Shannon Ables's Blog, page 321
July 29, 2015
Decor Inspiration: Comfort & Conversation
I am a lover of wooden, rustic dining room tables that have sturdy legs for stout conversation. So when I discovered interior designer Maureen McDermott’s Sag Harbor home in Hampton’s Cottage & Garden July issue, I found the entire home to be full of comfort, light and escape from the hustle and bustle of the day. View the entire tour here.
Image: HC &G
The post Decor Inspiration: Comfort & Conversation appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.
Word of the Week: No. 12
Click below for pronunciation:
http://www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/ebullience1.m4a
WORDS OF THE WEEK FROM THE ARCHIVES:
Image source
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July 28, 2015
Outfit of the Week: The White Blazer
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A new shopping feature is available on the weekly Outfit of the Week. Simply hover over each item and the price and brand will pop up. If you’d like to click through, simply click on the link to be directed to the shopping sight. Items that don’t have a link will have a link below. Happy shopping!
~Iris & Ink ‘Selena’ Crepe Blazer (52% off)~
~Tart ‘Christie’ striped stretch-jersey top~
~Mih Jeans ‘Olso’ jean, mean-rise, long slim leg (other washes)~
~Salvatore Ferragamo Varina flats (nude), other colors available~
~Tuscany Tote in Cognac (leather)~
~Julie Vos Roman Monogram necklace~
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Style Inspiration: A Mish Mash
The weather, while nearing August, is in limbo at times as I recently woke up to 39 degree (Fahrenheit) temps which means layers were much desired, and while we will have one last month in the states of extreme warmth, it is beginning to be time to think about early fall. So today is a mish mash of summer and early fall style inspiration. Enjoy!
STYLE INSPIRATION POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES:
Images: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)
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July 27, 2015
Moving Checklist: How to Minimize the Stress of a Major Life Transition
“And I just think that if you believe in something and you want it so much and you’re not hurting anyone else, you have to go for it. Which sometimes means taking a risk, even if it’s scary. But the thing you want most to happen doesn’t stand a chance unless you give it one.”
― Susane Colasanti
The Simple Sophisticate, episode #48
The homes we inhabit are in many ways an extension of ourselves. They not only become the hug that greets us each evening when the work day is done or when we return from being out with so many uncontrollable variables, but they provide a sense of security, a source of inspiration and offer a place for our routines to continue, restful sleep to be had and meals and conversation to fuel and energize us.
Being that our homes are such an anchor in our lives, when we choose or must move from them, relocating to an entirely different town, state or country, such an endeavor can be daunting and full of a mixed bag of emotions.
As many of you know, in just the past two weeks, I have relocated after living nine years in eastern Oregon, to Bend, Oregon. And as I have documented the entire journey on Instagram, readers have asked that I share, what appeared in pictures to be quite seamless and stress-free, the tips and tricks of what truly was a simply luxurious move.
Beginning on Monday July 13th when the moving trucks pulled up to my former house up until now, I never would have expected for such an effortless life transition to unfold. Therefore today, I would like to share with you how it happened, so that you too, whether you are simply moving from one side of town to another or entirely different zip code, can begin your new life on the best footing possible – rested, cognizant of what you want, knowing how to go about doing it and giddy about your new prospects.
I’m going to break up the process into three separate stages: Before, During, Settling In.
Before
Depending upon how much time you have, you will tend to each of the items below at your ability and necessity. Having two and a half months at my disposal to prep myself for the move, while at times it felt like a long-emotional goodbye, it was an ideal amount of time to set down a path that would lead to a successful transition.
1. Inform Those Closest In-Person
Depending upon the impetus for the move, keep others’ feelings in mind that you will be leaving due to your relocation. If your news is likely to spread quickly at work or through the social network, be sure to break the news first in-person to those closest to you: dear friends, immediate family, students enrolled in your classes, etc. Then share the news with the town criers of the organizations you work with as you know the news will most likely spread faster than you can blink. By tending to this vital piece, those you took the time to talk to one-on-one will appreciate the gesture and make for an easier good-bye as well as offer understanding and support.
2. Express Gratitude
For acquaintances and colleagues who made a positive impression on you that you won’t soon forget and want to make sure they realize how grateful you are for their optimism, support, inspiration, leadership, etc., take the time to write a thank you note and mail or deliver. You may never know how they received it, but at least you will have expressed your gratitude for someone you may never see again, but caused you to be forever changed because of their presence.
