The last day of March, and still the month brings quite the punch of awesome finds. From sleuthing in Paris with Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler, to the story of Air Jordans and Nike, a favorite savvy nun returns for a second season for Anglophiles, a sale at a homewares brand full of classic and timeless finds, books on life in the French country, good health and moving our body well, savoring time in the kitchen and still more titles. Also, a classic French handbag with a longer drop for those of you (like me!) who appreciate a longer drop when it comes to the shoulder strap, and then there is a new exhibit in Paris not to miss. Still there is more!

Art Exhibits

—Manet/Degas, Musée d’Orsay

Opening this past Tuesday March 28th and running until July 23rd, in Paris at the Musée d’Orsay is an exhibit showcasing Édouard Manet (1832-1883) and Edgar Degas (1834-1917). Both men “played a pivotal role in the new painting of the 1860s-80s. This exhibition, which brings together the two painters in the light of their contrasts, forces us to take a new look at their real bond. It shows the heterogeneous and conflicting nature of pictorial modernity and reveals the value of Degas’ collection, in which Manet occupied a larger place after the latter’s death.”

Books

—Built to Move: The Ten Essential Habits to Help You Move Freely and Live Fully by Kelly and Juliet Starrett

Being released this coming Tuesday, Kelly and Juliet Starrett who have worked with pro-athletes, Olympians, and Navy Seals for decades began thinking about the physical well-being of the rest of us and in their new book Built to Move share their “easy-to-use formula for basic mobility maintenance: 10 tests + 10 physical practices = 10 ways to make your body work better”.

—Kitchen Bliss: Musings on Food and Happiness by Laura Calder

Laura Calder, a Canadian chef whose approach is inspired by French cuisine, and whose cooking shows have been ones I have greatly enjoyed in the past, has a new book that was just released earlier this week – Kitchen Bliss, and I have to extend a thank you to TSLL reader Maureen for bringing it to my attention. A James Beard Foundation Award – and Taste Canada Award–winning author Calder “reflects on how and why the kitchen and the dining table have held such an important place in her life and indeed taught her about happiness.”

—The Language of Trees: A Rewinding of Literature and Landscape by Katie Holten

Being released this coming Tuesday, April 4th, Katie Holden’s book The Language of Trees “invites readers to discover an unexpected and imaginative language to better read and write the natural world around us and reclaim our relationship with it . . . Paired with illustrations, an introduction from Ross Gay, and featuring writings from over fifty contributors including Ursula K. Le Guin, Ada Limón, Robert Macfarlane, Zadie Smith, Radiohead, Aimee Nezhukumatathil, James Gleick, Elizabeth Kolbert, Plato, and Robin Wall Kimmerer, Holten illustrates each selection with an abiding love and reverence for the magic of trees”.

British Finds

—Murdoch Mysteries, season 16, AcornTV

And this favorite Canadian Anglophile crime series just keeps on going! Now available is its 16th season, which debuted on Monday March 27th with two episodes. Look for a new episode each subsequent Monday.

—Sister Boniface, season 2, BritBox

I was so happy to hear the spin-off series from Father Brown, Sister Boniface would be getting a second season and now it is here! Or, it will be on Tuesday April 4th on Britbox. ☺️ Have a look at the trailer below.

Films

—Air

With a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the biopic directed by and starring Ben Affleck as Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike and Matt Damon as Sonny Vaccaro, the shoe salesman, looks to be one worth watching. If you too grew up with Michael Jordan being the only basketball name easily recognizable to the general public in the nineties and seeming to continue to win NBA championship after NBA championship, then you most likely know about his name-sake shoe – Air Jordan. The film Air tells the story of how the show came to be and remains a success not yet matched by other pro-athlete and shoe partnerships. Have a look at the trailer and look for it to begin showing exclusively in theaters on Wednesday April 5th. (Note: the official website still states the film won’t be released until April 19th, but movie theaters already have this film on their schedules for April 5th, so I think the website simply needs to be updated.) Enjoy!

Francophile Find

—Longchamp Canvas Tote Bag w/XXL Handles (long handles)

Last spring I shared that I was tickled to have been able to find a consigned Longchamp canvas tote with the original (and no longer being made) 11″ drop for their shoulder strap. They shortened the drop to 9″ which is fine for most people, but for those of us with long arms, not so great. Well, Longchamp now has XXL (or long handles) available with a 15.4″ inch (drop), and currently I could find four colors available. The navy, red and black are available from Longchamp (linked here) and the khaki is available from Nordstrom. All at the same price.

—Rue de Verneuil Medium Traversée Linen Bag

A Parisian brand with their flagship store in the Palais de Royale in the 1st arrondissement, this canvas tote became very popular when Gwyneth Paltrow showed followers on TikTok what she had in her bag, and for good reason. These are great totes and timeless.

