Become a Member for as little as $4/mo and enjoy unlimited reading of TSLL blog.
Even before the ‘BIG’ kickoff of the fall entertainment season begins, there are oodles of finds from books, films, and gorgeous autumn collections for the wardrobe. A new French film takes us back to a figure in French history who is complex, yet played a powerful role in the country’s history. A favorite British mystery series returns, a fun rom-com set in Britain premieres, and there are books about money, walking about in London, how to love and care for our dogs well so that they thrive, and the clothes… goodness! Get ready to get cozy and look ever so stylish while you do so. Still, there is more!
Books
—Always Have Enough: How to Build Wealth When You Don’t Come from Money by Maria Melchor
This new financial book, being released on Tuesday (September 1st), looks to be both full of helpful guidance and inspiring. The author and personal finance expert Maria Melchor “draws on her own experiences and years of guiding thousands of members of her FirstGenLiving community, and in her new book shares her Always Have Enough (AHEM) System, teaching you how to build a simple and powerful approach to money and create a future that supports both you and the people you love.”
Readers will discover how to: Choose the right bank accounts, credit cards, and investments for your goals; break free from scarcity mindset to save and spend more wisely; strike a healthy balance between honoring your roots and pursuing your ambitions; and make your debt disappear (hint: anything’s faster than ignoring it).
—Think Like a Dog: How Positive Psychology Can Help Your Dog Thrive by Jen Golbeck
Maybe you already know Jen Golbeck from her first book The Purest Bond: Understanding the Human-Canine Connection. Known as the ‘internet’s dog mom’, she now has a second book – Think Like a Dog: How Positive Psychology Can Help Your Dog Thrive. In it, she shares concrete findings discovered in research that reveal
“a surprising relationship between positive psychology and how we might learn to think about how our dogs think in a whole new light. She introduces a mold-breaking concept that shifts our focus from solving problems and scolding ‘bad behavior’ to building on strengths based on qualities like focus, vitality, and curiosity.” As someone who has seen evidence of rewarding instead of scolding, prioritizing curiosity in my pup’s life, and so many more positive, conscious engagements with my dog, if you are looking to bring forth your pup’s full potential and let them shine, this book would be a great resource.
British Finds
—Bookish, season 2, U&Alibi
Thank you Sue in the UK for letting me know that the second season of this delightful mystery series has just begun in Britain! And that means, soon it will be coming to PBS! Have a look below at the trailer for the six-episode season created and starring Mark Gatiss and a fabulous crew which takes us back to post WWII London.
A fun rom-com that takes us back to university days and the irony and common missed opportunities or unseen truths of youth. Do we continue to overlook such truths as we get older? Only those who don’t grow in awareness, I would dare to say. And in this film, which Emily will the lead actually enjoy sharing time with? Have a look at the trailer and look for it in theaters beginning today.
—Kings and Queens: An Unusually Personal History by Lucy Worsley
The British historian who knows how to engage an audience has a new book! Lucy Worsley is back with Kings and Queens, and in it she “takes us on a journey through some of our most turbulent and significant moments in history. From the Council Chamber in which Henry VIII decided to break from the Pope to lunch with the late Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, from encounters with the Tower of London’s Ravenmaster to the depths of Queen Victoria’s wardrobe, Lucy shares how she grew to know the queens and kings, courtiers and servants who lived in these buildings over the centuries.”
to be released September 1st
—London in Stride: An Insider’s Walking Guide by Felicity Fitchard and Jessie Kanelos Weiner
When I first learned of this book this summer from the publisher, I quickly requested a copy, as I had a feeling TSLL readers might quite appreciate this easy-to-travel-with, due-to-size walking guide to London.
London in Stride is a “portable travel guide [that] offers detailed walking routes helping you slow down, look closer, and uncover a hidden side of the city that traditional tours often miss. As you walk, you’ll catch overlooked details, glimpse everyday local life, and stop whenever something catches your eye—whether a hidden café, an independent shop, or a lively street full of character. Covering the entire capital, this walking tour guide offers seven carefully planned routes and itineraries, revealing a vibrant city, rich in history, culture, and creativity.”
Below is a market I enjoyed visiting many years ago, Portobello, and one I am curious to visit Camden. A book to add to your list if you will be visiting London in the near future.
—The Undeclared War, season 2, Channel 4/Peacock
Back in 2022, this cyber thriller series, drawing inspiration directly from real-world events, premiered in the UK and also on Peacock. It has been four years, but just yesterday, the anticipated second season premiered on Peacock (premiering earlier this month in the UK). Set in a post-pandemic UK in 2024, the drama revolves around misinformation campaigns and high-stakes digital security. Have a look at the trailer below and enjoy six episodes in the first season and six episodes in the new season.
