From luxury British skincare brands having site-wide sales, décor items from trusted interior designers for teacups and trays, and new book releases from British writers for those who love a good romance, to inspiration for classic English décor, this week’s T & T is full of finds. And while most of them are British as we are celebrating TSLL’s 6th Annual British Week, a few others I just had to include as I didn’t want you to miss on these sales and finds. Oh! And we have finds for the dog-lovers who have a predilection for Britain too along with where to find some of the beloved brands from the UK and how to ship to the US. I have all of that and more. Enjoy!

Beauty

—DermStore, 20% off site wide

There are oodles of sales taking place this Memorial Day weekend, very similar in reductions to Black Friday on some brands, so while I will include a few in today’s post, this is just a heads up to check your favorite brands for whatever you might be looking for, whether it is skincare, clothing, etc. For skincare, I have three brands to share with you today that are having a great sale. The first, DermStore, has a sale of 20% off sitewide when you use the promo code SUN, and some wonderful luxury brands are included in this nice reduction offering. I have shopped a few below.

My go-to retinol cream from Augustinus Bader is 20% off!

—Elemis Memorial Day Sale, everything 20% off

The British luxury skincare line that I know some TSLL readers love and swear by, and that I was first introduced to when I flew in First Class (a lovely little surprise of an upgrade as it was actually cheaper than the business class ticket for my arrival trip ☺️) this past October as they gift you with exclusive products from Elemis (I am still using their lip balm which they sell nowhere and is only for their partnership with BA – oh my goodness – yet another reason to fly on certain airlines!). Anyway back to the sale, everything is 20% off when you use the promo code MDW20 through May 31st. I have shopped a few items below, but if you know what you love, be sure to scoop it up!

Books

—The Book-Makers: A History of the Book in Eighteen Lives by Adam Smyth

Being released in the states on May 28th, Adam Smyth’s The Book-Makers “offers a new way into the story of Western culture’s most important object, the book, through dynamic portraits of eighteen individuals who helped to define it . . . From Wynkyn de Worde’s printing of fifteenth-century bestsellers to Nancy Cunard’s avant-garde pamphlets produced on her small press in Normandy, this is a celebration of the book with the people put back in.” Bibliophiles! This is our book! ☺️

—Britain’s Best Bakeries by Milly Kenny Ryder

As a freelance travel writer and food photographer in London, Milly Kenny Ryder’s job is to visit and taste food constantly (check out her IG page here), and so with all of the tastings and explorations she has under her belt, she wrote a new book. Now available in the UK (released on May 2nd – shop here from Blackwells), and being released on September 24th in the states, if you too associate Britain with cosy bakery treats, this is the book to have.

—Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent (a memoir) by Judi Dench

Back in November, I shared that Dame Judi Dench had released a new memoir in the UK. Well now, just this past April, it has become available in the states. Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent is already a New York Times bestseller, and it is “the first time that Dench opens up about every Shakespearean role she has played throughout her seven-decade career, from Lady Macbeth and Titania to Ophelia and Cleopatra. In a series of intimate conversations with actor & director Brendan O’Hea, she guides us through Shakespeare’s plays with incisive clarity, revealing the secrets of her rehearsal process and inviting us to share in her triumphs, disasters, and backstage shenanigans”. Did you see her conversation with Monty Don at the Chelsea Flower Show recently? Here is pic of their chat, and you can catch it on BritBox.

—You Are Here: A Novel by David Nicholls

Perhaps you fell in love with British novelist David Nicholls’ knack for telling a love story in his internationally bestselling and Booker Prize-longlisted novel One Day, and if so, you will definitely want to pick up his new novel. Already available in the UK, You Are Here will be released on May 28th in the states. Set in both London and the English countryside, You Are Here tells the story of Michael and Marnie who meet when a “persistent mutual friend and some very unpredictable weather conspire to toss them together on the most epic of ten-day hikes . . . Michael and Marnie are on the precipice of a bright future . . . if they can survive the journey”.

