Shannon Ables's Blog, page 260

Effortless French Chic

~See by Chloé Vicki mini textured-leather bucket bag~

~Isabel Marant lace-up leather sandals, biege~

~Alexander Wang Lovisa leather pumps, biege~

~M.I.H. Bridge mid-rise skinny jeans~

~J.Crew Antique-gold hoop earrings~

~Alexander Wang Striped plissé-satin top~

~Laura Mercier Velour Lovers Lip color in temptation (one of the top “red” lip colors sold – learn more here)~

~Beyond the Label: Women, Leadership and Success on Their Own Terms by Maureen Chiquet~

~SHOP THE OUTFIT:

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~View more Outfits of the Week here.

Understated Sophistication

San Francisco’s Cottages & Garden‘s April issue offers a tour inside a Hillsbourgh California estate that offers luxury without the opulence. San Francisco interior designer Katie Raffetto styled the 1930s English Tudor home and remodeled key components to heighten the sophistication and specialized in unique personalized customization. A upscale, but still rustic chicken coup? Yep, that is included as well. From the spacious glass rain head shower surrounded by seashell tiled walls Utilizing the rich climate to subtle, yet statement leather chairs in a sun drenched dining room (above), the home has become a space to live as well as entertain.

Enjoy the tour below and learn more about all of the design details here.

 

~View more Decor Inspiration posts from the Archives here.

Why Not . . . Read a Cookbook for Pleasure?

“Yet every recipe, whether we cook it or not, offers a vision of the good life, and a way of tasting food in your brain.” —Bee Wilson, The New Yorker

The sizzle of the aromatic ingredients having been finely chopped and dropped atop the olive oil or butter into a pre-heated skillet. The steady hum of the bubbles in a pot poised for fresh pasta to be dropped and the splash of red wine greeting the stemmed glass.

Cooking after work has wrapped up and the day is unwinding has always been therapeutic for me. The stoppage of time, the anticipation of the meal being created, the dance in the kitchen if cooking with a loved one as we work together. The seemingly simple, yet soothing sounds created in the kitchen during the build up to the meal’s presentation are a melody I never tire to hear.

But for as much as I love to cook, there are always a hundred multiplied by infinity recipes I have yet to try and want to, as well as numerous approaches and techniques and lessons I am curious to learn but still have yet to. However, this fact does not stop me from halting my purchase of cookbooks.

While my library of cookbooks is in its infant stage compared to that of the Barefoot Contessa (see above, Ina Garten in front of her cookbook library that is regularly in use – see a select list of Ina Garten’s cookbook favorites here), mine is certainly burgeoning.

I was reminded of how much I enjoy reading cookbooks for pleasure when Susan Hermann Loomis‘ cookbook In a French Kitchen was released last year and I didn’t want it to end. Similar to a cozy mystery that transfixes me primarily because of the details, setting and characters rather than the murder plot itself, I just want to roam the community some more, read more about the food and the gardens and dawdle with the secondary characters if possible. Hermann Loomis skillfully sprinkles a few recipes at the end of each chapter which corresponded with each season, and it was the stories, details and images of home cooks in their kitchens which she painted in my mind’s eye that kept me spellbound. (View one of my favorite recipes from the cookbook here.)

At the moment, my cookbook of leisure reading is Elizabeth Bard’s newly released Francophile must-have Dinner Chez Moi: 50 French Secrets to Joyful Eating and Entertaining. Full of personal stories and anecdotes paired with the French approach to eating, as well as of course recipes, upon opening the book I feel temporarily transported to Provence where this New Yorker now calls home with her family.

While the truth may be we never actually make most of the recipes we read about (I had to chuckle when I read the above text in the Cookbook section at my local bookshop), cookbooks are a soothing recipe to slip into no matter what time of day. No tragedy, no news, no unexpected surprises (excepted maybe a renewed appetite). Simply deliciously curated flavors, often exquisite photography and inspiration and motivation that we too can create something beautiful, nourishing and brilliant in our own homes.

So if by chance you are looking for a good book to read at the moment and wish to learn something, but also unwind and relax, why not pick up a cookbook? While the cookbooks included in today’s post are ones I highly recommend or come highly recommended to me (all but two I have on in my kitchen), there are so many more I could share, but this list will certainly get you started.

