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.

Books

—Cult Classic: A Novel by Sloane Crosley

Released earlier this month, and a book for anyone who has ever reflected on past relationships a little bit too much? I end with a question mark, because what if you continued to run into them just as you were about to commit to another? Such is the case for Lola who “must contend not only with the viability of her current relationship but the fact that both her best friend and her former boss, a magazine editor turned mystical guru, might have an unhealthy investment in the outcome. Memories of the past swirl and converge in ways both comic and eerie, as Lola is forced to decide if she will surrender herself to the conspiring of one very contemporary cult”. Certainly a unique approach to a plot, and one editors are enjoying and recommending this summer.

—Equal Partners: Improving Gender Equality at Home by Kate Mangino

I look forward to reading gender expert and professional facilitator Kate Mangino’s new book Equal Partners, being released on June 28th, because while I am not currently in a relationship, part of the importance should I choose to be in one is trusting not only that can I communicate the importance of an equal partnership, but how to do so in a constructive and loving way. “Equal Partners focuses on what we can do, everyday people living busy lives, to rewrite gender norms to support a balanced homelife so both partners have equal time for work, family, and self. Mangino adopts an interactive model, posing questions, and asking readers to assess their situations through guided lists and talking points. Equal Partnersis broad in its definition of gender and gender roles. This is a book for all: straight, gay, trans, and non-binary, parents and grandparents, and friends, with the goal to help foster gender equality in readers’ homes, with their partners, family and wider community.”

—Italian Lessons: Fifty Things We Know About Life Now by Beppe Severgnini

I know there are more than a few TSLL readers who love all things Italian, and when Frances Mayes (who has her own new book coming out this August) shared the cover of this book in her IG feed earlier this month, written by Beppe Severgnini, I wanted to share :). “Beppe Severgnini, who has dedicated his career to the meticulous observation of his compatriots, embarks on the quest to identify a core Italian identity and explore how that identity has evolved since the global pandemic . . . Severgnini touches upon patience, endurance, and wisdom, and offers a one-of-a-kind set of timeless lessons for overcoming trials, the Italian way”.

—The Monocle Guide to Cosy Homes

A few weeks ago I shared the latest book published by Monocle (The Book on Gentle Living), a German print and online magazine and publication brand focusing on the global community and living well. In more than 400 pages “The Monocle Guide to Cosy Homes is a survey of everything you need to build the residence you want. From architects to furniture-makers, from design-store owners to gardeners, we will introduce you to interesting people with ideas that are built to last. The book also has detailed guides to great places to build that home and a global photographic survey of the homes we like. As with all of Monocle’s books, the guide is a perfect balance of the inspirational and practical. This is a book that should be used again and again; it’s about quality of life, a pinch of ‘hygge’ and making homes where our lives can unfold.”

—Salty: Lessons on Eating, Drinking and Living from Revolutionary Women by Alissa Wilkinson

In a new book released this coming Tuesday, film critic and food writer Alissa Wilkinson gathers a hypothetical table of women who challenged norms and defied conventional wisdom. Selecting Ella Baker, Alice B. Toklas, Hannah Arendt, Octavia Butler, Agnes Varda, Elizabeth David, Edna Lewis, Maya Angelou, Laurie Colwin, Wilkinson “explores the ways food managed to root these women into their various callings”.

British Finds

—Heckfield Place, in Hampshire

After listening to an interview on Country & Town House podcast with the head chef of the Green Michelin starred Marle restaurant that is found at Heckfield Place in Hampshire, I wanted to share. Heckfield Place is a luxurious accommodation set in the countryside of England AND offering sustainable and delicious dining locales (three, and Marle is one). Certainly a destination for a special occasion, but just knowing it is out there is something to remember.

—Ines Water Jug, Sharland England

—The Trove Fluted Table Lamp (three colors)

Another British décor company to keep on your radar, The Trove and it is their new fluted table lamps (it is the shade that first caught my eye) that would be a lovely, necessary, yet stylish detail to place on a side table in the living room or a guest bedroom, or maybe on a desk.

—Wimbledon

I am looking forward to following along for the next two week’s the events at Wimbledon. Beginning this Monday June 27th and concluding with the championships the weekend of July 9-10th, if you like me don’t have cable or YouTubeTV or anything that offers multiple live channels, be sure check out Sling to watch live sports, DVR services included, and pay only $18 for the first month ($35/mo, there after). All you need is the Orange plan to watch Wimbledon which is on ESPN.

Exhibits

—Grace of Monaco: Princess in Dior

If you will be visiting Washington D.C. any time between now and the first week of January 2023, you may want to stop by the Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens. This special exhibition includes “fashion and mementos from the legendary life of Princess Grace of Monaco and is now in North America for the first time . . . celebrating her dedicated relationship with haute couturier Christian Dior”.

Film

—Elvis

A much-anticipated film opening today that is created and directed by Baz Luhrmann is Elvis. Find it in theaters now and watch as Austin Butler becomes Elvis Priestly, a young Elvis and evolves through all of his life chapters. Tom Hanks also stars in the film as Tom Parker, aka The Colonel, Elvis Presley’s controversial manager who struck quite the prime commission deal for himself. Have a look at the trailer below. I have a feeling there will be a few Oscar nods come award season.

Francophile Finds

—Everyday French Cooking: Modern French Cuisine Made Simple by Win Moranville

If you too love classic French fare, but are looking for an approachable cookbook to explore the classics in your own kitchen, be sure to check out Win Moranville’s new cookbook – Everyday French Cooking.

