A new French series that I am thoroughly enjoying, the return of two shows for their sophomore season following strong firsts!, books about art, about joy, about true British interior style, inspiration for a seasonally inspired Commonplace Book, a peek into the Windsor households and more. And on the screen is a new film full of life inspiration centered around a conversation with two generations separated by multiple decades. Oh! And I didn’t forget the clothing – fall capsule finds and a fun Francophile find as well. Still, there is more!

Books

—How to Art: Bringing a Fancy Subject Down to Earth So We Can All Enjoy It by Kate Bryan

A topic often explored and shared directly as well as indirectly here on TSLL is art. And I am of the mind that we each are most definitely creative, and most definitely each of us has the capability to be the artist of our own lives, something we explored recently episode of #409: How to Make Living Itself An Art. However, art, as it is traditionally defined can be intimidating at times which is why I am looking forward to exploring Kate Bryan’s new book How to Art.

Being released this coming Tuesday, the 23rd,  “How to Art provides a [helpful] way to ingest art on your own terms. From where it is to what it is, to tips on how to actually enjoy famous artworks like the Mona Lisa, to how to own art and make art at home, to vital advice for making a career as an artist and even how to make your dog more cultural, How to Art gives art to everyone—and makes it fun. Laced throughout with original artworks by the very down-to-earth artist David Shrigley.”

—Jump and Find Joy: Embracing Change in Every Season of Life by Hoda Kotb

As many Americans know, Hoda Kotb retired from The Today Show at the beginning of this year, and with this significant change in the pace of her life as well as freedom in her daily schedule, she is sharing with readers a new book to pair with her new app – Joy 101. Her book Jump and Find Joy is “an intimate book that reveals for the first time what Hoda discovered as she started embracing change in every aspect of her life. In her quest to better understand change and how to work with (not against) it, Hoda relies on her reporting instincts to investigate HOW change works, WHO is approaching it with grace, and WHAT she can apply to her own life and share with others. Jump and Find Joy combines the wisdom of change experts, insights from the latest work on resilience, and deeply personal stories from celebrities and inspirational people in our own communities. From small shifts in daily routines to major leaps of faith, Hoda shows why change isn’t to be feared but celebrated…and how each of us can thrive in the midst of changes we’ll inevitably face ourselves.”

British Finds

—The Bible of British Taste: Stories of Home, People and Place by Ruth Guilding

I began following Ruth Guilding a couple of years ago on Instagram as she regularly shared detailed peeks inside British homes. But not perfectly organized, ready for the likes of House & Garden magazine necessarily. This is all the more why I loved what she did share. The images were so very personal and sometimes unexpected that I always wondered what would she find and share with us next? Wonderfully, with her strong following, her home tours have been compiled into a new book of the same name as her IG account and it will be released on Tuesday the 23rd.

“Taking her contexts from William Morris, the Bloomsbury set and today’s leading artistic makers and innovators, Guilding explores the meaning of ‘home’ and our everlasting preoccupation with domestic taste, self-presentation and decorating styles . . . rejecting the pristine and predictable in favour of the lived-in and characterful, this is an aesthetic created from art, antiques, the reused, found and hand-made and the layers of history laid down by generations of home makers.  

“With hundreds of images of remarkable gardens and interiors, domestic icons and folk art narratives, and featuring renowned tastemakers– from Sir Roy Strong and Jasper Conran to Luke Edward Hall, Bridget Elworthy of the Land Gardeners and Ben Pentreath – The Bible of British Taste shines a new light on the quirky charms of unconventional British style.”

Have a look at the contents below and preorder your copy today. I have done just that and cannot wait for my copy to arrive next week. ☺️❤️🇬🇧

—The Country Commonplace Book by Miranda Mills

I know there are readers in TSLL’s community that follow Miranda Mills on her popular IG account, and as such, probably already know about her new book being released on Tuesday (last week in the UK). So for everyone else, I wanted to bring to your attention a book I think you might enjoy as you cozy into autumn – The Country Commonplace Book.

