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As the British Commonwealth mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth II along with Anglophiles around the world which includes TSLL and many of our readers, I have gathered up a handful of books on her life, as well as leaned into a more British-focused This & That this week. For comfort, the return of the 13th season of a beloved British baking show arrives in a matter of days; for beauty, a new favorite English rose is now available for gardeners in the states and its name is as lovely as its aesthetic; for nourishment, a new cookbook from a British writer; for time in Mother Nature, a partnership between British home decor designer Sophie Conran and William Sonoma is now available to peruse for exclusive gardening finds. As well, many more finds and items I wanted to share, and capsule wardrobe discoveries from one of my favorite British designers.
Books
—Elizabeth II: Princess, Queen, Icon by Alexandra Shulman
Released this past spring, full of “the most interesting and important portraits of Queen Elizabeth II that are held in the Collection of the National Portrait Gallery, London . . . A selection of paintings and photographs spanning from 1926 to the present take readers on a visual journey through the life of Britain’s foremost icon, featuring key official portraits alongside more personal images from the queen’s life and reign, explored through the lens of art. Some portraits are accompanied by extended captions and quotes to shed light on their particular significance”. Below are a few you will find within the book. I especially am fond of Eve Arnold’s photograph capturing the Queen enjoying a moment under the umbrella.
—Queen Elizabeth II: A Glorious 70 Years by Alison James
Released this past July in celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, this book “offers the definitive illustrated story of her public and private life spanning the 20th and 21st centuries. Featuring the incredible tradition, history, glamour, and culture of Her Majesty, this book also follows the international tours, state functions, royal weddings, and jubilees, and showcases the glorious royal photography of some of the most well known Royal photographers and archives”. For me, one of the lasting memories I will have of the queen is her love for her dogs, and the sampling of photos below are a few of my favorites.
—Formidable: American Women and the Fight for Equality: 1920-2020 by Elisabeth Griffith
Released last month as the 102nd anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment was celebrated on the 26th of August, National Woman’s Day here in the sates, Griffith’s new book Formidable shares the history of how “black and white women fought hard for voting rights and doubled the number of eligible voters, but the amendment did not enfranchise all women, or even protect the rights of those women who could vote. A century later, women are still grappling with how to use the vote and their political power to expand civil rights, confront racial violence, improve maternal health, advance educational and employment opportunities, and secure reproductive rights”.
—Long Live the Queen: 23 Rules for Living from Britain’s Longest-Reigning Monarch by Bryan Kozlowski
One of my personal favorites that is inspired from how the Queen goes about her everydays is a book I selected as a Petit Plaisir for the podcast a couple of years ago. Just as the title says, 23 rules of living, and living well, I might add.
—Mercury Pictures Presents: A Novel by Anthony Marra
Released on August 2nd and already a New York Times bestseller, Anthony Marra’s Mercury Pictures Presents “the epic tale of a brilliant woman who must reinvent herself to survive, moving from Mussolini’s Italy to 1940s Los Angeles—a timeless story of love, deceit, and sacrifice”.
—Thinking 101: How to Reason Better to Live Better by Woo-kyoung Ahn
I am quite looking forward to reading Yale psychology professor Woo-kyoung Ahn’s new book when it is released this coming Tuesday (September 13th). His course at Yale called “Thinking” “help[s] students examine the biases that cause so many problems in their daily lives. It quickly became one of the university’s most popular courses. In Ahn’s class, students examine ‘thinking problems’―like confirmation bias, causal attribution, and delayed gratification―and how they contribute to our most pressing societal issues and inequities. Now, for the first time, Ahn presents key insights from her years of teaching and research in a book for everyone”.
British Finds
—Agatha Christie: An Elusive Woman by Lucy Worsley
I shared earlier this week when it arrived that I am diving into documentarian, researcher and historian Lucy Worsley’s new book Agatha Christie: An Elusive Woman, and I am loving it. Told with the voice of Worsley you will immediately recognize if you have watched any of her many historical programs (I usually watch them on PBS), this biography of Christie offers new discoveries of long, thought-to-be well-known moments in Christie’s life, as well as focusing on how she really was quite elusive throughout her entire writing career, and that was just the way she liked it.
—The Great British Bake-Off, season 13 (Channel 4 and Netflix)
Yes, yes, and yes! The new season of The Great British Bake-Off is about to begin. Tuesday the 13th in Britain (on Channel 4) and Friday September 16th on Netflix. There will be 10 episodes, and time in the tent with the bakers will be my comfort each and every start of the weekend moving forward as autumn arrives and unfolds. Below is the trailer. Happy Baking!
