Mimi Takes Five - #410

ONE // Bridgerton : Book 3

Unlike the show, the third book tells the story of Benedict. I was happy about that because it's been the most recent season of the show so it was fresher in my mind. I have to say, I enjoyed this book as much as I did the Anthony book. While the book was good, I do think I prefer the characterization of Benedict in the show more than the book. I found he came across as more entitled and less charismatic in the book. While I enjoyed reading this one, I think I prefer the show's portrayal of this story. I'm rather surprised that by reading the books, I'm finding a bigger appreciation for the televised adaptation of the series. This is rather unusual. I'm committed to reading the entire series and we'll see if I change my mind on the television show once I've read the books before the rest of the seasons premiere. This is the same way got into Outlander. I watched the first few seasons (I think it was four) before reading the entire series and I found myself enjoying the show less after I'd read the books. Time will tell on Bridgerton. 

TWO // Oversized White Shirt

I love wearing white tops, especially white shirts and have an array of white blouses. I recently got this oversized boyfriend white button down shirt for easy and laid-back layering during the hot summer months. I can wear it open over a workout set, or tied at the waist over a dress. It would also work really well with dark wash jeans or dressed up by tucking it into a skirt and adding a blazer. The white button-down is the perfect blank canvas to style. Linen is a great summer option, but I went with the poplin as it's a bit more structured and doesn't wrinkle quite as easily.

THREE // Purse Fan

A couple summers ago, I got myself a tiny foldable fan that I kept in my purse for those really hot summer commute days. If the day started off hot, I was usually needing to fan myself at the bus stop to try and stay cool. I often use my little purse fan in transit or at the office. Basically, I carry it with me all summer look and whip it out whenever I overheat. These humid summers are no joke and I need to prepare in any way I can. All that to say that my little paper purse fan is starting to look worse for wear so I decided to upgrade it. I settled on this lilac fan and this it's great! It's studier and will be more resistant to everyday use. Sadly, it's not as compact as my other fan...  However, the day after it arrived, my friend surprised me with a fan from her trip to Spain. This one is almost exactly the same except it has a beautiful design. So I decided to pop that one in my purse and keep the other at my desk. A girl can clearly not have too many fans!

FOUR // Book Games

Years ago, we started collecting these board game books. It's basically classic board games but packaged in stylish book-like boxes that can be displayed on a shelf. I mean, who hasn't seen a pile of mismatched board games stashed in a cupboard because the bright and bold packaging is not aesthetic? Also, the varying box sizes and dimensions make the entire collection feel like its own life-sized Jenga. Those are a few of the reasons I was drawn to these book board games. They are cohesive and look wonderful displayed on a shelf. I find I'm more likely to reach for a board game when they are out in the open. I had managed to find Scrabble, Yahtzee and Scattegories over the years. I always happened upon them at Winners/Homesense, so it was always luck of the draw. Well, I just found out the entire collection is available on Etsy! I just might add to the collection.

FIVE // Fly Away Home

It's been very rainy and moody over here and I've been loving it and leaning into the vibes. I'm not one for sweaty weather, so the cooler days are welcome in my book! Leaning into the cozy vibes means I like to curl up on the sofa with a blanket and watch comforting movies. I recently rewatched Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince that I picked at random. But then I came across a 90s movie that I hadn't thought about in years : Fly Away Home! It's a heart-warming story of a young girl who saves Canada geese eggs when after their habitat was damaged and raises them. The challenge comes when it's time for them to migrate in the fall. Teamed up with her inventor father, they come up with a flying device so that Amy can guide her flock to their winter home in the south. It's a uniquely Canadian story and a really comforting watch. It's not a big dramatic story by any means but it hits all the right notes of endearing, nostalgic, heart-warming and inspired by a true story. It really is the perfect rainy-day watch. You can find it on many streaming platforms.