Shannon Ables's Blog, page 272

Top Why Not . . . ? posts of 2016

One of my favorite questions to ask, and you probably already guessed it, is pourquoi pas? In other words, Why not . . . ?. So much of our lives require of us to tend to responsibilities and tasks; however, there is so much more that we can do to increase the quality of our lives by the way of adventure and trying something new, something different or perhaps something that will reveal itself to be better than we had previously been doing it if only we asked the question Why not . . . ?.

Each Wednesday for the past seven years, a question I try to answer in a myriad of ways is Why Not . . . ? and with each post, I discover something new and am excited to share with you what I have found. The topics range from improving the quality of our thinking, the routines of our everyday, amping up our signature style, entertaining for those we love and adding a touch of the French culture into our lives, just to name a few.

Today, discover the TOP 5 “Why Not . . . ?” posts from 2016, and peruse all of the “Why Not . . . ?” posts from the year here. Perhaps there is one that, while not making the top five, is a topic that speaks to you, much like the honorable mention post I included above – one of my favorites “Why Not . . . Savor Life?“. And in the new year, continue to stop by on Wednesdays for the latest Why Not . . . ? post to add even more of whatever you seek into your life.

5. Why Not . . . Choose a Work Week “Uniform”?

4. Why Not . . . Add a Touch of France to Your Decor?

3. Why Not . . . Build a Versatile Wardrobe?

2. Why Not . . . Embrace a Simply Luxurious Life? (What does it look and feel like?)

1.Why Not . . . Design Great Week?

~Discover more posts from the topics shared above in the Archives:

Lifestyle
Signature Style
Decor
French-Inspired

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Published on December 28, 2016 00:00

TSLL’s 7th Anniversary!

A seventh anniversary is traditionally commemorated with the gift of copper or wool; a fact, I will admit, I did not know until I sat down to write this post. But fittingly, the seventh anniversary of TSLL blog arrives with much warmth in my heart for all that conversations with readers and growth that has occurred (offered from wool) and a calm, yet solid determination (available with the use of copper cookware as it cooks quickly and evenly – okay, I know I am stretching the comparison a little bit, but hang in there with me) to exhibit the transformative power living simply luxuriously can manifest when we embrace a life focused on quality over quantity.

Readers of TSLL who have been stopping by since it first went live and those who have just discovered it in the past few months, the blog has evolved in large part due to your curiosity and passion to live your own life in a manner that is congruent with your true potential.

As I too am on that journey of discovery, I feel truly fortunate to be able to continue to share what I learn along the way so that you might avoid dealing with obstacles that can be bypassed, learn lessons that need not be learned by first-hand experience, and discover new ideas that you may not have come across in your everyday life but that would enliven it all the more.

I must say, I continue to be intrigued by life, despite any challenges that I run up against, because beginning with my appreciation for the two furry boys who accompany me through it all, life can and is truly magical. Ripe with opportunities, we are the pickers of the fruit that dangles from the limbs of the world. Sometimes we have to wait for the fruit to ripen, sometimes we have to pay careful attention to how we care for the tree over the seasons, and at all times we need to seize opportunities when the fruit is at its peak to be savored, but we have every capability of being the gardeners of our lives. Sure, some years can bring an early freeze, but there is always another chance, so long as we don’t allow ourselves to become discouraged.

As TSLL enters its eighth year, I am excited to share with you on January 1st what I have in store. Oh, the books that I am reading that are full of topics to enhance our lives, the daily, weekly and monthly habits and ideas I am eager to share to improve each of our everydays all the more – it’s going to be exciting.

In the meantime, the annual Top Posts/Episodes of 2016 begins today on the blog as I take the week off. Stop by each day this week to discover the top posts/podcast episodes from this past year in the following categories:

Podcast episodes
Style Inspiration posts
Why Not . . . ? posts
Miscellaneous Posts ( Petite Posts , Thoughts from the Editor, Recipes , etc.)
Decor Inspiration posts
French-Inspired posts
Top Items from This & That
Top Letters from the Editor, as shared only with TSLL weekly Newsletter subscribers.

