Books about cakes, French food, both everyday varietals from experts in their fields. Books for lovers of literature and daily meditative reading, a new British series centered around women living life their own way despite society’s expectations, two new documentaries, each uniquely special and worth watching, autumnal clothing ideas for signature style, yet timeless sophistication, a new comedy with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Oh (what?!), the return of a favorite rom-com series, a new film involving art heists and a still so much more.

Books

—Finding My Way: A Memoir by Malala Yousafzai 

From Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, introducing her memoir by saying, “This is not the story you think you know. It’s the one I’ve been waiting to tell.”

“Finding My Way is a story of friendship and first love, of anxiety and self-discovery, of trying to stay true to yourself when everyone wants to tell you who you are. In it, Malala traces her path from high school loner to reckless college student to a young woman at peace with her past. Through candid, often messy moments like nearly failing exams, getting ghosted, and meeting the love of her life, Malala reminds us that real role models aren’t perfect—they’re human.”

—The Land of Sweet Forever Essays and Short Stories by Harper Lee

Being released posthumously by her estate through Harper Collins publishing (her estate is run by her lawyer Tonya Clark), is a collection of essays and short stories from Pulitzer Prize winning author for To Kill A Mockingbird. The Land of Sweet Forever “combines Lee’s early short fiction and later nonfiction in a volume offering an unprecedented look at the development of her inimitable voice. Covering territory from the Alabama schoolyards of Lee’s youth to the luncheonettes and movie houses of midcentury Manhattan, The Land of Sweet Forever invites still-vital conversations about politics, equality, travel, love, fiction, art, the American South, and what it means to lead an engaged and creative life.”

Look for it to be released on October 21st.

—Puzzle Mania!: Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee, Minis and More! by The New York Times Games

Fellow puzzle lovers! Whether to purchase for yourself or for the puzzle aficionado on your gift list, this book is made to be written in, marked up and thoroughly enjoyed. Comprising of all the puzzles you have come to enjoy from the New York Times Games‘ team, in this book you’ll find “a beautifully designed lay-flat format perfect for marking up. Puzzle Mania! provides a calming daily escape and meaningful moments of connection. Whether you’re a seasoned solver who never misses a Saturday crossword, or you’re just getting started, this collection grows with you, offering new challenges as your skills develop.” Being released next week!

—Wisdom Takes Work: Learn. Apply. Repeat. (The Stoic Virtues Series) by Ryan Holiday

Being released next Tuesday, Ryan Holiday is back with another book in his Stoic Virtues series. In Wisdom Takes Work, he “draws on fascinating stories of the ancient and modern figures alike, showing how to cultivate wisdom through reading, self-education, and experience. Through the lives of Montaigne, Seneca, Joan Didion, Abraham Lincoln, and others, Holiday teaches us how to listen more than we talk, to think with nuance, to ruthlessly question our own beliefs, and to develop a method of self-education. He argues convincingly for the necessity of mental struggle and warns against taking shortcuts that deprive us of real knowledge. And he shows us how dangerous power and intelligence can be without the tempering influence of wisdom.” Great food for thought! I look forward to reading it.

British Finds

—A Literary Letter for Everyday of the Year by Liz Ison

Upon learning about this new title this summer, I have been patiently waiting for it to be released. Already available in the UK, now in the US (well, actually on October 21st), A Literary Letter for Everyday of the Year can so be enjoyed. Take a peek below to see examples of daily entries, and as you will notice, “the letters contain wisdom and life lessons from the likes of John Keats and Oscar Wilde, as well as shared feelings of loneliness from Charlotte Brontë, loss from Ovid, and love from George Eliot.” Along with these well known writers, Ignatius Sancho, Jane Austen, William Wordsworth, the Brontës, Frederick Douglass, Elizabeth Gaskell, Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Plath, Ted Hughes, Maya Angelou and many more fill the pages. Sounds like a wonderful daily meditations book to me!

—Nicola Harding: Homing Instinct by Nicola Harding

The British interior designers continue to offer their wisdom of how to create a cozy home with personality, layers and welcome. Nicola Harding is one such interior designer, and now with her new book, add Homing Instinct to your library as a resource for oodles of colorful, practical, yet beautiful design ideas.

