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A summer melody is marrying so many of the items in this week’s T & T. From summer clothing items that will be with you for years to come, gardening books and even a new rose that just debuted at the Chelsea Flower Show. As well, books about décor, living in rural France written by a friend of TSLL’s podcast (check out episode #167 to hear our conversation about her first book a couple of years ago), a new movie to sweep you away to Italy and a Memorial Day sale not to miss. Plus much more!
Books
—The Art of Noticing: 131 Ways to Spark Creativity, Find Inspiration, and Discover Joy in the Everyday by Rob Walker
I happened upon this book just recently, but it was released in 2019. It immediately caught my eye, and I think it will for many TSLL readers as well. If you are trying to figure out or return to a deeper awareness of what really matters to you, any one of Walker’s 131 ideas for deepening your awareness to notice the everyday awesomeness will no doubt lead you closer to what brings you to life.
—The Nutmeg Trail: Recipes and Stories Along the Ancient Spice Routes by Eleanor Ford
Just released this last week and with many an editor recommending it, pick up The Nutmeg Trail and discover 80 spice-infused recipes, eye-catching images as you travel with the author award-winning Eleanor Ford “on a culinary journey along the ancient spice trail reveals how centuries of spice trading and cultural diffusion changed the world’s cuisine and how to best stock and enjoy spices in your own home”.
—Old in Art School: A Memoir in Starting Over by Nell Painter
When I learned of this title which was released in 2019 and was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, I quickly put it on my to-be-read (TBR) list. A retired history professor from Princeton, Dr. Nell Painter, decides to step into her chapter of retirement by taking classes to earn a BFA and MFA in painting. However, this book is so much more than a ‘next chapter’ book as Painter explores thought-provoking questions prompted by the art she is exploring – “How are women and artists seen and judged by their age, looks, and race? What does it mean when someone says, ‘You will never be an artist’? Who defines what an artist is and all that goes with such an identity, and how are these ideas tied to our shared conceptions of beauty, value, and difference?’
Whether you are an artist or someone who appreciates art, this book, I have a strong suspicion, will inspire you. I cannot wait to read it.
British Find
—The Creative Gardener: Inspiration and Advice to Create the Space You Want by Adam Frost
Gardeners’ World host Adam Frost has just released a new book (May 24th), and it looks to be quite the valuable resource for sparking creativity in your garden no matter your budget, taste or space. “Adam shows how small plantings, design flourishes, hands-on creative projects, and simple hard landscaping projects can help transform your garden. Taking an artisan’s approach to his own garden, Adam emphasizes how you too can find inspiration and turn it into a garden feature, how to personalize your ideas – using what you already have – and upcycling.”
Check out the Table of Contents below to gain an idea of all that is shared.
I know many TSLL readers enjoy traveling to England, and especially the countryside or other cities other than London, so I wanted to share with you an accommodation in Bath that is worth saving. The Yard in Bath. A boutique luxury hotel offering 14 rooms for guests, the entire inn has been restored and is nestled in the heart of Bath.
The Sunday Telegraph recently reviewed and recommended The Yard in Bath as one of the Best Hotel Openings of this year. Needless to say, this one is being saved on my list for future trips to Britain. 🙂
Décor
—Home with Rue: Style for Everyone [an interior design book] by Kelli Lamb
Being released on May 31st, from the home design magazine Rue, the editorial director Kelli Lamb shares never before interior design photographs paired with her expert advice on planning, styling and creating your ideal living space.
Films
—Toscana, Netflix
A BIG Thank You to a TSLL reader for recommending Toscana, a new film available to watch now on Netflix. Set in Italy, a Danish chef travels to Tuscany to view and initially sell his inherited father’s home and business. Then, he meets someone who inspires him to change his mind. Have a look at the trailer below and enjoy!
Francophile Find
—Toujours Le France!: Living the Dream in Rural France by Janine Marsh
British expat now living and making her home in northern rural France has a new book, her third, and shares more tales and pondering from her daily life making a life in just that, rural France. Janine joined me a few years ago in episode #167 to talk about her first book, My Good Life in France, and I am so excited to read her new book. Below is a glimpse inside.
