Shannon Ables's Blog, page 270

Open-Faced Steak Salad Sandwich

One skill that I am trying to improve upon is being creative with left-overs. In other words, entertaining my palate unexpectedly with recipes and dishes that it wouldn’t expect without having to run to the market multiple times during the week.

Last week, I picked up a loaf of whole wheat bread from a local bakery to make a grilled cheese sandwich, and as is usually the case, I had quite a bit left over when I had devoured the grilled cheese I craved during one of the many snowstorms we had. What to do with the rest of the loaf?

In my kitchen I have a corkboard where I pin recipes and ideas that I want to try in the kitchen that are pulled from my favorite cooking magazines and the newspaper. I have had on my corkboard a recipe from Bon Appétit magazine years ago and have yet to try, and so with the additional slices of bread waiting to be used, I thought to myself, what better time to give it a try. After looking at the recipe, I had most of the ingredients in the house and just needed to pick up a red onion and steak.

In a matter of 25 minutes (15 minutes given to the steak to rest), the open faced sandwich was ready to devour. And the beauty of the recipe is that you don’t even need the loaf of bread. If you want to eliminate the bread and just have a steak salad, you will be equally delighted.

Pair with a full table red wine and enjoy for lunch for a light dinner. The dressing alone is something to use on any other salad. Enjoy!

Open Faced Steak Salad Sandwich

yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lb. tri tip steak (new york strip or flank steak would work as well)
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup whole grain mustard, Maille is my favorite brand
3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil, pulls more of the bread
1 1/2 oz. Parmesan, finely grated
1 loaf of bread (crusty artisan bread: whole wheat, ciabatta, your choice)
6 cups arugula or spinach leaves, chopped to be bite size

Directions:

Heat a dry, large skillet (I don’t have a cast iron, but that would be preferred) over medium-high heat
Season steak with salt and better, then rub with vegetable oil entirely. Cook steak, turning once or twice to brown evenly, until medium-rare and slightly charred, 8-10 minutes. Transfer steak to a cutting board and leet rest at least 15 minutes. Reserve the skillet.
Chop the red onion and place slices in a bowl of cold water. Set aside.
Mix your vinaigrette: blend mustard and lemon juice with a fork in a small bowl. Then slowly pour in the olive oil, mixing as you pour to emulsify the liquid. Then gradually add the Parmesan. Add 1 Tbsp of cold water (if needed – taste first). Then continue to mix until smith and thick. You can do this all in a blender if preferred.
In the skillet that was reserved, turn the heat to medium. Drizzle cut length-wise slices of your bread with olive oil and place in the pan, cut side down. Cook until golden brown and crisp, about five minutes each.
Putting together your sandwiches:

Place bread, cut side up, on a platter and drizzle with a third of the dressing.
Top with arugula.
Drain the red onion slices and scatter over arugula.
Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with half of the remaining dressing.
Thinly slice the steak on the bias, cutting against the grain. Arrange over dressed arugula.
Drizzle with remaining dressing, season with more salt, then cut sandwiches crosswise into pieces or serve each large slice as one serving.

 

~View more TSLL Salads & Sandwiches here.

This & That: January 13, 2017

Books
—Life on Purpose: How Living for What Matters Most Changes Everything by Victor J. Stecher

Now this is a book I want to read. Perhaps an even deeper and more significant benefit for living a life of purpose and clarity is that it will improve our neurons and eliminate aging ailments such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. How? Released last spring a researcher in the field of behavioral science, Victor J. Stecher, reveals that discovering our purpose has more of a tie to not only our overall happiness but an improvement in our health as well. happiness.

—The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life That Matters by Emily Esfahani Smith

The timing of the release of Emily Esfahani Smith’s new book coincides with the beginning of a new year, a new start and a perfect pairing as we have time to slow down, contemplate and decide what do we want our life to be all about. The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life That Matters contemplates the possibility that it isn’t in all of our vast travels that we can discover meaning but perhaps right here in the now where we find ourselves. Full of stories and findings from philosophers, near-scientists, psychologists and sociologists as well as anecdotal stories, the book may ease your mind and remind us all that what we need is something we already have.

