Shannon Ables's Blog, page 255

Creating a Signature Style: Hats & Neutrals

At the heart of classic signature style is utilizing the power of neutrals. At first glance and to the untrained eye, neutrals may appear safe, but when chosen carefully and selected specifically for the individual wearing them, they amplify one’s personality and strengths.

Speaking of signature style . . . the topping of a hat, no matter what the style or design so long as it flatters your face and keeps the right proportions is an immediate means to conveying your individuality. Pair the neutrals with a hat and what could be more unique. Below you will find inspiration demonstrated by women who work one and some both of these concepts to craft a signature look, all the while looking effortlessly chic.

~Remember, click on each of the images to be redirected to the original source.

 

~View more Style Inspiration posts here

France in Pictures and Illustrations: My Interview with author & artist Rae Dunn

~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #158
~Subscribe to The Simple Sophisticate: iTunes | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

Perhaps you’ve seen her pottery: simple, purposefully imperfect, white with black singular font, whether for your morning tea cup, the salt and pepper holder on the stovetop or a dish for your furry best friend. Rae Dunn’s passion for simple and functional pottery has brought her deserved recognition. And it is with her eye for the simple everyday that led to her new book of French inspiration titled France: Inspiration du Jour.

An artistic sketchbook of Rae’s travels through Paris and Provence, be swept away to France no matter where you live as you peruse the pages. With pictures of everyday life in France paired with watercolor illustrations of the scenery, food, drink and daily activities, discover why Rae finds beauty in the everyday moments.

Today on the podcast, Rae Dunn joins me to talk about how the concept of the sketchbook came about, why it’s important not to overthink anything you are curious to try or explore and rather just step forward and feel your way, the power of serendipity, the realization of where true beauty resides and the importance of treasuring the imperfect. The discussion is one with a successful woman who simply followed what she loved and in so doing created a successful business which reminds us all to “notice and appreciate the small things”. Have a listen to the interview and discover more than a few simple pleasures at the end of our conversation as Rae reveals this week’s Petit Plaisirs.

~Rae Dunn’s website

~Follow Rae Dunn: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram (a new illustration each day)

~Shop Rae Dunn pottery here and here

~Learn more about her new book France: Inspiration du Jour here

~Sharon’s Art Studio in Golden Gate State Park

~Rae Dunn’s recommendation for what to visit in France: Picasso Museum in Arles, France – Musée Réattu

~a sampling of Rae Dunn’s daily illustrations on Instagram~

~samples of Rae Dunn pottery~

 

Petit Plaisir:

 

~Find more episodes of The Simple Sophisticate podcast here.

Download the Episode

A Fresh Strawberry Tart

A classic dessert recipe to have in your personal cookbook is a fresh fruit tart. Filled with delicious custard and topped with the freshest and your favorite fruit of the season, this dessert is also a beautiful, and more importantly delicious grand finale to a meal.

As I approached the recipe, I searched for a crust that would offer complementary flavor with the fruit topping as well as stability for the filling. I discovered when researching which filling recipe to choose, the options ranged from cream cheese to mascarpone, but I wanted a quality custard filling, similar to what one would taste when biting into a buttery éclair or cream buff. And I found one. Below is the simply luxurious recipe.

The components that stand out and make the difference are the fresh Oregon strawberries picked up at a local produce market, the lemon zest in the pastry dough and the eliminate of a glaze. Why not let the flavor of the fruit do all of the work? It truly does want to. Another detail that was decided upon after tasting the tart was a need, due to the freshness of the strawberries, to reduce the amount of sugar in the custard. As you will see in the recipe, the original recipe called for 3/4 cup, but I would reduce it to 1/2 cup, again depending up on the sweetness of the particular fruit you choose.

While the custard takes time to make, as you have to stir it constantly, it is hard to go wrong as long as you are stirring it the entire time. The key to the crust staying in place is freezing it prior to baking. For me, this was the aha moment for a beautiful pre-baked crust.

Bring on a picnic, serve at your next spring or summer dinner party and enjoy!

