British and French finds abound in this final This & That of 2024, along with books to pick up to finesse your style as well as your new year as you make your dreams a reality. Clothing for winter style as well as sales on all-season style will ensure you are effortlessly attired, and new films about beloved musicians and actors premiere. A bevy of finds to savor.

Books

~Stop by TSLL on Thursday December 26th to discover Shannon’s Favorite 15 Books of 2024.

—The Creative Pragmatist by Amy Smilovic, TIBI’s creative director

What better person to give advice on how to pull together our personal style than a creative director of a trusted fashion house? Amy Smilovic has just released the 2nd edition of her Creative Pragmatist sharing exactly said advice.

“Offer[ing] a refreshed take on the original groundbreaking guide with all-new illustrations and updated visuals, Amy reimagines the principles she developed to help individuals understand and articulate their personal style. Since the inception of the original book, she’s engaged with countless individuals to answer their questions and bring these principles to life. Drawing from these experiences, Amy has expanded her concepts, addressing common questions and challenges. This edition delves deeper into the intersection of modernity and functionality, providing practical tools to ideate, refine, and express a personal style that reflects your true self. Whether you’re a seasoned Creative Pragmatist or just beginning your journey, this guide empowers you to confidently shape a style narrative that’s authentically yours”.

A peek inside the book.

—Linguaphile: A Life of Language Love by Julie Sedivy

Released in October and one of the books recommended by The New Yorker as best books of the year, Linguaphile is “part memoir, part scientific exploration, and part cultural commentary that follows the path that language takes through a human life―from an infant’s first attempts at sense-making to the vulnerabilities and losses that accompany aging. As Sedivy shows, however, language and life are inextricable, and here she offers them together: a childish misunderstanding of her mother’s meaning reveals the difficulty of relating to other minds; frustration with ‘professional’ communication styles exposes the labyrinth of standards that define success; the first signs of hearing loss lead to a meditation on society’s discomfort with physical and mental limitations”.

“Julie Sedivy draws on years of experience in the lab and a lifetime of linguistic love to bring the discoveries of linguistics home, to the place language itself lives: within the yearnings of the human heart and amid the complex social bonds that it makes possible.”

British Finds

—Beyond Paradise, Christmas Special, BritBox

Britmas continues! Slip away to the Devon countryside on Friday December 27th to watch the second Christmas special of Beyond Paradise and look for the full third season to premiere in the spring of 2025.

—Death in Paradise, Christmas Special, BritBox

The original of all of the Paradise mystery series, Death in Paradise, also has a new Christmas special, and it premieres this Sunday December 22nd where the new lead detective will be introduced to kick off the 14th season. Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet, seen below/right) joins the cast for the first episode of the new season which will continue with new episodes being shared in February 2025.

—Gavin & Stacey, The Finale!, Christmas Special

The finale of a series that began waaaaaay back in 2008, Gavin & Stacey’s special holiday episode will premiere on the BBC on Christmas Day. The entire cast returns, and for those of us in the states, we will have the episode to watch shortly after the 25th on BritBox. I cannot wait to see how Nessa’s proposal plays out, a scene that left viewers all wondering, what did Smithy say? Hmmmm? Have a look at the trailer below.

—Return to Paradise,

Yet another spin-off of Death in Paradise premiered this fall, and I am just heard about it and wanted to share. Return to Paradise stars DI Mackenzie Clarke (Anna Samson) who leaves London to begin work Down Under. For the first time the lead detective is a woman, and this time, the series is set in Australia, also a first. There are six episodes in the first season, and I am still trying to figure out how to watch it in the states, but it is available in the UK and Australia now, so if you have watched it, please do share your thoughts! Below is the trailer.

—The Split, Holiday Special

Sarah H. in Britain, thank you SO much for bringing to my attention months and months ago that this was in the works. The Split was chosen as a Petit Plaisir (2022) once I finally watched it and raced through all three seasons absolutely enthralled with the storyline and loving the characters (Nicola Walker!). Thankfully the cast has reunited for a special episode (two parts is what I have heard while listening to Stephen Mangan on Classic FM as he is a host and also stars in the series, but I cannot confirm it elsewhere), and it premieres on Christmas Day on the BBC. Look for it on Amazon Prime and other streaming services shortly thereafter. The cast heads to Spain for a celebration and the storyline of the DeFoe sisters/family keeps unfolding. Have a look at the trailer below.

—Vera, The Final Season (14), BritBox

And in bittersweet news, Vera will return in just a few weeks, with season 14 premiering on Thursday January 2nd, the first of two episodes. However, it has been confirmed that this will be the final season. Brenda Blethyn will be hanging up her hat and saying her last endearing ‘pet’s, to the cast, and I have no doubt these final two episodes will be a treat. Now if you are a fan of the book series written by Ann Cleeves that inspired the television series, rest easy, as Cleeves has shared she will continue to write more plots/novels with Vera Stanhope at the helm. What iTV will do with those new stories is yet to be known. Have a look at the trailer below for season 14.

