Shannon Ables's Blog, page 263
March 22, 2017
Why Not . . . Celebrate a New Year with Spring’s Arrival?
“Now every field is clothed with grass, and every tree with leaves; now the woods put forth their blossoms, and the year assumes its gay attire.” -Virgil
When spring arrives, it is custom to not only celebrate the arrival of the new season but the commencement of the Iranian or Persian new year known as Nowruz. And while January 1st will be the start of the Gregorian calendar widely used as the civil calendar (introduced by Pope Gregory XIII, who introduced it in October 1582), I couldn’t help but contemplate the worthwhile notion of beginning a new year when the season of rebirth kicks off in March.
After all, new beginnings in a wide swath of our lives both natural and man-made begin with spring’s arrival: the birth of animals (lambs, calves, etc. ), the reemerging of animals from hibernation, the return of birds from their winter retreat, the planting of seeds by farmers and gardeners, the return of farmers’ markets, the blossoms of cherry, dogwood, apple and many other deciduous trees display their brilliant pastel colors, the perennials begin to slowly rise from the earth, and the snow melts away with each falling rain drop.
Spring offers a rebirth after the frozen, stilled time during winter in which we bundled, sanctuaried and burrowed, only dreaming of the long anticipated sun-filled days and warmth to be outside without layer upon layer.
When spring arrives the layers can naturally be shed and much like the shedding of unnecessary layers, we too can and should begin to shed what no longer serves us, supports us and fulfills us.
So why not celebrate the new year when spring arrives? I must admit I am quite partial to this shift in mentalities. Especially after the long and daunting winter we experienced (and most certainly appreciated for all of the moisture we received and needed) here in Bend, this past winter in particular caused me to take note of the power of shifting seasons. Not only was the melting of the snow gradual and its final departure a near synchronization with March 20th’s arrival, but events in my personal life also brought to my attention the need to shed old ways of approaching love and relationships if I wanted to move forward and step into grander possibilities.
So indeed, spring’s arrival will be the start of my new year. How about for you as well?
Below is a list of tasks to enjoy, take part in and appreciate as you begin refreshed, renewed and reinvigorated for a most amazing next twelve months:
1. Assess your eating habits
What is working for you? What feeds your body well? What do you eat too much of out of habit, but isn’t necessarily contributing to better health? Check out episode #8 of the podcast, Love Food, Love Your Body to learn more about healthy, but delicious eating habits that will keep your body happy and healthy. Perhaps organize your weekly menu by creating a capsule menu which will help you eat healthy, but also delicious food while staying within your budget. Learn more here.
2. Clean out your cupboards
Speaking of helping yourself eat well, go through your cupboards, your pantry, your refrigerator and empty what you shouldn’t eat and assess what you do need to restock in order to be able to cook a delicious meal at a moment’s notice. Check out the items needed for your épicerie here.
3. Assess your beauty routine
How is your skin doing? Is your daily, weekly and monthly regimen working? I have been playing around with mine lately as I shared here, and have recently added back one of my favorite exfoliant masques from Eminence (learn more about it here). The feeling of healthy, fresh, cared for skin is a wonderful gift we can give ourselves, and while to many it may appear to be a luxury, it is anything but. When we literally feel good in our skin, we shine and walk a little more confident and shine a little brighter with what we do.
4. Update your travel tote and supplies
The vacation season has begun. As spring break arrives and the airports, train stations and highways begin to become more crowded with eager get-away seekers, knowing you have all the necessities and small luxuries you need when you travel is a simple peace of mind to give yourself. Take a look through your supplies and restock, add or eliminate as necessary. I recently added a new travel blow-dryer that had a bit more power than 1000 watts (this one has 1875) and stocked up on travel dry shampoo.
5. Clean the big everyday items: carpet, windows & garage
While each of these are big projects, setting the spring as an opportunity to tend to a deep clean of the carpets, windows and garage, once complete, feels like an additional breath of fresh air. Not only is more light able to enter your home, but you appreciate your home and living space all the more.
6. Reassess your budget
As tax season is about to wrap up, you’ve had an opportunity to see how the past year went. What worked? What needs to be tweaked, eliminated or added?
