Entre Nous.

You sound dubious

I picked up a copy of The Family Man based on sheer attraction to the cover, as I'm know to do. But it took me being taken with the premise to actually purchase and read the novel. "A man reconnects with his long-lost stepdaughter in this screwball comedy from an Austen-like stylist," Washington Post Book World. I eventually came to the realization that I'm familiar with the author Elinor Lipman's work, only in cinematic form. I've seen the film Then She Found Me, which was apparently based on Lipman's novel of the same name, which I quite liked. I'll admit I generally am fond of most novels with New York as the setting. For reasons beyond just the setting though, The Family Man was captivating from the get go and held my rapt attention through to completion. I now have a long list of Lipman's other novels in my Amazon wishlist awaiting purchase.

Glamping

Saw a charming British film last weekend, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. Featuring an array of British favorites including: Emily Blunt, Ewan McGregor and Kristin Scott Thomas. Directed by the illustrious Lasse Hallstrom. The title clues you in to the premise, "Britain's leading fisheries expert (Ewan McGregor) is approached by a consultant (Emily Blunt) to help realize a sheikh's (Amr Waked) vision of bringing the sport of fly-fishing to the desert and embarks on an upstream journey of faith and fish to prove the impossible possible." If your interest is piqued, head to the theaters immediately to catch this gem of a film before it leaves town. I'm eager to get my hands on a copy of the book by the same name.

Part and Parcel

How could I not devour Elizabeth Bard's Lunch in Paris? Due in large part to the fact that it is a book in my favorite genre, a cooking / eating / traveling memoir. Not to mention that it's set in Paris. Can you say, right. up. my. alley? Here's the gist: Bard meets boy, Bard moves to Paris, Bard copes with language and cultural barriers, Bard cooks and eats. A real gem with umpteen pages dogeared with takeaways for my own upcoming trip to Paris.

Cordially invited

  One of the favorite gifts that I received this Christmas was of the homemade variety, a bottle of raspberry cordial. If you're at all familiar with Anne of Green Gables you'll recall that this is the drink that Anne was meant to serve her pal Diana. Instead Diana got tipsy when she unknowingly imbibed current wine instead of the non alcoholic version of raspberry cordial. Having never tasted raspberry cordial, I knew I'd adore the concoction simply based on name alone. It's actually a superb drink. It tastes divine solo, but also is delicious with champagne, orange juice, and over ice cream. I also imagine it would be amazing in lemonade or even iced tea. Come summer when raspberries are plentiful here, I plan to concoct a few bottles myself. If they turn out I might just move on to blackberries.

Raspberry Cordial

• 2 parts Raspberries
• 2 parts Vodka
• 1 1/4 parts Sugar

Sugar first, berries second, vodka third. Do not stir. Store in a cool, dark place and enjoy in three months.

"But it isn’t good manners to tell your company what you are going to give them to eat, so I won’t tell you what she said we could have to drink. Only it begins with an r and a c and it’s a bright red color. I love bright red drinks, don’t you? They taste twice as good as any other color." L.M. Montgomery Anne of Green Gables

Lord so-and-so

Plum Sykes latest offering (it's about time!), Oxford Girl, debuted in May. It was released only in the form of a kindle single (aka short story or mini memoir). A form that, since I don't possess a kindle, irritated me to no end. That is until I realized I could read it via the kindle app on my iPad. Unfortunately though the single left much to be desired. Not being a fan of the short story format to begin with, it already had one strike against it. But for this being the only writing released outside of the periodical format in 4 years by Plum, I definitely expected more than the lackluster end result. The awkward social reject who blossoms into the "it" girl, we've heard it all before. Pity.

Home on the range

I recently completed The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond's, memoir, Black Heels to Tractor Wheels. Picture Green Acres and you've got the gist of it. Expect a saccharine sweet courtship, sprinkled with heart ache and humor. Consider this book when next you need a beach read.

