Hello, dear friends. How was your weekend? I hate to rub it in because I know that the East Coast is experiencing bitter temps, but we spent most of the weekend on the patio. If it makes you feel any better, our Summer weather consists of a heat index that is hotter than Will Smith's temper.
This weekend, we invited some friends over to celebrate the fabulous weather.
As you can see, our welcome wagon/security detail was set in motion immediately when learning that guests were expected.
As always, I was in charge of flowers, plates, and glassware.
The Mister was responsible for everything else.
The Mister outdid himself with the yummy apps.
He put together a charcuterie board featuring fruit, crostini, and grissini breadsticks.
Pork belly taco in lotus leaf buns with hothouse cukes and shallots served with sriracha mayo.
(my fave)
Sausage en croute and dijon mustard.
Blackened Sako Tuna with smoked paprika, chicory coffee, fennel, green apple slaw, and avocado cream.
And last but not least, fried olives.
The beautiful weather and delightful company made for a perfect evening.
While I was at Trader Joe's stocking up on flowers, I couldn't resist picking up this sweet pot of hyacinths.
Here is a list of what books have kept me reading, several that I look forward to reading, and what has kept us entertained on TV.
This book centers around a woman who moves to a small town in Dutchess County with her family. She begins to write a blog under an assumed name. Hmm... sounds familiar. She then spills the beans on the town's deep dark secrets. I listened to it and found myself chuckling through the pages.
I was a big fan of Minka Kent, but this one missed the mark for me.
Don't listen to me because it got great reviews.
This was pretty good and kept me guessing throughout the pages.
I just finished this thriller by one of my favorite authors.
As always, this clever writer manages to throw in so many twists that I concluded the book with a case of whiplash.
I received an early release copy of this domestic thriller.
This dynamic writing duo never lets me down.
If you like guessing games, you are going to love this one.
Pack this one in your beach bag.
You can thank me later.
D.J. Palmer is one of my favorite authors.
He did not disappoint with this twisty white-knuckle of a read.
Watch out for it in May.
Nobody does it better than Kristy when it comes to Southern Lit. She is a whiz at developing characters that pull at your heartstrings and sentimental storylines.
This is my first book by this popular author.
I am about halfway through, and the suspense is killing me.
Watch out for this one in June.
... a compelling and heartwarming story of post-war London, a century-old bookstore, and three women determined to find their way in a fast-changing world in Bloomsbury Girls.
I just started listening to this.
I wonder if the author is related to Bruce.
A winner: tense and terrifying with a twist you’ll never see coming.
A favorite author of mine.
A poignant and page-turning story of three women whose lives are forever changed by war.…
Another favorite of mine!
I'm hitting the jackpot this month.
...a funny, joyful, brilliantly perceptive journey deep into one Baltimore family’s foibles.
A Star Is Born meets Me Before You in this powerful novel.
One woman takes the vacation of a lifetime in this poignant and heartwarming story about the threads that hold a family together.
The Devil Wears Prada meets All the President's Men
Chorus shepherds seven siblings through two life-altering events—their mother's untimely death and a shocking teenage pregnancy.
... a powerful novel about the transformational love between mothers and daughters set on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.
... a pitch-perfect story about the ways we recover love in the strangest places.
Insta bloggers are loving this one.
A sweeping and heartbreaking Hollywood biography about the passionate, turbulent marriage of Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh.
We finished watching this and now I'm going through withdrawal.
Holy Mama Mia! Amanda Seyfried steals the show.
Spoiler alert: I am a big fan of Amy Schumer's.She wrote the screenplay for this show, and I am really getting a kick out of it.
Warning: It's not for everyone.
Until next time...
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Life and Beth is on my to-watch list too (so many good shows, too little time!). And I just requested Her Last Affair from the library. Thanks, Katie.
ReplyDeleteJust added a couple book to my must read list. When I am looking for something to read I come back and haunt your blog. lol
ReplyDeleteThat food! OMGOSH!!!! I have never had fried olives...imagine that... As far as everything else goes--well, when you tire of the old boy send him my way. The only cooking Mr.Nana does is putting a Costco potpie in the microwave. lol. xo Diana
Katie, I think I'm going to have to subscribe to HULU...Your recommendations have convinced me I'm missing out. NanaDiane, You're lucky your Mr.Nana knows how to microwave a Costco pot pie! My adult kids and myself have always been convinced that if we'd leave my Mister alone for a weekend with a full refrigerator, we'd find him dead of starvation in front of it! Sad, very sad HAHA.
ReplyDeleteJust read the French Braid review in the NYT and was intrigued. Got to love anything about Olivier and Leigh and I like Swanson too. Fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI love that the Mister did Sausage En Croute - what we English call sausage rolls.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Katie!! That food all looks amazing. WOW! I always enjoy the book reviews and I have made note of the TV shows! Have a great rest of the week! xo
ReplyDeleteWow! I bet there will not be a shortage of friends once they figure out the Mister can make such things as this. The pups are adorable.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, The Mister comes up with the most delicious food! All looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteI think we will check out the Dropout - sounds good! Thanks for all the reading recommendations.
ReplyDeleteWow, the Mister certainly knows how to entertain!
ReplyDeleteSo many great books, I love adding these to my list of must reads. I am obsessed with The Dropout - Holy cow! And Life & Beth - watched it last week. I am a huge Amy Schumer fan but agree, not for everyone but I sure liked it.
xo,
Kellyann
I'm reading One Italian Summer right now and am enjoying it a lot.
ReplyDeleteLove these lists. I bookmarked several books. I love your mix of mystery, suspense, romance (or maybe marital theme) and historical fiction! I am watching the Amy Schumer next. I agree I never know with Amy. I saw her on the Oscars (only the part right after the W. Smith debacle. I heard the three hosts were funny! xo laura
ReplyDeleteI need to watch The Dropout. I listened to the podcast several years back and was blown away.
ReplyDeleteWow! I love all of that delicious and pretty looking food the Mister made for entertaining your friends. They will all want to come over all the time. LOL! I always enjoy looking at the books you recommend and I will check out the dropout.
ReplyDeleteKatie, the Mister is an amazing chef. It must be wonderful to be invited to one of your dinner parties. Thank you for the list of what you have been reading. I am always looking for a great book to read
ReplyDeleteI love all your posts, but I especially enjoy hearing your recommendations on books, TV and movies. I follow your list and have always liked the suggestions. I say lucky you to be married to such a great cook. I love to entertain friends, but I do it all. Still, it's fun to see what a really creative cook stirs up. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteKaren B.
miss you friend
ReplyDeleteWhat a list of books! If only there was more time. :)
ReplyDeleteA number of the books that you have mentioned are ones that I have my intent on reading this year as well.
ReplyDelete