Become a Member for as little as $4/mo and enjoy unlimited reading of TSLL blog.
Two wonderful new films completely different in their subject matter. Books, as always, being released in a wide variety of genres that are worth exploring – historical fiction, mystery, an international novel that is receiving wide-spread acclaim, psychology, and décor. Home and clothing finds, many on wonderfully steep discounts, a new travel series to take you across and around Europe and Britain and still, there is more!
Books
—The Anatomy of Anxiety: Understanding and Overcoming the Body’s Fear Response by Dr. Ellen Vora
Just released a couple of weeks ago on August 29th, from psychiatrist Dr. Ellen Vora “comes a groundbreaking understanding of how anxiety manifests in the body and mind—and what we can do to overcome it”.
“In The Anatomy of Anxiety, holistic psychiatrist Dr. Ellen Vora offers nothing less than a paradigm shift in our understanding of anxiety and mental health, suggesting that anxiety is not simply a brain disorder but a whole-body condition. In her clinical work, Dr. Vora has found time and again that the symptoms of anxiety can often be traced to imbalances in the body. The emotional and physical discomfort we experience—sleeplessness, brain fog, stomach pain, jitters—is a result of the body’s stress response. This physiological state can be triggered by challenging experiences as well as seemingly innocuous factors, such as diet and use of technology.”
—The Art Spy: The Extraordinary Untold Tale of WWII Resistance Hero Rose Valland by Michelle Young
Being released next Tuesday and already a #1 new release in French history, The Art Spy introduces readers to a real war-time hero, Rose Valland and turns what we don’t know into an intriguing fictional tale reminiscent of Hidden Figures and the narrative of The Rape of Europa (a worthwhile documentary to watch and book to read).
“Based on troves of previously undiscovered documents, The Art Spy chronicles the brave actions of the key Resistance spy in the heart of the Nazi’s art looting headquarters in the French capital. A veritable female Monuments Man, [Rose] Valland has, until now, been written out of the annals, despite bearing witness to history’s largest art theft. While Hitler was amassing stolen art for his future Führermuseum, Valland, his undercover adversary, secretly worked to stop him.
Being released on May 13th
—Defining Elegance by Marshall Watson
The second décor book from New York interior designer Marshall Watson who marries understated elegance and European-inspired style to create a blend of quiet luxury with true comfort, Defining Elegance was released this past March. “Watson shares all-new work from a wide range of environments, revealing how his design principles adapt to different geographies and climates. Whether a light and airy seaside home in Connecticut or a modern renovation of a barn in Napa Valley, Watson explains how he translates each owner’s lifestyle, the house’s history, and the setting into a highly original form of elegance. Also, for the first time, Watson invites readers into his own homes—his richly layered apartment in Manhattan and his light and airy East Hampton retreat featuring his own landscaped gardens—discussing how he achieves design harmony and how anyone can discover his or her own.”
Meet Marshall below on his IG account post and take a peek inside the book.
—My Name Is Emilia del Valle: A Novel by Isabel Allende
The book that is hitting many of the recommend books to read this May from The New Yorker to Hatchards and more, this international novel – My Name is Emilia del Valle, now translated into English from bestselling author Isabel Allende, tells the story of a young woman who dares to trust her calling and venture back to Chile to find her father in the midst of the civil war. Set in the mid to late 1800s, Emilia del Valle, “raised by a loving stepfather in San Francisco, grows into an independent thinker and a self-sufficient young woman.
“To pursue her passion for writing, she is willing to defy societal norms. At the age of seventeen, she begins to publish pulp fiction using a man’s pen name. When these fictional worlds can no longer satisfy her sense of adventure, she turns to journalism, convincing an editor at The Daily Examiner to hire her. There she is paired with another talented reporter, Eric Whelan.
“An opportunity arises to cover a brewing civil war in Chile. She seizes it, as does Eric, and while there, she meets her estranged father and delves into the violent confrontation in the country where her roots lie. As she and Eric discover love, the war escalates and Emilia finds herself in extreme danger, fearing for her life and questioning her identity and her destiny.”
British Finds
—Marble Hall Murders, book #3 in the Susan Ryeland series by Anthony Horowitz
I am ready to read and enjoy this next book in the series that I now only see Lesley Manville as the protagonist with each mention of her name. Having preordered it back in September, the third mystery with Susan Ryeland at the helm of the sleuthing, comes Marble Hall Murders. The first two were adapted into limited tv series, and no doubt this one is as well. But first, we must read it, and in the states, we will finally be able to do so beginning May 13th.
