Caroline’s Sublime Garden
There is something bittersweet about this stretch of the calendar. The frantic energy and endless possibility of early summer has faded. Vacations have been taken. The days feel hotter than ever— was it this hot last summer?! The days slip away earlier than before, the new school year is just around the corner, and somewhere in the not-so-far-away distance, September begins calling our names.
Caroline and I agree that we have always loved this in-between season. Something about it has always felt a bit prescient, as if we must remember to enjoy these last few weeks before fall unveils what it has in store for us.
It’s a reminder not to rush toward what’s next. There will be plenty of time for cashmere sweaters (maybe not so much in the South), football Saturdays, al fresco meals when the temperature finally drops below 80 (hallelujah!) and holiday planning. For now, we are trying to linger a little longer in linen dresses, slower days, and long afternoons that don’t require much of an agenda.
Here are a few things we’re enjoying before autumn officially arrives.
If you’ve been to a farmers market lately, you know we’re in the sweetest part of tomato season. This recipe for an Heirloom Tomato Galette with Burrata from the Wishbone Kitchen Cookbook is one of my favorites. Eat seasonally whenever you can. Everything tastes so much better when you do. The simplest meals are often the most memorable.
The Newt in Somerset
No matter how many beautiful hotels I research for the trip I want to plan for my family to England next summer, I keep coming back to The Newt. The gardens alone are worth the journey, but what I admire most is how every detail—from the architecture to the restaurants to the farm shop—works together to create an entire way of life, not just a place to stay. I know there are quite a lot of fabulous hotels in the English countryside and we are open to splitting our stay between a couple of different places, so please do let me know if you have any recommendations for places that are beautiful, offer good service and food, and are family friendly.
The Other Bennet Sister
While I haven’t shared the details, I have mentioned a couple of times on the podcast and here on Substack that I had surgery in mid-July. As such, I spent a couple of weeks at home resting and recuperating and finally had a chance to catch up on some TV shows I hadn’t had a chance to watch. I watched The Four Seasons (funny and wry), Five Star Weekend (cute but lacked depth), Margo’s Got Money Troubles (so good!) and the standout— The Other Bennet Sister. It’s a spin on Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice with the odd-sister-out, Mary Bennet eschewing societal expectations and finding her own way in the world. It is incredibly charming and you’ll find yourself rooting for Mary the whole way through. The stunning Badminton Estate makes an appearance as Pemberley Hall for my English country house lovers. You can watch it on Britbox or Amazon Prime.
The Immensely Talented, 19 year-old Sienna Spiro
Okay, I’m sensing a theme here, but I can’t help it. Perhaps I am a full on Anglophile now, but those young British girls are really having a moment when it comes to music. I’ve been obsessed with Olivia Dean for a while now. Add Raye and Sienna Spiro to the mix and it feels like a similar moment to when Amy Winehouse and Adele first came on the scene with their incredible, powerful voices, and timeless sixties-style slant. I’m currently playing Material Lover by Sienna Spiro on repeat!
The other day, I saw a post from Carlos Mota on Instagram that stopped me in my tracks. It was quite possibly the most elegant way I’ve seen a drink served, especially a soft drink like Coca-Cola. Carlos and his friends were having lunch at Airelles Chateau de Versailles and the Coca-Cola was decantered into a small vessel, then poured into a cut crystal glass. Pretentious? Possibly. Elegant and chic AF? Absolutely.
A Breakfast Nook by Cordelia de Castellane as featured in House & Garden
Dior Maison’s Artistic Director, Cordelia de Castellane has a beautiful project in the Normandy region of France featured in the new issue of House & Garden UK. The entire home is romantic and filled with beautiful patterns, but this lovely breakfast nook stopped us in our tracks.
A mix of polished poolside pieces for the final dredges of summer:
Clockwise from Left to Right: Black Embroidered Cotton Rhea Dress | Janessa Leone Teagan Bucket Hat | Christopher Esber Jo Sandal | Orbi Woven Straw Bag | Hunza G Coverage Square Neck Swimsuit
What are you trying to savor before summer slips away?
Comment below and tell us one thing you’re determined to enjoy before the season changes. We always love hearing what’s being installed into your life. Don’t forget to subscribe!
Xo,
Paloma
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