3. Plan Gatherings Ahead of Time
If you would like to have a last evening with friends and family, depending upon your personality and schedule, plan such gatherings or dinner parties ahead of time. For me, I knew saying goodbye to my house would be extremely emotional, so I wanted the last few days and nights to be just me and the boys. For others, the last night in your house you may want to fill up with friends and family, but be sure to plan ahead so that you can exit in a way that leave your memories in your place positive and quite memorable.
4. Leave on a Positive Note
Whether at work or in the groups you spend time with, perhaps each day wasn’t ideal, but hopefully it was. No matter the case, leave on a positive note. Be genuine with your goodbyes, but always make sure the last memory of you is one you is positive. You never know when a former colleague or boss will end up working with you down the road. If you have grievances, leave them in your journal, not out in the public.
Utilities & Mail:
5. Mail
The USPS (United States Post Office) requires 10 working days notice to promptly redirect your mail to your new address. So be sure to stop by your local branch and fill out the simple form.
6. Subscriptions to Magazines & Newspapers
With the ease of the internet you can quickly go online and change your mailing address. Often the latest issue (if you haven’t received it yet), may have already been addressed and queued up for your old address; however, if you change your mailing address early enough, you can often designate a date at which to have your address switched.
7. Financial, Insurance, Loans, Credit, Bank Accounts
While many of these items are tended to online for most of us, each of these accounts must be updated with the new mailing address.
8. Driver’s License
You can quickly call your state’s DMV or go online to change your mailing address. A new label will be mailed to you within a week to stick onto your current driver’s license. (free)
9. Voter’s Registration Card
Now this one is vital if you want to have a voice in your community. Go to your new state’s Secretary of State page or simply type in “[state name] voter’s registration” and you will quickly be shown a link. As long as you have a driver’s license or a Social Security Number, you will be able to change your county or residence to that you can vote in the next election. A card should be mailed to you shortly.
10. Current/Old Utilities
If you are leaving a rental or your house is already sold and you will not need to keep the home heated, yard watered, etc., then shut down all utilities (you may be moving a few such as cable, etc). But if your home is still for sale or the sale hasn’t closed yet, keep your water, heat/A.C., electricity, and gas up and running.
Also, for any of the utilities you are shutting off, you will want to give them your new address so they can send you the final bill. Below is a list of utilities you will want to have shut off or moved:
cable (may have to drop off or mail receiver)
internet
water
garbage
heat (gas and/or electric)
electricity
land lines (cell phone bill address will need to be updated)
11. Set up New Utilities
Well in advance of your move, once you have found a rental or purchased a home, set up your new utilities. Why? Some utilities are simple and can be turned on at the last minute (water, electricity, etc), but others will need to have a scheduled technician stop by your home. In other words, if you want to have television and wi-fi when you arrive, you will need to schedule well in advance. Also, be prepared to prepay the first month’s bill on certain utilities. A list below of utilities you might need:
cable and internet (3-4 weeks out to schedule an appointment for your arrival)
water
garbage (have bins dropped off the week prior so that you can immediately have them filled and ready for the first pick up). Ask about pick up date, times and rules when extra charges are added (over-flowing cans, etc.)
heat (gas and/or electric)
cell phone ( you will simply need to change your address). If you make any changes other than you address to your plan, beware of losing being grandfathered in to certain clauses.
Moving Preparation
12. Moving Company
As someone who has moved over eight times, and at my last location have now lived for nine years, I had acquired quite a bit of furniture, etc as I had fully moved into my 2600 square feet house. While I have had the wonderful help of family previously, this time I decided to hire a moving company. Remember, the cost of the move can be written off in your upcoming taxes.
While I will get to the details of working with a moving company in “During”, prior to the move you will want to scope out a few moving companies and schedule them to stop by to give you an estimate. At this time, ask for recommendations of customers who they have worked with. Schedule these appointments as early as possible, especially during the summer months as many families and people are relocating and their schedules become full quickly.
13. Plan a Moving Sale
A move is a wonderful opportunity to expunge from your life items, furniture, clothes and anything else that you truly do not use anymore. Planning a moving sale also offers a great way to provide your neighbors and acquaintances to stop by and have conversation as well as say goodbye. Below are a few images from my moving sale that occurred just days before I moved. It was a wonderful success and ultimately saved me money as I didn’t have to move as much stuff which kept my moving costs lower. Click here for tips and organizational ideas to help plan your next yard/moving sale.
14. Get Your Beauty Info
Gather your hair color information from your hairstylist, your tanning color from your aesthetician, and anything else that you will need as you move from your regular professionals to a new set.
