From books about families and gardening, British fare and the Queen’s corgis to films and biopics about vastly varying topics – fashion in Paris, a moonlighting professor, the pack from the 80s, the ‘geeks’ rule again!, as I mentioned – quite a variation of releases this weekend. As well, sales are happening and I have been shopping for both your summer and one lovely item steeply discounted for your winter wardrobe, plus cookbooks for salad lovers and ideas for what to do with any leftover you might have, as well as so much more.

Books

—The Accidental Garden: Gardens, Wilderness and the Space Between by Richard Mabey

A garden memoir of sorts, gardener and author Richard Mabey roots his new book The Accidental Garden in the daily dramas of his own Norfolk garden”. The premise Mabey presents is that [our gardens] are a microcosm of what is happening in the larger world. However, we can partner with nature and welcome it to become an equal partner, a ‘gardener’ itself. “Against a background of disordered seasons he watches his ‘accidental’ garden reorganising itself. Ants sow cowslip seeds in the parched grass. Moorhens take to nesting in trees. A spectacular self-seeded rose springs up in the gravel. The garden becomes a place of cultural and ecological fusion, and perhaps a metaphor for the troubled planet”.

Released this past Tuesday in England, you can purchase it from Blackwells here.

—Ben & Me: In Search of a Founder’s Formula for a Long and Useful Life by Eric Weiner

Being released on Tuesday June 11th, bestselling author Eric Weiner shares an unconventional biography with Ben & Me, “a guide to living and thinking well, as Ben Franklin did. It is also about curiosity, diligence, and, most of all, the elusive goal of self-improvement. As Weiner follows Franklin from Philadelphia to Paris, Boston to London, he attempts to uncover Ben’s life lessons, large and small. We learn about the printing press (the Internet of its day), early medicine, diplomatic intrigue and, of course, electricity. And we learn about ethics, persuasion, humor, regret, appetite, and so much more”.

—This Strange Eventful History: A Novel by Claire Messed

Recommended and anticipated by just about every major book reviewer, including Oprah Daily and The Washington Post, Claire Messed’s new novel is inspired in part by long-ago stories told of her own family. This Strange Eventful History “is above all a family story: of patriarch Gaston and his wife Lucienne, whose myth of perfect love sustains them and stifles their children; of François and Denise, devoted siblings connected by their family’s strangeness; of François’s union with Barbara, a woman so culturally different they can barely comprehend one another; of Chloe, the result of that union, who believes that telling these buried stories will bring them all peace”.

British Finds

—Bridgerton, Part 2, season 3

Being released on June 13th, next Thursday, discover how the drama unfolds when Colin discovers who Miss Featherington really is. As I will share in more detail below, I quite enjoyed season 3, partly because I adore Nicola Coughlan. She has been one of the primary reasons I keep tuning back in each season, and season 3 puts her character Penelope at the forefront. Have a look at Part 2’s trailer below.

—Cooks Britain: A Journey Through the Best of British Food by Tom Kerridge

Having been just released in the UK on the 6th and to be released this July in the states, described as a national treasure as well as being a Michelin-starred cook, Tom Kerridge brings a new cookbook, Cooks Britain, to readers sharing “recipes that showcase the very best of British ingredients, using simple techniques and bold flavours to bring out their unique qualities. Each recipe is built around a hero ingredient, showing how fresh, seasonal ingredients can take a dish to a whole new level”.

—The Queen’s Faithful Companion: A Novel of Queen Elizabeth II and Her Beloved Corgi, Susan by Eliza Knight

A novel told from “the unique multi-narrative viewpoints of a young Queen Elizabeth; Hanna Penwyck, the fictionalized Keeper of the Queen’s dogs; and Susan, the Queen’s Corgi, whose love and loyalty were boundless”, The Queen’s Faithful Companion will be released on June 11th.

—Smythson Sale

If you have had your eye one of the classic items from Smythson, now is a great time to save 50% on many of them. Many colors are available in just about everything (but not all, so check closely), and especially for travel or handbags, these savings are quite nice. I have a shopped a few below.

