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.

This post contains affiliate links. 

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.

This post contains affiliate links. 

Nightstand: The Blue Sword by Robin Mckinley.  Badass lady hero with sword. An old favorite.

Coffee table: Longing by Mary Balogh.  You know I love me some Mary Balogh.

On the metro: The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman. I’ve never read anything by Hoffman before, but halfway through this eerie, gorgeously written novel, I know I’ll be seeking out her other books.

Internets:

There’s lots to love in this Jewellery Editor post on tanzanite.

Jell-O Molds and Shrimp Trees: Behind the Insane Vintage Food of ABC’s “The Astronaut Wives Club.” This is totally fascinating and made me feel a little sick.

YES: Charming and Unusual Bookstores Around the World.

100 years of iconic royal wedding dresses in one infographic. Why haven’t you clicked yet?

Caffeinated wine. CAFFEINATED WINE.

The Humbley siblings: named for victory. Random, interesting historical tidbits from All Things Georgian.

This Podcast Is Trying To Put You To Sleep. As a lady who is prone to insomnia, I think this sounds amazing.

This post contains affiliate links.