Book Review: The Feminine Mistake

The Feminine Mistake: Are We Giving Up Too Much? by Leslie Bennetts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Are you female? Then you need to read this book.

It will tell you many things you feel you already knew, but now you will really know why and you will wholeheartedly believe the things Bennetts is saying. Its irrefutable. And if, full of your knowledge, someone tries to argue with you all you need do is hand them a copy with this simple instruction: read it.

Bennetts does not attack stay-at-home mothers. This book isn't about that, and it certainly isn't a feminist tirade, full of preaching and bra burning mantras. Bennetts presents her case with simple logic, explanation and stories from an incredibly vast variety of women. She doesn't even tell you your making the wrong choice (or considering making), she just presents you with the facts and asks "are you sure"? And I challenge anyone, after reading this book, to say they are truly and fully committed to putting all their eggs in one basket without an ounce of concern about how it will all turn out. You feel as you are reading that Bennetts is on your side: she's like your wise Aunt sharing the wisdom she's gathered from a lifetime of experience, and a little pain.

There is a focus on the family unit, and particular emphasis on how to support a family if you are suddenly left a single mother, but it is a message that is so important to learn before you are faced with actually having to make decisions. And while at times you may find it repetitive, it is written so that all possibilities are covered and that all women will find a woman's story they can identify with.

What Bennetts is doing is finally talking about something that women, when we think about it, are at best trying not to think about, and at worst naively denying. It is unpleasant, and sometimes downright traumatic, to think about the "what ifs", but as Bennetts shows, it is far better to think about then to go in blind if or when the time comes. What this book does is empower women, of any age and in any situation, to make an informed decision. It puts in our hands a wealth of information that may just mean that you are prepared for whatever life may through at you.

Kitchen Cabinet: Flower Pots

Not the pots of the cooking kind, so not exactly kitchen cabinet, but I can see the  pretty pink Clycamen I'm hoping to pot up from my kitchen. It may even take pride of place on the shelf above the sink at some point.

But anyway, I'm torn between a few pots so need some help to decide! I've been trawling through Etsy (its becoming exhausting!) as I have my heart set on some handmade/rustic/organic looking like the pottery ones from Living Earth Ceramics (they do some great vases too though so I find myself distracted...). I also love the Celedon pot from Anthropologie, Helen Levi's desert planter, and for something different and more modern the Pantone pots are great (if only I could pick a colour!). And then there are the DIY ideas I've come across like copper-painted tin cans (check out all these ideas for repurposing tin cans!) or gold-leaf edged terracotta pots (though I think I might try this in my courtyard for a little glam update).

I'm also keen on the idea of an enamel chamber pot...

P.S. Want $10 to spend on already-discounted beauty products? Follow this link to Adore Beauty and spend away! I love the site for salon hair products at non-salon prices and access to many brands you can't otherwise get in Australia.

The Weekly Digest #28

1. Prize winning books by women you need to read NOW!
2. How much of a book addict are you? Buzzfeed has the answer! Let me know what you all get (I ticked 43 boxes - so basically I have a problem...)
3. The newest Time magazine with Beyonce leading the 41 other women mentioned (think designer Pheobe Philo, Hilary Clinton, Natalie Massenet aka Ms Net-A-Porter and Miley) as the world's most influential people. What's great though (and why you should get a copy) is that each bio was written by a close friend of the entrant. Sheryl Sandberg wrote on Beyonce, Stella McCartney wrote on Philo and J.Crew's Jenna Lyons wrote about Massenet. And that's just for starters. 
4. Brooklyn based Helen Levi's wonderful ceramics. The pitcher and mug sets are top of my list
5. A little while ago Book Depository released their list of the 100 best books ever, and now they've released the top 100 as voted by their customers. Check it out - you never know what you may find.
6. Olivia Burton watches. Just perfect. 
7. These recipes for strawberries from Saveur. How I wish they were in season, but alas, I'll just pin them for later.
8. Gorman's winter harvest quilt needs no explaining.

