This & That: No. 118

~Article

~How the Paleolithic Diet Got Trendy, The New Yorker

Is agriculture a fad or is the pale lifestyle a fad? Contributor to The New Yorker, Elizabeth Kolbert, pontificates about the history of how we eat today and why the Paleo approach to eating is taking hold in a variety of ways in our modern world. Humorous, but also quite insightful, it’s a worthwhile read and something to consider.

~Book

~The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari: A Fable About Fulfilling Your Dreams & Reaching Your Destiny

As my editor pointed out without hesitation during my recent visit to New York City, you’re someone who’s intrigued by finding answers, and while I’ve never been described so succinctly, I knew she was correct. So, when I discovered The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, I immediately was intrigued as it reminded me of The Alchemist

. Perhaps you too are someone who is intrigued about finding answers to life’s endless questions, and if so, this book may be just what you’re looking for.

~Film

~The One Hundred Foot Journey

Inspired by Richard C. Morais’ international best-selling novel of the same name, The One Hundred Foot Journey, produced by Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey (Winfrey chose the novel as a summer’s best reads in 2010) and directed by Chocolat’s Lasse Hallström, stars academy award winner Helen Mirren as Madame Mallory who is the chef and owner of the Michelin starred restaurant Le Saule Pleureur, a classical French restaurant. When an Indian restaurant settles in across the street in the small southern French village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, Madame Mallory is needless to say skeptical and put off by the proximity. But it is the crossing of cultures, a young love affair and eye-opening sharing of worlds and talents that bring everyone together along the way. The film opens next Friday, August 8th, and I for one, will be in the theaters to take it all in. Have a look at the trailer below:

~Food

~Kate’s Homemade Butter

Made daily by the Patry family in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, Kate’s Homemade Butter (available at Whole Foods) is made without artificial growth hormones and is never frozen. While made for many years for the family, the slow-churned butter finally became available for purchase in 1981, and now that the word has gotten out, people have fallen in love. Having recently discovered the butter in an issue of Bon Appetit, I am eager to pick up a stick or two and give it a try the next time I find myself in Portland.

~Shopping

~Rory Beca

A young designer, Rory Beca, who resides in Santa Monica Canyon, California, biking to the local farmer’s market, soaking up the beauty of the beach and sun when she isn’t traveling, began her clothing line in 2006 to offer women beautiful casual style. With silk tops, dresses, rompers, jumpsuits, camisoles and tunics, her clothing is ideal for casual summer style. Priced reasonably for the top quality of fabrics, have a look at her collection at Shopbop as well as her own site to see all that she has to offer.

~Seville Wedge Espadrille

J.Crew’s summer sale continues through August 3rd, and with the promo code TREAT, all items are additionally 40% off the price listed. Always looking for summer style additions to my wardrobe, but never wanting to pay too much money for this particular season – these espadrilles (available in nude, navy, black, yellow and vintage green), originally priced $128, will be $67 with the promo code. Don’t miss out!

August has arrived, and with it one last warm month. After a relaxing and yet productive week in the country to finalize details on the book (an announcement is coming soon!), I am back at home, planning on making the most of this last month before school begins again. And of course I can’t help but get excited about the new fall fashions that are beginning to be released for the new season. But I’m getting ahead of myself, here are a few articles, pics and a recipe you might enjoy pursuing through. Enjoy!

~If you are someone who thinks logically, prefers news with statistic graphics, grids and tables, you will love The New York Times Upshot. Kicking off this past spring, “Upshot” offers readers “news, analysis and data visualization about politics and policy”. Led by Pulitzer Prize winning economics journalist David Leonhardt, intriguing stats on college costs, the labor force and so much more, this may be something to pique even more questions and conversation.

~Are you someone who loves good food, but would rather order take-out than cook? Read “How the Hemsley Sisters Are Solving Cooking Anxiety” to discover simple ways to satiate your appetite and save your budget.

~September fashion magazines are beginning to release their much anticipated covers – here are a few from the UK - Vogue, Elle, Harpers’ Bazaar & Instyle.

~Ah, relationships. Marc and Angel always offer insightful, thought provoking advice, and this article is no different - “10 Toxic Relationships Mentally Strong People Avoid”

~And if you’re confused about what the difference between Pre-Fall and Fall collections is, you’re not alone (me too). NYTimes Style section tackles the question and tries to solve the quandary in “When is “Prefall”? As Soon As You Want It To Be”