Between books and Labor Day sales, there is much to explore. Novels and the exploration of a British palace, a sale on one of my favorite dog bed and accessory companies, a must-have office item that is inexpensive and high quality for all you creatives who just need a really good writing utensil and eraser. Books about the many ways we can exercise intelligence, a new memoir from a beloved gardener and still so much more.

Books

—Colored Television: A novel by Danzy Senna

Being released this coming Tuesday is a new novel that brings a comedic look at modern culture told through the lens of Hollywood and all that glitters but doesn’t always pan out. “Jane has high hopes that her life is about to turn around. After a long, precarious stretch bouncing among sketchy rentals and sublets, she and her family are living in luxury for a year, house-sitting in the hills above Los Angeles. The gig magically coincides with Jane’s sabbatical, giving her the time and space she needs to finish her second novel—a centuries-spanning epic her artist husband, Lenny, dubs her ‘mulatto War and Peace.‘ Finally, some semblance of stability and success seems to be within her grasp.

“But things don’t work out quite as hoped. Desperate for a plan B, like countless writers before her Jane turns her gaze to Hollywood. When she finagles a meeting with Hampton Ford, a hot producer with a major development deal at a streaming network, he seems excited to work with a ‘real writer,’ and together they begin to develop ‘the Jackie Robinson of biracial comedies.’ Things finally seem to be going right for Jane—until they go terribly wrong.”

—Curious: The Desire to Know and Why Our Future Depends On It by Ian Leslie

While released nearly 10 years ago, Ian Leslie’s Curious was recently referenced in an intriguing article I read in the FT centered around how to avoid distractions while remaining curious, and so I wanted to bring it to your attention. “In Curious, Ian Leslie makes a passionate case for the cultivation of our ‘desire to know.’ Drawing on fascinating research from psychology, economics, education, and business, Leslie looks at what feeds curiosity and what starves it, and finds surprising answers. Curiosity is a mental muscle that atrophies without regular exercise and a habit that parents, schools, and workplaces need to nurture.”

And as we have talked about many times over the years, curiosity is a powerful ingredient to living a life infused with youthful vigor regardless of one’s actual years on the planet.

—The Importance of Being Educable: A New Theory of Human Uniqueness by Leslie Valiant

Coming highly recommended by The New Yorker book review staff, I became most curious about Leslie Valiant’s new book (published in April 2024) The Importance of Being Educable primarily because it looks at intelligence in a different, oft forgotten, but most necessary way. “Leslie Valiant argues that understanding the nature of our own educability is crucial to safeguarding our future. After breaking down how we process information to learn and apply knowledge, and drawing comparisons with other animals and AI systems, he explains why education should be humankind’s central preoccupation.”

—The Life Impossible: A Novel by Matt Haig

Editors have been clamoring for bestselling author Matt Haig’s next book following his wildly successful The Midnight Library, and now they have it, or will on September 3rd. The Life Impossible centers around “retired math teacher Grace Winters, [who when] left a run-down house on a Mediterranean island by a long-lost friend, [lets] curiosity get the better of her, and she arrives in Ibiza with a one-way ticket, no guidebook and no plan.

“Among the rugged hills and golden beaches of the island, Grace searches for answers about her friend’s life, and how it ended. What she uncovers is stranger than she could have dreamed. But to dive into this impossible truth, Grace must first come to terms with her past.”

British Finds

—Blenheim: 300 Years of Life in a Palace by Henrietta Spencer-Churchill 

Another book being released on September 3rd and one Anglophiles will want to put in their libraries is the much anticipated tome Blenheim which captures in beautiful photography 300 years of life in this storied palace. “Regarded as perhaps the greatest of the stately homes and the finest example of baroque architecture in Great Britain . . . Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, the twelfth generation of the family, takes us on a privileged tour of the palace.”

Never before as the history of Blenheim Palace been told and shown as it is in this statement of a book for historians and decor and architectural lovers alike.

“In addition to the gilded staterooms and acres of landscaped gardens, Spencer-Churchill shows us the family’s private apartments, with their secret corridors and history of illustrious guests, as well as the “downstairs” staff area with its iconic bell system.”

Fortunate to receive an advance review copy, being able to see the grounds and interiors of Winston Churchill’s youth, and even to see how the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels received the color’s namesake – Blenheim – it is a fascinating history to explore both visually and in engaging text.

—Hortobiography: A gritty Woman’s Tale of People, Places and Plants by Carol Klein

Being released in the UK this coming Tuesday is the latest book from British gardener Carol Klein. Hortobiography tells stories experienced throughout the decades of her gardening career as well as her childhood.

