Anglophiles, there are oodles of finds for you this week. From a new musical, the return of an award winning comedy, a series from the past for gardeners, and a comedy series starring a favorite British actor I thoroughly enjoyed upon watching. And still there is much more – books galore on history, money, mastering new skills, food, being brave and the awesomeness of being a HSP. As well, finds for the home, clothing staples, a new-to-me-website I think TSLL readers will thoroughly enjoy if you haven’t found it already and of course, a few links inspired by the upcoming Academy Awards. But still, there is so much more. Enjoy!

Books

—The Enigma of Room 622: A Novel by Jöel Dicker

An Editor’s Pick and Book of the Month on Amazon when it was released in September ’22, originally written in French and translated now into English Jöel Dicker’s novel The Enigma of Room 622 has been described as perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Anthony Horowitz. Set in a luxury resort in the Swiss Alps, the mystery begins with the realization that there is no Room 622 where prominent novelist, the protagonist of the novel, Jöel is finding refuge while grieving the death of his longtime publisher coupled with a recent breakup. Described as an addictive thriller, it is when “Joël and fellow guest Scarlett uncover a long-unsolved murder that transpired in the hotel’s room 622” when the mystery deepens. “The attendant circumstances: the succession of Switzerland’s largest private bank, a mysterious counterintelligence operation called P-30, and a most disreputable sabotage of hotel hospitality.” Hmmm . . . sounds interesting.

—Ignorance: A Global History by Peter Burke

For history lovers as well as anyone wanting to broaden their understanding of blind spots in our current culture, Peter Burke’s new book released this past February Ignorance: A Global History has been described as a “highly original account that examines the long history of humanity’s ignorance across religion and science, war and politics, business and catastrophes. Burke reveals remarkable stories of the many forms of ignorance—genuine or feigned, conscious and unconscious—from the willful politicians who redrew Europe’s borders in 1919 to the politics of whistleblowing and climate change denial. The result is a lively exploration of human knowledge across the ages, and the importance of recognizing its limits.” I am most looking forward to reading this book.

—Money: A Love Story, Untangle Your Financial Woes and Create the Life You Really Want by Kate Northrup

Earlier this week on Instagram I shared and recommended highly Kate Northrup‘s first book (2013) for anyone looking for a slightly new approach to finding the way to financial freedom. Combining both practicality and the approaches of mindfulness often written about here on TSLL, as I was reading it, I smiled because what she was sharing about shifting the story of how we look at unwanted financial road-bumps in our lives, each that are opportunities to both learn and be grateful for, is a practice for navigating any unwanted moment and how we attain and experience contentment. Yep, you read that right – to be grateful for, and having overcome her own unwanted financial hiccups, she speaks from experience that beginning with shifting our mindset is where the foundation for achieving the change we desire is possible. I whizzed through this book in 24 hours, and I know it will be inspiring a podcast episode in the near future. But in the meantime, if you too are looking for a financial guidebook unlike most that are out there but still acknowledges the logic we cannot dismiss, I recommend picking up Money: A Love Story.

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—The Real Work: The Mystery of Mastery by Adam Gopnik

Have you ever wondered how masters in any given craft attained their skill? Well, author Adam Gopnik did and he has compiled a detailed observation of masters in a wide swath of areas of expertise and discovered many unexpected truths, sharing them in his new book The Real Work: The Mystery of Mastery. One of which is “far from rare, mastery is commonplace, if we only know where to look”. I look forward to reading this one.

—Romaine Wasn’t Built in a Day: The Delightful History of Food Language by Judith Tschann

Released this past February, food historian Judith Tschann celebrates this intersection of linguistic and culinary affinities with Romaine Wasn’t Build in a Day. On the hunt for the hidden stories behind hundreds of dishes and ingredients we take for granted, Tschann takes us on an expedition through the centuries and around the world, illuminating the ways in which language is always changing, ever-amusing, and entirely inseparable from culture, history, identity, and such as: the surprising linguistic connection between alcohol and eyeliner and the fascinating travels of the word coffee across centuries and continents, attesting to the enduring allure of a cuppa joe.

