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.

Books

—The Art of Walking: A History in 100 Images by William Chapman Sharpe

If you are ever the curious one, and walking brings continuous enjoyment into your life, perhaps you would like to further explore the history of walking accompanied by 100 works of art – sketches, paintings and photographs? Published in 2023, The Art of Walking shares how “classical statues to the origins of cinema, from medieval pilgrimages to public parks and the first footsteps on the moon, walking has engendered a vast visual legacy intertwined with the path of Western art. The path includes Romantic nature-walkers and urban flâneurs, as well as protest marchers and cell-phone zombies. It features works by artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, Claude Monet, Norman Rockwell, Agnès Varda, Maya Lin, and Pope.L. In 100 chronologically arranged images, this book shows how new ways of walking have spurred new means of representation, and how walking has permeated our visual culture ever since humans began to depict themselves in art”.

—Good Material: A Novel by Grace Alderton

As the Top/Best of 2024 lists begin to be shared, on many of the Top Books of 2024, Dolly Alderton’s novel Good Material is being included. Described as Nora Ephron with a British twist, Good Material is “a love story with two endings” and all the characters shine, not just the ‘leads’. Add a bit of stand-up comedy, or at least a wanna-be stand up comic, Andy, and questioning of gender roles in traditional relationships with Jen who is on and off again in love with Andy, and well, the snappy dialogue carries us through.

Originally released back in January 2024 and still continuing to garner much praise.

—Master of Change: How to Excel When Everything is Changing including You by Brad Stulberg

In a recent article shared in the NY Times, “How Not to Fall into Despair“, author of best-selling book Master of Change (2023), has written a book I wanted to bring your attention to as a new year is about to begin and also because episode #393 of the podcast was just released exploring how to literally change our brain so we can change our lives.

“Drawing on modern science, ancient wisdom, and daily practice, Stulberg offers concrete principles for developing a mindset called rugged flexibility, along with habits and practices to implement it. Along the way, Stulberg reveals:

• How to be in conversation with change instead of it happening to you.
• The importance of expectations
• Why cultivating a rugged yet flexible sense of self is key to a strong identity.
• How to take productive action during a challenge.
• The paradox of both making meaning and moving forward.

“In the end, Stulberg reshapes our entire perception of change and shows us how to grow in its midst—ultimately helping us move forward better, stronger, and wiser than we were before.”

—Overcoming Relationship Anxiety: A Personal Approach to Understanding Your Emotions, Building Your Self-Confidence, and Creating a Healthy, Secure Partnership by Dr. Courtney Paré

Being released this coming Tuesday, Dr. Courtney Paré has written a book sharing the tools, insight and motivation to overcome anxiety so that you along with your relationships can thrive. “As you work to let go of the anxiety that’s been holding you and your relationship back, you’ll also learn to build your own self-esteem and confidence and prioritize a healthy connection, open communication, and a supportive relationship with your partner.” Meet and learn more about Dr. Paré here.

British Finds

—The Great British Baking Show, 2024: Comfort Bakes, the official cookbook

The latest season of GBBO may have concluded, but that just means a new cookbook for the show is now available. Comfort Bakes is the latest and includes recipes from both Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith along with recipes from the bakers. “This new book showcases 80 wonderful bakes inspired by the show’s most popular signature themes – Cake, Biscuits, Bread, Pastry, Patisserie, Dessert, Chocolate and Free-from – celebrating the very best in comfort bakes”.

Released November 5, 2024

—GBBO Holiday, season 7, Netflix

But thank goodness we don’t have to entirely be finished with GBBO as the Holiday episodes (two) will be premiering in the states on Netflix this coming Monday December 9th. Now, as UK readers know, the two we will be seeing were shared last January (season 7), but I still can’t wait to watch them because this latest season (for the US) includes one of my all-time favorite bakers (she was/is soooo talented!) Sophie Faldo. Tune in for much inspiration and of course a bundle of laughs.

—Joan, BritBox

On a more serious note, an original series premiered this week on BritBox titled Joan. “Daring jewel thief Joan Hannington juggles her thrilling career with the struggle to regain custody of her daughter from social services”. Sophie Miller stars as Joan in this six episode series based on a true story that took place in the eighties. Joan Hannington became known as ‘The Godmother’ and was one of Britain’s most notorious jewel thieves in the 1980s. Two new episodes drop every Thursday, and you can take a look at the trailer below.

