Shannon Ables's Blog, page 306

TSLL Planner: Building a Simply Luxurious 2016!

“When you establish a destination by defining what you want, then take physical action by making choices that move you towards that destination, the possibility for success is limitless and arrival at the destination is inevitable.” ― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

Well, TSLL readers, 2016 has officially begun and as I wake up on the new year that is 2016, I have a handful of resolutions, as I imagine many of you do as well. But unless we put a plan in place to attain the resolutions we seek, we deny them the opportunity to materialize.

What will your desired destination be? Okay.Now what actions will move you ever closer towards that destination? Success is yours if you put in place a plan. It may be slow, but if you strive forward in the direction towards your destination, you will eventually arrive.

I have long been a planner, a visual observer, someone who sincerely derives great satisfaction from writing my goals down, breaking them into small steps and regularly checking in to determine my progress. The feeling of placing a signifying  “check” through a small step that has been achieved is priceless.

And as my direction and a clear understanding of what and where I want my life to go and how I have come to understand is the best way to travel, I have begun to be quite selective with what I need from my daily and monthly planning system.

As the idea of creating a custom planning system for myself has been dancing around in my mind, I began this past year to receive emails from readers requesting a simply luxurious life planner which included TSLL well-known illustrations by Inslee and was in alignment with the simply luxurious life mission statement.

Initially, I was going to create a hold-in-your-hand planner, but then I recognized that daily planning pages would not be able to be included. I NEED daily planning pages. They are my lifeline to visualizing the day ahead and ensuring at the end of the day that I have accomplished what I need to inch ever closer to my goals.

Many of you may already know that a long list of bloggers offer their own templates for their readers to print out, but again, none of them offered precisely what I knew I needed to successfully live my life. So I went to work.

I complied a list of all options available when it came to planner pages, and then I made a list of what was needed how to synchronize the postings on the blog and podcast and premise of living simply luxuriously to create an entirely unique, yet simplified planning system. In other words, I wanted to create a planner that was top quality and eliminated the unnecessary. And thus, TSLL Planner templates were created.

How to Use TSLL Planner PDF Templates:

Purchases can only be made on desktops (not tablets or smart phones)
Designed for personal use only.
Each printable page is designed to be 8.5″ x 11″

each printable page includes 2 planner pages


Designed to fit into a Classic Franklin binder , but any style of binder will work (you may resize as well prior to printing)

Future sizes will be made available. Please do email me or comment below to let me know which size you prefer.


Decide and purchase what you need (an all inclusive planner or a complete planner, goals pages, monthly calendar, etc)
Click on “Add to Cart” and keep shopping as necessary.
Click on Check-Out when complete.
Upon completion of purchase, you will receive an email with all of the downloads, save them to your computer so you can print them as often as you need.
Only 3 downloads of each link will be available, otherwise you will need to purchase the item again (by saving the downloads, you avoid this).
Print on a color-printer that prints on both sides of the paper (FedEx/Kinkos and Office Depot will do this for you if you need it).
Make copies as necessary

Cut each paper in half
Hole-punch where necessary to fit with your binder
Cut off a small triangle (dog-ear) at the top and bottom of the inside corner for easy turning of the pages


Voilá! You now have a brand new streamlined planner to help you achieve your goals, cultivate a stylish, timeless, chic wardrobe, and cultivate a productive and healthy everyday that will enable you to live a refined life on an everyday income.

Below I will share in detail what is available and prices for each item, along with images. Don’t need more details? Click here to begin shopping and create your very own TSLL Planner.

