Shannon Ables's Blog, page 264

This & That: March 10, 2017

Book
—How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain by Lisa Feldman Barrett

A new book written by psychologist and neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett offers new insight into the power we have over our emotions. What if we have more control over our emotions than we thought and the universal understanding of a collective reason for certain emotions to arise is wrong? Not only does Barrett reveal her new findings, but she offers tips and ideas on how to better understand our emotions and become the master rather than the unconscious follower.

—We: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere by Gillian Anderson and Jennifer Nadel

Friends for more than ten years, actress of The X Files and journalist Jennifer Nadel have written an inspiring manual for bringing back the joy and cultivating a better life for not only ourselves but those around us. Organized around nine principles, We: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere was released this past Tuesday and it was their simple idea of replacing the “current patterns of competition, criticism, and comparison with collaboration, cooperation, and compassion” that intrigued me to look further into the contents of the book.

Citizenship
—Love Letter America

As a citizen of any representative democracy, the temptation to become complacent is ever-present when our schedules are full and we dismiss the power of one voice. But the reality is whether in good or bad times, our representatives need to know not only what we are disgruntled about but also what we are appreciative for so they will continue to fight for what we may mistakenly take for granted. Love Letter America offers many free downloadable postcards created by artists from around the world. Simply download the image you want, find out who your representative or senator is (they provide direct links) and write a message. It’s simple, it’s free and it enables you to be involved as many times as you want.

The individuals in public office work for us, so why not let them know what they are doing well and what we want to see improved?

Cookbook
—My Master Recipes: 165 Recipes to Inspire Confidence in the Kitchen “with Dozens of Variations” by Patricia Wells

I have been eagerly waiting for Patricia Wells‘ new cookbook. Having many of her previous extraordinaire cookbooks in my kitchen, her new cookbook My Master Recipes was just released this past Tuesday. Discover the basic techniques, items for your pantry and kitchen and classic recipes with (as the title indicates) multiple variations.

Francophile Find
— Monsieur & Madame Adelman

Just released this week in France, Monsieur & Madame Adelman is a rom-com receiving strong positive reviews. Beginning at the funeral of Monsieur Adelman, Madame Adelman (his partner of 50 years) is being questioned about, well, is unexpected, perhaps suspicious death. The film spans the five decades of their relationship and encapsulates their unique relationship, the highs and the lows. Take a look at the trailer and perhaps it will be a film that will soon be available in the states.

Shopping
—DVF 15% Sale in honor  of International Woman’s Day

Jonathan Saunders’, the new creative director at DVF, first collection for the brand is more feminine, more modern, but still very much DVF. And through this Sunday (March 12th) receive 15% with promo code IWD15. Below are a few items that caught my eye, but you can shop the entire site here.

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—Hat Attack Small Round Handle Bag

Spring and then summer is about to arrive and this simple tote is perfect for casual warmth weather errand runs, no?

 

 

~recipe for Brioche with Chocolate~

Spring is around the corner, more daylight is being shared and this weekend I will be signing books and answering your questions at a local bookstore. If you are in western Oregon or near Eugene, be sure to stop into Lebanon’s local bookstore Think Brain Candy. On Saturday, March 11th (tomorrow) from 5-7 pm stop in, pick up a signed copy or bring your book and have it signed and say hello. I look forward to meeting you and answering your questions about how to cultivate your very own simply luxurious life. (You can stay on top of all upcoming TSLL Book Signing events by subscribing to this newsletter, and scroll to Book Release Updates or visiting TSLL Events page here.)

Whether you are traveling or staying at home this weekend, the good news is it is the weekend. And I am most certainly ready for a few mornings to sleep in, putter about the house and read, relax and just be. I do hope you have a wonderful few days of doing as you please. Below are a few articles you might enjoy and until Monday, bonne journée!

~Did you see the latest statue to be erected in New York City?

~Vacations are just around the corner as spring inches closer. Read this post to discover how to take beautiful, not clichéd photographs of your journey here.

~Wanting to work better? Perhaps the key is to incorporate more silence. Discover silence’s power here.

~A simple change to your everyday life that may change the overall quality of your life

~Heading to Paris? Meeting up with friends? Sharon Santoni recommends the perfect places to dine.

