In my quest to focus my shopping on small stores, I found this gorgeous little Japanese knot style bag at a boutique in California called A’marees. The leather is supple, and the off white really sets off so many colors. I also love the handwritten note that often comes when you buy from a small store.

The Women: No one does historical fiction better than Kristin Hannah. It is a moving story about the women who served in Vietnam. Annie Bot: Interesting premise about the role of AI in our lives, but all the robot sex just isn’t for me. Beach Read: Fun, saucy summer book that is a great “beach read.” All Fours: While I appreciate what it is trying to do, both the writing and the main character were way too unhinged for me. The Wren: Probably the most “literary” books I have read this year, and it was really beautiful. It is the story of two women who are related to a great poet, and how his work and choices impacted their lives.

Supergoop Glow Sunscreen – got this as a sample, wouldn’t purchase. I don’t love the tint on my face. Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen – my favorite sunscreen under makeup. Goes on clear and provides a great base for foundation. Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser – got the travel size in a sample kit and I love it. Lasted a long time and provided light exfoliation when I felt like my skin needed a little more cleaning. Naturium Body Wash – didn’t love the scent, so won’t repurchase. Boy Smells Hinoki Fantome – one of my favorite candles. Smells like incense in a Japanese garden. Often goes on sale at Sephora and Shopbop. Marvis toothpaste – do I need fancy Italian toothpaste? Obviously not. But have fully turned myself and my husband onto these and can’t go back now.

I went to the Cottage in Greenwich with my best friend, and it was a beautiful space with delicious food. Since I didn’t take any interior pictures, I guess I will have to go back. 🙂

Margot: Not my favorite. Tried to cover a lot of (important) topics but seemed all over the place and the characters didn’t grab me. Real Americans: Love it. I really connected with the story, and her writing is beautiful. Bear: Not for me. I couldn’t find myself interested in the plot or characters. Ricki Wilde: A good, saucy, summertime book. Man Who Died Twice: Another delightful novel in this series. Good and doesn’t take itself too seriously.

I don’t wear makeup every day, but I have been trying to make a bit more effort, even in this heat. The below are my favorite products that actually stay on my face (most) of the day.

From left: Sania Brow Bar Eyebrow Pencil, Benefit Mascara, Buxom lip tint, Becca under eye corrector, Chantecaille eye shadow, Chanel palette (with bronzer, blush, and highlighter), Saie concealer, and Hermes tinted moisturizer. I know several of these are very expensive, but I expect them to last a long time.

Trespasses – beautiful and sad Irish novel that takes place during The Troubles. The Ministry of Time – good story and writing but not earth shattering. I don’t agree with all the hype. Good Material – good writing but found it pretty hard to care about the main characters. Murder Club – despite the title, it was a good and fun who-dun-it that didn’t take too much energy to get through. The Fraud – this one is tough. I love Zadie Smith, and her writing is excellent. I found the story hard to follow though, particularly the time jumps. It is not my favorite from her.

Drunk Elephant Vitamin C – got this with a Sephora gift card and remembered why I don’t like it. It is so tacky on the skin and doesn’t mix well with makeup and other products. Replenix tinted eye cream – influenced to buy and not for me. The tint settles into my fine lines and wrinkles. Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream – my favorite cheapish every day moisturizer. It’s light yet moisturizing and doesn’t break me out. I already bought a new one. Glossier deodorant – a pretty good natural deodorant that leaves minimal white marks. Christoph Robin salt hair scrub – used this for years every few shampoos to remove product buildup. I love it but am trying the Goop scrub next to compare. Rahua conditioner – also a long time favorite. My hair texture has changed so though much post-pregnancy that I am now trying new products from my salon. Hourglass concealer – this puppy is thick, and covers acne and marks very well. Not great for undereye if you have fine lines and wrinkles. NARS eye shadow primer – bought pre pandemic and barely used. I rarely wear eye shadow, and even more rarely remember to prime. Glossier fig balm – I had high hopes for this because I love fig, but would not recommend. The formula separated after just a few months and is no longer useable.