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All sorts of new cookbooks, décor books, cozy reads, cozy scarves, an international film I cannot wait to watch set in Sweden, two theatre productions highly praised, clothing sales and fall finds and much, much more.
Books
YouTuber Nikki Boyd, At Home with Nikki, new book was released this past summer, sharing “everything you need to know about decluttering your desk and organizing files–both in your physical and digital space: Valuable advice on how to plan your work days so you can have a well-balanced and productive week, How to select the desk, chair, and lighting that are ideal for your needs, Information tailored for cubicle, co-working spaces, working from home, and more.”
—Feels Like Home: Relaxed Interiors for a Meaningful Life by Lauren Liess
Lauren Liess’s new book (to be released on October 19th), “explores the emotional connection between the way we decorate our homes and our daily lives. She advises readers to think beyond just the objects in their homes and explore how design informs an intentional, happy, and authentic life. The book includes practical design information, with never-before-seen case studies on a variety of homes including a farmhouse, a home in the woods, a Spanish colonial, and other more traditional homes. Each case study explores a hardworking design aspect (such as proportion, scale, and color), while also focusing on the emotional aspect of the home. The chapters are inspired by the following themes: comfort, calm, excitement, belonging, carefree, love, and contentment.” Check out Lauren Liess’ website and while you can shop her website for home decor items and more, the below original sketch can only be found at One King’s Lane.
Two drawings available in her collection from One King’s Lane – Perched Woman (two different framed sizes)
—Home: A Celebration by Charlotte Moss
Released on October 5th, and created for a good cause, celebrated artists, designers, photographers, writers, actors, and activists offer personal reflections on the essence of home in this inspirational book to benefit No Kid Hungry. Inspired by a similar project spearheaded by Edith Wharton in 1916, Home: A Celebration includes “Chef Alice Waters proffering a recipe from her home garden. Interior designers—including Nina Campbell, Steven Gambrel, and Kelly Wearstler—sharing aspects of their profession that define home to them. Other notable pieces are from Joan Juliet Buck, Julian Fellowes, John Grisham, Jill Kargman, Joyce Carol Oates, and Gloria Steinem.”
—Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Want by Adam Grant
Released back in February, highly recommended by Brené Brown, Think Again “investigates how we can embrace the joy of being wrong, bring nuance to charged conversations, and build schools, workplaces, and communities of lifelong learners. You’ll learn how an international debate champion wins arguments, a Black musician persuades white supremacists to abandon hate, a vaccine whisperer convinces concerned parents to immunize their children, and Adam has coaxed Yankees fans to root for the Red Sox. Think Again reveals that we don’t have to believe everything we think or internalize everything we feel.”
—Women Don’t Owe You Pretty by Florence Given
I came across Florence Given’s new book recently while perusing in my local bookstore. The title and book cover caught my eye, and then I read some of the contents and knew I wanted to share here on TSLL – “vibrantly illustrated primer on modern feminism for the Instagram generation encouraging us to question the insidious narratives that would hold us back from self-acceptance, self-love, and our own power.”
British Finds
—A Countryman’s Winter Notebook by Adrian Bell (Slightly Foxed)
Perhaps an ideal read for this cozying-in time of year. From 1950 to 1980 Adrian Bell wrote a weekly column called ‘A Countryman’s Notebook’ for Suffolk and Norfolk’s long-serving local paper, the Eastern Daily Press . . . “Winter, properly, begins the series. In those days the weeks after harvest were a peaceful time for seeing out the old year and planning for the new. With microscopic concentration, Bell watches as a dead leaf performs an exuberant dance on a single thread of gossamer; he plucks the very last rose from his garden; and he delights in stirring up, in a pot pourri, all the fragrances of summers past. As the first frost snuffs out the showy fireworks of dahlias, he rejoices in the emergence of the splendour of chrysanthemums in cottage gardens. No detail escapes his watchful eye.”
—Hill House Living: The Art of Creating a Joyful Life by Paula Sutton
Being released this coming Tuesday, one of my favorite IG follows is Paula Sutton for her enthusiasm, joie de vivre and inner strength to fully be herself. “Beautifully illustrated with hundreds of photographs and drawings, this book gives you a full glimpse into life at Hill House. Inspired by Paula’s love of all things vintage, and filled with simple, stylish, and thrifty tips and tricks for every area of the house, this book will bring the best of country life into your home, wherever you are.”