Fresh Strawberry Tart









Servings8

Cook Time1 hour







Ingredients




French Pastry



1 1/2cup

all-purpose flour









1 teaspoon

salt

3tablespoons

sugar

1/2cup

unsalted butter

1small

egg

1teaspoon

distilled white vinegar

2-3tablespoons

cold water

1tablespoon

lemon zest





Custard Filling



1/2cup

sugarthe original recipe called for 3/4 which after tasting my tart with the fresh strawberries was determined to be too sweet. So add to taste based on the sweetness of the fruit.

1/2cup

flour

1/8teaspoon

salt

2cups

whole milk

2egg yolks

from large eggs

2 tablespoons

unsalted buttercut into small pieces

1teaspoon

vanilla





Fruit Topping



3-4cups

fresh fruit slicedoptions: strawberries, peaches, raspberries, mangos, etc.










Instructions




French Pastry




In a large mixing bowl or into a food processor, combine flour, salt, lemon zest and sugar. Then add cold butter (cut into 1/2 inch cubes for easy combining). Mix until it resembles corn meal.



In a small bowl, combine the egg, vinegar, and water. Whisk together, then add gradually to the flour mixture in the food processor, mixing as you pour. Mix until dough form a ball. Carefully watch the consistency of the dough as you may need less liquid mixture or a touch more water depending upon the humidity in the region in which you live.



Roll into a ball and flatten into a round disc about 1-2 inches thick. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, and up to three days if necessary.



Remove from the refrigerator and roll out to size including a 1-inch edge for your tart dish (or dishes). Place in your tart pan(s) with removable bottoms. If there are cracks or it is an imperfect roll-out, don't worry. This dough is perfect for pressing into place, so do not be afraid to take loose pieces and place where necessary. Roll the rolling pin over the top of the edges to create the clean edge. Place in the freezer for 20-30 minutes until very firm. Heat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the tart dough from the freezer, prick with a fork. Then line with foil and place pie weights or beans on top to hold the shape of the dough. Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is set and just beginning to brown. Remove the foil and bake until crust is golden brown, 10-12 minutes more approximately. Place crust on a wire rack and allow to cool completely.






Custard Filling




In a medium sauce pan, mix the sugar, flour, and salt. Whisk in the milk until smooth.



On medium-high heat, bring to a gentle boil, whisking constantly. Boil for four to five minutes until the mixture thickens (it may take longer depending on the quality of your saucepan, but so long as you are whisking, it won't burn). Remove the pan from the heat. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in about one cup of the hot-milk mixture. Pour the egg yolk mixture into the saucepan and, whisking constantly, simmer for two to three minutes until slightly thicker. Remove the pan from the heat.



Add the butter and vanilla and stir until the butter has melted completely. (If necessary, strain the custard through a fine sieve set over a medium bowl.) Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the custard to keep a skin from forming. Refrigerate until cool, about one hour.






Fresh Fruit Topping & Assembly




Cut the fruit into narrow slices, thickness to your preference (unless raspberries and then no slicing is involved). Spread the custard into the prepared, cooled crust. Top with fresh fruit. Serve immediately or refrigerate and remove when ready to serve.

 

~View more TSLL Dessert recipes here.

This & That: June 2, 2017

Beauty
—La Roche Posay Sunscreen

Recently Consumer Reports revealed that more than a handful of sunscreens do not offer the protection they claim on their labels. However, one brand revealed itself to be reliable was La Roche Posay. Available in a variety of coverage options, I especially love and use daily their facial 50+ SPF as it is light-weight and provides quality protection without the feeling of an extra layer of lotion on my face.

—Slip silk pillowcase

In an effort to help her skin and hair, the founder and creator of Slip silk pillowcases and eye masks Fiona Stewart created a top quality pillowcase as she herself noticed positive results immediately upon using mulberry silk with a thickness of 22 momme. Allowing your skin to slide smoothly across the surface prevents premature stretching and sleep-crease, and with regards to our hair, did you know cotton actually absorbs moisture from our tresses, leaving us with bedhead, where as silk does not? With other colors available, be sure to take a look and invest in not only a restful night’s sleep but a deep beauty sleep as well.  Learn more about the business model and further benefits here.

