Oh! Oh! Oh! So many wonderful things this week to share! Oodles of books, films, and new and favorite series returning! A new series from France (in French! Merci!), a much anticipated new novel from a best-selling author, four cookbooks – all of which share delicious recipes but each with unique themes and niches, a new home collection from a favorite brand, awesome discounts on designer clothing that will spruce up the fall capsule wardrobe, a new rom-com series on Netflix, Kate Winslet’s new film that looks dramatic, yet intriguing and inspiring all at the same time, and I saved a delicious favorite for last – yep, it is time to step back into the British baking tent! Plus, so much more. Enjoy perusing!

Books

—The Art of Letting Go: Stop Overthinking, Stop Negative Spirals and Find Emotional Freedom by Nick Trenton

While released last year, The Art of Letting Go teaches a valuable, timeless skill that until we understand the temporary emotional upheaval that will likely occur when we choose to or have to let go of something that is no longer with us or no longer best for us, the easier it can be to move through this period and arrive on the other side in a state of strong well-being. Nick Trenton, who has a background in behavioral psychology, teaches the “psychologically-proven tips to get out of your mind and into your life”:

• Practicing non-judgment and observation over your emotions
• Untangling the toxic beliefs of urgency and danger in your brain
• How to use brain dumping in the most calming way possible
• Exercises for self-distancing and externalization: powerful psychological techniques
• Defeating your drive for perfection; finding a drive for excellent-ism

Transforming our inner self talk truly can make a difference in how we navigate our unwanted emotions during times of letting go and moving forward, thus teaching us how to be more emotionally intelligent. A crucial still in the toolbox of living a life of Contentment.

—Attitudes of Gratitude: How to Give and Receive Joy Every Day of Your Life by M.J. Ryan

Another powerful skill, often overlooked or underrated, is the practicing of gratitude. Too often this choice to exercise gratitude is misunderstood as to what it looks like in our everyday lives. In M.J. Ryan’s book Attitudes of Gratitude, released this past July, she shares practical wisdom to welcome this skill into our daily routine.

—Building Material: A Hilarious Memoir of a Doorman’s Experiences with the Rich and Famous on Park Avenue by Stephen Bruno

As a gifted Latino kid growing up in the Bronx Stephen Bruno who attended magnet schools and selective academies, when young love came to town, he fell off that track so carefully planned. Determined to get back on track, he returned (after following a girlfriend to Minnesota) to the east coast and landed a highly coveted job as a Park Avenue doorman. “Hilarity and drama soon abound as Stephen learns the dos and don’ts of being a doorman for the rich and famous and witnesses the antics going on behind the front entrance of this swanky building. In Building Material, he shares those entertaining tales and introduces an unforgettable cast of characters—from Puerto Rican and Albanian doormen battling it out for turf to quirky one percenters to slimy sugar daddies to his peers, both friends and frenemies. Throughout, Stephen offers a glimpse into the unfathomable lives of the residents and a sharp portrait of an everyday man wanting more for himself”.

Now, I must share, I am most curious to know if he is still a doorman. After looking around, I couldn’t find out, but if you know, please do share. 🙂

—The Happy High Achiever: 8 Essentials to Overcome Anxiety, Manage Stress, and Energize Yourself for Success—Without Losing Your Edge by Dr. Mary E. Anderson

Being released as well on Tuesday September 24th, The Happy High Achiever, written by a licensed clinical psychologist, Mary E. Anderson, PhD—known affectionately as “Dr. A” was inspired by her clients as she began to notice a pattern: “Talented, productive, and often brilliant patients—from business executives to lawyers to grad students—constantly arrive on her couch, drop their flawless facades, and describe feelings of self-doubt, burnout, and worry. 

“The Happy High Achiever brings Dr. Anderson’s unparalleled expertise to the wider world. The book is a practical guide to her 8 Essentials, a set of powerful principles with actionable, science-based strategies to combat the unique pressures and pitfalls of high-performing individuals. Discover how to effectively manage stress to boost your calm and confidence and enhance your performance, why striving for perfection actually limits you, how to navigate uncertainty with less worry and more ease, why gratitude is rocket fuel for your success, how to get clear about what you really want for your life, how to find relief in moments of overwhelm, and how to overcome the three most problematic ways of thinking that plague high achievers.”

As someone who had the opportunity to teach many high achievers, this book would have been a valuable resource to both recommend and read so to better serve students in helping them be truly successful in their endeavors as well as enjoy the journey.

—Intermezzo: A Novel by Sally Rooney

The new novel Intermezzo from bestselling author Sally Rooney has critics and book lovers eager to begin reading it. Being released on Tuesday September 24th, two brothers, whose father has passed away, have very little in common. Set in Ireland, one brother is a successful lawyer, the other, a competitive chess player. Enter a new player in Margaret to the life of Ivan, the quiet chess player, and life, loss and love all become intertwined.

