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New cookbooks for Francophiles, Anglophiles and lovers of sourdough bread, Prince Harry announces his autobiography book’s release, a new biography by Andrew Morton about the Queen, a favorite French film from the past too good not to miss, two new films receiving high praise, sweaters for him and her, a décor sale with fantastic savings, a fun French series about a “deadly” profession, and still, much more.
Books
—Life is Hard: How Philosophy Can Help Us Find Our Way by Kieran Setiya
Released this past October, Kieran Setiya “offers us a map for navigating rough terrain, from personal trauma to the injustice and absurdity of the world” in Life is Hard: How Philosophy Can Help Us Find Our Way. “Drawing on ancient and modern philosophy as well as fiction, history, memoir, film, comedy, social science, paired with his own life stories, discover the helpful tools of philosophy to find your way through and to where and how you desire to live”.
—The Nature of Creativity: A Mindful Approach to Making Art & Craft by Jane E. Hall
Released this past spring, I learned about renowned textile artist and embroiderer Jane E. Hall’s new book while reading the latest issue of The English Garden magazine. “As a child, Jane loved playing outside and making things using natural materials, from daisy chains and petal-based perfumes to tiny tea sets of acorn cups and leaf saucers. Now, as a successful professional artist, Jane still finds great happiness and inspiration in connecting with nature, and here encourages you to attune to the beauty of the natural world as a way of stimulating your creativity . . . She shares the special spaces, both indoors and out, that allow her imagination to have free rein, and then presents 10 creative ideas inspired by nature.” Have a look at the Table of Contents below, and perhaps this is a book to spark your own creativity as you may have thought it was dormant or non-existent. The great and wonderful news is that it’s ready to be awakened, and it will always reside within each of us; we just need to set it free. ?

–Sweet Success: A Simple Recipe to Turn Your Passion into Profit by Candace Nelson
Coming highly recommended from Gwyneth Paltrow, I decided to take a look at founder of wildly successful Sprinkles cupcakes Candace Nelson’s new book. Released last week, readers will learn from Nelson’s mistakes, misses, and lessons learned the hard way:
- Obtain the key ingredients to any successful business
- Craft the mindset of an entrepreneur
- Learn the secret recipe for packaging a product for profit
- Turn kitchen experiments into top selling products
- Cultivate a community of brand evangelists
- Step into a personal brand to amplify the business
- Know where to put marketing dollars most effectively
British Finds
—The British Cook Book by Ben Mervis
Released this past October, author and food historian Ben Mervis not only brings the recipes of the classics from Britain, but with his extensive research, delves much further than any typical cookbook you will find on the subject of British food. With more than 450 pages full of 550 authentic recipes, discover the “home-cooked classics, such as Shepherd’s Pie, Welsh Rarebit, Scottish Crumpets, and Victoria Sponge; lesser-known and regional recipes, such as Bonfire Night Black Peas and Dublin Bay Prawns; dishes deeply steeped in British history, such as Haggis and Devils on Horseback; and iconic dishes with roots outside of the United Kingdom, such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Curry Goat, and Sesame Prawn Toast.” I definitely want to welcome this cookbook into my library, not only for the recipes, but for the food history as well of cultures that have my heart and adoration.


