Shannon Ables's Blog, page 308
December 8, 2015
Style Inspiration: A Little or A Lot of Bare
Whether you sanctuary and life is located in a balmy or frigid destination, today’s Style Inspiration has a few idea to offer style and ease. From peek-a-boo ankle booties to pompom topped snowcaps, creative style ideas abound.
~STYLE INSPIRATION posts from the Archives:
Images: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)
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December 7, 2015
A Lesson from Ernest Hemingway
~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #73
Following the Paris attacks last month, bookstores throughout Paris as well as online came to quickly have a low supply of Ernest Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast (many sold out temporarily). A memoir published posthumously in 1964, Hemingway offers readers a feast indeed for the senses and reminds us of the magic that is seemingly ubiquitous, yet so difficult to explain. To see and discover Paris through the eyes of the young, struggling writer during the 1920s is worth reading more than once. Perhaps a promise we Francophiles should make to ourselves is to read it every decade or at least prior to each trip we take to the City of Light as a reminder of a destination (Gertrude Stein’s apartment), a street to journey down or the many simple ways to enjoy time in the city.
Sprinkled with insights and wisdoms too young for his years as well as naiveté that leaves readers grinning as his full biography has since been written and shared with the masses, one empirical piece of wisdom he shares clung to my memory.
“By then I knew that everything good and bad left an emptiness when it stopped. But if it was bad, the emptiness filled up by itself. If it was good you could only fill it by finding something better.”
― Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast
Speaking about how he acquiesced his avocation for gambling on horse racing, he then finds himself becoming ever more curious with riding (a bike that this). No, not he himself riding, but watching professional cyclists race. And since the interest demanded no money to enjoy, the void was filled with something far more positive and even more entertaining.
But whether our temporary emptiness is prompted by letting go of betting on the horses, as was Hemingway’s case, or letting go of a friendship that weighed us down, or merely letting go of a bad habit such as smoking, what fills the void has every reason to be something even more fulfilling. Our job is to have the strength to let go and see the brilliance we have gifted ourselves with.
And in the case of losing something we did not want to lose, Hemingway is right, it will only be filled by something better because the bar has been raised.
Let’s take a closer look:
When we lose something thought to have been good, the void left behind is a stepping stone toward a better life. A new version of ourselves. Yes, perhaps a version we had not expected to live, but still an opportunity to do something beyond our imaginations. If someone walks away from us, a job is taken from us or a dream dies before it has a chance to come into fruition, we have in many ways been set free, received a do-over. We can take the new knowledge we gained along the way and apply it to our new start. So in many ways we actually aren’t starting completely anew. We are starting with a foundation that is far stronger and wisdom-enhanced than when we began before.
On the flip side, when we are the ones to let go of a bad habit, a negative trait/person/relationship/job/etc., we open ourselves up to a better fit. Whether we have more time, more of ourselves to share with others, more energy, more patience, we can be available should something that truly piques our interest comes along, to engage, and engage more fully. Rather than tending to what is weighing us down, holding us back, preventing us from growing, we have untethered ourselves and in many ways given ourselves a gift.
The catch is trusting that what lies before us is worth a hopeful demeanor, but the paradox is that it is our hopeful demeanor that will determine whether or not what awaits us is worth the risk.
~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
~How to Be the Master of Your Mind (podcast #20)
~8 Ways to Become the CEO of Your Own Life (episode #40)
~10 Ways to Unearth Your Inner Francophile (episode #4)
~Petit Plaisir
Cairo Time
Oscar and Tony nominee, as well as winner of multiple Emmy’s for her guest starring roles in HBO’s Six Feet Under, actress Patricia Clarkson is radiant in a film that won “Best Canadian Feature Film” in the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival. Directed by Ruba Nadda and set in Cairo, Egypt, Patricia Clarkson’s character, Juliette, arrives to visit her husband, Mark, who works for the United Nations, but is currently away in Gaza managing a refugee camp. Continually detained, Juliet begins exploring the city with Tareq (played by Alexander Siddig), a trusted friend of Mark’s, and the two kindle a deep affection for one another.
Subtle, sensual, and worth your time. And the question running throughout the entire film, “Can the people we meet and the choices we make change our lives — forever?”. See the trailer below.