Cooking
—The Answer is Cooking by Epicurious

Last week I was listening to one of my favorite food podcasts, Bon Appétit, and one of their guests was a host of the food website Epicurious. What I learned was Epicurious has a new video series titled “The Answer is Cooking”. So far there are five videos, all of which are animated. Simple, engaging, they each offer a reminder of how the small decisions we make in the kitchen can indeed have a broader effect on our community and the world. In other words, knowledge is power, no matter how simple our actions may seem. As well, you learn how become a better cook and enjoy the process of making meals for yourself.

—Williams Sonoma’s Cookbook holder with measurement chart

Cookbooks. I love them and have far too many, but just enough at the same time. And when I want to follow a recipe that I do not have engrained in my memory, propping it up can turn into an entertaining job of creativity and ingenuity. Needless to say, a cookbook stand would be very, very helpful. I have chosen Williams Sonoma’s stainless steel holder as it also offers something I need since I tend to use a variety of different recipes from around the world and knowing which measurement is equated to what is not something I have readily available in my mind, a measurement chart. However, below are a few more cookbook holders that may also interest you. Happy cooking!

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Shopping
—Eric Bompard Cashmere, Soldes!

During only two months of the year, everything goes on sale in France. No seriously, these are not sales as you know them in the states. The inventory is not carefully selected to just reduce the price on the items that they want to get rid of. Everything is on sale in France, and beginning this week Les Soldes began! If you are the market for quality cashmere anything, check out Eric Bompard. I live in their cashmere sweaters and don their cashmere scarves, and at these reductions, the prices are very reasonable for what you will be gaining (they last for years!). Do remember, at least for me, to size up (I typically am a medium in sweaters but their large fits me like a medium), and enjoy building a quality winter capsule wardrobe.

—Margaux, The Cashmere Slipper

Speaking of cashmere. Margaux, the ballet flat shoe company just began selling their cashmere slippers. I kid you not, as I am typing this their ivory pair is keeping my feet warm during our frigid temperatures. With the look of a ballet flat, complete with a simple tie on top and an elastic heel to fit your foot perfectly, these are a lovely luxury to have for your morning routine that follows the first stretch, a cup of tea and perusing the newspapers. The slippers are also available in heather grey.

—Slip silk eye mask (many colors available)

One simple item to make sure you have with you when traveling trans-continental flights is an eye mask. And preferably a silk eye mask. I certainly appreciated mine the last time I ventured from Oregon to France and they are easy to fit into just about any carry-on or purse you bring aboard. I am excited to share with you Slip’s eye masks because they quality, simple and available in your favorite color (so many to choose from). No cheesy phrases on the eye mask, no frills, just a beautiful silk eye mask at a great price.

Television
—Queen Victoria on PBS

In PBS’s seven part series, Queen Victoria is what will hopefully replace the much missed Downton Abbey beginning this Sunday on Masterpiece. Starring Jenna Coleman (from Dr. Who). Have a look at the trailer below at the Queen who seemed to have it all.

 

~recipe for Chocolate-Pear Clafoutis~

I am closing my eyes and imagining what my yard looks like without all of the more than two feet of snow, and I am seeing green grass, perennials popping up along the walking path and blossoming trees full of blooms as the spring season begins. *deep breath*.

Oregon is experiencing a more intense wintery winter than normal. So much so our governor has issued a state of emergency. It is all sort of surreal, but it has given me an opportunity to work away on the blog and for that I am truly thankful. With school closed for a long 5-day weekend, I am dreaming of all that I can do, complete, enjoy and savor. The list is a dream.

After tending to my roof (the snow on the top was nearly up to my waist in some spots), I can sleep a bit easier now and am reminding myself that this winter will not happen annual, so I am doing all that I can to savor and appreciate the gifts and slower pace it is granting us. How about you? How are you doing as January unfolds?

January is a uniquely singular month because it’s often when we catch our breath, reorganize, re-evaluate as well as appreciate all that we’ve accomplished in the past year. We also come to be aware and thus motivated to attain life goals we are more capable of attaining due to the progress we’ve made up until this point. I hope your January is going well, and thank you for your time to stop by TSLL. Quickly, with some of my extra time to spend on the blog, TSLL Youtube channel is finally up and running with a total of five videos available. As additional interviews or projects are complete, I will be uploading them here, so be sure to subscribe to ensure you don’t miss a thing.

Have a lovely weekend and below are a few links you may enjoy. Until Monday, bonne journée!