First introduced to the Commonplace book a couple of years ago when Nicola F., a long-time member of TSLL community who lives in Britain gifted me with a one, I didn’t know there was a term for what I have loved to do all of my life. “‘Commonplacing’ is [defined] as a highly personal anthology—a joyful place where the keeper can develop a deeper sense of self by selecting fragments of language that feel meaningful and reflect their tastes, beliefs, and values.” My purposes of a Commonplace book (i.e. blank journal) are to fill it with anything that catches my attention – quotes, ideas, a song title I don’t want to forget, and really just about anything. Not necessarily a diary, just a place to hold all that speaks to you, whatever that might be.

In Mill’s book, she shares what essentially the are contents of her commonplace book, described as “a carefully curated guide to the seasons with the very best selection of quotations, reading lists, recipes, reflections, and much, much more.” Below is a look at one example of what you will find.

As she shares in the book’s description, perhaps this book will inspire you to keep your own personal Commonplace book if you don’t already have one. 😌

~While you can absolutely just use any blank journal you might find or have, this is the company I was introduced to for mine. They have high quality, book-like hardcovers with oodles of lined pages inside. Plus, you can choose a cover that speaks to your predilections. Shop Starsmead Bookbinding here. Thank you again Nicola for introducing me to this wonderful ritual and company. 😌

—Fleurs de Villes: Downton Abbey at Kew Gardens

Have you watched Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale yet? I had to go last Friday, but I promise, no spoilers here. Definitely go watch it. And on the topic of Downton Abbey, if you will be in London during the next two weeks, be sure to visit Kew Gardens for a floral exhibit at Fleurs de Villes showcasing the styles and setting of the 15-year-long series.

—The Impossible Fortune: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery (book 5) by Richard Osman

Another film I quite enjoyed recently that was set in England – The Thursday Murder Club on Netflix. Wasn’t that setting gorgeous! And while we had to wait two years for the fifth book, perfectly timed with the release of the first book’s film adaptation, it will become available next week!

The Impossible Fortune finds the Thursday Murder Club members enduring a lull in the need for their sleuthing skills (I think we would say that is good news 😉 for most folks). “Joyce is busy with table plans and first dances. Elizabeth is grieving. Ron is dealing with family troubles, and Ibrahim is still providing therapy to his favorite criminal.

“But when Elizabeth meets Nick, a wedding guest asking for her help, she finds the thrill of the chase is ignited once again. And when Nick disappears without a trace, his cagey business partner becomes the gang’s next stop. It seems the duo have something valuable—something worth killing for.” Cue the excitement as the club is back up and at it again!

—The Royal Butler: My Remarkable Life in Royal Service by Grant Harrold

Haven’t you too been curious? Curious about what it must be like to work for and around the Royal family – the Windsors? Okay, well, maybe not all of us, but some of us most definitely because publishers thought it would be a coveted book to purchase. And consider me one of them ☺️. The Royal Butler, aka as Grant Harrold in this book’s memoir, provides a glimpse into “the unique relationship between the monarch and their staff. [A relationship that] has always been shrouded in mystery but The Royal Butler artfully reveals never before heard stories about his time in royal service.

“Today, Grant Harrold is a leading expert on etiquette, and in The Royal Butler he draws on his time as a member of the royal household of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Based at their country Highgrove House in the Cotswolds, his duties included being butler for the king and queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke of Sussex. On occasions, Grant also had the honour to Butler for the Late Queen Elizabeth II and her Husband The Late Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh.”

—A Slowly Dying Cause: A Lynley novel by Elizabeth George

I have been enjoying the new adaptation of Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley, simply titled Lynley, on BritBox, and to pair with the series’ premiere, George has a new book with the detective at the helm yet again (there are 21 books in the series).

