Shannon Ables's Blog, page 251
July 12, 2017
10 Tips to Evolve Into Your Signature Style
Our signature style is quite personal as it reveals to the world multiple layers of information about who we are, what we value, what frustrates us, what we are confident about, and I believe what we understand about ourselves physically.
Over the past two years, my attention to my own personal signature style has shifted as evident by fewer posts on this topic. But while fewer posts have been created, it hasn’t been because I wasn’t interested in the topic. Initially, I wasn’t sure what it meant. Lately, as I was contemplating my summer essentials (and shared a few ideas I was drawn to here), I have come to understand that my signature style has been evolving, and it needed time to find its bearings due in some part to how much my life has shifted. This, I have found, to be something to celebrate.
Part of the reason my attention has shifted from my clothing was that I have been trying to tap into and cultivate other details of my life and ensure they were indicative of my truest self: a daily routine I enjoyed but enabled me to be productive and healthy in my new hometown, caring for my skin and hair in a far drier environment than I have ever lived before (great shifts have occurred in both of these areas), diving head-first into eating well and becoming more confident in the kitchen (as you can see here, far more recipes (34!) have been posted in the past 24 months) as I now have endless food options at my fingertips and investing in personal relationships even more deeply as I continue to strive for a balance between work and play.
Over the past weekend, I went through my closet for the second time in the past two years. What occurred this time was a simpler purge, but it was indeed a purge. However, the decisions were simpler, and in less than an hour I had my closet reorganized with 20-30 fewer clothing items and two fewer pairs of shoes. And none of the items pained me to let go. Why was this so? I certainly hadn’t lost weight. In fact, the five to ten pounds I have been wanting to let go for two years now has shifted into muscle as I workout far more than I ever had upon moving to Bend, and while I eat healthily, I don’t deprive myself.
Truthfully, I have begun to feel more comfortable in my own skin, bien dans sa peau or translated “well in one’s skin”. No, I am not going to fit into size four jeans at the moment as I once had and cheered about; however, now I find myself cheering for more substantive details throughout my days even though I wouldn’t turn down an opportunity to do a happy dance around the house in size 4 anything, don’t get me wrong. But it would. E a secondary effect caused by even better life changes and focuses. Do I want to remain svelte? Absolutely. But I also want to enjoy my days, the people I dine with and the time in the kitchen or the restaurants that offer such bountiful seasonal dishes. My body is stronger, my mind is clearer, as well I am always trying to improve the quality of food I eat on a daily basis which is why I recently purchased a vegetable spiralizer (for fewer than $20). This recipe was recently made for me by a dear friend’s daughter, and she immediately sold me on the idea of welcoming a new gadget into my kitchen.
But back to the style quotient. Feeling good in one’s clothes begins with feeling good in one’s skin. I have had months in the past which due to an excessively busy schedule and stress hinderd good eating habits (turning down a donut from a thoughtful colleague in the middle of an exhaustive week at work when all you want to do is be on the weekend already is hard). And in these times after enjoying the temporary sugar high, I immediately feel uncomfortable in my skin. It truly does come down to willpower, and the fact is, willpower is finite. When we run low on energy, we run low on willpower and we tend to make choices we normally wouldn’t have made if our willpower was recharged and rested.
But the truth is I love style. I love communicating with my clothing. I respect the power of a well-chosen ensemble, no matter how seemingly simple it appears. Often in such a case, great mastery is revealing itself.
And while I don’t believe we should live our lives so we can fit into our favorite clothes; I do believe, at least what I have found during these past 24 months to be what’s best for me, that if you are living well, the clothes you wear exhibit this fact of your life.
So how can each of us live well thus enabling us each to make savvy sartorial decisions as we curate our signature style, a signature style we love?
First, get real with yourself. Be honest. So long as you hold on to clothes you will never wear, whether they fit or not, you are hindering yourself from true growth. Not only growth with regards to your signature style, but the life you are living and want to live. Step into your closet and begin to pull everything out (I share a detailed approach to organizing your clothing closet here).
As I made my list of items I needed to add or update, I found the list to be rather short which was greatly satisfying but quite a change from past clean-outs, and I pondered as to the reason why.
Aha! Over time, I had indeed welcomed into my closet items that were highly versatile, well made and classic in design as to be able to span many years – the simply luxurious approach! But it indeed took time. Cultivating such a wardrobe that is highly versatile and interchangeable, as well as, and most importantly, tailored to me individually, takes time. And regular attention: I noticed my favorite nude pointed toe pumps needed an update after four years of wear and tear (I love and wear them constantly to work – am looking at these as the replacement), and as such this was one item that needed to be replaced.
Let’s talk about 10 ways you can allow your signature style to evolve as you grow and settle into a life you love.
1. Forget the size
In one brand I am a medium and another for the same type of item, I am a small. As this is the case, especially if you are ordering on-line, order at least two different sizes, have them ship it to you, try it on in your own home, and ship back (you can usually do this for free) the size that didn’t work. I have been hesitant to do this only because I don’t want to pay upfront for two items, but in the long wrong, it’s not an issue as a full refund is given, and you are assured the item that fits you the best.
