France is on my mind as the new year begins as the first This & That of 2023 is FULL of Francophile Finds. From the annual winter soldes, two new series (one returning, but brand new), a mouth-watering cookbook for fondue lovers and an online brocante destination that is a must-visit. But I haven’t forgotten about Anglophiles! A favorite series kicks off for its third season this Sunday, a new cookbook by a beloved home cook is released, and another series that is a top-watch and now entering its twelfth season. But still there is more! Books focused on themes of all sorts to inspire you to make 2023 your best year yet, and much more.

Books

—The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study on Happiness by Robert Waldinger M.D. and Marc Schultz Ph.D

Being released this coming Tuesday January 10th, The Good Life reveals “personal stories of hundreds of participants in the Harvard Study as they were followed year after year for their entire adult lives . . . Relationships in all their forms—friendships, romantic partnerships, families, coworkers, tennis partners, book club members—all contribute to a happier, healthier life.” Dr. Robert Waldinger’s TED Talk about the Harvard Study, “What Makes a Good Life,” has been viewed more than 42 million times, and now in more detail, he explores what he discovered in his new book.  

—How to Begin: Start Doing Something That Matters by Michael Bungay Stanier

From the bestselling author of the coaching book The Coaching Habit, Michael Bungay Stanier shares in his new book How to Begin a “practical guide to finding the focus and courage to set a Worthy Goal: one that lights you up, compels you to grow, and serves a bigger game by being thrilling, important, and daunting.”

—The Joy of Saying No: A Simple Plan to Stop People Pleasing, Reclaim Boundaries and Say Yes to the Life You Want by Natalie Lue

Being released this Tuesday January 10th, The Joy of Saying No will “help you identify your people-pleasing style and habits and share a six-step framework that teaches you how to discover the healing and transformative power of no to (1) establish healthier boundaries, (2) foster more intimate relationships and fulfilling experiences, and (3) reconnect with your values and authentic self.”

—What Do You Want Out of Life? A Philosophical Guide to Figuring Out What Matters by Valerie Tiberius

After reading an excerpt of Valerie Tiberius’ new book in this past weekend’s The Wall Street Journal, I took note to check out the entire book as it contained an original approach and much of it in alignment with what we share here on TSLL. “What do you want out of life? To make a lot of money―or work for justice? To run marathons―or sing in a choir? To have children―or travel the world? The things we care about in life―family, friendship, leisure activities, work, our moral ideals―often conflict, preventing us from doing what matters most to us. Even worse, we don’t always know what we really want, or how to define success.” Pick up the book and discover “a way of thinking about your goals that enables you to reflect on them effectively throughout your life.”

British Find

—Cook and Share: 120 Delicious New Fuss-Free Recipes by Mary Berry

Now available to readers here in the states, Mary Berry’s new cookbook – Cook and Share, that is tied to her new BBC series, shares recipes like Brioche with Avocado, Spinach and Bacon or an indulgent Mac and Cheese with Smoked Haddock perfect for colder evenings. “As ever, Mary’s puddings are unbeatable—try her Ultimate Chocolate Brownie, or an irresistible Sunday Lunch Crumble Cake.” And a detail of note, each of the recipes includes a full color image so you know exactly what you are trying to create in your own kitchen.

—Death in Paradise, season 12 (UK, BBC One)

Premiering on January 6th, the new season of Death in Paradise is available to UK viewers. Viewers in the states will have to wait a bit, but at least US viewers can watch the holiday special that was just released on Britbox on December 26th!

—Miss Scarlet & The Duke, Season 3, PBS Masterpiece

In a matter of weeks it seems, Miss Scarlet and The Duke are back! Season 3 of the series kicks off this Sunday on PBS Masterpiece at 9pm. Enjoy six episodes, and if you are a member of PBS, be sure to download the PBS Passport app and watch for free without having to pay for the streaming service. Check out the trailer below for the new season. I know what I will be watching this weekend. 🙂

—A Year of Good Eating: Kitchen Diaries III by Nigel Slater

While released in 2019, Nigel Slater’s Kitchen Diaries cookbooks are always a favorite in my own kitchen, and while I have the first two cookbooks in the series, I have yet to pick up this one, which I soon hope to do. Perhaps you are looking for his soothing and delicious prose accompanied by seasonal recipes, and if you are, this is the cookbook and a book for you.

Films

—The Last Movie Stars, HBO Max

I am a little late on this one, but The Last Movie Stars is a six-part documentary series on HBO Max centered around Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward – married and both Hollywood stars in their own right individually – that is receiving high praise and worth watching. Ethan Hawke takes a close look at their life and works and shares why he calls them the last movie stars. Have a look at the trailer below and watch now.

Francophile Finds

—Fondue & Raclette: Indulgent recipes for melted cheese, stock pots and more by Louise Pickford

A big thank you to Sharon Santoni and her editorial crew at My French Country Home magazine for introducing me to Louise Pickford’s new cookbook, Fondue & Raclette. Included in the most recent issue of the magazine (subscribe here), Francophiles and foodies alike, be sure to pick up this cookbook for the ultimate winter indulgence. “Starting with the well-known melted cheese fondues from ski resorts around the world, recipes here include classics from the Alps, such as the archetypal Fondue Neuchatel, based on local cheeses and local wines, and the variation Raclette. But there are others, too, such as a Roasted Tomato Fondue and the Italian version, Fonduta and hot oil Fondues to try such as Fondue Bourguignonne.”

