Shannon Ables's Blog, page 324
June 30, 2015
Outfit of the Week: Cool & Natural
~James Perse white linen shirt dress (light blue also available)~
~Ancient Greek Sandal ‘Clio’ Sandal or Tory Burch Daisy Perforated Wedge Sandal or Chandelier Logo Wedge Sandal (on sale)~
~Kenneth Jay Lane multi-strand beaded necklace~
~Madewell Savannah Saddlebag: crossbody, use promo code META20 to save 20% or Pierre Balmain leather trimmed canvas tote~
SHOP THE OUTFIT:
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OUTFITS OF THE WEEK FROM THE ARCHIVES:
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Style Inspiration: Shades of White
As someone who doesn’t bathe in the sun, however, loves the warmth of the summer months so as to partake in the outdoor activities, Chance’s oversized sun hat immediately captured my attention. You can shop it here, and while it’s a bit of a stretch budget-wise, it may be something to save up for it something of this stature and statement has always been on your wish list. With that said, this upcoming weekend is an extended one here in the states as we celebrate Independence. Interesting historical facts about the 239th birthday of the USofA:
26 copies of the copies of the Declaration of Independence have survived, and three are held by private collectors
On July 2, 1776 the Second Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, on July 4th it was officially adopted, but a month would pass before the actual signing took place.
And with that aside, back to inspiration for your summer celebratory ensemble. White, warm white, ivory, eggshell, off-white, you name it, now is the time to wear the classic summer hue with abandon. Mix and match, layer and don’t forget a straw hat as the finishing touch.
~STYLE INSPIRATION POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES:
Images: (1 – Chance Co.) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13)
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June 29, 2015
23 Life Lessons Learned in NYC & New Canaan
~PODCAST LISTENERS: Please note, that the next episode of The Simple Sophisticate will return next Monday. Due to my travels, I wasn’t able to produce the episode I have been working on, and rather than do something too quickly, I will be fine tuning it over the week. It is a topic that is dear to my heart and has struck a cord, and I look forward to sharing it with you next week. Thank you for understanding.
Every time I travel, even if it is to a familiar destination, if it involves different events, people or sight-seeing destinations, I am overwhelmed with the life lessons. Often what you’ll find me doing during my travels when I have down-time, or am eating a meal alone, is whipping out my Moleskine journal or my Notes on my iPhone and listing everything that is dancing around in my mind, trying to catch the thoughts before they disappear or are tossed out because new ones come to fruition. Last year, upon returning from Manhattan, I posted these 25 lessons, and to follow suit, in lieu of the podcast this week, I wanted to share with you what I learned on my recent trip when I returned, as well as my jaunt to New Canaan, Connecticut, for TSLL book signing event on Saturday.
1. Curiosities shouldn’t be ignored. Even if you are shocked with what you discover, they are opening your eyes to something that will bring you closer to your most authentic self.
2. The gift of our travels is often not the places we seek to explore, but the people we meet while we are there. Each time I travel, especially most recently when I toured the United Nations, the 9/11 Memorial Museum, but simply walking around the city and traveling along the subway, is the eye-opening that occurs. Even with all of our external and vocal varieties, we are all much more alike than we are different.
3. There will be some passions that we will outgrow as we progress through our journey, this is okay, and something to be celebrated. Much of our life is a progression, and we need to travel through and experience certain curiosities in order to get to the next one. Each passion that is sincerely, innately something we are drawn to occurred for a reason, to open our eyes, teach us something about ourselves that we didn’t already know, but needed to discover in order to progress toward our true potential.
4. Some museums/exhibits/destination need to be experienced solely with the heart and mind, not with a camera. The one place I didn’t not snap a photo was inside the 9/11 Memorial Museum. As one of my students urged (thank you Marlene), it is an emotional experience, even for those of us who were on the other side of the country when it occurred. In certain places and situations we must simply allow ourselves to feel what we are feeling, let the tears or frustration flow from us and be fully present.
