On Father's Day/Our 1st Anniversary (yay!), we spent a day picnicking at and browsing around Harper's Ferry. In an antique shop (generously, in my opinion, identified as such, rather than as a junk-from-maybe-one-generation-ago shop), I came across candy cigarettes.
I wasn't excited enough to buy any, since they didn't actually appeal to me. But I was excited enough to take a picture – it was a throwback to when my siblings and I were kids and would take the spare change we collected on a walk down to the Tedeschi's in the town center for some candy purchasing! (Lemonheads and Boston Baked Beans were the norm; candy cigarettes more of an investment purchase.)
It's been a while since I've taken a fake drag on one of these… |
The Artist was skeptical that I would be able to finish this ice cream cone.
Silly husband.
We scoped out all the ice cream joints before committing to one. If you're ever in Harper's Ferry, I recommend Scoops. |
I trust that, by our 2nd anniversary, he will no longer be in any doubt as to my abilities to handle whatever ice cream cone is thrown at me.
Yes, I am from MA and my mama taught me how to eat a cone. No drips nor crumbs in sight! |
This week's links!
- Since Auntie Leila did {b&p} last week, some of my collected links for this week are slightly older – but hopefully still interesting. For instance, you may have already come across this Op-Ed from the NYTimes about How Not to Be Alone. If not, it's worth a read. If yes, perhaps a re-read? I always like to probe a bit around the ideas at the intersection of technology and human flourishing.
- Speaking of which, allow me to take a moment to recommend The New Atlantis, a publication I have never read often enough (despite even having been an intern with them at one point). It's fairly young – just hit the 10 year mark – and so are most of the questions it addresses!
- I had fun reading through these 100 Greatest Cooking Tips from various professionals associated with the Food Network. I love reading lists like these! Every once and a while there's one that's perhaps a little annoying (like, oh THANKS a LOT, Alex, for recommending that I go to the grocery store without a list… maybe if I, too, were shopping at Dean & Deluca or whatever the lesser-known, even awesomer gourmet store is that you shop at and were meal planning for one person on a leisurely schedule and without a budget!) [ahem], but mostly they're fun and interesting – and a few are gems!
- For the brides and newlywed ladies out there: this is the first site I've come across that seems fairly exhaustive in the paperwork department: NameThatBride. For your practical, name-changing-logistics needs. The main thing is to have a helpful checklist, but this site also provides you with downloadable forms, which is clutch.
- Good fun from the archives of The Art of Manliness (Moms of mature boys: have your husbands recommend this site to your sons! [Although, warning: the comments aren't moderated and can be problematic at times]): The Ins and Outs of Opening a Door for a Woman. Now, I'm not sure if they nailed the particular topic of revolving doors correctly (it has always been my understanding that the man is supposed to step into the revolving door first to provide the momentum for the lady coming behind him). Otherwise, I find it spot-on. I always enjoy the attention to detail combined with common sense on this site.
- On a more serious note, also regarding the respective roles of men and women: When Love Grows Cold from National Review.
- Continuing on the theme, I recommend that you read about the Distinct, Positive Impact of a Good Dad. It baffles me that people out there are attempting to make the argument that moms and dads are not distinctive, critical influences. It's one thing to be without one because of unavoidable causes: in the case of a widower father, for instance, or when the man skips out on the mom, leaving her to raise her kids alone. But to intentionally deprive a child of either parent is another issue entirely.
- In the market for a new swimsuit? I recently came across a modesty talk by this young woman Jessica Rey, designer and marketer of a line of modest swimwear for women who opt out of the bikini culture. And she has a sense of style! I haven't heard any reviews regarding quality (any readers have experience?), but the prices appear to be reasonable.
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Mary says
I totally remember the candy cigarette's! How funny is that. My hubby and I love Scoops! It's the BEST ice cream around. So scrumptious!
My favorite “piece” from this week is the lovely speech on modesty from Jessica Rey. Her swim suits are stunning. Thanks so much for sharing.
Jennifer Miller says
We like to go antiquing, too, and just did it for our anniversary on Monday.
Those swimsuits look pretty good, but many of them still have the cleavage problem. And for larger busts there is no cup option size, which is a necessity!
DeirdreLMLD says
Hmm good point. That's a problem I wouldn't have noticed! 🙂
bit says
I searched and searched through swimsuits the last time I needed one, and eventually ended up here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CreationsbySavannah
I dislike halter tops, and had sizing problems with ready-made suits. I usually prefer a 1pc suit but this shop has really nice 2 piece ones at a great price for custom work compared to buying the pieces separately.
Kelsey says
I ordered a Rey swimsuit last year – the “Jo” style with the cherry print. It is pretty and has held up well, but the lining was always visible above the bodice cups, even when I took out the foam pads. That is a bit annoying. I also found a small skirted bottom at TJ Maxx in a matching blue that I like to wear over the Rey bottoms, as it was still a bit skimpy – not immodest in my opinion, just not my personal favorite.
DeirdreLMLD says
Good to know, Kelsey. That suit looks very attractive on the website, but design flaws like that can be a big downer!
Lauren says
Love the picture of you eating ice-cream! I can out eat my husband too when it comes to ice-cream, burgers etc haha. Where is that maternity dress from? You look so beautiful pregnant. With the articles, I really liked how not to be alone, the one on opening doors (I am glad to read it's ok to exit the car without awkwardly waiting 45 sec for the guy to run around and grab your door), and the one about when Loves Grows Cold was true but sad.
DeirdreLMLD says
Thanks so much, Lauren! The dress is from Old Navy. I just ordered a bunch of things online since they have free shipping (over $50) and free returns. I tried on a slew of dresses and things and returned almost everything – just cheap quality. I kept this dress because it's pretty, light (trying to get through the end of pregnancy in DC heat!), and extremely comfortable. But I'm already questioning the purchase a little, because I'm afraid the tummy is going to wear out faster than the rest of it; between brushing against doorframes (because I forget how big I am) and all the patting and rubbing from both expectant parents, I think the tummy area might get more of a beating than it's up for.
Julie says
At 37 weeks pregnant, I am envious of that ice cream….can't turn down that cold treat! You are looking adorable!
Debbie says
Take a look at truly modest swimwear; I have three of these bathing suits from Princess Modest Swimwear, and they are fantastic:
Debbie says
OK, their website is up again: http://modestswimwear4u.com/
Nancy says
Always enjoy your links!
Lauren says
I have several friends with Rey swimsuits who love them, but as much as I appreciate her style the tops don't seem supportive enough to tempt me. Swimsuits are just something I'd rather avoid, as I find navigating general modesty in a fashionable way exhausting enough. 🙂 Thanks to Leila for the tip on shopping at Boden, though! I've been browsing their site and finding lots of lovely options.