This & That: July 17, 2026

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A fun French series returns, and a new one is introduced! A curious and beloved traveler takes us with her in the second season of a curiosity-driven series to take in the awesomeness of life, and books about bookshops and their history, the history of Britain (shared in a unique and signature way), the transformative power and many gifts we receive from taking a sabbatical, and two cookbooks that look delicious for cooking seasonally and from the locale. Also, so many summer clothes to keep us cool, and many of the finds are on sale. Still, there is more!, Big Time Off: The Transformative Power of Sabbaticals and How to Take One by DJ DiDonna

If you’ve ever considered taking a sabbatical or are in the middle of planning to do so, this is a book to pick up. To be released this coming Tuesday, Big Time Off “integrates original research and compelling stories of sabbatical-takers from all walks of life, from teachers and nonprofit leaders to startup founders and Fortune 500 employees exploring why extended time away from work has such a profound effect on people’s identity, relationships, creativity, and direction. What readers will learn:

A young protagonist (she’s 23) meets a charismatic naval officer. Before she knows it, she’s “got a ring on her finger and is following him to the tiny, sun-drenched Mediterranean island of La Maddalena, where he will be heading up Radiological Controls aboard a submarine tender.”

“But having a brother who died in Vietnam, [for her] home is a loaded word, and as she settles into life on the island, taking Italian lessons and learning to make culurgiones, she begins to love the place for all the ways it is not like where she comes from. Still, it doesn’t take long for Eileen to be confronted with the complexities of being an American abroad.” Throw into the equation political priorities, nuclear submarines, Italian activists, and a faltering marriage, and the plot becomes thick quickly., A History of Booksellers and the Bookshop by Jean-Yves Mollier (author), George Forty (translator)

Translated from French to English, A History of Booksellers and the Bookshop shares how “across the world and from antiquity to the present day, men and women have enabled authors to disseminate their ideas and knowledge, helping readers to become enriched by their words. Over the centuries, a profession was invented, the bookseller, a role forever renewing to adapt to an ever-changing world.”

“Historian Jean-Yves Mollier guides us through the mysteries of a vital cultural industry that has been at the crossroads between the world of ideas and that of the economy. It is a homage to all booksellers and a book for all book lovers that investigates the twists and turns through time that have led the book into the hands of its reader.” Also available in eBook here .

In only two episodes, released just last year and recently becoming available on PBS, Brian and Maggie depicts the famous interview between two old friends. Adapted from the book by Robert Burley, released in 2023, Why is This Lying Bastard Lying to Me? , this interview occurred on October 29, 1989. Newscaster and journalist Brian Walden and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher come together for their last ever TV interview, having known and sat down for official, similar interviews in the past. Little do they realize that they’re about to embark on one of the most famous political exchanges of all time. Have a look at the trailer below. I watched it last evening and quite enjoyed it.

The book from which the limited series is adapted by Rob Burley, Why is this Lying Bastard Lying to Me?, The Discovery of Britain: An Accidential History, from 500 Million BC to the Next Election by Graham Robb

Released back in May, if you have read Graham Robb’s previous history books, you know this is not a typical book of that genre. “The prize-winning author of The Discovery of France , who often shares discoveries from the unique vantage point of his bicycle, in his new book The Discovery of Britain , we encounter an entertaining cast of characters foreign and homegrown, drop in on places and events, and dwell on the successes and catastrophes across British history.”

“From ancient settlements swallowed up by the sea and the creation of Stonehenge to the advent of multiculturalism and recent political earthquakes, all is seen as it’s never been seen before.”

“With intriguing maps and illustrations throughout, The Discovery of Britain can be devoured whole or each chapter read in the time it takes to change a bicycle tyre or drink a cup of coffee.”, La Copine: New California Cooking from an Oasis in the Desert by Claire Wadsworth and Nikki Hill

Chosen as Bon Appétit ‘s Best New Cookbooks of Spring 2026, La Copine takes us out to the California desert, near Joshua Tree. Named after the restaurant of the same name, with celebrity clientele and glowing reviews in the New York Times , Eater , Vogue , and others, this restaurant is beloved by California visitors and locals alike. In their debut cookbook, La Copine , Wadsworth and Hill share stories of their love, life, community, and the spirit of La Copine, one delicious recipe at a time.”, Riviera: Recipes from the Coast of France and Italy, 101 Unfussy Mediterranean Dishes for Effortless Summer Entertaining by Melanie Masarin

Released earlier this spring, Melanie Masarin’s cookbook is a “love letter to the Riviera, where French and Italian flavors meet in 101 sun-soaked, unfussy recipes (most with 10 ingredients or fewer) that capture the warmth of Mediterranean life.”

