This week has a breadth of offerings, from a French film that originally debuted at the Cannes Film Festival and looks a delight, a new art history documentary that asks a question that doesn’t quite have a concrete answer, a new season of a favorite comedy set in London and another set in Bath, a new reality series set in London that takes us behind closed doors of luxurious homes, a cookbook to inspire uses for delicious finds in the wild, summer dresses in linen, hats for style and function and sandals to finish every look, plus, much, much more.

Books

—The Everyday Stoic: Simple Rules for a Good Life by William Mulligan

Just released this past Tuesday, founder of The Everyday Stoic William Mulligan brings his new book of the same name “transforming principles from ancient Stoic philosophy into a contemporary guide for overcoming the challenges of modern life and cultivating an unshakeable sense of inner calm, so that you too can live like a Stoic. Rediscover ancient wisdom and join the Stoic movement: From Marcus Aurelius to Seneca, the Stoics have a long and rich history.” Teaching readers how to cultivate resilience, strengthen mental health and incorporate simple rules for a good life, if Stoicism speaks to you and your approach to living, this looks to be a book to explore.

—The Lost Letters from Martha’s Vineyard: A Novel by Michael Callahan

A new novel being released on May 21 that begins in Hollywood in 1959 and fast forwards sixty years later to reveal a family secret. The Lost Letters from Martha’s Vineyards tells the story of two lives: one – Hollywood ingenue Mercy Welles seems to have the world at her feet. Far removed from her Nebraska roots, she has crafted herself into a glamorous Oscar-nominated actress engaged to an up-and-coming director until she shockingly vanishes without a trace, just as her career is taking off”; and two, Kit O’Neill, “a junior television producer in Manhattan, is packing up her recently deceased grandmother’s attic, only to discover a long-lost box of souvenirs that reveal that the grandmother who raised her and her sister was, in fact, the mysterious Mercy Welles. Putting her investigative skills to use, Kit is determined to solve the riddle of her grandmother’s missing life, and the trail eventually leads to Martha’s Vineyard”.

—Natural Causes: An Epidemic of Wellness, the Certainty of Dying, and Killing Ourselves to Live Longer by Barbara Ehrenreich

Published originally back in 2019 to immense praise from critics and readers alike, investigative journalist, activist and author Barbara Ehrenreich passed away in 2022, but her book Natural Causes continues to be an Editors’ Pick both here in the states and across the pond (I found it while perusing Hatchard’s website). I will let you explore what the book is about as it definitely prompts us to think more critically about all of the health and wellness advice we are bombarded with. Learn more about the author here

British Finds

—Buying London, Netflix

I love a good reality real estate series, and if it is set in gorgeous locales that already capture my interest, all the better. Premiering on Netflix on May 22nd, “follow high-end agent Daniel Daggers and his team as they navigate London’s luxury property market”. Have a look at the trailer below.

—Trying, season 4, AppleTV+

A favorite series that is now in its fourth season. Premiering Wednesday May 22nd, Trying, set in London, is a comedy series centered around couple Nikki and Jason hilariously trying to tackle life and adoption, together. In season 4, look for the couple to face a new surprise. Take a look at the trailer below.

Cookbooks

—Out There: Recipes from the Wild by Lee Kalpakis 

I came across a review of this new cookbook over the weekend, and while I am not someone who camps, the recipes are definitely worth checking out as they use what seasonally is available, simplifying the prep but not minimizing the flavor. For example this Apple Tart I would happily make in my kitchen and now with tips on how to make it while out in the wilderness, perhaps I will reconsider camping it if can be this delicious. ?

Film

—Babes

Critics have been praising the new film Babes (95% on Rotten Tomatoes so far) which follows “inseparable childhood friends Eden (Ilana Glazer) and Dawn (Michelle Buteau), having grown up together in NYC, now firmly in different phases of adulthood. When carefree a single Eden decides to have a baby on her own after a one-night stand, their friendship faces its greatest challenge. Babes delves into the complexities of female friendship with a blend of laughter, tears and labor pains.” Have a look at the trailer below and look for it in theaters beginning today.