~NYC’s Freedom Tower, located next to the 9/11 Memorial Museum~
5. Paying for comfort whether in your hotel, vacation rental, airline seating, etc. is worth the elimination of unnecessary stress. While I have never purchased first class tickets, I did save up for comfort class on Delta, just those extra perks of loading first, more leg space, knowing there would be headspace above my seat for my luggage and a few extra free snacks and drinks, as well as wi-fi, makes those long coast-to-coast flights far more comfortable.
6. Download the necessary travel apps to ease your mind and save you money and time. I lived by Embark for the subway lines, but MTA Subway Time is one you can use as well. I’m sure there are others, but Embark never steered me wrong (sometimes on the weekends, there will be repairs, but there will be posters on the platform of which lines are temporarily closed and alternate routes).
7. Eating at the bar is a great way to eat out alone at great restaurants. I was quite eager to dine at Donahue’s after this story was printed in The New York Times. And the food, service and decor is exactly as professed in the article. A relic from the 1960s, primarily locals, and a hole-in-the-wall on the Upper East Side you won’t find unless you know what you’re looking for. Seated between a UES couple who I later learned at three adult children, and three gentleman friends getting together after work for a gourmet hamburger, my favorite part was talking with the bartender Tom and watching the New York Yankees play the Astros. Lovely, put it on your true Manhattan haunts to visit.
I also had enjoyed the conversation with John, the bartender at Pearl’s Oyster Bar. Clearly a natural at meeting people and making them feel right at home.
~Pearl’s Oyster Bar serves an amazing Lobster Roll, and eating at the bar is just as magnificent as sitting at the table, especially for lunch when your feet are exhausted.~
8. If you’re running late, as I tend to do because I don’t realize how long it will take me to go from one place to the next, text the person prior to the time you are to meet to give them the heads up. Perhaps they are running late as well and will be able to catch their breath and not rush to make it.
9. Putting yourself out there, not knowing the people you will be surrounded by or how the circumstances will work out, often opens up doors to extraordinary connections and memories you won’t soon want to forget. Autumn, Linda, Melissa, Carla, Carolyn, Sheila and so many of TSLL readers that stopped by on Saturday, thank you for making the journey (some from nearby and some from many states away), to say hello. I will never forget the New Canaan book signing primarily for this reason.
10. When you choose to stretch yourself, you never know who you may have inspired to do the same. Leading by example is a fulfilling way to live.
11. Kindness will never go out of style. The owner at Ginger Bitz was just one of the many lovely interactions I had that involved unexpected over-the-top kindness. And it is in extending this kindness, we inspire others to pay it forward. We personally may not experience the gift that was cultivated, but someone else will, and that is more than enough reason to choose the act of kindness.
~GingerBitz: the most delicious quiche Lorraine I have ever had, and I’ve had many slices over my 36 years.~
12. The best recommendations come from the locals you meet. It requires that we initially step into a new environment without a pre-set plan, but if we have the courage to ask while we’re there, the experience of the destination is usually quite enhanced. And always ask why they recommend what they do which will give you an insight if it indeed will be something you will enjoy.
~Pimlico Interior Designs and Decor~
13. Small, locally owned usually is best when it comes to bookstores. (Stop by later this week as I’ll share images and details on the book signing. Can’t wait? Visit my Instagram page for a handful of pics and posts.)
14. If you have children, take them regularly to bookstores or libraries and let them explore on their own. You may have just given them the key to a brand new world. So many parents brought their children into the bookstore where the signing was held, and it was not a specialized children’s bookstore. I saw many a child with their eyes in awe of books on the shelves.
~15. You don’t have to love all aspects of your job, so long as the majority of what you spend your time doing is your passion. Writing, exploring, reading and meeting TSLL readers are what I love about blogging and being an author, but there are other expectations as well that must be tended to; thankfully, they are not the majority of the pie, and can easily be tended to as the primary product and journey are each items I couldn’t live without.
16. Local haunts are often the best to dine at to experience the truth of your destination. Often these establishments are more comfortable, personable and feel as close to dining at home as is possible (because the tourists are not swarming). Check out the local newspapers for reviews of such locales. As I mentioned Donahue’s was one such gem, but on my trip a couple of years ago I visited a small Italian restaurant right behind MoMa, Il Gattopardo, and I highly recommend Le Colonial in midtown as well. For more of my first-hand recommendations of all of the cities, be sure to visit my City Guides page.
