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This week brings must-visit art exhibits if you will be in Paris or London in the coming months, films to prompt conversation about social media, fame and more. Novels that place us into intriguing worlds with delightful characters unique in their world and no doubt will have us cheering for them. The return of a favorite British amateur sleuth, the return of an American diplomat in the UK, fall clothing finds and sales of note and still there is more!
Art
—Les Arts Décoratifs exhibit: LOOK: 40 Year of Fashion at The Museum (Paris)
Looking back over 40 years of fashion, in the exhibit Look! explore 40 iconic outfits. Visitors will learn about “the craftsmanship and techniques of the fashion world. From sewing workshops to behind-the-scenes at the museum, these techniques transform garments into works of art. The exhibition invites visitors to follow the dual life of a garment, from before to after it enters the collections. It unveils the stages of creation, conservation, and restoration that bring this exceptional heritage to life, from the initial sketch to the runway show, via fashion photography, and from the museum’s storage to the exhibition.”
If you are in Paris, or will be in Paris in the coming months, and you enjoy exploring the history of fashion, be sure to visit this exhibit. Presented in La Musée des Arts Décoratifs (located between the Tuileries and the Place du Palais-Royal).
Have a look at a peek of the exhibit below in the IG Reel.
—Mary Cassatt: L’Indépendante, Musée d’Orsay
An American who became a part of the Impressionists in the latter part of their swing through the style’s era, Mary Cassatt’s paintings are on exhibit now through January 31st (official dates: 06 octobre 2026 au 31 janvier 2027). Never before has a French museum dedicated an exhibit solely to Mary Cassatt until now.
Marking 100 years since her death (1844-1926), the newly opened exhibit at the Musée d’Orsay “provides an opportunity to examine the central place occupied by this prominent artist who, through talent and determination, succeed in forging a unique identity in late 19th- and early 20th-century art history, on both sides of the Atlantic.”
“Mary Cassatt described herself as ‘American, American through and through’, but started off by grounding her art in the pictorial tradition of the old masters, which she studied during her visits to Europe, before becoming an essential figure in the Impressionist movement in France, where she lived for no fewer than six decades. ‘I am independent!’ she proclaimed, ‘I can live alone and I love to work’.”
—Renoir and Love, The National Gallery, London
And if you happen to be in London right now through the same window (concluding on January 31st of 2027), one of the seven members of the coterie of the founding Impressionist movement, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, is being showcased at The National Gallery. Having read the review of the exhibit in The Financial Times this past week, written by the same author who wrote Claude Monet’s biography (2023), I appreciated her observations and preferences about how she wished they would have organized the paintings, yet also ensured we fully understand Renoir, who is sometimes misunderstood. An exhibit I would love to visit. I do hope you are able to!
Books
—The Bookshop: A History of Bookselling from the Dawn of Print to the Twenty-First Century by Andrew Pettegree
A book for the bibliophiles and lovers of history. The Bookshop “tells a sweeping history of the bookstore. It celebrates the ingenuity of booksellers, from the smugglers who carried contraband books across borders, to the innovators who created the global distribution networks that define books and bookselling today. Even though few bookshops lasted more than a few years during the best of times, booksellers relentlessly sought new ways to get books to readers. Innovators like the squabbling dealers who invented the secondhand bookstore, or Victorian capitalists like W. H. Smith, who built an empire of railroad station book stalls to serve idle passengers, made bookselling what it is today.”
to be released October 13, 2026
—Peck & Peck: A novel by Bonnie Garmus
The protagonist of Peck & Peck is Batter Gray, a recent college graduate with a skill that no one wants—an ‘ear’ for poetry . . . But when Batter gets a dream job at Peck & Peck, the most prestigious poetry quarterly in the world, his life moves into the literary fast lane. Soon Batter is knee-deep in the secret war between the two Editors in Chief, the famous Peck brothers—twins and enemies—as well as being privy to the private affairs of their thirty-nine editors, whose professed mission is the same: Find originality. Reward creativity. Burn the rest.” And so the story begins.
to be released October 13th
—Joy is a Risk Worth Taking by Kelly McGonigal PhD
Bestselling author and renowned psychologist Kelly McGonigal has a new book — Joy is a Risk Worth Taking. “Weaving together personal storytelling with insights from psychology, neuroscience, and research conducted around the world, McGonigal offers tangible ways to experience this powerful emotion in everyday life. You’ll discover: How joy works in the brain and body to provide relief, how to create moments of meaning, connection, and celebration, in challenging times, Strategies to counteract joy dampening that keeps us from enjoying good moments, tools to navigate common obstacles to joy, such as envy, guilt, anxiety, and grief and more.”