~11 Things People Know About You Before You Even Open Your Mouth

~10 Powerful Ways to Create Your Own Happiness

~What Not to Eat: ‘The Case Against Sugar’

~How You Can Overcome Negative Thoughts That Harm Your Happiness

~How to Organize Your Life in 5 Steps

~Learn and Accept These 8 Life Truths and Set Yourself Free

~How to Do Less When You Have a Lot to Do

 

 

~Karlie Kloss captured by Annie Leibovitz in Central Park for Vogue 2010 – see more winter images from Vogue dating back to 1919 here.

 

Back to Work

~Equipment ‘Adalyn’ silk shirt~

~J.Crew Swinging Drop Earrings~

~J.Crew Elsie suede pumps~

~Vince leather shoulder bag~

~The Parisian Diet: How to Reach Your Right Weight and Stay There~

~SHOP THE OUTFIT:

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~View more Outfits of the Week here .

A Country Cottage Restored

Ideal, picturesque, what a cottage dream entails when it dances in my mind’s eye. Since pinning the New England cottage above more than six years ago, I have been looking for a tour of the interior, and finally I discovered it on Martha Stewart’s website. Owned by antique seller and art gallery owner in New York City Angus Wilkie, this country cottage underwent a remodeled and the result is magnificent. Finished with 18th and 19th century antiques from around Europe and England, inspiration abounds in each room (learn about the contents of each room here). Enjoy the tour, and to learn more about the owner, click here.

~View more Cottages in the Decor Inspiration Archives below:

~A Cottage Vacation in Devon

~French-Inspired California Cottage

~French Cottage Charm

~A Cozy Cottage

~A Sleepy Cottage in Wine Country

~Cottage Cozy

All images via Martha Stewart

Why Not . . . Give Your Life an Annual Appraisal?

“The first months of the year are the perfect time to take stock of one’s life. I usually begin by making a short trip around the house to see what needs doing and make appointments, filling the calendar for the year.” —Mrs. Minerva from The English Home

A much anticipated and habitually celebrated arrival in my mailbox is the monthly issue of The English Home. Always offering an abundance of decor inspiration, along with lifestyle ideas and peeks into the occasional English garden, I am also never remiss to forget to read in full Mrs. Merva Writes . . . towards the end of the issue.

~the latest issue: February 2017~

Upon turning to Mrs. Minera Writes . . . in the current issue I discovered a suggestion that I knew I immediately wanted to incorporate into my life and my annual approach to kicking off each new year: giving my life an annual appraisal. Now to be fair, she coins the term “annual audit”, but rather than an investigation as the term in the states tends to connote, why not approach it to determine the value of what we’ve built so far and how we are tending to what we’ve created in the present. Not necessarily monetary value, although that is a significant part as we want to tend to our financial stability, but rather an objective évaluation (the French translation for appraisal) of the life we are living and how we can make touch-ups throughout the year that will strengthen, improve and enliven our everyday lives as well as the future we wish to proceed towards.

With this premise in mind, I set about creating a list of items to evaluate, inspired by Mrs. Minerva as well as veering off into the realm of living simply luxuriously. Have a look.

1. Home maintenance

Since many of us find ourselves spending more time indoors due to inclement weather, we become aware of projects and improvements that can be made. As well, the bi-annual, annual and seasonal maintenance can more easily be scheduled when we have the quiet moments during this hibernating time of year. Perhaps some of the projects you will tend to yourself and others you will hire out, but now is a wonderful time to secure the craftsman’s time and ensure the job will be tended to at a time that works best for you without an extended wait.

2. Plan your landscaping

Some of us may not have snow on the ground and therefore may be able to doodle about in the yard, doing a bit of pruning and preparation for the upcoming spring season, while others will limited to dreaming about what lay beneath the white moisturizer (think of all that can grow with such immense water!). Now is a wonderful time to purchase seed catalogs, gardening blogs (this one is my mom’s favorite for dahlias) and layout visually on paper the dreams and ideas you have for your yard. A garden blog I recently found, A Way to Garden, shared a wonderful January to-do list for gardeners here, and view this list for more of the Best 130 Gardening Blogs and Garden websites.

