Shannon Ables's Blog, page 288

Sweet Potato & Arugula Salad

Summer screams salads for lunch or dinner, but a hearty salad can be enjoyed at any time of the year. After enjoying  this simple sweet potato and arugula salad at a local bakery in Bend, Oregon, I began to search for the recipe as it delighted my tastebuds. Thankfully, a recipe wasn’t hard to find, and I quickly made a few tweaks to make it my own.

A playful twist is to serve this salad as the side with your homemade gourmet hamburger on a brioche bun. Instead of fries, you have the sweet potato mixed right along with the greens. Voila! Simple and a balanced meal, non? (Well, maybe that is a stretch, but it truly will ratchet up the gourmet quotient when you serve your burger.) Try my recipe for a lamb and beef burger here, and don’t forget a glass of red wine. Or if serving by itself, a crisp white or rosé.

Sweet Potato & Arugula Salad

yields: 3-4 servings, adapted from Katie Lee’s recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups 1/2-inch diced sweet potatoes (1-2 large sweet potatoes)
Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling (about 1-2 tablespoons)
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2-3 cups loosely packed baby arugula
4 scallions, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
1/4 cup good quality mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Directions:

~watch the video below for a demonstration from Shannon’s kitchen

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place sweet potatoes (diced) on the baking sheet. Drizzle with EVOO and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss with your hands to make sure sweet potatoes are covered evenly. Lay in one layer, making sure they are not stacked on top of each other for even baking.
Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, stir the potatoes and continue baking until fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes longer. Let them cool completely.
Mix the greens (arugula and scallions). In a large bowl, mix the greens with the sweet potatoes.
In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise with the lemon juice and parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
Just before serving (the sweet potatoes and the dressing can be made ahead of time), place the dressing at the bottom of your salad bowl, pour in your sweet potato and salad mixture and toss, coating the salad and potatoes evenly.
Dish to your guests and top with freshly grated Parmigiana Reggiano.

Pair as the “fries” with your hamburger, as mentioned in episode #116 of The Simple Sophisticate podcast.

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This & That: August 12, 2016

Books
—The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking by Edward B. Burger and Michael Starboard

A better brain, a better and more effective way of thinking is possible; it is just a matter of knowing the strategies that work and incorporating them into your daily life through practice. The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking offers stories, methods and action items that will bring more creative ideas and help you realize what you may have thought was not possible.

—Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikzentmihalyi

Published more than 10 years ago, Flow continues to be a book recommended by life-coaches and book critics as it reveals how incorporating more “flow” into our daily lives (flow is defined as a period in which “people typically experience deep enjoyment, creativity, and a total involvement with life”) can improve the overall quality of our lives and deepen the quality of true contentment experienced.

—Living Alone and Loving It by Barbara Feldon

Written by successful actress Barbara Feldon who early in her adult years was married and then divorced, as well as later being involved in a long-term relationship which then ended in 1979, she is now living in New York City and actively writes, but no longer acts. Her book Living Alone and Loving It (2003) is a testament to living life on your own terms. A lovely book from a successful and content women living a life she loves.

Cookbooks
—The Art of French Baking by Ginette Mathiot

Originally released in 1938 and titled Je Sais Faire la Patisserie, The Art of French Baking is the English translation of Ginette Mathiot’s guide for success with French baking classics. Mathiot passed away in 1998 but was highly-respected by her country, receiving the National Order of the Legion of Honor. With many cookbooks to her name, her story is fascinating and I encourage you to read more here.  Released more than a handful of years ago, this is a staple for the lover of French pastries. Translated by Chocolate & Zucchini blogger Clotilde Dusoulier into English, this cookbook includes 350 recipes that are simple and classic. Including as well a list of detailed equipment and basic skills you will need as well as information explaining why perhaps mistakes have been made.

—Ruhlman’s Twenty: 20 Techniques 100 Recipes, A Cook’s Manifesto by Michael Ruhlman

I recently heard about this cookbook from a friend, and upon looking more closely at it, instantly discovered why she was so intrigued. A game-changer in the kitchen and a must-have for any cook who asks the question Why?. After all, it is when we understand that we can expand and become even more proficient. After decades in the kitchen with top chefs, Ruhlman (an acclaimed writer and culinary authority in his own right), breaks it down into 20 simple ideas that deal with the essentials: when to salt the water and why, the ratio of liquids to acquire the desired result and much, much more. Filled with recipes and images galore, even respected chefs have recommended this book as a must-have. Check out Michael Ruhlman’s blog here to become better acquainted with his expertise.