Summertime and the livin' is easy

I've compiled a lengthly list of things I'd like to accomplish before Labor day. Some items more ambitious than others. This list is all about easy breezy summer activities (for the most part), and if I only tackle a handful of items on the list, that's good enough for me. No pressure.

 

 

1. Watch a sunrise

2. Go kayaking

3. Go sailing

4. Watch an outdoor movie ☑[Close Encounters of the Third Kind at Fairhaven's Outdoor Cinema]

5. Roast marshmallows and make s'mores

6. Study French

7. Have a sleep over

8. Ride an electric bike around the island

9. Eat crab often

10. Make popsicles

11. Go on a picnic ☑[at Stanley Park with provisions from Meinhardt's]

12. Sleep outside

13. Play badminton ☑[at my Mom's Birthday party]

14. Play croquet

15. Pick a favorite summer cocktail and make it often

16. Throw a BBQ

17. Read at the beach ☑

18. Swim in a lake

19. Take a vacation ☑[Savannah for 10 days at the beginning of June]

20. Go away for the weekend ☑

21. Go to an outdoor concert ☑[Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers]

22. See Steve Martin play his banjo ☑[See above]

23. Create a summer play-list

24. Organize my pictures

25. Play cards

26. Pick berries ☑

27. Buy fresh flowers weekly

28. Wear my new fedora ☑

29. Visit museums and galleries often

30. Buy new sunglasses ☑[currently en route to my house]

31. Attend a Mariners game

32. Eat spot prawns ☑

33. Attend Vancouver's Celebration of Light ☑[Watched Spain's firework display over English Bay]

34. Reread The Light on the Island

35. Go to the fair ☑

Window dressing

The cover art from Simon Doonan's tongue-in-cheek style guide, Eccentric Glamour, is now available for purchase exclusively on 20x200 in limited quantities. Go, now.

Save the date

On the heels of Tori Spelling's grand opening of her lifestyle/home decor boutique, InvenTORI, comes Tori's latest endeavor, the new series sTORIbook Weddings. Not one to rest on her laurels, another project set to also debut in April is her online magazine, Inspired Living (yes, she too is jumping on the bandwagon). Then there's the recent completion of her party planning book, CelebriTORI, out in October. Not to mention her jewelry line, children's clothing line, and the pregnancy rumors. I for one can't get enough of Tori and I'm glad she doesn't shy away from overexposure. Seriously. She gives her all to every project she tackles and invests so much into each of her passions. You can't keep this girl down.

Calling a Spade a Spade

GQ's Adam Rapoport tours Kate & Andy Spade's NYC digs.

Read up

Of course I'm a sucker for anything written about the art world, especially when you combine it with a bit of intrigue and scheming. But when you throw Steve Martin into the mix, well then expect me to devour the result. Which I did when I got my hands on a copy of Martin's latest endeavor (Renaissance man that he is), An Object of Beauty. Clearly the man knows of what he writes. The book is peppered with accurate art terminology and turn of phrase. Set in the NYC art scene around the turn of the millennium, An Object of Beauty is the tale of bright young thing Lacey Yeager who climbes her way up from Sotheby’s basement to a gallery space of her own via some dodgy dealing. Add a wealthy foreign collector as a lover, association with a rising star artist, a collegiate pal as narrator and you've got a sense of place. It was a compelling read and held my attention from start to finish.

Here we are, Sugar

I'm a sucker for a book set in the South. Saving CeeCee Honeycutt though isn't just set in the South, it's set in my neighborhood of Savannah, the historic NOG (North of Gaston St.) district. It's 1967 in Ohio as the story opens with CeeCee, a girl of 12, acting as caretaker of her psychotic mother, "Camille-the tiara-toting, lipstick-smeared laughingstock of an entire town-a woman trapped in her long-ago moment of glory as the 1951 Vidalia Onion Queen of Georgia." In swoops CeeCee's great Aunt Tootie who whisks CeeCee away to Savannah in her vintage Packard convertible. Upon her arrival in Savannah CeeCee is confronted with a whole lot of Southern eccentricity. Picture a mash up of Steel Magnolia's and The Help. From "the exotic Miz Thelma Rae Goodpepper, who bathes in her backyard bathtub, to Tootie's all-knowing housekeeper, Oletta Jones, to Violene Hobbs, who entertains a local police officer in her canary-yellow peignoir", the women of Gaston Street kept CeeCee and I entertained and enthralled, page after page.

