As we kick off the first week of the summer months here in June, I am cozying into all things summer this week. I am so excited for the slow days of summer ahead and all that summer brings in with it. The Crepe Myrtles are blooming, and the sun is setting later and later and while we are all breaking out the sandals and sundresses, summer keeps delivering so many things for us to savor.
I have found some lovely things this week for you to discover and I hope that you too are settling into the new season of sunny days to savor.
Books, Shopping, Media, Etc.
A simple pleasure to start off this week’s Curated, I recently purchased this mug from Rifle Paper Co. that made me smile when I saw it. As a girl who will always love Hydrangeas, I knew that this mug would always start the day with a little visual happiness while drinking my coffee.
If you’re like me and dreaming of those warmer days that are now here to stay, then you too may be looking for some summery dresses to add to your wardrobe. I really like this Linen-Blend Popover Dress from Banana republic Factory. I love how it looks very coastal chic.
Also over on Banana Republic Factory was this pretty Double Keyhole Swimsuit. I was really drawn in with that green accent color and it looks like it would be a perfect addition for a summer getaway this year with its stylish design and pattern.
I recently saw this summery Citrus Apron while visiting my local Sur La Table. I do love a pretty apron and have a few on hand that are seasonal as well. This one may be making its way to my pantry soon.
I love finding new recipes online and when I find one that I want to use over and over I like to write them down. I currently have a recipe box that I enjoy using, but I also very much like this Italian Summer Recipe Journal from Papier. I may get one for the recipes that I plan to use more day-to-day and keep my recipe box for more of a holiday/dinner party recipe box.
I was so happy to see Hearth & Hand release their Golden Hour Candle again for this season. I bought this candle last year and the scent was so lovely and for sure perfect for summer with notes of lemon, orange peel, pear, coconut, gardenia, juniper berry, amber, patchouli, driftwood. At only $14.99 a candle, it is also at a great price point as well.
I saw these Hand-Stamped Stoneware Brush Bowls at French Mercantile that are lovely. I really want to visit this store one day in person as they are located in Summerville, South Carolina. But until I do, I will continue to visit their online shop of all things French.
Also found on French Mercantile, if you are interested in getting a butter keeper, they have this Le Bistro Bell Crock that would be a lovely addition to any kitchen countertop.
As an Ina Garten fan myself, I am looking forward to reading her upcoming memoir Be Ready When The Luck Happens sure to be full of food and fun memories. Described as, for the first time, Ina Garten presents an intimate, entertaining, and inspiring account of her remarkable journey. Ina’s gift is to make everything look easy, yet all her accomplishments have been the result of hard work, audacious choices, and exquisite attention to detail. In her unmistakable voice she brings her past and her process to life in a high-spirited and no-holds-barred memoir that chronicles decades of personal challenges, adventures (and misadventures) and unexpected career twists, all delivered with her signature combination of playfulness and purpose.
A French cookbook that I recently bought and was just released this past March, French from the Market had many delicious looking recipes that is perfect for the upcoming summer season and Farmer’s Market trips. Described as, the newest cookbook from Hillary Davis focuses on the best of traditional French cooking―provincial cuisine based on produce and foods fresh from the market, simply prepared, and delicious for everyday dining at home.
While new releases are always fun to explore, I also love to find older releases as well that I may have missed. Summer for me will always have a few picnics incorporated into them and I saw this pretty book, The Picnic: Recipes and Inspiration from Basket to Blanket released back in 2015 and it piqued my interest. Described as, The Picnic shares everything you need to plan an effortless outdoor get-together: no-fail recipes, helpful checklists, and expert advice. With variations on everyone’s favorite deviled eggs, 99 uses for a Mason jar (think cocktail shaker, firefly catcher, or cookie jar), rules for scoring lawn games, and refreshing drinks to mix up in crowd-friendly batches, let The Picnic take the stress out of your next party and leave only the fun.
A lot of people seemed to enjoy the recommendation for Frugal Luxuries last week, so I thought I would highlight another book that was released decades ago, but still has that same classic elegant touch to it. Living A Beautiful Life: 500 Ways to Add Elegance, Order, Beauty, and Joy to Every Day of Your Life is a beautiful book that I have had in my personal library for years and that was originally released in 1988. This book is described as, As a world-famous interior decorator, Alexandra has worked her magic on interiors large and small, from mansions and embassies to cottages and studio apartments. Through her writing and lectures, Alexandra has encouraged millions to brighten their lives and their homes by turning mundane tasks into small pleasurable rituals that add beauty and joy to everything they do.
The new Bridgerton trailer is now available for Part II being released on June 13th. I know many of you are waiting (un)patiently for the next part of the season, but here is a new trailer to give us a sneak peek as to what is up next for Penny and Colin.
I love watching videos from Nicolas Fairford on YouTube as he has such a gentle elegance about his demeanor and his videos are always so elegant and inspiring. This past week he shared a bedroom makeover where he does a before-and-after and the after product was light and cozy. A must watch if you are looking to also makeover your bedroom for inspiration.
I love watching home tour videos on YouTube as they always provide so much inspiration for my own home. I especially love when they are small apartments as you can really see that space does not equal style and that you can create a beautiful sanctuary no matter how much square footage you have to work with.
I also love tuning into The Daily Connoisseur’s videos on YouTube as well as Jennifer always approaches her subjects with timeless advice and elegance. This past week she posted a video of her ten-item wardrobe for the Spring/Summer 2024 season. I enjoy her simple chic style and I like seeing the items that she chooses for each season
Articles of Interest
As a working girl who can certainly feel tired after a long day of work, this article on Camille Styles of 23 Lazy Dinner Ideas for a Chill Summer caught my attention. The recipes look as simple as they do delicious.
You already know I am a Trader Joe’s girl, so this article from The EveryGirl – 32 Must-Try Trader Joe’s Summer Essentials to Grab on Your Next Grocery Run was a fun read.
As summer starts to settle in, now is a good time to break out the cheese boards for a summer charcuterie and this article over on Victoria Magazine’s site of Four Chef-Inspired Tips for Designing Charcuterie Boards is a good read to help give you inspiration.
And what’s a good charcuterie without a good bottle of wine? And what is more summer than a bottle of Rosé? Discover 26 Bottles of of Rosé to Try This Summer as recommended by Town & Country Magazine.
Also over on Town & Country Magazine, if you enjoy a true crime podcast, they have a list of 30 Best True Crime Podcasts to Listen to Now.
If you’re already looking forward to the winter holidays, you can check out the Hallmark Lineup for Christmas in July for a taste of Christmas next month.
We are planning a trip to Charleston in October and while it is not our first time in Charleston, it is always helpful to find articles like this one, 28 Best Things To Do In Charleston for some ideas while visiting the Holy City.
There are a few towels in our home that I need to replace. Towels are one of those things that often gets put on the back burner of our needs even though we use them daily. Here are two articles about towels that I read recently that I found very helpful – 7 Towel Drying Mistakes That Could Be Ruining Your Towels and Six Ways to Soften Towels Again and When to Give Up.
I hope you have found some things of interest this week and feel inspired to start curating your own summer experience. Remember that each season gives us only about three months to savor their presence, so be sure to take advantage and get outside to enjoy those longer days of possibilities.
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