Yet another wonderfully full and bountiful week of finds which includes two new French art exhibits now open here in the states, cookbooks galore, two brand new television series that are definitely worth sitting down to enjoy, a new documentary if you love fashion and communicating with your wardrobe selections, a sale at a favorite everyday brand, beautiful handbags from Sweden, the queen of everyday, simple (and delicious!) cooking’s new memoir, a look into the lead up to King Charles III’s coronation, plus gorgeous sweaters at varying price points. And still, there is so much more!

Art

—Paris 1874: The Impressionist Movement at National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.

If you live near or around the D.C. area or will be visiting this fall or winter, be sure to visit a most wonderful exhibit that first debuted in Paris last year at Musée d’Orsay and now has come stateside for its only stop in the US. Having just opened on September 8, 2024, and running through January 19, 2025, Paris 1874: The Impressionist Movement includes “130 works includes a rare reunion of many of the paintings first featured in that now-legendary exhibition. Revisit beloved paintings by Paul Cézanne, Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, and Camille Pissarro and meet their lesser-known contemporaries. See the art norms they were rebelling against and learn what political and social shifts sparked their new approach to art”.

~Shop the book here for your library which captures the exhibit originally from the Musée d’Orsay.

—Monet and London. Views of the Thames, Courtlaud Gallery, London

But we are not through with the Impressionist exhibits yet! Nope. Nope! Opening in London today and running through January 19, 2025, at the Courtlaud Gallery is Monet’s works while he stayed in London and returned to the city often as his son lived there with his family. Did you know Monet stayed at The Savoy hotel (his room was on the 5th floor) as it had just recently opened and gave him the views of The Thames, many of which are depicted in the very paintings showcased in this exhibit: Monet and London, Views of the Thames? Yep! (I highly recommend reading the most recent biography of Oscar Claude Monet titled The Restless Vision. Wonderfully engaging, you will discover his genuine passion for painting no matter what it required of him and where he had to live.

~If you won’t be in the London area during this window, you can buy the book spotlighting the exhibit here.

Books

—Be Ready When The Luck Happens: A Memoir by Ina Garten

No doubt you’ve heard about the Barefoot Contessa’s memoir being released as the publicity has been quite ubiquitous, but me one of the many who cannot wait to read about her life (book is preordered and will be here soon!).

My local independent bookshop gave me a sneak peek at the book as I popped around into Roundabout Books yesterday, and along with black and white photos of her life journey, there are a handful of recipes as well. True comfort food favorites – brownies, coconut cupcakes, frittatas – yep, yum!. Sarah, the bookseller who gave me the peek, shared her genuine enjoyment having read it, and shared how Ina’s voice rings true from beginning until the end. Needless to say, I am even more eager to begin reading Be Ready When the Luck Happens when begins when she meets Jeffrey and tells the story of being Ina Garten who became Barefoot Contessa. Look for the book to be released on October 1st.

—Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering by Malcolm Gladwell

Perhaps you too were one of the many people who purchased Malcolm Gladwell’s Tipping Point (2000) when it was originally published 25 years ago. In celebration of that anniversary, “Malcolm Gladwell returns for the first time in twenty-five years to the subject of social epidemics and tipping points, this time with the aim of explaining the dark side of contagious phenomena.
 
“Through a series of riveting stories, Gladwell traces the rise of a new and troubling form of social engineering. He takes us to the streets of Los Angeles to meet the world’s most successful bank robbers, rediscovers a forgotten television show from the 1970s that changed the world, visits the site of a historic experiment on a tiny cul-de-sac in northern California, and offers an alternate history of two of the biggest epidemics of our day: COVID and the opioid crisis. Revenge of the Tipping Point is Gladwell’s most personal book yet. With his characteristic mix of storytelling and social science, he offers a guide to making sense of the contagions of modern world. It’s time we took tipping points seriously.”

British Finds

—A Thousand Feasts: Small Moments of Joy, a Memoir of Sorts by Nigel Slater

October 1st is a busy publication day, and includes British cook and author Nigel Slater and his new book A Thousand Feasts on this list. “For years, Nigel Slater has kept notebooks of curiosities and wonderings, penned while at his kitchen table, soaked in a fisherman’s hut in Reykjavik, sitting calmly in a moss garden in Japan or sheltering from a blizzard in a Vienna Konditorei.

“These are the small moments, events and happenings that gave pleasure before they disappeared. Miso soup for breakfast, packing a suitcase for a trip and watching a butterfly settle on a carpet, hiding in plain sight. He gives short stories of feasts such as a mango eaten in monsoon rain or a dish of restorative macaroni cheese and homes in on the scent of freshly picked sweet peas and the sound of water breathing at night in Japan.”

