Hugh Bonneville is back in a new limited series, oodles of books on a variety of areas of social and health sciences from navigating uncertainty, improving our memory, digital well-being and taming an overthinking mind. As well, a new book has been released in a favorite French mystery series, and a brand new adaptation of an Agatha Christie mystery hits the small screens in Britain. Regarding films, a lovely new dramedy is flying under the radar that brings American and British actors together, and I’ve done some shopping for you as we look ahead to spring before TSLL’s annual Spring Shopping Guide is released this weekend. Still, there is more!

Books

—The Art of Uncertainty: How to Navigate Chance, Ignorance, Risk and Luck by David Spiegelhalter 

While uncertainty is a given in life, having the skills to navigate uncertainty well is a worthwhile exploration, and in his new book, The Art of Uncertainty, David Spiegelhalter “shows how we can become better at dealing with what we don’t know to make smarter choices in a world so full of puzzling variables.

“Spiegelhalter guides us through the principles of probability, illustrating how they can help us think more analytically about everything from medical advice to sports to climate change forecasts. He demonstrates how taking a mathematical approach to phenomena we might otherwise attribute to fate or luck can help us sort hidden patterns from mere coincidences, better evaluate cause and effect, and predict what’s likely to happen in the future. Along the way, we learn how a misinterpretation of a probability contributed to the infamous Bay of Pigs fiasco, why a ship twice the size of the Titanic sank without a trace, and why we can be so confident that no two properly shuffled decks of cards have ever been in the same order.”

—The Complete Guide to Memory: The Science of Strengthening Your Mind byRichard Restak

Released a couple of years ago, and continuing to be a good reference for understanding the mind as well as proactively strengthening our memory, memory-expert Dr. Richard Restak addresses the following topics in his book The Complete Guide to Memory: 

• How memories form
• The different kinds of memory
• Changes in brain structure
• The mind-body connection
• The relationship between memory and emotional regulation
• And much more!

With tips and tricks to manage memory well for people of all ages and personal examples of the techniques used, this book leaves no stone unturned.  

—Digital Wellbeing: Empowering Connection with Wonder and Imagination in the Age of AI by Caitlin Krause 

Released back in September, in Digital Wellbeing, Caitlin Krause offers readers skills “to leverage digital tools to create meaningful, positive connections and improve their overall quality of life. Discover how to integrate principles of wonder, awe, creativity, and imagination with cutting-edge technology to achieve a balanced and fulfilling digital experience.

• Engage with reflection questions and exercises to deepen understanding and application.
• Learn about frameworks for digital wellbeing and how to apply them effectively.
• Gain insights on using technology to enhance connection and a sense of belonging.
• Explore the impact of spatial computing, immersive imagination, virtual reality, and AI on wellbeing.
• Understand social media’s impact on societal expectations and personal interactions.
• Access actionable strategies for leaders, educators, and individuals to excel digitally.
• Learn how tech usage can be more intentional and less reactionary.”

—Dream Count: A Novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie 

From a wonderfully talented author comes a much-anticipated new novel. Dream Count by Chimamanda Adichie “takes up the very nature of love itself. Is true happiness ever attainable or is it just a fleeting state? And how honest must we be with ourselves in order to love, and to be loved? A trenchant reflection on the choices we make and those made for us, on daughters and mothers, [and] on our interconnected world.”

Described as a book ten-years in the making, Adichie draws inspiration from her own life and loves. “Alone in the midst of the pandemic, she recalls her past lovers and grapples with her choices and regrets. Zikora, her best friend, is a lawyer who has been successful at everything until—betrayed and brokenhearted—she must turn to the person she thought she needed least. Omelogor, Chiamaka’s bold, outspoken cousin, is a financial powerhouse in Nigeria who begins to question how well she knows herself. And Kadiatou, Chiamaka’s housekeeper, is proudly raising her daughter in America—but faces an unthinkable hardship that threatens all she has worked to achieve.”

Look for this title to be released on March 4th.

—Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present (The Path to Calm) by Nick Trenton

While released a handful of years ago, Nick Trenton’s book is one to have in your library. Discover exactly what the title claims, learned fromTrenton’s own life experience.

—Thinking in Watercolor: A Daily Practice to Unlock Your Creativity & Discover Your Inner Artist by Jessie Kanelos Weiner

I know there are many painters of all stripes and specifically water colorists in our TSLL community, and many have been painting seriously for quite some time. As well, often it is painting that captures our admiration and interest prompting us to become curious as to how or where to begin in this artistic pursuit. This new book by commercial illustrator and professional art instructor Jessie Kanelos Weiner who is an ex-pat living in Paris provides just the guidance – written and visual – to help get you started to deepen your skill set.