Garden
—Becoming A Gardener: What Reading and Digging Taught Me About Living by Catie Marron
If you are at the beginning stages of gardening or have just begun to ponder the idea of becoming a gardener, this may just be the book to not only help you dip your toes, but inspire you as well with the beautiful photography.
Released earlier this month, Catie Marron decided to create a garden in her new Connecticut home, but she wasn’t a gardener . . . yet. Teaching herself to garden, or should I say looking to books written by those with great expertise in gardening, she utilized her love for reading to help her become what she wished to be. And below is a look at her vegetable garden. Wow. 🙂
“In Becoming a Gardener, Catie Marron chronicles her transformation into a gardener over the course of eighteen months, seeding the details of her experience with rich advice from writers as diverse as Eleanor Perényi and Karel Capek, Penelope Lively, and Jamaica Kincaid. As she digs deeper into her readings and works in the garden itself, Marron not only discovers the essence of gardening”.
—David Austin’s new rose – Bring Me Sunshine
Roses are just wonderful blooms to have in the garden, and as so many keep reblooming all summer so long as you deadhead, investing in them them really is worth it in the long-run.
When I happened upon the discovery of Bring Me Sunshine (which can look more yellow in other images I have seen), I took note. And maybe you will as well. Learn more by clicking the link above about this new shrub rose created by David Austin Roses, and yep, it debuted at Chelsea this year to great delight by gardeners.
Shopping
—Cos Straw Bucket Hat (two sizes)
As our farmers’ market is in the middle of the afternoon here in Bend, the brightest and hottest sun beats down on all of the market-goers and I find myself looking for a hat that isn’t my gardening straw hat (as it has a lovely look of use all its own – but I do so enjoy and appreciate having it). Cos’ straw bucket hat may be just the trick as it’s not too large in its brim width, but it still offers shade to the back of the neck and entire face. Available at a great price as well and in two sizes.
—Sézane Ilda Espadrilles, Chocolate (more colors)
It will be summer officially soon and espadrilles that let the toes shine are a great idea. A classic color combo (seen here), wear them for years to come.
—Soeur Pantalon Harry (two colors)
I saw these cotton pants and thought of Provence. Breathable, loose, but still stylish. Yep, this would be a perfect item to wear in the south of France in the summer.
Save 10% automatically this weekend only at Tory Burch. And while the sale is not site-wide, what I did notice was nearly all of the handbags are on sale, so if you have had your eye on any of them over the past few months, be sure to stop by. I have shopped a few items below and have perused most closely the handbags as I am looking at her crossbody bags. Hmmm . . .
—Trina Turk Evenfall Jumpsuit (three colors)
While working at the Colville St. Patisserie last week, the barista was wearing the most chic, yet comfortable olive jumpsuit, similar to this one. The color of dark olive just works as a neutral for so many skin tones, and it’s on sale.
—Vince Camel Cropped belted linen-blend tapered pants
While I do love my dresses in the summer, linen pants are my go-to when I know I will be walking quite a bit, but the temperatures will fluctuate. Love these from Vince, and love them even more that they are on sale.
Well, hello summer unofficially! Memorial Day weekend has arrived in the states, with the long three-day holiday for many folks. Norman and I will be staying home and working in the garden, taking it easy and just generally going about as we are moved. 🙂
Last night I hosted a small dinner party at my house which I have been looking forward to as the guests are people I have long wanted to catch up with. Making one new recipe (in fact, the tart crust – a sablée! – is being blind baked as I type!) and enjoying three other favorites, while I am writing this prior to sitting down, just thinking about the courses makes my appetite dance. 🙂 So after preparing the house and garden and meal throughout the week, I don’t mind that my schedule is slower over the three day weekend. 🙂
In preparation for the dinner, I visited the local farmers’ market, something I haven’t been able to do for two weeks, and it was a treat. Picking up two bouquets of freshly cut flowers from Roots Wild (see here), as well as fresh greens and other vegetables for the meal, just wandering about on such a nice day was a great way to spend an hour.