Alas and alack

The captivating Sophie Dahl can now add television chef to her repertoire, which also includes model (discovered by Isabella Blow, she managed to be in high demand while being both plus size and svelte, who could forget her in the YSL Opium ad?), writer (The Man With The Dancing Eyes is one of my absolute favorite books), and the granddaughter of Roald Dahl (she being the inspiration for Sophie in The BFG). Sophie now has her very own cooking show on BBC2, The Delicious Miss Dahl, a six part "cookery" series which debuted last spring in conjunction with her book, Miss Dahl's Voluptuous Delights: Recipes for Every Season, Mood, and Appetite. Her recipe box, along with the show, is sorted by categories like: Stressed, Romantic, Celebratory, and Melancholy. How clever is that? Although the show could be compared to another beloved British cooking host, Nigella Lawson, Sophie puts her own spin on the cooking show concept. How many cooking shows do you know of that play Feist and the Smiths on their soundtrack? She even takes audiences on field trips, like antiquing in search of an Art Deco tumbler for her martinis. Unfortunately though, for us in America, I've only managed to come across clips of the show on YouTube, leaving me wanting more.

1.1.11

 

While I was in Savannah in early November I stumbled upon One Line a Day: A Five-Year Memory Book (a condensed, comparative record for five years, for recording events most worthy of remembrance) at one of the shops. I was always the sort of girl with grand plans to write very detailed entries into my diaries and eventually journals. In my collection I have those with locks and those without, those with dates and those without, but regardless of the style or appearance I never managed to keep up with them.

But, in keeping with one of my resolutions, to keep a better record of my goings on over the years, this journal is the perfect vehicle to do so. I certainly think I can manage to jot down one line a day before bed. Another difference about this journal is that each day of the year is designated its own page. January 1st will have 5 entries (one for each year for 5 years). It's really so clever. At a quick glance back I'll be able to see just how I spent January 1st over five years. Plus, one line a day is just my speed, think of it as journaling twitter style.

Santa Baby, [literary wish list]

From now until Christmas I'll be giving you a peak at my perpetual wish list. Starting with a list based on my obsession with the written word. Perhaps you'll find inspiration for your own give or get lists.

1. An Object of Beauty, by the illustrious Steve Martin, is finally available for consumption. A book about the art world written by Steve Martin? I'm so there. Couldn't make it to Art Basel? Martin’s latest endeavor will transport you to the center of the art scene.

  

2. A Room with a View candle set by Molton Brown. "Inspired by E.M. Forster’s A Room With A View, an evocative and inspiring tale of romantic destinations, emotional entanglement and escape. This set contains six individual candles, each with its unique blend of pure essential oils: re-charge black pepper, inspiring wild-indigo, rose granati, heavenly gingerlily, relaxing yuan zhi, and naran ji." The aforementioned book is one of my absolute favorites. How clever is Molton Brown to pair their vast array of scents with the novels that inspire them. 

   

3. The memoir The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers by Josh Kilmer-Purcell. I'm completely smitten with all things Josh and his boyfriend Brent, having fallen hard for their show, The Beekman Boys (the holiday special airs 12/8 on Planet Green FYI), over the summer. I'll spare you my ramblings about how much I adore these gentleman (I've done so sufficiently in a previous post), suffice it to say I'm eager to get my hands on a copy of Josh's latest.

 

4. The game of Haikubes by Forrest-Pruzan Creative (of Cranium fame), a Seattle based company. "Perfect for individual inspiration or as an after-dinner game with friends or family, Haikubes is a set of 63 word cubes that is attractive enough to display on the coffee table." And really, what are the holidays for, if not gathering people together for a raucous game night. And who doesn't love a clever haiku now and then?