Continental Purse in Mara (nile blue or navy), 50% off

Cookbooks

—The Everlasting Meal Cookbook: Leftovers A-Z by Tamar Adler

If you have ever wondered what to do with any leftover, this cookbook is for you. A library of a resource to discover the creative ways to make delicious meals from disparate items you may have initially thought impossible to turn into a feast.

—The Salad Lab: Whisk, Toss, Enjoy!: Recipes for Making Fabulous Salads Every Day by Darlene Schrijver

After becoming quite popular on TikTok by making videos of classic and retro salads thinking it would be fun to measure the ingredients with test tubes and beakers since her daughter was a science major, Darlene Schrijver titled her TikTok account The Salad Lab “to encourage the spirit of experimentation. Soon, The Salad Lab’s following began to grow rapidly when Darlene would attempt to recreate a celebrity’s favorite salad or a recipe inspired by a dish from a restaurant”. And now her first cookbook.

Films

—Brats, Tribeca Film Festival/Hulu

If you grew up watching the Brat Pack in any number of John Hughes’ films, then you will want to check out this documentary I have a feeling. Premiering today at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, stream Brats beginning next Thursday, June 13th on Hulu. Have a look at the trailer below of Brats.

Francophile Find

—Niiki Paris Calypso necklaces, from My French Country Home Box

Last weekend, Sharon Santoni’s spring box from her My French Country Box delivery subscription arrived, and with the theme of the garden, there were many beautiful finds within. The one I especially took to were the long necklaces from French jewelry house Niiki Paris. Having received the green one, and loving the lovely weight to hang well, along with the simplicity and hue surrounded by the golden metal, I took note of the beige especially for my wardrobe.

What is so special about these boxes is that often what is given to subscribers are items you cannot purchase directly on the brand’s site, and such exclusivity is just the case for these three colors of Calypso necklaces. All three seen below – ivory, beige and green – are only available through My French Country Home’s boutique, and so, I am nudging you to purchase the one that is speaking to you if that is the case because I have a feeling they will go fast, and when they do, they will be gone for good.

Shopping

—Boden Kate Linen midi shirt dress

—Joseph, end of season sale, up to 50% off

A luxury brand based in London, Joseph has timeless staples that will last for years (I have one of their sweaters and cashmere v-neck long-sleeve tees and wear them often in the winter and fall months). Full of various solid colors (no prints here), if you see a color that will flatter your skin tone, you won’t regret your purchase, and now with many items 50% off, it is a great time to scoop up some savings and style.

Leather Loafers, beige, 50% off

—Faherty, Signature Linen Wrap, oatmeal (black also available)

—Ralph Lauren Soffia Burnished Leather Sandal, two colors

—Veronica Beard, sale

One more sale of note, and currently many sizes are still available if you too have a couple of items saved from when the spring collection debuted earlier this year.

Television

—Becoming Karl Lagerfeld, Hulu/Disney+

Some are loving this new bio-pic spotlighting the life of Karl Lagerfeld, spoken entirely in French and German and others are not, so it really is viewer dependent based on what you are looking for. Daniel Brühl stars as Lagerfeld and Theodore Pellerin as Jacques de Bascher, Lagerfeld’s long-time partner. This limited tv series “follows the rise of Karl Lagerfeld in the 1970s Parisian fashion world and his rivalry with Yves Saint Laurent’s partner Pierre Berge, as well as his love story with Jacques de Bascher” Have a look at the trailer and look for it to debut today.

—Geek Girl, Netflix

I saw the trailer for this series on Netflix and had to share. Adapted from the young adult series of the same name by Holly Smale, Geek Girl centers around “awkward teen Harriet [who] strives to fit in, then she gets scouted by a top London model agent and learns that some people are meant to stand out”. It premiered on May 30th and looks quite enjoyable. Have a look at the trailer below.

