Shannon Ables's Blog, page 275

A Soothing Spanish Retreat

The master bath is a true luxury to have in one’s home. A place where only the owners of the abode share a most intimate space, where the end of the day’s stresses can be let go as one slips into a bath tub full of bubbles, bath oils complete with a soothing scent. One of the few things I miss terribly having relocated a nearly two years ago from my own 1930 Norman home is the clawfoot bathtub and the nearly indescribable pleasure it would bring each time I slipped into it.

In today’s Decor Inspiration, a 1930 Spanish home is given an entirely new master bathroom with the expertise of  Byrd Design based in Los Angles. Complete with a soaker tub, arched doorways and statement black and white tile, the pendant lighting finishes the room and begs one to let go of the day and just relax. Enjoy the tour below.

~View more Decor Inspiration here.

Black & White and Everything in Between

~J.Crew Campbell wool grey blazer, 30% off~

~Saint Laurent striped silk jersey t-shirt, 40% off~

~Michael Kors straight leg wool pants, 50% off~

~Jimmy Choo Abel pump (other colors available), 30% off~

~Claire V Alistair Petit crossbody bag~

~Jennifer Fisher Orb Drop earrings, 30% off~

SHOP THE OUTFIT:

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~Shop more Outfits of the Week here.

Why Not . . . Establish Holiday Rituals?

Holiday rituals are in many ways akin to the rituals in our everyday lives. Those daily, weekly, and monthly activities that bring us calm, provide structure as well as something to look forward to. The rituals can be as extravagant or as simple as suits our taste, but the underlying and understood perquisite is that it must be something we sincerely enjoy rather than doing so simply to go through the motions.

A few years ago I shared a list of trusted and new ideas for holiday traditions, and more recently I discussed the idea of traditions: to follow or not to follow. After all, the gift of having rituals in our lives is to deepen the quality, elevate the experience and simply by knowing we can look forward to these particular holiday rituals we feel a sense of stability and security, knowing what to expect, knowing what will make us smile and put us at ease. As someone who is incessantly curious, trying new things, taking risks, and understanding that the world changes, having a few things to trust with the knowledge of how they will unfold, the joy they will bring into our lives, is a gift we can give ourselves and those we love.

Below are a few holiday rituals I enjoy bringing into the holiday season each year. I would love to hear your favorite holiday rituals are as well. Feel free to share in the comments. 

1. Plan a Day of Decorating

For one month the house becomes a festive holiday sanctuary with pine boughs, stockings hung and tabletops becoming adorned with festive crimson and white. Knowing that the decor is temporary offers a welcomed change, but also the gift of packing it up for the next season and kicking off the new  year with a fresh new home.

Looking forward to an entire afternoon or day to pull out the boxes, hang the wreaths and all the trimmings, is something I look forward to each year.  After carefully looking at my calendar and determining which day will be the day of decoration, I must admit, I do look forward to it.

2. Jazz up the Tree Trip

Speaking of the day of decoration. My day also includes the trip for the tree. After all, the decorations for the tree are stored right alongside all of the other holiday decorations, and it is the tree that finishes the home for the festive season.

With regards to the tree, I plan it to the hour. Okay, maybe I am not that particular, but I at least set the time I will hop in the car with my pups and go hunting for the perfect green needled flower. I usually go to a tree nursery, but every year is different especially since this year my tree will be petite. A new change I am curious to try this season.

Beginning with making sure the proper music can be played to set the jovial mood to making sure there is a favorite stop at a local bakery to pick up hot chocolate or something sweet and seasonal to nibble on, the journey begins.

3. Stock a holiday food shelf or cupboard

The month of December brings the opportunity for unique and special treats. Whether you bake them yourself or pick them up at your favorite chocolate or sweet shop, stock a shelf with the fudge, the decadent chocolate for making chocolat chaud (I love this recipe), and perhaps even the liquid therapy to mix up a favorite holiday mixed drink or cocktail for a visit with a friend.

4. Turn on the Holiday Tunes

I am a toe-tapping fool when it comes to holiday music. And with a few new albums released this year that caught my eye (as shared in this year’s Holiday Gift Guide), I think I will have to add a few new songs. But part of what makes the holidays is the music, the ambiance, and then the mood is set. Below are a few playlists I pulled together of the past couple of years:

~2013 TSLL Festive Playlist

~2014 TSLL Holiday Playlist

~2015 TSLL Holiday Playlist

 

5. Send out Invites for Your Holiday Soiree

In 2014 I hosted my first holiday soiree, and oh, how much fun I will always remember it to have been. From cocktails to a antipasto platter to wine and fantastic conversation with lovely guests. While yes, planning, preparing and cleaning up is a lot of work, it all becomes worth it when the event goes so well. If you are considering throwing a soiree this year, enjoy picking out creative invitations and sending them out to your guests ASAP. While I know inviting can easily be done via email, I must say, receiving a carefully inscribed invitation in the mail always makes me smile.

