Shannon Ables's Blog, page 277

An Appetizer to Celebrate

The beginning of a very simply luxurious Thanksgiving has begun here on the blog, and of course it begins with an appetizer. But most importantly it is paired with the wine of choice making its way to more and more tables for celebratory occasions and even more to everyday occasions.

The front page of the “Off Duty” section in The Wall Street Journal this weekend discussed the merits of the sparkling wine. Not only champagne, but Prosecco, Cava, and rosé Champagne. Prosecco and Cava, more affordable and very often just as delicious as their more steeply priced cousin, have been my go-to as of lately, and my palette has not missed a note of quality.  Coined as the everyday luxury wine, sparkling wine is certainly the wine of choice for more occasions than you might expect, and with its new moniker, it is absolutely deserving of being included in this simply luxurious menu.

Case in point, the appetizer that I have chosen for this year’s simply luxurious Thanksgiving is paired with a bottle of Cava. From Spain, this particular sparkling wine is from Barcelona, but for only $13, I picked up the bottle seen here and it is bubbly, fruity and paired beautifully with the fig preserves and French brie.

But don’t hesitate to pair it with other items on the menu as well, must we forget the turkey. The rosé Champagne would work lovely with the main entrée.

For this year’s appetizer, I kept it simple, but delicious. Capable of being pulled together in minutes, simply find (or make) a fig preserve spread, decadent French brie or three cream cheese at your local fromage market and oat crackers. Pour the champagne and let the holiday celebrations begin.

Never think any celebration is too small. Yes, it is the time of year when people you haven’t seen in quite sometime come together, all the more reason to bring out the sparkling goodness, but perhaps even on an average Wednesday work night to celebrate the completion of a successful day at work. I’ll toast to that any day.

Stayed tuned the next few days on the blog when the rest of the menu will be revealed, course by course. Safe travels and happy holidays!

This & That: November 18, 2016

Book
—I Taste Red: The Science of Tasting Wine by  Jamie Goode

The holidays are a fine time to go with friends to a local tasting room or vineyard and taste. But why not have a better understanding about how the sensory system, psychology, philosophy, and flavor chemistry play a role? If nothing else, it will impress your companions and heightened the tasting experience ensuring you bring home some delicious wines for the new year.

—Chanel: The Enigma by Isabelle Fiemeyer

Released in September, the latest biography about the adored French designer reveals previously unshared insights and images about the enigma that was Coco Chanel. Peeling away each layer with detailed examination, Chanel’s approach to fashion, work, love and artists at the time are shared in this book.

Cookbook
—Scratch: Home Cooking for Everyone Made Simple, Fun and Totally Delicious by Maria Rodale

Having had the opportunity to indulge in the beautiful cookbook that is Scratch, I can attest it is truly simple and delicious recipes that you will find. Inspired by Maria Rodale’s organic food and cooking brand (following her on her blog here), discover an approach to living and cooking well, all the while respecting the earth and the beauty of the natural world that you love.

Film
—Allied

The much talked about on-screen love scenes between co-stars Marion Cotillard and Brad Pitt further fueled audience interest when it was announced earlier this fall that Angelina Jolie had filed for divorce from Pitt. However, Cotillard promptly denounced any rumors. Needless to say, critics weren’t too extremely jazzed about this film, but the premise sounds intriguing. Set during WWII, a Canadian intelligence officer Max Vatan (Pitt) has the chance opportunity to meet a French Resistance fighter Marianne Beausejour (Marion Cotillard) on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. As chemistry was present, neither forgot the other, or that is the desired story, as they are reunited in London and their relationship undergoes more than a little scrutiny. Have a look at the trailer below and enjoy the film when it hits theaters on Wednesday November 23rd.

Francophile Find
—The French Chef on Gusto

As I mentioned during this year’s French Week, episodes of Julia Child’s The French Chef cooking series on PBS are something I enjoy watching from time to time. And it was the case recently that a thoughtful TSLL reader emailed me to alert me to the availability to the episodes on the Gusto Canadian television station. While I can’t access the episodes in the states, there are a few on Youtube, such as the Roasted Chicken episode here (plus many others). Most importantly, I wanted to make sure my Canadian readers knew of this opportunity. Enjoy viewing, cooking and savoring the presence and inspiration that is Julia Child.

