Flavor Buffet: 9/9/2022
Sparkling new roses bushes we planted last week. Love that color!
Hello and happy Friday! It is gorgeous out so I’d strongly recommend taking this reading outside as soon as possible.
We’re back from a summer break - thank you for your patience - and I’ve got all sorts of fun recommendations for you right this way…
Have a wonderful weekend!
READ
Remembering, and honoring, Queen Elizabeth II.
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Bloomingdale’s celebrates its 150th birthday this weekend. Wow! That’s a lot of years of shopping. ;)
Apparently huge sunglasses are back in fashion… I’m torn!
The joy of a late dinnertime. Not sure I’m a fan? But some people love it.
50 Best New Restaurants, according to Bon Appetit.
Incredible architecture along 5th Avenue in NYC. Who’s visiting soon? I’m craving (GF) bagels!
Anyone looking for a townhouse? Billie Holiday’s former home is up for sale and it looks very nice.
Here’s more info (in case you’re curious) about the Ironic Boat and Tote craze that’s underway (mine should arrive later this month). They’re just so useful!
WATCH + Listen
We have been re-watching The Mindy Project on Hulu and it’s just as great a series as it was when it first aired. It’s laugh-out-loud funny and just easy entertainment (the best) after busy work days. I’m anxiously awaiting other shows to (eventually) return including The White Lotus, Abbott Elementary, Ted Lasso, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and more. Farmhouse Fixer on HGTV is also one to check out if you’re interested in historic New England homes being renovated beautifully by a member of New Kids on the Block. No joke - it’s pretty good.
Also, I am definitely planning to watch the Emmy Awards this Sunday night. I love the fashion (red carpet on E!) and the show in general. It’s amusing and far more interesting when I’ve seen some of the nominated shows.
Finally, I have been listening to Meghan Markle’s podcast, Archetypes (Spotify), and I must admit I’m hooked! I don’t listen to podcasts often so they have to be pretty engaging to keep me listening or even begin to listen. This one is great. I’ve listened to her interview/ chat with Serena Williams and Mindy Kaling and both were incredibly informative about their lives becoming successful women (amidst all sorts of challenges) in their individual fields.
COOK + DINE
Did you hear? We’ve hit the books and are making meals most weeknights from cookbooks once again! I finally cleared a couple shelves in the kitchen for my favorite titles and it has been so refreshing to flip through the pages to meal plan each week. I’d strongly recommend the following five books if you’re looking to start your own collection for dinnertime inspiration.
I Dream of Dinner by Ali Slagle
Cook This Book by Molly Baz
The Weekday Vegetarians by Jenny Rosenstrach
Simply Julia by Julia Turshen
Dinner: Changing the Game by Melissa Clark
Oh, you’re not in the mood to cook? That’s fine! I love going out, too! In fact, if you’re looking to go out tonight, or any night, I highly recommend the below spots (excellent for gluten free dietary needs, of course).
FRANK (Beverly)
Faccia Brutta (Newbury Street, Boston)
Contessa Trattoria (The Newbury Hotel, Boston)
A Tavola (Winchester Center)
The Baldwin Bar (Woburn)
Sweet Basil (Needham)
SHOP
Fall is entering the picture and so has returned the gloriousness of Jeans Season. I turn to denim 90% of the year so I’m thrilled that the weather has begun to change in my favor. Madewell’s Perfect Vintage Denim fits very well and is a seasonal staple in my closet. I’d recommend going to the store and trying on the various washes to find your perfect size since this style is minimal-to-zero stretch. Online ordering is tricky!
I’m sticking to my newfound uniform of button-down shirts because they’re easy, comfy, and washable (wash cold, hang dry). AYR makes some of the best button-downs around and The Deep End style is fantastic. Yes, I’ve bought several because they’re just that good. I sized down because they’re pretty oversized, but you do you! Overall, their clothes fit well, wash well, and are low-key chic. I think that’s called effortless, right?
I recently pared down my skincare routine to almost nothing thanks to a very helpful dermatologist visit, a rosacea diagnosis, and realizing I don’t need everything advertised on the internet (surprise, surprise). Which products made the cut? I’m now only using Biossance moisturizer and eye cream after I apply my rosacea medication. I then apply Supergoop! matte sunscreen, a hydrating primer from Laura Mercier, and one more Supergoop! product for light coverage. That’s it! Rosacea won’t permanently go away, but I’m working on keeping it calm and reducing the redness with minimal products which seems to be working quite well. Rejoice!
If you’re looking for a fall wardrobe update or addition, I’m loving many pieces from J.Crew, which has been having an incredible comeback since they hired a new head of women’s design, Olympia Gayot. So chic!
Alex Mill continues to produce excellent everyday staples and I’m very excited to start wearing this Hudson Shirt Jacket (shacket?!) as soon as it’s a bit cooler.
Enjoy and thank you so much for reading. It’s good to be back!