~My personal TSLL planner templates in my Franklin Classic binder.~

What’s available:


Daily Planning pages

(5.5″ x 8.5″) – two per printable sheet ($2 each)

customize which of the twelve TSLL illustrations you would prefer (see images below)

Stylist Office
Travel
Francophile
Cooking
Dog Walker
Umbrella Couple
Oscar de la Renta dress
Lady in White
Sanctuary
Cover Girl
Fashion Week
Bubble Bath

Each daily planning page includes:

French blue oval for the day, date and month
T0-Do List (six lines), with coordinating “check” completion system
Health/Fitness checklist

Water (each box equals 16 oz)

Per the recommended 8 glasses of 8 oz a day, check off throughout the day to help you to remain hydrated. Why? It hydrates your body, flushes out toxins, helps skin and hair look radiant, controls body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure and keeps your hunger in check. Often we are merely dehydrated, not hungry. What counts? Tea, coffee and some fruit (did you know that watermelon is 90% water?) Learn more here.


Aerobic (20 minutes or more of increased heart rate to fat-burning levels), 2-5 days a week
Strength (2-3 days/wk of strengthening exercises)
Flexibility (5 minutes every morning or 1-3 times a week)
Mindfulness (daily: meditation, a restorative walk or check this post out)


Daily Schedule
Notes section:

Expense tracker (business and/or personal)
Simple Luxury

Enjoy at least one simple luxury every day. This space could also be used to keep track of what you are grateful for each day.

(Sample below): Daily Page planner with Oscar de la Renta dress illustration

All Inclusive Planner Package ($25)

All 12 different daily planning pages illustrations (see above)
Cover Page

Personal & Business Contact information

physical address
email address
phone number


3 blank lined pages designated for Quotes to be Inspired By

All Inclusive Planner Package continues

Monthly Calendar (2-page layout)includes Monthly Cover pages

Monthly To-Dos (both personal & business)
Blank lined pages for Ideas/Notes/Dreams

All Inclusive Planner Package continues below

Goals Template (long terms goals & short term progress)
Capsule Wardrobe Planner (spring/summer & fall/winter)
Lists pages

2 pages of Places to Visit
2 pages of Books to Read, Movies to Watch, Podcasts to Listen To, Music to Download & Plays to See

All Inclusive Day Planner (one illustration for day planning pages) ($5)

Select which illustration for your day planning pages

You may add additional illustrations for day planning pages for $2 each


Cover Pages (as seen above)
Monthly Calendar, 2 pages

Monthly To-Dos (personal & business)
Ideas/Notes/Dreams page


Goals Planner (long term goals & short term progress)
Capsule Wardrobe Planner (spring/summer & fall/winter)
Lists pages (same as above)

 

Goals Planner $1


Lists Pages – $2


Capsule Wardrobe Planner – $1


Monthly Calendar – $2


Click here to begin shopping!

~I am always looking to add or tweak TSLL Planner templates. Please do share how the planner would best suit your life, keeping in mind that the planner offerings will always align with living simply luxuriously. Thank you for your interest and may your new year be the most success you’ve had yet.

Image: (1)

 

The post TSLL Planner: Building a Simply Luxurious 2016! appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.

2015 Top Thoughts from the Editor

One post that began late 2014 that has quickly become one of my favorites to write is the Thoughts from the Editor. Appearing sporadically on either Wednesday or Thursday, the post has become a way to share with you my thoughts at any given time on any given subject.

Many readers wish I would share more of my life on the blog, but most importantly, TSLL is about how to inspire readers to live their own simply luxurious life. I don’t pretend to assume the way I live will be the best solution for everyone; therefore, I strive to offer insights inspired from readings, research and other experts and only include my experience as appropriate.

However, I do understand the curiosity, and therefore, Instagram has become the best way to see how I do live my own simply luxurious life should readers and listeners be curious. Similarly, the Thoughts from the Editor also offers me a place to discuss any number of things that may be of interest to me at the given moment. From morning rituals to SJP’s birthday and Style Inspiration to my announcement of moving to Bend, it has become a post that readers engage and share and get to know one another a little bit more.

As 2016 begins look for more of these posts to keep you in touch with how life in general is going and see a glimpse into my life. Below are the Top 10 Thoughts from the Editor posts from the past year, but you can see them all here.

