Oodles of cookbooks on all sorts of topics – healthy, sweet, simple and delicious (of course!). Also, there are books on living well, embracing and nurturing your inner artist, choosing the clothing and approach to style that works best for you, a continuation of two favorite mystery series and still more titles to explore. Also, an award-winning comedy series returns, a favorite classic French film is newly restored and ready to be viewed by a new generation and shopping for summer dresses as well as cozy pajamas, all on sale!, is shared. Still, there is much more.

Books

—The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness by Robert Waldinger M.D. and Marc Schulz Ph.D 

While released back in 2023, I came across this book while perusing my local bookstore last week and was reminded I wanted to read it and had yet to get around to it. The Good Life asserts something we have talked about for a handful of years here on TSLL and specifically in this podcast episode/post (#274). Dr. Robert Waldinger and Dr. Marc Schulz breakdown in detail the scientific truth of how powerful all of our relationships, the stronger and healthier they are, contribute to our happiness. “The stronger our relationships, the more likely we are to live happy, satisfying, and healthier lives. In fact, the Harvard Study of Adult Development reveals that the strength of our connections with others can predict the health of both our bodies and our brains as we go through life.”

“Relationships in all their forms—friendships, romantic partnerships, families, coworkers, tennis partners, book club members, [regular meet-up] groups—all contribute to a happier, healthier life. And as The Good Life shows us, it’s never too late to strengthen the relationships you already have, and never too late to build new ones. The Good Life provides examples of how to do this.”

—The Inner Life of the Artist: Conversations from the Atelier by Juliette Aristides 

Being released on April 8th from bestselling author Juliette Aristides comes an inspirational guide to thinking, making, and embodying the mind of a creative person. The Inner Life of the Artist “contains a series of short, insightful essays and significant, meaningful quotes by contemporary and historical artists, each accompanied by a moving and inspiring selection of nearly 100 artworks from the past and present. For those interested in drawing, painting, and other art forms, important principles of Atelier teaching (classical and traditional art training and instruction) and fun practical exercises are applied throughout, with an emphasis on cultivating the artistic mind, along with the hand and the eye.”

—The Maid’s Secret: A Maid’s Novel by Nita Prose

The series continues with book #3 following the life of Molly the Maid. Having read the first book and quite enjoying it, I need to get caught up! But just in case you already are, the most recent will be released this coming Tuesday :). In The Maid’s Secret, “Molly Gray’s life is about to change in ways she could never have imagined. As the esteemed Head Maid and Special Events Manager of the Regency Grand Hotel, two good things are just around the corner—a taping of the hit antiquities TV show Hidden Treasures and, even more exciting, her wedding to Juan Manuel. 

“When Molly brings in some old trinkets to be appraised on the show, one item is revealed to be a rare and coveted artifact worth millions. Molly becomes a rags-to-riches sensation, and a media frenzy swirls as she prepares to sell her priceless treasure. Then, on auction day, the treasure suddenly vanishes. and Molly and her friends find themselves at the center of the boldest art heist in recent memory.”

Released on April 8th

—No One Has Seen It All: Lessons for Living Well from Nearly a Century of Good Taste by Betty Halbreich

I am looking forward to reading through this new book from Bergdorf Goodman’s original personal shopper, Betty Halbreich. In No One Has Seen It All, the 96-year Halbreich’s collections of “writings from the last five years of her life contains her signature firm and frank guidance on relationships, careers, style, etiquette, and keeping house, as well as eloquent reflections on aging, solitude, and modern life . . . Betty built that career by giving encouraging yet deeply honest advice. Much of it was about what to wear, but her insight was by no means relegated only to matters of the closet. She was known for her good taste on many levels, from her immaculate Park Avenue apartment of 70-plus years to the fashion stars she helped discover and the looks she styled for iconic series like Sex and the City and Gossip Girl.” Being released on Tuesday, preorder your copy now and take a peek at an excerpt below.

—Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding Inspiration by Amy Bernstein

Released in January, Amy Bernstein’s new book Wrangling the Doubt Monster dives “into the psychological underpinnings of doubt, illustrating how it can simultaneously hinder and fuel artistic endeavors. She encourages artists to embrace doubt as a natural and potentially beneficial aspect of their creative journey. Sharing both theoretical insights and practical strategies, Bernstein weaves engaging anecdotes with psychological research, presenting a nuanced approach that treats doubt not as an adversary to be vanquished, but as a companion to be managed.”

British Finds

–Chelsea Detective, season 3, AcornTV

While technically the third season began with their Christmas special back in December, the rest of the season, three episodes, one released each Monday, kicks on April 7th. Enjoy The Chelsea Detective’s film length episodes (90 minutes) that take viewers into the neighborhood of London many covet to live, but in this series, each episodes centers around someone losing their life and DI Max Arnold (Adrian Scarborough) and his partner, DS Priya Shamsie (Sonita Henry), are tasked with solving whodunnit.

Cookbooks

—Fat + Flour: The Art of a Simple Bake: A Cookbook by Nicole Rucker

Being released this coming Tuesday along with many other wonderful cookbooks (more of those below!), is Fat + Flour, a celebration of the delights that abound when these two simple ingredients come together. “From Rucker’s legendary pies—White Chocolate Banana Cream Pie! Stone Fruit Party Pie!—to cookies (Boozy Banana Snickerdoodles!), bars (Abuelita Milk Chocolate Brownies!), loaf cakes (Zucchini and Date Loaf Cake!), and much more, the book is a treasure trove of treats (including not one, not two, but five different chocolate chip cookies, six kinds of brownies, six unique apple pies, and five distinctly different banana breads).”

—Snacking Dinners: 50+ Recipes for Low-Lift, High-Reward Dinners That Delight by Georgia Freedman

Snacking Dinners is “your guide to easy, satisfying, and endlessly versatile meals—perfect for one yet simple to scale up for family and friends. With over 50 recipes, this book is your blueprint for effortless summer dinners, quick weeknight treats, no-cook happy hour snacks, and light, healthy meals that feel like self-care.”

—So Easy, So Good: Delicious Recipes and Expert Tips for Balanced Eating by Kylie Sakaida

Registered dietitian and social media star Kylie Sakaida, a.k.a. @NutritionbyKylie, “knows how difficult it can be to keep track of the confusing and often conflicting information about nutrition we are barraged with online . . . Whether you want to change your eating habits and mindset or are just looking for a healthy dinner recipe, So Easy So Good has you covered. Kylie simplifies complex concepts through simple lists, charts, and sidebars. Her recipes and tips emphasize a healthy, balanced mix of protein, carbs, healthy fats, and fiber so you can feel nourished and satisfied. Many of Kylie’s recipes are inspired by the Asian flavors from her upbringing. Some recipes are designed to minimize prep time by using frozen veggies and nutrient-dense convenience foods, while others can be frozen in advance and reheated within minutes for a quick meal.”

Décor

—Anthropologie’s Mesh Food Cover with Wood Serving Tray

Dining al fresco is nearly upon us, and for some may already be here! And having the opportunity to bring our favorite food outside without worrying if the bugs will enjoy it as well is peace of mind this food cover provides.

—Vintage Coastal Rattan Bench with floral upholstered seat

This bench caught my eye because it resembles the bench I have in my own Boot & Basket room which is now difficult if not impossible to find, and many readers inquire about where to find one that is similar. This rare vintage find not only is functional and stylish but has a second shelf for perhaps shoes or any other item you want to keep off the floor. Already with the upholstered cushion, if the dimensions are right and you can fit it into your budget, it will be an item you will have for likely ever. I adore my own bench and am so tickled I welcomed it into the space.

Explore the dimensions here, and if nothing else, save it to KarmaNow and wait for a sale, and eventually there will be one and you can scoop this special item up!