Cookbooks
—Everything Delish: 100+ Simple Recipes for Making What You Want to Eat-and Nailing It Every Time by Jamie Milne
Being released on Tuesday, the creator of the blog/website Everything Delish, Jamie Milne’s debut cookbook of the same name covers any and all occasions to eat, from ‘Everything Schmears and Dips’ to pasta, meat, and veg. This book is your go-to guide for foolproof dishes that come together quickly. With special ‘Everything You Want’ tips to mix things up and boost flavor, Jamie’s versatile approach to cooking has your entire day covered.”
to be released on September 1st
Films
A documentary told through dramatic video storytelling to capture the amazing journey that brought one man, PK Mahanandia, a Delhi street artist, 6,000 miles by bicycle in 1977 to Gothenburg, Sweden, to reunite with the woman he loved. Have a look at the trailer below and see why it has already captured hearts and praise when it debuted at the Telluride Film Festival last year. Look for it in theaters beginning today.
Singer, songwriter, and Grammy winner Sara Bareilles shares her creative process and how profound loss and grief are often healed by embracing these unwanted emotions and life experiences. Tickets became available on August 20th, and screenings of the documentary begin on September 2nd in Washington state, then move around the country. You can buy tickets to view the film here and watch the trailer below.
Francophile Finds
—Alexandra Golovanoff’s Cecile Denim 21, more colors
Maybe you, too, haven’t heard much about this French clothing brand, Alexandra Golovanoff, and you wouldn’t be alone, because while her designs have been around for ten years, this year’s fall collection is the first one they are advertising. And what a ‘first’ they have organized. Look who they have as their model – Emily in Paris‘ Philippine LeRoy-Beaulieu.
The clothing is full of lush autumnal gem hues and textures – corduroy, knits, and soft cashmere. And while the price point is upper-mid-luxury, the pants below caught my eye, and the price is reasonable if you would wear them again and again, year after year. Large in size, made of 100% cotton, these Cecile ‘denim’ pants are supple corduroy, and don’t you just want to step into them for their comfort and modern style? Definitely, with the right proportional top, they would look quite sharp.
This new film, actually two!, looks to be one to watch. For history buffs, especially WWII history lovers, and Francophiles, De Gaulle: Résistance is the first of the two films (already having been released in France earlier this spring/summer). It premieres today and shares Charles de Gaulle’s journey during World War II, from his rise as a military leader to his emergence in French politics between 1940 and 1945. The first film begins in June 1940, with the German occupation, de Gaulle’s initial refusal to surrender, his meeting with Winston Churchill, and key military actions such as the Battle of Bir Hakeim.
Then three weeks later, De Gaulle: Identité is released on September 18th and takes off around 1943, tracking de Gaulle’s complex political navigation between Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and rival French generals (like Henri Giraud), alongside underground resistance figures like Jean Moulin.
Have a look at the trailer below and read the review in The Financial Times.
—Murder In . . . , season 16, MHzChoice
The series that takes us all around France and its territories, Murder In . . . returns with its 16th season. Kicking off on September 1st, enjoy seven episodes, one each Tuesday. Have a look at a teaser of the new season below.
Shopping
—Ann Taylor’s Striped Tie Waist Button Down shirt in French Mocha
Classic, tailored to you with a cinch of the waist, and available at a great price.
—Desmond & Dempsey’s Coton Jersey Wrap Top, strip white/navy
More stripes, and this time, more laidback in design. Made of jersey, wear for lounging or to balance a structured pant or trouser, and layer under a blazer. I can see this top being a wonderfully versatile piece for layering in autumn and spring.
—DL1961’s V-neck Crdigan in Navy Argyle, merino wool
Argyle is a timeless, sharp choice that offers versatility in that it can be dressed up or down. Loving how they show different ideas for styling – tucking it in or leaving it loose. Paired with dark denim, as seen here, it is a dependable outfit choice.
—Lauren Ralph Lauren’s Pinstripe double-breasted twill blazer
A classic pinstripe blazer at a great price (the other line of Ralph Lauren takes this same blazer, makes it a bit larger, and doubles the price, so it really depends on what style you want and your budget).
—Office’s Alohas Eros slingbacks
This style of slingback pointed-toe heels is a trend that has been around for a few seasons, and these are available at a great low price.
—Polo Ralph Lauren Herringbone Utility Jacket
One more from Ralph, and this time from the Polo collection. While an investment, this jacket is timeless. Discover even more sizes here.
—Mango’s Knit Jacket with belt
This jacket sings of autumn style, and for less than $100, a fabulous price for something that can be worned with so many different outfits.
