A favorite French brocante fair opens, books about welcoming more ‘luck’ into your life, another about bringing more joy into your days, a beautiful true love story that took place on either side of the pond, a cookbook from a French chef who knows bistro fare, timeless autumn clothing finds from coats, cashmere sweaters, boots and more, a new book that just made the Booker Prize longlist, learn to decorate luxuriously for less, and so much more!

Books

—The Alchemy of Joy: The Life-Changing Method to Beat Burnout, Retrain Your Brain, and Build a Life You Love by Brent Freeman 

Released earlier this month, and inspired by the author being confronted with his darkest hour, Brent Freeman shares “with raw honesty, vulnerability, and hard-won wisdom, a clear, science-backed road map back to joy for anyone who is overwhelmed by stress, healing from heartbreak, or feeling burned out by the never-ending chase.”

The Alchemy of Joy includes “relatable stories, practical exercises, custom meditations, and simple life hacks, all designed to fit into your busy schedule and create radical change, fast. The book concludes with a detailed 90-Day Challenge—a simple, proven path to reclaiming your joy in less than 90 days.”

—Budget Luxury: Your Guide to Creating a Beautiful Home Without Breaking the Bank by Clare Sullivan

Released in April, Budget Luxury is a book to provide ideas for bringing the luxury without the immense expense. “In Budget Luxury, Clare Sullivan equips readers with everything they need to know to create a beautiful home, regardless of whether they rent or own, how much space they have, and whether or not they’ve ever used a power tool. She introduces readers to basic design rules and styles, helping them distill their own style (even if that means breaking some of those rules!). She recommends creating a budget, using thrifted materials throughout, and gives shopping advice for those looking to scour flea markets and vintage stores for the perfect project materials at a low cost.” Speaking of flea market treasure hunting, have a look at the excerpt below.

—Conscious Luck: Eight Secrets to Intentionally Change Your Fortune by Gay Hendricks and Carol Kline

We’ve all likely heard, and we’ve even talked about it here on TSLL, that luck is the meeting of preparation and seizing opportunities. And while we may know this to be true, having as much insider scoops of what to do, what skills to learn for the ‘luck’ we want is always welcomed help, and that is what the book Conscious Luck shares. Released in 2023,  bestselling authors Gay Hendricks and Carol Kline remind us that instead of hoping and wishing that luck will come your way, there’s a better way: “Seize control of your destiny and create the dazzling life of your dreams. 

“This powerful step-by-step program, which includes practical techniques, inspiring true stories, and the authors’ personal journeys, will lead you to greater freedom and abundance. The Secrets―four core shifts and four daily practices―teach you how to:

· plant the seeds of luck in your own psyche
· move at your Essence Pace
· practice Radical Gratitude, and much more.”

—House Hushing: The Simple Method to Declutter and Decorate for a More Peaceful Home by Myquillyn Smith 

Released in August, House Hushing, from the woman who coined the term, stands on the foundation of having clear intentions. First of all, what isn’t House Hushing? “House Hushing isn’t about having less for the sake of less-it’s about creating clarity, comfort, and beauty that lasts, so your home can finally feel like a place to rest, gather, and belong.”

“In House Hushing you’ll learn to declutter backwards-a mercifully simple, revolutionary new way to make decisions about what should stay and what should go, decorate quietly–make small, thoughtful shifts that major on impact, style soulfully–personalize your space with pieces that matter, and how to live seasonally-recognize rhythms that help you create a home that supports your ever-changing life.”

—The Scenic Route: Following My Inner Compass Across 12 Countries in 12 Months by Sarah Aviram 

Also released this past August is a memoir that follows Sarah Aviram (you may know her from her popular TEDx talk, “Does more freedom at work mean more fulfillment?”, which speaks to many foundation truths of living a life of contentment) on a set itinerary of twelve countries over twelve months, traveling with a group of thirty strangers while she worked remotely.

“What followed was a year shaped by unfamiliar cultures, deep friendships, extraordinary adventures, unexpected romance, and what would become a turning point in her career. Through a dozen interconnected stories narrated from each of the countries she lived in, The Scenic Route unfolds like a travel journal, capturing experiences as they happen alongside the questions and reflections they spark.”

—The Soft Life Handbook: A Feminine Guide to Slow Living, Boundaries, and Romanticizing Your Life

Released last summer (2025), this is the book you’ve been looking for if you “are ready to live slower, feel deeper, and choose [yourself]—gently and without guilt. Part soulful manifesto, part practical toolkit, this book offers a new definition of success: serenity, not stress.