You’ll find a brief description of each, but if you are looking for more ideas and titles, you can always stop by my TSLL Shop, click on “Cookbooks” in the drop-down menu and discover my entire list of cookbook recommendations that is regularly updated each week.

~The Art of Simple Food: Notes, Recipes and Lessons from a Delicious Revolution by Alice Waters

The west coast food expert who brought to the attention of the country and the modern world of cooking the value of seasonal, local and sustainably produced foods. The key as she reminds is something many different cultures outside of the United States have known for centuries, use quality, seasonal ingredients. Encouraging her readers to grow a garden, cook simply, cook together and be mindful of the food and its origins, her first chapter alone will prompt you to annotate frequently (if you’re like me) and feel confident you have a grasp on the foundations of a kitchen that can create delicious food simply.

~Julia’s Kitchen Wisdom: Essential Techniques and Recipes from a Lifetime of Cooking by Julia Child

After “getting to know” Julia Child in Dearie, As Always, Julia and now My Life in France, and relying on Mastering the Art of French Cooking for any cooking questions that she might answer, next on my list to read is Julia’s Kitchen Wisdom. Published in 2000, Julia offers answers to the seemingly simple, but pesky questions we would like to know the answers to: the proper proportions for vinaigrette, the quickest way to sauté, tips and tricks for bread making, ideas for soups and much more. I cannot wait to get my hands on it.

~Sauces: Classic and Contemporary Sauce Making by James Peterson

A tome of a cookbook, dive into the first chapter and become acquainted with the history of sauce making through the centuries, then shift to the necessary and proper equipment in chapter two followed by the ingredients and finally, the subsequent chapters each focus on a particular type of sauce, offering a wide variety of different options (brown sauces, crustacean sauces, mayonnaise-based sauces, egg yolk aces, butter sauces, etc.) In other words, if you are curious about how to become a better French gourmand in the kitchen, pick up this resource for sauce making now.

~Tartine All Day: Modern Recipes for the Home Cook by Elisabeth Prueitt

The scrumptious descriptions of each recipe will leave you ready for a meal or a snack no matter how full you may be upon opening the latest cookbook by San Francisco’s Tartine bakery and restaurant co-founder Elisabeth Prueitt. And with simple recipes with magnified, surefire flavor, you will gaze at each image and feel confident you too can make what she describes.

~How to Cook Everything: 2000 Simple Recipes for Great Food by Mark Bittman

Learn the simple techniques of everyday cooking, discover the power of quality, fresh, natural ingredients and come to understand that you don’t need complicated gadgetry, but instead just basic equipment to be successful in the kitchen.

~Barefoot in Paris: Easy French Food You Can Make at Home by Ina Garten

Each of Barefoot Contessa’s cookbooks are a treat to read when they arrive, and her latest Cooking for Jeffrey was no exception. What I especially enjoyed about Barefoot in Paris were the photography of Ina’s favorite stops in the city (Poilâne in St. Germaine for example) and the commentary in each chapter about specific French ways of cooking, shopping for cookware, setting the table and other experiences of Ina’s while spending time in France. (did you know she ha pied-à-terre in the city? See it here.)

~On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen by Harold McGee

Recommended by Ina Garten and currently in her cookbook library, this book is on my wish list. Described as a kitchen classic and highly reviewed by more than 500 readers, since being published in 1984, it is best described as the go-to resource “for an understanding of where our foods come from, what exactly they’re made of, and how cooking transforms them into something new and delicious”. A wonderful and informative read indeed.

“Sometimes, it’s enough to dream how things might be, in a fictitious kitchen where the “spargus” comes straight from the garden and the butter is always fresh.” -Bee Wilson, author of First Bite: How We Learn to Eat

 

Image of Ina Garten from The Food Network

Pink: Playful and Powerful

Pink. Blush. Rosé. Fuchsia. Coral. The spring-like hues of the oft-associated color of femininity is en vogue this season, as it should be each year, so long as we find the shade with the proper undertones that complements our skin. Pink can be utilized as a neutral hue quite well: pair with black, white, prints or gray. Navy as well can pair with pink beautifully. It is a surprise of a staple that can add a touch of softness and playfulness with its childlike intonations.

Take a look at some inspiration below and remember to click on any of the images to be redirected and shop the original outfit.

