Shannon Ables's Blog, page 298

This & That: No. 204

Books
—The Everygirl’s Guide to Cooking by Maria Menounos

E! talk show host and best-selling author of the Everygirl series returns again with her latest edition: The Everygirl’s Guide to Cooking. Sharing 150 easy-to-prepare and delicious recipes, Maria takes readers into her kitchen and shares her body evolution after following her own advice.

—The Longevity Book: The Science of Aging, the Biology of Strength and the Privilege of Time by Cameron Diaz

It was much to my surprise that I found Cameron Diaz’s first book The Body Book to be a wealthy resource when it came to taking care of my body, revealing the science, explanations and actions to take to tend to my temple. In her new book, which was just released on Tuesday, Cameron dives into the science of women and aging, and through interviews with scientists, nutritionists and doctors shares with readers how to fully understand and respectfully care for our bodies beginning when we are thirty and transitioning into mid-life. I for one is enjoying it immensely already.

~TSLL Instagram~

—Private Paris by James Patterson

James Patterson is one of the most modern-day prolific thriller/mystery writers, and with his latest set in Paris, I thought some of TSLL readers may be interested. With the deaths of several Parisian societal elite being murdered, it is up to Jack Morgan to put his detective hat on unexpectedly and solve the mystery. A weekend read perhaps?

—The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life, One Night at a Time by Ariana Huffington

If you’ve ever needed reasons to get more sleep, Ariana’s new book, which was just released this past Tuesday, will provide all of the necessary studies, science and inspiration to catch enough regular Zzzzs. With improvements to our overall health, happiness and even our sex lives, the quality of our sleep is a priority that is too often dismissed.

Cookbook
—In a French Kitchen: Tales and Traditions of Everyday Home Cooking in France by Susan Herrmann Loomis

Well, it took some time, but I finally learned of yet another French cooking school I am eager to attend. Spearheaded by French trained cook Susan Herrmann Loomis, it was her profile piece in The Wall Street Journal last month that brought her school, book and blog to my attention. With 85 recipes from French women who know the secrets and tricks to using what you have and picking up seasonally what you will need, this book is on its way to my kitchen, and I cannot wait to begin discovering what’s inside.

Francophile Find
—The Valet

One of the added bonuses about my French class is the conversation and recommendations that are shared about films, television shows, websites and more that continue to reveal the French culture in creative ways. Such was the case when The Valet was recommended by one of my fellow classmates. Released in 2007, it is a playful comedy about love, secrets and tangled misunderstandings. Watch it here on Amazon.

Shopping
—Alexis Short-Sleeve Vivien cotton-blend shirtdress (black/white)

Spring and stripes just seem to go together, no? Last fall I purchased Alexis’ short-sleeve striped wrap dress, and it just arrived last month with the spring season. I am loving everything about it: the length, the fit, the light fabric (not transparent, but light and airy), as well as the stripes. I think you will love it too if stripes are your signature style.

 

~recipe for Buttered Mushroom, Fig & Bacon Galette with Roasted Squash~

Well, the spring (or perhaps more like summer) weather has arrived. With brilliantly warm days (Thursday was nearing 80 degrees F), and crisp evenings to remind us we are still indeed in spring, I have been spending as much time outside as possible. From typing away on my back porch for upcoming blog posts to digging in the dirt in the flower beds, these simple luxuries that are far more appreciated after months of being tucked inside, are a pleasure to indulge in.

So what will you be up to this weekend? I am pondering the idea of tinkering in the kitchen, but nurseries are also calling my name as I have a few shrubs I want to pick up and landscaping plans I want to hammer out. With a wide open schedule, I am excited to just let the days unfold as they will. Thank you for stopping by the blog. I do hope your week has treated you well, and as you head into the weekend, a few articles you might enjoy reading. Bonne journée!

~It is spring and a perfect time to revamp and refresh our eating habits . . . The Elements of a Healthy Diet & How to Change

~Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity . . . 7 Little Ways to Make Life Simpler

~This book has caught my attention and is something I wish I would have known as a teenager.

~Sharon Santoni’s latest post about Taking Your Time . . . The French Way is a treat.

~Traveling to Paris soon? Here is a list of 10 of the Best Small Hotels in Paris!

~9 Things to Throw Away When it Comes to Decor if You’re Now in Your 30s

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Why Not . . . Lounge in Style?

 

Two of my favorite daily routines that I love to indulge in, taking as much time as possible, are my morning and evening rituals. Upon waking up, tending to the dogs, cooking my breakfast and reading the morning papers, lounging is a must, and why not lounge in style?

The evening mirrors these activities as I look forward to unwinding with leisurely reading material, a cup of tea and wearing comfortable clothing no matter where I may be wrapping up the day around the house.

It has taken time to find and save up for the items I enjoy wearing. And while I still haven’t found a pair of slippers that are simple, streamlined, but can still be worn outside to pick up the paper, I’m making progress. By choosing to wear items that feel luxurious on the skin, but also conceal and reveal the woman we are just enough so as to allow us to feel comfortable and maintain some mystery, our behavior responds in kind. Whether it be what we eat, how we sit or where we allow our mind to wander, our clothing is quite powerful for our psyche as we begin and end the day. After all, when we dress in a manner that reflects respect for the life we are living and the woman that we are and are becoming, every single moment of the day, whether we are at home or outside the home becomes a privilege to savor.

Essential Lounge Wear

1.A beautiful robe

Silk, cotton, or any mixture of soft fabric to lay against our skin in the design of a robe is the first piece of clothing we often put on when we wake up and the last thing we take off at the end of the day. Worn as a layer to wear when we step outside of our boudoir, the length should be appropriate for lounging in the living room and dining room or stepping outside in the morning to pick up the morning paper. I prefer a longer robe that is not too bulky as I can always wear a set of pajamas underneath to nip the cold. Below are a few that caught my eye.

