Books and bread, even gluten-free bread! British bank heists, Venetian-set novels, effortless clothing options and the effortless chic icon herself. The art of two different life necessities for a wonderful life, vintage décor finds for treasure hunters, a new French series, a long-running series returns and a documentary of overcoming the nay-sayers. All of that and so much more.

Books

—The Art of Simple Living: 100 Daily Practices from a Zen Buddhist Monk for a Lifetime of Calm and Joy by Shunmyo Masuno 

Released in 2019, The Art of Simple Living contains a lesson a day for 100 days. Shared in “clear, practical, easily adopted lessons, Buddhist monk Shunmyo Masuno draws on centuries of wisdom to teach you to Zen your life.” Here are a few examples of the lessons you will find:

• Lesson #18: immersing yourself in zazen can sweep the clutter from your mind;
• Lesson #23: joining your hands together in gassho can soothe irritation and conflict;
• Lesson #27: going outside to watch the sunset can make every day feel celebratory;
• Lesson #42: planting a flower and watching it grow can teach you to embrace change;

If you are looking for an approachable way to incorporate more Zen into your life, this might just be the helpful daily read you’re looking for.

—The Art of Spending Money: Simple Choices for a Richer Life by Morgan Housel

Another book helping to finesse our approach to a particular life skill, and this one is a new book being released on Tuesday October 7th is The Art of Spending Money. Instead of providing budgets, hacks, or one-size-fits-all solutions. “It gives you understanding of how your relationship with money shapes your decisions—and how to reshape it so money works for you.”

“With insight and warmth, Morgan Housel shows why the most valuable return on investment is peace of mind, why expectations matter more than income, and why doing well with money has less to do with spreadsheets and more to do with self-awareness.” Learn more about Housel and his previous books about money here.

—A Book for All Seasons by @foxglove_and_ivy (Rachel O’Brien)

When it comes to who I follow in Instagram, I keep a very short list. Primarily so that I can be assured that I will actually see what is posted by those I follow, and one such person is photographer found under the handle of @foxglove_and_ivy. Creator of this IG account Rachel O’Brien, shares a romantic view of UK life and travel with her talented eye behind the camera. And now, she first book is released. A Book for All Seasons, available beginning today, is divided into four main sections as we might imagine: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, with each season thoughtfully presented across 12 sub-sections, offering a double-page spread for every month of the year. “From the fresh promise of spring daffodils and bluebells to the serene beauty of summer waterlilies and roses, the rich hues of autumn leaves and pumpkins, and the quiet stillness of winter snow and robins, you’ll discover a new perspective with every turn of the page.”

Have a peak at a few of the pages below and order directly your own copy as well as learn more about the book here.

—Digital Exhaustion: Simple Rules for Reclaiming Your Life by Paul Leonardi

If screen-time drains your energy and saps the spark out of the day, Paul Leonardi’s new book being released on October 7th is one to explore. “Digital Exhaustion maps out an achievable path to reducing your fatigue caused by excessive screen-time. Drawing on extensive research to show how real people can use technology in healthy ways, Leonardi shares realistic approaches that won’t fragment your attention and deplete your cognitive and emotional reserves. Many of the changes are simple yet surprisingly effective, like waiting longer to respond, making sure you’re using the right tool for your task, and being more conscious of the time and energy we allocate to our devices. He also explains the emotional traps that lead us into dysfunctional relationships with our technology, and how to escape them.” Practical, concrete solutions that I look forward to diving more deeply into.

—It Girl: The Life and Legacy of Jane Birkin by Marisa Meltzer

In 2023 Jane Birkin, the actress, singer and yes, the woman whose name inspired the now highly coveted Hermès bag, passed away. Epitomizing effortless style, this British citizen became a French icon for many reasons. In a new biography being released on Tuesday, start from the beginning and get to know Ms. Birkin in one of the most intimate books about her to date.