6. Spruce up your Holiday Attire

Speaking of hosting a holiday gathering, whether you are hosting or not, you most certainly will be attending a few gatherings. So  why not look your best? Check your closet to see what you already have and love and then take advantage of the aptly timed sales going on to finish or freshen your look. Net-a-Porter’s designer clothing continues to drop in price, as does The Outnet if you’re looking for items that will be chic and timeless and most importantly, available at a great price.

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7. Partake in Community Holiday Activities

Depending upon where you live and how long you’ve lived in your hometown, you may know of certain activities and special events that only occur during the holiday season. Such as the opening of the ice skating rink, a special pastry made at your favorite bakery only during the month of December. Whatever it is that you love and want to support, put it on your calendar to partake and be sure to savor.

8. Schedule time to watch your favorite Holiday Movies

The Holiday, Elf, White Christmas, The Holiday Inn, A Yogi Bear Christmas, The Christmas Story. The list goes on. Make a list of the movies you want to see this season and either find the small theater that is showing them (we have a theater in town that shows favorite holiday films, and movie-goers can sit in cozy armchairs, sip wine and nibble on pizza or whatever they order from the back bar – it is a true treat and the tickets are fewer than $5!) or save them on your DVR or add them to your watchlist on Netflix or Amazon.

9. Plan time to savor a holiday gift shopping excursion

While holiday shopping can technically be done at any time of the year, taking time to do some of the holiday gift shopping during December is a ritual in and of itself. With the holiday shopping decorations, the chilly weather outside requiring you to bustle about and the thrill of discovery when you find just the right gift, I don’t know about you, but this is part of the holiday season that I enjoy savoring.

10. Plan an After Holiday Respite

Okay, let’s be honest, the holidays can be exhausting. Yes, they are lovely and provide an opportunity to reflect, be grateful and truly be present, but at the end of December or January 1st I am quite excited to get on with the new year. So why not plan an after holiday respite to look forward to? Maybe it will be how you ring in the new year or maybe it will take place sometime during January. Either way, plan it now (as we talked about a few weeks ago, there are benefits in doing so), and not only can you enjoy the holiday season, but what follows it as well. A win-win.

So here we go. Let’s make a conscious effort to cultivate holiday rituals that speak to what we love about this time of year and offer us moments of true and complete joy. After all, no matter what the advertisers suggest, or even our friends and family, when we know what makes us smile, what it is we look forward to and communicate that as well as integrate that into the season, it begins to look even brighter than it already was. Happy holidays!

~Find more seasonal inspiration here.

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Layering it On: Blazers, Vests & Trenches

Blazers, structured or loose, vests, long or short, and a light-weight trench. Any and all of these layering items are essentials to have in your closet to make the transition from one season to the next or day to evening or one event to another. Lately the loose, longer, but still tailored blazers/jackets have caught my attention, but I will always be a fan of structured classic hued blazers (Theory‘s are my go-to). How do you enjoy layering these essentials? Do you have a go-to look in your capsule wardrobe?  Have a look at some inspiration below and remember to click on any of the images to shop the item.

 

~Find more Style Inspiration posts here.

How to Finish the Year Strong

~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #132

“There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other.” —Douglas H. Everett

The arrival of a new year always fills me with giddy exuberance. No matter what occurred during the current year, I am very much like a child eagerly determined to will even more amazing, fulfilling and growth-opportunities into my world and into the world around me.

2016 has brought many of the latter on the list, growth-opportunities, and while I won’t be sad to see it go, I am still very grateful for all that it opened my eyes to, all that it taught me, all that it pushed me to do so that I could begin to step outside of, in many ways, an unconscious self-imposed shell. So for that reason alone, I am thankful, indebted actually, to 2016.

Isn’t that way it works? Some years we savor, some years we sweat, some years are a mixture of both, but all offer the opportunity to be a different person come the year’s end.

Speaking of year’s end, it isn’t quite here yet. In fact, we still have one month to make our resolutions a reality, and I don’t know about you, but I am excited to finish strong. Let’s talk about how to do just that no matter where you might find yourself at the end of the eleventh month of 2016.

