Books on all sorts of topics – understanding the mind, a mystery set in Paris, mysteries (4) set in Tuscany, the history of the Renaissance, how an artist creates their masterpieces and the lesser known stories of women both American expats in Paris and British women who stepped up to demand to be seen and heard. As well, a romance to take you to Cyprus, a bio-pic about an acclaimed actress, a French luxury consignment find not to let slip through your fingers, and a film long anticipated and finally here that takes us to the Champagne region of the world and tells the story of a woman who broke the mold during her time as well. Still, so much more – clothing finds and bargains, the return of a favorite French drama with an oh so likable lead, and well, let’s begin perusing, shall we? 🙂

Books

—Earthly Delights: A History of the Renaissance by Jonathan Jones

Released late last year, if you are a lover of history and art, specifically Renaissance art, then this is a book to pick up and add to your library. “Written by one of the UK’s foremost art critics, this new narrative history of the Renaissance takes in the whole of Europe and its global context. In the nineteenth century this flowering of creativity and thought was celebrated as the birth of the modern world . . . Earthly Delights rekindles the Renaissance as a seismic change in European mentalities, in a panoramic history that encompasses Florence and Bruges, London and Nuremberg.

Including 170 color illustrations/photographs, “art critic and writer Jonathan Jones tells the story of Renaissance artists as pioneers, adventurers and ‘geniuses,’ a Renaissance concept. Albrecht Dürer gazes with wonder on Aztec art in Brussels in 1520, Leonardo da Vinci tries to perfect a flying machine, Hieronymus Bosch finds inspiration in West African ivory carvings imported by the Portuguese to Antwerp. A then unknown Netherlandish painter, Pieter Bruegel, arrives in 1550s Rome just as Michelangelo is striving in the same city to raise the new St Peter’s Basilica towards heaven. From Atlantic voyages to Germanic woods, Italian palazzi to the royal castle of Prague, this was an age when people dared to experiment with the occult and dabble in utopias: to think and create new worlds.”

—How to Age Disgracefully: A Novel by Clare Pooley

As shared in Monday’s Motivational post, the pups and I stopped into our local bookshop, and upon doing so found books that I likely would not had known about which is part of the fun of popping into any bookstore just because. One of the books I came across was How to Age Disgracefully, and after perused through the pages a bit to get a feel for the characters and tone, I realized immediately that yep, this looks like a fun read.

Released on June 11th, “when Lydia takes a job running the Senior Citizens’ Social Club three afternoons a week, she assumes she’ll be spending her time drinking tea and playing gentle games of cards. The members of the Social Club, however, are not at all what Lydia was expecting. From Art, a failed actor turned kleptomaniac to Daphne, who has been hiding from her dark past for decades to Ruby, a Banksy-style knitter who gets revenge in yarn, these seniors look deceptively benign—but when age makes you invisible, secrets are so much easier to hide.

“When the city council threatens to sell the doomed community center building, the members of the Social Club join forces with their tiny friends in the daycare next door—as well as the teenaged father of one of the toddlers and a geriatric dog—to save the building. Together, this group’s unorthodox methods may actually work, as long as the police don’t catch up with them first.”

—Rewire: Break the Cycle, Alter Your Thoughts and Create Lasting Change (your neuro toolkit for life by Nicole Vignola

Released this past June, Rewire, a new book by neuroscientist Nicole Vignola, demystifies the science of breaking bad habits and how to make good ones, the principles of neuroplasticity, and neurohack methods for changing behavioral patterns. In the end, she helps you to see yourself in a different way and control how you react to any life situation, from overcoming negative, limiting beliefs to managing stress and achieving peak mental wellbeing.”

Vignola likens our brain to our hardware and our mental health as our software, sharing that “your hardware must work well before you can upgrade your software; Once you learn the fundamentals of rewiring your brain, you can instill new habits, shift your mindset, and change unwanted behavior to create the best version of yourself.” Yet again, knowledge is power. I look forward to reading this one.

—Tuscan Mysteries series by Camilla Trinchieri

Another book I came across during my recent bookshop visit this past weekend was the third book in a four book series set in Tuscany. A mystery series by Camilla Trinchieri, it centers around “former NYPD homicide detective Nico Doyle who moves to his recently deceased wife’s hometown of Gravigna, Italy, in the winesoaked region of Chianti. Half Italian and half Irish, Nico finds himself able to get by in the region with the help of Rita’s relatives, but he still feels alone and out of place. He isn’t sure if it’s peace he’s seeking, but it isn’t what he finds”. Let the sleuthing begin!

