Lazy Sunday: A Photo Vlog

Carpe Diem xx

Review: The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier

In the literary world there are some authors to whom you can turn for comfort. Some authors, some books are a pleasure to open. When you turn the first page of The Last Runaway, you get just that. The tale of the Underground Railroad in America in the mid-1800s is the warm bubble bath to the wet-fish-slapped-on-your-face shock of other tales. This story (the third Chevalier book I've read thus far) is that of Honor Bright. Using diary entries and various quilts we are guided through her adventure as she travels from England to another Quaker community  in America. She discovers oppression and racism and gets entangled in the Underground Railroad, which aims to move slaves from the south to the north across the Mason-Dixon line. Chevalier is a master of this style. Brilliant!

Chevalier has curated an exhibition on quilts, which is on at Danson House in Kent, England until 31st October 2014:

http://www.bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk/dansonhouse/whats-on

Carpe Diem xx

Spring Favourites 2014

Beauty: I first tried La Roche-Posay a couple of years ago and have loved it ever since. Since it is quite pricey I haven't bought it regularly, but this month I treated myself to both the moisturiser (green to counteract redness) and the face wash. This French brand still doesn't disappoint!

Reads: This month I have been reading Neil MacGregor and absolutely adore his style. MacGregor is a historian who writes books based around historical objects. I'm currently reading Shakespeare's Restless World, which focuses on Shakespearean/Elizabethan London, and am looking forward to the epicly named A History of the World in 100 Objects.

Eats: In a vain attempt at eating a healthier, vegan-centered diet I have been trying different Nakd bars. They are compressed fruit/nut snack bars and are 100% vegan and additive free.

Entertainment: Who doesn't like a good 90's rom-com? Okay, so a fair few people, but I'm one to admit that I find them a great tonic to a difficult day. With a 90's soundtrack, 90's clothes, and an American high school romance based on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew (sticking with the Shakespearean theme here), starring HEATH LEDGER of course, 10 Things I Hate About You is on my Amazon wish list!

Carpe Diem xx

Spring Into Saturday, A Photo Blog

For more please visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/claremcm

Carpe Diem xx

Review: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis

Whilst perhaps lacking the majesty and thrills of the blockbuster film of 2013, the cover of this first edition of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952) illustrates the charm and innocence that the books have to offer. According to Michael Ward's The Narnia Code, the fifth book in the Narnia series is the sun story, Lewis' exploration into the rising sun and dragons (saura). Dragons make several cameo appearances along the crew of the Dawn Treader's journey towards dawn, as they journey towards Aslan's land, beyond the end of the world. Seemingly lacking in a structure or purpose, the voyage is entirely magical and imaginative - I'm glad to finally get to rereading the series!  

Carpe Diem xx

Review: Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote

In contrast to the iconic Audrey Hepburn film, the 99-page gem of a book, on which it was based, is far more wide-reaching and all encompassing. In today's literary environment, where epic tomes such as the Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and The Luminaries, are all celebrated for their length, it is refreshing to read Capote's 1958 Breakfast at Tiffany's and Three Short Stories. In less than one hundred pages the author manages to say all that needs to be said, leaving extraneous detail for the reader to conjure in their imagination. 

Similarly at odds with the glamour of the later film, the novella is set in sparse 1943 New York, not the sixties. The tale is a reminiscence on a brief encounter with Holiday Golightly, a glamorous but complex call girl. This fact, as well as her apparent mental illness - depression described as the 'mean reds' - is brushed over rather. For anyone wavering over whether to give it a chance, be brave! This one has a lot to give.

Carpe Diem xx

Vintage Spring Style: Natalie Wood

Welcome back to blog! I've been going through my wardrobe, making a few purchases and getting inspiration for the spring/summer fashion season from vintage photos. Classic film stars of the 20th century are extremely useful when taking a elegant, vintage style and updating it with a 2014 twist. 

Born Natalia Zacharenko in 1938 San Francisco, the film star died an untimely death in 1981, at the age of 43. Her death is still shrouded in mystery - she was found drowned in deep water - and her star is largely outshone by the likes of Marilyn and Audrey, but her style is timeless. The 5'2 actress has a lot to give in terms of outfit inspiration, so whether its Natalie or other stars of the 40s, 50s, 60s, get out the vintage clobber and work it.

Happy Weekend!

Carpe Diem xx