Oodles of books – nonfiction and fiction, cozy sweaters, some on beautiful reduction, a film drawing much Oscar buzz, the third season of a delightful French mystery series returns, an everyday tote to love, chic décor finds at beautiful prices and much more.

Books

—Art & Crime: The fight against looters, forgers and fraudsters in the high-stakes art world by Stefan Koldehoff

I discovered Stefan Koldehoff’s book while reading last week’s Financial Times. The book comes highly recommended, and if you are like me and enjoyed the recent art documentaries on Netflix, this would be a book to check out. The title says it all.

—The Art of Showing Up: How to Be There for Yourself and Your People by Rachel Wilkerson Miller

Released in 2020, but perhaps a book many of us would appreciate especially as we step back into the world, bringing with us the knowledge of how vital and nourishing adult relationships are when thoughtfully time is given. “Rachel Wilkerson Miller charts a course to kinder, more thoughtful, and more fulfilling relationships—and, crucially, she reminds us that “you can’t show up for others if you aren’t showing up for yourself first.” Learn to . . . define your needs, reclaim your time, and commit to self-care, ask for backup when times are tough—and take action when others are in crisis, meet and care for new friends, and gently end toxic friendships, and help your people feel more seen”.

—The Generation Myth: Why When You’re Born Matters Less Than You Think by Bobby Duffy

I am eager, very much so, to read Bobby Duffy’s new book (released in November 2021). “Having spent years studying generational distinctions, in The Generation Myth, Bobby Duffy argues that our generational identities are not fixed but fluid, reforming throughout our lives. Based on an analysis of what over three million people really think about homeownership, sex, well-being, and more, Duffy offers a new model for understanding how generations form, how they shape societies, and why generational differences aren’t as sharp as we think.”

—Other People’s Clothes: A Novel by Calla Henkel

If you want a bit of drama, inspired by the real-life Amanda Knox saga in Italy, read this. I am not sure I will, but the plot does sound intriguing, if nothing else, the lengths at which people will go to be the ‘lead character’ not only in their own lives but in hopes of being such in others’ and the world’s as well. Yikes! Critics are enjoying it, and perhaps you will as well.

—Tales from the Cafe: Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Much celebrated and newly updated, the New York Book Review praised Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s book Tales from the Cafe: Before The Coffee Gets Cold. A follow-up to his first book Before the Coffee Gets Cold, his second book tells the story of four new customers each of whom is hoping to take advantage of Cafe Funiculi Funicula’s time-travelling offer . . a. simple tale telings the story of people who must face up to their past, in order to move on with their lives”.

—The Zen of Therapy: Uncovering a Hidden Kindness in Life by Mark Epstein M.D.

Released earlier this month and already a bestseller, Dr. Mark Epstein “explores the therapeutic relationship, reflects on one year’s worth of therapy sessions with his patients to observe how his training in Western psychotherapy and his equally long investigation into Buddhism, in tandem, led to greater awareness—for his patients, and for himself.”

British Finds

—Emma Bridgewater Daffodils Mug

Film

—Parallel Mothers

Penelope Cruz is receiving much buzz about a potential Oscar nomination (look for nominations to be released on February 8th) for her starring role in the Spanish film Parallel Mothers (look for it in theaters now). A film director and writer Pedro Almodóvar has long wanted to bring to the screen and with a clear determination to cast Cruz this film. The storyline involves “two women, Janis and Ana, whose lives coincide in a hospital room where they are going to give birth. Both are single and became pregnant by accident. Janis, middle-aged, doesn’t regret it and she is exultant. The other, Ana, an adolescent, is scared, repentant and traumatized. Janis tries to encourage her while they move like sleepwalkers along the hospital corridors. The few words they exchange in these hours will create a very close link between the two, which by chance develops and complicates, and changes their lives in a decisive way.” Have a look at the trailer below.

Francophile Find

—Captain Marleau, Season 3 on MHzChoice

If you enjoy the classic mystery series Columbo, and you are a Francophile who loves a good mystery, you will have a riotous time watching Captain Marleau. The third season is now available on MHzChoice. A new episode is released each week, but you can always catch up with the previous two seasons to discover why Capitaine Marleau is so beloved.