Book
—168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura Vanderkam

The good news is there is enough time to do what we need and what we want so long as we allocate our time effectively. How do we do that? Laura Vanderkam reveals the tips and approaches to design our lives in such a way as to be successful and build a life with time for those activities we love as well as add quality to our experience. It’s all about those 168 hours in a week.

—Classic Style: Hand It Down, Dress It Up, Wear It Out by Kate Schelter

Released just this past week and already a best-seller, fashion expert and illustrator Kate Schelter offers a beautiful guide to cultivate your own style. Driven by her mantra buy less, buy better, reinvent what you already have, and own your look, readers will be shown the value in owning less and instead focusing on improved quality that aligns with the person who we truly are.

~Eat Beautiful: Recipes to Nourish Your Skin from the Inside Out by Wendy Rowe

Good health begins from within. We all may understand this on a rational level, but sometimes it takes experiencing the shift or seeing it in others as their or our diet changes to truly believe it. Released late last year beauty consultant and makeup artist Wendy Rowe reveals the holistic approach to beautifying our skin from within with details on exactly what nutrients and vitamins do what when we include them in our diet. As well, Rowe shares natural DIY beauty masks and scrubs to continue to enhance one’s natural beauty.

Cooking
—Brooklyn Copper Cookware

With numerous benefits available to cooks in the kitchen, using copper, quality copper, is an investment that will stand the test of time. Brooklyn Copper Cookware, as shared in Bon Appétit magazine, is a brand worth checking out. Read more about the benefits of cooking here and here.

—Le Creuset new color – Marine

Speaking of quality cookware, Le Creuset. While once you have the items you need from Le Creuset, you most likely will never be in the market to buy one again, you may perhaps know someone who is. Receiving a Le Creuset Dutch oven is a gift that will last a lifetime, and choosing the right color is a very personal experience, which is why I wanted to share with you the latest color added to their collection – Marine. The soft, deep sea blue caught my attention and certainly would be one of my go-to colors . . . and perhaps yours as well?

 

~recipe for Whole Wheat Spinach and Artichoke Pizza~

Over the past week I have been attending to seasonal cleaning around the house: cleaning the windows, deep scrubbing the floors and shelves, and in so doing, while I would gladly hire someone to clean my house, once it is all done, the feeling is one of euphoria. With what seems like more light streaming through the windows, sparkling floors and glass, shelves and countertops that seem to glisten, my time at home is even more pleasurable. And of course, the finishing touch is the flowers sprinkled about the abode. As seen below, I find myself stopping by Trader Joe’s and spending about $10-20 each week depending upon the budget and events in the upcoming week. However, a bundle of flowers can be purchased with either amount.

Often times, such productivity, a clearing and prepping of the space is a motivation to shift gears, start a project or change significantly my routine. What about you? When you step into your home knowing it is deeply clean, how do you feel?

The good news has arrived: The weekend has arrived. And with it, mild temperatures, perhaps moments of picnicking, paddling and just being. I do hope you have a lovely weekend, and below are a few articles I thought you might enjoy. Be sure to stop back by this weekend for a new TSLL recipe to savor this spring season, and until then, bonne journée.

~Looking for French cooking lessons in the south of France? Check this out.

~Don’t want to cook, but instead dine out in France? Check out Mastering the Art of French Dining

~Stoicism has been a hot topic as of late. Check out the foundational premises and perhaps you will see similarities between living simply luxuriously and adhering to the Stoic’s approach to living.

~This is a recipe to have on hand for a variety of meals: dressings, sandwiches, dips.

~Attempting to tour the Louvre Museum can be overwhelming, but this guide will help you make the most of it.

