Shannon Ables's Blog, page 318
August 29, 2015
Au Courant Weekly: August 29, 2015
The Simple Sophisticate, episode #57
International
~Three Americans, one Briton and one French-American received France’s highest honor, the Legion of Honor on Monday in Paris from President Francois Hollande for their heroic thwarting of a terrorist attack last Friday on a high-speed train traveling to Paris from Amsterdam. Mark Moogalian, a 51-year-old French-American academic, who was wounded in the attack also received the medal (his wife attended the ceremony as he had to remain in the hospital). Airman First Class Spencer Stone, 23; Alek Skarlatos, 22, a specialist in the Oregon National Guard; and their friend Anthony Sadler, 23 — received their medals in the Élysée Palace, where they were joined by Chris Norman, 62, a British consultant.
~71 firefighters from Australia and New Zealand arrived in Boise on Sunday to help with the wildfires on the west coast as well as receive training on current wildfire behavior. The last time such help arrived from Down Under for western wildfires was in 2008.
~Immigration into Europe is at an all-time high since WWII. The on-going civil war in Syria as well as the strife in the middle east caused by self-proclaimed ISIS and military conflicts in Albania, Serbia and Kosovo have prompted hundreds of thousands to seek refuge in Europe. The Economist reports that 270,000 illegal migrants have reached European shores this year. And while Germany is said to be expecting 800,000 asylum seekers this year (a record), reaching Germany is quite the task as was evidenced by the 50 refugees found dead in an Austrian truck left abandoned by smugglers on Thursday.
National: United States
~The 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. On nearly every broadcast this week, the commemoration of the 10 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina was a central focus. President Obama even made a special trip to New Orleans on Thursday reminding NOLA citizens and the country “Our work here won’t be done when almost 40% of children still live in poverty in this city. That’s not a finished job. That’s not a full recovery.” But he did add,”The people of New Orleans didn’t just inspire me, you inspired all of America.”
~NYSE drops Monday. Due to the slowing economy of China and seeing their stock market drop 8.5% on Monday, the New York Stock Exchange dropped to an 18-month closing low, losing 588 points after a day that saw the Dow drop almost instantaneously 1000 points at the bell on Monday morning. However, stocks have slowly rebounded this week as many stock analysts and economists cite the drop as a correction rather than a catastrophe. Many suspect however, that the volatility will likely delay the expected interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve until December rather than on September 17th.
~A reporter in Virginia and her cameraman were shot and killed. Tragedy unfolded Wednesday morning at approximately 6:45 am in Virginia when CBS news affiliate WDBJ7 reporter Allison Parker and Adam Ward, her cameraman, where shot repeatedly and killed by former disgruntled employee of the station Vester Lee Flanagan II (aka as Bryce Williams). The shooter, having appeared to have carefully planned the attack, led police on a chase and soon after shot and killed himself, crashing his car. Parker was 24 and Ward was 27.
Science
~Second cancers are on the rise. While the headline sounds dreary, it is actually the result of good news in many ways. More people are surviving their first cancer diagnosis and living longer. Nearly 1 in 5 people in the United States diagnosed with cancer have had the disease before; however, a second cancer as defined by doctors is a different cancer or found in a different spot. Why the second diagnosis? The Associated Press reported that, “Second cancers can arise from the same gene mutations or risk factors, such as smoking . . . and some of the very treatments that help people survive their first cancer, such as radiation, can raise the risk of a new cancer forming later in life, although treatments have greatly improved in recent years to minimize this problem.”
Generosity leads to a happier life. Looking to lower your blood pressure, reduce your stress and risk of cardiovascular disease as well as lessen your chances of depression or feelings of anxiety? Oh, and don’t forget improve your odds of feeling happy? Give and give often. By choosing to be generous, we are fully present and are able to let go of rumination on the past and worries about the future. Stony Brook University School of Medicine in New York shares that simply thinking about giving to someone else lights up “a part of the brain called the mesolimbic pathway, which is responsible for feelings of gratification.” Other happiness chemicals in our minds our bodies are released such as “dopamine, endorphins that block pain signals and oxytocin, known as the tranquillity hormone.”