~This one is for my fellow introverts: 26 Small Difficult Things You Have to Deal with When You’re an Introvert 

~And something to read on Sunday, 5 Things the Most Successful People Do on Sunday Nights

Thinking of Spring & Patricia Wells’ New Cookbook

—Marissa Webb Wesley Top in Lilia Navy (on sale), more here~

—Badgley Mischka Faux Leather Trim Long Trench (other colors available)~

—Jimmy Choo ‘Romy’ pointy toe flat or L.K. Bennett ‘Thea’ ballet flat (other colors available)~

~L.K. Bennett Regan dark pink saffiano leather tote~

~Leah Alexandra Skinny Collar Necklace~

~Coach ‘Tatum’ Crystal Bezel Bracelet Watch~

~My Master Recipes by Patricia Wells~

~SHOP THE OUTFIT:

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~SHOP OUTFITS OF THE WEEK from the Archives here.

A Woman Who Inspires Me: International Woman’s Day 2017

Yesterday, one of my closest friends texted me, describing me as an independent woman, complete with multiple exclamation points to celebrate the fact she was acknowledging. This dear friend is one of the most amazing independent women I know. Let me introduce you.

She is intelligent.

She is driven.

She is a woman who invests in her career, and has done so while she was single and now while she is married and raising two equally impressive daughters. 

She is a woman who doesn’t follow the crowd but listens to her internal voice.

She thinks for herself.

She is a rock of support to her friends and family, but clear about her boundaries.

She is secure in who she is and allows others to be themselves.

She finds her confidence from the knowledge of her own self-worth and models this for her daughters and her friends.

She is an amazing athlete, having completed multiple marathons, as well as many daily runs with the family dog. 

She can recognize bulls&*# and isn’t afraid to speak out with tact, questions and strength.

She is kind and thoughtful.

She is strong.

She is loving.

She is one of the many women around the globe who exemplify the amazing capabilities all women have the potential to achieve and blossom into being. 

On this International Woman’s Day, originally known as International Working Women’s Day, let’s us each draw attention to the women in our lives and in our world that remind us to reach our full potential, to not be cowered by misogynistic or patriarchal values, to stand up for equal rights and protections, to remain educated, aware and active, to use our voice, and to use our lives as examples of what is possible.

Today I express my admiration for Nancy, my dear friend of 14 years. Who do you admire? Who are you thankful for? Who inspires you?

~View all FEMININITY posts in TSLL Archives here.

~POSTS & PODCAST EPISODES from the Archives to Inspire on International Woman’s Day:

~The Truths & Myths of the Independent, Single Woman

~Why Not . . . Be a Strong Woman?

~Why Not . . . Be a Successful Woman? (three part series)

Why Not . . . Let Go of the Busy Mentality?

“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms…” ― Henry David Thoreau

To savor. To be present. To have gratitude.

To let go of “being busy” is to shut the door on mediocrity. Whether it is mediocrity in our interactions with the people in our lives, mediocrity in our productivity or mediocrity in how we spend our everydays being unaware or ignorant to how magnificent and fulfilling a simple day in our lives can be when we are able to establish a balance, when we experience an approach to living that is void of being busy, we discover a surreal moment of aha.

The aha reveals the power of balance. A balance of what we have to do and what we want to do, what we want to give to others and what we must give to ourselves, a balance stretching and resting, growing and appreciating.

As American writer Henry David Thoreau states about his two year state in the woods along Walden Pond outside of Concord, Massachusetts, he wanted to live deliberately, and when we let go of perpetuated societal myth that we must be busy each day, all of the time, we finally are able to “sucking out all the marrow of life”.

As per the third month of 2017 as we welcome more quality into our lives, March asks us to let go of the “busy mentality”. A mentality that we may not recognize consciously as part of our approach to life, but none-the-less habitually guides our decisions, our schedule making, and inflicts guilt when we have an open afternoon or morning from time to time.

So far in 2017 we have gradually and consciously reestablished a quality approach to living, and therefore, enabling each of us to be more fully present in our everyday lives:

January: Reduce or eliminate entirely one food or food type that does not serve you well
February: Letting go of a social media app that isn’t serving you as you strive to build relationships

Moving into March, we can easily become eager to ramp up for spring with the spring cleaning, yard and garden planning, bopping outside more often or planning more getaways, but to do so without being aware of the strain a busy schedule may put on our ability to truly appreciate what we are doing should give us pause. After all, to live for the pictures we can share, the laundry list of destinations we can see and the stories we can tell is to live life only on the surface and for the provoking of others’ intrigue and curiosity. But it is not for others fascination we need to live. We need to live in such a way that allows us each a depth of appreciation.