15. Let Your Emotions Out
Whether you have chosen to move or not, allow your emotions to be felt whatever they are. Crying, dancing, cheering, or bawling, do it. It is natural. In many ways, you are either grieving the loss of the life your are leaving behind or exuberantly celebrating your growth and new beginnings. Either way, feel it, move through it and then strive forward.
During
1. Moving
I want to first begin by recommending wholeheartedly and without hesitation Mountain West Moving. From the first phone call to the last box being unloaded, I and my furniture and decor were treated professionally and with great care.
a) cost: There are many myths and horror stories about hiring a moving company, but in Oregon the cost is regulated by state law. If you are moving out of town, the cost is determined by distance and weight. If you are moving within the same town, the rate is hourly. Click here for Oregon Department of Transportation guidelines.
b) insured: You are able to purchase insurance on your move at many different tier levels of coverage. Just remember that everything they pack is insured and anything you pack is not. Just another reason to sit back and relax.
c) what to pack: Make sure before the packing begins to walk through what should not be packed. It’s best if you have concerns about anything, to pack it yourself. I, for example, packed all of my clothes, shoes and accessories. However, I must admit, I’m sure they should have been more than fine being packed by the movers, but it gave me peace of mind.
d) pack a travel tote: Most likely you will be traveling or living out of a suitcase for a night or two (I had two nights not in my physical bed, although one night was on my mattress which was on the floor). Before the movers arrive, pack your suitcase as though you were traveling. Have all of your toiletries, beauty supplies, pjs, outfits and shoes, so that you can be as comfortable as possible during the transition, and the packers can pack the rest. (this includes a dog tote as well with food)
e) clearly label: Whether you are packing or someone else is, clearly label on the sides of the boxes (not the top), the contents of the box and to which room it will be moved to.
Settling In
1. Plan Ahead for a Warm Welcome
The little things make a tremendous difference, especially when you are arriving at your new town and home. And while it may be the last thing on your mind, take time before you arrive (perhaps weeks ahead of time), and plan for a few welcome touches to occur on the first day of your arrival.
For example, my aunt and uncle live in the Bend area, and they hosted a lovely dinner the night before I moved in (as I needed a place to sleep). Thinking ahead, my aunt provided me with left-overs so that I would have dinner the next night. Also, two much-anticipated books were scheduled to be released on the day of my arrival in Bend (July 14th), so I decided to have them delivered to my new address. Sure enough, when I arrived, they were waiting on my new doorstep. And as burdensome as it might sound, I traveled with a bouquet of flowers that were just too beautiful to leave behind. Placed on the floorboard of my passenger seat in my car, they made the journey and lasted an entire week. Just having flowers in my home while everything else was a bit discombobulated was a great comfort.
And lastly, while this particular event didn’t occur on the day I arrived, it was something I had to look forward to. Once I knew I was moving to Bend, I learned that a band I enjoyed listening to, Pink Martini, would be playing in the Amphitheater in town. I decided to give myself a gift and purchase tickets. At the time, I had no idea who I would go with, but I knew I wanted to go and it would be a great way to see and experience Bend. Just this past weekend, I attended the concert, and it was indeed a lovely culmination to the moving in process.
~Go Set a Watchman and The French Beauty Solution~
2. Set up Mail Service
If you have a locked mailbox, stop by your local post office branch for the key. If you have to have a key made, it will cost you $40. If you simply have a traditional mailbox, you are golden and will typically only have to fill out a card for the mailman indicating the names that will be accepting mail at that address.
3. Copy All Keys of Importance
From your front door to your work keys, make copies now. Nobody wants to be locked out in a new town as you may now know the neighbors yet or the area.
4. Introduce Yourself to Your Immediate Neighbors
Casually and naturally, you don’t need to knock on anyone’s door, if you happen to see your neighbors outside, introduce yourself briefly. It is crucial to make the first meeting of neighbors a positive one.
5. Help Removing Moving Materials
Once I had unpacked all of my boxes, my entire garage was filled to the brim with cardboard and wrapping paper. Thankfully local moving companies will come and pick up (for a fee) all of your moving material.
6. Keep All Receipts of the Moving Process for Taxes
From the mover’s receipts to the mileage on your car, keep all of these filed away safely for tax season as you can write off your expenses for relocating. (Click here for more help with organizing your taxes.)