This is just the sort of book and observations that capture one person’s experience of savoring the everyday moments and upon doing so really do elevate our everyday experience which exemplify what contentment entails – seeing what is, taking it all in and being present. And with Slater’s lovely prose, what a delight this book will no doubt be to read, savor and inspire each of us to look around us in the everyday for the small moments of joy.

~Read an exclusive excerpt from the book shared in The Guardian.

—Charles III: The Coronation Year, BritBox

A couple of weeks ago I sat down and watched this new documentary on King Charles III’s Coronation Year. Capturing all of the efforts and planning leading up to the grand day in May 2023, viewers have the opportunity to look behind the scenes and get to know both the King and the Queen a bit more intimately. Have a look at the trailer below and watch it on BritBox now.

—Kingmaker: Pamela (Churchill) Harriman’s Astonishing Life of Power, Seduction and Intrigue by Sonia Purnell

The daughter-in-law of Winston Churchill, Pamela Churchill Harriman lived quite an amazing life, and until now, the biographers and obits (upon her passing away in 1997) have been none too kind nor accurate, until now. In Kingmaker: Pamela Harriman’s Astonishing Life of Power, Seduction and Intrigue, it is “With a wealth of fresh research, interviews and newly discovered sources, biographer Sonia Purnell unveils for the first time the full, spectacular story of how she left an indelible mark on the world today.

“At age 20 Churchill’s beloved daughter-in-law became a “secret weapon” during World War II, strategically wining, dining, and seducing diplomats and generals to help win over American sentiment (and secrets) to the British cause against Hitler. After the war, she helped to transform Fiat heir Gianni Agnelli into Italy’s ‘uncrowned king’ on the international stage and after moving to the US brought a struggling Democratic party back to life, hand-picking Bill Clinton from obscurity and vaulting him to the presidency.

“Picked as Ambassador to France, she deployed her legendary subtle powers to charm world leaders and help efforts to bring peace to Bosnia, playing her part in what was arguably the high-water mark of American global supremacy”.

I want to extend a big thank you Abigail S., a long-time member of TSLL for bringing this book to my attention. The title is now available in both the UK and the US, with signed copies available from Hatchards in London.

—Peter Bakes by Peter Sawkins

With the GBBO kicking off this week I wanted to bring to your attention a cookbook from one of the past year’s winners. In 2021 you may remember that Peter Sawkins was the youngest ever baker to take home the prize of Best Baker, and while his book is simply titled Peter Bakes, his recipes are sure to be a hit. That particular season (remember – the contestants had to stay the entire time at the location, not going home to see their families and friends due to COVID) was such a heart-warming and fun season, partly, or largely, because we were all stuck at home, and Peter’s smile and genuine love for what he was doing made it quite a lovely journey through each week’s competition.

—Scarcely English: An A-Z of Assaults on Our Language by Simon Heffer

Released on September 19th, Scarcely English is for the logophile in your life (lover of words), and as I readily confess to being such a person, I was tickled to learn of this book when long-timer reader Rona shared with me the title (currently only available in the UK, but you can purchase it from Blackwells and have it shipped to the states).

“Simon Heffer’s A to Z runs though a whole litany of common confusions (‘flaunt’ and ‘flout’, ‘imply’ and ‘infer’, ‘uninterested’ and ‘disinterested’), unidiomatic English (‘fed up of’, ‘focus around’, the use of ‘impacted’ in such construction as ‘the loss impacted him badly’), and lazy expressions (these days every extended activity is an ‘-athon’, every scandal is a ‘Something-gate’). It bemoans some truly awful neologisms, ‘infotainment’ and ‘funwashing’ among them. And it registers the horror of those of us who do not believe that you can answer the question ‘How are you?’ with the words ‘I’m good’.”

Both a book to teach the English language and to prompt a laugh, Scarcely English is self-described as “a plea for accuracy, clear thinking and elegance”. Yep, I am in! (I know, I know, I broke a few grammar rules – all the more reason for me to read it, non?) 🙃

Cookbooks

—100 Afternoon Sweets: With Snacking Cakes, Brownies, Blondies and More by Sarah Kieffer

From the cookbook author who brought us 100 Cookies and 100 Morning Treats, in Sarah Kieffer’s third cookbook, 100 Afternoon Sweets, discover not only delicious recipes, but how-tos for doughs, shaping, and flavor variations. “These sweets are perfect for wherever the afternoon takes you: at the office deep in emails, hungry kiddos coming home after school, or simply a restful Sunday spent lazing on the couch”.

—The Ambitious Kitchen: 125 Ridiculously Good for You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day by Monique Volz

Another cookbook full of comfort food that is actually quite healthy. Released on September 17th and already a bestseller, Monique Volz’s The Ambitious Kitchen (named after her eponymously named website) “showcases a balanced approach to health, with comforting, vibrant dishes that are amped up with extra vegetables, protein, and fiber . . . Most recipes include ‘Make It Your Way’ and ‘Make It Nutrient Dense’ tips to customize food to your tastes. And as an added bonus, most can be made gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan, allowing readers to tailor recipes to their own version of health.”