~La Perla Silk Essence short robe, La Perla silk long robe (multiple colors)~

~La Perla Seta long robe (black or white) in silk/satin~

~Samantha Chang, classic kimono 100% silk (more colors, lilac)~

~CSBLA by Cosabella: Lucca Belted robe~

~SHOP

 

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2. Second skin chemise or sleep set

Not only is the choice of a chemise or a short sleep set a choice that welcomes a touch of luxury into your everyday, as well, such an item is easy to pack when you travel. Even in winter, unless it’s unusually frigid, wearing a chemise allows your body to breath and the warmth can be brought by the layers of sheets and blankets you snuggle underneath.

~La Perla Whisper lace-paneled navy sleep dress, Araks Jael silk-charmeuse chemise (navy), Frette Lille Longuette Nightgown (white),La Perla Maison Classic camisole and shorts, Fleur de Mal lace-paneled chemise~

~Christine Gatsby long gown, 100% silk (ivory or black)~

~Patricia Fieldworker Timeless Lace Chemise 100% silk~

~Louis at Home Signature Cassis Gown in ice blue~

~Frette Florence Silk nightgown~

~SHOP

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3. Pajama set

For summer or winter, having a favorite go-to pajamas set is a wonderful option for wearing your sleepwear out in public (within your home of course). Chance is offering a fun cotton striped short set this season, but silk options are always a wonderful choice as well. Choose a color that complements your skin tone, a size that fits the length of your arms and legs (don’t hesitate to shop in the men’s section!), and enjoy looking stylish and playful all at the same time.

~Bodas Cotton-Poplin pajama set, Chance Summer PJs, 100% soft cotton, Mark & Graham Classic Woven Women’s PJs, Olivia von Halle Gigi silk crepe de chine pajama set, Journelle Hepburn PJ silk set, Journelle Garbo PJ silk set~

~SHOP

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4. Slippers

While I have yet to find a pair of slippers that I love, a cashmere pair always catches my attention. However, having a pair on hand that can go outside in the elements, if only for a moment to let the dogs out or pick up the paper in the snow and rain is a detail to consider as well.

~Frette Cashmere slippers, Acorn Cashmere-blend slippers (more colors), UGG Ansley water resistant slipper (more colors)~

 

Ultimately, what we wear as we begin the day and put it to bed is an everyday luxury not to be forgotten. It may take time to find these four items that are of top quality and speak to our lifestyle and signature preference, but if you keep your eyes open, you’ll soon find something worth investing in. After all, a quality item will be in your closet and capable of being enjoyed for years to come, all the while ensuring you look as stylish as you are comfortable. Fais de beaux rêves (Sweet dreams).

~Similar Posts from the ARCHIVES you might Enjoy:

~Why Not . . . Buy Yourself Luxurious Lingerie?

~Why Not . . . Create a Lingerie Capsule Wardrobe?

~Cost Per Wear

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Small & Simple = A Grand & Full Life

“There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” —Jane Austen
~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #97

As the twenty-first century begins to unfold, and gradually we climb out of the Great Recession, the hope would be that we apply the lessons learned and refrain from making the same mistakes. For example, one of the many trends seen following the 2008 economic dive is that people began to seek simpler ways of living, often choosing smaller homes, living more efficiently with regards to energy, partly out of need, but also out of an awareness of what was truly necessary to live well.

In fact, in 2013 of the most popular posts on decor and living here on TSLL was Why Not . . . Live in a Smaller Home?. At the time I wrote that particular post I was living only in half of the space my house at the time offered (2600sqf), and I was determined when I moved to Bend to downsize for many different reasons, all of which are mentioned in the post.

I was surprised to learn after reading this post that while yes, people are living in more energy-efficient homes, they are now living in larger homes which negates the energy they were initially saving. Homes continue to grow larger as the economy improves, but I must admit I taking a different route and loving it.

After traveling and staying in London and Paris, I was mesmerized by how well 2-4 people can live in small apartments, less than 1000 sqf. As well, how few appliances and furniture are needed to live well and be truly comfortable. From the small refrigerators, lack of a microwave, galley kitchens, high ceilings to enlarge the rooms, large windows welcoming in ample natural light and air, the gift of living well doesn’t come from square footage but rather how one lives in the space they inhabit.

While I encourage you to read the post from the archives about the many benefits of living in a smaller home, I will only touch on what was mentioned and in today’s post take it one step further. Having moved into a house that is half the size of my former abode where I lived for nine years (see here the former), each of the points were proven to be accurate. With less time spent on cleaning, I have more time to enjoy doing what tickles my curiosities. With less space to decorate, I have more money in the bank to save. With a smaller yard to maintain, but still a yard, I have the benefits of playing in the dirt without the excess time and energy spent on upkeep. With less square footage to heat or cool, my energy bills are lower, and my social calendar is full and more of a pleasure because I am able to live in the town I have dreamed about and now have time to enjoy the offerings and invitations.

But it isn’t just about living in a smaller space, it is about how you live in the space you call home. No matter where you call home at any given time, even on an extended vacation, the key is to pay attention to the details.

1. Keep it clean

As I mentioned above, it takes fewer than 30 minutes to clean my house each week, but the time is reduced because of the daily upkeep. A piece of advice I read recently for habits of productive people was to complete any task now that will take fewer than two minutes. Direct, simple, but true. Whether it’s wiping the kitchen counters, putting away the dishes, straightening or recycling the newspapers that are spread on the table, or making the bed in the morning, the simple attention to small tasks throughout the day make the weekly and seasonal tasks of cleaning much easier and allow our sanctuaries to be places of refuge and comfort every day of the week.