—Le Parsley Market Tote, Maggie’s Kitchen (two colors)

A TSLL reader brought to my attention a beautiful market tote that will last for many seasons to come. While indeed an investment, this beautiful, thoughtfully designed tote will not only carry your food finds, but securely carry your fresh seasonal flowers picked up at the market.

Shopping

—L’Agence Hartley Linen Dress in Provence Blue (more colors)

—Mansur Gavriel, Summer Sale (40% off)

There are quite a few summer sales taking place at this time as the end of June nears (the end of the fiscal year for many companies), so be sure to check out your favorite brands to see if what you had your eye on is on sale. Mansur Gavriel’s handbags caught my eye recently, so we will see . . . we will see. 🙂 Save up to 40% nearly all of their handbags, I have shopped just a few below, but there are many, many more.

—Pamela Munson + Schumacher handbags

Schumacher is an interior design brand I trust – for both wallpaper and fabrics that I have chosen for my home, so when they partnered with designer Pamela Munson to create summer handbags with detailed embroidery, I wanted to share. What a special, signature accessory to complete an outfit this warm summer season or while traveling and dining at a special restaurant, perhaps on the terrasse.

Television

—Loot, AppleTV+

Maya Rudolph stars in a new series premiering today on Apple TV+. Starring as a woman, Molly Novak, who has just divorced her husband after 20 years, and receives an $87 billion settlement, it is now her focus to figure out what to do with this loot. Take a look at the trailer below and enjoy streaming beginning today.

—Only Murders in the Building, Season 2 premiere (Hulu)

I am most looking forward to the return of Only Murders in the Building. Premiering on Tuesday June 28th on Hulu, Selena Gomez, Martin Short and Steve Martin return. Admittedly, I am looking forward to the décor as much as the plotlines, but the plotlines were wonderful last season as they kept me guessing right up to the end. Look for a new episode to drop each subsequent Tuesday throughout the summer.

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Summer on the calendar has arrived, and it feels as though summer with its wonderful warmth has indeed truly arrived here in Bend.

Norman and I welcomed the new season with an early morning paddle where we found only the wildlife joining us. It was quite a special treat and surprise, one that I was most grateful for.

The days have passed this week with work on the blog in the morning and afternoon – one more episode of The Simply Luxurious Kitchen cooking show was taped!, and much time on the garden porch reading away into the evenings as the blue sky turned to a soft pink with the sun’s setting. As well, I happened by a consigned book shop earlier this week (check out TSLL’s Travel Guides, as Bend’s has been fully updated) here in Bend and thoroughly enjoyed myself (it is shared in Bend’s Travel Guide), was spoiled by one of my neighbors who dropped by some fresh strawberries, enjoyed an evening chat with another neighbor as we welcomed summer on the first warm evening, and generally, just savored staying home and here in my neighborhood. Such a summer is what I am looking forward to this year.

The roses are about to begin blooming here at Le Papillon, and I cannot wait for their beauty to arrive. The bees and butterflies have returned, and after acknowledging that the ‘new’ bird food I attempted to swap with my original choice was not a hit with my bird community, I switched it back this week and am hoping to get back in the good graces of my feathered friends. Gradually, they do seem to be returning (thank goodness!).

This weekend will be leisurely, time watching Gardeners’ World followed by time in the garden, perhaps adding a few tomatoes to pots to place on my south-facing porch, and generally, just taking it easy and savoring time at home. I hope your start to the new season went well this past week and you are looking ahead to a weekend you cannot wait to savor. Thank you for stopping by today, and until Monday, bonne journée.

~Monty Don talks creating a vegetable plot on the latest episode of Gardeners’ World‘s podcast.

~If you too enjoy watching Wimbledon, you may want to check out this podcast – Between The Lines, specifically focused on England’s Championship Tennis event.

~Having a comforting and tranquil sanctuary is necessary for everyone, but especially HSPs. How to create your own Sanctuary and Why Your Physical Environment is so important if You’re HSP [Highly Sensitive Refuge]

~Catherine Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, looked phenomenal in her go-to white pantsuit this past week. [VogueUK]

~Might I suggest you read this article in your garden, or whilst relaxing on your porch or balcony? It is a lovely calm read – Nigel Slater on finding quietude in chaos [Inigo]

~Speaking of Nigel Slater, a recent recipe he shared in The Guardian – Courgettes with Gorgonzola Sauce.

~How many bathrooms are too many bathrooms—and why do Americans have so many? (from a British perspective) [House & Garden UK]

~How to host a garden party [The Financial Times]

~Emma Thompson gave a great interview to NPR about her new role in the film Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, who she describes as “bliss, she was bliss from beginning to end. She’s a decent, ordinary, responsible woman. She represents an awful lot of women in my country. She’s unintentionally, mostly funny. But the situation that she’s in was irresistible to me”.

~It’s time to get serious about your heartfelt dream [The Happy Sensitive]

~One more for my fellow HSPs, 14 things to love about being HSP [Highly Sensitive Refuge]

~If you are an introvert and you love rainy days, there is a reason such a pairing is likely, scroll to #8 on the list [St. Louis Home of Education, Arts and Culture]

~What to be prepared for if you’re traveling to Europe this summer [NYTimes]

~Staying in Europe, and specifically France, all the more reason to explore the French countryside – The exodus of Paris’ chefs to the countryside.[BBC]

~The foxgloves I grew from seed more than a year ago have begun to blossom! Here is a guide sharing how to grow them. [House & Garden UK]

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~Explore last week’s This & That: June 17, 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.