Good morning, darlings!

I’ve run off for a mini summer vacay with my sister. I hope you’re making some time to have fun this summer, too! I’ll be back soon – and I’ll have something really fantastic for you.

xoxo,
Becky

What I’m reading:

A Duke in Shining Armor: Difficult Dukes by Loretta Chase. This book isn’t out yet, but I’m thoroughly enjoying my sneak peek at the digital galley!! As soon as I finish with this book, I’m going to need to read everything else Loretta Chase has ever written.

Internets:

A Look Inside Europe’s Most Enchanting Libraries by Photographer Thibaud Poirier.

Did you know there are metal detector-wielding experts that specialize in finding lost jewelry? One business has retrieved over 3,500 lost treasures.

This Amazing Toy Block Tape Turns Anything Into A LEGO-Friendly Surface.

Just because we LOVE them: A collection of Art Nouveau doors from around the world.

Augusten Burroughs’s Love Affair With Jewelry.

You know you want to see VCA’s beautiful automaton.

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Happy Friday, my darlings!!

If you follow me on social media, you know that I spent much of my week trying to get the broken air conditioning system in my house fixed. It’s been 90 degrees here, and that’s not so much fun when your bedroom is on the third floor. Thankfully, air conditioning repair company #2 came to our rescue this morning and the House of DitL is once again pleasantly temperate.

I have pretty mixed feelings going into this particular holiday weekend. I normally love the 4th of July – growing up in the DC area, people make a really big deal out of Independence Day. I usually go down to the National Mall with a group of friends to see the fireworks. It’s chaos, but everyone’s so excited and happy it’s usually worth braving the crowds. But I’m just not proud of my country right now and it feels disingenuous to celebrate it as if I am.

Regardless of patriotism (or lack thereof), I still plan to thoroughly enjoy drinking some margaritas on my patio. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend, whatever your plans for the 4th of July may be.

xoxo,
Becky

What I’m reading:

Desperate Housewives. Ahaha, you caught me. This isn’t a book. I’m still finishing up the photo editing from my Vegas adventures and binge watching Housewives while I do it. This is taking up a lot of my reading time for now, but it’ll be worth it.

The Duchess Deal: Girl Meets Duke by Tessa Dare. I just got my hands on a review copy of the new Tessa Dare and I can’t wait to read it!! She’s one of my all time favorite romance novel authors.

Internets:

I live for GFY’s hat roundups: The Many Amazing Hats of Royal Ascot.

Check Out This Incredible Online Fashion Archive and Kiss Your Productive Afternoon Goodbye

The American Writers’ Museum is now open in Chicago. Field trip, anyone?

Cakes versions of famous buildings made by architects! This is super cool.

Weddings of the 0.01 Percent. I’d love to see the jewelry involved in these events!

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Good morning, darlings!

I’m still working on preparing my Vegas photos for you (first post to come soon!!) but in the meantime, we’ve had fun learning about modern dress clips from Jubilee Jones and talking about my new favorite book all about diamonds!

Speaking of which – my giveaway for Brilliance and Fire ends today. 5 of you will win a free copy, but you can’t win if you haven’t entered. Don’t forget to enter by 3 pm today, because that’s when I’m picking my winners!

xoxo,
Becky

What I’m reading:

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters. I’ve been hearing good things about this book for ages and I’m finally getting around to seeing what all the fuss is about. I’m only a little ways in, but it’s really good already.

If I Only Had a Duke by Lenora Bell. This book is pretty delightful. I love a sassy heroine.

Internets:

I loved this article in the NYT! In a Time of Stress, Jewelry Becomes Armor.

The True Story Behind Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and Her Mixed-Up Files. Who else loves this book??

That Thing Where You Feel Forced To Choose Either Silver Or Gold For Life.

4 Body-Negative Messages People Spread in the Name of Body Positivity.

A Golden Girls Version of Clue Is Coming Out & I Am Here for It. But is the theme song going to be “Thank you for murdering a friend”? Only time will tell.

The Lavish Work of One of the Last Gilders of the Versailles Court: because it’s almost jewelry-related, and super cool.


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