—The Christmas Chronicles: Notes, Stories and 100 Essential Recipes for Winter by Nigel Slater
I want to send out a festive thank you to long-time reader of TSLL Clare who reminded me to pick up Nigel Slater’s holiday food diary – The Christmas Chronicles, And, as fans of Slater will note most immediately, his exploration and celebration of “Christmas” is much more subdued, quiet and full or savoring of everyday seasonal moments indoors and out during this cozy time of year, so very much aligned to what we celebrate when we talk about living simply luxuriously. Paired with his simple and delicious recipes written in his unique and engaging prose style, be sure while reading The Christmas Chronicles to listen to the podcast titled The Cook’s Chronicles.
Beginning on the first of November and taking your through the entire month of December, delight in an entry (or two) each day and settle into a comfortable rhythm of joyful contemplation as the year comes to a close.
—At Home in the Cotswolds: Secrets of English Country House Style by Katy Campbell
American living in the English countryside, Katy Campbell’s new book is one for Anglophiles who love the English country decor. Being released next Tuesday, At Home in the Cotswolds “takes us on a tour of the villages and rolling hills of the Cotswolds as they uncover some of the most charming and inspirational homes in the region: a chocolate box cottage, an exquisite old rectory, a Georgian farmhouse, a quintessential manor house, an historic stately home, and more”. Follow her on IG, one of my favorite accounts, as she only photographs gorgeous English exterior home fronts that will make you want to book your next trip to England as of yesterday. Below, one of the many pictures you will find inside the book. What a garden and borrowed landscape of beauty. 🙂

—IvyLine, British Holiday home décor
The British just know how to make the holidays cozy (or should I say cosy), and IvyLine is an online shop to check out. Based in Britain, while they sell décor items year-round, I have linked to their Christmas shop – from tree baskets (square ones are rare, and this one fits the bill nicely) to statement making wreath hangers for your door and trays for candles that are magnetic, to ensure the candles stay upright, be sure to pursue what they have for unique and well-priced finds.



—The Queen: Her Life by Andrew Morton
If you follow the British royals, or even if you just began watching The Crown, you know that Andrew Morton is thee biographer of the royals – beginning with his biography on Princess Diana in 1992 that caused quite the firestorm in the 90s. Being released next Tuesday, his new biography spotlights Queen Elizabeth II and shares an “in-depth look at Britain’s longest reigning monarch, exploring the influence Queen Elizabeth had on both Britain and the rest of the world for much of the last century. From leading a nation struggling to restore itself after the devastation of the second World War to navigating the divisive political landscape of the present day, Queen Elizabeth was a reluctant but resolute queen”.
—Spare by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex

And the autobiography/memoir that so many have been waiting for and is said to have been delayed out of respect for the recent death of his grandmother, HM Queen Elizabeth II, now we know its title – Spare. Being released with the new year on January 10th, The Prince, The Duke of Sussex, shares his story (more than 400 pages) of the life so much of the world has watched through the headlines and photographs. I look forward to reading it.
Cookbooks
—The Art of the Chicken: A Master Chef’s Paintings, Stories and Recipes of the Humble Bird by Jacques Pépin
A New York Times bestseller recently released by French chef and beloved television cooking companion to Julia Child and in his own right, Jacques Pépin shares through paintings (he has a penchant for painting as well as cooking), stories and recipes, his adoration for the humble bird, the chicken. The book takes readers “from his childhood in rural France, where he chased chickens and watched as his maman turned them into her poulet à la crème, to his demanding apprenticeship and long, illustrious career—cooking Chicken Chasseur for Charles de Gaulle and his family, turning down a chance to work as JFK’s White House Chef for a job at Howard Johnson’s, and appearing on television alongside food-world luminaries like Julia Child. Throughout are Jacques’ favorite chicken and egg recipes, conveyed as if he were sharing them over a dinner table.” And with the book filled with his own illustrations, enjoy takeing a tour of his art studios as well (read this article in The New York Times, full of photos to have a first glimpse).
—The Perfect Loaf: The Craft and Science of Sourdough Breads, Sweets and More, a Baking Book by Maurizio Leo
Inspired by Maurizio Leo’s successful blog of the same name, The Perfect Loaf, his first book was released this past Tuesday sharing his “impeccably detailed techniques, foolproof recipes, and generous teaching style that delves into the absolute fundamentals of sourdough—plus the tools and confidence to explore beyond . . . Beginner bakers will have their hands held the entire way, with troubleshooting sections and numerous sidebars answering almost every question they may have—like how to store a sourdough starter long-term, how bakers’ percentages actually work, and a visual guide to common ‘bread fails’ and how to remedy them. Seasoned bakers will relish deep dives into the science behind baking processes and expert information on how to build their ‘baker’s intuition’ and level up by experimenting with hydration, ingredient ratios, freshly milled grains, and specialty flours.”