—Sea & Shore: Recipes and Stories from a cook and her kitchen in Cornwall by Emily Scott
Released this past June, “in Sea & Shore, Emily Scott brings together the magic of this beautiful part of the world, with over 80 simple and seasonal recipes for the home cook. Sea & Shore is more than just a cookbook; it shares the connection between food, a sense of place and storytelling. With stunning photography, it translates experience and memories into ingredients that come together as simple, rustic dishes that anyone can easily recreate at home.”
Cookbooks
—Baking with Dorie: Sweet, Salty and Simple by Dorie Greenspan
Being released this coming Tuesday, American expat living in Paris and cookbook author extraordinaire, Dorie Greenspan is released yet another cookbook to add to your library, and I cannot wait to explore it. “The renowned author of thirteen cookbooks and winner of five James Beard and two IACP awards offers a collection that celebrates the sweet, the savory, and the simple. Every recipe is signature Dorie: easy—beginners can ace every technique in this book—and accessible, made with everyday ingredients. Are there surprises? Of course! You’ll find ingenious twists like Berry Biscuits. Footlong cheese sticks made with cream puff dough. Apple pie with browned butter spiced like warm mulled cider. A s’mores ice cream cake with velvety chocolate sauce, salty peanuts, and toasted marshmallows. It’s a book of simple yet sophisticated baking. The chapters are classic: Breakfast Stuff • Cakes • Cookies • Pies, Tarts, Cobblers and Crisps • Two Perfect Little Pastries • Salty Side Up.”
—That Sounds So Good: 100 Real-Life Recipes for Every Day of the Week by Carla Lalli Music
Also being released this coming Tuesday – That Sounds So Good by Carla Valli Music who believes “great food is an achievable part of every day, no matter how busy you are; the key is to have go-to recipes for every situation and for whatever you have on hand. The recipes in That Sounds So Good are split between weekday and weekend cooking. When time is short, turn to quick stovetop suppers, one-pot meals, and dinner salads. And for the weekend, lean into lazy lunches, simmered stews, and hands-off roasts.”
Film
I am eagerly looking forward to watching this new film that is in theaters today and will be available to stream next Friday. “Bergman Island follows a couple of American filmmakers, Chris (Vicky Krieps) and Tony (Tim Roth), who retreat to the mythical Fårö island for the summer. In this wild, breathtaking landscape where Bergman lived and shot his most celebrated pieces, they hope to find inspiration for their upcoming films. As days spent separately pass by, the fascination for the island operates on Chris and souvenirs of her first love resurface. Lines between reality and fiction will then progressively blur and tear our couple even more apart.” Watch the trailer below as it speaks to the demands put upon women, especially mothers, assumed as ‘normal’ by society and forgotten as privilege to men, love, dreams, the creation of art and much more.
Shopping
I welcomed my first chambray shirt into my closet in years this past spring and lived it in for all sorts of occasions. Always looking for a cut that flatters, this is a unique one and perhaps fits your tastes.
J.Crew is having another sale, so be sure to peruse and use promo code GOBIG to save 40% when you checkout. Their navy pinstripe blazer caught my eye – Alfie collection Italian wool pinstripe blazer in midnight and ivory as it would look well dressed up or down and would also be a timeless staple to have for years.
Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz creates my dream-to-wear-someday clothing items, and even if only a scarf can be welcomed into my wardrobe such as this one in her recent collection, it will be worth the investment. This wool scarf is a gentle, flattering hue and one to wear for years to come.
—Loewe printed wool, fringed scarf
Another scarf, with a touch of color to wear with a neutral outfit, I love this finely woven wool scarf from Loewe.
–Sandro check-print cotton tote
Love tweed, but don’t want to wear it in your outfit? Why not welcome it as a tote! From the French brand Sandro, well-sized and an accessory to add just enough of pop of personality to your neutral, timeless outfit.
Theatre
I learned about the play, inspired by the 90s hit sitcom after reading a review in The New York Times. The creators of the television series are part of bringing the updated storyline to the stage in Arkansas, and perhaps someday to Broadway. Even if you don’t live in Arkansas, you can enjoy streaming it live now beginning today through October 24th here (you will have a 24-hour window to stream on the date you have selected). Tickets are $25. If you do live in or near Arkansas, enjoy the play in person through October 24th. The main cast is as follows: Carmen Cusack to star as Julia Sugarbaker; Sarah Colonna is Mary Jo Shively; Carla Renata is Cleo Bouvier; Amy Pietz is Suzanne Sugarbaker; Elaine Hendrix is Charlene Frazier; and Kim Matula is Haley McPhee.
