I am devouring books lately. As my baby reads more and more I am doing the same. We cozy up in the sofa, husband included, and we each read our books. It is our latest evening ritual. I then pass the good ones to my mom to read, which makes it fun because we can then discuss them. My daughter has even asked me to read some of her favorites, which I have. And I'm just thrilled that kids' literature is so exciting nowadays. There is such a great variety of topics. I could do a book post on her favorites book as well (she is 9 so if you need recommendations for that age group I have plenty!) In any case, here are a few of my latest favorites (there have been quite a few duds too, which I immediately stop reading. Life is too short and there are too many great books out there). Here they are (bottom to top)-
Looking for a new spring read? I have the book for you- Lies and Other Acts of Love by Kristy Woodson Harvey. This is Kristy's second novel (I also wrote about her first one, Dear Carolina, here) and as much as I liked the first one I think I like this one even better. Kristy is emerging as a rising new voice in Southern fiction. I especially love all the quotable wisdom she weaves throughout the story.
I am half way through and eating up every single word. Lies and Other Acts of Love is a powerful examination of the lies we tell to protect our loved ones—and the life-altering consequences of a hidden truth revealed. You can read more about the novel here and more on Kristy here.
I have another beautiful coffee table book you need to know about, Carrier and Company- Positively Chic Interiors by Vendome Press. All the interiors photographed are stunning. I have been happily pouring over this book all weekend. The rooms are timeless yet contemporary. The husband and wife team, Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller, design spaces that range from elegantly traditional to luxuriously minimalist to glamorously bohemian. There really is a little bit for everyone. Here are a few of my favorite images from the book. Get ready to pin away.....these images will serve as great inspiration when you are designing your next space-
If you love monograms you will adore this book, Monograms for the Home, by Kimberly Whitman. Growing up I always had the prettiest monogrammed sheets and towels with my first and middle name initials "AM"- for Albertina Maria. Because all these sheets and towels were so beautiful and of such good quality my mom kept everything for her grandchildren to enjoy someday. And good thing we had a daughter because now all these monogrammed treasures could come out to see the light of day again. And, of course, I was going to make sure my daughter's first and middle initial would also be "AM", so she could give a second life to all my childhood sheets and towels.
When monograms are this important to you, you know you will absolutely adore a book about the topic, especially when there is such fabulous monogram inspiration behind every page. A book like this can only have been created by someone with amazing style and taste and Kimberly Whitman unites these qualities and then some. She really takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary. She is beautiful, sweet and so hardworking (this is her seventh book!), plus she has a blog (for all those interior design readers she was part of the One Room Challenge this last Spring as well) writes articles for magazines, does radio and TV appearances, and is mother to two adorable kids. The launch of her book, Monograms for the Home, comes at a perfect time for the inauguration of Halo Home, a line of spectacular linens she designed that can be monogrammed. Here they are-
Just like a woman can never have too many shoes, a home can never have too many coffee table books. Not only do they beautifully dress up tables and shelves but they always offer the prettiest of inspiration and may even tell a little about you. Are your books about fashion? interiors? artists? places? An eclectic, like me? Now matter how many times I have leaved through a certain book I always seem to discover something new each time I pick it again. I also think they are the perfect present to give and receive.
[ starburst brass pendant | Parisian interiors book | Dior book | forever chic | scroll coffee table/bench | shoulder bag | red fringe shoes ]
I would love to own these red suede fringe shoes! Oh my! So fun, daring and sexy. Of course, one could only wear them on a very sunny and clean day, otherwise I don't even want to picture the fringe! Hmmm..... This table in that color is a must. Someone, please!









