Wonderful new films that take us around the globe, two tv new series – one a comedy, the other a bio-pic – each anticipated by viewers and critics. Books about balancing it all and doing it well, a bookbinding mystery set in Oxford, learning how to love and be loved, clothing and accessories for timeless style and readying ourselves for spring and still much more.

Books

—The Balancing Act: Creating Healthy Dependency and Connection Without Losing Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab 

You may remember Nedra Glover Tawwab from her previous books, and for listeners of The Simple Sophisticate, her book, which focused on boundaries, became a favorite episode (#343) as it provides so many specific examples and helpful advice on how to communicate what we need with love and strength. In her latest book, The Balancing Act, she offers her wisdom and expertise with depth and compassion once again. 

The Balancing Act “is a roadmap for finding the balance within every relationship in our lives. Therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab sheds light on healthy dependency, and how to achieve it. Along the way, she unpacks buzzwords and trending topics, including codependency, attachment styles, inner family systems, and more – offering practical advice for recognizing our needs, navigating conflict, and finding more harmony with the important people in our lives.”

Being released on February 10th, this is a book to read and keep as a helpful resource.

—The Bookbinder’s Secret: A Novel by A.D. Bell

I learned of this book from my local bookshop when one of the employees shared their favorite reads of the month, and one of the books was The Bookbinder’s Secret. Trusting Sarah of Roundabout Books’ recommendations, I immediately put it in my shopping cart. Here’s the premise of the plot:

“Lilian (Lily) Delaney, apprentice to a master bookbinder in Oxford in 1901, chafes at the confines of her life. She is trapped between the oppressiveness of her father’s failing bookshop and still being an apprentice in a man’s profession. But when she’s given a burned book during a visit to a collector, she finds, hidden beneath the binding, a fifty-year-old letter speaking of love, fortune, and murder.

“Lily is pulled into the mystery of the young lovers, a story of forbidden love, and discovers there are more books and more hidden pages telling their story. Lilian becomes obsessed with the story but she is not the only one looking for the remaining books and what began as a diverting intrigue quickly becomes a very dangerous pursuit.”

—Everybody Loves Stripes: Decorating Between the Lines by Alexandra Morris Flint and Emma Bazilian

If you too love stripes, and you are looking to decorate with them in your home, then Schumacher’s latest book is one to pick up. The legendary design house reveals in their new sourcebook how stripes can transform any space. 

Released on October 29^th, “readers will discover decorating inspiration for every style imaginable – coastal, classic, eclectic, modern, bohemian, rustic, and charming – with beautiful color photographs highlighting the many ingenious ways that stripes can be applied in everyday interiors, from subtle strategies like ticking-stripe upholstery and sheer window treatments, to over-the-top techniques such as tented rooms and graphic painted floors.”

—Love’s Labor: How We Break and Make the Bonds of Love by Stephen Grosz

In his new book Love’s Labor: How We Break and Make the Bonds of Love, acclaimed author and psychoanalyst Stephen Grosz shares “powerful accounts drawn from his more than thirty-five years counseling patients, bringing readers into the lives of people who cannot fully connect to their loved ones. Grosz helps his patients map their internal worlds to uncover the unconscious fears and desires sabotaging their relationships.

“These true stories of everyday suffering—and profound relief—display Grosz’s deep understanding of the wayward heart and the obstacles to enduring connection.”

—Meaningful Simplicity: The Art of Living with Clarity and Intention by Devan Miller

Released last April, Meaningful Simplicity “presents an inspiring path to living with increased clarity, intention, creativity, and fulfillment. This book guides you in examining how to create a life in which your home, relationships, and daily routines support your sense of peace and purpose.”

“This book recognizes a fundamental truth: a meaningful life emerges when we create space for what genuinely enriches us. Learn to distinguish between what serves your and others’ well-being and what clutters up your time and spaces, and make choices that support your deepest values without buying into minimalism or minimalist approaches.”

—Why Smart People Hurt: A Guide for the Bright, the Sensitive, and the Creative (Creative Thinking & Positive Thinking Book, Mastering Creative Anxiety) by Eric Maisel, PhD

Originally released in 2013, I came across this book while searching for content on high sensitivity (HSP). Knowing that many TSLL readers identify as HSP, I wanted to share Why Smart People Hurt, by psychology specialist and creativity coach Dr. Eric Maisel, with you. “Drawing on his many years of work with the best and the brightest to pinpoint these often devastating challenges and offer solutions based on the groundbreaking principles and practices of natural psychology, he shares reassurance, reminding you that you are not alone in your struggles with living in a world that wasn’t built for you or your intelligence, logic- and creativity-based strategies to cope with having a brain that goes into overdrive at the drop of a hat, guiding questions that help you create your own personal roadmap to a calm and meaningful life.”

