Films to make you laugh, books to remind you of the special place we all live on our grand ole Earth, clothing to keep you warm and stylish, and everything in between – a new British cosy mystery series begins, Emily returns to Rome, then Paris, kitchen stocking stuffers aplenty are on sale, so too are classic silk pajamas and planning for the new year has never been so beautiful. Still there is more!

Books

—Age Like a Girl: How Menopause Rewires Your Brain for Mental Clarity, Increased Confidence, and Renewed Energy by Dr. Mindy Pelz

Maybe you’ve seen Dr. Mindy Pelz’s (she’s holds a doctorate in chiropractic) YouTube channel (she interviewed Dr. Stacy Sims here) or listened to her as a guest on a variety of different podcasts – Jay Shetty’s to name one – now, she has a new book, and it’s written for women who have or are about to enter menopause and post-menopausal years. Age Like a Girl, “reveals the groundbreaking science behind how menopause rewires your brain—and how this transformation is happening for you, not to you. What most women mistake as ‘the begin­ning of the end’ is actually a biologically designed brain and identity reset—one that can deliver greater confidence, clarity, and energy than you’ve felt in years.” Being released on Tuesday, December 16th, learn more about Dr. Pelz here.

—Huguette: A novel of libéation by Cara Black

You may remember author Cara Black from her long-running mystery series with detective Aimée Leduc set in Paris. Just recently, she released a new novel, Huguette. Set just after Liberation Day in France, it’s 1945, spring 1945, and “seventeen-year-old Huguette Faure is a survivor. The war has taken everything from her—both her parents and her sense of safety. Now, pregnant and on the lam, she cannot return to her childhood home in Paris. Forced to reinvent herself, she must outrun her father’s enemies, who want her dead. After narrowly avoiding jail time—thanks to the help of a kindhearted police officer named Claude Leduc—Huguette lands a job assisting a legendary film director. As her role develops from helping him with chores to cooking his books, she sees an opportunity to break free from the ghosts of her past once and for all.”

Now, this looks unlike most post-WWII historical fiction novels, of which there are plenty. Should be an interesting and engaging read with Black at the steering wheel leading the way.

—We Love You: An Optimistic Guide to Life on a Rock Floating Through Space by Thomas Sullivan and Andy Min

If you are looking for a book to wake you up and remind you of all the awesomeness in the world, in life and in your everydays, from the perspective of remembering where we, as humans, are living, then I recommend picking up We Love You. Creators of the channel of the same name, Thomas Sullivan and Andy Min “challenge you to reconsider the way you see the world and what it means to live on Earth. Through poems, essays, narrative scenes, and more, the guys will lead you on a journey to deepen your relationship with nature—scratch that . . . your relationship with yourself—scratch that . . . your relationship with everything.”

Released back in October and already a national bestseller, enjoy the photography throughout the book, “from rocky cliffs along the coast to towering redwood forests, frozen mountain peaks, and even the strange concrete wilderness of human cities. These lifelong best friends explore the world as they talk, laugh, and cry their way through how to hold onto hope and kindness. Andy and Thomas invite you to leave your preconceived notions behind as they teach you to recognize the beauty of what we so often take for granted.”

British Finds

—The Body on the Roundabout by Faith Eckersall

A cozy British mystery for snuggling in this winter. Head to Dorset where Harry Hedges, who is trying to revive an ailing newspaper after losing his job as a journalist in London, leads the way in the first of Faith Eckersall’s mystery series, The Body on the Roundabout which was released in November.

Described as a series for fans of Richard Osman and Reverend Richard Coles, this first mystery set in the quiet, quaint English town of Piddlington begins with Harry Hedges finding a body on the roundabout. Cue the sleuthing!

—The Stolen Crown: Treachery, Deceit, and the Death of the Tudor Dynasty by Tracy Borman

For anyone interested in British history, The Stolen Crown comes from acclaimed Tudor historian Tracy Borman who reveals, “according to Elizabeth’s earliest biographer, William Camden, in his history of her reign, on her deathbed the queen indicated James was her chosen heir, and indeed he did become king soon after she died. That endorsement has been accepted as fact for more than four centuries. However, recent analysis of Camden’s original manuscript shows key passages were pasted over and rewritten to burnish James’ legacy. The newly-uncovered pages make clear not only that Elizabeth’s naming of James never happened, but that James, uncertain he would ever gain the British throne, was even suspected of sending an assassin to London to kill the queen. Had all this been known at the time, the English people—bitter enemies with Scotland for centuries—might well not have accepted James as their king, with unimagined ramifications.”