“Through 16 transformative chapters, you’ll explore themes like: Healing burnout and redefining ambition with intention, setting boundaries without shame, embracing rest, beauty, and emotional minimalism, creating cozy rituals, sacred spaces, and soft routines, and living by the seasons and reconnecting with your body.”

British Finds

—84, Charing Cross Road by Helen Hanff

Why it took me so long to learn about this book, I do not know. And with an adapted film starring Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins! Oh! My weekend viewing plans are set! Originally published in 1970, 84, Charing Cross Road is a true story of back-and-forth written correspondence between two bibliophiles (a writer and a bookseller, in this case), one living in New York City (Bancroft’s character, who plays the author Helen Hanff) and one living in London (Hopkins’ character).

The exchange of letters took place between 1949 to 1968, and is described as “a classic love story [that] unfolds through a series of letters between Helene Hanff, a freelance writer living in New York City, and a used-book dealer in London at 84, Charing Cross Road. Through the years, though never meeting and separated both geographically and culturally, they share a charming, sentimental friendship based on their common love for books.” I am ready to read it yesterday! But let’s be clear, it is not how we may unfortunately limit our definition of a love story to be. And with that I encourage you to watch an interview with the author, and how the publication of this book, the writing of this book all came about.

~Stream the film here. And watch the trailer below.

—May We Feed the King by Rebecca Perry

Announced as being longlisted for this year’s Booker Prize earlier this week, May We Feed the King centers around “a curator spends her days reconstructing the past—selecting and carefully arranging furniture, fabrics, and replica food to bring medieval rooms back to life. becomes absorbed in the story of a king almost forgotten by history. As she studies the traces he left behind, the boundary between her own life and his begins to blur.”

—Twiggy

While this new documentary isn’t technically new to some, it is to viewers here in the States. It debuted at the London Film Festival in 2024, to the UK public in 2025, and now, this month, premieres in the States. The documentary, Twiggy explores Twiggy’s (aka Dame Lesley Lawson, née Hornby) upbringing – in a working-class family in northwest London transformation into an overnight modeling sensation at just 16 years old. Lawson tells her own story in this film, a first for her to do on film. Have a look at the trailer below.

Films

—Charlie Harper

While the films being released this weekend (that are worthwhile) aren’t many, this one is the best of the lot. The reviews are middle of the road, but it may just be a film to provoke thought about the expectations placed on relationships, specifically romantic relationships, and how doing so may not be helpful. Charlie Harper tells the story of “Harper and Charlie [who] try to build a life together. While Harper strives to carve out a career as a chef, Charlie is stuck. Facing challenges in their relationship, they struggle to prove they are meant for each other, but will it be enough?” Have a look at the trailer below.

Francophile Finds

—Foire de Chatou

If you will be in or near Paris this weekend or next week and weekend, be sure to visit Foire de Chatou! Since my first visit 18 months ago, I am going to try to continue to remind TSLL readers each time this biannual event opens; the autumn event opens today and runs through October 4th. Learn more about what, where and how to get there in this detailed post.

—French Linen Kitchen Towel in windowpane plaid, many colors, Gardenheir

Made in France, and in a 52% linen/48% cotton blend, bring a touch of classic French detailing to your kitchen décor.

—Mange Tout: Bistro Cooking With a Modern Twist by Bruno Loubet

While published more than 10 years ago, if you want a trusted French bistro recipe cookbook, look no further. Who is Bruno Loubet? “Bruno Loubet is a legend in the food world. His cooking is sublime and unique, drawing on the classics of the French bistro menu but with each dish given a modern twist. Mange Tout is inspired by his own upbringing and travels, and combines the traditional and familiar with ideas and ingredients taken from around the world. With recipes for his signature dishes including Beetroot ravioli, Maple-crisp duck breast, Indochine braised beef with mango and Prune and armagnac sticky pudding, Bruno offers a delicious mix of accessible and aspirational, all delivered with a dash of Gallic flair.”

Décor

—Lulu & Georgia Royce Velvet Floral Bolster (pillows of different sizes available)

A bolster not only looks lovely, but is a nice piece of support for a variety of sitting or sleeping positions. There are more print options for this size of bolster, and in different fabrics, so be sure to peruse them all if this is speaking to you as you look to add a finishing touch to that bedroom.

Shopping

—Gerard Darel’s Striped Cashmere Sweater, on sale

Made of 100% cashmere, and yes, this French brand does ship to the US. I am loving this slightly modern, yet still classic sweater for autumn and winter.

—Inslee Fariss’s 2027 Calendar

Inslee continues the tradition of creating a new calendar with twelve different illustrations, and this year, each month centers around the birth flower for that particular month. Pick the box of your choice, and get ready for a brilliant, and artistically beautiful new year!