From the bestselling author of Beautiful World and Where Are You, Sally Rooney

British Finds

—The Great British Bake-Off, season 15 premiere!

Right on schedule, the GBBO announced during the second week of September that in two weeks’ time we would all be enjoying the new season. Premiering Tuesday September 24th on Channel 4 in the UK and on Friday September 27th on Netflix in the states, tune in for amateur bakers inspiring us all with their creations and the comedic duo of Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding doing their best to provide clean humor to make each episode even more enjoyable to watch. Have a look at the trailer below for season 15!

Cookbooks

—The Artful Way to Plant-Based Cooking: Nourishing Recipes and Heartfelt Moments by Chloé Crane-Leroux  and Trudy Crane

Mother and daughter duo Chloé and Trudy Crane drew inspiration from their travels throughout Europe to share that plant-based dishes can be “flavorful dishes [enjoyed] for every meal and every moment of the day . . . From appetizers like Vibrant Beet and Pistachio Hummus; date-night dishes such as Pappardelle Mushroom Bolognese; main dishes, like the Ricotta and Squash Galette (see below), perfect for entertaining; and desserts like Strawberry and Cream Cake or Decadent Double Dark Chocolate Cookies. These 80 recipes are not only good for you—they’re good for the planet, too!” Look for The Artful Way to Plant-Based Cooking to be released this coming Tuesday September 24th.

—Does This Taste Funny? Recipes Our Family Loves by Stephen Colbert and Evie McGee

Leave it to comedian and late night talk show host Stephen Colbert to bring the funny to cooking, but if you know him, you know he appreciates good food, and often talks about the food found in his home state of South Carolina. Alongside his wife Evie, their cookbook Does This Taste Funny? began in the Covid lockdown. “We were all stuck together and couldn’t go out, so we cooked. We had all three kids back under one roof for the first time in a long time, and we had dinner each night as a family. Cooking together became a major source of entertainment.”

“Now, the Colberts invite us into their kitchen and around their dining room table. Sharing Stephen and Evie’s favorite recipes, as well as those of their family and friends, this book offers everything from Party Food (called ‘party food’ because ‘appetizers’ implies something to follow when we all know that, often, this is the only course), to Seafood, to Poultry and Meat (‘Evie and I have different relationships to meat. I like it. Evie can take it or leave it, and mostly she leaves it.’), to Desserts (‘This is one of the largest sections of the book. Evie always reminds me that desserts are a great way to postpone clearing up.’), to Drinks (‘I love cocktail hour. It feels like a reward for having gone so long without a cocktail’), all tied together with playful dialogue between Stephen and Evie and gorgeous shots of their food, family, and home.” Have a listen to an interview with the couple here on NPR.

—Zoë Bakes Cookies: Everything You Need to Know to Make Your Favorite Cookies and Bars by Zoë Francois

Cookie lovers, comfort food aficionados, that covers all of us at one point or another, and if you like to bake such goodies, Zoë Francois’ bake book is for you. Already a bestseller and praised by the cookie master herself Dorie Greenspan, the baker from Magnolia’s Zoë Bakes and Zoë Bakes Cakes is sharing Zoë Bakes Cookies full of easy-to-bake recipes that draw upon her background having lived in Vermont as well as the Midwest. Released earlier in September, pick up a copy and start baking scrumptious sweet nibbles.

Décor

–Anthropologie’s 2024 Home Collection

Antropologie’s new home collection recently debuted, and with more than 176 pieces ranging from living, dining room and bedroom furniture to small décor details such as vases, mirrors and lamps, I was happy to discover there were quite a few worthwhile pieces. Depending upon your aesthetic, you will find both a mix of modern and mid-century alongside retro pieces such as classic heritage rugs that won’t break the bank compared to 100% wool rugs but look just as beautiful. I have shopped quite a few of the items in the scroll below, and spotlighted two items just below. Enjoy perusing. 🙂

Lefkada Table Lamp

Eloise Cane Dining Chair

~SHOP THE COLLECTION:

Films

—Lee

I have been long awaiting this film’s arrival, and now Lee, starring Kate Winslet is here. Portraying photographer Elizabeth ‘Lee’ Miller, a fashion model who became an acclaimed war correspondent for Vogue magazine during World War II, the storytelling “begins in the late 1930s, as Hitler amasses power in Germany. Elizabeth ‘Lee’ Miller (Winslet) leaves her artistic circle of friends and life behind in France, and travels to London after falling wildly in love with the art dealer Roland Penrose (Alexander Skarsgård). The two embark on a passionate relationship, just as war breaks out in Europe. Already a renowned photographer, Lee gains a job completing assignments for British Vogue, but is shocked by the restrictions placed on female photographers.

