Shannon Ables's Blog, page 289

Petite Post: Instagram’s New Stories Feature

Does this mean I don’t have to figure out SnapChat??? (Oh, I hope so. Shhh, . . . don’t tell.)

Tuesday afternoon Instagram dropped a bit of bombshell, if you’re a SnapChat fan (or if you’re SnapChat for that matter), or as I am calling it, a surprise early birthday present (okay, my birthday is a long ways off, but it feels like it was a personal gift to alleviate my procrastination to join the SnapChat masses).

Perhaps you might remember that Facebook tried to acquire SnapChat a few years ago for a cool couple million billion (more like $3 billion actually) and received a swift “no thank you”. Well, perhaps that motivated FB because now, we have Stories, a new feature on Instagram.

Stories, so I’ve been told, is nearly identical to SC. And after my first attempt (yes, I will work on my hand-writing – as evidenced above), I must say, it is quite simple. However, if you want to know all that you can do and where to find out who can see your Story and who actually has looked at your story, follow the corresponding links.

The Stories are only viewable for 24 hours, so have some fun. My first story went live just over an hour ago, and as you can see Oscar plays a starring role, as does food, chocolate to be precise (don’t worry, no chocolate was fed to my beloved pups). So if you already follow @thesimplyluxuriouslife, you can see what we’re up to on your phone’s app (you can’t see “Stories” on a desktop – at least I don’t know how yet). Have fun making and sharing your own Stories and we’ll see how it goes.

~Follow TSLL on Instagram here

The post Petite Post: Instagram’s New Stories Feature appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.

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

A full life, a life of contentment balanced with continual opportunities for growth and the ability to reach the goals we set for ourselves inevitably requires us to eat well. And as we balance our work and personal lives, finding time to go to the market, pick up the necessary ingredients and cook delicious, healthy meals can be strained at times.

Even if ordering take-out or going out for a meal may happen from time to time, there is a special therapeutic pleasure derived from cooking our own meals and meals for those we love so long as it is simple and produces scrumptious results.

So how do we do this? How do we successfully go to the market each week and perhaps periodically throughout the week for those fresh ingredients, remain within our budget and feel most comfortable in our skin?

Much like curating a capsule wardrobe for spring and fall, adhering to a capsule menu for regular weekly meals is a simple, but dependable way to eat well, always have on hand what you need and fuel your body efficiently.

The concept began to bounce around in my mind after an extremely busy year balancing a new life in Bend while doing my best to produce quality work on the blog and settle in to my new teaching position with my AP students. The good news was Bend offered an ample supply of quality food – your everyday ingredients as well as special ingredients for those recipes that just wouldn’t be complete without the saffron or creme fraiche (within a 10 mile radius of my house I can stop into a Market of Choice, Safeway, Whole Foods, Trade Joe’s, Newport Market and a fresh produce stand during the summer). But as Barry Schwartz reminds in his book The Paradox of Choice, more isn’t always better if, in this case, it causes us to spend too much money or buy more food than we can eat or simply gawk and wonder at what to make when we step back into our kitchen and never end up doing anything.

The good news was I knew I had the ingredients to eat well and give my body the best diet I have ever been able to give it to attempt at getting in the best shape and overall health I have ever been in. Now it was up to me to devise a plan to make this a reality with my full, yet beloved schedule.

So here it is.

There are five components (plus recipes – #6) of TSLL Capsule Menu (which I will break down in detail in this post below):

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

(1) Objectives:

1. A primary component to wellness: knowing how to feed your body to allow it, thus you, to reach your full potential. 

Wellness begins from within; eating well, unprocessed and nourishing food enables you to live a healthier, happier and more energized life. By understanding what is good for your body, making simple, significant changes to your eating and cooking habits and choosing food that is both delicious and good for you, you will look better and more importantly feel amazing.

2. Quality ingredients allow you to cook simply. 

When you have the best and tastiest ingredients, you can cook very simply and the food will be extraordinary because it tastes like what it is. —Alice Walker

3. Cook in season as much as possible.

In our garden we also had bushes of groseilles, tart red currants that are a regional speciality. My mother and I loved to make pies with these tiny berries. The season for red currants is short, and we quickly made jam or jelly or pies, and some a sauce. And oh, how we looked forward to this once-a-year treat, which somehow examples for me the French woman’s psychological pleasure in food. It is the anticipation and joy that we gain from a pleasure we cannot take for granted and know we will soon lose. Tasting such seasonal bounty heightens our awareness of what we put into our mouths and contrast with routine, mindless eating that provides little pleasure and often unwanted pounds. —Mireille Guiliano

4. Maximize and respect your budget. Be willing to pay for fulfilling flavor, not temporary teases.

Calories are cheap. Nutrition is expensive. —Tom Colicchio

5. Become confident in your cooking skills by mastering a few dependable, flexible and delicious recipes.

Good cooking is no accident. But neither is it impossibly difficult. —Patricia Wells

