Faux fur is always cool for cold weather. Go for full faux fur or save it for the details.
Hot Coats for Cold Weather
Friday, November 8, 2019
Ladylike coats are prefect for winter this year. Try dressy details such as a shawl color, ruffles, or bows!
Faux fur is always cool for cold weather. Go for full faux fur or save it for the details.
The perfect puffer is the best coat for sub zero temps. Rich colors and fun fabric can really elevate the traditional puffer coat.
Military coats are tried and true. Shiny buttons are a staple of this classic, but can be made modern with an asymmetrical cut or zippers!
Faux fur is always cool for cold weather. Go for full faux fur or save it for the details.
Good Reads: Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larson
Monday, November 4, 2019
My Thoughts:
This is a heartbreaking story of parents who expected nothing less than perfection from their children and who cared about the family image above anything else and put their desires above everyone else's.
Rosemary was born into the world as the third Kennedy child and first daughter after a horrific labor. Rose Kennedy was made to squeeze her legs closed by the nurse on duty during her home birth to delay the arrival of her baby while waiting for the doctor to show up, and when that didn't work, the nurse held Rosemary's head and forced her back in the birth canal for two hours. The only word I can use to describe Rosemary's life from the start and until her death in 2005 is tragic.
After realizing their daughter was intellectually disabled, Joe, Sr. and Rose had her in and out of boarding schools from early childhood and in to early adulthood to keep her being institutionalized (which was common practice for mentally challenged and low IQ individuals at this time). Rose would often not disclose the true nature of Rosemary's limitations, such as low self esteem, problems with writing and reading, and aggressive mood swings prior to Rosemary's acceptances in these schools which ultimately set her daughter up for failure. In the 1920s and 30s treatment for people with disabilities and mental illnesses was limited as the medical and educational communities were profoundly ignorant.
Although almost everyone was ignorant about the disabilities Rosemary presented with, I was disgusted by her parents' actions. First, the denial that anything was wrong, and second, the lies to get her in to schools that were not equipped to accommodate her needs. I was enraged how they hid her in these boarding schools as to not disrupt her father's political aspirations, her mother's social climbing, and the family's position in both American and international society. Rose's extended vacations (6-8 weeks away from the family) showed a lack of concern for all of her children and Joe's womanizing and Nazi sympathizing doesn't say much about his parenting. The theme of Rosemary wanting to please her family was found throughout the book. It was so sad for me that the people she wanted to love her the most were the ones who hurt and disappointed her the most.
Ultimately, after Joe Kennedy, Sr. felt all other options were exhausted, he opted for Rosemary to undergo a brand new medical procedure called a prefrontal lobotomy. It was Joe Sr.'s sole decision, with very meager research on the procedure and without consulting his wife, that led to the end of Rosemary's livelihood at just 23 years old. Rosemary emerged from the lobotomy almost completely disabled. It erased years of emotional, physical, and intellectual development. Although with therapy Rosemary was able to regain some abilities (such as walking and minimal talking), for the remainder of her life she required constant care. She lived out the rest of her life, over 60 years, at St. Coletta, an institution in Wisconsin.
This was a well researched, straight forward book that is a must read for anyone who is interested in American history, especially those interested those who are interested in learning more about the Kennedy family past JFK, RFK, and Jackie. Although it was sometimes sad and a sometimes enraging read, it did make me thankful for how far our country has come in the treatment of those with mental illness and the intellectually disabled.
5 on Friday: Five Fall Facts
Friday, October 25, 2019
//1// It requires 36 apples to make one gallon of apple cider.
//2// Leaves fall off the trees due to hormones. As the leaf's exposure to light decreases in the Fall, they start to produce a hormone that boosts the growth of a cell between the stem and the leaf. During this process the leaf is forced to fall off the stem.
//3// In the 12th and 13th centuries Fall was once called Harvest because the full moon closest to the autumn equinox is called the harvest moon.
//4// You're most likely to seek out a romantic relationship in the Fall. Research shows that colder weather makes people want to get closer to others, and also ignites the desire to find a relationship.
//5// The term Fall came from a phrase. In the early 1600s, people started saying "fall of the leaf" to refer to the third season of the year because the leaves would fall from the trees. Eventually the phrase was shortened to "fall."
//2// Leaves fall off the trees due to hormones. As the leaf's exposure to light decreases in the Fall, they start to produce a hormone that boosts the growth of a cell between the stem and the leaf. During this process the leaf is forced to fall off the stem.
//3// In the 12th and 13th centuries Fall was once called Harvest because the full moon closest to the autumn equinox is called the harvest moon.