Arts & Entertainment
The US Tennis Open begins on Monday and Serena Williams is the athlete to watch when it comes to setting records, tying past tennis champions and making an even more impressive mark in the sport’s world. Running through September 13th, the 135th year of the US Open set in Queens, New York, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Serena has the opportunity if she wins to be the first woman to win all four Grand Slam tournaments in a single year since 19-year-old Steffi Graf in 1988 (Graf retired at age 30). Williams would also tie Graf at 22 career Grand Slam singles titles, the most in the post-1968 Open era, and move closer to Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
~Facebook reported for the first time one billion users used the city in one day. On Monday, Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg reported that Facebook, in one single day, had seen one billion people log on and use their Facebook accounts. To put that into perspective, that is 1 in every 7th person on the planet Earth used their Facebook pages in some way on Monday.
Women’s Stories of Interest
~The Chicago Tribune reported that couples who share parenting responsibilities report a better sex life after having studied 500 heterosexual couples. Georgia State University found in their research that couples who both pitched in stated having a stronger relationship with their partner, “less conflict, better communication and more intimacy”. Child care was defined as “making and enforcing rules for children; monitoring and supervising; doling out punishment when rules were broken; issuing praise when appropriate; and playing with the kids.” An interesting finding as well showed that relationships were worse off when the female was responsible for the lion’s share of the parenting responsibilities, but intimacy was not diminished if the male took on the majority of the role.
Bendite Event of the Week
~Tickets for author Elizabeth Gilbert’s visit to Bend go on sale September 1st which is hosted by the Deschutes Public Library Foundation’s annual, Author, Author, Author series. Bringing fantastic talents to central Oregon this coming year, this event is on my calendar. The author of the international best-selling book Eat, Pray, Love will be at Bend High School on November 13th, so be sure to get your tickets when they become available. Ticket prices range from $25-$75.
French Word of the Week
L’amitié
Bonjour, this is Géraldine from Comme une Française.com. I’m here to share the latest French Word of the Week: a simple, very French word for your Simply Luxurious Life in France.
Friendship is very important in France. We call it “l’amitié”. Just like in English, it contains the word friend, “ami”.
In France, there’s an unofficial scale of friendship, and the status of your friendship evolves. You won’t be “un ami” straight away. You might be “un pote” (for youger people only), then “un copain” then “un ami”. “ami” has a very strong meaning. If you met when you were children, you will be “des amis d’enfance”.
Also, a very French thing is to add “petit” to change the meaning. Un copain and un ami are friends, but “un petit copain”/”un petit ami” is a boyfriend! Same for the girls “une copine” or “une amie” is a friend, but “une petite copine” or “une petite amie” is a girlfriend! Yes!
Don’t mix amitié et amour either. Concepts such as “my wife is my best friend”, make no sense in France. You might have a best friend AND a wife… or husband I mean. But love and friendship are really 2 different ideas.
If you want to go further on friendship, read “Le Petit Prince”, all French schoolgirls and boys learned what The Little Prince has to say about it. Friendship makes people unique in the world.
If you want to add more French in your Simply Luxurious Life, join me on Comme une Française.com for weekly video tips to sound French, even to the French! And it’s free.
Thought to Ponder
~AU COURANT WEEKLY posts from the Archives:
Image: source
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August 28, 2015
This & That: No. 173
App
~HousePad App
Whether you live with others or live on your own, the HousePad app is a way to keep your home looking and running smoothly and with each item folded, shelved and placed where it should as well as each chore completed. After all, one of the best simple luxuries is coming home after a long day at work to a clean and tidy house.
Do you have a cleaning person who stops by regularly? The app allows you to share exactly where dishes should go, towels should be folded, etc. I can see this being very handy for anyone who works with vacation rentals. But it’s also great for families. Create “to-do” lists for each member in your household and be alerted when each task is done. There are many features, so be sure to have a look here.
Book
~Crossroads of Should and Must: Find and Follow Your Passion by Elle Luna
Originally I discovered Elle Luna’s book Crossroads of Should and Must on a list for recent graduates, but as the description shares, it is for anyone daring to pursue their passion and helping to navigate the “shoulds” and “musts”. Reminding us that we have choice, to choose the path between the “shoulds” and the “musts” when it comes to our careers and our callings. I certainly cannot wait to read.
~The Diamond Caper by Peter Mayle
Yes, it’s true! Provence-based author Peter Mayle will be releasing another caper this fall. As you can see, I am quite thrilled as I devour these lovely cozy mysteries and lose myself in the French details. October 6th will be the release date, so rest assured, fall will be golden indeed.
