The Blog.
Looking for something specific?
You can click on the hyperlinked ‘tags’ and ‘categories’ located at the top and bottom of each post, or simply use the box below to search the entire blog by keyword, subject, category, or tag!
Read: “Lady’s Maid,” a historical fiction romance about Elizabeth and Robert Browning
A criminally under-read historical fiction romance about Elizabeth Barrett Browning and her life with the poet Robert Browning, as told from the fictional perspective of her Lady’s Maid, Wilson.
Watch: The Barretts of Wimpole Street (1934)
This 1934 classic film covers the real-life romance of poets Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning. Aided by her Lady’s Maid, Elizabeth escapes her abusive father to start a new life in Italy with her husband.
Go: Casa Guidi, Home of Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Visit Casa Guidi: A hidden gem museum off the beaten path in Florence, Italy that preserves the home of famous poets Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
Read: West With Giraffes
Based on a remarkable true story about two African giraffes who overcame incredible challenges to come to the San Diego Zoo in America in 1938.
Watch: Giraffes: Africa’s Gentle Giants
A heartbreaking and heartwarming documentary; Dr. Julian Fennessy and his wife team up with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to round up twenty of the world’s rarest giraffes.
Go: The World Famous San Diego Zoo!
Known for conservation and preservation, the world famous San Diego Zoo has 400 animals, 800 species, and 100 open air acres.
Read: “Anxious People” by Frederik Backman
Backman has brilliantly managed to write a laugh-out-loud comedy, a fine and clever mystery, and an insightful, deeply felt character-driven narrative. I’m always rewarded when I stick with his books!
Watch: “Anxious People” on Netflix
Netflix’s adaptation of “Anxious People” is a mystery, a comedy, and a dram; but most importantly it’s a story about ordinary people who experience fear, anxiety, awkwardness, and inhibitions in their everyday lives.
Go…to therapy! Author Frederik Backman encourages healing
‘Anxious People’ need and deserve support! Here are a few forms of therapy, from traditional “talk therapy” to small, everyday mental health practices that may be able to help alleviate anxiety…
Read: Lady Almina & the Real Downton Abbey
The true story of Lady Almina who brought a generous dowry to her marriage in exchange for a title & a place in the British aristocracy at the real-life Downton: Highclare Castle.
Watch: Downton Abbey, the TV Series & Feature Film
For six glorious seasons, millions of us were hopelessly besotted with the Victorian splendor of Downton Abbey. Re-live the splendor by bringing the real story to life!
Go: Tour Highclere Castle, England
The perfect day trip guide to Highclere Castle, the real-life inspiration and filming location of the Downton Abbey TV series and movies.
Read: “Under the Tuscan Sun”
Even if you’ve seen the movie, it’s absolutely worth reading the book “Under the Tuscan Sun” by Frances Mayes. The plot varies from the film (as real life often does!) and will have you craving the tastes, sights, and feelings of Italy.
Watch: “Under the Tuscan Sun”
Though it differs greatly from the plot of the memoir it’s based on, the film adaptation of “Under the Tuscan Sun” is an absolute MUST watch! Grab a glass of limoncello and indulge.
Go: Where to visit, stay, and eat in Cortona, Italy
Experience the real life magic of “Under The Tuscan Sun” in this self-guided tour of Cortona Italy. From favorite restaurants to visiting sites from the book and movie- we’ve got you covered!
Read: The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society
Besides falling in love with the characters and desperately wanting to join their literary society, this book is a virtual history lesson about a piece of the War not much has been written about before.
Watch: Netflix’s ‘The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society’
Movies can never replace a great book, but in the case of “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”, it’s possible to love and appreciate both, even though in several ways they are quite different…
Go: Self-Guided Tour of The Isle of Guernsey
Bring the Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society to life on the Isle of Guernsey; one of the beautiful Channel Islands located off the coast of Normandy, France.
Read: ‘Bury Your Dead’ by Louise Penny
Dive into the fascinating and mysterious world of Inspector Gamache, Head of Homicide in Quebec and lead character in Louise Penny’s award-winning mystery series.
Watch: S1E4 “Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown: Quebec”
Tease your tastebuds with Anthony Bourdain as he explores the brutal winter and rich cuisine of Quebec, Canada in this episode of ‘Parts Unknown’.