~The first new post will go live bright and early (Pacific time) on Sunday January 1st!

And a last note, I am excited to announce that I was invited back to be a guest on KATU-TV (ABC) Afternoon Live! program this coming Friday (30th) between 3-4pm, and we will be discussing preparation for a great new year. You can see my first interview here, and be assured, if you don’t have access to this channel, I will be sharing the video on the blog after the taping. Have a wonderful last week of 2016 and enjoy a few pics of my boys captured throughout this past year.

~Curious to see where it all began? View the inaugural post on December 26, 2009 here.

~Norman in the fall~

~Norman in the winter after 19″ of snow had fallen this December 14th~

~Oscar gazing at the Pacific Ocean~

~View past blog anniversary posts:

~Something to Celebrate – 1st Anniversary!

~In Celebration – 2nd Anniversary!

~TSLL Celebrates 5 Years!

~TSLL Celebrates 6 Years & A Look Back at 2015

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Published on December 26, 2016 02:00

Top 5 Episodes of The Simple Sophisticate podcast in 2016

It is that time of year when the opportunity arrives to reflect and be reminded of what listeners enjoyed the most during the previous 51 weeks of The Simple Sophisticate. For the past 28 months, the podcast has produced a new episode at least every Monday, excluding the last week of each year for our annual vacation (follow me on Instagram to see where we’re heading to this year), and in 2016, we truly began to grow. With more interviews this season than we’ve ever had the opportunity to do before (three of which made the top 10 list below), one interview with a New York Times bestselling author and another with an English expat blogger/author living in the countryside of France (see #7 below), the listening audience continued to grow as well. The growth of listeners is due you, TSLL readers, as you continue to share via word-of-mouth on your Instagram, Facebook and Twitter feeds and even fellow bloggers who write generous shout-outs. And for your love and support I cannot thank you enough.

The podcast production continues to improve as I am the forever student and determined to offer you, the listeners the best quality I can possibly create.

I also want to thank you for the reviews you have shared on iTunes. Whatever it is that you enjoy about the podcast, your positive comments do wonders for the new listeners stopping by to see what the show is all about. Occasionally, I give a shout-out on the most recent episode of reviews listeners have left as a way to say thank you, so do not hesitate to express why you love The Simple Sophisticate (if you’d haven’t left a review and would like to, click here to be directed to iTunes).

But now, to the list! As I compiled the Top 5, as well as included an Honorable Mention list which includes five more episodes listeners enjoyed the most over the past year, I began to notice a theme of interest: simplicity, contentment, and living a quality life. Ah, yes, the themes indeed of what it means to live a simply luxurious life, and most certainly I am taking this observation to heart as I head into the third year of the podcast and compile the list of upcoming topics to share. And now, without further ado, the TOP 10 List of The Simple Sophisticate episodes in 2016 (click on either the text link or the image to be directed to the entire episode (audio and show notes).

Honorable Mention
10. A Discussion about Quality over Quantity in Fashion & Life with NYC Stylist Tiffani Rogers

9. A Powerful Couple: Boundaries & Vulnerability

8. Time Management: 13 Habits that make My Life Run More Productively

7. Everyday Living in France – My Interview with Sharon Santoni

6. Simple Rules for a Good Life

TOP 5 Episodes in 2016
5. How to Be Chic with Fiona Ferris

4. 15 Everyday Habits to Live a Life of Contentment

3. Small & Simple = A Grand & Full Life

2. My Interview with NYC Stylist Tiffani Rogers

1.38 Invaluable Lessons About Attaining Happiness

~Discover the top episodes from 2015 here.

Tune in for a brand new year and fresh new episode on Monday January 2nd.