—Music Against the Night: A Novel by Yiyun Li
Shared in last month’s Outfits of the Month, Music Against the Night is a story of how two musicians, who eventually marry, make daring risks along their unique young journeys to pursue their love of music, performing it and seeing the world while they do. One story begins in Dublin, the other in French India. Learn more about the plot here. With dips into history we long know about – Napoleon’s attempt at gobbling up more of the continent, and the fame of Mozart- this fictitious tale of musical prodigies and romance is a unique story all its own.
to be released October 13th
—Sleeping Beauties: Why Good Ideas Go Dormant and How They Wake Up by David Byrne
An intriguing book about how creativity is found and then shared. Sleeping Beauties reminds us that “discoveries as diverse as dark matter, lichen, and continental drift . . . technologies from solar panels to the steam engine . . . artists from Bach to Bruegel, Vermeer to Melville . . . all, David Byrne shows us, were sleeping beauties. Why did they fall asleep? How did they wake back up?”
“Sleeping Beauties [shares with readers how] not to be blind to the next great thing. Several times throughout history, the shock of the new landed like a blow on vested interests and entrenched views, putting innovation on hold. Suppression emerged from pushback, the absence of key supporters, or simply a lack of complementary economic conditions . . . But more important even than why ideas go dormant is why they reawaken. Again and again, Byrne shows, someone from a different discipline breaks into the silo. Frequently it’s someone open to metaphorical thinking, to the counterintuitive. Hierarchies and taxonomies have their place, but they can reward insiders and punish outsiders. Oftentimes, it is the winds of change that blow away the sand that has buried momentous ideas.”
released on October 6, 2026
British Finds
—The Cherry Orchard, Harold Pinter Theatre, London
I am a fan of Stephen Mangan. Ever since I saw him in The Split with Nicola Walker, he has piqued my curiosity. And now that he hosts a weekly 3-hour segment on Classic FM, I remain interested in what he is up to, as he regularly shares his latest acting gig. Having just wrapped up one play The Truth, he now is starring alongside Kristin Scott Thomas in Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard.
Now playing in London’s West End at the Harold Pinter Theatre through January 7th, The Cherry Orchard speaks in many ways to our own times. Known as Chekhov’s final play, it was first staged in 1904. “Set in early 20th-century Russia, it follows Lyubov Ranevskaya (Thomas) as she returns to her family estate, now burdened by debt and at risk of sale. As her household confronts shifting social and economic realities, old attachments clash with the need for change. Will they find a way to save their cherished home, or will the cherry orchard be lost forever?” Read an interview with the two leads here in The Financial Times.
—Ludwig, season 2, BritBox
The second season is here! This coming Tuesday, October 13th, the mystery continues and the talented puzzle solver, John Ludwig continues to help the police in Cambridge while also trying to unravel the mystery of where his twin brother is. Having watched this season earlier this September on the BBC, I can share that it is a great sophomore season. Full of red herrings paired with humorous moments and asides, get ready to laugh and scratch your head at the same time. Have a look at the trailer below and enjoy six episodes, a new one dropping each Tuesday.
—This is Not a Murder Mystery, AcornTV
A new mini-series that won a couple of awards for both its set and costume design after its debut last year is coming to the States on Acorn TV this month, October 12th. This is Not a Murder Mystery is set in 1930s England. A young René Magritte, Salvador Dalí, and other renowned surrealist artists gather at a lavish country estate for a private exhibition. But when a wild night ends in murder, and Magritte wakes beside the corpse with no memory of what happened, they become trapped in a deadly mystery where nothing is what it seems.” Have a look at the trailer below and look for six episodes in the first season.
–A Year at the Parsonage: The Story of a House and Garden by Ben Pentreath and Charlie McCormick
Perhaps you too follow British interior designer Ben Pentreath on IG, but before that his blog which he began many years ago when he moved in to The Parsonage in Dorset over 15 years ago. Since then, he’s gotten married, decorated the leased house that holds much history and the garden has expanded and evolved as well with the help of his husband Charlie McCormick. Now the two live in NW Scotland, having purchased an expansive estate that sits on the coastline, but before they arrived there, they did have a beautiful life in The Parsonage.
Having had the opportunity to receive a review copy of this book, all photos are taken by the two men, A Year at the Parsonage is a diary of sorts that walks readers through how the decor and garden evolved as well as how Ben found the house and when he knew he would have to leave it and why. All the details, from décor sourcing to personal memories, are shared, and if you love his décor aesthetic or love to garden, then you’re in for a treat.