“From her childhood adventures in Manchester to her first experiments in plantswomanship at Glebe Cottage, and from training as an artist and a teacher, and then finding an entirely unexpected career as one of Britain’s most beloved television presenters, in this first and long-anticipated memoir, Carol tells the story of the people, places and plants that have shaped her life.

“Exploring why our relationship with the natural world is so important, and how it brings joy, creativity and good health to our lives, Carol also offers irresistible insights on her favourite flowers and plants, and how to help them flourish. A story of a life lived happily amongst the greenery, this book is the perfect companion for anyone who has sought solace in the natural world.”

Francophile Find

—Design Your Own Longchamp Le Pliage Bag

Did you know that you can now design, i.e. customize, your every own Longchamp Le Pliage bag/tote/travel bag? Yep! And while the size and style of the font is not changeable, the colors (for both bag and straps), the metal for the finishings and the type of bag you want the customization to be place on is entirely up to you!

So I went in and designed a travel bag for myself just to see what one might look like. You can have up to three initials and the color of the initials must be two-toned. I appreciate being able to choose silver or brass or black metal finishings, and if you look closely you can see you can embed your initials or a saying on the leather flap at the top; I chose TSLL 😉.

Something to think about if you are in the market for one of their iconic and timeless bags!

Shopping

—Apple AirTags, on sale

I came to appreciate Apple AirTags when I realized how easy they are to attach to my pups’ harnesses. Since we go to many off-leash parks, just knowing that if they should be lost I could easily find where they are brings peace of mind. I have never had to use them to find Norman or Nelle, but on their harnesses many Bendites have AirTags on their pups’ collars. They also have them on their bikes! (we have a large cycling community ;)).

With that said, normally each tag is $29, but during the Labor Day sale, you can purchase them for $25 or buy a pack of four and save even more. This is through Amazon and not through Apple.

Also, as I have a feeling many of you do as well, I place an AirTag in my luggage, and even my purse. So simple and cheap insurance.

—Blackwing Pencils

I recently learned about Blackwing Pencils from Dorie Greenspan, the American cookbook writer living in Paris who swears by them. After taking a closer look, and I can see why.

First, I love a good pencil, and while mechanical pencils are okay, they always frustrate the heck out of me when the lead no longer wants to easily be brought down to be used, or the lead keeps breaking, or the eraser runs out. That happens to me with traditional pencils also: I run out of eraser before the pencil is completely utilized. Well, no more! With a replaceable eraser and four different grades of firmness (each of the four different colors of the pencil represent a different strength of graphite), along with a neutral and natural look, I am picking up a box of these as I use pencils constantly with my preferred planning approach.

—Brooklinen, Labor Day Sale, 25% off everything

Now for Labor Day sales! Brooklinen doesn’t often have sales, but when they do, they are worth shopping as their linen is high grade and a good medium weight. They sell cotton sheets as well, but it is their linen I am going to check out, and I recommend doing so as well if you are wanting high quality linen that won’t wear out. Shop all of their washed linen sheets and bedding items here.

—Charley Chau dog beds and accessories, 10% off sale

One of my two favorite companies for dog beds, both are based in the UK, is Charley Chau. Their beds are all made in the UK, and the deeply Dishy Luxury Dog Bed is coming to our house with this current sale as Nelle needs a bigger bed for the car (her current one is from her puppy crate which she has outgrown which is why she often wants to sleep with Norman while we drive), and the price on this is just too awesome to miss. While the Donut Bed which I love (and Normand and Nelle do too), is not on sale, their bedding on all their beds is exceptional, and easy to wash as well. Don’t forget to use the promo code BURGHLEY10 for further 10% savings off of the sale price.

—Diane Keaton + Hudson Grace dining collection

Beloved actor Diane Keaton has teamed up with San Francisco based décor brand Hudson Grace to sell her own collection of dining and entertaining goods. I have shopped a handful below, but be sure to shop her entire collection as there are some wonderfully fun pieces for your next gathering – large or small.

—Eberjey’s Inez Washable Silk Pajama set

If you love silk, but don’t want to worry about dry cleaning it, be sure to check out Eberjey’s washable silk pajama set. Available in many colors (more than just the four you see below), enjoy the soft luxuriousness of silk and classic fit of cozy pajamas as we step into autumn.

—Everlane, 25% off everything

More staples and basics, and all of them are on sale. Enjoy 25% off Everlane’s entire site. I have shopped a few items below to get you started.

~SHOP THE SALE:

—Max Mara’s Classic Coats (trench & wool), up to 50% off many items

While not everything is on sale, some of their classic pieces are, and not just their coats, but below are two that are included in this weekend’s sale.

—Ralph Lauren Sale

Another sale of note, be sure to check out Ralph Lauren’s Labor Day sale to save nicely on oodles of items. I have hand-selected a few items below, but be sure to shop the entire sale here.