~Subscribe to The Simple Sophisticate: iTunes | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

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Published on December 26, 2016 00:00

A Simple Holiday Season: Happy Christmas & Hanukkah

A simple holiday season has been my approach this year, so when I came across the Swedish photographer’s blog Made in Pesbo with photography by Carina Olander, I was drawn to the simple, natural aesthetics. The minimal, often unadorned boughs, wreaths and trees, as well as the attention to cozy living and congregating.

Each year, the opportunity arises to slow down and savor the last few days of the year or speed up and bustle about to get everything done that we think we must. We have this choice. For some it is easier than it is for others, but we do have the choice, and this year, the immense snowfall helped with the decision making. The last few days of working on the blog as I sit in my office, I have been given the fortune to have the vantage point of my front yard with five large pine trees towering above and more than a foot of snow happily lounging on the lawn. The neighborhood street while not particularly harried at anytime during the year, is notably calm and all but used for necessary travel. Knowing such weather will not be here long makes it all the more special, and knowing there is no need for wishes of a white holiday, is a reminder that indeed wishes do come true.

Whether you are celebrating Christmas tomorrow or the beginning of Hanukkah today, Kiwanza on Monday or any other or no holiday at all, I wish you an abundance of happiness and cheer in your moments as you enjoy these last few days of 2016.

The generosity TSLL readers continue to bring of their time, interest and thoughtful words when they stop by each time is something I am continually grateful for.

From the giving of gifts to the sharing of hugs and kissing this holiday, sending my love to you. Happy Holidays from TSLL!

~presents wrapped with personality and style~

~Don’t forget to hang the mistletoe!~

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Published on December 24, 2016 00:00

This & That: December 23, 2016

Book
—Rest by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang

Arriving on my doorstep just a few days ago was the book Rest, and it will be my holiday reading. Released earlier this month, the premise resides in the idea of balance in order to maintain creativity and a quality way of life. I am in. Are you?

—Your Inner Critic is a Big Jerk: And Other Truths About Being Creative by Danielle Krysa

For the artists, this book offers exercises, words from fellow creatives and a playful approach to silencing the voice that may fight with your confidence. Perhaps for you, or maybe a friend, each of whom has talent galore waiting to be tapped.

Film
—Hidden Figures

The theaters are bursting with worthwhile films this time of year, and Hidden Figures is one of them. Critics are raving about the untold story that is brought to the silver screen depicting the female African American physicist, mathematician and space scientists who calculated the flight trajectories for the Apollo 11 (yes, that one – the first landing on the moon by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin) and Project Mercury. Starring Taraji P. Henson as well as Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst and Jim Parsons, have a look at the trailer below. The film is released in limited theaters the 25th and nationwide on January 6th.

—La La Land

Already garnering a handful of Golden Globe awards, the Hollywood musical returns to the big screen starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in La La Land. Directed by the young, but clearly talented 31 year old Damien Chazelle, the story shares the tale of the love affair between Stone and Gosling characters as they both chase their dreams. Will their love hold or is it too fragile to remain? Critics again are loving this film, maybe you will as well. In theaters now.

—Manchester by the Sea

Yet another raved about film by critics, already receiving five Golden Globe awards, Manchester by the Sea is the story of a Boston man who receives word of his only brother’s sudden heart attack and death resulting in his being the guardian of his 16-year-old nephew. Manchester-by-the-Sea, a small town in Massachusetts, is where Lee Chandler (played by Casey Affleck), delivers the solemn news of his brother’s death to his son. The custody results in Chandler returning to an old wound caused by his previous problems with alcohol. The story is dramatic, heart-wrenching and moving. Have a look at the trailer below. In theaters now.

Francophile Find
—My Stylish French Box by Sharon Santoni

Favorite French blogger, Sharon Santoni, is now offering fellow Francophiles the opportunity to receive a touch of France on a regular basis no matter where they may call home. Available by subscription, My Stylish French Box was just announced, and makes available a seasonal gift to arrive via mail with carefully curated items from France. “Each box brings you a selection of authentically French and perfectly stylish items for you and your home.” Give as a gift or gift one a subscription to yourself. Have a look at the subscription options here.