//4// You're most likely to seek out a romantic relationship in the Fall. Research shows that colder weather makes people want to get closer to others, and also ignites the desire to find a relationship.
//5// The term Fall came from a phrase. In the early 1600s, people started saying "fall of the leaf" to refer to the third season of the year because the leaves would fall from the trees. Eventually the phrase was shortened to "fall."
Check out these other fun Fall posts:
How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds
Monday, October 21, 2019
//1// Scoop out the pulp and seeds from the pumpkin.
//2// Transfer the pumpkin innards to a large bowl filled with water. Scoop out the loose seeds that float and separate the remaining seeds from the pulp. Throw away the pulp.
//3// Transfer the seeds to a colander and rinse. Drain and pat dry with dish towels.
//4// Spread the seeds on the baking sheet and bake at 250 degrees F until for 1 hour (or until dry).
//5// Toss the seeds with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sprinkle with your favorite seasonings, and roast at 350 degrees F tossing occasionally until the seeds are crisp and golden brown (about 20 minutes).
Check out these other fun pumpkin posts:
2019 Reading Goal
Monday, October 14, 2019
I set my reading goal this year at 24 books. I picked 24 because it's doable, yet somewhat of a challenge because (1) I have a full time job, (2) I like to blog (and nap), (3) I have a house, husband, and dog, and (4) I also really enjoy watching TV (and spending time outside in the summer). I was super excited when I met my goal earlier this month with still 90 days left in the year!
Check out my Studs and Duds for 2019 so far!
It's Nantucket wedding season, also known as summer-the sight of a bride racing down Main Street is as common as the sun setting at Madaket Beach. The Otis-Winbury wedding promises to be an event to remember: the groom's wealthy parents have spared no expense to host a lavish ceremony at their oceanfront estate.
But it's going to be memorable for all the wrong reasons after tragedy strikes: a body is discovered in Nantucket Harbor just hours before the ceremony-and everyone in the wedding party is suddenly a suspect. As Chief of Police Ed Kapenash interviews the bride, the groom, the groom's famous mystery-novelist mother, and even a member of his own family, he discovers that every wedding is a minefield-and no couple is perfect.
Check out my Studs and Duds for 2019 so far!
All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin
Nina Browning is living the good life after marrying into Nashville’s elite. More recently, her husband made a fortune selling his tech business, and their adored son has been accepted to Princeton. Yet sometimes the middle-class small-town girl in Nina wonders if she’s strayed from the person she once was.
Tom Volpe is a single dad working multiple jobs while struggling to raise his headstrong daughter, Lyla. His road has been lonely, long, and hard, but he finally starts to relax after Lyla earns a scholarship to Windsor Academy, Nashville’s most prestigious private school.
Amid so much wealth and privilege, Lyla doesn’t always fit in—and her overprotective father doesn’t help—but in most ways, she’s a typical teenage girl, happy and thriving.
Then, one photograph, snapped in a drunken moment at a party, changes everything. As the image spreads like wildfire, the Windsor community is instantly polarized, buzzing with controversy and assigning blame.
At the heart of the lies and scandal, Tom, Nina, and Lyla are forced together—all questioning their closest relationships, asking themselves who they really are, and searching for the courage to live a life of true meaning.
The Gap Year by Sarah Bird
In The Gap Year, told with perfect pitch from both points of view, we meet Cam Lightsey, lactation consultant extraordinaire, a divorcée still secretly carrying a torch for the ex who dumped her, a suburban misfit who’s given up her rebel dreams so her only child can get a good education.
We also learn the secrets of Aubrey Lightsey, tired of being the dutiful, grade-grubbing band geek, ready to explode from wanting her “real” life to begin, trying to figure out love with boys weaned on Internet porn.
When Aubrey meets Tyler Moldenhauer, football idol–sex god with a dangerous past, the fuse is lit. Late-bloomer Aubrey metastasizes into Cam’s worst silent, sullen teen nightmare, a girl with zero interest in college. Worse, on the sly Aubrey’s in touch with her father, who left when she was two to join a celebrity-ridden nutball cult.
As the novel unfolds—with humor, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and penetrating insights about love in the twenty-first century—the dreams of daughter, mother, and father chart an inevitable, but perhaps not fatal, collision . . .
As the novel unfolds—with humor, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and penetrating insights about love in the twenty-first century—the dreams of daughter, mother, and father chart an inevitable, but perhaps not fatal, collision . . .
The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand
It's Nantucket wedding season, also known as summer-the sight of a bride racing down Main Street is as common as the sun setting at Madaket Beach. The Otis-Winbury wedding promises to be an event to remember: the groom's wealthy parents have spared no expense to host a lavish ceremony at their oceanfront estate.