—Smitten Kitchen Keepers: New Classics for Your Forever Files by Deb Perelman
Already dubbed by Bon Appétit as the best cookbook of the year, food blogger Deb Perelman (explore her blog here) has just released her third cookbook which is “a collection of essential recipes for meals you’ll want to prepare again and again, from Cozy Chicken and Dumplings to Fettuccine with White Ragú, and from Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies to Strawberry Summer Stack Cake.”

Films
—Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me, AppleTV+
Released last week, successful singer and actor Selena Gomez shares a “uniquely raw and intimate documentary [that] spans her six-year journey into a new light.” Have a look at the trailer below.
Critics are enjoying and Rotten Tomatoes has rated Sam & Kate 100% as of late. A unique casting as both the lead parent roles are starring alongside their own actual children. A comedy and a drama rolled up into one, set in “a small town in the heart of the country, Dustin Hoffman plays Bill, a larger-than-life Father to Sam (Jake Hoffman) who has returned home to take care of father and his ailing health. While home, Sam falls for a local woman, Kate. At the same time, Bill starts to fall for her mom, Tina (Sissy Spacek). The course of true love never runs smooth, and these four will be forced to confront their pasts while trying to make new love work in their lives.” Have a look at the trailer below and look for it in theaters today.
A far more dramatic film, but one that critics are buzzing about when the Oscars are mentioned, The Son. This film serves as a follow-up to 2020’s The Father, also starring Anthony Hopkins who plays the grandfather in the film The Son, Hugh Jackman plays a divorced father starting over again, but his son from his first marriage is the focus just as much as the father (Jackman). Take a look at this deeply emotional film’s trailer below and find it in theaters now.
Francophile Find
—Alexandra Ehle, MHzChoice
Ah! I have an unexpectedly fun French series for you! I stumbled across Alexandra Ehle, who is a coroner in the Bordeaux region of France, and while you might expect this to be a dark mystery series due to her job of working with the deceased, it is actually a comedy/drama because Alex’s life and her girlfriends’ (who also work with her at the morgue) are really the main plot, and the murders just happen to need to be solved – a new one each episode. 🙂 There are two seasons, and the first one is now available to be viewed on MHzChoice. Having just finished watching all episodes in the first, I am eager to watch the second. Have a look at a peek for the first season below.
—Paris, IFC films or AMC
From more than 15 years ago, a film to watch for inspiration to appreciate the everyday moments of life and being alive. Paris, starring Juliette Binoche and Romain Duris centers around a young man’s waking up to the beauty of life in its everyday moments as prompted by his diagnosis that may mean his death is imminent. Have a look at the trailer below.
Shopping
—Frame Super High-Rise Straight-leg Jeans
A bit of shopping for you this Friday per usual (look for an Outfit of the Month post next week). I found these straight-leg pants, and at a reasonable price from a trusted brand and wanted to share as they would be ideal for everyday style paired with just about anything.


~Margaret Howell Off-White Shawl-Collar Merino Wool Sweater, men’s

This sweater. Okay, yes, it is for men, but I think I could live in it as well. Yum, yum, cozy, cozy.
—Serena & Lily Sale Event, 25% off everything
A sale to peruse now, give yourself time to ponder and then don’t forget to go back before the month’s end and pounce on those items that stay at the forefront of your mind. Use the promo code GRATITUDE to save 25% off through the entire month of November. I have shopped just a few items below because the ENTIRE site is on sale, but the code must be entered.
—Veronica Beard Lancetti Cotton Navy and white stripe sweater
A slimming silhouette for a cozy sweater but with very long sleeves and a flattering color combo (white and navy stripes are also available – so the reverse of what is seen here). I will never tire of navy and white stripes.


