the weekender

Written By Lauren Palmer

Good morning, friend.

I know, I know, so many changes recently, but I pretty much promise that moving the newsletter back to my website will be the last one…probably.

Welcome to the new format of my newsletter, affectionately called, The Weekender!

THE WEEKENDER:

Like with the weekend papers of the past, I hope you’ll get comfortable, coffee in hand, and enjoy this modern day arts and living section recapping my favorite looks, flavors, reads, and thrifts each week. This quick read is meant to inspire without demanding too much of your time. Let The Weekender become your favorite Friday morning ritual, your pre-packed carry-on for inspired living!

So here we go!

fashion

Last week I was the guest speaker at the Halcyon Club in McKinney and had the opportunity to share about my novel, The France Dance. I wore a thrifted lace skirt, thrifted denim pearlsnap shirt, and a quilted blazer I bought a few years ago in Round Top.

Style Tip: Don’t be scared to mix two seemingly contrasting fabrics, such as lace and quilting. You never know how it will turn out unless you try it. I’ve never paired these things together before and I love the finished look!

The belt and earrings were my mother’s from the 80s. I mix metals all the time and don’t think it is any sort of fashion crime to do so.

snake skin heals and a thrifted Banana Republic bag from Another Chance Resale.

Quick shout out for makeup and skincare. My skin has never looked better and I think it’s because I added the new Vitamin C Serum from Bambu Earth to my skincare routine. You can read about my CLEAN SKINCARE routine HERE.

food

For dinner one night this week I made a recipe known in my family as, “The Best Tomato Soup Ever in the World.” It’s a cross between Ina Garten’s and Gwyneth Paltrow’s tomato soup recipes.

The best part, you put grilled cheese croutons on top! Let me know if you’re interested in the recipe and I’ll publish it soon. 

thrifts

In last week’s newsletter, I mentioned one of my favorite vintage vendors was hosting a sale to prepare for her upcoming move from above Spoons to Tennessee Street in Downtown McKinney.

Well, on Saturday after visiting the Farmer’s Market, I went to the sale and picked up a few VERY COOL vintage finds.

The Cooking of Italy ©1968

The cool thing about this book is that it was obviously once cataloged in a high school library, complete with clear plastic cover, call number, and the check-out card on the interior flap. Hello dewy decimal system, it’s been a while.

Alabaster Grapes

I LOVE vintage alabaster grapes, and how amazing that they are pink! I’ve never seen pink ones before.

Substack

This week, I published a TAOLB Essentials letter about all my travel favorites, including everything I used to help me pack for 11 days in only a carry-on. You can read more HERE.

new finds

For once I didn’t find these at a secondhand store and I can actually share something new with you…look at these tomato glasses! Gah! Can you even? I saw these the other day and, combined with this spring-like weather, got excited about the days of summer ahead.

I’ve never shared this with anyone publicly, but the truth is, I love…fake food. I love fake artichokes, fake pomegranates, fake pears, fake apples. I love ones that you can fill up in a bowl, I love them on trays, I love little sculptures, I love paintings of them, and now, I love fake food on glassware.

I LOVE IT! You know me and tablescapes and I cannot wait to set my table, make some homemade pizza and pasta this summer, and all sit down for a meal together. Oh! And the good news is, these glasses also come in a lemon and orange version. I am giddy over these! Click the pictures below to shop.

And finally, Brian and I went to see this movie last weekend. Here are all the reasons why I loved it:

  1. It is a total homage to rom-coms of the 90s.

  2. I love Kevin James.

  3. It takes place in Rome.

  4. Andrea Bocelli is in it.

  5. The leading lady is adorable.

  6. There are some really funny parts.

  7. It’s wholesome. You could watch it with your mom or dad and not feel embarassed.

  8. Jonathan Roumie who plays Jesus in The Chosen is in it and he is pretty funny too.

All in all, I think you should have a good, old-fashioned date night like we did in the 90s and go see Solo Mio at the theater. Have fun!

Okay friends, I hope you feel a bit inspired to take some of these things into the weekend with you. Pack these in your inspiration bag and live beautifully!

Lauren Palmer