Yet again, another week with fantastic new film releases, each one different than the next, yet all with thought-provoking themes. And yep, we’ve got books – quite a few holiday cookbooks, and two from past GBBO names. Then we have a book about a favorite drink, how to decorate to ensure we actually turn our home into a sanctuary with our investment, and a favorite TV series returns, looking to be even more smashing in its sophomore season than in its praised first. And yep, yep! you’ll find autumn and winter clothing staples at various price points, and something for your pup as well! All of this and still more!
 

Books

—100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life by Dick Van Dyke

On the eve of his 100th birthday, beloved actor and comedian (and dancer!) Dick Van Dyke will be releasing a new book to share his wisdom with all of us on making it happily and full of zest to this amazing milestone. 100 Rules for Living to 100 “includes stories of his pivotal childhood, moments on film sets, his expansive family, and finding love late in life as he reflects on both the joyful times and the challenges that shaped him.”

—The Daily Connoisseur’s Guide to Living Well at Home: Making Everyday Life Extraordinary by Jennifer L. Scott

Also being released on Tuesday is a new book from a friend of TSLL, Jennifer L. Scott, the Daily Connoisseur herself. Her guide to living well at home, making everyday life extraordinary, will, I have a sneaking suspicion!, appeal to many TSLL readers. ☺️ Jennifer organizes her book around “three transformative parts—Function, Beauty, and Inspiration—equipping readers to not only run their homes efficiently, but to infuse them with style, grace, and meaning. Learn how to implement a connoisseur’s cleaning routine, create nourishing meals with ease, and enjoy the pleasures of fine living on any budget. Whether you live in a cozy apartment or a sprawling house, her message is clear: don’t wait for your dream home to live your dream life.”

—Foundations: Timeless Design That Feels Personal by Nate Berkus

In last week’s T&T, I hinted at a surprise opportunity that I look forward to sharing with you when it is complete, coming this spring. It had to do with customizations to Le Papillon, and so when I glanced at the cover of Nate Berkus’ new book – Foundations: Timeless Design That Feels Personal, I had to smile. Come March, it will be clear why his book spoke volumes about why I had to embrace this gift of an opportunity (and you, too, when such happy surprise occurrences take place). Our homes, when we can design and decorate them with intention, free from social media influence, yet drawing ideas and awareness to all that is available, have a near priceless power to elevate the quality of every aspect of our lives. In Berkus’ book, being released on Tuesday, he shares the four tenets of good design: Make it Personal, Embrace History, Build Character, and Develop a Vision. Teaching readers with his years of experience and vivid photographs exemplifying what he advises, how it is possible. I look forward to reading this book.

—Looking After Your Books by Francesca Galligan 

For bibliophiles, if you, too, find comfort and companionship in being near and surrounded by books, then this book will speak to your predilections and share ideas of how to care for, but also organize and store for the invitation of perusal, the books you have and keep adding to your library. Looking After Your Books, written by British author Francesca Galligan, has been preordered for some time in my case, and I look forward to diving into its contents come this Tuesday. While including historical anecdotes and curious examples, described as a “quirky but practical guide”, it covers questions book lovers might have about caring for their books at home.

“Written by an expert rare book librarian at the Bodleian Library and covering a range of subjects including collecting, arranging, and keeping books in good condition, Looking After Your Books offers friendly advice that will guide readers through all aspects of book ownership. Within these pages, readers will find useful tips on buying from book fairs, bookshops, and dealers, as well as how to identify first editions. Help is on hand with treating accidental mishaps and a range of common problems such as an attack of red rot or a broken spine. There are also chapters on shelving, how to keep track of your books, how to commission a special box for a special book, and how to pass books on usefully.”

—WINE: Everything You Need to Know by Olly Smith

A wonderful gift for the oenophile on your list, or for yourself if that is you! Olly Smith, British drinks writer and broadcaster, is here to walk you through the wonderful world of wine, teaching you how to find what you like and understand why. “From the basics of how to choose a good bottle, how much to spend, and how to taste, to explaining wine jargon, Olly tells you everything you need to know to love wine more. Discover Olly’s Top 30 Wines to Try Before You Die, the Ten Commandments of Wine, his ‘Grape Thesaurus’, and also learn to pair the perfect wine to your food or mood.”

British Finds

—&Daughter Rib Trim Cashmere Hat in Strath and Oatmeal Stripe

Having a trusty wool or cashmere stocking cap during the winter season is a must, and adding a touch of personality is always a fun idea ☺️. Having my own ivory cashmere stocking cap, and loving its soft texture, it has been my go-to for about four years now. Adding some stripes offered from &Daughter is an attractive choice.

