Lifestyle blogger Jennifer Scott of The Daily Connoisseur has come up with a monthly Chic Assignment series. At the beginning of every month, she posts her chic assignment. The assignment consists of things to do during the month to raise your chicness.
It’s a simple, easy, and just fun way to bring some art/culture/pleasures into your world. I’ve now learned about some of Monet’s paintings, read a Shakespeare sonnet, and listened to Bolero while cooking in the kitchen. Why not…
Some books you read for the story and some for knowledge or insight. Others you read because they are so beautifully written like from the author Colette.
My Mothers House and Sido is of her childhood stories in France and her strong attachment to her mother. Clearly, she has the fondest memories of her childhood. The writing also touches on her mother’s love for her garden and plants. While reading it, I picture in my mind romantic gardens of wisteria, roses, and other blooms.
Last night, Sr. Elizondo and I went to dinner at Cenacola, an Italian restaurant in San Pedro. The wines were outstanding and Sr. Elizondo’s carbonara was made table side and served to him in the same pan. He’s a bit of a carbonara connoisseur and thought the presentation and flavor were excellent.
You can also see below most people in Mexico do not eat dinner until 8:00pm or later. A 7:00pm dinner means a close to empty restaurant.
After dinner, we went to see some live music. Not the best band I’ve ever heard, but fun all the same.
I can’t believe this French lifestyle book hasn’t popped up on more Francophile book lists.
This book is like reading a day in the life of a French person and the day revolves around the importance of meal times. If you’re someone who is interested in what the French eat day to day, this is the book for you.
The author who is a French chef believes a happy life is found in the little things you do daily. So why not pause and make the little things a little special like the French do. I agree.
I bought this book electronically, but this is a book I see myself referencing often, especially since recipes are included. And as convenient as electronic books are, they do not compare with holding a real book in your hand and thumbing through the pages. It’s the little things.
Here are some takeaways from the book.
City Market has arrived in Monterrey. I actually only went because I was told they have gourmet tea and a tea shop I would probably like. I was in for quite the surprise. I had no idea it would be such a nice, huge, two story grocery store and then some. It felt very European to me.
An amazing deli section.
Along with food, City Market has a pharmacy, spa goods, home goods, and flower sections as well.
Restaurants too. A tea room, cafe, sushi bar, Italian bar, and wine bar with a stained glass ceiling. Trés bien!
Have you heard of the speaker/author/storyteller Brené Brown? She’s been around for awhile, but I’ve just discovered her. She is a multi-degreed, shame/vulnerability researcher. I’m currently reading The Gift of Imperfection which is the book she recommends to read first. Instead of self help “How to…”, she’s more of what’s in your way type of gal, with a down to earth way of talking and lots of stories.
If you’re interested, but don’t want to pick up a book, she currently has a special on Netflix, “The Call to Courage”. It’s worth a watch. There are also multiple videos on YouTube.
Yesterday, a good friend’s daughter of Sr. Elizondo got married. It was a beautiful event as they always are here. There’s definite differences between weddings here and wedding back in the U.S based on my experience.
Weddings are typically a much more formal affair in Mexico than in the United States. The weddings here have a full mass, attire is always formal with most women wearing midi or long gowns. There are normally 250-500 people who attend, and the wedding can last until early morning with breakfast sometimes served!
Some other differences are Mexican weddings have no bridal parties, they start in the evenings and the dinner isn’t normally served until around 9:30-10:00pm. The first thing done at the reception is the “first dance” and immediately after is the garter and bouquet toss. The reception decor is elaborate with ALOT of toys handed out such as light up sticks, whistles, boas, hats, etc. The elaborate affairs become more like raves after a certain hour. They do not give out favors; however, flip flops or slippers given to women seems to be the norm. The cake cutting happens late in the evening and it’s not the attention grabbing event that it is in the States. Actually, I don’t think I’ve actually seen any cutting of the cake by the bride and groom. One last thing I am thinking of is a Mexican wedding would never have you pay for your drinks. They always have an open bar.
My favorite part of the wedding we went to was the fireworks during the couple’s first dance. It was so pretty.
The memoir of a girl brought up in a family of survivalists, extreme religion, little to no home schooling, mental health issues and physical abuse. At sixteen, she decides she wants to go to college and gets accepted. Life outside of her home is a dramatic wake up call to what the world is really like.
A recommended read. The story of this family is fascinating, almost unbelievable.
BTW: I also read Normal People. This book is up for multiple awards and the author has received huge praise. Unfortunately, this book felt like a YA book to me and I just wasn’t interested in this love story.
Sr. Elizondo’s daughter is getting married. The custom here in Mexico is that the parents of the groom-to-be come to the parents house of the-bride-to-be and formally ask for the daughter’s hand for their son. This meeting is called Pedir a la Novia. Traditionally, the parents of the bride would dictate the terms of the wedding. These days it’s just a great way to meet the immediate families of both parties.
For this occasion, we will be serving merienda. Basically, merienda is the serving of appetizers between lunch and dinner. Here’s the menu I have come up with.
Menu
Desert
Beverages
Since this is my first hosting of a Pedir a la Novia AND a merienda, I’m sure I’m overthinking everything. Then again, I would rather have everything be too much than not enough. Cross your fingers and wish me luck.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is the true story of two people who fall in love in Auschwitz. Like this review, the book never goes too deep into the love story or life in the camp. It’s a good read, but I didn’t feel invested in the characters or the story.
Samantha Rose
