In August Parisians desert their beloved city to retire and laze by the shore or soak up the sun in the country. Just a few weeks ago on a Sunday night in Paris, I biked from Montmartre to the 7th Arrondissement at about midnight, and I felt as if I had Paris to myself . . . It was glorious. Let's enjoy the last licks of summer while we can.     

Susan Cox www.dailypainters.com

But by now, people are returning to begin the age-old rentrée process, or re-entry -- back to school and work.   

Are you ready for a trip that will change your life? Sip, spa, spark, savor, shop, see and soak up all that is Paris, and, while doing so, take an assessment of yourself. You'll come home inspired to live and lead a newly courageous life. Experience the beauty of the most glorious city in the world with a group of Fire-y women. Travel with pioneer life coach and Women on Fire founder Debbie Phillips, who will lead us each day and inspire us to discover our true selves and take the very next steps in living the life of our dreams, all while in the City of Light.

Find out more, including how to sign up here.  

Or you can travel to Paris on your own using Girls' Guide as your guide. Visit our Book It page or inquire about hotels, apartment rentals, walking tours, guided tours and classes here.   

There's no shortage of great ice cream shops in Paris. Many of them,

however, close for summer vacation in August. What's an ice cream lover to do during the dog days?  Make your own, of course!

This recipe pairs a sweet-tart apricot swirl with a rich bitter-almond custard, made tangy with the addition of crème fraîche. Bitter almonds are a close relative of apricots, so their flavors work marvelously well together. They can be found in well-stocked Asian markets, but if you have trouble sourcing them, the apricot pits themselves make a fine substitute.