—14K Gold Small Paperclip Chain Necklace in Yellow Gold, four lengths available, Quince
The paperclip necklace. Often seen in the past season of The Morning Show, and whether the paperclip sizes are small or large, when they are made 14K gold, not vermeil, they are a staple to have for a good long time. And you can choose your preferred length. Silver is also available.
—Rachel Comey’s Broccada Skirt
A knit skirt made of soft chenille jacquard, Rachel Comey designed this for holiday occasions, and it definitely would be a beautiful skirt for autumn and winter. The waistband is an elasticized pull-on waistband, and the skirt is unlined, offering a streamlined silhouette that is comfortable on the body.
—Staud’s Norman Sweater, merino wool, two colors
Okay, I will admit, I loved the name of this sweater, but then I really do think it is a unique and quintessential autumn piece of knitwear. The deep tri-color neckline and oversized feel. Ohh, bring on autumn comfort!
Television
It’s that time of year when Labor Day weekend is about a week away, and the tennis stars come out to play in Flushing, New York! And! Carlos Alcaraz is back! In fact, he is in one of the first official matches, set to play this Sunday. I think I will have to purchase a month of Hulu + Live Sports to watch this fortnight.
I want to begin by extending a HUGE thank you to every one of you who cheered, purchased, and/or stopped by the blog with the release of Savoring the Sojourn on Amazon. Your enthusiasm, support, and celebratory energy were felt and deeply appreciated. Find the playlist for the book and the celebratory post for the book’s ‘birth day’ here.
I know many of you are patiently waiting for your preorders to be sent your way, and I too am most eager to be able to ship them to you! Having purchased them from Amazon before French Week, they are coming to me. It is just taking some time because it was a HUGE order. Rest assured, I am still confident you will have them in hand by September 15th. In the meantime, my ‘shipping room’ which is my empty guest bedroom at the moment has all the shipping supplies and is ready to turn them out and on their way to you as soon as they arrive at Le Papillon.
I also have been keeping an eye on the many countries around the world where I know TSLL readers live and are purchasing my books, and I was tickled to see that Brazil’s Amazon just made all formats available but am still waiting for South Africa’s. Hmmm . . . I know the book will eventually become available, and I apologize for this delay. The good news is that the book is available via audiobook wherever in the world you live, if you don’t want to wait. 🙂
Thank you also to folks who have been sharing photos of the book as it arrives. I know Sarah H. in the UK already received hers (in two days!). So thrilled to see the swiftness of delivery in most locales. Please do keep sharing, as it is a thrill to discover where you all call home!
Good news on the tour of the Butler’s Pantry! Just yesterday, I received the final piece I have been waiting for – the switch plate for the light switch – and I will be installing it this weekend, with the tour to be posted next Thursday, September 3rd. I was going to post it on Monday, but the Motivational post is scheduled, and then A Cuppa Moments on Tuesday, and a new podcast episode on Wednesday, so Thursday of next week it will be!
Now, I don’t know about you, but hello Friday! Good to see you, and what a week it has been. If you want to see how I celebrated publication day this past Tuesday, be sure to read August’s gardening post shared yesterday, and if you are someone, like many TSLL readers, who embraces the ritual of preparing for la rentrée, you will want to check out Monday’s post – 16 Things I Am Doing to Prepare for La Rentrée. Below are a few links to explore and a new trailer of a series I know many of you enjoy. Have a wonderful weekend and thank you for stopping by! Bonne journée !
~Home Tour of the Week: The front door alone has captured my awe – A centuries old cottage on the edge of the South Downs national park. [House & Garden UK]
~An article to save, 36-hours in the Cotswolds [NYTimes, gift link]
~An interview with Celine Dion about going back on stage [Harper’s Bazaar]
~14 worthwhile outdoor museum cafés in Paris [Frenchly]
~Birdsong is powerful nourishment for our well-being. This recent study shared in the UK shares exactly what is beneficial and what can cancel it out. [University of Surrey]
~Easy French lunch ideas [Taste France]
~This IG Reel from Sisley, the French skincare brand, brought a smile. A day in the life of the co-founder Isabelle d’Ornano during her summer holiday in France.
~The Gilded Age has an official trailer for the upcoming season. Have a look below at what we can look forward to in season 4 when it begins on November 1st:
~Explore last week’s edition of This & That: August 21st
A new exhibit in Paris to put on your calendars if you are traveling to the city this autumn, books on beauty and fame, British history, restarting a life in the south of France, a mystery set in Paris, and an exploration into a favorite international sport. Three, yep, I am going to say it, brilliant films to make you think about a variety of different aspects of life and its purpose, but each in their own creative way. And clothing finds for your fall capsule wardrobe. 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.