—The Everyday Baker: Recipes and Techniques for Foolproof Baking by Abigail Johnson Dodge

Abigail Johnson Dodge is an award-winning baker and a nominee for a James Beard award for baking. In her new cookbook The Everyday Baker which was released in December 2015, she offers a wealth of a resource for anyone who loves or especially lives for baking. Having had the opportunity to pour through this cookbook at home, I can attest the full-color images (more than 1000) visually demonstrating how to knead, roll, cut, etc. are very helpful. The more than 170 recipes classic waffles to baked double chocolate donuts, as well as savory quiches, scones, galettes, tarts, the list goes on and on, will tempt you and teach you, and most certainly leave you satiated and more proficient in the kitchen. Beginning with a detailed list of supplies to have in your kitchen as well as which foods to always have on hand including detailed explanations, this cookbook is a dream for someone who adores baking. So be sure to pick one up for yourself or give as a gift. (And if you are someone who loves to bake but doesn’t have the time, check out her previous cookbook The Weekend Baker.)

Event
—Farm-2-Fork

A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to enjoy a Farm to Table evening, and it was an evening I won’t soon forget. So when Farm-2-Fork reached out to me and shared their upcoming event in The Dalles, Oregon, situated on the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, I wanted to share with my local readers.

The event will take place on Saturday August 27th and each seat is $100. This is the second annual “Farm to Fork Progressive Food, Art and Wine Dinner” with the goal of connecting guests with the food they love cultivated from the Autumn Harvest in their local area. There will be six-courses paired with wine and each dish will be prepared by local chefs Mark Linebarger and Tamara Huffman. There are only 50 seats available, so be sure to check out how you can reserve your seat here.

Film
— Florence Foster Jenkins

Finally, the film I have been eager to see. Meryl Streep stars as a New York City socialite and philanthropist, but for the purposes of this film, Florence Foster Jenkins, it is her passion as an amateur operatic soprano that prompted the film. Hugh Grant plays her husband Frank, and The Big Bang Theory’s Simon Helberg plays the role of Cosmé McMoon, a Mexican-American pianist and composer who became best known as Foster Jenkins’  accompanist. Interestingly enough, last year a film titled Marguerite was released in France which was also inspired by Florence Foster Jenkins. Either film you watch, rest-assured it is full of comedy, full of love and affection and looks to be a delightfully good time at the theater. Enjoy!

Shopping
—Barney’s Striped Cashmere sweater (fall collection)

Fall collections are beginning to be released, and this cashmere striped sweater at Barney’s caught my attention as it isn’t the classic navy and ivory, but multi-hued and classically tailored. Wear casually with denim or with flattering trousers or a skirt. This is a sweater to add to the fall capsule wardrobe. 

—The Shirt Company

I want to thank TSLL reader Sue for bringing The Shirt Company to my attention. Making available a variety of styles, cuts, collars and options for the classic white shirt that is a staple in the wardrobe, The Shirt Company’s prices are reasonable as well. With international shipping available no matter where you might live, take a moment to bookmark this website. The Colleen is the classic white shirt they have available (see above) and the Freida is a oversized boyfriend style that caught my eye and was featured in this week’s Outfit of the Week post.

~recipe for Blackberry Lavender White Chocolate Scones~

A simple week. A week of rest. A week of routine. A week of much Olympic viewing. An ideal summer week. Already August has flown into high gear, but not without being absolutely lovely. The swan song of summer in many ways, it reminds us to savor ever more the warmth, the freedom and the beauty that this leisurely time period of our yearly schedule provides.

I hope your week has gone well. Simply based on the image above, you can probably guess that I am always dreaming of France. As well, I am always working on learning more, little by little of the French language, as well as incorporating the beloved simple touches of the culture into my everyday routine. It truly makes no difference where our address and zip code may find us; more importantly, it is our state of mind, non? Below are a few articles and posts you might enjoy. Until Monday, bonne journée!