—The Weekend Cook: Good Food for Real Life by Angela Hartnett
“Internationally beloved British chef Angela Hartnett’s first cookbook released in the U.S., featuring 100 recipes perfect for entertaining at home. An invitation to dine at Angela Hartnett’s house is a real treat. Nestled in London’s vibrant East End, her home is a place to experience delicious food, great company and a relaxed atmosphere that is as far removed from the high-octane stress of a professional kitchen as it is from the social anxiety that many of us face when hosting a dinner. Angela knows the secrets to throwing the most relaxed and enjoyable dinners for friends and family-magical evenings that people talk about for months afterward-and in The Weekend Cook she shares them”.
“From satisfying one-pot dishes and comforting risottos to perfect party food and baked goods to feed a hungry crowd-each one a joy to cook and eat.”
Film
Being released today in theaters, a feel-good rom-com starring Emma Roberts and Thomas Mann, About Fate. “The tale of two people who believe in love, but seem to never be able to find its true meaning. In a wild twist of events, fate puts each in the other’s path on a stormy New Year’s Eve and comedy and chaos ensue.” Enjoy. ?
Francophile Finds
—My Stylish French Box, Midnight in Paris
A brand new theme was recently announced for Sharon Santoni’s My Stylish French Box and I have a strong suspicion it will be quite spectacular. Midnight in Paris will arrive in November and be full of “luxurious gifts that will be sure to make your holiday evenings extra special”. Reserve your box now here.
—Olive & Branch for the Home, Provencial soaps, towels and baskets, all 15% off
Did you know that TSLL readers have an exclusive discount when they shop at Olive & Branch? Yep! 15% off site-wide! An opportunity given to TSLL readers for the past handful of years, save on all of their hand-picked finds found in France at markets, shops and boutiques. The code is simply TSLL. Yep, that’s it TSLL. Enter it on the final check-out page and save!
~Shop all of the French baskets here (a few are shown below)
Garden
—David Austin English rose, shrub, Tottering-by-Gently
So, I may have gone on a bit of gardening shopping spree this past weekend as one of my favorite gardening centers – Heirloom Roses – held a Labor Day Sale, slashing prices on roses I have had on my list for six months or so, and I knew I had to take advantage of this opportunity. With the aesthetic of a Cottage Garden being cultivated here at Le Papillon, a cottage garden is not complete without roses, and while I have a few, I knew I needed to add more . . . so I will be doing just that both this fall and the coming spring, which also includes the new addition from David Austin’s Tottering-by-Gently which just became available again for gardeners in the states. When I received the alert earlier this week, I pounced. Perhaps you will want to as well.
Shopping
—Bacall Pink Wool-Blend Pleat Front Slouched Trousers, L.K. Bennett
As shared in last week’s TSLL Annual Fall Shopping Guide, deep blush pink is the color of the season, and these trousers fit the bill quite chicly with a contemporary, oversized touch.
—Harbour Camel Leather Trapeze Tote Bag (black also available), L.K. Bennett
One more find from one of my favorite British design houses, this structured, large tote that offers a traditional, classic shape to it, but modern with the larger size for bringing to the office all that you need, and a shoulder strap as well as handle for however it best fits to hold it as you go from appointment to appointment.
—Max Mara Navy Pinstriped cotton-blend blazer (all sizes available at posting)
Loving this traditional prinstripe, and its slightly longer look. For casual or dressed up work attire, this jacket will be in style for many seasons to come.
—Serena & Lily sale on Fall Finds
Serena & Lily is continuing the sale on their new fall collection, and it is worth perusing. I have shopped a few items below, but you can shop them all here. Discount is already applied. No promo code necessary.
LOVING their new rattan Oliana tray for enjoying breakfast in bed. Inspired by a Paris flea market find in the 50s, I have my eye on this one, and waiting for it to arrive in December doesn’t seem that bad of a wait at all for something so simple, useful and unique.
—Sophie Conran at Williams-Sonoma
British home and garden decorator Sophie Conran is a favorite of mine when it comes to finding vases, linens and details for the home and garden, and for a limited time she has partnered up with Williams Sonoma to offer an exclusive collection of garden finds with those of us here in the states. I have shopped a few items below, but be sure to shop the entire collection. It’s not large, but the items are high quality as she has partnered with Burgon & Ball, an English company renowned for high-quality gardening tools. (A big thank you to TSLL reader Abigail for bringing this to my attention ☺️.)
Television
—The Good Fight, season 6 (Paramount+)
The final season began last night on Paramount+. Look for a new episode every Thursday night, and check out the trailer below.
Yesterday’s news of the Queen’s death was a shock, and while we knew she was in advancing years, it seemed she would carry on for many more after having just seen her this past June as Britain and the Commonwealth along with all of us who admire her and how she has worn the title of British monarch, celebrated the momentous occasion of her Platinum Jubilee. But she is gone, but never will she be forgotten, and forever will she be fondly remembered by me and I know many of you as well.