17. It is only when you put yourself out there for the world to see, your authentic self, that you can attract what you are truly seeking.
18. Adhere to your exercise and health routine as much as possible. On my first afternoon/evening in the city, I hopped off the five hour flight from Portland and was thrilled to have the opportunity to partake in Bryant Park’s Yoga in the Park that occurs each summer. The experience is free, mats are provided, and you get to have an amazing memory and body stretch. Also, pack a medium-sized water bottle for your travels (especially the plane), to stay hydrated.
19. Fewer carbs and more protein and vegetables. If you travel often you no doubt notice that for travelers, the carbs are everywhere. Delicious in many places no doubt, and easy to be drawn to, but don’t over-indulge. What will truly satiate your hunger is what you do when you’re on your everyday eating schedule – a balance meal with proteins, fiber and vegetables. Save the indulgencs for extraordinary special restaurants, bakeries, etc. Your waistline will thank you.
20. Experiencing a talent in-person is a rare treat, and when doing so, they surpass expectation with their talent and poise, one cannot help but be inspired to strive further and dig deeper to find our true potential. Helen Mirren on stage in The Audience was another highlight of my trip. Being four rows from the stage, she was magnificent. (And when the corgies ran onto the stage in the second act, I was also quite tickled.)
21. Just because you’re surrounded by new places to see and things to do doesn’t mean you can’t stay in one evening and just savor “living” in your dream destination. On my last night in Manhattan, I was exhausted – tickled pink, but exhausted. So I picked up amazing deli food from a New Canaan grocer (below), brought it home on the train with me and dined at the Upper West Side apartment I had the fortune to stay at. The rain poured (walking, or should I say, running home from the subway left me drenched but smiling), the wind whipped wildly, and I lounged in what I can only say looked and felt like the apartment in You’ve Got Mail.
~Garelick & Herbs offered endless deli options, similar to a Whole Foods, but boutique-esque~
22. Sometimes our trips become even more memorable for the historical events that happen while we are visiting, making them all the more special. When the historic news from SCOTUS broke on Friday, I was sitting in the United Nations building waiting for my tour to begin.
~The Security Council room in the United Nations~
~The United Nations: Did you know that all 193 countries flags are displayed outside in English Alphabetical order? Beginning with Afghanistan and ending with Zimbabwe (tours are only $18, but be sure to reserve your spot weeks in advance).~
23. What we think will make us truly happy and what actually does are often two separate things. Such a revelation is not something to be disappointed by, but rather a lesson to be appreciative to have learned. Too often people continue to seek what others tell them will make them happy rather than trusting what they know genuinely cultivates happiness, making it far easier to say no to the happiness pretenders.
In just three short days, my eyes were opened yet again, and I will forever be changed. While I sure there are many more lessons that I will be able to formulate in the days to come, I wanted to give you a peek into the trip that you, the readers of TSLL, made possible. Thank you for your interest in living simply luxuriously. I hope you have a wonderful week.
~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
~City Guides (first-hand recommendations from all of my past travels)
~While in New York City: Day One (2012)
~While in London (2012)
~While in Paris (2012)
~Paris: Day One (three part series)
Images: All images taken with iPhone 6 by TSLL
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June 26, 2015
This & That: No. 164
Book
~800 Grapes by Laura Dave
Set in a Sonoma vineyard in wine country, California, Laura Dave’s novel (June 2, 2015) is an escape and a summer leisure read to become engrossed in as it involves family secrets discovered just before the protagonist of the novel Georgia is about to marry. A story about relationships, life and the secret behind a worthwhile bottle of wine (hint: take a look at the title), I think you might enjoy with a glass of wine tucked away in the shade on one of our many hot summer days.