 

~View more Style Inspiration posts here.

10 Style Tips to Embrace the French Woman’s Approach to Effortless Chic

~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #151
~Subscribe to The Simple Sophisticate: iTunes | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

“There is something about the French woman, a sense of freedom that must read and show in the way we dress.” —Marion Cotillard

No one has yet pinpointed when the allure of French style came to epitomize the pinnacle of effortless, chic style, but nonetheless, the flattering stereotype continues to be perpetuated and this post will do the same.

Why? In all honesty, if you have been to France, you have seen it. You have crossed paths with the style seen in Paris that embodies classic staples worn with such ease and confidence that the woman appears to be on her own catwalk wherever she goes. Now not every French woman embodies the qualities oft associated with simple, chic, effortlessness just as not every American woman is intrigued by fast fashion and putting more in her closet (if you are a reader of TSLL, I am pretty confident you do not fall into that traditional American stereotype).

But since the French woman has lessons to share when it comes to the style of quality over quantity, and demonstrates how magnificent it can look, people from around the globe have taken note, which may be why so many non-French women have impeccable, signature style as well.

“What defines French Style? An effortless chic attitude – the Parisienne always wears great basics. It’s about clever mix and match.” -Evelyne Chétrite

Wherever we find the inspiration that moves us to shift and change our wardrobe, it is worth investigating exactly what the fundamentals are of that particular approach to style.

To begin, I must make a confession, I am not someone who enjoys shopping for clothes, but I do thoroughly appreciate and feel most confident when I know the clothes I am wearing work well on my body for whatever occasion I may be involved in. Thus, I have always wanted to drill down to how to cultivate a dependable, chic wardrobe that is versatile and lasts. So it was not a surprise when the French woman’s approach to style caught my attention.

Let’s take a look at how to incorporate the 10 fundamentals of French style into our lives so that we too can look our best, spend our money wisely and limit the time we spend in shops and online boutiques so that we can go about enjoying the simply luxurious lives we have created.

1. Staples over trends

“In an era of excess, Frenchness speaks to a certain kind of abstinence – but also of a noble refusal to compromise on quality, as well as the confidence to resist tacky gimmicks.” —Lisa Armstrong, The Daily Telegraph

Watching the seasonal runway shows are great fun and full of inspiration and ideas what new way to wear a button up blouse or what to pair with a knee-length skirts, but don’t hop on the bandwagon if it’s a one-season phenomenon. How do you know if it’s a one season phenomenon? Ask yourself, would you wear it if you hadn’t seen it on the runway or if wasn’t cheered by Vogue and the fashion elites? If the answer is no, then just appreciate it and move on.

Staples may seem safe or boring, but as we will discuss in #2, when you purchase well, know your body and tailor to your needs, you will shine. And the key word is you. You, rather than your clothes will be what everyone will notice and that is the intent to dressing well each time we step into our closets. Instead of considering what will draw attention, what will shock, what will woo onlookers, ask yourself “what will look best on me and help me elevate to feel and do my best?” Return to those clothes again and again and again, and you will never be disappointed.

2. Invest, don’t skimp

A French woman will have Chanel ballet flats and maybe even a Mulberry tote, but she won’t have oodles of ballet flats in her closet or more than a few handbags unlike an average American’s closet that is overflowing with bargain finds that may have looked wonderful on the rack at Ross but no longer shine two or even five years later.

Hone in on what you need, save up and purchase what you love and will continue to use for years to come. My Lanvin ballet flats were an investment (always order one to a half-size larger than your regular size), but they were exactly what I had always wanted for years. When I finally purchased my first (I have two now – beige and black) pair, the price was expected, and I continue wear them at least 2-4 times a week (they continue to look wonderful and work with a long list of outfits).

3. Subtle over shocking

Choose neutral hues that work with your skin tone in order to infuse a multitude of options. The white jersey tee works beautifully under your blazer, but it can also be tucked into a pencil skirt worn with heels to offer a high/low look to the office. Don’t forget to wear it under your leather jacket as well paired with your favorite jeans.

Shocking, while fun, has a shelf-life. Subtle again allows the woman to shine rather than the clothing.