One thing I will be doing most definitely this weekend is recording June’s A Cuppa Moments as it will be shared with TOP Tier Members on June 1st (next Wednesday). Look for videos in my garden, seeing the progress of my dahlias (the last tuber finally sprouted – wahoo!) and walks and paddles with Norman, plus our regular chat topics of interest (books, seasonal details, question to spark conversation and more).
This Sunday is Mother’s Day in France, so for all of TSLL’s mères living in France, wishing you a wonderful day of celebration and love.
And on Saturday, look for May’s Saturday Ponderings . . . post, a favorite of TOP Tier Members and while typically shared in the middle of the month, as we were celebrating British Week, I had to push it back a week. 🙂
Thank you for choosing to stop by, and I do hope you have a wonderful weekend, spending time with those you love, spending time with yourself and doing what nourishes you as you revel in time to do as you please and need. Until tomorrow, Bonne journée.
~My favorite article-to-read-and-ponder from this week’s list. Traveling and being abroad (no matter how short or long) really is a gift we give ourselves for a more contented life as we come to understand who we truly are. How Living Abroad Helps You Develop a Clearer Sense of Self [Harvard Business Review]
~I appreciated this list. For any introvert looking for the ‘okay’ to incorporate these ideas into their daily life, we need to do so, and it indeed makes a tremendous difference – 6 Ways for Introvert to Manage the Hustle Culture [Introvert, Dear]
~Take a look at all of the medal winners (pics included) at Chelsea’s Flower Show from this past weekend [House & Garden UK]
~The Art & Customs of the French Sunday [Frenchly]
~I always enjoy peeking into the writing routine of writers, and Meg Mason shares hers in an interview with Jo Rodgers in Toast. The fact that her dog as well sleeps under her desk as she writes made me smile immediately.
~An early summer garden checklist from The Middle-Sized Garden.
~The winner for the year 2022 for the Best Baguette in Paris has been announced! And while many boulangeries throughout the city make mouth-watering baguettes, if you’re in the 15th arrondissement, be sure to check it out. [Sortie á Paris]
~A thought provoking, straight-to-the-point post from Seth Godin about Sharp Language.
~7 Tips for Buying French Cheese [The Local, subscription required]
~As of May 16th, masks on planes in Europe have become optional (check your airline to confirm) [Afar]
~Jacques Pépin shares his Carrot Crepe Recipe, yep, a vegetable crepe, and it looks delicious [Saveur]
~Speaking of travel in Europe, Rick Steves is busy bustling about the continent and sharing what he is discovering. No surprise, it’s busy over there, and he has a few suggestions for travel. [Travel + Leisure]
~The Cannes Film Festival just took place, and well, didn’t the Duchess of Cambridge look stunning? Goodness, yes. Have a look at this article detailing the Prizes, Protests, Red Carpet and more. [Vogue UK]
~Only Murders in the Building, Season 2 is coming next month!!! Check out the recently released trailer below.
~Check out last week’s This & That: May 20, 2022 – British Themed
With so many items included in this week’s T & T, I had to create two image collages (see above and to the right – if reading on your desktop/laptop). Okay, so there is a book for just about every interest – capers, cookbooks, travel, special edition classics, and series. A new-to-me mystery series on BritBox, a podcast hosted by Lucy Worsley I have found quite fascinating, clothing items exclusively from British brands, the grand celebration taking place currently in Britain, and yep, the second Downton Abbey film that premieres today in the states. Plus, so much more.
. . . and it continues! A full week of British-inspired items.
~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.
Thank you again for such a lovely read. I always look forward to the positivity.
Have a great weekend.