I hadn’t planned on all of the British content this week, but upon hearing the news, felt I needed to, and in a way, it was comforting to do so. I hope you found some comfort in today’s post as well. Below I have shared a video that The Guardian compiled of her words shared with citizens over the years regarding all of the momentous occasions she oversaw, experienced and navigated through in her role of leadership. A role she didn’t choose, a role that is unpredictable in what it asks of the one who wears the crown in an ever-changing world, but she demonstrated during her 70-years as Queen Elizabeth II that it can be done with compassion, with quiet strength, with dignity and she did it with determination of duty to both country and family. As a long-time TSLL reader from Britain shared with me in a most thoughtfully written email sent yesterday, “politicians came and went but the Queen ‘sorted things’. A newscaster described her as ‘everyone’s grandmother’. Above all, the Queen set us an example of duty, kindness and the importance of keeping our word and dignity.’ Thank you Sue for sharing a glimpse into the world through Britons’ eyes and experience living with her as their Queen for, most of them, their entire lives until today. She will be missed dearly.
Now to the garden, where comfort is aplenty, and I continue to try to create even more. As the image captures to the right, gardening is on my mind, and while it is very rarely not on my mind, these next couple of weeks will find me quite busy, and I am excited about that ☺️. From planting spring bulbs, awaiting a new shipment of shrub roses, celebrating the blooming of my dahlias and savoring even more time outside in my garden as the temperatures return to comfortable, mild degrees, there is no doubt gardening has my heart and being, and I am ever so grateful I caught the bug.
Along with gardening and watching the latest Gardeners’ World (wasn’t last week’s episode wonderful at Gravetye Manor quite special? Loved it!), a French film will be showing at our local boutique movie house, and I might just have to pop in and watch it (one that was shared in this week’s This & That). I will definitely continue reading Lucy Worsley’s new book (shared above), the introduction alone had me hooked, and I cannot forget to remind you that the premiere of The Simply Luxurious Kitchen cooking show, season 5 will happen tomorrow right here on the blog. ☺️ A new episode will be released each Saturday morning through October for your watching and cooking pleasure over the weekend and upcoming new week, and if you haven’t already watched the trailer, here is the link to do so.
Thank you for stopping by today, and wishing you well. Until Monday, bonne journée.
~The double arced rainbow over Buckingham Palace on Thursday as mourners gathered upon hearing the news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II at 96 [Financial Times, NPR, The Guardian, BBC, Politico]
~All living former prime ministers give a heartfelt tribute to Queen Elizabeth [Politico]
~France’s wine fair season, Le Monde picks all the best bottles [Le Monde, English edition, subscription required]
~A thought-provoking conversation about word choice when it comes to expat and its potential inherent bias [Frenchly]
~Cartoonist Lynda Barry believes child’s play is anything but frivolous [NYTimes]
~Look for solace and comfort when you tour Poet Sean Swallow’s garden Scatterford in the Wye Valley, England [House & Garden UK]
~Autumn and winter are coming, how to get your house ready to keep energy costs low [H & G UK]
~Another home and garden tour, this time on Martha’s Vineyard, wow, just wow [Architectural Digest]
~Why September is the new May when it comes to planting flowers [NYTimes] (thank you Rona for sharing this article :))
~Every time I arrive home from Europe, I have a difficult time being in my vehicle so much, and this article explains why our culture is built for cars, not for human connection – argh! [Vox]
~Five things to know about the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s new home, Adelaide Cottage in Windsor [Architectural Digest]
~Queen Elizabeth II in her own words [The Guardian], video below . . .
~Explore last week’s This & That: September 2, 2022
Gearing up for stepping back into the work and school schedule, books and articles to build more consciousness around creating an approach for a schedule to enjoy, a cookbook for vegetarians, a new award winning documentary for wine lovers, an acclaimed television series worth watching for lovers of food, struggle that leads to success along an unprescribed path, but summer isn’t over yet, and Labor Day Weekend is here, so I have a long list of sales not to miss including a first-time sale on all of TSLL’s notepads, along with a handful of shopping finds worth exploring. Plus, 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.
Thank you for a wonderful — & thoughtful — T&T, Shannon. It’s been an odd day. I’ve been rattling around at loose ends, which is unlike me, feeling as though my world’s foundations have shifted. Elizabeth was “my” Queen — Canada’s Queen — for my entire life. As long as I’ve been alive, every time I’ve walked into a government building or taken money out of my wallet or put a stamp on a letter, it’s her face I’ve seen. She’s been as steadfast & solid a constant in my life as hockey or maple syrup. Even though her passing is not entirely unexpected, given her age & increasing frailty, it’s hit me much harder than I expected & everyone I’ve talked with today seems as shaken & discombobulated. Your post is a comfort.
Oh, Susanne, I think your words express the feelings of many. I can only imagine how many changes will occur in your world. While I am American, my family history is in the UK and my growing-up years were dotted with references to England, Scotland, and Wales. The Queen was a light in a world of change. Thank You Queen Elizabeth II for always being the model my Mother used for behavior, countenance, and sincere dedication to family.
