Become a Member for as little as $4/mo and enjoy unlimited reading of TSLL blog.
Books for mystery lovers who love the Scottish Highlands, books for gardeners who find inspiration from British gardens, and books for Anglophiles in general! Three films, each brand-new to the US, have been highly praised and hail from different countries. Clothing finds for winter style, and most of them on sale, documentaries for art lovers, and my new favorite find—all of that and still much more.
Books
—Guilty by Definition: A Novel by Susie Dent
A new novel that has been included on lists of books to have read in 2025 is one set in Oxford, England, and if you enjoy a tangled mystery of secrets, then this is a book for you.
“After a decade abroad, Martha Thornhill has returned home to the city whose ancient institutions have long defined her family. But the ghosts she had thought to be at rest seem to have been waiting for her to return. When an anonymous letter is delivered to the Clarendon English Dictionary, where Martha is a newly hired senior editor, it’s rapidly clear that this is not the usual lexicographical enquiry. Instead, the coded letter hints at secrets and lies linked to a particular year. The date can mean only one thing: the summer Martha’s brilliant older sister Charlie went missing.”
Looks like a creative mystery to while away hours while cozied in during winter.
Released on September 30, 2025
—Recovery: The Lost Art of Convalescence by Gavin Francis
In a recent article shared in The Financial Times about why we should be more like hedgehogs in winter (linked in the article list at the end of this post), I learned about Gavin Francis’ book Recovery. Released in 2023, Francis asserts that “modern medicine too often assumes that once doctors have prescribed a course of treatment, healing takes care of itself. But recovery isn’t something that ‘just happens.’ It is an act that we engage in, and that has the potential to transform our lives, if only we can find ways to learn its rhythms and invest our time, energy, and participation.”
A term we don’t often hear anymore, convalescence, but maybe we should and also take part and practice it when we need to. Have a peek inside the book below.
British Finds
—Mayhem on the Marzipan Express (A Claire Walker Mystery) by Rebecca Connolly
Always looking for a captivating cozy mystery, the details I look for on top of engaging writing and enough red herrings to keep me guessing are the setting and a likable sleuth, and this new series might just fit the bill.
Claire Walker is an amateur baker and part-time sleuth, and is invited aboard “the famed Scottish train, the Mallaig Steam Express—temporarily renamed ‘The Marzipan Express’ in honor of famed chef Alan Gables, who is hosting an exclusive culinary experience for his most devoted fans. Claire is delighted to serve as Alan’s sous chef for the trip, hoping to learn some baking tips from the master” . . . along the journey, a dead body is found in the train’s dining room, and Claire takes on the task of investigating.
Enjoy a mystery set along the train tracks running through the Scottish Highlands in Rebecca Connolly’s new series with Claire Walker as the amateur sleuth.
To be released on January 6th
—My National Gallery, London, Exhibitions on Screen
Released last year, and available to download and stream at home, if you would like a personal tour through London’s National Gallery, Exhibitions on Screen has exactly that. My National Gallery, London “gives voice to those whose lives have been touched by the Gallery – from security guard to director, everyday visitor to celebrities and members of the royal family. Claudia Winkleman, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Jacqueline Wilson and HRH Princess Eugenie all let us in to their deeply personal connection with the National Gallery. Each interviewee identifies the one artwork which means the most to them, with this diverse cross section of society making surprising choices of both well-known masterpieces and hidden gems. These stories are used as a lens through which to explore the 200-year history of the National Gallery and what the future may hold for this spectacular space.”
Have a look at the trailer below and travel vicariously to London to visit one of the largest art collections in the world.
—Stories from the National Potrait Gallery, 3-part series
As often happens during the Between the Years week, I stumble across a show or series I didn’t know about, and discover a gem. I was particularly drawn to this series because of the host. Kate Bryan’s name may ring a bell because she is the author of the book How to Art, which inspired episode #415 of The Simple Sophisticate podcast, The Life Nourishing Benefits of Welcoming Art into Our Sanctuary. Bryan hosts this 3-part series that goes behind the scenes of London’s National Portrait Gallery just before it was set to reopen after a multi-year renovation.
Having had the good fortune to visit the museum in October 2023, just after it opened in June of the same year (view my tour here), I can attest that it is a phenomenal refurbishment and curation of portraits, and this documentary series deepened my understanding of so much I had not a clue about. Needless to say, I cannot wait to return. ☺️
Find the series on Amazon Prime.
