The British cozsy mystery is coming to the screen in buckets! Also, books! Books about art, an adventure at sea, decorating à la ‘Gucci to Gap’ style, and how to tone your well-being muscle. Also, prepping our wardrobes for a stylish autumn is upon us and finds are being found, as well as sales. Décor items for the kitchen, the bedroom and more are included, and a certain beloved program full of comfort is about to premiere! All of this and still there is more!

Books

—Livable Lux by Bridgette Romanek

You may remember about a month ago or so, I found a standing full-length mirror. Vintage looking with a touch of modernity, but brand-new for sure; it was designed by interior designer Bridgette Romanek. Continuing to be drawn to that mirror, I learned a bit more about her, and Livable Lux is her book, released a couple of years ago in 2023.

“As a designer, she has elevated that same instinct by bringing together an eclectic mix of design elements that create a sense of ease, comfort, and style. Her aesthetic blend of both the high-end and the accessible, or as she calls it, ‘Gucci meets Gap,’ is a refreshing approach and fully apparent in her own beautiful home in Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles.” 

“In Livable Luxe, Romanek shares an insider’s glimpse into her lush and aspirational collection of interior design projects for the first time, through over 150 photographs that capture and reflect the personality and lifestyle of her clients. Additionally, Romanek shares her insightful approach to design and interiors through personal essays and anecdotes. Featured in the book are the homes of her well-known clients, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Molly Sims, to name a few, who admire and seek her design expertise in creating spaces that evoke a laid-back-yet-elegant feel.”

—A Marriage at Sea: A True Story of Love, Obsession, and Shipwreck by Sophie Elmhirst

Recently reading a praise-filled review in The New York Times Book Review, A Marriage at Sea is a true story, and it reads like a novel based on the plot description.

Taking place in June 1972, you have the couple, who appears oddly paired except they both share the determination to not waste a moment of their lives. Meet Maurice and Maralyn. “He’s a loner, awkward and obsessive; she’s charismatic and ambitious. And they dream – as we all dream – of running away from it all. What if they quit their jobs, sold their house, bought a boat, and sailed away?”

They set sail and “for nearly a year all went well, until deep in the Pacific, a breaching whale knocked a hole in their boat and it sank beneath the waves.

“What ensues is a jaw-dropping fight to survive in the wild ocean, with little hope of rescue. Alone together for months in a tiny rubber raft, starving and exhausted, Maurice and Maralyn have to find not only ways to stay alive but ways to get along, as their inner demons emerge and their marriage is put to the greatest of tests. Although they could run away from the world, they can’t run away from themselves.”

Intrigued? Me too!

—Start Here: Master the Lifelong Habit of Wellbeing by Peter Langshur and Nate Plemp, Ph.D

I have to begin by thanking long, long-time member and reader of TSLL blog, Carolyn B. for bringing this book to my attention. A book that was published back in 2016, and slipped my attention, but no longer! Start Here identifies the simple, but often ignored truth that we haven’t been taught how to care for our well-being, and it has been assumed we know how to do it.

“It turns out that just as you train your body for fitness, you can train your mind for wellbeing. We call this Life Cross Training (LIFE XT), and Start Here is the manual for anyone seeking to achieve emotional fitness. Combining ancient wisdom with modern neuroscience from the world’s leading experts, LIFE XT is a groundbreaking training program to master the art of wellbeing. The program teaches practices proven to rewire the brain for increased focus, engagement, and resilience to stress. By offering specific practices, habits, and assessments to manage your training and by helping to build up core skills such as mindfulness, gratitude, and compassion, authors Eric Langshur and Nate Klemp lay out a thorough and sustainable program that anyone can integrate into their daily lives.”

My copy arrives later this month, and I cannot wait to begin reading it. I have an inkling a podcast episode or post will be inspired. ☺️ Thank you again Carolyn!

