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What wonderful films this week – some premiering worldwide, others just beginning with premieres in the UK, and all highly praised. Of course, we also have oodles of books – a favorite Queen-led cozy mystery series returns, peeks into famous diaries for daily inspiration, a much-applauded new historical fiction novel set in wartime Britain, which also involves Paris (as it’s in the title, after all), and timeless clothing finds at great prices. Still, there is more!
Books
—Beyond Wanting: The Art of True Manifestation by Matt Cooke
A toolkit that brings together the science of manifestation. I came across Matt Cooke’s Instagram account and found myself appreciating his insights on letting go, achieving clarity, and not forcing our dreams into reality. With his new book, Beyond Wanting, set to release on November 11th, I am eager to explore his approach further.
“Beyond Wanting bridges the gap between what you have and what you desire through the science and art of conscious manifestation. This book inspires you to embody the version of yourself who already has what you seek, aligning your mindset, actions, and energy to create lasting success. This practical, no-nonsense guide challenges you to take control of your future through transformative techniques such as metacognition and meditation. Real-world advice, rooted in ancient spiritual wisdom, reveals how to:: reprogram your mindset and harness the power of your thoughts, tap into your intuition and move with purpose, let go of fear and unhelpful habits that block your path, and manifest your best life.”
—Diaries of Note: 366 Lives, One Day at a Time by Shaun Usher
Released earlier this autumn in the UK, and full of primarily British writers, actors, and well-known diarists from the UK (but not entirely), Shaun Usher’s new book Diaries of Note includes just as the subtitle suggests – a compilation of 366 different individuals’ diary entries, one for each day of the year.
“The diary welcomes all to its pages. Here we encounter reflections from world leaders, artists, scientists, writers and icons of film and music – including Alan Rickman, Frederick Douglass, Virginia Woolf, Louis Theroux and Emma Thompson – alongside those who were never illuminated by fame, but whose writings reveal them as extraordinary.”
Just to peek inside the minds of various individuals would be an intriguing daily task, if nothing else, to remind ourselves to be fully ourselves.
—The Forever Home: Classic, Clever Design to Help You Put Down Roots by Mickel Welch
You may know Mickel Welch as the co-host of Netflix’s Hack My Home and in-house design expert on The Drew Barrymore Show. And now, he’s sharing his wisdom in a new book that was published on October 14th. The Forever Home, a concept I am all about as I make decisions here at Le Papillon with a long-term vision in mind, but as Welch points out, “any space, whether a house or an apartment, where you put down roots, make lasting memories, and feel completely at ease [can be your forever home].”
“If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by what color to paint your walls or which wall coverings to buy, Mikel Welch takes the stress out of decorating, walking you through approachable design principles to help you create a home you can love for as long as you want. At every step, realistic budgeting is front of mind as Mikel shows when it makes sense to splurge and how else you can save through the art of illusion (AKA making things look expensive without spending a lot of money!).”
His tips shared below on how to choose curtain rods is spot-on. I recall trying to decide on the color of my rods in the primary bedroom, and Véronique, my dear friend and interior designer, made similar suggestions.
—I’m Just a Little Guy: How to Escape the Horrors and Get Back to Dilly Dallying by Charlie James, illustrated by Paige Tompkins
One last book that I found a couple of weeks ago while at my favorite local bookshop here in Bend, Roundabout Books, was this cutie. I’m Just a Little Guy is a small-in-size book that appears to be for children, but really, we can all find its words and reminders helpful. Below are two glimpses inside the covers to give you an idea of what the tone of the story of Paul Bog is all about.
British Finds
If you live in the UK, this film premieres today. For those of us in the States, we have to wait until Christmas Day, but it will be worth it. The Choral, starring Ralph Fiennes is set in 1916 England, and “as war rages on the Western Front, the Choral Society in Ramsden, Yorkshire, has lost most of its men to the army. The Choral’s ambitious committee, determined to press ahead, decides to recruit local young males to swell their ranks. They must also engage a new chorus master, and despite their suspicions that he has something to hide, their best bet seems to be Dr. Henry Guthrie (Fiennes) – driven, uncompromising, and recently returned from a career in Germany. As conscription papers start to arrive, the whole community discovers that the best response to the chaos that is laying waste to their lives is to make music together.”
