A long-anticipated Anglophile favorite series returns, oodles of films, winter clothing for indoor and outdoor style and warmth, a book for food-lovers that involves history as well, books about friendship, healing, tapping into your inner strength, living and the beauty of Provence by a beloved American photographer, a documentary about a famed luxury shoe maker and still, much more.

Books

—Dinner in Rome: A History of the World in One Meal by Andreas Viestad

Released this past Tuesday, if you are someone who loves food and its origins, as well as history, I have a feeling you will greatly savor appreciate this book (excuse the pun). Ideal for inspiring travel plans while snuggling in this fall and winter, Andreas Viestad argues that “‘food is history’s secret driving force’. Viestad finds deeper meanings in his meal: He uses the bread that begins his dinner to trace the origins of wheat and its role in Rome’s rise as well as its downfall. With his fried artichoke antipasto, he explains olive oil’s part in the religious conflict of sixteenth-century Europe. And, from his sorbet dessert, he recounts how lemons featured in the history of the Mafia in the nineteenth century and how the hunger for sugar fueled the slave trade. Viestad’s dinner may be local, but his story is universal.” My appetite has been whetted, and I look forward to reading Dinner in Rome soon. Perhaps you do as well.

—How to Heal: Uncover Your Power and Set Yourself Free by Alexandra Elle

I learned of Alexandra Elle through the author that inspired this week’s podcast episode on setting healthy boundaries, Nedra Glover Tawwab. Being released this coming Tuesday, How to Heal “weaves together themes like self-healing, mindfulness, inner child work, and boundary setting and presents the reader with easy-to-follow practices that have changed her life and the lives of the thousands of people she has taught. Her 4-part framework for healing will appeal to anyone who wants a clear process, while the compelling personal stories leave the reader feeling connected and ready to begin again.”

—We All Want Impossible Things: A Novel by Catherine Newman

Also being released this coming Tuesday, a novel centered around two friends who have been best friends for over forty years and now are facing heartbreaking news. As they navigate the unwanted, their friendship deepens even further and the memories to savor become all the more plentiful.

British Finds

—The Crown, Season 5 premiere, Netflix

Yep, after two years, a new season of The Crown has arrived. Tune in on Wednesday November 9th to Netflix as Season 5 begins. The cast has been rebooted again as we step into phase three, and the depth of ‘wow’ talent will not disappoint. Take a look:

• Imelda Staunton – The Queen
• Jonathan Pryce – Prince Philip
• Lesley Manville – Princess Margaret
• Jonny Lee Miller – John Major
• Dominic West – Prince Charles
• Elizabeth Debicki – Princess Diana
• Andrew Havill – Robert Fellowes
• Marcia Warren – the Queen Mother
• Olivia Williams – Camilla Parker Bowles

. . . and have a look at the trailer below. You know what I will be doing on Wednesday evening and perhaps many of you will be tuning in as well. Cheers!

—The Crown in Vogue by Robin Muir and Josephine Ross

To partner with the premiere of the latest season of The Crown is a new book showcasing all of the photographs captured of the royals as shared in Vogue UK and described as British Vogue‘s “illustrated tribute to the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II and to the British Royal Family”.

—The Curse, BritBox UK

While only available in the UK, soon, this series will be available in the states, as it is currently on the UK platform of Britbox. “A comedy crime caper set in London in the early 1980s, following a gang of hopeless small time crooks who through their own stupidity and poor judgement find themselves embroiled in one of the biggest gold heists in history.” Have a look at the trailer.

—Enola Homes 2

After thoroughly enjoying the first movie starring Millie Bobby Brown from Stranger Things, Enola Holmes has a second installment of action and mystery. Debuting today on Netflix, Enola takes on her first official case as a detective, following in her older brother Sherlock’s shoes and asking for some of his help along the way to solving a case about a missing girl that involves a conspiracy theory. Have a look at the trailer below and enjoy!

—Godsmersham Park: A Novel of the Austen Family by Gill Hornby

Released earlier this week, Godsmersham Park is the new novel from international bestselling author Gill Hornby (Miss Austen) centered around the true story of Anne Sharp, a governess who became very close with Jane Austen and her family.

—Living

Released this Friday, Bill Nighy stars in Living an English-language adaptation of the script of Ikiru (1952), set in London in 1953 of which the script was inspired by the 1886 Russian novella The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy. A plot centered around the awareness of the reality of our inevitable mortality, Bill Nighy’s performance as a bureaucrat facing a fatal illness is receiving particularly high praise. Have a look at the trailer below and find it in UK theaters beginning today.

Film

—Armageddon Time

Now in theaters, Armageddon Time is a film from James Gray and “is a deeply personal story on the strength of family, the complexity of friendship and the generational pursuit of the American Dream. The film features an all-star cast including Anthony Hopkins, Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong.” Have a look at the trailer below.

—Louis Armstrong’s Black and Blues, AppleTV+

Released last Friday, exclusively on AppleTV+ Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues “offers an intimate and revealing look at the world-changing musician, presented through a lens of archival footage and never-before-heard home recordings and personal conversations . . . The film shows how Armstrong’s own life spans the shift from the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement, and how he became a lightning rod figure in that turbulent era.” Have a look at the trailer below.