—Les Soldes

Travelers, shoppers and Francophiles! Les Soldes begin on January 11 and run through February 7th. And if by chance you have the opportunity to be in France during this window of time, seize the opportunity to find wonderful discounts on designer and all brands in France (click the link above to learn more about the government rules that brands must abide by during this time). As well, shop online your favorite French brands – Eric Bompard for cashmere! – and save significantly.

—Selency, France’s (and much of Europe’s) online Brocante! (version of 1stDibs/Chairish)

The perusing and treasure hunting at the brocantes in France are one of my favorite things to do when I have the opportunity to visit, and now we can do something similar online with Selency. I have shopped a few items below, but be sure to keep this online shopping destination on your radar. You can barter, bid and negotiate on the prices similaire to a Chairish or 1stDibs, and the finds are quite fun to explore. (And you can practice your French! ☺️??❤️)

—Mismatch, season 1, MHzChoice

I stumbled across this new French drama series this past weekend while relaxing at the coast, and found myself thoroughly enjoying the juxtapositioning of the two lead cast members. Half sisters, one working as a judge in the justice department and the other a detective – both in Strasbourg, they recently discover through the unexpected death of their father that they are sisters, well, half-sisters. And their personalities could not be more different. Five episodes are now available to watch on MHzChoice with a new episode shared each Wednesday. Have a look at the trailer below.

—Munch, season 2, Amazon Prime (PBS Masterpiece)

I was so tickled to see that there is a new season of Munch. Another French drama series, this time with Munch as a defense attorney with a big heart and a quirky disposition. I thoroughly enjoyed the first season, watching it over five years ago, but it wasn’t until just this past month that the second season was shared to stream in the states via MHzChoice. I couldn’t find a trailer to share, but if you are looking for smart, quirky, set-in-Paris, Ally McBeal meets The Practice, I think you will enjoy this series.

Shopping

—Hunter Commando Chelsea Boots (some colors on sale, traditional Chelsea book also)

My mind has been dancing with thoughts of gardening as the new year begins and with a new gardening post being shared next week, I discovered that having a pair of wellies, but in the Chelsea boot style, would be an ideal shoe for tinkering in the dirt no matter what the month of the year – easy to slip on and off, protective, simple to keep clean and waterproof! And currently, some of these styles – both the traditional Chelsea and the Commando (two inches higher) are on sale.

—Nite Ize, LED dog collar light (multiple color options)

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Welcome to 2023 and hello to a fresh new year.

The year began for us at the Oregon coast, taking walks on the sand, snuggling up in a small, cozy cottage and forgetting about time. It was delectable (and I only left once to pick up mussels for dinner). Returning to Bend refreshed and rested, I am excited about this new year that has already begun very well, if for no other reason than nothing out of the ordinary has happened and all is well.

I hope your new year has begun wonderfully also. Above is a pic I captured during our morning walk earlier this week. The light and layering of the clouds caught my eye and as the temperatures are remaining just below freezing, the snow is sticking around that fell a few days ago.

Plans this weekend look to be slow and restful. A new batch of croissants will be made so one can be enjoyed each Sunday over the next couple of months, time in the garden will be enjoyed to tidy up and also take down Christmas lights from the roof, and I was excited to learn just yesterday that on Monday of next week the bookshelves for the office will be installed. Wahoo! A plan for this room is coming together that began back in May, and with more details shared of what will be happening in Sunday’s A Cuppa Moments, it looks like indeed a spring reveal will happen of the newly customized space.

Thank you for stopping by today, and if you are looking for New Year inspiration, be sure to check out both Monday’s Motivational post and Wednesday’s podcast episode. Until Monday, bonne journée!

~In case there was any doubt, France greatly values and holds dear their boulangeries – the government steps up to help boulangeries in ‘knead’ [Le Monde, in English]

~Linda Rodin is back and she’s back with her approach to chic and retro-inspired denim. The Silver-haired fashionista – Linda Rodin [The Times]

~This story will make you smile, perhaps unexpectedly? Sometimes we don’t know what our legacy will be, and in this case, it is one a child would be proud of when it comes to their parent’s legacy. [The Old Money Book]

~9 qualities that will make you proud to be an introvert [Introvert, Dear]

~10 New Year’s resolutions for HSPs [Highly Sensitive Refuge]

~Classical music listeners – Feed your soul: the 31-day Classical music diet for January [The Guardian], thank you Jim for sharing this article with me!

~Monty Don shares his advice for January in the garden.

~An intriguing piece on the 22 most debated issues in 2022 – a look at both and all sides of each issue. [The New York Times]

~Marie Forleo reminds us of our most important asset. Something to keep in mind as we step into a new year.

~The author of the books that inspired the television adaptation of Three Pines, Louise Penny sets the record straight on the ‘cozy mysteries’ myth [The Guardian and Mail], thank you Deborah for sharing this article with me. 🙂

~Sound decorating advice from British interior designer and antiques collector Max Rollitt, his do’s and don’ts [House & Garden UK]

~It’s hellebore season! How to grow them [House & Garden UK]

~Book Club 2 is coming!! Yep, the four stars have reunited for a second go-round and it looks to be fun. Psst . . . they go to Italy! (I will be sure to include the film the week it is released in May in the weekly This & That.)

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~Explore the previous This & That: December 23, 2022

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