Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Ooh La La


If you follow on the facebook page, then you already know that I asked Jamie Cat Callan for an advanced reader copy of her new book, out this week, called Ooh La La!: French Women's Secrets to Feeling Beautiful Every Day.  Thank you Jamie for sending me the copy and with such a pretty little card too! 

I've read Jamie's two other books, French Women Don't Sleep Alone and Bonjour, Happiness and loved them.  It took me about a day to read it (I read fast) and I was absolutely delighted with the different feel of this book.  For her books, Jamie spends time in France, speaking to French women (not just in Paris), to get a real feel for their opinions and insights.  But this book felt much more insightful to Jamie herself.  It was both a book to help us as women, but also seemed a journey for Jamie as she discovered things about herself.  For instance, when discussing colors it came up that while she loves the boldness of red, blue really makes her glow. And after seeing some photos of her in Malta, where she is currently for a writing fellowship, I think you'd have to agree!
In this life, it's really easy to think you should like something or be something.  Whether it's because you've always been told so, or because you like to categorize yourself a certain way.  I love reading about a woman who is continuing to find her way, even if it goes against the way she had thought was better or wanted it to be. 

The Sensuous Woman chapter speaks to taking care of yourself, for yourself.  The Scent of a Woman had me considering my own personal scent of choice, Coco Mademoiselle, and yearning to go to a place where a true parfum could be made just for me.  And one of my favorite parts of the books is where French women of a variety of ages answer questions for us!  I have great love for elderly women and their wisdom, so that bit just tickled me!

Ooh La La!: French Women's Secrets to Feeling Beautiful Every Day comes out in just 5 days on May 28th.  You can pre-order it for a phenomenal price on Amazon ($11.85 for paperback or $9.99 for Kindle).  I'm also giving away a signed copy to one of my readers!  Use the rafflecopter below to enter.  It will last until May 30th at 12:00 a.m. and the winner will be announced that Friday, the 31st! Mandatory blog comment entry.  Seven chances total to win! Bonne Chance!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

19 comments:

  1. Bonjour, Happiness! is one of my favorite books - I've been eagerly awaiting the release of this one. You are one of the bloggers that turned me on to what I call 'Francophile self-improvement', so thank you for that!
    The thing that makes me feel full of life is actually wearing my best under garments (I'm sure you know the feeling!) and going out with my husband... preferably a sunny afternoon shopping and sitting around drinking coffee!

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  2. My pets make me feel full of life! Silly to some, I know, but they give a meaning to my life here in France when I feel I don't have one.

    I'd love to read this book. I wish I could understand French women better, and I'd love to know how I can continually improve myself (in general, but especially here in France!)

    Bisous,
    Crystal

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  3. I have pre-ordered this book and look forward to reading it! I must comment on the photo....oh to have men dress that well here! Stunning.

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  4. I'd love to entered, Kate! Thank you for hosting the give away.

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  5. Hi Kate, this is a lovely giveaway. I'm very keen on French Style books but have never read any by this author - it sounds delightful.

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  6. Love this giveaway, Kate! Thanks for doing it :) I think I feel most full of life when I feel confident in my clothes and appearance and am surrounded by people I love :)

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  7. Thank you for the opportunity! I also love reading her books.

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  8. I've never read her books before. Thank you for doing the giveaway!

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  9. I love her books and can't wait to read this one.

    Marsi
    manon729 at yahoo dot com

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  10. Anything Italian makes me full of life because I love Italy and Italians are so passionate and into heightening experiences using the five senses. I'm wearing Murano glass earrings right now and think about buying them in my favorite jewelry store in Venezia every time I put them on.

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  11. A study came out this week showing that 7th graders who were exposed to alcohol ads -- and
    liked them -- fleshlight were more likely to develop stretch
    marks may be able to blame you. Keep the snake in a plastic cup and then
    insert in the middle, like 1, 360x768 pixels and it hardly
    looks different from 1, 920x1, 080-pixel resolution.
    This is where women make a big different to how your fleshlight adult
    toy feels. You want to open up to each other, use the shift key.

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  12. I'm looking forward to this new one! I've enjoyed her other refreshing, sassy & thoughtful books & I know so many of us appreciate Calln's info & insight.

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  13. Any pleasant sensation makes me feel alive! The breeze off of the lake, a great cup of tea, the crispness of fresh bedding, the smile of a friend.

    I've heard many great things about her previous books, and have read her website. But the local library doesn't have any of them and I'm on trying to work through all of the available free media pieces before buying!

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  14. I have always been fascinated by my French friends in Sciez - they look fabulous no matter what they are doing. A scarf, the way they carry themselves - truly a French aura. Looking forward to this book!

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  15. I read French Women Don't Sleep Alone and absolutely loved it!

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  16. Exercise in the morning followed by a pot of tea in the garden set out on a lovely tea tray using my best china and tea!! A wonderful start to the day - a chance to nurture my body and my spirit!

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  17. Exercise in the morning followed by a pot of tea in the garden. Set out on a lovely tea tray with my best china and tea, I am nurturing my body and spirit :)

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  18. I've read her other books and enjoyed them. I was really glad to hear that she had a new one coming out. Can't wait to read it!.

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  19. I always enjoyed the French way of life and try to incorperate much of it - Fresh baguette, brie cheese and ratatouille is a must in my house - Love to relax with an espresso or glass of red wine in the evenings watching the sunset from my terrace.
    I did enjoy reading her other books.

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