—Sensitive: The Hidden Power of the Highly Sensitive Person in a Loud, Fast, Too-Much World by Jenn Granneman and Andre Sólo

In 2017, co-author of the newly released book for HSPs Sensitive, Jenn Granneman was a guest on The Simple Sophisticate podcast (episode #117) talking about her first book The Secret Lives of Introverts. I genuinely appreciated and enjoyed her first book and am looking forward to reading her new released written with her husband who also self-identifies as HSP. Sharing the hidden power of the Highly Sensitive Person in a loud, fast, too-much world, the more awareness brought to the larger public about the diversity of temperaments the better as we deepen our understanding that each of us finds contentment in different ways based on what makes us feel most at peace and re-energized. Oh yes, this is a book to be reminded that embracing the temperament of HSP is something to celebrate and not apologize for. Discover a taste of their content on their blog Sensitive Refuge.

—What Looks Like Bravery: An Epic Journey through Loss to Love by Laurel Braitman

An American science historian, writer, and a TED Fellow who is also the Writer-in-Residence at the Stanford School of Medicine, author Laurel Braitman’s new book being released next Tuesday is a true story of how loss can transform us into the person we wish to become. What Looks Like Bravery begins with Braitman’s childhood and concludes after a winding story of ups and downs ultimately leading to the discovery that “being open to love after loss is not only possible, it can set us free”.

British Finds

—Florence St. George’s Fleur de la Mer (two colors)

An investment décor item, but one that those who love the coast or ocean or seaside aesthetic will find worth saving up for. A timeless piece that can stand alone or hold items that fit whichever room you choose to place it.

—Hold the Sunset, BritBox

If you enjoy British series, but want a break from the cozy murder mysteries, I have a comedy series you will quite enjoy I have a feeling. Hold the Sunset stars legendary comedian John Cleese alongside Alison Steadman and Jason Watkins as well as a handful of other recognizable faces from favorite British series, and it is riotously fun, delightful and beautiful at the same time as it is set in a English suburb where chats in front of row houses, walks along the river and oodles of moments of sipping a cuppa are captured. The series premiered in 2018, and having watched both seasons, I recommend it confidently. Have a look at the trailer below and find it on BritBox now.

Garden

—The Edible Garden, BBC

I have to thank TSLL reader Jen for bringing this series to my attention. The Edible Garden, hosted by Alys Fowler was released in 2010, and while there is only one season, the lessons she shares still ring true teaching us how to grow a garden that tickles our tastes buds. Fowler “attempts to avoid shop-bought fruit and vegetables and live off her own home-grown produce” and in the process shows us her journey. Find it on BritBox now and have a look at the trailer below:

Shopping

—Courant’s Phone and AirPods wireless charger

Simplifying and eliminating cords, I am all about that, and while I already have one of the linen wireless charger from Courant, their new combo charging set for both the phone and AirPods is worth checking out to streamline and improve the functionality of our tech devices (I love the stand feature for the phone as I find this helpful when the charging station is on the desk).

—Denim Button-Up Shirt, Madewell, on sale

—Shirtini Ebony Shirt Dress with White Stripe

Theatre

—The Great British Bake-Off Musical

Yes, it is true! How fun would this musical be? Oh my! Premiering this season in London in the West End Theatre district is a musical based on the much loved amateur baking television series. Paul dancing and singing? Well, not the actual Paul Hollywood, but yep, I might want to see this one, no matter how silly it sounds. I have a feeling it will be fun to watch with fellow GBBO fans in the audience.

Television

—The 95th Academy Awards, CBS

Jimmy Kimmel hosts this year’s Oscars in Hollywood, and beginning with the red carpet until the award for Best Picture is announced, this annual event has always been one I enjoy. Click here to take a look at all of the nominees in each category.

—Ted Lasso, season 3, AppleTV+

Well, I am more than ready to enjoy season 3 of Ted Lasso. A couple of years ago I wrote in detail why this series more than deserves to have won the Emmy for best comedy and best writing along with all of the actors who have won for their roles – leading and supporting. Appearing on the surface to be simplistic, that is the beauty, it is geniusly complex and rich with intentional story-telling. Layer upon layer, this comedy is smart, breaking boundaries and asking us all to extend more kindness as we see the humanity in each other, all the while giving us wonderful moments of laughter and hilarity. Thank you Ted Lasso. Have a look at the second trailer released by AppleTV+ and watch the first of 10 episodes on Wednesday March 15th, a new episode is released each week until the middle of May.

