Cookbook
—Cooking for Jeffrey: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
Announced earlier this week, Ina Garten, aka the Barefoot Contessa, will be releasing a new cookbook on October 25th. Inspired by her husband Jeffrey, who has a fan following all his own, it is titled Cooking For Jeffrey. Now, be sure, I will be including a reminder when fall arrives, but I couldn’t help but share this exciting news. Filled with Jeffrey’s favorites and a much more personal touch, discover what her friends and loved ones request when they stop by for a meal and a glimpse into their 48 year marriage perfectly paired with delicious food.
—Lee Bailey’s Country Weekends: Recipes for Good Food and Easy Living
Sometimes it takes time to discover a diamond. Mind you, not a diamond in the rough, but a diamond that came to be before I barely knew what a library was. Lee Bailey, lifestyle expert and self-taught cook, established the living well genre before Martha Stewart. His first of many lifestyle cookbooks was published in 1983, selling more than 150,000 copies (seen here), and while I will begin with his first Lee Bailey’s Country Weekend’s, I cannot wait to dive into Cooking for Friends, The Way I Cook, Lee Bailey’s Long Weekends, and Lee Bailey’s Country Desserts. No longer with us, he has certainly left his mark on a way of living that people, like myself, continue to be drawn to. If you have read and used his cookbooks, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Shopping
—DKNY Heavy Nappa Shoulder Bag
A well-structured, neutral hue, quality leather handbag is an accessory that will last many seasons. DKNY’s Nappa shoulder bag offers a fresh touch for spring and ample room without the bulk.
—Isabel Marant gold-plated double-hoop necklace
I am a lover of simplicity when it comes to accessories, but rest-assured, each item must be made of quality and contain a touch of a signature that speaks to my style. With that said, Isabel Marant’s simple double interlocking-hoop necklace which contains delicate small beads fits this description to a “T”. And the price isn’t that bad either.
Television
—Everything is Copy on HBO
Nora Ephron. Only her name being mentioned and I am on board with whatever follows. And in this case, I think you will be too. The writer and creator of beloved films such as When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail and her heart-wrenching inspired-by-her-own-heartbreak film Heartburn, just to name a few you may recognize, this talented woman who is also behind Broadway plays, columns and books to her credit was taken from the world too soon. However, her son, Jacob Bernstein has created a documentary, “Everything is Copy” that will air on HBO this Monday, March 21st at 6pm pacific time. I already cannot wait to see and hear Nora’s take on life one more time. Have a look at the trailer below.
—Janet King on Acorn TV
A great This and That as always Shannon, thank you. It’s lovely to see you showcasing the Aussie series “Janet King”, it’s done well here on the ABC (PBS in the States).
I am preparing my blog for a relaunch as it’s been in abeyance for a while, your blogging series was invaluable to me, right down to migrating to WordPress. Many many thanks.
Enjoy your spring break! It must be — literally — a golden time in Bend.
Rose, wishing a successful relaunch! And thank you for the recommendation on Janet King. 🙂 may the shift into fall be lovely for you and yours. 🙂
I have all of Lee Bailey’s books. They are wonderful! I use them too!
Hi Shannon, I just have to add my enthusiasm for Lee Bailey’s tried-and-true recipes, sensibilities, and style. I’ve had Lee Bailey’s Good Parties since it came out in 1986 and it’s a bit dog-eared and yellowed with age. It’s one of my favorite cookbooks of all time and, as it’s organized around specific menus for entertaining, I’ve prepared at least one dish from every single menu and even followed his “Game Plan” of timing and prep tips to prepare entire menus. I’m not sure I’ve ever found a “dud” among them!