My time in Britain has prompted this week’s This & That to be full of British finds, but I have arguably just as many French finds as well. From movies, to books, to decor and clothing, discover oodles of new releases, finds and delicious books, clothing items and inspiration to peruse and savor.

Books

—Head Over Heels: Joann Woodward and Paul Newman, A Love Affair in Words and Pictures by Melissa Newman

Being released next week on the 10th, written and compiled by their daughter, Paul Newman and Joann Woodward’s love story is the stuff of Hollywood legend. And now, an illustrated oversize photo book to show and tell their story.

—Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness by Pooja Lakshmin MD 

While I do think there is much misunderstanding about why one choosing to welcome regular self-care into their life, as well as what it can consists of, as a large component is determined by who we are and what we as individuals need, this book, written by certified psychiatrist Pooja Lakshmin, she seeks to share that “real self-care is an internal, self-reflective process that involves making difficult decisions in line with our values, and when we practice it, we shift our relationships, our workplaces, and even our broken systems.”

—Vintage Crime: A Story History of Wine Fraud by Rebecca Gibb

If you like wine and history, as well as a little mystery, I think you will thoroughly enjoy this new book! “Packed with engaging vignettes, Vintage Crime brings to life famous enthusiasts and crafty con artists from ancient Rome to modern-day California. It also introduces us to lesser-known industry figures: the scrupulous merchants, honest growers, and cutting-edge scientists who have led the fight against fraudsters.”

British Find

—Beckham, Netflix

There is much buzz about the new four-part doc-series released earlier this week on Netflix, both here in the UK and in the states, and for good reason. Have a look at the trailer as it reveals both the behind-the-scenes of both the soccer life of David Beckham and his love and family life.

—The Burnout: A Novel by Sophie Kinsella

Having read one, maybe two of Sophie Kinsella’s rom-coms years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it for a light, yet well-written read in the genre, her new novel is The Burnout and it involves Sasha, “who heads to the seaside resort she loved as a child. But it’s the off season, the hotel is in a dilapidated shambles, and she has to share the beach with the only other occupant: a grumpy guy named Finn, who seems as stressed as Sasha. How can she commune with nature when he’s sitting on her favorite rock, watching her? Nor can they agree on how best to alleviate their burnout (Sasha: manifesting, wild swimming; Finn: drinking whisky, getting pizza delivered to the beach).” Looks like a fun, relaxing weekend read.

—The English Country House by James Peill

In the first Travel Diary post of my trip to England shared yesterday on the blog, I shared a glimpse of the vacation rental I am currently staying at in the countryside, and one of the many delicious and inspiring decor details I am surrounded by are oodles of books everywhere! They don’t have many bookshelves, but instead all of the books, and there are easily 100 books in each of the many rooms throughout the house (yep, 100 in each!), are thoughtfully placed, so I feel as though I am staying in a library, and I am loving it, as you might imagine. Each night so far, as well as each afternoon when I return from my daily excursions, I pick up a new book and begin to read through it making note of the title so to shop it when I return home. One such book is The English Country House which sits on the coffee table in front of me as I type (more on that below).

Released in 2022, each of the 10 homes featured are “stately, grand, and a testament to the generations who have cared for them. A delicious treat for Anglophiles and fans of historic houses. Architecturally unique and filled with evocative family memorabilia, from commissioned portraits to monogrammed heirloom dinner services to the bells that once summoned the downstairs staff, these houses, like Highclere Castle, better known as the fictional Downton Abbey, are all real homes and still in the hands of descendants of the original owners.”

—The Farm Table Cookbook by Julius Roberts

“Professionally trained chef Julius Roberts left a busy and frantic London restaurant life to pursue his dream of living sustainably on a small farm in the English countryside. The Farm Table transports us to his farmstead, taking us through a calendar year with diary entries and images grounded in the natural world. We take joy in reading about new goats and sheep being born, learn to grow some vegetables, and forage for simple herbs and flowers, all while discovering Julius’s outstanding recipes.

“Broken into sections based on the season, The Farm Table encourages cooking with seasonality in mind through scrumptious recipes to inspire joy and confidence in the kitchen.” Released in the UK on September 28th, look for this cookbook to be released in the states on February 13th (2024),

—Harry Wild, AcornTV

Look for season 2 of Harry Wild, set in Ireland (so I guess it shouldn’t be in this subcategory on the T & T, but it is available through AcornTV which is why I wanted to bring it to your attention, on October 9th. Harriet “Harry” Wild is a retired literature professor, whose son is a police officer, and she, not quite knowing what to do with herself, becomes a persistent, and effective, sleuth. With her sidekick, a young teenager who Harry catches stealing and whom she befriends as she learns why he is stealing, Fergus, becomes her partner much to the chagrin of her son Charlie.

Have a look at the trailer for season 2.

—Lost in Austen, BritBox

While released way back in 2008, this series just became available on Britbox, and if you haven’t watched it, it looks like a hoot. Take a look at the trailer which I think explains what it is all about quite well.

Film

—She Came to Me

Rebecca Miller wrote and directed a new film starring Anne Hathaway, Peter Dinklage and Marisa Tomei. She Came to Me centers around “a composer who suffers writer’s block rediscovers his passion after an adventurous one-night stand”. Have a look at the trailer below and look for it in theaters today.