1. Balance the monthly budget

Let’s talk money straight-away. Nothing boosts our confidence, settles our nerves and brightens our hopes for the future when we know where we stand with our money. As is the case, businesses want to finish strong as well, but we shouldn’t help them at the expense of us not doing the same. Holiday gift giving and travel and entertaining can be a roadblock, but with careful planning and a clear awareness of what you are capable of, by the time the end of the year arrives, you will be feeling at ease when it comes to your financial situation.

2. Assess the goals/resolutions you pursued during 2016

Now to the task at hand. How have you been doing on the resolutions you set at the beginning of 2016? Perhaps you set some mid-year goals. How are those going? Be honest, which goes both ways. Notice how much further you have to go, but also recognize what you have done. Sometimes we stop ourselves from attaining what we seek because we are fearful we will fail. Ironically, we fail if we don’t try. Trying, no matter how small the progress, is always reason to celebrate. And as Marilyn Ferguson reminds, “Ultimately we know deeply that the other side of every fear is freedom.” So let your fear lead you to keep trying and keep striving forward. The other side is indeed worth seeing and experiencing.

3. What habits have served you well and visa versa 
After taking an honest assessment of how you are doing with your goals, what habits are helping you maintaining your progress? Write these down. Do the same exercise for habits that are impeding your progress. Don’t worry, I am not about to tell you to break 10 bad habits in 31 days. The first thing to do is recognize what is and isn’t working, and then, baby steps. Vow to break one bad habit. Then once that bad habit is broken and you don’t even think about it, break the next bad habit. Maybe the chance to begin the second will begin the next week or maybe next month, but have a priority list of habits you want to break and slowly make your way through them.

4. Let go of passivity
Ask for what you want. Remove the possibility of regret.

If events or progress toward your goals aren’t moving as you had hoped they would, observe your behavior these past eleven months. Have you been sitting on the sidelines hoping others will notice what you’ve been working so hard on? Have you been hoping they could read your mind? Speak up. Ask for what you want. Make decisions without asking for approval from others. If it is indeed what you want, what you’ve been working for, step forward and make what is in your control a reality.

5. Tie up loose ends 
Look around your house, look at your planner. Do you see any projects, large or small, that aren’t complete yet? Perhaps you are either putting them off or maybe you began but something occurred and zapped your time availability. Reexamine each and do your best to wrap them up so you can move forward without unnecessary expectations and demands when the new year begins. A fresh start is great motivation.

6. Get busy with small steps
There is still one month left in 2016, and a lot can happen in 31 days. A lot can happen in a mere moment, so get moving. Keep Isaac Newton’s words in the back of your mind as you start your engine, and no matter how gradual you roll forward always remember, “An object at rest tends to stay at rest, an object in motion tends to stay in motion.” 

7. Declutter
Perhaps you have some extra time toward the end of the year or maybe at some point during the month. Even if you don’t have an immense amount of time, find a way to target the spots in your home, office, life that could you some decluttering. Again, the goal is a fresh of start when 2017 arrives and the visual component of less stuff to look at, take care of, etc. holds incredible power over our state of mind and thus our stress levels. So get busy: go through your closet, your entire home and more specifically your kitchen. Set yourself free and you open the door for more applicable and authentic opportunities and gifts.

8. Bulk up your retirement savings for maximum tax benefit
The list began with finances, but I wanted to focus specifically on retirement savings as well. The more you can invest now, the more powerful compound interest will be and the lower your taxable income will be. So take a close look at your 401(k) or IRA contributions, which have limits of $18,000 and $5,500 this year, respectively. Can you add some more? (Good news: You can actually make 2016 contributions to your IRA through mid-April 2017 which means thereis still time after the New Year.)

9. Decide on a planning system that functions and is something you love

Just prior to each month’s beginning I sit down with my planner and add the new month’s pages. I then take time to plan out the month with previously schedule events, my weekly and daily routines, etc. I love this monthly rituals, and I especially love the yearly ritual of looking ahead and putting in the pages for 2o17. In fact, I just ordered a new binder and am shifting from Franklin to the six-ring A6 personal binder. And because of this, TSLL readers who have ask for TSLL Planning Pages to fit the A5 and the Personal Planner are in luck. Coming in a few weeks, just in time for 2017, you will be able to purchase exclusively sized planning pages for these two new sizes (on top of the Classic and Compact pages already available).

It is important to have a system that works for you. Not every one, like myself and many of you, want an all digital planning system, but some do. You know what works well with your lifestyle and routine. Tweak what you have to make it work even better and enjoy setting clear goals, breaking them down and managing each day to help you find the balance of rest and success.

~Shop TSLL Planning Pages for Classic and Compact planners here (and for today only, save 20% with TSLLHOLIDAY20)

~My new planner and binder is seen below. It is an A6 six-ring Ancicraft leather binder (other sizes are available here).
 