3. Purge your pantry and cupboards

As was mentioned in Monday’s episode of the podcast, with 2017 being a year to focus on welcoming the quality and letting go of the quantity, and January’s task being to eliminate one food or type of food that isn’t serving you, why not provide a support system (your shelves) that supports your goals? I recently went through my cupboards to do just this and not only did I eliminate items I don’t want to use or that had expired, I also have well-organized cupboards!

4. Financial stability and progress

January reminds us as well that it is time to organize our taxes. For all you fellow self-employed individuals, have you sent out your 1099’s yet? Just one of the many things that need to be tended to each year, but in so doing, we being to increase the financial foundation beneath our feet so that we can attain our dreams.

This year I didn’t set annual resolutions, and instead continue stay focused on two year goals I have set in place for myself and the mini steps I have broken each down into (visit TSLL Goal Page here for your planner). Whenever I set life goals, there is always at least one financial, and these two year goals are no different. From how much am I automatically saving for retirement, to Do I really need to be spending that much on [fill in the blank]?. Checking into our financial progress and stability welcomes ease and preventative measures that can be tended to before large problems have the potential to rise. (View more TSLL Money posts here.)

5. Your signature style

Just before the holidays I purged my closet. I didn’t think I would have much left to edit but I did. Why? In large part because in the past 18 months I have honed in even more precisely on what my style is. It is my understanding that this process will continue constantly as my life moves forward, but that the decisions will become easier and the editing less and less. As for the decisions becoming easier, I found that to be entirely true. In a matter of two hours I have taken out, edited and returned only the items I loved and wished to keep as part of my wardrobe. In previous years this would have taken me an entire morning or afternoon, maybe even a day.

With time to examine and peruse what we want, what we need, what we love, why not have an honest conversation with yourself? What makes you feel good? What makes you feel the most beautiful? If something isn’t quite right, why not? The process of building a capsule wardrobe takes time, and it requires a sound self-awareness. It requires a keen eye, but the good news is, it doesn’t require a lot of clothing, just the right clothing for you. Let go of what you no longer love or wear and make a list of what you’re looking for. Save up, invest and gradually the signature style that sings your song when you walk in the door will come together.

6. Your overall health

Body and mind. How is yours doing? What would you like to improve? What is doing well and you wish to maintain? How can you be preventative without going overboard? Schedule your annual well-visit, put your bi-annual teeth-cleanings in your calendar, assess your eating habits, how does your skin look and feel? From physical fitness to radiating beauty through health skin, hair and muscle tone, how is your overall health? Be honest and then make one small change that would improve what you’d like to see shift. (View more TSLL Health & Beauty posts here.)

7. Answer this question honestly: How are you doing?

How do you feel about the progress you are making? How do you feel in your relationships? How do you feel at your job? How do you feel when you are present in your everyday life, the everyday moments? Once you answer each of these questions, then share specific reasons why you feel that particular way. Evaluate your “why” answer to make sure it is due to what is authentically found within yourself. Make sure it’s not based on what you think you should be doing, feeling and pursuing. Make sure it is in alignment with what you imagine your simply luxurious life to be. (View this post to discover what a simply luxurious life looks and feels like.)

Setting aside time to thoughtfully evaluate ours lives and how we are doing is a practice in self-care. A much talked about term at the moment, but nonetheless important for establishing the balance and therefore the quality we seek.

Wishing you a lovely January and may it provide the time and opportunity to be the foundation for an amazing 2017.

Image: source

Just Be You

Sometimes style is the vessel through which we learn one of life’s most valuable lessons. Such a vessel, if indeed an accurate analogy, also reveals the accurate parallel details.

Such a simple statement, Just be you, but for anyone whose self didn’t align with the accepted norms, you know, as well as I, that it takes courage. And even if your signature style is much like the armor you wear to successfully navigate the world, if it is different from expectation, you must find your courage to do so from within. But do so. It is worth it. Why? It makes you memorable, even if you do not care to be remembered. And the memory of the style you dared to don goes beyond remembering the vestments you wore and reveals the courageous woman or man who wore them.

So today, I offer you inspiration to just be yourself when it comes to pulling together the outfit for the day. The outfits included into today’s post may or may not be your style (you can find more Style Inspiration here), but hopefully they will remind you that confidence combined with personality is a priceless combination.