Having the opportunity to receive a review copy of New York Times bestselling author Marisa Meltzer’s book, “It Girl paints a vivid portrait of Birkin and her profound legacy, from her early years in 1960s London to her rise as a beloved celebrity in France, detailing personal challenges, her relationships with creative powerhouses, and the duality of her public and private selves. Based on interviews and deep archival research, Meltzer reveals the nuances of Birkin’s character: her famously tempestuous romantic relationships, life with her three famous daughters, and the creative energy that drove her. It Girl tells the story of her indelible impact on femininity and style, and how what we think of as French girl style grew from her.”

—Stop Letting Everything Affect You: How to break free from overthinking, emotional chaos, and self-sabotage by Daniel Chidiac

Released in July earlier this year, Stop Letting Everything Affect You, written by self-help author living in Melbourne, Australia, Daniel Chidiac, has written a book for anyone who is “exhausted from overthinking everything, tired of absorbing everyone else’s energy, or simply ready to stop letting life’s chaos dictate how you feel. This book offers the transformative tools to finally reclaim your power, protect your peace, and live on your own terms.”

Below are just a few of the lessons you will learn:

• Stop self-sabotaging.
• Set healthy boundaries without feeling guilty.
• Recognize the difference between real guilt and manipulation.
• Break the cycle of overthinking before it spirals out of control.
• Stop taking everything so personally and free yourself from emotional reactivity.
• Identify toxic patterns in relationships and walk away without regret.
• Be more in control and feel better everyday.
• Shift your mindset from victimhood to self-empowerment.
• Learn the art of emotional detachment—how to be unbothered without becoming cold.

—Venetian Vespers: A Novel by John Banville

Having learned about John Banville’s new novel a few months ago, and then seeing it recently on a list of books to read this autumn, I wanted to be sure to bring it to your attention. Set in 1899, Venetian Vespers, begins with readers being introduced to “struggling English writer Evelyn Dolman—a hack, by his own description— who marries Laura Rensselaer, daughter of an American oil tycoon. Evelyn anticipates that he and Laura will inherit a substantial fortune and lead a comfortable, settled life. But his hopes are dashed when a mysterious rift between Laura and her father, just before the patriarch’s death, leads to her disinheritance. The unhappy newlyweds travel to Venice to celebrate the New Year at the Palazzo Dioscuri, ancestral home of the charming but treacherous Count Barbarigo. From their first moments in the mist-blanketed floating city, otherworldly occurrences begin to accumulate.” Hmm, well, now I am just curious about what “otherworldly” alludes to and may have to read just to find out. ☺️

British Finds

—The Gold, PBS Masterpiece

A new series comes to PBS with The Gold, telling the true story of one of the biggest British bank heists in history. Starring Hugh Bonneville alongside Jack Lowden and Dominic Cooper, the series is inspired by the iconic true story of the Brink’s-Mat robbery and its aftermath. 

“On 26 November 1983, six armed men broke into the Brink’s-Mat security depot, stumbling across gold bullion worth £26m. The disposal of the bullion caused the birth of large-scale international money laundering, provided the dirty money that helped fuel the London Docklands property boom, united blue and white-collar criminals and left controversy and murder in its wake. What started as a `typical Old Kent Road armed robbery’ according to detectives at the time, became a seminal event in British criminal history.”

Enjoy 12 episodes and have a look at the trailer below. Premiering this Sunday on PBS Masterpiece.

Cookbooks

—The Art of Gluten-Free Bread: Groundbreaking Recipes for Artisanal Breads and Pastries by Aran Goyoaga 

Now this new cookbook is for anyone who loves their bread but no longer can enjoy it traditionally or simply prefers gluten-free, and as will become clear at the end of today’s list of items to explore, it’s hard to resist bread when it can be so absolutely scrumptious. In The Art of Gluten-Free Bread, released on September 23rd, “author Aran Goyoaga has perfected the art of baking without gluten, and she’s garnered global attention for her ability to create bread full of texture and flavor using alternate flours. In her new cookbook, Goyoaga not only shares her secret to the perfect gluten-free loaf, but she offers 100 recipes for the breads and pastries that those with gluten-intolerance dearly miss. Think biscuits, bagels, and the flakiest croissants.” Learn more about the author here.

Décor

—Chairish Vintage hand Painted Delft Five Spout Tulipiere Vase

A treasure for one person. Please someone scoop this up. While yes, designed for tulips, enjoy putting this Delft vase to use year-round with a variety of different long-stem flowers. For a vintage piece of this quality and speciality, the price isn’t that bad.