2. Wear what you love
I love v-neck tops. Crewnecks do no favors for someone like myself who has broad shoulders (if I could count on my fingers how many times strangers have asked if I am a swimmer or was one in the past, I would need 10 hands at least! P.S. I am not a swimmer). I have unconsciously forgotten this fact from time to time when I have purchased sweaters. Those sweaters are no longer in my closet, and v-necks are my must-have choice.
Similarly with denim. I love it. My life in Bend makes it easy to wear it all the time; however, I always want to dress it up or at least have that option. So I purchase well and have tops and layers that work well for more casual and semi-professional outings (blazers, camisoles, silk blouses, heels, etc.)
3. Invest in classic items and make them your own
Fashion trends and seasonal events can attempt to lure us away from what we know works well year after year, but classic works for a reason. For example, I have a classic short dark denim jacket that I layer over everything in the summer. The dress, jumpsuit or top I layer it over may change, but that jacket has been with me for at least four or five years. It never goes out of style (you can see it here).
3. Understand which silhouettes are your friend
Knowing your shape and then dressing it well will reduce the amount of decisions to make when perusing a clothing boutique in person or on-line. As I shared in 2012, there are 10 Style Commandments that will keep you dressing well for your body and happy in what you choose.
4. Stock up on Spanx
Some love, others not so much the power of Spanx, but as someone who enjoys the pencil skirt silhouette as well as the body-con midi dress, Spanx eases my mind and allow me to wear what I love. And that is ultimately what Spanx or any similar undergarment that smooths your shapes should do, enable you to wear what you love and feel good doing so. The Thinstincts mid-thigh shorts are what I am currently using as they are made for long days and are very breathable.
5. Invest in good grooming (skin, body, hair)
As I mentioned above, I have been focusing heavily on my hair and skin these past two years as I adjusted to my new environment, and while I never neglected them before, far from it, having skin that glows and hair that shines and is style in such a way that works well with your lifestyle and facial structure elevates the entire wardrobe and thus the woman pulling it all together.
I find that a woman, or a man, who is well-groomed (not overly so) who is merely wearing a simple classic item or two, finished with well made shoes and a handbag that works and complements but doesn’t brag is the most attractive signature style. And it is the person’s overall health, glow and appearance in the clothes that completes the look.
6. Well-Made Accessories
From the handbag, to your shoes, choose well and choose less. The cost per wear model certainly comes into play as you approach shopping for these items.
7. Repeated Use – Do It
Upon finding these medium-size hoop earrings and these boyfriend jeans, I find myself wearing the earrings with nearly everything and the jeans more than a few times a week. They work. They are versatile and can be dressed up or down.
8. Slow and Steady
Gradually add the items you need as you find what you love. Have patience and don’t feel you have to look “perfect” each time you pull an outfit together. What makes it ideal is the woman who wears it. What is your mood, are you enthusiastic about what you are doing? Are you happy with the life you are living? Clothing is fun, but it is an accessory to the life we are building for ourselves. We should recognize and respect its power, because it truly is powerful for good progress in our lives if we know how to use it effectively, but choose to see building your signature style as a journey, just as life is. And as you toss out the bright boisterous colors and replace them with neutrals, perhaps it’s because you no longer need your clothes to do the talking and the woman is finally ready to step into her own without hesitation.
9. Limit Bargain Hunting
As stylist Tiffani Rogers shared in her post about Outlet Shops, there is a reason items cost so little at outlet malls. Since you are purchasing fewer items, remind yourself that the material as well as the skill used to craft the item are worth investing in. Return to brands that offer quality, and don’t feel you have to explore other labels to mix it up. If you have favorite brands that you love (for me: Theory, Equipment, Le Frame, just to name a few – shop TSLL Shop for my favorite essential items), return to them as needed. However, this doesn’t include consignment. Consignment is the perfect addition to your shopping repertoire as it offers brands that will last.
10. Keep It Simple
#7 plays beautifully into the final point. Make your wardrobe a simple affair you tend to each day. As many beautiful, unique items that are available to purchase, I have learned by experience, they don’t need to be in our closets to appreciate them. Instead, purchase the white button up shirt, make sure your hair is coiffed as you like it, love your skin and let it shine with just enough makeup to look effortlessly stunning, pull on the denim jeans or tailored pants that create a beautiful silhouette, select shoes you love, slip your favorite simple earrings into your ear lobes and sling your handbag made by a designer who doesn’t need to put their label everywhere on the outside onto your arm. Voilà!
When you step into a style that works for you, the feeling is electrifying, and when you feel good in your skin, it doesn’t matter what clothes you are wearing, you simply feel good. That is the goal.
So today, ask yourself how your closet is working for you. How many times do you walk inside or open the closet door and see a multitude of items but only one or two viable options? Paradoxically, the trick is to eliminate, reduce the number of items and add items just enough items that you are excited to wear and can work with with at least two different items already in your closet. When this is achieved, all you will need to do is maintain. Assess one or two times a year, make your list and little by little evolve ever closer to the signature style that best aligns with who you are and whom you wish to become.
“Clothes aren’t going to change the world. The women who wear them will.” —Anne Klein
~View more Signature Style posts here.