Cookbooks
—Love and Lemons Pops of Flavor: 100 Saucy, Spicy, Crunchy, Herby, Tangy Recipes for Craveable Everyday Cooking by Jeanine Donofrio
A new cookbook from Love and Lemons creator Jeanine Donofrio and this one encourages you to let your cravings be your guide when cooking. Each chapter of Pops of Flavor “focuses on a different category—Saucy, Spicy, Crunchy, Herby, Tangy, or Sweet—and highlights a handful of Jeanine’s go-to components along with simple meals. Try her Eggplant Yogurt Sauce drizzled on Zucchini Gyros and Falafel Spiced Sheet Pan Fries. Or use Jalapeño Radish Pickles to spice up Smoky Potato Tacos and Cold Ginger Sesame Udon noodles. Lemon Za’atar Bread Crumbs add a satisfying crunch to Fennel Parmesan and Crispy Chickpea Fritters.” Released on Tuesday October 13th, have a look at an excerpt from the cookbook below.
Films
Christ Rock brings us a new film that is getting a bit of Oscar buzz already. Inspired by a conversation he had with a formerly famous actress, Misty Green, played by Rosalind Eleazar, the film tells the story of a talented actress who, years after her Hollywood breakthrough, finds her career stalled even though she is fighting for her second act. Have a look at the trailer below and find it in theaters beginning today.
Being called unofficially Part Two of The Social Network (2010), Aaron Sorkin again writes and directs Social Reckoning. “Inspired by true events and the whistleblower who started the social media reckoning we’re seeing play out today, is a true David and Goliath story. Frances Haugen (Madison), a young Facebook engineer, enlists the help of Jeff Horwitz (Jeremy White), a Wall Street Journal reporter, to go on a dangerous journey that ends up blowing the whistle on the social network’s most guarded secrets.” Have a look at the trailer below and find it in theaters today.
Francophile Finds
—Gerard Darel’s mini wallet, three colors available
Earlier this year, I began using a similarly designed small/mini wallet, and I absolutely love it. With a compartment for cash, coins, and a few cards, this size fits in nearly all of my handbags, no matter how petite they may be. French brand Gerard Darel’s mini wallet provides the same necessary components and is available at a nice price for a qual
—Odette Rising: A novel by Julianne Edwards
Critics and reviewers are praising Odette Rising, and after reading the synopsis, I am genuinely intrigued. Already released in the UK (August), the novel is set in 1896 in Sèvres, France. Odette Huré, from her bedroom window, “watches a funeral procession carry her father’s coffin away. She is twenty-one and she has not left the house for ten years.
“Odette looks on as her life passes, reading and soothing herself with food. But with the sudden death of her father, the walls she has built around herself begin to crumble. Forced into the world, she discovers to her horror that she is responsible for her father’s considerable fortune and his celebrated stockings factory—renowned for its exquisite designs that adorn the slender ankles of Parisian femmes célèbres.
“Now Odette must try and navigate the world she has hidden from for so long. In doing so, she will unearth secrets left behind by her father and the shocking truth of her own identity. With the help of an unorthodox found family, she will discover all that she is capable of.”
to be released October 13th
Shopping
—J.Crew Friends & Family Sale, 30% off
Site-wide, enjoy 30% off J.Crew. So long as you are a loyalty member (it’s free to sign up), the savings are quite sweet. I’ve done a bit of shopping below.
Soho Cart Coat in Canvas, two other colors/patterns
~SHOP THE SALE:
—Rachel Comey’s Slate Pullover, in Auburn, two colors available
As we know, purple is one of the colors of the season, and this deep plum hue (called auburn) is a shade I haven’t seen as frequently, but find it to be the most versatile.
—Rag & Bone’s Wyatt Plague Suede Belt
A belt for autumn. An understated buckle, but still substantive, and the suede, well, that just fits perfectly with the season.
Television
—The Diplomat, season 4, Netflix
Next Thursday my evening viewing plans are set! And I am going to do my best to only watch two episodes at a time (wish me luck 😉). In the new season of The Diplomat, the core four return, and this time, we watch as the fallout unfolds following President Grace Penn (Janney) and Vice President Hal Wyler (Sewell) stealing Russia’s most powerful weapon without Ambassador Kate Wyler (Russell) finding out (but we know she is more than fully in tune with the truth and not to be outsmarted for long). The tension is further heightened when First Gentleman Todd Penn (Whitford) “adds fuel to the fire when he encroaches on Kate’s job.” Have a look at the trailer below and look for eight episodes in the new season.
Oh autumn, early autumn, you have been divine.
