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January is such an interesting month when it comes to new releases, which makes it all the more eclectic when it comes to what is gathered for our weekly This & That. Case in point, we have books about tidying up without stressing ourselves out, debunking limiting (and often misguided) myths about women and aging, and feeding ourselves well along with caring for the planet. Two new cookbooks full of delicious recipes that also improve the quality of everyday routine and health, a new play premiering in London with two leads many of us know and love, clothing for timeless style, some of it on sale, and all of it versatile and stylish, as well as the return of a television series that wrapped up its first season more than four years ago. Still, there is more!
Books
—Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Get Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman by Brooke Shields
Released this past Tuesday, Brooke Shields’ new book dares to think beyond the limitations of what aging for women can be. In Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Get Old, Shields, now age fifty-nine, she shares that “she feels more comfortable in her skin, more empowered and confident than she did decades ago in those famous Calvin Kleins . . . This is an era, insists Brooke, when women are reclaiming agency and power, not receding into the shadows. These are the years when we get to decide how we want to live―when we get to write our own stories”.
“With remarkable candor, Brooke bares all, painting a vibrant and optimistic picture of being a woman in the prime of her life, while dismantling the myths that have, for too long, dimmed that perception. Sharing her own life experiences with humor and humility, and weaving together research and reporting, Brooke takes aim at the systemic factors that contribute to age-related bias.”
After having watched the extended interview with Shields on CBS Sunday Morning recently, I look forward to picking up this book.
—Live Like a Philosopher: What the Ancient Greeks and Romans Can Teach Us about Living a Happy Life by Massimo Pigliucci
Released on January 7th in the UK, Live Like a Philosopher offers insight from the ancient Greeks and Romans as we seek answers to some of life’s biggest questions. With much of “the heavy lifting done by these ancient philosophers”, author Massimo Pigliucci “draws on the philosophies, life lessons and experiences of key thinkers to help readers navigate these existential waters with invaluable insights for modern life”.
“From finding balance with Aristotle and embracing uncertainty with Cicero to avoiding pain with Epicurus and learning how to rebel with Cynic Hipparchia, this book is a toolkit to help you navigate the highs and lows of modern life. Organized around three main themes of pleasure, virtue, and doubt, there’s something to learn from each master in this philosophical quest.”
—Tidy Up Your Life: Rethinking How to Organize, Declutter and Make Space for What matters Most by Tyler Moore
Author Tyler Moore is a father of three and works as a full-time public school teacher in New York City living in just 750 square-footage of a home, and as he has been “chronicling his progress as ‘Tidy Dad’ on Instagram, Moore learned that tidying is about so much more than the aesthetics and decluttering of a physical space. When he stepped back, reflected, and named what was ‘just enough,’ he was able to devise systems and hacks that brought order to his whole life. Drawing on Moore’s experience with the everyday highs and lows of parenting, home management, and work-life balance, and filled with his signature warmth and wit, Tidy Up Your Life includes: Moore’s process for tackling overwhelming tasks, how to arrive at your own definition of ‘just enough’, and other principles for lifting some of the mental and physical burdens, and tips for making a ‘one-area-a-weekday’ cleaning schedule and other simple routines that complement household rhythms .”
Released on January 7th, learn more about the book Tidy Up Your Life and the author here on Tyler Moore’s website.
—Well Fed: Empowering Your Food Choices for a Healthier You and a Greener Planet by James Collier
As a former NHS dietitian and co-founder of Huel, James Collier is on a mission to debunk the myths about food and nutrition to reveal why what we eat is not only having a devastating impact on our health, but also on our planet. By challenging conventional wisdom and embracing a more balanced and nuanced approach, Collier shows that we can:
- Improve our health by boosting physical and mental well-being
- Protect the planet by reducing our environmental impact
- Support our communities in fostering a more sustainable food system
Now available in the UK (and Blackwells ships to the states!), while this book won’t be released until May in the states, I wanted to bring it to your attention now as the focus of Well Fed may just be that great resource to support your New Year goals.
British Finds
—Unicorn, play at Garrick Theatre, London
I happened to learn about this new play debuting in London in the West End while listening to Classic FM during the weekly three hour slot that Stephen Mangan hosts (often what I listen to during my Sunday morning walk). He casually mentioned it was about to premiere in two weeks’ time and that he starred alongside Nicola Walker, and so I wanted to bring it to your attention if you are a fan of The Split. Definitely a unique storyline, but to see these two talented actors on stage together again, yet for the first time in a live performance would be a treat. The play, Unicorn, will only run for 12-weeks, and tickets are now available.
