Good news is plentiful in this week’s edition of T&T, and by that I mean two items both have that name 😉. Also, cookbooks to quench your thirst for seasonal interest, delicious dinners every night, seasonal vegetable dishes taught by one who knows, clothing finds from France on sale, and others that are stylish for summer. A new film that takes us to Paris, the return of a young favorite star in an ongoing series who reprises her role of Sherlock’s sister, a French series that takes us back to Nice in the 1930s, and still, there is much more!

One of the changes will be to the TOP Tier offerings – monthly, quarterly, annually: Beginning August 1st, the monthly option will no longer be available. However, if you currently have a BASIC membership or are a non-member and want to become a TOP Tier member and prefer the monthly plan, be sure to upgrade before August 1st, as you can retain the monthly TOP Tier for life even though it will no longer be available after August 1st.

Learn more about all of the current membership offerings here, and if you already are a member and would like to upgrade, simply visit the Dashboard (by clicking ‘Account’ in the upper left-hand corner of the blog), click the ‘Subscription/Membership’ tab, and in the right column of your Active membership, click “Change” to choose the new membership schedule or tier you prefer. 

Books

—Good News: A Novel by Alexa Yasemin Brahme 

Picked as an ‘Indie Next Pic, Good News features a variety of engaging cultural and life-journey plot points. Maggie is nearing completion of her Master’s in Fine Arts diploma, yet as such, finds herself spiraling due to how her final work is received. On top of that, her personal life is a scramble with “her frantic Turkish mother calling [incessantly, only to have Maggie not picking up] and [she’s] drifting apart from her marriage-material boyfriend, Rob, who, lately, spends every waking moment at the office, including some suspiciously late nights. To make matters worse, her brother John (perfect, doctor) is dating Maggie’s art-world rival: a performance artist who constantly seems to be skyrocketing toward fame even after renouncing her name to be called simply ‘the Artist.'”

The debut novel from Alea Yasemin Brahme, it has been described as depicting the “push and pull of immigrant family expectations, the competitive world of contemporary art, and the relentless uncertainty of one’s late twenties, mordantly cleverly and with emotional resonance.”

—John Derian Colouring Book: Flowers

British Finds

—Enola Holmes 3, Netflix

Premiering on Wednesday, July 1st, Millie Bobby Brown is back as Enola Holmes, and this time, adventure follows the young detective to Malta, where her plans to tie the knot. But plans unravel when Sherlock’s disappearance plunges her into a perilous case.” Have a look at the trailer below.

Cookbooks

—But First, Dinner: Food for Our Real Lives by Eleanor Steafel

I love the first line of description for But First, Dinner, “This is a book for people who spend most of their time thinking about what to have for dinner.” Count me as one of those people.

“From crispy gnocchi with hot and sour tomatoes and grated halloumi to chubby ricotta basil dumplings, from spatchcocked chicken with pepper sauce to salty coconut granola, this is a book bursting with over sixty mouthwatering recipes for every occasion. Because in our real lives, we need all kinds of dinners. Food to keep our hands (and brain) busy, lap dinners for tired souls, batch cooks for busy days ahead and emergency treats, because sometimes we just need emergency treats.

“Weaving together recipes, memories, essays and Strong Feelings about supermarket cheddar, female friendship and food we eat when we’re alone, But First, Dinner is Eleanor Steafel’s hilarious and heartfelt manifesto on how to answer the dinner question – no matter what sort of day we are having.”

—Sips of the Seasons: Fresh Cocktails for Every Holiday by Sarah Gualtieri

Looking for the perfect seasonal or holiday mixed drink? Sips of the Seasons is the recipe book for you. Learn “how to make 40 irresistible drinks from the queen of cocktails, all from the comfort of your own home. With a special section for homemade syrups and tempting garnishes to top your cocktails off with flair and style, Sarah presents beautifully creative yet achievable recipes, focusing on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients for maximum accessibility.”

—Vegetables the Italian Way: Turning Simple and Fresh into Extraordinary by Giulia Scarpaleggia

Anything with seasonality and vegetables, I am all ears, and Italians know how to cook with Mother Nature’s offerings.

“The recipes in this book are the creations of Giulia Scarpaleggia (@julskitchen) and celebrate cucina casalinga—Italian home cooking. They include some of Italy’s most iconic dishes like Eggplant Parmesan, Panzanella Salad, and Sicilian Caponata, as well as regional favorites like Braised Artichokes and Fennel Gratin. With enticing photographs from the Italian garden and countryside, the book is as much a pleasure to look at as it is to cook from.”