Décor
—Serena & Lily, 30% off outdoor sale
As we prep for enjoying more time outdoors, a sale to explore. I have shopped a few items below, but be sure to take a look here at all the items on sale.
SHOP THE SALE (sale prices appear on the website):
Functional, yet beautiful in their simplicity, and timeless in their design. When I stumbled upon the stoneware collection at Zara Home, having just begun to use a European size butter holder in my own kitchen, I wanted to share this one with you as it is available at a great price, and for fellow lovers of French and Belgium butter, it will hold that size perfectly!
The cruets as well are timeless and will look great for any occasion.
Caramel butter dish (rectangular – fits European butters)
Films
A new musical taking the classic Shakespeare tragic romance and presenting it in a new and beautiful way. Juliet & Romeo‘s supporting cast is full of well-known names – Rebel Wilson, Jason Isaacs, Derek Jacobi, and Rupert Everett, and the leads – Clara Rugaard and Jamie Ward – are holding their well as well. Note the inversion of the title, and take a look at the trailer below. The film opens today in the states and will premiere in the UK on June 11th.
Telling the story of the woman whose name is now known throughout America for The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 which addresses pay discrimination in employment, comes the film Lilly. Oscar nominated Patricia Clarkson stars as Ledbetter in this dramatic story sharing the courage it took to bring to light to a long overdue needed change.
While sadly, Lilly Ledbetter passed away in October (2024) at the age of 86, she did have the opportunity to see the film as it had been completed and was an honorary chair of the film’s advisory board. Look for the film to premiere today, and take a look at the trailer below.
Francophile Finds
—St. James’ Minquidame French Striped long-sleeve shirts, many colors
High quality Breton tops can always be found at French brand St. James, and their Minquidame long-sleeve top comes in so many colors, you can have one for each day of the week and come the next week still be wearing a new stripe color. 🙂
—Staub Cast-Iron Essential French Oven, 5 Qt, on sale
Perhaps you are looking for a graduation gift or maybe a house-warming gift, and a Staub French oven is an item to love for a lifetime. Now on sale at Food52 in a variety of colors.
Shopping
—&Other Stories’ Ankle-Strape Leather Sandals (two colors available)
Beautiful in their timeless style, sturdy in their design, and selling quickly. What I love about these sandals is the finger loop on the back. Having a pair of my sandals currently that have this design detail, it is helpful to pull on the sandal so you don’t have to worry about unbuckling each time.
—COS Boat-Neck Tank Top, brown & ivory (many colors)
A wonderful layering piece at a very low price, made of cotton, these tops with the complementary boatneck style can also be worn on their own as the warmer months arrive.
—Dôen Mother’s Day Sale, up to 50% off
Out of the blue, I received a notification on an item I had been saving for three months from California based clothing company Dôen – their polka dot navy midi skirt. While called a Mother’s Day sale, it feels like something more as nearly everything is slashed to significantly low prices minus maybe a handful of items, and they are selling quickly. And for the latter point, I understand why – the price reductions are sweet. If you have an item you’ve been keeping an eye on, now is the time to scoop it up. I have shopped a few finds below, and especially love this coat – The Bellingham Houndstooth plaid long coat, 50% off.
~SHOP THE SALE:
—Grasscloth Backgammon Board, Caitlin Wilson
Fellow backgammon aficionados! If you are decorating with a coastal theme in mind, this might be the perfect analog game to add to the decor for encouraging playful engagement and a memorable way to spend an evening or afternoon.
A new design from Italian company M. Gemi, their Solange Tote, made of natural raffia with Italian leather details, a cotton lining and held closed with a magnetic closure has a “slim profile expands to make room for a towel, your beach read, sunscreen, and more. Plus, we made sure it was just the right size to slide under an airplane seat.” I am liking this, and I hope they restock and keep it available moving forward.
—Soeur’s Bristole Navy Wide Leg Trousers
A great pant to have as the months warm up, but one that still works for the office or evening is a navy linen-blend style. This wide-leg design is made of slightly slubbed viscose-blend linen fabric that is breathable and lightweight.
Television
—Long Way Home, AppleTV+
Well, if you love to travel, and you enjoy Ewan McGregor, I think you’ve just found your new evening viewing program for the next few weeks. Long Way Home follows best friends “Ewan and Charley as they ride refurbished vintage motorbikes from Ewan’s home in Scotland to Charley’s in England — but rather than take the shortest route, they go the long way! They head across the North Sea to Scandinavia, all the way up to the Arctic Circle and then down to the Baltics and through continental Europe, before eventually hopping back over the English Channel two months later. It’s an adventure that will take them to more than 15 countries, through spectacular scenery and along some of the greatest driving roads in the world. Along the way they’ll immerse themselves in each country’s culture, meet the locals and try their hand at unique and eclectic activities.”