7. Plan your yard and/or garden (as well as the herb garden)
No matter how large or small your home, at the very minimum you can foster an herb garden. And while the temperatures may not allow you to plant right at this moment, March is a wonderful time to plan and dream. What do you want? I have my mind set on a few more lavender plants and hostas for the front walkway, and oh, how I cannot wait to replant my herb garden for spring and summer cooking projects.
8. Reassess your thinking
As I mentioned at the top of the post, sometimes what is getting in the way of striving out of the life we know no longer serves us and into the life we are seeking is how we think. What are our defaults? What assumptions do you cascade to unconsciously? Contemplate in what moments you were proud of how you handled yourself and in which could you have done better? Why were you not pleased in the latter and why were you proud of how you handled yourself in the former? Begin to assess the power of emotional intelligence, as well as these 22 things to be that will certainly shift your thinking into the right direction.
9. Let go of what no longer serves you
Over the course of the winter you may have had more time to think, contemplate and re-examine what you love, what you desire, what is working and what is not. Perhaps this list will help give you the courage to let go of a few of those things you know you should be rid of but they make it hard to let go. When you do eventually unburden yourself, you will truly have shed unnecessary layers and opened yourself up to unexpected possibilities.
Conscious living, reveling in the opportunity of a new start. As we take the lessons from the past year and apply them to the new, just imagine the beautiful world that might unfold before us as we journey along our way. I have a feeling it will be beautiful, I have a feeling it will be quite memorable (so don’t forget to journal about it so you can savor it in hindsight as well ;)). And while we may or may not know exactly what spring has in store, we ache for the revelation that it beholds. Here we go!
“It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want — oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”
— Mark Twain
~Spring Posts from the Archives You Might Enjoy:
~Why Not . . . Prep for Spring?
~Why Not . . . Take in All That Spring Has to Offer?
March 21, 2017
Blue Sky Style
The first full day of spring is today and blue skies are coming if they aren’t already here. Shades of blue beginning with navy and running the spectrum to light bluebird blue are vast and can as easily be a neutral as a signature pop of color piece in a outfit. And of course denim counts as something blue too if not dyed, and most certainly is an ideal casual neutral item to dress down a beautiful blouse or keep it cozy and comfortable all the way around being paired with an oversized sweater or tee. Today find inspiration for welcoming blue, an uplifting blue into your spring wardrobe.
~Remember, to shop or learn more about any of the outfits in Style Inspiration posts, simply click on the image to be redirected to the original source.
~View more Style Inspiration posts here
~Shop Capsule Wardrobe items for Spring, Fall and All-Seasons here.
March 20, 2017
10 Truths About The Independent Woman & Love
~Subscribe to The Simple Sophisticate: iTunes | Stitcher | iHeartRadio
“And you, you scare people because you are whole all by yourself.” —Lauren Alex Hooper
The twenty-first century woman, she has been called on this blog the modern woman, is an independent woman. And while there are many different shades, rhythms and ways of living independently, there are also many similarities. And some of these similarities are misunderstood by outsiders as they expect the traditional response when it comes to the arena of love or they have a misconception that because she is independent she must not want love in the traditional sense.
Today I’d like to share 10 truths about independent women and dispel any innocent assumptions that simply aren’t true.
Love, whether it be romantic, platonic, a love for a passion that we pursue doggedly and without apology is an electric force that provides infinite fuel for life. Love is a necessity when it comes to living a life of fulfillment, contentment and reaching our full potential. And it is the goal of reaching our full potential that is solely at the core and what drives women who are independent.
Because reaching our full potential is a unique and original pursuit, what we are looking for when it comes to love, romantic love especially will also be unique, but generally, these truths need to be understood by anyone wanting to be involved, currently beginning to date or having been intimately partnered for quite some time with an independent woman.
1. The enjoyment of her own company is real, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t enjoy the company of others
Alone time, great amounts or small is a absolute feast for her being. She revels in it, finds immense pleasure in it and doesn’t need someone else to entertain her or keep her company. When she shares she will be spending the evening by herself, she will be spending the evening by herself because she wants to and her very busy schedule has bestowed upon her an opportunity that she is ready to savor. Introvert, extrovert, it doesn’t matter.