The Weekly Digest #27

I know, I'm sorry! Its been such a long time and you've all probably moved on by now... But alas, I have been busy reading, reading, reading - such is the life of an English student! That does mean I'll have lots of great reviews for you very soon (though not to soon as if you look at my Goodreads profile you'll see I'm currently in the middle of 21 books...).

I have for you a Weekly Digest though (or should that be monthly? Its been awhile...)

1. This fantastic reversible shopper from Marcs. It comes in number of colour combos but my pick is the classic black and cream.
2. The Coveteur's chat with the remarkable and wonderful Iris Apfel. There are many pearls of wisdom here including: "I have all of these lovely things that I've collected over the years that are just sitting there and are very hard to part with. I finally decided that it was ridiculous and that people should enjoy them." and "My father told me once not to expect anything from anybody so I wouldn't be disappointed. If somebody was nice and did nice things for me I should be overjoyed, but I shouldn't go through life expecting it, which is very good advice." 
3. Book Depository's 'Best Books Ever' list. Can't say I agreed with all of them, but you can suggest you're own. Check them out. 
4. The Royals. Mostly baby George and those ridiculous cheeks of his, and of course the Duchess. I mean could she be any more perfectly dressed? Nails it every time. 
5. The Life Picture Collection on Art.com. There really is something for everyone - from quirky images to monumental moments in history. 
6. I'm reaffirming my love for the Manrepeller with these latest gems: The 30% Theory, FODO,  and The Alarming Similarities of Lena Dunham & Kim Kardashian (I know, but read it & be amazed).
7. This stupid easy tin can DIY. You don't even need the paint to be honest! And the freezing tip is brilliant. I've started saving cans. 
8. These letter planters would make a great cheap & easy, yet impressive DIY gift. The blog Henry Happened is my new favourite thing.

The Weekly Digest #26

1. The Co autumn/winter collection. I know, so last season, but its cooling down here so I'm after inspiration. See my picks on Pinterest.
2. Blankets. Piles and piles of them! I'm so keen for cooler weather (ghost white skin doesn't agree with summer sun unfortunately). I want this one from Country Road, and these ones from Hard to Find, the In Bed Store, and Fenton & Fenton.     
3. So in a bit of shameless self promotion, I'm selling some things on Ebay! Yay! So head over, so whats there and if anything takes your fancy put in a bid! There are many bargains to be had (I'm talking 99c auctions on Isabel Marant!).
4. Gillian Jacobs' wardrobe on the Coveteur. Please can it be mine? 

The Weekly Digest #25

1. Easter is coming around again (I know!), and I have just discovered a genius idea: hot cross bun loaf! I like mine toasted, but those buns are hard to fit in a toaster so this could be my new favourite thing.
2. These simple-as guide for boiling the perfect egg from bon appetit. For something so simple, its incredibly difficult.
3. DIY painted pots. Because sometimes terracotta is just so drab. 
4. And this idea from E.A.T. blog for reusing olive oil tins. I've always cut out the top, but this is genius. 
5. Brownies with stuff swirled through them. I made a batch with dulce de leche from the latest Delicious magazine, but these goats cheese & raspberry ones look amazing. Or you could just bung in some chunks of mars bar...

The Weekly Digest #24

1. The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet - WATCH IT. I think its so important for women to have the conversations she is having. Yes, there are celebrities, but they are all intelligent women. Lady Gaga has some particularly enlightened things to say I thought, and Diane von Furstenberg should be our model for ageing. And it isn't only celebrities - there is a senator, writers, magazine editors. Anyone who is female with something to say. This is a show for and about women - it's everything we talk about between ourselves on a bigger platform.
2. Country Road has me pining for cooler weather. There are the cosiest knits, perfect ankle boots in every shade and some fantastic jackets. And then there are the spotty accessories and the homewares strike a perfect balance between cosy and modern. The menswear looks pretty good too. 
3. Flora Waycott offers up cute and quirky prints, which you can hang on your wall or dry the dishes with. You can even share the love with her greetings cards. 
4. I find it hard to get lovely bed linens in quality cottons that are still simple enough to please my boyfriend. I think Fictional Objects just might be the key to fixing all my problems. There splendid pieces come in all shapes and sizes, and aren't over priced. A Queen sized doona cover will set you back $190, and it's reversible so think of it as 2-for-1! 