Stretch Silk Long-Sleeve Pajama Set (blue or red available)

Cable-Knit Cotton-Blend Crewneck Sweater (many colors)

Striped Canvas Large Devyn Tote Bag

—ShopBop Sale, up to 70% off all styles

Yet another sale to peruse, especially if you know what you are looking for. Shopbop is including many items in their Labor Day sale, and many are 70% off. I have done some shopping below to begin the perusing.

~SHOP THE SALE:

—TSLL’s Fall Shopping Guide, 2024

A head’s up! This Sunday, September 1st, TSLL’s Fall Shopping Guide full of breaking down the trends of the season worth investing in as well as sharing with more than 70 hand-picked items available now from many brands and online shop will be posted. (When Sunday rolls around, the links here will take you directly to the post!)

Unofficially the summer comes to a close next Tuesday, so we have one more weekend to savor and soak up summer, and I will be doing just that. Hopefully you will be as well, and it need not be fancy or cost any money at all.

We will be staying in Bend, pottering about in the garden, finishing up some work, but fun work as I will be shopping for more finds to keep adding to the Fall Shopping Guide right up until it is posted on Sunday, and while staying cool, maybe taking one last paddle for the season.

This Sunday, be sure to tune in to September’s A Cuppa Moments for TOP Tier Members where not only will a challenge be presented that I think might be inviting as it is tailored to you, but also news about when TSLL will be in France in 2025 and when exactly the opportunity to sign up for an in-person multi-course Parisian meal with not only me but fellow members will take place. During this past week securing my airfare finally took place so now the dates are set! Without a doubt, I will be falling asleep dreaming about arriving in Paris and more broadly France every night until it actually happens. I cannot wait! And I especially cannot wait to meet a handful of you, members of TSLL community. 😌🇫🇷❤️

Now, as promised, the trailer for TSLL’s upcoming new season of the cooking show is available to check out, and you can do so below! In just over two week’s time, on Saturday September 14th, the new season will premiere right here on the blog. Let’s have a look!

Whether you are looking ahead to enjoying a long weekend or simply savoring the arrival of Friday, I hope you have made plans to do what you need to nourish yourself, and I am tickled you choose to stop by today. Thank you for visiting TSLL. Wishing you a wonderful start to the weekend, and below are a few articles and one video I thought you might enjoy. Until Sunday, bonne journée.

~Enjoy this tour of an English country garden in the Cotswolds [House & Garden UK]

~Now let’s go to Provence and shop the brocantes with Clare Vivier! [CNTraveler]

~David Lebovitz shares where he has been eating lately in Paris.

~Oodles of Parisian home inspiration [Vogue Living, Australia]

~I don’t know about you, but Sylvie in Emily In Paris is my style dream of an icon. I adore Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, and this interview with her by Grazia is a fun read.

~So tickled to be able to share this article with you that I think you will love! And to have mention of The Simple Sophisticate podcast as a recommendation in the post made my week! Listener of the podcast Emma Sutton-Williams wrote the “Ultimate Parisian Packing List: 11 Must-Haves for Achieving French Style”. [NY Post] Thank you again Emma ☺️💛.

~If you are someone who shies away from drama, very wise!, you likely have these traits, and I have a feeling especially #8 on the list. 🙂 [Hack Spirit]

~Perhaps you too followed along with London-based American writer Jo Rodgers as she traveled for a month with her young family in Provence. Here is her article sharing all that she saw, experienced, stayed and what she recommends. [House & Garden UK]

~Good habits to incorporate into your daily routine to look younger than your natural years. [Hack Spirit]

~Cheers to this news! It looks near certainly that there will likely (not promised yet) be a Season 4 of Ted Lasso! [Deadline]

~This was one of the best interviews I have watched with Ina Garten. More serious, but still infused with fun and love of life. Katty Kay and she really do hit it off well, who doesn’t with Ina, right? 🙂 Sit back and enjoy this 20+ minute interview and tour of her barn (a very nice office and kitchen and well, a second home in many ways – love her cookbook library).

~Explore last week’s This & That: August 23, 2024

The transition between summer and fall begins, where there is sometimes a lag of new releases in nearly all arenas, but not in fashion, most assuredly not, and with more than a few books that I definitely want to bring your attention to that were released these past few months that have not been shared yet here on T & T, we’re exploring a memoir that takes us to Paris and dives deep into pleasure post-pandemic, a book about the science (and yep, benefit!) of solitude, a cultural exploration of Queen Elizabeth II’s likeness as it appeared ubiquitously in endless places during her historically long reign, a book to remind us of the freedoms of American women we would be wise to never take for granted and two French books now available in English that are must-reads and adds to the library. As well a fun comedy series returns to television that always brings joy to August when it premieres. And 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.