2. When she gives or expresses love or affection, it is real
Why? She won’t waste time with games or ego-lifting flirtations. She is secure in who she is and doesn’t need to drum up interest from others to reminder her of her worth. She knows she is worthy, and more importantly, she respects the feelings of others and doesn’t want to lead them on. Because an independent woman relies on herself for her income and fulfillment, she is busy, she is driven and when she welcomes the possibility of a relationship into her life, she has done so thoughtfully.
3. Asking for help is difficult, but when she says she doesn’t want it, listen to her
An independent woman is willing to figure out her path and then get busy completing the tasks on her own that need to be done. She doesn’t reach out and wait around for help. She may pay a contractor, a plumber, an expert in the field she needs assistance from, but rarely does she ask for help from others as she assumes and respects they have busy lives of their own as she does. However, don’t be afraid to offer help.
The primary reason, as mentioned above, she doesn’t ask is because she respects your life and your schedule. She doesn’t want to add one more task to your list, just as she doesn’t need one more task on hers. Lastly, if you do ask, and she says no, she means it. She’s okay with honesty, in fact she demands it and therefore, she practices it as well.
4. She is self-aware and therefore, will not hold on to a relationship if she doesn’t see a future or it is a fit that simply won’t work
Speaking of honesty, she knows what she wants to accomplish. For the most part, she knows what it will take and what she can do. She also knows at this point in her life what works and very clearly what doesn’t. And if the fit isn’t right, she won’t beat around the bush, hanging on to see and hoping that it will iron itself out. In other words, if you are in her life, she appreciates the connection and the partnership that is unfolding and sees potential for both parties involved.
5. Reaching her full potential is always at the core of her being
As mentioned above, every woman’s full potential will be different. The key is to not to assume anything. Have a conversation, have many conversations. Ask the questions, don’t place the stereotype crowns on her head that Hollywood perpetuates. Ask her, does she want to become President, does she want to be a mother, does she want to travel the world helping those in need, does she want to become the next Oprah, does she simply want to write books, walk her dogs and revel in the love she has with her partner? Ask her what reaching her full potential looks like.
6. Friends may be few, but they are mighty
The planner is full, goals are clear and days are often long, but she sleeps well and she is excited when she wakes up in the morning, thankful for the opportunities she has in front of her. Because of her full life, the friendships she builds are strong and provide support in one way or another. Quality over quantity as the need for strength is important, the need for trust is vital and with time on short supply, she wants to give fully to those she cares about.
7. Looking for an equal partnership
Any relationship will ebb and flow based on the needs of the individuals, but the partnership an independent woman is looking for is not about fulfilling traditional roles. No. It is about setting each other in the relationship free to be themselves. A knowing by one another that there is a level of respect and appreciation for whom each is as an individual and a desire to help each other attain their fullest potential, knowing that the support the relationship provides is part of the equation. Thus, investing in the relationship is crucial.
8. Drama is for television shows and the theater
The independent woman, if and when she has time, may watch House of Cards, but she doesn’t engage in drama. She may enjoy the reprieve and escape momentarily, but she recognizes the unnecessary burden one puts on their shoulders when they involve themselves in drama with friends, family members and at work. An independent woman seeks to be productive, honest and clear. While she knows how to negotiate, she also understands that people have feelings and keeps this in mind when working with them professionally and personally.
9. Living together isn’t off the table, it simply must be with the right person
As someone who has never lived with a partner, my reasons were never due to statistics (read this article from The Atlantic), but rather because I simply didn’t want to live with them which is probably why the relationships didn’t last. Living together is an opportunity to connect more intimately, but only when the independent woman can trust her partner will be her partner, not her roommate, not someone who will add more tasks and chores to her list. In fact, living together, just as finding a partner that meshes well with you, should be an enhancement, not a burden to the life you already enjoy living.
10. We are looking for real love
Living alone is a wonderful experience, and once this truth is realized, it makes it easier to determine if you truly are interested in someone. Why? To change or tweak the life that works exceptionally well for you is a significant decision. Needless to say, the person who provoked such contemplation must be someone unlike most others you have ever met.