7. Remove or Revisit Later
If you come across boxes of stuff or items that won’t work at your new home or you realize you don’t need, keep them boxed up and revisit them in a year to see if you truly need them or immediately donate them. Your storage space will thank you.
8. Stay in the Know
Set up your local newspaper delivery as a way of getting to know your new community and discovering all of the social events and outings to explore.
9. Begin Setting Up Your Home Gradually
While it would be lovely to snap our fingers and have our home magically be set-up, take time with this process as you truly get a feel for what would work best for your lifestyle. A few rooms that should be set up first to help you feel at home: Master bedroom, Kitchen, Bathrooms and Living/Family room. Often as we begin to live in a space to forget about routines as they don’t work in our new space. This in turns effects how we will set up our homes and what we will need. The second stage of rooms to set up would be the laundry room, dining room and office, and the stage three would be outdoor spaces, hallways, entry/foyer, extra rooms and the garage.
Set a goal, depending upon your schedule to have each of these rooms, therefore your entire home, set up and unpacked in one week or one month. I was elated when my garage was empty so that I could pull my car in and use it as it was intended. I saved the garage for last as a way of punctuated the end of moving in, and it really felt like the closure I needed. Set your goals and make steady progress.
10. Furniture and Decor that Makes a Space Feel Like Home
area rugs (whether you have carpet or not, as it defines the space)
luxurious bed linens
good food
trays to create vignettes on coffee and side tables
mirrors
a place for keys and coats (preferably in your foyer)
flowers
table lamps (softer lightening that is warm and inviting)
candles and scents
bathroom decor (curtains, towels, floor mats, etc)
Check out TSLL Decor Archives for more specific home decorating tips and ideas as you go about creating your very own sanctuary.
11. Scope Out and Establish Regular and Necessary Haunts
From your grocer to your coffee shop, begin to explore and then eventually settle in on the shops and destinations that you will be visiting regularly. As you begin to do this, you will begin to feel more and more as though your new hometown truly is home. Below is a list of places to scope out:
grocery store
specialty grocery stores: wine, cheese, meat, bread, etc
coffee/tea shop
spa (for your regular beauty appointments – waxing, facials, massages, nails, etc)
hair salon
dog groomer
dog supplies
gym or studios for yoga/pilates, etc
walking/running/biking trails
parks (dog parks too!)
restaurants for your favorite fare
markets (farmer’s, etc.)
bookstores
take-out for favorites: Thai, Indian, Mexican, American hamburgers, etc (did you know many restaurants in Bend offer take out through BendTakeOut.com?)
12. Begin Establishing a Social Circle
The beautiful opportunity of moving is a fresh start when it comes to meeting people. And while our work places often provide a social network, it is nice and healthy as well to establish relationships outside of our professional field. The key is to not be too over-eager, have patience, to be sincerely ourselves and remain curious. Below are a few ways to connect with others:
Check out Meetup.com
Attend events alone as I did when I went to the Pink Martini concert. I ended up being seated next to a lovely fellow-Pink Martini fan. We struck up a conversation and eventually exchanged numbers to meet for coffee. You never know!
Become a regular. Once you’ve found a favorite coffee shop, bookstore, grocery store, etc., begin to get to know the staff and don’t be afraid to strike up casual conversations with other regulars you see.
Visit local parks, walking and running trails regularly
Attend city council meetings
With anything in life, if you have a plan you will be more successful in your endeavor. Maybe a few things will be changed or occur unexpectedly, but for certain, as one of my former colleagues reminded students, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Moving is an extraordinary journey you will be undertaking, but the beauty is that is an enormous opportunity. See the opportunity to truly spread your wings, step into your new self and home and make the most of something that doesn’t occur that often.
I will admit, I still cannot look at images of my former house as I will begin bawling unnecessarily. However, I know that eventually this will subside and it will become easier. And from the moment I drove into Bend on my first evening here as a resident, the process of relocating was seen as an extraordinary occasion that I did not want to fritter away.
I feel quite fortunate to have had the positive experience that I have had during my relocation, but I know for certain this is not an anomaly. We can all have a similar experience if we prepare and approach it with a positive, yet informed state of mind. I wish you well as you move forward with your life. It will be lovely and it will be a change for the better.
“Because if you take a risk, you just might find what you’re looking for.”
― Susane Colasanti
~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
~22 Tips for Creating a Grown-Ups Living Space
~10 Tips on How to Decorate Small Spaces
~How to Create the Change You Want to See
~Why Not . . . Recognize the Stages of Making a Lifestyle Change?