Décor

—Good Character: Design with Intention to Reveal Your Home’s Personality by David St. Russell and Stephen St. Russell

Being released on Tuesday, June 30th, comes a new book from the Renovation Husbands (aka David and Stephen St. Russell). Good Character reassures that “a home with character does not need to be historic, but it must be crafted with intention. Join them on a room-by-room journey as they break down the process behind every design decision, from structural to decorative, and explain how each element can contribute to building character in your home.

“Discover the power of architectural millwork to add interest and depth; experiment with color to create bold, impactful spaces; and learn how to expertly mix vintage and modern furniture (at every price point) for a contemporary yet timeless feel. Whether you live in an older home or a new build, this accessible guide provides a blueprint for making the most of your existing space, removes the illusion of complexity from home renovation, and empowers you to transform any room in your house into something unique.”

Films

—Couture

Angelina Jolie stars as an American filmmaker in the new film Couture, in which she “faces challenges and self-discovery as she arrives in Paris for Fashion Week on a life-and-death journey.”

Written and directed by Alice Winocour, the film draws some inspiration from Angelina’s own life, even though she was never diagnosed with breast cancer, she did undergo a preventative double mastectomy as her character does.

In an interview with Variety, Jolie shares more of her similarities with her character, and Winocour reveals that “The film is about also the solidarity that women who bear scars have…sometimes you tell you the most personal thing you have to a stranger. What we wanted to show was this fragile moment between human beings.”

Have a look at the trailer below and find it in theaters beginning today.

Francophile Find

—L’Été 36 (Summer ’36), Netflix

Originally airing in France last month, on July 1st, L’Éte 36 becomes Summer ’36 when it arrives on Netflix. A six-part limited series, it “is a French period drama and murder mystery set on the French Riviera in 1936. Following four diverse women whose lives become entangled with the murder of a prosecutor at a luxury hotel, the plot unfolds against the backdrop of France’s historic first paid worker holidays.” Have a look at the trailer below.

6-part limited series

—Les Soldes, Summer 2026

It’s that time of year again, if you’re in France that is. Kicking off earlier this week on Wednesday, Les Soldes brings discounts across the country and in all different shops. Learn more about this semi-annual event here, and if you happen to be in France, take advantage of the discounts that will run until July 21st.

—Mister k., Sale, up to 50% off

A new French clothing brand, spearheaded by an American-born Parisienne who trained in France and began her career at Sézane, Charlotte Husson, the ethos speaks TSLL’s language: “At Mister k., elegance and ecological awareness are inseparable. Our creations reflect our commitment to offering aesthetically pleasing and responsible fashion. We choose quality materials, pay particular attention to the finishing touches, and prioritize responsible and local manufacturing whenever possible. Our vision of women’s workwear is based on a balance between assertive chic and respect for the environment.”

Currently, they have some sweet discounts on many items, and while they have a very select collection, it’s worth taking a look to see if the item you’ve had your eye on is available. Case in point, I have been wanting to add a navy linen oversized blazer to my wardrobe, and was thrilled to see their Marcel blazer, which was just that, was discounted (navy and black crepe is available in this style as well). Taking the measurements, I realized their 46 (I usually wear a 44) was perfect! So yep, it’s en route to Bend. I will let you know how it fits, as in August in the Signature Style series, we will be talking all about blazers and how to find the right fit and how to style them as well. July’s post, Part Sept, is all about Belts, and will be posted on July 14th.

Below I have included a handful of items that looked to be great essential items and layering pieces. Save an additional 10% when you click through this link, as it will share with you a coupon code. Click here to shop the sale, where prices are already reduced.

—Sea Shadows (Rivages) , MHzChoice

If you enjoyed Drops of God‘s main actress, Fleur Geffrier, you may want to check out this new limited series on MHzChoice. With six episodes, Sea Shadows (titled Rivages in France) is being described as a nail-biting eco-thriller. Oceanographer Abigail (Geffrier) investigates a deadly shipwreck and uncovers a mystery beneath the surface.” Have a look at the trailer below.