Image: source
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December 4, 2015
This & That: No. 187
Books
~The Science of Good Cooking by The Editors of America’s Test Kitchen and Guy Crosby Ph.D
Whether you want to gift yourself or someone who loves to cook or wants to cook well, The Science of Good Cooking is a wealth of a resource. Offering 50 core recipes that will provide a solid repertoire insuring the time in the kitchen always proves fruitful, I am certainly adding this book to my wishlist.
~ Tea, Coffee & Chocolate: How We Fell in Love with Caffeine by Melanie King
For foodies or history buffs, Melanie King’s new book, which will be released on December 15th, offers a cultural history of how the three comfort caffeine choices came to be so beloved.
Film
~The Big Short
With an impressive cast, Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt, The Big Short is a bio-pic of the financial crisis in 2007-2010 based on Michael Lewis’ book of the same name. Foreseeing what banks’ greed was about to produce throughout the country, four men take a tremendous risk. With the intent to beg the question, Have we learned our lesson? watch and answer for yourself. I know I will be. Opening next Friday in limited release and nationwide December 23rd, critics are impressed.
~ Youth
I want to see this film. Opening today in select theaters and on January 29th in the United Kingdom, Youth debuted in at this year’s Cannes Film Festival to impressive acclaim. Spotlighting a vacation taken by two friends played by Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel as they journey off to a luxurious resort in the Swiss Alps, Caine’s character, a renowned classical composer and Keitel’s a filmmaker, reflect on the their lives, aging, and what it truly entails. Have a look at the trailer, and if you have the opportunity to view it, I highly recommend you do.
Shopping
~J.Crew Collection French lace cami in black
An investment piece most definitely, but watch it in the weeks to come as it may be available on discount with the many promo codes J.Crew offers, a beautiful French lace camisole to wear under a tailored blazer or as a separate with slimming trousers for an upcoming holiday party.
~West Elm textured candle holders
Perhaps you are looking for a few more holiday decorations, and why not add a few more candles nestled in sophisticated white ceramic candle holders? Chic, versatile as they can be used year round, at a great price, add some mood lighting this season.
~recipe for Molten Peanut Butter & Chocolate Fondant Cakes~
Snow and chocolate. Two very lovely, cozy reasons to stay inside and kick off the first weekend in December. Well, perhaps we won’t have snow here as it has turned to rain, but we will certainly have some in the future, so I will be prepared. I hope your week has gone well, and your holiday shopping list is slowly being whittled down so you can enjoy the festivities and events that only come once a year.
If all goes as planned, I will be looking for my holiday tree and adding a few festive touches to my home this weekend. I already have the holiday films queued and ready to be enjoyed as well as the homemade chocolate chaud ingredients waiting to do their magic. Needless to say, I am ready to dive into the holiday spirit. Are you?
However the weekend unfolds, I do hope it is exactly what you wish it to be. Below are a few articles you might enjoy and until Monday, bon weekend!
~With the United Nations Conference on Climate Change being held in Paris this past week and upcoming week, a few ideas of What You Can Do About Climate Change
~Is one of your upcoming New Year’s Resolutions to declutter your email? Read this: 10 Clever Tips for Managing Your Email
~The end of the year is coming and that means, starting fresh. This article will start this off on the right foot most definitely: 30 Days for 30 Days of Greatness
~Considering adding or rearranging the art in your home? 8 Better Ways to Display Art in Your Home
~Do you happen to be traveling to the Big Apple for the Holidays? Art for the Holidays: A New York Visitors Guide
Image: (2)
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December 3, 2015
Decor Inspiration: A Kitchen to Live In
While I am not one for large, expansive homes as it is more to clean, heat, decorate and pay for, no matter what the size of a featured abode, there is always inspiration to be had. Designed by a husband and wife team, this Floridian home is currently being completed, but the kitchen is already finished and worth a peek. Alex and Cynthia Rice have built a manse of a home for their family of three kids, but with their design prowess, I can see why they want much space to play with. From the plank accent wall to the large kitchenette seating area, and don’t forget the dual gas stove, I am a fan. Enjoy the tour.
