Books about beauty taught by French women who have figured it out, growing your own flowers all year-round, the wellness industry and is it really living up to all its promises, Matisse’s women as told in a much talked about new based on true-events-novel, and a French food, travel book to savor. Plus, Stanley Tucci returns, dresses for spring and summer for timeless style, a new French exhibit not to miss (and not in Paris), and still much more!

Books

—The Book of Delights: Essays by Ross Gay

Last weekend, after working in the garden and working on the book (look for TSLL’s 4th book to be released in 2026!), Nelle and I went a bookstore here in the heart of downtown Bend. With the intention of perusing and stumbling upon one book to bring home and read, I found two, along with a few other titles I took note of, and one is Ross Gay’s first The Book of Delights: Essays (he has a second available now as well). I quite enjoyed each of the essays (about two pages each) I flipped to and began reading as they provided anecdotal inspiration, everyday observations and were lighthearted and full of wisdom.

—How to Be Well: Navigating Our Self-Care Epidemic, One Dubious Cure at a Time by Amy Larocca

Definitely a food-for-thought book, and while no doubt much of the beauty industry is not happy with what Amy Larocca (an award-winning American journalist who has spent 20 years working at New York magazine as both Fashion Director and Editor at Large) shares in How to Be Well released earlier this week, about what the science actual says about each of the wellness promises made, that is precisely why it is perhaps one to explore.

“Larocca holds a magnifying glass to alternative medicine and nouveau lifestyle prescriptions — and tries a lot herself along the way — ultimately delivering an assessment of how the wellness industry embodies our (gendered, class-based, racialized) perceptions of care and self-improvement, and how it preys on our unshakable fear of the unknown. She traces the history of how the beauty and fashion industries have peddled snake oil to women for decades—and why we keep coming back for more.”

Read the transcript (or listen) to her interview on NPR’s Fresh Air here.

—Life with Flowers: Inspiration and Lessons from the Garden by Frances Palmer

A dream of a book, and a definite worthwhile addition to your library if you love to garden. Ceramicist living in Connecticut Frances Palmer, who wrote another book of recommendation (included on TSLL’s TOP Books of 2023 post), Life in the Studio, just released her second, Life with Flowers earlier this week. Having preordered my copy back in October (thank you Elizabeth B for brining my attention to it ☺️), its arrival was welcomed, and I immediately discovered a book that will be a great resource for planning and cultivating my own successional garden in hopes to have blooms from February to October/November and perhaps you will as well.

Palmer breaks up the seasons into six different parts, rather than four, and shares in detail which flowers she grows and plants (both perennials and annuals). Filled with beautiful photography captured in her own flower garden that is her own classroom, be both inspired and guided on how to grow successfully oodles of different flowers throughout the gardening season.

British Finds

—Repast: The Story of Food (British Museum) by Jenny Linford

Even though TSLL’s annual British Week begins this Sunday and next Friday’s T & T will be FULL of British finds, I have so many saved up for that post that I am able to share a couple of them here with you this week. And Repast is just such a book.

“Written by food writer Jenny Linford in collaboration with the British Museum, Repast focuses on artifacts in the museum’s collection―from ancient clay cooking vessels to exquisite gold cups―spanning multiple continents and dating from prehistory to the modern day.

“Taking a broadly chronological approach to the subject, the book is arranged into thirteen thematic chapters, starting with explorations of hunting and gathering and ending with the history of eating out; along the way, agriculture, alcohol, and cooking―among other subjects―are also investigated. Interspersed among the many remarkable objects examined in each chapter is a series of in-depth essays on such topics as tea (the world’s most consumed drink after water), pork (one of the world’s most consumed meats), and wheat (the source of 20 percent of the world’s human calorie consumption), revealing the many social, cultural, and religious aspects of food.”

If you love history and food, you will find this book, which pairs photos aplenty throughout, a worthwhile exploration of both.