Coral & Shimmer

~Lanvin Spaghetti glitter-esque, silk strap blouse (60% off)~

~Banana Republic Avery-Fit linen-blend pant in coral~

~Casadei Geometric strap sandals~

~Theory Prince Newdale Tweed Blazer or Daryette Bomber Jacket~

~Clare V. Suki Supreme leather tote, 40% off~

~Isabel Marant gold-tone ceramic earrings~

~Fendi Round-Frame sunglasses~

~Classic Style:Hand It Down, Dress It Up, Wear It Out by Kate Schelter~

SHOP THE OUTFIT:

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~View OUTFITS of the WEEK from the Archives here

A Redesigned Small Home Becomes a Significant Sanctuary

The use of space, no matter how much or little square footage a house has, can make a significant difference in how large or small a home feels upon entering it. The young, but quickly becoming well established in the design world, interior design firm Studio McGee worked with the owners who was a good friend from college and renovated their small 1930s home into a large welcoming sanctuary.

The use of neutrals, especially white in the kitchen and throughout the gathering spacing within the home, opens up each room, as well as the open shelves in the kitchen (did you notice the Rae Dunn ceramic “salt” and “pepper” dishes on the shelves? Be sure to tune into the podcast in the coming weeks as she will be a guest!). The entire kitchen layout speaks my language: from the Smeg refrigerator, streamlined dishwasher, marble countertops and gas stove, just add a French wooden butcher block in the middle, and I would be in heaven. Enjoy the tour below and be sure to check out the interview with the designer as she walks through the process regarding her approach to each room here.

 

~View more Decor Inspiration and home tours here.

 

All images via Domino

Mastering the Use of Credit: A Year of Quality Living Continues

Credit, a tool when used properly, and a hindrance if not.

However, similar to any skill, ability, or tool, it is up to the individual to use it for good. Our intelligence, our words, our actions, can all be used to enhance the quality of our lives and others’, but if used maliciously or ignorantly can be used to harm – in this case, ourselves. The use of our credit has precisely the same abilities.

Often a deeper appreciation for the ability to have access to a means to further advance our dreams is necessary to spur us all into better using the credit we have. Having shared the following historical background in my book, the chapter in which I dive deep into how to master your money, it wasn’t until 1974 in the United States that “the Senate passed the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which made it illegal to discriminate against someone based on their gender, race, religion and national origin.” In other words, up until 1974, it was perfectly legal for a bank or credit company to ask a woman on their application if she was married or planning on having children, and whether a woman was single, widowed or divorce; as well, it was common for the credit institution to require a man to be present as a co-signer – a man, a father, brother or husband. In other words, well . . . I think you get the picture. But more to the point, a woman’s ability to invest in her dreams, purchase a home, a car, take out a business loan, open a checking account could be significantly limited if not thwarted simply because she was of the female sex.

Progress has taken place, and while 40 years ago seems so long ago to some of us; it is in fact very recent history. But the good news is, we all now have the opportunity to enable credit to work for us, so long as we know how. Let’s take a look at eight ways we all, women and men, can master our use of credit.

1. Build a good reputation with handling credit

Thirty-five percent of our FICO score is based on our payment history: how we maintain our credit (paying bills on time, etc.). While credit can be intimidating to be responsible for, it is necessary to have in order to reveal our responsibility. And in tandem, the length of our credit history (the longer the better especially when handled responsibility) makes up 10% of our credit score. In other words, longevity matters.

2. Keep it simple

The fewer the lines of credit you have, the better. One to two credit cards (revolving credit), installment loans (car loans, etc.), mortgage loans are a few of the different types of credit. It is necessary to demonstrate our ability to handle more than one type of credit, but of each we should have few and have handled (or are handling) each of them with competence. This aspect of our FICO score consists of 10%.

3. Keep the amount owed below 33% of the credit limits available

In other words, if we are using more than 33% of the credit available, it will begin to hurt our FICO credit score. We are bound to have some credit debt at different periods of our life and with different types of loans, but not maxing out what is available to us is a wise approach. Our use of credit makes up 30% of our credit score.

4. Apply less often for new credit

Note that in #1, the length of our credit history is a cintriburing factor, and the longer we have had and managed credit well, the better. So if we have recently applied for credit, even if it was approved, it will negatively affect our score. Ten percent of our credit report is determined by how recently we have applied for credit and how often.

Choose the credit card(s) which are best for what is needed, apply for loans sparingly, but savvily and in so doing it can be demonstrated our ability to while using credit wisely, not being dependent upon it.

