Friday Miscellany: Travel Plans, Sunscreen And More

View of Louvre across rue de Rivoli, Paris.
Paris On The Horizon

During a conversation this week, we realized that we’re only a little over 3 months out from our next trip to France! We’ve been making decisions on hotels and some guided day tours/excursions. I’m really excited about this trip, and exploring a new (to us) part of France. And we’ll have a full week in Paris this time, which I’m thrilled about! It seems the more we visit Paris, the longer my list of “things I want to do next time” gets.

A few of you have asked me about hotels in Paris. I’ve reviewed several of my favorites here. I’ll keep adding to this list as we find new places we like, and will be working on similar guides for some favorite restaurants, shopping and other things to do in Paris.

Supergoop! mineral sunscreen SPF 40. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

SPF’d Up…

I’ve been on the hunt for a mineral sunscreen that a) is paraben-free, b) isn’t tested on animals, and c) isn’t too thick or greasy to wear under makeup. This one scores on all points! And the packaging is travel-friendly. I hadn’t paid much attention to this brand (Supergoop!) until we were in Colorado last week, and then I saw it everywhere. I picked up the stick sunscreen from the same brand to carry with me skiing, and was quite pleased with it. So when we arrived home, I tracked down this lighter liquid version for every day. It goes on without leaving a white film, and doesn’t fight with foundation.

At Home

I WANT to show you our new kitchen, I really do. But the last few bits of finish work are dragging on, and they’re bits that are visible and/or functional. I’m learning (and have now had a few friends confirm) that construction people generally aren’t into doing the finish work. We’ve partially moved back in and are able to use most of the space, but those stragglers are annoying.

A Few Sale Temptations…

Paul Green loafer on sale. These are great shoes for travel! Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Those who have read this blog for any length of time may know that I’m a huge fan of Paul Green shoes. They can’t be beat for for comfort, they’re excellent for travel, and they hold up well. But yes, they can be pricey. I’ve had my eye on these penny loafers for my spring travel wardrobe, and may bite now that they’re 40% off. I love the metallic, but they’re also available in navy or light brown suede.

Paul Green metallic perforated leather flats. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

These flats are sleek enough for evenings, but still comfortable enough for daytime walking. Currently 20% 60% off.

Silk top with champagne glass print. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Another thing tempting me this week is this silk top with champagne glasses print. It’s also available in off-white. I’ve discovered that a lightweight “throw it on and go” top like this is a great addition to my wardrobe. It layers easily under a jacket, or can be worn on its own or over a camisole. The print adds visual interest without being overwhelming. And it’s 57% off.

More Sales Worth A Second Look…

Eileen Fisher on sale at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

Ann Taylor: 40% off full-price styles with code GETMORE.

Chico’s: buy 1, get 1 50% off (full-priced styles). Code 22590.

J.Jill: extra 40% off all sale styles.

J.Crew: 30% off purchase and free shipping with code SOGOOD.

Lands’ End: 30% off full-price styles with code FAMILY, pin 2714.

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Bon weekend!

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16 Comments

  1. Some of my favorite things: The roof of the Institut du Monde Arabe–great view! Musée de Cluny. Place des Vosges. The hammam at the Grande Mosquée (and mint tea and pastries in the garden). The brasserie (now called Grand Coeur) at 41 rue du Temple–sit outside and watch the dance classes going on in the windows around the courtyard–the Centre du Danse du Marais also is there; kind of “Rear Window” to music. The basement quincaillerie of BHV. The “unctuous” hot chocolate at Plaza Athénée.
    Have fun!
    What is the new-to-you region? You must come to Carcassonne some day!

    1. L’Institut du Monde arabe also has some very good exhibits and a gift shop of note. Also, the Jewish Art and History Museum, in the Marais, celebrating its 20th anniversary: https://www.mahj.org/fr

      Normally, my not-so-inner history geek would send you to Musée Carnavalet (history of the city of Paris) but it is in the midst of a major renovation/restoration so closed until 2019. They are holding tours of Paris neighbourhoods (I don’t know whether any are in English; consult the site: http://www.carnavalet.paris.fr/

      Have you been to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont? As it is in the northeast, it probably gets fewer tourists than some other parks and gardens. Some spectacular views from on high. Easy to reach by bus or métro.

      By the way, I really like the new font for your blog title.

  2. Enjoying a play in French with English titles above. Done by Theatre in Paris. They do 4 or 5 plays at a time. I like their comedies best

  3. Eager to find out what part of France could be new to you. We are heading to the Loire Valley in late April. You are carrying an umbrella in most of your archived photos from your trip there, also in late spring. Not encouraging, but good to know.

  4. Silver Paul Green loafers arrived yesterday. Super comfortable and cute. I don’t think I would have jumped at full price but on sale, they worked for me. Thanks for the link!

  5. Hello! Just chiming in, Susan…I’d like to recommend a really good sunscreen called Kynesis, which used to be available in Costco and London Drugs (at least in Canada) but is now an exclusively online product at kynesisactive.ca …..its a liquid pump spray, that comes in 15, 30 and 50 SPF, fragranced and unfragranced. I bought it when I was doing a lot of running, and really disliked the creamier sunscreens as they made me feel greasy, and even the lighter sprays I could find had a strange alcohol-like base that was both sticky and itchy.I felt like I was applying an insect repellent. This Kinesis is really effective even under sweaty runners conditions, and incredibly lightweight. You can spray it on after washing and moisturizing and before applying makeup. It has a very light oily feel when it first goes on, but within a couple of minutes it disappears on your skin, without any alcohol evaporation feel, or irritation, it simply absorbs, and you can easily apply a makeup base on it without any smearing. It lasts and lasts, both on your skin and as a product, one bottle lasts a long time, it won’t cause you to break out or clog pores. Finally, it comes in a variety of sizes, you can easily take a travel size in your handbag. They also have a solid stick for lips and noses if you are in serious sun exposure, but Ive always found the liquid spray formula is so easy to reapply, that I rarely used the stick. I don’t get any kickbacks from this company, but I made a point of buying several bottles in case they fall off the radar (as they did briefly, when they changed ownership and started their online business) they are really reasonable and the best I have ever used. Their website gives you their formula specs and background. Good stuff.

  6. One more thing! Because it’s promoted as an “activewear” sporty sunscreen for skiers and hikers, they do not dwell on its value as a product for cosmetic wearing women (like Moi!) , but it is very much appreciated for its ease of application and gentleness to skin. Makeup`Alley, among other websites, gives it glowing reviews and five star ratings, and once you try it, you’ll see why. It really is the best sunscreen I’ve tried, ever.