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Cookbooks for favorite fall meals and new ideas with trusted autumnal ingredients, an auction of hand-picked finds by Aerin Lauder, a handful of films – two for Anglophiles, clothes for staying warm and looking great, a new artist profile documentary I am looking forward to watching and still, much more.
Books
—Newsroom Confidential: Lessons (and worries) from an ink-stained life by Margaret Sullivan
Released just this past Tuesday, Margaret Sullivan’s memoir sharing behind the scenes of the newsroom, Newsroom Confidential begins when “Sullivan began her career at the Buffalo News, where she rose from summer intern to editor in chief. In Newsroom Confidential she chronicles her years in the trenches battling sexism and throwing elbows in a highly competitive newsroom. In 2012, Sullivan was appointed the public editor of The New York Times, the first woman to hold that important role. She was in the unique position of acting on behalf of readers to weigh the actions and reporting of the paper’s staff, parsing potential lapses in judgment, unethical practices, and thorny journalistic issues.”
British Finds
Frances O’Connor, best known in front of the camera (Mansfield Park, Madame Bovary – and did you know, she turned down the role of Cora in Downton Abbey? Yep! ) steps behind the camera to direct her first film, a screenplay she wrote, and it is a film that goes inside the mind of the creator of Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë. Emma MacKey (Eiffel, Gemma Bovary) stars as Emily Brontë in a film that is receiving guarded praise. While a few scenes are a bit unnecessary as The Financial Times review shares, the rest of the film’s strength makes up for it and then some. Released in theaters earlier this month, have a look at the trailer below.
—English Decoration: Timeless Inspiration for the Contemporary Home by Ben Pentreath
Ben Pentreath is highly regarded in the interior design world in Britain, having worked for the Prince and Princess of Wales, and is one of my favorite English interior experts to follow on IG (@benpentreath). His most recent design book, English Decoration, was released a couple of years ago, but as someone who is continuing to customize my own home, inspired by the English cottage and country aesthetic, I appreciate his mixing of classic and contemporary.
Sharing tours of 18 homes that have never before been photographed, “the book begins with an essay on the English style in decoration and ends with an essential style directory, helping you to achieve the look wherever you live”. Have a look at the contents below. I look forward to my book (a used copy) arriving soon. Perfect for cozy fall reading.
—A Murder at Balmoral: A Novel by Chris McGeorge
Being released on Tuesday October 25, A Murder at Balmoral, a mystery that begins with the king’s death at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Described as The Crown meets Clue, “the royal family has gathered at their Scottish retreat, Balmoral Castle, for a traditional Christmas. As a blizzard gathers outside and a delicious dinner is prepared, the family circles up for a holiday toast. King Eric has something momentous to say—in fact, he is about to name his successor. But as he raises a glass of his favorite whiskey, he drops dead.”
—A Trace of Poison: A Historical Mystery Set in the House of Agatha Christie, (book 2 in the series) by Colleen Cambridge
Having thoroughly enjoyed Colleen Cambridge’s first book in the Phyllida Bright mystery series, Murder at Mallowan Hall, I was tickled to see a second book quickly followed, A Trace of Poison and is being released on October 25th. As the fictional housekeeper for Agatha Christie and her husband Max at Mallowan Hall, Phyllida is intimately aware of all of the going-ons with in the manor, and for this mystery, “it seems the victim imbibed a poisoned cocktail intended for Alastair Whittlesby, president of the local writers’ club.”
Cookbooks
—Cook What You Have: Make a meal out of almost anything by Milk Street
Also being released this coming Tuesday, is another cookbook from Milk Street, and this one – Cook What You Have – aims to help you transform whatever you already have in your pantry into bright, bold meals from around the world.
—Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten
If it’s October, it usually means there is a new Barefoot Contessa cookbook, and Ina Garten’s latest, Go-To Dinners, shares the recipes “she relies on that she knows will turn out perfectly every time. Cooking night after night during the pandemic inspired her to re-think the way she approached dinner, and the result is this collection of comforting and delicious recipes that you’ll love preparing and serving. You’ll find lots of freeze-ahead, make-ahead, prep-ahead, and simply assembled recipes so you, too, can make dinner a breeze.” Look for the cookbook to be released on Tuesday October 25th.
Film
Critics are loving Lena Dunham’s writing and direction in Catherine, Called Birdy. A film now available on Amazon Prime, centers around a 14-year-old girl in medieval England navigates through life and avoiding potential suitors her father has in mind. Starring Bella Ramsey as Birdy, and Andrew Scott as her father, have a look at the trailer to discover how playful and creative this film is.
~Hopper: An American Love Story
The local boutique movie house in Sisters (near Bend, Oregon) is showing a new documentary on American artist Edward Hopper which is not widely being released, so I am grateful they were able to share it with us. Presented by Exhibitions on Screen, look for it at your local, more independent or boutique theaters as the film “takes a deep look into Hopper’s art, his life, and his relationships. From his early career as an illustrator; his wife giving up her own promising art career to be his manager; his critical and commercial acclaim; and in his own words – this film explores the enigmatic personality behind the brush…Combined with expert interviews, diaries, and a startling visual reflection of American life, Hopper brings to life America’s arguably most influential artist.” Have a look at the trailer below.
Streaming today on AppleTV+, Raymond & Ray, played by Ethan Hawke and Ewan McGregor, are half brothers who have just learned of their estranged father’s death. In his will, the only stipulation he leaves for them is to be buried by them both. Needless to say, this film covers the emotional journey the two siblings have traveled because of their father and in spite of him, along with the passing of a parent. Have a look at the trailer and stream it now on AppleTV+
Having already premiered in the UK, today Julia Roberts and George Clooney come to the screen in Ticket to Paradise in the states. Starring the two Academy Award® Winners Clooney and Roberts, the two “reunite on the big screen as exes David and Georgia who find themselves on a shared mission to stop their lovestruck daughter from making the same mistake they once made. The film is a romantic comedy about the sweet surprise of second chances”. Have a look at the trailer below and enjoy!
Francophile Find
—Antique French Provençale bowl, from Chez Pluie
Friend of TSLL Chez Pluie, a wife and husband run-business based in Provence has wonderful investment finds if you are seeking out French treasures and antiques. This Provençale bowl would be a wonderful strainer, or bowl to hold fresh produce, and when not in use, be a beautiful piece of kitchen decor.
—Apples: Sixty Classic and Innovative Recipes for Nature’s Most Sublime Fruit by Christophe Adam
If it’s autumn, it’s time for all things apples, and French pastry chef Adam Christophe shares two of the recipes found in his most recent cookbook here (one includes how to make those beautiful apple rosettes!) A beautiful cookbook published a handful of years ago, many of the creations look nearly too good to eat, but oh, we must!
—Parisian by Design: Interiors by David Jimenez by Diane Dorrans Saeks
Being released this coming Tuesday, American interior designer living in Paris David Jimenez shares his homes in France and in the states and all of the details of how he decorated them to look quintessential Parisian. “Jimenez imparts ideas and inspiration for how we can design our own space for comfort and style, layer with textures and colors, and artfully arrange collections of art, collectibles, and books.” My review copy is en route, so when it arrives I look forward to sharing what has captured my eye – perhaps a podcast episode will be inspired – but in the meantime, I wanted to let you know of the book’s release as it looks too good to miss.
Shopping
—Aerin Lauder, limited-time curated auction at 1stDibs
As a perusing and occasional bidder and shopper on the consignment and antique online shopping site 1stDibs, I wanted to share an auction currently taking place, Aerin Lauder’s hand-selected limited time auction. Open for five more days, there are three pages of items she has chosen, each of them up for auction. Some are still at very low prices, so I have shopped a few of them below.
