read / coffee table books

Since I was a little girl, I've always loved big coffee table books. Whether it was looking through my mom's big Native Americans book or my dad's copy of A Day in the Life of America or repeatedly going to the library to check out Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years, I've always wanted to grow my own collection. 

One of the goals on my 101 in 1001 list is to add 10 new coffee table books to my collection. I recently added Kate Spade New York's Places to Go, People to See and have four more to add. I have my eye on these pretties:

Dinner Parties

Elements of Style by Erin Gates

The Things That Matter by Nate Berkus (one of my favorite designers)

In Color by Tory Burch

What are your favorite "big books" to display?

T-G-I-F! I had a mini meltdown on Wednesday, but nothing that best friends, Thai food, cuddles, and a movie couldn’t fix. I’ve emerged with my priorities straight and a second job which will alleviate some of the money stress and allow me to start saving (yay 101 in 1001 list!). 

I’m looking forward to LOTS of down time this weekend including movies, magazines, and an at home manicure. 

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Have a great weekend!

read / cleopatra

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Queen, mother, wife, empress, seductress, sister, whore, goddess, lover, leader, scholar, ambassador…

Over the last two thousand years, Cleopatra has been branded dozens of things. And the truth seems to be lost to time. In Cleopatra: A Life Stacy Schiff tells the dazzling story of Cleopatra’s fight for the throne, her relationship with Julius Caesar, her life as a mother, ruler, and goddess, and then her relationship with Mark Antony. 

I never knew much about Cleopatra until I read this book. I was always dazzled by the legend and was very curious to learn what actually happened (as best as anyone can deduce). Stacy Schiff sets the scene with gorgeous imagery and I also liked that she included different accounts and opinions about different events in Cleopatra’s life. I didn’t realize how long she ruled, the level of strength that she ruled, and that her and Mark Antony’s love story is one for the ages. It’s also interesting that the double standards Cleopatra experienced (and still does) are, at their core, almost the same as the double standards women experience today.

While it’s not a super fast read, I definitely was eager to keep picking this up night and night. Whether you know Cleopatra and love her story or know very little and want to know more, I would highly recommend this book!