Inspired by the commencement of the Olympics in Paris, discover all sorts of links and even an interview with one of the many mayors of Paris (a handful of arrondissements is their jurisdiction in this reference of mayor) by a favorite French podcast host of TSLL. Also a novel critics and readers are loving about friendship and music and the courage of second chances. And clothing finds for travel, comfort and style, as well as one luxurious find that will ensure a lovely night’s sleep as well as covering all of the previous listed criteria. Two new tv series return, both taking us to Italy, and a new comedy with an all-star hilarious female cast. Still there is much more!

Books

—Rare Singles: A Novel by Benjamin Myers

Being released on August 1st, Rare Singles has been described as a “warm, tender and funny story about unlikely friendships, second chances, and the magic of soul music”. With the ingredients of seemingly dead-ends, and dreams that didn’t pan out, enter an invitation and giving something that speaks to you that you just can’t explain another try and the plot begins to unfold. Learn more about all the characters here.

—Wisdom of the Path: The Beauty and Bumpy Ride to Healing and Trusting Our Inner Guide by Yasmine Cheyenne

Released in June from “mental wellness advocate, self-healing educator, and author of The Sugar Jar, Yasmine Cheyenne shares a roadmap to self-healing that you need in Wisdom of the Path. You’ll learn how to tap into your inner wisdom when you need it most.”

The book offers help to readers to:

• Have more patience with yourself during struggles
• Gather the lessons and wisdom of your past to courageously face new untraveled roads ahead
• Stand in your power and create the future you desire
• Embrace that each journey—good and bad—has informed our core wisdom.

Released on June 11, 2024

Cookbooks

—Taste & Technique: Recipes to Elevate Your Home Cooking by Naomi Pomeroy

Here in Oregon, if you love food, you no doubt have been to Portland, and if you live in Portland, you know that the food scene has been quite spectacular for about 20 years now. Acclaimed chef who has won a James Beard Award Naomi Pomeroy is most definitely one of the chefs that began this food revolution in the City of Roses. Sadly, the food community and her customers as well as so many fans lost her when she died in an accident while floating the Willamette River earlier this month. She was only 49.

Her work, whether in her restaurants, Beast is the one that brought her name to the broader culture, or in her praised cookbook, are still with us, and so I wanted to bring to your attention Taste & Technique. In her cookbook, this self-made chef “shares her hard-won knowledge, passion, and experience along with nearly 140 recipes that outline the fundamentals of cooking. By paring back complex dishes to the building-block techniques used to create them, Naomi takes you through each recipe step by step, distilling detailed culinary information to reveal the simple methods chefs use to get professional results.
 
“Recipes for sauces, starters, salads, vegetables, and desserts can be mixed and matched with poultry, beef, lamb, seafood, and egg dishes to create show-stopping meals all year round. Practice braising and searing with a Milk-Braised Pork Shoulder, then pair it with Orange-Caraway Glazed Carrots in the springtime or Caramelized Delicata Squash in the winter. Prepare an impressive Herbed Leg of Lamb for a holiday gathering, and accompany it with Spring Pea Risotto or Blistered Cauliflower with Anchovy, Garlic, and Chile Flakes.”
 

Here is an article you might want to read to learn more about her and the legacy she leaves behind as shared in Portland Monthly.

Films

—The Fabulous Four

Well, this just looks like a hoot of a good time. Look at the cast! With Susan Sarandon, Megan Mullally, and Sheryl Lee Ralph starring as long-time friends “who travel to Key West, Florida, to be bridesmaids in the surprise wedding of their best college girlfriend Marilyn (Bette Midler), over the course of one outrageous trip, sisterhoods are rekindled, the past resurfaces, and there are enough sparks, sex, and romance to change all their lives in unexpected ways.” Yep, I cannot wait to watch this one. Have a look at the trailer below and look for it in theaters beginning today.

Francophile Finds

—Jeux Olympiques, Cérémonies Ouvertes

By the time you read this week’s This & That the Cérémonies Ouvertes may have already begun or concludes, but I just had to share with you all of the details about what looks to be a most unprecedented presentation not only of the teams but of all of the regions of France. First of all, never before has the parade of teams been outside of a stadium and on, what the designers of the ceremonies are calling the nautical stadium on the Seine.View the map of the Opening Ceremonies.