Films

—Audrey’s Children

Based on a true story about the British female physician who is newly recruited to a world-renowned children’s hospital, Dr. Audrey Evans arrives and with her tenacity and determination, she impacts the lives of millions of children around the world in the most wonderful of ways. Set in Philadelphia. 1969, Dr. Evans battles sexism, medical conventions, and the subterfuge of her peers to develop revolutionary treatments, purchase the first Ronald McDonald House for families of patients and their children, changing the future of medicine forever as we know it. Have a look at the trailer blow and find it in theaters now. Get to know the real Dr. Evans here in a profile video.

—The Only Girl in the Orchestra, Netflix

Perhaps you watched the Oscars this year and remember that this documentary short had a very good night. Winning for Best Documentary Short, The Only Girl in the Orchestra documents and celebrates trailblazing double bassist Orin O’Brien, the first woman to become a full-time member of the New York Philharmonic. Have a look at the trailer below and watch it now on Netflix.

Francophile Finds

—The Dawn of Impressionism: Paris 1874

Exhibitions on Screen is a wonderful film series that brings art exhibits from around the world to viewers who may not be able to travel to see the actual exhibit while it was open. Last year was a celebratory year for Impressionism, and as such, there was a traveling exhibit that began at Paris’ Musée d’Orsay (and made its way to Washington D.C. for a duration as well). Now a film shares the exhibit, and if you can find a theater near you playing it, I encourage you to go. It was bittersweet news to discover that this film was playing in Central Oregon at the boutique theater I frequent, but did so while I was in France. You can’t have everything, and if I had to choose, I would choose being in France! 🙂 However, hopefully, it will be streamable soon. Below is the trailer.

—A Fashionably French Murder: An American in Paris mystery, book #3 by Colleen Cambridge

The series continues with A Fashionably French Murder, being released on Tuesday April 8th. “American expat Tabitha Knight has found a new life in postwar Paris, along with a delightful friend in aspiring chef Julia Child. Yet there are perils in peacetime too, as a killer infiltrates one of the city’s most famous fashion houses.

“If there’s one art the French have mastered as well as fine cuisine, it’s haute couture. Tabitha and Julia are already accustomed to sampling the delights of the former. Now fashion is returning to the forefront in Paris, as the somber hues of wartime are replaced by vibrant colors and ultra-feminine silhouettes, influenced by Christian Dior’s ‘New Look.’

“Tabitha and Julia join a friend for a private showing at an exclusive fashion atelier, Maison Lannet. The event goes well, but when Tabitha returns later that evening to search for a lost glove, she finds the lights still on—and the couturier dead, strangled by a length of lace. The shop manager suspects that a jealous rival—perhaps Dior himself—committed the crime. Tabitha dismisses that idea, but when another body is found, it’s apparent that someone is targeting employees of Maison Lannet.”

—French at Heart: Recipes that Bring France Home by Marjorie Taylor and Kendall Smith Franchini 

Long anticipated by readers, the mother and daughter behind the Burgundy cooking school now have their second cookbook – French at Heart. Moving to Beaune in Burgundy, France, to open their now incredibly popular cooking school The Cook’s Atelier, the duo learned that choosing to appreciate tiny moments more mindfully, like they saw the French do, really opened their hearts . . . French at Heart shows how to create simple, joyous family meals around your own table, in whatever place you call home. Recipes range from classics that will make you fall in love with France—things like Salade Niçoise, French Onion Soup, and Tarte Tatin—to more modern French favorites with surprising flavors, like Tataki-Style Beef Tenderloin and Duck Confit Tostadas.

“They are simple recipes, what Taylor and Smith Franchini often cook for their family after a long day, and reflect their take on familiar French dishes. There is plenty of advice from the heart on how to serve a memorable cheese or charcuterie board, curate a French-inspired pantry, start your own kitchen garden, or get the most out of your local farmers’ market.”

