Quite a few new and returning series are premiering in the coming week and worthwhile ones at that. Books on baking bread of all kinds and sorts, historical fiction to keep you enthralled as you step back in time to London pre-WWI, a décor book full of inspiration about embracing maximalism and understanding exactly what it is and how it can and should bring calm, a new novel from an internationally praised author perfect for cozying in this autumn, and if you love fashion history, a book you don’t want to miss. Also, fall warmth and style for the closet and many of the finds available at great prices. Still there is more!

Books

—The Healing Season of Pottery by Yeon Somin

Originally released in South Korea, author Yeon Somin received praise for her debut work Lazy Kinko in 2022 winning the Korea New Writer’s Award.With her second novel, The Healing Season of Pottery, is Somin’s first English translated book and was just released this past Tuesday. The plot centers around 30-year old Jungmin, who after abruptly breaking down at the office and quitting her job “holes up in her apartment, speaking to no one for days on end. When she finally emerges, she stumbles upon a pottery studio in her neighborhood and is invited in by the mysterious workshop teacher. The smell of clay, the light filtering through the plant filled windows, the friendly cat, and the incredible coffee the students drink awaken her senses and make her feel alive and inspired for the first time in months.
 
“As the seasons change, Jungmin slowly returns to herself and builds a new community with the other members of the studio, who are all working through their own pasts at the pottery wheel. When the holidays approach and snow piles up on the studio windowsill, Jungmin realizes how much she has changed—with her hands busy and her mind clear, she may be ready to face the memories she’s been running from and open her heart.”

A cozy, feel-good novel ideal for this time of year.

—The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper by Roland Allen

For all you fellow journal writers out there, a bit of history about the notebook and its influence on the creative ideas we now find to be common place. Released in September, author Roland Allen’s book The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper “reveals how the notebook became our most dependable and versatile tool for creative thinking. He tells the notebook stories of Leonardo and Frida Kahlo, Isaac Newton and Marie Curie, and writers from Chaucer to Henry James; shows how Darwin developed his theory of evolution in tiny pocket books and Agatha Christie plotted a hundred murders in scrappy exercise books; and introduces a host of cooks, kings, sailors, fishermen, musicians, engineers, politicians, adventurers, and mathematicians, all of whom used their notebooks as a space to think—and in doing so, shaped the modern world.

“In an age of AI and digital overload, the humble notebook is more relevant than ever. Allen shows how bullet points can combat ADHD, journals can ease PTSD, and patient diaries soften the trauma of reawakening from coma. The everyday act of moving a pen across paper, he finds, can have profound consequences, changing the way we think and feel: making us more creative, more productive—and maybe even happier”.

—Relaxed Maximalism: Curating a Maximalist Home with Soul by Sarah Laming

Someone whose IG account (@ahometomakeyousmile) I quite enjoy for her calming vignettes captured in her home in London, England, is Sarah Laming (I have included a video tour of her home just below the photo of the book). And now she has a book, a décor book full of inspiration encouraging readers to embrace maximalism and how to do so to relaxing effect. Laming aims to demonstrate how “maximalism is often misunderstood as a style with no rules, when in fact it is a carefully curated approach that requires knowledge and experience to achieve harmony . . . Through beautiful photographs, sketches, top tips, and real room breakdowns, we guide you through every step of the decorating process.

Relaxed Maximalism includes, “a home décor guide to discovering the freedom to express yourself like never before; tips to transform your home into a sanctuary of style and comfort; and a step by step into the world of maximalist interior design”.

~Tour Sarah Laming’s home in London below in the video:

British Finds

—The Marlow Murder Club, PBS Masterpiece

Finally! The new tv series that began (as they often do) as a popular mystery book series will this Sunday air on PBS Masterpiece. Having already aired in the UK, we here in the US can look forward not only to four episodes in this first season, but rest easy knowing season two is already happening and there will be six episodes in that season.

Based on Robert Thorogood’s book series of the same name, if you haven’t read the books, I think you will quite like them and come to appreciate each of the main characters all the more. Seeing them come to life on screen with this cast will be a treat, especially Samantha Bond (Downton Abbey) who will star as Judith, a seventy-seven-year-old whiskey drinking, crossword puzzle author living her best life in a dilapidated mansion on the outskirts of Marlow.

And with that I leave you to wait in anticipation, just as I will be, but until then here are 6 reasons to watch the series as shared by PBS Masterpiece and view the trailer below.

—Precipice: A Novel by Robert Harris

A war-time novel that takes us back to 1914 in London, Robert Harris’ Precipice was released in the states back in September and just this week was released in the UK.  The plot: “twenty-six-year-old Venetia Stanley—aristocratic, clever, bored, reckless—is part of a fast group of upper-crust bohemians and socialites known as ‘The Coterie.’ She’s also engaged in a clandestine love affair with the Prime Minister, H. H. Asquith, a man more than twice her age. He writes to her obsessively, sharing the most sensitive matters of state.

“As Asquith reluctantly leads the country into war with Germany, a young intelligence officer with Scotland Yard is assigned to investigate a leak of top-secret documents. Suddenly, what was a sexual intrigue becomes a matter of national security that could topple the British government—and will alter the course of political history.”