Website

—Grateful Living, Word of the Day

I was recently introduced to Grateful.org by a TSLL reader who shared with me that on the website’s Word of the Day (a free daily subscription), on a date in February, a quote I shared was included and attributed. I was delighted! Yesterday’s quote was from Mary Oliver, so to even be mentioned in the same company, over the moon and very grateful. 😌 I have a feeling this site is one you might enjoy. I know I am. Thank you Lisa for reaching out and sharing with me. 🙂

Based on the teachings of Brother David Steindl-Rast — 96 year-old author, scholar, and Benedictine monk who “is beloved the world over for his enduring message about gratefulness as the true source of lasting happiness. Known to many as the ‘grandfather of gratitude,’ Br. David has been a source of inspiration and spiritual friendship to countless leaders and luminaries around the world including Desmond Tutu, the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Thomas Merton, and more.” View the main page of the website Grateful Living here.

Listen to his TED Talk in 2013, Want to Be Happy? Be Grateful below:

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For the first time since I have lived in Bend, March has been full of oodles of snowy days. Little by little, never too much, but just enough to remind us spring has not yet arrived, snow falls. I pointed out to someone that I would much rather have the abundance of snow we have had this year which began on November 1st, spaced out over five months than have it all arrive in one week as happened in both 2017 and 2019 and hamper the everyday life and routine. So while some may wish for spring to arrive and others may be giddy that more snow keeps coming – and much is expected this weekend – it is important to remember that March snow melts as quickly as it arrives, and all I know is that my spring and summer flowers will and are being nourished. Thank you Mother Nature.

Earlier this week I had dinner at a new restaurant in Bend located in the Old Mill – Lady Bird: Cultural Society. With the title, menu and decor inspired by the speakeasies of the 1920s, it was a refreshing treat to be surrounded by a very thoughtfully designed interior space as well as French and a PNW fare approach to food. If you live in the Bend area or will be visiting, I recommend making reservations (you will need them) and enjoying a meal here. Be sure to look at the flooring which is from Italy, the brass parrots which are from Amsterdam and the beautiful large mural of birds that cover the wall in the Private Lounge which is from the Netherlands. And now you can find this restaurant included in TSLL’s Travel Guides for Bend – all of the locations I recommend for Bend can be found on this page with the corresponding Google map to easily make an itinerary when you visit our beloved town of ski and sunshine. View all of TSLL’s Travel Guides here (free!).

Thank you for stopping by the blog today, and below you will find articles and a couple of videos I think you will enjoy for your weekend perusal. Whether you have sun, rain, snow or anything in between in the weather forecast this weekend, I do hope you have a fabulous go of it (and don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead Saturday night). Until Monday, bonne journée.

~My favorite read of the week: 9 Life-Changing Skills HSPs Can Learn from Meditation [Sensitive Refuge]

~Gardening jobs in March from Gardeners’ World

~Sharon Santoni and her team just launched a Travel page for French destinations – full of itineraries and recommended places to go.

~How to make big decisions [Shondaland]

~How to advance your career the ‘Introvert Way’ [Introvert, Dear]

~If you enjoy watching Le Tour de France, you will want to watch the annual event Paris-Nice. Thank you Kameela for bringing this to my attention. The race began last weekend and wraps up this weekend.

~Seven ideas for checking your phone less and for living more [Positive Prescription]

~I had no idea about this regular weather forecasting for navigating on the seas, but I can understand how it would be very soothing. Discover a British Treasure that may just be a secret for Falling Asleep. [The New York Times]

~Are you a Ted Lasso fan? If so, beginning on March 21st, you can stay the night at the London pub whose exterior appears in the show (accommodations are above the ground floor) reserve through AirBnB. [Architectural Digest]

~The Top 10 British Spring Gardens to visit according to Britain Magazine.

~One go-to in my eating repertoire is my homemade vinaigrette, and there are SOOOOO many ways to make one. Here is a post sharing a handful of basic Vinaigrette recipes and how to store them. [Healthy Delicious]

~And with the Academy Awards on Sunday, sometimes its British counterpart, the BAFTAs give a hint of who might be in contention (here is a full list of the winners). Cate Blanchett won for Best Actress and her acceptance speech a couple weeks ago is worth listening to . . .

~The first film directed by Ray Romano, starring Academy Award winner Laurie Metcalf and Romano himself as the parents of an up and coming basketball star looks to be heartwarming and a fun watch. Look for Somewhere in Queens on April 21st. Here’s the trailer . . .

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~Explore last week’s This & That: March 3, 2023

~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.