Cookbooks full of delicious, approachable, seasonal fare, a new novel that takes us back to 18th century London with a mystery to solve and a strong female protagonist determined to break from society’s limitations for women, a new book that speaks to the heart of what it means to live a life of contentment – explore what ‘joyspan’ means, a new French-language film starring two well-known actors – one from America and the other from Canada, and Dame makes her directorial debut. Of course, we have clothing and accessory finds and a few home décor items as well – one vintage and other that has patina, but is brand new and stunning. All of this and still, there is more.

Books

—The Art of a Lie: A Novel by Laura Shepherd-Robinson

A new mystery that came recommended from The New York Times Book Review is Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s The Art of a Lie. Released on Tuesday earlier this week, the novel is set in 18th century England, specifically in a confectioner’s shop on Piccadilly. The protagonist Hannah Cole is struggling to keep her head above water after the murder of her husband in what is believed to be a violent robbery. Now with their business being run by a woman, Hannah, her competitors don’t that at all – a woman running a business? The horror! Many of her fellow shop owners start to conspire against her except one – William Devereux.

“A friend of her late husband, Devereux helps Hannah unravel some of the mysteries surrounding his death. He also tells her about an Italian delicacy called iced cream, an innovation she is convinced will transform the fortunes of her shop. But their friendship opens Hannah to speculation and gossip and draws Henry Fielding’s attention her way, locking her into a battle of wits more devastating than anything she can imagine.” I have to say, this novel, this mystery, looks to be a wonderful read.

—Are You Mad at Me?: How to Stop Focusing on What Others Think and Start Living for You by Meg Josephson

If you are wanting to break the bad habit of chronic people-pleasing, then psychiatrist Meg Josephson, who is well known on social media, has a book to explore. Released earlier this week, Are You Made at Me? “show[s] you that people-pleasing is not a personality trait. It’s a common survival mechanism known as ‘fawning’: an instinct often learned in childhood to become more appealing to a perceived threat in order to feel safe. Yet many people are stuck in this way of being for their whole lives. Are You Mad at Me? weaves Josephson’s own moving story with that of fascinating client stories and thought-provoking exercises to show you how to:

• Stop fearing your thoughts and emotions, even if they’re unpleasant.
• Rethink conflict and boundaries as an opening for deeper connection.
• Practice “leaning back” in relationships.
• Recognize when people-pleasing is actually necessary (with your chaotic boss) and when it’s not (with your close friends) and stop self-loathing when you slip into old patterns.
• Shift away from the familiar chaos, anxiety, and resentment you’re used to as you move closer to yourself and a life that no longer depletes you—but brings you joy.”

—Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half by Dr. Kerry Burnight Ph.D 

Speaking of joy! This book is in my shopping cart, and I cannot wait to read it during my week-break following French Week as I prepare for Season 12 of the podcast (new seasons kick off each September!). I happened upon an excerpt from the author taken from her book Joyspan – read it here – and with the author’s expertise – Dr. Burnight taught Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology for 18 years at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine and was an invited speaker to the U.S. White House at the Elder Justice Summit and at the U.S. Department of Justice – paired with so much of what she shares that overlaps with living a life of contentment, I knew this would be a book to share with TSLL community.

“Sharing her philosophy and tools in a comprehensive resource that moves readers from fear to peaceful confidence, Dr. Kerry’s insights, along with those of her inspiring 95 year-old mother Betty, are based upon a profound truth: the key to good longevity isn’t the length of your life, it’s the quality of your life. Books that advance lifespan and ‘healthspan’ don’t address the whole picture. Dr. Kerry introduces readers to the critical concept of ‘joyspan’ based on the science of well-being, contentment, connection, meaning, growth, choice, and purpose.” [Highlighted sections are my own. 😌]

British Finds

—Food You Want to Eat by Thomas Straker

Restauranteur Thomas Straker and the co-founder of All Things Butter (a YouTube channel and brand that sells actual butter, many flavored and aims to “educate and showcase how great butter can elevate everyday eating”) has a new cookbook, and the title alone caught my attention, but then when I learned each recipe is flavor-lead and seasonally focused, yep, I am most curious to explore it.

