Curated Weekly

As winter starts to wind down these next few weeks I am reminded how life truly does come in seasons.  While we had a good snow just this past Wednesday (photo below), next week the temperate will be in the 60’s and sunny. And while we are not technically out of the winter season quite yet, here in Raleigh March 1st begins a sort of unofficial start to spring.  However, as we move into the weekend it’s still going to be a little cold out, so I have plans to stay home and cozy for another weekend to enjoy some hobbies and many hot drinks. As we settle into this sort of in-between time between the seasons, let us both be present and enjoy all the simple pleasures associated with the colder days, and also look forward to the warmer days that are waiting to greet us again.

SHOPPING, BOOKS, MEDIA, ETC.

With spring right around the corner I am already dreaming of picnics and dining al fresco, and these 4pk floral napkins from Target would be a beautiful accompaniment with any meal for this spring or summer.  It reminds me very much of Provence and at only $12.00 for the pack, is also such a good budget-friendly purchase too.

If you also are looking to bring in small elements of spring into your home this season, then this flower-inspired mug from H&M would be a lovely and elegant addition.

 

With the warmer weather just around the corner I am also planning out my spring and summer wardrobe and a classic blue button down is always a good staple to have in the closet as is pairs well with so many different looks.  I really like this one from Banana Republic Factory and also really like that it’s 100% cotton so that it will breathe well through the warmer days ahead.

And while warmer days are ahead we still have plenty of colder ones left too and that is why it’s never too late to invest in a cashmere scarf.  It’s not as expensive as you might think as this Mongolian Cashmere Ribbed Scarf from Quince is only $59.90.  And I particularly love this dusty blue color too.

 

It’s such a simple pleasure in spring to take a walk and pick a few flowers to bring home and this set of pastel floral glass bud vases from Williams-Sonoma would be a good set to have on hand for all those flowers we find out in nature.

And for the Francophiles (myself included), Anthropologie has so many good things to bring home a little France this spring.  Starting off with this Harlie Brown Studio Belle Journée Dish Towel that I am loving.

I’ve been enjoying this short, but lovely new album by Laura Anglade called Stairway to the Stars.  If you are a fan of jazzy artists such as The Hot Sardines, Diana Krall and Satcey Kent, then you’ll enjoy the music of Laura Anglade.  My favorite songs are Manhattan and A New Day, A New Life, A New Love, but the entire album is so good that I will just put it on and let the whole thing play through.

 

While not yet released (publication date scheduled for May 6), I already have my eye on New English Style: Timeless Interiors.  In this book you’ll step into the enchanting world of Nicole Salvesen and Mary Graham, two visionary designers who are known for their love of color and are celebrated for their ‘future heritage’ approach to interiors.  In their debut book, they invite you to explore the art of creating classically beautiful and thoughtfully curated living spaces that transcend trends and stand the test of time.

 

I know many of us are a fan of the classics and this book, Jane Austen’s Bookshelf: A Rare Book Collector’s Quest to Find the Women Writers Who Shaped a Legend looks to be an interesting read for the spring season. Rebecca Romney, a rare book dealer, explores the women authors who most impacted Jane Austen. As the publisher notes, “Austen looked up to them, passionately discussed their books with her friends, and used an appreciation of their books as a litmus test for whether someone had good taste. So where had these women gone? Or in some cases, even heard of them? And why were they no longer embraced as part of the wider literary canon?” Jane Austen’s Bookshelf sets out to find the answers, with each chapter following a different writer and their impact on Austen. A can’t miss for Austen fans and literary lovers alike.

 

If you’re looking for a cozy read, then Back After This looks to be a good book to snuggle up to. This funny and smart romance novel   follows podcast producer Cecily, who gets the chance to host her own show—but there’s a catch. The show will follow her dating life, under the guidance of relationship coach Eliza. After she commits to twenty blind dates, however, she can’t stop thinking about Will, a man she met by chance rescuing a dog. Can she listen to her heart, or will her job get in the way?

 

A cozy mystery book is always on my radar and A Death in Diamonds looks to be sheer entertainment. This is the fourth book of the series and in S.J. Bennett’s delightful Her Majesty the Queen Investigates series, Queen Elizabeth II is secretly an amateur detective. This story finds the Queen and an ex-code breaker, Joan McGraw, trying to get to the bottom of two deaths in Chelsea in 1957. It’s sounds like the perfect cozy mystery for royal lovers.

 

Netflix is already giving us a peek at Bridgerton’s fourth season.  While there is no official release date for season 4, I am keeping close watch for any news and am excited for the next chapter of the Bridgerton family.

I did get to watch the new Bridget Jones movie this past weekend and really enjoyed seeing all the familiar characters and settings of this beloved story. AD joins production designer Kave Quinn to tour the set of ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.’ as they visit the different cozy rooms of Bridget Jones’ home in the new movie.

I will be traveling to Paris at the end of March and finding an authentic, delicious Pain Au Chocolat is on my to do list. If you too are traveling to Paris, (or just want to armchair travel) then this is a good short video to enjoy.

 

articles of interest

If you are also a fan of the Bridgerton series and are looking forward to the new season as well, then here is a sneak peek at Bridgeton’s new “villainous” family.

My Paris trip is coming up so very soon with only weeks away until I fly off to the city of lights, and if you too are traveling to Paris this year (or anywhere really), then Shannon Ables posted a great article Packing for Paris: Searching for Sneakers and other Outerwear Details. A great resource for the finer details of spring travelling and what to pack.

And speaking of Paris, I also found a few spots that I may be visiting thanks to this article, 10 Spots for the Best Sweet Treats in Paris from My French Country Home.

Having an outdoor space at home is one of life’s simple luxuries.  I really enjoyed reading Garden seating ideas to update your outdoor space for spring for inspiration for the future when we once again have outdoor living space.

It seems we are getting closer to the release of Meghan Markle’s As Ever lifestyle brand. If you too are excited to see Meghan’s new show and website, then you can get a sneak peek here from People Magazine, Meghan Markle Hard Launches Her ‘As Ever’ Lifestyle Brand on Instagram — Here’s When You Can Shop.

Parisian apartments come in all shapes and sizes and looking through this This Color-Drenched Paris Apartment That You’d Never Believe Was a Former Law Office was a good reminder just how stunning, eclectic and full of inspiration they can be.

One of my favorite things to do on the weekends is to go get a coffee and make a visit to the local antique store.  And this article, Expert Tips for Antique Shopping: Insider Advice from Charleston Designer Michael Mitchell was such a fun and interesting read for the antique lover in me.

in case you missed it…

This past week on the blog was all about living well and savoring these last few weeks of winter.  I was lucky enough to have a snow day here in Raleigh and it was not wasted as I took a walk in the snow, cozied up at home and enjoyed a home made French hot chocolate.  While I am looking forward to the warmer days of spring ahead, it’s so nice to slow down and be present where I am and enjoy the simple pleasures of what is now while also looking forward to those to come.

 

The Fine Art of Living Well Everyday

Savoring the Last Four Weeks of Winter