A new-to-me cookbook I am thoroughly enjoying, a British series that comes highly recommended from many TSLL readers, books of all sorts – bestsellers and from bestselling authors, a new film from Katie Holmes, steep discounts on beautiful designer collections, that crossbody bag so many were trying to find from the series Murder in Provence, a British series from more than few years ago that is a true treat to savor in the evenings for a feel-good, chuckle-of-a-good-time, and still, there is much, much more.

Books

—The Librarian Spy: A Novel of World War II by Madeline Martin

Being released this coming Tuesday on the 26th, from bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London, Madeline Martin’s new plot revolves around librarian Ava at the Library of Congress and an apprentice at a printing press in France, Elaine. Ava receives “an unexpected offer from the US military [that brings] her to Lisbon with a new mission: posing as a librarian while working undercover as a spy gathering intelligence . . . Meanwhile, in occupied France, Elaine has begun an apprenticeship at a printing press run by members of the Resistance. It’s a job usually reserved for men, but in the war, those rules have been forgotten. Yet she knows that the Nazis are searching for the press and its printer in order to silence them”.

—Proving Ground: The Untold Story of the Six Women Who Programmed the World’s First Modern Computer by Kathy Kleiman

I became fascinated when I happened upon Kathy Kleiman’s new book that will be released on the 26th. Readers of Hidden Figures will likely enjoy Proving Ground as well as it took Kleiman a decade to meet, research and write it which begins “after the end of World War II, [when] the race for technological supremacy sped on. Top-secret research into ballistics and computing, begun during the war to aid those on the front lines, continued across the United States as engineers and programmers rushed to complete their confidential assignments. Among them were six pioneering women, tasked with figuring out how to program the world’s first general-purpose, programmable, all-electronic computer–better known as the ENIAC— even though there were no instruction codes or programming languages in existence. While most students of computer history are aware of this innovative machine, the great contributions of the women who programmed it were never told — until now.” 

—Trust: A Novel by Hernan Diaz

Receiving wide-ranging praise, Trust is set in the 1920s, yet the entire novel spans a century, telling the story of Benjamin and Helen Rask. “He is a legendary Wall Street tycoon; she is the daughter of eccentric aristocrats. Together, they have risen to the very top of a world of seemingly endless wealth—all as a decade of excess and speculation draws to an end . . . This is the mystery at the center of Bonds, a successful 1937 novel that all of New York seems to have read. Yet there are other versions of this tale of privilege and deceit.”

—To Walk Alone in a Crowd: A Novel by Antonio Muñoz Molina

Newly translated into English, Antonio Molina’s novel, winner of the 2020 Medici Prize for Foreign Novel, follows the fictitious, yet inspired by people Molina knows (including himself) characters of De Quincey, Baudelaire, Poe, Joyce, Benjamin, Melville, Lorca, Whitman . . . walkers and city dwellers all, collagists and chroniclers, picking the detritus of their eras off the filthy streets and assembling it into something new, shocking, and beautiful. In To Walk Alone in the Crowd, Antonio Muñoz Molina emulates these classic inspirations, following their peregrinations and telling their stories in a book that is part memoir, part novel, part chronicle of urban wandering”.

British Finds

—The Home Cookbook by Monty and Sarah Don

I briefly shared in IG Stories over the weekend, the arrival of Monty Don’s cookbook The Home Cookbook. Published in 2010, I purchased it used for $20 from World of Books. Hard to find, but if you can find a copy and at a price that fits your budget, it is a gem. I have already made their oatmeal (yum), and will be making his cheese scones this weekend. Shop on Abe’s Books, World of Books, Amazon as well is linked above.

—Kingdom, series (AcornTV)

A big Thank You to TSLL reader Maggie who introduced me to Kingdom last week, as I quickly began watching this series following reading her mention of the series that stars Stephen Fry and has three seasons to enjoy. I am thoroughly loving it. Comical episode characters, fun stories and delightful regular characters from Oriole who plays Peter Kingdom’s aunt (Fry), Lyle who is Peter’s assistant law clerk and eventual junior partner at the firm, Gloria, Peter’s secretary and so many more. Enjoy the scenery along the eastern beaches of England as the series is set in Norfolk, as that alone drew me in and made me sit still and savor the story for each particular episode to come.