British Finds

—The Art of Loving, Olivia Dean album

This past summer, British singer Olivia Dean released her new album The Art of Loving, and just this past weekend, not only did she perform at the Grammys, she won one for Best New Artist of the Year. Her acceptance speech is worth listening to as a reminder to keep doing what you love, work with people who support your dreams, and in time, with patience and sincere enjoyment of what you are doing, amazing, unexpected things (winning a Grammy!) can happen. Have a listen to the song she sang at the Grammys below via her IG page. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GRAMMYS (@grammys)

Film

—Calle Malaga (French title Rue Málaga)

Now this film looks quite special. Set in Spain and Tangier, already it has reached 95% on Rotten Tomatoes from quite a few reviewers. When Calle Malaga premiered last year at the Venice Film Festival, it earned a spot on many critics’ Best of Fest lists with its charm and engaging story. 

The premise centers around an aging Spanish woman who lives in Tangier, and while her daughter thinks she is looking out for her mother by deciding to sell her mother’s home, it is not what her mother wants. And who can blame her, not only for the obvious reasons, but also for the fact that her home is located on a colorful street where she has lived for decades. And so the tension mounts as she becomes determined to stay, doing everything she can to keep her home, reclaim her belongings, and stay where she loves. It is along this journey of returning to her sanctuary that she rediscovers the vibrancy of what makes living worthwhile and reconnects with her neighborhood. Carmen Maura stars as Maria in Calle Malaga, which premieres in the US at select theaters today. Have a look at the trailer below.

—Jimpa

While Jimpa, on the other hand, was not as well-received by critics when it debuted in 2024, it is now coming to the States for a premiere, and I wanted to bring it to your attention because the great British actress Olivia Colman stars. Her emotional expression and embodiment with conviction of each character she is given is worth watching any film she is cast. And in Jimpa, she plays the starring role that is inspired by the life of the film’s director and writer, Australian filmmaker Sophie Hyde

Jimpa, as you will learn in the trailer, is the nickname chosen by John Lithgow’s character, who is Hannah’s (Colman’s) gay father and grandfather to her non-binary teenager, Frances. Jimpa lives in Amsterdam, and when Frances expresses a desire to stay with her grandfather for a year, Hannah’s parenting beliefs are challenged as she must confront her past issues. Have a look at the trailer below. 

—Solo Mio

This romantic comedy looks like a treat just in time for Valentine’s Day. Kevin Hart stars in Solo Mio, a man who is “left at the altar in Rome, a heartbroken man, yet chooses to go on his honeymoon alone. As he navigates the city meant for two, he begins a bittersweet journey of self-discovery.” Have a look at the trailer below and find it in theaters beginning today. 

Gardening

—The Green Fuse: Essays in Making Sense of Gardens by Peter Dale

Released back in July, and while we wait in anticipation to step outside into our own gardens, I wanted to share with you The Green Fuse by British poet and gardener Peter Dale (he lives in Essex). “The Green Fuse: Essays in Making Sense of Gardens explores our deep-rooted impulses to create gardens, examining them through the lenses of history, religion, nostalgia, and myth. It connects gardens with the other arts—painting, music, literature, and theater—and contemplates their intellectual and philosophical significance. Blending lyrical reflections with research, The Green Fuse offers an unusually wide-ranging and thoughtful perspective on gardens and why we make them.” 

Shopping

—Câllus RIIA Long Jean Jacket Indigo, on sale

—Dôen Vidette Sweater, Marceau Stripe

We’re not out of winter just yet, but spring is coming, and this short-sleeve sweater is a wonderful transitional piece. “Knitted from a warm blend of soft cashmere and extrafine merino wool, the Vidette Sweater nods to ‘60s nautical styles with a straight bateau neckline and placed stripe pattern. It’s designed with slightly puffed short sleeves and ribbing at the cuffs, neckline, and hem.”

—Me + Em Summer Trim Blouse, many colors, stripes too

One more short-sleeve find, perfect for spring, and at a great low price as well. Crafted from lightweight cotton cheesecloth, choose your color (or stripe) choice, and this versatile item will be a casual,  yet dressed-up-just-enough piece to depend upon. 

—Stone & Strand’s XL Paperclick Link Necklace

Have you been noticing it too? Link necklaces everywhere on women in popular fashion-forward, yet business settings of shows and films – The Morning Show, the new Devil Wears Prada 2 (trailer – watch it here), and many others? Well, no doubt, the solid gold ones, the real deal, are not cheap, but maybe with just a few links the price isn’t so bad, such as this one, which is solid gold constructed into 18” in length and made of 10K solid yellow gold. 

Television

—How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, Netflix

A new comedy series that has been talked about for over a year now, and finally, it is premiering on Netflix. The reason I took note is that it comes from the creator of Derry Girls – Lisa McGee, a comedy series I absolutely loved, and from which two of those actors who starred in it are now in series I enjoy today – Beyond Paradise and Bridgerton (I have yet to watch season 4). With that said, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is a comedy, but it takes the comedy to another level in some scenes (just watch the trailer). It does look to have quite a bit of hilarity to capture curiosity and provide for a good bit of release in watching. 

The series begins when three lifelong pals embark on a chaotic quest to solve the mystery of their old friend’s suspicious death while trying to keep their own dark secret under wraps. Have a look at the trailer below, and look for the series to become available on Netflix (8 episodes) this coming Thursday, February 12^th.