Décor
While I was enjoying touring this week’s Home Tour of the Week (linked in the list at the end of this post), I spied these unique lampshades. Upon further exploration, I learned they are made of string. Loving String. was founded by Sarah Harley in 2020 in her home studio in West Dorset, and supplies interior designers with her lampshade designs along with Liberty having them in stock in their stores while also selling them on her online shop. You can choose from a wide array of design colors, sizes and styles, and you can also order bespoke. The price is very reasonable for the product, and with the texture of the string as well as the modern touch of the stripes, it would add a wonderful juxtaposition of old and new in any sanctuary. Definitely keep this brand on your radar for future décor projects.
Films
This film looks both unique and absolutely lovely. While premiering at the Toronto Film Festival in 2024, it is only just now coming to US theaters. Made by Canadian-Chinese filmmaker Johnny Ma, The Mother and the Bear is an acclaimed indie film from Canada that tells the story of school teacher Sumi’s mother, Sara, who is riddled with anxiety and flies over from Seoul to be with her comatose daughter, who has been hospitalized after a fall. “Once Sara sets herself up in the young woman’s apartment, she discovers she doesn’t really know Sumi at all. As Sara meddles in Sumi’s life through a dating app, she embarks on a journey that will change her forever.” Have a look at the trailer below and look for it in select theaters beginning today.
Released on Christmas, Song Sung Blue tells the true story of “two down-on-their-luck musicians (Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson) who form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band.” Hudson’s performance is already garnering Oscar buzz, and the two seem to have really enjoyed making the film, based on the interviews I’ve watched and read so far. Have a look at the trailer below, and learn more about the couple, stage names Lightning & Thunder, who inspired the adaptation of their life here.
Franocphile Finds
—L’Histoire de Souleymane, English title Souleymane’s Story
I learned of this film last month, and have been wanting to share it with you ever since I read The Financial Times‘ review. Now available for streaming on Amazon Prime, Souleymane’s Story was the winner of four César awards (France’s equivalent to the Academy Awards) in 2024: Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress for Nina Meurisse, Best Male Breakthrough for Abou Sangaré and Best Editing. Have a look at the trailer below.
Gardening
—Wonderlands: British Garden Designers at Home by Clare Coulson
Released in April, but if you, like me, are just learning about Wonderlands: British Garden Designers at Home, now in the middle of winter is the perfect time to read it. Showcasing “the private gardens of eighteen globally-renowned landscape architects. Featuring in-depth interviews, full garden tours and stunning photography by Éva Németh, the book gives an insight into the inventive and idiosyncratic ways leading designers craft their own gardens, some of which are previously unpublished. Featured designers include Arabella Lennox-Boyd, Miranda Brooks, Sarah Price, Dan Pearson, Tom Stuart-Smith, Isabel and Julian Bannerman, Arne Maynard and Mary Keen.”
Shopping
—Blackwing’s Small Blackwing Slate Notebook (three colors)
This might just be my favorite thing in quite a long time – a necessity that is well-designed and something I have been needing for some time as well. Blackwing’s pencils are my favorite pencil to always have on hand due to their replaceable erasers, and over the holiday break I discovered that they also make this small notebook that includes – check this out – an elastic holder on the spine of their notebooks for a pencil! Perfect!
I picked up this grey one on sale here at Barnes & Noble during their end-of-year 25% off event, and am using the journal as my CommonPlace journal as it is sturdy yet small enough to always carry with me. And now with the pencil always attached (it comes with a Blackwing – shortened – pencil), I never have to search about for a writing utensil when an idea pops up that I want to write down. Perfect!
—COS Merino Wool Pullover sweater, three colors (on sale)
Sales are continuing as winter collections are being cleared out, and if you are looking for a cozy neutral v-neck, then COS has this merino wool pull-over with a wide-neck, perfect for layering.
—Frame’s Le SLim Palazzo jean, 50% off (many washes)
A design to elongate the leg, and now at a very nice price.
—J.Crew’s New Year’s Sale, 25% off full priced items
As I shared above, the sales continue, and right now, J.Crew is having a site-wide 25% off sale. I have shopped a few items below.
~SHOP THE SALE:
—Lauren Ralph Lauren’s Houndstooth Coat, 37% off
Having a couple of Lauren Ralph Lauren coats in my closet, and continuing to wear them both quite regularly, when I stumbled upon this houndstooth coat at Nordstrom and saw the price, I wanted to share.
—Lululemon’s Nulu Define Jacket, multiple colors, on sale
It is time to get the workout routine ship-shape and looking great, while feeling comfortable with what we choose to wear while we sweat it out is a great idea. Lululemon’s clothing is of great quality, but the prices can be steep, so when the items we need go on sale, it is a very nice surprise.
