Thursday, August 21, 2014

Ooh La La Paris with Jamie Cat Callan...fingers crossed!

I'm dreaming of Paris...
I've wanted to go to Paris for a long time.
I think it all started when I was a preteen and wore Evening in Paris cologne...those beautiful shaped cobalt blue perfume sets were regular gifts at Christmas and birthdays. Dabbing cologne on my pulse points made me feel very feminine and grown up.
I adore Audrey Hepburn and have watched all of her films many times.
I am particularly fond of her role in Sabrina...
do you remember when Sabrina comes back from Paris after attending cooking school with her new chic coiffure and her haute couture ensemble?
She exudes French Chic Style.

I am surprised that it has taken me so long to actually get motivated to go to Paris as I have wanted to go there for as long as I can remember...

Our two children arrived when I was in my early 20's so I could not just pack up and leave them...
then I was busy with my career.
It is only now that I am retired that I feel ready to make the trip.
It could be my 60th birthday present!

The French classes are starting up again next month after the summer break and I have registered and paid my dues.
I hope to join in the Cafe Pause locally one afternoon a week to converse entirely in French with others interested in practising the art of conversation...how better to prepare for interactions in Paris than to chat over a coffee?


My Paris plans have changed as my travel mate is having second thoughts so I have my name on Jamie Cat Callan's Ooh La La Paris Tour waiting list for next May. 
You may know Jamie through her books...
if you haven't read her books you are in for a treat.
I love her writing style and her Parisian flair.
Her books are the perfect summer read especially of you are dreaming of Paris and French Chic Style.

Jamie graciously entertained 12 lucky women this past May while they saw the highlights of the city and were privileged enough to get "behind the scenes" in several exclusive shops.
By all accounts they had a delightful time...
I now have my hopes pinned on joining Jamie as she leads this tour next year.
I think I'll be re-reading Jamie's books to get me prepped for the tour!


I am saving in earnest for my trip to Paris.
A while back I mentioned that I was trying to figure out how to sell some of my modernist jewelry and I have recently rented a shelf in the local antique mall Vanity Fair on Fort Street.
So far I have successfully sold a beautiful Robert Larin bracelet.

I plan to keep the theme of my shelf in the modernist style...
I have some teak Dansk items, and lots of Swedish and Finnish art glass.
There are bangles and darling daughter is going to put some jewelry in as well.
I hope that this venture will prove to be a viable way to add to my savings...



Summertime is a great time to pick up a good book...
books do not have a season but I find more time to read when we are aboard our boat.
It is a much smaller space than the Humble Bungalow and there is no garden to take care of...
so when I have the boat ship shape it leaves me time to read.


In the spirit of thrift (and saving for Paris!) these books were borrowed from our public library.


I watched a TV series that sounds a lot like this book


I'll be visiting the Riviera (vicariously) when I delve into the pages of this one!

I'll continue to work hard to save for my Paris dream trip.
Are you dreaming and saving for something special?

I will be posting sporadically over the next week as I have a blog break planned so if you don't hear from me do not fret I will be back soon.

Hostess

34 comments:

Patricia said...

Good luck with your savings plan - it will be worth every cent. We are off to Paris tomorrow morning ... I don't get to say that very often in my life :)) It is always completely wonderful.

Anonymous said...

I hope you make the trip. Wouldn't it be fun to take this trip with your best friends!

Duchesse said...

Saving "for" something is so much fun than just plan saving! In addition to your fun reads, might you be interested in some histories of Paris, such as "Seven Ages of Paris" or "How Paris Became Paris"? It's even more fun to stroll amidst the remarkable streets and monuments with a bit of background knowledge.

The Vivenne Files said...

I am ALWAYS saving for Paris - Belovedest and I decided years ago that there was nothing that we wanted to do or have that could take the place of travel - especially Paris. That decision changed everything for us...
big hug,
Janice

Jen Lawrence said...

A lot of the happiness of a trip is in the preplanning, they say, so yours is a wise approach. Paris is such a wonderful city. I hope you get on the tour you want but if you don't, go anyways. With your language skills and lots of interesting day tours, you'd have no trouble at all there.

Madame Là-bas said...

Paris is my all-time favourite place to visit! I just finished a book called The Paris Architect by Charles Bellfoure. I also read the two histories that the Duchesse mentions. Reading books about Paris is a way to transport one's self. I even have Eloise in Paris. I hope that you are able to get on your Jamie Cat tour. For your first visit, the tour would be great fun. I met with my French conversation "student" yesterday and she is feeling far more confident with her French. Hope that you are able to sell some of your merchandise. What a good idea!

Anonymous said...

I like your idea of day tours. Any recommendations?

Pondside said...

It's always good to have a goal - a dream - to save for. I have always found anticipation to be half the fun! Your ideas for extra savings are good, and will add to your poche of Euros. Good Luck!!

Lorrie said...

I always find the saving, anticipation and planning stage of a trip just as satisfying as actually being there. Paris - you'll love it.
And what is Cafe Pause? I'd love to know more.