“Today Harding is known for her quintessentially British, reassuringly familiar interiors that mix traditional charm with rich atmosphere. A sense of meaning comes from deftly weaving together expertly sourced antiques and luxurious fabrics, married with craftsmanship that has a particular significance—for example, a supplier who works in a village near where a client grew up, or antiques from local dealers.  

“With a calming, nature-inspired palette, Harding’s residential projects embrace English country-house coziness and radiate a warmth that makes each place feel personal and well lived in, while her hospitality commissions are bold and spirited, often inspired by literary or historic characters.” Released on September 9th, take a look at a couple of projects below.

—Riot Women, BBC/BritBox

Now this series just looks like, dare I say it, a riotous good time. Having already premiered in the UK on BBC on October 12th, and soon to premiere on BritBox on the 22nd, enjoy six episodes, two available on the premiere date, and one thereafter each subsequent Wednesday.

Riot Women tells the story of “five menopausal women living in West Yorkshire, a teacher, a police officer, a pub landlady, a midwife, and a shoplifting freeloader, who form a punk rock band to take part in a local talent contest, Suddenly find they have a lot more to shout about than they ever imagined. As they become closer, the teacher, Beth, and freeloader, Kitty, discover a surprising, heartbreaking connection.”

If any of TSLL British readers have watched the series yet, please do share if you are enjoying it. It does look like a lot of fun to watch. Have a look at the trailer below.

Cookbooks

—Baking and the Meaning of Life: How to Find Joy in 100 Recipes by Helen Goh

Being released in the US next Tuesday (already available in the UK), Baking and the Meaning of Life is the debut solo cookbook from Yotam Ottolenghi pastry chef and recipe developer Helen Goh who draws on her rich multicultural heritage. “Goh shares her distinctive approach to baking informed by her multicultural heritage with 100 delicious desserts of all kinds as well as savory bakes.

“Drawing on her upbringing in Malaysia and Australia, her acclaimed work with Ottolenghi where she specialized in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, and even her active psychotherapy practice, Goh not only shares her favorite baking recipes, but also reflections on life, sharing how baking can bring us together and add meaning and joy to both significant and everyday moments.

“With recipes like Chocolate Tahini Cake with Sesame Brittle, Plum and Pistachio Bars, and Pandan and Coconut Chiffon Cake, and more shareable treats that offer both tried-and-true and creative flavors, this book is a celebration of community and pleasure through baking. Goh’s Champagne and Blackcurrant Celebration Cake is perfect for a graduation party or New Year’s Eve, and a batch of Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes or Red Plum, Almond, and Lime Baby Cakes for a charity bake sale could be small but powerful building blocks of connection and solidarity.”

Doesn’t the recipe below just look mouthwateringly yum! A perfect recipe for the holidays.

–Dorie’s Anytime Cakes by Dorie Green

Already chosen as Epicurious‘ Standout Cookbook for Fall, Dorie’s Anytime Cakes is a whimsical cookbook displayed in illustration form. There are recipes for all kinds of cakes, including loaves and rounds, muffins, crumbles, and Bundts—even savory cakes—plus frostings, fillings, and other flourishes. And Dorie also shares suggestions throughout, labeling them as “Playing Around” that offer Dorie’s inspirations for making each recipe to your own taste and right for all occasions. Flavor your sugar with citrus or tea for a special touch, spice your cake up with hot honey, or transform your plain cake into an impressive, layered party cake.”

Look for this cookbook to become available on Tuesday!

Décor

—Coquile Scalloped Metallic Mantel Mirror, Anthropologie

Looking to add a bit of signature decor and needing a mirror for functionality – such as in the bathroom, the foyer, above the dresser? Well, this scalloped mirror may just be perfect (also available in silver finish).

Films

—Good Fortune

This film just looks hilarious and, as I will explain later in this description, full of a thought to ponder. Keanu Reeves steps into the role of a “well-meaning but rather inept angel named ‘Gabriel’ [who] meddles with the lives of a struggling gig worker and a wealthy VC. He takes a liking to a simple gig worker named Arj who sometimes does tasks for the very wealthy Jeff. He makes them trade places to understand money won’t solve problems, but when it does solve Arj’s problems, he loses his wings and must join them down on Earth as their roommate. There’s likely a few third act twists where it’s not all okay, but you have to watch to find out.” Have a look at the trailer below and find it in theaters beginning today. And with Sandra Oh as Gabriel’s guiding angel, oh most definitely, Good Fortune looks like it will be a fun film.