Music
—The Good Life by Till Brönner

Jazz will always have my ear, and it was the case recently as I was listening to TuneIn at work, the London Jazz Station, that Till Brönner’s rendition of “The Good Life” was played. I was smitten. Released this past September, the Germany jazz trumpeter’s new album of the same title is a delightful, relaxing hour of jazz. Have a listen to the title track below.

Shopping
— Clare V Scalloped Luce satchel bag (other colors available)

Clare V has recently released a new collection of handbags. Known for her foldover and pouch clutches (which I love!), her satchels and circular handbags are all I have been seeing recently in street style posts. The satchels caught my eye because they have a classic appeal with a hint of modern. Available in many more colors, these leather day essentials are something to put on your wish list.

—The Outnet Clearance sale

The sale season is about to begin, and one just has. The Outnet’s end of season sale began this week with steep 80% off reductions. I have picked a few items below that caught my eye, but be sure to stop by here to see everything that is available.

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~recipe for Pumpkin Caramel and Chocolate Ganache Tart (gluten free)~

The snow is coming. I can feel it and I am excited. The snow pass has been purchased, the wax for the skis picked up as well and with the moisture that is expected next week, perhaps my wish will come true. Either way, the holidays are about to begin which will usher in a new routine, but that doesn’t mean our stress has to rise with the change as was discussed in this post on the blog.

Perhaps you are gearing up to head out of town or maybe you are staying home and enjoying some much needed time to regroup before the end of the year celebrations. Whatever your plans may entail, I do hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving (if you are celebrating) and a wonderful kick-off of the holiday season.

Now mind you, it may be Thanksgiving here in the states, but that doesn’t mean we have to forget what we love throughout the entire year. Below you will find more than a few French-inpsired posts I found around the web this week, as well as a few other articles you might enjoy. Until Monday, bonne journée.

~If you don’t have your next trip booked to Paris, this post will make you want to make plans toute de suite!  Things to Make You Wish You Were Still Living in Paris

~And Good News! November is the Best Time to Travel to Paris!

~And if your French language skills are not where you’d want them to be, read this post which talks about the instinct to translate English into French into your head.

~And speaking of the French culture, 15 Things Parisian Expats Find Kinda Strange About the French Culture.

~8 Hard Truths Nobody Wants to Admit About Happiness . . . believe it or not, it will actually put you at ease.

~13 Questions to Ask Before Getting Married

~Meditation and your job. One will certainly help the other.

~And with the holiday season kicking off, Bergdorf Goodman reveals their windows for the 2016 season. Have a peek below and learn more here. Learn more about the process to curate these impressive vignettes in this film.

Outfit of the Week: Warm, Cozy & Chic

~ASOS White 100% cashmere deep V-Neck jumper~

~Versace printed silk-twill scarf

~Helmut Lang cropped mid-rise skinny jeans

~Sam Edelman Reema d’Orsay flats

~Coach Rogue Bag 25 in glovetanned pebble leather

~Elizabeth and James Connolly gold-plated hoop earrings

~SHOP THE OUTFIT:

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~View more Outfits of the Week here.

Pre-War Perfection

In a prewar building along the East River, actress Emma Rossum has purchased her first apartment in New York City and in doing so has garnered much admiration with her decor taste. Featured in Elle Decor’s September 2016 issue, the magazine assisted Rossum as she sought them out for guidance and introduced her to Brooklyn-born designer Antonino Buzzetta. With a gentle blend of modern with traditional glamour, enjoy the tour and learn all of the details about the complete redo of a historical living space here.

 

~Find more Decor Inspiration posts here.

Why Not . . . Reduce Your Holiday Stress?

One week from tomorrow and Thanksgiving here in the states will be upon us. The Macy’s parade is prepping, the holiday shopping sale emails have started to arrive in the inbox and the markets are stocked and ready for the masses to cook the traditional favorites. In fact, I felt the shift last weekend as my local bakery began playing holiday music in the store. Yes, I do believe it is here.