Also, I wanted to share with you these photos I saw recently of the full moon as captured in three different images as the moon progressed along its way moving ever upward through the Olympic Rings and the Tour de Eiffel.

—La Grande Seine, series

Speaking of the unique Opening Ceremonies of the Paris Olympics, a series to watch is La Grande Seine. I have been watching it on Peacock as of late (loving the practice of listening to French, but don’t worry, there are subtitles). From where the ideas came from and how all of the details came together for the opening ceremonies, no doubt it will deepen appreciation for what we watch this Friday as the games begin.

—A Northern Light in Provence: A Novel by Elizabeth Burkelund

TSLL’s 9th Annual French Week is just two weeks away, but until then, a French find to sweep you away to Provence.

“Ilse Erlund is a translator who lives in a house on stilts along the west coast of Greenland. Isolated and restless in her world by the sea, she convinces her publisher to pay for a trip to the country she has never visited but whose language she speaks fluently: France. Her mission is to translate the verses of Geoffrey ‘Po’ Labaye, a charismatic poet known as ‘the last living troubadour of Provence.’

“Upon arrival in the medieval hilltop village of Belle Rivière, Ilse falls under the spell of the Provençal way of life, captivated by the air, the sun, the vibrant spring colors, and the dulcet sounds of the dialect. Soon enough, Ilse is captivated by the poet, too, and she and Po develop a daily rhythm and warm camaraderie—which is disrupted by the arrival of the poet’s son, Frey. Though he has a fiancée back in Paris, Frey turns his attentions to Ilse, and suddenly she is forced to learn another language, one her translation skills have not prepared her to decode. Where—and with whom—does her future lie?”

I look forward to reading this lovely summer read and no doubt will be further inspired to book a flight to France tout de suite ! (Perhaps you will as well ☺️🇫🇷❤️)

Shopping

—Abercrombie & Finch’s Linen-blend Utility Jumpsuit (two colors), on sale

I recently saw someone wearing a linen jumpsuit similar to this one while walking their dog and I thought to myself, that is a brilliant idea. And this one is on sale for fewer than $90!

—James Perse, summer sale

Last time I shared James Perse had a sale, I know a few scooped up some wonderful deals, and as this brand is the one I go to for my jersey travel dresses (you will see the gray one in the scroll below), I wanted to make sure you didn’t miss it. The prices when at full are steep, but these savings are quite nice.

Recycled Cashmere Track Pant

~SHOP THE SALE:

—Jenny Regency Vintage Gold Easel Stand

Upon looking for a more sturdy easel to hold my planner when opened and propped up on my desk, I came across this one, and while not cheap (you purchase two for the price of $145), the quality looks quite nice. Of course, this is ideal for photos, but also cookbooks due to its sturdy construction.

—La Ligne, 15% savings

If you have had your eye on anything at La Ligne, use promo code VIP15 to save 15%. The Antoine V-Neck Sweater (three colors w/stripes) caught my eye as it is a soft silk/cashmere blend and looks very relaxed and comfortable without being heavy.

—The White Company Silk Lace Trim Nightgown

Between sleeping on linen sheets and wearing a silk chemise, sleep has never been sweeter, and this silk chemise is a nice length, but also with just a touch of detail without being too much.

Television

—The Gods of Tennis, PBS Masterpiece

Tennis fans if you know your tennis history, you will want to check out this new documentary series containing three episodes that centers around Wimbledon. “This series revisits a golden age of tennis during the 1970s and 1980s that changed the sport forever. Contributors include Billie Jean King, John McEnroe, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Sue Barker, Clare Balding, Sir Trevor McDonald, Bjorn Borg, Pat Cash, John Lloyd, Tracy Austin, Jonathan Ross, Miriam Margolyes, Martina Navratilova, and Pam Shriver”. Have a look at the trailer below and look for it now as it premieres today.

—Hotel Portofino, season 3, PBS Masterpiece

The third season of Italy set Hotel Portofino returns this Sunday on PBS Masterpiece. With six episodes, season 3 “picks up two years later [still in the 1920s] with Bella enjoying her blossoming relationship with Marco, the handsome architect, as well as preparing for her father and sister’s imminent arrival. However, Bella’s image of bliss is soon thrown for a loop when Cecil appears at the hotel… requesting a divorce. Over the weeks, Bella must decide her future as well as avoid the ever-scheming fascist leader, Danioni”. Have a look at the trailer below and enjoy six new episodes in the season, one dropping each Sunday unless you have a PBS Passport and then you can watch them as swiftly as you would like!

