OODLES of books this week as we step into cozying-in season. The latest novel from a beloved British author, a memoir from a beloved Dame, a new garden book from an inspiring Dutch gardener, books about the food world, how food heals us, inspiring poetry to unite us, sweets and treats from the GBBO team, and then we have quite a few premieres of TV series returning – comedies, thrillers, and dramas. November will definitely keep us entertained, and then there are timeless clothing finds, and many on great discounts. And yep, still, there is much more!

Books

—The Art of Organizing Thoughts: Slow Wisdom for a Fast World by Shigehiko Toyama 

Originally released in Japan in 1983, it became a bestseller, selling more than 3 million copies. Soon, The Art of Organizing Thoughts will be available in the States. With renewed resonance “in the age of artificial intelligence, renowned scholar and teacher Shigehiko Toyama offers a humane and timeless reminder: Thinking well is a distinctly human art, and one that must be cultivated, protected, and practiced. Toyama argues that knowledge alone is not wisdom—in fact, the more we accumulate, the easier it is to stop truly thinking. The Art of Organizing Thoughts explains how to move from overloaded to clear-minded, not by consuming more information, but by learning how to organize what you already know.” I look forward to receiving my copy.

—Cathy Kincaid Memorable Rooms: Artisanal Collaborations

About seven years ago, Cathy Kincaid’s book A Well Adorned Home inspired episode #260 of the podcast. Now, she has a new book, Memorial Rooms: Artisanal Collaborations, and it looks to be a wealth of inspiration for adding our own signature style to our sanctuaries.

Released on September 8th, “Kincaid explains how the foundations of great design—proportion, layout, and light—set the stage, while antiques, personal collections, and custom finishes bring a space to life. From hand-painted trelliswork to lacquered surfaces and couture details, her collaborations with talented artisans make every project stand out . . . Room by room, Kincaid discusses her choices for color, materials, textiles, and accessories, offering inspiration for dining rooms, living spaces, kitchens, bedrooms, powder rooms, and even outdoor areas. Contributors such as wallpaper specialist de Gournay, Leontine Linens, and textile designer Lisa Fine share insights into crafting the luxurious elements that define her look.”

—Food Is Medicine: Healing Our Bodies, Nourishing Our Minds, and Transforming Our Food System by Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian

Just released last week on October 20th, Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, DrPH, a global authority, uniquely positioned on the front lines of nutrition science, medicine, and public policy, shares in his book Food is Medicine “reveals the medicinal, healing power of ideal nutrition and introduces the innovators who are pioneering solutions―at the doctor’s office, in supermarkets, in the halls of Congress, and above all for individuals, to empower them to access the foods they need to live well.”

—O Now! by Niall Williams

A short book (77 pages) from the novelist who knows how to masterfully tell an engaging and endearing story. “October in the parish of Faha, County Clare – the beginning of the season of spirits. 

Here’s a look at the plot, a perfect one perhaps for this Halloween and autumn festivity weekend: “Four nights a week, Bat Considine calls on his neighbour Mossie Crowe; a beloved widower known to all in the townland of Faha as Ganga. They sit by the fire and, as Bat reads the newspaper aloud, wait to see which of them will die first. 

“But this week, Bat will make a discovery that changes this routine forever. In the coming days, Ganga’s small community will gather, and his family travel home from far away; to celebrate a quiet life, in all its miracles.”

—Salty, Not Sweet: A Life in the Food World by Florence Fabricant 

Food memoirs are some of my favorites to read because the appetite is engaged as much as the mind. 🙂 In Salty, Not Sweet: A Life in the Food World, “Florence Fabricant―celebrated New York Times food writer for more than 50 years―recounts a life defined by the insatiable search for new dining experiences, tracing the evolution of food and restaurant culture in the United States and abroad, and her instrumental role in revealing it, along the way.”

—Signals Across Vast Distances: Essays and Tales by Elizabeth Alexander

The prize-winning poet and champion of the arts and humanities, Elizabeth Alexander, shares in her book Signals Across Vast Distances “profound and galvanizing lessons from culture and life to move through challenging times . . . Throughout the book, Alexander poses questions, encouraging readers to recognize the abundant resources we carry within or can access: language, history, art, community, family, our bodies, our stories, and love itself.”

—What Could Possibly Go Right?: The Essential Journey to Scale an Enduring Culture by Danny Meyer

Danny Meyer, the founder of Shake Shack and many other successful businesses, is sharing his learned wisdom of shifting one’s mindset. In What Could Possibly Go Right? he offers “an insightful, practical, and transformative roadmap for success, yes, but more important: for making things that matter and endure.”