Described as a 30-day master class in the art of water color painting, “unlike most watercolor instruction books based on rote copying of classic watercolor subjects, Thinking in Watercolor encourages readers to use art as a means of self-expression. Weiner encourages readers through foundational watercolor techniques and shows how to adapt them to share their personal experiences over the course of several days. On Day 10 they’ll illustrate a family recipe; on Day 14 they’ll go on a scavenger hunt through a local museum—and so forth.”

British Finds

—Douglas is Cancelled, Sky

Premiering in Britain on Thursday March 6th, Hugh Bonneville stars as TV news legend Douglas Bellowes who faces a career crisis when he’s overheard making a sexist joke at a wedding. There are four episodes in this drama, which airs on Thursday March 6th. Each episode is one-hour long. Have a look at the trailer below.

—Erdem Alphabet Pearl Broaches

If you are looking to add a touch of signature to your wardrobe, while also marrying classic style, London fashion brand Erdem has an item that may be just want you are looking for. I learned about their Alphabet Pearl broaches while reading the weekly style column in The Financial Times, and immediately saved this idea. And while only 13 letters are still available at the moment, I am keeping an eye out to see when “S” will become available again. While wearing just enough jewelry and not too much is a dependable wardrobe approach, changing up exactly what type of jewelry we wear can often be a nice update.

—Towards Zero, BBC

Premiering this weekend on BBC, Agatha Christie’s Towards Zero has been adapted and stars a wonderful new cast in this three-part drama. Have a look at the trailer below.

Décor

—Frieling Double-Walled French Press, multiple colors

Add a quality touch of color to your morning coffee or tea routine with Frieling’s double-walled French presses. “This French press can prep your pick-me-up in four minutes flat. And thanks to that double-walled construction, it’ll keep it hot much longer than glass could—four times longer, to be exact.”

Films

—Ex-Husbands

This film, Ex-Husbands, I think will be one to watch and enjoy. It’s flying a bit under the radar, but critics who watch it are recommending it. Starring Griffin Dunne as Manhattan dentist Peter Pearce, Pearce is facing a midlife crisis after his wife of 35 years (Rosanna Arquette) leaves him. On the spur of the moment, he books a trip to Tulum, Mexico, only to crash his son’s bachelor party. Described as a “warmhearted comedy drama”, the film also co-stars Richard Benjamin, James Norton, and Miles Heizer. Have a look at the trailer below and look for it in theaters now.

Francophile Finds

—An Island of Suspects by Jean-Luc Bannalec (book 10 in the Brittany mystery series)

Well, I must admit, the timing of Jean-Luc Bannalec’s new novel set in Brittany could not be better. Book #10, in the series that centers around Commissionaire George Dupin, this go-round is set during August during which a heatwave has descended on Brittany. “The only chance to cool down for Commissaire Georges Dupin is his daily swim in the ocean. Until one morning his routine is interrupted because a body has been found in the harbor with clear signs of foul play. Patric Provost was from one of the long-established families on the island of Belle-Île, Breton’s biggest and most famous island. Provost owned and operated a company dealing in an island delicacy: the famous Belle-Île-sheep. As Bretons say, the sheep season themselves while they’re eating, grazing on salty, iodine-rich meadows, full of wild herbs, directly by the ocean. In Dupin’s culinary ranking, this lamb comes right behind entrecôte. And that’s saying something.”

I was fortunate enough to receive a review copy and just began reading it Wednesday night. So far, it’s exactly what I’ve been waiting to enjoy diving into since book nine concluded.

—La Rochère Périgord Wine Glass

A classic wine glass to have on hand, welcoming home as many as you will likely need for a dinner party or gathering. Sturdy, yet beautiful.

Shopping

—Boden, 10% off site-wide

Before we know it spring (and then summer) will be here, and shopping now for our wardrobe has begun. This weekend, TSLL will share the annual Spring Shopping Guide with 60+ hand-picked items, and one brand I always make sure to include a few items from is Boden. This weekend they are having a sale, just make sure to use promo code ZYME at checkout. I have shopped a few items below.

Alexa Linen Maxi Dress Skirt

~SHOP THE SALE:

—Bonne Nuit Shorty Pajamas, La Ligne NYC

Blue stripes, short sleeves and shorts instead of pants, the ideal sleepwear item to pack for travel.

—J.Crew Harbor Pant in Linen (five colors)

Linen is a bit ubiquitous at the moment (with good reason), and having a pair of linen pants, in a neutral hue, is never a bad idea. At this price, why not pick up two different colors?

