Nightstand: When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare. I bet you smiled at that title. And it’s by Tessa Dare, so you know it’s delightful.

Coffee table: My new vacuum cleaner’s instruction manual. I know, super boring. But it’s real life.

On the balcony: In Death Lamented: The Tradition of Anglo-American Mourning Jewelry by Sarah Nehama. I am SO excited to have this book in my collection. I’ve heard such amazing things. I’m just starting out with it, but so far, so good.

Internets:

This is the most beautiful salad I have ever seen.

A Lesson A Year – Turning Passion into Business.

Kat Graham wore this vintage Versace dress to the VMAs and I am allllllll about it.

The Women of Ancient Egypt Were All About Prenups.

The softer side of Star Wars. Trust me, these are hilarious.

The National Book Festival is this weekend!! Who’s going?

You shouldn’t drive into a pond. But if it does happen, you should probably try to handle it with as much aplomb as this 80-year-old British man.

Bookish  hedgehogs of Instagram. Oh yes, I did.

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Nightstand: When Scandal Takes the Stage by Eva Leigh. This is part of a new historical romance series focusing on women writers. I loved it.

Coffee table: North of Beautiful by Justina Chen. I’m working my way through the recommended reading for Book Riot Live in November, and this was a great starting point. A gorgeous, empowering YA novel.

On the metro: The Killing Moon by N.K. Jemisin. I’m having a liiiiiiittle trouble getting into this one, but I’m going to read at a least a bit more of it before I consider giving up. I’m only a chapter or so in.

Internets:

This badass Afghani woman is finding a way to teach Afghanistan’s young women about computers.

A Historical Romance Writer Explains the Sex Appeal of Men in Wigs.

An incredible opal is being publicly displayed for the first time! It’s gorgeous, but it sadly has the world’s stupidest name.

This article is sort of about a feud between Huston and Dallas, but I’ll tell you why it’s worth reading: rich people’s insane closets.

Earring backing drama! The world cares.

John Oliver did a genius segment on sex ed. Makes you laugh, makes you want to cry and punch people, then cheers you up again.

Lots of good info (and pretty rings) in Refinery29’s epic guide to engagement ring shopping.

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Nightstand: The Proposal by Mary Balogh

Coffee table: Only Enchanting by Mary Balogh. From the Survivor’s Club series.

On the metro: How to Catch a Wild Viscount by Tessa Dare. (Currently free on Kindle through Amazon.)

Internets:

The Violent, Royal Story of How Tartan Became Your Favorite Plaid.

Have you ever wished you could own Roger Sterling’s bar cart? You’re in luck: the props from Mad Men are hitting the auction block.

Horrifying: Meet The People Who Suffer From “Kosmemophobia” — A Fear Of Jewelry.

A Gem Gossip feature on one of my favorite antique jewelry dealers, Leola Revives! This store was the source of my beloved double-headed Victorian opal and diamond snake ring.

A roundup of Royals in amazing hats, because yes.

Field trip, anyone? Here are nine of America’s best flea markets.

The Original ‘Waist Trainer’ – 18th Century Stays. I was at a nail salon having my gel manicure removed the other day when I looked down at my tinfoil-covered fingers and just started laughing. My manicurist looked me and said “I know – the things we do to ourselves.” I have that same reaction to this article on stays.

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