Sharing recipes from his Nob Hill eponymously named restaurant – Straker, the cookbook Food You Want to Eat “places his culinary chops on the table in front of his legions of hungry fans, featuring refined, ambitious, delicious recipes like Fresh Gnocchi with Broad Beans and Pesto, Mozzarella di Buffala with Confit Fennel and Chili, Bone Marrow Butter, Chocolate Mousse with Caramel and Hazelnuts, and so much more.”

—My Mother’s Wedding

British actress as well as an actor in many French films that are lesser known to us here in the states, Dame Kristin Scott-Thomas has a new film that is also her directorial debut. My Mother’s Wedding takes inspiration somewhat from her own childhood, losing both her father and soon after her step-father in similar incidents, both died in military training exercises, and as you will see in the trailer below, while indeed it is a film about how a family moves forward and how, or if, they heal, between the setting and the many well-known faces in the cast (British, American and French!), I think this will be a lovely film to watch.

It premiered yesterday. Have a look at the trailer and enjoy an outing to go and see it on the big screen!

Cookbooks

—Feasts on the Farm: Over 60 Seasonal Recipes and Stories of Sustainable Farming from Tomales Farmstead Creamery by Tamara Jo Hicks and Jessica Lynn MacLeod 

Living on a 160-acre goat and sheep dairy and educational farm in Marin County, California, just a few miles from the Pacific Coast since 2003, Tamara Jo Hicks, her husband, David Jablons, and their two daughters welcome readers to Toluma Farms by way of sharing Feasts on the Farm. “Organized by the seasons, readers will discover 60+ recipes ranging from starters to mains to sweets, making it easy to bring Northern California living into your home.

They share practical guidance on how to:

• Take advantage of your local farmer’s market’s springtime bounty with a Farmers Panzanella Salad. 
• Graze on the Perfect Summer Cheese Board on a lazy summer evening. 
• Whip up some Pumpkin Muffins with Maple Goat Butter to kick off an early Autumn morning. 
• Create a winter feast with a platter of Roasted Dungeness Crab with Herb Butter.

At the heart of their thriving farm is what they have become known for – their cheeses! Prize winning goat and sheep’s cheese, and they generously share with you their cheese knowledge. And sustainability guides their decisions of how to care for the farm. Certainly they have oodles to teach us, and my appetite and curiosity are nudging me to pick this cookbook up with insistence. ☺️

—I Love You: Recipes from the Heart by Pamela Anderson

Pamela Anderson has been having a renaissance over the past few years, and I for one am delighted to see it. From her Academy Award-nominated role in The Last Showgirl, to her embracing and wearing so beautifully the less-is-more look when it comes to make-up, her new comedic role in Naked Gun alongside Liam Neeson (and supposed new romance with each other), what caught my eye was her garden and cookbook.

Released last year and becoming a bestseller, I Love You: Recipes from the Heart is a cookbook to explore. Back in 2023, her series Pamela’s Garden of Eden on Hulu premiered, and from that successful series (8 episodes), came her book. She lives on Vancouver Island in Canada, on an estate she purchased from her grandparents 30-years ago. With multiple acres, and having begun gardening about seven years ago, the show and the cookbook were born. (Below in the links section, I have an article for you that gives a tour of her garden.)

Décor

—Lam Lighting Switches Toggle (UK)

While not available for those of us living outside of the UK, when I saw these switch plates and toggles while flipping through a recent issueHouse & Garden UK magazine, my décor eye said yes! As I shared in the detailed before/after post of my primary bedroom and also my foyer, these seemingly small details make a BIG difference in elevating the room. There are also black color options and all different numbers of toggles – 1-4. Be sure to take a look if you are wanting up zhush up a room without doing a major overhaul, but something is missing.

