ma mère

This post is dedicated to my Mom who I find myself missing considerably this week. She is off on a Parisian adventure with a close friend of hers. While I'm thrilled for her and jealous of her Instagrams (go, Mom!), I'm simply missing her and our frequent phone catch-ups. Distance does make the heart grow fonder, but time zones sure do complicate the chances of consistent communication.

Speaking of Parisian adventures, here is some weekend reading for you to enjoy. The article was published about a year ago in the New York Times about La Socelière, a 17th-century château in the Loire Valley that was purchased by an eager Italian couple. The 20 acre property is extraordinary, and the extensive renovation was a labor of love and patience. Enjoy!

Happy City

There has been a lot of buzz about this book. Now a city dweller myself, I find the premise quite intriguing: Award-winning journalist Charles Montgomery writes about the intersection between urban design and the ideal of happiness, while navigating through some of the world's most dynamic cities. I often think about how my life would be altered if I chose to live in a foreign country. It is remarkable to think about how where we live has such a profound affect on all of the other variables in our lives.

Purchase the book here.

Gracious Green

Regrettably, I didn't do anything out of the ordinary to celebrate Earth Day. In fact, I came down with a case of strep throat. Glorious. However, I did discover a new app called iRecycle which suggests locations near you where you can properly dispose of things such as old phones, batteries, metals, paint and plastic (the list goes on) you want to part with, in a respective, mindful way. Check it out, here. Above: Landscape architect Miranda Brooks and her children. Be sure to view her incredible portfolio of green landscapes.

Keep It Cool

I'm loving Brazilian bombshell Alessandra Ambrosio's laid back look. Although I don't follow trends, it seems cricket sweaters are à la mode as of late and I'm a sucker for espadrilles...Her sweater you can find here, however I'm also loving the one below.

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