Shannon, thank you for such a thoughtful “This and That” at this sad time. It’s quite a strange feeling as the Queen has been a stalwart of our lives. I was talking to my mum last night as she shared memories of the coronation and the subsequent jubilees and realised how she has shaped our country. Have a lovely weekend in the garden. X
Just a heads up this link goes to an Amazon book site instead of Olive and Branch.
Olive & Branch for the Home, Provencial soaps, towels and baskets, all 15% off
Thank you for bringing this to my attention, it should be fixed now. Here is the link directly – https://oliveandbranchforthehome.com/
What a beautiful tribute at this sad, sad time.
Wonderful list this week. I’m intrigued by the theme for Sharon Santoni’s French Box!
I will miss the Queen. Even being from the US she really felt like the distant grandmother I never got to meet.
Mourning with our UK friends.
Shannon, your This & That is thorough as usual and a wonderful tribute to the Queen. I thought of you when I heard the sad news. The Queen was a formidable woman who changed with the times but still kept her standards. When I saw pictures of her, I always loved her smile.
Condolences to the Royal Family. And as Courtney said, mourning with our UK friends.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness Shannon.
I think we are all grieving.
We were so fortunate to have her as our beloved Queen and Head of the Commonwealth .
As she said herself, so poignantly ,
‘Grief is the price we pay for love ‘
x Anne x
Thank you Shannon for this lovely T&T. Susanne said it so well, even though we all knew the inevitable would occur, especially after the passing of her “liegeman of life and limb”, Prince Philip, even those of us outside the UK and Commonwealth felt “shaken and discombobulated” with her passing. Queen Elizabeth II was an amazing, incredible, and beneficial force for this world. As Anne has said, we were so fortunate to have her here in our midst for such a long time. I shall be re-reading Kaslowski’s book,”Long Live The Queen” this week in her honor. My sincere condolences to the Royal Family and as Courtney said, we are mourning along with our UK and Commonwealth friends.
So happy you found the article useful, Margaret Roach is a favorite read of mine. You can find more of her columns and other great gardening advice on her website, A Way To Garden.(www.awaytogarden.com)
Also I wanted to pass along to TSLL members in the US that American Meadows,(www.americanmeadows.com), is currently having a sale on the most gorgeous groupings of dahlias. Their site has a plethora of information on all things gardening as well.
Looking forward to watching the first episode of TSL Kitchen today!
And thank you again Shannon, for always knowing just what to say. xo
What a lovely T&T this week in honour of HM. It has been an odd week as a Brit, whatever your thoughts on the monarchy, it cannot be denied the Queen was a stalwart and steadfast presence in all of our lives. It is also a moment in history we have have the opportunity to live through, likely I will do so twice (King Charles and then William), and it is interesting to watch.
Happy gardening, that is my intention for today (Sunday here), time in the garden this morning to early afternoon. Tidying, sowing, planting and planning! And a rest stop this afternoon with TSLK ☺️
Take care
Sarah
Sarah, Well said Sarah regarding the loss of her presence. I can’t imagine what it must be like for you and your fellow citizens. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and wishing you a wonderful day in your garden. Norman and I had a wonderful morning yesterday. He napped while I placed new allium bulbs in the ground after a round of organic feed, the weekly ritual, to all the plants. Thank you for stopping by and bonne journée ?
Hello Shannon,
I just wanted to write that your blog and posts provide me with so much hope. I am 8 weeks pregnant and I just started a new stressful job, along with still continuing my studies with online courses. Needless to say, I am under a lot of stress with raging hormones coursing through my body. I was feeling down and hopeless and I decided to read your blog and it does truly cheer me up and provide me hope for a better future and lifestyle.
So thank you for all that you do. It truly makes a difference.
Ashley, thank you for your kind words and happy to be able to help in some small, yet hopefully significant way. Congratulations on your pregnancy and wishing you well. ??
Shannon, as always a respectful tribute to the passing of Queen Elizabeth and some lovely British content, thank you. Such a sad day, I was hiking with Scout doing a challenging trail, stopped to take a picture of the tree line that I was headed for and my phone informed me of her passing. I just sat in the alpine meadow and cried. My heart breaks for her family and everyone in the UK and the Commonwealth, she was such a constant, steady presence in all our lives. But the eternal optimist, I believe that change is good and hope that with a new King and PM the UK will weather the storm.
Love the roses you mention but the Japanese Beetles here are relentless. A former owner of this house planted some and I usually have to cut them before they truly bloom or they are consumed. We had a cold snap and tons of rain the past 2 days and I have spent the morning walking around my garden cleaning up and making plans for next year. Enjoy the remainder of the weekend Shannon and all your readers.