Already highly reviewed and praised by readers and critics alike.

Cookbook

—Big Book of Bread from the King Arthur Baking Company: 125+ recipes for every baker

A cookbook for bakers, and just in time for all of the holidays that perhaps need a bit of zhushing up when it comes to the baked goods while also keeping aspects of the classic favorites. After all King Arthur Baking Company is a bit of a classic itself, and in its new cookbook, not only will it share recipes (a glimpse of a few of the many below), but the cookbook also includes techniques for success in the kitchen.

“At the heart of The King Arthur Baking Company Big Book of Bread is the most expansive and inclusive list of any bread-baking book, and it boasts new and classic recipes such as the following:

-Flatbreads: Focaccia, Naan, Pita, Scallion Pancake, Lavash, Seedy Crackers
-Pan Loaves: Everyday Bread, English Muffin Toasting Bread, Tiger Milk Bread
-Sourdough: Baguette, Sandwich Bread, Cinnamon Swirl
-Hearth Breads: Classic Miche, Chocolate Levain, Sesame Whole Wheat Loaf
-Buns, Bagels, and Rolls: Conchas, Bolo Bao, Jerusalem Bagels, Buttermilk Buns
-“Fancy” Breads: Basic Babka, Big Sticky Bun, Stollen
-Things to Make with Bread: Cheddar Kimchi Strata, Sourdough Lasagna, Migas”

Released this past Tuesday, order your company for for the baker on you holiday gift list.

Film

—Conclave

Oscar buzz is swirling around this film as already critics are loving it. And looking at the cast alone, one can see why Conclave is worth watching. Starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow, “when Cardinal Lawrence (Fiennes) is tasked with leading one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events, selecting a new Pope, he finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that could shake the very foundation of the Catholic Church”.

Have a look at the trailer below and find it in theaters beginning today.

Francophile Finds

—The Battle of Versailles: The Fashion Showdown of 1973 by Mark Bozek

Released in September, for lovers of fashion history, The Battle of Versailles shows and tells the story that shook the fashion world back in 1973 with a fashion that show” pitted French designers (Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Cardin, Emanuel Ungaro, Marc Bohan, and Hubert de Givenchy) against their unsung American counterparts (Oscar de la Renta, Stephen Burrows, Halston, Bill Blass, and Anne Klein).

“With a guest list of 700 notables including Princess Grace, Marie-Hélène de Rothschild, Andy Warhol, Liza Minnelli, and Josephine Baker, this celebrated event has become legendary. The French designers built elaborate sets and played classical music during their presentation, while in stark contrast, the American designers used simple sets, played contemporary music, and had eleven black models, unheard of at the time. Ultimately, the Americans and their spirited models stole the show with their youthfully modern approach”.

Included throughout the book for the first time are detailed illustrations, photography captured by Bill Cunningham and Jean-luce Huré—”largely unseen until now—capturing the behind-the-scenes drama, fabulous clothing, iconic models, and glamorous guests at this historic show”.

—Candice Renoir special episodes, AcornTV

Candice Renoir continues! And this time, for the first time, specials are part of the new episodes that will drop this Monday, October 28th. Look for Candice and Antoine to solve two cases, one centered around Halloween and then the couple head to Corsica where sleuthing becomes part of their itinerary. Bien sûr !

Shopping

—Chinti & Parker, 25% off sale

London-based cashmere clothing brand Chinti & Parker are having a sale, and if you are in the market for cozy knitwear at nice prices, but assured quality items, be sure to take a look. I have shopped a few items below beginning with their Warm-Beige Cashmere Rolled Neck Sweater (many colors).

SHOP THE SALE:

—Emerson Fry’s Tailored Coat, Henderson Plaid

This knee-length coat provides the timeless classic look that could be worn over just about anything.

—Gianvito Rossi Leather Knee Boots, 60% off

Another classic and from a designer brand, but now available at a fair price. Wear for years to come and the cost-per-wear is nominal.

—La Ligne NYC, Toujours Cashmere Beanie (four colors)

I have been wearing my cashmere stocking cap just this week for morning walks, and it is the cashmere that makes for a feel-good-on-the-skin item I don’t mind wearing for far longer than the temperatures require. La Ligne’s new beanies in multiple colors are a similar style, so I wanted to share just in case you too need some warmth in your outerwear wardrobe.

—Reformation Oversized Cashmere Cardigan (black also available)

One more cashmere find, perfect for cozying up at home. Layer over anything, dress up or down, a cardigan that isn’t too bulky but being made of cashmere will definitely keep you warm.

—Zara heeled leather black slides

Just a smidge of height and a subtle laser cut-outs to update the classic kitten-heeled black slide. And at a great price.

Television

—The Diplomat, season 2, Netflix

Next Thursday, the new season begins, and I doubt I will be able to resist binging all six episodes. Kerri Russell stars as the ambassador to the UK for the US and Russell Sewell as her foreign affair savvy husband. Chaos and turmoil surround them and perhaps a mole inside the building trying to sabotage their diplomatic efforts? Tune in to find out and check out the trailer below.