—Taking Venice, documentary

Art and history lovers, Taking Venice is a film I think you are going to want to watch. The film takes us back to 1964. The United States finds itself “at the height of the Cold War, and the U.S. government is determined to fight Communism with culture. The Venice Biennale, the world’s most influential art exhibition, becomes a proving ground. Alice Denney, Washington insider and friend of the Kennedys, recommends Alan Solomon, an ambitious curator making waves with trailblazing art, to organize the U.S. entry. Together with Leo Castelli, a powerful New York art dealer, they embark on a daring plan to make Robert Rauschenberg the winner of the Grand Prize. The artist is yet to be taken seriously with his combinations of junk off the street and images from pop culture, but he has the potential to dazzle. Deftly pulling off maneuvers that could have come from a Hollywood thriller, the American team leaves the international press crying foul and Rauschenberg questioning the politics of nationalism that sent him there.” The film opens today in theaters. Have a look at the trailer below.

Francophile Finds

—Alice and the Mayor, France Channel

With the Cannes Film Festival in full swing, I have been taking a look at past French films that debuted at the festival that would be of interest to TSLL and have yet to be shared here on TSLL. One of the films is Alice and the Mayor which debuted in 2019. “The mayor of Lyon is in existential crisis. After 30 years in politics, he feels totally empty and devoid of ideas. As a fix for this problem, his aides bring a brilliant young philosopher, into his inner circle” – Alice. Have a look at the trailer below and stream the France Channel through Amazon Prime or directly from the French streaming platform. I think this will be the film I will be watching this weekend. 🙂

—Bruno’s Cookbook: Recipes and Traditions from a French Country Kitchen by Martin Walker and Julia Watson

Delicious fare, inspired by a sleuthing detective. Released this past November, if you are a reader of Martin Walker’s well-known Bruno detective series, then you know Bruno Courrèges. Not only is Bruno the local police chief in the idyllic French village of St. Denis, “but he also happens to be an impassioned amateur chef. In this delightful cookbook, the culinary and cultural inspiration behind Bruno’s fictional world comes to life. Featuring meals from the best-selling series, local recipes, charming anecdotes, and a history of the novels’ French setting, Bruno’s Cookbook invites readers into the bucolic life of Martin Walker and his wife, Julia Watson, and showcases their passion for the Périgord region’s rich cuisine.”

I especially appreciate how they have organized the cookbook – have a look below.

Shopping

—Linen Wrap Midi Dress, blue and white stripes, Boden

Summer is right around the corner, and finding those ideal dresses – cool for hot temps, but stylish and in the size and color we want – takes place now (if it hasn’t already). I came across this very nautical striped linen dress from Boden, and with its wrap component, it would be ideal for Provence or anywhere quite hot in the summer but also appropriate for looking chic and pulled together.

—COS single-breasted denim blazer

Paired with a slim, silhouette, midi column dress, this blazer would be lovely for a variety of reasons. It keeps things casual, while for summer-time, looking pulled together.

—COS Oversized sleeveless wrap shirt, yellow and denim available

Cool layers in timeless, yet also statement making colors. Shop the yellow top here and the denim here

—James Perse Lightweight linen cami dress (four colors)

I want to thank TOP Tier Member Janet for sharing with me this past week how she loved her James Perse jersey midi dress for traveling abroad earlier this year (a tip I shared for my travel wardrobe) as it kept her super comfortable for the long flight, but also arriving in style. James Perse provides quality casual essentials that while made of comfortable fabrics, are designed to flatter. And their linen dresses seen here are no exception.

—James Perse Pacific Hat

One more from James Perse. Gotta protect that face, and this hat is simple, yet with a wide brim (but not too wide). Loving it, and perhaps you do too!

—K Jacques St. Tropez Lemovis woven suede sandals

A touch of style with soft straps (suede!) in a neutral hue.

—Madewell The Shia Ankle-strap Sandal (black also available)

This is the neutral sandal I have been looking for after Ralph Lauren made a similar pair that is no longer in production, and I missed out on picking it up a couple of years ago. Not too high, but with height, this sandal will stay on but is classic with its straps design.

–Madewell’s Sling Crossbody Bag, four colors and finishes

With traveling plans picking up, having a zipped crossbody bag is a very good idea, and this one actually has two zipped areas for keeping things easy to find, and safely tucked away.

Boy, does it feel like summer at the moment, and the most ideal summer at that as we have the warmth, but not the hot, if you know what I mean.

