In the wake of current events, I think we could all use something a little bit sparkly. Even my horoscope has set the tone for a rocky week ahead and, apparently, I can expect “volatility in the air” and emotions running at high-voltage. I grumbled at Andrew over the state of the kitchen this morning and lost my patience when the girls asked me to lie down with them last night, after I’d already given each one a ten minute thumb war/snuggle fest/whisper talk face-to-face session. “I’m tired!” I said through gritted teeth. I needed a shower and an episode of Bridgerton.
To combat this week, I’ll be pouring pretty pink glasses of champagne and burying my face in my current read, Ministry of Time, to get through. Throw in some time in our neighbor’s beautiful pool perched on the edge of a vineyard and watching the euro championship with friends and there is plenty to distract us. The girls started a two-week session at farm camp where they’re busy brushing the baby goats and making homes for bugs. I unboxed a few dozen terrific books at the store, both current release and some classic favorites inspired by the NY Times list. Glimmers, right? Because the state of the world right now is hard. Here’s hoping you find something soft or a little sparkly.
Laherte Fréres Rosé de Meunier Extra Brut NV
Grower Champagne is an easy choice for in-the-know lovers of the beverages that sparkle. These artisan Champagnes are produced by the ownership of the vineyards from which they hail. In this case, the Laherte family has been farming in the village of Chavot for 4 generations, with the youngest vigneron continuing to convert the family’s parcels to organic and biodynamic.
This ethereal Rosé Champagne is made entirely from Pinot Meunier, 1 of the 3 grapes main grapes of France’s Champagne region (the other 2 are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir). Electric vermillion in color with aromas of ripe red berries and blood orange peel, this bubbly favors focused richness and lift over “sweetness.” A perfect bottle for your next dinner party or poolside hang with a simply gorgeous label to match, this Champagne will cement your status of stylish wine lover with one satisfying sip.
Live in Napa? Pick up a bottle at Backroom Wines, Cadet and, if you’re lucky, you can sometimes find it at Sunshine market. Also online, of course.
The Pairings
I paddled over to ask a woman at the pool who made her suit because it was such a great cut. I was not surprised when she checked the tag and confirmed it was Left on Friday. Love the straight across cut of the top and the high waisted bottoms. Classic! Chic!
Honestly, I never really have any need for a bottle opener, but if I do, I’ll be reaching for this cutie. Such a great addition to the summer table.
These sneakers are very sexy for a sneaker. Low profile, neutral, zero branding and expensive looking — all for under $100.
God of the Woods by Liz Moore is next up on my summer reading list. It feels like just the thing to lounge around outside reading while I sip my bubbly rosé. I gravitate towards immersive, ominous worlds. Richly peopled, deeply suspenseful and gorgeously detailed, God of the Woods is being compared to Donna Tartt’s The Secret History. I’m in.
I love a fish (as evidenced by the bottle opener above and the earrings last week). This beautiful serving platter would be the perfect thing to make “snack plate” dinners feel special.
A cutie little tee in a very good green. My boobs demand a bra (I was lamenting to a friend that they feel like two bowls of mercury lately), but if I were younger I would absolutely go braless.
If you’ve been here a while then you know that I have a deep love for all things Nickey Kehoe, and these pool towels are no exception. I’m especially taken with the vintage-y brown and orange stripes.
This body serum is a delight in summer! The spray seemed unnecessary when I first opened it, but now I want all of my lotions in a spray bottle. It’s soothing, hydrating and smells wildly delicious — I thought my husband was going to lick my arm it is so alluring! And it’s called ‘Braless’ so go ahead and pair it with that tee shirt.
Holy smokes, these are good. Maybe not the first pairing that comes to mind when you think of rosé Champagne, and yet, not not the first thing either! Crisp, delicate, coconutty. I got them for lunchboxes, but Andrew and I don’t bother sharing with the kids at this point.
High summer sparkle.
Bright, punchy, deep and elegant.
Coco rolls are dangerous!! I imagine that’s what heroin is like. There’s no way I can stop until all rolls are out!
What a delightful spread, everything from the suit to the book to the bubbles! I need!