Décor

—Gwyneth Paltrow’s goop + CB2 furniture collection

I must confess, I am always a bit hesitant to share collaborations of collections created by celebrities, but I must say that Gwyneth Paltrow’s décor collection is impressive, especially if you love the soft, California modern touch centered around neutral hues. Certainly, this won’t be everyon’e style, but she definitely stayed in the lane that is sincere to how she lives and what she loves. Partnering up with CB2, Gwyneth’s goop brand has just revealed the first collection, and the prices are affordable for the quality and style she is presenting.

I shopped a handful of items below the photos of the chandelier, so be sure to take a look, and if anything catches your eye, be sure to sign up for the newsletter to save 15% off of your purchase of any of the items in the new collection.

I am still hunting for the chandelier to hang in my primary bedroom as that is the final ‘big’ piece I need to finish the room as far as making decisions are concerned. And while initially this lamp looks more appropriate for a dining table light fixture, in the right intimate room, it might just work uniquely well in a bedroom. And the price is quite nice as well. We will see. 🤔 Learn more about the Blisse natural linen pendant light here.

~SHOP THE COLLECTION HERE:

Films

—Happy Clothes

Patricia Field came to the public’s attention when she was the stylist behind Sex and the City and that now famous tutu dress worn in the open credits by SJP. In this new documentary released last week, “enter the colorful world of the Emmy-winning costume designer behind Sex and the City, Emily in Paris, and The Devil Wears Prada.” Have a look at the trailer below.

—Notice to Quit

Michael Zegen (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) stars as “an out-of-work actor now struggling as a New York City realtor, [who] finds his world crashing down around him when his estranged 10-year-old daughter, Anna, shows up unannounced on his doorstep in the middle of his eviction”. Have a look at the trailer below and look for it in theaters today.

Shopping

—Cashmere Multi-Stripe Crew from Jumper 1 2 3 4

A follower of Nigel Slater’s IG account, he shared a photo of himself recently wearing a sweater from the British knitwear brand Jumper 1 2 3 4, and after perusing the knitwear’s site, there were so many great sweaters, I knew I wanted to share here on TSLL.

This particular striped sweater full of colors is both classic yet makes a statement ever so subtly as well. And it’s cashmere, so super cozy and comfortable.

—J.Crew Ruffleneck midi-dress in vintage links print

Save up to 40% off wear-now styles (Cashmere is 20% off) as well as peruse their new collection which is full of fun autumnal styles like this black and white vintage print midi-dress. I have also shopped more items for you below.

—Shop the Site:

—Nylah Cashmere Boyfriend v-neck sweater (five colors), from Sablyn

I took a moment earlier this week to stop into a few of the clothing shops in downtown Bend and to my delight discovered a few new brands of luxury knits I had not heard of, and in loving their items, wanted to bring them to your attention. Sablyn was founded in 2017 by Sable Banoun who continues to be the brand’s creative director. The brand is based in Los Angeles and specializes in women’s RTW collections, describing their style as “sexy yet sophisticated style, utilizing soft fine fabrics and classic silhouettes”.

Having the chance to feel the texture of this sweater in the shop this week, this ‘gold’ sweater as the color is described is gorgeous, subtle and truly oversized. If this color is in your color wheel, you will have a timeless piece for years to come to love, wear and always reach for come fall.

—Elenor Shoulder Bag (four colors), Sandlund Hossain

First, I must thank TSLL Member Martina for bring this brand to my attention. Sandlund Hossain was founded by two people, both from small villages, one from Bangladesh and one from Sweden. The brand centers around creating designs that include “traditional craftsmanship and ancient techniques from both Bangladesh and Sweden, and it is founded on the social mission that donates cows to families in need in Bangladesh for every bag sold.”

While they have many bags of all styles, shapes and colors, I wanted to bring one to your attention which caught my eye, but be sure to peruse the entire site.

—Madewell w/Alexa Chung Plaid Baseball Hat

Plaid and casual style. If you will be outside, be it walking, watching a game, or anything else, perhaps visiting a seasonal traditional celebration – Octoberfest for example, and the sun is still out, no stocking cap needed, but protection for the eyes is sought out, plop on this stylish (and affordable cap).

Television

—High Potential, ABC

A new series on ABC starring Kaitlin Olson from Hacks and The Sunny Side of Philadelphia, High Potential in many ways reminds me of Monk revisited with its large California city as the setting, a highly intelligent individual consulting for the police force and a backstory that runs through the entire season centered around the lead searching for a loved one. I sat down to watch the pilot last week and thoroughly enjoyed it. The second episode continued in the same vein, and so I am looking forward to episode #3 which will return on October 8th. Have a look at the trailer below for more details about the premise.

