Are you sick of the Royals yet? I have been meaning to share this week’s book with you but I think today it is quite fitting…The Royal Governess: A Novel of Queen Elizabeth II’s Childhood by Wendy Holden. I know how popular The Crown is so I thought this story of Queen Elizabeth told by her tutor would be so interesting…
“A beautifully woven and exquisitely detailed story of strong upstairs/downstairs women.”—Heather Morris, New York Times bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz
Sunday Times bestselling author Wendy Holden brings to life the unknown childhood years of one of the world’s most famous figures, Queen Elizabeth II, and reveals the spirited young governess who made her the icon we love today.
In 1933, twenty-two-year-old Marion Crawford accepts the role of a lifetime, tutoring the little Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose. Her one stipulation to their parents the Duke and Duchess of York is that she bring some doses of normalcy into their sheltered and privileged lives.
At Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Balmoral, Marion defies stuffy protocol to take the princesses on tube trains, swimming at public baths, and on joyful Christmas shopping trips at Woolworth’s. From her ringside seat at the heart of the British monarchy she witnesses twentieth-century history’s most seismic events. The trauma of the Abdication, the glamour of the Coronation, the onset of World War II. She steers the little girls through it all, as close as a mother.
During Britain’s darkest hour, as Hitler’s planes fly over Windsor, she shelters her charges in the castle dungeons (not far from where the Crown Jewels are hidden in a biscuit tin). Afterwards, she is present when Elizabeth first sets eyes on Philip.
But being beloved confidante to the Windsors comes at huge personal cost. Marriage, children, her own views: all are compromised by proximity to royal glory. In this majestic story of love, sacrifice and allegiance, bestselling novelist Holden shines a captivating light into the years before Queen Elizabeth II took the throne. – Amazon.com
For more information or to purchase this book, click HERE.
My dear dear friend and grand restaurateur Dame Marisa May, along with her special guest, famed Chef Odette Fada, created a LIVE fun short informal cooking Zoom event with La Marca Prosecco for an Italian Style celebration of Women’s Day, (Festa Delle Donne in Italy) Monday, March 8th at 5:30 PM EST. This online event benefits Les Dames D’Escoffier NY & International organization of professional women restaurateurs, women chefs, women food writers & women in wine/fine beverage, whose mission is to advance and support aspiring woman in the food, beverage and hospitality industries, in which she is a member.
This live zoom event is luckily open to everyone!🤗🌟🤩🌼💛Learn how to make the traditional delicious “Italian Torta Mimosa”, a creamy lemon-citrus cake for Women’s Day!🍰
The bright yellow Italian mimosa flower is the symbol of Women’s Day in Italy! So yellow is the theme. Try wearing a touch of yellow on Monday, March 8th.
Let’s all celebrate International Women’s Day together!! Click on link for more details:
Tickets are $25.00 and available through the link above on Eventbrite!🤩🌟💛🌼🤗 The proceeds raised go directly to the Les Dames D’Escoffier New York Scholarship Fund to help aspiring FEMALE, restauranteurs, chefs, sommeliers, and food writers make their dreams come true in the restaurant- hospitality -food & fine beverage world.
Hope you can join us on Zoom on Monday March 8th at 5:30PM EST!
For more information on Marisa and to learn more about her exclusive special Cooking & Culinary Trips to Italy and her San Domenico NY Events & Catering business. Click HERE.
On Instagram stories I did a swipe up for some designer sunglasses for much less. It was so crazy popular. I received so many messages asking for all the links again. It got me thinking that I need to do more “For Less” columns. Whenever we discuss anything about sunglasses everyone always comments how expensive they have become. And it really is so true. So when you splurge on a great pair and lose them, it is devastating. Years ago a friend led me to Nordstrom Rack and Saks Off Fifth. They always have the best and newest styles of designer sunglasses for much much less than the department store prices. Whenever I visit my mom we always take a ride to her Nordstrom Rack and I stock up on a couple of pairs. A couple of years ago, I tried on the coolest Linda Farrow sunglasses (if you do not know her brand yet, it is uber uber cool). I decided on another pair instead and have regretted it ever since!!! I have pulled together some great styles from Saks Off Fifth with price tags way below what they originally retailed for…Who does not need another pair of chic sunglasses? Summer is right around the corner!!!!