10. What makes you smile spontaneously?

Take a moment and try to recall the moments in which you found yourself smiling without a forethought, smiling due to something tickling your mental funny bone or observing something joyful and pleasure filled. Take a mental note of these events or better yet, write them down. Now, try to cultivate opportunities for these moments to happen in balance with the success you are trying to achieve.

11. Answer this question honestly:

Where and how do you want to wake up on Sunday January 1st, 2017? Now plan accordingly. You will be glad you did and the new year will be assured to be off to a wonderful start.

Wishing you a wonderful final month in 2016. May the struggles, if you encounter a few this year, begin to wind down and reveal their fruit and polish, and may the final few days give you a time to celebrate and appreciate all that has gone well and recognize how much you’ve grown.

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~Why Not . . . Create a Clean Slate for the New Year?

~7 Reasons 2016 Will Be a Wonderful Year

~Why Not . . . Make This Your Year?

Petit Plaisir:
~Till Brönner, The Good Life

https://youtu.be/GZasgJjfzrA

Download the Episode

TSLL New Planning Pages & Cyber Monday Deals!

The new TSLL Planning Pages are available to begin planning for 2017 in both Classic and Compact sizes (Franklin planner sizes). Last year TSLL digital downloads became available and readers were able to bring the Inslee exclusive illustrations seen here on the blog into their daily routines. Now the pages are updated, void of any particular year and available to be used from year to year without having to reorder.

Above you can see how the daily planning pages are laid out: the Classic has been improved with more space for the “To Do” list and the Compact maintains all of the essentials: health/fitness, daily schedule, to-do list and even space for a daily simple luxury.

While prices have stayed the same (ranging from $1-25), for today only as Cyber Monday takes place, you can save 20% on any and all orders from TSLL Shop which includes all of TSLL digital planning pages (see a sampling below). Simply enter TSLLHOLIDAY20 at the time of check out.

Other items from TSLL Shop reduced by 20%:

~TSLL Notepads: Live Well, To-Do & To Market, To Market

~Capsule Menu Planning Pages: Notepads or Digital; English or French

Save 15% on signed copies of TSLL Book, Choosing the Simply Luxurious Life: A Modern Woman’s Guide

~choose the illustration of your choice for your daily planning pages~

~all inclusive packages come with monthly pages, cover pages, goals, capsule wardrobe planner, and places to visit.~

~save 20% on all TSLL Shop items, enter code TSLLHOLIDAY20 today only~

Now for the Cyber Monday deals. Most of the sales shared here regarding Black Friday are still in effect through the end of today. Below are additional sales occurring only today, Monday. Happy shopping!

~Banana Republic, 50% off everything. Absolutely everything. use code BRFIVE

~Clare V (the maker of the foldable clutch discussed in this podcast and much more!), save 30% on selected styles

~DVF, the Black Friday sales continue through today only

~Equipment, save 25% with code THANKS

~Furla handbags, save 50% on sale items and 20% on regularly priced items

~Joie: Enjoy 25% off your purchase online and in-store with code THANKS

~Kate Spade, an additional 30% off site wide with code WIRED

~L.K. Bennett, save 30% off orders of $250 or more with code SAVE30

~Lord & Taylor, save an additional 25% on top of the already reduced prices with code CYBER

~Macy’s, an extra 20% off with code CYBER

~Melissa McCarthy Seven7, 40% off site-wide

~Neiman Marcus, use promo code GC4YOU

~Nordstrom, the sales continue

~Shopbop, use promo code GOBIG16

~Spring, up to 60% off

~Tome: shop 20% off all sale items with code FRIDAY20 (love this dress)

~UGG, up to 30% off

~Vince, save an additional 25%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roundabout Books: A Booklover’s Sanctuary

“I have gone to [this bookshop] for years, always finding the one book I wanted – and then three more I hadn’t known I wanted.” ― Mary Ann Shaffer

Whenever I walk into a bookstore by myself, upon crossing the threshold, I immediately feel surrounded by the most welcomed company. As a child I sincerely appreciated receiving a book as a gift. In fact, upon opening the present, I was counting the minutes when I could find time to sit by myself and dive in. And so when I began to have some extra discretionary spending money, (yes, I would by something for my wardrobe as you might imagine) I would always reserve money for books.

And so when I opened the local newspaper one early November morning before work this year and found the recent opening of a new independently owned bookshop, my heart jumped with excitement. I couldn’t wait to stop in, peruse the selection, lose track of time and just luxuriate at a bookstore in my neighborhood.