British Finds

—Joseph, free shipping worldwide ($250+ purchase)

With all of the back-and-forth and confusion about international shipping and purchasing of anything as of late, I have been keeping an eye on a lot of things, and for purposes of trusted clothing brands, Joseph had my attention. For quite a few months, Joseph has not been shipping anything to the states . . . until now. AND, at least for the moment, they are making up for this pause because wherever you live, including the states, they will ship for free when you purchase $250 worth or more of their clothing.

Let me begin by saying, the quality of Joseph is one of the best in mid-luxury. And while I don’t purchase full-priced items from them for budgetary reasons, when I do find something I love, I save it, and cross my fingers and toes that it may still be available come sale-time.

It is primarily their sweaters and dresses that I adore, so I have shopped a few of them below, and one of the dresses is on sale. If your size is available, this is a timeless dress to have. Also, check out the trousers – love – savings these to KarmaNow and yep, crossing everything. ☺️

Davidge Airy Plissé Dress, navy, 30% off

—SHOP FAVORITE Essentials:

—Marlow Murder Club, PBS Masterpiece, season 2

Spending an evening earlier this week watching the fourth episode in the first season in preparation, plans are made for Sunday viewing this weekend. The Marlow Murder Club returns to PBS Masterpiece, and this second season is six-episodes in length. Have a look at the trailer below and here is the book (book #2) by Robert Thorogood that inspired the tv adaptation (of which the author also wrote the screenplay for).

—Robert Welch’s Cookbook Stands, two colors

One of the many helpful tools in the kitchen and one that is incredibly hard to find due to fitting each of our tastes and preferred decor aesthetics is a cookbook stand. I feel fortunate to have found my antique wooden one during the pandemic, but I know I was very lucky and treasure it. So when I came across British brand Robert Welch’s cookbook stands made of cast iron in House & Garden UK’s latest issue, I wanted to share.

Currently available direct from the brand solely in black and white, I was able to find two vintage stands in yellow and green. Fortnum & Mason also sells the black stand here. Shop the yellow vintage one here (on Etsy). Shop the vintage green on here on Etsy.

—The Thursday Murder Club, Netflix

What a wealth of British cosy mysteries to watch this coming week! Next Thursday, Richard Osman’s wildly bestselling mystery solving crew that kicked off his five-book mystery series (the fifth will be released in September – view all of the books here) debuts its movie adaptation. And what a stand-out cast they have rounded up.

Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Celia Imrie and Ben Kingsley!

Have a look at the trailer below, and in six days on August 28th, we’ll all be watching and solving the crimes right along with this British (and Irish) all-star cast.

Cookbooks

—Nights and Weekends: Recipes That Make the Most of Your Time by Alexis deBoschnek

For long-time recipe creator, Alexis deBoschnek, it took life’s reality of needing to care for her mother to bring to her attention how simple good cooking can be for everyday living and nourishment. Released earlier this month “Nights and Weekends is the solution to this quotidian dilemma, offering recipes that are eminently achievable for every time and effort constraint.”

“In the Nights section, which is divided by type of food (such as Soups, Vegetable, Meat, Pasta, Fish), recipes have a short ingredient list that can be easily sourced, will come together in under 40 minutes, and only one pot or a sheet pan. The Weekend section is organized by type of meal—Brunch, Dinner, and a chapter on Snacks for informal gatherings—and features recipes that are slightly more adventurous, as well as a chapter on homemade desserts. Through dishes such as One-Pot Gnocchi Ragu, Everything Bagel Tomato Panzanella, Hot Butter Garlic Shrimp, 7-Minute Eggs with Mayo and Chile Oil, and Curried Chicken and Cauliflower Phyllo Pie, this cookbook not only gives you delicious meals, but it also gives you your invaluable time back to enjoy them.”

Décor

—Lulu & Georgia Bobbin Lamp (three colors)

While the guest bedroom redecorating is inching along here at Le Papillon, I am gathering up items, ideas and slowly beginning to solidify what the room will eventually become. And one detail that caught my eye recently is this whimsically designed table lamp. Soft, yet brilliant in its illumination, and just as beautiful when not in use as when its is switched on -The Bobbin Lamp. It may or may not be appearing in the final reveal!

