45 Comments
May 5Liked by Jolene Handy

Love the idea of adding lavender to sugar for making iced coffee. I have made shortbread with lavender from a local farm where they also warned me to use it sparingly. Thanks for the lovely post!

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A little goes a long way, Vicki! Lavender shortbread sounds so good, was it dried or fresh lavender? 💜

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May 6Liked by Jolene Handy

Dried.

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May 7Liked by Jolene Handy

I really wish I could like lavender—my favorite fragrance—in food or drink and I keep trying but I just can’t get past the ohmigod-I’m-eating-soap mouthfeel 🙃

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I hear ya, Amie! A little goes a loooong way! That’s why I liked it in the honey, much milder and not “soapy” ! 🧼

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Jolene, Jolene! This is post is absolutely delicious. I forgive you for making me hungry again, not because you've linked to Emma and Jack's viral video (which I loved), but because you led me to J.G. Ballard's short story, which I'd never read before. Great photos and recipes here too. Thanks so much for this.

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Thank you so much, Andrew! The Ballard story was new to me, too! Appreciate your comment!

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May 13Liked by Jolene Handy

Oh, how charismatic and picture perfect it all is! I only have a moment and that's what I simply must say <3

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Hi, Jess!!

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May 10Liked by Jolene Handy

I was in love with this newsletter *before* Monday night hit, and am now even more in love with it, having ogled Met Gala red carpet photos all week. And I have such good memories of making madeleines with my mom growing up!

Washington state has lavender fields everywhere, with diners serving lavender milkshakes all summer long...but I haven't been brave enough to try lavender in my food quite yet. This might be just the push I need. ✨

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I will now think of these as Maddie and Mom’s Madeleines 🥹❤️

Lavender shake? Wow! I didn’t realize about all the lavender in WA. We continue our year of glamour, Maddie. ✨ 💜

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May 10Liked by Jolene Handy

Aww 🥹 Yes, discovering all the lavender fields was a fun—and *very* glamorous—surprise to me, too!

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💜

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When I heard this year’s theme, I was wondering if it was ironic! 🌸

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I just watched the red carpet and it was fascinating to see the interpretations! And, yes, Sabrina, I wondered the same! 🌺

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Such a marvelous post on every level, Jolene! The Ballard short story gave me a shiver of mortal dread, the idea of fashion so fragile it can only be worn once sets the creative wheels to spinning, and then Proust, Madeleines and lavender sugar, plus delicious coffee—and a Met gala! What more could you ask? Great stuff!🌹

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Thank you, Ruth! I’m about to read your post, hope you’re having the best time! 🤗

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Leave it to Jolene to write a post about the Met Gala that is surely more interesting than the gala itself will be ;-) That short story makes me think of another short story: The Wish, by Roald Dahl. Thanks for another great post.

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Thank you, Domenica, I’m googling the Dahl right now! ❤️

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If the Ocean’s eight movie is even minimally true, half of the people won’t eat the menu because (gluten, meat, sugar) the other half because (calories).

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I’d like to be seated with Jack Harlow and enjoy! 😂❤️

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I’d take Jack Black and hope he’ll wreak havoc

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🤣 love it!

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I love your adorable violet teacup and saucer! 😍

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I’m getting you one!! 🫖 💜

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Lovely backstage tour around this year's Met Gala, although the coffee and cookie (madeleine) recommendations are more my lane. My thoughts (since you asked!)

I guess with Sarah Jessica Parker's book imprint and Kaia Gerber’s book club, the co-mingling of fashion and literary fiction has been in the works.

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I had no idea about either SJP’s imprint or Kaia’s book club, thank you, Melanie!

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This is all glittery, fun, and scrumptious! Enchanting reading as always, Jolene! I’ve never had a Madeleine. The lavender sugar sounds magical. Enjoy the Pajamas party! That’s all. 😂💖💫💛

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PJ PARTY!! 😂 Thank you, Amy! ❤️💃

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You are welcome, friend! Strike a pose! ♥️💃💫🎵😂

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I *am* curious about the choice of theme for the Met gala — I love sci-fi/ dystopian fiction— so I will be sure to check out that short story. Possibly while munching on a madeleine.

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So nice to see you here, Lorraine! I’m really curious, too and I will indeed be enjoying a Madeleine or 3! Hope you’re well :)

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Glad to be back, I really enjoyed this article!

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Thanks so much!

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1. “Beautiful decay”😭 2. All I want now is a Madeleine and a cup of hot coffee🥹3. Tea kettle!! 🥰….as always, so nourishing on a Sunday evening❤️❤️❤️

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Christene! I have that kettle because of YOU! ☺️❤️

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May 5Liked by Jolene Handy

I can't imagine attending the gala, but I certainly am fascinated! Of course, I zoomed right in on the Madeleins and your rolling pins! ❤️

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Haha! Love it, Pam! ❤️

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This post is very timely because I just arrived in New York this morning and I'm staying with my fashionista daughter. Unfortunately, we're not going to the Big Event at the Met. I'll be sure to look for attendees as I wander the streets of the city tomorrow. However, their outfits might be hard to distinguish from what some regular ole' New Yorkers wear.

Your photographs in this post are once again beautiful. How many takes do you have to do - either of the still life or making the treats?

Another enjoyable read! Thank you.

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How fun to be in NYC with your daughter, Andrea! As far as takes go: I only bake once and the iPhone camera is so good I can click away and then go back and see which pic I like best! 📸 Have a great visit with your daughter!

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Amazing artistry! Good for you!

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I love lavender (flower anything, really) so these sound so delicious!

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Hi, Amy! The lavender honey is mild and the texture of the madeleines was really nice, let me know if you try them!

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