Thank you for stopping by and wishing you a wonderful weekend as well! ☺️
Loved this weeks list ! Catching my eye – that beautiful hotel in Bath! Thank you so much for recommending, I’m travelling to Cornwall later this summer and stopping in Wiltshire on the way down and then planning to stop in Bath on the way home (to break up the long 6 hour journey) so this is a perfect place to look at.
I thoroughly enjoyed Janine Marsh’s first book, and although I’m still to read her second, I’m already looking forward to #3.
I always love browsing your shopping recommendations – the Sezane espadrilles have caught my eye as so many are closed toe. Time to book my summer pedi I think ?
Happy weekend, your dinner party sounded lovely and a weekend in the garden ideal.
Sarah
What a wonderful place to stay to break up a long road trip. If you stay, I will most definitely be curious to see what you share on IG ☺️.
Thank you for stopping by Sarah. Have a wonderful weekend.
Congratulations on the sprouting of the final dahlia tuber!! I just read an excerpt from Catie Marron’s book and this quote she offered from Jamaica Kincaid hit home:”I started to plant things–this is not the same as being a gardener…”. I think I would benefit a great deal from this book, thanks for the introduction. 🙂
Oh my gosh, isn’t that a glorious rose from David Austin?! I have so enjoyed keeping up with the Chelsea Garden Show via BritBox, what a delight.
‘Toscana’ looks lovely, I can’t wait to watch. And I adore Jacques Pepin. He presents quick little cooking moments on his Facebook page almost daily and they are such a spot of joy. The man is a treasure.
All good stuff to peruse through the weekend, thank you Shannon. And what an adorable and charming photo of Norman nestled in for his nap in the Reading Nook. ?It sounds like you have your weekend off to a lovely start. We’ll be going down to the family house on the Gulf Coast for the weekend, but truth be told, I really can’t wait to get back to potter in the yard.?Wishing you and Norman a wonderful weekend. XO Rona
Rona, Thank you for stopping by before heading off for the weekend! I do hope your visit went well and now that you are home, wishing you much time in your garden. 🙂 Oh, and I think you will LOVE Toscana. Enjoyed it thoroughly. 🙂
Great T&T, as usual! 🙂
My favourites:
– The Art of Noticing
– Old in Art School – with being an Art Teacher, this one had to make the list, of course. I am always interested in other people esthetic/ artist experiences.
– Toscana
– Bring Me Sunshine – absolutely beautiful rose! As always, David Austin has the most glorious roses. Pity I do not have space for another one…
– Straw Hat – thank you, Shannon, I am in need of buying a new straw hat for this summer and this one looks very nice indeed.
– Articles on:
– How Living Abroad… – this is a theme that interests me deeply and would make for a great discussion and very loooong comment, so in name of our mental sanity during the weekend ;-), I will abstain…
– medal winners at Chelsea – nice gardens over there!
– Sharp Language – so right.
My dahlias have also sprout their little eyes out of the soil during this week. Lovely! 🙂
Have a great weekend and give Norman a nice pat from my part!
Isabel, Thank you for sharing all that you have. And I think you have brought to my attention what would be a great point of conversation in our upcoming A Cuppa Moments. I think the community would have much to say on this topic. 🙂 I do so hope you like the hat. If you’d like, feel free to let me know how it works out. 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend and pat to Norman has been given. 🙂
Great T&T, as always — so much good reading & food for thought. Re living “abroad”: I was having an (email) conversation with a relative in Ireland & mentioned something about living abroad. She wrote back, “for us, Canada IS ‘abroad’ “. It made me laugh & then I started to think: what if I lived here as though I *were* from somewhere else? How would I interact with my surroundings were I to live here with a tourist’s eye, palate & taste for new experiences? I live in one of Canada’s major tourist destinations, yet take so much of it for granted. We’re great tour guides when friends or family come to visit, but on our own, my husband & I fall too easily into our routines & while we love our proximity to ocean & mountains & do take advantage of them, we also default to habit far too often. We’re still too entangled in unpacking after our recent spur-of-the-moment move to have the time to figure out what we’re going to do to change this, but it’s led to some positive late-night discussion 🙂 .