2. Details

A. Flowers

The power of fresh flowers, as I have talked about endlessly here on the blog, complete my house’s decor. With a bundle of daffodils currently $1.49 at Trader Joe’s, I will pick up two punches for less than five dollars and have a bright, spring bouquet on my dining room table for two weeks (refill with fresh water every 3-5 days and they will last longer than realize). The absence of touches of nature leave a place cold and less welcoming, which is testament to the power of an inexpensive bouquet.

B. Place settings

What we eat determines our energy levels and overall health. And where we eat either encourages us to sit down and enjoy or to rush. Why not select beautiful placemats, proper plates, silverware and stemware and set up the table for the everyday? I recently picked up the placemats seen in the above image for less than $17 and am loving the clean, French-aesthetic they bring to my white table and chairs.

C. Moments to read, sip & relax

Creating vignettes organized around the idea of offering a reading or contemplation destination remind us to indulge in these pleasurable pursuits more often. Select furniture that is comfortable, reupholster if necessary to fit your decor, pick up simple, statement drink table pedestals like this one that don’t take up much space but offer a place to put your hot drink while you read the newspaper or your new favorite book, and you begin to create a home that allows you to enjoy the space well.

D. Keep the counters and tables clear

No matter how big or small of a home you live in, if the counters and tabletops are cluttered, the room becomes smaller, almost claustrophobic. One significant change I made in my kitchen after returning from Europe four years ago was to get rid of my microwave. In my old home at the time, I didn’t have a built-in, so the one I had was taking up counter-space. And since I didn’t use one for two weeks in the apartments I vacationed in because they didn’t have one and we went to markets each day, there was no need. I made a prompt executive decision to get rid of my microwave, use my oven to heat up left-overs and I haven’t looked back since.

The question to ask yourself with items you are leaving permanently on the counters is does it have a purpose or a need to be visible each day? If it doesn’t, find a home in a cupboard or get rid of it entirely. Your mind and being will thank you as more stuff equates psychologically to more stress.

E. Add a scent

Whether it’s the ever-changing scent that comes from the kitchen while you cook or the candles you light each evening to unwind and set the mood, add scents to create the aromatics of a home that is lived in and loved.

3.  Let the daylight in

I’ve never understood how people can cover windows when they have them. Granted, for privacy purposes and at night, it is best to draw the curtains, but the benefits of daylight are immense. When you have access to daylight, let it in and let it in often. If you live close to your neighbors, be creative with sheers and blinds, but do what you can to let in as much light as possible. This will make the space appear larger, and the connection to nature will be good for your spirit.

I can remember the three large French-style windows in the Maida Vale flat in London lining the wall that overlooked the common garden. The window treatments were layers of light-hued sheers that would blow in the breeze and were outlined with heavy, velvet drapes for warm and depth. When the windows were opened each afternoon to cool down the apartment, the soft chatter from the neighbors who were enjoying the gardens below would be subtly heard, the soft breeze would clean out the stale air. The apartment felt large, the space was beckoning and the views were amazing.

4. Add complementary layers

From textured and complementary hued pillows and blankets as well as rugs that designate which rooms begins and ends where, be patient with yourself as you select these necessary details that turn a house into a home. However, rest-assured, your patience will pay off with a curated home that is welcoming and restorative.

5. Add mirrors

Large and small. From floor mirrors to large round mirrors at the end of halls to give the illusion of more space, having the reflection that mirrors provide reduces the choices (a mirror is a mirror) and adds the idea of a larger home.

6. Organize and decorate with trays

From trays on side tables to trays on the central coffee table, trays allow you to add a signature touch without cluttering the room. And while at first it may be intimidating to style your own tray, don’t worry, you’ll quickly get the hang of it. Read this post from last year about exactly that: How to Style a Tray.

7. Keep the colors simple

Monochromatic goes a long way to creating a sophisticated, chic look. Now the details can be colorful, but keep the fundamentals within the same color family.

8. Light fixtures

One of the simplest ways to change the look of a room is to change how the light works in the space and change the decor that offers the light. Whether it’s a ceiling light, why not make it a pendant? Or a table lamp, just change the shade and paint the base. I love to shop here for a variety of different light fixtures as they had personality and align with my decor tastes.

9. Determine the energy you exude in the space

No matter how beautifully a home is decorated, if the energy of the space is negative and narrow-minded, nobody will feel at home. Even if you’re living by yourself, the energy you bring into the space affects how you feel in the space. Design with love and appreciation for the space you have. Cultivate a space that lifts you up and allows you to leave your home each day feeling confident, supported and strong. A space is powerful, but we ultimately are the ones who give it the power.

Do you sing in the morning when you’re starting the day? Do you play music that is up-lifting, watch shows that are insightful? What do you read? Do you read? Allow your home to be the space where you are filled up with what you want more of in the world and thus yourself. If you live with others, cultivate an environment where others feel they can be themselves and mindful of others’ different way of doing things. As well, create an understanding of being mindful of the shared spaces: picking up after yourself, putting your dishes away, etc. And if you do live by yourself, be selective about the energy you allow into your living space. Why? Homes are spaces that collect memories, so make sure the memories you inspire to occur in your home are memories you want dancing around in your head as you reflect on the space you live.