—The Mastermind

From The Crown comes Josh O’Connor starring in The Mastermind, a film receiving a strong rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and an intriguing plot that may bring me to the theater to watch. “In 1970, failed architect James Blaine Mooney and cohorts wander into a museum in broad daylight and steal four paintings. When holding onto the art proves more difficult than stealing them, Mooney is relegated to a life on the run.” Hmmm, yes, intrigued I am, and perhaps you are as well. ☺️ Have a look at the trailer below and find the film in theaters beginning today.

—Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost, AppleTV

Thank you Jerry Stiller for taking so many photos and videos of your life and family’s journey. Ben Stiller has created a documentary paying tribute to his parents – Anne Meara and the aforementioned Jerry Stiller of Seinfeld fame as many of us remember him. The film follows the comedy duo and is a personal exploration by Ben Stiller into his family’s legacy. Have a look at the trailer below and find it on AppleTV beginning today. (Did you know that Ben’s daughter was part of the guest cast of the third season of And Just Like That, primarily to pay tribute to Anne Meara’s role as Steve Brady’s mother in Sex and the City? Ella Olivia Stiller gave credit to her grandmother for gaining the role of Brady Hobbe’s baby’s mother.)

—Wisdom of Happiness

Ohhhh, this film. Let’s all go watch this one, and then put forth how we are inspired into our everyday life. Released today to theaters, Wisdom of Happiness shows us a timeless truth: happiness is still possible, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. This powerful message of hope is delivered as a personal audience with one of the greatest living thinkers, Nobel Peace Prize winner Tenzin Gyatso, known to billions around the world as the Dalai Lama.  Speaking as a member of our single global community, he shares practical wisdom for finding peace, compassion, and hope in the midst of chaos. With disarming clarity and deep humanity, he invites us to imagine — and help create — a world where compassion is activated as our strongest force for change, and happiness is within reach for everyone.” Have a look at the trailer below.

Francophile Finds

—French Classics: Easy and elevated dishes to cook at home by Matthew Ryle

Already a Sunday Times bestseller in the UK, French Classics will be released this coming Tuesday in the states, now for us to savor as well. A young English chef specializing in French cuisine, Matthew Ryle’s new cookbook demonstrates his prowess and awareness of how we really cook, or have time to cook what we would love to eat but often if we use the original chef’s recipes, would be too complicated and take too long. Matthew’s mentor, Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc – writes the foreword of the cookbook, yet another treat and reason to add this book to the library.

Having the opportunity to receive a review copy, this is a wonderful cookbook that “contains the most venerated French dishes that have for centuries withstood the test of time prepared for a new generation of chefs, and showcases Ryle and his accessible, warm approach to the most classic of cuisines.” Perfect for the holidays or everydays, choose it for yourself or gift it to the cook in your life who loves classic French cuisine.

One of the many inclusions in this book that I appreciate is that at the beginning of the book, he gathers up a menu for each season, sharing which items from his everyday recipes he would include, so that we can each have our menu ready to go.

Shopping

—Boden’s Stamford Velvet Blazer, four colors available

Velvet for the late autumn and winter months, a stylish idea indeed, and Boden has both suit pieces available and at reasonable prices as well.

—James Perse’s Ruched Long Sleeve Dress, black (two colors available)

—Polo Ralph Lauren’s Cashmere High V-Neck Sweater, three colors

—Frame’s Borrowed Boyfriend jeans, multiple washes (rolled cuff is optional, not part of set style)

Frame just released new styles of jeans, and one is their Borrowed design. “A modern take on the boyfriend jean, The Borrowed is a mid-rise silhouette that hugs the hip and finishes at the ankle. Cut in structured stretch denim for vintage character and modern comfort, it looks great cuffed—but is just as good unrolled. This jean is made with a medium-stretch denim with the softest handfeel for a comfortable.”