—Rattan Wicker Storage Basket with Lid, 1960s, Chairish

Francophile Find

—Peak Everything (aka Amour Apocalypse)

While I am saving all of the other Francophile Finds until next week with it being the 10th Annual French Week, I had to share with you the release of this new film. Set in Quebec, starring both a Canadian and American actors who speak French throughout, Peak Everything looks like quite a bit of fun. The trailer really tells you the premise, but needless to say, with Piper Perabo (Covert Affairs) and Patrick Hivon (who I was first introduced to when I watched his mystery series set in Canada that is streaming on PBS Compass – Detective Surprenant – a tremendous thank you to a TSLL reader for turning me on to this series) heading up the casting list, they are a good fit for each other in this creative approach to a rom-com.

Have a look at the trailer below, and look for it in theaters beginning today. (It’s original title when it premiered at the Toronto Film Festival was Amour Apocalypse, fittingly enough based on what we learn about the plot ☺️).

Shopping

—Astier de Villatte’s Small Four Leaves Clover Plate

Inspired by a recent delightful find that I won’t forget for some time (shared in August’s A Cuppa Moments), I found and wanted to share Astier de Villatte’s plate with a four-leaf clover. I happen to have been given four of these plates from my friend Véronique years ago as a gift – mine have individual flowers on them – and they are unique plates in a wonderful way in that they are quite light, but very sturdy as well.

—Boden’s Jemma Chunky Cotton Sweater, two stripe colors and two solid colors

Summer may be rounding its final laps, but when autumn arrives, cotton sweaters are still an ideal transitional fabric to provide warmth, but not too much. I like the traditional French buttons on the top of the left shoulder, and the variation of stripe thickness updates this modern staple.

—Imperial Lomonosov Porcelain Teacup & Saucer Tulip Cobalt Net

Over the weekend, I asked readers on TSLL if they knew the brand of the teacup & saucer Carrie Bradshaw is seen holding in the final scene of episode 10, and in a matter of minutes, I am still in awe of your sleuthing skills, Adrienne, Rona, Chris and Lisa had found it!

While not cheap, as it is handpainted and pure porcelain, if you love this design, it is something that is available. The link above is to shop on Amazon, and you can buy it for a similar price at Walmart here.

Thank you again to everyone who helped find this teacup & saucer! ☺️🫖

—March Hare Kimsey Watch with leather strap, multiple colors

While I know many people wear an Apple Watch, or some sort of smart watch, for reasons to give myself some peace from tech, I continue to wear a traditional ‘face’ watch. Recently in a piece in WSJ’s Off Duty section, they profiled thin band women’s watches, and I explored a few of the brands they shared. March Hare caught my eye.

What I especially liked about this brand is that while yes, a mid-luxury item (prices are just below $400), they offer a longer band if you want, so that it can be a bit looser on the wrist or tailored exactly to your wrist. The Kimsey, shown here, also has a double wrap style, but be sure to explore their entire site, as they have many other ‘narrow’ watch designs.

—Me + Em Fluid Italian Wool Blazer and belt, camel

The autumn collections are beginning to be stocked and ready for sale (TSLL’s Fall Shopping Guide will be posted on September 1st right here on the blog), and Me + Em included this slightly larger wool blazer that appears to hang quite well. I appreciated the added belt as there are no button closures, as I always want to be able to ‘close’ my blazers from time to time. Definitely a blazer that could be utilized as the outerwear in early autumn.

—Ray-Ban Ari Optics eyeglasses, pale gold frame (Carrie Bradshaw’s glasses in ep. #10, S’3)

As promised!

So, many TSLL readers know I love optical glasses (I have had horrible near-sighted vision since childhood). Having various frames is a fun way to add a touch of personality, and give a break to my eyes from my contacts. SJP’s (or should I say Carrie Bradshaw’s) eyewear choices have inspired me in the past as I searched and located the Mykita Meryl’s back in 2021 when she first wore them. That German brand alone is worth knowing about – high quality and SUPER light glasses. But back to what Carrie wore in the opening scene of episode #10 in this season (the final season of the series! I know! More on that news will be shared in A Cuppa Moments with TOP Tier Members 😌).

