I am sooooo close to opening Wild Plum Books (thinking next week will bring all of the magic!) and cannot wait for the new floors to go in so I can start the fun part — stocking shelves with the slew of terrific books I’ve added to the already wonderful inventory that came when I purchased the store. I’m also very ready to clear out the hundreds of boxes piled high in our dining room, filled with everything from hats to play swords to shopping bags to flush mounts.
It has been an incredibly busy and deeply satisfying few weeks. What a thing to watch the shop come together! The interior is finally painted and, if you drive by, you’ll see a big beautiful Wild Plum Books sign in the front window.
As someone who often starts projects but doesn’t always see them through, I feel really proud of myself and I can see that pride reflected in my family’s face which delights me to no end. Knowing how busy I’ve been (and sick with that wretched cold going around), Andrew took the girls to a friend’s house for the weekend, leaving me with more than 24 hours to fill however I wanted. What bliss!! I took a break from all things store related, sat outside and worked on the novel that had been gathering digital dust, read, went for walks, and sat on the couch with a bowl of herby greens with tuna and pasta tossed in. I watched Under the Tuscan Sun and laugh cried before falling asleep in the middle of the big empty bed.
I didn’t realize how desperately I needed a break, but come Sunday afternoon I felt recharged. What a thing to slow down again. I’d figured I’d been slow enough having been unemployed for almost a year that I jumped into all things bookstore with a wild kind of fervor. And I’d started getting moody — my husband and kids were driving me nuts and I’m pretty sure I was zero fun to be around. The weekend was the reminder that I needed to take care of myself. Undoubtedly, things will pile back up in no time, but for now it feels like I’ve got a little mental space again.
And in all of the chaos, Father’s Day has completely slipped my mind. BUT, my friend Matt did such a stellar job last year that I’m not going to reinvent the wheel. His picks are very cool and and timeless — everyone raved and I promise to bring Matt back again soon since he was such a hit. READ HERE
See you next week when I’m readying to open the doors!!
This show! I’m obsessed. I know something’s good when I’m willing to throw my strict self-imposed bedtime to the wind and hit play on another episode. With the always incredible Lily Gladstone and Riley Keough sporting an excellent bob, Under the Bridge is gritty and dark and utterly watchable.
I’ve been putting my headphones in and turning up the volume on this poppy French singer while watering the garden. Giving me main character rom com vibes.
This sat on my bedside for months because, I’m embarrassed to say, the cover art felt too twee for my tastes and now I’m regretting all of that time that I could have spent with this charming family saga. It’s warm and cozy — a bit like Laurie Colwin or even Elizabeth Strout. I’m in love.
On the NY Cooking homepage there’s a section called “We Think You’ll Like These” and, boy, were they spot-on about this Charlie Bird farro salad. The salty curls of parmesan, the surprising bits of pistachio and the chewy, flavorful farro. Yum, yum, yum.
This phone case makes me so happy. Etsy Shifted Stripes Case $26.47
I’ll take all of the luck I can get, starting with this pretty little clover charm. Sequin Clover Charm $128
A shell necklace to wear with tanned skin and a spritzy beverage in hand. Éliou Tubi Necklace $188
A super simple, super flattering dress that wears like a t-shirt. Modern Citizen Fallon Wrap Dress $128
It’s a little hard to tell in the picture, but I saw my friend wearing these across the waiting room at the pediatrician’s office and immediately cried out, “I love your pants!” They are stellar. The subtle pleating makes them feel polished, not pajama-y and the blue reads like chambray. Another crack in my spending freeze (see #8). J. Crew Pleated Pull-On Pant $158
A loose A-line dress with those incredibly charming ties behind the shoulder! Would love to wear this on a date with my husband (maybe for Father’s Day). COS Linen A-Line Dress $135
The sweet crochet detailing around the neck and arms is what does it for me. J. Crew Maxine Crochet Shift Dress $128
I’m on a bit of a spending freeze (hahahaha) as I pour all of my money into Wild Plum Books, but I couldn’t resist snatching up this perfect denim dress to wear all summer long. The shape is excellent, the neckline is A+ and it has pockets! What more could you ask for? Aligne Cora Mini Denim Dress $145
I have that COS dress! It's cute and super comfortable on a scorching day but those ties are a challenge to make cute and flowy again once you wash it.
Just love that crochet a-line and then, in between passport office appointments today, the poppy French singer so helped me self-soothe. Thank you! I am thrilled for your shelf stocking moments to come...