Stripes seem to be a theme this week as many a find involves them ☺️ This is entirely by chance, but you know me and stripes! Gotta love them. There are also two great new French series to watch, a new docu-series for tennis fans, speaking of tennis – Paris! Are you watching? Two new US films that are receiving high praise, clothing for summer and cozying in, all timeless. Books from acclaimed novelists, one to explore the truth about ‘pretty’ and another to help you get your creativity soaring. All of that and still more.

Books

~Don’t Call It Art: 10 Ways to Create Like a Kid Again by Austin Kleon

Austin Kleon’s first few books are in my library, and I have reread his 2019 release, Keep Going a few times. Now, he has a new book, Don’t Call It Art, being released this coming Tuesday, June 2nd. Described as “[Kleon’s] most encouraging and inspiring book yet, he shares ten rejuvenating lessons he learned from being a studio assistant to the artists closest to his heart: his two young sons. Kleon discovered that nurturing his kids taught him how to create the conditions under which his own – and everyone’s creativity – can thrive. Don’t Call It Art offers inspiring advice for readers looking to free their creative spirit including:

• Permission to be bad
• Believe in magic
• Throw out the instructions
• You don’t need a vision
• Think outside your head

I have a feeling this title will make it to my library very soon ☺️, and maybe yours as well.

—Land: A Novel by Maggie O’Farrell 

The author of the international bestseller Hamnet, that was adapted into a movie that won many Oscars at this year’s Academy Awards, has a new novel. And it takes us to Ireland.

“The year is 1865, and in a country not long since ravaged and emptied by the Great Hunger, the task is not an easy one. Tomás, however, is determined that his maps will be a record of the disaster.

“The British soldiers in charge are due to arrive any day, expecting the work to be completed, but Tomás is unexpectedly sent off course by an unsettling encounter in a copse. His life, and the lives of those of his family, will never be the same again. Liam is terrified by the sudden change in his taciturn father.”

—The Problem with Pretty: Beauty, Bias and the Surprising Science of Good Looks by Allycin Powell-Hicks

This new book looks fascinating and worth reading to provide more awareness of unconscious biases that have unknowingly been limiting in a variety of ways – with ourselves and with others. The Problem with Pretty (to be released on June 2nd) begins with the presumption that “most of us have been tricked into believing beauty is about how we look, but Dr. Allycin Powell-Hicks reveals that the real problem isn’t your appearance—it’s how you’re trained to see it. Blending science-based research and personal experiences, The Problem with Pretty dismantles beauty myths from their roots and dissects what it really means to be beautiful. She exposes how our brains take shortcuts, latching on to tiny visual cues and filling in the rest with socially constructed ideas that have nothing to do with reality.

The Problem with Pretty rewires how we perceive beauty. Drawing on women’s stories, Dr. Ally breaks down the biases that shape our self-worth. She sheds a much-needed light on the systems that profit from our insecurities as well as how understanding our lineage can help us reclaim our power.”

British Finds

—The Kennedys and the Windsors: The Story of Two Dynasties, One Born, One Made by Caroline Hallemann

I have to be honest, my interest lies primarily with the Windsors, but as journalist Caroline reveals in her new book about these two iconic families, there are many ways that each family has mirrored the other in surprising ways. “From Queen Elizabeth’s coronation to President Kennedy’s historic London visit, from JFK Jr.’s shocking death to Prince Harry’s decisive break with his family, Hallemann traces the key moments in the lives of these two dynasties through a fresh and fascinating lens, showing how they have intersected over the generations in ways that not only shaped their images and legacies, but history itself.”

—NavyGrey’s Weekend, superfine wool sweater

British brand NavyGrey is a must-shop when it comes to sweaters (they have a linen line as well for summer tops that is worth checking out), and while I realize we are about to step into summer, it is their superfine wool sweater, The Weekend, that caught my attention. perfect for those early mornings when there is a bit of a chill, and great for transitioning from one season to the next. And of course, I love the stripes 😉 (solid colors are available as well).

Décor

—Rowen & Wren’s Sudbury Dining Chair Cushions (outdoor), various stripe colors

Stripes happenstancily became the theme this week. Just look at these bistro chair cushions. ☺️ Immediately creating an inviting outdoor space and adding a lot of comfort. Reach out to Rowen & Wren if you live in the States to place your order and customize, and if in the UK, you can order directly from their website.

Films

—Brunello: The Gracious Visionary

Having premiered back in April, if you love quiet luxury, even if beyond our price range, Brunello Cucinelli’s brand is on your radar. One of the designers I hope to someday welcome a few items from, even just one would be a dream, into my wardrobe, his brand, still owned by the family, is renowned worldwide. And now we get to know a bit more about the founder, Brunello himself in the new documentary, The Gracious Visionary (trailer seen below in the IG post).

