Britmas begins this week with many of our favorite British series premiering a seasonal treat, a new romantic (comedy?) film adapting an 18th century novel into a modern day delightful equivalent, a new French film starring three well-known and revered French actresses that is not to miss, discounts upon discounts on staple wardrobe finds, THE French butter that is a must to try (and then enjoy!) is now available to buy far more easily here in the states, books about intentional living in our homes, loving a creative life, cycling around France and eating along the way and a new series now already nominated for awards that I just finished and quite enjoyed. Still there is more!

Books

—The Artist’s Joy: A Guide to Getting Unstuck, Embracing Imperfection, and Loving Your Creative Life by Merideth Hite Estevez  

Released this past June, Dr. Merideth Hite Estevez is a professional oboist, teacher, creative coach, graduate of The Juilliard School, and host of the podcast Artists for Joy. Knowing the world of creatives and what they truly need to cultivate a life-giving practice, her book The Artist’s Joy offers not only tools for the journey but also provides a deeper understanding into the ways the miracle of creativity works in our lives.

—Elysian Kitchens: Recipes Inspired by the Traditions and Tastes of the World’s Sacred Spaces by Jody Eddy

Released in October, writer Jody Eddy’s Elysian Kitchen is full of not only recipes, but beautiful photography sharing rare access inside historic sacred spaces around the world. Eddy “demonstrates how the monastic culinary philosophy can be adopted by any home cook or professional chef interested in integrating sustainable, time-honored cooking practices into their daily lives. Her 100 recipes include dumplings (momos) inspired by the cooking of monks at Thikse, a Buddhist temple in Ladakh, India, nestled in the Himalayas. From Kylemore Abbey, in Connemara, Ireland, she brings instructions for cooking Lamb Burgers with Creamy Red Cabbage Slaw and Rosemary Aioli as the nuns do, with enough leftover sauce to drizzle over smoked salmon bagels the next day.

“From a Jewish community in Brooklyn, New York, come time-tested kosher recipes, including Potato Kugel and Matzo Ball Soup. Ginger and Ginkgo Nut Stuffed Cabbage Rolls illustrate Zen Buddhist cooking from Eihei-ji in Japan. In Morocco, she finds a Sufi chicken and olive tajine recipe that makes for a perfect dinner. And for dessert, Panellets (tiny sugar-and-almond cookies), courtesy of an 1100-year-old Spanish monastery”.

—LifeStyled: Your Guide to a More Organized & Intentional Life by Shira Gill

Released on December 3rd, Shira Gill’s latest book, LifeStyled “is built around three key steps: adjusting volume, creating systems, and implementing habits”. I want to thank long-time TSLL reader Dominique for reminding me about its recent publication, as it looks like a great book to dive into to inspire a great start to a new year. 🙂

“As a professional home organizing expert with a diverse roster of clients ranging from students to CEOs, Shira Gill realized that almost everyone she worked with was overextended, overscheduled, and overwhelmed. So, using her signature blend of practical minimalism and organization, Shira designed a game-changing framework to streamline and simplify every part of your life, regardless of lifestyle or budget.”

British Finds

—Black Doves, Netflix

Last week, TSLL reader Maggie’s recommended a new crime thriller series, Black Doves, and after picking up on her enthusiasm and nudging, it didn’t take long for me to take a look after I expressed I was hesitant to watch as it appeared too dark. However, as she rightly pointed out, the cast is too great to miss. Kiera Knightley was just nominated for a Critic’s Choice award and a Golden Globe for her starring role, and Sarah Lancashire also appears in the series in an entirely different role than most of us have seen her yet continues to own the screen in each of her scenes. And then there is Ben Whishaw (new to me) – brilliant! And unexpectedly likable considering what his character does for a living.

