Films for fun and romance, books for food, mastering the magic of the mind as well as books for history lovers of music – both classical and jazz. Then we have the shopping finds for spring and summer capsule wardrobes – classic stripes in modern designs, jeans that just look good in a flattering cut, and layering pieces to pull it all together. As well, a sale not to miss if you are a tea drinker, details to bring a bit of the garden scents you love into the home and still much more!

Books

—The Best Life Book Club: A Novel by Sheila Roberts

Set in Gig Harbor on the bay in Puget Sound, a group of women find themselves each at a point in their lives in need of a refresh, and so “realizing a distraction may be appreciated by everyone, they form a book club. And together, the three women embark on a literary journey that just might be the kick start they need to begin building their best lives yet.” Released this coming Tuesday from USA Today’s bestselling author Sheila Roberts, The Best Life Book Club looks like a great read for both enjoyable and inspired escape.

—A Chef’s Book of Favorite Culinary Quotations: An Inspired Collection for Those Who Love to Cook and Those Who Love to Eat by Susi Gott Seguret 

As a lover of food and cooking or as a lover of words and writing, whichever camp you fall into, or maybe all of them, this would be a lovely book to have at the ready. A petite book with 112 pages released back in 2021, discover “words of wisdom from a wide variety of people, including those in the food world and beyond. This scrumptious collection is a perfect gift for the food lover in all of us.”

—The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America by Larry Tye

As a lover of both classical music and jazz, one of the core reasons both music genres holds my attention is the rich history the music and its creation holds. And because of the research this new book contains, it looks to be one destined for the library. Being released this coming Tuesday, The Jazzmen, Larry Tye shares what is far less known about these three giants of the jazz music culture, detailing how they were “groundbreakers that were bound not just by their music or even the discrimination that they, like nearly all Black performers of their day, routinely encountered, but each defied and ultimately overcame racial boundaries by opening America’s eyes and souls to the magnificence of their music. In the process they wrote the soundtrack for the civil rights movement.

“Based on more than 250 interviews, The Jazzmen brings alive the history of Black America in the early-to-mid 1900s through the singular lens of the country’s most gifted, engaging, and enduring African-American musicians.”

—Mind Magic: The Neuroscience of Manifestation and How It Changes Everything by Dr. James R. Doty

Deepak Chopra, Arianna Huffington, Richard Hansen and even British comedian and actor Stephen Frye have raved and recommended James Doty’s new book Mind Magic which has nothing to do with magic as we know it, but rather a deep dive into neurology that if not understood may seem like magic.

In Mind Magic “Doty grounds us in the practices that change our brain structures: attention, meditation, visualization, and compassion. This mind magic allows us to move through the world in ways that help us see clearly—reclaiming our agency, realizing our dreams, and reaching out to help others along the path.

“Where previous works about manifestation have focused narrowly on outward success and individual benefit, Mind Magic delivers an openhearted call to make manifestation part of a deeper contribution to healing the problems we face today.”

Being released on May 7th, my copy has been preordered.

—Mozart in Italy: Coming of Age in the Land of Opera by Jane Glover

As I mentioned above, both jazz and classical music are my go-tos for listening enjoyment, and this new book by Jane Glover being released next Tuesday looks to be evocative reading of a life story about a musician I don’t think a day goes by that I don’t listen to one of his compositions. Amadeus Mozart accompanied by his father Leopold made three trips to Italy between young Mozart ages of 13 and 17, and it is the telling of these visits through Mozart’s eyes that we see the world that no doubt inspired much of the work we enjoy today.

British Finds

—Burleigh Pottery Golden Week Sale!

