A SUPER Full This & That this week, both with content in abundance for Anglophiles and Francophiles, along with stunning fall capsule wardrobe finds, many on sale, and films and documentaries, as well as two limited-series to keep your mind engaged and entertained. As well, a book to take you to Paris, one to explore the life of an actress many know and love, and one to take you back fifty years into our history here in the states to reveal how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go when it comes to women’s equality. As well, two cookbooks that are here to help you simplify, economize, but not sacrifice the deliciousness of your meals. So much to explore, and I do hope you enjoy. Happy Friday!

Books

—La Vie de Clare V. : Paris Chic: L.A. Cool

Released earlier this month on the 12th, Clare Vivier, the brand that brought the clutch to the forefront and made it fun, functional and effortless has a book. “The Clare V. aesthetic is an unexpected, colorful marriage of bohemian French chic and relaxed American prep—a reflection of the designer’s style influence and life, which she divides between L.A. and France. Devoid of hardware or logos, the brand places an emphasis on craftsmanship, authenticity, and functionality—while also creating a le cute collection designed for women by women.

“Celebrating fifteen years of Clare V., this vibrantly hued volume takes readers through Clare’s journey and inspiration: from her childhood in Minnesota and years in Paris, to the creation of an iconic, female-owned American company that responds to women’s needs today.”

—50 Years of Ms. Magazine: The Best of the Pathfinding Magazine That Ignited a Revolution, edited by Katherine Spiller, foreword by Gloria Steinem

It even took prominent national newspapers years to finally address Gloria Steinem as Ms. rather than Miss, and she had founded MS. magazine, but regardless, she and the staff as well as contributing writers continue to share articles that good deeper and ring truer to women’s lives so they can live lives they love to reach their fullest potential and satisfaction. Compiling the past five decades since the magazine debuted in 1972, 50 Years of Ms. Magazine shares “the best reporting, fiction, and advertising, decade by decade, as well as the best photographs and features that reveal and reflect the changes set in motion by Ms., along with the iconic covers that galvanized readers.” (released on September 19th)

—Thicker Than Water: A Memoir by Kerry Washington

Award-winning actor, director, producer, and activist Kerry Washington’s memoir Thicker Than Water is soon to be released, and it “gives readers an intimate view into both her public and private worlds—as a mother, daughter, wife, artist, advocate, and trailblazer. Chronicling her upbringing and life’s journey thus far, she reveals how she faced a series of challenges and setbacks, effectively hid childhood traumas, met extraordinary mentors, managed to grow her career, and crossed the threshold into stardom and political advocacy, ultimately discovering her truest self and, with it, a deeper sense of belonging.”

British Finds

—Great British Bake-Off, Premiere Date confirmed!

This is the last time, third time’s the charm!, but now we know! Premiering on Channel 4 in the UK this coming Tuesday, the 26th, and on Friday September 29th on Netflix, look for season 14 of The Great British Bake-Off! And be sure to read an exclusive interview with Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond about the filming of the new season [The Guardian]. Learn more about the bakers below.

—Murder by Invitation Only (a Phyllida Bright mystery), book #3 in the series by Colleen Cambridge

Well, my reading material is set for my trip to England in October. With the arrival of the mystery you will spy in the photo at the latter half of this post, as well as Colleen Cambridge’s new Phyllida Bright mystery, Murder by Invitation released this coming Thursday and the mystery shared just below, I will have more than enough capers to keep me turning the pages as I am en route, and perhaps you too are looking for a good caper (or three ?).

—Murder Most Royal: A novel (her majesty the Queen investigates), book #3 by SJ Bennett

SJ Bennett’s previous two mysteries in this series have been page-turners, smart and quite enjoyable, as Queen Elizabeth II is the primary sleuth. In Murder Most Royal, released on Tuesday (the 26th), an aristocrat goes missing. To set the stage: “Queen Elizabeth II is looking forward to a traditional Christmas gathering with her family in Sandringham when a shocking discovery interrupts holiday plans. A severed hand has been found—but even more unsettling, she recognizes the signet ring still attached to a finger. It belongs to a scion of the St Cyr family, her old friends from nearby Ladybridge Hall. Despite the personal connection, the Queen wants to leave the investigation to the police—that is, until newspapers drag her name into the matter.”