When we let go of busy . . .

. . . we deepen our intimacy with those we love

. . . we deepen our understanding of our love of life, hobbies, pastimes, curiosities, etc.

. . . we deepen our appreciation for nature, the world and human kind

. . . we deepen our clarity of how to live in alignment with our most truest selves

. . . we deepen our knowledge of ourselves which allows us to reach our fullest potential

Recently I was reflecting on the fact that I haven’t been nearly as busy as a I was just two years ago, and truthfully, it has been by design. However, there are moments of looking at my calendar and wondering when I can find more time to sleep. Truthfully though, more often than not, I am able to sleep soundly for eight hours most nights, I am able to complete the tasks for work ahead of schedule, and have enabled my social calendar to actually be something I tend to, not because I didn’t want to previously, but because I have free time to make time to spend with people I love, respect and whose company I enjoy. The shift has been one of the best gifts I could give myself. And that is precisely the most wonderful part: We have control over giving this improvement of life to ourselves.

What I have found to be interesting about not being busy is when we do find the balance, we can be lulled into complacency by the quality schedule and way of life we have created. It works, it’s simple. How can it be this easy? But that is precisely the goal. We want to find the balance that allows us to feel at ease so that we can be present, we can breathe deeply, we can be appreciative and we can partake in moments that once they have passed we can relive over and over again in our minds and carry them with us for as long as we would like. It is imperative that we remind ourselves balance is paramount, and when we find the happy medium between bored and busy, we’ve found our sweet spot.

Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony. —Thomas Merton

Each individual’s sweet spot will be unique. Each individual’s balanced life will look a little different from their best friend’s, their parent’s, their colleagues, etc.

Problems arise in that one has to find a balance between what people need from you and what you need for yourself. Jessye Norman

Taking care of ourselves, knowing what we need, gives us the strength to say no, to know what we can and cannot do before we lessen the person we are capable of being as we go throughout our days. Letting go of the “busy mentality” takes clarity and courage, but doing so will be one of the grandest gifts you can give yourself.

May your month of March, as we continue to welcome the quality back into our lives, find its balance and enhance your overall experience in each everyday of the week.

What is the next month’s theme you may be wondering?

April

~Reducing mindless eating

May

~Mastering the use of credit

June

~Understanding and reducing self-doubt

July

~Curtailing the negative commentary (internal and external)

August

~How to approach staying informed but not overwhelmed by the news of the world

September

~Designated no work zones

October

~Smart shopping for clothing

November

~Recognizing, understanding and eradicating self-imposed limitations

December

~TBA

~Below are a few more specific posts on letting go of busy:

~Stop Being Busy and Start Being Efficient

~8 Benefits of Banishing Busy (podcast episode)

~Why Not . . . Transition from Busy to Balanced?

The Unexpected Finishing Touch

Timeless style is often donned by individuals who know when and how to incorporate the unexpected. Perhaps it is the ripped boot-cut jeans paired with heels as seen above, or a knotted casual tee worn with a feminine pencil skirt. The desired finished look materializes when the woman or man knows exactly what just barely dances outside of the lines, while still gaining the appreciation and admiration due to adhering to proportions, complementary colors and balance of textures, etc.

While understanding the principles takes time, all of us can acquire such knowledge. A simply by seeing these skills in action in images seen in Style Inspiration posts, are eye becomes more aware and in tune with how to make it work.

 

 

Responding vs. Reacting: The Difference

~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #145
~Subscribe to The Simple Sophisticate: iTunes | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

“The act of responding requires one to look at the circumstance, identify the problem or situation, hear what is happening and reflect . . . What matters is that you stopped and put an effort to think and suspended judgment. It is a conscious act and shows that you are willing to listen or observe. This ‘gap’ between the circumstance and your behavior is what contributes to gaining a sense of control in your life.” —author Debbie Hampton 

Responding thoughtfully to an interviewer’s questions versus reacting spontaneously to an inflicted, unexpected pain whether a paper cut or something more severe. The physical examples shared reveal the human responses: the former – responsive, and the latter – reactive.

Responding is a conscious decision whereas reacting is instinctive and done without forethought. And while reacting in emergency situations involving life and death, to scream, run and protect one’s self is primarily and understandably about survival, it is when we react rather than respond in everyday situations that we inhibit the potential outcome.

