Packing For Paris In August and Howard’s Special Occasion Dish
When packing for Paris in August, think of light, airy fabrics, subtle patterns and comfortable shoes. We leave on Tuesday, arriving on Wednesday and look at the forecast.
I also want to share Howard’s cornerstone showstopper dish, some new Quince finds and a book I found hard to put down. It’s Five Faves time with Annie and Cindy.
What To Wear In Paris In August
Years ago, right after we moved back from living in Paris to Florida, a lady at my son’s soccer practice said “Why do you always wear neutrals?” (I think she was insinuating “drab”). Well, that’s what I had in my closet! It’s true there are brighter colors and more exuberant pattern in Florida.
But for Paris, it’s good to have some restraint. Perhaps a little less during the hottest time of the year by wearing white and solid colors and simple patterns (but with a little splash). Here’s how I’m packing for a Paris heatwave for our 6 day trip. It includes shopping my closet and a couple of new things.
- Lipstick, I’ll be wearing minimal makeup, sunscreen and a bright lip
- Liberty Of London top (on sale)
- Gerard Darel shoulder or crossbody bag (on sale)
- New Jackie sunglasses
- Cotton skirt (similar to the one I have that’s sold out)
- Comfortable sandals similar to mine here
- Breezy Anthro dress (I sized down a size)
- Gerard Darel shoulder or crossbody bag (on sale)
- Vivaia comfortable flats (I ordered these since my loafers are so comfortable, washable). But, I’m wearing them around now to make sure they will be tested before all those Parisian steps.
- UPF 50 Packable Hat (use code: CCH10 for 10% off)
- cotton tee shirt
- gold knot earrings
- light paisley skirt
- bangles similar to mine
- straw and leather bag (I love mine)
- Comfortable sandals similar to mine here
- Cotton Shirt midi dress from Boden (with pockets…I got a petite but it’s still on the longer side. My daughter saw it on me and said it’s an elegant length, so I didn’t shorten it)
- Gerard Darel shoulder or crossbody bag
- Gold bracelet
- Block heeled woven sandals
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Howard’s Braised Short Ribs With Roasted Vegetables
It was our daughter’s last night (after a business trip to New York over the weekend and a month here). She and Louisa were leaving the next day for home in Los Angeles. Luca and Leo left a few days before. So, I knew Howard wanted this last night to be special. This is what he made.
He’s made it so many times from memory that it was hard to get the recipe from him…but here it is. You can serve it with any mashed potato recipe like this one. And perhaps a light green salad, crusty French bread and a good bottle of red wine.
Braised Short Ribs With Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients
- 4 lbs beef short ribs about 8, boneless or bone-in
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 3 tbs olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1-2 springs fresh rosemary
- chopped chives for garnish
Roasted Vegetables
- 1 cup carrot sticks
- 1 cup Brussel sprouts
- 1 cup red or white onions, chopped in chunks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉ (175℃). Season all sides of the 4 pounds beef short ribs with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- In a large Dutch oven over high heat, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil until shimmering. Sear short ribs for about 1 minute per side, until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add 1/2 cup diced white onion and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until softened. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in 1 cup beef broth, 1 cup red wine, and 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Return short ribs to the pot, nestling them into the liquid. Place 1 sprig fresh rosemary on top. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and transfer the pot to the oven. Braise for about 2 hours 30 minutes, or until meat is fork-tender and easily shredded.
- Discard rosemary. Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the liquid, if desired. Serve hot, with sauce spooned over the top. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Roasted Vegetables
- On a rimmed sheet pan, toss the vegetables in a little olive oil with salt and pepper and roast in a preheated 400 degree oven for about 15 minutes until slightly browned.
- Serve on the side with the short ribs.Sprinkle chopped chives as a garnish.
Quince: New Items To Love
I spotted that new high-end looking pillow ($79.90 for two) on the Quince website and we are loving our new Quince cashmere cable knit throw blanket.
What To Read: The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
Kathryn Stockett also wrote “The Help.” I actually listened to it on audio and loved the different southern voices.
“The Calamity Club unfolds in 1933 Oxford, Mississippi, where orphaned Meg, outspoken Birdie, and tough-luck Charlie cross paths in a town gripped by the Depression. Bound by defiance, they hatch a daring scheme that forges an unlikely sisterhood in a world quick to punish women who fight back.”
What To Watch On TV: Little House On The Prairie (Remake)
If you want a break from the news, this series transports you to a time when things were difficult but there is a strong sense of community. It might seem slow in parts but tell yourself to relax and enjoy the scenery. We finished the first season and are glad there will be a second.
