lift every voice and sing...

"Lift every voice and sing. 'Til earth and heaven ring. Ring with the harmonies of Liberty." 

The rise, tsunami spread, and devastating death toll of COVID19, and the drastic measures the world has taken to combat this virus and stem it's spread, has shrunk my and my family's world to our home and neighborhood. We've been especially vigilant because the heart of our family, my mother Dorothy, is 91 years old - thus is a member of the most vulnerable group of humanity susceptible to contract, get sick and die from COVID19. So when she came to me, told me she was going to attend a protest, and to gather the family to join her (of course we said yes) - I grabbed my cameras. Yes, I wanted to capture a nascent protest movement of solidarity against racial injustice and oppression, in a community that has never been so vocal and supportive but, more importantly, I wanted to capture my beautiful and majestic mamma's first protest.

graduation day...

"Look what you did..." - Drake

The rise, tsunami spread and devastating death toll of COVID19, and the drastic measures the world has taken to combat and stem the spread of this virus, has shrunk my and my family's world to our home and neighborhood. The world literally stopped. All public activity ceased: work (except those jobs deemed essential), stores, restaurants, sports, all social gatherings, and school. 13 March, all schools closed and education moved to remote (online) classes. While that was challenging in its own right, the most devastating consequence, for all students, was the cancellation of prom and graduation ceremonies. 

I'm the proud mom of two 2020 COVID19 Pandemic graduates: Rory (high school senior) and Never (middle school 8th grade). Rory and Never didn't complain about their world coming to a halt but their sadness was palpable. But ya'll know me. I was determined to observe and celebrate this momentous milestone/right of passage. Natural Light. Cameras. Action!

amour rouge 2020 update

Hello Lovelies!

I've just updated my amour rouge 2020 post. If you've read any of the books on my naughty list, have comments, questions, etc. please comment below. In the meantime, enjoy!

Vivre! Rire! Aimer!
Temple

pardon my dust...

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." -Pablo Picasso

Hello my Lovelies,

After nearly 10 years of fabulously faithful service, I've upgraded my PC. The upgrade is causing merry hobbs to this blog - hence the little to none new posts in too long. In addition to figuratively  upgrading from a 19th century Model T to a 21st century Tesla, I've got to relearn how to navigate this blog - and it's giving me fits! So please bear with me as I leap into the unknown. I'm feeling my way, starting with finishing my long overdue Valentine's post. Thanks, you're the best!

Vivre! Rire!Aimer!

Temple 

amour rouge 2020: a moment just for you...

"It's not true we only have one life to love,

if we read, we can live as many lives as we wish."

- S.I. Hayakawa

Hello My Lovelies and Happy Valentines Day!

By now you know my deal. My annual Amour Rouge posts are about beautiful, unique, sexy, yet inexpensive, last minute ways to perfect the most romantic day of the year. Lately I've noticed a variety of articles and posts about 'self-love,' or, as Dr. Andrea Brandt defines it: "having a high regard for your own well-being and happiness...taking care of your own needs and not sacrificing your well-being to please others...not settling for less than you deserve." Granted, a few of those articles/posts are shamelessly corny, but the idea - taking a moment to care for yourself - is appealing and tantalizing. What's more self-loving than taking an hour or three, for yourself, to lose yourself, and enjoy a passionate, incredibly naughty novel? Thus for Amour Rouge 2020, I offer a list of my favorite raunchy romance novels. My picks are all over the romantic map, so buckle up. 

  

The Missing by Shiloh Walker

Cullen Morgan has never forgiven Taige Branch for not using her psychic gift to prevent a tragic event. But when his little girl is kidnapped, Taige is his only hope in finding her - and a chance to rekindle the love that still burns between them.

Naked In Death by J.D. Robb

Eve Dallas is a New York police lieutenant hunting for a ruthless killer. In over ten years on the force, she's seen it all - and knows her survival depends on her instincts. And she's going against every warning telling her not to get involved with Roarke, and Irish billionaire - and a suspect in Eve's murder investigation. But passion and seduction have rules of their own, and its up to Eve to take a chance in the arms of a man she knows nothing about-except the addictive hunger of needing his touch.