Film

—A Complete Unknown

The biopic about Bob Dylan is about to premiere – nationwide on Christmas Day and in limited release today. Timothée Chalamet stars as a young 19-year old Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown who “arrives in New York with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music. Forming his most intimate relationships during his rise to fame, he grows restless with the folk movement, making a controversial choice that reverberates worldwide”. Have a look at the trailer below.

—The Count of Monte-Cristo

Finally the film that Rotten Tomatoes has given 100% to, the film that critics and Le Festival de Cannes has praised, will be available to watch here in the states. Premiering today, The Count of Monte-Cristo arrives. Pierre Niney stars as Edmond Dantes who “becomes the target of a sinister plot and is arrested on his wedding day for a crime he did not commit. After 14 years in the island prison of Château d’If, he manages a daring escape. Now rich beyond his dreams, he assumes the identity of the Count of Monte-Cristo and exacts his revenge on the three men who betrayed him.” Have a look at the trailer below and enjoy.

—Vermiglio

An Italian film that is also receiving accolades from the international film community and has already been chosen as Italy’s entry for a Golden Globe for best non-English language film, Vermiglio is set in the actual Italian town of the same name and tells the story, set in 1944, of “this remote mountain village. The arrival of Pietro, a deserter, into the family of the local teacher, and his love for the teacher’s eldest daughter, will change the course of everyone’s life”. Have a look at the trailer below. I must say, I am quite intrigued. Released today in theaters, look for it perhaps in a boutique theater near you.

Francophile Finds

—Jamie Beck’s Merci stationery

One simple style of stationery I would love to have on hand for any number of occasions is a card that says “Merci”. Inslee used to make them years ago, but no more, so when I learned that photographer-living-in-Provence Jamie Beck recently began selling these, I took note. And at the moment, they are on sale. Receive 16 cards, eight different photos (two of each) on the cards with the simple word “Merci” on the front. That is all that is needed. Parfait! and Gorgeous!

—L’Art du Crime, season 7 premiere, MHzChoice

And a gift to all Francophiles who love art and solving a mystery! L’Art du Crime returns for Season 7 on Tuesday December 31st with two episodes, and the first takes us to Versailles. Have a look at a sneak peek below. My New Year’s Eve plans will definitely include watching this. 🙂

—La Divine Sarah Bernhardt

Now, now, now. This French film looks absolutely magnifique ! Sandrine Kiberlain stars as La Divine Sarah Bernhardt, arguable the world’s first celebrity. An actress and a diva in her own words, Sarah Bernhardt is remembered and iconic for a reason, and this new film seeks to introduce her to a new generational audience. Premiering today in France (where’s my plane ticket!), it will likely take some time to arrive in the states, but when it does, I will be sure to share. In the meantime, if you have a chance to watch it while traveling or if you live in France, I think you are in for a treat of a cinematic experience. Have a look at the trailer below.

—Marin Montagut mugs, many designs

So simple, yet so uniquely lovely and nostalgic, non? With the large handle-holds, and available in three different sizes, Marin Montagut’s mugs (so many different illustrations are available, so be sure to peruse the entire collection as well as his entire online shop) are a treat for the Francophile, in other words, ourselves. Why not treat yourself?

—Rẽvez, Osez, Créez . . . et Recommencez ! by Sarah Poniatowski  

While only available in French, a new book, written by French interior designer Sarah Poniatowski (tour her Parisian apartment here) who founded Maison Sarah Lavoine in 2022, seeks to provide inspiration to “Dream, Dare, Create.” World renown for her unique and distinctive projects, in Rẽvez, Osez, Créez . . . et Recommencez ! discover what she has learned along the way to turning your dreams into reality.

Sharing 40 different chapters, she aims to answer “all the questions that she has asked herself since she founded her company Maison Sarah Lavoine 20 years ago . . . One thing is certain: here as elsewhere, nothing ever goes as planned”.

Shopping

—A Shirt Thing, Phoebe, multi-stripe, navy, Heist

Made in Los Angeles, this small-business clothing designs beautiful, everyday staples that both offer function and style.

The Phoebe shirt is a stylish twist on a classic button-up stripe shirt. And I think I would easily choose to wear this shirt far too much which is a very good sign indeed. (Be sure to explore all of Heist’s tops as there are many more fabulous fabrics to choose from.)

—MAG: 2 Essentials, Courant

Already having one of Courant’s magnetic chargers for my cell phone, I can confidently share, they work well and look nice. And now, since I am regularly swapping that charger to energize my phone and my AirPods, this dual-function stand may be what I upgrade to.

—Madeleine knits

A new-brand-to-me, and once I began perusing, I fell in love with their cozy knits. Mid-luxury prices, they design styles in colors that will be worn for years to come. I have shopped three styles below, but be sure to shop their entire online shop.