4. Fewer but better

You will have fewer items in your closet and what a beautiful sight that will be when you walk in. Clutter is stressful, too many choices can numb us and make it difficult to choose. Fewer, but better options simplifies the process but amplifies the outcome.

5. A skill rather than a sport

As I mentioned at the top of the post, I honestly do not like to shop for clothing. Beginning when I was a young girl, I became quickly frustrated looking for clothing that fit my tall frame and thus began to see wardrobe building as the goal, not a sport that would waste hours of my day.

A significant part of why I share what I learn and discover about style on TSLL is because I want to alleviate the frustration that I had so that you too, whether you love shopping or not, will be able to shop well each and every time, utilizing your time wisely so that you can enjoy the life you have built.

Do I love beautiful attire and the craftsmanship, absolutely. If I could snap my fingers and have the wardrobe of 10-15 staple items for each season hanging in my closet that look brilliant on my body, I would snap away and spend the time I would have been shopping walking my dogs, working on a creative project, traveling or any one of the hobbies I enjoy. And so TSLL exists to reveal the tools we all can possess so that we each can build our signature wardrobe without feeling we have to do so each season, because we truly do not if we shop well.

6. Keep it simple

A beautiful silk blouse paired with designer jeans that fall just to the ankle worn with a stunning pair of Roger Vivier flats. Nothing else. Classic pieces, quality pieces.

Trust your purchases so that when you do pull them on and pair with them with the other items, you will know they work. Another reason to have fewer, but better items in your closet is that you become more familiar with them as you will have had them in your closet for many seasons. You will begin then to trust what you have, what looks flattering on your body and what other items might pair well with it.

The simplifying of the process is a significant factor to loving and trusting your style.

7. Subtle, but sincere statement pieces 

Begin to let go of the costume jewelry. I used to regularly have my large tear-drop earrings that were not that expensive but fun conversational pieces, and then I began to realize I didn’t want my clothing to be the conversational piece, I wanted to be talking about topics of more substance. So I purchased these earrings and wear them with nearly every outfit. They are simple, basic, but just the right femininity for work and play. A simple pair of diamond studs would also work beautifully.

The key is to not be afraid to invest in a few investment statement pieces, but make sure they are subtle so that you can wear them for years and perhaps a lifetime.

8. Find what works and wear it regularly

If blazers are your flattering cut similar to Emmanuel Alt, then include a couple of quality blazers in a variety of hues in your closet. If you know crew necks are better than v-necks, stay loyal and do not deviate.

Such a discovery of our style takes time, but so long as we pay attention, are willing to explore and try something new if other approaches aren’t working, we will eventually find what works for our bodies, lives and comfort.

Over the past few years, one of the trends that has become my signature is the jumpsuit. Not everyone loves the jumpsuit, but it has been a staple in my wardrobe – layering with blazers, wearing long-sleeve monochromatic versions in the winter and splurging on a versatile silk jumper by Vanessa Seward when it went on sale that takes me to work and is ideal of cool summer afternoons with sandals.

9. Mix the high and low

As much as your investment items are the foundation of the French woman’s wardrobe, not every item you wear has to be über sophisticated. Wear a pair of boyfriend jeans with heels (low/casual – boyfriend jeans; high/dressed-up – heels) or a bomber jacket over a camisole worn with an over-the-knee pencil skirt and sandals. The balance of seriousness with playful displays prowess of how to build and wear a wardrobe exuding confidence and personality.

10. Elevate yourself, don’t hide

The clothing you wear is meant to spotlight the talented, intelligent, fun and curious woman who you are. While clothing can offer some armor in a world that can be difficult at times, don’t hide completely behind your sartorial choices. Let your signature shine. Choose clothing that regardless of the designer label is made well and elevates your confidence. Stick to what works, let go of what doesn’t and dress for you, not to mimic what you should do.

Part of embracing the French woman’s approach to style is reconciling with the clothes you must get rid of, but on the flip side when you don’t have to go shopping as often to fill the gaps or find that one item that you just don’t seem to have, you will discover an ease with knowing what to wear when that will be priceless.

As much as I love the power of the sartorial choices we make, I have always wanted the clothing to be the background (an impressive background, but still in the background). While being known for what one wears is initially flattering and a temporary confidence boost, it is knowing that the woman each one of us offers to the world is more than what she wears is valued far more than the clothing and image she projects that motivates me to fine tune and all but perfect my approach to style. And each time I gain more clarity, I look forward to sharing what I learn with you.