—RHS Chelsea Flower Show

While officially the Chelsea Flower Show begins on Tuesday the 20th, many different things will be happening on Sunday and especially on Monday the 19th. And thankfully there will be programming for us who cannot visit in person. While of course programming is available in the UK, we here in the states can view each day’s multiple segments via BritBox. And if you too are curious as to when Monty Don will review his show garden that is entirely dedicated to dogs, that will happen on Monday evening the 19th. Here is a list of all of the presenters

Décor

—Anthropologie’s Café Violette Handpainted Stoneware Butter (beurre) Dish

I am constantly cooking with butter in the kitchen, so when I see a butter holder that catches my eye I want to share. Always seen and used in my own kitchen when I reach for my favorite French butter (Isigny Sainte-Mére), but needing the butter to stay protected as well as neat & tidy, this French (European style – so slightly wider) butter holder has a touch of whimsy that might be just want you’d love to have. Happiness (bonheur) is butter after all. ☺️

—Couleur Nature Fruit Tablecloth, Sur la Table

As we get ready to dine more regularly outside, having a beautiful tablecloth on hand is a great idea. While I have a few I love, I will always keep an eye out for another, and this one caught my eye immediately with its primarily two-color print, but offering varying hues and ideas for what the design is evoking – lemons or flowers? Blossoms or ?? 😌

—One King’s Lane Summer Sale

An outdoor summer furniture and garden décor sale is going on at the moment, and while it wraps up today (Friday), just seeing what’s available for a fountain or sitting options and then saving to your account is worth the perusal. I took note of some of the fountains as I look ahead to working on my north garden which now has the foundational pieces – three trees that are doing well! Wahoo! Now to add a small water feature, a cobbled path and the finishing plants. Hopefully that will all come together next year.

I have done some shopping for you below, but be sure to check out the entire sale here.

Dale Outdoor Chaise Lounge, three colors available

~SHOP THE SALE:

—Brass or Nickel Clean/Dirty Dishwasher Magnet, from Sir/Madam

A simple detail, but if you don’t live alone, this is often helpful, and stylish and simple in its own right. 🙂

Francophile Finds

—Amuse Bouche: How to Eat Your Way Around France: A Times Best Food and Drink by Carolyn Boyd

Award-winning British travel writer Carolyn Boyd has a predilection for France. Definitely a kindred spirit to us here at TSLL ☺️🇫🇷❤️, and her new book Amuse Bouche, chosen as The Financial Times book of the year for 2024, is one to savor.

“Boyd shares the stories behind the France’s most fascinating foods and ingredients. Spanning every region of France and divided into 200 separate vignettes, each entry blends history and travel, personal anecdote and recipes . . . .” Filled with beautiful and whimsical illustration, Amuse Buche is a “joyous celebration of French food, and a charming, practical guide to inspire your own travels – whether you’re a proud Francophile or don’t know your ficelle from your flûte.”

—L’Art d’Être Belle ( The Art of Being Beautiful), Officine Universelle Buly

While only available for purchase directly from the French luxury beauty brand’s website, this would be a wonderful gift to the Francophile on your gift list or to yourself.

Office Universelle Bull’s book The Art of Being Beautiful incorporates beauty advice and techniques from as early as the 19th century Parisian women, shares beauty recipes and the philosophy of life and real self-care. This beautiful English edition (available in French as well) with its fabric cover is to be enjoyed much like a novel “in which the heroine is none other than the Parisian woman who soars forth, free from her daily life and master of her thoughts. She wisely practices self-care, abandoning herself to her aspirations of the moment, and trusting only the features of her reflections.”

Dramatic, yet curiosity provoking, Buly describes L’Art d’Être Belle as the beauty bible, full of eight chapters that will serve as “a gateway to self-knowledge, acceptance and more importantly, appreciation of one’s shape and unique beauty.”