Television
—Rosaline, Hulu, film
The story that was never told, until now. Available to watch on Hulu, the story of Romeo’s ( of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet fame) first love Rosaline. A comedic and thoughtful approach to her storyline. Have a look at the trailer below.
Holiday Gift Guide
Be sure to shop TSLL’s Annual Holiday Gift Guide that was released this past Saturday with more than 40 finds – advent calendars, holiday decor, clothing, dog gifts and of course Francophile and Anglophile finds.
~click here to shop more than 40 items~

Well, I’ll just be honest, it is taking all that is strong within me to not binge the entire 5th season of The Crown. ☺️??❤️ I sat down on Wednesday and watched the first two episodes, but what saved me from watching more than two was a small, seemingly insignificant setting in one scene with the Queen. I noticed how her desk was situated in this particular room at Balmoral Castle, and it sparked an idea for my own office. Pausing the television, off I went for the next two hours to rearrange my office, and what you see above is an important detail that also had to be rearranged – the pups’ beds (seen in their new location, aprés rearranging)!
Upon finishing the room, Norman approved, but yesterday began napping in Nelle’s (the French pronunciation – learn more about how we all met in November’s A Cuppa Moments) bed – just to seeeeeee if it was comfortable for her (?). Follow the progression of events yesterday regarding the dog beds in this IG post. Eventually, Norman made his way to his beloved bed and snoozed the entire work session as I typed away. (But I have to share this, as I am editing this post Thursday evening, guess where he is sleeping? Yep, in Nelle’s bed, snoring a sweet tune, and Nelle is in his bed because her’s was taken :)).
The week at home has been steady and lovely with one morning in which we woke up to a couple inches of snow (now melted), but what fun we had, oh goodness!

