Shannon Ables's Blog, page 283

How to Make Fall a Luxurious Season

“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.” —Jim Bishop
~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #123

Last Sunday, on the near eve of the transition from summer to fall, the newspapers included the list of new seasons in their particular field: broadway, film, exhibits, television, and music. The annual roll-out of the fall entertainment and arts season is something I look forward to each year. Because even though September is not the beginning of the chronological year, it tends to be the beginning of the most luxurious time of year. Studios save their Oscar-hopeful films and publishers their top-tier author book releases for the fall season.

So it is with anticipation that I write the dates down of all the releases that catch my eye so that I too can enjoy what more often than not turns out to be worth the wait.

And while the arts capture my attention, there is no need for us to wait for grand occasions to savor this most wonderful of seasons and all its riches. Today I’d like to share with you activities and items to put on your schedule and welcome into your home so that you can savor fall and all of its riches every year it arrives.

1. Stock your kitchen with a classic, beautiful dutch oven.

For soups, for risotto, for delicious meat dishes and main dishes, add a dutch oven that not only functions phenomenally, but looks beautiful adorning your stovetop (whether in use or not). A couple of years ago I purchased my first Le Creuset dutch oven and it continues to be one of the most worthwhile investments I have made when it comes to cooking. It’s sturdy, it cooks food evenly and is a lifetime purchase, so choose a color (there are many) you love.

2. Pick up a few chrysanthemums

The temperatures are cooling and your outdoor pots probably need a bit of sprucing up. Pick a a few chrysanthemums in your preferred color and add a touch of fall jewel-tones to your front or back porch.

3. Pumpkins!

Whether you place a few on your porch, pile an arrangement on your mantle, place a variety of colors in a wooden bowl as a centerpiece or fill your fireplace, pumpkins announce the arrival of fall.

4. Shop at the local farmers’ markets to savor fall produce

I recently discovered Lyra Press and fell in love with their Les Fruits et Légumes de Saison art print (below). Not only it is a beautiful, simple piece of wall décor, but it is a reminder of what to look for each season to ensure the most flavor and value. From tarte aux pommes to fresh tomato sauce and squash galore, fall produce is hearty, delicious and full of options for snacks or a meal.

~images below from the recent local Bend farmer’s market~

5. Speaking of seasonal food and recipes, why not try Victoria magazine’s Pumpkin Brioche loaf?

While not available on-line, you can find it in their latest issue, October 2016 (or click on the link above). I am eager to give it a go in my kitchen and will be sure to let you know how it goes.

6. Transition to using a fall capsule menu

With the fall season’s arrival and having stopped by the local market, why not transition your weekly meal schedule as well? The good news is, I have done some of the work for you by mapping out a weekly fall capsule menu that incorporates more fall vegetables and produce into your regular weekly routine. Click here to have a look.

7. Take a walk with the changing colors

The air is crisper, the days are cooler, and while they are shorter as well, it is all the more reason to get outside and soak in the sun and the beauty before the combination of setting or rising suns shining through the golden and rust hued leaves is no longer available to be enjoyed before we must wait for another year to pass.

8. Pull out your favorite cozy sweater and wear as your coat of choice

If you don’t have a cozy sweater (I preferred oversized styles), there is a wonderful winter white honeycomb (mini cablenet) wool/yak crewneck sweater from Vince that looks absolutely cozy and perfect for fall. Below are a few more cozy sweaters that while investment items, will last for many seasons to come:

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9. Add Frank Sinatra’s “Autumn in New York” on your playlist or Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald’s version 

Fall truly does feel as though we are being invited to savor the present moment even more. As Lauren DeStefano describes it, “The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.” I encourage you to step into the new season with an appreciation that exceeds perhaps what you’ve done in the past, but all the while keeping it simple. Spend a few more minutes in the kitchen producing those scents that epitomize fall, step outside one more day a week to turn your face to the sky and soak in the air that is neither too cold or too warm and remember to tip your hat to the farmers (perhaps you are one of them) for sharing with us their bounty because before long it will be winter and we will be impatiently waiting for the markets to open again in the spring.

Have a lovely season!

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~10 Things I Love About Fall

~Why Not . . . Decorate for Autumn?

Petit Plaisir
~Bridget Jones’s Baby (in theaters now)

~book by Helen Fielding to be released October 11th

~the soundtrack, Ellie Goulding, Ed Sheeran and more (it’s lovely!)