Good cooks aren’t born; they are made. —American Test Kitchen

6. Create a weekly approach to cooking that improves your overall satisfaction, spending habits, energy and free time.

7. Make cooking and eating a daily pleasurable ritual. 

Several times every day, food offers each of us the promise of short-term happiness. As a source of satisfaction, joy, discovery, and renewal, few daily rituals have such extraordinary potential as the act of preparing and sharing a good meal. —Patricia Wells

Cooking like the French, in a French kitchen, is the shortest route to happiness, warmth, pleasure and delicious times. —Susan Hermann Loomis

(2) A Well-Stocked Home Épicerie

—Read this post for a detailed list of all of the food items you should have on hand at any given moment. These are not the fresh ingredients you will purchase each week (although some you will go through quite quickly), but rather the staples that help complete and complement the dish each time you step into the kitchen.

 

(3) Basic Skills & Supplies

I compiled this list from my own experience in the kitchen over the past 25 years as well as suggested ideas from Patricia Wells and French chef Joël Robuchon in her cookbook Simply French and The French Kitchen Cookbook. 

Supplies:

a good and proper knife (you will need three: a classic chef’s knife, a small paring knife and a serrated knife for bread). Shop my knife brand of choice in TSLL Shop here . If you are going to invest in one good knife and save up for the other two, invest in a chef’s knife. You will use it all of the time. Your fingers (and thumb, in my case) will thank you.
a good and proper pan. Copper is fantastic to slowly add to your kitchen, but start with what Barefoot Contessa recommends and I couldn’t agree more: two skillets (8″ & 12-12″) and two sauce pans (small and medium). She recommends All-Clad. I am still saving up for these, but simply purchase the best quality you can afford as it will improve your cooking experience due to even and steady cooking. However, if you want to start your copper pan collection, I highly recommend Mauviel (as I was given my first as a gift by my mother and am over the moon about its performance, durability and aesthetic). You can shop their classic skillet in TSLL Shop.
mise en place (everything in its place). Get in the habit of making sure you have all of your ingredients ready before you begin and place them in small bowls or ramekins. I love these graduated glass bowls , and the 10-set is very inexpensive.
a clean environment. Organize your kitchen so that your counters are as clear as possible and your stovetop is prepped and ready for you to use as well as all the dishes, pots, pans and utensils you will need.
the best ingredients you can buy
fresh herbs and seasonal staples (some of these are in your épicerie list)

Skills:

how to chop garlic: trim, crush (flat side of knife and then use your fist) and chop
how to cut an onion: watch this video from America’s Test Kitchen
basic knife skills – watch this BBC video
how to cook pasta (al dente, al dente, al dente)
how to make a classic vinaigrette (my recipe is here – scroll to #5)
how to prepare baking tins for cakes, pies and tarts
how to tenderize meat (use a mallet, wax paper and using the flat/smooth side, tenderize away)
how to fry an egg
how to steam vegetables
how to poach meat or other proteins
how to roast vegetables: chop to even, bite size, drizzle with olive oil, salt & pepper, toss and put in a 400 degree oven for 20-30 minutes
how to blanche vegetables
how to make pan sauce – makes an amazing difference – read this and you are set!


(4) TSLL Approach to Daily Meals

3 meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

plate proportion goals

1/2 low starch veggies and/or leafy greens

low-starch veggies – (5 grams of carbs), anything that can be enjoyed in its raw state


1/4 starchy veggies and/or whole-grain carbohydrates

starchy veggies – (15 grams of carbs), most have to be cooked before you eat them
whole-grain

100% whole-grain
not multi-grain
should have 2-3 grams of fiber/serving

brown rice, oats, bulgur, rye, quinoa, barley (whole-grain), buckwheat, whole corn, homemade popcorn






1/4 lean protein or legumes (lentils & beans)




1-2 snacks

help balance your diet and fill the gaps missed during meals
should combine protein & fiber (carbohydrates that contain fiber) – see this list of high-fiber foods

fiber isn’t digested and (1) helps to regulate the body’s use of sugars, (2) helps keep hunger in check and (3) helps to keep blood sugar in check
eat snacks that are hard to inhale and encourage you to chew
plan your snacks
Examples of protein snacks: Greek plain yogurt, eggs, edamame, flax, peanut butter (real, low-sugar), Brussel sprouts, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, milk, broccoli, tuna, white meat – poultry, pork, soy, beans, cheese, lentils, fish
Examples of high fiber snacks (see this list compiled by the Mayo Clinic for more ideas):

bran, broccoli, cabbage, berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries), leafy greens, celery, beans, mushrooms, oranges, raisins, figs, oranges, bananas, apples with skin, pears, nuts








(5) Plan for Weekly Grocery Shopping

The goal is to make this a weekly ritual that you enjoy and look forward to. Choose a market or markets that have the majority of the food you will need at the prices you can afford. It’s okay to hit 1-2 stores to make sure you have the best produce you can afford as it will make a difference in your overall experience. Choose a time to shop when you have a rested mind, preferably when it isn’t as busy as the peak shopping times and the service is friendly.