Some of us have probably been playing the holiday tunes for weeks, while others are reluctantly succumbing to the reality of all of the expectations and busy travel plans and spending of money. But wait. I have a few ideas for ensuring that no matter how you may be feeling right now, you too can enjoy the holidays and walk away de-stressed upon the new year’s arrival. Take a look below:

1.Plan a holiday getaway not associated with expectations (i.e. Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Christmas)

A study in the journal of Applied Research in Quality of Life revealed that it is the anticipation prior to the trip that typically helps to reduce your stress level. Additionally, if the vacation you partake in can be described as “very relaxing” as opposed to “relaxing” (in other words, the travel was smooth and uneventful, nothing negatively unexpected happen), you will have a few weeks of residual reduction in stress upon your return.

So why not plan a getaway now that takes place after the holidays have wrapped up, perhaps a new way to welcome the new year or not even associated with any particular date at all, and let the knowledge of knowing you have a vacation coming ease your holiday stress?

2. Fly Delta

It was recently announced that Delta will be able to allow you to track your luggage this holiday travel season. Simply using their app, your phone will be alerted as to where precisely your bag is upon leaving your possession (belly of the plane, unloaded, etc.).

3. Travel on the holiday itself

The New York Times recently suggested that traveling on Thanskgiving, December 25th and December 31st is close to guaranteed to reduce your stress levels. Not only are there fewer travelers en route, but the prices you will pay will be reduced up to 11% compared to other dates in proximity.

4. Cook what you love

Cook the meal, the dishes, you feel will taste the best. If it’s not turkey, try lamb, seafood or anything else that you and your guests will love. Remember, it’s about creating a memorable experience and the opportunity to enjoy delicious food, no matter what the entree, is a simple way to bring everyone to agree and appreciate the same thing.

5. Adopt uni-tasking

Author of 77 Simple Strategies for Serenity Kate Hanely reminds us the the power of focusing on one task at a time.

6. Cement your physical fitness routine

In other words, of all the daily routines you don’t want to let slide, your physical fitness regimen is at the top. Even if it requires you to mix up the activities you partake in (perhaps skiing instead of walking, ice skating instead of pilates), fiercely protect your type to exercise. It not only will keep you in your favorite jeans and looking svelte in your holiday attire, but it will reduce your stress.

Simply by walking with visiting family and friends can act as a de-stressor as nutrition and wellness expert Ann Kulze MD. points out the rhythm and repetition can act like a tranquilizer on the brain welcoming a better night’s sleep and decrease anxiety.

7. Hang on to your friend time

Maybe there will be more family time during the holidays, but don’t forget the respite time with your friends provide. Even if the conversation is shorter, make time to sit down and have some coffee or chat on the phone. The reprieve will help you to catch your breath and not blow anything out of proportion and maybe even encourage you to laugh about it.

8. Let in more light

Daylight that is. Open the curtains and blinds at home, at work and wherever and whenever the sun can shine in. Exposure to nature, natural light, can work wonders on our mind and liberate the physical confinements that cold and shorter days might bring.

9. Be mindful of your budget

The goal: arrive on January 2nd with a smile and money in the bank. Whether you are spending on gifts, travel, food or entertainment, understanding that November and December celebrations will not last forever (phew!) is reason to be clear about your budget and what you can afford. Having a priority list of traditions you most cherish and people you want to see can help make it easier when you have to say no to invitations you may receive.

10. Stick to your daily routine as much as possible

The parts of your daily routine that bring you calm, offer the balance that you need, keep them in your schedule whether the holidays have arrived or not. Perhaps it’s daily meditation, or your regular breakfast that fuels you up and satiates your palette or maybe the weekly fitness class, choose to refuse to eliminate them from your routine as you will be a better “you” for all of the people you love who you will be sharing the holiday season with.

And with that, welcome to the holidays. May yours be exactly what you are hoping it will be and with an extra dose of special moments and memories to savor for many years to come.

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~8 Strategies to Prep for the Holidays

~34 Simply Luxurious Things to Love About the Holidays 

~Why Not . . . Enjoy the Holidays Even If You’re Single?

Loose & Lovely

Casual, comfortable, carefree. Perhaps these are the reasons loose clothing always looks so appealing when worn well. An effortless look is often the effect, but it isn’t always easy to cultivate. Finding the right balance is key: a loose silk blouse and a tailored pencil skirt, or wide-leg trousers and a nipped buttoned up top. However, when the right balance is struck, it is magnificent. Have a look at more inspiration from women who found the perfect happy-medium below.

 

~View more Style Inspiration posts here.