France is one of their stops – just to let you know! Have a look at the trailer below and look for the series to kick off tonight with two episodes and one new episode dropping each Friday (ten in total).
And let the food fun and seasonal savoring begin!
Bend’s first of three farmers’ markets opened for the season this past week, and Nelle and I were there to fill our basket. One stop, was to pick up our favorite baguette, and upon sitting down afterwards in the nearby park, Nelle thought it would be a good time to start enjoying it. Have a look at the IG Reel below ☺️🐾❤️🇫🇷
Needless to say, this weekly ritual is a favorite of mine (ours ☺️), and it was so nice to see all the farmers again. Last night asparagus and salmon were enjoyed. For lunch, fresh arugula salad tossed with a homemade vinaigrette while nibbling on the sweetest petite carrots. Oh my! And for dessert – fresh strawberries mixed with yogurt and granola. So simple, so yum!
How has your first full week of May been? The mornings have been gentle here in Bend, the evenings calm, and May reminds us how it is a special time of year. Speaking of seasons, #tsll4thbook is coming along, and earlier this week I had the opportunity to chat with Sarah Lœcker, the illustrator of TSLL’s last book (The Road to Le Papillon), and now for the new book, we solidified all interior illustrations as well as the cover which is always the final one to do. I cannot wait for you to see all that she is including – here is an IG Reel posted yesterday following our chat and the notes I took.
In fact, this weekend, in between time out in the garden, I am going to be working on the book because in just over a week’s time, I will be focusing on TSLL’s 7th Annual British Week! Yep, on Sunday May 18th, it all begins! (learn more about British Weeks is you are new to TSLL – a very special week to celebrate all things British 🇬🇧❤️🫖!). But before I do both of those things, a new Ponderings . . . post will be shared on Saturday, so TOP Tier Members will have even more to explore following perusing today’s This & That.
And to all of the moms out there, wishing you a wonderful Mother’s Day this Sunday💛. May everyone have a weekend full of moments that find you savoring an aha (or two!), a delicious outing to your tastes and of course, oodles of everyday moments to savor. Until tomorrow, bonne journée.
~Love the idea of a capsule wardrobe? How about a capsule kitchen? [Real Simple]
~I am so tickled with my electric lawn mower, and am completely on board with this shift – Springtime (and summer) are getting a bit quieter and more environmentally friendly! [Daily Good News]
~Interior designer Marshall Watson, mentioned above with his new book, also has a home in the East Hamptons and a beautiful garden as well – have a look at it here. [Flower Magazine]
~Home tour time! Let’s go to London to peek inside this Grade II-listed townhouse located in one of the prettiest west-side gardening squares. The powder room sink fixtures alone have my attention. [House & Garden UK]
~The 80th anniversary of V-E Day was celebrated yesterday throughout Europe, and in Britain, the Princess of Wales looked lovely in a Alessandra Rich black and white polka dot dress. Learn more about her entire outfit here. [WWD]
~Oprah has a Book Lovers’ Journal, and perhaps it would be a great gift for the bibliophile about to graduate or for you as I know there are many fellow bibliophiles among us here at TSLL ☺️📚❤️. (learn more about it here on O Daily)
~Did you know about The Golden Triangle in Paris? An insider’s guide to one of the most famous neighborhoods in paris [Forbes]
~Janine Marsh writes about how sometimes “France is surprising and sometimes down-right odd” [Complete France]
~Speaking of France, and specifically Provence, if you have yet to try a Cavaillon melon, you are in for a treat. And now Provence’s tasty Cavaillon melons have achieved IGP protected status. [Perfectly Provence]
~Wisdom from 45 years of gardening experience – a family of gardeners shares lessons from nurturing their Oregon backyard [Domino]
~I mean, summer viewing is going to be a treat this year with And Just Like That premiering in less than a month. And now, we just learned that The Gilded Age, season 3 premieres on June 22nd. I will be sure to remind you again when that date nears right here on a future This & That. But in the meantime, here is the trailer.
~Explore last week’s This & That: May 2, 2025
A long-anticipated British limited series arrives in the states, two new French films, novels of romance and crime, books about becoming you, trusting your mind in the midst of groupthink, a memoir from a favorite British food columnist, a savvy sleuth returns to Dublin for a new season, cookbooks for simple pleasures, and savoring the seasons, along with clothing items to keep you cool and timelessly stylish. Oh! And some fantastic vintage finds for the home. 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.