Roundabout Books is located in the Northwest Crossing neighborhood in Bend, Oregon, situated near the roundabout of Mt. Washington Drive  and NW Crossing Drive. With a cozy corner location which includes large nearly floor to ceiling windows facing west, the sunset viewing with a cup of coffee, beer or wine in the evening while leafing through your next book is ideal. Open 9am to 9pm Monday through Saturday and noon to six on Sunday, Roundabout Books has already hosted many community and author talk events.

Since the morning I first learned of Roundabout Books‘ opening I have stopped in more than four times, and each time I walk away with a bit more of a bounce in my step. It’s the power of the proximity of books; I am telling you it has a palpable power. As the quote above states, often when I go inside I most definitely have a book in mind, but it is likely that the book I need or that wishes to speak to me is also found. As was the case with Bertrand Russell’s The Conquest of Happiness which became the focus of the most recent episode of my podcast The Simple Sophisticate. 

~my first book purchase at Roundabout Books earlier this month~

The atmosphere is welcoming, the seating is splendidly cozy with plush sitting chairs and you will find as well bistro chairs and tables for anyone who wants to type away on their laptop or work on their blog (free wifi is available). With careful attention to layout and aesthetics, the owner Cassie Clemans enables customers to find what they’re looking for with ease. I immediately smiled when I saw the cookbook section (be sure to check out why in the photo below – take a look at the message on the chalkboard at the top), and the rolling library ladder, a must in any classic bookshop, no?

Just as important as the aesthetics is the selection, and as someone who regularly shares the most recent releases on my weekly This & That post, with each of my visits to the bookshop I was finding new release after new release in both the fiction and non-fiction sections on each shelf I turned to, as well as perennial classics and bestsellers from years past that readers continually review highly. Even Lauren Collins’ book When in French was placed front and center along with Grace Bonney’s recently released best-seller The Company of Women which were recently reviewed here on the blog this fall. And if they don’t happen to have what you’re looking for, ask them and you will see it on the shelves in two days as I did when I special ordered Frances Mayes 20th anniversary edition of Under the Tuscan Sun. (Also, view their website, as you can order books directly from their online shop.)

As today is Small Business Saturday with the holiday shopping season kicking into high gear, why not stop into your local boutique, bookshop or restaurant that is owned by your neighbor or fellow Bendite [insert your town here + “ian” or “its”]. I was reminded yesterday by a friend that .68 cents of every dollar spent locally stays in the community as opposed to .43 cents when shopping online or at a national chain. And there is good news when it comes to independent bookstores, sales rose 10 percent in 2015, and an additional 5 percent as of November in 2016. Shopping local, supporting local, buying what you want and need right in your back yard makes sure what you love remains.

The people behind the business, the people who are willing to invest in their passion, and offer their expertise to the world embody great courage, which is all the more reason to step through their doors and thank them with our purchase for something we truly want and will enjoy.

The owner Cassie Clemans fits this definition to a “T”. A bibliophile at heart, she too enjoys the gifts and respite a bookstore can provide and with her vision of promoting the value of and pleasure in reading, supporting efforts that enrich life in the Bend community, creating a space that encourages the free exchange of ideas and opinions, and nurturing the next generation of book lovers, I knew I wanted to get to know her further and introduce TSLL readers to a woman who reminds us to dare to dream.

Relocating from Arizona in 2011 to Bend, I asked her to share some of her favorites when it comes to books, authors and living in Bend, Oregon. Take a look and get to know her below:

Favorite thing to do in Bend:  Walk.  I love walking the Deschutes River Trail, I love hiking through the woods around the lakes, I love walking around downtown and daily through my own neighborhood.  I love walking when the seasons are changing, at night when the stars are out, and especially walking through the first snowfalls of winter.  Bend is so beautiful.  It’s such a pleasure to be outside.

Best life advice ever received:  Be brave and trust yourself.  Don’t be afraid to take chances.  Sometimes you’ll fail, but sometimes you won’t. 

Coffee or Tea:   Coffee!  Lot’s of it.

TSLL Holiday Gift Guide 2016

The holiday shopping season is upon us, and while there will be endless items to pick from, choosing just the right gift for that certain someone on your list takes time and careful thought.

This year, TSLL’s Holiday Gift Guide is full of a wide array of gifts from gourmet food products to unique gifts for the traveler as well as Francophile inspired stationery. Each carefully chosen and gathered over the last few months, simply click on the link below the image to shop. While some items are affiliates of mine, most are not, and are plain and simple quality items I thought you and your loved ones might enjoy based on their predilections. After all, while it is the thought that counts, a thoughtful gift delivers a powerful message to the receiver. Lastly, since it is the holidays here on the blog, special discounts are available for TSLL items and the book.