 

5. Stealing Magnolias: Tales from a New Orleans Courtyard by Debra Shriver. "Shriver tells the story of finding and restoring a house in the French Quarter of New Orleans in the wake of Katrina. Part love letter, part scrapbook; readers are given a rare tour of this enigmatic city. The book is a cultural guidebook and historical reference of America's most European city, featuring the work of more than 20 photographers and artists. Chapters highlight food and entertaining, decorating, gardens, landscapes, local traditions, interiors, and architecture." Be still my heart.

 

6. A Library Books mug from Kate Spade or a Pride & Prejudice Penguin mug. How darling are these?

 
7. The Catwalk Cats by Vogue creative director extraordinaire, Grace Coddington. A book about couture and Himalayans written by a redhead? This is so up my alley! I adore everything Grace produces, she's brilliant beyond belief.

 

8. The archival pigment print Ideal Bookshelf 101: Robert Verdi by artist Jane Mount via 20x200. Artist Statement: "I paint people's ideal bookshelves: your favorite books, books that changed your life, books that made you who you are. Picking your ideal books is not an easy task (try it!), and the results are always enlightening. I think of this project as an intimate form of portraiture; a way to illustrate who the subject is on the inside instead of out." Love the concept behind this project.

 

9. She Ain't Heavy, She's My Mother by Bryan Batt. “Bryan Batt’s childhood is like a mash-up of a Tennessee Williams play and a Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland movie. This memoir is a gumbo of fun, feeling, and fortitude in the face of all that life has to throw at you. A fairy tale come true!”, Alan Cumming. Clever boy. Not only does Batt act (Mad Men anyone?) and write, he also co-owns what is considered by many to be the belle of New Orleans' Magazine St., the shop Hazelnut.

 

10. A Catcher in the Rye embroidered clutch by the French designer/Pariasian IT girl/DJ/journalist, Olympia Le-Tan. Her inspired clutches are hand-stitched version of the designers favorite first editions novels. If only they didn't come with such a hefty price tag.

 

Urban farming

I have been smitten with The Fabulous Beekman Boys ever since I stumbled upon their docu-series on Planet Green. The series revolves around two Manhattanites, Josh Kilmer-Purcell (author of The Bucolic Plague, I Am Not Myself These Days, and Candy Everybody Wants, who was also an advertising art director by day and a drag queen named "Aquadisiac" by night), and his partner Dr. Brent Ridge (an Assistant Clinical Professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, who was also Vice President of Healthy Living at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia), who became gentleman farmers. The two lads purchased the Beekman Farm (built in 1802) in Sharon Springs, NY, originally for weekend getaways, but have successfully turned it into a thriving business and also their home away from the big city. On the farm they're raising; goats, pigs, chickens, and a Llama named Polka Spot, with help from Farmer John. The farm produces goat cheese and soap (sold at Anthropologie) under the name Beekman 1802. I adore everything about this incredible show; the cheeky Polka Spot, Brent and Josh's endearing bickering, the boys stunning home (so well appointed), Brent's slight (ha!) OCD, farmer John's crying spells, the adorable goats, Josh's great back story (who knew!), the drool worthy meals both men concoct, and Brent's delightful and relatable obsession with Martha. If you missed season one, don't fret, season two is in the works. In the mean time though, check out The Fabulous Beekman Boys Fabulous Holiday Special, airing on Wednesday December 8th at 9pm. "Join the Beekman Boys as they celebrate the holidays Beekman style – with crafts, and baking, and yes…singing." Beyond excited, that's what I am!