Mentioned in last week’s This & That post, TSLL’s 6th Annual British Week is just under three weeks away (beginning Sunday May 19th), and the entire week of posts and giveaways is now planned; however before TSLL’s festivities begin, this week is Golden Week in the UK to commemorate the King’s coronation. Because of this occasion, the trusted and long-time maker of beautiful teapots and accessories Burleigh is having a sale. Having two of their collections (not the full collections, but various pieces from each – Arden and Calico), I love my pieces, and in fact, this brand was included in a giveaway during the second TSLL British Week. A quality company, and this weekend, on sale. Use code BRONZE10 to get 10% off £100+ spend ~ Use code SILVER20 to get 20% off £200+ spend ~ Use code GOLDEN30 to get 30% off £300+ spend.

Psst, you will have to shop on the UK site to take advantage of the savings, but if you have a collection in mind, they often have sales on the US site that are announced through their IG account and newsletter, so be sure to follow them. ALSO, one of the giveaways this year from TSLL will be from Burleigh, so why not begin perusing all that they offer? 🙂

—Maryland, PBS Masterpiece

Premiering on PBS Masterpiece this weekend, “Maryland is the story of two sisters, Becca and Rosaline, who have grown apart over the years but through tragic events learn to love and respect one another all over again. Each sister flies out to the Isle of Man to discover and repatriate the body of their mother, Mary, who they learn has been living a double life, leaving their father Richard at home in Manchester, whilst creating another world for herself.”

Eve Best and Suranne Jones star as the two estranged sisters and Stockard Channing stars as their mother’s enigmatic best friend, Maureen. Have a look at the trailer below and look for the first episode of the limited series to begin on Sunday the 5th at 9pm.

—Orchard: Over 70 Sweet and Savoury Recipes from the English Countryside by James Rich

While released a couple of years ago, I have yet to share James Rich’s cookbook Orchard that looks to be a delicious appetizer while we wait for British Week to begin here on TSLL. Having grown up in apple country in Somerset, England, James Rich’s family owned a cider farm, and so having written a couple of cookbooks inspired by the origin of apple country, it is his cookbook Orchard that caught my eye.

“Offering more than 60 delightful recipes – both sweet and savory – that are inspired by some of the most famous and delicious home-grown produce from England’s ancient gardens. From Slow-Roasted Pulled Harissa Lamb with Apricot & Chilli Jam or Chicken and Cherry Tray Bake for a special occasion feast, to a simple Apple, Plum and Walnut Cobbler or Chocolate Cobnut Tart for a warming autumnal pudding, James draws inspiration from seasonal produce that will gently encourage you to explore and cook from your own kitchen gardens. 

“With a focus on core fruits, vegetables and nuts that are grown in orchards and among hedgerows, but which are also easily accessible for people everywhere, as well as a note on foraging and the kitchen pantry, Orchard is a treasure trove of edible gems that you will return to cook from, time and time again.” Yum!

Cookbooks

—The Feel Good Foodie Cookbook: 125 Recipes Enhanced with Mediterranean Flavors by Yumna Jawad

Just being released on May 7th, Yumna Jawad draws inspiration for The Feel Good Foodie Cookbook from her childhood having grown up in “Lebanese communities in Sierra Leone and Michigan. Yumna Jawad grew up eating home-cooked meals and learned time-saving shortcuts from her mother to prepare traditional, Middle Eastern recipes. As an adult, she started her blog Feel Good Foodie to make healthy cooking easy and helped fuel the ‘Baked Feta Pasta’ trend that took over the internet. Now, in her first cookbook, she shares many more unfussy, healthy meals that are enhanced by Middle Eastern flavors.
 
“These recipes will teach you exactly what her mom taught her: how to build savvy kitchen know-how that gives you the confidence to cook consistently for yourself and others. Be inspired by White Zucchini Pizza with Garlicky Labneh, Tomato Rice Pilaf, Harissa-Grilled Shrimp Skewers, Seven Spice Roast Chicken & Pomegranate Potatoes, Tahini-Glazed Cauliflower, perfect Crispy Falafel, Three-Ingredient Mango Sorbet, Zaatar Manakeesh, and Olive Oil Cake, which you can enjoy alongside bright green Mint-Basil Lemonade or a homemade Rose Latte.”