Over the weekend I will be sharing more promo codes from the around the web you may want to use for your shopping, so be sure to stop back by, and don’t forget to shop locally this Saturday.  Enjoy perusing and happy holidays!

 

Home, Hosts & Tea Lovers

~Burleigh Tea Lovers Teapots (varying sizes and a sampling of the designs available above). Shop all of the teapots here.~

~Simon Pearce lead-free glass ice buckets. One is fewer than $40 and the others at retail prices, but aren’t they stunning?

Retro Design Lovers

~LEFF Amsterdam copper 24-hour flip clock by Envin Termaat, other finishes available here~

Style Star

~Angela Roi luxury handbags at an affordable price~

~Citizen watches new designs for both men and women are simple, top quality and beautiful. Having personally chosen the Drive (middle design), I am loving the design, and its easy transition from day to evening.~

~ Araks silk pajamas : blush top, blush bottom, navy camisole & short set and white cotton pajama top and bottom~

 

Francophile Finds

~local Bend shoppers, stop into Nicole Michelle Decor to find  your French home accessories and the book Ma Vie a Paris, an exclusive for this hard to find item. And receive a free Austin Press candle with your purchase over $100. Below are a few pics of the shop as I explored it on Wednesday. Many new and festive decor ideas as well as signed copies of TSLL book!~

~From American expat living in France, blogger Diane of Oui in France just released her new high quality Francophile t-shirts. With three exclusive illustrations from a local French artist and made of 100% soft-tee cotton, the $24.99 price tag is a sweet deal. Shop and learn more here.

~the long-standing original maker of the Breton top, Saint James. Shop endless styles and colors here. Above are a few of my favorites from northern France.~

~Maree Breton Striped Sweater in navy (other colors available)

~Garde Cote III, nautical striped sport top (other colors available)

~Bonnets Rayes striped knit beanie (other colors available)

~Phare Multico boat neck striped 3/4 sleeve tunic

Beauty

~Clairsonsic’s new Mia Fit (smaller, travel-friendly and just as effective). I had the opportunity to use this compact facial cleanser, and it is much more to my preference as it takes up less space in my cabinet, gets the job done and done well (multiple colors are available). 

Busy & Organized

~Inslee has partnered up with Nicole + Chloe to offer her new day planner. Available in four different colors, for $178, receive the leather binder, the pages for the entire year, monthly calendar pages and weekly planning pages.~

~Just want planning pages with Inslee’s custom illustrations seen here on TSLL? Click here to shop both Classic and Compact sizes, all ready for 2017

~The classic Stendig wall calendar  (one of my go-to planning tools; my 2017 is already ready to go)~

~Always Paris boxed blank notecards with Dominique Corbasson’s illustrations of the City of Light~

 

TSLL Shop (limited time discount for the holidays!)

~Everything in TSLL Shop: Notepads, Planning Pages for the new year (compact and classic sizes) and capsule menu planning notepads and downloads are 20% off through Monday December 28th. Simply enter TSLLHOLIDAY20 to save on the gifts for your loved ones and your upcoming start to a new year.~

Foodies & Chefs

~As someone who enjoys staying in vacation rentals, I have found that bringing along my favorite knife is important if I want to have a pleasurable cooking experience. Yep, I am one of those people who likes to cook on vacation. I know. But if you have a cook in the family or a loved one who as well travels with their knives, Boldric one buckle leather knife bag (two colors available) is an affordable, but quality gift they will appreciate.~

~Maille fresh mustards is offering a decadently delicious flavoring of their classic mustard: the best-selling Black Truffle and Chablis mustard (black jar) and for a limited time the Black Truffle cep and Chablis mustard (beige jar). Having had the opportunity taste both of them, you will certainly smell the truffle and it will heighten a simple everyday vinaigrette, a traditional mustard sauce or spread and anything else in which you want to intensify the flavor (perhaps this recipe is something you could add it too?). 

~for the thoughtful, conscientious shopper, give them a 100% cotton shopping bag to take to the market. La Coursière offers these netted cotton bags in a variety of colors, and they are larger than you might think. Look closely at the proportions in the image of the shopper. Shop the bags here.~

Book Lovers

~The New York Times: 36 Hours Europe, 2nd Edition

~Cooking for Jeffrey: A Barefoot Contessa cookbook

~The Daily Show (The Book): An Oral History

~Swing Time by Zadie Smith

~Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

~The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines

~Old Age: A Beginner’s Guide by Michael Kinsley

~Seinfeldia: How a Show About Nothing Changed Everything by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong

~The Bookshop on the Corner: A Novel by Jenny Colgan

~Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine

~Through Monday November 28th, purchase signed copies of TSLL book which lays the groundwork for cultivating your very own simply luxurious life. No code necessary to receive 15%. Simply click here. If you would like me to add an individualized note, just add it on the page of purchase. You can also pick up signed copies locally in Bend at Roundabout Book Shop and Nicole Michelle Decor. ~

Music Lover

~Crosley Retro 1960’s Dansette Bermuda Turntable~

Travelers

~for the techy traveler, Mark & Graham’s lux leather travel envelope has room for your iPad, your phone and all the cords as well as the basics: passport, credit cards and writing utensils. Available in three colors, shop it here .~

 

~A cork globe (large or small) for the travelers in your life. Map out your next itinerary, keep track of where you’ve ventured to as well as where you hope to go for your next adventure.~

~Passport cases: Bon Voyage, Personalized embossed leather passport holder, and Fossil leather passport case.

Holiday Hits

~Simply Christmas by Leslie Odom Jr. (from the original cast of Hamilton)

~Behold by Lauren Daigle (jazz/blues – truly beautiful and retro)

~Pentatonix (2016)

~Glow by Brett Elderedge

~To Celebrate Christmas by Jennifer Nettles (from SugarLand)

Wishing you a wonderful holiday shopping season! Be sure to check out all of the Black Friday and into Cyber Monday deals, discounts and promo codes here.

~You can always check out my favorite picks in Decor, Books, Kitchen, Capsule Wardrobe Style Items and more in TSLL Shop.

This & That: November 25, 2016 & Black Friday Sales!

App
—Shoptagr

Earlier this week I shared that the Net-a-Porter end-of-the-season sale kicked off, but I also mentioned that they will continue to add items (1000 more items were added yesterday), and prices will continue to drop. This is where Shoptagr comes in. Much like Hukkster (which went defund a few years ago sadly), you can save the items you love, and when they go on sale, you will be notified via email or a notification on your home. I don’t know why it took me so long to find this app (free!), but I just received a few notifications this morning as items continue to be reduced in price.

Blog
—The Tig

Over the summer I became a late-to-the-party fan of the USA drama series Suits. Meghan Markle stars as Rachel Zane, the ever chic and stylish dressed paralegal turned lawyer, and yes, the Meghan Markle not dating Prince Harry. These two facts aside, her lifestyle blog The Tig is worth checking out. With features on living well, interviews with chefs around the country and travel destinations to visit, it is not excessive or overwhelming, but rather offers wonderful food for thought and life inspiration for living thoughtfully.

Decor
—Percy the Pencil Porcupine

Either as a gift or for your own office desk, this playful, simple pencil organizer is unique and certainly adds a bit of personality.

Film
—Certain Women

An independent film set in Montana, Certain Women is receiving very strong reviews as it follows three women, Laura Dern, Michelle Williams and Kristen Stewart as “their stories intersect in subtle but powerful ways, a portrait emerges of flawed, but strong-willed individuals in the process of defining themselves.” In theaters now, take a look at the trailer below:

—Moana 

The latest Disney film Moana was just released on Wednesday with co-composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda stars a young teenage girl who sets out on an adventurous journey to save her people. Along the journey demigod Maui joins her (Dwayne Johnson’s voice), and helps her navigate immense obstacles in the Polynesian seas. As the story unfolds, a young girl comes to find her own identity and a powerful sense of self. Expected to do well at the box-office, I think it might be one I will have to see as well. Take a look at the trailer as well.

—Nocturnal Animals

Designer turned director Tom Ford returns to the silver screen with his new film Nocturnal Animals. Having written and directed this new thriller starring Amy Adams, whose character is a successful Los Angeles art gallery owner and her ex-husband played by Jake Gyllenhaal who reaches out to her through his new novel. The movie is a story within a story and will intrigue viewers who prefer dark, deep, soul-searching storylines. Have a look at the trailer below as it was just released to theaters this past Wednesday.

Shopping
—J.Crew 10% cashmere stripe T-Shirt 

Available for pre-order, this luxurious take on the classic stripe long-sleeve top is worth picking up for yourself, especially since you can receive 40% off now. Three colors are available, and I am loving the cerulean stripe you see above.

Television
—Gilmore Girls on Netflix

Lauren Graham and Alexis Blidel return ten years later after the original series wrapped up after seven season, and this time, fans will find them on Netflix as an original series. The first season kicks off today; take a look at the trailer below to see if the transition after the long respite is exactly as you had hoped. Critics are applauding and perhaps you will as well.