—Madewell’s Seashell Pendant necklace

Seashells as jewelry and in polished bronze. Simple, yet a touch of signature personality.

—Lauren Ralph Lauren Dani Suede & Leather Sneaker

Earlier this month, the Style post included shopping for sneakers, and this one should definitely be added to the list to explore. The pair I purchased for my trip to France and to wear as I walk around Paris this March are arriving today, and I look forward to resting easy that my toes and heels will be comfortable and my feet supported well for no doubt many miles wandering about the City of Light.

Television

—The 97th Academy Awards, Hulu

The last big award show of the season airs this weekend, and for the first time the Academy Awards (aka the Oscars) will be streaming live on Hulu. Conan O’Brien will be hosting, and I will be curious to see how a few categories in particular will be awarded based on what has been winning at other award ceremonies this season.

Hello hellebores! Granted these were found in Portland during a quick jaunt over to the city this week, but I couldn’t help but stop along our walk to gaze in awe at one of the first flowers to arrive in spring. Yep! A season change is afoot!

This week has been a bit of a bustle getting everything prepared here on the blog before I hop on the plane to head to France, but the good news that you always hope will transpire is that everything (knock on wood – my desk in this instance) is falling into place so far.

Today, I have tried to carve out time to just be and savor as I turn 46 years, or savor as the French say, having 46 years – J’ai quartre-six ans. I love the shift of verb usage as it asserts a means of ownership and gratitude to have the wisdom and experience of each year lived forever with us moving forward along our life journey. So with a bit of pampering, and what looks to be oodles of warmth and sunshine, it will be a day to savor and with Nelle as my companion as I do. 🙂

This past week on the blog has been full of posts, and this trend will stretch into the weekend as two new posts will be shared on Saturday and on Sunday – March’s A Cuppa Moments and TSLL’s Annual Spring Shopping Guide respectively, so do be sure to stop by. And don’t forget to explore becoming a TOP Tier Member as while I am traveling in France for the next couple of weeks, I will be sharing detailed travel diary posts (two are scheduled and potentially a third) that will include photos, my itinerary, sources, recommendations and so much more. If you are not a TOP Tier Member and would prefer a Guest membership that is not reoccurring, you have the option of purchasing a $10 Guest membership. All memberships can be found here. I will not be sharing much on IG, similar to my approach when I traveled to Britain in 2023, as I want to be as fully present as possible and savor my time while I am there.

Thank you for stopping by today as February concludes, and may the new month that is March begin with moments of gratitude, serendipitous surprises and of course, oodles of moments to savor. Until tomorrow, bonne journée.

~A home tour to love, explore this Regency home on the Norfolk coast, beautifully restored and creatively decorated. [House & Garden UK]

~Fashion month is now in Milan with brands and designers displaying their Autumn 2025 collections, and it was Fendi, in celebrating its centennial year, that caught my eye, and many fashion critics’ as well. [W Magazine]

~If you use Uber while traveling abroad, a new update to their platform just occurred and you might want to update your settings for which type of currency you use (or set to ‘automatically use local currency’. It is very simple to do and will ensure you don’t pay an extra 1.5% in fees for exchange rates. [Forbes]

~Don’t forget the new release date is just around the corner for With Love, Megan, premiering on March 4th, Netflix.

~How to believe you are finally enough [Tiny Buddha]

~15 great-value restaurants for lunch in and around Paris [Le Monde, English-edition]

~How to be your own best friend [The Good Trade]

~Did you spy the Parade of Planets last night in the sky? [Science Focus]

~If you have read the latest biography on Monet: A Restless Vision, you already know of what this article shares, but if you haven’t, I encourage you to read a bit more about the life-long friendship between Artist and Politician – Monet and Clemenceau. [France Today]

~10 Overrated and underrated places in Paris [The Earful Tower]

~10 Things to do in Paris in March [Frenchly]. If you love brocantes and flea markets, there is a must-visit

~If you miss Sean Hayes’ Jack on Will & Grace, this short video of what he was doing long before W & G will give you a chuckle and make you realize, Jack really is Sean Hayes. 😉

~Explore last week’s This & That: February 21, 2025

With more than twenty finds this week, discover books to take you traveling from Paris to Vienna to London as well as Hollywood and New England, new television series to make you laugh, to build up the tension in the ER, and the latest series from Mindy Kaling inspired by true stories. Plus a new French film that sweeps us back to the French Revolution and Versailles, clothing for spring with peeks into the new collections beginning to be released and still, 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.