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Sooooooo many books this week, and books with a range of topics to choose from – food (French food), mindfulness, novels about living well and gaining perspective, memoirs about bucking cultural trends, art and improved life quality, iconic fashion, how to figure out your career focus, and still more. A much-enjoyed drama series returns to Apple, full of more twists and turns, and a bit of sipping wine as we go, signature finds for the home, many on sale, and quite a few clothing finds as well, many of those on sale too. Still, there is more!
Books
—Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Transform Our Health by Daisy Fancourt
I learned about this book from UK TSLL Member Sarah H., who knows I love a good book about art and life. My copy of award-winning scientist Professor Daisy Fancourt’s Art Cure has been preordered, and if you live in the UK, you can find it now (released on January 8th in the UK (purchase here from Blackwells) and will be released on February 3rd in the US (purchase here).
What you will discover is the life-changing power of the arts; however, I have a feeling this community is already well aware of this realization, generally 😌. This is what you will discover when you pick up the book:
-Songs support the architectural development of children’s brains.
-Creative hobbies help our brains to stay resilient against dementia.
-Visual art and music act just like drugs to reduce depression, stress, and pain.
-Dance build new neural pathways for people with brain injuries.
-Going to live music events, museums, exhibitions, and the theatre decreases our risk of future loneliness and frailty.
-Engaging in the arts improves the functioning of every major organ system in the body.
—Evelyn in Transit: A novel by by David Guterson
Already an Editor’s Pick, from bestselling author of Snow Falling on Cedars, David Guterson’s new novel, Evelyn in Transit, looks to be a thought-provoking and enjoyable read.
Being released this coming Tuesday, get to know Evelyn Bednarz, who “has always been a misfit. She’s easily bored, unsuited to life at school, asks odd questions about faith and time, and sees through conventions others take for granted. Seeking to be true to herself, she hitchhikes across the American West taking odd jobs. In distant Tibet, another life unfolds as remote from Evelyn’s as can be: the life of a boy named Tsering, raised as a Buddhist monk in the mountains of Tibet, who eventually becomes a high lama.”
“And yet, their lives are strangely linked―as Evelyn discovers when a trio of Buddhist lamas show up at her door to announce that her five-year-old son Cliff is the seventh reincarnation of the illustrious Norbu Rinpoche, recently deceased. The lamas’ visit sets off a family crisis and a media firestorm over Cliff’s future.”
If you live in Bend, the author will be giving an in-store talk and signing on Thursday January 29th at Roundabout Books.
—I’ve Seen You’ve Called in Dead: A novel by John Kenney
Critics loved John Kenney’s novel, I’ve Seen You’ve Called in Dead when it was released last year, and in fact, NPR included it on their list of Books to Read in 2025. The premise: Bud Stanley is an obituary writer and “isn’t really living his best life. He’s fallen into a funk after a divorce. (She left him for another man, who, in fairness, was far more interesting.) He’s not doing his job well. He’s given up on dating. And he’s about to be fired for accidentally publishing his own obituary one mildly drunken night (though technically the company can’t legally fire a dead person). As Bud awaits his fate at work, he does the only logical thing: He goes to the wakes and funerals of total strangers to learn how to live again.”
Such a unique approach to storytelling, and the protagonist chosen as well. I think I might have to pick this one up.
—The Magic of Mindful Self-Awareness: How To Stop Overthinking, Clear Your Mind, and Be Happy (Almost) All the Time by Matt Tenney
Released last March, Matt Tenney’s The Magic of Mindful Self-Awareness shares the most important lessons learned while on his journey from prisoner to monk to social entrepreneur. “Here’s just some of what you’ll learn in this book:
- How to discover your true self – the part of you that is always at peace – and cultivate the wisdom that sets you free from suffering
- How to stop overthinking with a simple, effortless life hack
- How to clear your mind of unwanted thoughts
- How to improve your creativity and clarity of thought
- How to be happy during any moment that isn’t painful, and be at peace during even the most painful moments of life
- How to stop anxiety attacks and panic attacks more quickly
- How to transform unpleasant emotions like sadness and anger into compassion and joy
- How to experience the ultimate vacation, whenever you want to, without going anywhere or spending any money
See the full list of things you will learn here and purchase the book.
—Moral Ambition: Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference by Rutger Bregman
An international bestseller, Moral Ambition is being released today, January 16th in the UK, and was already released in the US last May.