July 11, 2017
Lemon Basil Zucchini Noodle Salad
Summer offers good health and food on a platter, and it feels as though it is simply up to us to open our arms and embrace the abundance. From long days to get outside and explore, exercise and breathe fresh air to fresh produce begging to be savored if only we knew what to do with it all, good health is right at our fingertips during the summer season giving us all an opportunity settle into a worthwhile everyday routine.
Zucchini has always been one such ingredient that is abundant but I don’t have many ideas of what to do with it besides roast it. As well, I’ve been challenging myself to reduce the amount of pasta I eat, even whole wheat pasta, and so it was a welcome surprise upon visiting a dear friend a few weeks ago, that her daughter whipped us all up a zucchini noodle salad topped with lemon basil vinaigrette.
First of all, zucchini noodles were not in my wheelhouse, and so I took a look at the spiralizer that works the magic on an array of vegetables. A simple device (some Kitchen-Aid products have a blade that enables the spiraling – be sure to check if yours is compatible) offering a basic concept (the noodle), and after enjoying the salad which was tossed with garbanzo beans, red onion, grape tomatoes and arugula (choose the greens you love – I used a couple different greens from my refrigerator and garden), the texture of the noodles satiated me as a pasta would. I was officially a fan.
For only $19.99 I picked up a spiralizer and made my first salad last week. In fewer than 10 minutes, this salad is made and ready to enjoy. Both of my friends daughters suggested adding some additional protein by tossing grilled and sliced on the diagonal chicken, which would make a complete and delicious meal. I cannot thank enough Sophie, Emily and Nancy for one of my favorite additions to my summer eating menu.
Lemon Basil Zucchini Noodle Salad
Servings2-3 people
Prep Time10 minutes
Ingredients
Vinaigrette
3 tablespoons
fresh lemon juice1/2 of a lemon
4 teaspoons
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon
kosher salt
black pepper
freshly ground
2large basil leaves
finely chopped
Salad
1 cup
canned chickpeas/garbanzo beansrinsed and drained
1/4 cup
red onionsliced in julienned stripes or diced (cook's preference)
1/2cup
grape tomatoessliced in half
1 cup
greensarugula, baby spinach roughly chopped, your choice
2zucchini
spiraled (looking like noodles)cut into the length desired
Instructions
Make the vinaigrette by placing all ingredients, except the olive oil into the bottom of the salad bowl. Whisk together. Add the olive oil, whisking to incorporate and blend.
Add all of the salad ingredients on top of the dressing.
Toss to dress the ingredients. Serve and enjoy!
Optional: To make a complete meal, top with grilled slices of chicken or any other protein.
My Ideal Decor & Lifestyle Aesthetic: The White Company
I can remember vividly the first time I stepped through the doors of The White Company‘s boutique in London (one of the many). It was in 2012 as we were wandering our way toward the Portobello Road Market which is known for its antiques, and upon crossing the threshold I felt I had found a kindred decor aesthetic embodied in every detail of the shop. From the white kitchenware, to the white linens and clothing items, I was in awe, but I had no idea how I was going to bring any of these lovely items home which ultimately helped my budget in the long run.
Needless to say, when I learned The White Company would be opening its first shop in the states, in NYC on 5th Avenue, I was quite tickled. Not that I am going to go to NYC only to visit The White Company, but certainly something to celebrate and check out the next time I head to the Big Apple.
Opening in June this summer, founder Chrissie Rucker’s entire premise of what is now a 22-year-old business is beautifully aligned with what living simply luxuriously is about, “think timeless style, not fast fashion, quality, not quantity . . . and making the most of life’s simple pleasures [because] it’s the little things that matter.”
Today I’ve hand-selected a few items that I would gladly bring into my home, and some are even on drastic discount. In fact, one item, the white linen shirt below is already in my closet and I adore it. I purchased one size larger than normal (size 10) and am glad I did, as someone with broad shoulders, the sleeves are long enough and the loose fit is perfect. Peruse the entire site here, and have a look at the specific items below:
Glass Teapot
White Linen Seville Tablecloth
Slate Charger Plate, set of 2
Classic White Linen Shirt (order one size up)
Classic White Cotton Pajamas
White Lavender Signature Candle
Carrington Silk Quilts & Cushion Covers (60% off)
Classic Double Border Towels (white) , 30% off
SHOP in the States: 155 5th Avenue, New York City
Shades of Summer
Upon losing or forgetting my sunglasses, that is the precise moment I appreciate the power of not only the style component but their functionality to protect my eyes and enable me to enjoy being out in the glorious sunshine. Such was the case last week as I left behind my sunglasses, a pair of aviators I wear nearly every day in the summer months. Thankfully, I was able to trace my steps to where I last had them and there they were. So simple, so nominally important in the grand scheme of things, but a pair of perfect shades are a worthwhile item to have in your possession. One only need one or two, and as you will see here, classic often works the best so long as it works with your face’s shape. Here’s to protecting our eyes and the delicate skin that surrounds it as well as epitomizing effortless chic style.
Last year I shared a detailed post about shopping for the right shape of shades as well as the many benefits of find your ideal pair. And if you were a fan of Diane Lane’s sunglasses in Paris Can Wait, a kind reader recently shared with me they are Oliver People’s from their Row collection; you can shop them here (there are many colors).
