Shannon Ables's Blog, page 307
December 18, 2015
This & That: No. 189
Books
—20 Dinners by Ithai Schori and Chris Taylor
Enjoy pulling together dinner parties, large or small? Photographer and Indie rock start Ithai Schori and Chris Taylor (an ex-chef and an avid home cook, respectively), come together with a handful of friends to offer 100 seasonal recipes that will take you from appetizers to dessert all keeping your friends’ tastebuds tantalized.
—The Age of Reinvention by Karine Tuil
Recently released in the states earlier this month, Karine Tuil’s novel The Age of Reinvention earned the prestige of being a finalist for France’s highest literary honor and continues to gain attention. Following the journey of a successful lawyer living the glamorous life in New York City, Sam Tahar appears to have the American dream, but the truth is much different. Having begun his life in Paris, born into a poor Muslim family, his journey leads to the states and culminates with a love triangle that began in France. Suspenseful and perhaps an intriguing read during the holiday vacation, I’ve already put it on my wishlist.
—Fast Forward: How Women Can Achieve Power and Purpose by Melanne Verveer and Kim K. Azzazrelli
If you’re ready to begin 2016 on a positive foot, stepping into your possibilities and closer to your full potential, Fast Forward will provide the inspiration and tools. Learn from 70 leading women from around the globe how to utilize your potential and grow your economic power to not only improve your life but the community at large.
—Mark Bittman’s Kitchen Matrix Cookbook: More Than 700 Simple Recipe and Techniques to Mix and Match for Endless Possibilities
If you’re looking to mix up your weekly menu, but don’t know where to begin, best-selling author Mark Bittman has a book to help you mix it up in the kitchen without getting too complicated. Former writer of The New York Times “Eat” column, Bittman shares flexible recipes paired with simple, concise directions that will change what you create in the kitchen.
Film
—Sisters
Amy and Tina. More of Amy and Tina. Whether they are co-hosting the Golden Globes or tag teaming the Weekend Update desk on SNL, they are immediately missed when they move on to bigger and better career opportunities. Thankfully, they are moving on together this time in Sisters.
With their simpatico comedic performances converging again for their new film Sisters which premieres today nation-wide, Poehler and Fey star as sisters beckoned home by their parents to go through their belongings before their childhood house is sold. Immediately the entertainment commences. Not one typically interested in crass, goof-ball comedies, however, this one I do want to see.
Also, if you are a Tina and Amy fan, tune into to Saturday Night Live this Saturday as the women will be co-hosting.
Shopping
— Me & Em cashmere stripe scarf
Me & Em is a British clothing shop that I thoroughly enjoy checking on regularly. Having purchased their classic Breton top a couple of years ago, the brand was introduced to me when Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge donned this wardrobe staple on her family’s trip to Australia. And the classic stripes continue to be available with a navy/white stripe cashmere scarf.
—Nike Free TR Flyknit Mesh Sneakers (many colors, reduced further – 50%)
Net-a-Porter’s sale continues and the prices continue to fall (as far as $45) for a pair of Nike’s mesh sneakers. There are endless color options, but if you are in the market for a new pair of shoes for the upcoming workout season, now is a great time to buy.
~recipe for Peanut Butter & Pretzel Bars~
With yesterday’s snow day, a tickle of a glimpse of what the holiday ahead will offer was revealed, and I was bundled up in my house (after taking Norman for a white, wet walk) sipping hot chocolate, dreaming up ideas for the new year here on TSLL and staying warm and cozy. While I’d like to think I appeared to look like Gigi Hadid (above), the truth was quite different. Regardless, I am deliriously giddy about my first winter holiday here in Bend. Many people, as they do with friends, colleagues and family members with the holiday approaching, have inquired about my plans, and with an instantaneous smile, “I am staying in Bend!” comes bursting out. A staycation in Bend, Oregon! A dream come true has officially become a reality.
Yes, dreams do come true, and with a few simple additions, offerings and news that will help you enjoy TSLL more easily with your schedule, I cannot wait for January 2016 to arrive. After all, living our own simply luxurious life is living our best life, and my goal each year is to offer you more tips, inspiration and ideas as to how to go about doing that. Bbbbbbuuuuuuuut . . . . it’s not here yet, and none of us wants to rush the festive time of year no matter how we prefer to enjoy it. With only two weekends left in 2015, I wish you a strong and memorable finish to what I hope was a magnificent year. Until Monday, bon weekend!
