Shannon Ables's Blog, page 302

This & That: No. 195

Books
~Happiness: A Philosopher’s Guide by Frederic Lenoir

Europe has already discovered Frederic Lenoir’s book that dives deep into the concept of happiness and reveals that yes, indeed, happiness is possible. Finally, this past year, Happiness: A Philosopher’s Guide became available in the U.S. Contemplating the teachings from the ancients Greeks along with “Aristotle, Plato, and Chuang Tzu to the Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad; from Voltaire, Spinoza, and Schopenhauer to Kant, Freud, and modern neuroscientists”, the question What is happiness and how do we achieve it? is answered and answered thoroughly. I cannot wait to get my hands on this book.

~French Toast: An American in Paris Celebrating the Maddening Mysteries of the French by Harriet Welty Rochefort

An oldie, but a goodie. In 2010 Harriet Rochefort shared her experience of having lived in France for more than twenty years after having moved from Iowa. Sharing her thoughts on love, money, manners, schools and style, I have a feeling it will be a playful read indeed.

Kitchen
~Anthropologie Ceramic-Coated Cookware (white)

Made in Italy, this five piece ceramic-coated cookware set looks as beautiful as it is affordable. If you are looking for white cookware, which is hard to find at times when looking for quality, take a good look at Liquida Collection’s line at Anthropologie. It may just fit the budget and your taste.

Music
~Charles Lloyd & The Marvels: I Long to See You

Always looking for more jazz to add to my collection, I read a review in The Wall Street Journal recently about saxophonist Charles Lloyd’s latest album, I Long to See You, and wanted to check it out. After listening to the album here, I discovered it was just what I was looking for. At 77, Lloyd blends classic with playful, and mastery with modernity.

Shopping
~Rag & Bone Twill Jacket (navy)

Ideal for layering, and a classic color to pair with just about anything in your closet, Rag & Bone’s twill belted jacket is available in all sizes at the moment and at a reasonable price. I am looking it as an addition to my spring capsule wardrobe as it looks perfect for casual Fridays over a pair of jeans, dressed up with heels and a simple camisole.

~Longchamp ‘Le Pliage Cuir’ Continental Wallet

The one item I am in the market for currently is a quality leather wallet. And while I have my eyes on a few designs, and have yet to make my mind up, I came across Longchamp’s Le Pliage Cuir (the folding leather) and quickly put it on my wishlist. A simple black wallet (other colors available), perfect in size and in structure.

~recipe for French Onion Soup~

Welcome to the weekend! Welcome to Friday! Welcome to another day to get it right. This week on the blog has been full of a couple of anticipated announcements. For TSLL readers who have an Android phone and have been patiently waiting for TSLL App to become available, it now can be downloaded for free here (for iPhone users, the app is available here).

You may be wondering, what is the benefit of having the app? Having everything simply luxurious all in one place: the latest blog posts, podcasts (complete audio just as you would have in the Podcast App), the latest IG posts, Twitter feed and more (you can buy the book right from the app). With the tap of your finger, stay up-to-date on all things going on without having to visit your internet browser.

Also, readers have requested them, and now they are available: Week-at-Glance planner templates for TSLL Planner pages! With two different options, have a look here to see what they entail. For only $2, you can streamline your week along with your weekly menu and grocery shopping.

And with that, let me leave you with a handful of articles you might enjoy. Thank you for stopping by and until Sunday, bon week-end!

~Keep 2016 rolling strong into the second month . . . 60 Must-Read Health, Fitness and Happiness blogs

~10 Things Science and Buddhism Says will Definitely Make You Happy

~Looking to make your smartphone work better for you in the new year? Check out the 9 Best Productivity Apps for iPhone

~Learning the French language? Perhaps you’ve experienced these 12 Reactions that French Learners Can Totally Relate To.

~And speaking of France, The Ultimate Parisian Guide to Paris

 

Images: (2)

 

The post This & That: No. 195 appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.

Thoughts from the Editor: Paris Spring Couture & Introverted Teachers

Well, evidentially the groundhog did not see his shadow on Tuesday, which means that supposedly spring will be here in two weeks? I am not sure if this tradition persists around the globe, but here in the United States, it is as inaccurate as it is popular. With that said, I hope he’s wrong this year because winter has quickly become one of my favorite seasons.

Yes, you read that right. Winter, the cold, snowy, frigid winter has become quite enjoyable.

Why, you may be wondering? Well, my gratitude for having a warm home to return to each time I decide to venture out in the snow on Mount Bachelor is conducive to my affection. On top of that, I feel beyond fortunate to live fifteen minutes from my favorite cross-country skiing destination. I still cannot believe this reality as well. It is on frequent occasions that I will return home from school in the afternoon, change my clothes, plop the dogs in the car and away we go up the mountain. In less than fourteen miles, we are out of the car, skis on feet and slipping through the white wilderness (see below).