Afternoons and evenings find us in the kitchen – me, cooking, and these two, keeping watch and holding down the roles of my deux sous chefs ☺️.
The weather is now deeply in frost and freezing mode each night, so that means much cozying-in and bundling up each morning when we go for walks. Last evening, the power went out for about two hours, so by candlelight I was reading Palace Papers which is a wonderful pairing whilst watching The Crown. See, even the power company is trying to strengthen my will power to not binge. :).
I hope November began well for you, and you are looking ahead to a lovely weekend, a long one perhaps for readers in the states as we pay homage to veterans today. Thank you for stopping by and until Monday, bonne journée. Below are a few links and one video you might enjoy.
~This Georgian house tour of tech entrepreneur Rose Hulse’s home in England is, oh wow . . . [House & Garden UK]
~Jennifer Aniston opens up in a recent interview [Allure] (thank you Sarah H. for sharing with me)
~TSLL’s friend and author of the Provençal mystery series M.L. Longworth contributed a piece to The Wall Street Journal this past week – Unknown Towns of Coastal Provence—The Famous Writers Who’ve Escaped There
~Festive Christmas markets in the UK to visit [House & Garden UK]
~6 Essential Mindsets for Continuous Career Growth [Life Hack]
~9 tips for letting go and trusting the universe [Chopra.com]
~The full video interview with Ina Garten on 60 minutes, and if you have ever noticed that her cookbook’s pages always stay open while you are cooking – no forcing, or needing ‘weights’ to hold them open – there is a reason for that. It’s all in the details and shared in this interview.
~A podcast episode to listen to from Earful Tower. Almost French author Sarah Turnbull’s wonderful memoir (it was one of the first book’s recommended here on the blog more than 13 years ago) is one to read, and now, twenty years later, she is living in Australia and talking all about it.
~One more home to tour. This one in NYC and fashion designer Thom Browne calls it home. It is . . . ahhh … mazing. [Architectural Digest]
~For those of you (and this includes me), who adore Nicola Walker and just listening to her talk, a video for you . . .
~Explore last week’s This & That: November 4, 2022
A long-anticipated Anglophile favorite series returns, oodles of films, winter clothing for indoor and outdoor style and warmth, a book for food-lovers that involves history as well, books about friendship, healing, tapping into your inner strength, living and the beauty of Provence by a beloved American photographer, a documentary about a famed luxury shoe maker and still, 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 mentioned and recommended finds. Affiliate links are present in today’s post and may earn commissions for TSLL when you purchase. View TSLL’s full Privacy Policy here.
I really want to be friends with Nicola Walker!!!
☺️? I thought you might enjoy that video collage ☺️
Oh me too, I love her
I listen to Nigel Slater’s podcast every December on my walks–his voice and the beautiful background music are just perfect, and the Christmas memories and recipes are lovely. I can’t wait to hear it again in a few short weeks!
Lauren,
Thank you for sharing your enjoyment of Nigel Slater and your annual listening to this podcast. ☺️ Enjoy this year’s listening. ?
Thank you for sharing this Lauren, I didn’t know that he had done a podcast, and have spent a very happy hour this afternoon listening to the first episode of Part Two ?
I can imagine that Nigel would make a lovely companion to walk with !
Anne
Good morning on this chilly Friday! I am binging on “The Crown” as well, Shannon. I am also listening to the audio book “The Palace Papers” following your heads up from last post. I am thoroughly enjoying both. I can’t wait to see how you have re-arranged your office. Those pups of yours are so adorable,
and I bet you had a good chuckle seeing them switching up their beds. They want to get cozy too!
Enjoy your weekend. Xo Karen
Thank you for stopping by Karen. Oh! Listening to the Palace Papers would be wonderful! A great idea. I am in the chapters where Kate Middleton is introduced. So much more depth of understanding now about the family’s journey and relationships. I am thoroughly enjoying Jonathan Pryce as Prince Phillip – a soft and gentle approach which I am quite liking, and Imelda Staunton is holding her own as the Queen – bravo! – that cannot be an easy role to take on, and I genuinely like Imelda and feel she was well chosen.
Regarding the office, I am just delighting in the pups and their beds. I already enjoy and feel fortunate to do what I do on a work-day basis and to have them in the room with me at all times, so special. I have always wanted to figure out how to make it there second ‘bedroom’ so to speak because I spend so much time writing and they are sleeping (or playing or switching beds ;)) as I do. The rearrangement also was prompted by new built-in bookshelves that will be installed this winter, so I have been trying to figure out how all of it will best work – functionality, comfort, Zoom background, and most importantly, being able to let the natural light into the space. Oh, well, I have rambled on too much.
Have a wonderful weekend and thank you again for stopping by. Bonne journée!
As always, enjoying Friday’s This & That. Thought to add a small find. Boden is featuring an extra 30% off on EVERYTHING until Nov. 16. Pretty rare to see additional reductions on sale/clearance. Having to hold myself back from visiting too often. Best, Meg
Thank you for stopping by and thank you for sharing such an awesome sale! 🙂