—GreenRow’s Decorative Scallop Trimmed Pedestal Bowl

A statement pedestal bowl for anywhere in the house. Draw the eye with the gentle yellow hue, and whether you let it stand on its own or fill it with items, it brings a touch of modern with the classic structure of traditional décor.

Francophile Finds

—Maigret, PBS Masterpiece

Sunday kicks off the six-episode first season of the new adaption of Maigret. Set in modern-day Paris, this first contemporary television adaptation of Georges Simenon’s beloved novels about the streetwise Parisian Chief Inspector Jules Maigret (played by Benjamin Wainwright) who heads the elite police unit known as La Crim, is responsible for investigating all serious crime in and around Paris. Maigret is an unconventional young detective with something to prove, relentless in his investigations, with an uncanny ability to get under the skin of the criminals he is chasing and a matchless knowledge of Paris and its inhabitants.” Have a look at the trailer below. I most definitely will be watching.

Shopping

—Banana Republic Factory sale, 40% off everything

Yet another sale at Banana Republic Factory, and the savings are steep! This winter coat caught my eye, and I wanted to share. Shop the entire sale here, and the coat directly below.

—La Ligne Mini Marin Striped Socks x Observed By Us

Having a fun pair of socks to lounge about in when the colder months arrive is a great idea, and these cashmere blend, multi-colored socks with stripes will keep you warm, cozy and striped from head to toe. From the brand founded by Kirsten Dunst and Jessica Herschko, Observed by Us has partnered up with La Ligne for a limited collection that includes both clothing and accessories such as these striped socks. Shop the entire collection here.

—Lily Silk’s Oversized Double-Faced Silk-Wool Blend Coat, two colors available

Janet B., I continue to thank you for introducing me, and thus TSLL readers to this brand (if they didn’t already know about it ☺️, I sure didn’t! But am grateful I do now.) This classic funnel neck wool and silk blend coat is “perfect for city strolls, travel, or any occasion calling for stylish outerwear as it offers warmth without heaviness, embodying modern, effortless sophistication . . . This oversized Balmacaan coat, crafted from a premium double-faced silk-wool blend featuring 8% silk and 92% RWS-certified wool. This exquisite fabric combines wool’s natural warmth and resilience with silk’s softness and subtle luster, creating an exceptionally smooth texture with elegant drape.”

—Navy Grey’s Original Cardigan (back in stock!), three colors

The beauty of a cardigan is the versatility – wear on its own or as a layered piece, and Navy Grey’s original cardigan inspired by the one worn daily by the founder’s grandfather, is an essential in the autumn/winter capsule wardrobe. “It’s old school made new, with a simplicity that always feels right. Knitted in the British Isles from 100% traceable Scottish-spun lambswool and finished with our signature horizontal placket and sustainably sourced Mother of Pearl buttons.”

—Staud Wally Ankle Boot, many colors and fabrics (leather and suede)

A kitten heel ankle boot pairs wonderfully with flare pants or jeans (these trouser jeans would be a fantastic, casual, yet chic pairing). You don’t have to worry about the height of a knee-high boot, but still have the effect to elongate the body all the way down to the pointed toe.

Having a pair of the Wally knee-high boots in my own wardrobe, they are very comfortable, and in fact, one of these ankle styles is on my list to pick up soon. If you too are looking for a quality ankle boot, be sure to keep this style in consideration.

Television

—Grey’s Anatomy, season 22, ABC

For the 22nd season – wow! I include the premiere date of this long-running drama series each year on the This & That when it returns because at some point, it won’t, and even with a revolving cast, so long as Miranda and Meredith are there, I will keep tuning in. Look for the new season to premiere next Thursday at 9pm on ABC. The trailer doesn’t give anything away but still reminds us where last season left us.