“Rutger Bregman reveals how our conventional definitions of success are harming us and the planet, and shows how we can shift the focus from personal gain to societal benefit. In the process, he explains, we will join a growing movement of pioneers who are already living out this ethos. They’re the builders, the problem-solvers, the doers who have chosen a path less traveled. A guidebook to finding that path for ourselves, Moral Ambition reminds us that the real measure of success lies not in what we accumulate, but in what we contribute, and shows how we, too, can build a legacy that truly matters.”
“A career consists of 2,000 workweeks, and how you spend that time is one of the most important decisions of your life. Still, millions of people are stuck in in mind-numbing, pointless, or just plain harmful jobs.” An anecdote to ponder most definitely.
—Two Women Living Together: The Bestselling Korean Memoir by Kim Hana and Hwang Sunwoo (translated)
Much anticipated by booksellers around the states, this bestselling South Korean memoir, co-written by two best friends who flout gender norms and societal expectations with their decision to grow old together under one roof, has a book to make us all ponder the actual components of a nourishing home life in Two Women Living Together.
“When most of their peers were moving in with romantic partners and having children, Kim Hana and Hwang Sunwoo chose independence—savoring solitude, quiet mornings, and the unmitigated freedom of living alone. But in their forties, something shifted, and they were met with a new, unexpected loneliness. Refusing to settle for the outdated choice between marriage or isolation, Hana and Sunwoo made a radical decision: to buy a home and live together—not as lovers, not as roommates, but as chosen family.
“Now a bustling household of two women and four cats, Hana and Sunwoo still value solitude, but can do so while sharing a life and its meaning with someone else. Together they navigate the challenges and comforts of cohabiting in midlife, the growing pains of interdependence and the unexpected rewards of compromise when you’ve grown set in your ways. From sick days to career wins to aging parents and beach-side retirement plans, they are redefining domestic bliss on their own terms, where love, partnership, and home are defined not by tradition, but by choice.”
—Vintage Icons of Fashion: From the Chanel 2.55 to the Rolex Oyster by Raul Barragan Sanz and Jean-Sebastien Moisy
If you have a passion for fashion, its history, and enduring iconic pieces, you will want to explore picking up this coffee table book. Vintage Icons of Fashion shares “highlights the most emblematic vintage pieces from throughout the 20th century and into the early 2000s. You will learn their main characteristics, their history, their trademarks and their manufacturing secrets. From handbags to scarves, watches to dresses, necklaces to shoes, each element of these flagship pieces is deciphered, and you will learn how and why they have become such sought-after staples of haute couture.”
—When We Were Brilliant: A Novel by Lynn Cullen
From the bestselling author of The Woman with a Cure, Lynn Cullen’s new novel When We Were Brilliant takes readers back to 1952 and begins when “Norma Jeane Baker follows documentary photographer Eve Arnold into a powder room on the night they first meet. She has a proposition for her. Norma Jeane created Marilyn Monroe to be photographed, and she wants Eve to do it. Eve is better than anyone she’s seen at revealing a person’s inner truth. Together they can help each other. Together, she says, they can make something brilliant.”
“Skeptical of this cipher of a young woman, Eve demurs. She’s looking for more serious subjects than this ambitious starlet. But she keeps getting drawn back into Marilyn’s orbit, and the women come to recognize something in each other—something fundamental. Nothing will get in the way of what they want, and when Marilyn’s star takes off to teetering heights, neither will ever be the same.” Sounds like an intriguing concept for a storyline.
To be released on January 20th
British Finds
—Monty Don’s Rhineland Gardens, series BBC Two
Monty Don brings us what looks to be yet another inspiring garden series special, and this time, it is into the continent he goes, exploring gardens found along the Rhine river, “one of Europe’s most important rivers, beginning at its source high up in the Alps and crossing four countries, tracing the importance of history and culture in the gardens along its shores.
“He begins in Switzerland, where he travels to an alpine garden 1,900 metres above sea level that displays a remarkable collection of mountain plants. In Austria, he visits the balmy Lake Constance, before crossing to the German side to visit an entire island garden nestled in its own microclimate.”
Enjoy three episodes, the first airing tonight at 8pm (UK), and you can find a glimpse below as well as a discover a few more peeks on his IG feed.