10. The food made and enjoyed

Our home is a place of comfort and that includes the food we find and prepare there. While from time to time, I too will order in take-out, primarily, my meals are made at home, by me, with curiosity about a recipe or made from memory as it is a tried and true concoction that will leave me satiated and re-energized. Part of making a space with four walls a home is the food that is prepared and served within them. Even if your skills are limited, select food that is both healthy and delicious. Stock your cupboards with real food and the basics to help you prepare any meal on your capsule menu (more on TSLL Capsule Menu is coming soon). And always remember, a well-lived life begins with a healthy you, and a healthy you is largely dependent upon how and what we eat. So why not become the chef in your home?

~Why Not . . . Learn How to Cook?

~Why Not . . . Keep it Simple in the Kitchen?

~Why Not . . . Sit Down for Dinner?

~Why Not . . . Cook with Olive Oil?

11. Reading material

Line a shelf in your kitchen with your favorite cookbooks, build shelves for a library or a wall of books in your office or living room, bring in information, never stop learning and encourage those who visit or live in your home to want to pick up a book, a magazine, a newspaper and read. If you create a space that is welcoming to sit down and do so, it will not only be more likely to happen for others, but for yourself as well.

All of these simple touches make the space you call home all the more beckoning at the end of each day. No matter how big or small your space, respect it, and understand the power it can have of your everyday life. Harness this power to support you, inspire you and leave you a more fulfilled individual each day when you wake up and get the day started.

Most importantly, the quality of life we live is determined by how we spend our time, what we value and the relationships we build. A bigger home doesn’t necessarily ensure this, but a well-cared for space with attention paid to the details that enliven the everyday experience certainly do.

May we all find and cultivate our very own home sweet home. Have a wonderful week, and thank you for stopping by TSLL blog.

Petit Plaisir
~Seasonal Flowers, currently in Oregon, tulips!

Types of Tulips:

Regular: a multitude of colors, some double and single, single varietals come in a larger array of colors, and the double options while limited in color variety add depth to any arrangement.
Parrot tulips: unique regardless of color due to their frilled edges and are variegated to some degree
French tulips: the longest stem and largest blooms. Most expensive due to their size.

FUN FACT: Did you know that tulips like to grow for a short period after they are cut? (as reported by the Examiner)

How to care for a cut bouquet, per my own experience and a dose or two of Martha Stewart’s advice:

Choose a tall vase that will offer your tulips support. The heads are beautiful, but heavy as we know.
Buy tulips that have fairly closed buds. Only blooming enough as to reveal their color as they will last longer. Tulips in which the bloom is full will likely only last a couple of days.
Remember what you cannot arrange tulips with. Don’t mix with “any member of the Narcissus genus, including paper-whites, daffodils, and jonquils, which emit a substance into water that will shorten the lives of the tulips.”
Clean vase, filled 1/3 with room temperature water (tulips like shallow water).
Add flower food or make your own! Martha’s recipe: 1 teaspoon sugar + 2 drops liquid bleach in one gallon of fresh water.
Cut the flower steps at a 45 degree angle, removing any white stem tissue and leaves which will be placed in the water.
Refresh water and recut stems daily or every couple of days. Keep in a cool place. Martha’s tip for droopy tulip heads: place a pin through the stem just below the head and then pull it out immediately. Why? “The holes let air escape to expedite the water flow.”
Don’t forget single bud vases for small side tables and desktops.

~image via TSLL instagram~

 

 

Images: TSLL Instagram 

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This & That: No. 203

Cookbook
—The Love & Lemons Cookbook: An Apple-to-Zucchini Celebration of Impromptu Cooking by Jeanine Donofrio

Have you ever gone to the farmer’s market and asked yourself, how can I use this ingredient? It looks amazing, but how do I incorporate it into my cooking? Well, blogger Jeanine Donofrio, organizing her new cookbook which was just released this past Tuesday by individual ingredients, shows you how. From how to stock your pantry, to options for vegan eaters, visit her blog to see why Saveur named her blog the Best Cooking Blog in 2014.

Shopping
—Equipment Lillian Cotton PJ short set

With spring upon us and summer soon to follow, cooler sleep attire is a must. However, donning something appropriate with family and friends as you sip your coffee and nibble on your croissant in the morning is also important. Equipment’s new striped set of cotton pajamas offers exactly what you may just need, style and a for certain grand night’s sleep.

—Mango Flowy Trench (more colors)

Spring coats bridge the transition period between wool and puffers and, well nothing but the blouse or dress we choose to wear for the day. And Mango has a bevy of options to choose from at very reasonable prices. This particular flowy trench is available in four colors and might just offer just enough warm to break the breeze, but not too much to overwhelm.

—Rachel Zoe Nadia Hinge bracelet

Rachel Zoe loves her costume jewelry and while always seeming to offer a hinge bracelet each season, the ‘Nadia’ makes a statement without going overboard.

~Urban Outfitters’ S’well 17 oz Wood Water Bottle (more colors)

Earlier this month, I spotted one of my students with this wood water bottle that claims to keep your water cool for 24 hours and your coffee hot for 12. Highly functional as well as stylish, it fits into a traditional cup holder in your vehicle and is streamlined to please the eye as well.

Television
—Grantchester , season 2 premiere

I am a little late to the two television offerings mentioned in today’s This & That, but they are both worth being reminded of. Grantchester returned just this past Sunday for its second season on PBS at 9pm. The pair of sleuths, the Vicar (James Norton) and the Cop (Robson Green) return to 1950s England and bring back to the screen James Muncie’s murder mystery novels starring in the leading role, Sidney Chambers. Have a peek at the season below.

—Mr. Selfridge on PBS, final season

And one more! The final season of Mr. Selfridge also kicked off this past Sunday and for nine seasons, running through May 22nd, will return viewers to the self-made London department store, but of course not without a little drama. See a trailer of the season below, and view it Sunday evenings on PBS at 10pm.