Kitchen Cabinet: Storage Tins

Storage tins are the handiest of kitchen things, and they can look good too. I have 2 old biscuit tins, one which fits a batch of any slice perfectly, that sit on my kitchen bench top always. You can usually be sure to find some tasty treat in their as well. Both of mine I picked up incidentally - one from Mum's collection and one came full of Anzac biscuits. There are a few that I'm contemplating spending my hard earned cash on.

Cath Kidston is an obvious place to start. She has a great spotted set out at the moment, and she did a gorgeous floral cake tin set previously that you can easily pick up on Ebay. Emma Bridgewater has the classic black toast set, and I like the farmyard ones though they aren't to everyone's taste.

For those who like a more sleek finish, Nigella Lawson has a beautiful set that come in cream and pale blue but they are hard to track down and thus rather expensive.

Orla Kiely has some great retro printed ones. I like the square/rectangle set myself.

Etsy is the place to go for vintage. I even found these lovely enamel ones that you can have personalised. And this yellow one is great as the base comes off for easy access to your cake. If you don't want preloved try Fishpond. I've never purchased from them before, but they have a great range.

Kitchen Cabinet: Candles

I am a fan of scented candles. And I know they are not strictly "kitchen cabinet" but I thought I should include them anyway. I wasn't always a fan though, and I'm still very particular about them. Basically, I have expensive tastes! I find candles to be the most soothing, and natural, way to scent your home. I almost constantly have one burning in the bathroom.

I'll always have a Glasshouse candle in the house. My favorites so far have been the (now discontinued) Sassafras, Esperance, and Rio de Janeiro (currently burning). Next on the list is Marseille - you can't beat a good gardenia fragrance. 

Diptyque are more expensive, but for fragrance quality they really can't be beaten. Again I love their Gardenia candle, and their Roses candle is the most realistic version I've found. The Jonquille candle is hated by my boyfriend (I think its a male thing as my father & Grandfather aren't keen either) but this flower will always remind me of my Grandma.

I have never tried the Tocca candles, but I intend too. They have the most beautiful florals. Florence is first on my list.

I must include Jo Malone (also from David Jones) as well for the incredible variety of fragrances they have. There really is something for everyone. What I like best though is that they are fairly unadulterated (you may have noticed most of these recommendations are) with only one or two scents.

These may not be the cheapest candles on the market, but they are a simple, elegant luxury that I find irresistible. An instant pick-me-up for my over-stuffed, bending under the weight, IKEA bookshelves.

The Weekly Digest #22

1. Claudia Pearson's Etsy shop. Very cute foodie illustrations on everything from calendars to tea towels. 
2. This up-cycled glassware made from old glass bottles. I like the blue glass tumblers and green vase.  
3. I love jam. I love it most when its homemade (I don't think I've ever actually bought jam in a supermarket...). The Jam Bandits are a creative pair based in Surry Hills who've come up with something I wish I'd though of - homemade, local in every way, small batch jam. Brilliant. See their site for info on where you can pick up a jar or two. Their Instagram is super cute too so get following. 
4. It's Mariah & Buble. Singing together. All your Christmas dreams come true. Watch it.

The Weekly Digest #21

1. The Michael Kors spring/summer 2014 collection. It's how I want to dress when I grow up. 
2. Christmas goodie bags. The easiest & most enjoyable gift to put together that's sure to please everyone. I go in for retro treats (recipes to come later this week), but choose whatever suits you best. Try these easy recipes: ratatouille chutney, fairy cakes, ricciarelli, choc-dipped sugar cookies, spiced orange choc-chip cookies, salted caramel shortbread, cream cheese hazelnut brownies, pecan pralines and white-choc lemon truffles.
3. Interesting roasts. Turkey is all well and good for Christmas dinner, but maybe we should spice things up a little this year? Try these festive updates: Guinness & honey glazed pork, beer & black pepper beef, Moroccan spiced chicken, maple-mustard pork and bacon & rosemary lamb.
4.  Are you a master Instagrammer? Wondering if those snaps can be put to good use? Why not have them printed up by kikki.K to use as highly personalised stationery. 

