This & That: No. 40

Over the holiday I had ample time to peruse the web for new blogs and ended up discovering two I am excited to share with you. Also, you can never have too many books, so you’ll find a fantastic fiction choice as well as a newly released book on style. Oh, and I have a few other things I’d like to share with you as well . . .

~Blogs

~All the Best: A Passport to Stylish Living

Ronda Carman first began her decor and lifestyle blog All the Best in 2007. Many of you may have already discovered her as she is widely known and has received top press accolades in the pages of Elle Decor, Traditional Home, House Beautiful, and domino just to name a few. With her regular favorite feature “Soup on Sunday” as well as interviews with industry professionals, successful entrepreneurs and more, from Scotland, she has gained a world of attention that is much deserved.

~A Way to Garden

Margaret Roach was the the first garden editor of Martha Stewart’s magazine Living, a garden editor for Newsday, the author of the best garden book in 1998 titled A Way to Garden: A Hands-On Primer for Every Season and now the founder and editor of her own blog A Way to Garden which is where I finally discovered her green thumb talents.

As January keeps me inside most weekends, I can’t help but think about the upcoming spring and how I want to “decorate” my yard. Margaret’s blog is full of seasonal tips, life inspiration and an insight into why working in the yard and garden can be very enticing and therapeutic. Her new book is set to be released this January 15.

~Books

~5 Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris

Over the holidays, I happened to stumble across the film Chocolat starring Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche. I had forgotten how lovely and timelessly relevant it was. Based on Joanne Harris’s 2000 New York Times Best Seller, when I learned of Walla Walla Public Library’s presentation of her 2007 novel Five Quarters of the Orange (Jan. 10th at 7pm), I became curious to read the tale of a woman who returns after WW II to her abandoned family farm in a tiny French village where she begins running a creperie using her mother’s recipes.

While many of you may not live near Walla Walla to attend, Joanne Harris’ book received high praises from the New York Times in 2007, so if you’re looking for a new fiction book full of France, food and a dash of mysterious intrigue to dive into this one may just be the one. And if you do live in the area, stop by the reading as they will be serving food featured in the book. The event is free and open to the public.

~The Wardrobe Wakeup: Your Guide to Looking Fabulous at Any Age

Just released on December 23, 2012, beauty and fashion editor for Ladies Home Journal (formerly) and More Lois Joy Johnson reveals style tips for women 40+ who wish to look chic and smart regardless of their age. Full of tips on how to revitalize one’s closet, budget saving tips learned from 30 years of experience working with top models and celebrities, Johnson shares her wisdom as well as interviews from chic women as they share how they pull off their style. With Cheryl Tiggs writing the foreword, The Wardrobe Wakeup in its first few weeks has raced to the top of Kindle’s top selling e-books. Why not add this book to your shelves of style resources?

~Shopping

~DVF Zia II in nude suede

While I know it’s only January, I couldn’t help but gravitate toward Diane von Furstenberg’s nude suede sandal – Zia II. A perfect addition for spring, this heel would look fantastic with spring and summer dresses, as well as colorful cropped trousers.

~MICHAEL Michael Kors single breasted trench (black or truffle)

While I am currently waiting for this trench to arrive in classic khaki from J.Crew, Michael Kors’ black trench would be a classic color and style to add to the closet as well if you don’t already have one in this hue. These two classic colors will ensure you always have something that works with what you’re wearing.

~Tech Gadgets

~The Scanner Mouse from Brookstone

Over the weekend I discovered an article in The Wall Street Journal about a handy two-in-one device that saves space and helps with organization, especially in preparation for my annual tax appointment. Brookstone’s Scanner Mouse operates not only as a mouse (wireless version not yet available), but also as a scanner to scan receipts and other documents into your computer so that you don’t have to continue to keep track of all of those tiny pieces of paper. While there are other brands offering similar products, Brookstone’s is quite reasonably priced in comparison and has received overwhelmingly positive reviews.