The trailer hints at some dependable British humor, while also the endearing story that is well timed in its release around the holiday season. Have a look and enjoy.
—Huggins Hot Water Bottle, many colors
An item lesser known to us in the States, but quite common in the UK, is the hot water bottle, and duding it up with some cozy threads is Loaf with these Huggins designs.
—The Queen Who Came in from the Cold, book #5 in Her Majesty The Queen Investigates series by SJ Bennett
Already preordered, next week you know what I will be reading! SJ Bennett’s new mystery in Her Majesty The Queen Investigates series will be released on November 11th, and it looks just as engaging as the previous four. Taking us back to Queen Elizabeth’s younger days in 1961, similar to the 4th book as opposed to the first three, which were set in the 21st century, The Queen Who Came In From the Cold begins with her majesty “spending a night on board the royal train with her entourage and her sister, Princess Margaret. But before they reach their destination, an unreliable witness claims to have seen a brutal murder from one of the carriages.”
To be released on November 11th
Cookbooks
—Something from Nothing: A Cookbook by Alison Roman
Also being released on the 11th is Something from Nothing from bestselling American author Alison Roman who “gives you a collection of simple, smart, timeless recipes that rely on a home cook’s best kept secret: a well-stocked pantry. Making the most of your shelf-stable bottles, bags, jars and cans, Alison shows you how to cook as she does–loosely, intuitively, and with maximum flavor. With each recipe you’ll fall deeper in love with the magic of pantry cooking by using flavorful, hardworking ingredients, leaving you to ask, ‘How did something so wonderful come from basically nothing?’. In this book, you’ll find warm, opinionated writing coupled with classic recipes, both with signature Alison flair.”
Films
Now this film looks like one I will definitely pop into the theater to watch. From the relationship tales, including Margaret Cho’s character’s affections for her beloved dog, to the humor brought to the screen by none other than Jesse Tyler Ferguson, All That We Love looks to be a film that reminds us to love without inhibition, forgive, and embrace life. Have a look at the trailer below and find it in theaters beginning today.
—Frankenstein, Netflix
Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein is the classic storyline that the filmmaker has been drawing inspiration from for nearly all of his previous films. Talking with CBS Sunday Morning a couple of weeks ago, he enumerated how each of his titles on his resume had threads of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. With his creative genius, a new adaptation of this classic comes to life.
I have shared before that the novel is one of my favorites. I can remember reading it on assignment in college, and as we analyzed with the professor the themes, characters, and the many different analytical details, I found myself becoming ever fonder of the creation (often misunderstood to be ‘Frankenstein’) and becoming frustrated, even furious with Victor Frankenstein (the scientist). It is a masterful book full of themes we continue to debate today. Written in 1816 by an impressively talented 19-year-old who, when you know Shelley’s lineage, who her mother and father were, all that she was trying to figure out in her young life, and where she wrote the novel (and how quickly!), appreciation deepens even further.
While I may have to watch this adaptation with one hand covering my eyes due to the surreal details of the creation, I still want to see how Del Toro presents the story, especially since I know he cares so deeply for the novel itself. Take a look at the trailer below. Although the film has been in theaters since October 17th, starting today, you can watch it on Netflix.
Released today, exclusively in theaters, is Nuremberg, a film centered around Hermann Göring (played by Russell Crowe) – the second most powerful man in Nazi Germany, and the psychiatrist who, based on his obsession with understanding evil, forms a disturbing bond with him as he evaluates Göring before trial. “Based on the book titled The Nazi and the Psychiatrist by Jack El-Hai, it’s set at the famous Nuremberg Trials from 1945-1946 in Germany. Along with Crowe, Rami Malek stars as Captain Douglas Kelley (the psychiatrist in question), and Michael Shannon as Robert H. Jackson. Have a look at the trailer below.