5. Choose a credit card with a minimal, or preferably, no annual fee.

Even if $29 a year seems nominal, there are plenty of quality credit cards that do not have a fee and some even provide perks (see below, my love for Discover and why).

6. Choose a credit card with perks youwould benefit from

If you are a traveler, Discover offers 1 1/2 points for every purchase, no black outs or limitations, and points earned can be applied not only to purchases for flights but travel accommodations as well. However, not everyone wants to travel, so shop around and compare plans, interest rates and protections offered so that the card chosen card can work for you in multiple ways.

7. Be willing to invest in your dreams

Being in debt is not what we are told is a good idea. However, with careful consideration of the outcome desired and a truthful conversation with ourselves about our work ethic and true passion for what wevare about to embark on, taking out a loan for education, business, real estate development, etc. can be a sound financial decision. The key is to educate ourselves and seek out others who have gone before us. Often we do have to put our money where our mouth is so to speak, but when we do it right, when we are in tune with ourselves and our goals, an investment can be the best choice we could ever make to further our progress.

8. Have a plan and then practice patience and discipline

The key is to know our approach for paying off or paying down our debt. Be honest with yourself about how much you bring in and how much you can spend. The importance of being passionate about what we each invest in is that it motivates us to stay the course, be disciplined about unnecessary spending so that the results we are seeking have a chance to materialize.

Credit and learning to master it will provide a much deeper sleep when we turn in each night. I don’t know about you, but keeping the power of money by using it properly motivates me all the more to have clear boundaries about what can and cannot be purchased. What makes a sound approach to money work is having a clear goal of why we are being disciplined, and once we have that, it is easy to say no to distractors until the goal has been met.

Much more credit management is shared in the following two posts from the archives:

~Why Not . . . Get and Stay Out of Debt?

~How to Successfully Have a Credit Card

Today the Year of Quality continues for the month of May. Have a look below at the past four months focus on quality in a variety of arenas in our lives and look ahead to see what we will be discussing next month and beyond.

January

~Reduce or eliminate entirely one food or food type that does not serve you well

February:

~Letting go of a social media app that isn’t serving you as you strive to build relationships

March

~Letting go of busy mentality

April

~Reducing mindless eating

May

~Mastering the use of credit

June

~Understanding and reducing self-doubt

July

~Curtailing the negative commentary (internal and external)

August

~How to approach staying informed but not overwhelmed by the news of the world

September

~Designated no work zones

October

~Smart shopping for clothing

November

~Recognizing, understanding and eradicating self-imposed limitations

December

~TBA

Summer Whites & Market Baskets

The long unofficial first weekend to kick off summer has just concluded, and with a stunning show of sunshine and warmth, the whites of denim, shoes, jackets and dresses are beginning to step out from the closets. Concurrently, the farmer’s markets are beginning to open as well which means we all need a market basket. I have done some shopping for you at the bottom of the post, and you will find all different shapes, sizes and price points. My favorite however, is this one for less than $60 and with double leather handles. Peruse the images for inspiration (former First Lady Michelle Obama is included as she strolls about in Montalcino, Italy, recently) on how to style both summer whites and market baskets and get ready for a beautiful summer season.

 

SHOP Straw & Rattan totes below:

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Passion Projects, Jazz, Being French at Heart & Living in the Moment: Elizabeth Bougerol of The Hot Sardines

~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #157
~Subscribe to The Simple Sophisticate: iTunes | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

Jazz and France is a coupling that instantaneously grabs my attention. Add a woman who has followed her passion, appreciates the moment and lives life to the fullest all the while staying grounded in this ever-changing thing called life, and I want to get to know her further.

Elizabeth Bougerol is not only the front woman of The Hot Sardines vintage jazz band that is making “the old sound new” again, but she is also the co-founder with the bandleader and man at the piano, Evan Palazzo (above with Elizabeth, bottom right). The band’s music has been described by The Times (London) as “simply phenomenal” and their music has reached the No. 1 slot on the iTunes Jazz chart in the U.S. and internationally. With songs in both English and French, their first two albums are a must-have on your jazz playlist.