British Finds

—Black Doves, season 2, Netflix

The spy/political thriller returns for a second season with Keira Knightley leading the way. I unexpectedly quite enjoyed the first season, so I am going to tune in and watch the new release. Yes, there is violence, but the plot doesn’t depend on the violence, rather the wit and quick thinking of its strong actors (alongside Knightley are Ben Whishaw and Sara Lancashire). Look for eight episodes to drop next Thursday, November 5th. And have a look at the trailer below. We begin at 10 Downing . . .

—The Great British Baking Show 2026: Sugar and Spice

We are now halfway through the latest season of The Great British Bake-Off, and I don’t want it to end. How about you? It is my Friday or Saturday night ritual, and I absolutely equate it with autumn’s arrival now. 🙂 In this new cookbook, Sugar and Spice, you will find 60 favorite recipes from the Baking Show archive alongside 15 brand-new creations, this collection is filled with everything from indulgent sweet treats to flavor-packed savory bakes, including recipes from Paul Hollywood and brand-new judge Nigella Lawson. Here is a taste of what’s inside:

Nigella Lawson’s Toasted Marshmallow and Raspberry Cake
Biscoff Cascading Caramel Star
Loaded Chocolate and Pistachio Cookies
Sausage and Camembert Wreath (seen below)
Rhubarb and Custard Galette
Spiced Chocolate, Orange and Passion Fruit Layer Cake

—Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? by Judi Dench (and Brendan O’Hea) 

In Dame Judi Dench’s memoir, it is both humorous, as the title suggests, and heartfelt. “Stepping out of her comfort zone has been Judi’s guiding principle, and in Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?, she reveals all to Brendan – her friend and writing partner. She tells stories of pranks (both onstage and off), dissects her greatest screen roles, shares tales of her joyful marriage to actor Michael Williams, and talks about her passion for nature and animals.” I think this would be an absolutely fun and endearing read.

—The Lives of Others, Adelphi Theatre (London)

Kiera Knightley is a little bit of everywhere, and in this instance, she is on the London stage. Starring alongside Bridgerton’s Luke Thompson in The Lives of Others (running through January 9th), the play by Robert Icke is set in 1984. East Germany. “A writer and an actor are placed under state surveillance. From the attic above their apartment, their Stasi man listens for evidence of subversion. But to observe a life is to risk changing your own.” I would LOVE to go and see this play. If you happen to be in London, please do book a ticket!

—Rita Konig Household Goods

Rita Konig is having a very busy year leading up to her new book being released in January. Her new Household Goods line was just launched, and it is filled with inspiration from what she has in her own apartment in London. From the cabinet and storage vanity (look at all of the draws and the design here), to vintage trugs (seen below), glassware, chairs, tables and more.

Garden

—The Container Ktichen Garden by Claus Dalby

Earlier this week, the monthly garden post was shared, the final one of the season here on TSLL until March 2027, and while it is FULL of books, finds, tools, tasks, contemplations and photos of my garden, I wanted to share this book with everyone just in case you are pondering expanding your gardening repertoire but may not have the space. Claus Dalby is a long-trusted source when it comes to cottage gardening, and this book looks to be an invaluable resource to provide guidance, inspiration and approach steps for growing your own kitchen garden no matter how much outdoor space you have.

Shopping

—Boden’s Chunky Fair Isle Sweater, 25% off

—Frank & Eileen Cotswolds Turtleneck, 100% Italian cotton, many colors

—Mango’s Houndstooth Wool Jacket, 30% off

This houndstooth wool jacket sings casual comfort for grabbing and going to your favorite diner or pub, out to a quick dinner with friends, as it will work well with just about anything. Wrap around a scarf, pull on your Chelsea boots, and you are in style. Don’t forget to use coupon MNG30 to save 30% at checkout.

—Quince’s Cashmere Zip Hoodie, many colors

I am in need of a new zipped hoodie. One that isn’t too bulky, thus slim, yet classic, and this one from Quince is speaking to me. Perhaps to you as well.

—Staud’s Serrano Relaxed Cashmere Crew sweater, many colors

A super cozy sweater option, and slightly oversized as well, Staud’s Serrano cashmere crew sweater has a bit more of a relaxed neckline, yet a classic fit. A sweater to have at-the-ready for years to come.

Television

—The Gilded Age, season 4, HBO Max

The new season returns this Sunday, November 1st. We are swept back into the Gilded Age of New York high society, and after having read Edith Wharton’s biography this summer, I will be even more interested in this series than I was before (which was still quite a bit). Enjoy eight episodes, one dropping each Sunday, to conclude on December 20th. Have a look at the trailer below.