And always remember to take a list with you. I use my TSLL “To Market, To Market” notepad list which is pinned to my cork board in my kitchen, and after going over my Capsule Weekly Menu Planner (below) which lays out each ingredient I will need to set up my mise en place, I determine which items I need to shop for and add them to my list.

Capsule Weekly Menu Basics

2-3 versatile proteins
3-4 vegetables (2/3 – low starch and 1/3 high starch)
2-3 healthy whole-grains 

optional if you want to reduce grains shift your plate portions to the following:

1/3 protein or legumes and starchy veggies
2/3 low starch veggies and leafy greens




snacks (that combine fiber and protein)
1-2 breakfast options
ingredients for 1-2 desserts
ingredients for 1 comfort meal

~Read this post for eating well and how certain foods work for you and why others do not.

~Discover all TSLL Recipes, organized by meal, here.

~Shop TSLL hand-picked and recommended cookbooks here.

How to plan your Capsule Weekly Menu & Shopping List

~Use TSLL Capsule Menu Planning Page to simplify this weekly routine:

select items that are versatile to be used in a handful of meals
select items that allow for a well-balanced diet
select items that offer exquisite flavor
organizing weekly meals
ensure that each time you step into the kitchen, you have the necessary ingredients

~TSLL Capsule Menu Planning Page

(English version)

(translated in French)

Available in TWO formats:

Digital Downloads – $5

Full-Page size 8.5″ x 11″ (may be cut in half and hole-punched for TSLL Classic size planner)
Includes the follow:
7-day meal planner
Grocery list organized by ingredients needed for a versatile capsule menu
Full color Inslee illustration, exclusive to TSLL brand
3 downloads of the entire file are available with purchase
Must be downloaded within 48 hrs of purchase



Notepads (8.5″ x 11″) – $18

tear-off notepad
50 sheets (a full year, minus 2 weeks of holiday festivities)
full color Inslee illustration, exclusive to TSLL brand
white recycled paper, 20lb wt
full-Page size 8.5″ x 11″ (may be cut in half and hole-punched for TSLL Classic size planner)
Includes the follow:

7-day meal planner
Grocery list organized by ingredients needed for a versatile capsule menu

Available in English & French

Are you trying to improve your French language skills? Why not incorporate everyday French vocabulary into your weekly routine with a French translation of TSLL Capsule Menu Planning Pages?

translated by a native French speaker who is a reader of TSLL and resides in France. I want to thank Sandra for her time and expertise.


SHOP All Options HERE

{SAMPLE WEEKLY MENU} My capsule menu:

2-3 versatile proteins or legumes

3 salmon fillets (wild caught): pan-fried, baked & poached

salmon & lentils recipe


chicken breasts or chicken tenders (organic, no hormones added)

3 Mustard Chicken recipe


French lentils (paired with cooked salmon – see recipe here)
eggs (for breakfast – see below)


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

broccoli (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)
green beans (see my recipe for green beans here)


snacks (that combine fiber and protein)

almonds (mixed with raisins for snacking in the afternoon)
raisins
strawberries (sliced for morning snacking)
blueberries (morning snack)
cheese (afternoon snack paired with slices of apple and almonds, add a cup of tea)
apple


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 apple (for a Rustic French tart)
Talenti vanilla gelato


ingredients for 1 comfort meal

pasta – linguini
shrimp
arugula
Here is the recipe for lemon shrimp linguini

A glance at my weekly menu:

~to print out a free copy, simply double-click on the menu or click here.

~Seasonal weekly menus will be released in coming months. Stay tuned. All will be shared directly with newsletter subscribers and be added to this post. 

All images, illustrations, templates and organizers created by TSLL, all rights reserved.

The post A Capsule Menu: What It Is and How to Create Your Own appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.

Petite Post: The Great British Bake-Off or Baking Show

Enjoying a book, listening to a podcast or watching a television show that offers talented people doing tasks beyond my abilities are a few of the ways I enjoy welcoming media into my life. And so, as someone who has watched more PBS programming in the past four years than another other channel, it was last fall that I happened upon The Great British Baking Show, season two (I will explain why the seasons of the UK version don’t align below), and immediately my interest was piqued.

Season three premiered earlier this summer, airing each Friday at 9pm (and sometimes a second episode at 10pm), and knowing the show originated on BBC Two in 2010, I began to look for previous seasons and episodes. And I also was determined to figure out why PBS changed the name to “Baking Show” from The Great British Bake-Off.

As reported by The Telegraph, the idea for The Great British Bake-Off actually originated in the United States as the creators Anna Beattie and her husband Richard McKerrow, after discussing ideas for potential shows were introduced to the American bake-offs by a friend. And it is just the moniker “Bake-Off”, regarding events sponsored by Pillsbury and evidentially trademarked, that required PBS to change the name to The Great British Baking Show (now we know why!!!).