Straight Up

While making the rounds at the after party on opening night of the Savannah Film Festival, my friend and I were approached by a woman who looked vaguely familiar. The woman complimented my friend on the striking hat she was sporting (indeed it was), making note too of the fact that all three of us happened to be redheads, as she went on her way. It took me a moment to register who this woman resembled, Stephanie Klein (she of the blog, Greek Tragedy, and the memoir, Straight Up and Dirty), flitted through my mind, then doubt entered as I considered what would bring her to a Film Festival in Savannah of all places. While attending the same lecture as this familiar woman a few days later, I pulled out my iPhone to put my suspicions to rest. I tracked Klien down on Twitter, only to discover that she was indeed in Savannah for the Film Festival. Thinking this was my opportunity to gush in person about Straight Up, I missed my chance as she ducked out early. So, apparently here's my chance, Stephanie's voice as a blogger and author is engaging, humorous, and without a doubt straight up. She's got a great thing going, here's hoping she continues what she's doing!

Cherish, Collect, Pass on

I had my first encounter with Penguin cloth bound classics during my last visit to E. Shaver Booksellers in Savannah. I instantly knew I'd stumbled upon a good thing. How have I not been aware of the existence of these delicious books?! I restrained myself from making a purchase then and there. Since I was in the midst of packing up bookshelf upon bookshelf to be transported across the country, accumulating more books at that particular moment seemed in bad form. But once arriving in Washington I couldn't stop myself from picking up the first of what I hope will grow to be a (un petit) collection. I was torn between The Picture of Dorian Grey and Pride and Prejudice, as both are favorites, but in the end went with the latter. The cloth bound covers of the "world's famous books" were designed for Penguin by Coralie Bickford-Smith. "Featuring gorgeous patterns stamped on linen cases, colored endpapers, and ribbon markers, these are rich and sumptuous volumes that continue what will be one of the most coveted sets of books ever produced", states Peguin, modestly. Hear, hear! Each book is indeed more lovely than the next. And how much do I adore not having an obnoxious dust jacket to contend with.

A rare gem

I've been a Temple St. Clair (jeweler extraordinaire) admirerer for some time. I've devoured her book, Alchemy. I've even met the designer herself, when she popped into the store I worked as a buyer for in Savannah. She's a southern girl (her family resides in Charleston and Savannah), but honed her craft in Italy and now resides in NYC. Up until this point though, I've yet to acquire any of her jewels, due, of course, to their hefty price tag. The closest I've come to owning is tempting myself by trying on a pendant or two for a lark. But, come August 29th, Temple's jewels will finally be within my reach. Temple is the latest designer to announce a limited-edition collaboration with Target. Everything in the line is rumored to be priced under $50. The collection, which has been described as "modern heirloom jewelry at a price that's precious", will feature 14k gold plate over brass and colored cz "stones". Pieces in the line include multi-drop necklaces, charm bracelets, tear drop earrings, and rings. Count me in!

Oh, I wish I was in the land of cotton

I recently finished a book I discovered while in Franklin, TN. The cover, of course, drew me in. The title intrigued me. And the story, well that I devoured. Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter, by Lisa Patton, is the story of a woman, in her early 30's, from Memphis, who relocates her family to a small town in Vermont to run an Inn on the whim of her fickle husband.

"Memphis belle Leelee heads for Vermont, trading iced tea and kudzu for black ice, black flies, and a winter that lasts well into May. The result? An amusing, touching novel about a steel magnolia who faces an extreme culture clash" Karin Gillespie.

The book begins at a slow as molasses pace and I found myself initially unsympathetic to the hardships Leelee confronts during her first months in Vermont. As the book progresses Leelee faces a "sink or swim" situation where my image of her as a pushover is transformed to that of a steel magnolia. Leelee goes from pampered country club attending homemaker to an in the trenches inn keeper. Leelee’s transformation is hysterical and believable. Having worked at an Inn during my formative years, I found the behind the scenes inn keeping tidbits humorous. The novel possesses a diverse cast of characters ranging from Leelee's Southern belle childhood girlfriends left behind in Memphis to a crotchety older German couple who Leelee and her husband keep on to run the Inn. Patton’s first attempt at writing a novel is, in my opinion, a smashing success.