~Take a tour of the Loire Valley and the grounds of one of the many stunning chateaus I had the opportunity to visit years ago, Château de Chenonceau

~Planning a trip? Want to perfect your travel experience no matter where you go? Read these travel tips: The Ultimate Guide to Travelers

~Madame or Mademoiselle??? An intriguing conversation from a handful of women who have lived, worked or traveled to France.

~Dreaming of Napa Valley and all of that wine? Food & Wine offers up their list of the Best Napa Valley Wineries.

~On a bit more serious note: What is the truth regarding the gender wage gap? This article breaks it down very nicely.

~Could it really be this simple? 10 Words Smart People Always Use (and 7 They Never Do) Perhaps, an intriguing list that reveals a common difference.

~Another intriguing difference: Average People Are Productive, Successful People Are Learners

~One more about what to avoid: 9 Toxic Mental Habits That the Most Emotionally Intelligent People Avoid

Image: (2)

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Blue Comfort Casual

~Just Cavalli mid-rise distressed straight-leg jeans

~The Shirt Company’s ‘Frieda’ oversized boyfriend shirt (on sale)~

~Roger Vivier square-buckle flat slide sandal or Tory Burch’s Gabrielle leather city sandal~

~Isabel Marant hexagon necklace~

~Nazanin Rose Matin Tabitha skinny scarf, silk (other designs available)~

~SHOP THE OUTFIT:

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~OUTFITS of the WEEK from the Archives:

~Emerald Gem of the Summer

~Cropped & Crisp

~High-Waisted & Fabulous

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A Country Chapel Home

A sweet sleep in the North Pennines of England is where you will find this chapel converted into a vacation rental (yes, you can rent this on your next trip to enjoy the English country side – check it out here on AirBnB – only $202/night). While maintaining the chapel’s exterior, the interior at the skilled hands of Evolution Design is a welcome sight for weary travelers’ eyes.

The high-reaching ceilings, exposed beams, upgraded kitchen and ample light from the chapel’s 19th century arched windows, provided a destination to feel right at home. Take a tour below and for even more images click here.

~DECOR INSPIRATION posts from the archives:

~A Beautiful Conversion

~White on White

~A Notting Hill Grand Sanctuary

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One Week of No Spending Each Month: 8 Ways to Make It Happen

In 2011 I posed a challenge of sorts, or a suggestion, not only to readers, but to myself. And I must say this now monthly ritual that I voluntarily have brought into my life has revealed itself to be worth its weight in gold. What is this challenge, you are asking? The refusal to spend money, of any kind, for one entire week each month.

You may be thinking, how is that even possible? What about emergencies? What about ________? What about ________? And I can definitely attest, that sometimes my attempt at not spending for an entire week can be thwarted by a must-have purchase for dog care or gas or something that is a necessity. However, even in those instances, that week is not a loss. That week still saves me from spending money, and so whether I am entirely successful or moderately so, making the determination to not spend for an entire week has always been a benefit to my budget and overall to my peace of mind and contentment.

The amount of success attained  is determined almost entirely on planning. As you will see below, you must be very clear about what you need: food, supplies, appointments, prescriptions, etc. And the good news is the planning helps you to become clear about how you are living, helping you to realize if the way you are living is beneficial or if your money is supporting something that does not coincide with the life you wish to live. In other words, this simple monthly ritual will not only save you money in the short term, but in the long term as well.

After having just completed my week of no-spending this past first week of August, I took careful note of what was necessary to make sure it was successful, and below are the eight tips I came up with.

1. Have a well-stocked home épicerie

As someone who cooks most of her meals at home, there are essentials that are needed for most meals. All of these items are listed in my post 34 Must-have Items for Your Home Épicerie. These are items that are not fresh food you pick up weekly, so you can stock up ahead of time. However, as I discovered, knowing your kitchen is properly stocked helps aid in the motivation to stick to the no-spending approach. Why?  You’re less tempted to pick up take-out when you know you can cook your favorite meals at home. Not only will you satiate your tastebuds, but you will satiate your need to spend rashly or spontaneously as well.

Extra: If you have dogs, pets or care for anyone or anything else, make sure their food and supplies are stocked as well.

2. Pick the best week

The week doesn’t need to start on Monday or end on the weekend, the week can be any seven days in a row that works best with your schedule. While I mentioned in 2011 that the 2nd and 3rd weeks work best for me, I have since changed my preference. I typically balance my monthly budget (pay my bills, deposit my savings, etc.) on the last day of the previous month. What this allows is a fresh start on day one (my day one is the first of the month, but everyone’s first of the month will be  unique based on when paychecks are distributed). And so now I have chosen the first week of the month to be my no-spending month.