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—Miss You, Love You, HBO Max

Allison Janning is having a very busy year, and stepping into some fantastic roles. In this new film, Miss You, Love You, described as a dark comedy, she stars alongside comedian and actor Andrew Rannells. The title is derived from the text message her son often sends her (further explained in the trailer below), and when her character’s husband dies, she is forced to plan the funeral with a total stranger: her estranged son’s assistant (Rannells). Premiering today on HBO Max, have a look at the trailer. It looks like a great film to watch.

—Power Ballad

Critics are giving high praise to this new comedy, rom-com (sort-of, somewhat, okay, maybe not 🤷‍♀️), and especially lauding Paul Rudd’s performance. Power Ballad is all about the creation of one fate-changing song and who took credit for it. Danny (played by Nick Jonas) turns one of Rick’s (Paul Rudd’s) songs into the hit that reignites his career (Danny’s, that is). Upon hearing the song, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves – even if it means risking everything he cares about. Have a look at the trailer below and look for it in theaters beginning today.

Francophile Finds

—Carpe Diem, Walter Presents/PBS

Feel like slipping away to the Côte d’Azur? Specifically Nice? And enjoying a playfully fun, yet witty French mystery series? Well, if you said yes to all of that, you will quite enjoy Carpe Diem. Found on PBS/Walter Presents this past weekend, I zoomed through the first season – six episodes. Have a look at the trailer below to learn more about the premise.

—The Family Detective (ak Famille Etiquette), MHzchoice

One more cozy French mystery series that I am also enjoying and that was just added to MHzChoice has a great cast. Set in Brittany, specifically Rennes, we have a mother and father who run a quincaillerie (French for hardware and this-and-that store for the home), and an adult daughter who recently returned to take a new job as captain of the local police. There is also a friendly face many will recognize from The Hook-Up Plan, Marc Ruchmann, who ends up being the love interest of the daughter. An unexpected personal life event happens in the daughter’s life and while solving a new case each episode, the family is also navigating her life-changing news and discovery. Have a look at a peek at the series below and look for the final two episodes of the first season to be released this coming Tuesday. The first four are now available.

—My Year in Paris with Gertrude Stein: A Fiction by Deborah Levy

Being released next week in the States and already well received in Europe, My Year in Paris with Gertrude Stein revolves around a writer (the narrator) who is trying to write an essay about Gertrude Stein, but has run up against a wall of sorts. Set in contemporary Paris, the narrator and two companions explore the life and work of Gertrude Stein: a subversive imagining of a truly subversive female artist.”

In trying to write about Stein, the narrator “knows too much and nothing at all about the leading avant-garde thinker of the early twentieth century. There are the facts: Gertrude Stein studied psychology at Harvard and medicine at Johns Hopkins, then quit; curated modern art in her rented apartment that would shake the world; wrote novels, plays, poetry, and libretti that are incoherent and brilliant; felt love at first sight for her daring wife, the subject of The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas. But so much is out of reach.”

Critics are pleased with this unique approach of telling a story. “Only a book like this, only a book by Deborah Levy, ‘an indelible writer [and] elliptical genius’ (Dwight Garner, The New York Times Book Review), could attempt such an investigation. It crashes through genre to form something distinctively, utterly new―an imaginative, entertaining, and scholarly manifestation befitting the genius at its center.”

—Roland Garros (aka the tennis French Open)

I am holding on to my HBO Max streaming subscription for 10 more days solely because Roland Garros and all of its matches are available. There are only two sports I enjoy watching dependably and one of them is tennis. Add that the event takes place in Paris, and well, I’m tuning in. ☺️ The first couple of rounds have wrapped up and now we near the quarters, semis and the finals. Even though Carlos Alcaraz isn’t playing this year, on both the men’s and women’s side, there has been some great tennis to watch.

—Sandro’s Satin Trousers in Cream, 30% off

While not for everyday, if you have a special occasion to dress for and you are feeling pants instead of a dress, these satin trousers would make a statement without singing too loudly. And they’re on sale.

Shopping

—Ayr’s Ride or Fly denim jacket

As I type, I am wearing my denim jacket that looks oddly quite similar to this one from Ayr. While mine was picked up at a consignment shop, it will be with me for decades. I pair it with everything during spring and early summer. A staple item to have at the ready whenever the occasion calls for a bit (just a bit) of warmth or a layer.

—Boden’s Catherine Button Linen Dress, more colors

More stripes! And this time in the form of linen dresses. Solid colors are available as well.

—COS’s Pleated Striped Cotton shirt

More stripes! But yellow with a slight gray (if you look closely).

—Quince’s 100% European Linen Long Sleeve Pajama Set with Piping, many colors

Linen pajamas. Always having a pair or two in my closet and packing one when I travel, this price is a good one for these styles. Check the lengths of the inseam, but otherwise, loving these from Quince.

—Sézane Adèle Dress, ecru with blue stripes, other colors

One more stripe dress for summer and spring. And it’s a classic. Made of 100% organic cotton, this midi-length dress with short sleeves, completed with a cuff is timeless.