But let’s start back with the original. Premiering in 2010 on BBC Two, and now having wrapped up its sixth season (season three here in the states), during its fifth season, the show garnered so much popularity and interest by fans that it was moved to BBC One.

There are many components that keep me tuning in each week (and sometimes binging as I have found all of the episodes on Youtube – yes, they are available and in great quality):

The hosts – Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins have been a dynamic comedic duo well before GBBO came around, and so their team effort of sincere encouragement for the contestants, witty puns and cheeky innuendos give the show a light-hearted and playful air. (Click here to learn even more about the duo.)
The judges – Mary Berry (a successful cookbook writer – here are all of her books) and Paul Hollywood (a professional baker – check out his website here). They are honest, frank, and from time to time Paul will crack a smile, and Mary will be delighted with a new ingredient or idea that a contestant as chosen. The almighty handshake from Paul is always a good sign, and awaiting to see who it will be next is fun each episode.
The baking assignments – At least 75% of the baking tasks assigned the contestants are new to my ears, and nearly 100% of the technical bakes. I continue to learn something new in each episode and with each of the three baking sessions in each episode (Signature Bake, Technical Challenge & Show-Stopper). I try to listen as closely as possible to the feedback given by Paul & Mary as they also offer simple tricks and tips that answer questions in my own baking.
Star Baker – Did you know that in the first episode, a star baker wasn’t awarded? Thankfully, this positive addition began in the second season, and I must say, I am always curious to see who is awarded the title each week.
The contestants – From all walks of life, a very diverse and passionate cohort is brought together each season. Even in the competitive environment, they display genuine good sportsmanship which is absolutely refreshing.
The British accent & vocabulary!!! – from “I am completely gutted,” to “I’m chuffed,”and “gobsmacked”. Love it!
Not your typical reality show – the only drama is if the cake will rise or the crust is properly cooked. Mel and Sue really are the soothers, the helpers, the food counselors (okay, really taste-tasters) that console and cheerlead the contestants as they struggle with challenges. (Read more here about how the hosts walked out in season 1 when they felt drama was being unnecessarily milked which ultimately prompted the focus to only be on the baking rather than the tears.)

Now to clear up some confusion about the seasons and how they align here in the states. Currently, there are six completed seasons of The Great British Bake-Off. Season 7 is believed to be premiering soon in the UK as they are likely taping it this summer. Season one of PBS’s The Great British Baking Show was actually season 5 of GBBO, and season two was season 4 of GBBO (why?? I do not know.) However, season three, which is airing currently on PBS, is the latest season of GBBO (season 6).

I highly recommend going back and watching the first season as it was the only season that moved around the United Kingdom for each week’s Bake-Off (you can find them all here on YouTube). The destination determined their focus. For example, in the Cotswolds, cakes were the theme, in Sarre Windmill, Kent, bread was the theme, and intertwined in each episode were in-depth historical profile pieces that were quite fascinating for history buffs and foodies. While they sometimes do include these extras as the end of the episodes here in the states, the depth in the first season is far more interesting.

Okay, now to figure out how to bake Season 1 Edd Kimber’s chocolate ginger ganache tarts (with a little gold fleck on top). My tastebuds are salivating already.

On your mark . . . Get set . . . Bake! (Part of my enjoyment is to hear the new creation of how Mel & Sue are going to synchronize the show’s coined phrase. It really is the simple things that delight me.)

 

~{left} Sue & Mel; {right} clockwise: judge Paul Hollywood, host Mel Giedroyc, judge Mary Berry, host Sue Perkins~

The post Petite Post: The Great British Bake-Off or Baking Show appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.

Shades of White

Whether white or ivory, beige or eggshell, choosing a shade of white that complements your skin tone is a wonderful sophisticated selection that raises your style quotient. From midi A-line skirts, a wrap dress, simple short sleeve tops and cream and navy striped tops, a touch of white is a simple, yet certain way to make a successful choice. Have a look at a few ideas below. (And remember, simply click on the image to be taken to the original source.)

 

SHOP SIMILAR ITEMS BELOW:

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

 

~STYLE INSPIRATION posts from the Archives you might enjoy:

~Simply White

~A White Summer

~Black & White

The post Shades of White appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.

Time Management: 13 Habits that Make My Life Run More Productively

~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #114

One of the most popular requests from readers for topics to discuss here on TSLL blog and the podcast is time management, especially my approach to time management.  And while I do not profess to have figured it out, as I am regularly tweaking it and the onset of unnecessary stress and a cold in June at the end of the school year would definitely indicate I have not figured out a successful way to manage my time with two jobs, I do know what works and what doesn’t.