—Six
Beginning September 17th, the play Six focuses on the six wives of Henry VIII. Debuting in London in 2017/2018, each performance sold out. Having begun on Broadway in February 2020, and forced to close shortly thereafter, the play has resumed. Told from the wives’ perspective, written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, in the order of succession of marriage to the King – “Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an exuberant celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over. The New York Times says SIX is ‘pure entertainment!’ and Evening Standard hails SIX as ‘the most uplifting new British musical I have ever had the privilege to watch.’
Happy mid-October! Already the month is whizzing by and the garden has experienced the first hard frost which means, it is time to put it to bed, but also to prepare it for spring which is exciting as well. Last weekend I added more daffodils and some muscari to my front porch garden. Norman sat nearby and the sun warmed my back which made for a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The leaves are hanging on with their beauty still on display, and in the garden here at Le Papillon, I am reveling in it (see the viburnum just below from the garden).
A busy week, but a wonderfully productive week. Wrapping up taping of the final two episodes of The Simply Luxurious Kitchen (look for episode #6 tomorrow for inspiration for a fall dessert), completion of the first round (of three) edits of the book (we are on track to release in early spring 2022!), and seeing great strides in the primary bathroom with all demolishing now done and prepping for the new tile to be installed soon (I will be sharing the progress, if not close to completion in November’s A Cuppa Moments).
With the colder temperatures, I have been spending more time snuggling up next to the fire in the evenings with a good book, and after a full day of work, the comfort is savored even more. Norman and I have been walking each day, doing my best to get him out to see pups and people beyond just me as, because while I know he loves me, Mom is just not enough. 🙂
Family will be dropping by for a visit over the weekend, and a new project with an artist I highly regard begins this weekend which I cannot wait to embark upon. I hope you too are finding your rhythm as you step into this new season.
Below are a handful of links and one video I thought you might enjoy. Look for Saturday’s Ponderings to pop up tomorrow afternoon and thank you for choosing to stop by. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Until tomorrow, bonne journée.
~If you are in England or will be traveling there (and love traveling by train), be sure to check this out – [House & Garden UK]
~9 relatable superpower of introverts [Introvert, Dear]
~The accidental chef – mistakes are an essential part of cooking – phew! [WSJ]
~A heartwarming love story – it’s never too late to fall in love [The New York Times]
~The 3 Buddhist’s steps to repairing a relationship [Brain Pickings]
~A recap of French Fashion Week – The Most Memorable Moments [Frenchly]
~Questions to ask yourself when looking for a therapist – how to find the right fit [Shondaland]
~Worthwhile décor tips to keep in mind from British interior designer Brandon Schubert [House & Garden UK]
~Speaking of Britain, I couldn’t share this week’s This & That without sharing the first track from Adele’s upcoming (much anticipated) album – is it November 19th yet? 😉 Below is the video of “Easy On Me“, which I have a feeling you have already seen, but if you’re like me, don’t mind watching just one (or two) more time 😉
~Stillness & Curiosity [Zen Habits]
~Surprise! But I have a feeling you won’t be surprised – Fame is not a recipe for happiness [The Atlantic]
~9 delicious seasonal French dishes to try this autumn [The Local – subscription required]
~I absolutely love this analogy and fellow gardeners will appreciate it as well I have a feeling – I am a compost heap – be sure to read the full post [Austin Kleon]
~Coming in November (5th) . . . Spencer, starring Kristen Stewart as Diana Spencer, Lady Diana. Have a look at the second official trailer below.
Last week’s This & That: October 8, 2021
A full This & That we have today! Oh my goodness! Cookbooks, fall clothing sales, exciting and varied new book releases on pasta, dogs, Paris, Stanley Tucci and the return of a bestselling author who is already receiving critical praise for his third title. As well, a new documentary I am most looking forward to watching, three new tv seasons have begun and a stage production of a figure you may recognize, AND Inslee, the talent behind TSLL’s illustrations, has something special available for everyone at Anthropologie. You don’t want to miss it. Oh, one more big piece of inclusion – Adele. And still, there is more!
~Please note: Affiliate links are present in today’s post and may earn commissions for TSLL. View TSLL’s full Privacy Policy here.
Hello, Shannon,
Thanks for another great T & T! 🙂
My favourites this week – what caught my eye for further exploration:
– “Women Don’t Own You Pretty”;
– “Bergman Island”;
– “Spencer “- I am truly impressed by the bits of K. S. performance seen on the trailer;
– L. Ortiz scarf – you can see that I like scarves…!
– Tweed Tote – this is an interesting idea, because I love tweed;
– Decor tips from Mr. Schubert.
I wish you and Norman a lovely weekend, as well as to all the TSLL readers!
