A new film that looks absolutely smashingly fun with two leads that take acting to its tip-top, the return of a favorite comedy/drama/(?) series, books to deepen your listening skills to breech any uncomfortable or unwanted moment to bring about healing, a French mystery series takes us to a fête that turns deadly, a cookbook for a favorite (and versatile) approach to cooking savory and sweet dishes, Julian Fellowes’ American time-period series returns with all the wardrobe and architectural detail paired with history as its guide, and of course there are summer sartorial finds, as well as so much more.
 

Books

—Art as Therapy by Alain Botton and John Armstrong

Drawing inspiration from Monday’s motivational post, I wanted to share a book that might just be the looked-for-medicine during the time of recovering from creative burnout. While published back in 2016,  Art as Therapy is a timeless resource for exploring an approach often dismissed or overlooked for healing.

—Deep Listening: Transform Your Relationships with Family, Friends, and Foes―Transformational Communication, Listening, and Empathy Through an 8-Step Method by Emily Kasriel

A new book being released on July 24th from BBC journalist, accredited executive coach, and mediator Emily Kasriel is one to help us “shift from surface-level exchanges to deep listening to enrich our relationships as friends, parents, and partners, enhance our effectiveness as leaders, and strengthen the fabric of our communities”. Deep Listening “offers inspiration and practical guidance on how we can better listen to each other, even when we fiercely disagree . . . Drawing on scientific studies, new research, and powerful stories from legendary listeners in politics, business, and the arts, Kasriel unveils her simple yet transformative eight-step approach. With Deep Listening as your guide, you’ll learn to become a better family member, friend, co-worker and citizen.” Well, I am all for that! 😌

British Find

—A-Z Modern Manners from DeBretts

While perusing through the latest issue of The English Home magazine late one afternoon this week, a book of recommendation was shared, and if nothing else, I am just plain curious as to how DeBrette’s suggests what the proper approach might be to a seemingly fast changing world when it comes to communication, technology and the like.

—The Artisan Dog Co.’s striped Dog Bed

If you are a lover of stripes or would like your dog’s bed to convey your love for a touch of nautical detail, then look no further than The Artisan Dog Co.. The home of award winning handcrafted, made-to-order pet bedding and other items, this soft walled bed, a style Norman loved and Nelle does too, will, I am quite confident, be a favorite place to nap and sleep for your pups.

Pocket Sided Dog Bed, stripe

—The Good Ship Murder, season 2, BritBox

Return to the Mediterranean aboard a luxury cruise ship for season 2 of The Good Ship Murder on June 26th. Cabaret singer Jack Grayling uncovers sinister secrets, and with the help of the observant and skilled First Officer Kate Woods, the duo are a crime solving team. I enjoyed the first season of this series. A bit cheesy at times, but lighthearted and beautiful settings as most of the episodes take place off of the ship at various ports throughout the Mediterranean. I can only imagine how fun this show might have been to film! Travel while working. ☺️

—King Charles III: 40 Years of Architecture by Clive Aslet

If you appreciate and enjoy learning about architecture and especially modern shifts, changes and what inspired those moments in architectural movements, along with being an Anglophile, this will likely be a book you would want to add to your library. “The four decades of the King’s commitment to architecture have coincided with Clive Aslet’s career as a journalist, during which he has followed the story and often written about it, not least during the 13 years for which he was editor of Country Life. King Charles III: 40 Years of Architecture is based on new research including many interviews with the architects, critics, advisors and academics who worked with the (then) Prince of Wales on his far-reaching endeavors.”

—The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, (3rd book in Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney Mysteries) by Claudia Gray

Another cozy mystery series to read that you will enjoy if you prefer your mysteries set in the British past. The third book in the Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney mysteries, The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh was just released on June 18th and finds the Lady summoning her grand-nephew, Mr. Jonathan Darcy, and his investigative companion, Miss Juliet Tilney, to find out who is trying to kill her.