A film many felt should have won the top prize at Cannes this year (it came in second), is “an intimate exploration of family, memories, and the reconciliatory power of art” in Sentimental Value. Following the death of their mother, two sisters try to reconcile with their father, who happens to be a brilliant director, but has long since done any work for the public. This story of sisters Nora and Agnes, upon being reunited with their eccentric father, offers Nora the lead role in his new film, and I am beginning to see why, based on all of the reviews and synopses I have read so far. Categorized as a comedy and a drama, have a look at the trailer below and find it in theaters beginning today.
Francophile Finds
—Appointment in Paris: A Novel by Jane Thynne
A brand new novel that critics are loving, and nope, it’s not available in the States (but can be shipped from Blackwells). Appointment in Paris, released on September 4th in the UK, is a piece of historical fiction from British author Jane Thyme. Set in London, April 1940, “a body, wearing the uniform of a Luftwaffe captain, is found in the grounds of Trent Park – a stately home and now a prison to house high level German POWs. Trent Park’s true purpose, however, is intelligence, gathered covertly from prisoners by secret listeners. The morning after the discovery of the body, one of the listeners goes missing, along with a gun from the firing range. Horrified that this could blow the highly confidential operation wide open, the missing man must be tracked down.
“Cue Harry Fox, a former MI5 Watcher, now suspended. He is desperate to assist the war effort but he’s over the conscription age. Then his former boss gets in touch with a job for him, to track down the missing man. But, he stipulates, it must also involve Harry’s former associate, Stella Fry.
Stella returns home from work in the blackout to find a crowd outside her flat. She is told that a young woman in the building has had a fatal accident. The dead woman is called Stella Fry. Outraged, Stella suspects that this is the work of her erstwhile friend, Harry Fox. But why on earth would he go to such lengths to contact her?”
Most definitely, I am intrigued, and I also want to read to find out about the appointment in Paris! ☺️ Looks like an engrossing read on a stormy night.
—The Art of Parisian Chic: Modern Women and Modern Artists in Impressionist Paris by Justine de Young
Art, fashion, Paris. Quite the lovely trio. In Justine de Young’s book, The Art of Parisian Chic, she looks to both women and Impressionist painters to provide insight into how chic was defined and came about between 1855 and 1885. “Using artworks by Berthe Morisot, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and others, The Art of Parisian Chic explores how women and artists in Impressionist Paris (1855-1885) crafted their public images to exploit and resist stereotypes.”
Released in August, “Young reveals how women were seen, how they aspired to be seen, and how they navigated public life in Second Empire and Belle Époque Paris. The book considers how fashionable feminine ‘types’ made famous in books, caricatures, and paintings created a visual lexicon and stylistic guide for women. Men and women alike relied on these types – cocotte (mistress), jeune veuve (young widow), amazone (independent equestrienne), demoiselle de magasin (shopgirl), and Parisienne (chic Parisian woman) – to judge the class, character, morality, and worth of strangers.”
Shopping
—Claridge & King’s annual Birthday Sale, 25% off site-wide
A nice sale to take advantage of for go-to staples. Claridge & King’s 25% discount is automatically applied at checkout, and everything is included. So if you are looking to fill some gaps with the versatile button-up or shirt dresses, now is a great time to do so.
—Italian Leather Triple Compartment Shopper Tote, many colors
Timeless, highly functional with its multi-compartment interior, and with a handle drop of 10-1/4″, a comfortable tote to sling over the shoulder.
—STYLE STEAL OF THE WEEK: Quince’s Stretch Crêpe Trench Coat, four colors
This trench is only $100, and it is timeless in every detail. Noted, saved, keeping an eye on am I. 😉
Television
—Palm Royale, season 2, AppleTV
Bring on the humor and absurdity, as only Maxine (aka Kristen Wiig) and the rest of the cast can do. The second season of Palm Royale kicks off next Wednesday, November 12th on AppleTV (notice how it is just ‘appleTV’ now? Yep, no more plus). Have a look at the trailer below.
And just like that, the briskness of autumn with no hints of summer and tastes of winter (flecks of snow were seen in the air on Monday) arrives. With quite a bit of rain for a couple of days this week here in Bend, no doubt the snow bunnies are getting excited as the mountain begins its gathering of the snow.