—Love Story: John F. Kennedy & Carolyn Bessette, FX

Inspired by Elizabeth Beller’s book Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Ryan Murphy has adapted for television in his first installment of his Love Story anthology. This nine-episode limited series focuses on John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, and the first three episodes will be available next Thursday on FX in one drop. 

Starring Paul Anthony Kelly as JFK Jr. and Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette, the series explores this love story that captured the nation’s attention back in the mid-to late 90s. As the book that inspired the series reminded us, Carolyn was a star in her own right, fiercely independent and had a singular style, and again today, we are seeing people adopt simple, quiet luxury. 

The series has been much talked about for a variety of reasons, and, to my mind, one reason may be that the relationship all unfolded not that long ago, and so many of us remember watching their lives unfold in tabloids all the way up until that sad day of their deaths in 1999. I definitely am curious to watch to see how Murphy presents the couple and their chemistry, especially since they were so private.

Have a look at the trailer below and look for the series to premiere on Thursday, February 12^th. 

–Winter Olympics, Milano Cortina, Italy 2026, the 25th Winter Olympics

The winter Olympics begin this evening, and this year the world will be taken on a grand tour of Italy. Described as being the most spread out of venues within a country for any winter Olympics, viewers, spectators, and athletes are in for a beautiful sightseeing adventure with each sport they watch. The opening ceremonies kick off tonight, and the games run through February 22^nd.  

---

Nelle and I took a moment earlier this week to savor an afternoon respite in our reading nook in the living room. She fell asleep gazing out the window at the birds and squirrels, and I counted myself most fortunate to have her snuggled up next to me. 

This Sunday is the full reveal of TSLL’s 4^th book. Yep, it’s finally here! Delivered to your inbox if you are a newsletter subscriber and being posted right here on the blog, discover the cover (front and back) that shares all the details of the contents, and watch the trailer that TOP Tier members had a chance to peek at last weekend. I will be sharing more details about preordering and the official release date as well. I cannot wait to finally show you what I’ve been up to for the past three years+ behind the scenes.

I hope your first week of February has found you well, nurturing yourself and those you love in your close proximity. I was reading an article last weekend that spoke to the immense effect we have on our immediate relationships and community when we focus on who and what surrounds us while monitoring our energy toward things far beyond our reach. While the TSLL community is spread out around the globe, when I read your comments, just hearing from you sharing such kindness, courage, and love reminds me of how beautiful the global community is. And then being aware of our influence right in our backyard, which affects both ourselves and others, is important to remember as well – a place where we can contribute with immediate effect to strengthen, reassure, and support. 

When we remember to invest in our relationships with our neighbors and community through avenues and events here at home, contribution, no matter how seemingly small, have a powerfully positive effect that we may forget at times when the world’s news is at our fingertips via our technology 24/7. I am so grateful for our community here on TSLL, and I want to thank you for choosing to be a part of it. Your contribution in whichever way you share is seen and appreciated, and not just by me. 😊

Now to the weekend, and until Sunday, bonne journée.

~Home Tour of the Week: Now this house in Herefordshire has charm. Be sure to learn more about the architect, as you’ll discover his client is more likely to be the house than the owner, but granted, he is working for the owner. However, I respect his dedication to historical details. Gorgeous! [House & Garden UK]

~It’s happening! A new Nancy Meyers film is in production, and it might even take us to Paris – peut être! [Hollywood Reporter]

~Speaking of Paris, if you are in the city this weekend and are looking for beautiful tableware at great prices, visit La Vaisselle des chefs à Paris! The sale features second-hand treasures from Plaza Athénée, Les Deux Magots, Ladurée , and Le Meurice. [Do It In Paris]

~Choosing Keeping has some beautiful Valentine’s Day gifts – and the moulded leather heart boxes – wow!

~Ina Garten shares a simple trick learned from her time in Paris for dinner parties – I couldn’t agree more! [Veranda]

~Flying out of Heathrow, the 100ml liquid rule is no longer in effect. [CN Traveler]

~This 350 sq ft apartment in Williamsburg demonstrates that sophistication does not require a lot of space. [Domino]

~Tour this Normandy Manoir, a 17th century French hunting lodge. I am loving the smallest Aga I have ever seen. Adorable. [Vogue Living]

~Oodles of French recipes perfect for a delicious Valentine’s Day [Taste France]

~Three questions to ask yourself at anytime along your life journey for clarifying your choices and to make sure you are oriented to what matters most, as presented by Jack Kornfield and brought again to our attention by Dick Van Dyke as he shares how living well is done. [Positive Prescription]

~This film, oh, it does look good, and what a way to capture curiosity – who is the gardener? You can also just look the actor’s name up online, but either way, I look forward to watching this film when it premieres in Spring. I will keep you posted. And until then, the trailer for The Gardener.

---

~Explore last week’s edition of This & That: January 30th

~Please note: TSLL is supported by you, readers who take the time to stop by (merci!), peruse, and sometimes welcome into your life the mentioned and recommended finds. Affiliate links are present in this post and may earn commissions for TSLL when you make a purchase. View TSLL’s full Privacy Policy here.