Kitchen Cabinet: Measuring Cups

Measuring cups are an easily forgotten kitchen item. We all have them, but how many of us have actually invested in them? I mean, cost per use, they are great value! Much better than that expensive ice cream churn you've got at the back of the cupboard... (I still want one, no matter how much I know I won't use it).

And there are some beautiful ones out there. Anthropology is a great place to start (I love these geese. Adorable!). If you're into vintage, Etsy is obviously your go-to. This green glass one is my pick, but I also like this handmade ceramic set. And functional doesn't mean devoid of beauty. I think this set from West Elm is to die for. They come in both enamel and copper, plus they have matching spoons sets if you're really keen. These ones are obviously for the elegant baker amongst us (or the clumsy, those goose necks look a little fragile...).

The Weekly Digest #20

1. Kaelen's spring/summer collection. Adore the graphic prints on quirky, sporty shapes. Coveting everything - from the easy basics too the special printed pieces. 
2. Lace table runners. I saw a picture on Pinterest and my heart was stolen. Etsy, Ebay and Vinnies will be the place to find one I feel. And hopefully just in time for my Christmas party this weekend.
3. And that brings me to my next major thought this week: Christmas! I admit, my tree has been up for weeks (I got excited) and I have been wholeheartedly planning a Christmas party. I have endless lists and ideas...
4. Passionfruit. Maggie Beer's banana & passionfruit pavlova in her new book started it. Since then I've become a little obsessed with the stuff. I've unearthed endless recipes! These would be some favourites that I can't wait to try: coconut meringue sandwiches with passionfruit ice cream, coconut rice pudding with passionfruit & banana, passionfruit puddings, passionfruit eton mess, passionfruit tart, orange & passionfruit yoyos, and passionfruit & ricotta cheesecake.  I know, long list.
5. The December issue of (Australian) Vogue. Arizona Muse is to die for.

Kitchen Cabinet: Ceramics

The kitchen kit. Everyone says something different - some say you need a million things, others are so minimal its just boring! I'd like to think I fall somewhere in the middle, though I admit if I had the space and the finances I'd probably have more things than I do! I also admit that I have quite a lot, and some would say more than necessary.

I do have some essentials, but there are many more things I just really want to see adorning my cupboard for no other reason then I like the look of them.

That's what 'Kitchen Cabinet' will be about! I mix of the thing sI can't live without, and the things I'm coveting. I might throw in some photos of beautiful kitchens for good measure.

This week I'm all about ceramics. I don't have enough of them! I'm really wanting some of these from Etsy store Art & Manufacture. Aren't the beautiful? The pie dish is top of my list.

Though that mixing bowl could sway me...

The Weekly Digest #19

1. The five rules of feminist cooking. Inspired by Nigella of course.
2. J. Mendel's spring/summer 2014 collection. The mix of hard, edgy lines and lace is a perfect match.
3. Cleansing Oils. They're the new it-product in skincare and I'm hooked! I've started using Nude Skincare's Perfect Cleanising Oil (available at Mecca Cosmetica) and after a fortnight I can really feel the difference. It's a strange way to cleanse, and I'm still getting used to it, but I really love it.
4. Pecans - I love them and try to include them in lots of my baking (from simple cookies to luscious breakfast muffins). I challenge you not to do the same after trying out these recipes: pecan cream cake, pecan pie ice-cream pie, poppy seed & nut granola, blackberry & pecan biscuits, and triple-choc pecan cookies.

