On a gray, rainy-ish May day, there is really only one thing to do:
Curl up on the couch and read about the Civil War.
What’s that you say? My taste in books is just like your dad’s? What’s your point?
A Show Worth Waiting For
I don’t watch most of my TV on TV anymore; I’m pretty much a Netflix/iTunes gal. Call the Midwife is the exception to my rule. Set in the East End of London in the late 1950s, it chronicles the adventures of a group of midwives who are essentially the only medical practitioners in a poor community where contraception is unheard of. The nurses do everything from caring for women on their 20th pregnancies to watching out for elderly patients with no family.
It’s an amazing show. The writing is humorous, deeply-felt and tremendously respectful and tender towards all of the characters, whether they’re protagonists or part of a one-episode vignette. No matter what themes are being emphasized, there’s no getting up on a soap box—whether it’s a frank, harrowing look at illegal abortion or a meditation on memory, every episode is a grace-filled, thoughtful jewel. Also, while Jenny Lee (above) is technically the main character, all of the actresses and actors get their chance to be heroes, and one of the show’s best qualities is that the way in which each person gets the spotlight is completely unexpected.
In this era of TV that you want, when you want it, though, I think that one of my most favorite things about this show is waiting for it. Wondering what will happen next throughout the week, settling down into bed to see it at 8:00 on Sunday night—it hurts so good to want the next episode NOW, and it’s always so worth it.
Any shows you feel that way about?
I’ve been looking for a cabinet for my dining room for over a year—pretty much for as long as I’ve lived in my current apartment. Having combed Etsy and all sorts of furniture stores, I’m somewhat surprised to admit that I actually found what I wanted at… Crate & Barrel. It isn’t the world’s most exciting vendor, but I think this is actually pretty striking. Who knew?
Fellow New Yorkers: Have you ever tried the basil from Gotham Greens? It’s heavenly. I made pesto with it last week and I nearly swooned when I opened the box—the scent is that rich and full. Needless to say, it tastes amazing as well. Go grab yourself some! Maybe if we all buy basil and make pesto and act like it’s spring, the weather will actually get warm.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of color, but this spring, I love the idea of a little gray dress. There’s something so unexpectedly warm-weather appropriate about a soft neutral. The raft of amazing options that are out there right now certainly adds to the appeal. The ones above (from Hive and Honey, Threads for Thought, Monrow (the link here is from ShopBop, looks like Piperlime ran out), and Madewell) are just the tip of the iceberg.
This chambray suit from Topshop takes the Canadian tuxedo to the next level. In the best. possible. way.
Office appropriate? Check. Not obnoxiously straight-laced? Check. This On the Border skirt holds all the keys to the perfect warm weather Mon-Fri wardrobe.
By far my most exciting spring purchase thus far: Bronx loafers from Dolce Vita.