If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
Wonderful wardrobe for your trip! Enjoy your trip! And I will save Howard’s short ribs recipe, which looks great!
Thanks, Joan!!
Mary Ann—I know that feeling of having your house askew vs having the grands gone. You definitely miss those sweet babes when they head home.
Love the Paris wardrobe! Stay cool. I’m sure you will enjoy despite the heat!
I have to agree on Little House—it is beautifully filmed and transports you to a simpler, albeit slower, pace. We loved it—no swearing was so refreshing.
Safe and happy travels!!
It’s easier to fall asleep at night versus something violent, Carol!
My niece was in Paris and left for home the day the heat wave started. I love you selection of outfits to wear, cool yet fashionable! Could Louisa be any more adorable in that darling PuppyDog dress! Wish it came in my size! Hahaha!
And I wanted to lick my iPad when I saw the pic of Howard’s Short Ribs, a “must” make recipe for me!
Have a wonderful time in Paris, can’t wait to hear and see all about it.
Gail, I’m filling the suitcase right now…a medium checked bag. But I may have a little room for any purchases over there…like from the flea market.
I also enjoyed The Calamity Club. Great characters! I also recommend Ann Patchett’s Whistler.
My husband and I watched 2-3 episodes of Little House on the Prairie, and are back to Britbox mysteries. Oh, The Other Bennet Sister is excellent! We both liked it a lot.
Hope you have a lovely trip. Your outfits are a bit out of my retirement league, but very stylish and tempting!
Thanks for the book recommendation, Julia. I’ve heard The Other Bennet Sister is good, too from other sources.
We were in Lyon last year it was 105, not fun! What about all the fires and smoke in France and Spain, scary. Maybe Paris is not experiencing the smoke 🤞
Love your outfits!
Howard knocked it out of the park again. My mouth is watering.
My daughter and I gave him lots of compliments!!
We were just in Nice and Mallorca. Wear gauze or linen! idk if this heat is more than normal but sleeveless dresses were best!! Have a wonderful trip! The French even made a heat wave look chic!
Thanks, Cathy. We love Nice and Mallorca…comfortable shoes on cobble stones are a must too!
Hi Mary Ann,
Lovely outfits!! That red bag is divine and very french! I hope you both have a wonderful vacation. I really like Vivaia shoes!
I love the bag too!
Hi Mary Ann,
Have a wonderful holiday in Paris. All the clothes you put together look pretty and chic. The main thing is you will hopefully stay cool and comfortable.
Louisa’s puppy dress is cute, she looks adorable in pink. Super nice you had her all to yourself. One thing I know your grandchildren are loved. That is the best thing and the time and connection you always carve out as a priority.
I know you are a wonderful grandma!
MA! Perfect wardrobe for Paris … hot or not. You’ll be the chicest American in the City. I really that JCrew skirt and your woven Sezane bag. Howard’s short ribs are my kind of meal. Pinned, printed and ready to mash some potatoes. Yum. Happy travels! xo
That J. Crew skirt is flattering too, Juliet!
Hello Maryann! I just wanted to pop in and say bon voyage! I just returned from a beautiful cruise to France, Belgium, Netherlands and England. We were so lucky to have been traveling in between the horrendous heat waves plaguing the UK and Europe. Grateful we had air con on our beautiful ship. I live in Texas so no stranger to searing heat. Your wardrobe choices are so chic, as always! I enjoy your mentions of Louisa’s dresses, as I have two granddaughters ages 3 and 5. After raising 3 boys they are my muses! Safe travels!
Marguerite, what a heavenly trip!!! God blessed you with the granddaughters! Louisa will only wear pink…somewhat limiting for me 🙂
Ahhh…Paris in August! Cannot wait to read your posts and see your pics. You will be looking so great & hopefully cool. Howard’s recipe sounds delicious!
Safe travels.
My fear, Sue, is that we will be too hot to do all the walking we normally do…but oh well, it’s Paris!
C’est la vie 🙂
I love your choice in outfits to stay cool and still look chic! I’m thinking about getting the Sezane bag. Does it have any inside pockets and does it have good structure? Doesn’t show anything about the inside on the website. Hope you have a fabulous vacation.
Sandy, The Sezane bag doesn’t have any pockets inside. For a straw bag…it’s tightly woven. I took it all over Southeast Asia for 3 weeks and it still looks new.
Are the straps adjustable? I know you are petite and the straps look very long. It’s hard to find a bag that is not too overwhelming for smaller ladies.
no, they are not adjustable…but it doesn’t seem to matter on me and I like that I can wear it as a crossbody when I need my hands.