—Lucy Worsley’s Holmes vs. Doyle, PBS Masterpiece

I had the opportunity to preview this new limited series from Lucy Worsley (there are three episodes), and if you are a fan of Sir Conan Doyle’s writing or curious to learn more about why he didn’t particular ‘love’ Sherlock Holmes and kept trying to kill him off, or if you merely love an intriguing British biography, this is just that. Worsley doesn’t pull any punches and shares exactly who Doyle was – his strengths and foibles. With her signature in-depth research and interviewing skills, this was an enjoyable series. Look for the first episode to air this Sunday on PBS Masterpiece.

—The Official Agatha Christie Puzzle Book

A fun gift for the Agatha Christie fan on your holiday gift list. Enjoy 100 puzzles to dive into that will prompt you to tickle your little grey cells and pick up your knitting needles, figuratively speaking.

Released on November 12, 2024.

Cookbooks

—Sunlight & Breadcrumbs: Making Food with Creativity & Curiosity by Renee Erickson and Sara Dickerman

Another list I always look at towards the end of the year is the best cookbooks of the year, and on Dorie Greenspan’s “best of” for cookbooks, Sunlight & Breadcrumbs caught my eye. Released on September 24th, James Beard Award–winning chef Renee Erickson’s cookbook “highlights the beauty and creativity in making everyday food at home. To accomplish this, recipes are the jumping-off point—and there are more than 100 of Renee’s best here. But there are also essays that connect the dots between creative practices and the food she cooks. ‘Work in Progress’ sidebars zoom in on the creative decisions made when cooking—the seasonal ingredients, textures, shapes, and colors that help make each meal a more thoughtful expression of life at that moment”.

Films

—Maria, Netflix

At long last, Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas comes to our screens this Thursday (December 11th) in Maria. Set primarily in Paris, famed opera singer Maria Callas retreats to the City of Light in the 1970s “after a glamorous yet tumultuous life in the public eye”. Jolie took seven months of voice lessons in preparation for the role, and as many people have pointed out, the two women have many strikingly similar facial features. The film is director Pablo Larraín’s reimagining of the diva’s final days, so while we see the tail-end of the American-born Greek operatic star’s life whose voice has yet to be matched according to many opera critics and experts, there will be much we learn about her entire life as the film unfolds. I cannot wait to watch. Have a look at the trailer below.

—The Return

Fellow English teachers! If you have ever had the opportunity to teach Odyssey, then you know the plot of The Return. 🙂 Yep, The Return is the film adaptation of Odysseus’ return to Ithaca after his 20-year absence having been off fighting in the Trojan War. Returning to his wife Penelope (played by Juliette Binoche), Odysseus (Ralph Fiennes) demonstrates his talent as an actor and she as an actress. You may remember the two appeared in the film The English Patient nearly 30 years ago, a film that earned many Academy Awards and nods (Binoche won for best supporting, Fiennes was nominated for best actor, and the film and director won as well as the music). Well, I have a feeling that perhaps we might be seeing a sequel of that outcome and perhaps Fiennes wins the gold statute as well this time. 🙂

Have a look at the trailer below and look for the film to premiere today.

—The Six Triple Eight, Netflix

A story we know far less about, and shouldn’t. Set in Birmingham, England, as well as Roen and Paris, France, yes, The Six Triple Eight centers around unsent mail, in fact, a three-year mail backlog of unsent mail during WWII to the states. This effort brought eight hundred and fifty-five women of color to “despite discrimination and war-torn conditions, sort over seventeen million pieces of mail ahead of schedule”.

Written and directed by Tyler Perry and based on the 2019 WWII History magazine article, “Fighting a Two-Front War”, by Kevin M. Hymel, Kerry Washington stars and is also an executive producer, and you will also see Sam Waterston, Susan Sarandon and Oprah Winfrey in the cast. Learn more about the 6888th Central Postal Directly Battalion, The Six Triple Eight, here.

Francophile Finds

—Art Hiding in Paris: An Illustrated Guide to the Secret Masterpieces of the City of Light by Lori Zimmer

Released back in 2022, I wanted to bring this whimsical and playfully illustrated tour book of Paris to your attention. A “celebration of Parisian art and artists, author and curator Lori Zimmer highlights more than 100 treasures. From the gorgeous remnants of the Art Nouveau era to the homes of some of the world’s most influential artists—including Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and more—to an introduction to the modern masters of urban art, there are endless riches to be explored. Discover art that was hidden for decades inside cafes, shops and even a Belle Époque brothel! Paris will surprise you”.