~J’Adore Montreal by Isabelle LaFleche
Successful Francophile novelist Isabelle LaFleche has just released a short 30 page Kindle edition of her beloved protagonist Catherine Lambert in J’Adore Montreal. Many of you may have become acquainted with Catherine Lambert in her previous two novels: J’Adore New York and J’Adore Paris, and her journey to Montreal is certain to entertain and enthrall as LaFleche takes readers behind the scenes of haute couture in Montreal as Lambert is tasked with heading up Dior’s re-opening in the city’s chicest department store.
Movie
~Mr. Holmes
Last summer, Mitch Cullin’s 2005 book A Slight Trick of the Mind was adapted for the big screen in the film titled Mr. Holmes. Having been recently released in the UK on June 19th, it will arrive in the United States on July 17th. What is the plot you might be wondering? Ian McKellen stars as the 93 year old Sherlock Holmes who having been long-retired lives in a tucked away Sussex farmhouse with his housekeeper Mrs. Munro (Laura Linney) and her young son Roger. In revisiting an old case in which he adamantly disagrees with Watson’s account, he tries to recall the details for himself, but has trouble with his memory. The journey begins. Have a look at the trailer below.
Music
~Stacey Kent
A Grammy-nominated American Jazz singer, I was recently introduced to Stacey Kent’s music as a reader suggested her French vocals, as well as her English tunes. Raised in New Jersey and trained in London, Kent’s talents lead the ear to believe she is not American, with her soft, bird-like tones, that dance with the music rhythms. Needless to say, I couldn’t have agreed more with the recommendation (Thank you Kel!), especially her Raconte-Moi (tell me) album which was released in 2010. Take a listen below and have a look at her tour schedule as she may just be in your area.
Shopping
~Eugenia Kim Francis woven straw hat
With summer comes the need for protecting our skin, and while sunscreen should always be worn, donning a chic hat isn’t a bad idea either. Eugenia Kim’s designs are abundant, and this design may just be the most versatile and worthy of bringing along on your travels.
Travel
~Lipault Luggage
Part of enjoying travel is ensuring that the going and coming is streamlined, effortless and void of headaches. A significant part of tending to each of these is the luggage we choose to use. I was recently given Lipault’s 20″ two wheel satchel in navy and was tickled with how well-constructed it was. Indeed it does fold-up with ease when empty for easy storage (which is half the dilemma as well: where to put it in our homes when not in use), and it holds its shape (as you can see below in my Instagram pic). Ideal for a short weekend getaway, they also have carry-on foldable luggage in a variety of colors.
~recipe for Rustic White Peach, Blueberry and Basil Skillet Galettes~
As Friday morning begins, I am waking up in the city I will never tire of visiting, New York City. With a book signing scheduled for Saturday (click here for all of the details), today I am eager to explore, experience and enjoy as many places, haunts, museums, restaurants, and plays that I have been putting on my to-do list since last summer’s visit. And rest assured, you can come along with me via Instagram (@thesimplyluxuriouslife).
This past, and first week of summer has been a lovely one here on TSLL, and if you haven’t had a chance to see what we’ve been up to, check out this week’s episode of The Simple Sophisticate as we talk about all things summer, tune in to my interview with Tranquility du Jour‘s Kimberly Wilson as we discuss what living a simply luxurious life is all about, and did you see what Norman and I did on Monday? Phew, it’s been a busy, but very fun week, and now I think we all could use a respite. I do hope you enjoy yourself, and if you’re looking for some intriguing articles and posts, I’ve gathered a few below. Until Monday, bon weekend!
~A beautiful reminder of the benefits of letting go of busy . . . 10 Things to Look Forward to on the Other Side of Busy
~A timeless piece of kitchenware to have on hand is an item from Le Creuset, and David Leibovitz takes readers inside the factory in great detail. Enjoy the tour here.