“As Hitler’s regime takes over Europe, Lee grows increasingly frustrated that her work is constrained by patriarchal rules. Determined to be where the action is, she defiantly pushes against the establishment and, with the blessing of her friend and editor Audrey Withers (Andrea Riseborough), Lee overcomes enormous obstacles to get herself to the frontline of World War II. Compelled to document the truth, she turns her lens in the direction of suffering, and slowly begins to reveal the horrific loss of life due to Hitler’s diabolical crimes against the innocent victims of his regime. Lee Miller carried out this dangerous work for the sake of the female readers of Vogue magazine, from whom the reality of war was largely kept hidden, and in the process yielded an indelible series of pictures which to this day continue to shape how we view these events”.

This film may just be something I head to the theaters for this weekend as it is exclusively being shown there during the first few weeks of release. Have a look at the trailer below.

—Wolfs, AppleTV+

We talked about this action comedy film last month in August’s Ponderings . . . , and with these two leading men starring, George Clooney and Brad Pitt, it looks like a fun watch. Both men are ‘fixers’ and now in competition for a high profile crime cover-up job. Have a look at the trailer for Wolfs below and watch it now on AppleTV+.

Francophile Finds

—French Kitchen Lessons: Recipes & Stories from Normandy’s Rabbit Hill Farm by Cat Bode

Perhaps you too have shopped and welcomed home one of the many French treasures during Rabbit Hill French Lifestyle’s (Cat Bode’s) monthly online pop-up shops (their copper is extraordinarily restored and worth the investment if you too love copper pieces), and now, her first cookbook – French Kitchen Lessons. Recipes captured in her Normandy farm house with beautiful photography, Cat is sharing more of her life story in France which began in “2010 when she and her husband left their jobs in the Pacific Northwest, packed up their house and kids and moved to Normandy, France. Uprooted and longing for connection, the search for a home base began. They found that and more in the form of a run-down, rambling farmhouse, overrun with wild rabbits. Now restored, and lovingly named Rabbit Hill Farm, this is the center of Cat’s world, and her vehicle for sharing the joys of country life with others, from guided market trips to lavender harvest parties, and cooking classes.” French Kitchen Lessons will be released this coming Tuesday September 24th.

—La Maison series, AppleTV+

A new drama series premiering today on AppleTV+ and taking us to France. Yep, turn your English subtitles on because La Maison is a French series that depicts a fictitious fashion haute couture house and all the drama and efforts behind each of the sartorial creations as well as such a prestigious business. Starring Lambert Wilson as Vincent Ledu, the head of the fashion house, when scandal befalls him leaving the legendary fashion couture house “hanging by a thread, Perle Foster and Paloma Castel team up to reinvent LEDU and claim their place in the Ledu clan and the fashion world”. Have a look at the trailer below and begin watching the series today. Ten episodes comprise the first season with a new episode dropping each Friday.

—Sézane’s Hugo Parka, sand

Perfect for fall, this 100% organic cotton classic parka brings a touch of its own style as well. With large pockets and a drawstring waist, look inside for a checked lining made of both cotton and recycled polyester. Add a hood, and feel confident walking and being outside in nearly any autumnal weather, and stylishly so too. 🙂

Garden

—A Year in a Small Garden by Francis Tophill

I mentioned British gardener Francis Tophill’s new book earlier this year but wanted to bring your attention to its release here in the states which is this coming Tuesday. If you too have a small garden or are just beginning your garden as Francis is after having purchased her first house in Devon last year, her thoughtful approach through the seasons will no doubt provide expert guidance and inspiration.

Shopping

—Frame, Le High Straight Cropped high-rise straight-leg jean, 50% off

If you are a lover of cropped jeans, this particular style looks like a keeper – not too short and high-waisted, a classic style and hue for transitioning from summer to fall. And this pair is on sale!

—JIL SANDER Wool Turtleneck Sweater, 55% off

A perfect fall staple from a high quality designer. And with 55% off (all sizes were available at time of posting), this is a sweater to welcome into the fall capsule wardrobe.

—Marni color-block pinstriped wool midi skirt, 60% off

Made of 100% wool, this light-colored midi-length shirt isn’t a pencil and it isn’t full, but instead stands on the ideal middle line between both. Pair with an ivory top (the above sweater would work well also), or a warm toned pink or deep beige blouse and the modern twist on a classic pinstripe will be en vogue and timeless all at the same time. And it’s on sale!

Television

—Grey’s Anatomy, season 21 premiere

I couldn’t help but share the premiere date of what has become a perennial favorite. Twenty-one seasons! If that doesn’t make a television series a perennial instead of an annual event, I don’t know what does! Have a look at the trailer below and watch the first episode this coming Thursday, September 26th.