Music

—Good News, The Hot Sardines

With more good news to share! Two finds this week with the same title (novel mentioned earlier), friend of TSLL and the writer and performer of the music heard throughout TSLL’s Contentment Masterclass, The Hot Sardines have a new album! Released last week, Good News includes ten songs, and you can listen to each track from the album here.

Have a listen to of the first released track of the album below.

Shopping

—Neutral Linen Blend Single Breasted Blazer, Mint Velvet

Having a linen blazer in the summer is a helpful way to dress up an outfit while staying cool. And this one is nicely priced.

—Green Cotton Floral Embroidered Halter Top, Mint Velvet

Speaking of staying cool, this halter top will keep you both comfortable in the heat and stylish without a lot of fuss or necessary accessorizing.

—Lauren Ralph Lauren Striped Snap Trim Ponte Sheath Dress, on sale

There are quite a few navy-and-white striped dresses out there, but this one with the brassy buttons on each shoulder makes it a bit different, and it’s on a nice discount at Bloomingdale’s. It’s also on sale just about everywhere else – Ralph Lauren’s too, but this price was the best one I could find.

—Sézane’s Georgia Sunglasses

Drawn to the light beige versus the dark brown that is often available with tortoise frames, this will brighten your face and keep your eyes covered.

—Yellow Cotton Blend Striped Midi-Dress, Mint Velvet

Looking quite comfortable, a touch of retro and flattering with its boat-neck, capped sleeves and midi-length, while also offering a cinched waist fit to your body, if this is your color (red also available) and your aesthetic, it’s a unique find.

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I happened to park along the curb next to this house earlier this week while in Portland, and immediately upon stepping onto the sidewalk, the scent of the jasmine grabbed my attention. Wow! Just wow. 😌 Not only tantalizing to the nose, but the beauty for the eyes was a treat as well.

Already, we find ourselves at the tail end of June. Where did the month go? Along with appointments in Portland, I also visited a favorite nursery and found wonderful discounts as well as just-arrived flowers – from coneflowers in unique hues to agapanthus!. Tickled by these finds and inspired by how to complement what is already growing well in the garden here at Le Papillon, they were quickly planted out and while the agapanthus may be an annual here in Bend (needs a zone 8 and we’re a 6b), the coneflowers will hopefully expand and self-seed giving more flowers each year (the birds especially love these flowers in autumn and winter). Speaking of gardening, the monthly garden post was shared earlier this week, and while the new plants aren’t included, I will be sure to share photos of them and where they went in July’s post.

Now to the weekend! I know TSLL readers in Britain and continental Europe have had some of the hottest days on record, so may cooler temperatures find you soon. We’re expecting rain here this weekend, which I will happily welcome, and hopefully that too arrives where heat has been intense. Wishing you a restful weekend, and until Sunday, bonne journée !

~Summer produce is now plentiful and everywhere at markets, and this is what the French are picking up and how they are enjoying it – the best French products and flavours to savour this summer. [Taste France]

~Home of the Week! This Cornish cottage on the coast exudes coziness without being ‘too much’. Pack a book, the pups and snuggle in! [House & Garden UK]

~I’ll always click on this type of post. You never know what new ideas will be shared, even if it is a classic approach to gardening: 7 Easy ways to give your outdoor space the charm of an English cottage garden [Real Simple]

~Visiting Paris? Where to have a drink along the Seine. [Do It in Paris]

~And if Provence’s lavender is on your mind, all of your questions answered. [Perfectly Provence]

~Francophiles visiting Quebec. Are you a foodie too? The ultimate Québec food road trip: An 8-Day culinary journey [Michelin Guide]

~Summer means spending more time outside, and getting the furniture right makes it all the more inviting and enjoyable. [House & Garden UK]

~And one more home tour this week because it is just so unique, with rich colors and a storied history – a Dutch canal house with a 200-year-old staircase. Loving the soaking tub by the window. [Domino]

~And, we know it’s coming to PBS Masterpiece this September (6th), the third installment of Atticus Pünd and Anthony Horowitz’s murder within a murder story, starrying the new Tony Award winning actress Lesley Manville. Have a look at the trailer for Marble Hall Murders below and read the novel here:

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~Explore last week’s edition of This & That: June 19th

~Please note: TSLL is supported by you, readers who take the time to stop by (merci!), peruse, and sometimes welcome into your life the mentioned and recommended finds. Affiliate links are present in this post and may earn commissions for TSLL when you make a purchase. View TSLL’s full Privacy Policy here.