~View more STYLE INSPIRATION posts from the Archives here.
July 10, 2017
TSLL Shops Amazon’s Prime Day for You
One of the best subscriptions/membership services I am part of is Amazon Prime. For as many books as I read and want to share with TSLL readers, knowing the books will arrive at my door in two days without having to pay shipping and paying discounted prices on all purchases reduces my overall costs and keeps my editorial calendar on schedule. But it’s not all just about business.
The benefits are many, from Amazon Music, which I stream in my home, classroom and when I travel, as well as Amazon movies (although, Netflix is always at my fingertips as not all of Amazon’s movies are free, however many are), to those regular beauty and life items that always need to be stocked up, Amazon is my go-to.
If you as well want to check out becoming an Amazon Prime member ($99/yr), they do offer a free-trial, and today (Monday July 10th from 6pm – Tuesday July 11th through midnight) is a sweet day to begin. Why? Check out some of the deals I have hand-selected for you below:
The Kindle Unlimited Reading subscription:
Only available to Prime Members
Unlimited exploration – try new genres, discover new authors, and dive into new adventures with your membership
Unlimited Reading – enjoy unlimited access to over 1 million titles
Unlimited Audiobooks – listen to thousands of books with Audible narration
Any Device – read anytime with the free Kindle app and on Kindle e-readers
6/12/24 month subscription reduced by up to 40%
Movies: .99cent/rentals & $4.99/purchase (below is a sample)
I’ll See You In My Dreams
Notting Hill
Allied
Casablanca
The Notebook
~Books about France (each extremely discounted for Prime members)
Rick Steves’ France 2017
My Good Life France
My Life in France
France: A Modern History from the Revolution to the War on Terror
A Kitchen in France: A Year of Cooking in My Farmhouse
~Books about Food, Lifestyle & Fashion (each extremely discounted for Prime members):
Classic Style (as discussed in episode #159 of The Simple Sophisticate)
Love, Life, Style by Garance Doré
The Body Book (which inspired this post in 2014)
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
Cravings
Cooking for Jeffrey
The French Laundry Cookbook
Extra Finds You Might Enjoy:
The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook
Jacques Pepin’s New Complete Techniques
Cork Dork
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
The Joy of Less
The Sweet Life in Paris
~TSLL’s book is on discount for Prime members as well: Choosing The Simply Luxurious Life: A Modern Woman’s Guide (learn more about the book here)
163: Learn How to Truly Savor Everyday Moments & Watch It Elevate Your Life
~Subscribe to The Simple Sophisticate: iTunes | Stitcher | iHeartRadio
“Growing your inner strengths through taking in the good is like deepening the keel of a sailboat so that it’s less jostled by the worldly winds, it recovers more quickly from big storms, and you can now safely head out into deeper waters in pursuit of your dreams.” —Rick Hanson, author of Hardwiring Happiness
The founding premise of the book Hardwiring Happiness is change your brain, change your life for the better. Having discussed this fact before on the blog/podcast, it may not appear to be profound on the surface, but what always keeps me reading is how do we change our brain to change our lives for the better, how does it actually work neurologically?
And the how is exactly what made the most sense to me above any other book I have read upon reading Hardwiring Happiness.
Simply put, we need to deeply savor the good that occurs in our lives, the small as well as the overtly large and as we do, we begin to build new synapses into our brain, enabling it to expect the good rather than spontaneously always looking for the bad.
The skill that we all need to develop, practice multiple times a day and then use habitually is to take in the good. What is meant by this is a four step process which Hanson outlines in his book, but essentially it is to be present in your life, to be engaged, to be paying attention, and thus, to recognize, and then savor those moments, no matter how small or large, that are good.
“By taking just a few extra seconds to stay with a positive experience you’ll help turn a passing mental state into lasting neural structure . . . the practice brings you into the present moment and teaches you to have more control over your attention.”
Did you wake up and feel rested? Savor this moment for 10 more seconds and let it truly be absorbed by your mind. Did you receive a loving gesture from your partner? Slow down and savor it, engraining into your memory to be appreciated even after the moment has passed. Did you feel safe in your home last night? Tip your hat to the world you have created and take a deep breath to again welcome even more appreciation of the fact into your being.
An analogy (and he uses an abundance of them throughout the book which I found quite helpful) Hanson uses to describe the three step process of rewiring the brain is comparing it to making a fire: “Step 1 lights it, step 2 adds fuel to keep it going, and step 3 fills you with its warmth.” He also further explains that often step 2 & 3 overlap which makes sense because you can adding wood to the fire to keep it going as you are remaining warm.
To repeat the steps (notice the acronym – HEAL):
Have a positive experience
Enrich the experience
Absorb the experience
(optional step) Link positive and negative material so that positive soothes and even replaces negative
All of this may sound overly simplified, but after reading and coming to understand how the brain works, how it creates paths of memory and why it has evolved the way it has, Dr. Hanson, who is a neuropsychologist, demonstrates that it is in the daily routines and the daily tracks we allow to run through our mind that create a happier, I like to use the word contented, way of living every single day not matter what is going on outside of us.