—Signora Volpe, season 2, AcornTV

I have been most eager for season 2 of this Italian caper series. Set in Panicali, located in Umbria, Emilia Fox stars as Sylvia Fox, an ex-British spy who has now purchased a house in the Italian countryside and is settling down in a new life; however, she continues to become involved in local crime solving which is where the plots are derived. I absolutely loved the first season (three episodes) for yes, the plots and sleuthing, but also the countryside and sartorial as well décor inspiration. I think you will love it as well. Have a look at the trailer for the new season and look for it to premiere its first of three episodes on Monday July 29th on AcornTV.

When the summer Olympics arrive, I always look forward to watching, but set them in Paris and it will be appointment television absolutement ! While I will likely wait to watch the Opening Ceremonies until this Friday evening with a nice glass of French wine and some fromage – pourquoi pas ? – seeing glimpses of the culture and city so many of us are fond of will be a special treat along with cheering on all of the athletes from around the world.

This week has been leisurely but exciting as well. Just yesterday a group of my neighbors came over to Le Papillon for afternoon tea and time together to catch up before the Olympics and then school beginning shortly after for a few of them with young kids. Sharing my house and garden is something I treasure, and Norman and Nelle enjoyed it as well.

Of course, the farmers’ market was visited earlier this week, and the vegetables and fruit just keep looking divine. A paddle on Mirror Pond occurred on Tuesday night as we had a day free of smoke and seized it like many other people and what a delightfully peaceful evening that was. I will be sure to share video of our journey in August’s A Cuppa Moments with TOP Tier Members.

Speaking of summer and leisure, in this month’s Ponderings, posted earlier this week, I shared a couple of outfit details I have been wearing regularly throughout the summer and highly recommend. I have promo codes as well to save if you too would like these items. But now, let’s get to even more finds, shared via links and one video I think you will love. Many are associated with the Olympics, but not all, so do enjoy perusing. And thank you for stopping by today. May your weekend be full of cheers and soirées where you feel completely at peace and fully present, and may you wake up from deep slumbers feeling rested and excited to begin the day. Oh, and of course, may you savor oodles of everyday moments. Until Monday, bonne journée !

~Did you know that the official flower of the Paris Olympics is a dahlia? And not just any dahlia, but a special hybridized one. Learn all about le Parc Floral de Paris dahlia here. [Financial Times, subscription needed, or read this short article on Sortir à Paris or here on the Paris blog]

~A post to save for all future planning of trips throughout Britain – places to visit for all sorts of varying interests. [House & Garden UK]

~As someone who delights in birds in the garden, this was a must-read. Perhaps you are as well. How to avoid dangers to our birds in the garden. [Gardeners’ World]

~Ever curious about what a city gains by hosting an Olympics? This is an interesting read that shares while the investment up front is immense, the benefits gained later may well be worth the initial stress, funding and planning. [NYTimes, gift link]

~A new museum to visit in Paris just opened this Wednesday, a museum dedicated to all of the French presidents. [The Local]

~Experience through one writer’s eyes what the night train from Paris to Berlin is all about – a retro-romantic journey. [NYTimes, gift link]

~Okay! I am definitely saving this article. The best beaches in Britain according to a man who just spent seven weeks visiting 583 of them. [Country Life]

~Looking ahead to planning a trip to Scotland, specifically Edinburgh? Here is an article to save – 13 of the best Airbnbs in the city. [CNTraveler]

~Let’s go back to Paris – Hip Paris shares their 9 Favorite English bookshops in the city.

~Have a listen to this new episode of The Earful Tower who talks to Ariel Weil, the mayor of ‘Paris Centre’ (the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th arrondissements), who was one of the mayors who jumped and swam in the Seine last week. Oliver Gee had a chat with him just this week about that swim and the city as it now is in the throes of the Olympics.

~Now as antidote to the heat you may be experiencing, but still keeping us with world-renowned athletes, a wonderful short (8 minute) video chatting with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal about their tennis careers and friendship during them photo shoot in the snowy Alps with Annie Leibovitz for the Louis Vuitton ad-campaign. (I chuckled along with the gentlemen when Nadal responded when asked how he was liking the snow. :)). Enjoy!

~Explore last week’s This & That: July 19, 2024

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? 🙂

~~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.