Elizabeth joins me on today’s episode to talk about jazz and the journey she has been on as The Hot Sardines have begun to catch many an ear of fans and critics alike over just a few short years. As well we discuss passion projects, knowing when to leap, redefining the term “stability” and of course we talk about France, where she was born and raised and regularly visits. The discussion continues into the differences between the French and American cultures and the different approaches regarding daily living, and the importance of living in the moment. From food to listening to the voice inside that wants to give something a try that may not align with your perceived self-image to taking advantage of opportunities even if you do not feel entirely ready, today’s conversation is one to take 45 minutes out of your day and enjoy. I have a feeling, if you’re like me, you’ll walk away with at least one (if not many) thought to ponder and apply to your life. See one below, as well as the song (one of two) that is played and discussed during the episode.

~The Hot Sardines‘ website

~Elizabeth Bougerol’s website

~The Hot Sardines: Instagram | YouTube |Facebook | Twitter

~Tour Schedule

Albums:

French Fries + Champagne (2016)
The Hot Sardines (2014)

~The title song of The Hot Sardines’ most recent album: “French Fries + Champagne”

~The litmus test which sparked the partnership between Elizabeth and Evan: “Your Feet’s Too Big”

~Elizabeth’s recommended destination to visit in France: Cancale

 

~@hotsardines – Instagram pics: Elizabeth with Alan Cummings singing “When I Get Low I Get High“; with Alan Cumming who is featured on French Fries + Champagne; Elizabeth enjoying French Fries + Champagne; The Hot Sardines~

~The song I have been playing on repeat. “Wake Up In Paris“.

In our conversation on the podcast, Elizabeth shares her inspiration for the song, as well as how long it took her to write it. Be sure to tune and discover where exactly the inspiration came from for the first two notes of the song.

Petit Plaisir:

Elizabeth shared with listeners, not one, but two of her favorite Petit Plaisirs. Have a look below:

~On the road: 

Maldon Sea Salt
Fleur de Sel, here as well
Himalayan Rock Salt
La Baleine sea salt

~At Home (see below):

 

 

An enormous thank you to Elizabeth and her team for taking the time to join me on The Simple Sophisticate.

~View more episodes of The Simple Sophisticate here.

Download the Episode

This & That: May 26, 2017

Beauty
—Christophe Robin Lavender Oil (for hair)

In last week’s This & That, I shared my first item found on the highly credible Violet Grey’s beauty website, and this week I want to share another. The French hair colorist Christophe Robin at the young of 24 became known to the beauty and fashion world for being the man behind Claudia Schiffer’s golden mane. And in 1999 he began sharing his haircare products. His Lavender Oil is designed for all hair types restoring shine and offering protection. If you are looking to bring a touch of luxury to your hair, perhaps check out this item as you will only use it 1-2 times a week and the bottle will last for months.

Books
—The Future of Happiness: 5 Modern Strategies for Balancing Productivity and Well-Being in the Digital Era by Amy Blankson

Motivated to combat the idea that technology, the more of it, the more it does for us, will enable us to become happier was one of the primary catalyst for Amy Blankson’s book released last month. Demonstrating that indeed technology is thwarting our efforts for true happiness when we use it inaccurately, she offers five strategies to better utilize technology so that it benefits us rather than depletes us.

—How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain by Lisa Feldman Barrett

Knowledge is power and being a slave to our emotions is a miserable way to wander through life. Released this past March I have placed psychologist and neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett’s book on my summer reading list and look forward to sharing what I find here on the blog as well as the podcast. Are emotions truly automatic? Can our health be affected by how we manage our emotions? And what about emotional intelligence? It looks to be fascinating, and once we know how our emotions work with our mind, we can become the master.

Cookbook
—Simple Fare: Spring & Summer by Karen Mordechai

Karen Mordechai is offering the first of a two book series which offers something similar to TSLL Capsule Menu (Spring and Fall). Released in April, Karen’s first cookbook is illustrated and full of seasonal food inspiration to ensure you are eating flavorful fruits and vegetables and able to support your local farmers. With 68 recipes and 3-4 ideas for food substitutions in many, you will find nearly 170 total recipes.