But it's going to be memorable for all the wrong reasons after tragedy strikes: a body is discovered in Nantucket Harbor just hours before the ceremony-and everyone in the wedding party is suddenly a suspect. As Chief of Police Ed Kapenash interviews the bride, the groom, the groom's famous mystery-novelist mother, and even a member of his own family, he discovers that every wedding is a minefield-and no couple is perfect.
The Art of Falling by Kathryn Craft 1
1/5 stars
One wrong step could send her over the edge.
All Penny has ever wanted to do is dance—and when that chance is taken from her, it pushes her to the brink of despair, from which she might never return. When she wakes up after a traumatic fall, bruised and battered but miraculously alive, Penny must confront the memories that have haunted her for years, using her love of movement to pick up the pieces of her shattered life.
Kathryn Craft’s lyrical debut novel is a masterful portrayal of a young woman trying to come to terms with her body and the artistic world that has repeatedly rejected her. The Art of Falling expresses the beauty of movement, the stasis of despair, and the unlimited possibilities that come with a new beginning.
All Penny has ever wanted to do is dance—and when that chance is taken from her, it pushes her to the brink of despair, from which she might never return. When she wakes up after a traumatic fall, bruised and battered but miraculously alive, Penny must confront the memories that have haunted her for years, using her love of movement to pick up the pieces of her shattered life.
Kathryn Craft’s lyrical debut novel is a masterful portrayal of a young woman trying to come to terms with her body and the artistic world that has repeatedly rejected her. The Art of Falling expresses the beauty of movement, the stasis of despair, and the unlimited possibilities that come with a new beginning.
Before and Again by Barbara Delinsky
2/5 stars
Mackenzie Cooper took her eyes off the road for just a moment but the resulting collision was enough to rob her not only of her beloved daughter but ultimately of her marriage, family, and friends―and thanks to the nonstop media coverage, even her privacy. Now she lives in Vermont under the name Maggie Reid, in a small house with her cats and dog. She’s thankful for the new friends she’s made―though she can’t risk telling them too much. And she takes satisfaction in working as a makeup artist at the luxurious local spa, helping clients hide the visible outward signs of their weariness, illnesses, and injuries. Covering up scars is a skill she has mastered.
Her only goal is to stay under the radar and make it through her remaining probation. But she isn’t the only one in this peaceful town with secrets. When a friend’s teenage son is thrust into the national spotlight, accused of hacking a powerful man’s Twitter account, Maggie is torn between pulling away and protecting herself―or stepping into the glare to be at their side. As the stunning truth behind their case is slowly revealed, Maggie’s own carefully constructed story begins to unravel as well. She knows all too well that what we need from each other in this difficult world is comfort. But to provide it, sometimes we need to travel far outside our comfort zones.
Her only goal is to stay under the radar and make it through her remaining probation. But she isn’t the only one in this peaceful town with secrets. When a friend’s teenage son is thrust into the national spotlight, accused of hacking a powerful man’s Twitter account, Maggie is torn between pulling away and protecting herself―or stepping into the glare to be at their side. As the stunning truth behind their case is slowly revealed, Maggie’s own carefully constructed story begins to unravel as well. She knows all too well that what we need from each other in this difficult world is comfort. But to provide it, sometimes we need to travel far outside our comfort zones.
How to Walk Away by Katherine Center
2/5 stars
Margaret Jacobsen has a bright future ahead of her: a fiancé she adores, her dream job, and the promise of a picture-perfect life just around the corner. Then, suddenly, on what should have been one of the happiest days of her life, everything she worked for is taken away in one tumultuous moment.
In the hospital and forced to face the possibility that nothing will ever be the same again, Margaret must figure out how to move forward on her own terms while facing long-held family secrets, devastating heartbreak, and the idea that love might find her in the last place she would ever expect.
In the hospital and forced to face the possibility that nothing will ever be the same again, Margaret must figure out how to move forward on her own terms while facing long-held family secrets, devastating heartbreak, and the idea that love might find her in the last place she would ever expect.
Always by Sarah Jio
4/5
Bleed for Me by Michael Robotham
3/5
My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella
3/5
Summer of '69 by Elin Hilderbrand
3/5
Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
3/5
What have you read in 2019?
Fall Harvest Punch
Thursday, October 10, 2019
What You'll Need:
3 cups of lemonade
5 cups of apple cider
1 cup of orange juice
5 cups of sparkling water
1/4 cup of maple syrup
3 apples
1 orange
rosemary sprigs
What You'll Need to Do:
Mix the lemonade, orange juice, and apple cider together in a large pitcher.
