A wide array of finds this week from highly well reviewed new fiction, memoirs of experiencing freedom as well as encounters with those we know and those we don’t as we go about our days, and the return of two different series, one that take us to a Spanish island, and another that centers around Rob Lowe’s ‘unstable’ character’s life in LA. Also, a new movie filmed in the gorgeous countryside of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and a new musical coming to London that adapts a favorite fashion film. I cannot forget the two delicious new cookbooks, clothing finds to prep you for autumn’s arrival as well as a perfect summer shift dress that will keep you comfortable and timelessly stylish. Still, there is much more. 

Books

—They Dream In Gold: A Novel by Mai Sennaar 

First-time novelist Mai Sennaar’s They Dream in Gold has sparked interest and enthusiasm across the board from Time, The Washington Post and already being long-listed for Center for Fiction First Novel Prize 2024. Published by Sarah Jessica Parker’s publishing label, the plot follows “Bonnie and Mansour [who] meet in New York in 1968—his piercing gaze in a downtown jazz club threatening to carry her away—their connection is undeniable. Both from fractured homes, with childhoods spent crossing the Atlantic, they quickly find peace with each other. And as Mansour’s soaring Senegalese melodies continue to break new ground, keeping time with the sound of revolution and taking him and Bonnie from Paris to Rio and Switzerland, it seems as though happiness might finally be around the corner for them both.

“Then Mansour goes missing. His Spanish tour was only meant to last three weeks, but three months later, he and his band have not returned. In his absence, Bonnie reckons with her memories of him, and comes to understand that the hopes of so many women—her mother and grandmother; his mother, aunt, childhood friend—rest on her perseverance. Stirred by the life growing inside her, Bonnie puts a plan in action to find him.”

Released this past Tuesday, learn more about Sennaar and the book here.

—Why the Dutch Are Different: A Journey into the Hidden Heart of the Netherlands by Ben Coates

Inspired by the author’s own discoveries of traveling and now calling home in the Netherlands, Ben Coates shares Why the Dutch Are Different, and it all began when he became stranded at Schiphol airport, called up a friendly Dutch girl he’d met some months earlier, stayed for dinner and ended up staying for good.

British Finds

—Among Others: Friendships & Encounters by Michael Frayn

Released last fall in the states from English writer and novelist Michael Frayn, in this unique memoir, Frayn shares that it’s the other people around you who make you who you are.

As he turned 90, he wanted to take the opportunity to share a few words about the people who formed his particular world.

“Some were friends; some not; some more than friends. Some have had a profound effect; some only a passing one. Some you may know yourself; some you certainly won’t. Some he now wonders if he ever really knew himself. The last of his subjects in this selection, and the longest and closest acquaintance of all, is his own body, a companion on life’s road at least as idiosyncratic and puzzling as everyone and everything around it.”

—Devil Wears Prada, Dominion Theatre, London

If you are going to be in London or visiting Britain beginning now and into the fall, this is the play, the musical actually, to scoop up tickets for. Vanessa Williams stars as Miranda Priestley in The Devil Wears Prada, and it looks to be a quite a bit of fun if you too thoroughly enjoyed the film starring Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and Anne Hathaway.

Beginning earlier this week previews began taking place in Plymouth, England, and will continue through August, so if you would like to watch it before it hits the West End, purchase tickets here. If you will be in London in October onward, you can purchase tickets now for performances at Dominion Theatre. Watch an interview with Williams as she talks about the musical and what we can expect.

–Went to London, Took the Dog: The Diary of a 60-Year Old Runaway by Nina Stibbe

Released last November from British writer Nina Stibbe, a memoir that aims to answer the question “What does it mean to start again at sixty?”

“Nina Stibbe is surprised to find herself asking this question as she leaves married life behind in Cornwall and heads back to London after twenty years away for what she calls ‘a year-long sabbatical’.

“She takes up lodgings at the house of writer Deborah Moggach, unprepared for how she, and the city, has changed and now wondering whether freedom is all it’s cracked up to be . . . “

As heard on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour

Cookbooks

—Homemade-ish: Recipes and Cooking Tips That Keep It Real by Lauren McDuffie

This cookbook looks delicious – well, not the cookbook, but the recipes it contains ?! Released earlier this week filled with more than 100 recipes, Lauren McDuffie “offers encouragement from one page to the next in Homemade-ish, a supportive guide, a delicious devotional of sorts, with every recipe a reminder to take it easy on yourself, to keep it real”.

