The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and all that it includes, the surprise return (to me) of a new season of a favorite Danish series, clothing and accessories for day and night and morning, a delightful belly-shaking new British film, a long-awaited French film arrives in the states, a French-inspired vegan recipe cookbook, a book full of entertaining, decorating and recipe ideas from two ladies who while American, brought their expertise to Britain, teapots in all sizes, and much, much more.

Books

—The Dictionary of Lost Words: A Novel by Pip Williams

A #1 New Release in Biographical Historical Fiction, Pip Williams’ novel centers around Esme who spent her childhood “in the Scriptorium, in Oxford garden shed in which her father and a team of dedicated lexicographers are collecting words for the very first Oxford English Dictionary . . . As she grows up, Esme realizes that words and meanings relating to women’s and common folks’ experiences often go unrecorded. And so she begins in earnest to search out words for her own dictionary: the Dictionary of Lost Words”.  

—The Two Spoons Cookbook: More than 100 French-Inspired Vegan Recipes by Hannah Sunderani

While I am not vegan, I know there are TSLL readers who are, so when I came across this new cookbook, not only did I wanted to share, I wanted to explore it myself as it looks to contain some delicious recipes. Blogger of Two Spoons and having lived in France for some time, Hannah Sunderani’s new cookbook is worth checking out.

British Finds

—Emma Bridgewater Platinum Jubilee Mugs

Yesterday officially began the four days of celebration in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, and Emma Bridgewater’s mugs are a simple, everyday-use way to commemorate the historic occasion. Below are a few of the many mugs designed for the occasion.

—Entertaining in Style: Nancy Astor and Nancy Lancaster: Table Settings, Recipes, Flower Arrangements and Decorating by Jane Churchill and Emily Astor

Released in February and inspired to be compiled when recently discovered recipes were found, Entertaining in Style came together and it is a resource in British gatherings of aplomb detail. “Featuring original photography that highlights glamorous menus, interior décor, table settings, and flower arrangements, this book is an homage to joyful entertaining in the English country house style. Nancy Astor and Nancy Lancaster, both born American, were renowned as two of Britain’s greatest party-givers, excelling at gracious entertaining, witty repartee, and above all sophisticated menus”.

—London Pottery Globe 2-Cup Teapot

—The Phantom of the Open

I was happy to hear this delightful film, based on a true story in Britain will be in theaters in the Bend area. British TSLL readers and avid golf fans may already know about this story, and oh what fun it is to watch, even in just the trailer! Have a look and find it in theaters beginning this weekend.

—Price & Kensington Olive Green 6-cup teapot

—Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations, BBC One

A historic occasion is happening as I type, and likely, as you read as it is taking place over four days. In London as well as all over the UK this weekend, the celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee (70 years as the monarch) is full of celebratory events. There are a couple of stations you can stream to watch them. I have linked to BBC One (above) which shares a full schedule.

—Watch the fly-past over Buckingham Palace

Films

—Benediction

Jack Lowden stars in a film critics are praising. Benediction opens in theaters today and centers around the “legendary 20th Century war poet Siegfried Sassoon’s life-long quest for personal salvation through his experiences with family, war, his writing, and destructive relationships goes unresolved, never realizing it can only come from within”. Have a look at the trailer below.

Francophile Find

—The Dark Vineyard: A Novel of the French Countryside by Martin Walker

Since there is quite a few British Finds in this week’s T & T, I wanted to include nearly just as many French Finds, and one is the second book of 15 in the Bruno Chief of Police series. While released more than 10 years ago, the plot caught my eye and it may catch yours as well.

—Eiffel

Finally! The much talked about French film Eiffel (the name was slightly changed for the states – Eiffel in Love) hits US theaters today. And it is actually in Bend which means I will be heading to the theater to watch it. I cannot wait! Check out the trailer below and enjoy!

—The French Paradox by Ellen Crosby

Released last September, the 11th of 12 books in the Wine Country mystery series, former reporter for the Washington Post and foreign correspondent for ABC News Radio Ellen author Crosby, who has spent many years overseas in Europe, places Lucie Montgomery at the center of the plot. Discovering her grandfather’s Parisian romance that involves Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis as part of the storyline, shocking secrets are unearthed to keep readers turning the page to find out exactly what happened.

—Le Monde in English

An exciting find this week was discovering that the Paris-based French paper now has an English online version which became available earlier this year. For a one year online subscription, pay €2.49/mo (the price increases to its regular subscription price of €14.99/mo when the second year begins) and enjoy many of the articles found on the original French version in English. Recently I read about the Platinum Jubilee, but I also appreciate staying abreast of French political, cultural and economic news as well.

Shopping

—INVESTMENT BAG: A.P.C. Grace Small Bag (many colors, multiple sizes)

While the two-tone bag is currently sold out (a perfect summer staple), there are still many different colors and sizes to choose from. A classic shape and style, a crossbody bag perfect for day and for casual evening events. I am definitely keeping this bag on my list to keep an eye-on.