—North of North, season 2, Netflix

The first season of this comedy series found me accidentally, and then I found myself quite enjoying it. The second season returns this coming Thursday, November 5th on Netflix. So! Pack your parkas as they say! Earning critical acclaim for the first season, North of North has been described as a heartfelt Arctic comedy.

“As winter settles over Ice Cove, young Inuk mother Siaja (Anna Lambe) is still determined to make life better — for herself and everyone around her. It turns out that while you can blow up your life on an impulse, building the one you want takes a little more planning and a lot more hustle.” Have a look at the trailer below and look for eight episodes to be available when it premieres.

—St. Denis Medical, season 3

Hilarity upon hilarity. We could also use some smart, light-hearted humor, and St. Denis Medical thankfully delivers it in droves. Returning on Monday, November 2nd for its third season (and fictionally set in Oregon, which is what initially prompted my curiosity when it debuted back in 2024), have a look at the trailer below.

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Nelle took me on a walk through Drake Park on Wednesday, which is where we found this stunning autumnal display of ruby-hued leaves. I gawked, I dawdled, I snapped a few photos and videos (tune in to Sunday’s A Cuppa Moments for those), and generally just had a very pleasant outing surrounded by Mother Nature.

October nears its end, but as I have been often saying this month, it has been a gift of a month of natural beauty. Be sure to check out both the Smile post shared earlier this week and October’s garden post to see even more autumnal photos.

Rain fell all morning on Tuesday, so I made sure we took our walk out in it, and that too provided the magic. The golden and orange colored leaves dripping with water gently falling from the sky, yes, I am that person who is smiling while it rains. We had a great excursion. Whatever autumn offers that you love, I encourage you to disregard what anyone else may think and let yourself embrace it and savor it fully. It has a powerful way of calming and uplifting us, but it must be to our preferences, that is what makes it the best medicine.

And while I am not rushing ahead to January, I wanted to bring your attention to the opportunity to take a TSLL Reader Survey as I begin looking ahead to 2027 and the regular content schedule. You can take the survey here – it will take about 5-7 minutes to complete, or wait until tomorrow when it will posted on the blog, Saturday, and you will have the rest of the year to respond. Thank you for considering making time to provide your thoughts!

Now, to even more content to explore and enjoy found in links and one video, and may the Halloween weekend be as festive as you prefer – all treats and no tricks. Two things to remember if you live in the States, enjoy the extra hour of sleep on Sunday as we fall back on November 1st, and be sure to vote this coming Tuesday (or mail in your ballots before Tuesday! Mine was sent last week and has safely arrived. Very grateful to all of the election workers for all that they do). Until tomorrow, when the survey post will be shared, bonne journée,

~A handful of Britain’s leading interior designers share how to create an inspiring office space. [Country Life]

~The meaning of stripes, and why they may have been seen on more than 27 runways this past fashion month. [FT.com, gift link]

~Home Tour of the Week: The story alone is inspiring as to how George Bronwin, now a well-known potter, shifted professional directions in life and it all began with buying a rundown cottage in Somerset that is now fixed up and a treat to tour. Have a look here.

~The final season of Miss Scarlett will air this coming January (watch the trailer here), and in preparation, PBS has rounded up a post to read introducing readers to history’s real trailblazing female detectives.

~Are you in Paris this weekend? If so, did you know that many museums and châteaux offer free admission on the first of the month? Yep! Have a look at the list of 10 châteaux offering free entry in the Île-de-France. [Sortir à Paris]

~What to do in London this November [Britain Magazine]

~More reason to take up gardening and/or advocate for more green spaces in your community. The power of green spaces to improve the quality of our daily lives in a variety of ways. [Gardens Illustrated]

~Did you know that there are 32 airports throughout the US where you can go through security (without a plane ticket) to meet someone at the gate? Yep! Check out the list and how and who can do so. [Afar]

~Easy French lunch ideas. Explore these six simple recipes. They each look delicious, especially the French lentil salad with fourme d’Ambert. [Taste France]

~While many of the items on this list are from her new collection of Home Goods, Rita Konig’s list of 7 workhorse home purchases is worthwhile to check out, and I especially agree with her on the bed linens (plus, there are a few photos from her country home in County Durham).

~What food to eat in season in France this November. [The Local, subscription may be required]

~The stars of the garden, and here at Le Papillon too, are the asters, and there are so many to choose from. In fact, their name means star in Greek, and they are uber easy to care for. [House & Garden UK]

~How to start an art collection you’ll love for a lifetime [Veranda]

~Did you know there was a private library above Pike Place Market in Seattle? Learn all about it and how to reach it (it is quite close to the famous fish-throwing fishmongers) in the video below.

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~Explore last week’s edition of This & That: October 23rd

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