A handful of books to provide inspiration and ideas for beginning the year well whether you are looking to reinvent, slow down or spark creative ideas in whatever field of work you spend your work week. A new travel accessory that is stylish and highly functional, a new cross-over French/British mystery tv series set in Canada that includes a favorite actress from a long-running British series, a new cookbook from a Francophile chef and still much more.

Books

—Becoming a Life Change Artist: 7 Creative Skills to Reinvent Yourself at Any Stage of Life by Fred Mandell and Kathleen Jordan

Regardless of whether you work in a field seen as artistic or not, the simple act of living consciously is to personify art itself. And as we begin a new year, perhaps you are looking for ways to reinvent yourself. Well, if so, I have just the book for you. Released in 2010, Becoming a Life Change Artist shares “seven key strengths that the most creative minds of history shared, and that anyone rethinking their future can cultivate to change their life effectively: *Preparing the brain to undertake creative work; *Seeing the world and one’s life from new perspectives; *Using context to understand the facets of one’s life; *Embracing uncertainty; *Taking risks; *Collaborating; and *Applying discipline.”

“Making a major life change is a fluid process. But, armed with these seven key skills, anyone can overcome the bumps and obstacles effectively. With targeted exercises throughout, this is a book for all ages and stages-from those looking to transition to a new career to people embarking on retirement.” 

—Finding Sisu: In Search of Courage, Strength and Happiness the Finnish Way by Katja Pantzar

While released in 2018, I thought this would be a book to read as a new year begins to help ground and comfort in times where we may be wanting to improve or make a change, but also savor and appreciate all that is right now. The Finnish term of sisu is “defined as a particular kind of resilience and bravery and is the Finnish approach to well-being”.

The author, Katja Pantzar, was “raised in Canada with stints in New Zealand and the UK, but returned to Finland, the place of her birth, where she discovered the key to living well was in living courageously and with integrity. Cultivating sisu through simple, functional exercise, a Nordic diet, and spending time outside in space, water, silence and nature, her physical and mental stamina grew; her anxieties, fatigue and pain left behind in the sea”. 

“In Finding Sisu discover the ways in which you too can integrate this age-old philosophy of hope and perseverance into your life, wherever you are in the world, whatever challenges you may face.”

—Petite Places: Clever Interiors for Humble Homes by Tessa Pearson

I spied this decor book in a British interior designer’s home recently who lives in an apartment in London, specifically at the Barbican Estates, and upon learning more about the book, thought you too would enjoy some inspiration for living beautifully and with high functionality despite the lack of square footage. Petite Places was originally published in 2018, and you can learn more about the book and see images here on the publisher’s homepage.

—The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim

Buddhist author Haemin Sunim published The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down back in 2017, and it continues to sell millions of copies world-wide. The book offers “guideposts to well-being and happiness in eight areas—including relationships, love, and spirituality—Sunim emphasizes the importance of forging a deeper connection with others and being compassionate and forgiving toward ourselves. The more than twenty full-color illustrations that accompany his teachings serve as calming visual interludes, encouraging us to notice that when you slow down, the world slows down with you”.

If you are looking for inspiration and motivation to slow your pace of life down, this is your book.

—Think Like an Artist: And Lead a More Creative, Productive Life by Will Gompertz

Another book that draws on inspiration from the creative world that can be applied to anyone’s life to elevate the quality: Think Like an Artist identifies 10 key lessons on creativity from artists that range from Caravaggio to Warhol, Da Vinci to Ai Weiwei, and profiles leading contemporary figures in the arts who are putting these skills to use today.

“After getting up close and personal with some of the world’s leading creative thinkers, Gompertz has discovered traits that are common to them all. He outlines basic practices and processes that allow your talents to flourish and enable you to embrace your inner Picasso—no matter what you do for a living.”