~Traveling in Paris this summer or in the future? Bookmark this post from Hip Paris . . . Paris’ Best Natural Wine Bars & Shops
~So much truth in this post. A must-read . . . 5 Things That Happen When You Embrace Being Alone
~The best advice any mother should give their daughter when it comes to style . . . The Only Fashion Advice Your Daughter Really Needs
~And last, but definitely not least . . . 20 Things We Should Say to Ourselves More Often
Images: (2)
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June 24, 2015
Decor Inspiration: Modern Victorian Charm
House Beautiful showcased this beautiful kitchen in their June 2015 issue, and I couldn’t wait to share on the blog. Located in San Francisco, designer Antonio Martins integrated old and new, keeping the original Victorian stove and utilizing the barn wood island and old-fashioned cupboards to balance the classic with the contemporary. As a fan of minimalism, I am drawn to the open shelving as it prompts the cook to have only what they need, but also use tools as decor, rather than cluttering the kitchen with more. The Droog chandelier, while expensive, certainly brings the modern touch to this 1896 space.
~DECOR INSPIRATION POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
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Word of the Week: No. 8
Click below for pronunciation:
http://www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/adumbrate.m4a
~WORDS OF THE WEEK FROM THE ARCHIVES:
Image: (1)
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June 23, 2015
Outfit of the Week: Bare Shouldered Style
~Tibi Satin Poplin Off-the-Shoulder Tunic~
~Sole Society Georgia mid-heel wedge~
~MiH Jeans, The Breathless low-rise skinny jeans or these or these (all on sale)~
~Ben-Amun gold-plated necklace~
~Halston Heritage leather bucket bag (50% off)~
SHOP THE OUTFIT:
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Style Inspiration: Navy & Stripes
Nothing sings the style of summer like stripes, and as I mentioned in this interview with Kimberly Wilson as we discussed the topic of a capsule wardrobe, navy truly is one of the most neutral colors to carry over from spring to fall effortlessly. Have fun finding inspiration for your next outfit or items to pack for your upcoming getaway.
~STYLE INSPIRATION POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
Images: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13)
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June 22, 2015
Tranquility du Jour Interview: What is the Simply Luxurious Life?
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW HERE
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” -Marianne Williamson
As the school year wrapped up, one of my students included Marianne Williamson’s quote in her final project, and I must say the timing was quite serendipitous as it was a beautiful reminder that we need to give ourselves permission to shine because each of us has so much to offer the world and those we love. As it happens, Williamson’s quote was mentioned repeatedly in my recent interview with blogger and talented entrepreneur Kimberly Wilson, so I thought I should include it.
As blogger, when I began TSLL in 2009, one of the first bloggers I looked to as a guide and example was Kimberly Wilson, founder of Tranquility du Jour. Along with her inspiring blog, she is the creative director and founder of Tranquil Space – named among the top 25 yoga studios in the world by Travel + Leisure, author of Hip Tranquil Chick and Tranquilista, and holds a Master’s in Women’s Studies.
I feel fortunate to have been invited to be interviewed for a second time (2011 was our first chat) to discuss my book Choosing The Simply Luxurious Life: A Modern Woman’s Guide. The topics stretch far and wide, and her ease of presence made it an easy conversation to have. Listen to the interview and check out Kimberly Wilson’s blog here.
Topics Discussed:
What is the simply luxurious life?
Traveling in style?
Indulging your inner Francophile
Letting go of society’s expectations
Living consciously
Capsule wardrobe
How to live your best life?
My keys to living well
My daily breakfast menu that keeps me energized throughout the day
Books mentioned: Simple Abundance, Tuesdays with Morrie , The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz, Susan Cain’s Quiet
Diana Vreeland’s documentary, The Eye Has to Travel
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Why Not . . . Make the Most of Summer?
“Then followed that beautiful season…Summer….
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.”
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The Simple Sophisticate, episode #43
Yesterday, June 21st, summer officially began here in the Northern Hemisphere, and as I was zipping around this past weekend doing errands, it truly began to feel like summer: More tourists, more out of state license plates, more of those tantalizing scents wafting about the neighborhood, and an ample need for sunscreen.
And while as a teacher, I have the opportunity of a three month hiatus to solely focus on blogging and leisure, I realize not everyone has this luxury. However, because the days are longer, the fresh food more plentiful and the outdoor activities more readily in abundance, I wanted to share with you 15 ways to embrace and make the most of these next three months whether you have the opportunity to get out of town on a long, restorative vacation or will be simply enjoying the summer season offerings of your hometown.