May we all fine-tune our wardrobe so that we may make a worthwhile first-impression but follow through with a breath-taking performance offered by our intelligence, charm and wit.

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~The Francophile’s Style Guide: The 14 Essentials (podcast episode)

~Why Not . . . Master the Art of Dressing?

~Why Not . . . Organize Your Closet?

~20 Ways to Live Like a Parisienne (podcast episode

~How to Cultivate Your True Style All Year Long – inspired by Ines de la Fressange’s new Parisian Lookbook (podcast episode)

~Shop TSLL Capsule Wardrobe boutique here

~As my way of saying thank you to listeners of the podcast, I have produced two new episodes for this week due to my loss of voice last week and inability to have a new episode as each Monday for over two years (except in one other instance) there has always been one. I appreciate your understanding, your well wishes and your interest in living simply luxuriously. Here is the link to episode #150. Have a lovely week.

~21 Life Lessons Learned in South Korea

Petit Plaisir:
~The Curse of La Fontaine: A Verlaque and Bonnet mystery by M.L. Longworth

~begin with the first novel in the cozy, set in Aix-en-Provence mystery series, Death at the Chateau Bremont 

 

~Image: French model Ophelie Guillermand captured by Tatel Velasquez

 

Download the Episode

Give It Time: Discovering What Is Worth the Wait

~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #150
~Subscribe to The Simple Sophisticate: iTunes | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

“Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

The blossoms of spring have begun to bloom; the scents, vibrant green grass and and brilliant pastel hues offer their natural talents of awing us mere humans. And after a winter that didn’t seem it would in, the blossoms all along knew they would bloom; they just needed time.

As many around the globe yesterday celebrated Easter which manifest from the pagan holiday coinciding with the spring equinox and the earth’s reawakening, I found myself reflecting on all around us that requires time in order to flourish. From the dogwood and magnolia blooms to the delicate baking of a soufflé, extraordinary seemingly unimaginable occurrences and revelations require time to incubate, to evolve and realize the possibilities which are harbored within.

Below is a list of simple as well as significant life events that require the exercise of patience and trust that in time, beautiful outcomes will materialize.

1. A transcontinental flight to a destination on your bucket list

2. Learning how to truly listen

3. Accrued compound interest on savings

4. The zit-from-hell that sprang up out of nowhere

5. Attainment of an academic diploma or skill certificate

6. Learning a new language

7. The pesky debt you are working to pay off

8. Becoming a better communicator

9. Loving well

~responsive vs. reactionary – episode #145

10. Mastering cooking techniques that appear impossible: slicing an onion, flipping an omelette, building a sauce without it separating

11. Mastering your mind

12. Discovering what ignites your soul, stirs your curiosities and what, if pursued, will lead to your fullest potential and true contentment

13. Respect from others

14. Trust from others

15. Personal growth: developing these 22 skills

“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” Leo Tolstoy

Part of the reason I savor the arrival of the spring season, as I mentioned earlier this year, is because the world around us reminds us that evolving into our better selves is possible. And the most important lesson that the arrival of spring teaches us to wait. We must not rush what needs time to develop, to breathe, to heal, to gain its footing and establish its strong foundation so that when it does arrive, it will last as long as it is most capable of doing.

Often I reflect on this life lesson of giving what we seek, what we desire, what we are hopeful for, as a litmus test for what Charles Stanley reminds,“Our willingness to wait reveals the value we place on the object we’re waiting for.” So the next time you find yourself frustrated that something isn’t arriving quickly enough, ask yourself “How deeply do you truly want it?” And perhaps if you still choose to be impatient and rush it, you were simply looking for a placeholder because you hadn’t found what you truly desired. And on the other hand, if you reflect, step back and recognize the need and willingness to be patient, you have discovered what for you is worth seeking. Perhaps for you, you have found your path, the journey you truly wish to be on.

~As my way of saying thank you to listeners of the podcast, I have produced two new episodes for this week due to my loss of voice last week and inability to have a new episode as each Monday for over two years (except in one other instance) there has always been one. I appreciate your understanding, your well wishes and your interest in living simply luxuriously. Here is the link to episode #151. Have a lovely week.