—Kall Meyer’s Colette 3/4 Sleeve Button-down Blouse

This button-up is different, yet still timeless. Hip, but not too ‘out there,’ and would easily transition from work to play.

—Quince’s Comfort Stretch Long Trench Coat in light khaki

A classic trench at a great price.

—Sézanne’s Jack Jacket, beige houndstooth check, virgin wool

A gorgeous wool jacket for autumn. If these are your colors, you will be wearing and layering this with ease and confidence for years.

—Sézanne Jonas Coat, camel

One more from Sézane because, I couldn’t not share it with you. Another car coat style, but not at Macintosh prices. Loving the wide cuffs.

—Tan France Tarin Drink table

Queer Eye‘s Tan France has a new décor collection and it’s with Castlery. Most of the collection consists of sofas and armchairs, but you will also find mirrors, dining chairs, and pieces like this drink table, which was the item to shop for, if you are looking for a sturdy, and beautiful combination of both traditional and modern design.

—Timeless Gold Watch, Mockberg (three sizes)

Initially looking like a Cartier classic timepiece, but not one. If you want to pay faaaaaar less, this is a brand to look at.

—Tuckernuck’s Madelyn Boots, two colors and textures

These ankle boots with a mid-heel have a flattering pointed toe, an ankle that isn’t skin-tight but is still slim, and the price isn’t that bad either.

Television

—Scrubs, season 2 premiere, Hulu

I am always keeping my eye out for worthwhile comedy shows because while I enjoy a murder mystery that lets me travel to France or the UK, sometimes I need something lighter, but always well-written and with kindness and respect for humanity at the heart of its premise. I enjoyed the reboot season 1 last year of Scrubs, and will be looking forward to watching the second season when I restart my Hulu subscription later this autumn. Have a look at the trailer below.

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The farmers’ market brought the beauty this week, from the temperate weather, calm skies and a slower pace. September reminded us why she is a star on the calendar.

Pottering in the garden took place this past weekend, and you can find this month’s gardening post shared earlier this week here. The guest bedroom bed will be taken to the upholsterers this coming week, and I am trying to hide my glee that this bed that I have envisioned will actually come together soon! And this evening’s plans have been set for a while – GBBO. That’s all I know I have to say to you, TSLL readers. 🙂 Let the jolly bopping music and the missing raspberry play and be placed atop the cake!

We are less than a week away from the first signing and book reading event for Savoring the Sojourn. I have been finalizing what will be shared this coming Thursday (at Roundabout Books here in Bend! Reserve your spot here – in-person and Live Zoom), and oh! I forgot to tell those coming in person that the Savor, Savor, Savor totes will be exclusively available at the signing, along with a few of TSLL’s notepads, so if you don’t have one of these totes and will be there, take advantage of this opportunity, as they are not available in TSLL’s shop (only available to those who have completed the Contentment Masterclass or have joined TSLL at our in-person events in Paris and London).

Here’s to a wonderful first weekend of Autumn/Spring, depending on where you call home in our grand world, and thank you for stopping by. Below are a few links and videos to explore, and until Sunday, bonne journée.

~Trying to gain clarity about your true self? Why not revisit childhood hobbies? [Time]

~Tonight is the night for viewers in the US! The premiere of the new season of The Great British Bake-Off/The Great British Baking Show on Netflix.

~Staying in the UK, but with an entirely different focus of content: The trailer for Black Doves (season 2) was released, and it will premiere in November. Have a look here.

~One more for London, Elle UK’s editor-in-chief Nina Garcia shared her Insider’s Guide to the city.

~I have to share this one in celebration of the premiere week of GBBO: Britain’s most charming independent bakeries. [Homes and Antiques]

—An intriguing article about selective noise and how certain types of sounds (background) can be conducive to creativity, but there are Times when they can then become distracting. [Sensitive Refuge]

~For breakfast this weekend perhaps as it is Autumn’s first! Pumpkin Pancakes [delish]

~New bakeries of note in Paris to check out. [Do It in Paris]

~Home Tour of the Week: Let’s head to Hampstead in London and tour this remodeled Victorian townhouse. It’s quite spectacular – the floors, the headboards, the kitchen nook with half-moon banquette, the shower, I could go on . . . [House & Garden UK]

~Well, this looks like a fun view. A bit of travel to Paris, a mystery, some comedy, art and Stanley Tucci. It will premiere on October 16th, but until then, here is the trailer (I will be sure to include in a future T&T on the week it premieres).

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~Explore last week’s edition of This & That, September 18th

~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.