During a day trip to Portland earlier this week, we stopped in for a tour of the peony farm at Adelman’s Peonies (by we, I mean Norman & Nelle and I as dogs are welcome to wander on a leash :)), and while it was mighty warm, the field was almost at peak bloom, and what gorgeous blooms they had. This is an Etched Salmon captured above. I will be sharing a full video tour later in June, so be sure to explore becoming a TOP Tier Member to view.

Well, as this week concludes, that means behind the scenes, we are revving up for TSLL’s 6th Annual British Week. In fact, if you are reading this on Friday, I am typing away on the first handful of posts and giveaways that will kick off on Sunday May 19th and run through Sunday the 26th. I always look forward to this event and this year is no exception as we celebrate all things British. If you are new to TSLL, you may be wondering – what is British Week and why all the excitement? Be sure to click here (don’t worry, it won’t affect your free post count). And remember, if you are not a member, you can purchase a guest membership for just $10 that will give you TOP Tier access (no-ads, giveaway access, etc.) for one month, and it won’t automatically renew after the one month concludes.

This week on the blog was a full one with a new podcast episode taking listeners into the brain to understand how the amygdala works and breaking it down simply so we can harness our brain to manifest our dreams. Also, the regular monthly pondering post was shared, and it includes two new books not shared anywhere else on the blog that I think TSLL readers will enjoy, clothing finds, makeup finds finally decided upon after getting so close in previous searches for my go-to lipstick and much more. And in Monday’s Motivational post, we talked about how sometimes doors are opening for us, but we don’t realize that is what is happening. I do hope you will explore what speaks to you.

But you aren’t done with this week’s This & That yet! Below I have rounded up a handful of posts and articles along with one French movie trailer I think you might enjoy. Thank you for stopping by and may your weekend be full of time to follow your curiosity, snuggles and smiles shared with loved ones and of course many everyday moments to savor. Until Sunday! bonne journée.

~Can you lose your mother tongue? One American who now lives in France talks about this possibility? [NYTimes, gift link]

~McDonald & Dodds, the UK series mentioned above, is set and filmed in Bath. A beautiful English city that is quite the tourist attraction for deserved reasons. Here is a new article sharing the Best Things to Do in Bath, Somerset. [CN Traveler]

~A tour to savor, a Mayfair apartment in London. The wallpaper, books in the bedroom, the wood floor. So many inspiring and awe-capturing details. Enjoy! [House & Garden UK]

~Cookbook author of À Table and Le Sud, Rebekah Peppler spent a month at Julia Child’s La Pitchoune this past January. Read about her experience here. [CNTraveler]

~Meryl Streep’s talk at the Cannes Film Festival about women in the film industry. [The Guardian]

~It’s time to dream and travel vicariously! The best villas in France [CN Traveler]

~Where to stay in London if you want to eat like royalty [Saveur]

~This was a fun article to peruse, if nothing else out of curiosity – The Most Charming Small Towns in Each US State [Afar]

~All the details about The Cannes Film Festival [Frenchly]

~Speaking of Cannes, Anya Taylor-Joy’s style selections have been fabulous – Old Hollywood Glamour has returned [Vogue UK]

~To my fellow French language learners! 12 Interesting podcasts that will help you improve your French [Frenchly]

~The Cannes Film Festival is underway in France, and as we will be awash with British content next week, I wanted to bring one more Francophile Find to your attention. If you will be in France or live in France, look for this Cannes Film selection to be in theaters in France on June 28th. I am not sure yet when it will premiere in the states, but I will keep you apprised when it does. While selected to be one of the Gala screenings at the Théâtre Lumière, it is an Out of Competition selection so it does not compete for the main prize. Have a look at the trailer for The Count of Monte-Cristo below.

~Explore last week’s This & That: May 10, 2024

A favorite Francophile series is FINALLY returning with its sixth season – art, crime, chemistry – yep, it’s pretty much got it all. Books about success at work, cookbooks for savoring afternoon teas with savory and sweet treats as well as cookbooks for oodles of ideas for those vegetables that are calling our name as we stroll the booths at the farmers’ market. Also, a time-period drama returns for its third season, a new book about French rosé written by a friend of TSLL’s podcast filled with gorgeous photography to take you to Provence, and speaking of France, one of the quintessential candle companies that provide a touch of luxury, their candles are on sale – 20% – at a special place online – something not to miss. Also, spring and summer clothing finds – dresses, linen and even pajamas. Still, so much 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.