~Petit Plaisir:
~Soft Boiled Œufs et Mouillettes Pour Deux (eggs and soldiers for two)

~View and print the recipe here

 

~All images captured by TSLL Instagram.

Download the Episode

A Simple French Breakfast: Soft Boiled Œufs et Mouillettes Pour Deux

I can remember vividly the first time I ordered œufs et mouillettes. It was the summer of 2013 and I was in Paris for a week. I walked to Poilâne from my apartment in the Marais after already scouting it out as one of my favorite neighborhood bakeries. Along with their famed sourdough rounds, croissants, pain aux chocolats and buttery tartes aux pommes, breakfast is also served at this particular location, and I was eager to partake.

After ordering, the egg in its simple, elegant metal holder arrived, untouched. I paused for quite some time, knowing I should know what to do, but also knowing full well, I did not have a clue.

What was I supposed to do with it? I looked around the dining area to see if by chance anyone else had ordered as I had. I even asked a familiar face from a previous visit who I knew to speak English. Their guess was as good as mine (they were American). Okay. I had a small knife, so I assumed (remember, my French at this point in my travels and love for France was especially limited, nearly non-existent) it must have something to do with how I was to enjoy my breakfast. 

Needless to say, I did cut into my egg. It wasn’t pretty, but it was delicious and the soldiers (mouillettes) were devoured along with my tea. Since 2013, I have been served this dish one other time by a European who again assumed I knew what to do with an egg in a holder. Trust me, I recognize I am quite a neophyte gourmand regarding this dish, and my lack of a simple understanding of how to eat properly such a beautifully presented egg frustrated me, but then I just became tickled by it and decided to investigate, learn and make it myself.

Et voilà!

 

 

Soft Boiled Eggs & Soldiers

2 eggs
2 slices brioche
salt & pepper (to taste)
1 scallion (finely chopped) (optional)
fresh dill (finely chopped) (optional)

Bring a pot of approximately six cups of water (enough to full cover the eggs when you place them in the pot) to boil.

Once the pot of water is fully boiling, place room temperature eggs into the boiling water.

Boil for precisely six minutes (set a timer). Julia Child’s tome (Mastering the Art of French Cooking), on page 118, shares the precise time of 6 minutes for an average size egg.

Remove pot with boiling water and eggs from the stovetop. Drain the hot water and replace with cold water. Run cold water over the eggs for one minute to stop them from continuing to cook.

Set the eggs aside (you may remove them from the pot and allow to dry on a cloth).

Slice two pieces of fresh brioche (homemade or picked up from your local bakery), and toast until brown to your liking.

Remove toast from the toaster and slice into small 1/2 inch slices (narrow enough to dunk into an egg). Add butter if you would like.

Place each egg in an egg holder, serve with a mini knife and cocktail spoon, along with 3-4 soldiers (mouillettes) per egg.

Sprinkle a little salt, pepper, dill or finely diced scallions to add a simple fresh flavor. 

To enjoy: carefully slice off the of the egg (use an egg topper, butter knife, kitchen shears or favorite sharp knife), enough so the yolk is revealed. Dunk your soldiers to combine the flavors of brioche and warm egg or use a spoon to scoop out the deliciousness.

The top of the egg can be sliced off a variety of ways. Mine certainly wasn’t clean, but it worked and was quite simple as I used a sharp chopping knife. You can also use an egg topper, butter knife or kitchen shears. It is actually easier than it would seem. The soldiers as well can be topped with butter to add extra flavor. Top quality, fresh artisan bread ensures each small bite is absolutely decadent. For me, brioche was the go-to option. Also, single egg holders can be found everywhere (I found mine at my local Newport Market here in Bend). I continue to keep my eyes open for unique finds at antique boutiques, but to get you started, Le Creuset offers a myriad of color options here.

In fewer than 10 minutes, breakfast is served. While looking complicated, it is actually quite simple and truly luxurious. Bon appétit!

 

 

~Find TSLL recipe for the steel oats, seen above, here.

~View more TSLL Breakfast Recipes here

This & That: April 14, 2017

Beauty
—Almond Coconut Milk Soufflé Body Crème by Laura Mercier

Soufflé for your body? Yep. Love it. Have it. You will not be disappointed. (Other scents are available as well: fresh fig, crême brûlée, and amber vanillè.)