1. Practice Yoga or Meditation
Last December, the United Nations, with the urging of India’s Prime Minister Norendra Modi, officially announced that June 21st or the day that falls between June 20-22nd (it varies each year), would be International Yoga Day. Perhaps, if you are a fan or one who practices yoga, you were already made aware of this and participated in a special event yesterday at your local yoga studio, but even if yoga or mediation doesn’t interest you, the idea of integrating the body and the mind just might.
As your schedule slows down and the days become longer, perhaps this is the ideal time to try and incorporate the habit of either yoga or mediation into your daily or weekly routine. Did you know the purpose for yoga is to prepare the mind and body for meditation? However, whether you prefer one or the other or both, why not start this summer? Why start a habit this summer you may ask? Studies have shown that developing a habit of any type requires consistent effort of 7-11 times, and with the time that summer allows, this may just be the opportunity you’ve been looking for. Click here for more benefits and ideas on yoga and here for meditation.
2. Luxuriate in Sleep
Hopefully your schedule is lightening a smidge and your body can begin to get back into a healthy rhythm. The beautiful and amazing fact about our bodies is that it will ask for what it wants, we just need to pay attention. If you can get to a point of waking up without an alarm clock or going to bed without help, you will notice a profound improvement in your energy levels, and thus your overall quality of life.
During the summer months, make sure to keep your bedroom cool enough, sleep in natural fibers (turn down the duvet) and if you can, leave your windows open to welcome in fresh air as it does help the body sleep more deeply (if it is cool outside in the evenings). If your body needs prompting in the evenings to go to sleep, create a few evening rituals that hint to your body that it is time to unwind. Here are a few ideas I enjoy.
3. Establish an Unplugged Schedule
While it may for many of us be impossible to limit our tech time due to work and family demands, why not just for the summer create a schedule that allows you to be free from your phone, your iPad, even your computer at regular intervals. Whether it is putting all electronics away at 6pm, or making weekends tech-free, allow your mind to relax and be fully present in the moment. Who knows? Perhaps you will realize you can truly live without the wi-fi connection more often than you had thought.
4. Go Outside
The longer and warmer days offer many different activities to be enjoyed outdoors, whether it is an early morning or late evening walk in the soft daylight, or sitting outside to read the morning newspaper, take advantage of the change of scenery and weather to appreciate the gifts of Mother Nature right outside your door.
~click here to buy the hat~
5. Schedule a Me-Day
Whether you prefer a spa day or a day along the hiking paths outside your town, schedule a day weeks in advance so that you have something to look forward to and luxuriate in this precious, much-needed time alone.
6. Revamp Eating Habits
With more availability of fresh and local produce, revamping your diet to include quality food that will satiating your hunger without having to eat as much, as well as feeding your body well, is the gift of summer. And similar to the inclusion of yoga or mediation, perhaps instilling such a beneficial habit will be something that is easier to carry into the remaining nine months. (A post you might enjoy: Why Not . . . Eat Local Produce?)
~Articles & Blog Posts to Read: “The Best Diet is Deliciousness” via The Wall Street Journal and Why Not . . . Feed Your Body Well?
7. Indulge in Leisure Reading
Summer time always brings to mind free reading time. Free to read whatever I please without explanation. Time to get lost in nonsense, fluff or fanciful dreams. Currently I am reading Candace Bushnell’s Killing Monica, and I must say, it fits this definition perfectly.
8. Enjoy the Local Offerings
Typically each town or city curates a summer guide of all the local events, markets and concerts for the tourists and locals to enjoy during the warmer months. Often created by the chamber of commerce or the local newspaper, be sure to pick one up and plan your summer calendar around the events you want to experience. Who knows? Maybe you will discover something new in the town you’ve lived in for quite some time.
9. Plan a Picnic
One of the most lovely excursions to enjoy outdoors: A picnic. Whether in your backyard, at your local park or in the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris, pack a bottle of wine, fruit, a baguette and the local favorite offerings at the farmers’ market and lose track of time. With a friend or by yourself with a lovely leisurely read, a picnic in the summer is a must-do.
The Picnic: Recipes and Inspiration from Basket to Blanket
10. Hang a Hammock
“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time.”