~Style Forever: The Grown-up Guide to Looking Fabulous by Alyson Walsh
Style is ageless and that is precisely what Alyson Walsh hones in on in her new book being released on September 8th, Style Forever. Sharing grown-up style essentials, blogger and fashion journalist Walsh shares endless ideas and recommendations for every budget.
Film
~The Girl from Paris
As a Francophile, I am always looking for French films to satiate my language lessons (an enjoyable way to learn the language) and appreciate the French culture all the more. Released in 2001, The Girl from Paris chronicles the journey of a 30-year old Parisienne, Sandrine, who leaves her computer programming job in the City of Light to run a farm. Akin to Baby Boom with Diane Keaton, Sandrine (Mathilde Seigner), brings with her the city ways, but also much enthusiasm that continues to shock the locals. I don’t know about you, but I cannot wait to indulge. (Netflix also has it available on their DVD plan.)
Shopping
~Sleepy Jones PJs
I am all about the pajamas lately as last week I was gushing about Brooks Brother’s wrinkle-free white men’s pjs, but to have a quality pair on hand especially as we get ready for the fall and winter season is always a good idea. Sleep Jones’ clothing specifically began with the idea that pajamas can be stylish and (if you want) worn for day. With many different prints and patterns, I picked up this women’s blue chevron top and these men’s matching pants. The women’s sleeves’ are 3/4, and the men’s pants were perfect in length (32 inseam).
~recipe for Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies~
The girl on the rooftop with the laptop is partially exhibiting what I will be doing. Unfortunately, I won’t be situated upon a Parisian rooftop, but I will be typing away curating this season’s TSLL Shopping Guide, and I must say, I am truly enjoying it. With so many classic, yet statement options, if you know the essentials you need, you will be able to find a quality item this season. Set to be released on Tuesday, get ready to shop, organize and elevate your capsule wardrobe.
With the last weekend of August to indulge in, I do hope you have a wonderful time. Perhaps you’re doing back-to-school shopping or maybe you’re taking the time to simply get away. I know many fellow colleagues are simply luxuriating in the last weekend of a long, restful vacation. I hope you are able to do the same. Below are a few varied articles you might enjoy this weekend, and until tomorrow’s Au Courant, bon weekend!
~Now here is a TedTalk to watch. In fewer than 7 minutes Bel Pesce explains 5 simple things you can do that will kill your dreams from becoming reality.
~Summer is almost over, but Bon Appétit keeps are craving for the American classics alive by sharing 40 recipes that Are As American As Apple Pie
~a historical reminder of the 19th amendment allowing women in the United States to vote being passed 95 years ago this week.
~a bit more history this week, ever been curious about The History of the American Bachelor? The Art of Manliness goes in-depth.
~Fashion Week is almost here, or should I say Fashion Month, and Vogue‘s editor’s share their fall beauty muses.
~Simple is always a favorite topic and Marc and Angel know how to pique my interest . . . 9 Ways to Make Your Days Simple Again
~And as the summer season winds down, a lovely, light observation about What Your Vacation Says About You
Images: (2)
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August 27, 2015
Word of the Week: No. 14
Click below for pronunciation:
http://www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/sangfroid.m4a
~WORDS OF THE WEEK FROM THE ARCHIVES:
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August 26, 2015
Outfit of the Week: The Blazer
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A confession: When it comes to the essentials, I have always loved blazers, but have struggled to find a cut that not only looked appropriate on my body (broad shoulders), but also would last from season to season. Well, my searching has FINALLY ceased. After trying on a couple of different brands, Theory’s Blazers fit as though they are tailored to my body. A quality product that is lined and tucks into my waist at precisely where my waist actually is, the sleeves as well are LONG enough! Okay, I was sold. Other colors are available besides navy above (I picked up a charcoal, but black and white are available as well). Shop options here and here.
The gift of having a blazer on hand is that you can wear it up for work or down for play as I styled for today’s outfit. Choose the color or colors that would work best with your capsule wardrobe, have a scarf handy and you’re ready for fall.