A Slowly Dying Cause centers around the death of Michael Lobb [who] has just been found dead on the floor of his family’s tin & pewter workshop. It’s suspicious enough that his body was found by a representative of Cornwall EcoMining, a company keen on acquiring his family’s land, and it’s made even worse when he’s revealed to have been the majority owner of the business and the sole obstacle preventing a deal from being made. But it doesn’t take long for Inspector Beatrice Hannaford to unearth the layers of estrangement that surrounded Michael in his final days, pointing suspicions elsewhere. In comes Kayla, a young woman half Michael’s age, who has just been made his widow.”

Being released on Tuesday the 23rd, be sure to get to know Lynley and his partner Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers in Lynley now airing on Britbox (four episodes are in the season).

—A Year with Gilbert White by Jenny Uglow

Gardeners, horticulturalists, biologists, animal and nature lovers, this is a book to savor.

“In 1781, Gilbert White was a country curate, living in the Hampshire village he had known all his life. Fascinated by the fauna, flora and people around him, he kept journals for many years, and, at that time, was halfway to completing his path-breaking The Natural History of Selborne. No one had written like this before, with such close observation, humour, and sympathy: his spellbinding book has remained in print ever since, treasured by generations of readers. 

“Jenny Uglow illuminates this quirky, warm-hearted man, ‘the father of ecology’, by following a single year in his Naturalist’s Journal. As his diary jumps from topic to topic, she accompanies Gilbert from frost to summer drought, from the migration of birds to the sex lives of snails and the coming of harvest.”

Cookbooks

—Parm to Table: Italian American and American Italian Recipes from Ponza to the Bronx by Christian and Lesley Petroni 

With a childhood spent in kitchens, Christian Petroni was raised in Bronx where his uncle owned an Italian restaurant, and also spent his summers in Ponza, a small Italian island off the coast of Naples, surrounded by old-world culinary Italian traditions Naples. “Working in kitchens since he was thirteen and has made a name for himself working in some of the best restaurants in the NYC area, including his own, Fortina.”

“In his debut cookbook, Parm to Table. The combination here is simply delicious: no pretension, no hang-ups, just good food made to taste like your nonna made it. The book is broken up into chapters based on what you’re looking for: Italian-American Classics, like 8-Hour Marinara Sauce and Neapolitan Eggplant Parmigiana, Family-Style Meals, like Lasagna ‘Calabrese Influence,’ Fried Meatballs, and Fresh Mozzarella Sticks, Weeknight Go-To’s, like My Babe’s Sausage & Peppers and Potato Frittata, Ponza inspired dishes, like Spaghetti Vongole and Zia Gisella’s Braised Calamari Pasta, plus Soups and Braises, Heros (sandwiches), Condimenti & Basic Sauces, and Dolci (Sweets).”

Films

—The Summer Book (Sommarboken)

Glenn Close is receiving high marks for her role in The Summer Book, a film directed by Charlie McDowell and adapted from the international best seller written by Tove Jansson of the same name (published in 2008). Set on an uninhabited island in the Gulf of Finland, a young girl and her grandmother “with seventy years between them, argue, dream, and explore together their island and others of memory and anticipation.” Have a look at the trailer below and look for it in theaters beginning today.

Francophile Finds

—Mademoiselle Holmes, Walter Presents/PBS

Ohhhhh . . . I am absolutely loving this new French series, and having watched the first two episodes so far, if the rest of its first season is like them, this show will be a Petit Plaisir later this autumn.

Centered around the premise that 36-year old Charlie Holmes (aka Mademoiselle Holmes played by Lola Delawaere who you may have seen in Perfect Murders and Astrid) is the great granddaughter of Sherlock Holmes, the series is set in Nantes, France, where Charlie works for the police department alongside her ‘sidekick, à la Watson’ Samy, played by Tom Villa who you may recognize from Munch (another great French drama series I highly recommend). As a result of being hit by a car while crossing the sidewalk in the premiere episode, Charlie is awakened to her keen deductive reasoning skills, and thus the “Holmes” instincts kick in.

