This & That: March 10, 2017
Book
—How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain by Lisa Feldman Barrett
A new book written by psychologist and neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett offers new insight into the power we have over our emotions. What if we have more control over our emotions than we thought and the universal understanding of a collective reason for certain emotions to arise is wrong? Not only does Barrett reveal her new findings, but she offers tips and ideas on how to better understand our emotions and become the master rather than the unconscious follower.
—We: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere by Gillian Anderson and Jennifer Nadel
Friends for more than ten years, actress of The X Files and journalist Jennifer Nadel have written an inspiring manual for bringing back the joy and cultivating a better life for not only ourselves but those around us. Organized around nine principles, We: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere was released this past Tuesday and it was their simple idea of replacing the “current patterns of competition, criticism, and comparison with collaboration, cooperation, and compassion” that intrigued me to look further into the contents of the book.
Citizenship
—Love Letter America
As a citizen of any representative democracy, the temptation to become complacent is ever-present when our schedules are full and we dismiss the power of one voice. But the reality is whether in good or bad times, our representatives need to know not only what we are disgruntled about but also what we are appreciative for so they will continue to fight for what we may mistakenly take for granted. Love Letter America offers many free downloadable postcards created by artists from around the world. Simply download the image you want, find out who your representative or senator is (they provide direct links) and write a message. It’s simple, it’s free and it enables you to be involved as many times as you want.
The individuals in public office work for us, so why not let them know what they are doing well and what we want to see improved?
Cookbook
—My Master Recipes: 165 Recipes to Inspire Confidence in the Kitchen “with Dozens of Variations” by Patricia Wells
I have been eagerly waiting for Patricia Wells‘ new cookbook. Having many of her previous extraordinaire cookbooks in my kitchen, her new cookbook My Master Recipes was just released this past Tuesday. Discover the basic techniques, items for your pantry and kitchen and classic recipes with (as the title indicates) multiple variations.
Francophile Find
— Monsieur & Madame Adelman
Just released this week in France, Monsieur & Madame Adelman is a rom-com receiving strong positive reviews. Beginning at the funeral of Monsieur Adelman, Madame Adelman (his partner of 50 years) is being questioned about, well, is unexpected, perhaps suspicious death. The film spans the five decades of their relationship and encapsulates their unique relationship, the highs and the lows. Take a look at the trailer and perhaps it will be a film that will soon be available in the states.
Shopping
—DVF 15% Sale in honor of International Woman’s Day
Jonathan Saunders’, the new creative director at DVF, first collection for the brand is more feminine, more modern, but still very much DVF. And through this Sunday (March 12th) receive 15% with promo code IWD15. Below are a few items that caught my eye, but you can shop the entire site here.

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—Hat Attack Small Round Handle Bag
Spring and then summer is about to arrive and this simple tote is perfect for casual warmth weather errand runs, no?
~recipe for Brioche with Chocolate~
Spring is around the corner, more daylight is being shared and this weekend I will be signing books and answering your questions at a local bookstore. If you are in western Oregon or near Eugene, be sure to stop into Lebanon’s local bookstore Think Brain Candy. On Saturday, March 11th (tomorrow) from 5-7 pm stop in, pick up a signed copy or bring your book and have it signed and say hello. I look forward to meeting you and answering your questions about how to cultivate your very own simply luxurious life. (You can stay on top of all upcoming TSLL Book Signing events by subscribing to this newsletter, and scroll to Book Release Updates or visiting TSLL Events page here.)
Whether you are traveling or staying at home this weekend, the good news is it is the weekend. And I am most certainly ready for a few mornings to sleep in, putter about the house and read, relax and just be. I do hope you have a wonderful few days of doing as you please. Below are a few articles you might enjoy and until Monday, bonne journée!
~Did you see the latest statue to be erected in New York City?
~Vacations are just around the corner as spring inches closer. Read this post to discover how to take beautiful, not clichéd photographs of your journey here.
~Wanting to work better? Perhaps the key is to incorporate more silence. Discover silence’s power here.
~A simple change to your everyday life that may change the overall quality of your life
~Heading to Paris? Meeting up with friends? Sharon Santoni recommends the perfect places to dine.
~This one is for my fellow introverts: 26 Small Difficult Things You Have to Deal with When You’re an Introvert
~And something to read on Sunday, 5 Things the Most Successful People Do on Sunday Nights