Petit Plaisir:
Berry Galette
Inspired by this Bon Appétit cover, I have recently discovered my favorite tart/galette/pie crust recipe. It’s all about the pecans, and you will love it. Fill with your favorite fresh berries picked up at the farmers market or apples from the orchard this fall, this crust will entice even the most reluctant pie eater to become dig in.
Ingredients
serving: 8
Dough
½ cup pecans
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons sugar
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup (1 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Filling And Assembly
12 ounces berries (about 2 cups) (blueberries, blackberries, strawberry & rhubarb, etc)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1½ teaspoons fresh lemon juice
¼ cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling
All-purpose flour (for surface)
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Directions:
Dough
Complete 2 days or 2 hours ahead of time at least: Preheat oven to 350°. Toast pecans on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until fragrant and slightly darkened, 10–15 minutes; let cool. Pulse pecans in a food processor until the consistency of coarse meal. Add flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon and pulse just to combine. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal with a few pea-size pieces remaining.
Transfer to a large bowl; drizzle with 4 Tbsp. ice water (or less depending upon consistency) and mix, adding another tablespoonful of water if needed, just until mixture comes together. Gently pat dough into a 6″-diameter disk. Wrap in plastic and chill at least 1 hour.
Do Ahead: Dough can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled, or freeze up to 1 month.
Filling And Assembly
Preheat oven to 375°. Toss blueberries, cornstarch, lemon juice, and ¼ cup sugar in a large bowl.
Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12″ round. Carefully transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Mound blueberries in center of dough, leaving a 2″ border. Fold edges over, overlapping slightly. Brush dough with milk and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake galette until crust is dark golden brown and filling is bubbling, 45–50 minutes. Let cool before serving.
Do Ahead: Galette can be baked 1 day ahead. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature.
The post Moving Checklist: How to Minimize the Stress of a Major Life Transition appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.
July 25, 2015
Au Courant Weekly: July 25, 2015
The Simple Sophisticate, episode #47
The inaugural episode of Au Courant Weekly kicks off today as the second weekly episode of TSLL podcast, The Simple Sophisticate.
Part of living well is being in the know, whether it is being knowledgable of news from around the world or informed of going-ons right in your own community, because it’s not what you think, it’s that you think. All of the information shared on the Au Courant Weekly will enable you to go forth into the weekend ready for an engaging conversation or simply mindful of the most recent current events, from which you can formulate your own opinions. So tune in each Saturday morning, and in 15 minutes or less you will be au courant.
International
Cuban Embassy opens in D.C.: On Monday, Cuban flags were raised above Cuba’s embassy on 16th Street, just 2 miles north of the White House in a formal ceremony. After 54 years, the return of the flag marks a significant change in thawing relationships between the two countries which was originally announced in December. The United States also raised its flag in Havana above its embassy on Monday, but will wait until August 14th for a formal ceremony when Secretary of State John Kerry will be in attendance.
United States
President Obama Visits Father’s Homeland: On Friday, President Obama arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, for the first time as President of the United States. Officially, he is attending the Global Entrepreneur Summit of which he is co-host with Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta. Expected to visit with his extended family privately, he will then travel on Sunday to Ethiopia.
Politics
Donald Trump travels to Laredo, Texas: After his contentious comments about Senator John McCain last Saturday, Donald Trump has kept above the fold in the world of US politics as polls have him in a commanding lead above other Republican candidates (yes, the Presidential election doesn’t take place until November 2016). Visiting the border town of Laredo, Texas, on Thursday, he mentioned that if the Republican party doesn’t treat him well, he may consider running as an Independent.
Hillary Clinton’s Emails Subject to Potential Criminal Inquiry: Late Thursday, The New York Times released that a two inspector generals are seeking a criminal investigation into whether Hillary Clinton’s emails while she was Secretary of State (2009-2012) which contained “sensitive government information [were] mishandled in connection with the personal email account”.
Science
Teenagers Having Sex Has Decreased: According to The Washington Post, compared to a study conducted in the 1980s, teenage boys report 47% (compared to 60% in 1980s) and teenage girls report 44% (51% in 1980s) have had at least one sexual encounter. Thank technology. Yes, thank their constant reliance on smart phones, the article reports. And teenage pregnancies have steeply declined as well, “Births to girls 15 to 19 plunged from 84 per 1,000 teens in 1991 t0 26 in 2013.” Knowledge is power!
