Not only are we approaching the weekend yet again, but we are also approaching Independence Day here in the United States. A summer holiday where most of us will either visit the beach, a pool, a park, do a cookout and/or watch the fireworks. It’s hard to believe that we are already this deep into summer and I hope that you have been enjoying the long, sunny days. Our plans are to stay home, cook on the grills here at our apartment and watch the fireworks as we will be able to see them from our apartment. I hope that you also enjoyed viewing my Biltmore trip this past week on the blog as well as the new design.
I have received many messages on Instagram for some posts that you would like to see, and I am excited to write and share those soon, so stay tuned for those. Let’s go ahead peruse this week’s Curated post.
BOOKS, SHOPPING, MEDIA, ETC.
With summer in full swing, it never hurts to add some more tank tops to the wardrobe and this Textured Sweater Tank from Banana Republic Factory is an elegant basic to have on hand. Also, they are having a 50% off everything sale right now too.
And if you love maxi dresses, I thought this Voile Wrap-Waist Maxi Dress was also very pretty.
Is Anthropologie already trying to sneak in some Autumn home items in the middle of summer? Yes they are, and I am not mad about it. I love Autumn and if you think about it, we’re technically only two months away, and I am looking forward to seeing Autumn once again, but until I do…I will enjoy viewing the Cindy Pumpkin Mug (in 3 variations) on Anthropologie.
Athleta is also having their semi-annual sale right now too. Part of what keeps me motivated to workout is good quality workout clothes (a new post on workout motivation next week). And this Salutation Stash High Rise Capri Pants, Renew Seamless Tank and Salutation Jacket are great pieces to invest in. Workout attire can come in so many different designs nowadays, but I find when it’s easy to wear, feels good on and looks elegant then I am much more motivated to work out more.
From the picture above, I have been wearing these Women’s Nina Slide Sandals all summer long that I got from Target back in January. They have been so much more comfortable than I originally thought they might be and at only $20.00 a pair, I plan to buy the brown and black ones as well.
A good cake stand is such a good kitchen staple to have for us baker lovers and this beautiful Marble Cake Stand is currently on sale right now for $44.96 at Sur la Table.
And the sales don’t stop coming! When I did my blog post on some tips to elevate your cooking experience, I put into it to decant your countertop with the items you plan to leave out such as salt, pepper, olive oil, etc. I found this pretty Le Creuset Olive Branch Oil Dispenser on sale at WIlliams-Sonoma for $40.00 as a lovely piece to use.
Let the summer reading continue with yet another summer themed novel by Emily Giffin being released on July 9th. The Summer Pact looks to be like a Now & Then kind of plot of best friends coming together and being there for each other and the cover is simply stunning. Described as, four freshmen arrive at college from completely different worlds. Soon after arriving on campus, they strike up a conversation in their shared dorm, and the seeds of friendship are planted. As their college years fly by, their bond intensifies and the four become inseparable. But as graduation nears, their lives are forever changed after a desperate act leads to tragic consequences. Stunned and heartbroken, they make a pact, promising to always be there for one another, no matter how separated they may become by circumstances or distance. Ten years later, one of them is anticipating what should be one of the happiest moments of her life when everything is suddenly turned upside down. Calling on her closest friends, it soon becomes clear that they are all facing their own crossroads. True to their promise, they agree to take a time out from lives headed in wrong directions and embark on a shared journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and acceptance.
This new cookbook, At My Italian Table was released back on February 27th and looks so good with the many pasta and Italian recipes listed inside. Pasta is one of my favorite foods and I love trying new pasta recipes as they are always simple with delicious whole ingredients.
I also love a seasonal coffee table book. You can refresh your space by always having not only some seasonal decor, but also some seasonal books around the home. A Nantucket Summer: The Timeless Charm of Nantucket and Cape Cod would be a great book to have for a summer coffee table book. The cover is very summer chic and would provide an elegant look to any bookshelf or table.
As a girl who practices being more minimal and clutter free in her own life, this new book by Joyce Meyers, The Joy of an Uncluttered Life looks to be a nice read and reminder why it is important to not stuff our lives with things that serve no purpose for us. Described as, in The Joy of an Uncluttered Life, you will find relief from burnout and unnecessary stress with 100 ways to simplify your life. These doable tips will teach you to set boundaries, stay positive, clear out clutter in your life, deal with other people in healthy ways, and more. Even the smallest things we do in a day have the power to bring about more peace, and this book will empower you to make lasting changes in your life. Discover a life beyond stress and frustration and develop a mindset of simplicity and peace.
It’s always so fun to see “what’s in my bag” kind of content, and who could be more interesting as to what’s in their bags than three Parisian girls?
If you are looking to escape to the English Countryside for a while, then for sure give The Daily Connoisseur’s video a watch where she shares gardens, ghost stories and her OOTD.
Anna Bey is a YouTube channel that I watch to be inspired to live my best, elegant life and her most recent video, Chic Airport Outfit Secrets: be Comfortable & Classy While Traveling, is one that we can all be inspired by.
articles of interest
Starbucks just released another summer menu with new drinks and food options. I will for sure be trying that caramel vanilla swirl iced coffee next time I visit Starbucks.
Also just released from Starbucks, if you are linked to their rewards program then you can also link your Marriott Bonvoy Account as well where you can earn points for Marriott and score extra deals from this collaboration. Read more about it here.
I’m sure most of us are feeling the heat this summer here in the northern hemisphere, if you’re looking to cool down then read this article on 27 Easy Cold Dinner Ideas for Hot Summer Days.
If you’re a working girl like I am, then finding new inspiration for lunchtime meals is a constant interest read. Here you can read about 20 Adult Lunchables That’ll Make You Excited To Go To Work.
I found this article very interesting. We have lived in a world for many years now where it was considered that one had “made it” if they became an “influencer”. According to this article on Glamour though, Influencers Aren’t Getting Famous Like They Used To.
I have a blog post on Tips to Stay in a Workout Routine That You Will Enjoy coming up next week, but before then, here is a great article to read about how Strength Training is Essential for Women’s Health – Why Aren’t More of Us Doing It?
And because most of us love to travel to Paris, here is a brush up on Paris Etiquette Travel Guide 2024 from Town & Country.
And to finish off this week’s Curated, if you are looking for some picnic inspiration for the upcoming holiday, then visit this article, What is in the Perfect Picnic? From The English Home for all the inspiration.
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