British Finds

—Lucy Worsley Investigates, season 2, PBS Masterpiece

“In the new season’s first episode, Lucy tackles one of the greatest unsolved crimes of the 19th century — the case of Jack the Ripper, Britain’s most notorious serial killer. She investigates how this serial murder case set the template for a new kind of ‘entertainment’ and even today fuels our fascination with true crime. Next, Lucy looks into William the Conqueror, who in 1066 successfully invaded England and claimed his right to the throne. Lucy discovers it took more than the infamous Battle of Hastings to subdue the English into accepting William as their King. In Episode 3, Lucy explores the Gunpowder Plot — the audacious attempt by Guy Fawkes and a group of disenchanted rebels to blow up London’s Parliament in the name of their Catholic faith. Finally, Lucy re-examines the life of Queen Mary I, England’s first ruling queen. Lucy explores whether Mary I — maligned as ‘Bloody Mary’ for her execution of nearly 300 of her Protestant subjects — really deserved her reputation or if she was the victim of a sexist smear campaign.” Look for the new season’s premiere on Tuesday January 7th at 8pm on your local PBS channel.

—WHAM! Last Christmas Unwrapped, Netflix

I forgot to include this documentary in the last This & That, but since we are still technically, somewhat, in holiday mode, I didn’t want you to miss out on a well-done exploration of one of the most popular contemporary Christmas songs, “Last Christmas”. Have a look at the trailer below. Having watched it myself just before Christmas (it was released on December 20th), I learned so much more about the genesis, as well as the actually filming of the music video for the song, none of which previously knew about. You will definitely appreciate the song all the more after watching this film. Enjoy.

Francophile Finds

—Marcus’ France: Delicious French Recipes, from my kitchen to yours by Marcus Wareing

While not yet available here in the states (you can preorder now, and it will arrive on February 4th), Marcus Wareing’s new cookbook Marcus’ France is available in Britain. After 40 years as a chef, Marcus Wareing has immersed himself in the French cuisine, working in restaurants around the world. Now, he’s sharing everything he’s learned and discovered.

“Immerse yourself in the cuisine, where each recipe tells a story of a passion for cooking and heritage. From the sun-kissed fields of Provence to the charming bistros of Paris, discover dishes that capture the heart of France. From the foundations of classic sauces, techniques and pastry skills that Marcus learned at college, to the iconic French dishes he discovered working in famous London restaurants like The Savoy, and the family favourites that he enjoys cooking at home, this book is packed with recipes, tips and expertise that will help you cook incredible French food in your kitchen.”

—Saint-Pierre, season 1, CBC

I cannot wait for this new series to become available here in the states, and as I know many TSLL readers live in Canada, here is a new series to watch. If you enjoyed Death in Paradise‘s Josephine Jobert (a French actor), and wished that she would have stayed on that show after a brief return for the conclusion of season 13, well, now we know why she couldn’t have! 🙂 She is the star of her own show alongside Canadian star Allan Hawco.

Premiering on CBS this coming Monday, January 6th, the series begins “after Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Inspector Donny “Fitz” Fitzpatrick digs too deeply into a local politician’s nefarious activity, he is exiled to work in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon (the French Territory nestled in the Atlantic Ocean just off the coast of Newfoundland). Fitz’s arrival disrupts the life of Deputy Chief Geneviève “Arch” Archambault, a Parisian transplant who is in Saint-Pierre for her own intriguing reasons. SAINT-PIERRE is a police procedural with French star Josephine Jobert (Death in Paradise) as Arch and Canadian star Allan Hawco (Republic of Doyle, Caught, Jack Ryan) as Fitz, and James Purefoy (Rome, Sex Education, Pennyworth) rounding out the stellar team. As if by fate, these two seasoned officers — with very different policing skills and approaches — are forced together to solve unique and exciting crimes. Although the islands seem like a quaint tourist destination, the idyllic façade conceals the worst kind of criminal activity which tend to wash up on its beautiful shores. At first at odds and suspicious of each other, Arch and Fitz soon discover that they are better together… a veritable crime-fighting force”.