—Great American Baking Show on ABC

Returning next Thursday, December 1st, for its two hour premiere, the second season of baking for the holiday season kicks off. A spin-off of The Great British Bake-Off hit, Americans flocked to the first season last year and now it has returned again. Mary Berry hops the pond to host the eight-part series and crown the next Best Amateur Baker. Tune in at 9pm on ABC. It should be a fun way to cozy up and get some baking ideas.

~recipe for a Lemon Tart~

The theme of simplicity is running through my mind as the holiday season swings into high gear this weekend. Having played the Thanksgiving holiday at a low-key setting and savored every minute, I cannot help but wonder, why not carry this mood through the rest of the year? The lemon tart above suggests a cleansing of the palette, a way of doing away with anything that does not serve us and instead fostering a simple, yet celebratory approach.

The simple tree above is something I have been considering this year. Perhaps a small one set atop a basket similar to the one I came across in the most recent issue of Victoria magazine. Either way, I am enjoying the letting go of what I “should do” and enjoying feeling my way gradually, listening to my response and reactions to what truly speaks to me and adds value, thus deepening the quality.

I hope your holiday season has kicked of in a fashion you are appreciating. This week on TSLL blog has been busy and full of ideas, opportunities and inspiration. The podcast’s most recent episode which went live on Monday was the most downloaded in a single day and the topic was happiness inspired by a British philosopher’s musings on the subject. But there is still more, in fact TSLL Holiday Gift Guide was posted just moments after this post, so be sure to check it out.

Speaking of shopping, all of the promo codes and sales you will want to check out to see if those items you have had your eyes on are on sale are below and clickable.

I do hope you and those you love are well and energized. Thank you for taking the time to stop by, and enjoy a few articles below that I think you might be interested in. Until next time, bonne journée!

~If Black Friday is stressing you out, read this handy approach to smart shopping.

~Mastering the wondering of your mind truly is the key to a happier you. Read this study by Harvard Business Journal.

~PErhaps you’ve already mastered your mind. Not sure? Read 21 Signs You’re Mentally Stronger Than Average

~The year isn’t over yet! There is still time to accomplish your 2016 resolutions. 8 Success Factors More Important Than IQ

~So why exactly are your friends with the people in your life? Read this article about The Purpose of Friendship.

~Contemplating a new job or finding the best job for your personality. Read about the Best Jobs for Your Personality Type.

~Let the appreciation and gratitude continue. Read 40 Perfect Moments We Forget to Appreciate.

BLACK FRIDAY sale shopping codes and discount opportunities:

*3.1 Phillip Lim handbags – 60% off

*Alo yoga clothing – save 30% with code ALO30

*Ann Taylor  – 50% off Sitewide and In Store, 11/23-11/25, use code CELEBRATE

*ASOS – 30% off Sitewide and In Store; use code THANKFUL30 thru 11/24-11/29

*Banana Republic – 50% off 5 regular-priced items Sitewide thru 11/24-11/26 (online) 11/24-11/28 (in store)

*Barneys New York – 40% off Sitewide

*Bergdorf Goodman – 40% off Sitewide

*Boden – 30% off + free shipping and returns

*Calvin Klein – Extra 40% off Sitewide; thru 11/23-11/27

*Coach – 30% Off select styles; 11/19-11/27; use code THANKS2016

*Cole Haan – 40% off Sitewide

*Equipment – 25% off with code THANKS

*J.Crew – 40% off with promo code HOLIDAY thru 11/27

*Moda Operandi –  Sale items up to 65% off: 11/21-11/28, use code EXTRA30

*Net-a-Porter – up to 50% off

*Nordstrom – Take an extra 20% off selected sale items; thru 11/24- 11/28

*Shopbop – 11/22-11/28, use code GOBIG16 and Save up to 25%

*Tibi – up to 50% off

*The Outnet US – Up to 90% off

Elegant West Coast Simplicity

When I first saw the interior of the one level, spacious home in St. Helena, California, profiled in San Francisco Cottage & Garden magazine, I initially thought of the house in the Hamptons which played a starring role in Something’s Gotta Give. As well, it also includes similar finishes seen in the Barefoot Contessa’s East Hampton barn. With the neutral upholstery, vaulted ceilings and large gathering spaces both indoor and out, the home seems to encourage the residents and guests to relax, indulge, and forget about anything prior to or yet to come.

Designed by architect Backen, Gillam & Kroeger for a couple who had recently relocated from the east coast, the concept was to create a living space that felt intimate, yet open and part of its natural environment. The only question I have left is “What does the kitchen look like?”, as you will see below in the tour, that is the only room that remains a mystery, and I can only imagine how lovely that too would look. Enjoy the tour below and learn more about the design features here.

 

~View more Decor Inspiration posts here.