—Frame’s The Hang, multiple washes

Here is one of their other new designs which I quite like and looks to have replaced their style Le Slouch, as the style description is similar. Have a look: “A cleaned-up rendition of a relaxed jean, this straight-leg pair ‘hangs’ from a mid-rise waist with just enough room through the hip and thigh for a fluid fit and feel. A tailored yet effortless jean that strikes the perfect balance. Luxury denim made from 100% premium cotton conforms to your figure as it breaks in for a highly personal fit.”

—La Ligne’s Roman Shirt

I am a sucker for pinstripes, and this blouse would be a versatile piece to dress up or down. The added detail of the pussy bow gives options as well to add more depth and texture.

–Theory’s Cropped Anorak Jacket in Textured Wool-Cashmere

While an investment, this is a beautiful coat, highly functional for keeping us warm, but also provides a signature style statement as well. And with its timeless color, it will be a coat to enjoy wearing for years to come.

–Zara Leather Kitten Heel Shoes, brown

Loving these heel/shoes. Just enough height, a design that elongates the toe, but is a touch less dressed up and is available an awesome low price.

—Zimmermann’s Floral-print silk scarf, 55% off

One more clothing item to scoop up! This scarf would look fabulous with so many solid colors due to the print pattern and multiple variations of color. AND it’s available for less than $100.

Television

—Nobody Wants This, season 2, Netflix

The second season is back next Thursday the 23rd. If you are new to this series, you may be asking, what does nobody want? Well, let me explain: An agnostic sex podcaster and a newly single rabbi fall in love, and thus begins the many obstacles to maintaining a relationship while avoiding (or trying to ignore) meddling from others, as well as their own preconceived ideas about what a relationship should be. Have a look at the trailer to view a glimpse into the new season.

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Goodness, this week has been busy here at Le Papillon and in the most wonderful of ways!

Nelle helped supervise while I painted the ceiling in the guest bedroom, and then over two days, wallpapered the entire room using six of the eight rolls I purchased. Now this is a first for me, I usually under order, but finally, I am wising up! The room immediately transformed into a larger space to the eye and became more light-filled due to some of the colors in the overall dark-colored print which is what I had hoped, and thankfully, it happened!

Needless to say, as if I wasn’t motivated enough already to bring this room to ‘welcome to Le Papillon’ condition, I am even more eager to now decide with certainty the fabric for the headboard and window treatments. I will be looking at samples this week and stepping ever closer to creating a guest room that I will want to stay in from time to time as well 😉.

Good news came this past weekend when I received word that the throw-over loop (latch) on the cottage garden gate was ready to be installed, and it is now attached to the gate! The cottage garden gate is done! Look for a detailed post revealing this new addition to the garden next week (explore becoming a TOP Tier member to be able to view this garden tour).

Now, I don’t know about you, but I am making all sorts of detours on walks and drives about my hometown to see all of the gorgeous fall foliage because it is stunning at the moment. May you have a most lovely weekend, and below are a handful of articles, one video and a photo from a student of the Intro to French Cooking class capturing her French net tote! Bonne journée !

~Hands down, my favorite article all week: A 102-Year-Old Yoga Teacher (who is French!)’s Simple Approach to Aging [NYTimes, gift link]

~Strengthen adult friendships with these 17 ideas [Wit & Delight]

~In this month’s Garden post, one of the tasks I have been up to involved deciding on trees, so this article caught my attention – the seven best trees for an attractive front garden year-round. [House & Garden UK]

~A thought to ponder on pressure and how to handle it well [Seth Godin]

~A beautiful and validating post on How to heal after losing a soulmate pet [Tiny Buddhar

~Home tour of the week: A 17th century London house full of depth of varying textures and beautiful decor. The window treatments are full of inspiration, the wall colors are rich with warmth, the kitchen is both highly utilitarian and exudes Provencal France and take me and leave me in the library. [House & Garden UK]

~10 things to do to protect and care for your brain, as encouraged by neurologists [NYTimes, gift link]

~Jennifer Aniston sits down with Harper’s Bazaar UK and shares what’s in her bag as well as answers questions about living well. Her answer, will both not surprise you and speak to TSLL’s audience and all that we talk about when it comes to living a life of contentment.

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~Explore last week’s This & That: October 10th

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