—Reiss Tyla Wool-blend fitted cardigan, 60% off
There are quite a few steep sales going on at department stores – Nordstrom’s, Bergdorf’s, Saks, and others (a lot of news in the fashion world at the moment, as Saks just filed for bankruptcy), and you may find items you love, but no longer in your size. Worry not. Just as I found with this cardigan, the clothing brand’s main online site may still have all the sizes you are looking for and even offer a better sale discount, as I discovered when I visited Reiss.
Décor
—Serena & Lily, 20% off everything
If you are looking for items to spruce up a room as you look ahead to the new year and want a refresh, be sure to check out Serena & Lily’s site-wide sale, which includes all new items as well. I have shopped a few finds below.
~SHOP THE SALE:
Francophile Finds
—French Cooking for Two by Michèle Roberts
Released back in late November, in her new cookbook – French Cooking for Two, “Michèle Roberts casts her net further afield with handpicked recipes adapted from an array of historical and personal sources. Containing over 170 recipes, many of them introduced with the author’s distinctive flair for witty and charming anecdotes, French Cooking for Two is about friendship as much as it is about preparing a French dinner for two.”
“This book is divided into three overlapping seasons, following the 1929 classic La bonne cuisine by Madame Saint-Ange. In each section you will find dishes and suggestions appropriate to the season as well as ideas for particular seasonal moments, such as sardine baguettes à la Colette, designed to be packed into bicycle baskets for picnics. The recipes are designed to be straightforward to follow so you can concentrate on your guest rather than dashing between stove and table. This is a book to stimulate your appetite to invite a dear friend round as soon as possible and cook for them.”
Having purchased Michèle’s French Cooking for One, which was released in 2024, I found it approachable, enjoyable, and full of delicious French recipes. It sounds like the follow-up book for ensuring we enjoy the company we are cooking for will be just as delightful.
Sézane how has a home collection, and it includes candles, tableware and décor details such as lamps and pillows. While some of the more popular designs are sold out, there are still many more that caught my eye that are still available, such as this compote or Maison Pichon bowl (three colors available). I have shopped many of the items below in the scroll for you to explore.
SHOP THE COLLECTION:
Shopping
—Evereve Scarlett Dolman Blouse
A top to layer in winter and then carry over into spring, paired with lighter colored bottoms or a skirt. The Scarlett Dolman blouse is made of 100% lyocell woven fabric, and the color is black and white (sometimes it’s hard to tell).
—Hugo Boss regular-fit trousers in sharkskin twill
Loving a flat-front trouser that has a generous inseam, and that is what Hugo Boss does so dependably well, as these twill trousers demonstrate. Having a similar pair in navy, their fabric is lightweight, moves beautifully, and feels fabulous against the skin.
Staud’s 2025 collections included a handful of items that were spotlighted in the spring and fall shopping guide here on TSLL, so I wanted to bring your attention to this sale. On top of the already reduced price, you also can save an an additional 25% with the promo code EXTRA25.
—Rothy’s Cozy Bit Loafer Mule, 33% off
Rothy’s now has loafers made of the same material as their flats, and quite a few are on sale at Nordstrom. These particular loafer mules look like they could easily be a house slipper with their cozy interior.
—Vince Lightweight Cashmere Scarf, some colors 33% off
Another item found in Nordstrom’s sale is Vince’s lightweight cashmere scarves. I have been living in a similar scarf all winter long, as our temperatures just hover around freezing during our atypical mild weather, and this type of scarf is perfect – soft on the skin, keeps me warm, but also isn’t bulky.
Television
—Drops of God, season 2, AppleTV
I am eager to begin watching this second season of Drops of God. Premiering on Wednesday, January 21st, on AppleTV, this series was chosen as a Petit Plaisir (#392) when I finally got around to watching it after so many TSLL readers recommended it to me (thank you again!). It presents a brilliant and complex puzzle that keeps viewers guessing until the end.
Adapted from the bestselling Japanese manga series of the same name, in season two, again starring Fleur Geffrier as Camille and Tomohisa Yamashita as Issei, over the course of eight episodes “are thrust into their most perilous challenge yet: to uncover the origin of the world’s greatest wine, a mystery so profound that even their legendary father, Alexandre Léger, could not solve it. What begins as a pursuit of legacy becomes a search for truth that spans continents and centuries, unearthing forgotten histories, hidden rivalries and secrets buried for generations.” Have a look at the trailer below, and I will be watching with you if you tune in.