—Barbour Tartan Dog Coat, two colors, multiple sizes

Nelle has worn her winter coat just once so far this season, but before long, she will be wearing it more often. Our coat of choice is from Barbour. Their quilted, easy-to-put-on and take-off designs bring a touch of style, as well as ease of movement, and most importantly, keep her warm in frigid temperatures. This design is just one of many that Barbour offers, so be sure to check out their entire Dog section.

—Winter in the Highlands: Eating, Drinking and Celebrating in Scotland by Flora Shedden

Cozying in, cooking hearty food to warm us up, it is that time of year, or nearly so, and food writer and acclaimed bakery owner and GBBO semi-finalist Flora Shedden’s fourth cookbook Winter in the Highlands offers “a joyous, heart-warming journey through the enchanting winter season in Scotland, celebrating the region’s rich and distinctive culinary heritage and cherished festive traditions.”

“Offering creative, deliciously do-able savory and sweet recipes that cater for the entire winter season, it includes a mix of both traditional dishes and modern alternatives, as well as tips to get ahead for Christmas, Hogmanay and Burns Night, ensuring your table is always graced with warmth and flavor from the first snowfall to the final thaw.”

Cookbooks

—The Christmas Companion: Simple Recipes and Creative Ideas for a Magical Festive Season by Skye McAlpine

If you are looking for decor and cooking & baking inspiration for the holidays, the consummate hostess Skye McAlpine’s new book, The Christmas Companion, is for you. Described as unfussy, yet elegant, discover “recipes both celebratory and deeply comforting that skew Italian, and includes Christmas canon favorites like Ginger and Apricot Glazed Ham and Panettone Woodland Cake, edible gifts like Marzipan Fruits and Chocolate Salami, and fool­proof menus for every event-from two­-person romantic dinners to blowout cocktail parties or Christmas lunch for twenty . . . McAlpine also gives her best tips for creating the perfect holiday space: guides to making Candy Cane Heart Ornaments and “playing Santa,” how to make your own Christmas crackers, and the most beautiful ways to decorate the Christmas table.” View a peek at a handful of recipes here (photos too!).

—The German Christmas Cookbook: Sweet and Savory Recipes for the Holidays by Jürgen Krauss

Now this cookbook from one of the GBBO alums is one I would love to have in my library. I absolutely adored Jürgen Krauss when he baked in the tent a few years ago, and was tickled to see him invited back for the holiday season shortly thereafter. What a passionate and creative baker. Now, he has his first cookbook, released just in time for the holidays, showcasing many favorite German Christmas dishes that have been taken up a notch. The German Christmas Cookbook, while including the traditional German festive cookies, breads, cakes, and tarts, also includes “recipes for traditional holiday feasts, featuring everything from appetizers and soups to spaetzle and dessert. He then rounds out the holiday season with beloved treats from Germany’s famous Christmas markets, including magenbrot, potato cakes, roasted almonds, and mulled wine.”

—Winter in Tuscany: Cozy Recipes and the Quanto Basta Way by Amber Guinness 

One more cookbook to help us cozy in and savor with delicious regional fare during the winter season. This time, we go to Tuscany and Amber Guinness “invites us on an artful tour through her beloved Southern Tuscany and favorite pockets of Florence. Winter in Tuscany celebrates the region’s rich culinary and cultural traditions with a quanto basta approach―­the intuitive, Italian method of ‘just enough’―­and brings the heart of Tuscany’s cozy fall and wintry flavors to your kitchen.

“But quanto basta is more than just a philosophy for cooking; it’s a metaphor for life. This book celebrates life in the offseason; an ode to exploring Tuscany’s villages and countryside when the crowds have thinned, allowing for a deeper, more intimate connection with the culture, food, and landscapes. In discovering treasures off the beaten path, Amber highlights the richness of exploring at a gentler pace, when Tuscany truly reveals itself.”

Films

—Curtain Call

This film is being quietly released, first in the UK and hopefully soon in the US. Curtain Call, starring Jessica Lang along with Pierce Brosnan and Kathy Bates, as well as Lily Bates and Jesse Williams, is described as “a feel-good and inspirational story of resilience, showcasing the indomitable spirit of an artist in the face of insurmountable odds. Lillian Hall (Lang) is a beloved and seasoned actress on the brink of a career-defining performance on the Broadway stage. But as opening night approaches, her confidence is challenged. With the unwavering support of her lifelong friend and assistant Edith (Bates) and the newfound inspiration from fellow artist Ty (Brosnan), Lillian is determined to defy the odds and pour her heart into one final, unforgettable performance.” Take a look at the trailer below and check for it in theaters, likely in select theaters or boutique cinemas now.