Books
—The Way She Wears It: The Ultimate Insider Guides to Your Personal Style by Dallas Shaw

Released on March 28th, Dallas Shaw is the fashion illustrator and style project designer that top fashion houses seek out to curate their showrooms and presentations. With knowledge to share in her new book The Way She Wears I, she offers a guidebook that functions much like a workbook, helping women find their unique style and encouraging them not be shy about it.

Cookbook
—Dinner: Changing the Game by Melissa Clark 

The highly respected New York Times food writer and best-selling author Melissa Clark has just released her newest cookbook, Dinner: Changing the Game. Released last month, Clark exclusively focuses on recipes for . . . you guessed it . . . dinner. Organized around the main ingredient and offering easy to prepare and full of flavor dishes, whether you are new to the kitchen or simply want some new ideas to mix it up, you may just want to pick this cookbook up.

—On Vegetables: Modern Recipes for the Home Kitchen by Jeremy Fox and Noah Galuten

A Michelin-starred chef for his Napa Valley restaurant Ubuntu, Jeremy Fox’s first cookbook is finally available. Offering new and creative ways to mix it up with vegetables, On Vegetables shares with readers 160 recipes that the home cook can approach to bring wonderful flavors to the many vegetables waiting to be further appreciated.

Film
—Norman

Richard Gere is receiving a nod of approval from critics for his starring role in which he plays a fixer  living in New York City. Upon meeting an Israeli dignitary, his character ends up impressing the man after buying his shoes (as you will see in the trailer, it is a gesture that exceeds what Norman expected to offer). Needless to say, the dignitary is impressed and thus begins to build a strong relationship with Norman over the next few years. Then that same man becomes the prime minister of Israel. Things begin to change for Norman and not necessarily for the better. Being released across the country today, have a look at the trailer below.

Francophile Find
—The New Paris: The People, Places & Ideas Fueling a Movement by Lindsay Tramuta

A Paris like you may not know existed. Journalist Lindsey Tramuta takes readers into the ever evolving City of Light. The food, wine, pastry, fashion, coffee and much more that is becoming infused with ideas from newcomers while keeping that special Parisian flare. Full of photographs by Charissa Fay, the book is available on the 18th and worth taking a look at before your next jaunt to France.

 

~recipe for Coconut Custard Tart~

Springtime in April is a special time of year. The blossoms begin to burst with beauty, the birds begin to return, the daffodils slowly rise and offer they sunshine and the rains are fresh and welcomed. With tulips adorning the inside of my home at the moment, and my umbrella and wellies at the ready, I am doing all that I can to savor this month. And the good news is, we still have a few more weeks to do so.

Have a lovely weekend and if you’re celebrating Easter or Passover, wishing you and yours a lovely occasion of gathering and feasting. Below are a few articles you may enjoy this weekend, until Monday, bonne journée.

~Why You Should Make Time for Self-Reflection

~13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do

~10 Ways Mentally Strong Do to Build Powerful Mindsets

~One Behavior Separates the Successful from the Average, find out what it

~A simple French recipe with a touch of west coast, Crab Croque-Madame

~Sleep. Get Some. It’s highly respected.

Just a Jacket & Jeans

~Cinq a Sept Zuri wrap-effect crepe blazer~

~J.Brand Cameron high-rise boot-cut jeans~

~Roger Vivier Camellia patent-leather pumps~

~Julie Vos Petite Fern Earrings~

~Mark & Graham Bamboo Elisabetta Slouch Handbag (many different colors available)~

~How to Pack: Travel Smart for Any Trip by Hitha Palepu

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~View more Outfits of the Week here

A Pastoral Retreat

A cottage weekend retreat that understandably quickly became a couple’s full-time residence, offers light hues inspired by Swedish decor. With high white oak beams aloft the kitchen and living room, the 2,500 square foot Connecticut country home offers an abundance of natural light, views of lush landscapes and a cozy cottage appeal. Featured in Connecticut Cottages & Gardens, architect Reese Owens created a two-bedroom sanctuary that is surrounded by a pond, an abundance of natural foliage and complete with a pool and hot tub. Have a look at the entire home below and to learn more about the remodel, click here.

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~View more Decor Inspiration posts from the archives here.