Film

—The Roses

Let the hilarity, venom and talented acting of Benedict Cumberbach and Olivia Colman ensue in this dark comedy about a couple whose individual careers head in different directions and thus their lives as well. Opening in theaters today, have a look at the trailer below. Oh my goodness does this look uniquely violent, yet still, I kind of want to watch it because it is these two stars at the helm!

Francophile Find

—The Artist and the Feast (aka The Artist -[UK title]) by Lucy Steeds

Released in the states back in May, and more recently in the UK, Lucy Steeds debut novel is receiving praise from Waterstones and making the list of upcoming end of year awards. Titled simply The Artist in the UK, and The Artist and the Feast in the US, rest easy that they are the same novel.

Set in Provence during the 1920s, it is a scorching summer and “a young journalist, Joseph Adelaide, turns up at the farmhouse of reclusive artist Edouard Tartuffe, hoping to write an article about him. There, he meets Ettie, Tartuffe’s niece, who appears to do everything for her uncle—from cooking and cleaning to catering to his maniacal moods. Joseph is beguiled by where he finds himself, not just by this foreign place or Tartuffe himself, but by Ettie, who watches everything so quietly from the periphery. Both Joseph and Ettie carry scars from their pasts and it’s as they get to know each other that they start to lay bare those scars to themselves and to each other.​ As the summer wears on, and as new ideas and passions are explored, Joseph, Ettie, and Tartuffe are propelled toward a finale that reveals long-held secrets and sets the world on fire.”

Shopping

—Boden’s Pip Zip-Up Ponte Mide Dress-French Navy

While September 1st is still just over a week away when TSLL will post its Annual Fall Shopping Guide, there are sales and finds I want to bring your attention to in the meantime. Enjoy 10% off with T3D7 on all new styles at Boden, which includes this dress.

—COS chunky pure cashmere crew-neck sweater, three colors (seen here: navy and pink)

COS is a great place to find wardrobe staples at fair prices, and with their chunky pure cashmere sweater, I wanted to share it with you as these sweaters are under $400.

—Cuyana’s Wide Leather Belt, two colors

Always wanting a large belt, but an understated one that does its job and doesn’t distract from the outfit, this style from Cuyana fits the bill beautifully

PICK OF THE WEEK!—J.Crew’s New Denim Trouser Jean, many washes, petite, regular and tall

J.Crew revealed its fall collection recently and these trouser jeans were put on my list. A great price, an everyday staple to suit many different outfits – work or casual. Perhaps you are looking for something like this as well.

—Madewell, Labor Day Sale, 40% off

The sales for the long holiday weekend have begun well ahead of time, so here we go! I have shopped a few items below, and be sure to use the promo code LONGWEEKEND to enjoy the savings of 40% off!

SHOP New Arrivals (included in the sale!):

—Mother of Pearl Watch, three colors – Lola Rose, London

Narrow band, but a strong watch face. There is something sturdy about this watch yet at the same time work well with day or evening attire.

—Veronica Beard Cashel Slingback heel, many colors and textures

Comfortable, yet elongating (always am drawn to a pointed toe for that reason).

Teapot of the Week!

—Celadon Teapot, 2-servings (many colors available)

A petite little teapot, and it has a thumb rest! And available at a great price as well.

Television

—Hostage, Netflix

The blending of the French and British! They must have heard about TSLL community!😉 Premiering yesterday, this new series stars to veteran talents – Suranne Jones (who stars as the British Prime minister) and Julie Delphy (who stars as the French president). The hostage situation involves the kidnapping of the Britain’s Prime Minister’s husband. There are five episodes, and it looks like people are binging it in one go. I will do my best to resist. ☺️ Have a look at the trailer below.

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After four days without posting for my annual respite following French Week, it is good to be back! And we are back to kick off ever so gradually the 16th season of the blog! Each year marks a new season, and my teaching days remain with me as a new year in my book commences in September, right? ☺️

With that said, I am excited to embrace this ‘fresh-start’ feeling because there is so much wonderful content coming your way. First, as promised on this IG post shared yesterday, #tsll4thbook is one year away from being published and in your hands. Yep, next September this book which is now in final edits and illustrations are about to be completed!, is the date of note (a more specific date will be shared early next year), and that means between regular blog posting and finishing the book, those are my only two professional focuses. Of course, behind the scenes the guest bedroom will gradually be put together and the garden projects as well 😌.