~recipe for Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake~

Spring is most definitely here and this week is full of inspiration on the blog for a fresh start. Beginning with a lovely conversation with blogger and author Sharon Santoni which aired on the podcast on Monday. Speaking about all things French always makes me smile (be sure to enter the giveaway for one of her books by Sunday!), and today TSLL Spring Shopping Guide was just released to newsletter subscribers (are you one? If not, sign up here.) And before I forget, TSLL Shop is completed updated to help you update your capsule wardrobe whether it is for Spring or Fall. Have a look here.

The gift the beginning of a new season brings is priceless, and spring offers us an opportunity to get it right again, whether it’s with our attitude, wardrobe or tinkering in our yard. Embrace the change and strive forward with confidence knowing that the change you seek is most definitely possible. Have a wonderful weekend and for your leisurely reading, a few articles below you might enjoy. Bon week-end!

~The Life Biz . . . a New Yorker contributor contemplates the insatiable appetite to improve both in work and in life.

~Why not let these bad habits we tell ourselves are okay go . . . 9 Mental Habits that Will Turn You Bitter Over Time

~This New York Times writer based in Paris shares her thoughts on the attack in Brussels, Je Suis Sick of This

~Politics aside, a handful of the back and forth between candidates about women had me cringing, and writer Jennifer Weiner explains perfectly what I felt in Naked Lady Politics

~In lighter news . . . 44 Ways Being Active Makes You Live a More Happier & Meaningful Life

~14 Daily Habits that will make you Healthier Every Single Day

~An exciting shift is taking place . . . Millennials Gone Mild

~Last, but not least . . . Confessions of a Happy Introvert

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Why Not . . . Read a Book That Changes Your Life?

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” ― Charles William Eliot

Much like travel, reading provides the opportunity to open up our eyes to another world, another way of thinking, another way of living that brings us closer to our truest selves and assists in reaching our full potential, ultimately allowing us to appreciate the world more fully and completely. Because as Aristotle reminds, “The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.” Paradoxically, more knowledge which leads us to his finding can actually bring more calm into our lives because it allows us to let go and simply proceed; it allows us to move away from judgment and be more understanding, resilient and less absolutist in our thinking.

In many ways when we are opened in this way we are set free. We are liberated. We come to understand there are many ways to live and live well. We come to understand that the outcome from mistakes can be varied and vast. We come to understand that there is good and bad, and how we perceive both has much to do with our mind. We come to understand that with each book we read, a part of the world we didn’t know even existed could be opened up to us, and that, that is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves at any time of the day, week or year.

Upon reading this article about the 36 ways to change your life for the better, I saw one of the items: Read a book that changes your life. So today I’d like to share with you 10 books that changed my life. And while I am always adding to this list, and in fact this list is much longer than 10, these first 10 provided comfort, validation, information and revelation, changing my life in many ways only observable by myself, but without question changing me in irrevocable ways.

1.Happiness: A Philosopher’s Guide by Frédéric Lenoir

Recently discussed here and on The Simple Sophisticate podcast, Lenoir’s concept of what ultimately cultivates happiness was a tremendous relief. “People are truly happy only when their lives are pleasant and also have meaning.”

 

2. French Women Don’t Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano

Having had read this book what feels like ages ago, well before the concept of TSLL blog was dancing around in my mind, Guiliano opened my eyes to a simple, yet thoughtful way of living the everyday. Upon reading her book, which I have since read a multitude of times, I one of the many lifestyle changes I made was to cease running as my form of exercise (because I hated it and only did so because I felt it was the only way to maintain a slim physique) and began walking as it has always been something I enjoy doing, especially when my dogs are in tow. I have never looked back.

3. All the Single Ladies: Unmarried Women and the Rise of an Independent Nation by Rebecca Traister

More recently, Traister’s book was the inspiration for this post and podcast episode, and it was validating in many ways. Serving as a reminder that whether one is married or single, we must be aware of how the government we live under sees, values and protects us. And to recognize that if we don’t speak up, the status quo persists. Knowing that being married consists of fewer than half of the female population in the United States was a reminder that marriage should be choice, and not the only avenue for a better life either for emotional and/or financial gain.

4. Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, A Young Man, and Life Greatest Lessons by Mitch Albom

Having read and taught this book numerous times, the quotes of inspiration I could share are endless, but for me what stuck was his awareness of society, and refraining from going along even if it doesn’t feel right. “Well, for one thing, the culture we have does not make people feel good about themselves. We’re teaching the wrong things. And you have to be strong enough to say if the culture doesn’t work, don’t buy it. Create your own. Most people can’t do it.”  

5. Salt, Sugar & Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us by Michael Moss

The truth behind the food industry in the United States. Michael Moss’ book was an eye-opener and a reminder that if it is manufactured and it tastes too good, thus enticing you to have more, you may want to reconsider what you’re actually eating. The Bliss Point was introduced and that is what has made all the difference for me when it comes to buying anything processed.

6. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

One of the many classic novels I read in school, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley was enlightening to the danger that can lay behind our assumptions. The idea that what we see isn’t always the truth and that our actions do indeed have lasting, often devastating consequences when we act first and think later, I found a tender spot for Frankenstein and was inspired to always look past the façade.

7. The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo

A reader of TSLL sent me a copy of Paulo Coehlo’s international best-selling novel more than four years ago, and I continue to be inspired as I have read it several times since. A reminder that the gift of the journey is often not always where it leads but what it reveals along the way and allows for us to appreciate and understand, I often choose this book to give to my high school graduates as they commence to contemplate whether to travel far and wide.

8. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

The moment Susan Cain’s book was released in 2012 I read and could not put it down until it was done. I had finally found my home, a dictionary that defined me to a “T”. As discussed in this TSLL post that same year, being an introvert is indeed something to embrace and revel in.

9. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Knowing that we all have the potential to be creative is the gift that Elizabeth Gilbert lays out in her book Big Magic. The reminder that inspiration will not wait for us to grab it, but will instead move on should we not grab hold of the opportunity, that was my aha, that was a reminder of where true success resides as discussed in this episode of the podcast.

10. Essential Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson

The first piece of American literature I held in my hands and was given as a gift was Ralph Waldo Emerson’s compilation of essays and other writings. At the time I wasn’t truly aware of who he was and what the transcendental movement was entirely about, but I have since come to understand why I was drawn to his and his protégé’s writings. Writing of solitude, “It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.” Writing about finding courage within yourself, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”  And writing about how they intertwine should you choose to find your inner-strength, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”

I am excited to share more books that changed my life, many from the past and more still to be experienced and enjoyed in the future. But in the meantime, please feel free to share the book or books that changed your life and why. I look forward to adding new books to my reading list as I am sure other TSLL readers do as well. Vous avez un merveilleux mercredi! (Have a wonderful Wednesday!)

~Shop all TSLL Book Recommendations here.

Image: source

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Everyday Living in France – My Interview with Sharon Santoni

 “My French Country Home is about French country living; about keeping it simple; it is about family life; it is about popping into Paris for the day; it is  about living with those dogs; about my love of brocante and most of all it is about seeing everyday beauty.”—blogger & author Sharon Santoni

The opportunity to meet a kindred individual doesn’t occur but once in awhile, but when it does there is an unspoken understanding and genuine affection and appreciation for how each other lives their everyday lives. Such was the case when I connected with blogger and author Sharon Santoni who resides in a delightful country abode in Normandy, France. As an avid fan of her blog My French Country Home, I invited her to join me on TSLL podcast, The Simple Sophisticate and discuss everyday living in France, the art of brocante collecting, what ingredients make a happy, passionate life and much more.

To my delight she said yes, and after we both had sat down on our respective sides of the pond, making sure to have beside each of us a hot cup of tea, we began discussing the 20 stylish French girlfriends she profiles in her new book  My Stylish French Girlfriends, how to discover and pursue your passion and of course all things French. Tune in to our conversation on iTunes, Stitcher, TSLL App in iTunes or GooglePlay or here on the blog (below).

As promised in the episode, Sharon has shared below a handful of pictures of her everyday life in France. Taking us to summer in Normandy, enjoy stepping into the picturesque countryside of northern France.

Additionally, Sharon is graciously offering to give away a copy of her new book, which was profiled on the podcast last fall here (episode #64). To enter, share a comment below on this blog post along with your email address where we can reach you should you be the lucky winner. Be sure to enter by Sunday April 3rd at noon (PDT). Bon chance!

Petit Plaisir
~Clafoutis aux Poires 

~click here for the entire recipe

~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #96

~BELOW: A glimpse of an everyday in Normandy, France, with author and blogger Sharon Santoni (captions and pictures are her own.

~up early for a country fair~

~taking a photo from a bedroom window~

~Gibson outside the house~

~roses in the summer garden~

~ready for guests in the garden~

~my sitting room at home~

~my desk at home~

~getting the guest cottage ready~

~inside the guest cottage~

~feeding the horses with a view over the valley~

~encouraging the dogs to pose for a picture~

~chatting to a friend at the antiques fair~

 

~at the market~

~a chateau along the valley~

~view over our village~

 

~visit Sharon Santoni’s blog My French Country Home

~pick up her book My Stylish French Girlfriends

~tune into her Video Series here

~view the video from which a clip was shared on the podcast below:

 

~French-Inspired posts and episodes from TSLL blog and The Simple Sophisticate you might enjoy:

~10 Ways to Unearth Your Inner Francophile (podcast, episode #4)

~The Francophile’s Style Guide: The 14 Essentials (podcast, episode #32)

~33 Lessons Learned in Paris

~The 8 Gifts of Mastering the French Mystique

The post Everyday Living in France – My Interview with Sharon Santoni appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.

Simple, Satiating and Absolutely French: Clafoutis aux Poires

Recently, Ina Garten went to Paris and stepped into the kitchen of an American chef who lives in Paris, Daniel Rose. His restaurant, Spring, which became so popular they had to move to a larger space to accommodate the demand, offers a seasonal menu and minimalist decor allowing patrons to truly savor the food which will no doubt satiate your palate. If this dessert is any indication, your palate will indeed be pleased.

This past weekend, I set out to make my own version of Clafoutis aux Poires (pears), and to my surprise, it was one of the simplest desserts I have made equalled only its flavor. Bon appétit!

Clafoutis aux Poires

~serves 4

~20 minutes to make, additional 40-45 to bake

Ingredients:

Seeds from 1 vanilla bean
2 teaspoons sugar, plus 2/3 cup
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour
Pinch salt
3/4 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup whole milk
1 star anise, grated
1 tablespoon pear brandy (optional, but does add a lovely additional layer of flavor. If you don’t have pear brandy, a tablespoon of good brandy will do.)
3 Bartlett pears

Directions:

1.Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Slice down the middle of the vanilla bean, opening it up flat. Scrape the beans out and place in a small bowl with 2 teaspoons of sugar. Mix together. Butter the 9-inch oven-proof skillet and then dust with the vanilla sugar. Set aside.

3. Using an electric mixer with a paddle, beat the eggs, and then reduce the speed to low as you add 2/3 cup sugar, the flour, salt, heavy cream, milk, grated anise and pear brandy. Mix for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth, and then let the batter rest for 10 minutes. To ensure a smooth batter, I ran my batter through a sieve which ensured a consistency. I then removed the remaining anise and sprinkled it through out the batter upon pouring it into the pan after it rested.