Beautiful Prey by Phoenix Daniels

Undercover Vice officer, Victoria Price, is on a mission to catch a serial killer that's targeting prostitutes walking the mean streets of Chicago. Billionaire Jack Storm sees the beautiful prostitute and considers breaking his own rule...Follow Jack and Victorian through their very erotic courtship until a sadistic serial killer sets his eyes on Victoria and threatens to take the one woman Jack can't live without.

Guilty Pleasures by Laurels K. Hamilton

Anita Blake is small, dark and dangerous. Her turf is the city of St. Louis. Her job: re-animating the dead and killing the undead who take things too far. But when the city's most powerful vampire asks her to solve a series of vicious slayings, Anita must confront her greatest fear - her undeniable attraction to master vampire Jean-Claude, one of the creatures she's sworn to destroy. 

 

What the Earl Desires by Aliyah Burke

Najja, a warrior, comes to England from Africa, with the sole purpose of keeping her charge safe. Finding love is not even in the equation, it's an impossible dream. Colin Faulkner, the new Earl of Clifton doesn't see it that way. Damn Society's rules, she is...what the Earl desires...

Lightning by Dean Koontz

In the midst of a raging blizzard, lighting struck on the night Laura Shane was born. And a mysterious blond-haired stranger showed up just in time to save her from dying. Years later, in the wake of another storm, Laura will be saved again. For someone is watching over her. Is he the guardian angel he seems? The evil in disguise? Or the master of a haunting destiny beyond all time and space?

Destino by Sienna Mynx

Mira Eilison is poised to have it all. In 1989, she is the prominent fashion designer redefining change for both beauty and style among the renowned in Italy...until she meets a tall, mysteriously charming Sicilian businessman...What harm could come from a little fling in one of the most beautiful countries in the world bring? Plenty.

The Valley of the Horses by Jane M. Auel

Cruelly cast out by the new leader of the ancient Clan that adopted her as a child, Ayla leaves those she loves behind and travels alone through a stark, open land...she saves tall, handsome Jondalar, who brings her a language to speak and an awakening of love and desire, but Ayla is torn between her fear of leaving her valley and her hope of living with her own kind.

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the perfect Reader's Nook
"I like it cute and cozy and a little funky..." - Glennon Doyle Melton

In this space, I had planned to post photos of gorgeous reader's nooks: elaborately upholstered Bergere chairs with perfectly matched ottomans; bedecked with sumptuous pillows and ultra soft throws. Of course they're awash in brilliant sun because they're positioned in front of huge picture windows with views of the ocean, or mountains, or forests - maybe a bit of all three ;-} and there's a tiny perfectly placed marble topped table, just large enough to hold a teapot, sugar and creamer, and Limoges cup and saucer; or a perfectly chilled half bottle of champagne with the perfect crystal flute. But then I realized that's not my perfect reader's nook, never has been.

No, my perfect reader's nook - besides my bed, me lying on the floor of my carpeted hallway in a patch of afternoon sun, or chair at my kitchen table (always accompanied with tea, coffee, or champagne, in my favorite vintage Limoges cup and saucer set from Etsy) - has always been a transient, temporary spot. Born of necessity of place and stolen moment: sitting in the high school bleachers at my eldest son's football practice; curled up in a lawn chair on the tennis courts while my daughter works on her serve; sitting on an ugly overstuffed black leather chair while my youngest son works on his jump shot; sitting in my car, with the top down, Coco snoring on my lap, while I wait to pick up one or all of my three. That's the real and most beautiful thing about books: getting lost in the story is the nook.

Still, there are a few things I always have in hand to feather my reader's nook: 

*something to nibble (usually: a warm chocolate croissant and/or small container of fruit and nuts)

*something to sip (my splurge: coffee from Starbucks, to go with that croissant; a large bottle of water) 

*something to sit on that cushions my booty and supports my back (the best: The StrongBack and the Stadium Chair - best prices at Amazon).

*A fleece blanket (Walgreens and Target have the best @$10)

How do you feather your reader's nook? Please leave a comment.
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*Most of these books are available in E-book format at the author's websites (Google). I implore you to purchase there, so each of these amazing authors can get 100% earnings from their awesome works.  Patronizing their sites also give you the opportunity to learn about their other awesome titles.

