Oh, my dears. I have been on such a book binge for the last few weeks. I finally discovered and author who writes romance novels that I love and I’ve read three of her series (yes, series) since I picked up One Night for Love shortly before my previous “What I’m reading” two weeks ago. That’s 14 books in just over 14 days, which is almost embarrassing. Stand by for an actual review or two soon.

Nightstand: A Summer to Remember (Bedwyn Saga) by Mary Balogh. This is my favorite of the Mary Balogh series I’ve read so far. (I actually cried a little at the end of one of them. While reading in public. And I am NOT a crier.

Coffee table: Tales of the Hidden Worldby Simon Green. I started this collection of short stories right before I fell down the Mary Balogh rabbit hole. It’s enjoyable, and I’m looking forward to reading more of it. You know I like Simon Green.

On the metro: The Famous Heroine  by Mary Balogh. I have to stop reading romance novels on public transportation. I’m going to miss my stop and end up in VA.

Audiobook: Nothing at the moment.

Internets:

I thought this post on Raymond Lee Jewelers’ fabulous blog about the trouble with authenticating a Cartier Love Bangle was interesting.

There’s a jewelry giveaway from my girl The Redhead Fashionista!

A great post from Jewels du Jour on the jewels of Cannes. Spoiler: the ladies on the Cannes red carpets have been deliciously sparkly.

French schoolboys wear skirts to school to protest gender discrimination. You go, French schoolboys.

This JCK article about the difference between different labs’ diamond grading reports and the effect they have of retail prices is required reading for anyone looking to buy a diamond (and recommended for anyone interested in jewelry industry news). Thanks to reader Jessica M for emailing to be sure I saw it!

An exhibit of Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Cartier collection is coming to the Hillwood Museum in DC! A Cartier exhibit in my city! In my neighborhood, actually. I’m super excited to attend the press breakfast for this event in a couple of weeks.

Have you heard about the reality show that tries to trick the contestants into thinking they’re competing for a chance to marry Prince Harry? It is an embarrassment to all humans.

Who else loved Blake Lively’s black and white Cannes dress? Red carpet glamor at its finest. Her jewels aren’t too shabby, either.

Nightstand: One Night for Love by Mary Balogh. Oh, yes. That’s what it sounds like.

Coffee table: Half a King by Joe Abercrombie. A DRC; pretty good so far.

Kindle: Perfect: A Novel by Rachel Joyce. Another great story from the author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, which you know I really liked.

Audiobook: Nothing at the moment. Suggestions?

Internets:

The extremely fabulous Alexis Kletjian wrote a great Met Gala recap. Click for astute commentary, well-chosen photos, and links to some other excellent recaps (including mine!). Thanks, Alexis!

The many wiggles of Prince George. He’s a baby and a prince! He wiggles.

Forever Young Adult’s “Ultimate YA Checklist” is delightful, in that it involves YA books and no counting. Click the little boxes and it’ll tell you your score. I got a 53%, which is 40/73. That makes me a Belle: “You’re a regular fixture at your library, and your love of books has even been immortalized in song (or it should be). You have always harbored a desire to slide around on a rolling ladder.” Delightful.

The weight of Charles James’ various elaborate gowns, measured in atypical units like baby pug dogs. OH yes.

How amazing is this Harry Potter-themed wedding? I love people.

I have never said this before, but this is a really beautiful faucet.

Nightstand: Longbourn by Jo Baker.

Coffee table: The White Road (Nightrunner) by Lynn Flewelling. This book is a weak link in a series I love, but I never read a book in a series without rereading the entire series start to finish.

Kindle: The Kiss of Deception (Remnant Chronicles) by  Mary E. Pearson. This is a DRC and a pretty entertaining one so far.

Audiobook: Nothing at the moment!

Internets:

The title of this article is “Talking With 13-Year-Old Leggings Activist Sophie Hasty.” She’s a baller.

Eva Mendes says jeans are her worst nightmare. Despite the hyperbole, I’m in total agreement that jeans are never “easy.”

How Virginia’s ‘Conscience Clause’ for Genetic Counselors Could Set a National Precedent. This is horrifying.

100-Carat “Graff Vivid Yellow” Diamond to be Auctioned at Sotheby’s Geneva.

Archie!!! (Caution: spoilers for Archie comics.)

This video of two toddlers’ first Judo match is what I think it must have looked like when a sadistic gym teacher made my friend and I wrestle in front of the class in 6th grade. (Except that our teacher made the rest of the class sing “Mary had a little lamb” as we sparred, to make sure we knew how wussy he thought we were. Oh, middle school.)

How to have a Regency Tea Party picnic. Most useful thing I’ve ever seen on the internet.

Presented without comment: Idiot Loses $10K Engagement Ring After Leaving It in a Dressing Room.

Amy Pohler and several members of the Law and Order SVU cast join a campaign to fight rape myths. 1. This is super important and you should go look at the campaign. 2. Amy P, I love you so much.

And to rebound from that, here are some adorable videos I’ve seen on the internet recently: golden retriever plays with baby chickens, tiny puppy defends food bowl from big dog, and a compilation video of micro pigs being adorable.