“After a year apart, Jonathan and Juliet are thrilled to be reunited, even if the circumstances—finding whoever has thus far sabotaged Lady Catherine’s carriage, shot at her, and nearly pushed her down the stairs—are less than ideal. Also less than ideal: their respective fathers, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Mr. Henry Tilney, have accompanied the young detectives to Rosings, and the two men do not interact with the same felicity enjoyed by their children.

“With attempts against Lady Catherine escalating, and no one among the list of prime suspects seemingly capable of committing all of the attacks, the pressure on Jonathan and Juliet mounts—even as more gentle feelings between the two of them begin to bloom.”

Cookbooks

—Galette!: Sweet and Savory Recipes as Easy as Pie by Rebecca Firkser

A galette has so many options for enjoyment, and the simplicity of its formation makes it all the more enticing to choose. From savory to sweet, Rebecca Firkser’s new cookbook Galette!, to be released on June 24th, “celebrates this humble pastry, offering easy-to-follow and customizable recipes. With one basic crust recipe, endless galette possibilities are within reach. Incorporate summer’s bounty into a galette with peaches and granola or use pantry items in a galette with marinated artichokes and tomatoes. Brown-Buttered Apples and Honey, rolled out and baked like a slab pie, is the perfect dessert for a crowd, while individual Lemony Spinach and Rice galettes work well for a family dinner.”

—You Got This!: Recipes Anyone Can Make and Everyone Will Love by Diane Morrisey

A New York Times‘ Bestseller and Amazon Editor’s pick, You Got This!, released back in March, comes from “a self-taught home cook and former caterer with six grownish kids, Diane Morrisey knows what people want to eat—and what they can cook in the short window most of us have to get dinner on the table. The 100 simple recipes in You Got This! are designed to give cooks confidence and new ideas to get out of the ‘what to cook’ rut. Designed for carnivores, pescatarians, and vegetarians, alike, they make and break the rules: they lean on what you already have on hand, and celebrate the idea that sometimes dinner isn’t the whole shebang, but rather something that’s dinner-ish.”

Décor

—Café Violette Handpainted Stoneware Plates, three colors, Anthropologie

I saw these tableware designs and wanted to share. If you are looking to add a touch of both whimsy and French to your meals and at affordable prices, be sure to check out Café Violette’s handpainted stoneware plates. A few weeks ago I shared their butter keeper, but missed these plates, so wanted to bring them to your attention.

—Zara Home Multi-colored Triple Striped tablecloth, three color ways

And as it is time to enjoy more of our meals outside, be sure to add some timeless color to the table with these affordable Zara Home striped tablecloths.

Film

—Everything’s Going to Be Great

Now this new film looks absolutely smashing. I am definitely looking forward to watching it when it makes its way to Bend. Starring Academy Award nominee Brian Cranston, Academy Award winner Allison Janney and an up and coming star in Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Everything’s Going to Be Great centers around “the Smart family as they wrestle with their over-sized dreams and come to realize that the struggle to find your voice and your place in the world can happen no matter what stage of life you’re in.”

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

—Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore

Not just any documentary, this intimate and also historic look into the first actress who was deaf to win an Academy Award – Marlee Matlin – explores how she has been a ground-breaking performer. Look for it in theaters beginning today, and do check out the trailer below which explains the film far better than I can.

Francophile Finds

—Death and Boules, (book 5 in the Follet Valley series) by Ian Miller

Released on June 5th (paperback form) in the UK, the US only the audio and Kindle version are available at the moment, but soon the book will be as well (purchase from Blackwells here – paperback), Ian Smith’s French countryside-based mystery series continues with Death and Boules.

Death and Boules begins with events being planned that include a huge brocante, street parties and the centrepiece, an exhibition boules tournament between the two towns and a team of international boules all-stars as Saint-Sauver, home to Richard Ainsworth and Valérie d’Orçay’s detective agency, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its town twinning with Anglethorp Spa in Lincolnshire . . . everything is going well until the mayor turns up dead in an antique dresser having apparently been killed twice. Inevitably Richard and Valérie have very different views on the subject and engage in their own battle: who will solve the crime first?”