Why? Dr. Hanson dives deeply into this, but a basic synopsis is “In a positive circle, feeling better helps you act better, which helps the world treat you better, which helps you feel better.”
And on the flip-side, if we continue to let negative events run through our minds and become absorbed by them, we are making tracks in our mind, strengthening synapses that reinforce the need to be on the look out for negative and thus reactive rather than responsive which I detailed in episode #145 of the podcast.
In fact, Dr. Hanson points out due to our ancestral need for survival which actually impedes our way of life in the 21st century, our brain is designed in such a away that “negative stimuli are perceived more rapidly and easily than positive stimuli”. In other words, “the default setting of the brain is to overestimate threats and underestimate opportunities and underestimate resources both for coping with threats and for fulfilling opportunities”. Which is why, it requires a conscious effort to rewire the brain to be less fearful and more positive seeking, and if we do nothing, the above hereditary scenario will persist throughout the duration of our lives blocking us from attaining our full potential.
Knowledge of how the brain works is power. And upon reading the book, if further understanding of the most powerful tool in your body is of interest to you, you will appreciate this book and how he delivers the information.
Let’s talk about the “how” of savoring the good moments, both enriching them and absorbing them.
1. Slow down
In order to recognize when a good moment has occurred, we need to slow down. At that time, take 10 more seconds to just fully observe, imprint in your memory what is going well.
2. Become fully aware of what surrounds you
Being present in the now will help you to be fully aware of all that is going on, all that is going well and even if certain things are not, because you are fully aware, you can put it into perspective, bring forward the good and ratcheting down the not so good so that it doesn’t become more inflamed than it needs to be.
3. Strengthen emotional intelligence
There are many components to being emotionally intelligent (I go in detail in episode #140), but the key component to rewiring your brain is to be able to identify your emotions and what you are feeling accurately. And then once you understand what you are feeling, if it is a positive feeling, you can grow the feeling into a mood – for example as Dr. Hanson points out, you can grow a feeling of gladness and gratitude into a mood of contentment. Conversely, if you recognize you are feeling sad about something, you can combat the feeling from developing into a mood of depression simply by recognizing what you are feeling, why you are feeling and combating it by shifting your mind and even your environment to a positive scenario so that your mind doesn’t become fixating on something that isn’t productive or helpful.
4. Instead of wanting, choose to like or appreciate the moment
Often we are fully aware that a moment or an experience is exponentially good and because we know it is good, we want more of it. But by wanting, as Hanson points out, we aren’t experiencing what is going on right now. We are removing ourselves from the situation and acting in such a way that reveals we unconsciously feel we lack something, thus the “want”. In fact, our “want” is killing any growth of more goodness.
Instead, be present, enjoy what is occurring, appreciate it for what it is without cajoling to trying to make more and relish what you have the opportunity to be amongst. As I have learned upon bringing more appreciative and secure people into my life, is that when such beautiful moments happen, I can take that moment with me in my memory so long as I savor the experience and allow my memory to absorb it fully and then replay it whenever I need to to brighten my future days. Again, more is not better, simply deepen what you are given by following the three step process: have a good experience, enrich it/savor it and absorb it/commit it to memory.
5. Give yourself permission
I recently was listening to Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio podcast, and he was interviewing Nigella Lawson who stated on the topic of guilty pleasures, “Look, if you feel guilty about pleasure, you don’t deserve to have pleasure.” Back in 2013 I wrote a post about the difference between pleasure and joy, and while one is not bad and the other good, knowing where each is derived is important. However, with regards to rewiring the brain, anytime we observe and experience a pleasure, we can turn the pleasure into joy which is something entirely within our own control. For example, I pulled an excerpt from the post mentioned above. Here is a list of how to welcome more joy into your life, and upon doing so, you can make all of these moments opportunities to rewire your brain as you shift to a more contented way of living each and every day.
1. Look inward – become at peace with who you are, and celebrate your uniqueness.
2. Take time to meditate, pray and be still.
3. Allow external inspiration (art, nature, music, conversation) to stir your inner creativity, and act upon those moments of inspiration – create, dream and act according to what is provoked within you.
4. Figure out your purpose/passion and then go pursue it
5. Be thankful for what you already have, rather than what you lack
6. Give when you have the resources, time and energy to do so
7. Pursue avenues/dreams that are meaningful and align with your values
8. Plan activities that cultivate more moments of joy – simple meals, gatherings, events that you are curious about, etc.
The conclusion of Hardwiring Happiness that drove the point home for me of choosing to take on the task of changing the hardwiring my brain (because initially it will have to be an entirely conscious choice) was the realization that when we shift away from seeking more happiness and running or trying to avoid pain, we come to recognize that we have the ability to be content wherever we are at any given moment. We have that power. We do not have to chase it, we don’t have to run from what we perceive as bad moments. Because as we begin to live more consciously, as we begin to focus on the good, take it in fully and commit it to memory, we begin to build a life that snowballs in the best of ways. The cycle that was mentioned above strengthens and we attract people, moments and environments that are full of goodness to appreciate because we are someone who brings and cultivates moments of goodness in our lives and those around us.
“Taking in the good is not about chasing after pleasure or chasing away pain. It’s about bringing the chase to an end.”