“With this cookbook, McDuffie makes use of store-bought shortcuts and quick-fix tricks for breakfasts; appetizers and snacks; soups; salads; pastas, grains, and meatless mains; meats and fish, and desserts. From jazzed-up bagged salads to improved-upon casseroles to faked and fabulous sweets, you can feed your family well, and actually have time to sit down and enjoy the meal together.”

Learn more about the author on her blog The Kitchen Little.

—Sprout & Co. Saladology: Fresh Ideas for Delicious Salads by Theo Kirwan

Yet another cookbook that has my appetite salivating. Released in June, the first cookbook from the acclaimed Dublin-based food brand, the Sprout & Co Salad Cookbook includes more than 100 flavor-packed recipes. “Co-founders Theo and Jack Kirwan are devoted to celebrating the most delicious things in life, all within a ‘farm to fork’ context.

“Ranging from show-stopping sides to satisfying noodle dishes, the Sprout & Co Salad Cookbook shows us how much more there is to salads. With an extra chapter on dressings, toppings and pickles, this cookbook will teach you how to pack your meals full of flavor while ensuring your body gets the nutrients and healthy ingredients it needs.”

Learn more about Sprout & Co. here.

Film

—Peak Season

Already Peak Season has reached 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and based on the premise and the gorgeous scenery, I can understand its potential to be a wonderful film. Premiering today, a summer vacation takes two ‘yuppie’ New Yorkers, recently engaged, to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and an unexpected bond takes place for Amy with her wilderness guide and he with her. Have a look at the trailer below.

Francophile Finds

—Filt Market Fish Net Bag, tri-color

TSLL’s 9th Annual French Week is just around the corner – Sunday August 11th! – and as we begin to prepare, a favorite giveaway from last year’s celebration was the Normandy-made fishnet market totes from Filt. And this one, as Paris is hosting the Olympics, dons the tri-colors of France. C’est parfait!

Shopping

—COS Oversized Open-Collar shirt dress, beige

Whether worn as a shift dress, so loose and free-flowing, or with a belt to cinch the waist, this neutral hued dress looks super comfortable and versatile for summer, and at a great price as well.

—J.Crew High-rise slim wide-leg jean (four washes)

In preparation for the upcoming autumn season, these flattering jeans marry the wide-leg trend with a slimmed down silhouette.

—NIBD Linen ‘straw’ Tote (for beach of the market)

Did you watch the first episode of season 2 of Signora Volpe starring Emilia Fox earlier this week? If so, you no doubt recognize this linen string tote from the intro scenes as she makes her way through the Italian market. I searched around and found it for you (and purchased one for myself), and it is quite inexpensive and a great option for heading to the market as it has a flat bottom, sturdy structure, but very malleable (and comfortable handles).

—Sézane French Kiss, navy/ecru sweatshirt

A little on the nose, but no less fun to have.

—Sézane Clyde Trench coat, light beige

One more from Sézane, and now available in all sizes as they have restocked: this classic Mac-like trench coat is a must-have style for fall.

—Todd Snyder Fisherman Sandals (two colors available)

Named for their original function, sandals worn centuries ago by European fishermen who needed a quick-draining shoe, the fisherman sandal is handmade from luxe, vegetable-tanned Italian leather, with a comfortable crepe sole. Providing versatility for dressing up or down, perfect for packing as bringing them along if traveling to summer destinations will reduce the need for other shoes.

Television

—Mallorca Files, season 3, Amazon Prime

Miranda and Max. Such a fun duo to watch.

I swept through the first two seasons when I sat down two years ago to watch Mallorca Files, starring Glen Rhys (British actor) and Julian Looman (German actor) as Miranda and Max. They are the detecting duo sleuthing on the Spanish island of Mallorca. Look for the first of eight episodes to premiere on Thursday August 8th on Amazon Prime. And have a look at the trailer for the new season below.

—Unstable, season 2, Netflix

I shared last year that I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy Unstable starring Rob Lowe, but after watching the first episode, I quickly watched the rest. It is fun, and Lowe does not take himself too seriously which is what makes it all the more a good watch. This is a fun series with a supporting cast that is just as delightful as the leads – Rob Lowe and his son John Owen Lowe, who yep, stars as his son in the series. Have a look at the trailer below and watch it now on Netflix as it just premiered yesterday.

August 4th markets the zenith of summer chronologically, and so after today, at least here in Bend, the hot weather looks to be subsiding a bit, and thankfully the smoke began to vanish as well as captured here in the above photo during our early morning walk. And even when we have to stay inside more than we may wish to, how fortunate are we to have the Olympics to watch!