Why I have been loving this change:

Motivation is high – I’ve just seen my paycheck come in and much of those funds be paid out for bills. Wanting to keep as much as I can in my accounts, motivates me to not want to spend. 
I know I have money for the rest of the month, so I don’t feel truly deprived.
My spending month is now 3 weeks rather than 4 weeks – which makes it feel as though my money is worth more.

Sometimes, the first of the week won’t work due to appointments, dates, visiting guests, travel plans, etc. But ideally this week has worked very well for me.

3. Have packages or gift cards already pre-paid

What about my regular stop at the cafe? My weekly yoga class? Won’t this monthly ritual make me anti-social? Absolutely not. Look into pre-paying or buying a card at your favorite coffee shop and placing a set amount on it for each month. I think every coffee shop in Bend has their own gift card, and that is exactly what I have been using lately. From Palate to Thump to Backporch Coffee Roasters, I have been using the cards and not my cash, and being mindful of the balance I have on them. The same thing can be done with your weekly fitness classes: buy a 5 or 10 pack and not only be able to adhere to this monthly ritual, but save yourself money as well.

4. Stick to a capsule menu 

While keeping the épicerie well-stocked is key, so too is having the fresh ingredients on hand to make the dishes and meals you love. As a weekly ritual, I go to the markets once a week and pick up these ingredients. My capsule menu approach helps me not only buy within my budget, but also allows me to organize my meals in ways that utilize the same ingredients multiple times, but in different ways throughout the week. Read this post which talks about what a capsule menu is and how to create your own.

5. Get creative with entertainment

The forms of entertainment in which we partake, as we know, don’t always have to cost money, but when we consciously know we cannot spend money on entertainment, we are forced to get creative. Now that need for creativity is sometimes just a lovely way of reminding ourselves or giving ourselves permission to revert to our childhood or simply do what we really love without apology. Pull out Scrabble, clear the table after dinner, pour some wine and settle in as you display your prowess of vocabulary, or take an evening hike to watch the sunset. Since you’ve paid for Netflix, watch your favorite classic film or maybe this one week of the month is a time to complete some household chores or dive into projects you’ve been waiting to find time to do. The key is to find hobbies and take pleasure in things that don’t cost a dime. I think you will be amazed at how rich life can be without requiring we rake in oodles of dough.

6. Visit the library

Speaking of simple pleasures, dive into reading . . . for free. Visit your local library. If you have an Amazon Prime account, you have access to one free book download a month; use the opportunity to enjoy reading books you love without spending any money.

7. Change your perspective on what living well looks like

The beautiful gift you can give yourself by incorporate no-spending for one week is the gift of being less busy. Now I know, we don’t have to be spending money to be busy, but if we have to watch our gas level, if we aren’t going for take-out and we aren’t running to the market each night when we need an ingredient, we can be more present, we can be less hurried. And instead of looking for something to fix whatever isn’t going right, we slow down and, perhaps at first, are forced and then appreciate the ability to slow down. We may dive into conversation, pull out a book we’ve been wanting to read but couldn’t find the time, or simply sit on the back porch with a cup of coffee, put our feet up and watch the birds twitter away in the yard.

Before long, you may look forward to this week each month as it is the respite that gives you even more time to breathe, relax, and appreciate the life you have cultivated.

8. Place a carrot on a stick

As you begin to put into place this monthly ritual, give yourself some extra motivation. Nothing big or extravagant, but something that will motivate you to put spending on pause long enough so you can then enjoy the reward you give yourself on the morning of day eight. I did just this last week as I found myself enjoying an afternoon sitting in my adirondack chairs reading, relaxing with my dogs and observing how many birds were in my back yard. At that moment I could have kicked myself for not having a bird feeder!  So, I promised myself that I could go pick out a bird feeder from the specialty store I’ve been wanting to stop into if I made it through this week of no-spending. Much like a kid waiting for their birthday to arrive, I was even more okay with my week of no-spending if it meant a bird feeder would soon be hanging in my yard.

I am happy to report, earlier this week, I stopped into my local wild bird store, picked up a feeder and some food and have been giddily enjoying the lovely new birds that are visiting my yard.