The last winter and spring were a phenomenon in my life that I honestly didn’t realize until my mind and body had had enough and a slower paced schedule began allowing me to reflect on what I had put myself through. Needless to say, two full-time jobs, the arrival of AP testing in the spring for my students at a new school and taking two quarters of four evening classes per week of French was a bit much. However, upon reflection, I wouldn’t have changed it, even though I won’t be doing it all again. Why? It taught me some valuable lessons AND I took advantage of French courses that will not be available in the coming year. For that alone, I will always be grateful.

For the past seven and a half years, the choice to both blog and teach wasn’t even a question, it was just going to be my life. And I approached it as I have anything else in which I am trying to accomplish something, I made a plan and cultivated habits that helped make everything easier.

I will be honest, it helps that I love to plan. Truly. I love sitting down with a planner, days of the month, seeing a clear end goal and then devising ways to reach it. That excites me. That provides clarity. And when I can see it, I know how to do it.

So what are these 13 habits? Let’s take a look.

1.Tonight, Plan Tomorrow in Detail

Many articles and books recommend planning for the day at the beginning, but I find this slows the day down and isn’t as productive. I love to unwind with my cup of tea, a book and my journal, but also my planner. I take a look at what I have scheduled for tomorrow, what I want to accomplish, and then I plan the day in 15-30 minute increments.

Because I love my mornings, but at the same time my mind is waking up, I like going to my planner while my breakfast is cooking with my cup of hot lemon water in hand, and checking to see what my day looks like. Knowing it is already planned sets the tone for a very good day to come.

2. Set a Morning Routine

As discussed in episode #110, the goal each morning is to preserve as much willpower throughout the day as possible, and that begins the moment we wake up. Eliminate as many decisions as possible. Create a routine that is basically the same every morning, and make sure it is something you enjoy. I thoroughly look forward to waking up because I love my routine. It is nothing spectacular or decadent, but it is mine by design and no decisions really have to be made except when to get out of bed.

3. Complete top priorities and large tasks first

Because you have more willpower and thus more energy at the beginning of the day, provided you had a restorative night’s sleep, your brain is more alert, excited and ready to work in the morning. So take a look at your list on your planner and decide which “to-do”s are the most important, are the most vital, that you complete and complete well. Do those first. The goal for each day is to feel a sense of productivity at the end, and if we do those items that hold the most importance to us first, we are more likely to feel productive and satisfied each day.

4. Keep Lists

Again, back to willpower. If you are having to wrack your brain, your memory, for everything that you want to do, you have taxed your mind unnecessarily. Make a list for anything you will need in the future. With regards to my blog, I have an ongoing weekly list for each This & That post in my planner. Every time I discover something that I will want to include, I write it down. There is no way I could remember all of the items I come across. As well, I keep a grocery list in my kitchen, lists in my Moleskine journal for other projects I am working on, and anything that is important to me. The value of list making was modeled by my mother who still makes lists to this day, and so it is probably a bit self-serving that I designed “To-Do” lists and “To Market” lists notepads which are sold here on the blog. But I truly use them all of the time, and they are a simple, but significant part of how I am able to remember all that I have and want to do.

5. Break Down Large Goals into Small Steps

Having a large target to hit is a great idea, but it is imperative that we break down each large goal into small steps. In fact, this summer, I had approximately five large goals I wanted to accomplish by the end of the season. So I took out my multi-colored post-its and assigned a color to each goal. Then I wrote down all of the small steps that needed to happen in order to be successful. I then went to my Stendig wall calendar in my office and planned when each small step needed to be completed in order to reach my goals.

6. Set up systems that lessen the work or thinking

Keeping lists would definitely be an ideal example of lessening your thinking. Now consider other systems you could put into place that would allow you either to delegate, reduce or eliminate the work or thinking you have to do to live the balanced life you want to live. Maybe it’s finally hiring a house cleaner or someone else to mow your lawn. Time is money, and yours is valuable. So long as you can afford it and it improves your life, it might be something to consider. Other ideas include automatic bill pay, automatic transfer deposits into your savings and retirement accounts. Anything that helps you to enjoy your everydays a little bit more.

7. Keep a planner

Again, something else I cannot live without is a planner. I live with my paper and binder planner which is why I designed TSLL Planning Pages (daily, weekly, monthly, goals, capsule wardrobe, travel, etc.). There are many different ways to build a planner – online, on your phone or the traditional – paper or calendar. Choose a system that works for you and that you enjoy working with. Two of my favorite rituals, one each month and the other each week, is to sit down and plan the next month as well as plan the next week. I love to know what is in front of me. Partly because the anticipation is half of the fun, but for those things that aren’t as much to look forward to, it reminds me to prepare and helps me to focus.

8. Schedule social media posts

Since many of you asked about my blog business management, a simple thing to do if you too are running an online business or blog is to set automatic social media postings. Social media can be distracting and waste our time in our personal world if we don’t master it, but in the business world, it is a necessity. The key is to know what helps your business and what is a waste of time. I have set my blog posts to automatically post to Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter and be sent to my email subscribers immediately without me having to do a thing. It is a simple idea, but one that is sometimes forgotten as even minutes saved in our days can make a big difference.