~A New You Awaits! 

 

~Settling In

 

~Cafe Time = Me Time

 

~Letting Go of Stuff

 

~A Weekly Routine to Love: My Weekly Market Visit

 

~Morning Rituals

 

~I Am A Searcher

 

~23 Lessons Learned in NYC & New Canaan

 

~Bend, Sweet Bend

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Top Style Inspiration Posts – 2015

Tuesday’s Style Inspiration post continues to be a favorite destination for readers as they begin their day, look for ideas with clothing already in their closet and gain inspiration for new ways to amp up their authentic signature style.

Today I’ve gathered up the top eight Style Inspiration posts from this past year putting them in reverse chronological order of popularity based on how often they were shared on social media and page views. Simply click on the corresponding link or image to be taken to the complete post full of images focused on the particular theme for that week.

Is your time limited or do you find yourself primarily using your smart phone or tablet to view your favorite blogs or search for style inspiration? Be sure to download TSLL App for free. The Android version of the app has been approved by Google and will be available soon, so be sure to stay tuned. Already available for iPhones, it has been upgraded to simplify the viewing process, comment, share and save. Each blog post, Instagram image, podcast episode (you can listen to the entire show each week directly from the app) and TSLL tweets are available within the app itself.

Have a look at this year’s top Style Inspiration posts and be sure to check out 2014 and 2013’s annual list at the end of the post.

May 12th –  The Classic White Shirt

April 7th –   Simply White

 

June 9th – Impressive Summer Style

 

March 31st – Black & Stripes

 

January 20th – The Height of Denim

 

January 13th – Luxe & Comfort

September 8th A Preview of Fall

 

August 11th – Style at a Certain Age

~Top STYLE INSPIRATION posts from years past:

~2014~

~2013~

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Top 10 Episodes of The Simple Sophisticate

On September 8, 2014, The Simple Sophisticate podcast was launched, and since then has continued to evolve and broaden its audience and be downloaded more than 600,000 times. From the beginning, each Monday morning a new episode becomes available to listeners and continuing on Sunday January 3rd, the Au Courant Weekly will return and be available each Sunday morning as well. Two new episodes each week.

The journey of podcasting has been quite fascinating and enjoyable, and in many ways ignorance was the best gift. As I jumped in head-first, mistakes were made, adjustments have been tended to and I am certain there are more to come in the future. Since 2014 a better microphone and system have been purchased (the first episode with the new equipment can be heard here and you can see my office/studio below), and I continue to try to improve my presentation as I tend to repeat phrases for emphasis and speak too closely to the microphone (thank you for your patience). However, it has been a fascinating journey, and I am tickled that listeners, returning and new, continue to find the podcast inspiring, helpful and insightful. Ranking as high as #5 on iTunes Self-Help list when it debuted in 2014, it continues to rank very well each week.

I want to thank all of you who upon tuning in enjoyed the podcast and took the time to write a review on iTunes. The reviews make a tremendous difference in rankings and whether new listeners decide to tune in. I know I am bias, but TSLL readers and listeners continue to be the some of the most loyal and involved audiences, which mean a lot as I know you have busy and fulfilling lives of your own. I want to make sure you know how appreciative I am for your continued support and interest. The taking of your time means the world.

As mentioned on the last episode of 2015 (7 Reasons 2016 Will Be a Wonderful Year), this is the only week of the year (each year) that TSLL blog (top blog posts lists of 2015 will be shared this week) and podcast takes a holiday. However, I want to leave you with a requested list by many of listeners of the Top 10 Episodes of All-Time on The Simple Sophisticate.