For me, I will savor the rain, and savor the time to be inside while it pelts against the windows to write, read, and snuggle up warm inside with Nelle (and a chocolat chaud! bien sûr).
An unexpected, yet long-dreamed-of detail may just be coming to Le Papillon in the next couple of months, one I thought I would have to wait many more years to achieve. This week, all the details began to be ironed out, but needless to say, it is looking more and more as though it will really happen – a touch of Paris is how I can best describe it for now 🇫🇷.
This week has been super full of postings on the blog. Beginning with the monthly A Cuppa Moments with TOP Tier Members, Monday’s Motivational post to celebrate being extraordinary at the ordinary, and a new episode of the podcast – all about finessing the art of spending. And the most visited post this week will not surprise you – the annual Francophile and Anglophile Holiday Gift Guide. Add a Petit Plaisir sharing an autumn Apple Cider dessert recipe, and it was a delicious week!
Oh! An ever-so close-up glimpse was also given of one of the illustrations for TSLL’s 4th book, created by the talented illustrator who brought us all the artwork in The Road to Le Papillon, Sarah Lœcker. You can have a look here. They are nearly done, and more about the timeline for the book was shared in this month’s A Cuppa Moments.
I hope your week, this first week of November, the pre-holiday season time, has gone well. Whether you are cozying in, out and about, or just getting on with getting on, may it be full of observations of the beauty and good fortune around you, even in the smallest of life details. Thank you for visiting today, and have a restorative and enjoyable weekend. Bonne journée.
~Home Tour of the Week! And get ready to be inspired by the careful details found while treasure-hunting, while also marrying function and modernity (and a bit of holiday decorating as well!). Joely Richardson’s glamorous London flat [House & Garden UK]
~Home of the Week #2! A two-fer! A Parisian apartment on Île Saint-Louis that is unexpected in its décor, I cannot help but be drawn to it. I would happily live there (I mean, if you forced me!) – the soothing oak-paneled interior and the location. The perfect match. [Vogue Living]
~To enjoy fondue in Zurich, Switzerland, a delicious dream indeed. Whether we can or will be visiting this magical winter place or not, just to look at where the top fondue spots are is worth a peek. [Financial Times, gift link]
~A brand new restaurant opened up in London that is worth putting on your list to dine at during your next visit – Bonheur, from a protege of Gordon Ramsey and located at a famed locale. Take a look inside and meet the chef here. [Financial Times, gift link]
~Four cozy creative spaces to inspire your fall [Stampington & Co.]
~The best umbrellas in the UK for staying dry in the wind and rain [The Guardian]
~Sienna Miller is selling her thatched cottage in the Chilterns (remember the tour here, shared with Architectural Digest?) [Country Live]
~The best places for hot chocolate in London [CNTraveler]
~Simple reminders about how to be happy with the home we have. [Good Trade]
~The pears right now are delicious! And this simple recipe will keep them at the forefront of our palette – French Almond Pear Gratin (gluten-free). [Pardon My French]
~A good argument for embracing boredom. An perhaps it is just a shift in language. Being, savoring, stillness. I think it’s just a change of perspective, and I think this TSLL community understands that and incorporates into our life. Because living a simply luxurious life rests upon figuring out and embracing the dharma that is unique to each of us. All topics and skills and discoveries for you to find in TSLL’s Contentment Masterclass.
~Explore last week’s This & That: October 31st
Oodles of books per usual! On living an artful life, savoring solitude, and discovering the hidden seasonal treasures, a style inspiration shares her journey, cookbooks for bakers, and seasonal inspiration. Two books for Francophiles are also featured – one to inspire a thoughtful everyday life and the other to pack in your luggage for your next trip to Paris! Speaking of France, a new, much-praised French film, as well as two television premieres, are generating a lot of buzz. Also, we have sweaters for autumn in all fabrics and price points, yet all are timeless. And then add a few coats, a dress, and sneakers, and still, there is so much more.
~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.