*All of these books are available at Amazon, new and used (kindle, paperback and hardcover. 

Happy reading!

Vivre! Rire!Aimer!
Temple

cocktails for two...

"In some secluded rendezvous...sharing a delightful chat,

of this and that, with cocktails for two (clink, clink). 

- Arthur Johnston & Sam Coslow (1934)

Yesterday, Mr. G had a few meetings in the city and invited me along. I wandered until he was finished, then we went for a long romantic lunch, in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast, at one of his favorite places: Fig & Olive - an elegant, ridiculously romantic restaurant (that feels, and operates, like a cafe Parisians): a medium sized, intimate room with soaring ceilings. The decor: low slung, large pillow laden, couches and chairs; everything, every shade of grey, with splashes of orange and pink; soft yellow and white lighting that complimented the amazing winter daylight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows (that occupy the entire main wall of this soothing space). 

Mr. G made a window table reservation but when we got there, they were all occupied. What's a Diva and her Mr. G to do? Bien sur, sit at the gorgeous bar and enjoy a cocktail, until a window table became available. Amidst snuggling and kissing, we perused the cocktail menu. #1 on the list immediately caught my eye: La Vie En Rose - you know I had to order it - and it was sublime: full palate delicate flavor (that tasted like a soft Parisian rain) with my requisite bubbles. A few sips in, our table was ready, so I got to sip a tiny bit of Paris-heaven, in between kisses from my love, while gazing at one of our beloved hometown's beautiful vistas. Perfect.  

I'm in a world apart. A world where roses bloom... 

La Vie En Rose

Berry infused Tanqueray Gin; 

Giffard Pamplemousse Rose Liqueur

a splash of: 

Champagne, Rosewater, 

Lemon Juice & dried Rosebud garnish 

*as soon as I get the exact recipe, I'll update this post.

Vivre! Rire! Aimer!

Temple

a french girl's wardrobe: fab five for fall...

"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall." - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Though Summer is my favorite season, I adore Autumn. The weather is still quite warm, with a crisp breeze. The natural light is spectacular; our Midwest trees and foliage turn red, orange, yellow, and every shade there of. High school football games and tennis matches. Chilly evenings, perfect for soft cashmere sweaters, wraps and cuddling with Mr. G. In honor of Autumn, I've curated a list of five fab must have things for fall...

1. Simple luxury...

Stemless Wine Cup (12oz.) in 'Lively Floral Cream - Rifle Paper Co. + Corkcicle ($30)

"Simplicity boils down to two steps: Identify the essential. Eliminate the rest." - Leo Babauta

I spend a lot of time in my convertible; driving, to and from, my 3's sports events, photoshoots and errands; long country drives with Mr. G. There are several essential comforts that are always in my car, one of them is my prized Corkcicle mug, that holds my daily splurge of a Tall Flat White from Starbucks. I found this beauty in a lovely little shop in South Carolina. While the unique shape and lovely floral design first drew my eye; the particulars of this product had me sold. It keeps drinks cold for 9 hours/hot for 3 - especially appreciated on those chilly top down days. A coffee travel mug that's beautifully impractically practical.

*This Corkcicle does not fit in a standard auto-cup holder. 

Easy fix: The Bottle Pro: Auto-Cup Holder Adapter (32/40 oz) @Amazon, $17. 

2. Very Berry...

"I got that red lip classic thing that you like." - Taylor Swift

In my humble opinion, nothing says 'Bonjour Automne' like sassy, sexy Berry kissed lips! I'm loving how easily Berry lips transition from day: sheer or gloss (my favs: Clinique's 'Black Honey' and Lancome's 'Gospel Caramel' gloss (or the latter over the former) to night (my favs: Clinique's 'Avant Garde Pop,' with the especially dramatic option of Lancome's Clear gloss slicked on top). It's gorgeous on all skin tones, alone or with a fully makeup-ed face. And is equally beautiful dabbed on your eyelids or the apples of your cheeks. Fantabulousity in one little tube - love it.

