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.

Books

—The Heart-Shaped Tin: Love, Loss, and Kitchen Objects by Bee Wilson

British food writer and columnist, Bee Wilson’s new book, The Heart-Shaped Tin, is a heart-warming memoir and compilation of essays in which she delves into how just such objects found in our kitchen change the way we live. “She meets people who open up about a favorite wooden spoon, a salt shaker inherited from a parent, and a vintage corkscrew collection. Our beloved items become powerful symbols of identity and memory, representing friendship, grief, love, superstition, safety, and even political resistance… In telling these stories, she comes to terms with her grief over the dissolution of her marriage and the loss of her mother after a battle with dementia. The heart-shaped tin, in the end, becomes a moving reminder of the power of new beginnings.”

—The Hidden Seasons: A Calendar of Nature’s Clues by Tristan Gooley

In last week’s This & That, I shared that I found quite a few books while popping into my local bookshop. Although I shared a few last Friday, I have two more this week that I have saved and want to share. The Hidden Seasons is a small, compact book filled with insightful essays that reveal the hidden treasures often unknown to most people in each season. If you love to learn more about Mother Nature, are a gardener or garden-curious, this is a lovely book to pick up each evening and read to tickle your mind.

—How to Live an Artful Life: 366 Inspirations from Artists on How to Bring Creativity to Your Everyday by Katy Hessel

I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this book. A daily read to kick off the new year, as How to Live an Artful Life shares an excerpt, quote, or insight from an artist, either well-known from the past or currently creating.  “Offering you thoughts, reflections, and encouragements from artists such as Marina Abramovic, Nan Goldin, Lubaina Himid, Louise Bourgeois, and many more. With a thought for every day of the year, whether looking for beginnings in January, freedom in summer, or transformation as the nights draw in, this is a book of words to cherish.” Whether shared from the art they have created (a poem, passage, paragraph, etc.), or a snippet from an interview, Katy Hessel brings the inspiration from the artists themselves to help us step out into the new year and “taste it, seize it, and live it – artfully.”

Look for How to Live an Artful Life to be released in the UK on Thursday, November 6th (not yet available in the US).

—The Joy of Solitude: How to Reconnect with Yourself in an Overconnected World by Robert J. Copland

Tickled to have learned about this new title just this week, and immediately put it into my shopping cart. “In The Joy of Solitude, Robert Coplan draws from diverse fields including psychology, neuroscience, literature, and sociology to guide readers through solitude’s many dimensions and its profound effects on mental health and well-being.” Readers will discover:

• The many different types of solitude, ranging from enjoyable to challenging, each influencing personal experiences in unique ways.
• Why choosing to spend even fifteen minutes alone each day can help stabilize your mood, recharge your battery, and spark creativity.
• A deeper understanding of extraverts and introverts and their (often misunderstood) relationship to solitude.
• What alone time looks like in a world where social connection is always a click away.
• Groundbreaking scientific insights into the effects of both loneliness and “aloneliness.”
• The surprising ways that time alone can enhance relationships with others.
• Practical strategies for harmonizing moments of social engagement and solitude, crucial for achieving optimal life satisfaction.

Look for this title to be released on Tuesday November 4th.

—The Look by Michelle Obama

In her own words, Michelle Obama shares the journey of her style evolution through more than 200 photographs, many of which are never-before-seen. “Featuring the voices of Meredith Koop, Obama’s trusted stylist, as well as her makeup artist Carl Ray, hairstylists Yene Damtew, Johnny Wright, and Njeri Radway, and many of the designers who have dressed Obama for notable events, The Look brings readers behind the scenes not only to reveal how her most memorable looks came together but also to tell a powerful story about how we present ourselves.”

Look for this title to become available next Tuesday, November 4th.

British Finds

—Mary at 90: A Lifetime of Cooking, BBC Two

When the new year of 2025 began, Mary Berry celebrated her 90th birthday by releasing a new cookbook. And now, she has its accompanying cooking series. Mary at 90: A Lifetime of Cooking just premiered in the UK on October 28th. With six episodes, she is joined by Tom Allen, Gabby Logan, Jamie Oliver, Alex Jones, Alan Titchmarsh, and Kiell Smith-Bynoe, cooking with each of them – some new recipes, some reinvented classics. Have a look at the trailer for the show below.