Cookbooks

—I’ll Bring Dessert: Simple, Sweet Recipes for Every Occasion by Benjamina Ebuehi 

You no doubt remember Benjamina from the Great British Bake-Off, and now she has her own cookbook full of sweet treats meant to bring us together and prompt us to savor deeply. I’ll Bring Dessert by Benji, as she is better well-known, inspires to provide confidence whenever you have been chosen to be the person who brings dessert to any occasion. “Chapters cover Something Fruity, Something Chocolatey, Something Creamy, Something Nutty and Something on the Side and each includes a mix of hot and cold desserts, vegan and gluten free recipes (or simple swaps), and recipes that can be made in advance or on the day with tips on how to transport or finish assembling later. From Cherry Slab Pie and Smoked Salt and Halva Cookies to a Gingerbread Mascarpone Roulade and Hot Honey Peach Shortcakes, there are recipes for when you want to really push the boat out and others that suit a more relaxed gathering.”

Released this past April. Pick up your copy now.

Décor

—An English Vision: Traditional Architecture and Interior Decoration for the Modern World by Ben Pentreath

I am giving you a heads up on this one as it won’t be released until September 24th, but I have already had the opportunity to read the galley of British interior designer Ben Pentreath’s new book, An English Vision (I loved his English Decoration: Timeless Inspiration for the Contemporary Home), and if you love just that – classic English decor mixed with contemporary touches, very similar, but with his own unique touch to Rita Konig’s, then you will want to preorder. Look for a detailed review (and *fingers-crossed* an interview with Pentreath in the fall on The Simple Sophisticate podcast).

—On the Fringe: A Life in Decorating by Imogen Taylor

During this past winter, I read a memoir by British interior designer and decorator Imogen Taylor, who was one of the first principal decorators for Colefax & Fowler. One of the reasons I was drawn to her life and career is because she too is a Francophile, and someone now in retirement who calls home in both Kent and in Burgundy. Yep – she speaks our language of affection for both cultures :).

You may remember the detailed tour of her remodeled house in House & Garden a few years ago, and well, it is fabulous. So I wanted to know more about her because she too never married, never had children and had a career to dream about along with a pup or two as a companion. Needless to say, she feels a bit like a kindred spirit, and this book is both a history of how England has changed over the decades regarding decoration (she decorated one of the residences in Kensington Palace while Princess Diane lived there) as well as an inspiring story of a life well lived (and continuing to do so).

—Rita Konig’s Margot Trays (three sizes, four colors)

Placed throughout Rita Konig’s North Farm are these beautiful lacquered trays in all sizes. Places to put your cuppa or glass, a place for books or for service purposes. If you read the tour post of my stay at North Farm, you will spot them here and there. She has updated the design from the original (the original had soft scalloped edges which you will see in North Farm, and those can also be found, but now the Margot – named after her daughter, looks like what you see here).

While an investment, these are sturdy trays and highly functional. And this is what Konig does so well: adds a modern touch to a classic vignette with the lacquer and the detail. Be sure to keep these in mind if you are looking for exactly this sort of touch to your décor.

—Roberts Radios, Amazon UK (for shipping to the US)

Over the past year I have had many readers reach out to me asking how I was able to order (and ship) my Roberts radios from the UK to the US as the company itself doesn’t ship outside of Britain. As someone who loves my Roberts radios and counts three of them in my house at the moment (and I counted four in Rita Konig’s North Farm which made me smile endlessly – I had a radio on nearly the entire time I was there), these are high quality radios (one was a giveaway last year in fact) and thankfully you can ship them from the UK to the US through Amazon in the UK. Make sure your payment information knows you are purchasing internationally as some bank fraud alerts may be pinged, but other than that, as one TSLL reader and her husband shared recently, they were able to have the radio shipped and arrive on the west coast here in the states in less than a week (Paula your radio is beautiful! Thank you for sharing your photos ☺️).