As a student of British history in college, I must admit, this book is one I am most looking forward to reading.

—NavyGrey’s Winter Weekend Scarf, two colors

For when the snow and cold come and will not leave! This scarf, made of 100% Scottish-spun Lambswool, will keep you warm and cozy for days!

Décor

—The Eloise Scallop Milk Glass Sconce, many colors

The lighting we choose for our sanctuary creates the mood, sets the tone, and makes us either feel welcome or energized, restful or restless. And these antique-inspired milk glass sconces, found at Anthropologie, are quite striking. Mixing up old and new styles in décor is always a good idea, and these are available at a nice price.

Films

—Ella McCay

Now this looks like a fun film to head to the theater to watch with a friend or on your own. Emma Mackey (from Eiffel) stars as Ella McCay, a young woman who, while serving as lieutenant governor, is unexpectedly thrust into the governor’s position when her predecessor accepts a cabinet position. While not entirely explaining why it is set in 2008 and in an unknown state (not unknown as to where it was filmed however – TSLL member Rebecca shares in the comments this secret! Thank you Rebecca!), the writer and director James L. Brooks (As Good As It Gets, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, and other well-known comedy series and films) takes us back to the films we saw more often in the 1990s. And I must say, I so miss more comedies such as this one reminding us of everyday life drama, dramatized a bit more than is realistic, but still relatable, imperfect people trying to do the best and right thing for the situation.

Critics are so-so about it, even though they too wish more movies existed like this one; and while they may not have given it five-stars, I will be watching. Have a look at the trailer below.

—Knives Out: Wake Up a Dead Man, Netflix

While premiering in theaters back in November, starting today, the third Knives Out film is available on Netflix. Have a look at the trailer below and enjoy!

Francophile Finds

—Emily in Paris, season 5

The wait is nearly over. Starting on Thursday, December 18th, we can vicariously get carried away into the world of fashion (and advertising) in both Paris and Milan, and enjoy guessing whether Emily and Gabriel will finally figure it out. At this point, does it really matter? She’s having fun, doing well in her work, and living in both these fashion capitals of the world. Life is pretty sweet. Have a look at the trailer, and perhaps, like me, you’ll be most interested in Sylvie’s wardrobe and style. I just adore Philippine LeRoy-Beaulieu. Have a look at the trailer below. There will be 10 episodes, and all will be available to watch on the premiere date (no parts une and deux as they did last season).

—Jamie Beck’s Monthly Life Planner, on sale

American photographer living in Provence, Jamie Beck’s Life Planner is now on sale if it caught your eye when she debuted it earlier this year. While our planners are unique to each of us in terms of what we need for scheduling, lists, and work/life needs, perhaps this planner is for you perfect for both function and beauty to inspire. Have a look at all that it includes here, along with 15 original fine art photos.

—The Madame Blanc Mysteries, Christmas Special, AcornTV

Let the holiday episodes begin! The Madame Blanc Mysteries kicks off a new season with a two-part Christmas special beginning this coming Monday, December 15th. Look for the second part to be released the following Monday. Have a peek at the trailer below.

Shopping

—Ann Mashburn’s Ines Side Funnel-Neck Sweater in ivory or navy

There is something about the side neck buttons, so French, so subtly stylish, yet functional as well for adding a bit more warmth or keeping it cool, literally.

—Cole Haan’s Catherine Tote Bag, 24% off

Available now at a great low price, if you are looking for the atypical sage/olive green tote, definitely an unexpected neutral, Cole Haan has it and the handle drop is nice and long to easily be able to throw it up and over your shoulder.

—LilySilk’s 100 Pure Silk pajamas, four colors, on sale

Classic design with the white piping edge, LilySilk’s pure silk pajamas have been reduced 30%. Who’s ready to snuggle in with style? ☺️

—Sur la Table, under $20 sale finds

Looking for those last-minute stocking stuffers or the kitchen tools that you need for the holiday baking and menu items for the big day? Sur la Table has over 300 items that are under $20. From utensils, nibbles, and everything in between, be sure to have a look through the list. I have shopped for a few items below.