It did not go unnoticed that within the top 10 episodes, “Style” and “French-Themed” posts were quite popular, and I will take this observation with me into 2016 as I begin planning episodes for the new year. However, there were six episodes that were downloaded significantly more than the remaining episodes that while not reaching the top 10 deserve to be shared. I list them here first in the Honorable Mention category following (in reverse order) by the Top 10 Episodes of The Simple Sophisticate. Simply click on the link or image to be taken to the show notes where you will be able to listen, read or download as you welcome 2016. Thank you for tuning in! Tune in Sunday January 3rd for the first new episode of the new year!

~Honorable Mention~

11.  Authenticity: The Courage to Be Yourself

12.  17 Habits to Become More  Charismatic

13. 6 Ways to Live Fully Each Day

14.  A Modern Woman’s Lifestyle Grocery List

15. 8 Ways to Become the CEO of Your Own Life

16. The Importance of Selecting the Best Reality

TOP 10 Episodes

 

10.  7 Components of Building a Signature Style

 

9.  The Francophile’s Style Guide: The 14 Essentials

 

8.  How to Unearth Your Inner Francophile

 

7. How to Create a Chic Sanctuary

 

6.  The French Way: How to Create a Luxurious Everyday Life

 

5. Love Food, Love Your Body: 10 Simple Tips

 

4.  Confidence: How to Gain It & Why It’s Invaluable

 

3. 10 Essential Wardrobe Items

 

2. 6 Steps for Mastering Your Money

 

1. The 8 Pillars of Building a Simply Luxurious Life 

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TSLL Celebrates 6 Years & A Look Back at 2015

Each year on December 26th I remember back to that first day I decided to blog, to begin the journey that has become The Simply Luxurious Life. Each year offers adventures, opportunities and growth in ways I could never have predicted, and this past year, 2015, has followed suit exceedingly so.

Today, TSLL celebrates its sixth year. And so today, like every day and especially each year on December 26th, I count my blessings. Thank you for stopping by. Thank you for desiring to live your best life and thank you for having the courage to get to know yourself and strive forward on your own path. I am doing the same thing right along with you and you are doing an amazing job.

In today’s anniversary post I wanted to reflect back on the past year via Instagram pics. It has been a momentous, life-changing year. One that I won’t soon forget and one that was not possible without your support and readership. Beginning in January of 2015 and commencing just a few days ago, 2015, you are going to be hard to beat.

~Spending the end of 2014 and beginning 2015 at the Oregon coast with my boys~

 

~readers continued to share their pics of TSLL book on Instagram. Click here to see all of the Flipagram posts full of readers and how they enjoyed the book. Thank you for sharing! #mysimplyluxuriouslife~

~Currently reading posts on Instagram were shared in abundance and will continue into the new year. The curiosity never ends!~

~The first book signing takes place in March, and I felt fortunate to have it held at my childhood bookstore in Enterprise, Oregon. Click here to see how everything went.~

~TSLL Book Tour took me to New Orleans in April. Captured here, a home in the Garden District. See the entire post about the trip here.~

~And then the life-changing news came: TSLL is moving to Bend, Oregon~ 

~A bitter sweet goodbye~

 

~TSLL Book Tour took me to New York City in June. Click here to discover all the life lessons learned.~

 

~New Canaan, Connecticut, Elm Street Books kindly hosted the book signing where I met even more amazing women who have stopped by the blog and picked up the book. Thank you for our time and conversation.~

 

~Summer began and a new way of working out and spending time with my boys was introduced. Seen here on Wallowa Lake, Oregon, with Norman.~

 

~The house that was my home for more than nine years officially was sold.~

 

~And as life moves forward, so must we. The move to Bend takes place and progresses more smoothly than I could have imagined. Even the bouquet of flowers from a student made the journey.~

 

~Recipes and TSLL recipes were regularly shared and enjoyed.~

 

~Before the school year began, one more trip to the Oregon Coast. This time Gearhart.~

~And then life changed in more amazing ways than I can explain. The seasons changed from brilliant summer, to golden fall to the winter wonderland I haven’t experienced since childhood.  All the while, alongside me were my boys, Oscar and Norman. Follow the hashtag #tsllbend to see the many experiences, places and moments captured so far as my life begins in Bend, Oregon.~

Au revoir 2015. You have been more than kind and generous. Looking forward with anticipation for what will be for us all an auspicious start to 2016.