—Vera: Farewell Pet, Britbox
I cannot believe Vera, the television series, has now concluded, and what two strong final episodes they were to bring to a close season 14. Thankfully, there is one more approximately 50 minute episode that goes behind the scenes and helps viewers say goodbye to a beloved show and cast. Now available on BritBox, Vera: Farewell Pet.
Cookbooks
—Eat Better, Sleep Better by Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge and Kate Craddock
Being released this coming Tuesday, January 21st, Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge’s new cookbook Eat Better, Sleep Better “draws on the science that has made her the go-to expert on the connection between food and sleep, and pairs her comprehensive strategies for getting a good night’s sleep with Kat Craddock’s 75 recipes. Developed with ingredients that trigger the body’s dietary melatonin and serotonin, these recipes align with a Mediterranean diet and trigger a healthy circadian cycle, so you feel energetic during the day and ready for sleep at night”.
Eat Better, Sleep Better is “for anyone who wants food to be the medicine for getting quality sleep. Here, too, is a 28-day meal plan that takes the guess work out of what to eat when so you can start eating—and sleeping—better than ever”.
—Plant Protein: 80 quick and delicious high-protein vegan recipes packed with healthy whole foods by Gigi Grassia
Just released on January 7th, “foodie influencer, vegan nutrition coach, ultra-marathon runner and personal trainer Gigi Grassia (@gigi_goes_vegan) merges her love of cooking and her expertise with her need to fuel an active lifestyle powered by plants.
“Gigi demystifies how protein works and how we can easily incorporate it in our dietswithout relying on animal products. You’ll also find a handy list of pantry and fridge staples, plus tips for batch-cooking to get you organised for busy weeks”.
“Discover delicious and nutritious ideas for energizing breakfasts, quick and tasty lunches, comforting dinners, and snacks with a protein hit to keep you going all day long.”
Films
Reviews continue to be quite strong for the storyline, cinematography, and the roles played by Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis in The Last Showgirl, so I wanted to make sure you gave it a look if you haven’t already.
Premiering nation-wide last Friday, the film centers around Anderson’s character, who is “a seasoned showgirl [who now] must plan for her future when her show abruptly closes after a 30-year run”. Have a look at the trailer below.
A new drama based on the novel released in 2016 by Renée Carlino of the same title, Wish You Were Here, direct by Julia Stiles, tells the story of Charlotte, who is searching for answers and meaning in her life “when a perfect night with a perfect stranger ends suddenly the next morning. However, she soon uncovers a shocking secret that changes everything she knows about the man who captured her heart.” Have a look at the trailer for this romantic drama below and look for it in theaters beginning today.
Francophile Finds
If you are looking to add a touch of French brocante to your home décor and would also like to enjoy some savings on high quality treasures, be sure to check out Chez Pluie’s Hiver Soldes 2025. Easy to shop, items are directly clickable from the catalog linked here, Susannah and Hugh’s protective shipping of every item (my green teapot you may have seen recently was purchased from them and shipped from France – so secure, nothing was going to be even slightly chipped!) and dependable delivery includes the price of shipping in the price listed for each item so you know exactly what you will be paying no matter where you call home.
Shop the full catalog of sale items here.
Shopping
—Carter Organic Cotton jacket, light beige, Sézane
Upon seeing this new jacket from Sézane, I quite liked it. Why? It reminds me a classic Mackintosh coat, but far more affordable. A bit shorter, hitting just below the hip, but with the classic fit that is loose and flattering just as a Mac coat offers.
—Dôen Danton linen-blend pinstripe navy blazer, on sale
Let’s prep for spring and summer, and with this oversized linen/viscose blazer available at a discount of more than 50%, now is a great time to scoop it up.
Also available in Butter Khaki.
With the long holiday weekend upon us, J.Crew is having another sale, and one worth taking a look at for the basics as the prices are nicely slashed.
—The White Company, Bold Navy Stripe Sweater w/Cashmere
A new collection of clothing items is now available from The White Company, and this bold navy stripe sweater would be an ideal capsule wardrobe piece for layering in the spring evenings.
Television
—The Night Agent, season 2, Netflix
You may remember in 2020 the series on Netflix titled The Night Agent. Finally, after wondering if it would return or not, as fans quite enjoyed it and critics did as well – Gabriel Basso in the lead role won a Critics’ Choice award in 2023 for lead actor in a drama, it is making its return next Thursday. Having watched the first season nearly a handful of years ago, I have to admit, it does keep you transfixed, and it looks like the second season will be no different. Have a look at the trailer below.
An Extra Surprise!
