Rainy days are fantastic excuses to stay inside and do all those things you've been meaning to do. OK, yes, they're otherwise known as chores. But I honestly feel a sense of calm creeping over me now that the bathroom and floors are clean, the dishes done, the groceries put away.

I've finished my LouLou (disappointing issue to tell you the truth - I think magazine quality really falters in the warm months) and I've read a couple chapters of my book "Away".

I haven't turned on the TV. I've just listened to the rain falling on my window (and less-romantically, on my air conditioner). The quiet is good.

I managed to get myself out of the house because I needed milk in order to make myself my precious coffee. So I picked up a bunch of things at the same time.

Grocery shopping such a different experience when you have the leisure to wander and consider new products and linger by the bakery, smelling the fresh bread and cakes coming out of the oven.

I also allowed myself to get distracted by the dresses in Le Chateau as well as the jewlery kiosk before stopping at the bagel shop for this week's stash of bagels: Cinnamon raisin and pumpernickel sesame.

And now I believe it may be time to make myself a smoothie before heading out to see a movie on my Saturday night. (I'm just itching to see XMen!)