—How to Die Alone, Hulu

Receiving great reviews is a brand new series on Hulu that I think you will quite like. How to Die Alone sounds morbid and depressing on the surface perhaps, but this comedic series is anything but. Natasha Rothwell stars as “Mel, a broke JFK airport employee who has never experienced love; following a near-death accident, she becomes inspired to dream and live life again”. The show premiered on September 13th and seven episodes are currently available to stream with a new episode dropping each Friday. Have a look at the trailer below

Ahhhh autumn.

The cozy feels have arrived, and as French class has picked back up again, so too have the steep learning curves, humility checks and early morning alarms. BUT! Without struggles we cannot grow. And so long as we choose to view challenges in this way, we will continue forward and the learning will occur in its own time. (Thank you for bearing with my self-pep talk 😌.)

Needless to say, my brain is more than a bit fatigue as I refamiliarize myself with the stepping back into this fold, but oh, how lovely is it to hear the language again more frequently. Speaking of France, be sure to watch October’s A Cuppa Moments this upcoming Tuesday – October 1st – as I will be sharing when the date will be that sign-ups will take place for our first in-person gathering in Paris (a multi-course dinner with a handful of fellow TOP Tier Members). Hint, hint – it is sometime in October. With each passing week I am becoming more and more eager to return to France and to meet members in Paris for the first time, makes it all the more a special trip and a wonderful part of TSLL.

I hope your week has gone well, and in between work and appointments that you have been able to catch your breath, take a look around you and enjoy a favorite pastime or two. Here at Le Papillon Norman and Nelle have been taking me for walks and to the market and then out for an afternoon tea break in between time in the office which was been very much appreciated. And this weekend I will be preparing for the new carpet to be installed which means I will be removing the current closet racks in my primary closet, and then both painting the ceiling and wallpapering so that all is ready to go for both the new flooring and the new closet design to be installed (the latter of which will be later in October). I cannot wait to see how it all comes together, and when it does, a tour will most definitely be shared. 🙂

And now to the weekend! As Friday begins, GBBO’s premiere episode will be enjoyed here in Bend as the week winds down, and perhaps where you are as well if you live in the states. I am also looking forward to following the new series La Maison which I quite liked when I watched the first two episodes last week. What did you think? Beyond that, fall is here, and that means wrapping a scarf about the neck before walks and sipping a delicious new tea from France that I look forward to sharing with you in an upcoming podcast episode as a Petit Plaisir upon arriving back home out of the wind and subtle chill.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend full of cozy sweater vibes, the sipping of a favorite spiced drink and of course oodles of everyday moments to savor. Until tomorrow when a classic French main dish that looks difficult due to its fancy presentation but is actually possible to make in 15 minutes! (it’s true!) is shared in episode #3 of the cooking show, bonne journée.

~Back in September I took a day to sit down and watch Rita Konig’s new CreateAcademy course where she walks you through how she remodeled her London flat. What a transformation her space has undergone as many of the rooms have changed functions since she first purchased it decades ago, and it all came together beautifully as only Konig can do. Released just a few weeks ago, that very apartment is the cover star of House & Garden’s October issue where you can tour the entire apartment. And you can shop much of the furniture, décor and wallpaper here.

~Beautiful photographs capturing Monet’s Giverny in the rain just a couple of days ago by Chantal Lang.

~Looking for the perfect Provençal inspired multi-course meal menu? Perfectly Provence has it all planned out! Check out the detailed menu here.

~Listen to Philippine LeRoy-Beaulieu’s interview on the podcast The Run-Through with Vogue. She talks about Emily In Paris, aging gracefully and who she rooting for – Gabriel or Marcello.

~Watch this video and meet the costume designer behind Emily in Paris — How ‘Emily in Paris’ Wardrobe Was Designed & Styled | Behind the Seams [InStyle]

~Discover the 9 classic French wine regions [Taste France]

~Let’s stay in France, specifically Paris, and discover what fashion week is sharing with us on the stylish streets in between the shows. [Vogue UK]

~And if it rains in Paris, as it has done during Fashion Week, here are a few things to be sure to do! [Frenchly]

~The book that consumed my reading attention this past weekend was Richard Osman’s We Solve Murders – such a swift, smart caper – and he was the profile interview in The NY Times Book Review section where he talks about his reading life, the bone he wishes to pick with John Grisham and who he would invite to dinner for a dream of a dinner party (plus much more).

~A wonderful interview with American ex-pat Jane Bertch on her cooking school, La Cuisine Paris on CBS Saturday Morning which aired this past weekend. If you haven’t read her book that details her journey from Chicago to Paris and building her business, The French Ingredient, I highly recommend it. 🙂

~Explore last week’s This & That: September 20, 2024

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!

~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.