The key to living well no matter where you find yourself in your life is to enjoy your own company, and that is something independent women do exceptionally well. And when you enjoy your own company, you are demonstrating you are secure in who you are, your strengths and while you may not applaud your weaknesses, you are aware of them and don’t let them hinder your progression (in fact, you may take time to address and improve them).
And because you are secure and therefore self-confident, you are better able to recognize the same characteristics in others and quickly dismiss of those who are not, and therefore would not be compatible or able to be the partner you are seeking, if your are seeking one.
The funny truth is, get on with your life. Get on with pursuing your goals and reaching your full potential. Get on with living and living well. Whether you intrigue someone or not shouldn’t be the goal. The goal should be internal. Julianna Margules famously shared on CBS Sunday Morning that at the age of 35 she told her mother she didn’t want to get married or have kids because she loved her freedom. Epitomizing the independent woman, she lived her life and in so doing she met her husband at age 39 as she was going about living the life she loved, never with the goal in mind to meet him.
Real love enters our lives in a variety of ways: through our careers, children, pets, hobbies, service, families, our partner, etc. But it should always begin with having sincere love and appreciation for ourselves. And independent woman understands this. She may struggle with who she is becoming as it is new and seems to regularly be changing as she grows and strives, but once she figures out who she is at her core, that truth doesn’t change. And knowing that truth brings a comfort and a sanctuary that nobody can take away.
~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
~How to Become a Woman Comfortable in Her Own Skin
~Why Not . . . Live Alone for a While?
~Why Not . . . Revel in Being a Woman?
~View all FEMININITY Posts in TSLL Archives here.
Petit Plaisir:
~Radishes with Baguette, Butter and Salt – click here for the recipe
March 19, 2017
A Spring Snack: Radishes, Baguette & Butter
Spring arrives tomorrow! And I thought, what recipe could I share that would be simple, delicious and welcome the fresh start of the seasonal new year? As I began poking around I discovered a simple French snack that requires minimal time and very little skills. Simply slice, spread and savor.
As the farmers’ markets begin to open up, pick up a fresh bunch of radishes, find the best quality butter (lightly salted is fine, but unsalted works quite well) and swing by your local bakery for a fresh baguette.
Now, slice the baguette and the radishes, decide which fresh herb you would like to top it with (oregano, basil, chives, parsley or dill are all options), and compile a delicious afternoon snack or appetizer.
When I took my first bite, I immediately noticed the difference due to the butter. The bite reminded me of an open-faced vegetable sandwich and of course you can top with a finely sliced meat of prosciutto or any that you prefer. Pair with a crisp rosé or white wine and be reminded that spring is here. Oh, what a beautiful season I am hopeful it will be. Find the recipe below. Bon appétit!
Radishes atop Baguette and Butter, Sprinkled with Salt
Ingredients:
1 bunch radishes
High quality butter (lightly salted or unsalted)
Sea salt or kosher salt
1 handful fresh herb of choice (basil, oregano, parsley, dill, or chives)
1 fresh baguette
Directions:
Set the butter out so that it reaches room temperature.
Slice a baguette tartine style (as seen below), or in small slices on the bias. Julienne or rough chop your fresh herb of choice. Slice the radishes (thick or thin depending upon your preference and how much crunch you prefer. I realized I wanted my thicker after slicing most rather thin. I do love a good crunch.
On each slice of bread, spread some butter. Top with radish slices, a few grains salt, and fresh herb.
March 17, 2017
This & That: March 17, 2017
Book
—The Idiot by Elif Batuman
Elif Batuman’s new novel The Idiot is receiving ubiquitous praise from critics for offering the journey of a young woman beginning into adulthood. Set in 1995, Selin arrives at Harvard, the daughter of Turkish immigrant parents and as she enters her first summer after college, she goes abroad to teach English after having corresponded with a boy named Ivan from Turkey. She ventures through Paris and Hungary and begins to wrestle with what her future will be.
—Mayhem in Margaux (Winemaker Detective) by Jean-Pierre Alaux and Noël Balen
A simple cozy mystery set in France and translated from its original version into English, Mayhem in Margaux offers the beauty of Bordeaux vineyards, a caper to solve and an enjoyable read from the Winemaker Detective series.
