This & That: No. 216

Book
—All Summer Long: A Novel by Dorothea Benton Frank

A charming tale that invites readers to follow the journey of a New York couple who is making their plans of retiring to a quiet, more tranquil destination – Charleston, South Carolina. Olivia Ritchie, a highly regarded interior designer begins to have reservations while her English professor husband, a southern gentleman, couldn’t be more excited for the change. Join their journey this summer as they navigate a tremendous lifestyle shift in All Summer Long.

—Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler

Taking Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew and bringing it into the 21st century, renowned and successful American author Anne Tyler works her magic in Vinegar Girl. With some critics seeing even more resemblance to a Jane Austen tale, the protagonist Kate Battista is struggling with her eccentric father at home and with the parents where she works at a preschool center. Needless to say, the tangles and drama ensue and while we may already think we know the ending, the playful approach by Tyler I have a feeling will be worth the read.

Francophile Find
—Every Frenchman Has One by Olivia de Havilland

In 1963 Academy Award winning actress Olivia de Havilland published Every Frenchman Has One chronicling her experience of moving to Paris to live with her French husband. You may remember her as Melanie in Gone with the Wind. It was a journey to adapt and learn the customs of her adopted country, and in her memoir she shares her struggles, her delights and her fascination with the City of Light. Now more than 60 years later, her memoir is being re-released and in this edition, an interview with the author herself who at the age of 99 continues to reside in Paris. Just released this past Tuesday, my copy arrived a few days ago, and I look forward to enjoying during the long weekend. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Outdoors
—Gardman Watering Can

A few weeks ago I was delighted to find a one gallon watering can that had a touch of personality without costing too much. Upon sharing my find on Instagram in the image below, I promised I would try to find its availability online, and I finally have. Well, I found many actually: a two gallon version, a forest green version and a antique copper version. And the one I purchased is here for less than $26.

Shopping
—Alvaro ankle-wrap sandals

Flat sandals for walking, touring and traveling are a must during the summer months. With quality leather, these ankle-wrap sandals are a pair to wear season after season.

—M. Gemi ‘Terzo’ wedge sandals 

Wedges scream summer when it comes to footwear. All ages can wear them and look fantastic, and they provide an immense amount of stability. But even better, Italian designer M. Gemi’s Terzo wedge sandals provide personality and a trendy touch. With navy, light brown and turquoise colors available, for less than $230, these will be a summer staple with your ankle pants, every dress or skirt as well as your Bermuda shorts. Enjoy!

—Preen Line Okie Skirt in Multi Stripe

Reduced by 40%, Preen’s striped pencil skirt is the ideal colorful print to pair with a basic black, white, blue, yellow or red blouse and make a chic statement without even trying. Available in all sizes at the moment, take a look and add to your capsule wardrobe.

~recipe for Prosciutto, Melon and Balsamic Vinegar Bruschetta~

And in the blink of an eye, June becomes July and the warmth seems to have become intensified. But with July’s arrival means the Paris fashion world comes alive as well with the Fall Haute Couture collections beginning on July 3rd and running through July 7th. Our last taste of runways until the fall, and I always indulge. As well, just yesterday, the Tour de France began which is always something to marvel at as they criss-cross the beautiful French countryside and villages.

Speaking of the French, be sure to take a look at this week’s Francophile Find as I think you will enjoy it. I know I already am and will continue to do so this week. With the long weekend beginning here in the states, the boys and I will be hopping in the car for a cross-state trek. So that means the audio books have been checked out from the library, the suitcase is packed and time spent with family and friends that I haven’t seen in quite some time will be enjoyed. I hope you too have wonderful weekend plans. Below to enjoy in your free time, a few articles, and until Monday, bonne journée!

~The Link Between Simple Living and Finding Your True Self

~How to Make Friends as an Adult

~5 Tips to Stop Obsessive Thinking

~6 Things Productive People Do Every Morning

~10 Lessons from Einstein . . . because why not . . . ?

~Remembering Legendary Times Fashion Photography Bill Cunningham

~A fantastic episode of Pardon My French podcast, Mating in Captivity with Esther Perel

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