Birth Order in Siblings Matters Little: According to the Journal of Research in Personality, after studying 377,000 high school students, it was discovered that birth order amongst siblings has little to no effect (.02%) on a child’s personality, success and intelligence. According to a co-author of the study, Rodica Damian, “The message of this study is that birth order probably should not influence your parenting, because it’s not meaningfully related to your kid’s personality or IQ.”
Arts
Dr. Seuss Returns: Harper Lee isn’t the only beloved author to release a book after a long patient wait by readers. Theodor Seuss Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss, will have his book What Pet Should I Get? posthumously released Tuesday July 28th.
A Documentary to Watch: Airing on PBS Monday July 27th at 10pm, Tea Time, directed and created by Maite Alberdi, will take viewers into the intimate discussions that were filmed over the course of five years capturing a tradition that began 60 years ago of five Chilean women as they gather for tea and scrumptious cakes and sweets. No topic is off limits and tea time begins promptly at 5pm each month. Available online through August 25th if you miss it on July 27th. (subtitles)
Gyllenhaal Impresses Critics: Jake Gyllenhaal stars in Southpaw which hit theaters yesterday, and while the film is somewhat predictable, many critics are praising Gyllenhaal’s performance. As a boxer who is in a custody battle for his daughter after his beloved wife (played by Rachel McAdams) dies, the “orphan-turned-ex-con-turned-light-heavyweight-champion” turns to Forest Whitaker, a trainer who coached the only boxer to ever beat him.
Sports
The Anticipated Finale: The Tour de France penultimate race up the excessively challenging Alps d’Huez on the 20th stage of the race takes place today and culminates Sunday at the Champs-Élysées. Chris Froome from Britain will begin Saturday’s jaunt with the yellow jersey ahead of the grand finale at l’Alpe d’Huez. Curious about the meaning behind each of the jerseys that are earned along the race? Find the answers here.
Women’s Issues
Alzheimer’s and Women: Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures reported last week in Washington D.C. that women appear to be more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s than men, in fact their cognitive abilities tend to decline twice as quickly as men’s. But why? Michael Weiner, senior author of the study cannot pinpoint it directly, but stated, “there are other differences . . . such as hormones, lifestyle, childbearing, diet, and exercise” that must be taken into consideration.
Bendite Event of the Week
Enjoy Opera, Ballet, the Symphony and Special Events: Many readers have brought this opportunity to my attention as I was physically in attendance at The Audience on Broadway last month, so I wanted to make sure everyone was aware. Even if you don’t live in New York City, San Francisco or any other top cultural metropolitan city, you can still enjoy the star-studded performances in high definition at your local theater. This past Saturday I went to the Old Mill District’s Regal Cinemas and for $12 watched Lehar’s Operetta The Merry Widow. This coming Wednesday, Bend theater will show Aida at 7pm (tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door. Visit fathomevents.com, type in your zip code and discover what is available in your area.
French Word of the Week with Géraldine Lepère from Comme Une Française
Macaron
Bonjour, this is Géraldine from Comme une Française.com. I’m here to share the latest French Word of the Week : a simple very French word for your Simply Luxurious Life in France.
Today, we’ll talk about a French delicacy. Not the smelly cheeses nor the baguettes. But the marvelous macaron.
Le Macaron is a masculine noun, we say UN macaron. This little treat reached worldwide fame in just a few years. Why are we talking about this funny little sweet? Because it’s hard to pronounce it like we natives do and I thought I’d help. Not “macaroon” but “un macaron” “ON”. Try it. “un macaron”
Le macaron can be “au chocolat”, “à la framboise” (rasberry) and many other flavors. My favorite is “à la rose”.
Le macaron is mainly made of “de la poudre d’amande” and “du sucre glace”. That’s “powdered sugar,” but literally it translates to “ice sugar”.
Many brands now claim they offer the best macaron : Ladurée, Pierre Hermés, Fauchon, Lenôtre, Dalloyau, among others. My advice here is clear. Form your own opinion: taste them all!
And remember : macaron.
Allez, bon appétit !
If you want to add more French in your Simply Luxurious Life, join me on Comme une Française.com for weekly video tips to sound French, even to the French! And it’s free.
Thought to Ponder
Thank you for joining me in discovering the top news stories of the week from around the globe as well as a dash of inspiration and a brush up on the French language and culture. Until Monday, bonne journée!
~Questions about the podcast, the music or to view of list of all of the previous episodes, click here.
Image source of T to P
The post Au Courant Weekly: July 25, 2015 appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.