Film
—Beauty and the Beast
Debuting today in the theaters, Emma Watson stars in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, alongside Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey). The story we already know, but now with the voices of Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Audra McDonald, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Ian McKellenand Emma Thompson to play the supporting roles of the candlestick, teapot and other necessary accoutrements to the tale, it should be even more enjoyable to escape to the theater and enjoy this weekend.
Francophile Find
—How to Drink French Fluently: A Guide to Joie de Vivre with St. Germain Cocktails by Drew Lazor and Camille Ralph Vidal
Being released in June, and with the main ingredient being St.-Germain liqueur (an elderflower liqueur) said to be bartender’s favorite mixer, discover 30 cocktail recipes from top bartenders from around the globe. Discover what food to pair which cocktail with and at what time of day as well. This may just be a bartender’s guide to keep at the ready for your next dinner party occasion.
—Les Françaises by Sonia Sieff
French photographer Sonia Sieff’s new book takes readers into the most intimate worlds of some of France’s most public individuals. With 150 photographs set in Paris, on the shores of Normandy, in gardens in Champagne and inside the homes where the subjects live, the feminine form is captured in beautiful simplicity.
Travel
—Tumi Luggage Sale, 20% off
If you travel regularly, and especially if you travel around the globe, Tumi is a luggage company that has lived up to its durable material used since it was found din 1975. While offering both aluminum and polycarbonate luggage, if you buy a Tumi aluminum piece, you will have it for a lifetime. And now you can have whichever style, color and material you want at 20% at Saks 5th Avenue and Neiman Marcus. No code required. The sale is set to last through March 21st at Neiman’s, so take a look and determine what your travel needs are.
~recipe for Lemon Lime Tarts~
Deep breath . . . and, yes the weekend has arrived. *big smile* Spring has sprung, the grass is beginning to show the green we have long ago lost sight of and the sun is staying up and out above us longer and longer. With getaway plans scheduled in two weeks, this weekend will be for slowing down, savoring simple pleasures and picking up the final travel necessities. Simply knowing a vacation is around the corner offers a touch more pleasure in the every day that leads up to it, no?
Do you have spring getaway plans in the coming weeks? Where might you be going? Or are you, as I have done many times, looking forward to just being home with fewer to-dos and expectations? Either way, a respite is a wonderful thing to schedule into each season as it offers a renewal of its own as we step forward into the next season. Now to the weekend and some reading below that you might enjoy. Until Monday, bonne journée!
~3 Daily Habits of the Happiest People in the World – could it be this simple?
A Foodie Haven Near the Bustling Bastille
~Love high designer fashion at a steal of a price? Read this article.
~Curious to know what the most popular food is in each state? Have a look at this map to find out.
~Instead of a “To Do”, why not write this type of list.
~An American living as an expat in France during these highly politically charged times – here is what it is like for one writer
~One Thing Real Love Never Does To You
~A few worth contemplating lessons on money, life and success from 108 millionaires
~And to wrap up, 50 simple, inspiring quotes to keep in mind as you live the life of your dreams
March 16, 2017
Style in the Sky
~Vanessa Seward jacquard silk printed jumpsuit~
—Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum Luggage (20% off thru 3/21 – other sizes available)~
~Oscar de la Renta gem patented leather-trimmed embellished mesh flippers~
~Mark & Graham Brooklyn leather tote (other colors)~
~J.Crew Tassel Chain Necklace~
~SLIP silk eye mask (many other colors available)~
~Only in Naples: Lessons in Food & Famiglia from my Italian Mother-in-Law by Katherine Wilson~
SHOP THE OUTFIT:
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~View more Outfits of the Week here
A Tribeca Foodie & Family Haven
From an entirely raw space in Tribeca to a modern loft renovated with touches of retro comfort, an Australian family finds their home in a fresh new space. The kitchen instantly caught my attention with warm woods and a lofty original tin ceiling, and the floating soaking tub set atop a unique mosaic of hexagonal tile also create a signature intimate space. The talents of interior design architects Studio DB demonstrate that originality, creative ideas and a great space can render a magnificent new place to call one’s sanctuary even in a bustling city like New York. Enjoy the tour below and learn even more about the space, the journey of renovation and the designers here.
