Little things make me happy. For instance, my scone obsession. I love Starbucks’ maple nut scone. Actually, it’s more of an addiction. But earlier this year, when Starbucks eliminated trans fats from their foods, my scone of choice changed. Just a few drizzles of frosting over the top. (Was that where all the trans fats were hiding? I think not.) So, I was very happy to discover my old friend frosting was back. Small Victory Number One! Thank you, bakery-that-supplies-Chicago-Starbucks.
Small Victory Number Two was finally getting around to watching Pride and Prejudice (The Keira Knightley version) on Monday. My Netflix queue states that it shipped to my house on April 12. Nothing like two months of procrastination for a two-hour movie. It was excellent – what was I waiting for? I could watch it over and over …. but I’d also like to make some progress on my queue. (Still finishing up the incredibly funny Larry Sanders discs – Rip Torn, you are a comedic genius!) I tried to buy my own P&P copy last night at Target, but all they had was the full-screen version. Yes, I’d like to see only 2/3 or so of the picture, please …..The weather is glorious here today, and with the 90s just around the corner (with humidity) I’m off to soak in the 80s while they last.
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A new Martha Weddings arrived Saturday, and yesterday brought Bazaar and Travel & Leisure …. so you can guess what I’ve been up to. (Flipping through magazines is the answer, by the way.)
Thanks to Bazaar, I once again have fallen hard for two Coach handbags for fall. Both are satchels with lots of hardware. I’m hoping that they weigh slightly less than the Legacy bag I coveted – it was waaaaay too heavy empty, and goodness knows I stuff my handbags with all sorts of things – you never know what color lipgloss you’ll need, for starters. Plus, Kate Spade is launching more ready-to-wear items for fall – pictured was a blue peasant shirt, which looked totally like something Kate Spade would wear. As ever, since it’s June, there are no links to websites for more info – you’ll just have to hold on ’til mid-July or later. We’re only in “fall tease” season.Travel&Leisure has a feature on Chicago hot dogs, as well as beach news. I’ve only completed the first flip through, but I hope to get to the Superdawg Drive-in to sample their “dawg”. The packaging is perfectly retro, as is the website. Hot dogs = summer.And as for Weddings, well, as usual, I’m busy drooling over the beautiful stationery and flowers. Designer Doo-Ri’s wedding is one of those profiled …. I’m slowly making my way through as it’s a long three months before the next issue!If you prefer your magazines online, check out Small Magazine. The photography is exquisite … and the features are fun ….. the “small hands” article is about Le Bouton, Lisa Dorr’s minimalist and gorgeous children’s clothing line. (Check out more Le Bouton at her Etsy store … I see she’s added an easy dress for adults …)
It’s a cool(er) morning here. We finally got some rain last night, which the yard and plants are drinking in. I went for my Tuesday run at 5:45 am. (That is not a typo) The Linden trees smelled heavenly under all of the dew …. enjoy your day!
What a fine Sunday it was to spend at the lake! Lots of boating, tubing, swimming and just plain-old-jumping fun. Made it totally worth the traffic-filled journey north. All the grandchildren were there to celebrate Father’s Day. Grandpa got the same gift from both families, The Dangerous Book for Boys. Guess we each thought it was just right for him!
Being at the lake made me remember another relaxing location that I’ve read a lot about lately in various magazines. I’d very much like to visit Blackberry Farm, in Walland, Tennessee (near Knoxville). The magazine and web photos are spectacular! I think I would enjoy taking a cooking class, then having a picnic, and perhaps visiting their spa …. hmmmm, how to work this in to my summer plans …. (or fall?) Spend some time meandering their web site – at the least, you’ll come across some inspiration for some summer fun at home.
Also, Sunday’s NYTimes had an interesting article about Ryan Adams. I’m currently obsessed with “Everybody Knows”, a song from his new album “Easy Tiger”. Thanks, Paste magazine, for putting it on your latest cd compilation! The Times has some mp3s as well ….
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This rose was peeking through the fence yesterday, asking for its portrait to be taken …. what are you noticing as summer approaches?
Here are the fruit-y Five:
- peaches
- new apples
- Breakfast
- fruit season
- sweet, plump, juicy…….
For the weekend, we’re hoping to spend a little time with both fathers …. and perhaps get a little more gardening in …. another sunny summer weekend in Chicago! See you Monday!
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If you live in Chicago, no doubt you’ve heard of the 17-year cicadas this summer. I don’t know how many stories I’ve seen on the news, in the paper, etc. talking about them. We even were prepared for their official “emergence” date. (May 22nd, I believe.) I’ve forgotten because I’d seen no cicadas in my suburb ….. until yesterday. This guy, pictured above, landed in our backyard yesterday morning …. and last night, during Game Night at the park, there were a few more cicadas hanging out in the trees. So there you go. We’ve officially been “invaded”. Perhaps in 2024 their numbers will grow?
Seguing over to fashion (wasn’t that smooth?) I can’t believe it, since it’s not even officially summer yet, but the Resort 2008 shows are under way. I am officially smitten with Carolina Herrera’s collection. I love look #5 (huge love), #8 (what a coat!), #12, and #23. Elegant and yet very wearable. And gorgeous!While you’re at the New York Magazine site (they do a great job with fashion coverage), click over to the video interview of Narciso Rodriguez by Harriet Mays Powell. I’m eager to see how the Liz Claiborne/Narciso Rodriguez partnership evolves … more Narciso will be a good thing, speaking of simple/elegant/wearable.
Here’s to another beautiful summer day! See you tomorrow.
