This & That: April 7, 2017

Books

—The Curse of La Fontaine: A Verlaque and Bonnet Mystery by M.L. Longworth

Upon learning of M.L. Longworth’s latest cozy mystery last fall, I have been patiently waiting for April. The sixth in the Verlaque and Bonnet series, if you haven’t started yet, I encourage you to dive in with the first, Death at the Chateau Bremont. Set in Aix-en Provence, the chemistry between the two protagonist is playful, loving and intelligent, all the while teasing your tastebuds and your wanderlust to hop to southern France the next chance you get. I am diving in to The Curse of La Fontaine next week and cannot wait.

—Solitude: In Pursuit of a Singular Life in a  Crowded World by Michael Harris

Released just this past week and already a best-seller, Michael Harris dives into the power of solitude on our mind, body and spirit, while bringing to the reader’s attention that our culture of obsessive connection due to the multitude of devices we have at our disposal may not be serving us all that well.

Film

—Their Finest

Receiving wide acclaim, Their Finest, is set in 1940 London, starring Gemma Arterton, Sam Claflin and Bill Nighy. Tapped as a comedy and described as charming, amusing and more sophisticated than most blockbusters, the fictitious tale of a neophyte screenwriter brought on to add a woman’s touch to a war propaganda film about the evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk, France, appears to be a pleasure to see in the theater. Being released this month, have a look at the trailer below.

Francophile Find

—Dinner Chez Moi: 50 French Secrets to Joyful Eating and Entertaining by Elizabeth Bard

Since expat from NYC, not living in Provence, Elizabeth Bard’s first book Lunch in Paris, I have been a fan of her writing and love for food. Released this past Tuesday, her new book is a cookbook, her first. Based on 15 years of living with her French husband and becoming a mom, she reveals her discovery of the gift of good cooking on the body as well as the senses, (hunger as foreplay? yes!). My copy arrived a few days ago and I look forward to sharing a few favorite recipes I discovered in the coming days. Stay tuned!

Kitchen

—All Clad Cookware Sale

Sur la Table is having a weekend sale on All Clad as well as other top cooking brands. Save up to 50% through Monday April 10th, and be sure to use the promo codeALLCLAD17. Here are a few of the many items to stock up on if you are in the market: stainless steel sauce pans, skillets, and sets

Shopping

—Reformation Cruz Dress (black and red also available)

A worthwhile online shopping boutique to check out is Reformation. At the moment they have some beautiful items for the spring and summer season. The Cruz dress, with it’s wrap front and hit-at-the-knee lengths offer a simple dress for travel, perusing the summer markets and relaxing no matter how warm it may become.

If you are a jumpsuit fan like myself, their black Plantain Jumpsuit is available in a unique, but classic cut to show some skin, but not too much. Perfect for days or evenings, as layering would be perfect.

—Vans US Court Sneakers

And a staple item almost all of us need, and Ines de la Fressange suggests in her new book, the white sneaker. For fewer than $60, these white Vans are classic, simple and a great find.

~recipe for Lemon Tart with Rosemary crust~

A long soak in a delicious bathtub full of bubbles is calling my name. And as it is the weekend, I cannot think of a more exquisite combination.

The jet lag is nearly gone, and just to make sure, I am certainly looking forward to extra long nights of sleep to be back in tip-top shape come Monday. How was your first full week in April? And, how is it already April? Wow. Spring is here and I think I first realized it when I woke up after having returned from my week away to notice more daylight at the early hour that I rise during the work week. There is certainly something special about this season, and I am ready to drink it up. How about you? Below are a few articles I think you might enjoy as you make your way through the weekend. Wishing you a lovely few days of rest and relaxation. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and until Monday, bonne journée!

~Did you know that the opening credits of Sex and the City could have been quite different? See this lost footage shared by Sarah Jessica Parker on her IG feed earlier this week.

—Emma Thompson talks media and its thinness problem. Food for thought. Are we, as consumers, part of the problem?

~The National Endowment for the Arts and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting  is being proposed to be cut in the federal budget. Read these two articles on the effects of the loss of arts and public education for a society: here and here.

~As the 2010s begin to wind down, what style will it be best known for? The New York Times‘ Style section predicts full coverage here. 

~Yep, it’s true. Jenna Lyons and J.Crew are parting ways. Find out the details here.

~Now for less serious matters: food! Pasta and spring, a beautiful pairing. Discover 22 pasta recipes for the season here.

~Francophiles, be sure to save this post: The 10 Best Flea Markets in France 

 

from The Simply Luxurious Life®