—The Law According to Lida Poët, season 2, Netflix

I had been curious if a second season would become available, and indeed it has! Set in Italy, Lida Poët, who actually was the first modern female Italian lawyer (26 August 1855 – 25 February 1949), is played by Matilda de Angelis, and in this second season, “Lidia will continue to break down the pieces of this world built by men for men, with absolute genius, surprising the opponent with intelligence, irony and without mincing her words, but also questioning herself”. Have a look at the trailer for the new season below and for it to premiere on October 30th (there will be six episodes in the season).

—Somebody Somewhere, season 3, Max

Returning for its third and final season on October 27th (HBO Max), in Somebody Somewhere Sam Miller (Bridget Everett) is “a true Kansan on the surface, but, beneath it all, struggling to fit the hometown mold. Grappling with loss and acceptance, singing is Sam’s saving grace and leads her on a journey to discover herself and a community of outsiders who don’t fit in but don’t give up, showing that finding your people, and finding your voice, is possible. Anywhere. Somewhere. In Season 3, we see growth against all odds.” Have a look at the trailer below.

Happy Friday and welcome to the start of the weekend!

I hope the week has gone well, and you are looking ahead to the final weekend of October (hard to believe that it has arrived already), one that is full of favorite seasonal pastimes as well as time to do what you are aching to do and perhaps is long overdue. 🙂

When I saw the above canoe paddling up the river last weekend, and with the aspens donning their fall foliage in the background, taking a photo was a no-brainer. I could hardly believe the framing of it (Mother Nature did the heavy-lifting in this capture). I continue to be mesmerized by Mother Nature’s artwork she has given to us this season. Merci!

A regular week here at Le Papillon and in Bend which is always nice to have. I never tire of such weeks, and when it begins with some time in the garden (this past weekend), new books to dive into (I will be sharing what I am reading, loving and curious about in November’s A Cuppa Moments per our usual part of the monthly chat) and moments to catch my breath paired with productivity on the blog, well, then I am deeply grateful.

Add Norman and Nelle to sit by the fire with (yep! snuggling by the fireplace has begun!) and I feel most fortunate indeed. ☺️🐾❤️

The coming weekend will be much of the same, but next week will be a wee bit busier as the closet in the primary bedroom will be installed, company will arrive and the month wraps up which means a bustling time in the office. So much to look forward to, but first, the weekend.

Below I have gathered up a few articles and one video to enjoy along with a bit of news about TOP Tier price increases that will occur in a few months, and I wanted to give you a heads up if you aren’t a TOP Tier member and have been thinking about it (be sure to take advantage of the current prices so you can forever save money).

Thank you for choosing to stop by today and may you have a weekend full of sunshine to warm your bones, gratifying bites of nourishing fare all weekend long, and of course, oodles of everyday moments to savor 😌. Until Monday, bonne journée.

~A home in Wimbledon that is full of cozy inspiration. Every room captured my awe and interest in some way, and the Peacock Matting on the hallway floor – absolutely loving it. [House & Garden UK]

~Introverts and comfort zones, a thoughtful post to read [Introvert, Dear]

~A conversation with Stanley Tucci and how he built a culinary identity [The Washington Post]

~Moving to Paris? 5 rules to follow [The Earful Tower]

~The toughness myth is a lie: hang on to your vulnerability [Tiny Buddha]

~Put this place to visit on your Paris itinerary: A secret vineyard in Montmartre [CNN]

~Looking to add autumn color to your garden through a few new trees? Explore these 15 trees for brilliant autumn color from Gardeners’ World.

~6 questions to help you declutter better [Kitchn]

~7 days without sugar, how one editor’s skin and body changed [Vogue UK]

~The best hot chocolate in London [CN Traveler]

~Why Paris in winter is always a good idea and what to do while you are there [Travel + Leisure]

~Underrated towns in Provence worth visiting when you want to get away from the crowds [Frenchly]

~TSLL NEWS for 2025:A Heads Up for non-members! TSLL’s TOP Tier Member prices will be going up on January 1st, 2025, but you can lock in the current rate now and forever pay the same rate as long as your membership is active when you sign up in 2024. Learn more about the TOP Tier benefits here. (If you are a current TOP Tier Member, your price is secured right where it is and will not change so long as you keep your membership Active.) The new rates will be: $8.50/mo; $23/qtr; $85/yr.

~Allison Janney’s character as vice president gives a sartorial tutorial to Keri Russell’s US Ambassador to the UK. A sneak peak at season 2 of The Diplomat. I cannot wait to begin watching the new season.

~Explore last week’s This & That: October 18, 2024

Coziness abounds in this week’s This & That with three scarves at great prices, books in a variety of genres to snuggle in and read – a cozy mystery set in England, a non-fiction sharing of life on a Norwegian island set amongst the eider ducks with unexpected life lessons to learn, and a book to find inspiration for decorating a home that gives as much comfort and nourishment as we need. As well, Nancy Meyer’s daughter Hallie has a new film premiering this weekend that is definitely worth watching, and a new film centered around art and forgiveness. And of course, sweaters and wool coats and pants to step into fall with style and warmth. And still, there is more! 

~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.