9. Follow a fixed schedule

When it comes to beauty appointments, your fitness routine, your work schedule, try to find a routine that works for you and stick to it. As I shared on the FAQ page, I designate which posts will go live on particular days and stick to that schedule. Just as the posts are on a certain schedule, so too is my creation of them. While this is adjusted during the summer months, I still have a strict schedule I follow June through August. And to be honest, I love it. Again, I know what I have to do and I know when I am done and go have fun.

10. Set Boundaries and Say No

Saying yes to invitations or new responsibilities can be tempting when asked in person, via email or a text as we are not aware of the time and energy it will take, or at least we aren’t feeling the effects of the decision at the moment. When asked to do anything, resort back to your priorities. What is most important to me? Will saying yes to this decrease the quality of my effort, involvement and enjoyment with my top priorities? Saying no is self-preservation. Saying no is respecting what is most valuable and will thus ensure that the quality of your life is enhanced.

11. Let Go of Perfect

I heard a contestant on The Great British Bake-Off who was a retired teacher state the wise words of advice, “Always do your best. It doesn’t mean it will always be the best in the room, but all you can do is your best. Tend to that.” Wise words. Complete your project, give your best work on each day and turn it in, press post or put on display. Usually there are opportunities to edit, but even if there are not, you can only do your best. Unnecessary time is lost, energy expended when we seek constant perfection. First of all, it isn’t possible, and second, if you’re someone with common sense, which I know you are, read the first point. Discussed on the blog a couple of years ago, take a look at the difference between being a perfectionist and being a high-achiever.

12. Let the Moment take You

In sharing this habit, I realize there will be times when you have a strict time allotment, but I will say this. Many of the large projects, and even daily posts from time to time, resulted when I just listened and acted. I didn’t give myself a time-limit, I didn’t ask why, I just went with it. When these moments happen, all time is lost and I am thankful that I didn’t overbook myself so I could let myself remain in the flow. Afterwards, there is a natural high that is hard to explain, but the more often I respect these moments when they occur, the more I get to experience.

13. Do it Before You Have To

As I mentioned at the top of the post, planning has always been a love. And something else I especially love is knowing I have to do something, say on Tuesday, so I’ve written it down, but then I have some extra time on Monday, and I am full of energy, so I knock off the task that I had written for Tuesday. In each of these instances, when I have done something ahead of time, I truly feel a bit giddy. And in the exact opposite scenario, when I am done to the wire and have to get something done, while I always do it, I am much less eager. Another reminder to not overbook yourself, but also to listen to what you can and want to do, and then just do it.

Nailing down a time management system that works for you will not look exactly like mine because you and I are not exactly alike. Take into consideration your personality, your stressors, your lifestyle, the other people in your life, and then devise a plan that works. A plan that enables you to live each day and enjoy it as much as possible. Hopefully a handful or two of my habits are something that spoke to you. However, I must share that I am ALWAYS tweaking. I am always re-evaluating what is working and what is not. For example, taking French classes in the evening was an extreme tax on my energy, but as it was for a limited time and a priority for me, I knew I had to do. Now, I have the evenings free and that feels truly liberating. I guess sometimes you have to push yourself too far for a good reason, to then be reminded of how well things were working before.

Listen to your life. What does it need? What do you need? Do you need more time on the weekend to recharge? Then delegate that lawn-mowing to someone else. Or perhaps working in the yard is therapeutic, so keep that chore and let go of responsibilities that pull you away from your home too often. Your life is yours to design. Now begin putting the tools and skills into place that will help you design it exactly as you want.

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~Turning Goals into Reality

~Small + Simple = A Grand & Full Life (podcast)

~15 Everyday Habits to Live a Life of Contentment (podcast)

Petit Plaisir
Spaghetti Vongole

—recipe originally shared on WSJ by chef Nina Compton, served at her restaurant, Compère Lapin in New Orleans

~yields: 2 servings (20 minutes)

~View the recipe here.

 

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Clams & Comfort Food

As someone who loves seafood and regularly eats fish, it has taken me until this recipe to cook with clams. Perhaps I was intimidated, perhaps I was not able to access fresh clams, whatever excuse I will offer up, I just had never done it. And now I am wondering why it took me so long. Why? They are so simple to cook; in fact, they’re fun to cook. To hear the “smoaaak” sound they make when they pop open while in the skillet reminds me of a simple magic trick, and oh, my goodness they just add that extra something to an already delicious sauce.

Easy to make in fewer than 20 minutes, update your classic clam and linguini recipe with New Orleans chef Nina Compton’s Spaghetti Vongole and indulge in comfort.

~Key to remember with clams, only buy tightly closed, and if after you cook them the allotted time and they don’t open, toss those that are still closed.

