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Get your summer outdoor space ready with a timeless bistro table, discover books of all sorts – capers, food and flavor combinations, and the history of Arts & Crafts décor. An annual favorite French event kicks off, summer sales continue, a new Anglophile film to check out, and still, there is more.
Books
—The Art of Flavor: Practices and Principles for Creating Delicious Food by Mandy Aftel and Daniel Patterson
I happened upon this book, published in 2017, at a local used bookshop, and it immediately caught my eye for its exploration of flavor. Written by Michelin two-star chef Daniel Patterson and celebrated natural perfumer Mandy Aftel, the pair of experts share The Four Rules for creating flavor, a Flavor Compass that points the way to transformative combinations, the flavor-heightening effects of cooking methods, “locking,” “burying,” and other aspects of cooking alchemy, as well as the Seven Dials that let you fine-tune a dish. Certainly a book that can be considered a detailed course on how create a delicious menu.
—In Strangers’ Houses by Elizabeth Mundy (The Lena Szarka Mysteries, book #1)
A TSLL reader recommended the Lena Szarka mystery series to me which centers around a Hungarian cleaner, Lena Szarka who “works in London, and knows all too well about cleaning up other people’s messes. When her friend disappears, she suspects one of her clients is to blame. However, the police don’t share her suspicions and it is left to Lena to turn sleuth and find her friend.” From the location, to the shift in perspective, this series looks like one to enjoy.
British Finds
—Miss Aldridge Regrets: A Novel by Louise Hare
Being released on Tuesday (July 5th), Miss Aldridge Regrets is set in London, 1936. Lena Aldridge wonders if life has passed her by. The dazzling theatre career she hoped for hasn’t worked out. Instead, she’s stuck singing in a sticky-floored basement club in Soho, and her married lover has just left her. But Lena has always had a complicated life, one shrouded in mystery as a mixed-race girl passing for white in a city unforgiving of her true racial heritage”. And then a murder occurs, and she decides to put her sleuthing skills to work.
Being released in theaters today, Mr. Malcolm’s List, starring Freida Pinto, is about a young woman who courts a mysterious wealthy suitor in 19th century England, but there is so much more to the plot than that. Read a review by NPR, and be sure to check out the trailer below.
—William Morris by Anna Mason
I cannot wait to welcome this new book about the founder of the Arts & Crafts movement, William Morris, into my library. Not only is Anne Mason’s book beautiful to the eye aesthetically on the exterior, to commemorate the 125th anniversary of his death last fall, the book is the most wide-ranging illustrated book ever published about Morris. His thoughts alone on wallpaper have captured my attention and admiration, and as “the pioneer of the Arts & Crafts Movement, William Morris (1834–1896) is one of the most influential designers of all time, turning the tide of Victorian England against an increasingly industrialized manufacturing process toward a rediscovered respect for the skill of the maker. Morris’s whole approach still resonates today, and his designs are popular and much admired”.
The quote shared below about wallpaper immediate finds me nodding my head in agreement.
Perhaps you too are drawn to the English cottage, specifically Arts & Craft aesthetic? If so, this is the book for you.
Décor
—Elgin Zinc Bistro Table, Rowen & Wren UK
Summer is for dining al fresco as much as possible and having outdoor tables upon which you can place your meal, your glass or aperitifs is a wonderful detail to add to your outdoor spaces. This Zinc Bistro Table caught my eye as it similar to my own from Fermob, but a bit smaller so it can fit in nearly any outdoor space.
~Rowen & Wren does ship internationally.
Francophile Find
—Le Tour de France begins!
Today is the day! As I share each year when Le Tour de France begins, for three weeks I vicariously slip away to the French countryside whilst working away at home in Bend, Oregon, and feel as though I am on vacation without having to pay the airfare. Cycling through July 24th, you can view all 21 stages live on NBC’s Peacock streaming service. Now you may be wondering, and I want to thank long-time TSLL reader Kameela for always reminding us that the women have a Tour de France as well, when is the women’s event? It kicks off on the same day the men’s event concludes – July 24 and runs through July 31. Click here for their route.
—My Stylish French Box, August (Summer in France, theme)
There is something special about spending summer in France, but if that is not a possibility, why not treat yourself to Sharon Santoni’s My Stylish French Box? Their August shipping is entirely focused on just that – Summer in France.
—Yolo Journal, Summer Issue, France Travel
I just learned of the Yolo Journal (an online digital platform as well as producing print magazines monthly), and when I learned their summer issue was focused on France travel, I wanted to share. Guided by the founder’s love for great photography, travel and collecting great ideas, for $30 discover Yolo’s favorite places in this great country, from the coolest Riviera restaurants to the charming villages of Normandy, the chateaux of the Dordogne to the markets of Provence, plus a fantasy list of what to eat, see and do in Paris from friends and experts who know it well”.
Shopping
—Caravana Antique Rose Ayikal open-back maxi dress
This cotton-gauze blend dress just is summer chic and effortless style. Looking comfortable, breathable for the skin and perfect for the hottest days enabling you to remain comfortable, this dress has caught my eye (however, I might hem the bottom just to make it all one length as that would still make a beautiful dress and avoid anything getting dirty).
With their summer sale now on, take advantage of the savings at this brand that makes oversized look chic. I have one of their button up shirts and short jackets, and love the colors which are timeless, the lightness of the fabric and lovely low prices for well-made items.
—M.Gemi Semi Annual Sale, up to 50% off
If you are looking for summer sandals, classic pumps or loafers, be sure to check out the Italian-made shoes during M.Gemi’s Semi Annual sale. I have shopped a few below, but be sure to check out their entire site.