Thank you for stopping by and sharing what caught your eye. Yes, Kristen Stewart has been receiving praise for her performance in this film. Should be an interesting perspective on Diana to watch. And a woman after my own heart – scarves! Such a great collection to buildin one’s wardrobe. ☺️ Have a lovely weekend. ?
I’ve ordered two of the Countryman’s Winter Notebook last week- one to give to my mom for Christmas and one for me. I can’t wait to receive it and dig in! Looks like the perfect read for this time of year.
Have a great weekend!
Thank you for sharing Courtney – it truly does! A wonderful read this time of year! Enjoy! ☺️??
Soooo much good stuff, (as always☺)!
?I am eagerly awaiting Paula Sutton’s book; “That Sounds So Good” by Music is a definite buy(LOVE the pics, so retro); Grant’s “Think Again” sounds intriguing; and thank you for introducing me to Slightly Foxed, what a FABULOUS resource!!
Yes, so happy to see Adele (hear Adele?) again, with her gorgeous lush voice.
For those who are unfamiliar with Adrien Bell, (like me), and want to sample his writing, here’s a link: http://www.adrianbellsociety.co.uk/3.html
Scarves—I have pots of them, of all kinds, I think it’s an addiction, really I do…
So much more to dive into, thank you Shannon! (Did I tell you I really enjoyed hearing you as a guest on the other podcast?)
Have a wonderful weekend, it sounds like so much fun! (Can’t wait to hear about the ‘art project’…) Bises to you and Norman☕??
Hello, Shannon – wonderful picks, as always!
I just ordered Think Again – sounds very intriguing. I also had the pleasure of seeing Six in London in 2019, and it is a very fun show. Great music, and so glad it made it to Broadway!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and congratulations on perfecting your chocolate tart!
Hi Shannon! I just thought I would share a series of older books that I have been loving recently, and you may, too! The author is Beverly Nichols, and his series is a set of 3 books about his English country estate, the garden, and the antics of the people around him. It is based on his real experience, and quite charming and funny if you are charmed by the characters in life! The first book is Merry Hall, second is Laughter on the Stairs, and the final one is Sunlight on the Lawn. I had to find them all from used booksellers, but they are a fun read that I’m sorry is almost over for me (book 3 almost done). I will definitely reread them! Thanks for all of your great inspiration!
Victoria, thank you very much! I look forward to exploring them. It sounds to be a lovely read (reads). ?
Hi Shannon,
Thank you for recommending “Bergman Island.” Have you seen “Things to Come” by chance? Filmed in Paris, I LOVED this movie. Cheers to a great week!
Happy to have found that film myself – Bergman Island, and even more tickled when I saw it was showing this week in Bend. I have not heard of Things to Come! Thank you for sharing. I will definitely take a look per your recommendation. Thank you!!! 🙂
As usual a feast of this and that. Shannon you have unearthed some treasures. It’s definitely scarf weather and my collection is huge but there is always room for another cosy one and am loving that plaid tote so unusual. Love the look of the Bergman Island. Visited Faro Island some years ago so it will intrigue. Hope it gets screened here.
I would like to recommend a book by Rebekah Peppler “A Table”(Chronicle Books) extolling the virtues of soirees with friends and good food. It’s about dining in the modern way. It takes the elegant, sexy, sparkling charm that is a French evening and gives you the tools to gather this way in your own home wherever that is .Whether you’re cooking for yourself, and your future left over loving self ,a group or just two. In France whatever your circumstances a table means just that” to the table”. Another recommendation is “Notes on Entertaining” by Fiona Leahy in partnership with Smythson. In a pretty blue binding. Tells you everything you need to know bout being the hostess with the mostest. xx
A little late responding to This and That but was visiting Cambria, CA with my sister for a beach fix. Neither of us live near an ocean so it is always a treat. Highly recommend if you have never been, Cambria is a lovely town, with great restaurants and shops for browsing. The coastline and hillside views are amazing.
Shannon, thanks for the reco on Bergman Island, made a note to stream it this weekend. And to Elizabeth for Things to Come, it looks great. The link to the story, it’s never to late to fall in love, was lovely. It prompted me to take out a digital subscription to The NY Times, long overdue
Our weather is getting colder, so a winter closet review is in order this weekend
Loved the interview with you on Solo, great!, plus it introduced me to the podcast. He is from Boulder not far from me in Colorado
Hope you are feeling better Shannon.
Thank you for all that you have shared and so happy you had such a great visit with your sister in a wonderful seaside town! 🙂 Thank you for tuning into my interview on Solo. I had a great time, and he definitely brings up great topics in other episodes with guests of all walks of life. A great show.