Music: I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my revisiting of The Eagles classic, Hotel California. I adored this and got a copy of this in vinyl when I was 12, then later when I was driving, I had the cassette tape to listen to in my car. It makes me think of summer and, well, driving, and those are two of my most favorite things so the associations are Good Things. Yes, The Eagles have been around forever, yes they are mainstream and not cutting-edge (god forbid). But, they write lovely songs and pretty melodies that make me feel good when I sing along. Love those harmonies between Don Henley, Glenn Fry and that  uber mellow 70s Joe Walsh sound. Who doesn’t want a peaceful easy feeling these days?

Book: Well, I’ve decided to revisit some classics in between more current fiction, which I also enjoy. Both of my daughters are reading and loving Game Of Thrones, which I look forward to starting at some point. In the meantime, I’ve decided to read Ulysses by James Joyce. I was so sure I had read this in school but it was Portrait of The Artist as a Young Man. I kind of wish I had a friend that would read Ulysses with me, as I think it would be interesting and helpful to discuss this hefty tome. I guess I’m feeling the need to examine the human condition, and to test my brain, something I don’t do nearly as often as I should. I am torn about reading it as an ebook on my iPad. Should I read the actual book, preferably one with wide margins so I can make thoughtful annotations? Is an ebook sacrilege for Joyce? Or would he find it funny?

Food: I’ve been feeling in a food rut after this long cold and damp winter, so I have been looking for inspiration. I want food that is fresh, with some bite. So lately it’s been Thai inspired dishes, with lots of fresh basil, mint and the oh so yummy Rooster Sriracha Sauce. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water! Spicy and hot but with a lovely sweet and salty flavor that is perfectly balanced. I love to add fresh cilantro to dishes as well, but that is a love it or hate it herb in this house, so it’s always on the side.

Fashion: SUNDRESSES! Yay, summer has finally arrived and nothing makes me happier than throwing on one item of clothing and BAM, you’re ready. Flowing, pretty and feminine, there is a dress for every shape, height and taste. I love a classic shirtdress with flat sandals for a more polished hot weather daytime style, or a cool and flowing wrap dress with heels for an evening out. I also love the comfort of a filmy gauzy boho style cotton dress for those super hot days when you want as little as possible coming between you and the weather. LOVE!

Tommy Hilfiger Gingham Shirtdress- I am loving this one!

Skincare: As much as I adore the heat and humidity of summer, it can make my skin a little shinier and more blemish prone, especially when I’m driving in a convertible with lots of sunscreen. I don’t know where I would be without my Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque. Made for oily skin, it shrinks pores, dries up blackheads and blemishes and makes skin tight and smooth. It contains, among other things, kaolin clay, sulphur and zinc oxide, which are all known to be magic for oily skin. It is very minty and dries to a tight dry mask and I would say very sensitive skin types would not enjoy this. It could irritate or sting. On me, it is cooling and cleansing and I adore it. For under $6 for a large tube, talk about bang for your buck. I get mine at Walgreens when I’m in the US. I don’t know if it available in Canada but you can order it from their website.

Make Up: Thanks to the recommendation of the gorgeous and wise Michelyn over at Ca Fleure Bon, I have been using Urban Decay 24-7 Waterproof Eyeliner. I decided to give it a try instead of buying my usual Lancome Le Stylo. I use the black and I tightline along my upper and lower lashes. Well all I can say is wow. It lasts and lasts and lasts, does not bleed or smudge and does not irritate my eyes. Love it!

Perfume: Ah summertime and time for my favorite perfumes- florals. I have been obsessing about Guerlain’s Terracotta Eau Sous Le Vent scent lately and now the weather is perfect for it. Subtle and sexy tiare with something yummy that smells like warm sunkissed skin makes this one irresistible. It is very soft, and I mean very, so if you are looking for a BANG perfume this one isn’t it. You have to lean in very close to smell this one because the floral notes are so delicate and lovely. This is another one of my bedtime favourites as well. The bottle is so pretty and simple, and there is something so retro and tactile about the wooden cap. Guerlain also says it has skin conditioning properties, which is just fine with me. Make me smell good and have soft skin- yes please! You must read Best Things In Beauty’s review, she says what I feel about this scent just perfectly.

What are you loving these days? I’d love to know…