—Carnet “Journal” from Gallimard

I love these blank, lined journals that come from the French publishing house Gallimard, and have filled quite a few. Available with the title ‘Journal’, perhaps you too would enjoy having a touch of France as part of your daily journal writing ritual. 🙂

—Un Homme et Une Femme (A Man and A Woman), restored

Originally released back in 1966, Claude Lelouch’s Un Homme et Une Femme starring Jean-Louis Trintignant and Anouk Aimé was the winner of the Cannes Palme d’Or and Academy Awards® winner for both Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Screenplay, with nominations for Best Director and Best Actress. And now a restored version of the film is going to be released for a limited time in New York. While no news about when it will be streamable is shared, no doubt it will be, so stay tuned. And in the meantime, have a look at the restored trailer below.

Garden

—The National Trust Book of Nature-Friendly Gardening (The National Trust)

A wonderful book to pick up and explore further how we can garden to work with nature. After all, that is why we garden, non? Because we love what Mother Nature provides? Why not become even more aware of how to nourish and nurture here and all of her floral and fauna.

Shopping

—Cozy Earth, 40% off with TSLL’s exclusive code

I was tickled to be able to partner with Cozy Earth as a sponsor for The Simple Sophisticate podcast, and upon being gifted a pair of these bamboo navy pajamas, I have been loving them and wanted to recommend them to you. Especially because you will save handsomely with TSLL’s exclusive promo code. Save 40% off the regular price when you use the promo code SIMPLE at check out.

Cozy Earth also has bedding and everything you might need to ensure a deep, restful night’s sleep, something I did savor when I wore these breathable and cozy pajamas. They are now in my regular rotation and perfect for Sunday leisure lounging while I peruse the newspapers and nibble on my weekly croissant. 🙂

Bamboo Stretch-Knit Long Sleeve pajamas (navy, and other colors available)

—M.M. LaFleur’s Emmett Dress, black Italian Jersey, on sale

Even though it may be spring, having a dependable black dress is a great idea for our capsule wardrobes, and as I have a dress from M.M.Fleur that I love and have been wearing for years, I wanted to bring this black wrap dress to your attention because it is drastically reduced in price and will no longer be available once sold out. As of this posting all sizes were still available.

—Polo Ralph Lauren Belted Linen Shirtdress, two colors

Preparing for summer and even spring, these linen dresses, generously cut and looking timeless as well as stylish, would be a dependable dress to add to the capsule wardrobe.

—Pour Les Femmes’ Dress, all 15% off

Pour Les Femmes makes available wonderful, quality dresses, pajamas and robes, and currently all of their dresses are 15% off. The discount is taken automatically at checkout, so all you have to do is put it in your cart. Linen yet again has caught my eye, and I wanted to share.

Pour Les Femmes’ Linen Button Front Dress, light blue, 15% off

Linen Shirt Dress, light blue, also 15% off

Television

–Hacks, season 4, Max

Award-winning comedy series Hacks returns this coming Thursday, April 10th, and now that Jean Smart’s character has her own late-night program, no doubt there will be hilarious antics aplenty. Have a look at the trailer below and enjoy!

Spring’s flurry of all sorts of weather has mimicked watching a drama on the stage, but thankfully, that is par for the course here in Bend, so I am savoring it immensely. Any moisture at all is welcomed as the garden says ‘Thank you Mother Nature!’ and with good news arriving this week that I just might be able to add the cedar cottage garden gate I have been envisioning has me tickled beyond (no more being walloped in the behind by the heavy 4′ gate that doesn’t quite come close to the ground and thus welcomes Nelle to explore beyond her lawn ;)).

With that said, you won’t be surprised to hear that I am back out in the garden this weekend, just as I was last Saturday. But now that the compost is dispersed, it is time to play, plan and potter in earnest. Watching my weekly dose of Monty Don & Crew provide tips and inspiration on Gardeners’ World, this is really a special time of year in the garden, and I am loving it.

What will you be up to this weekend?