—Dior Jardins Enchanteurs Exhibition: A Floral Ode to the Heart of the House of Dior, Granville, France

If you will be heading just outside of Paris into Normandie in the next few months, there is an exhibit worth visiting. Having just opening in April, Musée Christian Dior in his birth town of Granville, France, is having an exhibit to showcase how gardens, and specifically flowers, influenced the renowned French and couture fashion designer Christian Dior. Dior Jardins Enchanteurs “offers a delicate immersion in this world where couture and botany intertwine. Through dresses, sketches, perfumes and rare documents, the exhibition reveals the indelible imprint left by nature on the couturier’s work.” Open until November 2nd, be sure to stop by if you are able.

—Madame Matisse by Sophie Haydock

Released earlier in March in the states and just this month in the UK, Madame Matisse draws on real events and people to tell the story of “three women – one an orphan and refugee who finds a place in the studio of a famous French artist, the other a wife and mother who has stood by her husband for nearly forty years. The third is his daughter, caught in the crossfire between her mother and a father she adores.”

Described as “a stunning novel about drama and betrayal; emotion and sex; glamour and tragedy, all set in the hotbed of the 1930s art movement in France. In art, as in life, this a time when the rules were made to be broken…”

Shopping

—DL1961 Isabel Wide Leg white jeans, 31.5 inseam

White jeans, a bit looser, thus a bit more breathable for summer, and definitely a style en vogue at the moment. Pair with an ivory or white top as was included in this month’s Outfits of the Month (shared earlier this week – explore here), or any color of your choice in a differing texture – linen, a cotton knit sweater or simple tee or tank, and you will be dressed timelessly regardless of when this style of pant falls out of favor.

—Faherty Miramar Linen Cardigan, ivory

This past week, the visit to the farmers’ market had a bit chillier temps, but still much sunshine. Pulling out a cotton v-neck fishnet sweater I have had for two decades, in an ivory hue, I layered it on top of a silk camisole. Wrapping my neck with a cotton scarf, along with jeans and sneakers, the outfit was perfect for staying warm enough, but still cool when the sun shone brightly and the breeze stopped. This ivory linen-cotton blend sweater looks very similar to the one I wore (albeit mine wasn’t a cardigan), and I wanted to bring it to your attention. Pair it with anything and stay comfortable during those chilly spring or summer mornings or evenings.

—Boden Amy Sleeveless Shirtdress, three different prints

A shirtdress. It’s the collar that does it for me. It had structure, frames the face nicely, and is timeless in design.

—Larroudé Sneakers & Mules (many colors)

I stumbled upon these sneakers, and wanted to share. Available with matching laces for a monochromatic look, and now they are making these three colors available in a mule style as well. That would be perfect for travel, wouldn’t it? But they have many more colors as well for the sneaker, so be sure to take a look.

—Shirtini’s Monet Blue Stripe Shirtdress

A different type of stripe – vertical with a large waist belt, and modern collar. I also prefer their straight, even hem at the bottom as opposed to the curved and uneven hem that is quite prevalent in most shirtdresses. Saving this one to hopefully pick up later this year, but please do scoop it up now. I have one of Shirtini’s shirt dresses on seasonal rotation every spring and summer and love it – going on seven years now with the same dress. These are well-made dresses and flattering in a classic design.

Made exclusively for Shirtini

Television

—Tucci in Italy

Let’s travel to Italy and eat vicariously with Stanley Tucci! Premiering on Sunday May 18th on National Geographic, enjoy a new episode – five in total – each weekend. Have a look at the trailer of Tucci in Italy below.

A few of these beauties came home with me this week on our regular stop at the farmers’ market, and yet again, this weekly ritual was a delicious treat to bring a pause to the middle of the work week.

How has your week been unfolding? Whether steady or busier than normal, no matter the pace, living mindfully is absolutely possible. It is how we engage with the speed – are we giving our full attention to what we are doing? If we are, then carry on, and care for yourself along the way when you need a rest or a boost of more energy.