“This is a collection of simple French and Italian dishes that Mélanie grew up cooking, as taught by her beloved grandmother, Mymo, whose handwritten recipes and philosophy on cooking and entertaining guide every page:

Riviera adheres to so much of what simply luxurious cooking is all about, dancing in the kitchen, cooking in season and discovering how simple good food can be.

He’s back! They’re back! It’s back! I must admit, I thoroughly enjoyed the premiere season of this new dramedy series, Simon Colman , starring Jean-Michel Tinivelli (from Alice Nevers ). Set in Aix-en-Provence, along with being a respected detective who relocates from Paris, he is also an uncle to three nieces and nephews who need him to be their in loco parentis after their parents tragically died in an accident. Look for the second season to premiere next Tuesday with six episodes, one or two to drop each week. A trailer of the new season is below.

Get your kitchen prepped and ready for the second half of the year, which brings the holiday feasting season! With savings up to 50%, and just about everything on sale, whatever you need, it looks like you will be saving nicely. I have shopped a few finds below (a lot of Le Creuset is on sale).

Speaking of Le Creuset, while most of my finds of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale are clothing, skincare, and accessories, there are a few kitchen and home finds as well, and one or two our from this trusted French cookware brand. Click through to shop because if you are a cardmember with Nordstrom, the sale is now open, and opens for everyone tomorrow, Saturday July 18th.

If you are looking to personalize a medium-sized canvas tote, this is where to go. BaubleBar gives you oodles of customization options with all that you can have embroidered on this tote, and the price is quite nice. I can see this being a fun and highly functional handbag for a teacher, but really, for anyone who wants to make their everyday tote uniquely their own.

During summer, when it comes to sleeping, the objective is to stay cool and comfortable and these shorts look to be just that. The matching top is available as well., Emerson Fry’s Mandarin Collar Top, Cloud Seersucker organic

Another item for comfort in the heat, with subtle, timeless style as well. Tuck in or leave hanging loose, either way, it will look great and feel just as wonderfully on the skin while in the heat., Janis Riad Print Halter Dress in light crinkle gauze , on sale

A statement summer maxi dress that is also quite neutral in its own way., Lauren Ralph Lauren’s Wide-Leg Denim short-sleeve jumpsuit

Short-sleeved jumpsuit. Denim, tie waist. Loving this for spring and autumn. Wear with heels for dressing it up or with flats or boots as well., Lauren Ralph Lauren’s Linen-Blend Twill Blazer , some colors on sale

Earlier this week, the Signature Style series shared Part Sept (7) , and while we were talking all about belts , I shared that next month we will explore all there is to know about blazers. And having finally found a navy linen blazer that fits me, I have been wearing it quite often. The material is ideal for keeping us cool as well as offering the style to elevate a look, so when I saw these were on sale from Lauren Ralph Lauren, I wanted to share.

An everyday heel that keeps the foot cool while keeping the toes covered. And the height is quite nice as well., Ruti’s Uptown Loose Linen Pant, stripes , solid colors available

One more linen find for the week, and this one has a flat front but hangs generously loosely while drawing to a slight taper at the ankle. Perfect for summer leisure while keeping the style quotient in mind.

She’s back! Tracee Ellis Ross that is to take us on her solo travels. In the second season, she visits Morocco, Mexico, and Spain, and it all begins on July 20th. Have a look at the trailer below.

This sunflower, spied in a bouquet at our local farmers’ market, drew me like a magnet, and I had to capture a photo. Seconds after I snapped it, it was purchased by a fellow market-visitor, and I completely understand why, gorgeous!

A bustling week of posts on the blog this week, beginning Sunday and continuing to offer a new post each day of the week. The new podcast episode, #430 , quickly became a reader/listener favorite as 7 steps were shared for A Mid-Year Check-In List for Living on Purpose , the new Signature Style post (part sept) was shared on Tuesday and the post begins with sharing how a simple shift in phrasing, an approach utilized by French women to create their effortless style, is helping to guide our decisions when it comes to this 12-month wardrobe project along with learning all about how to shop for your best belts. Monday’s Motivational post reminds us of the journey toward what we seek and what it gives u s, and yesterday, as shared above in the Shopping section above, I shopped the entire Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for you and brought 100+ items to share in this post .