Comfort Begets Confidence

“Comfort is the root of confidence and not the other way around.” —Haley Mlotek in The New York Times Style Magazine
~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #130

Confidence is attractive. Confidence can be deceiving. Confidence is however hard to fake. But the hard truth about confidence is that it is rooted in feeling comfortable with that which you project to be confident about.

Depending upon the arena, the one who exudes confidence draws the attention from the masses due to either curiosity to figure out how they too can emulate such confidence on a particular subject or way of life that they desire or out of appreciation from others who have confidence as well. Because when one projects an air of confidence there is a sense of security, self-worth, and peace of mind knowing that they are able to think and live independently.

Confidence is valuable in a variety of aspects throughout our lives. But it must be understood that confidence is a dynamic entity as it depends on understanding something that is as well quite fluid: life, the world, other people, etc. Because of this reality, it requires of each of us to be always pursuing knowledge, asking questions and remaining a participant in the world in which we live.

I first came across the quote above as it was pertaining to beauty and the recent trend to no longer wear makeup as inspired by Alicia Keyes who shared openly this past May in a letter (it’s well worth the time to read) that she longed to just be herself and stop the constant work of being a chameleon and being what she thought she had to be, rather than be who she truly was.

The article gave me pause because it is difficult to put down the masks that we present to the world as they are in many ways our armor, and it is far easier to just do what is expected, project an image or idea that is expected or easy for all to see and hear. So where do we find the comfort that is needed to have the confidence we seek?

~Take the time to get to know yourself and continue this ongoing process

~Build a healthy social network

~Stretch yourself – try things you have never done before but want to do and someday do well

~Read and learn voraciously and endlessly

I can think of more than a few instances when I did not have confidence. Most recently, I have become frustrated when I attempt to converse in French at our local conversation group or with friends or instructors who know how to speak the language. I feel as though I am presenting an entirely different person, as though the person they are hearing and seeing is not the real Shannon. And as I gave this some thought, I realized why I wasn’t enjoying myself: I wasn’t comfortable and therefore I couldn’t be confident and relax. It is a vicious cycle.

So, I will admit, for a time, I stopped going to the weekly group conversations. Okay, for quite a lengthy time. I chose to study on my own, but I realized that in order to increase my comfort, I needed to stretch myself. That is the most perplexing paradox of this entire conversation. Yes, we need comfort to be and reflect confidence, but confidence can only be gained if we choose to grow, learn and step outside of our comfort zone.

Below are just a few examples of arenas that require each of us to experiment, stretch ourselves and try new things in order to gain the confidence we seek:

our preferences in food
a way of life (visit a variety of cultures, learn the answer to the “why” questions)
our signature style with regards to our wardrobe and our homes
with whom we are most compatible: friends, partners, workplace environments
interests and hobbies

However, it requires balance. Don’t put yourself entirely in uncomfortable scenarios all of the time. Stretch yourself just enough so that you are always able to be growing rather than regressing. For me, on top of trying to develop new friendships as well as learning a new language, I found that I needed to separate the two so that I could be my confident, authentic self with those who were just beginning to know me. So I struck a balance, communicated with them that I wanted dearly to build our friendship, but felt learning a language simultaneously wasn’t going to work for me. And they completely understood.

When we can come home to a place that allows us to feel comfort, we can then be recharged to go back out and try something new, but we must have a sanctuary of comfort always available to us to retreat to get that fix. The sanctuary of comfort may be your actual house or apartment or it may be a person, an activity or a particular place. The key begins with knowing yourself. Not only knowing what you like and dislike, what makes you feel comfortable and uncomfortable, but why you feel and prefer what you do. Knowledge is truly power, not only as an approach to life, but as well when it comes to understanding ourselves and living our best lives.

~Similar posts from the Archives you might enjoy:

~Confidence: How to Gain It & What It Is Invaluable

~Why Not . . . Read? (three part series)

~8 Reasons to Nurture What Nature Gave You

Petit Plaisir:
~Blind Date (Un peu, beaucoup, aveuglément)

~Starring Mélanie Bernier and Clovis Cornillac (2015)

~Find Blind Date on Netflix here

 

Image: Paris Vogue, 1974

 

Download the Episode

This & That: November 11, 2016

Books
—America the Anxious: How Our Pursuit of Happiness is Creating a Nation of Nervous Wrecks by Ruth Whippman

British journalist and documentary filmmaker Ruth Whippman dives in to the paradox of how seemingly unhappy Americans are even though they are in constant pursuit of happiness. As an outsider from Britain looking in, she brings a unique lens that offers some worthwhile food for thought.