~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
~How to Be the Master of Your Mind
~11 Ways to Live More Mindfully
~From Seeking Happiness to Cultivating Contentment: A Shift in What We Pursue (podcast)
Petit Plaisir:
~The perfect simple and delicious appetizer for summer: Melons & Prosciutto (cantaloupe & cured ham)
History: An Italian antipasti favorite, dating back to the second century, it was Galeno, a doctor during this time who believed that the combination of these two ingredients was the perfect way to incorporate the four things a being needed to feed what he believed each human was made of – warm, cold, dry and juicy corresponding to the four elements fire, air, earth and water. The melon was cold and juicy and the cured ham was dry and warm (salty and cured). Learn more here.
~The other appetizers are Tangy Cucumber Bites (recipe here) and figs with chèvre.
All images via TSLL’s Instagram & IG stories
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July 7, 2017
This & That: July 7, 2017
Book
—Wine All the Time by Marissa A. Ross
Released this past June (27th), the official wine columnist of Bon Appétit magazine shares an accessible book about wine and the culture of France’s drink of choice. Discover how to find the best wine on your budget, accurately describe what you are tasting thereby being able to describe what you want when stepping into your local wine shop, and master the art of pairing wine with food. In a playful tone, Ross takes readers into a previously mysterious (perhaps) arena and sheds light on what initially, but unnecessarily seems daunting to understand. (Read this article to get a taste of her approach to wine.)
Film
—The Hero
Sam Elliott. The voice, aptly described by film critic Peter Debruge as “wet-gravel”. In many ways his new film, The Hero, which debuted at Sundance earlier this year, purposely has many similarities to his own acting career except one glaring difference – Elliott continues to get scripts while his character, Lee Hayden, the faded-glory Western star, does not. Have a look at the trailer and look for it in movie theaters now.
Francophile Find
—A Paris All Your Own: Best-Selling Woman Authors on the City of Light by Eleanor Brown
The New York Times bestselling author, Eleanor Brown who joined me on the podcast last summer when her book The Light of Paris was released, has just released a compilation of essays from well-known and beloved women authors who each have written books inspired by Paris. What makes each essay unique is how different each of their experiences of the City of Light were. Who are some of the authors you may be wondering? Here’s a quick peek: Paula McLain, Therese Anne Fowler, Meg Waite Clayton, M. J. Rose, Susan Vreeland, Cara Black, Lauren Willig, and Julie Powell (author of Julie & Julia). Phew! Now this book looks perfect for traveling to Paris from the comfort of your own home. Frugal travel. (For more summer reading ideas, check out TSLL’s 10 Summer Books for 2017 here).
Shopping
—Diane Lane’s camera in Paris Can Wait – Leica C Digital Camera
Since the post which offered shopping opportunities to duplicate Diane Lane’s wardrobe scene in her most recent film Paris Can Wait in the weekly Style Inspiration post, many of you have emailed asking about the camera as well as her tote. Well, the good news is I have found one of them and will continue to keep my eye out for the other. Leica C digital camera in rose gold is the exact camera seen below. While it is pricey, if you are a regular photog, it might be worth saving up for.
—AMO Lover In the Cards Jeans
Just this past Tuesday on the weekly Style Inspiration post, cropped ankle jeans were the focus of summer time classic style. And while I shared a handful of shopping options on that particular post, I recently came across this pair from Forward’s shopping site that are worth checking out. Perfect for spring or summer, the hue is light, worn and hits at just above the ankle (again, check the length to confirm for your height) and is a simple straight leg style with a comfortable waist height.
— Engineered Garments Cinch Pants in Khaki
Another essential for summer is the khaki pant. But why not make sure the khaki looks tailored and well fitted? These cinched pants (in the back) would be beautifully paired with a loose fitting white linen shirt and white camisole. And I have found a classic white linen button up that goes easy on the budget here from The White Company that I think you will love. Be sure to check it out.
Technology
—Sudio Bluetooth earphones & headphones
I regularly listen to my iPod when I go on my daily walks with my dogs, but I must admit I have had a few “conversations” with the earphones due to the tangled mess created by the cords more times than I would like to admit. But not anymore.
Sudio Sweden’s new Bluetooth technology made available in their Vasa Blå earphones eliminates the cord. Capable of up to 8+ hours of listening time, the headphones can connect to any device that is Bluetooth compatible. Your smart phone? Yep. Want to have a conversation on your walk without the pesky cords? Yep. I have been using their Vasa Blå rose gold white earphones (seen below) and love them. With studio sound quality, I feel as though I have surround sound wherever in nature I may be, and they make it easy to skip ahead or back in your playlist as well.
If you’re curious and in need of becoming untangled, TSLL readers have a special discount. Simply enter TSLL15 at checkout for any of their items and receive 15% off your purchase. Happy listening!
Television
—Odd Mom Out
It’s back. Odd Mom Out‘s star Jill Kargman who plays mom on the Upper East Side who just doesn’t fit in, Jill Weber, returns for its third season. Premiering on Bravo Wednesday July 12th at 10 pm, tune in for the antics, the laughs and a summer viewing good-time. Have a look at the trailer below.