Holiday
—Neil Diamond: Acoustic Christmas

If you are a fan of the liquid voice of Neil Diamond, and wish to bring him into your holiday celebrations, you are in luck. Released just this past October, Neil Diamond’s Acoustic Christmas is full of classic renditions. Listen to his interview on NPR here where he talks about his inspiration and the gift that is his voice.

Television
—Sherlock, Season 4 Premiere, on Masterpiece

Finally, Holmes & Watson return to PBS! The fourth season of Sherlock returns on Sunday January 1st to Masterpiece on PBS. With three new episodes, tune in to be entertained, mystified and engaged with the plots that one can only imagine will keep us guessing until the end. Have a look at the trailer below.

~recipe for Ricotta-Lime Tarts with Walnut Crust~

The last week of the year is just around the bend. How are you doing? How has 2016 gone for you?

While I shared 10 of the lessons I learned over the course of the past year on this week’s episode of the podcast, I will admit that I am eager for 2017, but there were some momentous and life changing events that happened in 2016 that I will forever be grateful for. I hope you can same the same as well.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for an additional holiday post, and then next week the annual TOP 5 posts in each category are shared as an opportunity to see what TSLL readers loved and enjoyed over the past 12 months.

Today, I’ve gathered up a few articles you might enjoy. Have a lovely start to the holiday weekend, and until tomorrow, bonne journèe!

~Who doesn’t want to be unstoppable? . . . 30 Behaviors That Will Make You Unstoppable

~Who knew? . . . How to Open Milk and Answer a Simple Yes or No the French Way

~12 Places to Put on Your Must-See List When on a Road Trip in France

~Social Etiquette at the Office: Handshake or Hug?

~16 Steps to a Long, Happy and Passionate Relationship

~Switzerland Brought Perspective to this Writer About What Could be Improved in the States

~What to Eat to Live to 100

~Discover the answer to this fascinating question . . . What is French Beauty?

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Published on December 23, 2016 00:00

Santé! – Holiday Bubbles

As a hostess of a holiday soirée, the purpose for inviting friends and family over is to have a memorable time. Perhaps a time to don cocktail attire, or maybe a more casual setting to simply lose track of time and get lost in conversation swaying to the music in the background. Either way, the hostess wants to partake as well, whether she has twenty or only a gathering of two. Second, and nearly as important, is knowing the cocktail of choice is delicious, subtle but offers a gradual way to relax and just be present to enjoy whatever unfolds over the course of the evening.

I have a cocktail that will suit both of these needs.

The Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail. In fewer than 60 seconds, you can serve your guests, and yourself, a cocktail that is bubbly, beautiful and lusciously delicious. The color is holiday festive for either this week or ringing in the new year, and the addition of Cassis with its black currant flavor adds a subtle secret finish.

Ingredients:

Prosecco, Cava or Champagne, something bubbly
Cassis
Pomegranate juice

Directions (for one glass):

Pour 4 ounces of Prosecco into a champagne glass.
Add 1 teaspoon of Cassis.
Finish with 1/2 teaspoon of pomegranate juice.
Santé!

Simple and festive.

Happy holidays from TSLL!

~View more TSLL Drinks recipes here.

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Published on December 22, 2016 12:07

A Parisian Inspired Loft for Entertaining

The French influence in New Orleans is strong, real and beloved. Having founded New Orleans in 1682, the French flair remains ever-apparent even after the United States gained it 1803 and made Louisiana the 18th state of the union in 1812. And never more is this influence demonstrated than in a New Orleans loft purchased by Charlotte Bollinger who purchased it as a piece-à-terre primarily to host dinner parties as she actually lives permanently outside of the city.

With the help expertise of interior designer Lynne Uhalt, the space radiates European touches and offers comfort to guests as they dine, converse and enjoy their time in the Big Easy. Featured in House Beautiful‘s December 2016/January 2017 issue, have a look at the loft below, and learn more about the design process in an interview with the designer here.