New York: The Novel – Book Review

A saga set in former New Amsterdam, or what we know as New York City, begins in the mid seventeenth century and ends in 2009. Edward Rutherfurd’s novel New York is a combination of intriguing historically accuracy such as the rising of the Sons of Liberty prior to the coming of the Revolutionary War, the tragic draft riots during the Civil war and the tragedy of 9/11 and engaging fictitious characters that are both intriguing and seemingly real.

As the reader begins following the lineage of the Master family, other families from all facets of society – merchants, immigrants, politicians and native born – their trials, successes, failures and romances are shared in enough detail as to stir up your compassion, but not so much depth as it isn’t solely their story to tell.

The quest for freedom is the underlying theme that weaves itself through all of the characters as they strive, stress and sometimes stumble on their quest.

Being someone who thoroughly enjoys history, I found this book to be fascinating, and as I listened to it as an audio tape on my recent travels, I found myself not able to wait until the next ride in my vehicle to finish it and had to listen to the last few chapters at home while sitting in my living room.  It is engrossing, endearing and at the same time inspiring as one of the last few lines states, "Dream it and do it. But first you must dream it."

Rutherfurd’s previous New York Times Best-Selling novel London: The Novel is next on my list to read.

New York: The Novel
by Edward Rutherfurd

Purchase from Amazon here
Price: $11.44
Copyright: September 2010
Pages: 880
Publisher: Ballantine

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Grandly Simple

Located in Bridgehampton, New York, this beautiful family home boasts cascadingly high ceilings, a very crisp white palette and ample amounts of square footage in each room. Shown in Architectural Digest’s December 2010 issue, read more about how exactly it all came together by clicking here.

All images courtesy of Architectural Digest

Cups of Tea 10/17-10/23

Freshly made buttermilk scones, luscious lavender tea and time at my mercy.  Sundays are a beautiful thing. It’s such a delight as the morning creeps upon me, and I slowly realize that the day is mine to be had as I wish.

How has your weekend been coming along? Hopefully it has been either full of the excitement you were craving as Friday approached, or blissfully serene – which ever was your wish.

Today’s Cups of Tea are full of beautiful thoughts and images, suggestions for necessary pampering and a healthy, but delicious meal that will please everyone I believe.  I do hope you enjoy, and oh, don’t forget something hot to sip.  Have a beautiful Sunday.

 

1. Ode To Dogs

A dog lover I most certainly am, as well as a mother of my own two dogs, so when I came across Isabelle LaFleche of Pink Lemonade Design’s post focusing on dogs, I had to share.  She also includes a link to Anne Pachett’s tribute to dogs which had my attention immediately. If you are a dog owner, it is a must read that will make you smile (or cry tears of joy as I did).

 

2. A Beautiful Collaboration

When talented minds come together, the product can be amazing. This past week Roseline of This Is Glamorous shared a black and white photo shoot taken by Jamie Beck of From Me To You, styled by Anne of City Sage and Rue Magazine with the theme being that of Roseline’s blog title.  Set in Central Park at dusk, these images are quite glamorous. Have a look.

 

3. 12 Necessary Luxuries

As soon as I came across Barrie of Live Bold & Bloom post I had to share it with you as the paradox “necessary luxuries” is so very true.  Take a look at the twelve luxuries you need to include in your life and refuse to feel guilty about.

 

4. Dinner with Friends

Big Girls, Small Kitchen continually creates and shares with their readers fun, delicious recipes that anyone can try no matter what the size of their kitchen.  Their Baja Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema recipe is yet another one I have my eye on to try.

 

5. Remain Positive

A necessary exercise that must be done on a regular basis is the mindset of optimism.  No matter what the circumstances, the strength of one’s mind to see the beauty, so see the opportunity is a true gift. Real Beauty recently posted a quote from model/businesswoman Petra Nemcova (who lost her fiancé in the 2004 tsunami in Thailand) that is a great reminder of the opportunities brought with said optimism even when you have every reason to do otherwise. 

"I believe we create our own reality and we create our own possibilities at the same time. It is a possibility to be with friends, to have a family, to be in love, to have career and goals and it’s up to us as to what choices we make.

Some people are on the negative side. If you are more negative, you limit your possibilities in life and if you are open and positive like I am, you then have endless possibilities and that’s the key to a happy life.

Every experience that I have had in life so far has had both positive and negatives elements to it, but I always believed in the positive side of things. If you are able to overcome the negative thoughts, you will see all the possibilities that are waiting for you. By the good things you learn once, by the bad things you learn twice."

-Petra Nemcova

Images: (1)   Chickything

Something Looks Familiar

Using the Nancy Meyer’s film Something’s Gotta Give as a muse to help decorate this New York City apartment, designers James Michael and Phoebe Howard created a classic Hampton look-a-like home that was revealed in the pages of House Beautiful for a larger showhouse project titled Designer Visions: Cinema Style. Have a look.  I know it made me want to pull out what is now one of my favorite DVDs and sit down and enjoy the repartee of Keaton and Nicholson.

The view . . .

Eclectic Mix of Goodness

The first part of New York Fashion Week’s Spring 2011 Ready to Wear showcases have revealed some amazing, thought-provoking and lovely collections. As I view them, I am always looking at how the styles presented can be incorporated into my wardrobe.  The ideas, the inspiration and the push to take a bit of a risk are always there and for each of these aspects I am so very appreciative.  While the entire collections of Jason Wu, Christian Siriano and Ports 1961 were my top three so far, below are some images of gorgeous designs that I had to share.  If you’d like to see the entire collection, simply click on the designer’s name which is below the images.

Out of curiosity, what has caught your eye so far?  I’d love to hear.

Vivienne Tam

Lela Rose

DKNY

Tess Giberson

Cynthia Rowley

Christian Cota

A Detacher

ADAM

Victoria Beckham

Derek Lam

All images courtesy of Style.com