4. While the batter is resting, peel, quarter, core and then slice the pears into the size and thickness you prefer. Place them in a single layer at the bottom of the skillet. Pour the batter over the top. Bake until golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes (I could have left mine in five more minutes and brought more browning which would have been absolutely fine.).

5. Serve warm.

 

~See more TSLL Recipes here.

Image via TSLL Instagram

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This & That: No. 202

Book
—Love, Loss & What I Ate: A Memoir by Padma Lakshmi

Known for starring in Bravo’s Top Chef, Padma Lakshmi’s memoir is receiving praise for the raw portrayal of her journey from South India to New York City as a young girl. Sprinkled with recipes as well as personal stories, discover the people who shaped her, supported her and inspired her along the way.

—Pretty Happy: Healthy Ways to Love Your Body by Kate Hudson

Released this past February, actress and fitness clothing spokeswoman’s new book Pretty Happy is similar to that of many female celebrities who have invited us into their lives and offered readers the habits and routines that help them become the healthy, beautiful women we see on-screen. Now mind you, most of us don’t have the aesthetic demands of these women do, nor do we have the budget, but Hudson serves reminders that it is the everyday habits that make a tremendous difference in our overall health. Full of questionnaires as well to help readers assess their body type, stress levels and more, it might just be the book to help jump-start spring.

Film
—My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2

The Portokalos family returns after its blockbuster of a hit in 2002. With Toula’s parents discovering they aren’t officially married, another Greek wedding must take place. Thus My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2. Opening in theaters today, it looks to be a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours.

Food
—Ruby Jewel Ice Cream

Handmade and locally sourced, Ruby Jewel Ice Cream as been churning out delicious flavors and sweet cookie ice cream sandwiches (see the 6 flavors above) since 2004 in North Portland, Oregon. With three locations in Portland to enjoy, as well as being available at many Oregon sweet shops around the state and stretching as far as Colorado and Texas (click here to see the shop closest to you where Ruby Jewel treats are sold), Whole Foods also offers their ice cream sandwiches. With warmer weather coming and more and more consumers seeking out local as well as delicious food, this is the ice cream to add to the list.

Inspiration
—TEDx Bend Tickets Available

The TEDx event here in Bend continues to grow each year (now in its 5th year), and this time, the tickets will be distributed via a lottery. The 2016 event will take place Saturday April 23rd, but tickets are available beginning today. Enter your name beginning at 7am (there is a 24hr window), and if your name is drawn, you will have a ticket for $58. I know I am ecstatic to have such an event taking place in my backyard.

Shopping
—Trademark Shadow Stripe Tunic

Upon reading The Wall Street Journal’s “Off Duty” section this past weekend, I spotted this tunic (see below) on the front page and immediately went to the internet to find it. Well, here it is. Available in three different colors, this self-wrap waist cotton collar-less stripe top is a beautiful capsule item to layer over ankle jeans, trousers or skinny jeans for a casual, yet chic look. Be sure to peruse the entire site, as this rounded hem skirt in navy with polka dots also caught my attention. A wonderful addition for spring paired with a simple white tee or button-up.

—Trademark Drop Pipe Earrings

Cannot help but share one more offering from Trademark. Truly, a site worth shopping for classic, signature items. Sticking with the seasonal trend, but without the flash, these Drop Pipe earrings are simple, yet a statement in their own right.

~see the entire house here. It only gets better.~

~recipe for Grilled Avocado Caprese Crostini~

Spring has certainly sprung, and I am ready to spruce up, clean up and brighten my house, my yard, you name it. While farmer’s markets are a few months away still here in Bend, gazing at the crostini above is making appreciate local food when it’s in season. Speaking of in-season. Why not pick up some asparagus, rhubarb or artichokes? Ah, I am already dreaming of a strawberry rhubarb tart. Yum!

I do hope your week went well. The week began here with a flurry of snow and rain which meant why not start Monday with a quick ski with the boys? A wonderful way to jumpstart the week and all of the blog business I wanted to tend to. Sometimes mixing it up and letting the weather be our guide is a fun adventure as well. I do hope you have a wonderful weekend, and if you are celebrating Easter with family and friends, I hope you have a wonderful occasion. Until Monday, bon week-end!

~7 Timeless Strategies for Finding Your Inner Strength

~35 Things to do for Your Career by 35

~The key to success in business? Click here to find out.

~Successful people and journals, there is a connection.

~How Happy Brains Respond to Negative Things

~13 Valuable Skills You Can Teach Yourself for Free

~5 Common Habits that are Undermining Your Happiness

 

~THIS & THAT posts from the Archives:

~201: Barefoot Contessa, Nora Ephron and more!

~200: Retirement, Opening Belle, drop earrings and much more . . .

~199: Silk navy PJs, SJP, House of Cards, Tina Fey and decor  . . .

Images: WSJ,

The post This & That: No. 202 appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.

Why Not . . . Spend Time with Nature?

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. … There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”

—Rachel Carson, Silent Spring

One of the gifts I was unconsciously a beneficiary of when I was a child was living in the country. For nearly my entire childhood I had twenty acres of creeks, tall sky-ward reaching pines, ponds and wide-open pastures with animals roaming at my fingers tips. Beyond the boundaries of our family’s property stood a mass, one of nature’s grandest edifices – Ruby Peak with her snow-covered top and brilliance looking down upon us each morning. Having the ability to step outside each and everyday was one of the healthiest acts I did each day, but I was ignorant to what I was being gifted.