A touch of Britain in your home. And perhaps listening to BBC Sounds via bluetooth, or if you are like me the Classical music station on BBC 3 (BBC Sounds app for free access) or Classic FM (tune in to episode #375 of the podcast as this British station was the Petit Plaisir).

Podcasts

—Midsomer Murders Mayhem

A big thank you to Michelle, a long-time TSLL Member who shared with me earlier this spring that a new podcast premiered (March 28th) talking about all things Midsomer Murders. Yep, Midsomer Murders Mayhem is a podcast, and you can check out their homepage with all of the episodes here.

Shopping

—Blue Mercury, 20% off all sun skincare products

Here is a great sale to stock up on all of your sun skincare needs. All sun skincare products are 20% – no code necessary. My go-to and most trusted sunscreen – EltaMD UV Clear broad spectrum sunscreen spf 46 – is available in all sorts of variations. Such a light-weight and greaseless product, I have been a fan ever since I began using it last year. Here are a few more items to shop below that are included in the sale.

—Nina Campbell’s Marguerite Teacup & Saucer

This gorgeous teacup & saucer pair is handcrafted in Stoke-on-Trent in England and is set upon English fine bone china. “Inspired by Nina’s love of nature, travel and adventure, the illustrative designs draw fond memories of dining al fresco on sultry summer afternoons. A vision to behold, the Lithodora Diffusa in ‘Heavenly Blue’ is an evergreen plant, which grows in garden borders and its vivid blue, star-shaped blooms are peppered amongst a mat of leafy green foliage”.

While an investment, oh my goodness wouldn’t this be a treasure to have! Purchase two while you are at it, and you will never regret doing so. Delightful.

—Rosabella Dress, Dôen

A summer cover-up of a dress to wear over your swimsuit or thoughtfully chosen undergarments, such comfort and beauty in Dôen’s Rosabella dress for the season of relaxing is a timeless piece to have.

—Union Jack Dog Beds & Coats (various styles and sizes – monogram available), Lords & Labradors

I know there are many dog lovers in our community and as someone who has one of Lords & Labradors’ high wall beds for Norman (he loves it and Nelle sneaks in there from time to time), when I saw they had beds and dog coats with the Union Jack print, I had to share. It’s British Week after all, and perhaps this touch of whimsy would be that make-you-smile detail in the room where your pup enjoys a good snooze.

—Sweaty Betty Memorial Day Sale, 25% off everything!

Britain’s Sweaty Betty brand is having a great sale (the same reduction they offered during Black Friday in fact) as everything is 25% off. That includes my go-to walking jogger pant, the Gaia (which I included in the scroll below), but whatever you need, it is on sale and no promo code is necessary. Shop through May 31st.

Television

—Britain’s Most Scenic Counties: Norfolk & Surrey, AcornTV

This past early spring when the weather kept me inside, I came across this travel series on AcornTV that gives an intimate tour of the counties Norfolk and Surrey in eastern England just above London. Often called the breadbox of the country for its lush farm and fishing trades, if you are looking for travel while staying home or inspiration for your next trip, this is a six-part series to enjoy.

—Chelsea Flower Show, BritBox

And we all know it’s happening and some TSLL readers are even there right now or were there earlier this week! The Chelsea Flower Show is in full swing, and I have been watching an episode or two each night on BritBox. Hosted by the folks you’ve come to enjoy on Gardeners’ World plus a few other fabulous faces and hosts, if you too love this annual tradition, be sure to tune in.

—Here We Go, BritBox

Let’s laugh, shall we? This irreverent comedy is now in season two, having premiered in 2019 and is a comedy titled Here We Go centered around a family whose “youngest son Sam uses his camera to document the highs and lows of the Jessop family as they navigate a combination of life’s everyday challenges: changing careers, keeping the romance alive within a marriage, adopting a healthier lifestyle, kidnapping a dog, destroying a swimming pool and sabotaging a wedding. Although nothing quite goes to plan for the Jessops, their indomitable spirit sees them find moments of unexpected delight among the disappointment, and laughing in the face of disaster.” Have a look at the trailer for season one below and look for it on BritBox.