This 19th c. English copper basin is currently very low in price for what it is valued at. Aerin described it as being a great holder for drinks at a gathering, and indeed it would as well as being a gorgeous décor piece to hold blankets or any other loose items in the living room or boot & basket room. Bid here.
SHOP MORE ITEMS (make a bid):
I shared in Wednesday’s podcast episode (#342 – the 10 Items I am Wearing This Fall for Timeless Style, and to stay warm and cozy) that one of the items is a pair of Chelsea boots. So when I came across this black pair at a very reasonable price, I wanted to share an additional find.
—Equipment Avoncon 100% wool sweater (three colors)
Sweater season is here! A soft texture with a unique design in three flattering colors, and at a decent price as well for an investment purchase.
—Faherty Mikki Henley Sweater (many colors), exclusive 20% savings for TSLL readers
For a more casual and perhaps layering piece this fall and winter, the henley sweater (navy and white, but more combos are also available). Use promo code SOPHISTICATE to save 20% off at checkout.
~Faherty Stretch Corduroy 5-pocket men’s pants, save 20% exclusive to TSLL readers
And since we’re on Flaherty’s site, I found these newly added corduroy pants for men, and yep, use promo code SOPHISTICATE to save 20% at checkout.
—Mango Boat-neck long-sleeve T-shirt (four colors)
A boat-neck is a flattering neckline that can be worn by many different silhouettes, and this long-sleeve tee makes a great slimming piece to wear on its own or layer underneath other items this fall and winter.
—Rains Hooded coated-shell jacket (three colors)
When I found this rain coat ($110), I quickly saved the link as it looks ideal for early fall showers – not bulky, light-weight, but serves its purpose – to keep us dry. And in three neutral autumnal tones, wear it with pants or jeans and look sharp while taking a walk in the rain.
The week that is wrapping up continues to share much growth, be filled with many moments of smiles and laughs and make me all the more grateful Little One is in our life.
As captured here, each morning, I head outside to the garden porch to meditate, and while not every time, Norman (pre L.O) would frequently sit with me. Well, Little One now sits on my lap while I meditate and plays with a toy, but Norman too continues to join me from time to time and take in the fresh air as we all begin the day. I am deeply grateful he feels secure to do so as it has been a focused priority to ensure he keeps his beloved routines, knows he is loved immensely and that Little One is adding to our lives and not taking anything away.
As you also may notice, Norman received a groom over the weekend as my mother arrived, and I thought, why not do so a few weeks early for the company’s arrival. This is now the second-time in-a-row that I have groomed him, and I am tickled with how it has turned out. However, it is not lost on me that my success is made possible due to Norman being such a good client. ☺️
All in all, a very good week, primarily spent at home with the pups, time I am thankful that I can give them as we all settle into a routine that works for each of us. Just about every night, I am feeling as exhausted as Norman looks in both of these pics below, but Little One is also quite exhausted which means we all sleep very well at night.
This weekend the rain is scheduled to come and with it the first frost which may mean some snow as well, which is to say, I am going to be out in the garden cutting the flowers today and tomorrow, and will hopefully have a house full of fresh blooms drinking them in as I won’t be able to savor them again until next year. Other than that, it will be an easy-going couple of days, tending to some French language homework, snuggling in, maybe going to the movies and catching one of the films above, but definitely some time for reading and catching up on sleep. Thank you for stopping by today and wishing you a wonderful weekend. Until tomorrow’s new episode of The Simply Luxurious Kitchen, bonne journée.
~I thoroughly enjoyed the first episode of Anthony Horowitz’ Magpie Murders on Masterpiece Mystery earlier this week (there are six episodes, a new one drops each Sunday) and enjoyed even more his interview on the corresponding podcast about the series – listen here. (read the books written by Horowitz, he also wrote the adaptation for television which is distinctively different in its format and storyline which is discussed in the podcast episode, here)
~How to stop waiting and start living [The Marginalia]
~An apple dumpling recipe from Smitten Kitchen.