One way I boost my energy is reading a good book, and two arrived this week that have me looking for any reason to stop, slow down and read – Anthony Horowitz’ latest Susan Ryeland mystery – Marble Hall Murders and as shared above, Frances Palmer’s new book – Life with Flowers.

And before long, two more sleeps!, TSLL’s 7th Annual British Week will begin here on the blog! Yep! Kicking off on Sunday (or really, it’s Saturday night because we run on Paris time here at TSLL ☺️). And I have been sharing a few peeks and previews of what is in store on my IG account (you can catch up in the highlights under Brit WK ’25).

Also! For the duration of British Week, if you become a TOP Tier Member from now until May 25th, you will also receive a special promo code to save 20% off the Contentment Masterclass (the code is valid for one month following becoming a member). A win-win if you have been pondering both – membership and enrolling! However, if you would just like to enjoy British Week, TSLL offers Guest Passes for $10, non-recurring – you can purchase those here (scroll to the bottom of the page), and you will receive a full month of TOP Tier Membership benefits.

Until Sunday morning when the first giveaway and two new posts will be shared, may your weekend find you completing something you’ve given much effort to, going at your own pace, and of course, oodles of everyday moments to savor. Bonne journée !

~Top Fashion Influencers Over 60 Share Their Secrets [WSJ, subscription may be required]

~Julia Louise Dreyfus interviewed Diane von Furstenberg on her podcast – Wiser Than Me, and it’s a great listen.

~Thank you to long-time reader and TSLL member Cathy S. for sharing this article with me – 25 Essential Gardens to see in your lifetime – and many are in Britain and France (no wonder we love these two cultures so much!) [NYTimes, gift link] The first garden on the list happens to be one I had the good fortune of visiting a couple of years ago – take a full tour here.

~Tour Coco Chanel’s French Rivera home that was recently renovated. Quite the place of luxury and rejuvenation with a gorgeous view. [NYTimes, gift link]

~How Our ‘Weak Ties’ Actually Have a Super Strong Impact on Our Lives [Verywell Mind]

~A rose named after the Princess of Wales was revealed last week, and the gardeners from Harkness Roses who hybridized it into creation (it took seven years) were interviewed on Gardeners’ World last week. Learn more about it here. [Gardens Illustrated]

~How to wander and the benefits of doing so [The Good Trade]

~The RHS Short List for plant of the year, one of which will be named during next week’s Chelsea Flower Show. [Gardens Illustrated]

~Asparagus is one of the many spring vegetables found at the farmers’ market this time of year, so discovering recipes to enjoy them is on my radar. Here is a great one that includes another delicious spring find – morel mushrooms!. Morel and Asparagus spaghetti (or any pasta you prefer). [Saveur]

~Nigel Slater has a delicious idea for what do with asparagus and a few more spring recipes definitely worth giving a try. [Observer]

~The best kept secrets in France: What to see off the beaten track [House & Garden UK]

~I continue to refresh my memory on this French language know-how, a grammar basic – when to use ‘bon’ and when to use ‘bien’ [The Local]

~A weekly show I enjoy watching – This coming Sunday’s CBS Sunday Morning episode is their annual Design Issue. And they are heading to New Orleans to anchor the show. Get a sneak peek here. [Architectural Digest]

~”When you hit the road, things tend to work out.” Loving that line as it reveals the power of trust in the choice you have made – stepping forward without promise, but with clarity and curiosity. A song from the play Maybe Happy Ending performed by two brilliant Broadway singers, and stars of the play for anyone moving into a new chapter of life.

~Explore last week’s This & That: May 9, 2025

Two wonderful new films completely different in their subject matter. Books, as always, being released in a wide variety of genres that are worth exploring – historical fiction, mystery, an international novel that is receiving wide-spread acclaim, psychology, and décor. Home and clothing finds, many on wonderfully steep discounts, a new travel series to take you across and around Europe and Britain and still, there is more!

~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.