Let’s look at it more closely. When we choose to simply react to what occurs in our lives, we behave defensively. Sometimes defensive behaviors take the form of blame, scapegoating or taking revenge. Stephen Covey describes the difference between reactive and responsive individuals quite well.

“Reactive people are often affected by their physical environment. If the weather is good, they feel good. If it isn’t, it affects their attitude and performance. Proactive people carry their own weather with them.”

In essence, choosing to be responsive versus reactive is to take charge of your life, to be the hero/heroine, to be the person who recognizes everything will never be in our control, but our response to circumstances is. Choosing to be responsive is taking responsibility of our lives. Recognizing the power of our words, our behavior, our tone, our delivery, our volume, our timing, make a difference to those in our presence.

On the other head, when we react we actually aren’t choosing. Rather we are allowing our reptilian brain, the oldest part of our brain, to take control. The reptilian brain is all about the individual and survival: movement, breathing, circulation, hunger and reproduction, territory, and social dominance.

But the gift that humans have as well as other highly evolved mammals, is we have two additional brains: the mammalian brain or limbic system, which is highly reactive as it is subconsciously responding to temperatures and hormones thus involves our emotions and feelings, and the neocortex, the thinking part of the brain, in other words where our capability to respond rather than react derives itself.

The third brain, as was just mentioned, the neocortex, is the key to gathering information from what we are seeing and feeling, and putting it into context. The neocortex digests the necessary information, understands the world and the fact that there is a future beyond this moment and is capable of making sound decisions. Humans’s neocortex is the most highly developed of all primates, and therefore, when we recognize what we have the potential to do, we must utilize this amazing strength of mind.

Let’s take a look at what responsive vs. reactive looks like in our everyday lives:

~Event: you sleep through your alarm – responsive: edit out timely morning rituals, access what the necessities are to be your best at work (eat well, dress appropriately, look presentable); reactive: scurry furiously around the house setting a mood for anyone in the household to become more frazzled and storm out the door with nothing complete or having prepared you efficiently for the day.

~Event: a colleague or boss states something unexpected that takes you aback or hurts your feelings – responsive: choosing to pause and take a breath you think about the best response, if one is needed at all, and do so calmly; reactive – fall back on your default response to critical, hurtful comments and either don’t stand up for yourself and continue to agree or become snarky and sharp in your retort.

~Event: your significant other forgets an important date or occasion – responsive: collect your thoughts, come to understand why or if you feel hurt and determine how to calmly express how you feel during a time when both can talk; reactive – as soon as you see or hear from them you either give them the cold shoulder or speak with a hurtful tone and words.

~Event: a friend texts or emails to invite you do something – responsive: read the text, assess your interest and then consult your calendar or other people’s calendar if it involves or effects them, then return the text/email either way; reactive: either respond immediately or not at all

~Event: the line at the grocery market is long and the person at the counter doesn’t appear to know how to work the machine – responsive: assess your situation – do you have a time constraint? If so, can you move to another line. If time isn’t an issue, observe the wait in line as an opportunity to take a few deep breaths, relax or check your email recognizing that either eventually the line will move or the management will open another line.

The paradox of choosing to be responsive is that it requires of us to be both present and aware of the future. We need to both be cognizant of the effect of our actions, whichever we choose to take and we need to know what actions are best in the situation. Fittingly, when we react, we are reacting out of fear based on what we have been genetically disposed to do to protect ourselves. But as we know, we live in a civilized world. It is a civilized, thoughtful approach that will yield us the best results.

It is not easy to know how to respond best in every situation. However, being self-aware and emotionally intelligent help tremendously. As these two traits are skills, so too is knowing how to respond well. It will take practice, it will require of us to be able to pause in nearly any situation before speaking or acting, and in its own small way, meditation plays a helpful role as well.

When we respond to life:

we become the directors, rather than the followers
we will establish stronger relationships with anyone we come into contact with
we will reduce unnecessary interactions and confrontations
we will find more peace
we will reduce regret
we will build a confidence that we can handle any situation we come up against
we will thrive

No doubt all of us, and I know I can include myself in this category, have reacted at times in our lives when we should have responded. And upon reflection, we can probably pinpoint those events quite well usually based primarily on how we felt after we reacted rather than responded. We may have wished we wouldn’t have said something, chosen a different tone, or taken a deep breath and simply removed ourselves from the situation until we knew how to respond well.