Images via Old Seagrove Homes
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December 2, 2015
Word of the Week: No. 28
~Click below for pronunciation:
http://www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/doppelganger.mp3
~WORDS OF THE WEEK from the Archives:
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December 1, 2015
Outfit of the Week: Chilly Chic
~Acne Jacey Rib grey melange sweater~
~Frame Denim, Le High Skinny Jeans~
~UGG Australia classic tall chestnut boot~
~Tom Ford Eva aviator-style gold-tone sunglasses (30% off)~
SHOP THE OUTFIT:
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Style Inspiration: Creative Winter Warmth
As mentioned last weekend, the cold freezing weather has arrived and warmth, when it comes to dressing, is a necessity. But just because we need to be warm doesn’t mean we have to let go of style. Today’s Style Inspiration offers signature style touches in simple accessorizing (see below) or playful staple choices (see above). All can endure a variety of chilly eliminates, but each reveal the unique individual beneath the vestments.
Images:(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)
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November 30, 2015
Cyber Monday Deals & Sales
Today, stay home and shop from the comfort of your own sanctuary. Perhaps keep the technology out of the bathtub, but take a relaxing bath nonetheless. Why not?
There are many deals and amazing discounts available. See below for the promo codes, and be sure to check back through the Black Friday sales as well as many of these sales are extended through today.
25% OFF Sale + Free Shipping, No Minimum
promo code: TBD or XTRAGOOD
50% off everything
11.30 – 12.1
promo code: DNEC7873
~ASOS
U.S. 30% off everything
promo code: BLESSED
40% off everything
30% off everything
promo code: CVMONDAY
40% off sitewide + free shipping
40% off everything
25% off sitewide
promo code: CYBER25
~GAP
50-70% off everything restrictions apply
30% off everything (yes, everything)
40% off *507 styles
free shipping
30% off sitewide excluding New Season and Signature + Free standard Shipping
promo code: CYBER2015
Savings of up to 50% off select top brands + Free shipping and returns
20% off sitewide excludes sale items
promo code: CYBER20
take an extra 25% off sale items
promo code: CYBER!
~Toms
receive an extra 10% off sale products and free shipping on all orders
promo code: GIVE10
30% off sitewide + free 2-day shipping on purchases of $150+
25% off
promo code: WRAPUP25
Image: source
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Why Not . . . Be A Strong Woman?
~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #72
Alice Paul, Oprah Winfrey, Angela Merkel, Margaret Thatcher, Condoleezza Rice, Elizabeth Warren, Gloria Steinem and Ruth Bader Ginsburg appear on a long and growing list of women many people would describe as strong. And it was recently that an article in Sunday’s The New York Times Style section focused on two of these aforementioned women: Gloria Steinem and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Nearly every week, Table for Three (as journalist Philip Galanes orchestrates the meeting) is shared which pairs two individuals who are excelling in their particular field, each field somehow intertwining with the other. Sitting down for a meal, the two individuals carry on a conversation and readers have the opportunity to be the fly on the wall, so to speak.
Ginsburg and Steinem, meeting in the second woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court’s office in D.C., sat down for tea and reflection earlier this month. Without question, both women would be defined as strong. Regardless of stature (Ginsburg stands at 5’1″), regardless of age (both women are octogenarians), regardless of marital status or whether a mother or not, both women have continued throughout their entire adult lives to adhere to their values and convey enormous strength.
As I read the conversation, I began to wonder what constitutes a strong woman, and why should each of us strive to become one? With but a moment of contemplation, my first response, as is reflected in today’s title, was why not be a strong woman? But what does being a strong woman mean?
After all, becoming a Supreme Court Justice is not entirely in one’s control. Yes, anyone can pursue a law degree (although that is not a requirement), but a President must appoint each justice and then approval must be granted by the Senate. So much is dependent on timing and the state of the country. Similarly, we may not at all wish to be the spokeswoman for a movement regardless of how passionate we are about our cause. However, we each can be just as strong.
What exactly are the characteristics of a strong woman and how might we benefit by choosing to be one?
1. Have a clear goal that is tied to a purpose
Whether in her mid-twenties or beyond, a strong woman lives her life with a goal in mind. The goal which she is pursuing is tied to a bigger purpose, often to what she wishes her legacy to be long after she is gone. She understands hard work is necessary, she understands the importance of planning, setting goals (short and long term) and she isn’t deterred simply because others may not have her vision.