Mademoiselle Holmes is playful, it is creative, it is set in France in a beautiful region of the country (Loire/Atlantic coast), and the two leads are incredibly likable. If you are a Francophile, whether you like mysteries or not, you are going quite enjoy this new show, and if you are a fan of both, you are in for a treat.

—Pour Les Femmes New Paris Long Sleeve Pajamas

The quality of Pour Les Femmes is worth the price tag. Partly for the personal enjoyment of their product, but also because of their brand’s ethos of zero waste and slow fashion. Having one of their robes which I wear during the warmer months, I absolutely love how it washes well and feels on the skin – breathable, light, yet hangs nicely too.

Their Paris Pajamas are back in stock, and if you are looking for a cheeky expression of your love of France, or know someone who would love a pair, these are not only made for a lover of France, but will be incredibly comfortable as well.

Shopping

—J.Crew’s Stevie Knee-high boots in suede, three colors

Suede and the slouch knee-high boot are a trend worth considering, and if you don’t want to spend a fortune, but do want to add this style to your autumn wardrobe, J.Crew’s will give you want you want – a comfortable and stylish fit without breaking the bank.

—J.Crew’s Utility Chore Jacket in Brushed Chino, three colors, on sale

One more from J.Crew, and this one is al about having that perfect go-to jacket to grab and throw-on as you walk out the door and realize there is a nip in the air. There is a slight cinched waist which is helpful to add a bit of structure, but not too much. Currently, reduced by 24%.

—LK Bennett’s Francine Grey Marl Wool Belt Maxi Coat, petite sizes also available

Classic, with a belt that is connected (loops) to the coat, and the length of a classic trench. I used to have a grey wool coat similar to this one and wore it out. Knowing I would wear it and that it works with my wardrobe, when I saw this design from LK Bennett, I saved it immediately. Perhaps you are looking for one too. Timeless and a fair price for a quality item that you will have for many autumns and winters to come.

—Me + Em’s Dora Grey Merino Wool Mix Gathered Long Sleeve Top

A layering piece or to be worn on its own. The sleeves are long and so is the body of this sweater (thank you! no more cropped sweaters). The subtle detail on the shoulder adds a touch of signature and with a versatile piece like this, you will be wearing it with oodles of items in your fall capsule wardrobe.

—Ulla Johnson’s Charlotte Crossbody, many colors

While an investment, this new crossbody from Ulla Johnson (also available in full size), is large enough to hold quite a bit, but designed to be the highly functional crossbody.

Television

—Doc, season 2, Fox/Hulu

On September 15th, the series that was adapted from the Italian series following the same storyline but with a male lead is Doc starring Molly Parker, a doctor who is trying to navigate the world after memory loss following a car accident. Felicity Huffman joins the cast this season, and having watched the first episode of this new season, so far, it is off to a good start. Have a look at the trailer below.

—English Teacher, season 2, FX/Hulu

Another show returning for a second season is English Teacher. Critics enjoyed the show last season, and largely, I did as well. The series follows ‘Evan Marquez,’ played by creator Brian Jordan Alvarez, as he continues to navigate his way through the political minefield known as the American high school. The supporting cast from the first season returns as well, and I think the trailer shares best what you can expect. Look for the first episode of 10 to premiere on September 25th.

—The Reluctant Traveler, AppleTV+

Cue the dry humor, cue the travel envy, it’s time for Eugene Levy to return and take us around the world in season 3 of The Reluctant Traveler! Premiering today on AppleTV+, “Levy sets out to discover what the ‘ultimate travel bucket list’ is all about, and he gets a little help from a very special guest, the Prince of Wales. This season, Levy is also joined by a few famously familiar faces — including multiplatinum superstar and five-time Grammy Award winner Michael Bublé; Levy’s daughter, Schitt’s Creek and SurrealEstate star Sarah Levy; NOWZ, one of the newest K-pop boy bands; and Rahul Dravid, former Indian cricketer known as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket.” Have a look at the trailer below.