The Golden Globes’ Red Carpet – TSLL’s Top 8 Picks

~Emma Stone in Valentino Haute Couture~

The 74th Golden Globes began with a song and dance number lead by a host who loves to sing and dance (thank you Jimmy Fallon!), included an unexpected glitch for the opening monologue, toss in a bit of political humor from Fallon and political straight talk from none other than lifetime achievement winner Meryl Streep, a heart-warming acceptance speech from Ryan to Eva, a fun repartee between Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn and a record number of wins for La La Land and there you have it: A Golden Globes Award show that captured my interest most of the evening during the wintery weather advisory.

But I am forgetting the best part: the red carpet. The dresses, gowns, and suits were magnificent. Truth be told, how I zero in on a favorite has as much to do with the individual wearing it, how they carry themselves, their conversations with others and the journalists, and appreciation for being part of the evening as it does to do with the dress itself.

With all of that said, I have chosen to include my top eight gowns and women as their personalities as well as their talent was complemented with a sartorial choice that cultivated a signature self all the more. Simply because others have not been included does not mean they didn’t look just as radiant – Judith Light you are timeless and stunning, Reese Witherspoon – choose yellow all the time always, you look stunning in your favorite hue – but after some contemplation, these are my choices.

~ABOVE: Emma Stone in La La Land truly shined. Her song and dance numbers in the seven-time award winning musical were playful as well as sophisticatedly sincere, much like her dress. The stars (perhaps an homage to the award-winning song in the film??), the muted hues allowed her red hair to shine and thus Emma to just be Emma.

~If you haven’t stopped into the theater to view Jessica Chastain in her recent film Miss Sloan, go. She is the smart, two-steps-ahead lobbyist that will keep you intrigued until the last scene at the Senate Hearings on Capital Hill. Upon seeing her in a gown from Prada’s Resort 2017 collection, which caught my eye when it debuted last summer, she jumped to the top of my list.

~Paired with two beautiful speeches, winning for best supporting actress in a drama for Fences alongside Denzel Washington and introducing Meryl Streep for her Lifetime Achievement award, Viola Davis in Michael Kors exhibited the reminder that the right hue can make all the difference. No extra details, no extra textures, just a simple, well-tailored dress in a powerful hue complete a look that allows the amazing women wearing the dress to shine.

~In attendance with her husband Justin Timberlake (nominated for best original song), Jessica Biel in Elie Saab presented the image of strength and femininity, simplicity and regality. The plunging neckline was prevalent all evening (Mandy Moore and Kristen Bell), and while some grew tired of it, I became more and more appreciative. Small busts offer amazing styling options, further reminding each of us to play to our strengths and exude the confidence from within dismissing the naysayers and their calls for more curves. Some may agree, some may disagree, but Jessica Biel keep shining (see her beauty preparation here).

~I will admit, I had never seen or heard of Caitriona Balf who was nominated for best actress in a drama for Starz’s Outlander, but perhaps now I will have to check it out. Wearing a strapless navy and burnt red gown from Spanish design house Delpozo, the look is classic, yet modern, and absolutely gorgeous.

 

~When I first saw Kristen Bell arrive on the red carpet, I only saw her torso, and quite honestly, I was hoping she had chosen to wear a jumpsuit. However, while her Jenny Packham deep V sequin gown captivates with its drama and its simplicity, can you imagine this as a jumpsuit? I think it would be exquisite, daring and avant garde to be worn at the Golden Globes where more risks tend to be taken most likely to great applause.

 

~Ruth Negga who stars in Loving wore a custom Louis Vuitton gown. Yes, a custom LV gown. What a dream of a gift to wear. While metallic hues typically don’t attract my attention due to the blatant flash, paired with her pixie coif, winsome Josephine Baker eyes and sincere love for being in attendance, I became smitten with the entire ensemble.

 

~Oh Sarah Paulson, thank you for breaking the mold and reminding us that beautiful gowns worn by strong, elegant and eloquent women come in unexpected designs. Initially, the shoulder height jaded my full appreciation, but the complementary hue, the magnificent tailoring and the exterior cut-out reminded me that first-impressions can indeed be utterly wrong. Wearing Marc Jacobs and winning for best actress in a mini-series for The People vs. O.J. Simpson, Paulson charmed with her gracious acceptance speech and dazzled with her captivating smile and heart-felt laugh.