Décor

—Middle Kingdom Sage Green Vases

Vases are always on my radar as you never know when you’ll find a unique one that adds a perfect pop to your décor. These designs from Middle Kingdom are affordable ($25) and neutral without being blah. Love them (more colors are available as well).

—St. Germain Stone Side Table (rectangular or oval), on sale

If you are on the hunt for a chic, yet non-bulky side table, Serena & Lily’s St. Germain Stone side tables are on sale this weekend. Add a touch of France and specifically Paris to your home.

Shopping

—Boden Winter Sale (up to 60% off)

—M.Gemi Elena tumbled leather tote (four colors)

—Souer Pull Pila off-white fisherman’s sweater/jumper

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The final full week of January. I can’t quite believe February will begin next week, but savoring this weekend with a clean house and time in the sunshine is on the docket.

Le Papillon received a deep-clean on Wednesday, much needed after the past two years of customizations and construction (read the IG post for more details), and I will be taking advantage of this limited opportunity of pristine cleanliness to sit down and tape February’s A Cuppa Moments tomorrow. Look for the monthly conversation to include the announcement of the two free gifts TOP Tier Members will receive as well as how to preorder a signed book template of TSLL’s 3rd Book. I will also be reading an excerpt and sharing more peeks inside the book along with all of our regular monthly topics. Rest assured, a detailed post will be shared to be viewed by all TSLL readers on how to preorder as February begins, but if becoming a Member is something you have been considering, now would be a great time to join as this opportunity of free gifts will only be available through February 14th.

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The weather has been gorgeous here in Bend, and while I do hope we have more snow around the corner, I cannot help but savor stepping outside on the garden porch and soaking up the vitamin D. Yesterday I enjoyed an afternoon tea with neighbors, as we don’t run into each other as often in the winter months as we do when we are outside in our gardens, so I made a favorite pound cake, a savory nibble to partner and enjoyed just relaxing for an hour or two in conversation.

The days are more gentle at Le Papillon now, the pace a bit steadier, and while it is a change, it is a change I welcome. I hope you are finding your welcomed rhythm as well, and may this upcoming weekend be a treat to revel in as you reflect on a week that went as well as you could make it. Below are a few articles and one trailer you might enjoy. Until Monday, bonne journée.

~I absolutely LOVED episode #8 of And Just Like That. The layers of story-telling (please listen to the partnering podcast episode (ep. #7) with the writers as they share the story-line of the witch – i.e. Carrie and the revelation she moves through, and how they present this ‘witch’ through Carrie). And it was this scene that had me in stitches – find out how it all came to be in the podcast episode. [Insider] and Vogue‘s write-up of the outfit here.

~Oliver Gee of The Earful Tower shares Paris Bucket List 2022: 50 Things to do in Paris

~7 Ways to create a healthier home environment for your mental well-being [Pick the Brain]

~How to spruce up your bathroom without going through a full renovation [House & Garden UK]

~The reviews are coming in for The Gilded Age, and they are not flattering, and sadly, I agree. I will keep watching, but I was underwhelmed. (TSLL reader Jo D. thoughtfully summed it up below in her comment – thank you Jo ? – both of us still look forward to watching, but perhaps the bar was just set too high). On the surface and in the casting, I applaud their efforts, but the depth and writing leave much to wish more and better was present. Read The Atlantic’s review here and The New York Times review here. (we will talk about this show more in February’s A Cuppa Moments – be sure to join us)

~Sign up to receive your free rapid Covid tests sent directly to your door from USPS! I’ve ordered mine!

~Discover where to enjoy a great cup of coffee in Paris [Vogue France, in French]

~The fashion world lost an icon this past week, and on AirMail’s podcast, two of André Leon Talley’s friends talk about his legacy and his influence.

~Fewer than two months away, the second season of Sanditon returns to Masterpiece on Sunday March 20th. Check out the trailer below.

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Check out last week’s This & That: January 21, 2022

~Please note: Affiliate links are present in today’s post and may earn commissions for TSLL. View TSLL’s full Privacy Policy here.