—The Champagne Letters: A Novel by Kate MacIntosh

If you watched the recent film Widow Clicquot which told the true story of the woman Barbe-Nicole behind the now world recognized Champagne company Veuve Clicquot, you might want to pick up this new novel which is inspired by the widow’s letters she wrote during the time of initial struggle to keep the company left to her by her husband afloat. The Champagne Letters, to be released on Tuesday, is set in two separate time periods, 1805 France and modern day.

“In present day Chicago, broken from her divorce, Natalie Taylor runs away to Paris. In a book stall by the Seine, Natalie finds a collection of the Widow Clicquot’s published letters and uses them as inspiration to step out of her comfort zone and create a new, empowered life for herself. But when her Parisian escape takes a shocking and unexpected turn, she’s forced to make a choice. Should she accept her losses and return home, or fight for the future she’s only dreamed about? What would the widow do?”


A bit of an adventure, inspired by history and set in Paris. Sounds like a delightful read to me. 🙂

—Les Parapluies de Cherbourg (aka The Umbrellas of Cherbourg)

Another wonderful treasure from the past. This year celebrates the 60th anniversary of a wonderful French musical starring a young Catherine Deneuve, Les Parapluies de Cherbourg. Entirely restored and premiering at this past year’s Cannes Film Festival, it was received with rounds of applause.

A musical written and directed by Jacques Demy, with music by Michel Legrand Deneuve and Nino Castelnuovo “star as two young lovers in the French city of Cherbourg, separated by circumstance. This new 4K restoration also re-premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival earlier this year with a glamorous event and celebration. “Even if this isn’t the first time it has been given a big screen re-release, it’s still a wonderful film to enjoy every time it’s playing in theaters. Much like Singing in the Rain, it’s a musical cinema classic that will live on forever and forever.” Have a look at the trailer below and look for it be released today wherever Francophiles go to see their favorite films!

(The film was also restored and re-released in 2013, and is already available as a Blu-ray in the Criterion Collection).

—Life’s Sweetest Moments: Simple, Stunning Recipes and Their Heartwarming Stories by Dominique Ansel

One more cookbook from the Best of 2024, and this one . . . ohhhhh! . . . has me salivating! Already owning one of French baker Dominique Ansel’s cookbooks, this one looks absolutely delicious. The Earl Grey Brioche French Toast with orange blossom maple syrup alone is reason to pick up the book . ☺️

Life’s Sweetest Moments was released on October 8th and shares “42 heartwarming and uplifting stories of Chef Dominique’s loved ones and regulars, paired with simple, achievable, but no less indulgent recipes for desserts and baked goods perfect for home bakers of all levels, including: Vanilla Bean Birthday Cake with Homemade Sprinkles, Crème Brûlée, Hazelnut Cake, Earl Grey French Toast with Orange Blossom Maple Syrup, The Ultimate Cookie, Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Mascarpone Icing, Tiramisu and Hot Chocolate with Pink Champagne Marshmallows.”

Shopping

—J.Crew’s Étienne oversized shirt in lightweight cotton (two colors), on sale

Having the perfect oversized or tailored white button up shirt is a wardrobe staple, and if you haven’t found yours just yet, J. Crew’s oversized lightweight cotton is available at a great price and worth trying on.

—Rifle Co.’s Travel Sketchbook Wall Calendar, 2025

It is calendar shopping time, and if you love to travel, this might just be the wall calendar you’ve been looking for, and it’s on sale.

—Rue de Verneuil Traversé medium leather an webbing-trimmed striped canvas tote, 40% off

A French tote, complete with the requisite stripes. 🙂

—Sasuphi Textured v-neck cashmere-blend sweater, 40% off (three colors available)

While an investment, the texture of this sweater immediately caught my eye.

—Seraphine Houndstooth Wool Scarf (multiple color options)

Having a scarf that can pair well with a handful of different winter coats is a must, and especially when you need them to keep you warm, the larger the better. A classic style, houndstooth, that will forever be in rotation with each coming winter.

Jack Frost arrived this week in Bend, but my goodness did he bring the beauty for morning walks. Above and below are photos captured during one of our walks around Mirror Pond located in the center of Bend, and I had to tell myself to put my phone down (i.e. stop taking photos) and start walking as the views set against the clear blue sky were spectacular.