Television

—Rafa, Netflix

And as the French Open (Roland Garros) is in full swing at the moment, it only makes sense to release a documentary limited series about the player who dominated that red clay – Rafa Nadal. Premiering today, Rafa consisting of four episodes, filmed in 2024, follow along as he battles for a final triumph on the court. “Rafael Nadal opens up like never before about what shaped one of the greatest tennis careers of all time.” Have a look at the trailer below.

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With rain sprinkling here and there this week and a wonderfully drenching storm last evening, it has been a refreshingly cooler week, and if I could send these lower temperatures to readers in Europe and parts of the east coast who are experiencing the record-breaking temperatures, I would. May it abate soon for you.

Visiting the farmers’ market under overcast skies felt like a treat. Yes, the sunscreen was on, but the hats weren’t necessary. Gawking at all of the fresh produce, and picking up what I needed for the week, these visits are a treat to savor for a variety of reasons.

Here at Le Papillon, the hardwood flooring is now complete in the foyer and laundry room, and if you are a TOP Tier Member, you can take a peek at what the parquet design will be in the foyer when you visit the monthly Smile post for May that was shared earlier this week. I am tickled beyond about how the new wallpaper in the laundry room is complemented by the hardwoods, and the detail in the foyer flooring along with the warmth provided by the wood – look for the detailed reveal posts later this summer.

Speaking of this summer, that will be when pre-ordering takes place for Savoring the Sojourn. And in fact, while I will be sending out a newsletter in the next couple of weeks to give you the exact date that preordering begins (there will be a 90 day window to place your order to ensure it arrives at your door by September 15th) and all of the details associated with the book (special discounts on past books, free gift for TOP Tier members, how to have your copy personalized and signed and more), in June’s A Cuppa Moments all of this will be shared on Monday along with more chatting about the book and its contents.

And one more important note, a BIG thank you to Maureen, Jacquline and Cathy for reaching out directly this week to tell me helpful heads up about the site when it wasn’t looking as it should. We’ve been working on attempted hacks of the site this week, and continue to monitor it closely as it simply blocks readers’ ability to see the site and presents its own page. Thank you for your patience and rest assured we are closely monitoring the site. If ever something doesn’t seem as it should, as this is a small business (just me and my web tech who I couldn’t do this without), know that you are reaching out to me directly, a human, always a human, and this human 🙂 is grateful for your thoughtfulness and time taken to reach out to make sure TSLL is offering the experience you expect when you visit.

And now, let the weekend begin! Below are a few posts, articles and one video I thought you might enjoy, and until Sunday, bonne journée !

~How to Win at the Paris Flea Market, a fun read by friend of TSLL’s John von Sothen, written for AIrMail.

~Favorite read of the week: How good things feel unfamiliar and thus the self-sabotage cycle continues (and how to stop it). [Tiny Buddha]

~Thank you Janet B. for sharing with me this new in The Times Cooking section for a classic British dessert – Lemon Possets. They look refreshing and fun. 🙂

~British Week may have wrapped up last Sunday, but I thought you might enjoy one last exploration into the world of Midsomer Murders and why the appeal of the English vision of the countryside still endures as explained by one of the stars of the long running show. [Country Living]

~Had to share this article with you after The Other Bennet Sister was chosen as the Petit Plaisir last week – Why Ella Bruccoleri loves the character Jane Austen snubbed [NYTimes, gift link]

~If you too thoroughly enjoyed Je m’appelle Agneta, the Swedish film set in Provence on Netflix, then be sure to read this post to get to know the real Agneta and her life in Provence. Shared with me by long-time member and reader of TSLL Martina. Thank you again Martina 🙂

~Paris was already very dog friend, and now even more so! [France 24]

~Home Tour of the Week: A Herne Hill house in South London full of colors, muted, yet stunning. Loving the dressing room, kitchen and office. [House & Garden UK]

~24 Simple tips for a healthy life, and the first one on the list is something caught in-depth in the Contentment Masterclass that is currently on sale before the regular price is permenantly increased – use coupon CONTENT50 at checkout through May 31st! [NYTimes, gift link]

~While it won’t be complete until 2031, it has been confirmed, a new entrance to Paris’ Louvre, dedicated to viewing Mona Lisa, will begin construction soon as the architectural firm has been selected. [dezeen]

~Mark the date on the calendars! The French hilarity returns, and this time in a film! Yep Dix Pour Cent, the entire original cast is back on September 10th. Check out a clip from the film below.

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~Explore last week’s edition of This & That: May 22nd

~Please note: TSLL is supported by you, readers who take the time to stop by (merci!), peruse, and sometimes welcome into your life the mentioned and recommended finds. Affiliate links are present in this post and may earn commissions for TSLL when you make a purchase. View TSLL’s full Privacy Policy here.