This & That: No. 64

French inklings, lovely romantic tunes and simple, chic comfort.

~Blog Post

1. 5 Ways to Stop Feeling Insecure in Your Relationships

Marc and Angel regularly post articles that inspire, remind and motivate, and this past week’s post was no exception.

2. Eating Out in Paris: The Art of Dining Solo

Earlier this year I shared the suggestion to dine alone, so when I came across Carin Olsson’s contributing article for Hip Paris “The Art of Dining Solo”, I couldn’t help but nod in agreement. With ideas and suggestions to assist in creating a comfortable dining experience, she makes the point that Paris is a wonderful place to cut your teeth with regards to the solo dining venture. From the people watching, to the many other diners who revel in the same experience, Paris beckons us to become comfortable with our own thoughts and leisure time.

~Book

3. Ooh La La: French Women’s Secrets to Feeling Beautiful Every Day by Jamie Cat Callan

Released on May 28 of this year, the author of Bonjour, Happiness and French Women Don’t Sleep Alone, Jamie Cat Callan has created another Francophile must-read. Having had the opportunity to communicate with the author briefly last year, I couldn’t speak more highly of her passion, enthusiasm and respect for the je ne sais quoi that French women possess. And thankfully she is sharing her discoveries with her readers yet again.

Jamie Cat Callan will be at the following locations for book signings and discussions. If only I were in Paris in September – what a perfect pairing!

• Osterville Library, Sat., June 29th at 10 a.m. Osterville, MA
• Falmouth Historical Society, Sun., July 14th (Bastille Day) at 3 p.m., Falmouth, MA
• Where the Sidewalk Ends Bookstore, Sat., July 20th at 3 p.m., Chatham, MA
• New Canaan Library, Thurs., Aug. 15th at 7 p.m., New Canaan, CT
• American Library in Paris, Wednesday, Sept. 25th, Paris, France

~Concert

4. Madeleine Peyroux – Portland, Oregon – Aladdin Theater

Madeleine Peyroux’s sultry, bluesy jazz vocals are making their way to Oregon this week. With the recent release of her latest album The Blue Room, Madeleine Peyroux will be performing in Portland’s Aladdin Theater on Thursday June 27th at 8pm as well as in Eugene on Friday June 28th at The Shedd Institute at 7:30 pm. Tickets are still available at both venues.

~Shopping

5. Converse Slip-Ons

As I look at my travel plans for this summer, I realize my ballet flats may not be suffice for the walking I want to do, so I’ve been searching for a simple, chic alternative. Now I’m not going on significant hikes or long excursions, but even just perusing Paris for the day requires a sturdy sole. So when I discovered that Converse now has available slip-ons, I thought what a great combination of simplicity and simple style. (Black and gray are also available).

6. Tory Burch Lillian striped wool and cotton-blend sweater

The Net-a-Porter sale is winding down, so further reductions have been taken as well as items put back on sale upon being returned. Tory Burch’s Lillian striped wool and cotton-blend sweater has been reduced from $275 to $165 at Net-a-Porter, and paired with shorts or jeans, it would be a wonderful top for summer evenings.