~recipe for Caramelised Red Onion & Goat Cheese Tarts~
Summer warmth and good, fresh food. How was your Fourth of July celebration? I am not sure, but I think some people may still be celebrating, traveling and vacationing. When did this particular holiday weekend begin anyway? Last weekend or on Tuesday and run through this weekend? Either way, summer is here and the pace is perfect and flexible.
Trying new recipes, exploring new topics in my writing, reading intriguing books, watching Le Tour de France and some tennis at Wimbledon. Yep, pretty much, that is my summer at that moment, and it’s quite sweet. I do hope yours is sweet and delicious as well. Below are more than a few articles I think you might enjoy. Until Monday bonne journée!
~Are you watching Wimbledon as much as I am? If you are, the all-white dress code has always intrigued me. Discover how many athletes have bent, but not broken this rule over the years.
~Speaking of athletes, your abs will get a workout with this 6 1/2 minute ab routine from former Olympic swimming champion Dana Torres. (I tried it. My abs hurt. It’s tough, but doable. Now, I am determined to stick with it. We’ve got this!)
~Finding the balance: here are 7 tips to try to make your work and personal life work meld well together
~I must admit, I gravitate towards books and posts when the phrase “French Woman/Girl” are in the title. Why does it work and what does that mean? Read this article to find out “How to Sell A Million Dollar Myth Like a French Girl”
~Does this post fall into that category of the French seduction? 10 Things You Need in Your Kitchen According to Parisians . . . perhaps, but their points are worth considering.
~David Leibovitz’s latest recipe shared on the blog proves many of the points shared in the above post to be true. Fresh, top quality, simply delicious.
~As a local in Bend, the French cuisine is one of the few that has been ignored . . . until now. Take a look inside the new French Market dining establishment for lunch and dinner.
~Have your shopping habits changed as you have grown older? Most likely for the better, and here are a few more things to consider “Shopping Mistakes to Avoid After You’re 30”
~It really is true, money and fame are actually a byproduct of true success, and here are 8 signs to prove the point.
~Speaking of success, these 10 things are habits that the most successful people do each day.
July 6, 2017
Loose & Fitted: The Ideal Pair
~Enza Cost Rib Tank Dress (other colors available)~
~Stella McCartney necklace in white~
~Lodis ‘Audrey – Milano’ leather tote~
~Chloe Palmer sandals in Beige Rose~
~Prefer a white jacket? Try Etro open-front blazer, 50% off, similar here and here~
~The Little French Bistro: A Novel by Nina George
SHOP THE OUTFIT:
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~View OUTFITS OF THE WEEK from the Archives here.
White Serene Leisure
When I first stumbled upon today’s Decor Inspiration home, it was the kitchen that caught my attention: initially the patina copper teapot but then, yes, the La Canache range. Deciding to tour further, I found a wonderland of white, and for me personally, I would be in seventh heaven. I know not everyone can have or wants white, but it is the calming aesthetic that always brings me back to calm, grounding me of sorts. It is as if it is saying, slow down, deep breath, savor all that is going well no matter what the day revealed. Below are a few of my favorite details: from the entire kitchen, the chaise lounge in the living room, the floor coverings and the soaking tub just to hint at a few. I encourage you to tour the entire home with oodles of pics captured by the interior designer based in Lafayette, California, Amber Interiors.
To learn about Amber Lewis and how her interior design career came into what it is today is to follow a woman who listens to what she loves and shares it with the world. The rest, is history. See more of her design projects here.
~View more White Decor Inspiration below:
~Meg Ryan’s Martha’s Vineyard Home
July 5, 2017
10 Books to Read & Love this Summer of 2017
Summer reading doesn’t have to be about fluff. No, no, no, no, no.
Summer reading can be absolutely anything you need, desire or wish to escape into. Summer offers the ideal time to dive deeply into what you love, what intrigues you and what delights you. Here on TSLL blog, of course the French culture is one arena of fascination, but as well, food, travel, life inspiration and a simple, good read by a trusted author are always appreciated.
TSLL readers and IG followers have asked recently for summer reading recommendations, and so I’ve pulled a list of 10 books I think you will enjoy. Curated from perusing the already endless lists of recommendations, I think you will find something for your interests, curiosities or life journey needs depending upon where you are in this moment. But if not, don’t forget to stop by every Friday for the weekly This & That, as well as check out TSLL Shop, click on the “Books” or “Cookbooks” or “Francophile Finds” to see all of the books I have recommended over the past couple of years.
After all, always having a good book on hand is a life necessity oft disguised as a luxury. Read on to find your next favorite book!
For Fellow Francophiles:
1.A Paris Year: My Day-to-Day Adventures in the Most Romantic City in the World by Janice MacLeod
The author of the best-selling book Paris Letters returns to take readers through the streets of Paris as seen through her first year living in the City of Light. With her illustrations and personal memories, readers will also learn perhaps unknown pieces of history from the city they too adore.