Loving the contrasting zipper. Sharp and functional.
—Me + Em’s Oversized Wool Blazer, four colors, one on sale
In the winter, my go-to jacket, topped off with ia cashmere scarf is often an oversized blazer, and this hue of Biscuit, while not the one on sale, has caught my eye – timeless, versatile and looks quite roomy and long enough in the arms.
Television
—My Life is Murder, season 5, AcornTV
What a nice surprise this was, as I had thought Lucy Lawless’s New Zealand-set mystery series had concluded for good! But nope, My Life is Murder continues with season 5 premiering on Monday, January 5th! Wahoo! Have a look at the trailer below and enjoy eight episodes. Have a look at the trailer below.
—The Pitt, season 2, HBO Max
Ohhh, this series! I came late to discovering this phenomenal new drama starring Noah Wylie of ER fame, and as they say, better late than never. The Pitt is amazing, and the best part about finding a great series late is that you don’t have to wait from one week to the next for the latest episode to drop, so I guess there is an upside ;).
Season 2 premieres next Thursday, January 8th, on HBO Max/Hulu, and after all of the awards the cast gathered up at the Emmys along with the Best Drama award this past September, no doubt we are in for a treat of performances. Take a look at the trailer below.
I am going to take the blooming of this Green Valley amaryllis, something it began to do literally on the first day of this year, as an auspicious harbinger of all that 2026 has in store for us. As my other amaryllis bloomed a few days earlier – seen here in January’s A Cuppa Moments – I didn’t think this one would bloom for some time. Needless to say, when I stepped into the kitchen Thursday morning to begin the new day and year, a smile spontaneously spread across my face. It’s going to be an amazing year folks – I can feel it!
Welcome back to our regular Friday post, after taking the past week off as we put 2025 to bed and prepared for the new year that will be. I hope the holidays have treated you well and you too have an inkling of many good things to come.
If you haven’t already checked out the detailed post sharing the 2026 posting schedule here on TSLL, you can do so here. And if you haven’t already checked your inbox (sent on January 1st), there is a first-of-its-kind savings opportunity on TOP Tier memberships: 30% off your first payment, available until January 3rd. Be sure to find that promo code and join TSLL’s Community as we are looking ahead to what is going to be a great year full of the regular content you love and new content to further support your unique simply luxurious life.
Below, I have gathered articles I think you might enjoy as you look for inspiration on all sorts of topics at the start of a new year. Until Sunday, when the new meditation series begins, bonne journée, and if you haven’t already heard it from me – bonne année !
~Why humans should be more like hedgehogs [FT.com, gift link]
~Home tour of the week! A once dovecote converted into a cozy home full of creative details From the high-ceilings lined with exposed beams in the primary bedroom, the salon complete with fireplace that beckons one to stay for a very long time, enjoy this exploration full of inspiration for creativing a sanctuary of welcome.[House & Garden UK]
~The talent I look to time and time again for my own approach to decorating Le Papillon – Rita Konig’s 5 tips for mastering British décor style [Domino]
~This small Parisian shop has only just opened and it is already a phenomenon – Rubirosa [NYTimes, gift link]
~The importance of integrating the garden into the design and décor of the house [House & Garden UK]
~George and Amal Clooney and company are now French! [NYTimes, gift link]
~Just in case you needed a reason to dress well while flying [FT.com, gift link]
~ The best galettes des Rois to enjoy in January [Do It in Paris]
~I have a feeling many TSLL readers will be in good company with this approach – Perhaps your thoughts about resolutions are shifting to slow living too [Verywell Mind]
~Looking for a Michelin-starred restaurant in Quebec? Here is your guide.
~7 healthy food choices for the morning meal to energize you all day long [RealSimple]
~10 beneficial habits to boost your joyspan [Oprah Daily]
~Visiting Paris this month? What to do in the city. [HipParis]
~Recipe that prompted an immediate yum when I saw it and perfect for winter seasonality and cozy noshing – Rye crêpes with pear and pumpkin seed caramel [House & Garden UK]
~To conclude, a dream of a cottage in France is now available (and a a great price too). Tour it below:
~Explore the previous edition of This & That: December 19th, 2025
Quite a few films are premiering, and some are generating murmurs of possible Oscar nominations. The holiday specials for Anglophiles are just around the corner, clothing for timeless style and cozying in, some available at steep savings, and a new biopic of a great rivalry kicks off today in the UK. All of this and still, there is 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.