The first award’s show of the year has kicked off a bevy more. Mark your calendars for the following red carpet events (oh, and the award shows themselves of course):

SAG awards – Sunday January 29th
The Grammy’s – Sunday February 12th
the 89th Academy Awards – Sunday February 26th

 

Images: Harper’s Bazaar

Welcoming the Quality in 2017, One Month at a Time

~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #137
~Subscribe to The Simple Sophisticate: iTunes | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

A work of art gazed upon and appreciated by millions, created by the hands of a talented often ahead-of-their-time individual dedicated hours, perhaps months to their creation.

A full and luscious garden, cultivated over years of planning, tending and careful editing and replenishing.

A relationship built on admiration, truth and kindness, strengthening with time, patience and careful attention.

The foundation for living simply luxuriously begins with the concept of a life of quality over quantity in all arenas of our lives. It is an understanding that to build our lives on superficial expectations that appease the outside world whether for appearances or applause is to leave us living in a shell which provides a lack of intimate comfort and joy.

And so, as I have been observing ever more reassuringly and mentioned in the last episode of 2016, it is a conscious decision to live a life of quality that will in time, gradually, deepen the life you have the opportunity to experience. Whether it’s choosing to live in a town or community that may be more expensive and therefore take more time to save up to live in, as well as forcing you to downsize, but ultimately brings you more peace of mind, an ease to be yourself and those you love to blossom, or choosing to enjoy food that your body needs and rise to the abilities it is capable of rather than reach for what is expedient and temporarily satiating, a life of quality is enriching. But as you may have noticed in both of these examples, it takes a conscious awareness of what you need and why you’re doing what you’re doing. Clarity, focus and preparation are key, but these investments pay off.

How do we then, as we step into 2017, welcome in more quality reduce the quantity that tempers what is possible?

As I mentioned here, it requires of each of us to take a simple, but significant approach, to not take on too much at once, but rather one item at a time. So why not take it month by month?

Inspired by a few of my resolutions for the year, I contemplated how I could be most successful, and this is what I’ve come up with. Each month one idea, task or concept will be the focus and I will check in regularly to share how I am doing, and you too can share your journey.

The first month of January, since so many of our resolutions tend to reflect on how well or poorly we ate during the holiday season and we want to feel better, not merely look better, we’ll be tasked with the following:

~Reduce or eliminate entirely one food or food type that does not serve you well

I’ve chosen to leave this month quite broad because we all have our triggers. We all know what is helping and what is hurting, what is a weakness and what is easy to walk away from.

I have chosen sugar. For one month I am going to eat in such a way that eliminates refined sugars (not natural sugars such as fruit). Recognizing that not all situations that involve food will be under my control (dining at others’ homes, work events, etc.), the goal is to eliminate, but there may be lapses. However, I want to observe how I feel as I refrain from eating refined sugars.

After reading about a recently released book, The Case Against Sugar by Gary Taubes, my challenge was solidified. For one month, let’s see what happens.

Having done this in the past, but not as publicly, I remember the experience being very positive in a variety of ways (better mood, a fierce ability to discern sugar in unexpected items – ketchup, cheap chocolate, etc.), and I look forward to seeing if I can observe the same and perhaps more observations that cultivate more quality regarding my health and overall everyday routine.

Over the holiday I gradually began the reduction, as if to wean myself off of the refined carbohydrates, and in just one week, I felt better in my body. So we’ll see how it goes.

I will check in on Wednesday January 18th to share my progress, successes and oopses. I look forward to hearing what you have chosen to reduce or eliminate as well and learning how the journey is going on the 18th.

Each month we’ll tackle one item to reduce or eliminate in our lives, as a way to reduce the quantity and enhance the quality. Below is a look at year.

February:

~Letting go of a social media app that isn’t serving you as you strive to build relationships

March

~Letting go of busy mentality

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

 

With so much that is worth attaining and welcoming into our lives, time and attention is needed to be successful. Patience is required. And while sometimes we just want to pounce, so long as we are assured that the path we are on is the right one, we can allow events, our health, our relationships to progress at their natural pace. After all, we first need to know what we want to plant in our garden, then we must plant it followed by much patience, but confidence knowing that we have invested wisely, and in its own time, it will bloom and then we will be able to savor all the goodness.

I look forward to stepping into this journey and sharing my experience with you and hearing about yours. Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful week.