—Salvadore: Shoe Maker of Dreams

Opening in limited theaters this Friday, discover the story of luxury shoe designer Salvador Ferragamo who “grew up poor in Bonito, Italy, and began his career as a shoemaker before he was barely a teenager. Immigrating to America in 1915 at the age of 16, his work would soon help invent the glamour of Hollywood’s silent era as he created shoes for iconic films including The Thief of Bagdad and The Ten Commandments and for stars including Gloria Swanson, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks, many of whom became his friends.” However, it is his overcoming of “a Depression-era setback, [that] would define mid-century elegance for performers including Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis, Rita Hayworth, and Ingrid Bergman — all while embarking on a love story and warm family life with his wife, Wanda, and their six children.” Have a look at the trailer below.

Francophile Find

—An American in Provence: Art, Life and Photography by Jamie Beck

The much anticipated book from American photographer living in Provence Jamie Beck will be released this coming Tuesday, November 8th, and if you are following her on IG, you know her book tour has already begun, and in London. An American In Provence is described as “part art book, part travelogue, part memoir, and part cookbook, and perfect for art lovers, Francophiles, and armchair travelers alike.”

Shopping

—&Daughter Navy Roshin wool turtleneck sweater

—Banana Republic Rina Wrap-Front Dress (more colors)

—Laurelynn Terracotta Vase

—Love Écru Giyaman coffee cup & saucer

—Patagonia Powder Town Beanie, many colors/designs

—The Reformation, Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater (many stripe colors)

—Reiss Elaina Ribbed-Knitted Midi dress, navy

—Sézane Trudy Jumper

Television

—The Big Brunch, HBO Max

Premiering November 10th, The Big Brunch includes eight episodes and is hosted and created by multi-Emmy award winner from Schitt’s Creek Dan Levy. “The Big Brunch celebrates inspiring, undiscovered culinary voices from every corner of the country. This cooking competition series gives ten talented chefs the opportunity to share their stories and business dreams while vying for a life-altering $300,000 cash prize.” Have a look at the trailer below.

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The snow came with the beginning of the new month, and fell for two days now looking to be falling even more in the coming week, and if you could see my face, you would see me smiling ☺️ . Not only bringing smiles to my day but also prompting Little One and even Norman to dance about in the snow, we may have skipped a cool fall here in Bend and jumped right from summer to winter, but I will take it.

Leaps and bounds in the maturity department have happened this week with Little One, and if you followed along on IG this week, you will have seen that she has learned how to communicate she would like to go outside as learned from her brother Norman (paw taps on the garden porch door). Oh what an exciting moment that was! And she was almost as giddy (or should I say wiggly) as I was ☺️. Norman looked less enthused, as if to say, well, yeah, it’s pretty simple Little One, but she told him all about it upon returning inside, and I was over the moon! On that note of the two pups bonding, Norman and Little One’s relationship is strengthening each day, and just last night Norman gave her quite a few kisses of care which warmed my heart.

Now to the blog! This week has been full of posts along with a new podcast episode, and it doesn’t stop with today’s This & That. Look for TSLL’s annual Holiday Gift Guide (click here as it is now posted ?) that will focus heavily on sharing Francophile and Anglophile finds on the blog tomorrow (check out past years’ lists as many of the finds are still available). Perhaps the perfect weekend cozying-in reading and perusing. So make a cup of your favorite hot something (I made my first chocolat chaud of the season earlier this week, here’s the recipe, and snuggled in with an English country decor book which made for a lovely evening – see below), and begin narrowing down what to pick up for the loved ones on your list this holiday season.

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November’s A Cuppa Moments was shared on Tuesday and included the introduction of Norman’s and my new family member, so be sure to explore becoming a member and take a look. Speaking of the pups, they will be my companions this weekend as we lift all of the dahlias out of the garden before the ground becomes too frozen, and I have a feeling a hot bath will follow as the weather looks to include both rain and snow. Otherwise, I look forward to resting, reading and just enjoying time at home.

Below are a few pics of the freshly fallen snow that arrived Tuesday morning captured while taking Norman for a walk, as well as a few articles, posts and a couple of videos to enjoy as you settle into your weekend to rest, relax and rejuvenate. Thank you for stopping by today, and until tomorrow, bonne journée.

~Oh, this recipe epitomizes November – David Lebovitz’s Pumpkin Cheesecake with Pecan Praline Sauce

~For dog lovers, a wonderful conversation with Monty Don on Gardeners’ World podcast, talking all about his dogs, and quite a lot is shared about Nigel, some details I had no idea about – I quite enjoy this episode.

~Joan Didion’s life in objects, explore her estate’s sale, the items that were a part of her life [The New York Times]

~What to do in your garden in November [House & Garden UK]

~Coming soon, Paris Metro phases out paper tickets [France24]

~Julie Powell, the author and blogger who reached national fame as the other half of Julie & Julia, passed away earlier this week, and Frank Bruni extends his gratitude. [The New York Times]

~Monty Don shares his jobs for November and many pictures from his garden

~A designed obsessed couple talks about what they’ve learned through decades of renovations [1stDibs]

~When you’re overwhelmed, simplify [Zen Habits]

~If you are most curious about Princess Diana along with her style, Elizabeth Debicki who will play Diana in Season 5 of The Crown revisits Princess Diana’s most memorable looks in this video with British Vogue.

~Adele just released a new music video for her song “I Drink Wine” that is a throw-back to retro, techni-color videos with the modern touch of Adele floating down a river/stream on an intertube, whilst drinking a glass of rosé, or two or more? Have a look . . . (oh, and be sure to watch through until the end as you will be able to see the actual set and how this video was captured as well as a thought provoking final image paralleling a couple of classic art pieces in literature and the art world – a definite conversation starter for those who also love an analytical conversation).

~And for some fun in Paris, Emily in Paris has released the teaser for Season 3, dropping December 21st on Netflix.

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~Explore last week’s This & That: October 28, 2022

~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.