This & That: No. 21

A book to put on your wish list, an app to use and love, my new favorite tea and a few classic clothing items to add to your wardrobe . . .

~Article

~Clutter, Storage and Happiness by Gretchen Rubin in The New York Times

As a fan of Gretchen Rubin’s blog The Happiness Project and first book of the same name, I am looking forward to reading her second which will be released Tuesday, September 4th – Happier at Home. In preparation for the release, her recent article “Clutter, Storage and Happiness” found in The New York Times shares a glimpse of what will be found in her upcoming new book.

~Apps

~Pinterest App

Finally, I have the new Pinterest app on my iPad, and oh, how I love it. For free, this app is available and shares a screen of three columns-full of the pins you follow, easy transitions from tab to tab and beautiful high pixel images. Simple and fine-tuned for easy pinning while on the go.

~Book

~Stuff Parisians Like: Discovering the Quoi in the Je Ne Sais Quoi by Olivier Magny

Francophiles will enjoy Stuff Parisians Like as it offers a glimpse into the behaviors, preferences and eccentricities of the culture that so piques our interest. While it has been available since 2011, if you don’t already have it, I suggest you add it to your French library. Learn about why the French woman brings Laduree macaroons to nearly every occasion as a gift, how they really feel about tourists and why, which city in the US they most desire to live in and so much more. Organized in simple 2-3 page chapters, you’ll be entertained, intrigued and even more curious to visit.

~Shopping

~Lanvin leather ballet flats - $495

Lanvin leather ballet flats have always been on my fashion wish list, but I have yet to purchase a pair as they are quite the luxury. Thankfully though, I realized that when I do have the funds to purchase my first pair that they run a bit small. With my size being 10 (40 UK), I learned that 41 was more to my fitting. Good to know because one of the most sigh-releasing moments is when the items you order online fit exactly as you expect them to. Soon a pair will be mine!

~Vince Shirt – silk shirred neckline half placket - $275

A simple white silk blouse is a wonderful staple to include in your capsule wardrobe. Easy to transition from work (tucked into a pencil skirt) or left untucked for evening over a pair of skinny jeans with flats or heels, it is comfortable, chic and will forever be in style.

~Tea

~Mariage Frères tea

While I didn’t come home from Europe with oodles of souvenirs, what I did come home with was an abundance of tea. As gifts and personal luxuries, I thoroughly enjoyed choosing from the list of Mariage Frères loose leaf and sachet teas. With their black signature tin (they also have white and green as well), it is a lovely gift for your tea-loving hostess or friend, as it not only will be a scrumptious treat to savor, but will also look delightful on the shelf.

If you’re not sure you want to purchase their tea, but would quickly label yourself a tea lover, have a look at their tips on how to make the perfect cup of tea. The three flavors I brought home and am slowing beginning to enjoy are Earl Grey Provence, Darjeeling Princeton, and Earl Grey Imperial. And to translate, while it initially appears the business name means “brother’s wedding”, it is simply in homage to the brothers and the family who created the business and includes their family name – Mariage. Click here to learn more about the company’s history.