July 24, 2015
This & That: No. 168
Blog
~ The Improvised Life
Established in 2009 by Sally Schneider, The Improvised Life aims to offer tools and ideas for everyday challenges and offer creative solutions. With two cookbooks to her credit: The Improvisational Cook and A New Way to Cook, the blog offers cooking ideas but so much more as well. Whether it’s decor advice or life inspiration you are needing, her goal is to shift your thinking to realize all of the possibilities around you. This just may be your next favorite blog.
Book
~Picnic in Provence by Elizabeth Bard
Ten years ago I was introduced to Elizabeth Bard as many readers were through her book Lunch in Paris in which she shares through stories and recipes how she met her now Parisian husband. A delightful read, so many of the recipes I had dog-eared and was eager to try. Finally, she has returned with her second book which chronicles her family’s recent move to Provence from Paris and all the recipes it brings with it. An ideal summer read.
Cooking
~Giada in Italy
Having just kicked off this past Sunday, Giada de Laurentiis’ new series Giada in Italy is a feast for the eyes not only for the food, but also for the sight-seeing. Set in Positano, Italy, Giada while offering three recipes an episode also takes viewers with her to the markets, restaurants and becomes the virtual tour guide of the coastal town. Airing on the Food Network at 11am on Sundays, be sure to set your DVRs.
Shopping
~Diana Vreeland Perfumes
Last year Diana Vreeland’s perfumes became available with the guidance of her grandson Alexander Vreeland, and I must say I look forward to testing them all. As you will see in the video below, he describes her as having crazy creativity and tremendous discipline. In stilling the bold, vibrant colors Diana Vreeland is synonymous with, the idea of feeling empowered is the central idea along with selecting words that she herself used. Click here for a description of each of the seven different scents, and per my preferences, Daringly Different and Perfectly Marvelous are at the top of the list to try.
~Kule stripe tops
Yet another company has specialized in the classic French stripe top. Kule makes available long and short sleeve tops in a variety of color combinations for both men and women in very iconic cuts. A few to check out: The classic navy and cream long-sleeve top or perhaps a short sleeve or cashmere sweater in stripes.
Television
~Last Tango in Halifax
A few years ago Sally Wainwright, created and wrote the series Last Tango in Halifax to great success. A series airing on PBS and originally on the BBC involving both comedy and drama, it involves second chances and family drama inspired from the modern world we live in. The characters are rich and real, and the story lines are anything but forced. I have truly enjoyed it each Sunday evening at 8pm. And while the third season is wrapping up on August 2nd, you can watch back episodes here and on Netflix.
~recipe for Summer Tomato Crostini with Reduced Balsamic~
Yes, the glorious arrival of the weekend is just about here, and it will be a grand one, of that I have no doubt. If you’re a listener of The Simple Sophisticate podcast, the second weekly episode debuts tomorrow morning, Au Courant Weekly. Be sure to discover all of the details readers have been asking about here.
The upcoming few days off will be full of leisure, paddling, time in the kitchen, puttering at the local farmer’s market and a bit of music from a band I am anxious to listen to live. While my travel plans for the rest of the summer are rather humble, I must say, I am quite excited for the slower pace. The boys (my dogs) have been getting a lot of naps lately as we’ve been exploring all of the trails and sights that Bend has to offer, and needless to say, they (and I) are quickly exhausted but for all of the right reasons.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and perhaps you’ll join me tomorrow morning on The Simple Sophisticate. Until next time, bon weekend!
~40 Rituals That Make A Relationship Last 40+ Years
~To put on your Parisian itinerary during your next trip . . . Three Insider Coffee Addresses For Your Paris Caffeine Fix
~Those chocolate truffles that I love so much? Yep, even Timothy Egan of The New York Times thought they were pretty amazing as well. He praises my childhood hometown in a recent article here.
~Food for Thought from a young man in the Major Leagues . . . The Daniel Norris Code for Success
Images: (2)
The post This & That: No. 168 appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.
July 23, 2015
The Podcast Expands! Au Courant Weekly
If you were a fan of The Oprah Winfrey show when it aired each weekday at 4pm (on the west coast), you may remember that for a short duration in 2007/2008, she aired a weekly news round-up show that aired each Friday. I absolutely loved this series. Topics of interest, politics, studies – both serious and somewhat fluff were discussed, but the objective was to inform, not preach which I adored.
As a subscriber to many newspapers and magazines from The New York Times to The Wall Street Journal, as well as Vogue, Atlantic Monthly and Bon Appétit (just to name a few) as well as being a follower of countless blogs and websites, my interests are wide and varied, but always I am wanting to gather all available information so that I can make the best decision for my life based on my priorities and values.