~The importance of regular exercise for introverts [Introverts, Dear]
~One of the two Petit Plaisirs shared this week on episode #342 of The Simple Sophisticate podcast was the new tv series, Annika, and its star Nicola Walker is spectacular yet again. Discover 7 things about the lead actor here from PBS.
~Midterm elections are coming up here in the states, and here is a helpful list for how to be a savvy voter on every race where you live – a list of resources to find what you need [Shondaland
~9 relatable things that drain HSPs [Highly Sensitive Refuge] BUT, on the flip-side 15 Ways to cultivate a rich inner-life for HSP according to science
~Autumn followed by winter in the garden need not be lifeless or lacking color. Adding perennials and grasses to add eye interest is an easy solution. [The English Garden]
~The Best Restaurants in London right now [CN Traveler]
~A big thank you to long-time TSLL reader Deborah who shared this home tour located in Notting Hill – classic and modern English decor all at the same time (and full of color).
~A fun read full of unique and simple ideas for rituals that keep us going [The New York Times, subscription may be required]
~Readers’ favorite post this month so far . .
~AND, the official trailer of The Crown, Season 5, (premiering on November 9th). was just released on Wednesday. And I am loving seeing Lesley Manville, who stars as Princess Margaret, appear in so many well-reviewed films, series all in the span of one year. Enjoy and wishing you steeled patience on the 9th. ☺️
~Explore last week’s This & That: October 14, 2022
Anglophiles, are you ready? So, so much to explore and share. And yes, Francophiles I have some great finds for you this week from a must-see art exhibit if you happen to be in Paris in the coming months, as well as a new satirical film by a director whose previous work I thoroughly enjoyed. Viewers of PBS Masterpiece will have no shortage of new series to watch beginning this Sunday and with sales on vintage and consignment finds at a go-to online shop for both décor and clothing, as well as a much-anticipated new film that is prompting much Oscar-buzz, a book about our relationship with money and our wellbeing, timeless clothing finds for both women and men (I have my eye on this new wool-cashmere blend sweater from a trusted designer and perhaps you will as well if you love to cozy in, but bring a softer color to the autumn darker tones), this week’s T & T is brimming over with items worth exploring.
~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.
A full T& T! 🙂 Thanks, Shannon. I have just looked through and so many things caught my eye. I will be back at a later time – or maybe Monday (Fridays are usually quite busy for me) – to peruse it all. I admire your patience and skill to curate all these lovely this-and-that for the the benefit of your readers.
In the meantime, have a great weekend, together with Mr. Norman and Miss Little One! 🙂
Thank you for stopping by Isabel whenever you are able! 🙂 And for your comment and kind words. I genuinely enjoy pulling together this weekly post – treasures to find and then to share! 🙂
As I scan this week’s T & T, I know that I will be opening the new little notebook recently gifted to me by a dear friend. Knowing that I am a listmaker, a keeper of memorabilia, she knew I would find the just right purpose for the spiral-bound pocket book. It will be my second keeper of T and T ideas. I did not know that Frances O’Connor had been offered the role of Cora. The new Milk Street Cookbook sounds very interesting since all their prior books are a bit exotic in the ingredient list. While the recipes always sound very interesting to me, I have made few. And of course, Norman and Little One are the epitomai of sweetness. How I appreciate your grooming endeavors. Miss Lola with all her tight poodle curls is a task I am not willing to tackle. She keeps her groomer entertained for sure. Have a lovely weekend, our seasons are changing. We have had our first frost, a magical sight but also a goodbye to all the green that surrounds me.
Hi Shannon!!!
Happy fall and congratulations on your new puppy! As always thank you for all that you share!
Tamra,
Thank you. 🙂 And thank you for stopping by! Wishing you a wonderful fall weekend. 🙂
So much good stuff, thank you Shannon! Just a quick perusal–
–Sullivan’s book looks like a powerful and wonderful read.