I think I would have dove right in with book #3, Murder on the Vine, as that is the plot that caught my eye, but there are four books in the series, so perhaps beginning with Murder in Chianti would be a great idea.

—The Work of Art: How Something Comes from Nothing by Adam Moss

To step inside an artist’s world. To discover their process is to explore a unique place, and each artists’ world and journey will be different. After all, that is what makes it art.

Released this past April, The Work of Art is a “guided tour inside the artist’s head. Author Adam Moss traces the evolution of transcendent novels, paintings, jokes, movies, songs, and more. Weaving conversations with some of the most accomplished artists of our time together with the journal entries, napkin doodles, and sketches that were their tools, Moss breaks down the work—the tortuous paths and artistic decisions—that led to great art. From first glimmers to second thoughts, roads not taken, crises, breakthroughs, on to one triumphant finish after another.” This tome of a book (nearly 500 pages) looks fascinating. I hope to someday add it to my library.

British Finds

—The Bluestockings: The History of the First Women’s Movement by Susannah Gibson

After reading a review of Susannah Gibson’s new book The Bluestockings in The Financial Times, I will admit, I previously had not known about the nickname, let alone this group of women. I knew of some of the women individually and their work and roles in advocating for women’s rights, but not the term Bluestockings, nor what it referred to. Needless to say, this book has piqued my curiosity.

“In England in the 1700s, a woman who was an intellectual, spoke out, or wrote professionally was considered unnatural. After all, as the wisdom of the era dictated, a clever woman―if there were such a thing―would never make a good wife. But a circle of women called the Bluestockings did something extraordinary: coming together in glittering salons to discuss and debate as intellectual equals with men, they fought for women to be educated and to have a public role in society.

“Gibson reveals the close and complicated relationships between these women, how they supported and admired each other, and how they sometimes judged and exploited one another. Some rebelled quietly, while others defied propriety with adventurous and scandalous lives. With moving stories and keen insight, The Bluestockings uncovers how a group of remarkable women slowly built up an eviscerating critique of their male-dominated world that society was not yet ready to hear.”

Look for it to be released this coming Tuesday, July 23rd.

Décor

—Large Hogla Storage Basket, natural, TOAST

If you are looking for a sturdy, yet stylish storage basket, Toast as one that you might love!

Films

—Faye, Max

Released earlier this month on Max, actress Faye Dunaway reflects on her life and candidly discusses the triumphs and challenges of her illustrious career. Have a look at the trailer below.

—Find Me Falling, Netflix

Slip away to the island of Cyprus for a romantic film being released today on Netflix, Find Me Falling. Starring Harry Connick Jr. and Agni Scott, Connick’s character, who happens to be an aging rock star, travels to Cyprus and purchases an isolated small house along the shores after a failed comeback album. In doing so, he is returning to a place which holds nostalgic memories from his past, and so, as you might imagine, romance ensues when he runs into his old flame. Have a look at the trailer below.

Francophile Finds

—Brilliant Exiles: American Women Living in Paris (1900-1939) by Robyn Asleson

Yet another historical reflection on the lives of women being released on July 23rd is Brilliant Exiles.

“For the American women who made Paris their home during the early decades of the twentieth century, the city offered unique opportunities for personal emancipation and professional innovation. While living as expatriates in the international center of all things avant-garde, these women escaped the constraints that limited them at home and enjoyed unprecedented freedom and autonomy. Through portraiture, this volume illuminates the histories of sixty convention-defying women who contributed to the vibrant modernist milieu of Paris—including Berenice Abbott, Josephine Baker, Zelda Fitzgerald, Peggy Guggenheim, Romaine Brooks, and Gertrude Stein. Several of them rose to preeminence as cultural arbiters while exploring culture-shifting experiments in fields such as art, literature, publishing, music, fashion, journalism, theater, and dance.”

Critics are praising it, and it will definitely be a fascinating read.

—Candice Renoir, season 9, AcornTV

Ahhh, yes! She’s back! French detective Candice Renoir that is, and it is now season 9 that will be released on Monday on AcornTV. Have a look at an excerpt from the first episode.