Cut apple and oranges. Add them to the pitcher.
Mix in maple syrup.
Add rosemary sprig.
Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until chilled.
Add in sparkling water. Mix.
ENJOY!
Add a cinnamon stick to each glass and serve in a mason jar just for fun!
Fall Florals
Monday, October 7, 2019
Florals are spilling over from Spring and Summer into Fall! Choose floral patterns with rich colors and jewel tones and neutrals.
Jumpsuits and maxi dresses will keep your legs warm in cooler temps. Finding a garment with sleeves will do the same for your arms!
Tops and skirts offer a lot of versatility for Fall. You can mix and match based on the weather!
Pants are perfect for Fall! There are plenty of options for work and casual. Try embroidery for a smaller pop of floral!
Accessories are the easiest pieces to take from one season and to the next. Try a statement ring or fun totes!
Meyerson Floral Maxi // $49.99 from Roolee
Floral V-Neck Short Sleeve Blouse // $11.99 from Fairy Season
Navy and Pink Peony Watercolor Tote Bag // $19.99 from Society6
Three Eraser Hacks
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Erasers may have found their rightful place in backpacks and school desks, but having one on hand at home could do some good!
//1// Silver Polisher. Rub the eraser on the surface to remove tarnish from silver items.
//2// Earring Back. If you're in a pinch, pull off the eraser from a pencil top and pop it onto the post of your earring. It will keep your earring securely in your ear if you lose a back.
//3// Scuff Remover. Use a large eraser to remove or clean unwanted scuffs or marks from suede.
//1// Silver Polisher. Rub the eraser on the surface to remove tarnish from silver items.
//2// Earring Back. If you're in a pinch, pull off the eraser from a pencil top and pop it onto the post of your earring. It will keep your earring securely in your ear if you lose a back.
//3// Scuff Remover. Use a large eraser to remove or clean unwanted scuffs or marks from suede.
Four Energy Giving Foods
Monday, September 30, 2019
I lack serious energy on Mondays and instead of turning to iced coffees and energy drinks, I've been trying to incorporate food that are naturally energy giving.
//1// Fortified Orange Juice
Fortified orange juice contains Vitamin D which is important for immunity and energy. Getting enough Vitamin D during the day might help you sleep better at night, and good night's sleep is key to feeling perky throughout the day!
//2// Bulgur Wheat
Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy, but you need to pick the right ones! Bulgar wheat is a whole-grain, high fiber carb that gets digested more slowly than low-fiber carbohydrates. That means energy is released over time and you feel energized longer. Bulger wheat is great on salads, mixed with vegetables, or as an alternative to rice!
//3// Shellfish
Oysters, clams, and mussels are a top source of iron. Iron helps transport oxygen around your body which is important for fighting fatigue. Lobster and shrimp are yummy too, but have less iron!
//4// Almonds
We often aren't getting enough magnesium! Not having enough magnesium can make even the simplest tasks really tough. A half of a cup of almonds gives you 1/3 of the daily intake of magnesium we need!
//1// Fortified Orange Juice
Fortified orange juice contains Vitamin D which is important for immunity and energy. Getting enough Vitamin D during the day might help you sleep better at night, and good night's sleep is key to feeling perky throughout the day!
//2// Bulgur Wheat
Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy, but you need to pick the right ones! Bulgar wheat is a whole-grain, high fiber carb that gets digested more slowly than low-fiber carbohydrates. That means energy is released over time and you feel energized longer. Bulger wheat is great on salads, mixed with vegetables, or as an alternative to rice!
//3// Shellfish
Oysters, clams, and mussels are a top source of iron. Iron helps transport oxygen around your body which is important for fighting fatigue. Lobster and shrimp are yummy too, but have less iron!
//4// Almonds
We often aren't getting enough magnesium! Not having enough magnesium can make even the simplest tasks really tough. A half of a cup of almonds gives you 1/3 of the daily intake of magnesium we need!
The Royal Report
Monday, September 23, 2019
Summer is over and The Royals are back from their holidays and back to official engagements!
September 3
September 3
James Middleton steps out to the GQ Man of the Year Awards. His plus-one was his black cocker spaniel Ella! The royal brother has recently opened up about his longtime battle with depression, further advocating for mental health awareness and animal therapy.
September 3
September 5
The Duchess wore the Carnation Print Midi Dress from Michael Kors and navy blue suede Prada pumps. The Princess accessorized her school bag with a sparkly unicorn key chain.