Thanks for another delightful This & That post! I am currently reading Nigel Slater’s Christmas Chronicles. I find his writing to be very comforting and, at times, intoxicating. I was not aware of an accompanying podcast. Thank you so much for including the link. I can’t wait to begin listening. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Palace Papers. It does provide a lot of insight into the Royal Family. I am looking forward to reading Prince Harry’s autobiography, too. Wishing you, the pups, and everyone on TSLL a great weekend! Carrie
Shannon, great T&T. So much, The Son looks great on my list. I read the Jennifer Anniston article and it made me happy and sad. She seems so like the rest of us, with issues, sadness, joy, everything. Loved the Nicola Walker collage, another person that seems so unfamous, not a real word I am sure. Glad to know I was not the only one Shannon, having trouble not binging The Crown. I finally had to turn it off last night since I had an early morning appointment. I love a good room rearrangement, I have a small house so not lots of options but I give it a go every few months. Have a lovely weekend, it’s cold here but sunny, so lots of bundling up for walks and hikes.
Hi Shannon,
As always, the highlight of my week to read this Friday morning’s.
Thank you for including the UK Christmas Markets!
I’ll be in England and Scotland the first week of December and had already identified a few to go to; your list now makes it complete with a few extras!
Kim
Kim,
Thank you for stopping by and what a wonderful time of year to visit Britain! Have an amazing time and tickled that the article was found to be useful. 🙂 Christmas markets sound like so much fun. I hope to begin visiting them in the coming years now that I can travel more freely during the holiday season. Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
Hey Shannon,
Just a quick thank you for all the fantastic book recommendations. I really enjoyed (and think I’ve benefited from) reading Happier Hour and also How to Build a Healthy Brain… Excellent book recommendations. Thanks again, and keep them coming! 🙂
Heather,
Thank you for sharing with me. ? And for stopping by TSLL. ?
Shannon, thank you for reminding me to dip in to the Christmas chronicles. It has become a sort of advent calendar. I didn’t know there was a podcast so will look in to that too as Nigel’s voice is so comforting. I have a shelf of Christmas books that I dip in to each year and just trying to hold off until after Remembrance Sunday (today). Enjoy the rest of the rest of the weekend.
Dear Shannon and everyone,
What a lovely post. Tucked in here is a special joy that has me gobsmacked—do you ever become aware of something or someone pretty impactful who you find touchingly familiar decades into their work? Well, I’ve honestly never read or seen a word by Nigel Slater, other than his name often buzzing yet always left unexplored.
Just spent an evening and morning diving into The Christmas Chronicles, and good golly, just…wow! Heard a teeny part of the first podcast also. Am so excited to explore the works, and this is going to take some serious time. Do you see any better approach than starting with his first book?
Thanks and more thanks to you…what a thrill it is to contemplate exploring so much goodness.
Sun and chill today and still quite a few flame-colored leaves to tromp through, happy Sunday from Liz
I’m so glad you have enjoyed ‘finding ‘ him, Liz .
His writing is so good isn’t it, and the recipes are delicious too !
I didn’t know about the podcasts, so, like you, have really enjoyed listening to one this afternoon.
Have a lovely week.
Anne
Liz,
So tickled to hear of your enjoyment upon reading Nigel Slater’s work. He and his many food diary cookbooks are treasures. Enjoy!
Hello Shannon,
Another wonderful This and That…..thank you ?
Special thanks for letting us know about Nigel’s podcast ……..and for reminding me to get out my copy of The Christmas Chronicles , I had forgotten that he starts it in November .
I didn’t know he had a podcast , and have so much enjoyed listening to the beginning of the second series this afternoon .
The complete first series from the previous year is also available , so many happy listening hours ahead !
I haven’t explored all of this weeks links yet , but the ones I have read , from the Life Hack and Deepak Chopra have been so thought provoking, thank you .
I’m looking forward to catching up with Oliver from the Earful Tower , I haven’t listened to his podcasts recently , so it will be a pleasure to find out what he is up to , especially now he is a Papa .
We have had lovely mild November day here today , so all the ceremonies to mark Remembrance Sunday have had beautiful sunshine for their parades.
The service of Remembrance from The Royal Albert Hall last night was so moving, as was todays wreath laying at The Cenotaph .
I know that you have been remembering Veterans Day in the USA as well .
We owe so much to all of the brave men and women who have served, and are serving their country.
Both of my parents served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War , and my Uncles were in the Royal Navy and the Army .
Have a lovely week everyone ,
Best Wishes from the UK.
Anne
Anne,
Thank you very much for your comment and for all that you shared. What a day and weekend of remembrance and gratitude you have described to us all. Beautiful and thank you. ?
What caught my eye on this selection:
– The Art of the Chicken – that sounds interesting for an Art Teacher who enjoys to cook 😉
– Sam & Kate, as I am a big fan of Mr. Hoffman,
– the house of Rose Hulse – beautiful space.
I have yet to check into Nigel Slater cookbooks, etc.
And of course, my absolute favourite(s) were Norman and Nelle “testing” each other beds… I had to laugh. Aren’t they the sweetest?…
Late, I know… Thanks, Shannon, for another lovely T & T. 🙂
Wishing everyone a great week!