—The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby: A Novel by Ellery Lloyd

I also learned about this novel in The Financial Times this past week and thought it sounded interesting. Set in Paris, “everybody knows that in 1938, runaway heiress artist Juliette Willoughby perished in an accidental studio fire in Paris, alongside her masterpiece Self Portrait As Sphinx.

“Fifty years later, two Cambridge art history students are confounded when they stumble across proof that the fire was no accident but something more sinister. What they uncover threatens the very foundation of Juliette’s aristocratic family and revives rumors of the infamous curse that has haunted the Willoughbys for generations.

“A tale of love and madness, obsession and revenge, The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby unravels the riddle posed by a Sphinx who refuses to reveal her secrets . . . “

—Widow Cliquot

Finally, finally, finally, the film that premiered last year at the Toronto International Film Festival will be released in theaters today! Partially inspired by the biography of the same name published in 2008 and written by Tilar J. Mazzeo, “Widow Clicquot is based on the true story of the ‘Grande Dame of Champagne,’ Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin (1777–1866) who, at the age of 20, became Madame Clicquot after marrying the scion of a winemaking family. Though their marriage was arranged, a timeless love blossomed between Barbe-Nicole (Haley Bennett) and her unconventional, erratic husband, François (Tom Sturridge). After her husband’s untimely death, Barbe-Nicole flouts convention by assuming the reins of the fledgling wine business they had nurtured together. Steering the company through dizzying political and financial reversals, she defies her critics and revolutionizes the champagne industry to become one of the world’s first great entrepreneurs”.

Read about the film when it made its world premiere last year at the Toronto International Film Festival, and watch the trailer below. I cannot wait to watch.

Shopping

—La Ligne Chantal Dress

Summer and loose, yet stylish dresses are a beautiful pairing when the heat arrives.

—Louis Vuitton Keepall 60 Travel, consignment, Chairish

A brand new one of these stylish carryall travel totes from French luxury house Louis Vuitton will run you nearly $3000, but this one (and there is only one) is only in the three figures range. A steal for a quality piece of luxury travel luggage.

~More New Arrivals at Chairish:

—Net-a-Porter’s EXTRA20 Sale

I did it. I scooped up that cashmere sweater from Joseph that I shared last week because of this additional promotion. On top of the sale prices (it was already 60% off), when you checkout, be sure to enter promo code EXTRA20 and the price continues to drop. Saving over 70% on a quality winter staple item from a brand I love is a steal, and perhaps you have your eye on something as well. Now is the time to enjoy the extra savings and welcome it home to your closet and capsule wardrobe! I have shopped a few sale items below (including that gray turtleneck oversized sweater!)

~SHOP THE SALE:

—The White Company, summer sale, up to 60% off

The sales continue, and I have done some shopping for you at The White Company’s summer sale.

Linen Relaxed Blazer, 40% off

Beautiful, simple, yet subtle in their uniqueness with the touch of green hue, glassware – the Kinsley collection (coups are also available): Kinsley Carafe, 50% off and Kinsley Wine Glasses, set of 4, 20% off. See both below.

Many have asked which linen sheets I buy if I am not using vintage sheets I pick up at French brocantes, and here they are! I have been sleeping on these from The White Company for a couple of years – and they are one sale! They don’t have a fitted sheet, so I picked that up from Piglet in Bed during Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale (but those are sold out now, BUT good news! Piglet in Bed directly is offering them on sale – shop here), but for my flat sheets, it is their Santorini linen collection.

Santorini Linen Flat Sheets, 30% off (pillow shams and duvet cover also on sale)

~SHOP THE SALE:

The heat has abated a bit here in Bend, and after a refreshing rain on Tuesday evening (yep, I poured a hot cuppa tea and just savored it as the raindrops fell :)), July feels to be settling into a normal rhythm and it feels quite nice I must say.

With a trip to the farmers’ market where many delicious goods were found on Wednesday, filming one more episode of the cooking show on Monday and then capturing photographs of a tour of the Bird & Sunshine garden here at Le Papillon on Tuesday, either being outside or working with fresh food and garden delights has been the theme running throughout the week.