 

 

 

 

Image: source

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Pumpkin Brioche – A Fall Treat

Ah, the scent of fall may just be found in this loaf of pumpkin brioche. While it does take a full afternoon or morning, it will be worth it. With lots of butter, and the option of a sweet, crunchy topping, give Victoria magazine’s Pumpkin Brioche a try. And with two loaves, you’ll have one to share with your friends, neighbors or colleagues.

Pumpkin Brioche

yield: 2 loaves

time: 5 hours

Ingredients:

~Topping

½ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds, but they only come from certain types of pumpkins and don’t require shelling) 
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

~Brioche

½ cup warm water
1 tablespoon sugar + ¼ cup sugar
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
3 large eggs (divided: 1 for yeast mixtures; 2 to be added later)
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup pumpkin puree
2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Directions:

For topping: In a small bowl, combine pepitas, sugar and cinnamon. Drizzle with melted butter, and stir to combine.
For brioche: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine warm water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and yeast. Let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes. Add 1 egg and 1 cup flour, and mix on low speed until combined.
Cover loosely with a tea towel, and let stand until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes.
Add remaining approximately ¼ cup sugar, orange zest, salt, remaining 2 eggs, remaining 2 ½ cups flour, and pumpkin puree; mix on low speed until combined, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Increase speed to medium, and continue to beat until dough is smooth and elastic, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low, and slowly add softened butter by the tablespoonful.
Coat a large bowl with butter. Scrape dough into bowl, turning to grease top. Cover, and let stand at room temperature (75 degrees Fahrenheit) until doubled in bulk at least 2 hours.
Turn out dough, punch down, and divide in half. Cover loosely, and let dough stand for 10 minutes.
Line two (8×4-inch) loaf pans with parchment paper.
Working with the first half of the dough, divided evenly into 8 balls (I use a scraper). Arrange balls into the prepared loaf pan. Repeat with remaining half of the dough. Cover, and let stand in a warm (room temperature), draft-free place until dough is puffed, 60-90 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400 degree Fahrenheit.
Brush risen loaves with lightly beaten egg, sprinkle with topping, and bake for 15 minutes.
Reduce oven temperature to 350 degree, and continue baking until brioche is golden brown and a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 25-35 minutes. (If bread begins to brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil, and continue baking).

 

Image via TSLL instagram

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This & That: September 23, 2016

Book
—Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans

Just released this past Tuesday, Designing Your Life is already a best-seller. Focused on the premise that the most recognizably and commonly used technological devices and products were created out of necessity, a problem that needed to be fixed, they apply this same approach to building a life to love living. Sounds intriguing, no?

—The Improbability of Love: A Novel by Hannah Rothschild

When I first came across this novel in the New York Book Review section a few weeks ago, I immediately wanted to read it. Released this month, meet Andie McDee. A 31-year old living in London who works as a chef and has recently been dumped. Determined to find love, she begins dating, well, a loser. Looking for a birthday gift for him, she finds a painting at a second-hand shop, and when he doesn’t show up at his birthday date with her, she decides to keep it for herself. Cue the drama! With suitors in hot pursuit of the painting coming out of the woodwork, she begins to realize this painting may be something of great value. Along the way of keeping it safe, and herself too, she discovers more than she ever would have expected about European history and perhaps a new love.

Francophile Finds
— French Short Stories for Beginners

If you are looking for a new or different way to learn the French language, why not read fictional stories written in French?  Just released this past July, the Language Academy released this book full of 9 short stories as well as bonus features which include vocabulary, summaries of each story and multiple choice quiz exercises to test your learning. Sounds like a fun way to mix up the language learning routine. Pourquoi pas?

— Pancakes in Paris: Living the American Dream in France by Craig Carlson

Now, when I travel to France, one of the reasons I love visiting is because of the food. But I had to share Craig Carlson’s book as it is a story of chasing down a dream and falling in love with Paris along the way. His accomplishment of establishing his restaurant Breakfast in America is an American diner in Paris. Released earlier this month, discover how everything came together.

Shopping
— Ann Taylor Tallulah Suede Booties

Booties and suede are en vogue this fall and when they’re available under $200, all the better. Available in grey suede or black and brown leather, if you’re looking for this season’s staple item, be sure to have a look.

— Gigi Hadid’s collection with Tommy Hilfiger

Recently, model Gigi Hadid partnered with Tommy Hilfiger to offer a mid-priced line of sailor inspired clothing. From the cotton cable net sweater, to denim sailor pants and a striped cotton roll neck sweater, the price points are below $300 and worth taking a look at (accessories too).