Choosing to not spend for one week is a small way of taking control of your spending, no matter how much control you already have. It allows you to effectively assess the conscious spending you do and perhaps recognize the unconscious spending that happens and needs to be curtailed. The funny thing I have also discovered is that when the second week of the month begins, I am more reluctant to pull out my debit card. I am more reluctant to hand over my cash. While this does subside as the month goes on, when the first of the month begins again, it is much like a tightening of a rubber band, pulling me back in and reminding me to keep my spending in check.

And remember, if you have to run to the store for a basic food item (my most recent one was butter – yikes!), let yourself do it and know that you are still doing yourself a great service. The goal is to reduce unnecessary spending, not deprive yourself. After all, a life lived consciously is our goal which ultimately leads to a life of fulfillment and contentment.

Thank you for stopping by and enjoy the rest of the week!

 

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~12 Ways to Save Money

~How to Avoid Spending Temptations 

~Reduce Money Stress

~To view the entire Archives of Money posts, click here. 

 

Image: source

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White, Blue & Stripes

Stunning stripes, a crisp blue button up blouse layered underneath a tailored blazer, a simple white shirt dress. Such simplicity, such sophistication, and what an easy decision to make. Simply luxurious indeed.

 

SHOP SIMILAR ITEMS BELOW:

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~STYLE INSPIRATION posts from the Archives:

~Sagacious Taste

~Lots of Stripes

~Denim & Simple Details

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The 8 Benefits of Banishing Busy

“No person lives their life more fully, more intensely and more consciously than the one who is calm.” — William George Jordan in The Majesty of Calmness  (1900)
~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #115

Recently, I have returned to regular yoga practice. After stepping away from it for the past few months due to my schedule and trying to find a studio that best suited my abilities and daily routine, I took my first class with an instructor that each time I have the opportunity to be in her class, leaves my mind in great tranquility and clarity.

As we began the class in a meditative pose, focusing on our breath, she stated something that served as the muse for today’s episode, “Being still isn’t displaying a lack of energy, but rather demonstrating one’s ability to be free from chaos.”

Being still isn’t displaying a lack of energy, but rather demonstrating one’s ability to be free…
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As she said it, I tried to commit it to memory as while seemingly simple, was quite profound. Why do some of us run from stillness? Why does stillness make us uncomfortable? Why does being still often receive a negative glance from those scurrying by?

In a nation of hustlers to work more hours, earn one more commission and report more hours on the job, the entire notion of a life of quality over quantity is dismissed. And so it is in the hustle that we miss out on life. We miss out on cultivating deep, rich, rewarding days, relationships and dreams. Upon listening to this podcast, which summarized William George Jordan’s approach to the power of calmness, I came up with a list of eight benefits banishing busy affords our everyday lives.

1. Make better decisions

Impulse control, the elimination of rash decision making, taking time before responding to a request or a demand. When we are calm, no matter what is going on around us, we can take a deep breath and think clearly about what is being asked of us.

I find that some of the best lessons I have learned have been modeled by those I admire. And such is the case with how to respond via email. Simply because an email arrives in our inbox, does not mean we have to respond immediately. In fact, it is best to NOT respond immediately. Whether you are excited to respond or hesitant to respond and just want to move away from that conversation, when we take a breath and respond when we have given the email’s contents time to be contemplated with a clear mind, we respond in a way that reduces or entirely eliminates regret. Being calm, even when we don’t know what we will run up against in any given day, is a helpful tool to making decisions we are proud of and support the life we are cultivating.

2. Reflect a life lived well

When we let go of busy, we demonstrate contentment. And the only way to be truly content is to (1) have clarity about our priorities, and (2) knowing we’ve done our very best in the situation, thereby allowing ourselves to let go of the results. Often being busy is a reflection of someone who feels they are making up for something they didn’t do well in the past, but someone who is calm accepts that they did the best with what they had and knew at the time and are allowing themselves to move on without the hurry. Letting go of hurry also reveals that we are confident that we can do our best in the present, that we can think clearly now, that we will put our best foot forward. After all, that is all we can do.

3. A confidence in moments of uncertainty

Even if the world is busy, harried and rushed, such a state can only penetrate us so far if we are in fact truly calm. So long as we are calm (certain of our direction and our priorities, at ease because we’ve done our best), we will be able to navigate the external world. (Click here to read 10 Things People Who Have Found Contentment Understand About Uncertainty.)