~Anniversary Posts from the Archives:

~TSLL Celebrates 5 Years~

~In Celebration . . . Two Years~

~Something to Celebrate (1 year)~

 

Images: (1)

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This & That: No. 190

Book
~First Bite: How We Learn to Eat by Bee Wilson

Released on December 1st, First Bite has already risen to Best Seller status. Divulging the psychology behind food and what we eat and why, Bee Wilson organizes the book around two primary questions: What sets up good eating patterns in young people and How can bad eating patterns be changed in older people? Perhaps the ideal book to kick off 2016 as we resolve to establish healthier eating habits.

Film
~ 45 Years

Charlotte Rampling’s character narrates Andrew Haigh’s directed film 45 years, starring along Tom Courtenay which begins with the planning the couple’s 45th wedding anniversary. Set in the countryside of England, unexpectedly, Geoff Mercer (Courteney) receives a letter revealing the body of his first love has been discovered, frozen in a glacier in the Swiss Alps. Old wounds are opened up as the couple navigates their true feelings and the life they have built together. Premiering at the Berlin Film Festival to great acclaim, critics are raving about this film, and I look forward to watching it as well as it debuted in the states on December 23rd.

~Concussion

Hype and concern has been building for more than a few years around the effects of football on the human brain, and while offered in a superb dramatic format, Concussion, the truth behind the film’s message is powerful. Starring Will Smith as American immigrant Dr. Bennet Omalu, the film depicts the true story of his discovery of CTE, a football related brain trauma. Up against the NFL who would rather he not reveal the truth, it will be interesting to see how it will be received.

~Joy

The talented trio returns for yet another film. Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DeNiro and Bradley Cooper star in the biographical dramedy inspired by the true story of entrepreneur Joy Mangano who created the Miracle Mop and founded Ingenious Designs. As a single mother of two, Joy spans four generation to follow the rags to riches story of Mangano. And with Lawrence at the helm, it may just be worth seeing this Christmas evening.

Television
~Downton Abbey, season 6 premiere

The UK has now seen the final season of Downton Abbey, but the states are still patiently waiting for it all to begin. Premiereing on Sunday January 3rd on Masterpiece PBS, the cast returns for its final curtain call. Be sure to tune in and take a look at the trailer below.

~ Sherlock Holmes: The Abominable Bride

I am beyond ecstatic about the news of a brand new Sherlock Holmes episode! For the first time theUK and US (PBS) will be premiering the episode on the same day – January 1st. The 90 minute show starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman returns in a one episode teaser of their upcoming fourth season which is scheduled to begin taping this spring. And if you miss it, you can perhaps see it in your hometown theater thanks to Fathom Events.  The two-night special screening engagement premiering Tuesday, Jan. 5th, and an encore on Wednesday, Jan. 6th at 7:30pm local time will be available in 500 theaters across the US.  Tickets can be purchased online at Fathom Events.

Welcome to Christmas. If you are celebrating the holiday or if you are merely enjoying an enchanting time with those you love or maybe you’re like myself and enjoying a much quieter, but exceedingly special and absolutely lovely December 25th, I hope you are having a lovely day.

In Bend, we are waking up to snow on the ground which has been dazzling residents here for more than two weeks now. (Okay, maybe I am the only one dazzled and feeling though I have moved to a fantasy world, but needless to say, it is idyllic.) Yesterday, the boys and I went walking on a new trail that offered more than two feet of snow (see below) and I must say, it felt like an actual winter wonderland.