I share this for a multitude of reasons, but one of the reasons was prompted by a recent article shared on The Atlantic website, “Teacher Burnout Is More likely Among Introverts“. Upon reading it with curious fascination, I found myself nodding perpetually as each paragraph was devoured. I encourage any introvert, whether a teacher or not, or any teacher or administrator, whether you are an introvert or not, to read the article. If nothing else to understand the different needs of professionals in a field that I would argue few people go into if they are not passionate about the subject they teach and the audience they have the privilege to be in front of each day of the school year.

Now you may be wondering, where do the two topics just discussed – skiing and the article – come together?  Good question, but truly, for me they have everything in common.

As an introvert, but someone who adores the students and subject I get to teach, I find myself exhausted at the end of each day and by Friday, forget it. I would prefer staying in unless I have company who prefers a small, more intimate gathering. But the beauty of what Bend has to offer, and any place can offer this depending upon what restores you, relaxes you and soothes your being, is the opportunity to decompress.

When I step out into nature with my dogs and let go of time, I am recharged. Don’t get me wrong, I may be physically drained when I finish my loops, but I am jazzed again. I am refueled. I treasure this time alone in the woods, soaking in the magnificence of Mother Nature. It is my elixir. It is my escape. And it makes me a better teacher. I need the outlet. And as the article points out, introverts need to be protective of their energy source if they want to continue to do the job they love.

This is not to say that extraverts don’t get drained as well, but it is different, and the key is to understand what we need and to regularly cultivate an everyday life that helps us be at our best at work, as well as provide a fulfilling life away from work as well.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts once you read the article.

Now for something a little lighter, Paris Spring Haute Couture.

Some beautiful garments strolled down the Parisian runways late last month, and I cannot help but share my favorites. Below are just a handful, but you can click here to see all of my picks. I was especially drawn to Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel collection, and while I am always impressed, this particular collection has jumped to the top of my list when it comes to Coco Chanel’s eponymous label. And I wouldn’t be surprised if one or two of these dresses is donned by an Oscar nominee come February 28th.

     

~Chanel Spring Couture, six above images~

~Alberta Ferretti~ 

~Armani Privé~

~Christian Dior~

~Atelier Versace~

~actress Brie Larsen in Versace’s powder-blue couture gown for the 2016 SAG awards, winning Best Actress~

Images (1) (3)

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Decor Inspiration: Maida For Your Next Visit to London

When I have traveled abroad to London or France, I have opted to stay in apartments rather than hotels, and my choice has yet to disappoint. If you are planning a trip to London in the future, a neighborhood I highly recommend finding an flat to call your temporary home is Maida Vale. During my trip in 2012 (here too), Maida Vale was my home away from home for an entire week, and if I had the immense funds, I would have easily called it home. OneFineStay’s Randolph Garden’s flat profiled in today’s Decor Inspiration looks to be a sanctuary that would encourage cozy recharging time as well as proximity to what makes London spectacular: walkable neighborhoods offering historic pubs, eats and a peace of mind as well as access to the Metro to get you downtown in a hurry. Enjoy the tour, and if you’re interested in more pics and information about how to rent your next vacation rental from OneFineStay, click here.

Oh, and The Warrington pub pictured below is one of the popular haunts that I had the opportunity to visit a few times. Fond memories of watching the Olympics with the locals and enjoying a warm pint. I highly recommend you visit. (See my entire list of places to visit in London here in TSLL City Guides.)

 

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Word of the Week: No. 36

~Click below for pronunciation: ~WORDS of the WEEK from the Archives: ~No. 35: fait accompli ~No. 34: avuncular ~No. 19: penchant   Image: source

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Outfit of the Week: Nautical Navy Attire

~Iris & Ink Joanna belted crepe gilet (navy)~ ~Julia Chance Signature boatneck cotton tee in blue/red stripe (other colors available)~ ~J.Brand ‘Vida’ Super High Skinny~ ~Jessica Simpson Claudette d’orsay pumps~ ~Madewell Lafayette Bucket bag~ ~Coach Page Bangle watch (other finishes available)~ ~SHOP THE OUTFIT:

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Style Inspiration: Dapper Outerwear

Warm wool coats, an abundance of scarves, a fashion-forward hat or simply a stocking cap to capture all possible heat against the body, whatever is/are your outerwear item(s) of choice, have fun, mix it up and stay nice and toasty.   Images: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

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Why Not . . . Trust the Timing of Your Life?

—The Simple Sophisticate, episode #85 Many times here on the blog I have compared the struggle a butterfly must traverse through to the journey we embark on when we seek the life of our dreams.(See...



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TSLL Weekly Planner Pages Now Available!

You requested and as promised, it is the last day of January and week-at-glance pages are now available! For only $2, you will have two options for your weekly planning (see above). Select the Blank...



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Au Courant: January 31, 2016

~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #84 International The Atlantic magazine reported on Thursday that Mattel’s new barbies will be available in different sizes and different skin tones in...



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This & That: No. 194

Book ~Elegant Entrepreneur: The Female Founders’ Guide to Starting & Growing Your First Company by Danielle Tate Maybe you already run your own business, or perhaps you have dreams of...



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