The Light of London

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Many years ago and for many reasons, I added London to my list of favorite cities.  As an architecture enthusiast, London's rich architectural history is something to marvel - well, that is what's left from the Great Fire of 1666. Gratefully, The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Banqueting House and some Tudors still stand.  Although London lost many of it's amazing historical structures, there are new and modern ones adding to the eclectic urban skyline.  When one thinks about what great cities have to offer, bridges, towers, and grand buildings usually come to mind (and for me food, but that's another story:)).   The most famous architects and those aspiring to be, often target cities for their next grand structure.  Through architecture, you get to learn about a city's history and future - London offers many styles of old and new - the Canary Wharf at night shows the best of the new.  

The Light of London is one of a series of books by photographer Jean-Michel Bert.  These books are also among my favorite as Bert pays homage to some of the best cities in the world.  In this case, his images depict London's medieval and modern architecture.  

If you are in London, or planning a trip - take time to enjoy it's architecture - and be sure to bring a brelly:).  

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Not Wretched!

British rapper Wretch 32 is suave and sexy - seriously, what a great. um, voice:).  Lately, I am so loving him with Ed Sheeran and his latest song - have a listen...& a look.

Weekend Gratitude ❤

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Weekends have always offered so many possibilities - it's a great time to see family and friends, have great food, do something active or not, take a road trip, a good long walk, go antiquing or to a yard sale, read a great book, watch telly or a movie, visit a museum, sit in the park or on the beach, create something fun, garden, go to or make brunch on Sunday - after church for me:), read the Sunday Times, volunteer, adopt an animal, fall in love, listen to good music or sometimes you just stumble into something great - quite unexpectedly.  Whatever your weekend looks like,  just take time to breathe and be grateful for your many blessings and realize that -  life is good!  

❥ Brooklyn Museum's GO project

 

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The Sheer Thought of It

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The temperature in New York is sweltering and the sheer thought of putting on clothing is unfathomable.  But, since we simply must, why not try these lovely sheer dresses from BCBG to help stave off the heat and look wonderful in the interim!  Oh, and this lovely open-air, seaside home in Laredo Cantabria, Spain might help too :).  

Architects:  FRPO Rodriguez & Oriol Architecture & Landscape via Architizer

Head Strong!

For centuries women in Africa, India and Native Americans have adorned their heads with beautiful ornamentation, often symbolizing more than just a fashion statement.   The trend today however of head jewelry, is strictly for fashion and beauty and seems to have been for the past few years.   Fashionable women have not only embraced these accessories, but have taken them to the next, shall we say more alluring level - i.e., more jewels and sparkling materials.  Vogue magazine years ago highlighted this trend with stunningly beautiful images of Kate Moss by Annie Leibovitz.  Some in the fashion industry predict and hope that interest in this look will or is beginning to fade - I however happen to like it and think that those women who are beautiful, strong and independent in spirit and style, will, like the women of the Masai continue to make their own statement and not be guided by what's trendy.  For these women are stunning and headstrong! 

Image: Jonathan May

 Arthur Elgort & Leibovitz for Vogue 

Images:  Yarum Tahiliani, Free People

Tracy Chapman's New Beginning

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Today my niece Tiffany sent me a link to a young aspiring artist named Segun singing one of my favorite Tracy Chapman songs - Fast Car.  She reminded me of how much I once LOVED her music - and still do!  Tracy Chapman wrote smart, powerful and beautiful lyrics that were rooted in her passion for social activism, partnered with her richly toned and smooth earthy voice, it planted itself into your soul.  It is of no surprise that her music is still being sung and enjoyed by a younger audience, this is what happens when you create something brilliant - it lives on forever.  One of her songs - "talkin about a revolution" is profoundly more relevant today than when she first presented it and still gives me hope that as a people, we will stand up and fight against the many inequities that we face today. Hopefully, Tracy will come out with new music to inspire a new era.   However, until then, we still have the wonderful gifts that she's given us.  Thanks Segun and Tiff  for giving her music a new beginning!

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An Ace!

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One of the highlights of my weekend was watching Serena Williams win her 5th Wimbledon title, matching her sister Venus' 5 Wimbledon wins.  The Williams sisters reign in the tennis arena has been inspiringly remarkable!  I remember when they first appeared on the mainstream tennis circuit to a rather chilly, if not somewhat racist reception from those who apparently did not know any better.   With comments that ranged from the beads in their hair being a distraction,  the accusations about their father's training practices and fewer product endorsements than those players with lesser skills, these women have endured and shown the world that they are here to stay - and play!  Serena recently survived a life-threatening blood clot in her lungs last year and has proven once again, that with hard work, dedication and focus, she's an ace.  Her powerful serve and the loving support from her family and friends keeps her at the top of her game and everyone else's.  Approaching 31, there is now speculation about whether or not Serena will be able to defy the odds and continue to rule the court - frankly, it doesn't matter at this point, she's already a proven winner - but, if there is anyone who can defy the odds, she can!  Congrats Serena!

♠
Photos:  Mike Egerton/PA

Have a Happy Fourth!

Fourth of July is here and its oddly happening midweek!  So, hopefully your celebration will still include any of the following - besides, isn't it time to declare your independence by taking a few well-deserved days off?  Happy Fourth!  

Outfit:  Free People & Club Monaco

 Outfit:  Tory Burch

Clothing: Madewellrecipe

Grilled Corn Recipe  &  Blueberry Pie

Hat

Swimwear:  Target

Outfit:  Free People

Enjoy!