As for this Christmas morning, it will begin with ease and leisure, remaining in pajamas, pouring a hot cup of tea and waiting for my favorite croissants from The Sparrow Bakery to pop out of the oven as they offered frozen bags of croissants on Christmas Eve to be enjoyed the next morning. Some decadent bacon and creamy eggs will soon be devoured, but then, I am stepping outside to do something I have not done in years and absolutely cannot wait to partake in, especially now that I live in Bend: cross-country skiing (aka nordic skiing, classic skiing or touring). The skis are rented, the attire is waiting to be donned and the temperature and conditions are supposed to be ideal.

With a grand seafood dinner and citrus inspired dessert devoured the evening before, the skiing will be welcomed. However, indulging in the leftovers after the outdoors excursion will be a worthwhile treat to return home to as well.

Needless to say, new holiday traditions have officially begun, and while it took some time to establish and determine, my appreciation knows no limits at this very moment. Wishing you a lovely day and many special moments. Happy holidays from TSLL!

And since this will be the last This & That of 2015 (a new post will return on Friday January 8th), a few big announcements were made on Monday that I want to make sure you know about: TSLL Planner Templates will be available on Friday January 1st (see more here, here and here), Au Courant Weekly returns on its new day each Sunday morning beginning January 3rd to keep you up-to-date and in-the-know in fewer than 15 minutes, and the Top Posts and Podcast Episodes will be shared all next week here on the blog for this past year. It’s been an amazing, pinch-me year, and it could not have been possible without you, TSLL readers. Thank you for your time, your interest and your passion for living simply luxuriously. Until 2016, joyeux Noël.

~100 Tips to Help You Live an Amazing Life

~15 Netflix films to Watch After Unwrapping the Presents

~10 Things Therapists Wish Everyone Would Do

~20 Things You Can Do Everyday to Live a Joyful Life

~Yoga & the New Year: How to Create Lasting Change

~Best Prosecco to Drink This New Year’s Eve

Images: (2) (3)

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Decor Inspiration: A Minimalist Sanctuary

Modern architecture need not be cold and unwelcoming. With the pairing of the right textures (see marble and the tufted velvet upholstered chair above), minimalism can exist as well as clean lines creating a space to relax and rejuvenate. From the singular bold patterns in the living room to original pieces of art, each in its own room, the key is selecting a quality statement piece, paired with subtle, yet stunning coordinating pieces of furniture and the eye will approve.

             

     

~DECOR INSPIRATION posts from the Archives:

~Bold, Yet Simple

~22 Tips For Creating a Grown-up’s Living Space

~A Worthy Investment

Images via photographer Eric Staudenmaier

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Word of the Week: No. 31

~Read the article here, “The Rise and Rise of Misty Copeland”

~Click below for pronunciation:

http://www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/annusmirabilis.mp3

~WORDS OF THE WEEK from the Archives:

~No. 30: doyenne

~No. 29: leitmotif

~No. 15: modicum

Image: source

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Outfit of the Week: Wild Attire

~Marissa Webb Arthur Jacket~

~J.Brand mid-rise rail jeans~

~Jimmy Choo Darylin leopard print pump (other colors available)~

~J.Crew New Uptown Tote, use promo code GIFTNOW to save 40% (other colors available)~

~SHOP THE OUTFIT:

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

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Style Inspiration: Leather, Wool & Warmth

When it comes to dressing for a touch of chill in the air, wool is a must, but why not leather as well? Whether you don a bomber leather jacket, a leather dress or leather boots, the contrast of textures is superb, and you, most importantly, stay warm. Another idea for adding a touch of leather is to invest in a quality pair of leather driving gloves. As included in this year’s TSLL Gift Guide, I’ve had my eye on a pair from Fitzgerald Morrell as they offer endless color options and linings.

Regardless of how much of which you select, wool and leather will always pair well. Enjoy this week’s Style Inspiration!

~STYLE INSPIRATION posts from the Archives:

~Winter White, Camel & Casual

~Outerwear & Paris

~Black & Options

 

Images: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)

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