CTL Weekly 10.18

We are just back from Charleston (more on that soon!) and on the plane, I finished Ina Garten’s Be Ready When the Luck Happens. I got the book for my birthday (so happy…this is one I want on my shelf) and I switched back and forth between it and the audiobook read by Ina.

If you’ve followed the news about the book, you already know that Ina’s childhood was a difficult one, and also that she and Jeffrey had some bumps in the road, including a separation, both things she discusses in the book. There is also some house talk (yay!), including how she renovated their first house in DC and later the Paris apartment, and a super interesting story about how she negotiated for and bought the lot next door to their Hamptons home to build the cooking and entertaining barn you see on TV.

I loved all the details of her food career story, like the way she had to display roasted chickens to get them to sell at Barefoot Contessa, how she had to fight for her vision of the first cookbook, and how she reluctantly (and at first disastrously) entered the world of TV.

Maybe the most inspiring part of the book for me was the description of the life she’s built for herself and Jeffrey in Paris. From the way she shops and cooks, to what she loves about the city. She really takes you there.

My biggest takeaway from the book is what a force Ina is, both creatively and as a businesswoman. Yet, she’s not afraid to share how she doubts herself at almost every turn and moves ahead anyway. What a lesson.

Here’s more of what I saved to share with you this week…

Author J. Courtney Sullivan’s colorful home. From the article: “The centerpiece of my office is the desk my husband gave me 15 years ago, when I quit my day job and started writing full-time. On my desk, I have a photograph of me and my childhood friend Noreen making a snowman in a blizzard. The photo is a daily reminder of what drives us to create.”

The 20 golden rules of retirement travel retirement (which work just as well for the non-retired). I’m a big fan of #1.

If it’s fall it’s loafer season for me. Last year I bought my first pair of Birdies, the flat that aims for the comfort of a slipper. I bought The Starling in Cheetah, which has been discontinued, but the new Leopard is similar (I like it even better). If you’re new to Birdies, this link will get you $30 off your first order.

I also recently picked up these plaid Kelly & Katie Posh Loafers. They will look great with so many fall colors and there’s some black in them too, which I wear a lot of.

Two great jigsaw puzzles for fall: Michael Storrings’ Salem MA Halloween Parade (500 pieces) and Autumn in the Neighborhood (1000 pieces).

55 haunted hotels around the world. So many pretty ones too!

Is it too soon to talk Christmas? How cute is this Advent calendar of mini jars of Bonne Maman preserves?

I shared some Charleston highlights in my Instagram stories and an IG post in case you’re interested.