Susan ~ Southern Fascinations said...

I so hope you do make the list for the Ooh La La Paris group! Sounds like an exciting experience with someone like Jamie, who knows and loves Paris! Best wishes on your selling and saving plans. Thanks for sharing what's on your book list...happy weekend!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Cafe Pause is an hour long session at the Windsor Pavillion in Oak Bay where people bring their tea or coffee and meet up to converse in French.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Lucky you! I hope you have a fabulous holiday :-)

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

It would be fantastic to have a lot of friends along...I think this trip will be a wonderful opportunity to make new friends too.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I will reserve those books at the library Duchesse...and you both are right about how much more fun it is to save when one has a tangible goal like Paris!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I am sure that we will be busy seeing the sights and walking a lot.
One could never see everything so I think a tour for the first visit is a good idea...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you and I've made a note of that title...
I know how passionate you are about your Paris holidays...I loved all your Paris posts and think you are a great traveller.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I think it is better to save in advance rather than have a huge debt to face when one returns home!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh I am ever hopeful that I will be on the tour...if not I'll get there somehow!

Anonymous said...

If you go to Paris in May, you could end your trip in London. Chelsea tickets go on sale Dec. 1 to the public. I have not gone to Paris, but London walks tours are a must and I noticed there is a Paris company that is similar. I've found the most interesting things just walking around London and not being on a tour. Gonzales Beach Cottage.

Anonymous said...

Yes I am! Mr T has a conference next year in London so I am really excited that we will visit Europe again after thirty eight years! Last time we were fairly newly married and travelled in a pop up van hippy style. We had our best friends on board with us and many times we just camped at roadside stops unless a shower or washing was required. Its amazing how clean you can keep yourself with an all over wash in a bucket of hot water! We did stay in hotels in London and Malta and that was a real treat. This time I am looking forward to eating out as we self catered back then for most of our three months. Isn’t it funny, I can’t even remember what we ate for dinner at night. Lunch was always fresh bread, cheese from Holland (we bought a couple of rounds of Edam) or tomato. Meat was too expensive. We shall be more upmarket this time but our relative poverty at that time didn’t stop us from having the best of times. We haven’t got dates and places organised yet but Paris is on the list. Can’t wait! I have only schoolgirl french but Mr. T. speaks Italian and Maltese. Your tour sounds amazing. Tonkathxx

La Vie Quotidienne said...

This sounds like a perfect way to visit Paris. I would like to go back to but I am not good at traveling that far alone, this sounds like something I might eventually like to do, you will have to let us all know how it goes. I am sure it will be wonderful!

Bonnie said...

I am keeping my fingers crossed for you. Paris is on my list as well. We will see. Thanks for the book recommendations. I haven't had time to read much these past two weeks. Hoping to return to some semblance of routine after Labor Day. Enjoy your break.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Hello Gonzales Cottage...I wonder if I walk by your house on my walking route.
Chelsea is on my bucket list...I plan to travel to Auvillar France to visit friends after Paris so Chelsea might have to wait until Mr. HB and I travel to the UK together when he retires.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I loved hearing about your adventures in a van...sounds like a lot of fun.
I have high school French too but am taking classes to become more confident speaking. You may want to take a class closer to your departure time although everyone says that it is not needed in Paris but I will be traveling to Auvillar which is a very small town so it will come in handy when I visit.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I think tours are great for women travelling alone...will definitely report back on this!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Bonnie... routines are so important aren't they?
I like to schedule in an hour of reading time every afternoon when I am at home and when we are boating I have oodles more free reading time which is such a luxury.
Enjoy your weekend.

Anonymous said...

The tour looks lovely! I would recommend going to Galleries Lafayette (shopping )and looking up at the stained glass ceiling, while in the Musee D'Orsay looking into the dining room of the upstairs restaurant. Both gorgeous. The Musee de Rodin is wonderful and doesn't take too long as well as the Cluny (which is close to Notre Dame). I love Edith Piaf and enjoyed walking up Rue de Pigalle to the Sacre Coeur. Bon chance!

materfamilias said...

Exciting plans! The tour is a great way to do the trip on your own. You already know from the books that you will love the Paris Jamie Cat Callan can show you.

Anonymous said...

It looks like a very short tour (3 or 4 days?)! I don't know, if I were to go, I would probably stay a few more days on my own after the tour ends. They can probably arrange for an extended stay for you at the hotel. :-) Emily

Lynne said...

Good for you . . . save away . . . Paris in May sounds perfect.
A perfect gift to self for a 60th!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

The tour is seven days and I plan to go a few days ahead and then travel to visit friends in Auvilar..

Duchesse said...

Yes, the Musée Rodin; for me it is the most moving of all museums. My husband breaks down every time.

LostRoses said...

Your post reminds me of the charming made-for-TV movie, Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Paris, with Angela Lansbury. That would be fun pre-trip watching!

Deborah Montgomery said...

Sounds like a wonderful tour. Hope you get to take it. I've read her books too. And saving up and dreaming about something I think is a lot of the fun.