~The Simply Luxurious Life Mission Statement

Petit Plaisir

~Claridge & King Boyfriend Shirt

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11 Ways to Savor a Snow Day

“Thank goodness for the first snow, it was a reminder–no matter how old you became and how much you’d seen, things could still be new if you were willing to believe they still mattered.” ― Candace Bushnell in Lipstick Jungle

The snow continues to fall, and from the images on IG, the snow was falling a little bit of everywhere yesterday. Alabama? Yep. The winter season which began in late 2016 and continues with us into 2017 has been nothing short of extraordinary. If you are someone who enjoys the slopes, heaven on earth has arrived indeed.

However, as someone who isn’t an alpine skier, but adores the winter wonderland that is given by Mother Nature’s design prowess, there are so many seasonal rituals I look forward to indulging in without apology when the snow falls so heavily that staying inside really is the best idea.

Below are 11 ways I have enjoyed spending my snow days, of which continues through today as more snow (and maybe freezing rain) is on its way. I look forward to hearing how you too enjoy spending these cozy opportunities as well. Take a look and enjoy a day to do as you please.

1. Start by doing what you love, follow your instincts

The moment you wake up you may feel groggy or refreshed. Either way, what is dancing around in your mind? What  would be most wonderful to experience? Do that.

2. Sip a hot cuppa

Upon looking outside you notice, yep, there is a lot of snow, and even though you find yourself inside your warm home, pour yourself some more warmth. Hot water with lemon, hot tea, your favorite coffee. Then sip and savor.

3. Read

Read the daily newspapers in the morning, the monthly magazines you have yet to peruse, a book that you have been eager to find time to get lost in. Throughout the day read when the mood strikes. Read for five minutes or read until you finish the book. Get lost in the words, the inspiration, the world that is introduced to you. Be reminded why you love reading so much. (View all books recommended by TSLL here.)

4. Cozy up your home

The cleaner and cozier my home the more I find myself able to truly relax, and so I found myself tending to my weekly house cleaning schedule yesterday morning. Upon completion, which took about 45 minutes (see the simple approach here), I felt liberated, as if the day was now mine to do absolutely anything that struck my fancy.

The cozy aspect is crucial as well. Make sure you have a throw or two, a candle offering a sensational scent, flowers to accessorize each common room and any other touch that completes your cozy. Here are some rooms for cozy inspiration.

5. Catch up on the Award Nominated Movies

As was mentioned on Friday’s This & That, The Golden Globe Awards will hand out their hardware today. And upon learning yesterday that the snow storm would only intensify later in the afternoon, I decided to jaunt down to my nearby theater to watch a late morning matinee of La La Land which has received the most nominations at seven.

What a delightful, colorful, inspiring and an exceeding-of-expectations this film was. I could not recommend it more. The stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are unabashedly playful and sincere, the musical genre is modernized yet classic in its approach, and the story-line . . . the storyline is a beautiful reminder that love and what one loves is possible. Find showtimes for the theater near you here.

 

6. Stock up at the market

Before snuggling in for the day, stop by your local market and pick up the needed ingredients for a good meal. Perhaps whip up your favorite sipping chocolate drink or a special occasion dessert. (See potential recipes here.)

7. To exercise or not to exercise

It’s up to you! That is the beauty of a snow day. A leisurely walk in the snow whilst bundled from head to toe, or maybe the shoveling of the drive will be your calorie burner.

8. Tend to you

Maybe you want to catch up on your sleep. Why not take a nap? Maybe you want to catch up on your beauty routine. Why not give yourself a facial, your hair a deep-moisture masque or a nails some love? Maybe you want to simply unwind. Why not begin with time for meditation and then just be? Turn on some soft music and let your needs guide your day.

9. Dream

“Snow falling soundlessly in the middle of the night will always fill my heart with sweet clarity” ― Novala Takemoto

Let yourself get lost in your thoughts. Pull out your journal, and put what is running through your mind on paper. Any idea, hope, plan or vision you have for today, tomorrow or far, far down the road. Often when we are given unexpected time to think, our truest hopes jump to the forefront of our minds. Why not take those hopes and figure out a way to make them your reality?

10. Watch the Golden Globes

It just so happens on this snow day (which has turned into a snow weekend) is the weekend of The Golden Globe Awards. And as such, much indulgence will be had over the watching of the red carpet as well as the announcement of the winners. A beautiful way to spend an evening.