Have a look at the trailer below:

Shopping

—COS Wrap-Collar Pure Cashmere Jumper, beige

A classic, yet modern pure cashmere sweater available at an affordable price for such a high quality fabric.

—Cuyana’s Mini Zipper Tote, four colors

If you are looking for a tote, just in a smaller size, this one from Cuyana might just fit the bill, and it can also be a cross-body!

—La Ligne’s Chien Sweater, four color combos

I purchased this sweater for Nelle last year and love it as it washes well and stretches comfortably for her to move in on our walks. Available in four different colors and many different sizes, if you want to add a nautical touch to your winter walks with your pups, this is a great classic coat.

—Multi-purpose Cotton Bag, ecru, Zara

Simple, necessary and light-weight. And affordable as well. 🙂

Travel

—Royce AirTag holder trackable Luggage Tag,

Lately I have been double-checking my travel accessories and making sure I have everything for my upcoming trip to France this spring. And one detail I have been wanting to add is the attachment of my AirTags to my luggage without the redundancy of a separate tag for my written details. I was tickled to find these leather tags that include a spot for the AirTag and have a place for written information. You can also monogram with your initials or full name, and they offer debossing instead of color for this as well (which I prefer).

And there is even more good news, use promo code NEWYEAR25 to save 25% off your order. More colors are available.

A new year has begun, and hopefully it has embraced you with beauty, love and comfort.

Somewhere that we found comfort lately has been in the outdoors, on our daily walks. With rain, snow and intermittent blue skies, the soothing gift that Mother Nature provides brings clarity, calm and a feeling of steadiness even when the uncertainty of so much swirls about.

How were your holidays? What did you savor?

I will keep this week’s note that usually appears here in the This & That short, but promise to explain this brevity in the coming days. As for this Saturday, the long-delayed post touring the Primary Bedroom will be shared, so be sure to explore being a TOP Tier Member so you can gain exclusive access.

Thank you for stopping by today and may you have a lovely first weekend in January. Below are a handful of links and one video to enjoy. Until tomorrow, bonne journée.

~Ever wonder why time feels as though it is zooming by or why travel seems to bring life into technicolor and perhaps slow down in the most wonderful of ways? If so, I think you will find this article intriguing. [The Guardian]

~Monty shares a bit more about the work that is required being the host of Gardener’s World and why November and December are difficult months for him each year.

~But rest-assured, Monty Don will be the host of GW for at least two more years. Read more about that here. [Radio Times]

~Take a tour of a 17th century priory in France and its topiary garden, even in winter, gorgeous and soothing. [House & Garden UK]

~New Year’s resolutions for highly sensitive people [Sensitive Refuge]

~The 82nd Annual Golden Globes airs this Sunday. Check out the list of nominees.

~The health benefit of eating more eggs! I couldn’t start my day well without one (or two!) [The Telegraph]

~This tour of gardener Butter Wakefield’s house in west London is a treat, and reading about how her decor evolves and where she enjoys spending her time during various seasons is full of inspiration for thoughtful living. [House & Garden UK]

~Author Alex Elle, someone I enjoy following on IG for her advice on self-care and boundaries, and just overall living well, wrote a cathartic article that maybe you too need to read – The Friend Who Keeps Giving.

~And premiering in just under two weeks is the new cooking series by the Duchess of Sussex, With Love, Meghan. Have a look at the trailer below (thank you to long-time TSLL member who lives in Britain, Sarah H. for bringing this to my attention).

~Explore the previous This & That — December 20, 2024:

British and French finds abound in this final This & That of 2024, along with books to pick up to finesse your style as well as your new year as you make your dreams a reality. Clothing for winter style as well as sales on all-season style will ensure you are effortlessly attired, and new films about beloved musicians and actors premiere. A bevy of finds to savor. 

~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.