~Theory Edition 2 Custom Gabe Blazer (black available)~
~Tibi signature silk camisole in ivory~
~J.Crew leopard pumps or d’orsay flats~
~7 for all Mankind boyfriend jean or Citizens of Humanity skinny jeans~
~Coach ‘Stanton’ textured leather handbag~
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Decor Inspiration: Candace Bushnell’s NYC Apartment
For $2.65 million, Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell will sell you her Greenwich Village apartment. Complete with Mr. Big. Well, sort of. Chris Noth actually lives in the building. But back to the apartment itself, the soft touches of color immediately captured my attention as it is inviting, rather than being overpowering. The ample light and window seat in the living room would be a lovely spot to watch New York City go about its business. Enjoy the tour!
~DECOR INSPIRATION POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES:
All images via Huffington Post
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August 25, 2015
Style Inspiration: Amal Clooney
When it comes to style a new, but undoubtedly permanent face that will be referred to for many years to come, deservedly, for her understanding of chic, timeless style is Amal Clooney. A London-based Lebanese-British lawyer, activist, and author, she specializes in international law, criminal law, human rights, and extradition, and clearly knows her way around the closet.
While we may not all be wasp thin, tall and have a mane of hair advertisers dream about, there are many take-aways each of us can apply to our wardrobe choices. First and for most, keep it simple. Whether it is a dress or the accessories she selects, she doesn’t make it complicated and rather allows the woman she is shine. Second, find the balance. If she wears signature print pants, she pairs it with a simple solid top. She makes a statement subtly, but isn’t brash or abrasive. And lastly, don’t forget the accessories, whether a wide-brimmed hat, oversized sunnies, a quality tote or statement heels, each item completes the outfit and but doesn’t overwhelm it. Perhaps you will notice a few other style lessons as you peruse. Enjoy!
~STYLE INSPIRATION POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES:
~Rules of Style Hedvig Opshaug
~Tips for Looking Fantastic Each Day
~Why Not . . . Master the Art of Dressing?
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August 24, 2015
Life, Love & Decor: My Interview with Frances Schultz
“The house, whether cottage or castle, stands for who we are, how we live, and how we love ourselves and others.” –Frances Schultz, author of The Bee Cottage Story
The Simple Sophisticate, episode #56
The entire interview with author and blogger Frances Schultz is available exclusively on audio this week, so do be sure to tune in as we discuss happiness, meditation, the gift of truly getting to know yourself and how that translates into decorating your sanctuary. Below is a peek into and around the grounds of Bee Cottage which is located in East Hampton. To see the entire home, including before and after images and detailed description and details from Frances, I highly recommend the book as it is a rich and inspiring resource.
A 1920 stucco house, Frances purchased it in 2008 and restored it to its full grandeur. Her journey initially was the focus of a 9-part monthly column in House Beautiful beginning in 2009 and eventually became the inspiration for the book The Bee Cottage which is the primary focus of our conversation. While her expertise and original intent was to share decor tips and inspiration, the book is part memoir and part decor manual making it all the more worthy of setting aside a morning or afternoon to devour.
~The Bee Cottage, approximately 2300 sq feet, built in 1920~
~one of Frances’ decor suggestions if you have a small kitchen and need to conserve space, hang baskets and/or pots~
~the French daybed mentioned during the episode which is situated in the study/guest room~
~the paint colors of the shutters, but also many other walls and cupboards are shared within the book~
~In 2012 Frances was kind enough to write a guest post for TSLL on how to welcome house guests in style (here is the link). Taking that topic, she expands upon it in her book with even more pictures~
To purchase The Bee Cottage Story: How I Made a Muddle of Things and Decorated My Way Back to Happiness by Frances Schultz, view the three options:
~for a signed copy, visit www.francesschultz.com
~most local bookstores have her book in stock, so be sure to ask or check out the new release shelves
~Purchase on Amazon here.