Cookbooks

—A Man and His Kitchen: Classic Home Cooking and Entertaining with Style at the Wm Brown Farm by Matt Hranek

Perhaps you have read Matt Hranek’s previous books or read his print magazine (check out his online page as well as learn about his print magazine here), but even if you haven’t, and whether or or not you are a man, as his title and content is primarily for a male audience, this cookbook is for everyone. On his farm retreat in upstate New York Hranek draws upon the seasons and the bounty in the region for many of his recipes. Much like “an invitation to Matt’s storied country retreat, the Wm Brown Farm in upstate New York, the hundred-plus recipes [included in A Man and His Kitchen] are what [Hranek] considers his greatest hits—simple, straightforward, and, most of all, delicious dishes to feed yourself, your family, and your friends. There’s nothing precious here, nothing trendy, just really good classic food that, at the end of the day, is all anyone wants to eat: Lobster Rolls, Vinegar-Braised Short Ribs, Roast Chicken with Potatoes, Gravlax, Chopped Radicchio Salad with Anchovy Vinaigrette, Moules Marinières, Paccheri with Shrimp, American Diner–Style Omelet, Porcini Risotto, and that steak—two, actually, Grilled Rib-Eye Steak for One and a Steak au Poivre with Parsley Salad. And just enough desserts to have in your back pocket, including Berry Galette, Flourless Chocolate Cake, and notes on the importance of keeping a stash of Klondike bars in the freezer.”

—The Secret of Cooking: Recipes for an Easier Life in the Kitchen by Bee Wilson

British food writer and regular contributor to the Wall Street Journal, Bee Wilson’s new book is one I have my eye on. The Secret of Cooking includes both Wilson’s “thoughts on how to cook when you’re alone, with children, or just plain tired, [as well as] 140 recipes:

• the simplest chicken stew even the pickiest of eaters (aka children) will love
• Zucchini and Herb Fritters, a Grated Tomato and Butter Pasta Sauce (with or without shrimp), and other ways of making your box grater work for you
• salads to savor, like a tuna salad with anchovy dressing
• leisurely projects like an Aromatic All-Purpose Curry Powder and quicker food for friends (try Bulgar and Eggplant Pilaf with pistachio and lemon)
• the loveliest red curry sauce you can make in your instant pot
• universal desserts, or those gluten-free and dairy-free sweets that you can serve no matter who comes over, like a Vegan Pear, Lemon, and Ginger Cake

“With advice on seasoning, cleaning up, and choosing the best equipment, Wilson reimagines modern cooking and brings the spark back into everyday meals. As Bee says, ‘There’s still magic in the kitchen, if you know where to look.'”

Film

—Flora and Son

A latest minute entry to the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, when Flora and Son premiered, it quickly became a favorite, and I think you will discover why when you see the trailer below. Set in Ireland, Flora is “a single mother who argues with her son Max in an attempt to find him a hobby, retrieves a guitar from a dumpster and discovers that one person’s rubble can be a family’s salvation.” Look for Flora and Son on AppleTV+ beginning today.

—A Haunting in Venice, a Hercule Poirot mystery

Kenneth Branagh returns as Hercule Poirot in his adaption of Agatha Christie’s Hallowe’en Party. Titled A Haunting in Venice, it definitely is released at just the perfect time of year, and while I adore Agatha Christie and especially Hercule Poirot, I think I may have to pass on this film as it may scare me a bit too much. However, Branagh’s previous renditions have been quite spectacular, so who knows. ? Have a look at the trailer below and look for the film in your local theater now.

—Neither Confirm Nor Deny, documentary

A look back in history with a new documentary sharing a situation that many didn’t know was happening at the time during the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union. Have a look at the trailer belowto learn more and look for it in theaters or video on demand today.

Francophile Find

—Gertrude Stein and Pablo Picasso, Musée de Luxembourg

Let’s travel to Paris, shall we? If you have the good forune to be able to be doing so in the next couple of months, be sure to visit the Musée de Luxembourg as you stroll through the Luxembourg Jardins to see the new exhibit that just opened and will run through the end of January. (September 13th through January 28, 2024). Learn more about the Gertrude Stein and Pablo Picasso exposition in the trailer below.