—Don’t Sing at the Table: Life Lessons from My Grandmothers by Adriana Trigiani

Recommended by TSLL reader Karoliina, Trigiani’s book from 2010 offers insights about life from her two grandmothers. Spanning more than a handful of decades of life experience, this book will inspire, remind and reveal to you that life may offer obstacles, but there isn’t anything that cannot be overcome.

—Paths to Happiness: 50 Ways to Add Joy to Your Life Every Day by Edward Hoffman

Speaking of trying to find happiness, Edward Hoffman’s new book (released this past August) attempts to do just that with 50 mind-opening ways to welcome more joy and fulfillment into your life.

Cookbook
—Soup of the Day: 365 Recipes for Everyday of the Year by Kate McMillan & Erin Kunkel

Another TSLL reader recommendation (thank you Heidi!), Williams-Sonoma’s cookbook Soup of the Day is filled with hundreds of recipes for bringing a delicious and simple staple menu item into your capsule menu eating regimen.

Film
—Loving

A historical-drama based on the U.S. Supreme Court case (1967) Loving v. Virginia, director and writer Jeff Nichols brings to theaters the dramatic story of how state laws prohibiting interracial marriage were finally invalidated. Having debuted at the Cannes Film Festival this past spring, critics are loving Loving. Having just opened last weekend, look for it in a theater near you, and have a look at the trailer below.

Shopping
—Chloé silk crepe de chine top

Simple silk blouses always grab my attention. Worn with denim, pants or a skirt, accessorized with a stunning peace of jewelry and voilà, simple chic attire. Reduced in price, this Chloé blouse is an investment that will look stunning and complete many different skin tones.

—Roberto Cavalli galaxy garden printed silk scarf

Scarves will always be in season and so when a designers’ scarves go on sale and offer a design I love, I take a closer look. Roberto Cavalli’s galaxy garden printed scarves are available in four different colors (the black is also stunning), but this ivory hue offers a rich, regal touch to any day or evening look or outwear.

~recipe for Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake~

Happy Friday and welcome to the weekend. Full of beautiful fall moments to be savored and opportunities to honor and thank our veterans. The weather has been beautiful, but the evenings have been brisk; a reminder that yes, the holidays are just around the corner. Two days until Thanksgiving – that is something I can’t quite believe. But it is true and that means a shift. A shift to reflect, a shift to welcome even more gratitude into your life and as shift to whatever brings even more warmth and cozy moments into your days.

I want to thank so many TSLL readers who joined a thoughtful discussion on Wednesday here on the blog, as well as tuned in to my conversation on the podcast with NYC stylist Tiffani Rogers. Monday’s episode was one of the most downloaded, and those who tuned in learned much about fall style, shopping in NYC and the holidays in the city.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and until Monday, bonne journée!

~France and tourism, they are planning on spending a bit of money in an effort to win back nervous tourists. Read more here.

~Seth Meyers’ comments to the First Female President. It’s sweet, it’s short and he’s not kidding. (start at 2:55-3:55)

~A worth-reading article regarding The Men Feminists Left Behind . . . remember to make progress requires we understand all sides.

~Garance talks about going out and about solo. An enjoyable read

~Inspiring words from women we admire

Holiday Noir Attire

~Alexander Wang Prisma leather wallet

~Alexander Wang Antonia suede sandals

~Bailey 44 Emmett wrap-effect silk and stretch-jersey top

~Stella McCartney printed silk-crepe straight-leg pants

~Alexis Bittar glass and enamel turquoise earrings

~Noir jewelry gold-plated cuff

SHOP the Outfit:

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French Modern

White, French and a touch of modern. Chrissy & Co Interior Design renovated and styled this Vancouver home for a mother and daughter who wanted a fresh and functional place to call home. The neutral palette, while seemingly simple, offers thoughtful details with the light fixtures, uniquely chosen upholstered furniture (I love the settee for the dining area, and well as the opportunity to cozy up by the fire. Tour the entire home here.

    

~View more Decor Inspiration posts in the Archives here.