~Books mentioned during our conversation:
10% Happier: How I tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works by Dan Harris
Madly Chasing Peace: How I Went From Hell to Happy in Nine Minutes a Day by Dina Proctor
The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell
Petit Plaisir
Decor tips and inspiration from the pages of Frances Schultz’s The Bee Cottage Story:
first, decide how you will live in the house. list your day-to-day habits; how do you move through the rooms? How are you going to use them? Keep a log of your activities to make sure you are aware of them. Plan to organize your space around what you really do.
crown molding and wainscoting enhance a room’s dimension
turn a random object into a light fixture (a bird cage perhaps?)
rooms shouldn’t be static. One of the ways to keep them lively is to change the art and objects displayed in them, however simple or modest
keep a collection that is sentimental to you (Frances has a collection of clear jars full of sand from her travels)
allow baskets and pots to hang as decor in kitchens or pantries to provide texture and warmth. Simply hang them from a medal rod used for curtains with an “S” hook. This also frees up cabinet space if you have a small kitchen.
install pull-out shelves in your lower cabinets. In Frances’ own words, “It will be life-changing.”
have hand soap and hand cream by the sink in the kitchen. Frances recommends L’Occitane products for quality and packaging.
rooms can be puzzles. If you have a lot of pieces that don’t “fit”, just let them float around in there and don’t think about it for awhile. Sometimes you’ll return and see a piece that fits, and it all comes together.
design your house in a way that supports and validates who you are and what you do
For more specific decor tips, inspiration and a bevy of before and after images, be sure to pick up The Bee Cottage Story
~SIMILAR POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY FROM THE ARCHIVES:
~Authenticity: Finding the Courage to Be Yourself (podcast)
~6 Ways to Create a Chic Sanctuary (podcast)
~Why Not . . . Spring Forward? (Dan Harris’ book 10% Happier is discussed in detail)
Images via Frances Schultz, Trevor Tondro and House Beautiful
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August 22, 2015
Au Courant Weekly: August 22, 2015
The Simple Sophisticate, episode #55
International
Terror on a train to Paris thwarted by two brave Americans. Friday evening on a train traveling from Amsterdam to Paris, two Americans subdued a heavily armed gunman who wounded several passengers before being subdued. One of the Americans was a member of the American military and no confirmation as of Friday if the second hero was as well. Police investigating the scene are quoted in French news media saying “the Americans heard the suspect loading a weapon in one of the toilets and confronted him as he exited.” Passengers interviewed shared that the attack lasted approximately two minutes, and they heard two shots were fired before the gunman was contained.
Bombing in Bangkok, Thailand is believed to involve 10 people. On Monday evening near the Erawan Shrine, an unidentified man, who is believed to be the bomber, killed 22 and injured 120. Believed to have been the work of a pipe bomb left under a bench, the shrine is a huge tourist-draw. Among those killed, “at least seven people from other Asian countries were reported to be among the dead as well as one Briton.” Thai authorities do not believe the attack is linked to to international terrorist groups, although nobody has claimed responsibility as of Friday.
National: United States
Wildfires in the west have burnt nearly one million acres this season and on Wednesday three firefighters in Washington lost their lives to the flames. The Twisp fire located in north central Washington claimed the lives of three firefighters after their vehicle crashed. Four other firefighters were badly burned and injured. In Oregon, the loss of 36 homes near John Day to a fire that is still only 10% contained accounts for the most homes lost in Oregon to a wildfire since the Great Depression.
Politics
In Atlanta, Georgia, President Jimmy Carter announced on Thursday to the press about the state of his cancer diagnosis. Having cancer removed from his liver three weeks ago, it was discovered that the melanoma cancer had moved to four spots in his brain. He announced with a resolute conviviality and state of gratitude that radiation treatments would begin later that day, which his doctor shared involve cutting edge technology. He spoke candidly about his Presidency when asked to reflect and appeared to be comforting with his poise the journalists as his upbeat spirit was encouraging.
Science
Starbucks and Panera after pressure from blogger Food Babe, announced they will be using real pumpkin in their popular Pumpkin Spice lattes, rather than artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners or preservatives. Starbucks announced that September 8th would be the official release date and Panera September 9th.
Homeownership is being delayed for millennials. As reported by the Associated Press on Monday, the burden of student debt and an uncertain career permanence, millennials (ages 34-18) are renting for six years before buying their first home compared to 2.6 years of those in the 1970s as cited by Zillow. The median age at which millennials are buying their first home is 33 as a generation ago, it was 30. However, the study revealed that the interest is still very high when it comes to being a homeowner, as evidenced by the fact that when they begin to have children, they also seriously begin to look for a home.
