A new British drama series that is being well received and I cannot wait for it to become available in the states, quite a few winter clothing sales to explore, books on averting self-sabotage, welcoming the tranquility back into your everydays, a comedic gardening novel, and a book on what loving really entails. A new film to prompt more than a bit of laughter with a star-studded cast, and a new comedy on AppleTV+ starring Harrison Ford in a role that looks quite hilarious in its concept. Oh! And a new translation of Colette’s two classic novels. And good news, there is still much more – for the home, for the table, for your wardrobe, you get the idea. ☺️

Books

—8 Rules of Love: How to Find It, Keep It, and Let It Go by Jay Shetty

Being released this coming Tuesday, the 31st, is a book to pick up. Former monk Jay Shetty, the bestselling author of Think Like a Monk (explore this post to learn more about his journey and the book) releases his second book 8 Rules of Love, and while focused on love, this is not your stereotypical book on the topic. Thank goodness!

The title alone tells us an abundance – for instance, love involves letting go. “Instead of presenting love as an ethereal concept or a collection of cliches, Jay Shetty lays out specific, actionable steps to help you develop the skills to practice and nurture love better than ever before. He shares insights on how to win or lose together, how to define love, and why you don’t break in a break-up. Inspired by Vedic wisdom and modern science, he tackles the entire relationship cycle, from first dates to moving in together to breaking up and starting over. And he shows us how to avoid falling for false promises and unfulfilling partners.”

—Dancing with Mrs. Dalloway: Stories of the Inspiration Behind Great Works of Literature by Celia Blue Johnson

I am most curious about this new-to-me book which was brought to my attention by TSLL reader Kathy. While published in 2011, if you enjoy reading literature and have ever wondered about the exigence for each or any of the novels you’ve read, you will, I have a good feeling, quite enjoy Dancing with Mrs. Dalloway. “Offering stories of the inspiration behind fifty classic works” from Virginia Woolf (from which Johnson borrows the title character from Woolf’s successful novel Mrs. Dalloway), to “The Sound and the Fury, Jane Eyre, and Frankenstein to Anna Karenina, The Bell Jar, and Winnie-the-Pooh.”

—The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage into Self-Mastery by Brianna Wiest

Released in 2020 with great successful, and since just last month I shared this post on the cycle of self-sabotage, I wanted to bring to your attention The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage into Self-Mastery. Brianna Wiest reveals to readers the important truths of self-sabatoge, “Why we do it, when we do it, and how to stop doing it—for good. Coexisting but conflicting needs create self-sabotaging behaviors. This is why we resist efforts to change, often until they feel completely futile. But by extracting crucial insight from our most damaging habits, building emotional intelligence by better understanding our brains and bodies, releasing past experiences at a cellular level, and learning to act as our highest potential future selves, we can step out of our own way and into our potential.”

—Tranquility by Tuesday: 9 Ways to Calm the Chaos and Make Time for What Matters by Laura Vanderkam

Released this past October, “in Tranquility by Tuesday, Laura Vanderkam explains that if you want something to happen, you need to design your life to make it happen. Work crises, childcare emergencies, and home repairs are inevitable, and the mundane tasks of life – cooking, cleaning, laundry – aren’t going anywhere. To make time for what matters, you need a resilient schedule, not a perfect schedule. Based on a time diary study of over 150 people, Vanderkam shares nine strategies for building opportunities for joy, nourishment, and fulfillment into your week, such as: three times a week is a habit, one big adventure, one little adventure, and effortful before effortless.”

British Finds

—Maternal, series on iTV

I first learned of this new British series earlier this month, and when long-time reader of TSLL, living in the UK, Sarah sharing she enjoyed the first episode of the series as it debuted, I knew I wanted to take a closer look (she also introduced me to The Split and a handful of other British finds I have recommended here on the blog – thank you!). Not yet available in the states, when Maternal does arrive, I will be watching.

A sorely untapped storyline of women who return from maternity leave, trying to juggle it all, this series has been tapped as having the potential to be Britain’s Grey’s Anatomy or the medical show version of The Split, and after all I have read, I can see why. Each of the three main cast members in Maternal plays a medical worker returning to their work from maternity leave. Exploring the trials and tribulations of working in the NHS, as well as tackling themes of motherhood and female friendship, even reviewers who were initially hesitant to like the series, found themselves quite enjoying it and recommending it, even binging all the episodes given for review. Have a look at the trailer below.

—Old Herbaceous: A Novel of the Garden by Reginald Arkell

—Sharland England, new collection (pre-order now)

Just revealed! Sharland England’s new collection of rattan pieces (from furniture to tabletop items) and thoughtfully designed home décor items. It was their serving tray that I fell for last year and still am saving up for, and now they have even more to ogle over. I will begin with their Louise Jugs (tall or regular), seen below, but be sure to check out the entire collection.

Film

—Maybe I Do

Released today, a delightfully fun cast with Diane Keaton, Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon and William H. Macy along with the leads, who are the ones contemplating getting married, Emma Roberts and Luke Tracey, is Maybe I Do. Have a look at the trailer to discover why the couple is a bit hesitant to say the binding phrase.

Francophile Finds

—Chéri and The End of Chéri by Colette, translated by Paul Eprile

I came across Paul Eprile’s newly translated version of two of Colette’s most popular works as Washington D.C.’s Alliance de Française is hosting an event at a local bookshop in Maryland – Bonjour Books – hosting the translator of these classic French stories. Paul Eprile on Friday February 10th will read from the book and discuss these two most famous books of Colette. Book tickets here if you live in the area.