As I sit and type out in my garden, I am watching a butterfly dance about the bulbous purple head of an allium, and all I can do is stare and be grateful. I love this time of year in the garden, and it’s no wonder Britain springs to mind and I have such an affection for the country’s love of its favorite pastime, as well as for the country itself. Even when things don’t work out (currently wondering about my strawberries in their pots that don’t seem to have returned for the season), I still love that I can garden.

While I didn’t get the opportunity to visit any gardens during my trip this past October and rather delighted in cozying by the fireplace as depicted here in the above photo in one of the many pics captured while I stayed at North Farm with a hot cuppa tea on the most comfortable corduroy sofa, that is definitely on the priority list to do so next visit, as there are oodles of places to explore, learn about and learn from!

Speaking of learning and discovering, I want to thank everyone who has stopped by this week for our annual British Week, and your comments and connections with others, sharing what you have experienced but also asking questions to not only me but others, has been a delight to see in the comments. I look forward to hearing all about your upcoming trips and discoveries as you venture to wherever in Britain you are inspired to visit, and thank you for sharing time with us all during this special week here on TSLL.

And of course, we are not done yet! Later today, one more post will be shared – the Grand Giveaway, and then on Saturday, there will be two more posts to conclude the week, including a post detailing the first TSLL in-person gathering with TOP Tier Members, this go-round for afternoon tea in London.

Before I sign off on this week’s This & That, a heads up that this Sunday, Sunday the 26th, will be the day that I will finally be debuting the Introductory video of TSLL’s Contentment Masterclass, full of detailed information sharing what the course will be about, and it will be shared in lieu of Monday’s Motivational post as I want to give you time to explore it as we have a long holiday weekend. But rest assured, I have not forgotten about the monthly gardening post, so look for that on Tuesday, the 28th.

Okay! Now to a few more links and one video I think you’re going to love if you are an Anglophile or a cosy mystery reader. Thank you for stopping by today and until later today, bonne journée ! Or should I say, cheerio!

~This will speak our language I have a feeling: Rethinking productivity: Less hustle, more harmony, more energy [Tiny Buddha]

~If you were unable to find the Burleigh collection or item you were looking for earlier this week on their US site, be sure to shop Bee’s Knees, a reputable US-based source that has many more items.

~What is it that makes cosy British village mysteries so appealing? [BritishTV]

~Why writing by hand beats typing for thinking and learning [NPR]

~We must not forget about Francophile-finds even if it is British week, and this one made me smile – France issues scratch-and-sniff baguette postage stamps [NYtimes, gift link]

~Do you know where Britain’s most remote pub is located? Find out here and how to access it. Hint, it’s in Scotland [T & L]

~How to design a garden [Gardeners’ World]

~If you like a more modern touch to your interior design, but with a slight touch of English traditional, be sure to take a look at this modern take on a storied Hampstead House. [House & Garden UK]

~Since we’ve been talking a lot this week about ease of transport from the airport (in this case Heathrow) to the city, here is one for Francophiles – How to get from CDG to Paris by public transport [Frenchly]

~Nigel Slater’s recipe for Pancetta Tarts, vegan ginger slice, and onion flatbreads [The Observer]

~Some of the favorite gardens picked by The Gardens Illustrated team at Chelsea Flower Show.

~Some foolproof summer outfits ideas for the Memorial Day or Bank Holiday weekend many of us find ourselves about to begin. [Vogue UK]

~And what better news to share as British Week’s This & That concludes than the announcement of the premiere date of The Marlow Murder Club, written, created and adapted by Robert Thorogood (and they actually film the entire series in Marlow, England, where the author lives!). Season 1 (they are already filming season 2!) will premiere on PBS Masterpiece on October 27th. And yep, I will be sure to share later this year on that particular T & T when the date arrives. 🙂 Here’s the trailer and be sure to read the books here. There are three already, and each are fantastic.

~Explore last week’s This & That: May 17, 2024:

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. 

~~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.