Summer is in full swing and it is glorious. I usually start to feel sad around the 4th of July, already mourning the end of summer but I am trying to avoid that feeling this year and soak it all up, especially after the year we’ve just had. In an effort to discourage me from feeling too blue, one of my friends once described the Fourth of July to me as “halftime.” Lots of time left to go in the ballgame of summer.
Here are a few shows, accessories and other products that I am enjoying so far this summer. Happy Fourth of July to you and yours.
This show recently debuted on PBS. Based on the novel by the same name, it is a series made up of two two-hour episodes. I won’t spoil it for you but it is a great story about marriage, parenthood, and adapting to change. Warning: if you have a rising high school senior, you might want to skip this one. :).
The second season of Lupin is out on Netflix. I binged the whole thing and while I enjoyed it, I thought Season 1 was much better. The series is in French but dubbed in English which I thought would be annoying but it was fine. I love watching Lupin escape from all of his predicaments and the footage of Paris is a nice bonus. You may recognize the famous French actress, Ludivine Sagnier, who starred in The Swimming Pool. Incidentally, if you like French films and television, check out this list of great French films here.
I’ve never met a RHOBH or RHONY Season that I didn’t like but I can’t decide who is nuttier this season – Kathy Hilton or Sutton Stracke. That face wand. Seriously.
Entertaining show on Amazon Prime about a dysfunctional and tormented publicist living and working in London. The main character stresses me out beyond belief but I guess that is what makes it watchable. There are two seasons; I am halfway through Season 1 and will definitely keep watching. The fact that it is based in London is a big draw.
I don’t ever seem to have enough small serving bowls for lemons, limes, dips, crackers, etc — these vintage etched bowls from Williams Sonoma are perfect. I also bought these great AERIN pasta bowls designed by Aerin Lauder and sold at Williams Sonoma (on sale now). She has several collaborations with them and I love her style.
To serve with your lemon pasta, consider Tip Top Cocktail Margaritas – the lazy man’s margarita. Add Ice/Lime/Salt – you won’t know the difference. And the small bottle is cute.
One thing I miss about living in Washington DC is having a Blue Mercury on every corner. Luckily, there’s the internet. There’s a great section on their website called Marla’s Hotlist, which is a curated selection of products by the Founder and CEO of Blue Mercury (and Washingtonian), Marla Beck. She publishes one every month and her recommendations are great. I bought the products above from her “Summer Hotlist” and love them. The sunscreen is light and doesn’t leave a white film like other products that make me look ridiculous and embarrass my kids. I also LOVE this moisturizer – it smells amazing and I’m a big fan of the pink bottle.
I am not sure what took me so long but I recently discovered Gucci Westman’s makeup line, Westman Atelier. It is so so good. After listening to this great podcast, it is clear that she takes her clean beauty seriously and doesn’t take no for an answer when developing a new product. The foundation stick goes on very smoothly and you cannot feel it at all, especially after a facial /dermaplaning appointment. It has helped me to feel a lot more confident about my skin.
If you’re looking for a good podcast for walks, flights, car rides, etc, I have really enjoyed Second Life, by Who What Wear co-founder Hillary Kerr. Here is her description of the podcast, “Spotlighting successful women who’ve made major career changes—and fearlessly mastered the pivot.” Not all the interviews interest me but there are some great ones, including Gucci Westman, Cameron Diaz, Jenna Lyons, Allison Roman, and Jessica Yellin (I really liked this one). HIllary Kerr seems very cool and down to earth – I love her interviewing style. It is also the kind of podcast that you can put down and pick back up, which I like.
Loving these Sasha Samuel charm necklaces. I have the heart one and it looks great layered with another gold necklace with both button downs and bathing suits.
Cute Loeffler Randall Thong Wrap Sandal in honey or gold. They are selling out fast but you may be able to find on ShopBop or other sites.
Last but not least, for the coffee lovers, you have got to check out the Ember Mug. A temperature controlled smart mug, it keeps your coffee or tea warm so you never have to re-heat it. If you constantly re-heat your coffee like I do, this is a game changer.
