Style Scouting: Vol. 61
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Hi my dear readers – :-)
I have been in Los Angeles for one week so far. My little granddaughter Zoe and I are spending lots of time together and I am becoming quite up to date on all things Cocomelon and toddler apps for iPads – some of which are so interactive and fun, even for a 62 year old. :-)
I was hoping to get project photos edited that I took before leaving and a new post written this week. That didn’t happen as I felt I needed the week to get acclimated to Zoe needs at home and her daily schedule.
I did however get this post written as there are no photos to take, photo editing or step-by-step tutorial to write. At night after Zoe is asleep, I go online to get caught up and find inspiration.
Now that I know her daily routine and needs, I should be able to get a new fall decor post up this week.
For now though, here are the inspiring links I found this week:
Decorating
An old farmhouse gets a new look.
I like the calm and serene feel of this house.
DIY
Your cat will love this.
I wish I had a wall in my kitchen where I could add something like this.
I have always wanted to buy one of these, but they were too pricey. Now I can make one using this free pattern and any fabric I like.
Crafts
How to find a hobby just right for you.
Food
For all cheese lovers. And this one – pure comfort food.
Something good for breakfast.
Looks good to serve with a salad.
I am usually a tea drinker, but while shopping at a Ralph’s grocery store in L.A. last week, I bought a can of this. I really like the smooth mellow taste and will be buying it again on my next grocery run.
Fashion & Beauty
When I packed my clothes to take to Los Angeles, I didn’t pack anything warm. I had no idea that it gets chilly here at night and in the morning. I needed to order a sweater and bought this. I like its cozy fall styling and color.
I had no idea that this classic now comes in plastic…. and lots of colors, too!
Fun & Interesting
#18 put a huge smile on my face.
I miss my lipstick. This article may be behind an online paywall, but if you know me personally, then you know how much lipstick means to me. :-)
Something To Think About
Don’t forget to appreciate these.
What I Am Reading
My Kindle reader is empty. I could use a few book recommendations as I always get overwhelmed when looking online for a good book to read.
If you have read any good books lately, I would love it if you would drop the title in a comment. Thanks :-)
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As always, thanks so much for reading. XO
I am so glad you are settling in, Zoe is lucky to have you!
For a light read, The Chicken Sisters by KJ Dell’Antonia, It’s pretty good!
I’ve recently (over the last few months) read three of Sara Hagerty’s books and found them all to be wonderful. She truly is a gifted writer. “Adore”, “Unseen” and “Every Bitter Thing is Sweet”. Enjoy!
Diane, It’s nice that you are getting so much bonding time with your sweet Zoe. Since your posts will be a bit different while you’re there, would you consider doing some where you just answer questions re: decorating, crafts, etc ? I think you’re a wealth of information. Thanks and take care. My prayers are with your family.
Hi PJ – Your suggestion about answering questions is great. I can start this week. Do you have a question in mind?
Aren’t grand babies the best?!
Try “Olive Kitteridge” followed by “Olive, Again” by Elizabeth Stout. So good! Also Pulitzer Prize winning and on Oprah’s favorites list.
Happy Autumn!
Thank you for your interesting and informative Style Scout Posts Diane!
My continued thoughts and prayers for you, your sweet grandaughter Zoe,
and your family. Any book by Ann Voskamp is wonderful. My favorite being Ann’s book ” One Thousand Gifts”. “Simple Abundance” by Sarah Ban Breathnach is another book I highly recommend.
I would definitely recommend the Midnight Library by Matt Haig.
After visiting Pawhuska, OK I read Killers of the Flower Moon. I was never taught about this in school and it is such fascinating history that reads almost like fiction!
Hi Diane I am looking for a good read as well. I am happy that you are able to spend some time with your little Zoe. Wishing you all the best.