As many of us do when we begin to grow up and make our way in the world, we are inside a lot: in class, at work. Most of us have to live in quite urban environments where nature is not immediately outside our backdoor. And even if we don’t live in a large city but instead a town in which either the elements do not allow us to be outside or for whatever reason we are not able or encouraged to be outside, the effects begin to gradually take a toll.

Perhaps a toll we don’t even realize, as was the case with me.

One of the common attractions I was truly enamored with in both Paris and London, both expansive, bustling urban centers, was their attention to their outdoor spaces: Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, the Tuileries, Jardin des Luxembourg. A lovely respite I always found when I had the chance to wander through each space often frequently during each of my visits. Perhaps it is the solitude, the quiet and the ever-changing natural beauty that always offers something to gaze at and appreciate, but what I was seeking was ultimately balance. Balance of modern life with real life in many ways. A reminder to myself of what I was pursuing and where I was going and if indeed that was in alignment with what I truly wanted. The time to contemplate, the space to be present with my thoughts without interruption (now don’t get me wrong, I was gleefully delighted when the Parisian firemen ran past me one early morning while I was strolling through the Tuileries) but truly, time with nature provides a separation, a reality check if you will.

And as the image above was captured one Thursday after work, it is the regular “getaway” I have found to be the elixir for a life that begins to burst with more to be appreciative of and a life to adore living. Here are specific benefits we gain when we step outside.

1.Boost Mental Health

Recent studies have proven perhaps what we have already know. A breath of fresh air really can do a great deal for our well-being. Revealed in 2014, a reduction of anxiety, depression and a successful combatant of stress were prevalent in those who stepped outside for a constitutional in nature. And for those who aren’t stressed, yet another study found that being physically active outside thwarts the chances of ever having poor mental health.

2. Revitalize Creativity

Separating ourselves from an industrial or man-made everyday routine has been found to free our mind and unclutter it from the strains that weigh us down when we don’t give it a rest. Helping us be present and resist distraction allows our minds to focus and restart in such a way that we feel refreshed.

3. Improve Perspective

In many ways the workspaces and homes we reside in each day which offer ample technological interaction and influences from media skew our perception of what or how to do things. When we step out into nature we are reminded of the simplicity and patience that is needed for beauty to reveal itself, as well as the ebb and flow of life. As our appreciation is awakened, we are often better able to put our own lives and choices in perspective. (Click here to read about the benefits of a broad perspective.)

4. Age Gracefully

Gardening has been found to help stave off dementia and reduce the chances of stroke. As well, benefits such as stronger bones and fewer aches and pains are more commonly found in those who spend regular time outside. While this might not be a direct causation, the likelihood that those who are outside are being active improves one physicality and overall physical health. But it’s important to note as one study discovered, inflammation within the body decreased in both students and elderly who spent time outdoors thus helping to prevent some form of cancers, autoimmune disorders and other illnesses caused by increased inflammation in the body.

5. Improve Academic Performance

A couple of studies have recently found that students who have regular access to being out in nature perform better on assessments and are more apt to exercise successful critical thinking skills. As well, one study revealed short-term memory was increased as well. Referring back to point #1, if nature is able to calm us down, reduce our stress, it is more likely that anytime we are asked to perform on command to our best abilities we will be in a better state of mind having regular doses of nature which helps us find our sense of tranquility.

6. Improved Physical Health

If you enjoy hiking in which the altitude escalates, your metabolism will be asked to increase naturally. As well, you are using multiple muscles to maintain balance, climb, jump and keep your balance all asking different muscles to work. Not only keeping your body focused but your mind agile as well.

7. Longevity Increases

Combine all of the benefits mentioned above, and the length and overall quality of your life improves.

The technology we love and appreciate that improves the quality of our lives is not something that will subside as we continue into the twenty-first century. But would we want it to necessarily? If examined closely, most likely not. But what is crucial is to understand that without nature we wouldn’t have the technology and the lives we live now. The gifts of nature our immense and to know this is to increase our pleasure quotient. Let me leave you with a few lines from poet Lord Byron’s poem “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage”

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, 

There is a rapture on the lonely shore, 

There is society, where none intrudes, 

By the deep Sea, and music in its roar: 

I love not Man the less, but Nature more.

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~Why Not . . . Take a Walk? (two-part series)

~Why Not . . . Live a Long Happy Life? (three-part series)

~Why Not . . . Treat Your Body Like a Temple?

The post Why Not . . . Spend Time with Nature? appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.

Seeking Your Input – TSLL Notepads

Staying organized is all about making lists. From the lists I have in my TSLL planner for movies I want to see, items I need to add to my capsule wardrobe, or places to visit on my next visit to France, once I add something to my list, I can forget about it and move on to something else that is tickling my curiosities.

Each of our everyday lives needs our full attention, so when I take my Grocery List that I leave pinned to my corkboard in my kitchen, I can trust that what I need is written down. Whether it is a grocery list, a daily to-do list, or a notepad by the computer or phone to have available to take notes, having a notepad that is functional, yet presentable is a nice, simple touch.

And because I have been a user of lists my entire life and cannot live without them at work or at home, I am going to be making available exclusive TSLL illustration lists to you. But first, I want to know what you want.

In four easy questions (see below and scroll down), you will see what I am proposing to make available (a full-color illustration on each list), and you will be able to share with me what you would use and prefer in your everyday life should you too be a person who needs a list to make her life run just little smoother. Responses will be collected through Sunday March 27th. I look forward to hearing from you, and be sure to stay tune for TSLL Notepads.

 

Create your own user feedback survey

 

Thank you very much for sharing your preferences. If you are curious about the illustrations and exactly what they look like, click here.

Image: source

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