Technology
— Native Union Charging Dock for iPhone or iPad

As someone who often puts my phone on speaker when I am in my office, enabling it be hands free would be wonderful, and if it could charge too while it was at it, all the better. I recently learned about Native Union’s charging dock for both iPhones or iPads in The Wall Street Journal and wanted to take a look. Available in three different colors, they require minimal space and offer a chic streamlined design. I must say, I think I may just have to add one to my office.

Television
— Good Girls Revolt

Inspired by real events and based on Lynn Povich’s book of the same name, Amazon’s new web-television series premieres on October 28th. The great news is if you are an Amazon Prime member, you can watch the first episode now, and it’s worth sitting down and enjoying. The book, and subsequently the series, chronicles the 1970 lawsuit filed by 49 women who worked for Newsweek (in the series the publication is News of the Week), which included screenplay writer, director and author Nora Ephron. Ephron’s character is played by Meryl Streep’s daughter Grace Gummer. Critics and viewers are raving (check out Vogue‘s review here), so be sure to check out the trailer below and the first episode (if you’re a prime member).

— Life’s a Party with David Burtka

I just discovered David Burtka’s Food Network cooking show this past Sunday and was impressed with the recipes and tips and tricks he shared. While there are very few episodes (that I can find anyway), be sure to check out the episode I watched, “Surprise, Surprise”. Living in Harlem, he cooks a meal to enjoy on the terrace with friends, family and his children with Neil Patrick Harris. You can view  his recipes here.

~recipe for Dark Berries Tart with Basil~

It is the weekend and fall has arrived! With plans to step into the kitchen and make a hearty soup made from fresh produce picked up at the market as well as something sweet and lovely that will fill the house with fall scents, I cannot wait for the weekend to begin. What do you have planned?

Wherever your plans take you, I hope you have a wonderful time. Thank you for stopping by, and for your weekend reading, a few articles you might enjoy! Until Monday, bonne journée!

~Sarah Jessica Parker is returning to HBO in October and you will want to read all about her thoughts on Carrie and how her new role is not Carrie grown-up living in the suburbs

~This post by Marc and Angel is worth reading and reading again until we have in our mind the story that works for us. Read it here.

~9 Habits definitely worth having

~The Emmy’s were a treat to watch this year as the speeches were . . . well . . . Julia Louis-Dreyfus . . . Sarah Poulson . . . and so many more . . . just nailed it. And more than a few dresses were absolutely stunning.

~Sharon Santoni has introduced us to another Stylish French Girlfriend and she is lovely.

~More for my fellow Francophiles . . . Top 20 Perfectly Genuine Reasons to Move to Paris

Image: learn more about the entire event pictured in #2 here

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Outfit of the Week: Classic Mix-Up

~Norma Kamali cotton-blend trench coat

~Banana Republic Ostrich Director Bag

~Sam Edelman Victoria Slouch Boot (suede)

~Peter Pilotto bouclé-paneled cady midi skirt

~T by Alexander striped merino wool turtleneck sweater

~Kenneth Jay Lane Gold-tone earrings

~Shinola ‘The Birdy’ bracelet watch

SHOP THE OUTFIT:

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OUTFITS of the WEEK from the Archives:

~Prepping for Fall

~Chic Mariniére Comfort

~GOOP Fall Style

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A Coastal Sanctuary

Take me to the Connecticut coast, put me up in this house and I will be a very happy girl. Featured in the recent issue of Connecticut Cottages & Garden‘s, a family’s new dream home is a sight to behold both inside and out. From the classic coastal hues, to the butler’s pantry to the marble-topped island and white crown molding, a beautiful home that beckons its residents to relax and enjoy time with family and friends. Enjoy the tour and learn more about the design and the family who calls this beautiful space home here.

All images via Connecticut Cottages & Gardens

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A Fall Capsule Menu

The fall season welcomes a bounty of fruits and vegetables that we all have been patiently waiting to enjoy. From the subtle, flavorful fig, to the tart apples to mix with a touch of cinnamon for applesauce, apple pie or a taste tarte aux pommes, and don’t forget the broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, onions and the grape. Saveur magazine, one of my favorite food magazines, offers a list of fall produce to look for when we stop by our farmers’ markets, as well as many recipes to incorporate them into our weekly or special occasion meals. But which ones and how many should incorporate for your weekly capsule menu?