With Maggie’s urging and reassurance, I sat down and watched the six-episode first season (a second season is already being written), and while yes, it is dark in that many people are killed as the premise centers around espionage and international intelligence, the presentation of the storyline resides between The Americans and The Diplomat. The storyline/mystery will leave you on the edge of your seat and make it difficult to stop watching after just one, two or even three episodes, and the characters’ personal lives will leave you unexpectedly both liking and even rooting for them.

And then you set the entire series in London during the holidays in December, and it provides instant intrigue for Anglophiles who love the city.

Okay, I’ve gone on long enough. Hopefully I’ve prepared you for what you are in for, but I also would encourage you not to bypass it, like I nearly did, if anything I shared interests you. Here is the trailer below.

—The Chelsea Detective, holiday episode, AcornTV

Britmas begins this week with the first of many holiday episodes of favorite shows available primarily (for viewers in the states) on AcornTV and BritBox. A first for this series, The Chelsea Detective kicks off its third season with a Christmas Special episode that will air on AcornTV on Monday December 16th, with the rest of the series to continue in 2025. Have a look at the trailer below.

—Sister Boniface, Christmas episode, BritBox

Sister Boniface Mysteries aired their first holiday episode last year, and is back with a second to kick off the fourth season on December 17th on BritBox (the season will continue in 2025). I wasn’t able to find a trailer for this episode, but look for the entire cast to return and festive sleuthing to commence in Great Slaughter this Tuesday.

Films

—Young Werther

I learned of this romantic (not so comedic, as it is more tragic due to the ending) film, and after watching the trailer and reading the reviews, I definitely wanted to share it with you. Modernizing the 18th-century German novel by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe – The Sufferings of Young Werther (1774), titled Young Werther, the film has an engaging cast to tell an often cliched story – the love triangle, but the storyline is anything but cliched which makes it refreshing. Read the review of the film here in NYTimes, and do keep in mind, this is a tragic romance even though the trailer hints at nothing of the sort. Have a look at the trailer below and look for it in theaters and availability to stream beginning today.

Francophile Finds

—Bordier Churned Butter – Beurre de Baratte (available in the US)

Recently, long-time TSLL reader Susan O. reached out to me to ask about Le Beurre Bordier butter, a French butter that is extremely difficult to find in the states, but found nearly everywhere in France. Was it worth it, she asked? I couldn’t respond quickly enough as upon doing a butter tasting with Susan Hermann Loomis back in 2019, it was this brand that was the hands-down favorite with Isigny St. Mere coming in a close second. But again, finding the brand in a grocer here in Oregon is surprisingly impossible which is all the more reason to bring some home the next time you visit Paris.

However, I did recently find this butter available for purchase from My Panier, a California-based online food market, and while as you will see, the price isn’t cheap, if you purchase it, you won’t be disappointed, nor have to pay the exorbitant international shipping costs. A holiday gift perhaps? Pour vous ? 😉

—One More Croissant for the Road by Felicity Cloake

And I don’t know about you, but I am most eager to visit France and nibble on a croissant (or two, three, you get the idea ;)), and while food writer Felicity Cloake’s book One More Croissant for the Road came out in 2020, if you haven’t read it yet, perhaps this is exactly the light-hearted reading you are looking for to indulge your Francophile predilections this winter holiday as you make your future travel plans.

Cycling 2,300 km across France in search of the definitive versions of classic French dishes, Cloake’s book is “part travelogue, part food memoir, all love letter to France, that follows ‘the nation’s taster in chief’ Felicity Cloake’s very own Tour de France, searching for culinary perfection; from Tarte Tatin to Cassoulet via Poule au Pot, and Tartiflette. Each of the 21 ‘stages’ concludes with Felicity putting this new found knowledge to good use in a fresh and definitive recipe for each dish – the culmination of her rigorous and thorough investigative work on behalf of all of our taste buds”.

