Pot of Chocolate

via

I've been obsessing over this little fondue au chocolat from Mignon Kitchen Co. ever since I saw it in Cup of Jo's Mother's Day gift guide. How delicious does that look? After heating in the microwave, the stoneware jar keeps the milk chocolate inside warm while you go about dipping fruit, pieces of croissant, or anything else you can dream up. And when you've finished dipping, you're left with an adorable little stoneware jar to use in the kitchen or at your desk. Lovely as a gift for Mom, or a little treat for yourself.



Recent Reads

via

Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman, by Robert K. Massie, was probably the most riveting non-fiction that I've ever read. Massie crafted a bio that reads like a novel, full of palace intrigue, insight into the large cast of characters, romance, and more, from the life of an extremely intelligent and interesting ruler. Massie avoids the pitfalls of non-fiction by keeping things moving quickly and not bogging the story down in too much detail. Even though it's a doorstop at 500-something pages, I can honestly call this a page turner and I highly recommend it!

Cristina Alger's The Darlings was a perfect book to read after Catherine the Great, because it's a complete 180. From 18th century Russia we move to modern day NYC, in the midst of the 2008 financial crisis. It was interesting to delve into this story and see the "crash" from the perspective of a Wall Street family who one would typically see as-not villanous, persay, but not exactly sympathetic. This was a page turner as well, in a different way, and it was fun to read something so timely.

Gallery

I thought today I would share with everyone the first gallery wall I did when I moved into my apartment (this is my second one-well actually, it's sort of my third-I have another one still in progress). I love how versatile it is-if I get a new piece, I can usually find a way to fit it in (either to an existing frame or just by adding a new one in). Sources are below in case anything strikes your fancy!

Eiffel Tower print via Live Creating Yourself Etsy shop

TJ Maxx find - Alicia Bock print

Photography taken by the sister -  Ampersand Design Studio

Keys from Pottery Barn in shadowbox

Ideal Bookshelf: Jane Mount via 20x200

Emily Dickinson's house via Writers Houses

Me and my sister - and I cannot for the life of me remember where I got the one in the round frame from! Whoops :)

 My Mom as a young girl, looking gorgeous (and slightly hippy-ish!) in a floral wrap dress. So pretty!

Sugar Paper card, framed.

Modern Art: Craig Damrauer via 20x200

Diptyque Paris on Bleecker

Yesterday I popped into the gorgeous Diptyque store on Bleecker in the West Village. It was like a swirly, chic little dream in a tiny box:

via

 See what I mean? I love the effect on the walls. And note the amazing chandelier, which IS made of upside down empty Diptyque candles. Gorgeous!

I love the typography on the bag:

Right now Diptyque is doing a " Le Langage des Fleurs" collection, consisting of floral fragrances in special illustrated boxes. On the website they illuminate the unique meaning behind each flower.

Pretty packaging.

Violette has a sweet, almost candy-like scent, and apparently stands for Modesty. Verveine is an herbal candle with a bright lemon scent. I actually bought it because it reminded me of Lemon Pledge :) - minus the gross chemical component. That scent of lemon just says clean to me, so I can't wait to burn this after a nice apartment cleaning. Good way to reward yourself!

And while we were wandering around the West Village, enjoying the beautiful quiet neighborhood vibe and sunny weather, we spotted a true NYC icon:

via

Sarah Jessica Parker! SHE WALKED RIGHT PAST US ON THE SIDEWALK!

Words cannot describe our girly excitement. She was wearing boyfriend jeans with a leather jacket and a fabulous bright red crossbody bag. And no, the above picture was not taken by me when we saw her. Me and my sis were real cool about it - only a little gasping and gawking at the back of her head as she rushed by.

Made. My. Life.

Black and White

Surprise, surprise-J. Crew put together another look I love from head to toe. That skirt is perfection, from the color (or lack thereof), to the size of the dots, to the shape and length. I love how they let this bold piece take center stage by pairing with a simple, slouchy top. The disheveled hair and chic shades lend a spontaneous, not-trying-too-hard vibe, and the flat sandals keep it summer-y. It's like Jackie O./Audrey Hepburn 2012, and I love it!

Big Dot Circle Skirt - Featherweight Cotton Sweater - Tova Patent Sandals - Belle Sunglasses