This design is a new one from Ray-Ban, and it is quite large in total width. I looked at the measurements because what looks large on SJP will not always look large on my face 🙃. But indeed, it is quite wide – wahoo! I love how it is partially an aviator design, but also partially square, and the design is simple, which means timeless. The color she wore is pale gold, but there are three other colors available in this style. And even better, the price is quite nice (under $200 directly from Ray-Ban, and under $100 from EZContacts, shop here.

Teapot of the Week!

—Vintage Cantaloupe Ceramic Teapot, the Haldon Group, Rita Konig pick

Goofy? Perhaps. But I enjoyed perusing what British interior designer Rita Konig hand-picked for her vintage and antique finds on Chairish recently. And this cantaloupe teapot was one of them. Whether put into use or sitting on a kitchen shelf, it has panache and a good personality.

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Nelle found the water again this week, and what you see here is her intently watching the petite young fish and tadpoles swimming about in the shallow water. She would paw at them, she would sing to them (okay, maybe she was whining out of pure frustration that she could catch them), but she delighted in just standing on this rock that was barely submerged below the surface and pirouetting from one direction to the next. Video is going to be shared in September’s A Cuppa Moments – it’s too funny. 🐾🐾

Speaking of French! The price has been set AND . . . I set out into the world the trailer for the Intro to French Cooking class. While I will be writing a detailed post and including all of the information including these two pieces it in that later, if you want to take a look at it now, you can do so here.

And with that the weekend has arrived! I will meet you back here on Sunday, and until then, may the weekend be full of many glimmers as we talked about in Monday’s Motivational post, time to slow down and take in beauty of any kind, and of course oodles of everyday moments to savor. Below are a few articles and one video you might enjoy. Bonne journée !

~Tour Pamela Anderson’s 7-acre garden, and one of the people who has inspired her in her gardening venture – many TSLL will recognize the name! [Architectural Digest]

~I have mentioned a few times that I take great inspiration and appreciate Tadej Pogačar, the now 4x Le Tour de France champion, and I came upon this video captured in late 2023 in Monaco where Tadej lives. Following his second win, it is a casual chat and bike ride with Matt Stephens on his YouTube channel The Café Ride.

~Would you like to take a European train tour? Listen to this episode of Women Who Travel as the guest shares her experience of overnight train travel through continental Europe.

~Full of art! Full of books! Take a tour of this home that combined two cottages in the South Downs, now the country home of Vogue contributing editor and her husband. [House & Garden UK]

~Well, if this is a trend, then they are a little late to the party because ‘Sanctuary Garden’ sounds redundant, and it isn’t a trend folks! ☺️ That is good news I’d say. Either way, it is worth figuring out how to create such a space – How to plant a garden to improve your well-being according to landscapers. [Veranda]

~Learn more about Dordogne, France, France’s foodie paradise – what to eat and drink [Frenchly]

~If you will be in Paris this August, here is a list of restaurants that will be open. The first one on the list is a must-visit, and another one I had the good fortunate to dine at in 2019 and highly recommend – I wrote about it in this post. [Hip Paris]

~A neighbor recently stopped his car by the curb of my garden while I was out pottering about, a common and welcomed occurrence as we all know each other casually – by name or at least by our pup’s names’! 🙂 He inquired as to my approach for successfully growing many of the perennials in my boulevards, and I told him what Monty Don taught me – it’s all about the soil, and then I shared my resources here in Bend. Here is an article explaining why it all has to do with the soil – why it is crucial for carbon capture, drainage and biodiversity [Gardens Illustrated]

~And, I don’t know about you, but I am more than ready for the new season of the British Bake-Off (here in the states – The Great British Baking Show), so I went and found this video of Ludwig‘s star David Mitchell who was part of four other comedians (Michael Sheen is the tent and so is Sarah Brown and Jameela Jamil) who gave it their best in the tent. The antics ensued as you might imagine. Enjoy!

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~Explore last week’s This & That: August 1, 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.