I definitely am curious to pick up this cookbook to introduce new ideas on how to eat well and deliciously.

Films

—The Fall Guy

Shared a couple of months ago on a previous T & T’s list of links, this new film staring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, The Fall Guy looks to be tremendous fun to watch. And don’t forget Hannah Waddingham also is cast in this film – albeit with wearing a wig, but you can’t miss her star power. The trailer speaks for the film itself as to what it’s about, and while I am not your typical action film viewer, this one I think will be enjoyed at some point. Look for it in theaters today.

—The Idea of You

Anne Hathaway stars in this new film that has been adapted from a wildly popular novel that took on a life of its own during the pandemic with readers loving the storyline. Based on the eponymously named book published in 2017 by Robinne Lee, the premise centers around Hathaway’s character who is 39-years old and divorced who meets, well, again, the trailer explains it quite well. And one of the things I appreciate about the film and its presentation as well as what Hathaway has shared in interviews is the breaking of stereotypes of what is fobbed off as truth about women when they step into their 40s. Thank you to Lee and Hathaway for breaking the tropes.

—Unfrosted, Netflix

Ready for another good laugh after watching The Fall Guy? Unfrosted is just the film you’ve been looking for and with this all-star comedian cast that Jerry Seinfeld rounded up, whatever story they are telling I will be watching. 🙂 Based ever so loosely on a true story, in fact, the only truth it is based on is the similar products that inspired the film, everything else is just for fun and laughs as Seinfeld has shared in interviews. Have a look at the trailer below and look for it on Netflix beginning today.

Francophile Finds

—Carrière Frères La Rose candle

The roses in gardens will begin blooming soon, and one of French brand Carrière Frères’ best-selling candles is their La Rose. I particularly love this brand as the scents they curate evoke subtle yet accurate smells of the natural beauty Mother Nature has designed. While an investment, these candles will not disappoint, and in fact, that reminds me, I need to restock as the one in my bedroom that I light and enjoy as I read in bed is done and a new candle is needed! ☺️

—Rabbit Hill Lifestyle Online Pop-Up Shop – this Saturday

Over the years many of you, along with myself, have shopped Cat Bude’s monthly pop-up shops where she sells copper and other French finds, many from brocantes she discovers. And this weekend is the May online pop-up shop. Set your clocks for 9am Pacific time, and with a glimpse of what will be available in the IG story below, if you see something you love, be ready when the shop opens because items go quickly.

Shopping

—Classic Shirtdress, green stripe, recycled cotton, Frank & Eileen (blue stripe available)

Summer and markets and sunshine. This dress looks to be ideal for what to wear for all those occasions when you need comfort, style and cool fabrics that don’t come with any fuss.

—Leo Tank, cream/navy, La Ligne

I have now saved this layering tank on my wishlist as it would be an ideal piece underneath a linen blazer in the summer. Made of cotton, nylon and spandex, check the size you order as it will be slim to the body. I think I will order one size up, just to make sure it isn’t too tight, but with lovely summer colors – ivory and navy, this would be a timeless piece to have in the capsule wardrobe.

—Lui Fluid Shirt, white/blue stripe, The Frankie Shop

We just cannot go wrong with stripes, and I love this oversized with long sleeves and generous cuffs blue and white striped shirt. I can see this being paired in so many different ways. And the price is quite nice as well.

—The Molly Jean, (many different washes), La Ligne

It’s all about the jeans in this image, and it is the Molly jean that for fewer than $200, looks classic, slim, but not snug and just all-around chic.

—Wiggy Kit’s Topper Shirt Dress, green seersucker

Just look at the texture of this seersucker dress! And this particular shade of green is gorgeous to my eye. With 3/4 length sleeves and reaching just on top and slightly over the knees, a stylish summer dress that amps up the beauty while also being effortless with the tie waist.

