’s Dream Home

Put on a hot pot of tea, choose a very rainy day and tuck me into this English countryside stone cottage decorated seemingly entirely with books.

With the delightful dilemma of far too many books for the main house, senior decorator at Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler Emma Burns decided to restore an old barn on her property into a guest house that would entice any book-loving houseguest to overstay their welcome.

Complete with a secret door (yes, they do exist!), the books are shelved from floor to ceiling, runneth over in a china armoire and continue to fill the shelves in the loft. Needless to say, the world is at your fingertips; it is merely a question of where you want to escape to for the time being. Enjoy the tour and have a look at the entire space and the main house here as featured in House & Garden. 

 

~View more Decor Inspiration from the English countryside below:

~A Unique Cornwall Vacation Sanctuary

~A Cottage Vacation in Devon

~A Country Chapel Home

 

~all images via Hooked on Houses

 

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