The ducks and geese as well were fun to watch as they were gathered in droves going about their business finding their breakfast just under the water’s surface.

How has the first week of December found you? Hopefully the month is unfolding well, and you are enjoying whatever pace you prefer to step into the holiday season. We will be heading out to select our Christmas tree this weekend and spending time decorating the inside of the house, which is rather simple, but last weekend, I hopped up on the roof and strung the white lights on the roofline of the front porch, put up a fresh garland picked up at Trader Joe’s and come the start of next week, Le Papillon will be ready to greet the holiday guests when they arrive later this month for food and festivities.

French class (FR204) commenced this week, and it is so good to be back setting aside my pride 🙃 and giving my attempt at French phrases another try. Joyeuses fêtes as they say and be sure to explore all of the posts (and one new podcast episode!) that were shared this week as it was a full one. Find the perfect cordless lamp from the 20 brands and styles I shopped in this post, and be sure to pop ’round to December’s A Cuppa Moments w/Shannon for TOP Tier Members, and don’t forget to become a TOP Tier member before the end of the year as prices will go up on January 1st!

Learn more about the current prices and all of the benefits here. We have quite the special year next year coming in 2025 – traveling to France, the 10th annual French Week, the Intro to French Cooking Class (video course), as well as the lead up to the 4th book launch in 2026 (which will include special gifts for TOP Tier Members just as we did for the 3rd book in 2022).

Before I forget, I wanted to share an article I had the opportunity to contribute to the latest issue of the Simplify Magazine. This issue’s theme is Calm, “An Investment Worth Making: The Cultivation of Calm“. Joshua Becker, who you may remember from his blog Becoming Minimalist founded this online magazine, invited me to share something on this topic, and so I couldn’t say yes fast enough. ☺️ It is a subscription magazine, but you can pay just once (forever – just one payment) and receive access to all past and future issues (for only $20). Some wonderful authors have contributed in the past, and in this episode – Oliver Burkeman contributed in this most recent issue which delighted me to no end (loved his most recent book – Meditations for Mortals), and Gretchen Rubin as well as Sherry Turkle has contributed to previous issues.

Okay, now to a few articles I think you might enjoy and one video tour of an English cottage that is full of surprises and inspiration. Thank you for stopping by today and may your December begin with cozy moments at a favorite local haunt, feeling the giddiness of being a kid again even if just for a moment, and of course, oodles of everyday moments to savor. Until Monday, bonne journée.

~The facade of Musée d’Orsay for one more day is Caillebotte en Lumière. [Sortir à Paris]

~14 4-Star hotels in Paris worth checking out (or into) according Afar.

~And while you are visiting Paris, confidently tie your scarf of choice with the help of this tutorial – How to Wear a Scarf All Year-Round (Jamie Beck demonstrates) [Vogue]

~The Notre-Dame de Paris officially opens up to the public this weekend. Reopening ceremonies start today, and she opens officially on December 8th with the first peek inside shared last Friday. Learn how to visit here. [NYTimes, gift link] And here is the official page where reservation can be made.

~Keep walking! A new study reiterates the powerful benefit of taking that regular constitutional – 10 years to your length of life in fact. [Real Simple]

~The shift to being soberish is happening, and not just for people who were drinking too much, but simply to improve one’s health, skin and well, quality of life. Saturday and Sunday mornings such a treat, and the first day of the new year waking up the sun are truly quite special when the mind and body are fully rested and sans alcohol. Here is one of many articles about this trend and the benefits to your skin. [Vogue]

~Something I shared more than 10 years ago (here on the blog (and shown below), and then in more detail in #tsll2nd book) is explored as being worth doing – What moving house can do for your happiness [The Atlantic]

The ‘How’ of Tailored Simplicity

~Take a look inside this eclectic Somerset cottage of fashion designer Pearl Lowe, and the story of how the house became hers eight years ago after at first, it was priced beyond her budget.

~Explore last week’s This & That: November 29, 2024

SO much goodness and oodles of discoveries to share this week, yep, including more Black Friday sales of note. First, a French film that needs to be shared even if it is more than 10 years old as the leading actress won best actress, books sharing ideas for savoring the winter season, a new drama series based on an acclaimed French series, holiday details and décor for art lovers, books for gardeners to savor beauty all year-long, discover how to make delicious bread in all its many forms from a James Beard recognized baker and French candles . . . on sale, one of my favorite brands. Still, so much 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.