Friday, September 29, 2017

This & That: September 29, 2017

Books

The Address: The Novel by Fiona Davis

Author of The Dollhouse, Fiona Davis, returns with now a national best-seller, The Address. With two stories set one hundred years apart intertwining for a most lovely tale of love, life and rising from the stumbles, the history of New York is offered in rich detail and at the center of the setting is the famed real-life apartment building, The Dakota. Located on the corner of 72nd and Central Park West, enjoy the characters’ journeys as well as the journey through the city of New York.

Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Kevin

Released just this past August, buzz is already swirling around Gabrielle Kevin’s new novel Young Jane Young. A political sex scandal told through the experience of the woman who finds the only way to make it through is to change her name and move to Maine. Aviva’s life rebounds and flourishes upon doing so. And while raising a daughter, she decides to return to the political world and run for office; however, the internet did not forget what drove her to Maine, and eventually her daughter finds out the truth as well. Bringing to light the double standards that continue to be silently present for women in our culture, Kevin is receiving praise for her telling of a modern tale.

Francophile Finds

Bastide candles

It was this past August during the annual TSLL French Week that I introduced Sharon Santoni’s My Stylish French Box, and in her summer delivery a Bastide candle was sent to each of her subscribers. Needless to say, I was elated to receive the Miel de Lavande Candle (lavender honey) as lavender is forever welcomed in my home as a soothing, slumber-enducing scent. But there are many scents available, and the quality is superb. Having enjoyed my candle since August, it is currently offering its subtle Provencal scent as I type with many more hours to burn. As well, all of Bastide products are worth taking a look at, perhaps for your home and beauty pampering or maybe a gift for a loved one.

Bistronomy: Recipes from the Best New Paris Bistros by  Jane Sigal

Released just this past week with a foreword by Patricia Wells, Jane Sigal offers a cookbook that reveals a new movement in the food world of Paris. Could it be true? Yes or no, her cookbook suggests that young chefs are turning away from the pretentious and stiffness of old and turning toward a less formal and more inventive approach. In her new cookbook, she shares more than 100 recipes from the chef’s kitchens to reveal the truth of what she is observing in the Parisian culinary world.

Shopping

Theory Adrianna Cashmere Sweater (20% off)

Yesterday I shared the news of Shopbop’s End of Summer Sale, and as it ends tonight at midnight, I wanted to share one more item that is worth taking a look at if you are looking for quality cashmere sweaters to add to your fall capsule. From Theory and available in three different shades of rose, pink and blush, save 20% on their Adrianna Cashmere Sweater if you purchase less than $500 at Shopbop, and if you purchase more than $500, you will receive 25% off. Simply use the promo code EOTS17.

Television

Cold Feet

If you live in the UK, I have a feeling you have heard of the long-running comedy-drama series Cold Feet. Premiering in 1998 and inspired by the comedy premiere of the same name, it ran until 2003 following three couples and their romantic ups and downs. Picking back up last fall, the series returned with one of the couple’s sons as the lead and the comedy/drama continues.  You can view the first season on Amazon for free with a free 7-day trial of Brit-Box. 

Moveable Feast with Fine Cooking, PBS

Patricia Wells brought my attention to the fifth season (my first) of Moveable Feast with Fine Cooking as Paris is the focus of one of the episodes (which originally aired on September 23rd) during this most recent season (5th). Airing on PBS, do check your local listings for times and dates (mine aired on September 27th in the middle of the day). Have a look at the trailer for the 5th season below, and if you enjoy what you see, begin with season 1 now available here on Amazon.

~recipe for the Caramel, Pear & Pecan Lattice Pie~

The past week offered priceless moments of natural beauty, an opportunity for self-growth and a few moments to catch my breath. Norman and I went paddle boarding yesterday during what may have just been our last 80 degree day of the year. Determined to soak up the warmth, evanescent beauty as fall begins to hint at changing the colors to gold and ruby-red and finding time to be fully present and slow down, I feel fortunate to have what are now beautiful memories.

I hope you too have been enjoying September. It truly is a beautiful month, not too hot, not too cold, just right as Goldilocks would say. But it actually is all of those things and a reminder of the importance of balance, repose and working well, not more.

Below are a few articles and one video you might enjoy. Wishing you a sweet final day of September (tomorrow) and an auspicious start to October. Until Monday, bonne journée.

~Did you happen to see Oprah’s debut on 60 Minutes this past Sunday? Either way, be sure to check this video out which shares the backstory to her experience in and during her first segment.

~Moving to Paris alone . . . discover one woman’s journey

~Discover a simple French baking technique for making the flakiest pie crust for that pie you see above (doesn’t it look absolutely decadent and almost far too beautiful to eat?)

~While I’ve always been an introvert, traveling certainly did heighten my realization. However, a unique way to discover or perhaps bring to the surface more readily your introversion: 7 Interesting Ways Travel Turned Me Into an Introvert

~Is it true? Five Ways France’s Eating Habits Are Changing

~Food for thought as we dance into the weekend: 13 Reasons You Should Definitely Move Overseas in Your Lifetime



from The Simply Luxurious Life®

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