As promised in August when the concept of a Capsule Menu was shared here on the blog, I have pulled together a seasonal capsule menu for the fall season. The original sample menu to use for all seasons was shared on this post where the approach to creating a capsule menu was shared in detail, and you can you can access it and print your own copy for free here. But now that it’s fall, readers have been requesting that I share my fall capsule menu as a change in what we eat, no matter how simple and budget-friendly is a welcome idea and a fun, absolutely doable challenge.

So here we go.

Recipes:

~Buttery Steel Cut Oats

~Chicken Marsala

~Chicken Picatta

~Balsamic Brussel Sprouts

~Brown Sugar & Spice Salmon

~Roasted Vegetables

~Penne with Beef & Arugula

~Clafoutis aux Poires

~Pumpkin Chip Cookies

~Fig w/Proscuitto & Goat Cheese Appetizer

~Pumpkin Brioche (coming next week!)

Below is the weekly shopping list for the menu that is at the end of the post (free and printable). Remember, the below items do not include the items you have stocked in your épicerie (view that list here). Be sure to view Instagram to see how to organize it on TSLL Capsule Menu notepad pages for the fall capsule menu:

2-3 versatile proteins or legumes

2 salmon fillets (wild caught):
chicken breasts or chicken tenders (organic, no hormones added)
eggs (for breakfast – see below)
pancetta
prosciutto


3-4 vegetables (2/3 – low starch and 1/3 high starch)

broccoli/squash/carrots (roasted – see recipe here)
spinach (tossed with a simple vinaigrette recipe – see mine here; also steamed – see Barefoot Contessa’s recipe here)
carrots (for snacking and dinner in the lentils paired with salmon recipe)
brussel sprouts


whole grains

forbidden rice (black rice)


snacks (that combine fiber and protein)

almonds (mixed with raisins for snacking in the afternoon)
raisins
grapes
cheese (afternoon snack paired with slices of apple and almonds, add a cup of tea)
2 apple or pear
4-6 figs


1-2 breakfast options

eggs (farm fresh)
steel oats (don’t need to purchase every week) see my recipe  here
lemon water (always have lemons on hand as a staple)


ingredients for 1 dessert

1 pear
canned pumpkin
chocolate chips


ingredients for 1 comfort meal

penne pasta
strip steak
arugula
heavy cream


miscellaneous 

goat cheese
lemons

 

~Below is the free printable PDF Fall Capsule Menu. Click here to download.

~Discover everything about TSLL Capsule Menu and How to Create Your Own

~Shop TSLL Capsule Menus in digital and notepad format (English & French versions available!)

Images: (1) (2)

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September Style

Fall beckons the blazers and turtlenecks to be put into rotation, as well as ankle boots and sweaters that are plush enough to not require another coat as the temperatures are temperate and the sun is still shining offering just enough warmth. September as it nears the beginning of fall is a stunning season to enjoy fashionably. Many ideas come from the street at the four fashion weeks, as you will see in some of the images below, but simply reveling in the joy of a bit more warmth, a few more layers makes the possibilities seem endless. The image above is a wonderful example of mixing it up while still playing with the classics: a tweed blazer, belted with a large black belt and a simple black crew neck top. Now that is September style. Enjoy this week’s inspiration!

~STYLE INSPIRATION posts from the Archives:

~Fall Layers

~Cozy Fall Ideas

~Fall Attire

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Why Not . . . Have Self-Compassion?

“Self-compassion provides an island of calm, a refuge from the stormy seas of endless positive and negative self-judgment, so that we can finally stop asking, ‘Am I as good as they are? Am I good enough?’ Right here at our fingertips we have the means to provide ourselves with the warm, supportive care we deeply yearn for. By tapping into our inner well-springs of kindness, acknowledging the shared nature of our imperfect human condition, we can start to feel more secure, accepted and alive.” —Dr. Kristin Neff, author Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself

~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #122

The voice in our head that is always contemplating the negative or worse case scenario, the inner critic who berates us for the mistakes no matter how minor and refuses to congratulate if a flaw or wrinkle is apparent. The irony is while we think being tough on ourselves, towing a tough line and holding our feet to the fire is beneficial on the road toward success and ultimately happiness, the opposite is actually true.

As revealed in Self-Compassion: The proven power of being kind to yourself by Dr. Kristin Neff, the reality is self-compassion is the key to the successful and content life we seek.

So how do we develop the voice in our head that does us no favors, even if we initially think it does? Dr. Neff shares that how we were raised, how we were taught, the community around us most often is the influencer of the belief that tough-love is the best love for getting something done. Now, you may be wondering, shouldn’t we be disciplined and be given guidelines to follow in order to be safe and successful? Absolutely. But it is the extreme scenarios, the scenarios that are used to scare, that do us a disservice.