—Jay Kelly, Netflix

Jay Kelly is a film that is getting a lot of buzz, and based on the cast, that makes sense. However, the premise is most intriguing as well. Oscar-winning actor George Clooney stars as Kelly, with Oscar-nominated director Noah Baumbach guiding the story. The film follows a European trip of the famous movie star Jay Kelly and his devoted manager, Ron (Adam Sandler), which becomes an unexpectedly profound journey. “Along the way, both men confront the choices they’ve made, relationships with loved ones, and the legacies they’ll leave behind.” Laura Dern also stars, playing Kelly’s publicist, an actress whose films I always take note of, and this is definitely one I want to watch. Have a look at the trailer below and watch it on Netflix beginning today.

—Park Avenue

I learned about this film accidentally, but I am so glad I did. It is getting less buzz out into the world for general audiences, but critics are loving it. Park Avenue, as the trailer quite adeptly makes clear, is a film about a strained mother-daughter relationship that, upon the adult daughter returning after leaving her husband and their life in Montana to live in Manhattan with her mom (who lives on Park Avenue), discovers her mother anew, but not before a bit of tension, as you will notice in the trailer. Premiering today, if you have the chance to watch it, I think you will quite enjoy it.

—Trifole

You may recall a documentary from a few years ago, chosen as a Petit Plaisir, which detailed the lives of truffle hunters and their dogs in Piedmont, Italy. While not inspired by that film, Trifole (meaning “truffle” in Italian) is a fictitious story that draws direct inspiration from the very lifestyle the documentary showcased. Being released in theaters today, “In this bittersweet portrait of a vanishing rural way of life, Dalia travels to Piedmont to care for her aging grandfather Igor, an expert forager. Armed with his loyal dog Birba, she hunts for a prize-winning truffle to save his home.” Have a look at the trailer below.

Francophile Finds

—Master Crimes, season 2, MHzChoice

I was so tickled to see this series return! Both smart and hilarious, Master Crimes follows Louise Arbus, a criminology professor at the Sorbonne, who, in addition to teaching, also assists the police (along with the aid of her students) in solving murders. Arbus is a hoot, and each of her four students, whom she taps as they are at the top of their class, has a unique personality to love. Pair that with the captain of the police force, who is Arbus’ foil, and well, it’s a fun show full of creative mysteries to solve. There are six episodes in this new season, with two now available, and two new ones dropping each Tuesday.

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—Paris Noir: The Secret History of a City by Jacques Yonnet 

To know Paris is to know its history, and we cannot forget what Paris was like during World War II and in its immediate aftermath. Originally published in 1954 by Jacques Yonnet, this is the first time that his memoir, Paris Noir, has been translated into English. Described as “a macabre, savage account of life on Paris’s Nazi-occupied Left Bank. Like Christopher Isherwood’s 1939 novel ‘Goodbye to Berlin’, this book sidelines conventional history in favour of anecdotal, autobiographical and brilliantly subjective snapshots of the city’s marginalised ’human detritus’ in a series of cinematic vignettes that straddle the real, the absurd and the supernatural…This is ultimately a unique panoramic memoir; an admiring but never sentimental love letter to the French capital destined to be loved in its turn by fans of film noir.”

Shopping

—Banana Republic Everyday Wide-Leg Pant, flannel and cotton

Available at a great price, these wide-leg pants offer everyday style and versatility. With some colors/prints available in flannel (such as the pinstripe) and others in cotton, these flat-front trousers flatter and streamline while providing an elastic back waist for comfort and ease of movement.

—M.M. Fleur Black Friday sale, additional 20% all sale items

There were quite a few dresses in MM Fleur’s summer and autumn collection that will be timeless staples to have on hand, and now they are 20% off on top of their already reduced price. Along with other sale items, I have shopped for a few below. Just use the promo code BLACKFRIDAY20 at checkout and save!

—SHOP THE SALE:

—Me + Em Sharp Shouldered Blazer

Structured, elevating, and classic. Me + Em’s sharp-shouldered blazers take-up-a-notch any casual outfit with their design alone.

—Rue Sophie Martine Wool & Cashmere Belted Coat

A classic wool coat, in a neutral hue, with a belt. A coat we will have for years. Save this one just in case it goes on sale later this month. Already at a fair price, but it would be nice if it were a bit lower as well. Loving the length and slightly oversized design, but not too much slouch. Perfect.