Saint Laurent Oval Sunglasses were $350 NOW $150
Chloe Oversized Sunglasses were $420 NOW $99.99
Tom Ford Round Sunglasses were $355 NOW $159.99
Prada Square Sunglasses were $340 NOW $129.99
Fendi Oversized Square Sunglasses were $320 now $129.99
Chloe Cat Eye Sunglasses were $430 NOW $109.99
Dior Square Sunglasses were $355 NOW $149.99
Salvatore Ferragamo Round Sunglasses (these are the ones that Jackie O wore) were $236 NOW $99.00
Tom Ford Mirrored Butterfly Sunglasses were $420 NOW $159.99
Miu Miu Cat Eye Sunglasses were $388 NOW $104.99
Marc Jacobs Geometric Sunglasses were $140 NOW $59.99
Jimmy Choo Square Sunglasses were $350 NOW $119.99
With St. Patrick’s Day just about 2 weeks away, I saw this fun popcorn recipe. I love that you can use microwave popcorn. It makes it so easy. I am looking forward to making it this weekend. I wish I had all the ingredients or I would have made it tonight it looks soo good!!!
Image Mom Foodie
Ingredients
- 1 bag of microwave popcorn light or regular butter (full-sized, not snack)
- 1 cup green chocolate candy melts*
- 1/2 cup white chocolate candy melts*
- St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles
- Green Mint M&Ms
Instructions
- Pop the popcorn and remove the unpopped kernels.
- Place the candy melts in small bowls or glass measuring cups, one for each color.
- Microwave the green candy for 40 seconds then stir, repeat in 20 second intervals until melted and smooth. (takes 1-2 minutes dependent on melt brand and your microwave).
- Drizzle the melted green chocolate candy over the bowl of popcorn and toss to coat (use a silicone spatula to ensure you get it all out.) Toss the popcorn with your hands until nicely coated. Then spread out onto a large serving platter (or baking sheet, if you are going to bag the popcorn up after). Optional* Add some green sugar sprinkles at this point.
- Melt the white candy melts and drizzle over the platter of popcorn, immediately top generously with St. Patrick’s themed candy sprinkles. They will adhere to the melted white chocolate candy.
- Finally, toss on the M&Ms. Allow the Leprechaun Popcorn to cool a few minutes before serving.
There was some debate a few weeks ago whether the side part is out and thanks to the GLODEN GLOBES, it is BACK!!! In case you were worried. There were many stars on the virtual “red carpet” this year sporting their side parts. Soooooo sorry Tik Tok, the side part is here to stay!!!!
If you are someone who doesn’t have much of an interest in fashion or trends, it can be hard to put together an outfit. The good news is, all it takes is adding a few staple items to your closet to enhance your look. No matter your age or style, these pieces are timeless and don’t need to break the bank.
Belts
The great thing about belts is they are functional and add style to your look. There are a variety of belts out there. From wide leather belts to dainty, intricate ones. When deciding on where to start it is best to consider quality. An accessory like this can last you a long time so you don’t have to buy another one. Something to consider would be if it is real leather and where it is made. Many people like to buy American-made products to support the jobs in the country. You also want to think about the look you are going for. Some people prefer a traditional, simple look. Other people may prefer a more stylish, trendy look. No matter what your style is, there is a belt out there for you.
Hats
Another way to take your wardrobe to the next level is by adding a hat. There are a ton of styles out there so you are sure to find the one that fits the look you’re going for. If you are at a sporting event you may throw on a baseball cap with that team’s logo on it. If you are going out, you may add a fedora or wide brim to dress up. When it comes to headwear, the possibilities of how and what to wear are endless.
Watches
A watch can be worn with almost any outfit, for any occasion. Men and women wear them when they are working out, going to a nice event, or just doing their everyday routines. Not only does a watch tell you the time, but some can also track your fitness stats and heart rate. This accessory is not only stylish, but it is also functional. A watch is something you can have for a very long time. When you are choosing a watch, consider how long you will have it and the quality it should be.
Deciding what you need in your closet to complete your wardrobe can be overwhelming. The best place to start is having a few key accessories that you can wear all the time, with multiple looks and styles.