Arts
Lily Tomlin is back on the big screen in Grandma which hits theaters in limited release this weekend. Starring as, well, you guessed it, a grandmother, Tomlin’s character is a lesbian who has recently lost her partner, and as only Tomlin can do best, she is feisty, fun and determined to help her granddaughter who finds herself pregnant, albeit in unconventional ways. She’s independent and resolute in how she goes about her life, until someone, Sage, her 18-year-old granddaughter, played by Julia Garner, seeks her out for help. Taped over 19 days, producer and director Paul Weitz’s film served as the closing night film at Sundance earlier this year. Oh, just to let you know, Sam Elliott also is part of the cast.
Women’s Stories of Interest
Two Women Graduate from Army Ranger School. Capt. Kristen Griest and 1st Lt. Shaye Haver graduated on Friday at Fort Benning, Georgia, making them the first women soldiers to complete the Army’s most difficult training regimen. After 62 rigorous days of training which began with 381 men and 19 women, 96 soldiers are still standing, including these two women. Both women are graduates of the U.S. military Academy at West Point, and a third woman is currently in the mountain phase of the Ranger School and may still complete the training. While participating in graduating ceremonies neither woman will be sent into combat roles in the immediate future as the Department of Defense is still determining which roles involving direct combat women can be involved in.
On Tuesday, the FDA approved the first libido pill for women, Addyi (pronounced ADD-ee) which is actually approved to treat a lagging or absent libido in either sex. Advised not to be used with alcohol as it can increase the potential side effect of low blood pressure and fainting, a senior FDA official stated, they are “committed to supporting the development of safe and effective treatments for female sexual dysfunction.” Other possible side effects are nausea, dizziness and sleepiness. And evidentially, the medical market has confidence as Valeant announced they would be purchasing Sprout Pharmeceuticals, the maker of Addyi, for $1 billion.
Bendite Event of the Week
Shakespeare comes to Bend this weekend with what is believed to be Shakespeare’s first play, The Comedy of Errors. Lay It Out Events and Portland’s Northwest Classical Theatre Company present Shakespeare in the Park with three performances. One was last night in Drake Park (which I attended, check out my Instagram feed), followed by a second at the same location tonight at 7pm. The final performance will be held at the Amphitheater in Sunriver. Tickets, as of Friday, were still available, ranging from $22-$75 and can be purchased at the gate, online or at Douglas Fine Jewelry in downtown Bend.
French Word of the Week
Le pain perdu
Bonjour, this is Géraldine from Comme une Française.com. I’m here to share the latest French Word of the Week: a simple, very French word for your Simply Luxurious Life in France.
Known as French toast abroad, there’s no such thing as “pain français” in France. We call it “le pain perdu” : the lost bread. Why? Because it was originally made with bread that was too dry to eat. We call this bread “pain rassis”. And people didn’t want to lose the bread by throwing it in the bin.
Le pain perdu is made of “des tranches de pain” dipped in a mix of “des oeufs” (eggs), “du lait” (milk) and “du sucre” . It’s served for “le petit déjeuner” or “le goûter”. And that’s it. If you’re more adventurous, feel free to add cinamon “de la cannelle” or even replace the bread by “de la brioche”.
It’s simple and delicious, and definitely worth a try. The most difficult part may be not eating the bread during the days it needs to dry. It’s hard to resist good French bread!
If you want to add more French to your Simply Luxurious Life, join me on Comme une Française.com for weekly video tips to sound French, even to the French! And it’s free.
Thought to Ponder
Image: (1)
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August 21, 2015
This & That: No. 172
Art
~Gods & Heroes Exhibit at the Portland Art Museum
The summer art exhibit to visit in Portland, Oregon, this summer is nearing a close. Having opened in June and running through September 13th, Gods & Heroes: Masterpieces from the École des Beaux-Arts, Paris, brings to museum-goers more than 140 works of art from as early as the seventeenth century Parisian artists through the nineteenth century. With the title of the exhibit, Gods & Heroes the themes focus on courage, sacrifice, and death, as well as “the ways that changing political and philosophical systems affected the choice and execution of these subjects”. Here are just a few of the artists who are included: Jacques-Louis David, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Anne-Louis Girodet, and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres; sculpture by Antoine-Louis Barye, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, and François Rude.