—Sur La Table, Friends & Family Sale, 20% off

Thanksgiving is approaching in the States, along with all the holiday baking that follows, and making sure we have all the necessary tools is a great idea. Saving a bit of money when we pick up what we need is also a lovely thing. Use code FRIEND at checkout and save 20% off.

~SHOP THE SALE:

Television

—The Great British Bake-Off: Holidays, season 8, Netflix

While those in the UK have already seen these two new-to-us-in-the-states episodes as they aired at the start of the new year (or just before), we here in the US haven’t had the pleasure, but soon we will! Two episodes will be available next Thursday, and whether you save them to watch after Thanksgiving or binge right away, no doubt there will be ample festive inspiration to draw upon.

—Man on the Inside, season 2, Netflix

I cannot WAIT for this new season of Man on the Inside. Guess who joins the cast??? Ted Danson’s wife-in-life, Mary Steenburgen! Oh, this should be fun! The trailer shares it all, so have a look. It premieres next Thursday, November 20th, with all eight episodes. Last year, I binged the entire season in one night. I will try not to be so undisciplined this year, but no promises. 😉

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Give me the opportunity to stretch my legs surrounded by Mother Nature, my pups as companions, and my day begins well, even if the tasks and responsibilities are many. While this week was demanding (I will be responding to email today if you haven’t yet heard from me! I promise, I haven’t forgotten!), immense progress was made on three fronts, progress that wasn’t promised, but hoped for with good intentions and effort, so I feel very fortunate to have arrived at Friday with a bit of breathing room and reason to celebrate. I hope your week is concluding well also, despite all that may have occurred or have been required of you during the past few days. Sometimes, such weeks make arriving at the end of them even sweeter than if everything had been light and breezy.

This coming week will take Nelle and me on a bit of an adventure, one I am looking forward to sharing with you as it relates to the gift I talked about last week. Add in that it’s the week before Thanksgiving here in the States, and well, there is a buzz about Bend and really everywhere as the holidays near. I must admit, it is a fun vibe to feel.

If you are looking to zhush up your everyday autumn/early winter attire, and sleep attire too, especially for traveling, yet staying comfortable while stylish, be sure to check out this week’s Outfits of the Month, where four outfits are shared that include either trousers, boots, or pajamas, and all include a book that comes highly praised. And Monday’s Motivational post broke down in detail the 8 Simple Ways to Boost Our Well-Being and Eliminate Suffering – the unwanted feeling is shared first, followed by how it occurred, how we caused it, and how to remedy it so that it never needs to be part of our daily life again.

Happy to see you stop by today and may you have a wonderful weekend ahead of you. Below I have gathered up a few articles you might enjoy, and an inspiring video from a French woman who will remind you how simple good living can be. Have a lovely weekend tout le mode et bonne journée!

~12 designer and tastemaker-approved Thanksgiving table decor ideas [Veranda]

~Home Tour of the Week! This north London flat is full of rich colorful combinations that would be a welcome sanctuary during a cold and wet winter in the city. From the plaid drapes in the bedroom and the stripe armless chair in the living room – oodles of inspiration in each room. [House & Garden UK]

~Nigel Slater has done it again – here is the recipe for his recently shared coppa, fig and gorgonzola tarts [The Observer]

~The teaser of the trailer of the film The Devil Wears Prada 2 was released this week, and the date of the premiere as well – May 2st

~If you want to bring some natural garden beauty inside during winter, amaryllis is the way to go. This article shares the ample beauty and arrangements to consider and how to grow them (you can also view my post here for TOP Tier Members for step-by-step instructions) [Flower Magazine]

~Oprah’s Favorite Things is ready to peruse!

~If you are going to be in the UK during the holidays, here is a list of 22 of the Christmas light shows not to miss. [Gardens Illustrated]

~Susan Blakey’s Favorite Lightweight Luggage and Travel Essentials for Europe and Beyond [Une Femme]

~Saving this article as my guest bedroom is situated with north-facing windows – How to (and how not to) decorate such a fling room [House & Garden UK]

~Missing the garden? Me too. Here is an inspiring tour of a dahlia-filled cottage garden in Wiltshire [H & G UK]

~About a month ago, in a past T&T, I shared the detailed profile article of the 102-year-old French woman you are about to meet in the video below. It was one of my favorite articles that I have read in a long time, and the video further deepened my appreciation for living well, embracing what truly brings you joy, and keeping it simple. I do hope you enjoy as well.

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~Explore last week’s edition of This & That: November 7th

~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.