From food to romance, to murder, to spring and summer style savings, that’s just to get us started! A new highly praised film about an unexpected friendship, a book to take you around Paris sharing where to eat for dining and cooking, a new Italian cookbook from a multi-times nominated James Beard chef who lives in Portland, Oregon, a new comedy series created by a beloved comedian of SNL, small and big screen, and still so much more.

Books

—Room on the Sea: A Novel by André Aciman

American author, originally from Alexandria, Egypt, André Aciman (most notable title he wrote is Call Me By Your Name) has been described as the master of the modern romance, and with Room on the Sea, it looks like he is reminding us exactly why that moniker is deserved.

Set during a New York City summer, Paul and Catherine are two of a hundred people waiting to be selected as jurors. “He is reading a newspaper. Catherine is reading a novel. So begins a whirlwind flirtation: over cappuccinos in Manhattan and gallery trips to Chelsea, Paul and Catherine escape into the illusion of an Italian getaway. Their feelings quickly evolve into something deeper, something ― as mature adults with lives of their own ― Paul and Catherine must carry on in secret, with the understanding that anything more than a casual crush is out of the question.”

—Unlocking Happiness at Work: How a Data-driven Happiness Strategy Fuels Purpose, Passion and Performance by Jennifer Moss

If you work with colleagues or are a leader at your place of work in any capacity, this is a book to explore. While released a handful of years ago, Unlocking Happiness at Work still offers worthwhile approaches for creating a considerate while also being constructive workplace. “With insightful practical guidance throughout, Unlocking Happiness at Work is a lively and persuasive exploration of how to be happier and make others happier through the power of habits, emotional intelligence and an innovative approach to work/life flow. Case studies from lululemon, Zappos, Misfit Inc, The Body Shop and more are supported by tangible data and key performance indicators that show the significant benefits that come from adopting a happiness strategy.”

British Finds

—I, Jack Wright, BritBox

Released earlier this week, a six-part drama series that centers around a will that is hotly contested by those who thought they would inherit more. I, Jack Wright begins with death in the family – Jack Wright’s, the patriarch. And he leaves behind a bombshell will. Is a murderer in amongst those who will benefit? Have a look at the trailer below and find two episodes now available with six in total, a new one dropping each Wednesday.  

Cookbooks

—Colu Cooks: Easy Fancy Food by Colu Henry

I have been rewatching the second season of And Just Like That in preparation for season 3’s premiere on May 29th (important work, I know! 😉), and I spied this cookbook in Charlotte’s kitchen. The title alone is very much a Charlotte pick, non? 🙂

Published in 2022, Cole Cooks: Easy Fancy Food comes from “Colu Henry [who] has been working in food for more than 15 years, from her time at publications from Bon Appétit to the New York Times . . . In this cookbook—a nod to home cooks who are happy to do everything but pastry—Henry helps readers assemble an amply stocked new-American pantry so that they can perfect (and build upon) classic everyday meals.

“With 100 recipes and photographs, Henry offers ideas and solutions to get you out of your weeknight routine, explore new ingredients and techniques, build your confidence, and have a sophisticated meal on the table in around 45 minutes. These dishes include: Peach Tart with Five Spice Honey, Lemon Anchovy Toast with Radishes and Herbs, Cherry Tomato Confit, a Summer Corn Salad with Shrimp, Crispy Lamb with Cumin, Leeks, and Celery, Creamy Risotto with Crispy Wild Mushrooms, Nutella Fudgsicles and more.”

—The Italian Summer Kitchen: Timeless Recipes for La Dolce Vita by Cathy Whims

Late to the party on this talented woman’s cooking as she is the owner of the Portland Italian restaurant Nostrana and is the executive chef at Oven and Shaker in the City of Roses (aka Portland, Oregon), my neighbor recently began talking about her (thank you Jineen!), and she herself having lived in Portland for 40 years, shared that Cathy Whims was a friend of hers, and that there was a new cookbook from her to check out. I quickly did, and realized, it had been released just last week!

The Italian Summer Kitchen comes from six-time James Beard nominee for best chef, her first cookbook, and one that is long overdue and no doubt will be worth the wait. If you dream of traveling or returning to Italy, her recipes will transport you to the full, bright flavors of sun-drenched summers in Italy.

“Cathy brings together dishes from Italy’s many and varied regions, united by her masterful interpretation of cucina povera―literally ‘food of the poor,’ which means fresh produce, local meats, handmade pasta and pizza, and simple cooking methods. These recipes for drinks, appetizers, pasta, pizza, risottos, meat and fish, and desserts are united not by region but by feeling: everything is authentically Italian yet easy for the home cook to create no matter where they live. Step-by-step instructions along with more than 80 color illustrations demystify essential skills like how to make fresh pasta, cook a perfect risotto, and craft heavenly, light-as-a-cloud gnocchi. Readers will find tips and techniques from professional chefs and everyday home cooks, seasoned with Cathy’s always-engaging wit and reflections on history and on food, life, travel, and more.”