4. Strong self-control is the muscle that will keep busy at bay

We strengthen our self-control when we let go of busy. We keep our impulses in check, we give ourselves time to think and contemplate and with each practice we give our self-control muscle, it becomes easier and easier to walk away from the temptation of being busy. Why? Because we know being busy doesn’t actually feel good. Being busy is miserable, exhausting and unfulfilling. When our lives are full of what we truly value, what we truly love and are passionate about, we don’t want to clutter up our lives with excess busyness. Rather, we want to give ourselves more time to savor the life we’ve created.

5. We are trusting ourselves and not seeking the world’s approval

Often when we are busy, we are on someone else’s time schedule. We are trying to please and meet someone’s else’s demands. And so when we go at our own pace, when we give ourselves the proper time to do something and not put it off (which is much easier to do when we are pursuing something we have placed as a priority), we are trusting in ourselves that it will be done, and so long as we’ve done our best, that is enough. Even if the outside world does not approve, due to our strong sense of self-confidence, we are not shattered or demoralized because we know we did everything we could in that moment with the knowledge we currently possessed. This ability eradicates unnecessary stress and doubt. (Learn more about the benefits of letting go of needing the world’s approval here in episode #113.)

6. Develop strong, lasting foundations in relationships, work, life

Instead of hurrying, if we allow the events in our lives to go at their natural pace, we enhance the quality of our lives. Instead of forcing a relationship to blossom (or even occur), so that we can be married by a certain age or have children by a certain age or “catch up in life” with our friends who seem to be ahead of us according to society’s standards, we are allowed to see the true potential that is present. Even if the true potential was evanescent, we are given the gift of not forcing something that wasn’t meant to be.

Our journey through our careers, the strength of our friendships, acquiring the life skills we need to be the success we are each capable of being, each of these takes time and everyone’s time schedule will be different according to what they need and what needs to be learned along the way. Don’t rush Mother Nature; don’t rush the Universe’s plans; don’t presume to know how it should all work out and when. Instead, just savor and keep striving strong down the path that is in alignment with your priorities and passions.

7. Save yourself money

Often money can be wasted due to rushed decisions. As well, often quick money offerings are a fool’s opportunity. Question anything that offers a quick return. Take the time to do your homework, investigate and inquire for recommendations. Save yourself good money and don’t hurry money decisions. Knowing the money you worked hard to earn is invested securely brings a sound night’s sleep and peace of mind.

8. A necessary component to living a life of quality

“Hurry is the deathblow to calmness, to dignity, to poise. Hurry means the breakdown of the nerves. It is the royal road to perpetual worry. Everything that is great in life is the product of slow growth; the newer, and greater, and higher, and nobler the work, the slower is its growth, the surer is its lasting success.”

The roots of a quality life take time to travel deep into the earth’s haven. It requires you, me, the journeyman(woman) to learn the skills, acquire the tools to live a life that ignores or eradicates the unnecessary and focuses on the areas that are worth our time, attention and investment. To incorporate these tools takes time, patience and practice as each are muscles that need to be strengthened before they can become second-nature. However, in time, when all of the muscles are working together, we can savor the every day because we have let go of busy, allowing ourselves to appreciate the life we have built for ourselves. Be patient with yourself, and trust that you are on a journey that will render magnificent results. (Click on the following to discover a handful of the tools to living a simply luxurious life: willpower, mastering your mind, patience, authenticity, self-actualization, healthy communication, how to be happy, embrace solitude, strong social well-being, & self-reliance.)

Often the reason we busy ourselves is to keep a protective wall around the truths within us that we don’t want to acknowledge, observe or have to confront. The good news is, often what we fear about what we don’t want to deal with isn’t as awful as we expect. The truth is, what we will find will be keys to unearthing a life that is far more enriching and enjoyable to live because it will be a life free from angst, a life lived in truth and a life lived in the present. I encourage you to let go of the busy to welcome the sublime life that can be yours if only you would set it free.