And being that I am someone who enjoys being informed, I thought my readers may be as curious as I am, but perhaps without as much time to aggregate all of the information. After all, we are bombarded with endless news cycles and information all vying for our time and eyeballs, so where should be direct our attention?
Let me introduce to you the second weekly episode of The Simple Sophisticate, Au Courant Weekly. Always being one to desire simplifying, but making sure to not toss the necessary, the weekly Au Courant episode will air each Saturday morning bright and early (available for download at 1 am Pacific time) on iTunes and be available on TSLL as a weekly post with all of the show note links to each of the stories and topics discussed.
In 15 minutes or less you will be informed of the top stories from the week in the world and national news, politics, arts, science, style and something I am absolutely giddy to share with you from Géraldine Lepère, the French language expert and founder of the website Comme une Française (as a French) – a brief one minute French language lesson curated especially for TSLL listeners.
Géraldine is an absolute burst of enthusiasm and embodies genuine French flair. While I am a Francophile, I am quite aware my French needs a bit of a polish (okay, a lot!), and that is why I have asked Géraldine to share one French word a week, teach the proper pronunciation and a bit of the background to keep you fellow Francophiles prepped and ready to go visit the land of fromage and Breton stripes. So stay tuned at the end of each Au Courant Weekly for her one-minute French Word of the Week!
~P.S. If you haven’t visited her website, and you’re eager to brush up on your French, I highly recommend stopping by. With a mission to help expat women integrate into France, her approach is playful and sagacious (just watch the video below). With her blog, which offers free short lessons as well as full programs you can enroll in online, she will boost your self-confidence when it comes to not only how to speak French successfully, but how to effectively navigate the French culture that we all love and are eager to understand more fully.
And be sure, I couldn’t produce an episode of the podcast without a dose of inspiration, so there will be a Thought to Ponder at the end of each Au Courant Weekly.
You may be wondering, why the name “au courant”?
The term “au courant” originated in France in the 18th century, meaning literally to be “in the [regular] course” and more properly to be aware of what is going on; to be well-informed or even to be fashionable. Part of living well is being in the know, whether it is being knowledgable of news from around the world or informed of going-ons right in your own community, because it’s not what you think, it’s that you think. All of the information shared on the Au Courant Weekly will enable you to go forth into the weekend ready for an engaging conversation or simply mindful of the most recent current events, from which you can formulate your own opinions. So join me each Saturday morning, and in 15 minutes or less you will be au courant.
Have a look below at the top news stories that might have been covered if the Au Courant Weekly would have went live last Saturday.
READERS TOP FIVE EPISODES from THE SIMPLE SOPHISTICATE:
~The Gifts of Being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) (episode #44)
~How to Be the CEO of Your Own Life (episode #40)
~3 Ways to Design a Life That Works Best for You (Episode #35)
~The Francophile’s Style Guide (14 Essentials) (episode #32)
~The Modern Woman’s Lifestyle Grocery List (episode #28)
Images: (1) Illustration commissioned exclusively for TSLL by Inslee, please do not use without expressed written permission (2)
The post The Podcast Expands! Au Courant Weekly appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.
July 22, 2015
Decor Inspiration: An Eclectic Neutral Respite
Always looking for stunning bathrooms, or should I say bathtubs, that are capable of drowning out the day’s stresses, this particular tub in Tampa, Florida, caught and kept my attention. A home interior which adheres to a neutral palette, the simplicity of the hues allows the decorator to have some fun with eclectic furniture and wall/ceiling decor.
As I packed up both of my guest rooms in my old house, I contemplated as to whether or not to bring all of the headboards (3) as I didn’t need them all. After enjoying this particular home tour, I am thankful that the one guest headboard I kept and will store in the garage until I purchase a new house is a black iron head and footboard similar to the one seen below. There is something about such a rustic, yet regal style that always grabs my attention especially when paired with crisp, white linens. Enjoy the tour and be sure to check out the pressed tin ceiling in the kitchen and the outdoor shower.
~DECOR INSPIRATION POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES:
Images: source
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Word of the Week: No. 11
Click below for pronunciation:
http://www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/aplomb.m4a
Sir Ian McKellan was interviewed on Fresh Air which aired Monday July 20th; listen to the interview here. Mr. Holmes which opened last weekend (July 17th) is currently showing in theaters.
~WORDS OF THE WEEK FROM THE ARCHIVES:
Image: source
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