Spaghetti Vongole

—recipe originally shared on WSJ by chef Nina Compton, served at her restaurant, Compère Lapin in New Orleans

yields: 2 servings (20 minutes)

Ingredients:

Kosher salt
1 large  or 2 small cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/3 bunch parsley, chopped
Juice and zest of 1 lemon (small – medium size)
1/2 cup olive oil
½ cup minced red onion
1 teaspoon tablespoon chili flakes
1/2 lb spaghetti
16 clams, rinsed
1 tablespoons butter

Directions:

1. In a large pot of salted water, bring to boil over high heat.

2. While waiting for the water, make the gremolata in a food processor: include 1/2 of the garlic (chopped roughly), parsley, and lemon zest until evenly combined. Season with salt. Scoop into a small bowl and set aside.

3.Heat remaining garlic and olive oil in a large, lidded (to prevent splatter) sauté pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic until aromatic but not yet coloring, about 2 minutes. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in chili flakes.

4. Add spaghetti to boiling water and cook, according to package directions until just shy of al dente. Drain spaghetti, reserving 1 cup pasta water.

5. Meanwhile, lightly season onion mixture with salt. Increase heat to medium-high and add clams. Stir to coat shells and cover pan (preferably a glass cover so you can see the magic). Cook until clams just pop open, about 5 minutes. Uncover pan, remove from heat and discard any clams that remain tightly closed. Stir in half of gremolata.

6. Once spaghetti is boiled and drained, return clams to stove over medium-high heat. Once hot, add spaghetti, a few splashes reserved pasta water and butter, and toss to form a creamy sauce, about 1 minute. If pan looks dry, add water until sauce coats noodles. Off heat, toss in remaining gremolata and season with lemon juice and salt.

Enjoy!

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This & That: July 29, 2016

Book
—Bright, Precious Days: A Novel by Jay McInerney

Being released on Tuesday August 2, author Jay McInerney offers a story of a successful couple living and thriving in New York City for the past 10 years: one, an independent book publisher, the other, an altruistic mother involved in her neighborhood. Raising two children and seeing how the city grows and changes around them, as their first decade comes to end, unexpected appearances (the man with whom Corinne had a post 9/11 affair), unplanned economic changes and a few other challenges pop up. How they are able to navigate is the journey readers are taken on, and oh what an intriguing tale it looks to be.

—The Hopefuls: A Novel by Jennifer Close

With Washington D.C. and the race for the White House all but everything the news is covering this month, this personal story about a young couple moving to the political center of America looks to be fascinating. Matt, a young, but determined politico is supported in their move to D.C. by his wife Beth, but she is none too impressed with the city that she discovers, let alone the weather. As the couple finds another couple to explore and enjoy the city with, drama ensues as suspicions of wandering eyes and competition begin to boil over.

—The Muse: A Novel by Jessie Burton

Included in my list of 10 Books to Read This Summer, Jessie Burton’s new novel was released just this past Tuesday. Taking readers back to England in the 1960s and Spain in 1933, it intertwines two different narratives and reveals how one can indeed influence the other. Art, desire and mystery are skillfully contained in this book’s tale.

—Navigating Life: Things I Wish My Mother Had Told Me by Margaux Bergen

Written for her daughter Charlotte and given to her when she graduated from high school, author Margaux Bergen began the manuscript when Charlotte was nine years old. Offering humorous, but wise and thoughtful insights into how to survive in the real world or a mother by your side, Bergen has been receiving praise for a book that provides inspiration and guidance for readers of all ages. Released on Tuesday August 2, perhaps a wonderful opportunity to press pause and see how we are doing.

Current Events
— Skimm Ahead

As a reader of the daily free email Skimm that keeps me up-to-date on all of the news from the nation and around the world with a touch of humor and sarcasm, Skimm is now making available a subscription service available that will keep you in the know before events happen. For $2.99/month promising to “Never again will you wonder when Beyoncé tickets go on sale, what time the State of the Union is on, or when your favorite show is back on Netflix”, this service is perfect for the reader who wants to stay ahead of the game and not miss a beat.

Film
—Equity

Emmy award-winning actress for her role in Breaking Bad, Anna Gunn is receiving high praise for her role in a powerful movie about the typically male-dominated Wall Street that brings women into the fold. Being released in theaters today, it debuted at Sundance earlier this year and opens up a world that is known for corruption and catastrophe and instead reveals hard-working women who are resolute in their determination to be successful. I certainly am eager to sit down and enjoy this film. Have a look at the trailer below.