The series was originally released between 2007-2009 on iTV, but it continues to be worth watching. Enjoy.

—The Split, drama series

More than a few TSLL readers have shared with me (and recommended) the British drama series The Split, and I look forward to sitting down and doing just that later this summer. Exploring modern marriage and the legacy of divorce as seen through the experience of the Defoes who practice family law, you will no doubt recognize Nicola Walker from Last Tango on Halifax and most likely other well-known British actors as well. It continues to receive high praise from critics and viewers alike, and currently has three seasons to enjoy. Watch on Sundance, Amazon Prime or Hulu. Have a look at the trailer for Season 1 below.

Film

—Alone Together

Directed, written and starring Katie Holmes is a film I am greatly looking forward to watching, Alone Together. Available to see in theaters beginning today and video on demand as well, inspired by the pandemic we all went through, I have a feeling there will be great conversation starters in this film. Have a look at the trailer and enjoy.

Francophile Find

—The blue crossbody bag worn by Nancy Carroll in Murder in Provence!

I am incredibly grateful to a new reader of TSLL blog, Sarah, who shared this week where to find the blue leather crossbody that Nancy Carroll accessorizes with throughout the majority of the three episodes of Murder in Provence. Made and sold by a French company, Bleu-de-Chauffe, the Pastell Clutch bag is 21 cm (8.26″) long and 15cm (6″) high.

The moment I saw this clutch, I knew it would work wonderfully with my everyday wardrobe, but also for travel, but was not able to find it for the detailed post sharing now seven outfits that Carroll wore during Season 1 (I updated the post here to include a 7th outfit, as well as add an new green jumpsuit and this crossbody bag). It is simple, yet timeless; unique, yet no glaring labels; feminine, but also neutral. Interestingly enough, the bag was $250 earlier this week, and in just five days’ time has increased to $275. However, shipping is free, yep, free for international shipping. They have other colors and sizes as well.

—My Donkey, My Lover and I

I shared earlier this year when the new French film My Donkey, My Lover and I (titled Antoinette in the Cévennes in France) was first released in France, but I want to make sure to share today that it is being released in US theaters today. Starring Laure Calamy, better well-known from Call My Agent, expect hilarity, relationship dilemmas and much confusion. Have a look at the trailer and enjoy.

—The Provence, Panama hat

From trusted hat company in London (so technically, this is a British Find), I introduced Pachacuti’s Panama hat collection (many styles other than Panama hats as well) this past Wednesday in the Outfit of the Month, but wanted to make sure to note this particular hat. After all, it is summer, it is hot, and we still want to enjoy the sunshine while being protected from its rays. Available in three sizes for women (they make hats for men as well, and if you watch Gardeners’ World, you will remember that Joe Swift regularly wears a fedora, and yep, it is from Pachacuti’s).

Shopping

—Moda Operandi Designer Collection Sale (up to 70% off)

Similar to Net-a-Porter is Moda Operandi; however what MO does that is unique is acquire access to collections just as they are seen on the runway, so you can ensure you receive the style and design you want, reserving it before it is released. While I typically don’t purchase any of the items at full price, when they have a sale, I take note, as the savings on high quality items are quite sweet.

One of my favorite designers (I have yet to own a piece, but someday will) is Joanna Ortize and her Silk Charmeuse Midi Dress is 50% off as are many dresses (I have included more in the scroll and her Shells at Dusk printed cotton pollen midi dress (one shoulder) is also 50% off, a great price for a timeless summer dress. Or these simple, yet signature gold-plated pearl earrings that are only $72. And this gorgeous oversized stretch-Cashmere grey sweater by Khaite, someone please scoop it up – 50%, an investment yes, but gorgeous and will be with you for years, and years. Oh! And Ulla Johnson’s cotton midi dress in orange – only $176! If orange is your color, a stunning summer piece. I have shopped the entire 15 pages of sale items, and keep finding great deals – one more spotlight – check out Staud’s leather espadrille wedges – 40% off, less than $200.