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The sweet, subtly of September. Ideal in nearly every way, and yet oh, so fleeting. So Nelle and I have been savoring it here at Le Papillon and out on our daily walks.

The garden thrives during this time of year as the heat has abated, yet wonderfully, freezing temps aren’t even a bother to pay mind. The temperatures can be in the high 70s and low 80s which means the blooms hang around for much longer not being blistered by the extremes. Needless to say, I love September and am savoring it.

And from the looks of what those of you who are enrolled in the Intro to French Cooking class are up to, you are savoring delicious meals! Check out two not only scrumptious dishes made by students Mindy and Rebecca respectively, but beautiful in their presentation as well! (Mindy’s Fromage au Soufflé and Rebecca’s Tian de Légumes!) Thank you both for sharing all that you have been up to as you move through the course ☺️🇫🇷❤️. Délicieux !

And speaking of the French Cooking class, the Filt bags have arrived at the homes of the first 20 who enrolled! (and the one en route to Italy is nearly there! Chiara, thank you for your patience as it makes it way to you 😌). Both Stella and Rebecca captured photos of their bags (see below) and shared, and I want to thank you both for taking the time to do this. It is always fun to see where the gifts wind up and how they are being enjoyed. Happy seasonal produce shopping!

A quick reminder to TOP Tier members, if you are interested in enrolling, be sure to do so by Wednesday September 24th as that is the final day when you can use the promo code to save 20% off the regular price. You can find the promo code here, and then sign up for Intro to French Cooking here. And yep! You can become a TOP Tier Member today and then find that code and sign up for the course and save! Absolutement !

Wishing you a wonderful weekend, and thank you for stopping by! Nelle and I will be painting the guest bedroom ceiling once the paint arrives (more details on the paint color selection is shared in September’s Ponderings . . . ), and oh my goodness, I cannot wait to then immediately begin wallpapering. Change is afoot at Le Papillon! The very best kind! ☺️ Below are a few links and one video I think you might enjoy. Until Monday when Part Six (which will focus entirely on Savoring) of the 7-part series about Who is TSLL? and What Lies at the Heart of Living Simply Luxuriously is shared, bonne journée !

~How does a first name become popular, then interest ebb and what brings it back into favor? [FT.com, gift link]

~What one American learned from dating a French chef, many things talked about here on TSLL and particularly in the new Intro to French Cooking class. [Hip Paris]

~The best independent and French-owned hotels in Paris (according to Afar editors]

~Tour Michelle Dockery’s Victorian home in London [Architectural Digest]

~One of the best ways to travel in my opinion – Why Women Travelers are Embracing International Solo Excursions [Artful Living]

~One more from Artful Living because I found what Garance Doré shared to be more conceptual rather than concrete. And while still undefinable, it helps explain the elusive nature that must come from feeling comfortable in one’s skin and knowing yourself. Garance’s Guide to Dressing the French Way.

~The comfort of things: why our stuff brings us joy [House & Garden UK]

~Over the weekend I began the process of starting to decorate (customize) the guest bedroom. The only room in the house that has not been touched. The first step is the ceiling color, and so the testing began and on Wednesday, a decision was made and the paint purchased! The Trick to Finding the Paint Color that Works. [Real Simple]

~How to make a small city garden look huge [Gardens Illustrated]

~How long does it take to learn the French language? Read this article from Frenchly to find out!

~If you like Art Deco design and Paris, the two come together in this newly redesigned 1930s apartment in the City of Light that combined two apartments into one. [Vogue Living]

~Take a video tour of a home in the French countryside (south of France), the getaway of a Parisian family and begin to dream ☺️🇫🇷❤️

~As Roger Federer and Halle Berry demonstrate, Switzerland needs no proper advertising to encourage us to visit during autumn ☺️. The duo team up for this bit of lighthearted fun to remind us to visit.

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~Explore last week’s This & That: September 12, 2025

~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.