What I also mentioned in the IG post is that as we step into September there will be a theme of posts and podcast episodes centered around exploring the breadth of what living simply luxuriously is, and how each of us can dive deep into elevating all of these aspects so we truly experience the benefits of living in such a way. We will begin to dip our toes into this theme this coming Monday with a post about what is on so many of our minds when September nears – being prepared to have a great new year. And for many that will also begin with TSLL’s Intro to French Cooking class that opens for enrollment this Sunday! Which leads me to discuss the photo of courgette/zucchini blossoms above . . .

Picking a bag of these beauties up at the market this week, it was purely observation and seizing an opportunity. I saw them, I purchased them, they made it home and were swiftly enjoyed, and I will share with you how I enjoyed them in video form (IG Stories) this weekend on IG (@thesimplyluxuriouslife and @tsllkitchen – new IG handle, but still the same account for recipes and TSLL food!), and then in complete full detail and recipe form in the course when you enroll as an introduction to how to dance with the seasonal offerings and cook simply and deliciously.

With all of that said, to borrow the enthusiastic phrase of TSLL readers Lucy and Rona – “Spatulas up!” It’s about time to step into the kitchen! Yep, Sunday August 24th is finally just two days away! and if you are at all interested in simplifying your cooking, yet enjoying flavorful food that you create all the more throughout the entire year and yep, without a recipe!, then this is the course for you – Intro to French Cooking: Everyday Deliciousness.

Read a detailed post shared just last week about why I wanted to create this course for you, and look forward to you too discovering the joy in the kitchen so that you can then go about living the life you love.

Being shared this coming Monday along with the Monday Motivational post is the monthly garden post because the garden here at Le Papillon is shining!

Ahhh, the weekend, and for many in the UK, a long holiday weekend! Whether long or regular, or simply a few extra hours to catch your breath, may your time be delicious, love-filled and full of everyday moments to savor. Until Sunday when the cooking course is launched, bonne journée !

~Do you have enough art in your bathrooms and kitchen? A thought to ponder and why considering this décor idea is one I definitely love and maybe you will too! [House & Garden UK]

~The best places to read al fresco in London [Country Life]

~Favorite read of the week! Literally going into the scenes (decor spoke SOOOO loudly in this final season), and sharing what the message was that led us to the finale of And Just Like That (such an empowering lesson that I was tickled to see). [ELLE Decor]

~Simple and affordable ideas to make your home feel more luxurious [H & G UK]

~The Morning Show will soon premiere (I will be sure to include it in a future T & T just before it does!), and Jennifer Aniston is the cover star on Vanity Fair. Check out all of the photos and read the article – ‘Zen and the Art of Being Jennifer Aniston’ here.

~French country cottage arrangements for entertaining [Flower magazine]

~A San Francisco Victorian home tour full of tranquility, neutrals and modernity with a touch of softness that brings just the right amount of softness. [Domino]

~The French’s approach to a book club – this was a fun read. [French Today]

~I absolutely loved this interview with Samin Nosrat (who has a new cookbook coming out next month – preorder it here – Good Things), and I especially loved what she said about recipes – less reliance on them, more dancing! [The Financial Times, subscription may be required]

~13 clever and stylish ideas for decorating a studio apartment [Architectural Digest]

~Saving this article: French cheeses by the season [Frenchly]

~Speaking of delicious food! GBBO has announced a premiere date! And it is quite a bit earlier than in past recent years. Wahoo! Look for season 13 to premiere on Tuesday September 2nd in the UK, and Friday – Sept. 5th – on Netflix in the US. Meet the bakers here, and have a look at the creative trailer below.

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~Explore last week’s This & That: August 15, 2025 – French-inspired

~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.