 

The Weekly Digest #18

1. I added these to my Goodreads list this week: A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle, What Would Grace Do? By Gina McKinnon, Bold Palates by Barbara Santich, and The Cazalet Trilogy by Elizabeth Jane Howard.
2. J.Crew in the English countryside is bliss.
3. I'm strangely drawn to animal print. Usually I despise it! See here: clutch, blouse, and heels.   
4. Pristine living spaces in whites and pale greys. Its another new look for me.      

The Weekly Digest #14

1. This is a fantastic idea - personalised recipe tea towels. Pick a recipe, fill in the details and order! 
2. The adorable artworks and quirky gifts from Alice Tait (available here). I'm coveting the portobello road print, her city maps, and a spring day in Paris print.  
3. Wall art from Not on the High Street. And yes they do (mostly) ship internationally. Plus they have a million other things to tempt you too, from tableware to novelty sweaters. I mean, you get a personalised sketch of your house done! Now thats a housewarming gift. 
4. Bread. I'm becoming a baker! Kneading can be wonderfully therapeutic, but an electric mixer and dough hook make it easier! Start with a simple pizza dough (no worries if it fails to rise then), before progressing to a white loaf and then a wholemeal or multigrain. Once you've mastered those try these for something different: malted walnut seed loaf, honey wholemeal, rye ale & oat, raspberry, chocolate & hazelnut breakfast bread, sesame seed buns, and blueberry brioche.     

Kitchen Cabinet: Emma Bridgewater

I first came across Emma Bridgewater mugs in those little knick-knack type shops when I was on my Gap Year in 2010. They are quirky and fun, and a little bit cutesy. There also a little bit old school. Suits me just fine!

Teapots, teacup sets, pasta bowls, jugs, mugs.... In any print or lettering you could imagine. There isn't much this husband and wife team don't do (you can read more about them here).

I don't recall ever seeing these in Australia, BUT, they ship internationally for very reasonable prices (and tax free). Would make a delightful gift for a special friend.

These are my favourites, but visit http://www.emmabridgewater.co.uk/ to explore for yourselves.

(clockwise from top left) 'Sweet Pea' teapot,  'Black Toast' half pint mug, 'Blue Hen' teapot, 'Hellebore' breakfast cup, 'Walk in the Park' pasta bowl, and 'Black Toast' jug.

The Weekly Digest #12

1. These quirky newspaper blackout poems. Might give it a go over my weekend paper...
2. Maxime Simoens autumn/winter 2013 collection. Why I have only discovered it now I don't know, but I can tell you it is the ultimate combination of ladylike and fun. 
3. How adorable is this Paris necklace? I'm not normally a jewellery person, but I'm desperate for this piece!
4. Old school desserts with a twist. I'm talking a proper English-style pud spiced-up. Try these this week: arctic roll, pear & blackberry cobbler, baked apples with hazelnuts & maple cream and gingerbread puddings with salted caramel sauce. 
5. Winter ice-creams. I firmly believe there is an ice-cream for every weather. My winter picks would have to be these rich and creamy options: rhubarb & pistachio, lavender & chocolate, brown butter, peanut butter & honey with choc chip and malted condensed milk.    

Blog Roll: Liberty London Girl

Reading this blog is like taking a little step inside the fashion world. Just a little one - a taster, a teaser. Sasha Wilkins is a witty writer who doesn't feel the need to be over the top and endlessly posting about what fabulous designer piece she wore today. Its a little more intelligent than that. I liken it to reading Madison - its got fashion, food, lifestyle, design, books, travel, health and technology (plus some more). I love the diversity of it, and also how it just flows naturally.

She started her career at Conde Nast and began blogging in 2006, and LLG became her pre-occupation around 2009 after finishing as the executive style editor at The Wall Street Journal's 'WSJ' magazine. Now, she's a conbination of "writer-blogger-journalist-broadcaster-editer-stylist-brand consultant". Nice if you can get it!

And you must fllow her on twitter too - the wit continues.

Follow her through my blog roll or at http://www.libertylondongirl.com