Contrarily, when we are given the truth, when we seek out the truth and acquire knowledge, providing ourself with options and scenarios, we realize that mistakes are inevitable, and beating ourselves up even more for making them will only prevent us from moving forward more quickly or at all.

As someone who is notoriously hard on herself and has been from a young age, I have become aware that being overly self-critical is not as effective. Why? It attacks my self-esteem, it weakens my self-confidence and the only person I have to blame is myself. Ignorantly, I used to think I was helping myself out by being tough on myself. As well, I didn’t feel it was right to be caught “bragging” about my accomplishments. In reality, it isn’t bragging if it’s the truth, someone asks and you respond with decorum. Confidence and success are contagious, and people innately want to be around these qualities rather than their counterparts. Before I go any deeper into my experience of realizing having self-compassion is a necessity to living well, let’s talk about the benefits Dr. Neff shares.

1. Fewer negative thoughts and emotions

Whether it’s fear, irritability, anxiety or anger, negative feelings become fewer and fewer for those who embrace the habit of being self-compassionate. How do they become fewer? It actually has to do with mindfulness. Mindfulness is the ability to be aware of your thoughts without accepting them or entertaining them to be entirely true (or even true at all). The key is to acknowledge how you are feeling, have the wherewithal to note that these are feelings and they will pass and you need not accept them entirely.

2. Able to experience negative emotions, deal with them and move forward

As much as we might want all negative emotions to be erased from our lives, in reality, this can never happen. But what can happen when we refuse to deal with what we’re feeling and find out why we’re feeling is that we cause ourselves unnecessary suffering. When we practice self-compassion, we are trusting ourselves to be able to deal with our emotions, the good and the bad, face them, deal with them and allow ourselves to move forward.

3. Understand perfection isn’t possible

When we truly accept that we are imperfect beings, we liberate ourselves. And by setting ourselves free, we are giving ourselves compassion. We know we are doing our best, and sometimes our best will not be enough. During those times when things do not work out, we must not beat ourselves up, but rather turn to the habit of self-compassion to nurture ourselves back to feeling like ourselves.

4. Higher emotional intelligence

According to Daniel Goleman’s book, Emotional Intelligence, those with more self-compassion have a higher EQ. The gift that self-compassion brings to our lives is that it helps us move on, move forward and recover from tough emotional experiences rather than being weighed down by them. Why? Emotionally intelligent people have more perspective on their problems, understanding that they aren’t the only ones who have experienced or felt what was causing them pain at the moment, and they also understand it will pass.

5. More success in attaining goals

Individuals who practice self-compassion experience more success because they get out of their own way. When the going gets tough, they realize the only way to get past it is to move through it, not be held back by it. Using all of the approaches to negative emotions and difficulties above, they aren’t held down by imaginary obstacles.

6. Change the quality of your entire life

Self-compassion is a vital tool in cultivating a life that is full of contentment no matter what is going on in our lives. How? It’s a mind shift. The quality of our lives is largely due in part to how we think we are doing. And since all we can do is our best and respond to the best of our ability at the time an obstacle or challenge arises, when we are self-compassionate, we don’t expect more and we applaud ourselves for all that we’ve done and are doing. While most of us don’t want to brag or come across as narcissistic, we do need to pat ourselves on the back, regularly. How? It can be in our daily journal, a mindful meditation, a walk in which we revel in the ability to savor the simple everyday moments we are given and have created for ourselves.

7. Healthier relationships

When you are someone who has self-compassion, you rely less on others to fulfill you, and instead look to yourself, having confidence that you can take care of your own emotional needs. And when you are secure in your ability to care for yourself, the relationships you seek and then build are healthier as well as you are capable of giving more fully and without expectation.

When we embrace the idea of being self-compassionate, we embrace the reality that whether or not anyone else tells us we’re going to be okay, that we’re okay just as we are, it all begins with believing it ourselves. And when we believe it ourselves, we don’t need to seek outside approval.