–I ADORE Ina Garten!
–Thank you for introducing me to Pentreath’s book, I am SUCH a fan of his!
–Oh my that little head peeking over the pillows whilst Norman snoozes below IS. SO. ADORABLE!!!!!
–Catherine, Called Birdy I will definitely be watching this weekend!
–Apple dumplings!?! Yes please and thank you!
–Can’t wait to tour the Notting Hill home(makes me want to re-watch the film!) …and segue into the glorious re-pairing of a couple of my absolute favorite actors, Roberts & Clooney, Ticket to Paradise looks such a treat.
And speaking of English home tours, I recently binged on the videos available on the House and Garden UK website–EXCELLENT weekend rabbit-hole to explore!
And thanks to you, Shannon, and this lovely T&T, my weekend will be excellent as well! Much love to you, Norman, and Little One, enjoy your weekend!❤️??❤️ P.S. Oh oh oh I almost forgot–I made the savory palmiers as an accompaniment to Tuscan white bean soup–deelish!!xoxo
Rona,
Sooooo tickled to hear the savory palmiers were a hit! The pairing with the Tuscan white bean soup sounds absolutely delicious. 🙂
Your weekend sounds delightful, cozy and fun. Thank you for all that you have shared and for stopping by!
?
Hi Shannon! I, too, am very excited for David Jimenez’s book to be released. He briefly lived in Kansas City and I was fortunate to visit his home as part of a homes tour – absolutely stunning! My husband was with me on the tour, and we both agreed that we could move right in. Have a wonderful, cozy, snuggly weekend!
Thank you for sharing this Marina. How awesome! I am just being introduced to him, and after seeing his approach to decorating, fell in love. It is the layering and thoughtful detail and love for Parisian classic style with a touch of personal modernity that caught my eye. I look forward to reading and perusing the pics of the new book. To tour his home would have been amazing! So happy you had this opportunity. 🙂 Have a lovely weekend as well.
I LOVE these posts! thank you! Its so wonderful to have a beautiful curated list to inspire me! Congratulations, Little One looks precious! What are you wearing in that picture w/the pups? It looks so cozy!
Thank you for stopping by Kristina and for your comment. 🙂 To answer your question, I love this robe. It is from SKIMS, their ivory cozy knit robe. https://rstyle.me/+iaPS8krPcXHXVUh7ElNwaQ
While I can’t believe it’s Friday again, I nevertheless enjoy T&T so much that I won’t complain 🙂 I’m looking forward to watching The Magpie Murders, which we’re recording along with a mob of other BBC offerings (to the point we’re going to have to dedicate a weekend sooner or later to catch up on them all). As always, I appreciate the movie trailers: I’m looking forward to “Ticket to Paradise” — what a pair of formidable talents those two are! And “Raymond & Ray” looks excellent, although it always disconcerts me to hear Ewen McGregor with an American accent. “Catherine, Called Birdy” is obviously a must-watch! I might pass on “Emily”, though. I’ve been a hard-core Brontë fan since I was a kid & suspect the movie might take too many liberties with the truth to sit well with me — that truth is magical enough without a lot of manufactured drama. I’m delighted to see the next Cambridge novel is out. I enjoyed her first one tremendously. What else? Oh, the article “How to Stop Waiting & Start Living” hit awfully close to home here & resulted in many hours of conversation between my husband & me that aren’t finished yet 🙂 Once we started talking about it, we realized that after years of “waiting” to retire, there are STILL things we’re putting off “until”. And there is ALWAYS an “until”. It’s a wicked hard habit to get rid of! And the sweaters (swoon). I may have to stop reading your sweater posts because, srsly, how many does a woman realistically need? Although, when it comes to gorgeous sweaters, does the word “realistically” even apply? LOL! And of course I love all the puppy pictures. And to everyone: have a great weekend. We’re having one of those “fresh” days when it can’t decide to be summer, autumn or just dive right into winter.