I can remember first following Karen’s blog Sunday Suppers when she began bloggingback in 2010. With her beautiful photography, each recipe prompted me to desire the fresh seasonal food that was used and step into the kitchen. And if you are impressed with the first cookbook, look for her second cookbook, Simple Fare: Fall & Winter, on September 19th.

Francophile Find
—Mistakes were Made (Some in French): A Memoir by Fiona Lewis

A playful love story told by model and actress Fiona Lewis, follow her journey as she and husband decide (she more than he) to restore a French chateau in the south of France. Initially such a decision sounds glamorous as she is seeking reinvention upon reaching her 50s and asking herself the deep existential questions, but as one who has taken on a remodeling project knows, behind the scenes can get messy. I can only imagine the headaches if one chooses to tackle a chateau. A time for reflection, a time to come to better understand her fascination with France, a time for readers to enjoy the struggles without incurring them for themselves. Perhaps an ideal Memorial Day weekend read.

Shopping
—Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale

Beginning on Wednesday and running through June 4th, Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale has begun. Below are a few items I have found, but be sure to take a look for yourself here at the entire sale.

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Television
—Barefoot Contessa’s New Season: Cook Like a Pro

After hearing Barefoot Contessa on Katie Couric’s podcast this past March, I discovered her new season “Cook Like a Pro” was kicking off this spring. And now we know exactly when: this Sunday at 11am (eastern). An eight part series, she teaches viewers the basic steps and begins with how to roast a chicken, the Barefoot Contessa way. I am beyond elated and was also tickled to learn she is working on a new cookbook as well, so be sure to stay tuned.

—House of Cards, Season 5 Premiere

Yes, the fifth season will finally land this Tuesday May 30th on Netflix. With 13 episodes and Frank’s bid for the Presidency with Clare as his running mate, this season is expected to be nerve-wracking. But what else did we expect? After taking a look at the trailer, I have no doubt a binge watch may be in order if there is any rainy day in the near future.

 

~recipe for Bacon & Egg Breakfast Pies~

The long Memorial Day week is about to commence here in the states, and I have been ready for its arrival for days (in fact, all day Thursday, I thought it was Friday – argh! – the frustration when I realized my mistake!). Why am I so excited? For no other reason than time to do as I please. There are no big and grand plans, but rather my plans, my time schedule, my sleep schedule, my chore schedule, time to breathe and be. After all, time to recharge is vital, and with a few books I want to read, finishing up with spring cleaning jobs and a few other projects I am looking forward to, a three day weekend is a very good thing.

What will you be up to? I would love to hear your plans. Wherever and however you are spending your time, I do hope you have a wonderful experience. Thank you for your time in stopping by, and below I’ve gathered some reading you might enjoy whether you are on the road, in a plane or snuggled up in your armchair. Until Monday, bonne journée!

~A commencement speech from Senator Tammy Duckworth that will motivate you to get involved when life doesn’t seem to be going the way it should.

~As a solo female traveler, these tips are worth checking out so that you can still be adventurous, yet safe.

~A French woman who epitomizes effortless chic (and wrote a book about it), get to know Caroline de Maigret

~A simple dish to mix it up with chicken on the weeknights, it’s all about the white wine sauce (and yes, we can do it!). Having tried it on Wednesday, I can attest – simple and scrumptious!

~And this Feta & Herb Tart doesn’t look bad either.

~Any guesses – What is the worst fat in the food supply??? Find out here and how to avoid it.

~Marc and Angel offer grounding inspiration: 7 Life-Changing Truths Most People Are Too Scared  (or too stubborn) to Admit

~And to be a Francophile, one must know the history of croissants. Are they truly French?

~Since we’re talking about French food, or food associated with the French culture, this Croque-Monsieur recipe looks divine.

~Traveling to San Francisco anytime soon? Either way, save this post. The Top 10 Things to do in the Bay Area

~Let’s talk about marriage and the truth regarding our health. While studies are helpful, it is always important to ask what was excluded just as much as what was included. And as this recent study found out, vital information was left out of the studies up until now about who truly is healthier, those who get married or those who do not. Take a look at the article.