~A pause to be reminded of the simple things from Zen Habits . . . 31 Perfect Things
~10 Simple Habits That Will Save You Lots of Time and Energy . . . speaking of fine-tuning .
~Simple ways to uncomplicated our lives . . . 20 Reasons Life Gets Way Too Complicated
~Are you a lover of planners? A Bowl Full of Lemons takes readers into her planner and shares how she keeps it all organized. I especially love the Menu Planner idea.
Images: (2 – Gigi Hadid in Vogue UK)
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December 17, 2015
Word of the Week: No. 30
~wearing a custom-made Giles Deacon’s gown for the viewing of Carol at this year’s Cannes Film Festival~
Click below for the pronunciation and the trailer (in theaters now):
http://www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/doyenne.mp3
~WORDS of the WEEK from the Archives:
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December 16, 2015
Decor Inspiration: Sophisticated, Farmhouse Style
To look at the interiors of interior designer Eliza Dyson’s apartment, one might venture to guess she lived anywhere except Manhattan, but that is exactly where she lives, Park Avenue to be precise. A farmhouse style that radiates cozy comfort, yet offers chic sophistication with the artwork many of us can only dream of owning to the bold, yet playful wallpaper and bountiful upholstered sofa and chairs in the living room. Enjoy the tour.
~DECOR INSPIRATION posts from the Archives:
~French-Inspired Bathroom Remodel
All images from House Beautiful December 2015/January 2016
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December 15, 2015
Outfit of the Week: Break the Rules & Saving Money
~Dr. Scholl’s Malinda Coffee boot (black available)~
~Frame Denim Le Skinny de jeanne mid-rise~
~Vanessa Seward ‘Adrienne’ leather shoulder bag~
~Tom Ford ‘Eva’ aviator-style gold-tone sunglasses, silver available (30% off)~
~SHOP THE OUTFIT:
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~OUTFITS OF THE WEEK from the Archives:
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Style Inspiration: Cowl-necks, Scarves & Wool
Winter weather begs for ponderous layers, wool and cashmere wraps and shawls and stylish wool coats that bundle us in warmth. Ideas abound for what to wear, but what to wear and be chic, that takes a closer look. Today’s Style Inspiration post offers a handful of ways to up your style factor. Enjoy!
~STYLE INSPIRATION posts from the Archives:
Images:(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14)
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December 14, 2015
First Date Cheat Sheet
~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #74
The internet is full of dos and don’ts when it comes to first dates. After all, there are so many unknowns because potentially both parties are complete unknowns to each other ratcheting the uncertainty level even higher. And while each first date experience will be different, the one variable you have control of is you.
As I look back on the many different first dates I have had, the one thing I’ve learned is to stop worrying about impressing and start seeing it more as a fact-finding mission. Now, don’t misunderstand, I am not suggesting that the first date be interrogation 101, but the goal is to see if there is any compatibility. Sure you both said yes to the first date, which means there was mutual curiosity, but is there potential for enduring connection? That is the guiding premise.
1. Schedule when you’re available
Any set “rules” should be tossed. Schedule your date for tomorrow, schedule for next week, schedule it for tonight. It doesn’t matter. The key is that you are scheduling it when you are available based on all of your other responsibilities, hobbies and interests. Immediately, your date gets to know what you enjoy doing, what your career demands, etc.
2. Don’t let the physical attraction be the only selling point
Recently, Psychology Today reported that basing our potential partners on how physically attractive they are did not ensure a relationship that would deepen or endure. In fact, once the “cute” factor wore off, the glaring differences and incompatibilities were reason enough to lose interest entirely.
Admittedly, there must be some level of attraction, but the key is to ask yourself, why am I interested in this person? What non-physical qualities do I respect or find attractive? Are they thoughtful, generous, intelligent, humorous, disciplined, determined or any other number of reasons to be interested in them? After all, someone with whom you wish to be in a relationship in must be more than just eye candy.
3. Express appreciation
Finding the right balance between nonchalance and adulation is imperative, but when in doubt, say thank you for opening the door, paying for the meal, opening your car door or any action in which your comfort or enjoyment was taken into consideration.
4. If you want a second date, be honest
Most likely, you will have a vibe to gauge their interest. Perhaps it is based on comments made during your conversation, body language or how the date when (did it end abruptly or go longer than expected?). But before the date concludes, just make it known, “I’d like to do this again”. State it short and sweet, don’t go on and on. At this point, the tennis match of reciprocation has begun and you can gauge how they respond.