Today, I will be back in the kitchen filming more of season 7 of The Simply Luxurious Kitchen cooking show, one of my favorite main dishes for special occasions and giving it an extra special layer of flavor (see peeks shared during filming on the show’s IG account @tsllcookingshow) as well as tending to some French homework, pottering in the garden and simply letting my curiosities take me and the pups where they will. And isn’t that the gift of summer? I hope you are enjoying your July however it is unfolding. Oh! And bien sûr, this weekend I will also be setting aside time to watch Le Tour de France as it winds down to Nice :).

A quick reminder for anyone interested in saving on enrollment for the Contentment Masterclass, the last day to save 20% (for active TOP Tier Members) is this Monday July 22nd. This is the only time the course will be discounted, so even if you aren’t ready to begin this summer, consider purchasing it now as the introductory price (without the discount) is $300, and over time, it will increase. This is one of the many benefits of being a TOP Tier Member as whenever there is a new online video course, for the first month of the launch, TOP Tier members can save 20% off when they enroll (be sure to enter the promo code), but only during the first month of the launch. (If you are looking for the promo code to save 20% – you can find it here in this post – July & June’s A Cuppa Moments w/Shannon.)

France is definitely dancing about in my mind as of late with all of the talk about the Olympics and of course the annual cycling event throughout the gorgeous country, so you will not be surprised that many of the links shared below are French-inspired. Which leads me to remind everyone that TSLL’s 9th Annual French Week is nearly here! Yep, always the second full week in August, and this year that is August 11-18th, just as the Olympics wind down, we will keep the Francophile spirit going and celebrate all things French to conclude the 14th year of TSLL. I do hope you will join us, and if you are new to this favorite week of TSLL postings and giveaways, you can learn more here and peruse all previous French Weeks’ content.

Thank you for stopping by today and may your weekend be filled with unstoppable laughter that gives you a workout and leaves you out of breath, just enough sunshine that suits your preference and of course, oodles of everyday moments to savor. Until Monday, bonne journée.

~The dependable favorite in my household – The plain croissant is still the best croissant. [NYTimes, gift link]

~28 things about France to know shared on Le Quatorze (Sunday’s Bastille Day in France) from American living in Paris Lauren Collins.

~Another one from Lauren Collins, writing for The New Yorker this time – A (Covert) Pre-Olympics Dip into the Seine (not the mayor, more on that below).

~Spend a day in Montmartre, Paris, according to a local [CondeNast Traveler]

~Ahead of the Olympics, Mayor Paris, Anne Hidalgo, took a swim in the Seine earlier this week, and it looked like she had a good time and the water had improved! [NPR]

~A summer berry recipe to try for your next dessert – Strawberry ricotta-cakes [House & Garden UK]

~Style Inspiration for wearing linen this summer [Who What Wear, UK]

~Often described as the 21st arrondissement of Paris, Bordeaux is a city to visit and here are some ideas for exactly that in a 48-hour duration [Hip Paris]

~But so long as you are in Paris, here are 5 excellent wine bars as described by Earful Tower.

~Alice Waters’ favorite things [NYMag]

~You may have recently seen him as the father in the rom-com mentioned in last week’s T & T, Love at First Sight, or more likely, you remember him from the comedic series Catastrophe starring alongside Sharon Horgan. An American comedian who often stars in British comedies, shows and films, Rob Delaney gives an interview and shares that the average British citizen is funnier than the average American. [The Guardian]

~Watching Carlos Alcarez confidently win his second straight Wimbledon was a treat last Sunday along with watching Tadej Podascar in the Pyrenees on Le Tour have an amazing weekend that all but secured that the maillot jaune will be his come this Sunday in Nimes when the tour concludes. And speaking of Wimbledon, seeing the Princess of Wales back in public as she is the of the patron of the All-England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and has been since 2016 was a delightful surprise (you can watch a short video of Alcarez speaking with both princesses – of Wales and Charlotte here as well).

~Explore last week’s This & That: July 12, 2024

The clothing, and well, just about everything sales keep popping up, and I have done some shopping for you – from luxury brands, to workout wear, to the upcoming Amazon Prime Day to even sweaters that you will thanking yourself for purchasing when the cooler months arrive. Also, three films, a new-to-me British series, a beautiful cookbook full of ideas for vegetables, books about wealth, enlightenment in the everyday, and a radically hopeful book about history and the future, and yep, still much, much 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.