T&T on Friday is Such. A. Treat. Always! I ordered the David Jimenez book immediately and I can’t wait for it to arrive. So many great suggestions here to read and watch and I’m glad you liked the Notting Hill tour as much as I did. That photo of you and Norman with Little One on your lap is positively adorable. I can feel her soft coat all the way over here in Ohio.
My pups send love to your pups,
Deborah
Deborah, Thank you for your words about your enjoyment of the weekly T & T! ☺️ And love to your two sweet peas as well!
Oh I do love T&T each week, sometimes savouring a little later than Friday, but always enjoying. I enjoy seeing the book, movie, series and more recommendations each week. Though my TBR list is now in the 100s! I have started reading the ML Longworth cosy mystery series recently and find myself nearly through the first in the series and requesting the second from my library. I think I have reading material for the rest of my life to look forward to and slowly but surely make my way through.
I hope you had a lovely weekend with the pups, here it is Monday and Waffle’s 8th birthday! So we’re off to find him a birthday treat this afternoon.
Sarah
Happy birthday to Waffle! I hope he has a most wonderful day and start to his new birthday year! 🙂 Thank you for stopping by Sarah.
After a thoroughly enjoyable perusal of T& T, here are my favourites of the week:
– English Decoration
– Cook What you have
– Catherine, Called Birdy
– Hopper
– Raymond & Ray
– Boat-neck T-shirt
– How to stop waiting and start living.
Thank you, Shannon. And I wish everyone a great week! 🙂
Bit late reading this as was busy in the orchard. This is a jam packed T&T Shannon . Thank you for keeping us up to date with all things stylish. Appreciate all that you put into it. Lots to savour. I made a note to myself to suggest David Jimenez’s book to you but you beat me to it. I recently read a French review and I’ve ordered it. I just want to move in to his Ile Saint-Louis apartment. Perfection.Such classic elegance . His approach will resonate with you as it’s rooted in peace, privacy and harmony. I am tickled to read that he chose to paint his entire apartment in a Farrow and Ball’s flat white which is the same paint I have used in my farmhouse. Farrow and Ball is a great English paint company recreating heritage paints with interesting names. Keen to see Ticket to Paradise after watching the trailer but not sure it will turn up at my local cinema. Having an apple orchard means lots of apples and lots of recipes including Christophe Adam’s . I have lost count ?. I have made the apple rosette but did not come out looking like his?If you’re ever near le gare Montparnasse in Paris then stop by for a treat at one of his Dépot Illégal restaurants. It’s my train stop arriving in Paris. I always stop by for a treat. Each service has a fun name e.g Happy morning or le déjeuner illégal, Tchinn Tchinn is happy hour. I particularly like le goûter for the delicious tarte au citron.
Shannon I applaud your grooming skills. Norman is looking very dashing. You’re probably aware of this book ‘An American in Provence’ by the photographer Jamie Beck available to pre-order. I love her work and her aesthetic.
I would like to recommend it. I’m saving this to my favourites for a later read. Kameela xx
Ah Kameela, reading your comment is much like your own T & T! I can only imagine how much work one has at this time of year with your orchard. I am fortunate to have an outstanding local orchard and garden farm nearby, they are much better with apples than I am. My parents maintained a large orchard for years. I remember harvest clearly, my foray was not very successful. May your harvest be boutiful and your season filled with joy.
Lucy lovely memories to cherish.Thank you . Unfortunately the apple harvest was small as the frost killed off lots of blossoms . I would say that living next to a farm.with an orchard is a good compromise as you get to.enjoy the.produce without the hard work. We’re not getting any younger is what I said to hubby only yesterday. Our friends helped a lot in.the past but now they’re retired they are busier than.ever. I just love spending time there. It’s my special place. Have a lovely weekend. Kameela?