~View more Decor Inspiration here.
March 15, 2017
Art and Happiness: Discover Art’s Ubiquity and Power to Improve Your Everyday Life
“Art wakes you up to three profoundly important realities. Cognizance of any one of these realities alone can make you a much happier person. Together, they form an almost intoxicating brew of enhanced well-being. They are: the reality of the world, the reality of other people, and the reality of yourself.” —Bridget Watson Payne, author of How Art Can Make You Happy
Art is an elusive term. When the word is mentioned, some may imagine a museum such as the Louvre in Paris while others may escape to the beauty of Mother Nature. From paintings to prose, theater to haute couture fashion designs, art can be found in a variety of venues – manmade or natural, intentional or unintentional. It is all a matter of paying attention.
In Bridget Watson Payne’s new book set to be released this coming May, How Art Can Make You Happy, she shares how art makes an individual happy, how to find the art you like, how to navigate museums and whether or not they are an experience you will want to explore, the truth about art galleries and how to talk about art no matter what your background. Watson Payne’s light-hearted, but ardently passionate approach to revealing the value of art in our lives is appreciated immensely as her observations reveal living consciously, which enables us to see the beauty in the everyday, is a simple way to live, ultimately significantly increasing our overall fulfillment. Shared in a small yellow book containing no more than 100 pages, it is an every-person’s guide to opening the door to a medium that can absolutely increase your happiness quotient.
The truth is when we can appreciate art in all forms as mentioned above, we are choosing to be present wherever we might find ourselves. And when we approach life in such a way, we begin to realize “if you let yourself, you can see just as much wonder in the little stuff”. In reality there is far more beauty in the world than we give the world credit for, and so much of it is simple, seemingly insignificant, but actually quite the opposite.
The the odd, unique way the snow gradually melts from our yards and even the curbs to the birds that sit outside our windows perched, chirping and nibbling on the food we provide, to the sounds of the gentle breeze to the soothing snore of our pups as they naps. See what I mean? Seemingly insignificant, but in reality beautiful, artistic details of an everyday life that aches for us to slow down, pay attention and appreciate.
Watson Payne argues that the moment we begin to change our approach so that we can observe these everyday works of art, we increase the joy in our lives. Not because everything we experience is deemed beautiful, but because we have chosen to be vulnerable and observe how what we see, what we hear, what we taste (in other words, what our senses are experiencing) makes us feel something. This type of experience takes us deeper into our humanity.
And the ultimate purpose of art is to make us see.
Watson Payne reminds that because we are limited by our biases, the invention of art is the most grand invention of all because it is the one invention (not the internet as many seem to assume) that opens up the world we would never be able to know if it weren’t for art: history, cultures, perspectives, languages, gender issues, social status, etc.
Art is the medium by which we can expand our world, become more aware, more understanding and more learned.
Art teaches us empathy.
And when we learn how to empathize, we become more deeply human and discover how to connect at a far more intimate level with others. Whether the others are in our daily lives, whom we go to bed with at night or people from around the world we will never see face to face but perhaps only on the nightly newscast. Art makes us consider what other human beings may be feeling even if we haven’t experienced exactly what they are going through.
Art is powerful.
Art reminds us that we are not alone.
Art slows us down.
Art gives us pause to reconsider if we are being as human as we can be.
Art helps us discover how to live a life of authenticity.
Art forces us to feel if we will let it.
And in doing all of these amazing tasks, simply by listening to a piece of music, appreciating a beautifully prepared meal, observing a film, applauding the actors in a play, each brings us closer to living a life of happiness and true contentment.
I encourage you to take a closer look at Bridget Watson Payne’s book. If you are at all curious about art, even simply wanting to know the basic periods in the traditional Western art canon (she shares a simple list with centuries, periods, and well known artists of that time), take a look at this book. From suggesting the idea of an art date to easing our angst about not knowing what to say (you’re not alone!), her words are the encouragement to seek out art even if you don’t have museums or exhibits where you live.
I by no means am an art expert, but I am certainly an art aficionado. Curious to learn more, understand more and realize how much more resides around me than I realize.