—Trois Amies

Now this French film is one to watch and comes well-reviewed from international critics. Trois Amies was released in France in November, and stars three actors you will recognize from Dix Percent (Call Your Agent, English title): Camille Cottin, Sara Forestier and India Hair. Just as the title suggests, the three women are three close friends, and the plot centers around relationship drama within their marriages and affairs and the unexpected heartbreak that ensues. Handled with care, this dramatic storyline is set amongst Lyon’s beautiful architecture, so no Paris here, and it seems to be all the better for it. Have a look at the trailer below, and keep an eye out for it in the coming months if you live in the states. I hope it will be available soon.

Shopping

—Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage teacup & saucer, set of 4, Sur la Table

A special gift for the tea, espresso or coffee drinker in your life. The classic Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage design, these petite cups & saucers are sturdy, unique, yet classic.

If I had room for them somewhere in my cupboards, I would put them on my gift list. I am always drawn to this design.

—Haws Fazeley, watering can (indoors), many colors

Just this past week, my second Amaryllis opened up and began to bloom. Terra Cotta, this varietal is stunning, and only needs to be watered a couple times a week once it begins blooming. Upon capturing this photo and sharing on IG, I received questions about the watering can, and wanted to share where to find it. Currently on sale, this British favorite brand for gardeners, Haws, has its indoor metal style available in two sizes – one or two pints. I have included a few of the color options below, but there are many, so be sure to click through and shop here.

This are the first indoor plant type I have welcomed into Le Papillon and loved, so I am tickled to be able to put my indoor watering can to use, as I don’t use it often except for watering seedlings on the potting table in the spring. There is a gold water spout that is also included that is not seen here for gentle watering.

—Net-a-Porter End-of-Year Sale, extra 15% off

If you are looking to add a designer piece or two, Net-a-Porter is having their annual year-end sale, and the discounts keep increasing. Currently, items are reduced up to 50% and many are now available to be reduced 15% more with the reduction taking place at checkout once you put the item in your cart. I have shopped a few items below, but be sure to peruse your favorite brands on your own.

SHOP THE SALE:

—Sur la Table’s travel mugs – Paris and London

I came across these last week, and knew I wanted to share immediately here on T & T. Sur la Table has many mugs depicting favorite sites in both Europe and the states. I was tickled to see more than just the Eiffel Tower for Paris, although Le Tour de Eiffel is beautiful as well. 🙂

—Theory sale, 25% off everything

A sale not to miss for the basics. From coats, blazers, button-up shirts, sweaters and pants, if you are in need of neutral, quality items, do not miss shopping this sale. Right out of the gate their Relaxed Trench Coat in double-face wool, new camel, (50% off), is available at a great price. Having worn and own their wool coats, they are nice wool, and affordable when discounted – rest assured they will last many years.

I have shopped a few more items below.

I live in my cashmere camel hoodie around the house especially during fall and winter (mine is from Reiss, and no longer available), and so when I saw that Theory had their own version, I wanted to share. I will often where mine when I am reading in bed to keep my shoulders warm or in the morning before I begin the day, paired with pajama pants. Perfect for lounging comfortably as well as a bit stylishly around the house, and now available at great price for a quality item.

Felted Cashmere-Wool cropped hoodie, four colors

SHOP THE SALE:

—Veronica Beard’s Jordyn cropped tank in marine blue & off-white, on super discount

Another essential layering piece is on available ant an additional discount. Already reduced, and now with an extra 25% (use the promo code shown on the site), this navy stripe tank, while it says cropped, actually hits just below the waist, and would be perfect for layering under a blazer or jacket.

Norman, you’ve got snow on your nose! 🙂

Here in Bend if you look at the oft-utilized Apple Weather app, you will never know when snow is actually going to arrive. There are concrete reasons for this which I won’t get into (simply put – the closest national weather station is more than three hours away), but if you look at NOAA, you will usually be forewarned many days in advance and it is dependable in its accuracy. I share all of this because since Monday I have been waiting for the snow to arrive on Wednesday night, and arrive it did, snowing all Thursday morning, gently, beautifully, magically. Just in time for our neighborhood Wassail and Walk-about this weekend, an annual tradition that is a special delight to savor during this time of year. All the more special when snow is on the ground. 🙂

Norman and Nelle scooted around the garden Thursday morning enjoying the snow’s arrival, and so in between French class in the early morning and sitting down in the office, we had to play in the snow seen here which is where both of these photos were captured.