2. My French Country Home: Entertaining Through the Seasons by Sharon Santoni
I absolutely cannot wait to read English expat, now living in northern France for decades, lifestyle blogger Sharon Santoni’s new book. Being released on August 8, her second book (her first was full of inspiration about her French girlfriends) My French Country Home captures her stunning home as you have come to love it on her Instagram feed (one of my favorites). With my copy in the mail as I have the opportunity to interview Sharon for an upcoming episode of The Simple Sophisticate podcast, I cannot wait to dive in and discover her seasonal inspiration.
3. My Good Life in France by Janice Marsh
There are so many good Francophile lifestyle books being released in August! On August 7, writer and blogger Janice Marsh’s new book My Good Life in France will be released, and she too will be joining me on The Simple Sophisticate podcast next month, so be sure to stay tuned. From the city of London to the northern French countryside, Janice Marsh discovered the many unexpected, yet beautiful unearthings of a life she had never imagined. Visit her blog here to discover all that has manifested itself since she moved to France, remodeled her country home with her husband and settled in.
4. Uncorked: My Year in Provence studying Pétanque, discovering Chagall, drinking Pastis, and mangling French by Paul Shore
Released this past March, Paul Shore, a tech-industry veteran who lived in Provence for a year, but who had lived in France for some time released his new memoir Uncorked. Sharing a handful of the many traditions and pastimes of the locals of Cote d’Azur and Provence, Shore also uses humor and the personal experiences gained to reflect on the importance of travel, but also the difficulties of being new to anything especially a different culture. Offering a reminder to broaden our perspective and keep an open mind as well, if Provence has captured your attention, this book may be just want you are looking for.
For Lovers of Travel & Books:
5. Footsteps by The New York Times
As I shared in this IG pic, I began reading Footsteps in Portland during my recent trip, and have been delighted with each chapter ever since. Years ago, The New York Times had a weekly column titled Footsteps which took readers, with the prose of modern day writers, to destinations that well-known revered writers had been. Beginning with Mark Twain and his time in Hawaii, then to James Baldwin’s Paris, Alice Munro’s Vancouver and even searching for Anne of Green Gables on Prince Edward Island, the writers walked where they walked, attempted to see what they saw and share it in such a way to take you on a vacation without leaving your home. I highly recommend if you are like me not traveling as far and as wide as you have or will in the past this summer, but still appreciate the gifts of travel.
The Classic Summer Leisure Read:
6. My Not So Perfect Life by Sophia Kinsella
Being released on July 11th, the best-selling author Sophia Kinsella has a new book to enjoy. A light-hearted narrative, the protagonist, Katie Brenner, feels as though everyone around her, and therefore life, is leaving her behind. And then when she is fired from her job and retreats from London to a cottage in Somerset, it is the contemplation of a what a meaningful life truly means that instantly caught my attention. I look forward intently to reading this book in one weekend or sitting.
Lovers of Mystery:
7. Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
The first of two novels on the list has been recommended on more than a few summer readings lists this year. The New York Times bestselling author Anthony Horowitz just released his latest mystery last month and with it gives readers a modern Agatha Christie thriller. Set in England, an editor of a prolific crime-writer, who while being a handful, has created a formula of story-telling that works (aka sells well) every single time, so the editing goes on. However, his recent manuscript is unique, and as Susan Ryeland (the editor) continues to read, she begins to wonder if indeed there is another mystery that has been left unsolved.
~An extra mystery, if you want less thrill and more cozy, an abundance of France and delectable food and wine (it’s my favorite cozy French mystery series), read this as was recommended in April’s #151 episode of the podcast by M.L. Longworth.
Modern Fiction & Tech Curious:
8. Startup: A Novel by Doree Shafrir
Released this past May is a humorous, satirical tale reminding readers that there isn’t always “an app for that”. Doree Shafrir is a veteran online journalist and BuzzFeed writer, and in her debut novel, we are taken into the tech industry where angel donors offer hundreds of millions of dollars to startup dreams, page views and traffic are paramount and blogs, yes blogs, need posts titles that grab eyeballs immediately even if they are salacious. The drama ensues as human power runs up against tech power.
Lovers of Food & Women’s History:
9. What She Ate: Six Remarkable Women and the Food That Tells Their Stories by Laura Shapiro
Being released on July 25, if you enjoy history as well as food, pre-order this book. Diving into the culinary preferences and attitudes toward food, learn more than any biographer has shared about each of the following women, simply because they overlooked what we all need to survive: food. Helen Gurley Brown, Eleanor Roosevelt, Barbara Pym, Dorothy Wordsworth, Rosa Lewis and Eva Braun. If any of these names don’t ring a bell, learn more about each of them here, and discover a book full of food for thought.
Endless Life Inspiration:
10. What Do You Do With An Idea? by Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Mae Besom
I saved this book to be at the end for a reason: You will want it for yourself, anyone you love and know with a dream or an idea, and you will want it again for yourself. Yes, it is a children’s book, but sometimes the most powerful life lessons are best shared and thus absorbed in the pages of a children’s illustrated story. I first came across this book during the weekend I slipped away to Walla Walla to celebrate my 38th birthday earlier this year, and it nearly brought me to tears. Happy, hopeful, beautiful tears. There is a reason why in 2014 when it was released, it immediately became a New York Times bestseller, and there is a reason why more than 500 people have given it extraordinarily positive reviews. Read this book. I will say no more.
Happy reading this summer.