Just released on April 15th

Films

—Bob Trevino Likes It

Now this film looks like an absolute delight. Our local boutique movie theater played it last weekend, and as it has been the winner of multiple awards already, I wanted to pass it along to you. Bob Trevino Likes It is based on a true story, and stars Barbie Ferreira and John Leguizamo, both of whom are being praised for their character portrayals.

The plot: Lily Trevino (Ferreira) unexpectedly befriends an online stranger (Leguizamo) who happens to share her self-centered father’s name – Bob Trevino. Unexpectedly, he likes her posts, and a friendship of healing and genuine care begins. Released in March, have a look at the trailer below.

Francophile Finds

—The Eater’s Guide to Paris by Eater and Lindsay Tramuta

Being released on April 29th, The Eater Guide to Paris is a “go-to source for getting immersed in Paris’ iconic dining culture. Offering context on how the local scene has been shaped by history, immigration, agriculture, and tradition, this guide offers vibrant, incomparable insight into the [Paris] and its one-of-a-kind food destinations and personalities.

“Through a narrative lens, readers will explore the best restaurants, cafés, specialty shops, and more, digging into key ingredients and food culture, learning from those who’ve shaped and defined how the city eats”. The author, American-living-in-Paris Lindsay Tramuta shares a glimpse of the book in this article for Thrillist – 24 Hours in Paris, France, for the food lover.

—Filt’s hammocks, 15% off, many colors

Summertime and easy living is just around the corner, so why not consider finding a spot for a hammock to while away some time to either nap, read or simply relax doing whatever you please? The French company know for its netted market bags, Filt, also makes hammocks, and currently, they are 15% off.

—Merci’s Linen bathrobe, many colors

If you cannot shop in person at the much-loved French store Merci, why not shop online and scoop up the affordable, chic finds? From clothing to housewares, I found one from each category that caught my eye.

—Merci’s Théière (teapot), gold

—The Revolutionary Temper: Paris, 1748-1789 by Robert Darnton

It’s always worth going back and finding books that received praise and bringing them to our attention. Such is the case with The Revolutionary Temper: Paris, 1748-1789. If you enjoy French history, this is a book to read. Shortlisted for the 2024 American Library in Paris Book Award and a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, The Revolutionary Temper goes back in history to share many parallels unearthed by historian Robert Darnton to today’s world.

Answering the questions about the French Revolution such as “What did Parisians themselves think they were doing―how did they understand their world? What were the motivations and aspirations that guided their actions? Darnton explores eighteenth-century Paris as an information society much like our own, its news circuits centered in cafés, on park benches, and under the Palais-Royal’s Tree of Cracow. Through pamphlets, gossip, underground newsletters, and public performances, the events of some forty years―from disastrous treaties, official corruption, and royal debauchery to thrilling hot-air balloon ascents and new understandings of the nation―all entered the churning collective consciousness of ordinary Parisians. As public trust in royal authority eroded and new horizons opened for them, Parisians prepared themselves for revolution.”

Originally released in November 2023

Shopping

—Bleusalt, the Cindy Top, LITE, more colors, on sale

Designed by Cindy Crawford, and a brand worn by the Duchess of Sussex (see her ensemble here), these quite affordable separate pieces are simple to the eye, but luxurious to the touch. Pair with your favorite jeans or bottoms, or match with Bleusalt’s own matching pants or skirt, the Cindy Top has sleeves and body that are fitted with an off the shoulder or boat neck style. Also, the sleeves have thumb holes… reminiscent of the 90’s classics – à la Cindy Crawford’s time in the spotlight.

—Theory, 25% off sale

Quite a few items of note are included in Theory’s current sale, and all shoppers have to do is put the items in their shopping carts as the discount will be added automatically. Below this short-sleeve shirt dress in cotton (three colors available), looks like an item for timeless spring attire, and be sure to check out even more of my hand-picked finds below.

~SHOP THE SALE:

—Zara Belted Linen Midi dress

Linen, large-cuffed sleeves, a flattering style and perfect for staying cool in summer.

—Zara Ruched Midi dress, yellow

One more from Zara’s new collection: a soft pastel/butter yellow midi dress to bring the sunshine wherever you go.

Television

—Carlos Alcaraz: My Way, Netflix

The young tennis star on the rise after already being quite successful (four grand slams to his name already – Wimbledon 2x, Roland Garros, and the US Open), and a joy to watch when he steps on the court – Carlos Alcaraz. His profiling documentary My Way premiered on Netflix on April 23rd and shares how he balances the pressures of a phenomenal tennis career with a 20-year-old’s desire to let loose. Have a look at the trailer below.

—Four Seasons, Netflix

Next Thursday, my plans are set to start watching this new limited series that adapts itself from the original film created, directed and starring Alan Alda that debuted in 1981. Four Seasons, now starring Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Kerri Kenney and Marco Calvani, it is Fey who steps into Alda’s shoes (so to speak).

Fey is a co-creator of the series alongside two other talents who worked with her on 30 Rock, and when asked to describe how she hopes viewers will feel when they watch the new series, she said, “I hope audiences feel like they are inside a big sweater with us, and also having a dinner party with us, and I hope that any of the joy and warmth that we all feel for each other all transfers to them, and that we are a comfort and provide some laughs for them in their home.” I don’t know about you, but I am here for that and look forward to watching it. Have a look at the trailer below, and look for the eight-part series to premiere of Four Seasons on Netflix on May 1st.