Whatever you are doing, if you haven’t already joined TSLL’s Community, and have ever pondered doing so, this weekend is the weekend to scoop up the permanent savings that is yours for the lifetime of your membership (April 3-6) – our once-a-year savings event! All of the promo codes were shared in the weekly newsletter (daily and monthly too), so if you haven’t signed up for those newsletters yet, be sure to do so here as I will send one last reminder email out tomorrow (Saturday).

The week on the blog was full of reminiscing about France with episode #401 of the podcast, What France Continues to Teach Me About Living Well and in April’s A Cuppa Moments for TOP Tier Members, many a video collage was shared of my excursions, museum visits and walks both in Paris and Brittany. Also, the regular posting schedule is up and running following my return from travels, and it began well with Monday’s motivational post becoming one of the most popular posts of the year – 10 Life Choices that Establish a Quiet Confidence.

And with that, let’s begin the weekend, shall we? May you have delicious outings to savor, a book or a good read that engrosses your attention and of course, oodles of everyday moments to delight in. Until Monday, bonne journée!

~The finale of Downton Abbey will be here in six months. Julian Fellowes definitely followed through on his promise to bring us one more film, and it will arrive on September 12th of this year. Just yesterday, the trailer for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale was revealed at CinemaCon, so look for it to be available to the public soon.

~The pleasure and pain of designing your own home] [Elle Decor]

~The rhubarb in the garden is usually the first fresh food to be harvested with the gardening season, and this recipe for Rhubarb and Swiss meringue looks as delicious as it does beautiful. Saving it! [Country Life]

~Amy Poehler’s podcast, Good Hang with Amy Poehler welcomed Tina Fey on the show recently, and these two are always fun to listen to when chatting together.

~Gardeners, April is busy season, isn’t it? 🙂 (loving every minute of, aren’t we? :)) Here is a run-down of what to plant in April from UK gardener Clare Foster [House & Garden UK]

~Friend of TSLL, photographer and fellow blogger Rebecca Plotnick (aka Everyday Parisian) just released the cover of her first book! It will be available this coming fall and you can preorder now.

~This recipe looks absolutely divine and with morel mushrooms available soon for hunting in the wild, be sure to save it make a delicious sauce for your scallops [Perfectly Provence]

~Where to take a pastry class in Paris [Do It In Paris]

~Front garden ideas: How to fix up your front garden, whatever the size with top designer advice and ideas [Gardens Illustrated]

~A wonderful, helpful post to ensure when we shop, it isn’t by impulse and how to stop impulse buying to understand what it is really about [Zen Habits]

~Oprah is talking menopause with a handful of women who have dedicated their focus to dispelling the myths and opening up the conversation. [Oprah Daily, Hulu]

~Mark Twain’s Top 9 Tips for Living a Good Life [Daily Good News]

~A wonderful new article from Rick Steves’ new memoir, and his advice for young (and really all) travelers. Travel really is good for the soul. [Travel & Leisure]

~Speaking of travel, if an excursion to the Cotswolds is something you’d like to do, here are some of the best cottages to rent! [CNTraveler]

~Travelers to Britain, the Spring British Airways sale just began!

~And let’s end on a stand-up and sing-along moment, shall we? These two office colleagues recently brought the Britain’s Got Talent audience to their feet and even got them dancing. Have a look and listen.

~Explore last week’s This & That: March 28, 2025

A favorite British cosy mystery series is back for its third season, a much-enjoyed French series is back for its fifth, and there are books on strengthening relationships, living like Jane Austen, French-flower inspiration for the garden and the home, an insider’s guide to where to go in Paris and a wonderful new book from a long-trusted American-living in Paris writer about the Louvre. Also, quite a few films, heartwarming, wise and insightful. A new comedy series co-starring Nathan Lane and crew, and my latest and long-shopped for garden tool that you may be searching for as well. Plus we have stripes and linen and statement jewelry and two sales of significant savings for both the closet and the kitchen. 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 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.