2. Willing to take risks
Great reward involves great risk is a mantra that a strong woman understands. Rest-assured, she does her homework, but not everything comes with a safety hatch. She accepts and understands that growth, progress, comes from stepping forward even if the step or path hasn’t been walked before or laid out for her.
3. Understand the benefits of being in the arena
Tipping her hat in agreement with President Theodore Roosevelt’s excerpt from Citizenship in a Republic, she is determined to get off of the sidelines, stop dreaming and wishing and get in the arena. She recognizes that people will always talk, criticize and comment, but it is the person doing the deed who makes progress, gains experience and deepens the quality of her life.
4. Self-sufficient
A strong woman is independent. She is resourceful, capable and competent. Because she has to depend on herself either as being a homeowner, traveling on her own or pursuing her dreams, she learns by doing. Need to clean a j-trap under the bathroom sink? She grabs a wrench. Need to commute using the subway? She downloads an app and stays alert. Need to build a website? She scours the internet and does her homework. The key is she is not co-dependent and rather wishes to work with others and excel together, rather than rely on them for her success.
5. Respect the gift of time alone
A strong woman gives 100% and is comfortable with her own company. Each woman needs different amounts of time alone, but every strong woman understands she needs time alone to achieve balance, unclutter her mind and care for herself.
6. Seek out fellow strong women
A strong woman desires the company of other strong women. Quickly letting go of needy, gossipy friends, she gravitates toward women who are also independent, curious about the world and helping each other navigate the journey as each strives to live their best life.
7. Value continual growth and knowledge
Endlessly curious about how the world works, functions and how to improve their role in it, a strong woman is consistently seeking out knowledge and a better understanding of how to become her best self. Whether it be attending a lecture, taking classes or challenging herself with a new hobby or skill, she is never a complete project.
8. Strong values
Similarly to Steinem and Ginsburg, a strong woman, due to her incessant quest for knowledge, comes to understand more about the world she lives in and develops a value system that is a driving force in her life. She picks her battles, but because she understands the issues revolving around what she values, she is willing to speak up and not cower. She is unwavering and always seeking to understand more about what she holds dear.
9. Intimacy is given to trusted individuals
Secure within herself, she does not seek validation from others by divulging all to anyone who will listen. Being her closest and trust friend, she trusts herself to discern if someone is trustworthy. This process takes time, and she is in no hurry.
10. Often misunderstood, therefore develop a thick skin
Depending upon her upbringing, she may face more misunderstanding or less about the path she has chosen, but in the twenty-first century more and more women are pursuing their goals, careers and dreams rather than a groom. Choosing instead to develop themselves, coming to understand themselves and standing on their own two feet, they then are opening themselves up to someone who they can share their lives with. Sometimes the strength we speak of today is stereotyped and labeled negatively by those who don’t understand or are fearful of what a strong woman might do. A strong woman, knowing herself and her purpose, allows these comments and ridiculing to be a reflection of the person speaking rather than hold any value on how she will proceed.
11. Exhibit perseverance
Not expecting a handout and certainly not expecting life to be fair, she weathers the storms, the obstacles and finds the courage from within to keep striving forward. While she may find her strength from the support of family and friends, it is her inner-strength and for some their spiritual or religious grounding that reminds her to not be deterred.
12. Know when to let go and move forward
While a strong woman is perseverant, she is also not a fool. She is able to leave a relationship, let go of a friend, put herself back in the job market or even move to a new zip code when the opportunity or a dead-end shows itself. She understands that everything is not meant to last forever and has the strength to move forward with grace.
13. Possess emotional strength
One of the hardest traits to cultivate, a strong woman recognizes the power of understanding her emotions and not being a slave to them. Either by learning from her own mistakes, the mistakes of others or reading books to better understand how to become the person she wishes to be, a strong woman respects the power of self-discipline and control and avoids letting her emotions dictate her actions. If need be, she will seek time with a therapist to strengthen her understanding of herself not out of weakness but out of her desire to gain knowledge about how to navigate life and her own mind.
14. Comfortable and prefers deep and thoughtful conversation
As mentioned in #6, a strong woman does not wish to engage in and does not see value in gossip; rather she seeks out conversations about ideas and new information to better understand whatever the subject matter may be. A strong woman is not afraid to strike up the conversation, but is also a wizard with questions as she wishes to learn from those who know more than she.
