What are you up to this weekend? I’m letting out a giant exhale because as of this afternoon all four of my kids—middle school, high school, and college—will be DONE with school for another year, and wow does it feel good!
Now that our 2023 Summer Reading Guide is out, we’re easing into our summer rhythms here at Modern Mrs Darcy, and I want you to know what to expect. This season I’m welcoming a few team members to “guest host” Links I Love, starting next week with MMD editor Leigh Kramer’s appearance in this space. I’m excited to see what she shares! Leigh is a longtime friend and I’m lucky to personally benefit from her keen eye and good taste; I’m thrilled she’ll be sharing both right here.
I hope you have something to look forward to this weekend, that you get a moment to fully exhale, and that this collection of interesting reads and favorite things helps ease you into that weekend frame of mind.
My favorite finds from around the web:
Our MMD 2023 Summer Reading Guide is out! Get your copy here.
Amanda Gorman on her inauguration poem being banned from Miami school: ‘I am gutted.’ (Los Angeles Times) This is the best synopsis I can find of this week’s events.
Inside the Delirious Rise of ‘Superfake’ Handbags. (The New York Times gift link) Counterfeits and dupes have long been an issue for high fashion labels. If you’ve read Counterfeit by Kristin Chen you’ve gotta read this piece!
The Anonymous Postcard That Inspired a French Best-Seller. (The New Yorker) Great profile of the author and behind the scenes on The Postcarda 2023 Minimalist Summer Reading Guide selection. It makes me even more excited to talk with translator Tina Kover with MMD Book Club inJuly.
My new favorite cleaning tool: we love our yellow lab Daisy but don’t love that dog hair is everywhere. I found this little pet hair remover with the help of google and it has been magic on our upholstered furniture and wool-blend rugs.
Mansfield Park and patience. (Laura Vanderkam) “Ten pages doesn’t take that long. Because it’s such a small daily requirement, I actually read the ten pages… I feel a certain patience with the whole process, because I know that if I stick with it, I will be done.” For more about Laura’s reading endeavors, listen to WSIRN #359: Making big reading goals a reality.
How to Make Mystical ‘Fairy Butter’. (Atlas Obscura) Yum.
Laura Dave breaks down Last Thing He Told Me finale and what she imagines for a sequel. (Entertainment Weekly) Spoilers ahead! My family had big feelings about the finale and enjoyed talking over this piece together.
I’m loving this adorable crossbody bag from Target and this summery straw version from Madewell (30% off for the weekend).
A daily nap has a surprising benefit that has nothing to do with your energy levels. (Stylist) I’ve never been much of a napper but this makes me want to be!
‘The Color Purple’ Musical Trailer: Fantasia Barrino Stars in Emotional First Glimpse of New Movie. (People) Coming to theaters December 25.
Do you need a Pemberley shirt for the summertime? I thought so.
The Secret Ingredient Italian-American Chefs Love to Use. (The Takeout) I love hot cherry peppers and we keep them on hand, yet I still didn’t realize the possibilities!
Tolkien’s Middle-Earth wasn’t a place. It was a time in (English) history. (BigThink) Interesting theory.
From our archives:
12 recommended reads for those who dream of traveling to Scotland. Whether you’re planning a trip to Scotland or simply looking for some armchair travel, we’ve got you covered!
11 juicy memories to toss in your beach bag this summer.
15 re-readable middle grade novels that adults will love, too. The comments are a treasure trove!
Have a great weekend!