—Summer in Provence, My French Country Home Box, August 2025

Summertime instantly brings up memories of Provence, and this year’s August box from My French Country Home is drawing inspiration from this special place to visit to experience a quintessential leisurely summer in France. Place your orders now to receive the box in mid-August.

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Shopping

—Eberjey x Casa Del Sol – Inez Washable Silk Printed Short PJ Set

A cool to the skin pair of pajamas in the summer time, especially for travel so you can comfortably lounge in the morning and evenings is a must-have. While I always pack my long-sleeve linen pajamas for travel during the other three seasons of the year, a short-sleeve pair is a must in the warmer months.

—Faherty Cataline Jumpsuit, summer pearl blossom

—LUXMII Cora Linen Wrap Dress, navy or khaki (black also available)

One more linen find, and available at a nice discount at the moment, a new design from LUXMII, a design house who makes their clothing in Portugal and uses 100% certified European flax. Including additional side pockets and a flattering collar, the Cora Linen wrap dress is crafted for both comfort and elegance. And with its wrap design, you can adjust it to customize your silhouette with ease. Use promo code LINEN20 to save 20% at checkout.

Television

—The Bear, season 4, Hulu/FX

Fans of The Bear have been waiting, and right on cue, a new season arrives with summer’s beginning. Premiering on June 25th, this season sounds like it will be quite melancholic, and with the longest run-time in the shows history, within its ten episodes, it is episode #7 that will run more than 60 minutes. Hmm . . . now I am curious to know what happens in that episode! Jeremy Allen White along with Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Liza Colón-Zayas all return. Have a look at the trailer below. All ten episode will be available on June 25th.

—The Gilded Age, season 3, HBO

This Sunday, The Gilded Age returns for season 3, and the conflict continues between the old and new money with “ambition and scandal colliding as the Russells take their place at the head of society, the van Rhijn household thrown into chaos, and both Marian and Peggy strike up new romances.” Have a look at the trailer below.  

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The weather in Bend has been ideal and then some. And with rain in the forecast for this weekend, I am even more ecstatic. The garden is happy, Bend is savoring the start of summer at its best and that means smiles and enjoyment abound.

Speaking of abounding with delight, we went to the farmers’ market this week, and picked up our regular baguette, and yep, I absolutely did share the quignon with Ms. Nelle. ☺️ She so very patiently sat like this (as seen in the photo above) waiting for another piece while I captured a few photos and videos. And rest assured, she received that additional nibble and lots of love.

The past week on the blog was a full one, so if you haven’t caught up on everything shared, either check your inbox if you subscribe to the free weekly newsletter or simply click here and view all of the Previous Posts on the blog in chronological order. A new podcast episode focused on French cooking (and how to keep it simple), a Francophile film, a Monday Motivational post to help prevent and recover from burn-out as well as the monthly Garden post and Ponderings . . . post for TOP Tier Members.

I hope this past week has gone well for you as you wrap up spring, and may the start to summer this weekend provide time to decompress, get lost in wonderful conversations and be full of delightful everyday moments to savor. Thank you for stopping by today, and until Monday, bonne journée !

~Home tour of the week! Let’s go to Bath, and peek into this Georgian townhouse full of serenity, and thoughtful, just-enough details. [House & Garden UK]

~How to coexist with fear [Tiny Buddha]

~Summer recipe to try- how to make Eton mess strawberry blondies [Country Life]

~Understanding these three truths about being single are at the foundation of thriving while single. [Forbes]

~The best areas to stay in the Lake District [CNTraveler]

~A favorite French Riviera locale that has retained its roaring-20s charm [Afar]

~A woodland retreat to rent at Sandringham, yes, the Norfolk estate that is full of royal history. [Country Life]

~Discover which plants in your garden will appreciate your coffee grounds [Homes & Gardens UK]

~Pamela Anderson shares how her renaissance began in the garden (photos of her garden included). [AD]

~Another wonderful British mystery series that jumps from the page to the screen! The end of August is going to be a lot of fun. Here is the trailer of The Thursday Murder Club.

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~Explore last week’s This & That: June 13, 2025

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