15. Understand the key to fulfillment
True success in life resides solely in each of us, and a strong woman is well-aware of this reality. As discussed in-depth in episode #70, the reality is, it is the person who must find the courage within themselves to live the life of their dreams. Knowing this fact offers a great relief but also much responsibility. The question then must be asked: But wouldn’t we want to be at the wheel of our lives rather than be at the mercy of someone else’s driving prowess? What if we don’t want to turn right, but instead turn left? Well, the good news is we can.
The capacity to be a strong woman comes from within each of us. It’s easy to stick to the path we have chosen when we were the one who made the decision to travel a particular route. It is much harder when we don’t know where we want to go or to find the passion each day when we didn’t have a hand in the path we somehow landed upon. The key to knowing where we want to go lies in listening to what piques our interest, finding the courage to stray from the herd and have an insatiable desire to forever learn and grow. Follow the breadcrumbs and eventually you will come upon the path that is ideally suited for you.
~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
~10 Differences Between Women and Girls (podcast)
~Why Not . . . Revel in Being a Woman?
Petit Plaisir:
Images: (1) (2) (2.5) (2.6) (3)
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November 29, 2015
TSLL 2015 Holiday Gift Guide
The first of December is tomorrow which means 25 days to shop, wrap and ship the gifts to those you love. And while picking the perfect gift can sometimes be difficult, I’ve gathered a few items that may catch your eye.
With that said, the best gifts are individualized to the person, so choosing an experience (tickets, passes, gift certificate to a spa, etc.) to events the person is eager to attend is almost certain to be a memorable gift. As well, consumables: food, candles, beauty products, any item that can be used and enjoyed that gives the receiver a luxury they may not have spent on themselves is also something to look into especially if you have artisan talents in your backyard.
Needless to say, only you know what the best gifts will be. Trust your intuition, respect your budget and let the holidays begin!
1.Lovers of Luxury & Function
~FitzGerald Morrell Bespoke Leather Gloves (men & women). Receive 10% off simply by signing up for their newsletter.
~Women’s gloves, Adelaide (20 different colors)
~Men’s gloves, Broughton (20 different colors)
2. A Man of Style
~Jack Franklin, endless tie options: retro, paisley, stripe, tartan, solid, dot and patterns
3. Book Lovers
New York Review of Books: Booklover’s Holiday Cards, Banned Books Tote Bag & Basic Book Light
4. Hostess Holiday Gift
~Nest Candles: Birchwood Pine (8.1 oz), Holiday Scented Candle (8.1 oz) and Lemon Grass & Ginger
5. For Her
~Citizen Eco-Drive watch with Mother-of-Pearl dial
~Citizen Eco-Drive watch with leather strap
~Citizen ‘Axion’ Eco-Drive, edge-to-edge class watch
6. A Fresh Start
~A Complete Book for Home Organization by blogger Bowl of Lemons, Toni Hammersley (being released January 6, 2016)
~Use promo code HOLIDAY30 at Amazon to save 30% off your book order.
7. Holiday Tunes
—Train — Christmas in Tahoe
—Sarah McClachlan — The Classic Christmas Album
~Leann Rimes — Today is Christmas
—Kylie Minogue — Kylie Christmas
—Count Basie Orchestra — A Very Swingin’ Basie Christmas
8. For the Chef
~Gunter Wilhelm Cutlery
9. For the Young Reader
~Naughty Mabel by Nathan Lane, Devlin Elliott and illustrated by Dan Krall
10. Francophile Finds
~Parisian Chic City Guide: Shopping, Dining and More by Ines de la Fressange
~In a French Kitchen: Tales and Traditions of Everyday Home Cooking in France by Susan Herrmann Loomis
~A Passion for Paris: Romanticism in the City of Light by David Downie
~For my favorite Francophile book recommendations, check out my complete list here.
11. Looking to Elevate Your Life
~Signed, Personalized copy of Choosing The Simply Luxurious Life: A Modern Woman’s Guide (learn more here).
~20% the cover price through Saturday December 5th
~Personalization available. Simply include a note when you order of the name you’d like the book addressed to.
12. Lovers of Comfort
~The White Company, save 20% with TWCTREAT
Happy shopping, and be sure to visit each Friday’s This & That post prior to the holidays for additional ideas, new book releases and more.
Images: (1)
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