—Jacque Pépin Cooking My Way: Recipes and Techniques for Economical Cooking by Jacque Pépin

Beloved French chef Jacque Pépin has a new cookbook being released next week, and yep, that is his artwork on the cover and throughout the book itself. Cooking My Way shares the cost saving approach of shopping and cooking seasonally as that is when the “ingredients are their most affordable, flavorful, and full of nutrition. Don’t overlook inexpensive cuts of meat and poultry. Use up as much of your ingredients up as possible, like saving your meat and vegetable trimmings for a stock, soup, or eventually, a sauce. Transform leftovers into an entirely new, pleasurable meal.” These tips and bits of advice along with more than 150 recipes and “an illustrated menu for each season, Jacques Pépin Cooking My Way equips you with everything you need to cook the way Jacques Pépin does.”

These tips and bits of advice along with more than 150 recipes and “an illustrated menu for each season, Jacques Pépin Cooking My Way equips you with everything you need to cook the way Jacques Pépin does.”

—Manet/Degas, The Met

One more art exhibit not to miss, and this one is in the states after already opening in Paris. Manet/Degas opens at the Metropolitan Museum of Art this Sunday in NYC and runs through January 7, 2024.

—Munch, season 3

One of my favorite French mystery series, and primarily so because of the lead character who inspired the name of the series, has returned with a new season. Munch is a well-respected defense attorney in Paris, and along with her law firm associates and private investigator, their cases will keep you guessing, but also the relationships between the cast will bring about more than a few smiles and laughs as well. The third season is now available to watch on PBS Masterpiece (I stream through Amazon Prime).

—Tandem, Season 5 on MHzChoice

Returning in its fifth season is yet another favorite French series I enjoy and recommend (see my entire list of French mysteries series I recommend here and here), Tandem. A divorced couple, both working at the same police station in Montpellier, one the captain, the other a detective, navigate both the cases they are trying to solve, as well as raising their teenage children and their lingering feelings for each other. Look for the new season to premiere on September 26th. Below is a peek at the season; in this scene, the ex-husband of the namesake duo, and his quasi-new girlfriend as well as colleague figure out the dance of dating each other.

Shopping

—J.Crew Cashmere Relaxed v-neck sweater (more colors)

Classic, timeless, epitomizing chic fall attire.

—Madewell, 25% off everything

A site-wide sale is now on at Madewell. Save at last 25% off everything. The two items below caught my eye. There is just something about the brown and white stripes that has been speaking to me this season. And it just keeps popping up in a variety of clothing collections from different brands (last week at Banana Republic). Simple, a bit classic, and neutral as well.

crinkled button-up shirt, toffee stripe

The Bedford Oversized Belted Blazer in wool-blend plaid (regular and plus sizes available)

—Sézane Fall Collection

Sézane released its fall collection last weekend, so I scoured it to share with you what caught my eye, and may interest you as well. Two stand-outs are spotlighted below, but also a handful more items in the scroll.

Mini Milo Classic Bag in lilac/multicoloured patchwork

Abélia Blouse, rosewood

SHOP THE COLLECTION:

—Zimmermann, ribbed metallic wool-blend turtleneck sweater

A subtle statement piece to layer underneath or wear on its own with a skirt or pants and classic jewelry.

Television

—Deadlocked, Showtime

Having taught Civics/Government for a handful of years to seniors in high school, the unit explaining and exploring the judiciary branch of government, specifically the US Supreme Court, was one of my favorite units to teach and often became a favorite of students as well. And so when I learned about this new series, my interest was piqued. In a new four-part miniseries, Deadlocked takes viewers deeper into a handful of pivotal cases that changed the course of the state of law in the United States. 

—The Super Models, AppleTV+

Growing up in the nineties, the faces of these four supermodels are well known and easily recognizable. First of all, they seemed to be everywhere at the time, but also, it was a new era in fashion and marketing, and an intriguing one at that. In a new four-part limited series, go behind the scenes during this time in fashion history and hear from the models themselves as to what it was like. Take a look at the trailer below and watch on AppleTV+ now.

The rain is falling as I type and has been falling most of the early afternoon in my neighborhood. Needless to say, I am giddy about that, and it also makes me all the more eager to head to England for my upcoming trip in October. 

In the blink of an eye, we went from gorgeous September days, as I spoke about in last week’s This & That post, to more than a bit of a chill in the air as I was reaching for pull-over sweaters to snuggle up in while I worked. Fall has arrived in Bend, Oregon, but thankfully on my side of town, we haven’t had our first freeze; however, I noticed on our walk today in another neighborhood that the freeze had occurred as fair-weathered plants had said their adieus until next year. Which is to say, I am savoring the continuing blooming of dahlias and roses in my own garden and am hoping for a couple more weeks of their beauty. 