Examples of self-compassion:

Monitor the talk you allow in your head: refrain from name-calling, making absolute negative statements; instead how you would you speak to someone who needed support, love and understanding?
Surround yourself with uplifting quotes, ideas and images (in your iPhone/smart phone, on your inspiration wall, in your planner, etc.)
Practice guided meditation – try the app Headspace
Make time for activities you love without apology. Understand it is necessary, a means to a better you.
Soak in beauty – visit a museum, take a walk in nature without technology, explore an exhibit

Having self-compassion may be uncomfortable to embrace at first, but the more you practice it, the easier it becomes to confront and more quickly move through negative thoughts, emotions and experiences. Believe it or not, it is our heart we must open to ourselves, and then we will be better able to open it to the world and trust that no matter what the world does, we will be just fine as we have built our own community of comfort within ourselves.

~Petit Plaisir:
~Tarte au Citron 

~click here for the recipe

 

Image: source

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Behind the Scenes Magic

One of the most frightening tasks we can choose to take on is change, especially if we’ve never observed the change first-hand or experienced it ourselves. And the bigger the change, the more gumption it will require. However, as the saying goes in order for great achievements in love and in life to materialize, we must choose to take on great risks.

When the Tour de Eiffel was being constructed in 1889 to be the centerpiece of the World’s Fair celebrating the centennial of the French Revolution, nobody could have predicted how iconic it would become of the City of Light, but they took the task on anyway. Now, I am getting a little bit off topic, but not really, as the changes that are coming won’t be small.

Today’s post is a post to let TSLL readers know if they have been experiencing hiccups with the blog, noticing slow page loading times and perhaps an “error” message from time to time, it is not because something isn’t working. The good news is, quite a lot is working, but it is all going on behind the scenes. Technically, superficially, yes, something isn’t working, but it is because we are shifting, moving, growing and reorganizing all of the content that has been aggregated since 2009. Some tremendous, transformative changes are taking place as I have been placing my blog in the hands of some talented designers, and if you will bear with me for one more month, I think you will be pleased.

Since May, TSLL team has been working on instituting changes and improvements that will make your experience here on the blog simple, inspiring and user-friendly.

The schedule of posts during this time of construction is continuing its normal schedule; therefore, you can expect to see your regular posts during the week like clockwork. However, if you would like to ensure you receive them and can access them when you want, you can sign up for the daily email here, the weekly newsletter here or download TSLL’s free app, where all posts are published and shared. Bloglovin’ and Feedly are also two great places to read the blog and access the most recent posts.

In the meantime, enjoy the current layout, as it will be changing, but the change is part of needed growth and future hopes, as readers have been emailing me, sharing their ideas, and I have been listening.

As you might imagine, I am eager to share with you what we have come up with, as Inslee has been working with us as well. Thank you for your patience, and until Monday, passez une bonne journée!

Image via Tour de Eiffel

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Behind the Scenes’ Magic

One of the most frightening tasks we can choose to take on is change, especially if we’ve never observed the change first-hand or experienced it ourselves. And the bigger the change, the more gumption it will require. However, as the saying goes in order for great achievements in love and in life to materialize, we must choose to take on great risks.

When the Tour de Eiffel was being constructed in 1889 to be the centerpiece of the World’s Fair celebrating the centennial of the French Revolution, nobody could have predicted how iconic it would become of the City of Light, but they took the task on anyway. Now, I am getting a little bit off topic, but not really, as the changes that are coming won’t be small.

Today’s post is a post to let TSLL readers know if they have been experiencing hiccups with the blog, noticing slow page loading times and perhaps an “error” message from time to time, it is not because something isn’t working. The good news is, quite a lot is working, but it is all going on behind the scenes. Technically, superficially, yes, something isn’t working, but it is because we are shifting, moving, growing and reorganizing all of the content that has been aggregated since 2009. Some tremendous, transformative changes are taking place as I have been placing my blog in the hands of some talented designers, and if you will bear with me for one more month, I think you will be pleased.

Since May, TSLL team has been working on instituting changes and improvements that will make your experience here on the blog simple, inspiring and user-friendly.

The schedule of posts during this time of construction is continuing its normal schedule; therefore, you can expect to see your regular posts during the week like clockwork. However, if you would like to ensure you receive them and can access them when you want, you can sign up for the daily email here, the weekly newsletter here or download TSLL’s free app, where all posts are published and shared. Bloglovin’ and Feedly are also two great places to read the blog and access the most recent posts.

In the meantime, enjoy the current layout, as it will be changing, but the change is part of needed growth and future hopes, as readers have been emailing me, sharing their ideas, and I have been listening.

As you might imagine, I am eager to share with you what we have come up with, as Inslee has been working with us as well. Thank you for your patience, and until Monday, passez une bonne journée!

Image via Tour de Eiffel

The post Behind the Scenes’ Magic appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.