—In the Kitchen with Harry Hamlin, season 2, IFC/AMC

Step into the kitchen with Harry Hamlin and his niece Renee Guilbault, the latter being a classically trained chef, for the second season of In the Kitchen with Harry Hamlin. Premiering on April 30th, the series “puts the duo’s culinary expertise on full display as they share favorite recipes, practical kitchen tips and secrets to a successful dinner party which exudes casual elegance.” Have a look at the trailer below and look for five episodes to be part of this new season.  

Many an afternoon tea break has been happening on the garden porch recently, and when I pair it with a biscuit (or two 🙃) to dunk, Nelle hops up on the chair to join me as seen here. At first, I didn’t know why she did so, as she usually prefers to lay in her favorite spot on the rug, but then I remembered I had brought out some Biscoff ginger biscuits. Aha!

The week here at Le Papillon has been a spring week to savor, from gawking over tulips, chatting with neighbors about our gardens and exchanging plants and waking up to birdsong while continuing to hear their symphony throughout the day. I hope you too are enjoying a wonderful spring week. This weekend, I will be out in the garden expanding one of my borders and planning exactly how I want to fill it as I am moving a few roses that need a happier place to be the first inhabitants. Along with that, I will be organizing my potting table and peg board, sowing nasturtiums and generally just savoring two days of both sun and rain in the forecast.

This week on the blog has been full of detailed content, with an emotionally loving post that while you may not read it today, is one to save if you too have beloved pets who are your companions and family members – view it here. Also, we returned to Paris and I shared with you all of the reasons I thoroughly loved staying on the Île de Cite, and then earlier this week, a full gardening post sharing peeks into my garden and what is blooming along with tasks for April and tools I recommend and have just picked up along with new books worth exploring (explore becoming a TOP Tier member so you can read this regularly shared monthly post).

And before we know it, TSLL’s 7th Annual British Week will be upon us (always the third full week in May), and I am looking forward to finalizing the editorial posting schedule this weekend. Taking advantage of a bit of ‘British-esque’ weather, I will be sitting down with a hot cuppa when the rain begins to fall and pulling it all together to then share it all with you soon 🇬🇧☔️❤️🫖.

Learn all about TSLL’s second most popular week of the year, and explore past British Weeks here.

Thank you very much for stopping by today. May you have a weekend ahead full of deep sighs of appreciation, moments of wonder that inspire a creative idea to explore, and of course, oodles of everyday moments to savor. Below are a few articles and one video I thought you might enjoy! Until Monday, bonne journée 😌.

~Everything you need to know about the RHS Chelsea Flower Show that is coming in May! [Country Living UK]

~A creative new approach to learning the French language from 6pm in Paris.

~A post to ponder from The Old Money blog – The Value of New Information

~Visiting Paris in April or May (or both!) Here is a helpful post on what to wear. [Hip Paris]

~I just love this classic French sandwich and it seems to be having a moment? But then again, if it’s a classic, isn’t it always having a moment? [Taste France]

~Simple and painless ways to be productive at work when collaborating. Do you use Claude or Doodle? Just learning about them now. 🙂 [Seth Godin]

~Author Karen Karbo’s list to help you determine how French you are.

~The Earful Tower shares which 10 well-known Paris tourist destinations are underrated or overrated.

~Looking to strengthen any type of relationship – this article is on to something: Two ways to build the strongest relationships [Forbes]

~Which of these 10 old-house features do you wish would return? I have to say, most of them I love. Okay, maybe all of them? But then again, they still are part of the houses I love – in France and Britain. 🙂 [Country Living, US]

~The 16 most spectacular beaches in Wales [CN Traveller]

~Underrated plants – 9 unsung garden heroes we all should grow, say horticultural experts [Homes & Gardens UK]

~All that you need to know about the ceremonies and events, as well as how travel for visitors changes surrounding Pope Francis’ death. [Afar]

~This writer has taken 30 train rides throughout Britain and here are his 8 favorites for being absolutely gorgeous [T &L]

~How to clear your mind and makes space for what you want [Mindful Awareness]

~If you are in Paris at the moment, be sure to visit Parc de Sceaux and catch the cherry blossoms in bloom! This video tour captured a couple of years ago will give you a glimpse of all that you will see.

~Stanley Tucci is back! Well, he will be on May 21st. 🙂 Tucci in Italy. I will be sure to share a reminder again when the date nears on a future This & That. Have a look at the trailer below.

~Explore last week’s This & That: April 18, 2025

With books providing peeks into ever-stylish Parisian homes, rebel empresses from French and Austrian history, utilizing the garden for apothecary purposes, and cookbooks for mostly French recipes along with sophisticated snacking and salads, you are sure to find something you fancy. As well, a new series premieres that takes us to both Paris and New York and a favorite mystery series returns to take us New Zealand. Also, sales are plentiful at the moment for a variety of reasons, so you will find clothing and home finds hand-picked just for TSLL readers. Still, there is 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.