This week’s book club choice is a Reece Witherspoon pick and an instant New York Times bestseller. And I know how much you all love thrillers so The Guest List by Lucy Foley is my pick.
On an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate two people joining their lives together as one. The groom: handsome and charming, a rising television star. The bride: smart and ambitious, a magazine publisher. It’s a wedding for a magazine, or for a celebrity: the designer dress, the remote location, the luxe party favors, the boutique whiskey. The cell phone service may be spotty and the waves may be rough, but every detail has been expertly planned and will be expertly executed.
But perfection is for plans, and people are all too human. As the champagne is popped and the festivities begin, resentments and petty jealousies begin to mingle with the reminiscences and well wishes. The groomsmen begin the drinking game from their school days. The bridesmaid not-so-accidentally ruins her dress. The bride’s oldest (male) friend gives an uncomfortably caring toast.
And then someone turns up dead. Who didn’t wish the happy couple well? And perhaps more important, why? – Amazon.com
For more information or to purchase this book, click HERE.
Have you ever been to Hudson, NY? It has been on my wish list FOREVER. I read about this quaint, oh so popular, town with its many vintage and antique furniture stores, art galleries, restaurants, and cocktail bars. Enter my new friend, Hudson Babylon. Through the owner, Linda, I have learned so much about this unique area, only 120 miles from NYC. But most importantly, Linda has taught me so much about Vintage jewelry. She features the most wonderfully rare items, available to purchase through her INSTAGRAM. I am so impressed with the pieces that she curates. I am planning my own trip to Hudson soon but in the meanwhile, let me show you some of Linda’s beautiful jewelry.
I love these hearts…not only for Valentines day but heart earrings are all the rage these days…I love them with a cute blouse and jeans…
I love these art deco earrings…such a statement and the brushed gold color, OMG. I’m putting these on my wish list ASAP.
This is one of my favorite Napier charm bracelets, I love the combination of all the colored stones and of course the Asian influence.
I am obsessed with Turquoise rings and there is something about the black enamel setting that takes it to another level.
I have never seen such a cool tiger ring..I would love to try this on!!! Another wish list add!!!!! OH NO!!!
Here are more spectacular charm bracelets…They look so incredible worn 2 together.
I have so much love for this Givenchy perfume bottle necklace….It’s out of this world gorgeous.
Hudson Babylon does a great job finding the best art deco pieces. How incredible are these earrings??!!!…
I have had many requests for snake jewelry..I love this vintage wrap around bracelet. The detail is amazing.
Here is one of my favorite pieces, the elephant jeweled charm bracelet..this is so beautiful.
I also love their statement bracelets, this flame design is so unique..I have really not seen anything like this…
Another fabulous Givenchy pendant. We gave a similar one to a friend for her 50th birthday. This is such a classic treasure. It will never go out of style. Also love the bold colors of this piece.
Since circle earrings are also all the rage I thought I would show you these 2 pairs. I cannot decide which I love more but they both would look great with so many outfits all year round. They are just so hip looking…
You can never have too many hearts or too much chocolate!!!! That is why I love Valentine’s Day. It is such a wonderful holiday to celebrate all the ones that you love. Here are a bunch of sweet gifts for all the special people in your life. I am planning in buying that pretty agate cheese platter and making a yummy charcuterie platter for my family. My daughter would love that waffle maker for treats for her and her roommates. I have heard only amazing things about the new Dry Bar round hair drying brush. The new Diptyque candle had been on my list too. Happy Heart Shopping!!
Coat//Brush//Cotton Candy//Waffle Maker//Candle//Backgammon////Zip Front Sweater//Heart Ring//Pearl Ring//Nail Polish//Heart Sweater//Candy Box//Loop Earrings//Cheese Board
I am still in the soup making mode here. I have been dying for a really good pea soup recipe. The other day I found Ina’s recipe and was so intrigued since people said that it is the best version yet! If pea soup is not your thing, I am including my Chicken and Dumplings recipe…it is a staple in our house and a favorite for everyone who makes it. Back to the pea soup, it is so easy to make. It’s quick and comes out so thick and hearty. The secret is letting it simmer nice and slow. Bon Appetit!!!
1 cup chopped yellow onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 cup good olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups medium-diced carrots (3 to 4 carrots)
1 cup medium-diced red boiling potatoes, unpeeled (3 small)
1 pound dried split green peas
8 cups chicken stock or water
In a 4-quart stockpot on medium heat, saute the onions and garlic with the olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper until the onions are translucent, 10 to 15 minutes. Add the carrots, potatoes, 1/2 pound of split peas, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 40 minutes. Skim off the foam while cooking. Add the remaining split peas and continue to simmer for another 40 minutes, or until all the peas are soft. Stir frequently to keep the solids from burning on the bottom. Taste for salt and pepper. Serve hot.