It has been my experience as I have been dating in my thirties versus my twenties, that fewer games are played and directness occurs much more often (that is of course if the other person is at least in their thirties). Also, there is no need to wait three days (or whatever the set # of days the “rules” require) to text or call and set up the next date if both parties are interested. Texting the next day to briefly say you had a nice time shows interest and intention no matter when the next date may be.
5. Engage in equal inquiry
While both sexes receive the advice of letting the other party talk while you listen, it is crucial that the sharing be evenly distributed. After all, you’re looking for a partner that wants to be with you because of who you are, what you bring to the table.
6. A trailer, not the entire movie
The gift of a first date is that the slate is clean, no mistakes, no oopses, no gaffs or faux pas. But it also doesn’t mean the person is your trusted confidante. Introduce yourself, don’t expose yourself. Mystery is attractive initially, maintained mystery, keeping up the walls after much time and investment has passed is another story, but initially, aims to offer a glimpse of who you are and what excites you about life.
7. Authenticity invites authenticity
The best way to get to know someone as they truly are is to be yourself. Being vulnerable creates a safe place for the other person to open up as well. Now, not everyone will engage, but on the first date if you want all the compatibility meters to be read clearly and accurately, you must show (what it is you do show) the truth of who you are.
8. Let go of assumptions
Since a first date is typically a few short hours (if that), the conversation may cover a lot of ground without going too deep, or you may just touch on one or two topics and discuss and get to know the person one a single dimension. Due to this, while we should all pay attention to red flags, don’t jump to conclusions that were shown because of assumptions based on other similar scenarios. Give the person a chance to reveal themselves.
After all, there are many stereotypes and ignorant assumptions that are made because the person doesn’t have the experience of knowing someone like you. Your background, your experiences assisted tremendously is helping you to arrive where you are in your life. The person you are on a date with can’t possibly know all of those twists and turns in one date. Therefore, have patience in getting to know them as you would hope they would do with you.
As Steve Martin’s character in It’s Complicated states over his Croque Monsieur with Meryl Streep, “dating is exhausting”. As we are trying to be cognizant of our presentation, trying to be our best selves, trying to be our authentic selves, emotionally putting ourselves out there, each of these elements alone is taxing and demanding, let alone, all of them at once.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Whether the first date leads to a second date and beyond, or even if it leads to a second date that reiterates your concerns from the first and everything ends there after, at least you gave it a shot and broadened your perspective of who lives in this big, amazing world.
Dating allows us to assess ourselves, where we are in our lives, and what kind of a partner we are capable of being, but we mustn’t become too self-critical. Few people will mesh with us if we are being ourselves because the person who does eventually reveal themselves to be compatible will understand our interests, laugh when we laugh, appreciate our trajectory and how we have landed where are are in our lives today. And that won’t be everyone we meet, even if initially we think they might. That is why we go on the first date.
~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
~5 Components of Strong, Healthy Relationships
~10 Simple Ways to Be More Charismatic
~Grown-Ups vs. Adults: 15 Differences
~Petit Plaisir
~Love the Coopers
Images: (1)
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December 11, 2015
This & That: No. 188
Book
~How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease by Michael Gregor and Gene Stone
The new year offers an ideal time to jumpstart a new healthy lifestyle, and with the help of How Not to Die, the key principles to improving the not only the length, but the quality of life will be at your fingertips.
~Mrs. Roosevelt’s Confidante: A Maggie Hope Mystery by Susan Elia MacNeal
Cozy mystery fans, I have found a series for you to devour on the upcoming holiday vacation: Maggie Hope. Beginning with Mr. Churchill’s Secretary, the series has now four books on its list, the most recent having been released in October. Mrs. Roosevelt’s Confidante involves Maggie Hope jumping the pond to in her most recent espionage escape to thwart a scandal that could be disastrous for the White House during the early 1940s. As a New York Times Best-Seller, I have a feeling this mystery will be hard to put down.
Decor
~Styled: Secrets for Arranging Rooms, from Tabletops to Bookshelves by Emily Henderson and Angelin Borsics
Released in October and already a New York Times Best-seller, Emily Henderson and Angelin Borsics pull back the curtains on a simple secret that will make a big difference in every room in your house: how to style a room. Plain and simple, with more than 1000 images to teach you how to style your own home from top to bottom, buy this book for yourself or as a gift for someone you know will devour its easy to follow ideas.
Francophiles
~Subtle French for Fitting In by Comme Une Francaise
Are you wanting to brush up on your French? Géraldine Lepere has returned with a limited time only class just for you! Titled Subtle French for Fitting In. Have a look at her description and all the details below:
From neigbors to shopkeepers, conversational touches that will win their hearts.