Explore the two scroll of finds below the highlighted items for many of my hand-picked favorites.

DRESSES:

OTHER: Jackets, Pants, Sweaters, Accessories, Etc.:

—Sézane Paloma Basket

Television

—The Criterion Collection

If you love good films, have become dissatisfied with Netflix and their offerings, or just want to try something different for your movie-watching interests, be sure to check out The Criterion Collection. It is a film-streaming service to enjoy on your television offering viewers “important classic and contemporary films from around the world in editions that offer the highest technical quality and award-winning, original supplements”. Watch favorite French films, documentaries, independent films and classic favorites. Their selection is updated regularly, and the October film list has just been shared. You can stream through your Amazon Prime service and likely your AppleTV service as well.

After learning about this while reading a profile piece on Isabella Rossellini in my Sunday papers this past weekend, I knew I wanted to share with you. Have a look at a trailer below that debuted when the streaming service became available in 2019.

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This David Austin Albrighton rambler has begun to share its second-round of rose blooms for the summer, and it seemed to have happened in just a matter of days as just yesterday, to my recollection, not a bloom was seen. One of the daily rituals I love partaking in during summer in the garden is wandering about either in the morning or evening and seeing the changes that happen ever-so naturally, yet often it seems in a blink of an eye. Such an observance serves as a teacher to savor, but not cling; witness, but don’t ask for more as the plants are being themselves, sharing when and how they do what they individually do best so long as we have given them the proper ingredients – the right amount of sun, water, and best soil for its needs.

Such a ritual of ‘touring’ the garden is a seasonal pleasure I savor, and while some rituals and routines we are able to engage in year-round; some, such as the garden touring, are only seasonal which makes them all the more special. Hopefully you as well have a few or more than a few that you are reveling in at the moment, soaking up and letting yourself be held in the present moment when you step into them.

The past week has been wonderfully steady. The curtain rods were installed and the curtains are nearly done, hopefully all will be complete and final next week. Already, having removed the curtain shades that were in these windows, there is more light streaming through, and now with the rods placed above, more framing to draw the eye.

The upcoming weekend will find me at home preparing my North garden (which has not much going on in it at the moment, the last exterior space that now has my full attention) for a few new-to-me trees that my neighbor has given to me as she embarks on a new landscaping project. It was hard to turn down healthy, beautiful trees, and after pondering if I should say yes, and if so, where to put them for over for a week or so, I think they will be a great foundation to the idea I have in my head for what will become a Shade Garden in a few years time.

On Sunday morning, I look forward to watching the cyclists circle about the city of Paris as the Tour de France comes to a close, and then before we know it, a new and the final full week of July will be upon us. This month really has flown by.

I want to thank you for stopping by today. Until Monday, when a new episode of the podcast will be shared, bonne journée.

~This recipe, oh my – Chocolate Oblivion Truffle Torte, only three ingredients. Must try it soon. 🙂 [Food52]

~5 Gifts to be grateful for if you are HSP [Highly Sensitive Refuge]

~Sissinghurst Garden again became a focus point in a recent article in the WSJ, exhibiting the beauty of a single hued garden.

~Explore the best new Paris restaurants to book now [WSJ]

~Creative ideas for outdoor dining [House & Garden UK]

~The power of expressing appreciation at work [Jocelyn K. Glei]

~There is just so much about James Mackie’s 17th-century Cotswold’s cottage I love [House & Garden UK]

~This made me chuckle and then realize, huh, the writer has a point – Meryl Streep’s One Weird Trick [NYTimes]

~Take note if you’re traveling to Paris – 8 Remarkable & Unusual Outdoor Museum Cafés [Frenchly]

~British book settings you can visit [Britain magazine]

~The World’s 50 Best Restaurants were just announced, and France has a couple (no surprise there!) [Veranda]

~A video on a topic to ponder as we either travel to foreign countries this summer or dream and plan of visiting them in the future – How Language shapes the way we think.

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~Explore last week’s This & That: July 15, 2022

~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.