It is just these moments of experience that will actually make it that much easier to respond rather than react as you move forward. Because when we know first-hand the negative experience that can result from reacting, we are far more motivated to make sure we respond in the next similar situation.

Our lives provide guidance even through the moments we wished we didn’t have to endure. As a student, all we have to do is vow to learn the lessons we are given. We cannot know how to do something until we are shown how. Now we know how to respond rather than react. Now we know the difference and the benefit of embracing responsiveness versus defensiveness.

Petit Plaisir:

~The Magnolia Journal: Inspiration for life and home

$20/yr subscription (four issues each year)
Each issue has a theme (Note: Issue 2 | Simplicity) – on stands now

~Joanna & Chip Gaines of HGTV’s Fixer Upper

~The bed & breakfast in Walla Walla, Washington, mentioned in today’s episode: Green Gables Inn

 

 

Download the Episode

Mousse au Chocolat: Buvette Style

During the summer of 2014, I ventured to New York City for another trip to explore, meet my editor for the first time and generally just visit a city I am utterly enamored by. And there was one restaurant I was intent on visiting.

Jody Williams’ West Village restaurant Buvette opened in 2010, and is described as “a place committed to the pleasure of good food.”  Okay, sign me up.

In 2014, Williams opened up a second location of Buvette in Paris. And while I have yet to visit her second location, I did have the opportunity to step into her first as I had hoped in 2014 and was smitten by its intimacy, decor and of course the food.

While tiny, as it only seats 50 people, this is all the more reason I was drawn to such a eatery. I chose 8 am (when it opened) on a week day and was seated at a great spot to take everything in. However, on the weekends, I’ve heard the line is out the door, as they do not take reservations. However, the food is fantastically French – in size, but most importantly, in flavor and top quality ingredients. And while I didn’t get a chance to try it, I’ve heard her Chocolat Chaud is out of this world (find the recipe in her new cookbook.

Below are a few picks from out and inside the gastrotheque, and I do encourage you to visit if you are in the city. Check out the specific location in my City Guide for NYC along with other recommended destinations.

But now to the dessert you stopped by for:

Mousse au Chocolat

As inspired from the pages of Jody Williams’ cookbook, Buvette: : The Pleasure of Good Food

Ingredients:

8 oz of semi-sweet chocolate, 60-70+% of cacao
12 tablespoons of unsalted butter
4 egg whites
2 teaspoons of sugar
3 egg yolks
pinch of salt

Directions:

Combine chocolate and butter in a saucepan placed above a pot of simmering water (or use a double boiler). Stir until the butter and chocolate are one color. Remove from heat.
Put the 3 yolks in a small bowl or ramekin and add a pinch of salt – mix quickly together. Set aside.
Put egg whites (4) in a mixing bowl and using a hand mixer (or mix by hand with a whisk) mix together with 2 teaspoons of sugar (super fine if possible) until stiff peaks form (about 2-5 minutes).
Add one yolk at a time to the chocolate. Mix in each yolk until it is mixed in entirely before adding the next egg yolk.
Fold into the chocolate mixture the egg whites, combining just enough but not too much as you want to keep as much volume as possible.
Refrigerate for at least four hours or up to two days before serving. You can either keep the chocolate mousse in the saucepan and cover with plastic wrap or distribute to small bowls from which dessert will be served.
When serving, offer a small bowl of whipping cream (recipe below) for guests to add a dollop on top of their chocolate mousse.

Whipping Cream:

Ingredients:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 tablespoon of sugar

Directions:

Combine all three ingredients in a mixing bowl, and with a hand mixer, mix until stiff peaks form.
Place in serving bowl with a serving spoon for guests to enjoy as they wish.

Enjoy a dense, yet also fluffy dessert. Pair with a lovely zinfandel or a hot cup of coffee or tea.

This & That: March 3, 2017

Book
—The Apprentice: My Life in the Kitchen by Jacques Pépin

Jacque Pépin. The man Julia Child called the best chef in America wrote a memoir and I have neglected to share it with you. Yes, a few years late, but none-the-less, a book to read, enjoy and be reminded of his coming to America and reinventing himself (did you know he turned town a job to be JFK’s chef?). Along the way, he would fall in with the talented and beloved James Beard and yes, Julia Child. The stories will inspire and his jovial, sincere appreciation for cooking will remind why cooking and cooking well is possible and possible to enjoy.