The roses above were snipped just yesterday as this Buttercup David Austin rose shrub is just having a ball right now and is happy as a clam. As well, Richard Osman’s new mystery arrived this week, and so I think, along with tending to my French homework this weekend, this will be my pastime if the rain and the chilly temperatures keep me inside. 

But speaking of my trip to England, I mentioned in this IG post that I will be changing how I share what I am up to while I travel, and here are the inside details:

Becoming more conscious of and wanting to model trying to be fully present of my experiences while I travel, I won’t be sharing on social media many pics of what I am up to while in England, let alone many IG stories (in fact, I will be turning off the commenting for Stories while I am there). However, as inspiration always floods my mind with all that I am experiencing, and while I will come home and be full of content I wish to organize and share at a later time (especially TSLL’s Annual British Week in May ’24), I want to also share what I am up to while I am there in a more organized, yet immediate fashion. So what will that look like? 

Each week while I am traveling, I will share a Travel Post, categorized under Shannon’s Journey that will be exclusive for TOP Tier Members to access. These posts will be shared on Thursday the first week and Tuesday the next week, eliminating the Monday Motivational post and the Wednesday post for the second week in October (there will still be a new podcast episode on October 4^th). The travel posts will include any number of images of what I am doing, seeing, experiencing, recommending, etc. and will very much be more personal in nature, a travel diary of sorts. Because of that, they will be exclusive to TOP Tier Members. Rest assured, this post, the This & That post, will continue to be shared each Friday while I am traveling. If you would like to explore more about becoming a TOP Tier Member, testimonials from current members as well as all of the many benefits, be sure to click here. 

Now, I may be going to England, but France will always continue to be on my mind as well, and the first article shared below had me dancing a bit and with a big spontaneous smile as I did so. I have gathered up a few articles and one video I think you might enjoy, and thank you very much for stopping by today. Wishing you a lovely start to the new autumn/spring season, and until Monday, bonne journée. (a new cooking show episode will return on Saturday September 30^th as new episodes are released every other Saturday through November 25^th)

~The best news in the television world in my book! Max announced Julia, season 2, will premiere on Thursday November 16th and run for eight weeks, AND the season begins in the French Riviera with moments in Paris as well. Look for three episodes in France. I cannot wait! [Glamour]

~Tea lovers, or those looking to begin enjoying tea, Wired shares 9 of the Best Teas they came to agree upon, and the first one, is a brand I trust wholeheartedly.

~Evidentially, the era of peacocking at fashion weeks temporarily took a pause in New York this year during Fashion Week, but either way, I like the looks they captured for Street Style. The dark brown midi skirt seen near the end of the post is definitely my favorite outfit shown. [The New York Times]

~A fantastic list to save if you are headed to Paris this autumn – what to do in the city [Hip Paris]

~The gift we receive when we don’t succeed initially. [NYTimes]

~Confirmed! Notre-Dame’s spire will be back in place in time for the Olympics [France24]

~Three styles of setting boundaries. Which one are you? [Sensitive Refuge]

~How learning can be a delight. The key mindset. [Seth Godin]

~With Autumn commencing officially this Saturday, here is a list of 13 of the Most Beautiful Train Rides for Fall Foliage both in the US and the world [Afar]

~King Charles III and Queen Camilla made a state visit to France this week. Have a look at the fashion. [WWD, subscription may be required]

~Live longer without even trying. An exploration of the Blue Zones. [NPR]

~Coming in March (17th) 2024 to PBS Masterpiece, a mini-series titled Nolly about a well-known name in Britain from the 60s, Noele Gordon. This new mini-series, starring Helena Bonham Carter as Noele, or Nolly, looks to be well worth the wait. Have a look at the trailer below, and be sure, I will include in a future T & T when the premiere date arrives.

~Explore last week’s This & That: September 15, 2023

Books to take you around the world through a culinary history, a caper set in England as a favorite series continues, and a novel that has critics offering praise. Two favorite everyday clothing brands are offering steep reductions on their fall collections, a new British series debuts, and a limited French series on Netflix will definitely stir conversation of who the fictitious bio-pic is inspired by. Still there is 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.