If you have been following me for a while, you already know that I am obsessed with Vintage Jewelry. I love all types but I am always on the hunt for unique costume pieces. I have found some of my favorite items in flea markets from Miami, to random shops in Paris to stalls on Portobello Rd and everywhere in between. Current prices really do not have the quality and longevity that their counterparts from the past do. And, most of the vintage pieces have so much style and are really timeless looking. One of my other go-tos to find some of the best earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets is Etsy. I keep a running list of favorites and go back to it when I need gifts or am looking for something to match a particular outfit. Designer pieces are really the “Unicorn” find but most not marked items are really the special pieces because you can grab something really beautiful for a fraction of the price. Here are some of my most recent finds on Etsy…click the image for more information.
I love these waterfall pearl statement earrings, they can be worn casually or dressed up for a special occasion!
These circle drop earrings are very mid-century modern..This is one of my favorite looks…
For years I have been searching for a set of jade bangles…they are really hard to find..I love the colors in these
These drop flowers are gorgeous!!!!!
I think these are so interesting too..love the disco ball look..
Charm bracelets are my favorite and a dangling clover is sooo perfect…Its hard to find one of a good size
Here is the same circle design with lucite loops…gorgeous!!!
This Asian character cuff is perfection
I have this charm bracelet in the gold tone. I wear it all the time.. Everyone stops and asks me about it. Its soo beautiful in person.
This acorn style bracelet was so popular in the 60’s and 70’s. I love the brown hue.
These Asian character earrings are one of my favorite pieces that I have found on Etsy in a while.
I love that you can wear this pendant doubled or long and the tassel gives it a little something extra!!!
Another cool Asian design..
This jade charm bracelet is another of my favorite pieces…
I also have this in Gold..I love the hanging discs. Its such a statement piece..
I am head over heels for this ring. I love the braided gold design and beautiful color of the stone..
Another fabulous pair of statement earrings..the design is so timeless…
I love the bamboo style and white enamel combo of this band ring…
This statement necklace is outstanding…I can see this worn with so many outfits…from dresses to a t-shirt or cashmere sweater and jeans.
I have been trying for a really good Home Goods Round-Up for you but the last few times I went to Home Goods it was really a letdown. The store has just not been packed the way it used to be prior to Covid. However, my friends in other areas, especially down south, are finding the most incredible things. I am hoping we are just a few weeks behind. I will keep checking. In the meanwhile….Here are some really fun things that I found in the Port Chester location this afternoon.
There were so many really pretty Ikat pillows..I love this color combo and also the pouf underneath (there was a pair of those too!)
These geometric placemats were giving me David Hicks vibes!
There was an entire set of these “marbleized” black and white china, diner and salad plates and pasta/cereal bowls too!!! So Fab!!!
These mirrors would be prefect for a cabana, or pool or beach house!!!!
This Gold and glass table was so chic in person…I really should have grabbed it…
The selection of decorative storage baskets was one of the best I have seen there in ages..
Batik tablecloths and napkins are all the rage and quite expensive…these were gorgeous and a fraction of the price…
I am always asked if I see end of the bed benches…LOVED this grey tufted upholstered one..
I am not a huge fan of artificial flowers but I do like a faux succulents from time to time and this greenery was really lush in person. Perfect for shelf decor or Zoom backgrounds!!!!
I have seen this design in the William Yeoward section at Hoaglands (one of my favorites)…these are just soo pretty and only 9.99 each. I should have grabbed them for my mom.
A woman was swooning over this assortment of French Chocolates, I picked up a couple for Galentine’s Day!!!!!!
Another really pretty and current side table…
I loved this trio of candles….
Just the other day Dabney of Dabney Lee was telling me I needed an assortment of candle holders to scatter together to hold her beautiful colorful tapers…..I thought these looked so pretty….
This little lamp really caught my eye….
I have seen oodles and oodles of rattan planters all over Instagram…how sweet is this little caned square one? I am kicking myself I left it behind. Not bad for $8.
These gold lamps were giving me Aerin vibes. They have the coolest crystal balls at the base…They were really stunning in person!!!
My friend from SC was raving over those UGG knit blankets. She said they are gorgeous and luxurious in person and make amazing throws for all over the house. I love this color. She’s right, what a great gift…I am thinking perfect for Father’s Day, if you can wait that long!!!!
Another William Yeoward look but this one I would give as a gift with pink Himalayan salt for someone to keep right by their stove or on their table to serve with a little silver spoon…
You know I cannot resist the holiday decor..I love these heart stemless wine glasses and this big red heart tray….
I am always looking for cool home office decor and how amazing are these storage boxes. They would look great stacked on a desk or on a credenza or on bookshelves…
And my favorite favorite item was hiding behind the registers, a robot vacuum..this was such a great deal for $120. If you know you know and if you don’t you need to try one!!!!