Thompson’s Annina Oversized V-neck Cashmere Jumper

—Amneris Cable Knit Cashmere-Wool blend top (70/30)

—Aida Heavy Knit Cashmere Round-neck jumper, two colors

—Joseph’s Viscose Twill Floreal Dress in Ivory, 50% off

This dress, made of primarily viscose, would be an ideal essential to both wear in winter and spring/summer. How so? Layers in winter, pair with boots and pull a cardigan over the top while cinching the waist with a belt, and then in spring roll up the sleeves, slip on some sandals and add a silk scarf – that it! And it’s 50% off from a trusted brand.

A timeless shirt dress with a touch of subtle style. Planning ahead for spring and summer!

—Mango Belted Handmade Coat, more colors

But it is still winter, and this belted coat is available at a great price in a classic style.

—Reiss’ Wool-Blend Houndstooth-Check Coat in brown

One more coat I couldn’t help but share. Timelessness multiplied by a thousand!

Happy holidays everyone!

The final This & That of the year has arrived, and as captured here, a cozy Christmas and Week Between the Years awaits.

A shout-out very quickly to my mother who created the Charlie Brown tree illustration seen here. I adore it and am tickled to have it as part of my art collection for the holidays. Thank you Mom! 🙂

As it happens every year, TSLL will take the rest of the year off, returning on Wednesday January 1st with a brand new podcast episode, but in the in between time, oodles of posts will be shared compiling the TOP Posts of 2024. Beginning with the 15 Favorite Books I Read in 2024 being posted on Thursday December 26th, and continuing on through everyday (two postings a day) until the 31st.

I however, will be signing off and stepping away from emailing, social media posting and responding to comments during this next 7-10 days as best as I can to give myself time to rejuvenate, so if you reach out, please know I will eventually respond, but it will likely be in the new year.

Also, today’s weekly newsletter will be the last of 2024 and will return on Friday January 3rd, BUT the monthly newsletter for December will be dropped into your inboxes on Tuesday December 31st as there is so much you don’t want to miss.

Oh! And don’t forget . . .

Secure your permanent savings before 2024 concludes!

~A gentle reminder: TSLL’s TOP Tier Member prices will be going up on January 1st, 2025, but you can lock in the current rate now and forever pay the same rate as long as your membership is active when you sign up in 2024. Learn more about the TOP Tier benefits here. (If you are a current TOP Tier Member, your price is secured right where it is and will not change so long as you keep your membership Active.) The new rates will be: $8.50/mo; $23/qtr; $85/yr. (current prices through 2024 — $8/mo; $21.50/qtr; $81/yr)

Now, I must admit, I am looking forward to this respite, and will be savoring a very snuggled-up and relaxing Christmas and New Year here in Bend with the pups. I hope you too are looking forward to winding down the year well, taking time to catch your breath and doing those favorite end-of-year activities that prompt anticipation and excitement for the new twelve months to come. Thank you for sharing all of the time you have this year each time you visit TSLL. Creating the weekly This & That post is a highlight of my week every week, and I am tickled you enjoy it and return to discover what is shared.

Wishing you a very happy, merry, jolly [insert the holiday you celebrate] and until the TOP Posts tradition kicks off on December 26th, bonne journée !

~How to ask more thoughtful questions for deeper connection [LifeHack]

~Nicole Kidman’s full interview (the extended version) with CBS Sunday Morning is worth watching for the many topics that she chose to talk about, some of which I’m not sure why they didn’t include in the Final Cut as they would have been much appreciated to hear someone with her platform discuss.

~A fantastic interview with Rick Steves in which he shares why he refuses to become cynical about the world. [NYTimes, gift link]

~A wonderfully festive English country home decorated for the holidays and originally decorated and now redecorated by Robert Kime and his team for its new owners. [House & Garden UK]

~Favorite ‘secret corners’ in Paris to visit [The Guardian]

~A Philadelphia home welcoming inherited antiques and timeless style. [Domino]

~Winter in the garden can be one of the most beautiful times of year. British gardener John Massey shares how. [Gardeners’ World]

~Le Cordon Bleu’s recipe for Bûche Noël

~Looking ahead to the new year! Here is David Lebovitz’s recipe for Galette des Rois.

~The ‘best’ museum in every Paris arrondissement [The Earful Tower, subscription required]

~Let’s stay in France and go antique shopping for our French décor inspired home! How to do it and where to go! [Complete France]

~I would like to conclude this last This & That of 2024 with a performance of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” by one of the indomitable stars of Wicked, Cynthia Erivo. She performed it last January at the Kennedy Center and wow. Just wow. Enjoy. Thank you for stopping by TSLL throughout the year to enjoy the This & That post. Wishing you a wonderful ‘Week Between the Years’. TSLL will be back with brand new content on Wednesday January 1st. The weekly newsletter will continue on Friday January 3rd, and as per tradition, beginning on Thursday December 26th, the TOP Posts in 11 different categories, including TSLL’s Favorite Books will be shared – two posts each day!

~Explore last week’s This & That: December 13, 2024

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!

~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.