—Max Mara Pasticcino Bags (three sizes, many colors and prints)

I just learned about Max Mara’s Pasticcino bags as they came highly praised in WSJ’s Off Duty section last week, and after closer inspection, I can see why. Available in three different sizes (seen here is the medium), these bags can be held as clutches, or they have a long strap to turn them into a crossbody bag. Some colors and sizes are on sale at a fair price for the quality item it is, and if you are looking for less structure in your crossbody or clutch, this would be a bag to check out.

—INVESTMENT PIECE: Olivia von Halle, Silk Pajama Set in Coco Fig (other colors available)

—Pour Les Femmes Linen Pajamas (lounge set)

—Pour Les Femmes Long Linen Robe Midnight Blue

—Reiss Emilie Belted Midi-dress

Television

—Borgen: Power & Glory , Season 4 premiere

It’s back! What an awesome surprise. My good friend Doug and his wife Kelly brought the premiere of the fourth season to my attention just yesterday as I had ‘missed the memo’ as they say that the series was continuing on. I thought it wrapped up with Season 3. If you’ve been reading TSLL over the past couple of years (or have read TSLL’s 3rd book as the series is included as a Petit Plaisir), I LOVED this Danish series. Borgen is a political drama, a ‘marriage’ of sorts between The West Wing and House of Cards with the character Birgitte Nyborg, a strong female lead, at the helm of each season. Critics are praising its return season, so be sure to begin with Season one if you are just being introduced. But if you, like me, have seen the first three seasons and know the characters and their storylines, get ready for eight episodes I dare you not to binge. ☺️ Take a look at the trailer for the new season, and begin enjoying it on Netflix now.

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The thunder just boomed and now the rain pours down in buckets. My office window is open as I type, and the refreshing scent fills the room while I unsuccessfully try not to be distracted by the dancing of raindrops, pounding so hard, each drop of rain looks like a white diamond pitter-pattering away on the street near the sidewalk. *deep breath* Soaking. It All. Up. Love such moments.

What a wonderful week to conclude one month and begin a new one. With just enough to-dos, but not too many, and ample time with Mr. Norman seen here, I feel most fortunate for this particular week. The sun was warm, but mixed throughout were luscious, nourishing rain and thundershowers, a lovely combination of summer and cozy.

Earlier in the week, Google News Feed included Monday’s Motivational post about New Eras which was quite the nice surprise, and on Wednesday, with the beginning of a new month, a new A Cuppa Moments w/Shannon video chat was shared. I want to welcome all of the new members who joined recently, and invite you to join the conversation about travel and our individual life journey as well as all of the regular topics and sharings included each month (explore becoming a TOP Tier Member here).

The last frost of the season seems to have passed, so I planted out all of my herbs that I have been protecting indoors and look forward to planting out my dahlias over the next week or so. Bend’s second Farmers’ Market opens this Saturday for the new season, a couple of weeks earlier than usual, which is a lovely surprise, so I might pop by and pick up a few items for weekend recipes. It looks to be rainy and yet still warm, an ideal weekend in my book, so in between rain showers, I will pick up what I can. 🙂

A slow and steady pace is something I am reveling in, and with long and short walks with Norman each day, time to potter about in the garden or simply sitting on the porch during a lunch break to soak up the sun or drink in the scent of freshly fallen rain, I am savoring this time of year and time with him. Look for a new episode of the podcast his coming Monday, but before you go, a few articles and one special event video to share. Wishing you a wonderful first weekend in June and thank you for stopping by. Bonne journée.

~The copper bath tub! And so much more . . . Take a tour of a Yorkshire peasants’ cottage thoughtfully overhauled with attention historical details [House & Garden UK]

~A new month, a new Monty Don post for the garden – June’s pics and monthly jobs to tend to.

~So many details to consider when planning a trip to France – What is the best time to visit? Diane breaks it all down in this post on her blog Oui, France.

~Check out the sets of each of the main character’s homes in And Just Like That, as seen through an interior decorator’s eye. [Frederic magazine]

~Paris may just become one of the healthiest city’s in the world with its addition of more bike lanes [Town & Country]

~The second season of Miss Scarlet & The Duke is returning this fall to PBS Masterpiece. Check out the trailer here (and rest assured, I will include it in a future T & T on the week of its premiere).

~Seth Godin writes another post to ponder – How Change Happens.

~The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee: Key Timings for Official Celebrations [The Guardian]

~The Queen wore a powder blue wool coat designed by Angela Kelly, her longtime personal assistant and senior dresser, paired with matching hat and gloves that were detailed with “white laurel leaf trim in diamanté and pearls“. And while all the way over on the west coast in Oregon, I had to watch the below full three-hour+ Trooping of the Colour event that took place yesterday in London. The final 30 minutes include the Queen on the balcony and the fly-past.

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~Explore last week’s This & That: May 27, 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.