~SHOP THE SALE:

—Theory’s Plaid Wool-Cashmere Cardigan/Jacket, on sale

Television

—Happiness, PBS

Let’s go to New Zealand for this limited series titled Happiness, and I must say, it does look like a lot of fun. Premiering this Sunday on PBS, ex-Broadway director Charlie is forced by circumstances to return to his hometown of Tauranga, New Zealand, where his mum makes him join her amateur theatre society. Cue the comedy, the music, and the laughs! Check out the trailer below.

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Well, we may not have winter weather here in the PNW, or on Mt. Bachelor, for that matter, but we do have gorgeous sunshine. In fact, Nelle joined me on the garden porch while I typed this week’s edition of This & That, and I probably should have put some sunscreen on. It was gorgeous! And so nourishing.

The week has been nourishing as well, with great strides being made on the book as the manuscript is officially entirely, yep!, cue the celebration trumpets and cymbals!, in the template!, which means publishing is the next step! Granted, I will be looking over it more than a few more times in the coming months, but still, phew and wahoo! (I know I uttered the same sentiment last week, but as the writer of the book, templating is not why I love to write, but a necessity, and oh, it feels good to know how to do it properly ☺️ – it’s the seemingly little hurdles successfully surpassed that lift everything, very grateful.)

That was pretty much my ‘weekend’ as I take my weekend days in the middle of the week, but I will take that type of success on a weekend every time.

I hope your week has gone well and that you are taking time to slow down and savor the season. It can all fly by so quickly, but making sure to carve out time to slow down and partake in our favorite holiday rituals really can slow the pace down. I have been enjoying most evenings with a handful of brass candlesticks and their tapers lit and placed around the main living area, which has provided a sense of tranquility that prepares me well for sleep. Tonight, here in our neighborhood, is the annual tradition of wassail and wandering about to enjoy all the house decorations, a tradition that, whether there is snow on the ground or not, is a special moment I look forward to each year.

Thank you for stopping by today, and may the upcoming weekend be full of cheer, moments of leisure and ritual, and of course, oodles of everyday moments to savor. Until Monday, bonne journée.

~While my decorating in the house has been minimal this year, one thing I absolutely did was decorate my fireplace mantle, and this article is full of inspiring ideas for a festively decorated mantlepiece [House & Garden UK]

~Something we talk about in the concluding lesson of TSLL’s Intro to French Cooking: Everyday Deliciousness class is that the key is to want to cook, to choose to cook, and then it becomes enjoyable, not an obligation, and when we do, mental health benefits abound! [Delish]

~American living in Paris, Lindsey Tramuta shares her Paris Travel Guide: Where to stay, hotels and neighborhoods [NYTimes, gift link]

~Glasses as a fashion accessory for the evening? Absolutely, yeah! [The Financial Times, gift link]

~Are you an avid reader, and also someone who wants to read along with others a lengthy classic novel? I want to extend a thank-you to TSLL member Angela for sharing this opportunity (something she did during 2025 and shared she has thoroughly enjoyed it) found on Simon Haisell’s Substack, where the invitation to read a chapter a day through Tolstoy’s War & Peace begins at the start of the new year.

~There are always new terms for various trends that have come back around, but timeless is timeless, and a ‘soft kitchen’, or simply a welcoming, cozying kitchen is one I love. Discover exactly what a Soft Kitchen is here. [Homes & Garden UK]

~Gardeners, we can still be up to things! Wahoo! What to plant in December and other garden tasks [House & Garden UK]

~Very good news for fans of Omar Sy, aka Lupin, was shared this week!

~Home tour of the week! Loving all of the candlesticks sprinkled about this home in west London as it is dons its festive holiday décor. [House & Garden UK]

~Discover five magical towns to stay in the English countryside during the holidays, shared by Classic Cottages.

~Now, this is a treat. Take a video tour through the chateaux of the Loire Valley and see how they are adorned for the holidays.

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A post shared by Château Royal d'Amboise (@chateau_amboise)

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~Explore last week’s edition of This & That: December 5th

~Please note: TSLL is supported by you, readers who take the time to stop by (merci!), peruse, and sometimes welcome into your life the mentioned and recommended finds. Affiliate links are present in this post and may earn commissions for TSLL when you make a purchase. View TSLL’s full Privacy Policy here.