Does it seem like the holidays are rushing right past you? One way to slow time and enjoy this festive season is to sit down to a holiday-themed afternoon tea. Today I'm sharing a tea I hosted at home just last week, and in particular I'd like to highlight some of the...
I've been longing to have afternoon tea at the Boston Public Library's Courtyard Tearoom for years now. Due to various commitments and unforeseen conflicts, I haven't had success in getting my husband or a friend to join me, so during this latest trip I went solo. It...
Today I conclude my 2019 spooky film recs with some Ghost-free viewing options! All film synopses are from imdb.com. Cold Skin (2017) -- Unrated In 1914, a young man arrives at a remote island near the Antarctic Circle to take the post of weather observer only to find...
Oh, how I love a good GHOST film! Ghosts and/or related paranormal entities feature in each of the following recommendations. All film synopses are from imdb.com. The Wind (2018) -- Rated R A plains-woman faces the harshness and isolation of the untamed land in the...
I'm launching this year's festivities with a few movies the whole family might enjoy. Please check the Parental Guide for each title. If you’re new to the blog and have younger children, you might check my 2016 post that includes solidly PG films, and don't forget...
Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the 4th annual Harbor Springs Festival of the Book in Michigan--as a fan rather than an author. What a delight! Harbor is a lovely town on Lake Michigan, offering many restaurants and shops, including an indie bookstore....
Have you noticed how I tend to ping-pong between Gothic and Cozy stories? After last month's gluttony of dark mysteries, I craved comfort, and thus I turned to Noel Streatfeild's fictionalized account of her childhood, A Vicarage Family. Streatfeild is best known for...
Quick take: After weeks of "comfort" reading (see more here), I had a sudden and powerful appetite for spooky Gothic. These four novels were just what I was craving, and I DEVOURED them in a matter of days. (Many thanks to Myra and Melissa for recommendations!)...
Our final tea adventure of the summer took place at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. We warmed up with a hike to Fort Mackinac, followed by an 8 mile bike ride around the island. By the time we reached the hotel we were ready for refreshment. Tea service begins at...
Recently we attended a reunion in Iowa, as my brother and his wife had flown in from Japan to introduce their son to the American side of the family. I loved meeting little Hal (he is DELICIOUS) and spending time with people I don't see as often as I'd like. I also...
If you know me at all, you know I love Oxford. You also might recall that I adore the mysteries of Dorothy L. Sayers. While in Oxford this summer I was determined to put together my own literary walk to celebrate Sayers' Gaudy Night and its two main characters,...
Dear reader, I meant to offer a "Tea and a Book" recommendation for June, but there was just too much to do in preparation for travel. I will try again later this month. In the meantime I thought I'd start a new feature on the blog -- "Literary Walks." I love to...
Every time we travel I strive to thoroughly explore the tea options in that area. As it turns out, Georgetown has a lot to offer! 1. Ladurée I've had the pleasure of visiting this French tea room in Paris, London, and New York. Now I can add Washington DC to the list....
I've made a resolution since returning from Brooklyn--when joining my husband on business trips I will endeavor to research, patronize, and publicize my favorite independent bookstores. (In case you missed it, you'll find some wonderful Brooklyn options in this post.)...
This past Wednesday was my birthday, and since my husband Steve had a work commitment in D.C., I decided to tag along and enjoy some adventuring. I'd researched ahead of time and located a cat cafe, Crumbs & Whiskers, within walking distance of our Georgetown hotel....
