Shannon Ables's Blog, page 2

This & That: November 14, 2025

Yet again, another week with fantastic new film releases, each one different than the next, yet all with thought-provoking themes. And yep, we’ve got books – quite a few holiday cookbooks, and two from past GBBO names. Then we have a book about a favorite drink, how to decorate to ensure we actually turn our […]

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Outfits of the Month (4): Trousers, Boots & PJs + Books!

November’s need for warmth as we prepare for gathering, for noshing, has arrived, but the style needn’t be neglected. In this month’s Outfits’ post, trousers are having a moment, as too are a sturdy Chelsea boot. I have been experimenting with a few brands, Blundstones being one, but didn’t have luck due to my high […]

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8 Simple Ways to Boost Our Well-Being and Eliminate Suffering

“There’s only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that’s your own self.” —Aldous Huxley How we shift from an unwanted moment to transform it into an entirely good day exists with a conscious choice to take the right action. So often, the only thing standing in the way of […]

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This & That: November 7, 2025

What wonderful films this week – some premiering worldwide, others just beginning with premieres in the UK, and all highly praised. Of course, we also have oodles of books – a favorite Queen-led cozy mystery series returns, peeks into famous diaries for daily inspiration, a much-applauded new historical fiction novel set in wartime Britain, which […]

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413: 13 Ways to Finesse the Art of Spending Money

“The best use of money is a tool to leverage who you are, but never to define who you are.”—Morgan Housel, author of The Art of Spending Money If you ever want to know what a culture values, what a country values, look at their tax laws. I will never forget the wisdom shared by […]

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Apple Cider Baked Donuts/Bundt Cake, petit plaisir #413

Apple cider abounds this time of year, and with its warm, spice flavor, everything it infuses tastes of fall. Cozy, moreish, and aching for a rainy day to just snuggle in and nosh on something delicious. A couple of weeks ago, the NY Times Cooking’s section included a recipe for baked apple cider donuts. Seeing […]

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Celebrate Being Extraordinary at the Ordinary: How to Elevate the Everyday

“We shall not be happy unless we live like good animals, unless we enjoy the exercise of the ordinary functions of life: eating, sleeping, loving, walking, running, swimming, riding, sailing.” —William Morris The majority of our days of our lives will be ordinary, unwritten about in the annals of history. We woke up, we went […]

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TSLL’s Annual Francophile & Anglophile Holiday Gift Guide (+15 Advent Calendars), 2025

The festive, holiday season of soirées, gift-giving, sharing meals and drinks together, crossing fingers and toes for snow, and everything full of hopes and wishes has begun! Happy Holidays from TSLL’s home in Bend, Oregon, to you! Or should I say Joyeuses Fêtes and Happy Christmas as is more apropos for our annual gift guide […]

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A Cuppa Moments w/Shannon, November 2025

If you're already a Member, please log in. Username Password Remember Me     Forgot Password Thank You... . . . for your interest and curiosity to explore further this particular post on TSLL. Unfortunately, you do not have access to view this page. One of two things has occurred: You are either a TSLL […]

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This & That: October 31, 2025

Oodles of books per usual! On living an artful life, savoring solitude, and discovering the hidden seasonal treasures, a style inspiration shares her journey, cookbooks for bakers, and seasonal inspiration. Two books for Francophiles are also featured – one to inspire a thoughtful everyday life and the other to pack in your luggage for your […]

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