—Vintage Rattan and Wood Screen, from Selency.fr

Staying in France for a moment, Selency is western Europe’s equivalent to 1stDibs or Cherish, and there are wonderful brocante finds to discover. Last December, I had interior designer living in Paris David Jimenez on the podcast (listen/read here), and one decor detail he repeatedly recommends in his book is welcoming screens into your home for interest as well as space creators.

—Vivre la Campagne: 70 recettes gourmandes pour découvrir le Perche by Monique Duveau

Just released on March 3rd and while currently only available in French, Vivre la Campagne is a beauty to look at and perhaps a great opportunity to practice your language skills. ☺️ Discover the 70 seasonal recipes along with vignettes capturing beauty found within their home in the French countryside of Perche as well as outdoors amongst Mother Nature.

Shopping

—Everlane Organic Cotton Herringbone Jacket (three colors)

The jacket for spring (and fall). Navy is also available, but I must say, the ivory and khaki have my eye.

—Faherty Seaside Dress, blue stripe, 100% linen (save 20% – instructions below)

Summer will be approaching in a few months and holiday getaways to warm destinations as well, and this linen dress would be a great addition to the wardrobe.

—Rejuvenation Spring Warehouse Sale

The annual Spring Warehouse sale is on at Rejuvenation, and if you live near the store in Portland, I highly recommend visiting as I have found some wonderful light fixtures and home decor items at great prices not listed on the website in years past. However, shopping their online shop has vintage finds as well as new items not to be missed, and I have shopped a few below for you.

SHOP THE SALE:

—Stuad Dana Maxidress

This dress spoke to me for summer style as it brings the color and the comfort as well as maxi length for summer evenings. Paired with tropézienne sandals and a simple single piece of jewelry and voila! Simple, yet chic and effortless.

Television

—Murder Mystery 2, Netflix

The sequel to the wildly successful first film, in Murder Mystery 2 Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston return as a couple from the states who now are a sleuthing duo and end up in Paris after a debacle that, well, take a look at the trailer and look for it now on Netflix.

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Nelle is growing up oh so quickly, and as she does, her personality and joy for life and all that she discovers prompts many a giggle and smile. Even Norman appreciates it as well I think as his step is swifter on walks, his nose more curious, and well, we just have a fun time together, us three.

With March’s conclusion today, we step into a new month, and TOP Tier Members will find me in the kitchen cookbook nook for our monthly A Cuppa Moments video chat that will be posted on the blog tomorrow. The below photo captures a peek into the backdrop as these roses have paraded around the house. I cannot get over how lovely the peach/pink color is.

Oh! And the blue & white cup & saucer is what will be given away to a lucky Member, so do explore TOP Tier Memberships so you too can join us to take part not only in entering the giveaway but more importantly, the conversations and discovering exclusive news and reveals.

This weekend will take me outside into my garden to thatch and weed (or maybe not, as I just saw that we are expected to have snow all weekend 🙃) preparing for all the beauty that is about to emerge and ready to emerge as well, as the spring blooms and blossoms have been very patient waiting in the wings as a wonderful snow storm swept through the area this week. Other than that, I will be studying, studying, studying my French, relaxing, reading, walking the dogs and generally just savoring being home. Wishing you a wonderful weekend and thank you for stopping by. Until Monday, bonne journée!

~Take a tour of a gorgeous London townhouse filled with cozy upholstery and sophisticated style, Net-a-Porter’s Alison Loehnis’s home in fact. [House & Garden UK]

~Earlier this week on IG Stories I shared a Reel capturing cellist Yo-Yo Ma playing amongst the beauty of Mother Nature. You can find that particular piece and many other favorites on the Classic Yo-Yo Ma playlist available at Apple Music. The third song on this playlist is my favorite for reasons you will understand if you read my book and the final entry, December 31st, in The Road to Le Papillon.

~One more home tour for the French Art Deco fans, and this one is found in Atlanta. [1stDibs Influencer]

~How gardening can sharpen your power of attention [Washington Post], thank you TSLL reader Rona for sharing this with me.

~Slip away to Herefordshire, England, and take a tour of this country garden grown from a few acres of farmland [House & Garden UK]

~A recipe for spring herb risotto with millet and quinoa [The English Garden]

~Paris in the Spring: The Effect of Sunlight on Parisians [HipParis]

~I very much enjoyed this article on a guide to French Grown-Up Women Style [Frenchly]

~To readers celebrating Passover, wishing you a wonderful Seder, and for those who may be curious about Passover or Pesach (which begins on April 5th and continues until the 13th) the Y-Studs, an A cappella group, have created a video parodying Journey’s song “Don’t Stop Believing” to introduce the 8-day Jewish holiday. The video is quite enjoyable to watch and the gentlemen clearly had a fun time putting it together. Enjoy!

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~Explore last week’s This & That: March 24, 2023

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