I can remember my one and only art history class in college taken as an elective, and the spark of curiosity that demanded I pay attention when I began to understand how to observe art – light/dark, material, composition, color, etc. fascinated me more than I ever expected.
From the traditional art activity of visiting museums and exhibits, I also find myself pausing when I am outside and just taking in the beauty that Mother Nature provides. As well, from a thoughtfully plated dinner entrée served by my partner after having cooked together in the kitchen to the simple hydrangea mophead I found at the market and placed on my kitchen table – art, beauty, is everywhere in our everyday whether we buy a ticket to see it or experience it or are have the fortunate and the wherewithal to observe it for free as we go about our daily tasks and routine.
No matter what your budget, no matter where you live, art is living and available all around you. So why not welcome it into your life and discover the power it can render on the increased joy you experience throughout your everydays?
~How Art Can Make You Happy (released on May 2, 2017)
~Camille Pissarro – Danish-French Impressionist, painting of the Tuileries Gardens exhibit in Portland, Oregon, summer of 2014~
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~Hercules Battling Archelous as Serpent (1824) bronze sculpture~
1st Image: Allegory of Autumn (1686-1696) Tuileries Garden – The Art of the Louvre’s Tuileries Gardens exhibit via TSLL IG
March 14, 2017
Just Black, Just Right
It’s so simple, it’s sometimes hard to step away. Creating a slimming silhouette, hiding all of the not-so-favorite-parts and accentuating our favorites. Whether with a classic black silk blouse, a black dress or pointed black flats, black is a necessity in every person’s closet, man or woman. Black is a comfort choice in many ways but at the same time offers timeless style and a touch of mystery. Today, be inspired to elevate the power of black in your wardrobe.
~Remember, click on any of the images to be taken to the original source.
March 13, 2017
11 Worthwhile Life Skills That Are Easier Than They Appear
“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” ― Confucius
Having never experienced a particular event, feeling or sensation, it can be hard to trust that attaining what we have marked as our goal as something other than difficult to achieve. After all, if it were easy, we would have experienced it by now. But what has lacked in the past is the proper recipe.
What I mean by the proper recipe is if we are trying to make mayonnaise (which requires few, but specific simple ingredients: 1 large egg yolk, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon cold water, and ¾ cup neutral oil such as safflower or canola), but if we pulled out a recipe for a vinaigrette (extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar and black pepper), no matter how hard or long we whisked the ingredients, we will never make mayonnaise.
This seems obvious, but often in life we are using ingredients (whether it be particular people, misunderstood facts regarding science, neuroscience and biology or confusion when it comes to math) that cannot add up to what we desire no matter how hopeful we are. But when we do finally have the proper ingredients, in other words quality ingredients and stop trying to force an apple to become an orange, the results we desire materialize without involving much effort. And in that moment it seems almost miraculous as we’ve been thwarted for so long so often in our previous attempts.
Today I’ve made a list of eleven life skills I have found to be far easier than I had once thought. Perhaps you have a few others you would like to add. And if so, please do share in the comments.
1. Boiling the perfect egg
On Sunday I made my first Niçoise salad, and of course, boiled eggs are a quintessential ingredient. Wanting a boiled egg in which the white was solid, but moist and the yolk was runny, I looked to Julia Child. On page 118 in her iconic Mastering the Art of French Cooking, the recipe for an alternative to poached eggs (as I wanter to cook the eggs with the shell on) can be found. Put simply: bring water to boil, place eggs in the boiling water for six minutes, pour out the hot water and run cold water over the eggs for one minute. The perfect boiled egg for salads, breakfast or a mid-day snack.
2. Meditating
For years I thought something was wrong with me for not being able to mediate. I assumed, errantly, I had to be able to sit without thinking for endless amounts of minutes (20-30). I was wrong on two points: It’s not about stopping your thoughts, but recognizing when they wander and bringing your mind back to the present and longer doesn’t mean better. Five minutes is fine, simply observing and knowing your mind is wandering is a significant and successful mediation experience. Learn more about who to incorporate mediation into your daily routine (even if daily is a hope and the reality is a few days a week – the difference is quite positive on your overall quality of life.)