The farmers’ market has kicked off for the season here in Bend, and what a gorgeous day to begin the new season it was this past Wednesday!

As my yoga class had just concluded prior to the market opening, I stepped out in my workout gear, but I did not forget my straw tote. The pups came with me, so we wandered about, picking up the goods you see in this photo. And THEN, I learned from one of my friends, thank you Greg!, that the pups as they walked with me at the market made the local tv news reel in a segment about the market (you can catch the brief glimpse of them tottering along here – I am in all black, so hard to see – but you will notice the tote and most importantly, the pups!). Needless to say, it was a joy to have farm fresh eggs in the morning for breakfast, candy-like strawberries to nibble on during the day and radishes so subtly peppery, they do not need any accompaniment.

And you may also spy, in the background of the photo above, a pain au chocolat paired with a teapot of tea, a pairing waiting to be savored. Yep, I had to pick up a treat to celebrate this seasonal ritual of the market’s beginning, and delicious it was!

Speaking of rituals, that was the topic of this week’s podcast episode, as we break down exactly what a ritual is and needs to include in order for it to deeply enhance the quality of our lives. And if you are a TOP Tier member, a brand new A Cuppa Moments w/Shannon video chat is up on the blog to settle in and watch with the rest of TSLL Community. Oh, and speaking of fresh spring produce, a new recipe was shared as the Petit Plaisir that is simple and delicious but also healthier than you might imagine, I think ;).

How has May begun for you? Hopefully very well, and now you are looking ahead to a weekend full of moments that make you grateful, meals that satiate your curiosity and oodles of everyday moments to savor. This weekend I will be savoring it at home here in Bend, tending to some gardening, completing French homework – FR 202 has begun!, and generally just enjoying life with so much to be grateful for. I hope you will be doing something similar. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by today, and until Monday, bonne journée !

~Filming for season 3 of And Just Like That has begun! Look for it to premiere in 2025.

~The location of Mona Lisa within the Louvre has an upgrade in location coming. [NPR]

~A peek into the brains (and lifestyle habits) of Super Agers [NYTimes, gift link]

~The Loire Valley was the setting for the first episode of season 12 of Murder In . . . (Jason Priestley, yes, the American, co-starred in this episode as well, as it is set specifically in Le Mans – if you know you know as to why he was a great fit for this episode), and when it comes to wine, according to The Guardian, the Loire Valley is the most exciting wine region.

~Friend of TSLL/The Simple Sophisticate podcast, Lindsey Tramuta wrote an article about the new exhibit in Paris that examines the Restoration of Notre Dame After the Fire [CN Traveler]

~The 5 most common obstacles that hold back HSPs [Sensitive Refuge]

~Monty Don’s May post of gardening Tips & Advice is posted!

~Friend of TSLL and the podcast, Sandra Sigman has been remodeling and redecorating her Paris apartment in the Saint Germain and she is sharing details of the décor on her blog. Loving the ceiling detail, antiques and well, just about everything.

~The best baguette in Paris for 2024 has been named, and while a petite boulangerie in the 11th ème that was already bustling before its new claim to fame, the wait in line will most definitely be worth it as David Lebovitz shared in his May newsletter. [PBS]

~The video for this week will leave you chuckling I have a feeling. Let’s step into Highclere Castle and be reminded as to who really runs the show.

~Explore last week’s This & That: April 26, 2024

Francophiles, discover quite a few finds, from books, to shows to food in this week’s T & T, as well as the return of an award winning series with two stellar actors guiding the storyline. Gardeners, I have found some quality tools that will ensure enjoyment as you potter away, and so many books from achieving success, getting to know the life of someone who knew great success, and essays from a teacher about the power of the written word, its prose and poetry, on our lives and conversations. Also a favorite New Zealand cast is back with a new season along with a collaboration with a famous British fashion designer creating pieces at affordable prices and capsule wardrobe finds to keep you in style and always feeling your best. 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.