Cookbooks

—Pastry Temple: Baking with Inspired Flavors (A Pastry Cookbook for Croissant, Brioche, and Puff Pastry) by Christina Wood

The other book I found, perused, and had to apply considerable self-discipline to resist taking home with me, as I already had a few books in my arms to purchase, is Pastry Temple. It is a gem of a guidebook to ensure you become a pastry expert. Starting with the basics and working its way through, even if you know nothing at all about pastry when you begin reading the book, you will finish it with a wealth of skills. Full of photos to guide you, this is the perfect resource for anyone who loves or is curious about mastering pastry. And the price isn’t too bad either, considering the quality of the book and amount of photos you will receive.

—What to Cook and When to Cook It by Georgie Mullen

Being released on Tuesday from British food writer Georgie Mullen is a cookbook full of inspiration to cook with the seasons. What to Cook and When to Cook It shares “how to bring out the best flavour in your humble fruit and veg, sharing 120 simple, versatile and delicious vegetarian meals that make the most of the season’s produce. Whether you choose refreshing Peach Panzanella Salad for a summer barbecue or a comforting Leek and Butterbean Gratin in the colder months, this modern, plant-forward food allows easily sourced, simple produce to shine.” Have a look at an excerpt from the current season we find ourselves.

Décor

—Target’s Modern 3-Shelf Metal Bar Cart, Brass (on sale)

Having a bar cart is something that, unless we have custom cabinets or a butler’s pantry (nope, I don’t have either either!), is a helpful, stylish piece of furniture to keep our favorite drinks. Or in my case, where I keep my go-to teacups & saucers, teapots, and dessert cloche. Whatever floats your boat! And this brass bar cart is timelessly beautiful. Simple, elegant, in other words, perfect. Happy holiday entertaining!

Francophile Finds

—Paris, Museums For Every Taste – Big names and secret gems by Valérie Appert

Knowing where all of the many museums are in Paris is to discover that your entire itinerary can quickly fill up. Beyond the well-known destinations – the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée Rodin – there are oodles more. In Valérie Appert’s new book, released this past March, she shares that “whether you prefer contemporary art, interior design, natural science, photography, or History, you will be fascinated by the treasures, sometimes unexpected, that can be found in the city. One hundred museums, from the best known, such as the Louvre, to the most secret, like Eugène Delacroix’s studio or the mineralogy and geology museum, offer myriads of settings for discovery.”

—Nouvelle Vague

There is a lot of buzz about this new French film, captured entirely in black and white. Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague (English translation – New Wave) premiered in Cannes earlier this year, and ever since, critics have been beside themselves (in a good way). A dramedy, the film tells the story of “the making of Breathless, the groundbreaking debut feature from Jean-Luc Godard, the revered ‘enfant terrible of French cinema.’” Praised for precise attention to detail, film critics continue to appreciate how it resembles watching actual behind-the-scenes footage of this iconic film style, La Nouvelle Vague. This film movement in France spanned two decades – the 1950s and 60s – and was “kickstarted by a small group of film critics at the iconic magazine Cahiers du Cinéma: Jean-Luc Godard, François Truffaut, Claude Chabrol, Eric Rohmer, and Jacques Rivette.”

Have a look at the trailer below and look for the film to premiere in theaters today, and on Netflix on November 14th.

—The Paris Paradox: Embracing French Ideals of Leisure to Transform American Work-Life Balance by Shemin Nurmohamed 

A book that many TSLL readers, like yourself, will agree is a significant part of why they love French culture. The Paris Paradox was released back in September, and what author and executive Shemin Nurmohamed reveals is “how French attitudes toward work, leisure, and life can transform our approach to success. Drawing from her nearly two decades living in France while building a career and raising a family, she offers a refreshing alternative to America’s burnout culture.”

“This book provides practical wisdom on how to create more balance without sacrificing ambition: take proper vacations that rejuvenate rather than exhaust, develop deep expertise through patience rather than constant promotion-seeking, build meaningful community in a disconnected world, and find contentment in everyday moments.”