It’s a wonderful course about relationships in France.
This is for those who feel like a polite stranger in Paris.
Yes, your French is good enough to get you around.
But you want more.
More depth, more interactions, more appreciation, more joking around.
In this brand new, highly-requested course, you’ll discover all the behind-the-scenes key words,
dynamics and phrases French people use almost unconsciously when they make friends.
We’ll make the journey together.
The course offers 30 multimedia lessons spread over 7 weeks.
As with all the Comme une Française courses, it comes with:
– a lifetime access to the content
– 100% downloadable content
– my 60-day money-back guarantee
It will be open from Tuesday 8th December to the following Monday. One week only.
Shopping
~Eduardo Umaña’s Classic Nato Watch
Watches can often be overlooked as a powerful accessory, but as someone who prefers function paired with style, when I discovered Eduardo Umaña’s time pieces, I wanted to know more. Having had the opportunity wear the Silver Nato & Natural Strap watch, I can attest the quality is superb (see image below).
With the simple clock face, many people, including my students, have inquired about the watch as it is simple, yet bold, sophisticated and a signature as many different metals and leather finishes are available. Made in the United States with ultra scratch resistant ceramic coating and sapphire glass complete with a Swiss movement with 5 year battery life, this a wonderful gift for a loved one who prefers quality, stylish pieces – man or woman.
~Tibi Striped Cashmere Oversized Airy Pullover
Winter means sweaters, and the cold weather beckons for oversized, soft, cashmere sweaters. And since I am more than a fan of stripes, Tibi’s striped oversized sweater caught my eye.
Television
~A Barefoot Contessa Holiday
Set your DVRs! The Barefoot Contessa returns this Sunday on Food Network with her one hour A Barefoot Contessa Holiday. Simple recipes for delicious entertaining. Always offering great inspiration, I will be tuning in and perhaps garnering a new idea or two.
~recipe for Maple Apple Pie~
The snow flurries have been coming fast and furious, and my giddiness has been spontaneous and plentiful. Each time I look out my windows while teaching, my discipline is challenged to not smile and grin much as a small child would. Perhaps this sounds absurd, but I truthfully don’t care and have been luxuriating in the simple new experiences being a newcomer to Bend. Supposedly the snow is supposed to stick this weekend, but either way, I will enjoy it. My first winter here, and already it has exceeded expectations. Much like so much that has preceded in the past five months.
Perhaps allowing ourselves to experience the everyday more like a child would is the key. So much of life as adults can be serious, demanding and grinding to meet expectations, but what if we opened our eyes to those little things that when we experienced for the first time made us pause and look around with wonder? At least for me, it has given the opportunity to appreciate and enjoy the present more than I have for quite some time.
I do hope your holidays are going well and the weekend has plans for you to enjoy a bit of festive activities and celebration. Below are a few articles you might enjoy, but I especially encourage you to watch the video below. I have a no doubt it will entice you all the more to embrace the holiday season. Until Monday, bon weekend!
~10 Simple habits That Will Save You Lots of Time and Energy
~How to Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
~Relinquishing Control of Others: 5 Ways It Serves You
~10 Stunning Dishes That Will Change the Way You Look at Breakfast care of Vogue. The boiled egg and soldiers is taking me back to my time in France.
Images: (2)
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December 10, 2015
Decor Inspiration: A Worthy Investment
A Nashville home that blends function with style, neutrals with personality and ample outdoor light. Interior designer Benjamin Vandiver designed rooms that allow fewer decor accessories to be necessary and rather relied upon the house’s bones to speak for themselves. From the expansive, yet subtly feminine walk in closet, to the open shelves in the kitchen as well as the creative shelf for the firewood. Enjoy the tour and discover how less truly can be more if one invests in quality bones.
~DECOR INSPIRATION posts from the Archives:
Images via MyDomaine
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December 9, 2015
Word of the Week: No. 29
~A Very Murray Christmas premiered on Netflix December 4th. View the trailer below.~
~Click for pronunciation below:
http://www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/leitmotif.mp3
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December 8, 2015
Outfit of the Week: Festive Details
~Ted Baker London Erkin Snake-Embossed Sheath Dress (midi length)~
~Stuart Weitzman nude d’orsay sandal (2.5 inch heel)~
~Malene Birger Fulana belted wool-mohair blend coat~
~J.Crew bright crystal stud earrings~
~Oscar de la Renta gold-plated cuff~
~SHOP THE OUTFIT:
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