How has your week gone? I hope everything is unfolding smoothly and enjoyably, and the upcoming weekend will provide time to really step into the season as well as offer a moment to catch your breath. It’s hard to believe we are at the mid-point of December already, but perhaps because we have arrived so quickly that means we are enjoying how we approach this unique time of year and throwing ourselves into the present moment whatever it might bring. I hope that is the case for you. As it turns out, that is what happened to me last Saturday as I told myself to find the festive spirit, and by golly, it happened! Finding the tree, watching the local Christmas parade, baking a Christmas stollen, watching holiday films and of course listening to holiday tunes, by the time I fell asleep that night, it was on! The holidays, that is. 🙂

For this weekend, I will be planning my menu for an upcoming gathering, grooming Norman (he is the best client), and perhaps jaunting up to the mountain for a snow outing with the pups and baking goodies for friends and neighbors. Speaking of outdoor clothing needs, be sure to check out this week’s post sharing What I Wear during Winter in Bend, Oregon, to walk & run with the pups! one requested by readers, and for a bit of reassurance and inspiration for staying on the journey you have chosen, check out Monday’s post – The Journey to Discovering What We Seek. Wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend, and thank you for stopping by today. Until Monday, bonne journée.

~Looking to stay a night or two at a pub in Britain? The Financial Times shared 12 quite nice inns found at pubs around the UK.

~Take a trip through France, from Marseille to Dijon via your tastebuds [Travel + Leisure]

~I know you likely already know about the upcoming ETIAS travelers from the US will need to fly to France (not yet launched, but expected to in 2025 – sign up for alerts here), but did you know there is something similar happening for traveling to the UK from the US? Yep, learn more here about the electronic travel authorization that goes into effect on January 8th. [CNTraveler]

~Speaking of flying, this was an interesting and informative article about how airplane passenger cabins are changing to accommodate the increase in the public’s interest in Business Class . . . at the expense of the coach section. [Bloomberg]

~10 types of French restaurants and when to go to each [Tasting Table]

~Do you include games at your holiday gatherings? Here are some tips on how to do the best trivia quizzes [House & Garden UK]

~The perfect piece for winter outfits. I have quite a few of these, and have a hard time not adding more to my closet. An ageless wardrobe staple to always have in your winter capsule collection! [Instyle]

~Top 10 bistros in Paris according to My French Country Home.

~How older French women are redefining the aesthetics of ageing [The Economist]

~I absolutely adore Auntie Ann upon learning about her recently. Her account on TikTok has more than 1million followers, and she’s just a joy to watch (and her husband’s smile as she sings, is the best).

~Fall technically is still the season we find ourselves, so I’ll hand it over to Nigel Slater to share in his beautiful prose how to savour the end of the autumnal season. [Gardens Illustrated]

~I have found this to be absolutely true – Group fitness classes – a great way to make lasting friendships and social connections [The Atlantic]

~Why Julia Child refused to use the word ‘gourmet’. It aligns beautifully with why French cuisine is simply a good practice for eating and cooking well, precisely what the ethos is for TSLL’s cooking show which is entirely inspired by the French approach! [Tasting Table]

~Step inside Beatrix Potter’s Garden in the Lake District, Hilltop, and dream of spring and summer which will be here soon (but not too soon – just in time ;))!

~Explore last week’s This & That: December 6, 2024

Three delicious cookbooks, three Oscar-worthy films, a new limited series from a favorite British historian, another British series based on a true story, books for traveling to Paris, for those who love a good rom-com, for improving ourselves so we can take part in healthy relationships, and for those who love walking. And of course, there are some timeless clothing finds – some available at great savings and a gorgeous investment piece that is also on sale and will be treasured for years to come. 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.