Spring has definitely sprung in New York but we’re still waiting for everything to bloom. (The photo above is from a few years ago.) It really feels almost back to normal though with the amount of people out and about thanks to the vaccine. But it’s going to rain all day tomorrow so if you need some things to do inside, I’ve got you covered along with a few great sales.

If you feel comfortable going back to a movie theatre, The Courier looks like a great British spy flick. Benedict Cumberbatch stars in the true story of a British businessman unwittingly recruited into one of the greatest international conflicts in history. I really wish this was also available on demand or streaming for people who would feel safer watching at home. I think all films should be released both ways going forward.

Every award season, I challenge myself to watch as many of the nominated films as possible. Some are easier than others and make me question my commitment to this endeavor but this year has been okay so far. I started with The Sound of Metal. It stars Riz Ahmed as a heavy metal drummer who has to relearn how to live when he loses his hearing. It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming movie that definitely deserves to be nominated. I liked Promising Young Woman more than I thought I would and appreciated the original story but I didn’t think it deserved to be nominated for an Oscar. I need to keep going with my list this weekend. They are both available to stream.

Mark your calendars and set your DVR because Ken Burns has turned his attention to Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway, a three-part, six-hour documentary film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, examines the visionary work and the turbulent life of one of America’s greatest and most complicated writers. It premieres on PBS on April 5, 2021.

I already alerted you to Alice Neel: People Come First but I toured the exhibition last Sunday during member previews and it’s marvelous. I was familiar with the art of Alice Neel but I’ve only ever seen one painting here and there. To explore the entire breadth of her life’s work was inspiring. I especially love her painting from the 1970s that she painted in her 70s. There is a great 2007 documentary, Alice Neel, from her grandson Andrew Neel that is a wonderful complement to the exhibition and gives you more insight into her life.

I’m really not allowed to buy anymore books until I read the ones already in my stack but I might break my ban for Fierce Poise: Helen Frankenthaler and 1950s New York that was just published this week. I love mid-century modern abstract art and would love to learn more about this enigmatic artist.

It was 80 degrees in New York yesterday which would have been a good time to visit the new Sant Ambroeus Gelateria that just opened at 267 Lafayette Street. It’s also a great sign that the city really is back to normal that so many new places are opening now.

Today I’m going to visit the newly opened new outpost of Salon 94 at 3 East 89th Street. Gallerist Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn purchased the 65-foot wide building that previously home to the National Academy Museum to house new exhibitions of art and design. I’m just as excited to see the historic building as I am the art. Expect lots of photos in my Instagram Stories later. You can read more about this venture in the WSJ.Magazine.

I stopped by Warby Parker this week to get prescription sunglasses so I can read outside this summer. I noticed that the Gael Sunglasses in the pale nude pink color are a pretty close copy of my Celine sunglasses if you’d like a less expensive version. I ended up ordering the Ada Sunglasses in tortoise but they also come in green like another Celine style.

The temperatures have been all over the map this past week so I’ve been trying to figure out my wardrobe. I just ordered this Theory Scarf Coat in Double Face Wool Cashmere (the scarf is removable) since I don’t own a black coat and it’s currently on sale plus an additional 25% off during Theory’s Friends and Family Sale. They have a lot of other great coats on sale too. Bloomingdale’s is also having a great 25% off Friends and Family Sale through April 3, 2021 too.

Spring is also a great time for a reset. A friend and I are going to start another Prolon Fast Mimicking Diet next week to get back on track. I love how it helps me cut sugar from my diet but the weight loss isn’t bad either. I lost 7 pounds the first time I did it last year. It’s not easy but it’s worth it to look and feel better as we emerge from winter. You can save 10% on a Prolon box now with the code GETPROLON.

Hope you get out and enjoy the great weather day!

Bon week-end!

XOXO,

HC