1. Clinique Almost Lipstick: #6 Black Honey $19.50 USD
2. Lancome Juicy Tubes: "Clear" (top), "Gospel Caramel"(bottom) $19. USD
3.  Clinique Pop Matte Lip Colour "Avant Garde Pop" $19.50 USD

3. Bien sur, Champagne daaaling...

"There comes a time in every woman's life when the only thing that helps is a glass of champagne." 

- Bette Davis

Full disclosure, Champagne is on my fab five list all four seasons ;-} While I have my favorite everyday and splurge labels, I'm always on the lookout for new bubbles to discover and fall in love with.

"You don't eat the same meal every evening, why would you drink the same champagne every day"? 

- the Champagne Chick

I've been a huge fan of the Champagne Chick for several years. C.C. curates a site dedicated to all things champagne. Her 'passion project' "...came to life purely out of [her] love for champagne." C.C. painstakingly details industry and brand news; hotels and bars with fabulous champagne offerings, events and champagne related merchandise (clothing, jewelry, home decor, etc). C.C. is my go to for all the latest news and happenings with my favorite labels as well as her reviews of new labels. She has several sections on her 'site that one could easily spend several hours exploring (while sipping bubbly, bien sur). My favs: Bar of the Week, Champagne Cocktail (recipes), and Champagne travel. the Champagne Chick is a virtual version of Shangri-La for serious champagne lovers; and I'm not the only one who thinks so. C.C. has 92K Facebook followers and 16K+ Instagram followers. I especially enjoy her Champagne-centric photos with funny and endearing quotes. i.e.: "I have three moods: glass of champagne; bottle of champagne; whole damn cellar. Or "Relationship tip: always show up with champagne." 

"...to elevate it from the ordinary, that's when you open up the champagne. To make it sparkle." 

- Christoph Waltz

Club Bubbly proudly declares they're 'the club for the champagne...obsessed.' Launched in April 2016, Club Bubbly is a virtual club that, for $100 USD a month, will ship hand selected bottles of small batch productions of Champagne, Proseccos, Cavas, domestic sparkling wines and related artisanal products to your front door! They offer 3 memberships: Champagne only (2 bottles -$100), Sparkly only(3 bottles-$70) or a Mix (3 bottles - $100). What a wonderful way to discover and enjoy new bubbles; and there's enough to share - or not ;-} Club Bubbly is definitely at the top of my Christmas list.  

4. Statement Pieces...

"Fashion is instant language." - Miuccia Prada

A fun, affordable and easy way to spice up the pieces in you French Girl's Wardrobe is with Statement Pieces: a purse, scarf, hat or, my personal favorite, costume jewelry. For my 50th, I gifted myself with a ginormous pair of gold hoop earrings with my name in the middle (from a designer friend $50; message me if you want her info). They're also readily available from Etsy and Amazon (starting at $35 USD). 

"It's about self-expression and, above all, attitude." Iris Apfel

But my favorite Fall Statement Piece are sparkly bangles - and they pair perfectly with my Temple Hoops. I'm totally digging the rhinestone and metal bangle Indian jewelry from I Got Sparkle. I prefer stacking 4 or 5 and they go with everything - a pair of jeans and Chucky Ts, topped with a chunky sweater; a cocktail dress and sky high heels; knee high boots with corduroy shorts and tee shirt, under a crushed velvet blazer. The possibilities are endless  

5. The one tote to rule them all...

"Life is short. Buy the bag."

After to my convertible, I live out of my tote. It's got to hold a small makeup bag, notebook & pens, at least one paperback (usually two), Coco's leash, a knit wrap but, most importantly, it's got to hold my cameras, one with a large telephoto lens attached. For 2 years I used my beloved Epiphanie camera tote but they are very expensive ($250+), not made of leather and mine literally fell apart from daily use :-{ Since then, I've made do. Until, I discovered Portland Leather. They hand make these gorgeous leather totes in 7 colors with 3 different handle options, in 4 sizes (small to oversize), outside pocket, zipper top, and monogram are optional. They're having a sale! I haven't decided if I want a Large with outside pocket ($135) or the XLarge w/ outside pocket ($167). I'm ordering mine tomorrow. I'll post a review asap. Stay tuned...

Vivre, Rire, Aimer!

Temple