Home

—Sir/Madam Stoneware Aviary Pitcher (three different sizes, two different colors)

—Willow & Stone Sheila Maid Clothes Airer (different sizes)

I wanted to share this find from British interior décor company Willow & Stone as it is highly functional, and for anyone who appreciated line, air-dried clothes, this is a solution if we have limited space outside, but perhaps a particularly unique space inside to save energy by not using the dryer, and utilize a tall ceiling. There are different sizes and you can choose white/cream or black iron to fit your décor.

Shopping

—Boden Embroidered Kaftan Dress, white, 60% off

—Rag & Bone, 75%, end of season sale

Quite a few brands are holding winter sales to completely clear out their overstock, so if you know what you want, now is a great time to scoop up your finds at great prices. Known for their more laid-back style, Rag & Bone is marking items off up to 75% off, and there are many great staple pieces to explore (I have shopped a handful below).

SHOP THE SALE:

—Reiss Sale, 60% off

As I mentioned above, brands and their winter sales continue until the end of this month. I have shopped a handful of items below, and this coat in particular is a great purchase if you are in the market for a timeless long winter trench.

SHOP THE SALE:

—Willow & Stone Dark Emerald Glass Tumblers

One more find from British company Willow & Stone from whom I purchased the hand-poured brass pulls for my primary bathroom. These emerald glass tumblers would be an ideal collection to have on hand for the water glasses at your dinner parties – timeless, distinctive and highly functional.

Television

—How I Met Your Father, Hulu, Season 2

I know I am late to the party on this one, but I happened to watch the first season of How I Met Your Father recently, and found I quite enjoyed it. By chance just this past Tuesday, the second season dropped on Hulu. So if you are looking for a light-hearted sitcom (not too unexpected, not filled with unnecessary drama and just plain fun), I think you will enjoy this one. Have a look at the trailer for the latest season.

—Shrinking, AppleTV+

A new comedy premiering on AppleTV+ today is Shrinking starring Harrison Ford as a grieving therapist who has begun to break all of the rules when it comes to dispensing advice – in other words, telling his clients exactly what he feels of what they share with him. It is the sessions with Jason Segal’s character who has lost his wife that brings the comedy that critics are enjoying. Have a look at the trailer below.

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Earlier this week, this was the scene in the reading nook after enjoying spaghetti Bolognese and a nice glass of red wine: a nibble of a dark chocolate praline truffle, a cuppa herbal tea and more reading of a book I am thoroughly enjoying. And the reason Nelle’s face is a little out of focus is because she is moving so quickly, I don’t know how I even captured this pic. What most of the photos capture can be seen in the image you see below – playing with one of her favorite toys while I rest and Norman naps.

This past week here at Le Papillon we settled back into a regular schedule, and happily so. With blue skies and cold temps, I stayed bundled up for walks, but oh, the walks were refreshing. On Monday, the most popular post of the year was shared on 13 Unexpected Forms of Decluttering, and Wednesday, the monthly TOP Tier member post – 13 Things That Made Me Smile This Month, So Far . . . was also quite popular and sparked lovely conversation amongst members. Evidentially the number 13 was on my mind, but it was completely accidental really.

This weekend I will be recording February’s A Cuppa Moments w/Shannon video chat to be shared next week, perhaps going to the movies and watching the film shared above, but also just feeling my way through the two days that rejuvenate and bring much enjoyment as I try to step away from the computer and spend as much time with Norman and Nelle as they so patiently let me work during the week. Oh! Watching the Australian Open finals will likely be on my list of things to enjoy as well. Other than that, we will see! And that is exciting as well. Below I have gathered up a few articles and one video I thought you might enjoy. Thank you very much for stopping by today, and until Monday, bonne journée!

~Gardeners’ World taped their first segment for the upcoming season this week (Frances Tophill shared on a frosty January morning holding a hot cuppa tea), so we’re getting close! However, now is still a great time to stay inside and plan and GW shared a post for beginners (but really anyone can benefit), A Gardening Plan for the Year

~Thank you Anne for bringing this podcast episode, interviewing Rick Rubin to my attention – On Creativity [Dr. Chatteree’s podcast]

~A helpful post for a task I need to tend to soon – How to Sharpen Secateurs [Gardeners’ World]

~David Lebovitz’s latest episode on his podcast shared how to eat and enjoy French cheese.

~Ideas for the Best Road, Train and Boat Trips to take in 2023 [House & Garden UK]

~Why you’re never too old for yoga (and discover all of the many benefits of practicing) [The NewYork Times]

~I continue to be drawn to interior designer Carlos Garcia’s work, and this Queen Anne house Norfolk exhibits why [House & Garden UK]

~How to make things better when it feels like everything is going wrong [Tiny Buddha]

~One more for the gardeners – What to grow and sow year round [House & Garden UK]

~So much truth! Why exercise is an amazing way to reduce overwhelm for HSPs (and really everyone) [Highly Sensitive Refuge]

~Against Busyness and Surfaces: Emerson on living with Presence and Awareness [Marginalia]

~A thoughtful article to read as we strengthen our financial health – Here’s What a $1million Retirement Looks Like in America [WSJ]

~The art of effortless decision-making [Zen Habits]

~The best French lip balms to hydrate, heal and protect [Leonce Chenal]

~Coming to PBS Masterpiece this April! Tom Jones is based on Henry Fielding’s comedic novel first published in 1749 centered around orphan Tom Jones and his coming of age tale in 18th century England where his forbidden love of his rich neighbor lays the groundwork for many a scene of hilarity and angst (pick up a copy of the novel now and read before the television series premieres). It looks like wonderfully fun viewing. Have a look at the trailer, and rest assured, I will share again in an upcoming This & That when it finally premieres.

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~Explore last week’s This & That: January 20, 2023

~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.