September 6
Prince William visited the Hendon Football Club to learn about it's mental health initiatives and discuss racism in sport. In recent years William has made mental health and the prevention of suicide in males a key part of his public work.
September 6
Happy Birthday, Pippa Middleton-Matthews! The royal sister and mum of one turned 36!
September 7
The Queen, bundled up in purple, stepped out with Charles and Camilla for the Braemar Royal Highland Gathering in Scotland. The Braemar Royal Highland Gathering in an annual special exhibition of Scottish heritage and traditional Scottish games.
The Queen's oldest grandchild, Peter Phillips, and his wife, Autumn, also attended.
September 7
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex jetted to New York City to watch her friend and tennis pro Serena Williams play in the US Open Final. The Royal sat in Serena's player box alongside Serena's coach, husband, family, and Vogue US editor Anna Wintour.
The Duchess opted to wear a dress and sweater from J. Crew and carried a Carolina Herrera tote bag.
September 9
September 10
Princess Eugenie is spotted in New York City at her friend designer Misha Nonoo's pop up shop during New York Fashion Week.
September 10
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge unveiled her third 'Back to Nature' garden, which supports her ongoing campaign to get kids outside, at RHS Wisley.
The royal mom wore the 'Aurora' dress by designer Amelia Wickstead that she paired with her 'Fleur' wedges from Monsoon London.
September 12
Meghan stepped out for her first official post-maternity royal duty. The Duchess launched a fashion capsule collection to benefit Smart Works, which the Duchess is patron of. The new mom partnered with designers and brands Jigsaw, John Lewis & Partners, Marks & Spencer, and Misha Nonoo to create a capsule collection of work wear essentials to benefit the charity.
Meghan wore pieces straight from the collection including the Misha Nonoo SmartWorks Smart Set White Dress Shirt and Jigsaw SmartWorks Smart Set Black Trousers which she paired with her Ralph Lauren 'Nappa' Saddle Belt and Manolo Blahnik Camel Pointed Pumps.
September 15
Happy 35th Birthday, Prince Harry!
September 15
Princess Anne was spotted with her family, including her husband Sir Timothy Laurence, daughter-in-law Autumn Phillips, and granddaughters Isla and Savannah at the Gatcombe Horse Trials. The event was held at Princess Anne's country home, Gatcombe Park, in Gloucestershire.
Princess Anne's daughter, Zara Tindall, was competing in the competition. Her husband Mike Tindall and daughters Mia and Lena were on hand to cheer her on.
September 17
Princess Beatrice attended and delivered a speech at the Women in Telecommunications Leadership Conference. The Princess's mother, Sarah Ferguson, was also in attendance.
September 17
Prince William helped the BBC launch a new anti-cyber-bullying app, Own It, which recognizes if a child is typing something that could be upsetting to the person receiving it. It can also identify language suggesting a child is in trouble.
September 18
Princess Eugenie cut the ribbon to mark of the Blue Marine Foundation's largest fundraising an event, a charity cycle ride. The ribbon cutting marked the start of the charity's fourth London to Monaco charity cycle ride.
September 18
Meghan and Harry with little Archie were spotted eating out at The Rose & Crown pub in Windsor where the family lives.
September 18
Princess Beatrice is seen on holiday with her boyfriend Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi on Italy's Amalfi Coast.
September 19
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visited the Sunshine House Children and Young People's Development Centre. The Duchess was there to learn about the Family Nurse Parternship, a voluntary home visiting program for first-time parents under the age of 24. The partnership links the young parents to specially trained nurses who visit them regularly, from pregnancy until the child is two years old. The program is directed by Evelina London Children's Hospital which is one of Kate's patronages.
Kate chose a 100% silk blouse by Equipment, navy blue cropped culottes from Zara, and Gianvito Rossi 'Piper' suede pumps for the event.
September 20
Princess Beatrice, Prince Harry, Meghan, and Princess Eugenie all attend the wedding of friend and fashion designer Misha Nonoo. The wedding took place at a 17th century villa in Rome, Italy.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wore Valentine's 'Embellished Tulle' Evening Gown which features a floor length skirt and lots of sparkle!
There were plenty of celebrity guests including Gayle King, Katie Perry, James Cordon, Ivanka Trump, Karli Kloss, and Orlando Bloom.
September 22
Prince William surprises and delights locals by accompanying his grandmother, The Queen, to church in Balmoral, Scotland.
September 22
The Duke and Duchess are officially en route to South Africa for a 10 day tour on which the royal pair will visit 4 countries and undertake 35 engagements. Baby Archie, who is almost 5 months old, will be joining his parents on the tour! See their full schedule here.
Come back soon for the next installment of The Royal Report!
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