Captured above is a moment seen and then savored at Drake Park here in Bend. With a book in hand, a nibble picked up at the farmers’ market to enjoy, and Nelle as company, I sat on the bench, lost track of time and drank in this special gift of a moment.
How is October treating you? I want to thank everyone who joined me to kick off October so wonderfully well at the book signing for Savoring the Sojourn last Thursday evening. Whether via Zoom or in person, your presence made it a most special event, and I am thrilled so many of you were able to chat in the Zoom with each other. You can watch the book talk (about an hour in length) here on YouTube.
This week has been exciting on the home project front as I received word from the upholsterer that the guest bedroom bedframe(s) was/were done (one week! is all it took!), and so I picked everything up and put everything back together yesterday. The mattress also arrived this week, so officially, (and finally) there is a proper guest room with a bed! The carpet stills needing to be added, lighting and décor details to finish, but it now feels like we’ve made significant progress. Phew and wahoo! (I say that a lot during this journey of the guest bedroom, but it really does feel so good to see it coming together!)
Cooler temperatures arrive this week, so a visit to the pumpkin patch is in store, as well as settling in with a hot cuppa and joining the conversation in the A Cuppa Moments with Premier members. If you are savoring the autumn vibes and are stepping into setting intentions as you step onto the path of learning something new or creating something you’ve never done before, I am offering two new notepad bundles to keep you calm, organized, and thus more at ease to savor your everydays. Take a look below:
The first new bundle is The Check-Off List Bundle. Designed for the person who loves to check-off boxes (I am one of those people!), save 15% off when you purchase the three notepad bundle that includes boxes to check off. In this case the Ingredients for a Bonne Semaine, Monthly Intentions and To Do notepads. (see each below)
The feeling of checking items off the list – accomplished, completed, finished! What a rush of feel-good natural endorphins! That is what this bundle is all about. From the daily, weekly, and monthly list, you are set for all sorts of checking off to celebrate.
The second is a grand bundle with five different notepads (saving you 15% off the regular price if each were bought separately), each dedicated to keeping your intentions clear long-term, as well as your everyday life organized. All with the objective of then letting you savor your everydays because everything – your direction, your efforts, the details – has been tended to. Name The Calm & Clarity Bundle because our everydays want us to relax and savor them, and you get to choose your preferred illustration for the daily schedule. Shop it here.
Now to the weekend, and may yours be full of a playful puzzle to solve, a conversation that brings a smile, and of course, oodles of everyday moments to savor. Thank you for stopping by, and until Sunday, bonne journée.
~Omar Sy on the cover of Time and giving a great interview.
~Want to lift your mood? Visit a bookshop! A recent UK study shared that yep, simply browsing in a bookshop can lift your mood. [The Bookseller]
~Home Tour of the Week: Let’s go to Melbourne where this townhouse looks and gives vibes of a Tuscan farmhouse and an English boutique hotel. [Vogue Living]
~Raymond Blanc will be retiring from his role of chef-patron at his restaurant Le Manoir in England, and he’s sharing thoughts about all sorts of things, including why he looks forward to waking up each morning. [Country Life]
~This dessert looks perfect for autumn nibbling and sharing – Chai Latte Cookie bars [Delish]
~Paris Fashion Week ushered in autumn and here are a few of the bet street-style looks. [Harper’s Bazaar]
~What’s going on in Paris this October. [Do It in Paris]
~Speaking of France, 5 French nutrition rules to adopt, and I think TSLL readers will find them speaking our language. [PureWow]
~Living with the seasons, a worthwhile approach to adopt. [The Good Trade]
~Ideas for enjoying London on an autumnal Sunday [House & Garden UK]
~Fashion month has now wrapped up, and this moment that took place in Milan is a treat to watch. This is Vogue World Milano where Charm La’Donna presents dancers in a choreographed performance that gives the eye quite a lot to watch in a wonderful way. Taking place at the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, models wore Prada, Versace, Armani, or Valentino.
~Explore last week’s edition of This & That, October 2nd:
A new-to-me French drama series set in Paris (loving it!), friends and family sales not to miss, books about seasonal decorating, reading, books and the humor bookselling can bring, a mystery set in London that revolves around . . . (you’ll just have to start exploring to find out!), autumn clothing to get cozy and stylish in, a new UK drama series with a fabulous lead actor, the kick-off of another drama series, this one set in London that has people talking, and a favorite mystery series that is returning after two years. Plus, so much more.
~Please note: TSLL is supported by you, readers who take the time to stop by (merci!), peruse, and sometimes welcome into your life the mentioned and recommended finds. Affiliate links are present in this post and may earn commissions for TSLL when you make a purchase. View TSLL’s full Privacy Policy here.