—Tony Shalhoub’s Breaking Bread series, CNN

I am so tickled to learn about this new series starring Tony Shalhoub! How fun (and delicious!) does this look! Taking us to six different cities around the wold (one in France!), Tony Shalhoub embarks on a mouthwatering, carb-filled journey around the world sharing “the authentic Tony behind the neurotic characters he plays — a passionate food lover who makes bread and breaks bread with local bakers, top chefs, home cooks and everyone in between. The ultimate comfort food, bread is the foundation for any shared meal, and with each delicious bite, Shalhoub takes viewers along for a global adventure with communities united by this unassuming dinner table staple.” Have a look at the trailer below and tune in this Sunday on CNN.

—Victoria Beckham, Netflix

The documentary of her husband, simply titled Beckham (released in October 2023) prompted as much chatter about his wife who the world well knows as it did him, and so almost immediately, a new documentary was put into creation. Victoria Beckham needs no introduction, and as the film reveals, when she transitioned into the fashion design world, it wasn’t an easy or guaranteed venture. Have a look at the trailer below and look for the documentary to be released next Thursday on October 9th and include three episodes.

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Oh my wander Gus. Ms. Nelle that is, and yep, we do have a lot of fun on our walks. Case in point, she needed to see what was in this trunk as something captured her nose, so she stood on this stump for about four minutes or so dancing and poking about. More than a few photos were captured. ☺️

Happy first weekend of October! I hope the new month began well, and you are looking ahead to a weekend of autumn/spring adventures. Here on the blog, October first brought the monthly A Cuppa Moments where already our conversation has begun with inspiring stories shared by members and encouraging support to dare to do that something that is dancing about in our hearts.

Be sure to join us to learn what this month’s question is to start our conversation. If you haven’t become a member yet, a wonderful way to describe TSLL community that gathers, comments and shares whether in the A Cuppa or in other posts is encouraging, kind and courageous. There are truly amazing life journeys being lived, and when we each realize how our yearnings are helping to guide us, discovering how many other people have already trusted their inner compass and all that they have brought into their life to celebrate by following its guide, it provides a boost to trust your direction. Learn more about becoming a TOP Tier member here.

And the Intro to French Cooking class continues! Check out what Cassandra made as inspired by one of the lessons of classic desserts, a perfect treat for autumn’s beginning (and simple too!):

This weekend Nelle and I will be having a casual few days, time in the garden, time working on TSLL’s 4th book, and then as a way to ready the front porch for autumn’s holidays, we’ll head to a local nursery to pick up pumpkins which is always fun. You can see where Norman, Nelle and I went last year that is truly a special place full of wonderful varietals to choose from in last year’s November’s A Cuppa Moments. May you too have a spectacular weekend full of favorite pastimes, scrumptious nibbles and oodles of everyday moments to savor. Until Monday, bonne journée !

~Time to indulge in chocolate and with all of these delicious recipes, there’s bound to be one that catches the appetite [Financial Times]

~Discovering a personal style, what it means, how to do it and more [Harpers’ Bazaar]

~Let’s bake an authentic French Baguette, shall we? [Pardon My French]

~Sophie Hersan, co-founder and fashion director at Vestiaire Collective, shares a stylish person’s guide to Paris [Fashionista]

~Where fashion editors dine in Paris [Do It in Paris]

~The world, both the human and animal world, lost a champion and friend this past week. Dame Jane Goodall, thank you for all that you taught us. [BBC]

~”Dogs are family.” Back in 2024 on Jane Goodall’s 90th birthday, a 90-dog salute was arranged to celebrate her special day. And what a special occasion it was. A true dog-lover if there ever was one, knowing how many TSLL readers are parents to pups, if you haven’t read about this occasion, here are two posts/articles to read – here and here.

~An autumn salatta recipe to savor – figs, feta and walnuts. [Toast]

~The timeless wardrobe accessory – very French, and ideal for autumn and winter. [Who What Wear UK]

~Home tour of the week! An Aga on a Houseboat in London? Yep, and a cozy sanctuary that surrounds it. [Domino]

~The special bond we have with our pets, shared by Oprah [subscription may be required]

~French food festivals around France for the gourmet traveler. [France Today]

~No one quite does fashion shows like the designers in Paris and Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection has quite the setting. Watch the entire show below that occurred during Paris Fashion Week recently.

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~Explore last week’s This & That: September 26th here.

~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.