Garden

—The Art of Gardening at Sissinghurst w/Troy Scott Smith, Create Academy

The garden season may be winding down, and so too is Gardeners’ World on BBC Two (but good news! It will have new episodes through the middle of November this year), but that means we have time to take a gardening class from an expert in English gardening.

Released on September 25th, the head gardener at Sissinghurst Castle Gardens (tour my visit to this special place here), Troy Scott Smith, has a detailed video course on Create Academy. “Filmed over a year, this immersive course follows Troy Scott Smith as he shares unprecedented access to one of the world’s most famous gardens. You’ll explore seasonal gardening techniques and learn how to time your tasks and plant combinations to bring a touch of Sissinghurst into your own garden. Three seasonal parts will be released in stages over the next 9 months.”

I am thinking very seriously about enrolling as a way to keep my feet in the soil (so to speak) during our cold winters here in Bend. The garden he has cultivated and continues to nurture is stunning, and the reviews from those who have taken the course so far have been full of praise. Perhaps this is right up your alley as well.

AND, currently, if you use the promo code HOUSE20, you can save 20% off any course at Create Academy. Have a look at the trailer for this particular course below.

Shopping

—Air & Grace’s Charli Suede Trainers, two colors

We have talked about the necessity of stylish (yet comfortable) sneakers before, and so I am always keeping an eye out for just that should they cross my path. And two different styles did so this week. First, these Charli suede trainers from London’s Air & Grace are fun, modern, and have some good treads!

—Boden’s Erin Retro Tennis Trainers, many colors available

—COS’ Cotton Car Coat

A classic coat, and perfect for autumn and then spring when it rolls around. There are only a few left, and it’s available at a great price.

—Madewell’s Grayson Penny Loafer, four colors

Loafers are having a moment, and while I won’t be reaching for the trendy thick sole styles, these classic designs from Madewell fit the season and will be a staple for many seasons to come.

—J.Crew Sale, 30% off

The sales have begun to happen as we step closer to the end of the year. J.Crew’s sale on just about everything is slashing new and regularly priced items by 30%. Just enter the promo code SHOPFALL. I am drawn to this Cable Knit Crewneck sweater, made with 100% cotton. Having purchased their cotton sweaters in the past, they last (one I have and wore this year is over 10 years old! I continue to wear it and love it.), and these cable designs in classic colors may just have to slip their way into the closet here at Le Papillon – your closet as well, maybe 😉?

—Sézane’s Sami Jumper, many colors, merino wool/cotton blend

More jumpers/sweaters! I am a sucker for the buttons. Is that just me? Well, they just simply add something extra without being excessive. Maybe it reminds me of France. I can’t be sure. Either way, this is a great sweater at an even nicer price than we might expect.

—Soft Luxe Knit Wrap Midi Dress, Banana Republic Factory, 40% off (+extra 25% off)

A super, super low price on this knit wrap dress. Draping the silhouette in a flattering design, if it speaks to you, you will barely have to fork over much for it.

—INVESTMENT: Crimson’s The Tatiana Crewneck sweater, sandstone (other colors)

Since we were able to save on the sweaters and dress above, here is an investment find. However, it is the sweater that will be worn for years. I love the size, coziness, and the quality is reliable as well. There’s no commission on this purchase; I just wanted to make sure you’re aware of this brand. A timeless staple that will last.

—Crimson’s The Nico Rollneck sweater, grey flannel

One more from this brand. So simple. Timelessness in a turtleneck.

—Sur la Table, semi-annual sale, up to 60% off

Turkey time is getting closer, and that means checking to ensure we have all the necessary tools. Sur la Table is helping us out by having their semi-annual sale. I’ve done some shopping for you below, but be sure to check all that is available on their site here.