—Veronica Beard Vitha linen-blend floral printed pant
These dark navy, high-waisted tie-belt pants are a versatile staple to have in your closet for summer, spring or fall.
Television
—For The Love of Kitchens, Magnolia (Discovery+)
A TSLL reader brought to my attention the series For The Love of Kitchens, and upon realizing that British interior design company deVOL is the focus, I immediately took note and looked forward to sharing. Airing on the Magnolia Network which is available to watch on Discovery+, deVOL creates timeless kitchens that remind you of the English country, yet have thoughtful modern touches. In fact, the brass pot rack that hangs above my stove is from deVOL, and I love it, complete with solid brass hooks, they ship to the states and even have a showroom in New York.
Have a look at the trailer for Season 1 of this series and look for Season 2 soon.
Well, hello July. ?
So many blooms have begun to share their beauty this week in the garden here at Le Papillon, from the wisteria and just yesterday evening, Julia Child (the rose) said hello. ☺️ Norman and I have taken time to paddle this week, relax in the garden and on the front porch, and with him being newly groomed, the heat can come because we are ready.
This weekend is supposed to bring rain (wahoo!), and with no plans, I am grateful for cooler temperatures during this holiday weekend (fingers crossed for a safe 4th of July) and will be reveling in just staying home. With two of my favorite annual sporting events taking place simultaneously at the moment (Wimbledon and Le Tour de France), relaxing and watching the matches and the stages sounds like the perfect holiday weekend to me.
As a new month has begun, yesterday the free monthly newsletter was delivered to inboxes, and today July’s A Cuppa Moments w/Shannon was shared for TOP Tier Members. A full 55-minutes of chatting, sharing, exploring and just enjoying constructive, pondering conversation, if you are curious about joining TSLL Community that comprises of international readers each living their own simply luxurious life, click here to learn more.
And with that, happy weekend everyone, and thank you for choosing to stop by. I hope your next couple or few days are enjoyed and all that you hope they can be, and below are a few articles/posts and one video you might enjoy. Until Monday, bonne journée.
~An introvert’s guide to building a strong morning routine [Introvert, Dear]
~Mireille Guiliano shares Eight or Nine Wise Words about Provence [French Women Don’t Get Fat]
~10 mental health game changers for HSPs [Highly Sensitive Refuge]
~Change your life by changing your narrative with these steps [LifeHack]
~Tips for applying sunscreen correctly for the most effective protection [Wirecutter]
~I swooned a bit when I took the tour of Nancy Meyers’ newly remodeled home, the office – love, and so much more. [Architectural Digest]
~Perhaps you already saw it, but just in case, the recently released portrait of The Cambridges painted by Jamie Coreth [IG]
~The awesome art of savoring anticipation to bring more joy to your life [NYTimes]
~Meryl Streep and her real life-long love story [Vogue]
~Well, this film just looks like fun. Look for its release in October, Ticket to Paradise starring Julia Roberts and George Clooney.
~Explore last week’s This & That: June 24, 2022
This week’s T & T is packed, 18+ items I couldn’t delay sharing as summer has begun, and plans are being made, outings enjoyed and leisure time savored. From new series premiering, the return of favorite series, an exhibit to see in D.C., linen for summer wardrobes, new books for stronger relationships, exploration of revolutionary women and food’s inspiration, French cooking, and more. The release of a much-anticipated film, a English countryside inn that is full of luxury, décor finds to add a signature touch and still, there is 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.
Thank-you, your episode on your recent trip to England couldn’t have come at a better time. My husband and I were headed to London a few weeks after I had listened. Although most activities were booked, I just had to add two tickets to” The Mousetrap”. It was wonderful we truly enjoyed the show thanks to your great suggestion!
Thanks again!
Julie, thank you so much for sharing!! I am so tickled you went to the show and enjoyed it! To be back in England and the theatre district in London – a special part of the city. Thank you again for sharing ☺️??❤️
Another lovely list indeed Shannon. Happy 1st July and
Le Tour has started. I spent a good part of today watching the time trials in beautiful Copenhagen. You’ll have to wait until Tuesday to.enjoy the French countryside. Love the dreamy Caravana dress. The colour is just gorgeous Would definitely turn heads. Isn’t it rewarding to find a book pre- loved that catches your eye when you weren’t looking. The chef/ perfumer combination is not obvious but when I ptepare food it’s all about the flavour combinations so it’s a perfect match. Have fun with it. Oh and ‘Ticket to Paradise’ looks fun . Hope it will be screened in a cinema near me. Enjoy your book on William Morris. Exciting to connect your ideas with his aesthetics See you and the TSLL community shortly on Cuppa Moments. Kameela ?
Oh my Lord & Taylor, that absolutely brilliant blue sky you are living under. I would pack it all in and move except I cannot deal with cold and snow for, let’s be honest, real cold and snow/ice for very long at all. But wowser what you get now.
Can’t wait for ‘Ticket to Paradise’!! Love both of the lead actors, such lovely humans.
Isn’t it fun to have both Wimbledon AND Tour de France at the same time?!
Mr. Malcolm’s List is an ABSOLUTE must-see, wow, how dee-lish.
Gorgeous Caravana dress and yes, tailor to your specs–that extra fabric can be added to the overall hem for extra length.
Very interesting perspective from Mireille Guiliano.
And I must check out the book on William Morris.
Merci bien, Shannon. J’espère que tu passes un bon week-end. ???