Diane, If you love books, maybe you will want to read “84 Charing Cross Rd” by an American called Helene Hanff. Im just reading it for the third time! There is also a film with same title starring, Anne Bancroft, Anthony Hopkins, and Dame Judi Dench. Also available is a follow up book called The Duchess of Bloomsberry Street. In a nutshell, as a struggling writer in NY she wrights to a secondhand book shop in London, for copies of books she requires. A long distance friendship with the manager, and subsequently the other staff begins, and continues through WW2 in London UK. Wonderful!
I’m currently reading (my 46th book of the year) and loving The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny. It is the latest in a series but you can jump right in with this one. A murder mystery, but kindness and love are major themes.
Some things in life are more important than editing or creating a new post and making memories with Zoe is right at the top! I’m so glad you are in a position to be with her and you’re doing a fine job of figuring out how to make it all fit. And besides, we are never too old to learn different concepts of what “fun” really means! Zoe just might teach you several new things along this journey, Grandma. Love, prayers and blessings Diane.
PS I enjoyed your scouting adventures this week, thanks for sharing!
All of Linda Costello books. The Amish series. I read everyone of them and could not put them down. Also Kristen Hannah books are very good
Hope Zoe is doing ok and know you are enjoying spending time with her.
I’m reading Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty. She’s an Australian author.
I love these interesting little tidbits! Thinking of you!
This blog post was full of interesting articles. I especially loved the farmhouse article. Anything by Robyn Carr or Marie Force is good reading if you are looking for something that you can put down if Zoe needs you. I’m so happy that you can be with her during this time. I think of you both often and always pray for you. I pray that things are going well for her now that you probably have a general plan in place.
I just loved “A Woman of No Importance” by Sonia Purnell. Fascinating story of a woman from America who went to work in Europe for our government during WWII. WOW!!
The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate. If you read “Hillbilly Elegy”, I think “Hill Women by Cassie Chambers gives a more balanced view by someone who actually lived in Eastern KY. Ordinary Grace and This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger. If you like mysteries, start the series by Louise Penny. The Paris Library by Janet Charles. The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict
You have probably already read these….if not, I think you’ll like them.
The Nightingale, All the Light You Cannot See and A Gentleman in Moscow (Towles, Amor). Cannot put them down once you’ve started. Also, Sarah’s Key. Can’t remember author names off the top of my head. I second also the suggestion to read any book ever written by Maeve Binchy. Best wishes for your granddaughter Zoe. Such a sweet name.
Sorry, Rebecca Serle.
In Five Years by Rebecca Settle. Your welcome.
I really enjoy your Style Scouting posts! Good way to introduce us to other bloggers and products!
I’m going to “check-out” some of the books listed in the comments myself. Some of my favorite-recent reads: The Light in Hidden Places by Sharon Cameron; Hope Heals by Katherine and Jay Wolf; The Ground Kisser by Thanh Duong Boyer (one of the Vietnamese “boat people”); The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes
Prayers and hugs to you, Zoe and your family! I wonder if you have read the Wendy Wax Ten Beach Road series of books. About an interesting group of females rehabbing old houses in Florida and the goings on in their daily lives. Just fun reads. Helps you to relax and escape for a short bit.
PS…read them in order.
Hi Diane
I love to watch Cocomelon with my grandson. It’s such a sweet show. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Hope all goes good for Little Zoe – you’re a great Grandma. Prayers for all.
I hope Zoe is doing okay.
Lovely you can be there to help. I really enjoy Fredrick Bachman’s books. Louise Penny series about Inspector Gamache is great.
Kristen Hannah’ s books and Lisa See’s books all are good reads.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is a fantastic book!
Prayers for little Zoe. I hope everything goes well. She’s lucky to have her grandma there for her :)
I’ve enjoyed all of the Charles Martin books. If you haven’t seen the movie, start with The Mountain Between Us.
Also, books by Robert Bailey.
How nice that you get so much time to spend with Zoe.
It looks like you are getting some great recommendations for books. I subscribe to BookBub, and so every day I get a list of 5 books that are available on Kindle for $1.99. I never lack for something to read.