—Hit Man, Netflix

Rest assured, this is not the film you may think it is. “Somewhat” based on a true story and adapted a bit further from the book written by Skip Hollandsworth (read this article with the author here), Hit Man premieres today on Netflix, starring Glen Powell as Gary Johnson, the fake professional killer working with the cops. Johnson, “a professor moonlighting as a hit man of sorts for his city police department, descends into dangerous, dubious territory when he finds himself attracted to a woman who enlists his services”. Have a look at the trailer below. I think this might be a lot of fun.

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The good weather beckoned us to work outside more often than not this week, and to accommodate Mr. Norman and his comfort (so grateful he is doing so well at 14 1/2+ years!), I brought his bed out for him to take his nap (although after about 90 minutes, he climbed out of this cozy nook and laid on the grass where it was cooler). Rest assured, Nelle’s bed was brought out just in case she wanted it, but I was correct to predict, that would not be the case.

How has your week gone? And the first week of June, no less! Wow, all of a sudden, summer schedules are right around the corner for folks and the weather has arrived to announce this seasonal timing as well.

Remaining in our typical weekly schedule here at Le Papillon, working on the blog, attending French class, gardening, and making sure French homework is complete, not much has changed around here except the temporary shift of the office to the garden which is a lovely subtle change of scenery.

This week on the blog, a new podcast episode that showcasing a new book I thoroughly enjoyed and found to be a worthwhile resource to pick up and read sooner rather than later, along with a Francophile pick for the Petit Plaisir. Monday’s Motivational post was one of the most popular posts ever here on TSLL, so be sure to pop around and take a look at 20 Simple Luxuries to Welcome into Your Everyday, and if you haven’t already settled in to enjoy June’s A Cuppa Moments, it was posted just this past Saturday, and I look forward to sitting down this weekend to join the conversation that is already in full swing with TOP Tier members.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead full of delicious discoveries at the local markets, satisfying completed tasks, and of course, oodles of moments to savor. Thank you for stopping by today, and until Monday, bonne journée.

~20 Plants for pots and containers [Gardeners’ World]

~See what Jenna Lyons sold at her stoop sale [NYTimes, gift link]

~Kevin Lee Jacobs always have delicious recipes, and his “My Very Serious Brownie” no doubt will be a delicious treat to bake and share. [A House for a Garden]

~My favorite read of the week – How to free yourself from constant desires (or understand why they arise in the first place). [Tiny Buddha]

~Nina Campbell’s Chelsea home is a showcase of quintessential British comfort luxury. Love all the details and thoughtful choices (Campbell is Rita Konig’s mother). [House & Garden UK]

~British Airways has a great sale on at the moment, so be sure to book your trip before June 11th concludes.

~Do you fly Air France? Be sure not to miss out on their summer sale that runs until June 12th. Click here for their best offers of savings (and be sure to check out their business class prices – quite nice, especially if you are planning ahead into fall or late winter).

~What Rick Steves can’t live without [NY Mag]

~Just a short little write up on SJP on the set of And Just Like That while filming in NYC. [Vulture]

~A favorite French actress, Marion Cotillard, is joining the fourth season of The Morning Show, one of the first television roles she has ever taken. Can’t help but be curious as to how she will be incorporated into the storyline. [Variety]

~First of all, Nicola Coughlan – loving her in season 3 of Bridgerton – I think it is my favorite season of any of them because she is at the forefront and no longer just the written voice-over (rest assured, I know Julia Andrews is the actual voice-over we hear, but it is Penelope ‘voice’). Having been introduced to Coughlan in Derry Girls (a MUST-Watch if you haven’t viewed this brilliant 90s set series in Northern Ireland), when I learned that Couglan is 37, my respect deepened even further – her the ability to play such varying roles of all ages and types demonstrates her range and talent as an actor. Which is why I wanted to bring this clip to you of her sharing and speaking in a wide-ranging differing accents with ease.

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~Explore last Friday’s This & That: May 31, 2024

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