—The Joy of Wintering: How to Rest, Reconnect and Rejuvenate with Creativity and Conscious Living by Erin Niimi Longhurst
A perfect book for January reading. Released this past September, The Joy of Wintering by Erin Niemi Longhurst shares “practical tips and lessons from cultures with a strong wintering tradition, learn why rest should be celebrated not stigmatized, and how to live more consciously and compassionately”.
“Drawing upon different cultures with a strong tradition of rest and recuperation, this book will be full of practical activities, inspirational quotes and aims to provide a space for readers to embrace stillness. The chapters cover: what we see, what to listen out for, what to touch, what to taste, what to breathe; including craft activities, recipes, meditations, and much more.”
The sunshine and blue sky arrived and has remained to provide rejuvenation this entire week. Its warmth even encouraged me to step outside into the garden and give the wisteria its winter prune, along with tidying up some Karl Foerster grasses that were toppled due to all of the ice and rain we had earlier this winter. Needless to say, some of the best medicine can always be found outdoors, and having Mother Nature literally out the door and windows here at Le Papillon has been welcomed and appreciated.
As I type this, Nelle and I are lounging outside in the kitchen garden on the lawn as I pulled one piece of porch furniture out of the garage placing it in the sunshine. With my garden hat plopped on my head, type, type, type away I did, and it felt almost as if spring had arrived. Needless to say, I soaked up this glimpse of what will come in a few months’ time.
Watching Monty Don’s British Gardens this past week has also been quite the joy, as he lets us peek into more than 60 gardens across the country, large and grand and petite and beloved, making me all the more eager to be able to potter every weekend and weekday when I can. In the meantime, I perused sunflower seeds and began designing a new garden gate.
Now to a long weekend here in the states for many, and whether or not you have three days, two or one off this weekend, I hope you are doing well, taking time to partake in activities and restful moments that feed your being well, and savoring the rest and clarity January can provide if we give it a chance. Thank you very much for choosing to stop by today, and if you are looking for inspiration to help you find a new beginning and how to welcome the change you seek into your life, be sure to check out this week’s Motivational post. Also, this week’s new podcast episode included two Petits Plaisirs – a book I thoroughly enjoyed that takes readers to Provence and a wonderful, high quality must-have office item for putting our skill of appreciation into practice, especially if you are a Francophile.
Below are a few articles and one video I thought you might enjoy, and until Monday when a new Motivational post will be shared, bonne journée.
~Oliver Gee of The Earful Tower wrote a worth-reading list of the 10 things he’s learned from living a decade in Paris. I especially appreciate his encouragement to speak French even when wobbly in our execution and/or confidence.
~35 simple health tips experts swear by. Most are definitely worth exploring and others just might catch your attention, but a great list overall. [NYTimes, gift link]
~Simple, yet powerful lifestyle changes to live a healthier life and lose those unwanted pounds. [Eating Well]
~A thought-provoking article full of inspiration for eating well and being aware of what ultra-processed foods do to our health – Why is the American Diet So Deadly? [The New Yorker]
~Step into an Arts & Crafts garden set along the river in Chiswick, England, loving all of the Benton irises. [House & Garden UK]
~Awareness is key, and when we know more, we can make more healthy relationship decisions. An article to reveal insight into the destructive habits we accept if we are in a co-dependent relationship. [Tiny Buddha]
~A classic, yet subtly colorful and slightly modern Chelsea townhouse full of decor detail inspiration. [House & Garden UK]
~Seeking to declutter thoughtfully and for great benefit? Let go of these 9 things. [Real Simple]
~Keep drinking your favorite tea for a long and healthy life! [National Geographic]
~As TOP Tier Members know, I have begun to run 3-4 miles once a week with Nelle since this summer as an addition to my regular fitness routine, and while I don’t like or enjoy running, a few things have helped me stick to this weekly routine as I know it is an improvement to what I was doing previously. Funny enough, this article shares three of those things, so I wanted to share as it may help to inspire you to take up running if you’ve been pondering it. [NYTimes, gift link]
~”A home of our own.” I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated Gloria Steinem’s home tour and what she shared in this video about the importance of her having a home of her own. Having lived in her New York City brownstone since 1968, her inclusion of an homage to Mary Wollstonecraft in her garden brought a smile to my face as well as her final words in this video.
~Explore last week’s This & That: January 10, 2025
With a new year, many new books to offer inspiration and insight, a new gardening series from Monty Don, the return of a favorite British sleuthing series, a great sale from a trusted casual American clothing company (I love their linen fabric items), a new-to-me French series that involves sleuthing with a dose of comedy and everyday life hiccups, a favorite Victorian P.I. returns standing fully on her own two feet and I think better for it, and 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.
