Friday Miscellany: Shoes, Books And Food…

block heel suede mules

After looking at these rust-colored suede mules online for a few weeks, I bit and ordered them. We’re very happy together. They’re a perfect blend of summer style and fall color, which means I’ll be able to wear them for the next few months here. (If you’re between sizes, go 1/2 size up. I’m usually a 7 in sandals and open-toe shoes and I’m wearing the 7.5 here.) Look for an outfit post featuring these soon….

I’d meant to read “The Only Street In Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs” before our Paris visit, but ran out of time. I started it on our flight home and have really been enjoying it. Elaine Sciolino, who was the Paris bureau chief for the New York Times writes in depth about the history and current long-time residents of this uniquely Parisian street/neighborhood. It’s a very engaging read, and a book that you can tackle a chapter at a time.

Le Monsieur has been reading “Rice, Noodle, Fish: Deep Travels Through Japan’s Food Culture” to help prepare for our visit to Japan next month. He says there is a lot of useful information for first-time visitors about customs and practical matters as well as food, and I’ll be reading it once he’s done. I’ve learned a few things just researching on my own. For example: wi-fi can be hard to come by even in metropolitan areas, so it’s recommended to rent a portable wi-fi device for your visit. And many businesses are still cash-only, so be prepared to make frequent trips to the ATM.

farmers market produce

In other food-related news, I’ve been making a point to visit our local Tuesday afternoon farmers’ market. It’s a good one! Only a block long but there’s a decent variety of produce, some of it organic, and some other local bakeries and prepared food vendors. I was happy to find some of these “French” radishes (the red and white ones) as they’re a little milder and great for snacking. It gets quite busy, so I try to go soon after they’re open and set up. I look forward to being a regular.

Last Sunday we had a pizza party birthday celebration for jeune homme, who turned 19 this week. His housemates and some family friends joined us and he really seemed to enjoy himself. It’s the first time in many years we’ve been able to have a birthday party for him because of past behavioral issues, and we’re so grateful that it went so well. I think the living situation is really agreeing with him.

And finally, there are still a few days to enter the giveaway of some gorgeous beauty products from Makeover Workshop. Go HERE for details and to enter to win.

Bon weekend!

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13 Comments

  1. The Only Street in Paris is a wonderful book and the street, itself, is quite interesting, starting in the 9th arrond. and ending in Montmartre in the 18th. A good walk from the 6th where we stay, especially the steep incline of the rue des Martyrs!

    Next trip, try and visit le Projet Plante, Paris’ “High Line” that takes you from Place Bastille to Vincennes. Who can sit still in Paris?!

    Glad to read that your son enjoyed his birthday party so much.

  2. I really enjoyed The Only Street in Paris. Reading about favourite destinations always transports me. It is so nice that you were able to have a birthday party for jeune homme and that he is enjoying his new home.

  3. Another one is “Paris to the Moon,” by Adam Gopnik.
    I love the shape of that heel.
    Re radishes: have you ever cooked them? Try them sliced and sautéed in butter. Including the greens. It’s a thing here.

  4. First, happy birthday to your son! I’m glad to hear he’s doing so well.
    Shoes, books and food – my favorite things! I’m crazy about those shoes – that block heel!

  5. Happy Birthday to your young man! This is a delightful post — it’s very obvious how the change of career/work situation is suiting you. I’ll add the Paris book to my list, perhaps the Japan one as well. Friends of ours with a boutique adventure travel country lead a boutique culinary+ tour there, and when I see their IG photos I’m very tempted. Can’t wait to see the country through your eyes. . .
    Absolutely concur with Sandra, above, that the Promenade Plantée is worth taking time for, and I can’t remember if you’ve visited it already or not. We try to get to it every visit, if at all possible. (I learned about it on Paris: A Photo a Day, perhaps a decade ago — I miss Eric’s blog, do you remember it?)

  6. I recently finished reading the “Only Street In Paris” as well. I love all the books about Paris. I also loved “The Little Paris Bookshop” and “Paris: The Novel”. I am always attracted to any book with Paris in the title.

  7. Don’t think you’ll need the portable wifi in Japan unless you are not staying in hotels. I visited there many times without any difficulties. Also 4g and lte data is available although you may have roaming charges! Enjoy your visit. It is a wonderful country.

  8. Glad your son had a good birthday and that his new living arrangement is going so well. My son turns 19 next week.

    I enjoy posts like this, with a mishmash of tidbits. I always love to hear what people are reading and eating.

  9. oooh, I’ve been eyeing those mules all summer, particularly loved the not-taupe but darker shade that is long gone. can’t wait to see them styled!