Perhaps you, like me, have been watching quite a bit of the games in Paris (Jeux Paris) this past week. They have been evening viewing here at Le Papillon, and what a treat. From watching Nadal and Alcaraz as well as Andy Murphy and Dan Evans in doubles, to celebrating with both men and women in the swimming pool, and also both men and women in gymnastics, along with so many other events! It’s a lovely dilemma to have when trying to figure out which sport to watch. Add watching equestrian at Versailles and, well, Paris has quite the unique venues. Oh! And the surfing! (more on that below).

This week on the blog has been a full one – from the Outfits of the Month, the monthly gardening post, the monthly A Cuppa Moments to kick off August and a favorite of TOP Tier Members, the Smile post. And we’re just getting ready because in just over a week, TSLL’s 9th Annual French Week kicks off (learn more about what the week includes here).

Speaking of the garden, when August arrives, so do the sunflowers here at Le Papillon, and on cue, the first sunflower was seen yesterday and what a beauty she is. This is the Procut Lite White, and one of my favorites. Let the performance of these late summer beauties begin, and no doubt a few will be coming inside to bring the smiles indoors as well.

I hope your week has gone well and the start of this new month is full of possibility and curiosity as well as making sure the summer season is squeezed for all of its fun, travel and leisure that you desire. Thank you for stopping by today and wishing you a wonderful weekend. Below I have gathered a few links and a few videos I think you might enjoy. Until Monday, bonne journée !

~Mezzo-Soprano Cirel Axelle‘s performance of La Marseillaise certainly stole the moment and captured my awe, even more so when I realized her dress and the flag were one and the same. Well, merci France, you really did present the world with something special for the summer’s Olympic Games. Made by Dior couture, take a look at photos and video of the process of the design’s creation. Learn more about the entire performance of French’s national anthem here from Classic FM.

~Monty Don’s August Tips & Advice

~Five Best: Books on Paris [WSJ]

~I have a feeling many of us are on board with this but it never hurts to be reminded of the benefits of adopting a whole food diet – here are 8 benefits of doing so [Tiny Buddha]

~Staying on the health theme for a moment, these nutrients can strengthen our bones! [NYTimes, gift link]

~British Airways just released a new Safety video that is quite fun taking us back to Georgian times ‘whilst’ teaching us the safety features while flying. Enjoy!

~Dorie Greenspan shares how to eat like you’re in Paris for the Olympics [NY Cooking, gift link]

~It was announced yesterday with the official retirement of Andy Murray as he exited the Olympics that beginning in 2025 the centre court seating arena at the LTA’s London Championships held at The Queen’s Club will be known as ‘The Andy Murray Arena’. 

~Go shopping at Marché aux Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen in Paris with American interior designer Ross Cassidy as he shops with a client for her home. [Architectural Digest]

~And Tahiti also plays an intregal role in the Olympics as the surfing competition is being held there, and earlier this week a viral moment occurred when Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina was capturing appearing as though he was floating in mid-air after successfully surfing a monster wave, along with his surf board standing vertically parallel to him, and yep NBC’s surfing corresponding, and SNL host Colin Jost saw it live and he talks about that and his experience working in Tahiti here in this video.

~Celine Dion’s performance to conclude the Opening Ceremonies of Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne À L’Amour,” are their words to describe it? Even magnifique seems inadequate. It was incroyable ! Okay, I will stop with my attempts at finding French adjectives. Thank you for indulging me. 😉 Here is the musical version, performed by cellist Gautier Capuçon, cello three years ago also on Le Tour d’Eiffel. (and here are the original lyrics to the song)

~And I know many of you have been enjoying Ina Garten in Paris hosting the Today Show around and about the City of Light, so I wanted to include two of the many videos that have been shared. Here is the video where she takes them to her favorite market in Paris, and below, Ina takes Today on an ingredient shopping trip (Are you taking notes on the places she visits too? Yep, I am with you. ☺️).

~Explore last week’s This & That: July 26, 2024

Inspired by the commencement of the Olympics in Paris, discover all sorts of links and even an interview with one of the many mayors of Paris (a handful of arrondissements is their jurisdiction in this reference of mayor) by a favorite French podcast host of TSLL. Also a novel critics and readers are loving about friendship and music and the courage of second chances. And clothing finds for travel, comfort and style, as well as one luxurious find that will ensure a lovely night’s sleep as well as covering all of the previous listed criteria. Two new tv series return, both taking us to Italy, and a new comedy with an all-star hilarious female cast. Still there is much more!

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