10-11 August

WEEKEND DIARIES

Hello! I hope that everyone had a great weekend! Ours was nothing out of the ordinary, but the simple and familiar carries a pleasure all its own. Some of the highlights. 

One evening the husband and I watched the documentary Bill Cunningham New York (available on Netflix and Amazon Instant View).  It follows fashion photographer Bill Cunningham as he goes about his daily work for the New York Times. In his eighties, Bill has worked for many notable publications, has had his own millinery studio, and served in the armed forces. He is known and respected by New York's elite; even the icy Anna Wintour is quoted (with a big smile on her face no less) as saying, "We all get dressed for Bill!"  So just what is it that's so special about Bill? Even more remarkable than his life is his personality. In a city of airs and ambitions, power plays, and big money, his sincerity, kindness, humility, simplicity, and above all, joy, are palpable to all who meet him, even if it is across the television screen. Towards the end of the film he admits, after a pause and an eruptive sob that is immediately stifled, that his Catholic faith is very important to him. Hmm. Very interesting.

B. Cunningham image via The Sartorialist // The Cottage at Bantry Bay image via

As I mentioned last week, I am reading The Gifts of the Jews. It's a little slower going than a novel, but I'm making progress. Also, I wanted to link up with Housewife Spice for her What I Read Wednesday, but I just never got around to it, but you should go over and check it out. Had I the time, I would have linked that the kids and I have been reading The Cottage at Bantry Bay, the first in a series of classic children's novels. My oldest is loving it especially. Okay. I am too. Sometimes I want to read it when she is sleeping, but I resist. 

Other news on the home front. I tried this recipe and used some homegrown rosemary. It was a hit. I sometimes get stuck in a rut with my herbs; I was a little lost about what to do with the rosemary besides putting some in olive oil and dipping baguette into it (such a great flavor combo, you have to try it!). Please don't judge the amount of baguette that it's becoming apparent I consume.

Speaking of baguette, I pulled the book Culinaria France off the shelves on Friday to do a little research for a post. Gifted to me two years ago, this book is amazing, really a true compendium of all French food and drink, conveniently divided by region. I spent some leisure time on Saturday reading descriptions of cheeses and visually devouring the pics, because this book has so many. I have been so tied to the Google of late, that I had forgotten what a rich experience a really good informational book can be. 

And finally, why is there a hot dog in the collage? Because you are looking at one of our favorite weekend meals: a Sahlen's hot dog (grilled or broiled) on a toasted bun, with ketchup, mustard, and dill pickle, complemented by hot french fries and sliced fresh vegetables. I had something against hot dogs as a youngster, but my Buffalonian husband has helped me to see the light. Maybe it's the Sahlen's all natural casings, or maybe just his perseverance, but I can honestly say I love 'em.

And at the risk of this becoming the longest post ever, I'm going to include a second collage. There are so many great outfit linkups on Sunday and Monday - WIWS, Plane Pretty, Mama in Flip Flops, I Feel Pretty, I just couldn't resist taking part this week. So here I am, at 20 weeks. 

Dress: Merona via Goodwill (similar, yet more fall appropriate) // Sandals: Madden Girl new via Salvation Army (similar)  // Watch: Citizen Eco Drive

P.S. We find out the baby's gender today. So excited!