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~Stop Being Busy and Start Being Efficient

 

Petit Plaisir

~TSLL Capsule Weekly Menu Planning Pages

Two formats

Digital Download – $5 (full color, 8.5″ x 11″)
Notepad – $18 (50 page, tear-off notepad, full color, 8.5″ x11″)


Two versions

English
French translation

~A Capsule Menu: What Is It & How to Create Your Own 

     Visit this post to learn:

Objectives: what values/priorities are driving this approach to eating, cooking and shopping
A well-stocked home épicerie : the basic staple ingredients to have in your cupboards, refrigerator, freezer and by your stove
Basic skills & supplies in the kitchen to master for quick and proper preparation
TSLL approach to daily meals: How many meals, well-balanced. etc.
Plan for weekly grocery shopping (TSLL list, Capsule Menu Planning Pages & Notepads, & Sample Weekly Menu)

List of recipes to mix and match per the menu shopped for each week

~click here for your free pdf of the sample menu above~

 

 

Image: source

 

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This & That: August 5, 2016

Books
—10 Reasons You Feel Old & Get Fat . . . : And How YOU can Stay Young, Slim and Happy

I cannot wait to read this book. Myths abound from the ignorant that our bodies will inevitably end up a certain way simply because we are a certain age. Not so! Released in February Dr. Frank Lipman and New York Times Best Selling author of The New Health Rules, the truth is if we take care of our minds and bodies properly, we can remain slim and vigorous, enjoying life with a sharp mind well into our elderly years. Rather than buy into the myth that age means decline, begin looking around you. What does your community believe? Why do they believe it? If the ideas being shared are negative, defeatist and unhealthy, look elsewhere. And begin by reading this book. Beginning by dispelling the myths and then offering recipes, a shopping list, exercises and stress-busters, this book might just be the positive motivation you’ve been looking for to enjoy a full, vital, active and invigorating life no matter what your age.

—Dinner with Edward: A Story of an Unexpected Friendship by Isabel Vincent

Released this past May, a reader introduced me to Isabel Vincent’s new memoir Dinner with Edward. And upon reading the book jacket, I immediately put it in my shopping cart. Centered around two individuals, Edward, still mourning his wife’s death and aching to follow her, and Isabel, ready to give up on love, the two meet for weekly dinners that Edward has skillfully made. The conversation, the support and the food look to be the perfect recipe for a wonderful read.

—The First 20 Hours: How to Learn Anything . . . Fast by Josh Kaufman

Now, I am not normally one for speed, but Josh Kaufman’s book comes highly recommended. After having been published a couple of years ago and still receiving praise, I wanted to take a look, especially since I am in the middle of learning the French language. HIs approach is utilizing to its full potential the first 20 hours by breaking down the complex skills being introduced, ensuring practice is productive and then maximizing the approach as well as removing all unnecessary barriers that we don’t realize are standing our way. I don’t know about you, but it looks like it would be worth taking a look at. If nothing else, to improve the quality of our learning experience of attaining any new skill.

—The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life by Anu Partanen

Yet again, TSLL readers continue to share fascinating books with me, and I am tickled that you know my predilections so well (thus the predilections of this blog 

Cropped & Crisp

~Notify cropped denim~

~J.Crew short-sleeve popover shirt in oxford blue~

~L.K. Bennett Priya tan leather espadrille wedges~

~Madewell The Lisbon O-ring Mini Saddlebag~

~Cornelia Webb charmed gold-plated earrings~

~Jimmy Choo ‘Cora’ 56mm Retro sunglasses~

~SHOP THE OUTFIT:

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Refurbished to Perfection

The bistro chairs by TK Collections always catch my eye when I see them in kitchens, dining rooms (as you will see below) and en la terrace at Parisian restaurants. Yes, my Francophile predilection is the navigator of my eye much of the time. So when I found this historic Southampton home decorated by B Five Studio’s Franklin Salasky and featured in Hamptons Cottages & Gardens, I wanted to share. From the light and cool paint color choices, to the mix of modern and vintage, discover a home that embraces stunning wallpaper and clean aesthetics to cultivate a home designed to live and love in. Learn more about all of the details here.

~a pair of 1958 Italian swivel chairs &  the floor lamps are from Ralph Pucci~

~The breakfast room features light fixtures and a walnut table from Gervasoni; the bistro chairs are from TK Collections~

~a Waterworks tub~

 

~DECOR INSPIRATION posts from the Archives:

~Marisa Tomei’s Manhattan Apartment of Her Dreams

~French Cottage Charm

~Light & Space

All images via Hamptons Cottages & Gardens

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