a road trip and other fun notes

Our first road trip of the summer begins today! We’re off to the Eastern Shore for some sun, sand, and surf. Needless to say, we are all super excited!

Before heading off, though, I wanted to leave you with a few tidbits to help you make the most of your own weekend.

This Sunday, July 14, is Bastille Day in France. Being the Francophile that I am, I plan to celebrate with some French wine and cheese, such as a rosé from Bordeaux or a white wine from the Languedoc. Either would be perfect paired with a baguette, some p’tit basque cheese, and deliciously sweet raspberries. A yummy afternoon picnic!

And if you’re wondering what to do with all your blueberries, here’s a recipe for no-bake blueberry dumplings that I first learned about from NPR. It’s a quick and easy delicious summer treat that does not require an oven.

Finally, I have another “summer read” recommendation, Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld, just released this past June.

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Mr. M recently brought it home for me as a surprise. He knows I’m a big fan of Sittenfeld, having read her earlier books Prep and American Wife, and liking both tremendously. Her latest book – about twin sisters with a shared ability and their divergent paths — seems like another winner.

Enjoy!

Nicole

some summer reads

Summer’s in full swing, and I for one enjoy spending some of those extra sunny hours outside reading — the old-fashioned way, curled up with a book in my lap. I have three contenders ready to go and can’t wait to dive into them!

The first is Archipelego, by the acclaimed Trinidad-born, London-based author Monique Roffey, which tells the tale of an unforgettable father-daughter adventure and feels like the perfect beach read.

American Beauty: Renovating and Decorating a Beloved Retreat by interior designer Thom Filicia (of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy fame) not only promises lots of eye candy in the form of gorgeous images of his home in NY’s Finger Lakes region, but also useful information for anyone planning a major home renovation.

And finally, It’s All Good: Delicious Easy Recipes That Will Make You Look Good and Feel Great, by Gwyneth Paltrow and Julia Turshen. This is a cookbook, but packed between all the beautiful photos and healthy recipes are lots of tips for fresh, healthy eating — perfect for this time of year.

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What are you reading this summer?

Cheers!

Nicole

ex libris — Oliver Jeffers

The endlessly talented artist and “picture book maker” Oliver Jeffers, has a new book coming out and I cannot wait! It’s called The Day the Crayons Quit (with Drew Daywalt), and will be released on June 27, 2013.

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To read more about the amazing Jeffers, please continue to Broadway+Thresher.

Enjoy!

Nicole