Francophile Find

—Bernadette

Released this past week in France, Bernadette stars Catherine Deneuve who stars as Bernadette Chirac, wife of French President Jacques Chirac. “Bernadette expected to finally get the position she deserved when she arrived to the Elysée Palace because she had always worked behind her husband’s back to elect him president. She took revenge by becoming a major media figure.” I am hoping it comes to the states soon. Here is a look at the trailer:

—Monet: The Restless Vision by Jackie Wullschlager  

If there is one book I am most eager to pick up upon its release on October 12th it is the first biography ever written in English about the Impressionist painter Claude Oscar Monet. Yep, the first biography written in English. With more than 500 pages, after having read an article by the author in The Financial Times, if you too are fascinated by Monet, this is a book to welcome into your library.

Shopping

—Me + Em Merino Cashmere High Neck Curved Hem Jumper (multiple colors available)

Autumn is here and winter is around the corner. British clothing company just release their October collection and it is filled with jewel-toned sweaters as well as some fabulous plaid separates (I have included a pair of trousers below. Be sure to check out the scroll of items to shop, but before you do, here are three items that caught my eye.

Merino Cashmere military button jumper, navy

Multi-Check pleat front man pant black/brown/red

SHOP THE COLLECTION:

—Rita Konig Belle Rives Lacquer trays (mini and large)

Trays to place drinks, a little nibble and loose, small items is a subtle style , yet necessary detail in nearly every room in the house, and Rita Konig has mastered this in her own home in the English countryside, and also designed her own lacquered trays (mini and large) with scalloped edges, and available in many colors. Below are two photos captured in her home, and you can shop them here at Matches, here at The Lacquer Company and here at Anyon Atelier.

This egg shell blue and the yellow tray above are both mini in size, as is the olive green blow.

Television

—Fisk, Netflix

Set in Australia, and released in 2021, there is currently only one season, but a second may be on its way as this show concept looks quite hilarious. Fisk is a highly trained lawyer who is now dealing with estate planning, and her emotional sympathy is lacking when clients come to see her. Take a look at the trailer and watch now on Netflix.

Happy Friday from a cozy, drizzly northern England country house where the fireplace is alight and the flames gently crackle and pop while I type away, a cuppa set beside me and classical music filling the house. The only thing missing our my sweet pups, and evidence of my missing them became all too obvious to each antique shop owner whose shop I popped into yesterday afternoon as I loved up on their dogs more than the antiques. Rest assured, I purchased more than a few items to make up for my lack of attention given to the humans, but oh my were their pups sweet. One was even a black cocker spaniel, and her name was Maggie (those who have read my first book will know why this as well spoke to my heart, and no doubt nearly all TSLL readers know why the breed and color tugged at my heart strings, my sweet boy Oscar). How is that for magic and serendipity (to those who read yesterday’s Travel Diary post, you will know what this is in reference to – read the post here). 

Needless to say, I am finally relaxing, and it really is for me a cozy home, thoughtfully decorated and situated, down to the smallest of details that immediately brings me to rest, both mentally and physically. As soon as I crossed the threshold, my heartbeat slowed down, my brain took a break from trying to figure everything out, and I had my first night of deep and restorative sleep. I woke up at 10 am! Who does that? Oh, that’s right, someone who is jetlagged. ? These are just a few of the MANY details I shared and will be sharing in the Travel Diary posts with TOP Tier Members, and the above photo is one of many photos I will be and have already begun to share in these posts. A very special home to be able to stay out while I am here and I cannot wait to talk more about it and share many more photos. 

I hope your first week of October went well, and you are looking ahead to a weekend of resting, relaxing, and most importantly savoring time doing what you love. I want to thank you for stopping by today, and look for the next post to be on Tuesday, a Travel Diary post, followed by next Friday’s This & That. Did you know that you can purchase a Guest Membership so you don’t have to worry about reoccurring payments if you only want TOP Tier exclusive access for one month? Yep! For only $10 you can purchase a Guest Membership here (scroll to the very bottom of the page and click $10). 

Below are a few posts and articles you might enjoy as well as a video that is British inspired. Until Tuesday, bonne journée !

—Monty Don’s Tips & Advice for October in the garden.

~Take a tour of a 19th century English house Rita Konig designed [House & Garden UK]

~Where best to enjoy autumn in Paris [The Guardian]

~Fashion Week in Paris just wrapped up. See what the stars were wearing while they visited. [British Vogue]

~Lupin, part three, premiered last night on Netflix, and this article shares how the series can help you learn French. [Frenchly

~7 Things you may not have known about the French constitution, and even saying “the” is misleading as there have been 13 renditions. [The Local]

~Recognize your inner-child: a path to well-being [Shondaland]

~Oliver Gee of The Earful Tower shares what the latest news is regarding Notre Dame.

~7 Things you should stop expecting from others [Marc and Angel]

~Take a tour of the set of Only Murders in the Building, season 3

~And since I am in Britain, it only seems fitting to share a video that is British-inspired. Here is a conversation with Kate Winslet with Vogue who talks ice baths, raising chickens and her new film, Lee.

~Take a look at last week’s This & That: September 29, 2023

Francophiles! I have a film you will not want to miss, the return of a series we have all long been waiting for and a new series that looks quite fantastic. As well, books and cookbooks to cozy up with this autumn, clothing to cozy up in style and awesome savings and still there is much 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.