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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

How I handle cabin fever...........and theraputic gifts for anyone experiencing SAD


I challenge anyone who visits Paris to not have a dream sequence in your head in which you think "could I move to Paris?" and then try to picture that life (hell yes). Thirty-two writers tell you exactly that in Paris Was Ours by Penelope Rowlands. Some of the writers may be familiar to you, David Sedaris, David Lebowitz, Judith Thurman, and even if they are not, their unique Paris experiences make for interesting reading. You can go directly to the book website here which will take you to Amazon and other order methods. For Canadian readers, Paris Is Ours is available for download on the Kobo e-reader and aren't  E-reader's a winter must? I don't need to tell you that this makes for a therapeutic mid-winter gift for that friend suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (aka Cabin Fever). 




I was late to the viewing game with this fascinating and hugely-popular PBS series about a proper English dynasty set in the early 1900's. It seemed everyone but me was watching Season One of Downton Abbey and I couldn't even find it here in Canada on our cable provider (though I eventually did it but it was showing the last segment). Surprisingly, I couldn't download a Amazon instant video because I am in Canada (some weird legal thing) but you can easily if you are located in the US or the UK. That wasn't going to stop me and my quick Amazon delivery of the Downton Abbey DVD set was timed so perfectly yesterday that I got absolutely giddy. I put the jammies on, got the puppy settled, the husband fed, and then settled in for non-stop viewing, my favorite kind once I acknowledge the snow is not going anywhere quite yet. I didn't make it through the whole set but will be getting the jammies back on early tonight to finish up.................this DVD makes for a fabulous winter gift for anyone who loves historical dramas and marathon viewing (in their jammies). Cabin fever..........much better. And I just read Season Two is underway somewhere on this TV of mine, cabin fever..............cured.


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18 comments:

  1. Mary Ann PickettFebruary 23, 2011 at 3:10 PM

    We lived in Paris for two years when the children were little. The oldest is still fluent in French. For now, we are happy with little trips back. I will have to read "Paris Was Ours" Thanks.
    Mary Ann

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  2. Gigi ThibodeauFebruary 23, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Oooooooh! I adore Downton Abbey!!!! I watched the whole first series on Netflix a couple of weeks ago. Seriously, I gobbled it up from start to finish. It is exactly my kind of show. So much fun! xo Gigi

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  3. AnonymousFebruary 23, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    I'll read anything by David Sedaris, thanks for enlightening me.
    As for Downton Abbey, I am waiting impatiently for series two.
    X David

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  4. AnnaFebruary 23, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    So excited for the second series of Downton Abbey! A long ways off but for sure this cures cabin fever! Other Netflix I am loving right now... Nowhere in Africa, Heartbreaker, and North and South.

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  5. AnonymousFebruary 23, 2011 at 4:19 PM

    Two perfect gifts. I am off to order!! x

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  6. The enchanted homeFebruary 23, 2011 at 5:38 PM

    Paris was ours sounds right up my alley because YES I can see myself living there and I intend one day, to maybe give it a go, not in my next life..this one! It is my personal dream city and we were there a month ago and though I am physically here I am emotionally and mentally there, awwwhhh...all that beauty, at every corner! Will read for sure. Thanks for the tip and yet another reminder why so much of us are inamored with Paris.

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  7. Renae MooreFebruary 23, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    I haven't been to Paris in almost 15 years....it time to go! I think I need to get this series!
    AND sweet Miss Daisy, how could one not whisper sweet things in her ear?
    xo

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  8. AnonymousFebruary 23, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    Just finished reading Paris Was Ours a week ago and enjoyed it, a fun read. The film series I absolutely adored and can't wait for more.

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  9. JuliaFebruary 23, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    So nice to have a new reading idea! Thanks. Just finished Sarah's Key, which, though sad, was interesting to read about many of the streets and places we had walked on our family vacations.

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  10. ceeceeFebruary 23, 2011 at 11:51 PM

    I'll definitely be reading this. Thanks for the info. Loved the Anthropologie post, too, Sande. Spring is on the way. (I actually didn't know what SAD was. Get it all the time.)
    Catherine xx

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  11. Boho Farm and HomeFebruary 24, 2011 at 12:17 AM

    Thank you for the book recommendation! This sound like a perfect read. And I too LOVE Downton Abbey...I think you have a wonderful plan with those pj's, puppy and a marathon. That is another recommendation I will gladly take too! xo

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  12. FrenchBlueFebruary 24, 2011 at 1:00 AM

    Sounds like a plan to me... I need to unplug into "cabin fever" for a little while. This world is rough sometimes. Thanks sweet Sande for the tips:)
    Xoo's

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  13. quintessenceFebruary 24, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    I am most definitely ordering this book and even though I watched (obsessed over) season 1 of Downton Abbey - I think I may just have to order the DVD to last me until the next season - word has it they're not even starting to shoot until next month!!

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  14. Simply Mel {Reverie}February 25, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    Sande ~

    Thank you... seriously, the crumb and I have been hit by a nasty bug, and we need good viewing fun. She constantly asks for 'love stories' or period pieces, so this will be fun.

    and the book, well, I've added it to my wish list.

    Bisous,
    Melissa

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  15. Penelope RowlandsFebruary 27, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    Hi Sande,

    I just came across your very pretty site, which I've enjoyed.

    Thank you so much for writing such a nice review of my book, Paris Was Ours!

    As for cabin fever, we in the NYC area have gone mad with it this winter. I can only imagine what it's like further north! In any case, it should soon be behind us....

    Thanks again & best wishes, Penelope Rowlands

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  16. Gabriella {sensiblyluxe}February 27, 2011 at 6:20 PM

    Thank you for the book suggestion. It is too bad I have made my bookstore trip for the weekend, but I will be sure to pick it up at the next chance.

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  17. UnknownMarch 2, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    Hi Sande o glad to find you Ill be in Paris in March good to have a taster ! I have subscibed fay xx

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  18. Exquisite AccessoriesJune 24, 2011 at 2:05 AM

    Hi Sande have been going through all your post been so out of the blogging due to house build & being ill back on track Yay i so wanted to watch Down Town Abby (was on OZ TV) missed it will have to get the series on DVD it sounded very good.

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Your comments are such a lovely addition to my day. Thank you.