This month I read Shoe Dog, by Phil Knight. It’s the memoir of the founder of Nike shoes. It’s well-written, fascinating, and inspiring, especially for entrepreneurs like yourself. I’ll be giving copies of the paperback for Christmas gifts.
I also read The Night Portrait, by Laura Morelli. It’s a historical novel that alternates between two different time periods and locales — the 1940s in Poland and the late 15th century in Milan. It recounts the history of Leonardo da Vinci’s portrait of a nobleman’s mistress, a priceless painting that centuries later was stolen by the Nazis.
I also liked An American Bride in Kabul, by Phyllis Chesler. It’s the fascinating account by an American woman who married a Muslim man from Afghanistan in 1961 when they were both college students in New York City. Her book was written in 2013, and is more relevant now than ever. Although she envisioned an exciting life of travel and adventure, once in Afghanistan, she became part of her husband’s wealthy household ruled by unimaginable restrictions and contradictions. Although she nearly died while there, she was able to flee the country alone and has since become an active advocate for the rights of Afghan women. Eye-opening!
Sending you best wishes. Stay positive!
I, too, have learned all about CocoMelon. Enjoy. 😊
A very interesting book I recently read is The Salt Path. And a light reading book is The Restaurant. Another very good book is The Girl With the Louding Voice.
I’m glad you can be in CA with your granddaughter.
Diane, I recently read “All Adults Here” by Emma Straub. As a mom of adult children, I found it fascinating. I loved how you read each person’s perspective and how the Mom obsessed over things the kids did not notice. And also how she overlooked things that meant so much to them. I really recommend this book!
Hi Diane – I’ve just read two books by Kristin Hannah and loved them both! The first was The Nightingale – The book tells the story of two sisters in France during World War II and their struggle to survive and resist the German occupation of France.
The second was The Four Winds – A deeply moving, powerful story about the strength and resilience of women and the bond between mother and daughter, set in the USA during the 1930s.
I have read many WWII resistance books over the past year. I will have to add the 2nd Kristin Hannah book. I recommend Beneath the Scarlet Sky if you are in that genre.
Books I have recently read…
Summer Job by Lizzy Dent
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine by Gail Honeyman
Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland
And anything by Maeve Binchy
Books — The Bellingwood Series by Diane Greenwood Muir. Available on Amazon. A wonderful series.
I agree with Mary. Karen white is one of my favs. She has a series, i love those , which take place on tradd street. Your new state. They are great . love interest , an interior decorator , antiques and a little mystery. I am always awaiting her next book.
The shell seekers. An oldie but a goodie. An instant best seller when it hit the market.
The Crafternoon Sewcial Club by J C Williams.
If you like who-done-it’s and thrillers, I highly recommend any of the free standing books by Harlan Coben. Hoping and praying all goes well with your granddaughter. 🙏
Books …. The Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn… there are 9 books, starting with “The Duke and I “.. They will keep you entertained as you can’t wait to read the next .. they were great holiday reading for me (65yrs) enjoy..
Dear Diane,
I actually love to read your “Style Scouting” on my iPad when I have some free time. It makes a wonderful way to pass some time (and get new ideas) on a lovely fall afternoon like today. Sending positive thoughts and prayers for you, your family and granddaughterZoe.
Warm Regards,
Sophie
The Restoration of Celia Fairchild , any book written by Marie
Bostwick. I’m reading Hope on the Inside, these are so good.
Praying for healing for that precious baby girl.
The Mitford series by Jan Karon is wonderful. You’ll love all the characters in the small town. The Miss Julia series by Ann B. Ross is fun too.
My thoughts are with zoe. Big hugs
As for book ideas …anything by Kristen Hannah…a few of my favs: the Nightingale, winter Garden, The Great Alone…
Prayers to all of you. I read A LOT as I have to sit with my husband who has Alzheimer’s, and one of my favorite authors is Karen White. The Trade Street series is wonderful, along with all her other novels. You won’t be disappointed.