—SHOP THE SALE:

Television

—All’s Fair, Hulu

From executive producer Ryan Murphy comes a drama that I am confident will bring just that, if you know what I mean. First, look at the cast. Yes, there is Kim Kardashian, who plays Allura Grant, but alongside her are some serious acting chops! Sarah Paulson for one, then Glenn Close, Teyana Taylor, Naomi Watts, and Niecy Nash-Betts. And then you have the guest stars. The trailer below will give a glimpse of a few of those. I was initially hesitant about this series, but with Paulson and Close, I took a closer look (no pun intended), and Ryan Murphy knows how to create shows you can’t stop watching, so I may have to tune in.

The new series, All’s Fair centers around “a successful divorce lawyer and the owner of an all-female law firm in Los Angeles.” Look for the premiere on November 4th on Hulu. Have a look at the trailer below.

—St. Denis Medical, season 2, NBC

A show I most definitely will be watching, no hesitation here – nope, nope! – is the second season of St. Denis Medical. Not just because it is set in Oregon (it resembles many of the hospitals in the Portland area that I remember from my time living there), but most definitely because this series is hilarious. And it appears season 2.0 is about to be even more amped up on comedy. I think we could all use a show that will make us chuckle. Have a look at the trailer below, and look for the new season to premiere on Monday, November 3rd.

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Let the gushing continue! One last week of savoring the autumn beauty. Literally, as we walked yesterday, and as I gazed out of the windows while working and also while in yoga class, the leaves gently fell, danced, and twirled to the ground without any help from the absent breeze. It was magical. I will share a few videos on IG today if you want to take a look on the Highlights.

To say savoring has been in full force this week is an understatement. In fact, in Monday’s Motivational post, I share with you the five science-proven ways to savor deeply, as well as 22 of Autumn’s Offered Savorings, and Wednesday brought the monthly smile post, full of 15 moments that brightened the month. Tomorrow, November’s A Cuppa Moments will follow, and on Sunday, TSLL’s Annual Holiday Gift Guide for Anglophiles and Francophiles will be available. A full week to explore and enjoy!

And we cannot forget that today is Halloween! However you take in this holiday, I hope you have a fun and playful time of it. Nelle will be helping me hand out candy to our neighborhood kiddos, so a relaxing evening in will be the plan. Thank you for stopping by today, and have a wonderful weekend! Until tomorrow, bonne journée.

~Tour Fortnum & Mason’s new double helix staircase that was revealed this week, just in time for the hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping!

~And the designer behind that staircase – Ben Pentreath – shares what life is like living on the small island of Rousay — in Orkney, off the north coast of mainland Scotland, and commuting to London regularly. It is quite a lovely read. [Financial Times, gift link]

~How to enjoy Paris even more during the Christmas and holiday season [CNTraveler]

~How Apple has made it easier to track your luggage [Travel + Leisure]

~The science of what happens to your brain when you meditate every day. [Very Well Mind]

~Discover 9 winter-blooming plants that flower during the coldest months of the year. Hellebores are definitely a flower to add for decades of beauty to enjoy. A wonderful investment. [Real Simple]

~This courgette/zucchini and slow-cooked onion galette looks scrumptious! [Vogue living]

~One more for the gardeners! These 7 plants are said to be all the talk of 2026, and I am already trying to find #2, and thankfully, I have just planted #3! All of them are stunning in their own way. [Homes & Garden UK]

~An inspiring read to remind us that sometimes Mother Nature will try to remind us to change to prevent unnecessary burnout and increase well-being. [Tiny Buddha]

~Did you also watch The Diplomat’s latest season (3) and gawk at the wallpaper and décor in the US ambassador to the UK’s home? Learn more about the wallpaper specifically, here. [Veranda]

~Saving this recipe and may give it a try soon – chocolate olive oil cake with figs and hazelnuts [House & Garden UK]

~French sleeper trains are back! Learn more about all that are available here. [Frenchly]

~If you’ll be in Paris this November, here is a list of the art exhibits worth visiting. [CN Traveler]

~Take a video tour with the interior designer who renovated the historic Albee house in Portland, Oregon, built in 1912. I have started the video where they begin talking about the garden and greenhouse. One of the owners is an Anglophile, so she is in good company with TSLL readers. The video is from Architectural Digest. Enjoy!

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~Explore last week’s This & That: October 24th

~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.