Shopping
— Margaux Ballet Flats

As worn by Linda Rodin who was mentioned in this week’s Style Inspiration, upon following her on Instagram, I discovered she had a predilection for these beautiful, high-quality, reasonably priced ballet flats. And after perusing the website, I can see why. There is nothing extravagant, extreme or excessive, rather simple, beautifully hand-crafted ballet flats in classic styles that will last for years. From their classic style in a variety colors in suede as well as the Demi with the simple tie on the top made of leather, find a pair for less than $200 and discover a shoe that will last for years and look stunning even longer. And while a little bit steeper in price, the Limited ballet flat in camel Italian hair calf certainly did catch my eye as well. Enjoy checking out the site here.

Television
—Giada in Italy, season 2 premiere

With a successful first season of Giada in Italy last year, the second season is ready to launch this Sunday on Food Network. With seven episodes taking you through Florence, the Tuscan countryside and other de Laurentiis family haunts, what a wonderful series to enjoy this summer. Tune in at noon (eastern) this Sunday for food, family and a virtual travel adventure.

~recipe for Apple and Honey Tart with Walnut Crumb Crust~

Welcome to the weekend! The last few days of July are here, and how quickly they did arrive. With plans for enjoying some grilling outdoors, exploring more around my new hometown and finishing up a few projects, I am excited to wrap up this month and am prepared for a wonderful month of August.

How about you? How has the week been going? Hopefully well, and hopefully you are beginning the few days off with a spring in your step and excitement for what is planned. Simple or extravagant, both can be reveled in. Below are more than a handful of articles on a wide range of topics that I think you will enjoy. Until Monday, bonne journée

~A few fun ideas for how to spend quality time alone

~Become unstoppable in the pursuit of your dreams – 30 Behaviors The Will make it a reality

~An intriguing and thought-provoking post about the power of gentle yoga and weight loss

~What stories do you let dance around in  your mind? Zen Habits’ post on Mental Badassery: Becoming Aware of the Stories We Tell Ourselves is worth a read.

~I am reading this and rereading this so as to never forget these wise words: 10 Hard Truths About the Heartbreaking Fantasties We Tell Ourselves

~Listeners continue to email me about episode #111 of The Simple Sophisticate, and here my guest Tiffani Rogers shared a very kind shout-out of her experience.

~Speaking of style, quick quiz! How do you say some of those tricky fashion names?? Find out how here:

~Reading fiction and character development. Are they related? This article discusses that exact topic.

 

Image: (2)

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A Touch of Blush

 

~Veronica Beard Palm Peak Lapel belted blazer (available in white as well) On Sale!~

~Raoul cotton-blend pants (other colors available)~

~Alexander Wang Marion leather-paneled suede sandals~

~Equipment Kaylen leopard-print washed-silk tank~

~Rebecca Minkoff Micro Avery Tote (crossbody)~

~Aerin gold link bracelet~

~Nashelle medium slide thru hoops~

~Oliver People’s Lamour 63 square frame metal sunglasses~

SHOP THE OUTFIT:

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OUTFITS of the WEEK from the Archives:

~Chic Mariniére Comfort

~Emerald Gem of the Summer

~Summer Linen Chic

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Decor Inspiration: A Petite Charmer

A small space can be an amazing space when the details are carefully tended to. New York interior designer Peyton Cochran recently won Connecticut Cottages & Gardens magazine’s top design for small spaces with the conversion of her bachelor godfather’s garage into an inviting entertainment space.

Notice the use of the high ceilings, the windows in the front and back above the doors to welcome as much light as possible as well as a simple palette. Yes, it is small, but it certainly somewhere guests could enjoy conversation as well as a retreat from the yard during times of bad weather or intense heat without feeling stuck inside. View all of the other winners here.

 

~DECOR INSPIRATION posts from the Archives:

~Creative Cozy

~Julia Child’s Provence Home

~Bold, Yet Simple

~View all of the 2016 Decor Inspiration posts here on Pinterest, 2015, 2014

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Compact TSLL Planner Pages

In January 2016, TSLL debuted its first Planner Pages in the Classic size (5.5 x 8.5″). Immediately, readers emailed me to request that a Compact size become available as well (4.25 x 6.75″). Today, I am happy to share with you that the Compact pages are now available.

What you will find as you peruse TSLL Planner Shop:

All-Inclusive COMPACT Planner Pages w/all 12 exclusive Inslee Day Planning pages, including additional pages for :

Goal Planning
Capsule Wardrobe (fall/spring items – to buy, to replace or already have)
List pages (movies to watch, music download, podcast to listen to, places to visit, books to read, plays to see)
2 page monthly planner
Cover Page with contact information and blank pages for quotes that inspire you


All 12 illustrations in Day Planning Pages
Individual Day Planner pages with the illustrations of your choice (12 options – see below), including additional pages for:

Goal Planning
Capsule Wardrobe (fall/spring items – to buy, to replace or already have)
List pages (movies to watch, music download, podcast to listen to, places to visit, books to read, plays to see)
2 page monthly planner
Cover Page with contact information and blank pages for quotes that inspire you

Happy Planning!

~For Capsule Menu Planning, check out TSLL Capsule Menu Weekly Planning Pages here.

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