Nelle joined me in the office as she always does, as I worked on today’s This & That earlier this week. And we will remain in the office this weekend because! The paint color has been decided upon for the ceiling, and painting it will commence! By the end of February, this room will be entirely done (it was done almost completely, as shown in this post, except for the flooring and the ceiling), but before the floors can be installed, I am painting the ceiling. I’ve chosen a color I wasn’t initially sure about, so I lived with a sample of it on the ceiling for the past six weeks, and it became apparent that it would be lovely, which surprised me. I look forward to sharing it with you in the full room reveal in March.
Also, if you have already enrolled in the Contentment Masterclass, I wanted to let you know (I will be sending an email out soon) that the course has been updated with an additional 90 minutes focused on the Nervous System, broken down into eight mini-lessons. You will find the syllabus updated here on the course page, and for students, you will find the new lessons in the larger Lesson #4 on your Curriculum Dashboard. Later this year, the price of the course will increase due to this additional content, but for the time being, the price remains the same. If you have been considering enrolling, now is a great time to secure the current price, as you can begin whenever you are ready, as it is yours for life.
January continues to roll along, and I hope that it is rolling along well for you. The new weekly meditation series continues to receive positive feedback. If you have been considering listening to or reading it, just remember: it only takes 5-7 minutes, and you will be practicing this mindfulness technique with fellow TSLL readers (vicariously of course, but still, knowingly). Definitely an uplifting and inspiring thought to hold with us as we breathe with intention.
Also, the second new series kicked off this week and quickly became a favorite of TSLL readers. Be sure to check out the comments and begin this new year with ease, knowing you will have a wardrobe you love in 12 months’ time. We’re not rushing, we’re approaching it with intention and discipline, but also with clarity and investing in ourselves and thus the lives we love living, and I detail this approach in Part Une/One of the series here.
Thank you for stopping by today, and may the weekend ahead be full of deep breaths that end with a smile exuding delight, the awareness that you are doing better than you may be giving yourself credit for as you embrace new habits with this new year, and of course, oodles of everyday moments to savor. Until Sunday, bonne journée.
~Home tour of the week! — This 18th-century cottage in English seaside town of Deal will provide creative inspiration to bringing color to your sanctuary. I especially love the stripe upholstery chosen for the chair in one of the bedrooms. [House & Garden UK]
~Why a good pep talk doesn’t always need to include advice [NPR]
~If you too enjoyed the French series Dix Pour Cent (Call My Agent), I have good news. A feature film is coming and they are currently filming. Learn more about it here.
~These garden professionals each encourage us to garden to the max. See what they mean here. [Flower Magazine]
~Ever pondered cycling through Provence? Sounds like a lovely (and delicious) idea to me. Okay, I wouldn’t be a serious cyclist, but I could toodle along for a while. This article from France Today, shares why you might want to consider Cycling the Luberon.
~Speaking of Provence – this newbie to the region shares the things he wishes he knew before he spent a month there. I am in complete agreement on all of them except the one that has me now pondering when I will visit Provence next time – it sounds ideal, and no doubt is true. [Perfectly Provence]
~Great effortless style inspiration in this article – People in London Will Live in These Classic, Anti-Trend Outfits This Season [Who What Wear UK]
~A great rule to consider when it comes to how we spend money. [Real Simple]
~Ideas for achieving a new year reset in your home [H&G UK]
~5 simple morning rituals that can boost your mood in minutes. I am on board with all of them. ☺️ [VeryWell Mind]
~Favorite read of the week and saving this one for future trips to the city: The ultimate guide to London in the rain [Country Living]
~Since planning for the garden season began last weekend, I am dreaming about pottering, and this article has some worthwhile ideas for cottage garden creation. [Veranda]
~On board with and appreciative of this – The era of instant gardens is over [Gardens Illustrated]
~This video, shared about two months ago on the BBC shares the Japanese secret to being calmer and happier. Something simple and regularly talked about here on TSLL. I think you will enjoy.
~Explore last week’s edition of This & That: January 9th
The cozying-in content of films and series continues with vigor! A new British series hits our screens here in the States, a new French film starring a favorite and uber-talented American actress, cookbooks abound for eating well and enjoying doing so, accessories for stylish everyday attire, and many finds on sale. Books that have won awards this past year, others that are receiving high praise, and still more to provide inspiration for living well so that you can thrive and enjoy the length of your life and all that it can offer. 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 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.