11. Open a love bottle of wine

Make the dinner you went shopping for, dance in the kitchen as you conduct the magic of the ingredients into the meal your tastebuds clamor four and pour a glass of wine to sip while you work and savor while you dine.

May your snow day be restorative and magical. See you tomorrow on the blog with a new episode of the podcast!

~my backporch. Yep, we have a wee bit of snow here in Central Oregon~

Image: Emily DiDonato by Benny Horne for Vogue Australia June 2014

This & That: January 6, 2017

Book
—Seeking Wisdom: From Darwin to Munger by Peter Bevelin

I know, I know. Why share a three year old book? But hear me out. Drawn to a successful philosophy modeled by successful Berkshire-Hathaway Chairman Charles Munger that was simple and full of clarity, Peter Bevelin seeks out wisdom from those who have been there. From Darwin to Confucius, Bevelin shares the thoughtful insights about happiness, decision making, handling mistakes and more. If you’re looking for inspiration as the new year begins to unfold, this just might be your book.

Cookbook
—Food, Health and Happiness: 115 On-Point Recipes for Great Meals and a Better Life by Oprah Winfrey

Did anyone else check out Stephen Colbert Tuesday night? If you did, Oprah Winfrey was his sole guest, and she was full of the jovial, inspired personality fans have come to love. Promoting her new cookbook, Food, Health and Happiness which was released on Tuesday, it was drawn from her adherence to the Weight Watcher’s program (of which she is a 10% stake holder) and the success she has found (she announced she had lost just over 40 pounds). Approaching the cookbook as more of a memoir, it is full of beautiful photography and Oprah’s journey with food. Take a look at it at your local bookstore or order a copy today and you kickstart the new year.

Francophile Find
— When Paris Sizzled by Mary McAuliffe PhD

Released this past September When Paris Sizzled: The 1920s Paris of Hemingway, Chanel Cocteau, Cole Porter, Josephine Baker and Their Friends, discover the rise of the social class in the 1920s as historian Mary McAuliffe reveals the highs and the lows.

Shopping
—Equipment ‘Lillian’ striped washed-silk pajamas set

At less than $200, Equipment’s striped washed-silk pajamas are delicious against the skin. At 50% off (leopard is also available), I scooped up a pair last week and have been loving them ever since.

Television
—Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce, Season 3 Premiere

Having been renewed for three more seasons (all have already been taped and will be released in the coming years), the season 3 premiere of Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce looks to offer a very good time for your upcoming Wednesday nights. Kicking off next Wednesday (11th), tune in to see Abby, Delia, Jo, and Phoebe navigate the journey of divorce, dating and love. Take a look at the trailer below and do not forget to set your DVRs (Bravo, 10pm).

—2017 Golden Globe Awards

Let the red carpet season begin! On Sunday, the Golden Globe Awards will be hosted by Jimmy Fallon, and oh, how I love the Golden Globes for their more casual flare, the mingling and conversation and the lead up to what might be a hint to potential Oscar nods in the coming weeks. Tune in at 6pm Eastern time for the awards and an hour or so before for the red carpet gawking.

~tour the Bonaparte apartment above here~

~recipe for Pear and Hazelnut Frangipane Tart~

Welcome to the first This & That of 2017. Yes, the new year has arrived and what a beautiful sight it is to see. We are up to our ears in snow here in Bend with a snow day on Wednesday as nearly 10 more inches fell, and the temperatures are keeping us all indoors except for a quick brisk walk or ski. However, it is winter, and to be living in a winter wonderland is quite bucolic: the pace is even slower, the interactions with neighbors as we help each other out more frequent and appreciated and common courtesies are more frequent as we all simply want to get where we are heading safely and without a dent.

I hope the beginning of the New Year has commenced with a favorable first week. If you are look for Parisian home inspiration, be sure to check out the home tour above, and below are a few articles you might enjoy reading this weekend. Thank you for beginning the year by stopping by TSLL, and until Monday bonne journée!

~20 Powerful Affirmation We Should Say to Ourselves This Year

~Establishing a work life balance that works

~British Prime Minister Theresa May and Her Attention to Fashion

~Perhaps your resolution involves reducing your sugar intake . . . read The Beginner’s Guide to Cutting Out Sugar

~Letting go of wanting people to be a certain way

~10 Tips and Tricks to Learn Any New Language