The museum is open each day of the week except Mondays and admission is $15 per adult, $12 for seniors (55+ and college students and free if you are a member or a child under age 17. Have a quick peek at the exhibit below:
Cooking
~Chef’s Planet’s All Purpose Cruet
Infinitely desirous of stylish, yet functional decor in my home as not to clutter, but rather enhance in both arenas, I was blown-away by my new EVOO dispenser. After popping into a local kitchen shop, Kitchen Complements, I discovered Chef’s Planet’s all-purpose cruet. Beautifully designed, I am saving up for one more for my balsamic vinegar, as there is no drip and beautiful design. (Other styles and sizes here.)
~recipe for cantaloupe and cucumber salad~
Film
~She’s Funny That Way
Critics may not be going mad about Peter Bogdanovich film She’s Funny That Way, which he also directed, but I am ecstatically curious and think it will be a delight to watch. Being released today to limited theaters involving an all-star cast, the film has been in the works for nearly ten years. Three’s Company actor John Ritter was originally the man envisioned for the lead male role that Owen Wilson now inhabits, but unfortunately that was not meant to be. However, if you loved Ritter’s innocent, playful humor, the film is one I think you will enjoy.
The comedy captures the behind-the-scenes drama of a Broadway play that is endless as who is sleeping with whom and why is hard to keep up with, but infinitely hilarious. Jennifer Aniston again appears to shine, stunner Imogen Poots is caught in the middle, former SNL star Kathryn Hahn and many more recognizable names grace the screen. Put it on your “Must-Watch” list and perhaps you will be lucky enough to enjoy it in theaters this weekend.
Shopping
~Brooks Brother’s wrinkle free broadcloth PJs
Men’s pajamas. For me, I have a hard time finding pajamas without pink trim or pinstripes when it comes to finding a classic white pajama. So I’ve learned that shopping in the men’s department is the perfect fix. I purchase size small and with my long legs and broad shoulders, it works out beautifully. Brooks Brother’s wrinkle free pajamas were recently featured in The Wall Street Journal and for under $100, I couldn’t resist. There are many other options, and there is a women’s selection as well, just not wrinkle-free.
~Theory Amitara Navy Silk Wrap Midi Dress
Okay, navy lovers. I had the opportunity to purchase this Theory dress last spring on sale, and thankfully it is available again, reduced 55%. Buy your true size and love the feel against your skin, but also the versatility. I’ve worn it to work and for evenings out. It is a midi dress, so it will hit below the knee, but it is a classic fit. Enjoy!
Television
~Documentary Now!
If you have been missing your Saturday Night Live during the summer months, channel IFC may have the ideal fix. Former SNL alums Bill Hader, Fred Armisen and Seth Meyers are teaming up for a project they have been vying to do for quite some time. Documentary Now! premiered last night (Thursday) on IFC at 10pm and will be offering six episodes in its first season. Parodying well-known world-renowned documentaries, the series has already been picked up for a second season. In front of the screen will be Hader and Armisen, hosting the show will be Dame Helen Mirren with her ideal tongue-in-cheek British jest and Seth Meyers will remain behind the camera as the executive producer. Intrigued? Watch the entire first episode for free here.
~recipe for Blueberry Crumble Ice Cream Slice~
The last few weekends in August often are the sweetest, as we are savoring what summer has produced and enjoying delightfully warm, but not extreme weather. Knowing that the everyday routine is about to begin, these days are appreciated all the more. And so I find myself taking one last mini-vacation to the coast before school begins. The boys and I will be packing up and impatiently waiting to feel the sand between our toes (and paws). Don’t worry, the blog will continue its daily postings, so inspiration will be readily available when you wish to stop by. 
August 20, 2015
Decor Inspiration: A Provence Estate
The French countryside has always garnered my attention when I read about it in books such a Peter Mayle caper or discover images of the expansive lavender fields in Provence. So, it should come as no surprise that when I happened upon Ginny Magher’s Provence farmhouse, I stopped, gazed and gawked. Originally gracing the pages of Veranda in September 2007, it is included in the decor book The Houses of Veranda: The Art of Living Well which was published in 2012. With the help of architect and contractor Bruno Lafourcade who was spotlighted in The New York Times in 2006 along with the details of Magher’s renovation of the 14-room farmhouse, in approximately one year, this run-down mas (the real estate term generally used to describe Provençal farmhouse properties) was reformed to grand style. Enjoy the tour of Mas de Baraquet inside and out . . .
~DECOR INSPIRATIONAL POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES:
~French-Inspired Bathroom Remodel
Images via Veranda and Cote de Texas
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