3. Asking clarifying questions
Just ask why. Most likely you are not the only person in the room who did not understand the allusion the speaker or teacher made. Ask for clarification. Don’t apologize for not knowing, simply ask what they were referring to. Confidence of a student and their sincerity to learn is revealed in asking for further understanding. Be a student of life and regularly ask questions, especially of people who are experts in their fields. Even if they do not know the answer, they would be the best persons to point you in the right direction. Often an expert takes for granted what the listener knows. It’s not a negative thing, it’s a reality when someone has been working with a particular idea or content for some time. Their perspective has shifted. So simply ask, and no doubt others in the room will appreciate your courage.
4. Letting go of what no longer supports the life you are building
Looking at the possibility of letting go of a way of life, a person, a job or anything that you have become accustomed to is a thorny prospect. But the actual letting go and moving forward is easy. It’s the decision of what to let go that takes time and careful examination. For when you finally let go, it cannot weigh you down and you begin to feel a lightness that you could never have known prior to letting go.
5. Welcoming love into your life
When we have been mistreated, taken advantage of or been around insecure individuals and errant assumptions about what love is (co-dependent, needy, clingy, formulaic, etc.), we can understandably be cautious about believing genuine love exists. Genuine or real love is something we discussed here and here in-depth, but the good news is that it does indeed exist, and when you’re ready and able to recognize it, even if you don’t believe it when you see it or experience it, welcoming it into your life is easy. Put down the armor, put down the cynical protections you’ve been using, stop the mishegas thinking and let yourself be loved. Just be you. Stop assuming the worst, stop thinking about anything that may thwart love’s growth, and when you do that, love walks in.
6. Broadening your vocabulary
Read. Read often. Read a little every day from any source that piques your interest. Look up one word a week that you run across and do not know. Listen to the diction being used in academic, political, historical films, newscasts and productions. Be curious and read and watch and look up what you do not understand. The more precise your vocabulary, the better able you are to effectively communicate and the more heightened your ability for emotional intelligence.
7. Backgammon
My favorite board game to play is backgammon. While I have always wanted to learn chess, I have yet to do so (of this feat I will accomplish at some point in my life, I am nothing but determined). But since I was a young girl, backgammon was the game my father and I would play, and we still do when I return home for holidays. It’s simple: move all of your checkers to your home base and remove them before the other player. Yes, there are other strategies and details to consider, but for a board game that looks fancy when it is displayed, it truly is quite simple. Discover the rules here.
8. Saving money for retirement
Set it and forget it. Set up an automatic pay reduction each month to be withdrawn from your paycheck. The sooner you do this is your career, the less you will pay no mind to the money that is not going into your checking account for the present moment.
9. Practicing self-compassion
The patient is you. And the attending is you as well. Treat yourself the way you already treat those you care about. The love you are able to give outwardly becomes strengthened when you have been giving the same compassion to yourself regularly. Learn more about self-compassion here in episode #122 of the podcast.
10. Improving your health and your skin
Yes, using particular moisturizers, sunscreen and oils do indeed make a difference, but the cheapest and simplest way to improve your health (ridding your body of toxins) and enable your skin to look radiant is to drink a glass of water before you go to bed and when you wake up. In between, make water your drink of choice. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
11. Staying healthy and trim
It’s less about your activity and more about the fuel you feed your body. However, physical exercise reduces stress and keeps the mind balanced. Back to the eating component: Eat a well balanced diet (knowledge of what you eat and what it does for your body is key), don’t deprive yourself, moderation. And as far as exercise, simply walk 5 times a week 20-40 minutes, add some weight bearing exercises two times a week (strength, pilates or yoga).
The take away I have discovered is often it is our approach that is thwarting the success, happiness and contentment we seek from materializing. And the problem is that we are not better informed on how to actually attain what we seek. Make sure that anything that is not working at the moment doesn’t actually have an easier solution. Are you using the proper ingredients? Do you have the right recipe or did the pages stick together and you, like Rachel in FRIENDS accidentally make a dessert truffle with ground beef? The right recipe can make all of the difference.
~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
~Small & Simple = A Grand & Full Life
Petit Plaisir
~Victoria on PBS, Season 1
~Queen Victoria’s diaries made available to the public
Image: source