—Matlock with Kathy Bates

After a year of waiting (due the strike last year), Kathy Bates arrives as the twenty-first century version of Matlock, and based on the trailer, I look forward to a smart series full of twists and turns. Emmy and Oscar award winning actor Bates becomes Madeline Matlock, “a brilliant attorney who rejoins the work force at a prestigious law firm where she uses her cleverness tactics to win cases”. Read an interview with the actor about her role and the rigorous filming schedule here (gift link), and watch the trailer of the series below. Matlock premieres this Sunday, the 22nd, on CBS.

—Nobody Wants This, Netflix

A new rom-com series premiering on Netflix next Thursday, Nobody Wants This stars Kristen Bell as an “irreverent, outspoken, agnostic woman” and Adam Brody as an “unconventional rabbi”. I have a feeling this will prompt much conversation about a whole swath of topics. Have a look at the trailer below.

Pre-autumn in Bend. Breath taken. 🙂

The photo captures the view seen while on our morning walk earlier this week where oodles of ducks and geese began their day after sleeping on the shores of the river and Mirror Pond (more video of this will be shared in October’s A Cuppa Moments as the pups walked kindly by them whilst they slept).

The week has been a beauty. Hopefully for you too wherever you call home and find yourself in our grand world.

AND it has been a FULL week on the blog! Oh my goodness. From the kick off of the cooking show (a classic Provençal vegetable dish) this past Saturday to a new podcast episode all about being the CFO of your own life, the new regular Monday posting, as well as the monthly Ponderings . . . post, there is ample content to explore. And the week isn’t over yet, as tomorrow the cooking show continues with a brand new episode sharing a scrumptious British nibble (gluten free and all the tastier because of it!).

Officially autumn begins this Sunday, the 22nd, so the weekend will straddle summer and fall which is a wonderful opportunity to engage in your own ritual of saying adieu to the old season and bonjour to the new. For my part, I will be working out in the garden, cutting back flax and maybe cleaning the windows of Le Papillon (which, don’t tell anyone, but if you’ve seen my house you don’t need to be told that I am behind in tending to this task ?‍♀️). Otherwise, a quiet weekend of rest and reading, writing and wandering with the pups.

I hope you are looking ahead to a weekend full of lovely long chats, sips of something delicious and of course, oodles of everyday moments to savor. Thank you for stopping by today, and below are a few articles and one video I thought might enjoy. As you will likely notice from the compiled list, France is on my mind, and for good reason! TSLL has plans to visit soon. ??❤️ Learn more about the trip in the upcoming A Cuppa Moments – October, and perhaps you could be joining fellow TOP Tier Members for the first in-person gathering in Paris! Until tomorrow, bonne journée !

~Good news US international travelers! Announced just this Wednesday, Americans can renew their passports online (no paper forms or mailing!). Learn more about the change here. [NPR]

~If you will be traveling to France or if Air France is your airline of choice, don’t forget to check out their newly configured business class. (As someone who has flown Air France, their on-board service for any class is top-notch, and you have the opportunity to watch French shows and hear (and perhaps speak!) French while you travel. :)).

~And speaking of Air France, they are currently having a sale which will end on the 24th – click here to explore the lower prices.

~Food for thought: Okay, one more regarding Air France, and I have to admit, the product placement throughout Emily in Paris was more than a bit obvious (still enjoyed the series, but come on Netflix!). If you have watched the first episode in Part Deux, you know which scene I am referring to, and this writer didn’t like it at all. [Frenchly]

~Save 25% off Blue Mercury skincare and beauty products with promo code NEWBLUE.

~People who are happy tend to share these traits [Hack Spirit]

~The 10 best plants for autumn color according to Gardeners’ World

~How to enjoy a ‘romantic and hopeful’ 12-hour layover in Paris. [Earful Tower]

~Lovely conversations with four people, all of different backgrounds, gender, relationships statuses and ages sharing why they are childfree. [The Guardian]

~A list of the ‘best hotels’ in Nice. [CN Traveler]

~13 ways to include French girl interior style into your home [Vogue Living]

~Look for this new film, We Live In Time, to be released in late October in the states and in January 2025 in the UK. The leads foretell that it will be a lovely story to follow and fall in love with paired with likely more than few tears for a variety of reasons. (Read an interview with Florence Pugh for British Vogue here.

~Explore last week’s This & That: September 13, 2024

And so it begins! The autumnal season of new releases are aplenty this week and will keep you reading, watching, exploring, delighting and listening to wonderful finds. From a new film of dramatic intrigue set in London, a fictional book set in Paris centered around relationships, a book about books, a book about the unnecessary and unjust burden women often shoulder and a book from a bestselling author about transforming our work life so we can live a great life. And then a favorite French series returns, a second season of a much enjoyed British series is back, a friend of TSLL American-living-in-Versailles baker is sharing an exclusive discount with readers for a limited time and don’t forget the clothes and shopping treasures! Bursting at the seams this week. I do hope you enjoy! 

~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.