This & That: No. 11

Summer reading to enjoy, shopping on a budget, an appetizer to impress your guests and more . . .


~Beauty


~Bobbi Brown pot rouge for lips & cheeks - $24

It is always a good idea to keep beauty routines in the summer simple, and as I am a fan of Bobbi Brown’s cosmetics, I am excited to try her Pot of Rouge for Lips and Cheeks – one less thing to pack for upcoming vacations, as well as one less thing to purchase!

~Recipe-to-Try


~Pear, Walnut, and Ricotta Crostini from Martha Stewart

Grab a glass of chilled viognier, sauvignon blanc or chardonnay and prepare this simple appetizer of deliciously paired flavors – crunchy roasted walnuts, luscious ricotta cheese and a crisp, sweet pear atop a toasted slice of baguette.

~Blog Post


~A Yard Sale Checklist: 20 Tips for Garage Sale Prep

For anyone who’s in the area on June 23rd, I’m having a yard sale (clothes, shoes, books, furniture, and a bit of chit chat)! But just in case you are not in the state of Oregon, but you too are thinking about cleaning out and making some money off of things you no longer use and could be given to someone who would appreciate it all the more, take a look at Get Rich Slowly’s checklist for preparing an auspicious day of commerce.

~Blog to Visit


~Illustrated Bites created by Heather Diane

I came across artist Heather Diane’s talents via Pinterest, when I pinned her illustration of Herbs: The Basics (seen above) which originally appeared on her blog Illustrated Bites. Upon visiting her website, you will discover she shares illustrations on how to Slice an Avocado, How to make Chocolate Brioche (yum!), and much more. A fun blog to visit if for nothing else than to be impressed.

~Book


~Mission to Paris by Alan Furst

Recommended on NPR and on The Daily Beast, Alan Furst’s latest spy novel, Mission to Paris is one that is on my wish list for summer reading and has just been released today. Set in 1938, an informal spy for the American embassy in Paris, Hollywood film star Fredric Stahl works to halt the Nazis in their quest to degrade France and weaken her ability to defend itself. Blending beautiful imagery of The City of Light and mysterious intrigue during a dark time in world history, I am anxious to begin reading.

~Shopping


~Net-a-Porter – End of Season Sale (many prices dropped to 70% off!)

At the end of May Net-a-Porter began their twice annual end of season sale with 30-50% reductions on much of their designer apparel and accessories. Yesterday they continued to slash prices, many down to 70% reductions. So . . . if you have had your eye on a gorgeous dress, coat or anything that could add a little pep to your wardrobe, but the regular price didn’t work in your budget, now is the time to stop by Net-a-Porter.

The DKNY striped silk-stretch blouse (regularly $195, now $98) above is similar in color to a blouse I just purchased from Madewell. I am in love with it because it works well at work paired with a navy pencil skirt, or worn more casually with a pair of dark jeans or navy cropped trousers and pumps (or as Katie Holmes wore it, with white pants).

Another amazing find if you are in need of simple, yet chic ballet flats for summer, try Jil Sander ballet flats (regularly $425), now $170. Happy shopping!