Cooking
—Le Creuset Sale at Sur La Table

Purchase an item from Le Creuset and you will have it and use it for a lifetime which is why the sale taking place at Sur La Table through Monday March 6th is worth taking a look at. As someone who regularly using their oval Dutch oven, small teapot and honey canister, I couldn’t recommend more highly their products. Available in a long list of color varieties, take a look at all that is on sale here.

Dining
—Schoolhouse Electric Elevated Champagne Flutes Set

Having a set of champagne glasses on hand, even though they may not be used often, is a good idea whenever there is something to celebrate, large or small, well-known to a mass amount of people or just those who reside within the home. Schoolhouse Electric, based in Portland, Oregon, offers these modern champagne flutes that speak of sophistication and simple elegance. Purchase a set or a glass at a time at a reasonable price.

Francophile Find
—One Sip at a Time: Learning to Live in Provence by Keith Van Sickle

One of the IG accounts I follow, and for the life of me I cannot remember at the moment, brought my attention to Keith Van Sickle’s new book One Sip at a Time: Learning to Live in Provence. Released earlier this year, Keith and Val pick up stakes and move to Provence, all without knowing much or any French. Opting to quit their jobs and throw themselves into an adventure, this memoir is receiving wonderful reviews and may just be the light-hearted, pleasure read you are looking for.

Shopping
—10 Crosby by Derek Lam Tie-Front pleated cotton-poplin midi navy dress

Spring is just around the corner and this classic midi-length cotton-poplin navy dress would be a find to wear for more than just one season. Wear with espadrilles, wear with sandals, layer with a jacket or walk barefoot on the beach. At such a great price, why not?

—J.Crew wool-striped short-sleeve V-neck sweater

The V-neck style partnered with the thick navy and white stripes caught my eye as J.Crew’s top could be paired with pants or a skirt for work and then transition to casual with denim and a blazer. If you choose to take a look, be sure to use the promo code SHOPFAST and save 20%.

~recipe for Arugula Radicchio Salad with Figs, Humboldt Fog, Prosciutto and Pistachios~

Paris Fashion Week began on Tuesday, and the collections have steadily revealed their beauty. However, Milan wrapped up earlier in the week, and it was Vionnet’s collection that captured my attention (see above).

I certainly am eager for spring, and the longer days of daylight are making me a very happy girl. Speaking of spring, this weekend will take me out of town to tend to some business (taxes), but then spend time in a place that teases of spring far earlier than where I live now. I am excited to say hello to Walla Walla, sip some wine, nibble on some chocolate and spend some time with loved ones. I hope you too have lovely weekend plans this first weekend of March. Below are a few articles and a video I think you will very much enjoy. Until Monday, bonne journée.

~The 20 Best French Recipes

~25 Everyday ‘Problems” About Life in France as discovered by Twitter

~One of my favorite bloggers who resides in France, Sharon Santoni, interviews one of my favorite cookbook authors, Patricia Wells. View the video here.

Everyday Winter Chic

 

~Carven Fantaisie textrued-jacquard midi skirt~

~Alice + Olivia Lalita draped silk-blend blouse~

~8 Leather knee boots~

~J.Crew leather Edit bag (other colors available), use promo SHOPFAST to save 20%~

~Home Cooking: A Writer in the Kitchen (memoir) by Laurie Colwin

~J.Crew Swinging Drop Earrings~

SHOP THE OUTFIT:

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Ralph Lauren’s French-Norman Country Getaway

American fashion designer Ralph Lauren owns more than a couple of homes, three in fact (Madison Ave, Colorado and Bedford, New York), and it is the 1920s French-Norman style country retreat that offers sophisticated beauty complete with the carefully tended to grounds that caught my eye.

From the Provence inspired outdoor dining patio seen above, complete with the glass chandelier hanging from the hearty limb of an elderly tree, to the Italian ceramic titled floor in the kitchen dining area, stepping into the estate would be revel in many of the decor aesthetics I appreciate most in west-European classic design approaches.

Originally built for landscape artist Robert Ludlow Fowler, Jr. in the early 1920s, the New York architectural firm Delano & Aldrich designed it, and Lauren continues to polish and tend to this exquisite getaway. Learn more about the history of the house here hereand tour all of Lauren’s homes as featured in Architectural Digest.

~View more Decor Inspiration here.