– John Lubbock
For me, I have always had a love affair with the hammock. Have I swung in one very many times? No. Perhaps that is why I long for one in my own backyard. There is something quite tranquil about being suspended above the ground, gently swinging back and forth, and having the ability to lie back and dream, read or be lulled to sleep for an afternoon nap. Needless to say, all the reasons I love summer so.
11. Enjoy a Concert Outside
Maybe a band or musician is singing outside at a local restaurant that you happened to sit down to enjoy a meal or perhaps you are strolling through the local markets and the music of local musicians prompts you to tap your toes. Or better yet, maybe you have an amphitheater in your community and grand talents are invited to treat the locals. Either way, such occasions are only available during the summer months in most locales, so stop, enjoy and dance along.
~Bend Amphitheater Events Calendar: Sheryl Crow, Ben Harper, Pink Martini and more!
12. Travel As Much As You Can
It isn’t every summer that our budgets allow us to travel or perhaps it is our schedules that make it impossible. I know that for the majority of my twenties, I was unable to travel hardly at all, even though I was aching to wander. However, whether you are able to travel across the oceans or simply across county lines, if an opportunity arises that piques your interest, grab hold. Since we are never sure what we will experience, we are always assured something new that may spark something within us, teach us something about ourselves or even the world we live in, prompting us to return a changed person, a better person perhaps. So go, travel, and lose yourself. Perhaps along the way, you will find out more about yourself.
13. Appreciate a Garden
Maybe you wish to have your own garden or a small potted herb garden in your kitchen, or maybe you simple want to appreciate the bounty available from growers in the area as you pick up and purchase their deliciousness at the farmers’ market. Either way, indulge in the gifts of the soil when tended to over time with careful attention. You will be amazed at the difference in flavor. A few years ago, I shared my own experience as I too have a small herb garden and created a mini garden in a pot for my lettuce and other vegetables. View the post here for inspiration and ideas to start your very own: Why Not . . . Create A Mini Garden?
14. Eat Outside
One of my favorite daily routines in the summer is to sit out on the porch when I visit my parents in Wallowa County, sip a hot cup of tea and listen to the birds chirp and go about their business (my most recent moment was shared on Instagram this past weekend here, here and here). There really is anything quite like it. Add some wonderful reading material, and my day is off to a great start. Whether you prefer to start or end your day outdoors, if the weather permits, why not? It’s not something that can be indulged in year-round for most of us, and it offers us a chance to appreciate amazing simple luxuries.
15. Learn Something New
My call to action for you as well as myself is to vow to learn something new by the end of the summer season. Whether it is information about a historical figure or event gleaned at a museum on your worldly travels, or a skill newly attempted and now something you are more accustomed with by the end of August and mid-September, try something new, explore somewhere you’ve never been, and begin the next season with new knowledge and perhaps a new dose of confidence.
I look forward to sharing with you what I attempt these next few months (one is depicted below, Oscar is loving it, to my delight!), and feel free to share your newfound knowledge and skills either in the comments of this post or on Instagram. Simply tag me (@thesimplyluxuriouslife), or include the has tag #mysimplyluxuriouslife or #thesimplyluxuriouslife.
~yep, Norman and I out on Wallowa Lake on a Monday morning~
Summer brings with it a change in one way or another for each of us: Some changes we look forward to (lighter schedule, travel, etc) and other changes we don’t (extreme heat, sunburns and travel delays), but each year I come to appreciate the season even more as I fall in love with Mother Nature’s gifts, take advantage of what is not available during the other three seasons and use the extra time to fine tune my own daily routine in hopes that I can carry forward into the regular routine when it arrives the serenity I have found during the season of long, leisurely days.
I hope you have an amazing three months. Have a wonderful week and thank you for stopping by.
~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
~Why Not . . Welcome the Summer Season?
~Why Not . . . Have a Yard Sale?
~Why Not . . . Savor the Last Days of Summer?
Petit Plaisir:
Catastrophe, Amazon Original Comedy Series (6 episodes), premiered June 19, 2015 in the US, available in the UK via Amazon in the coming months
~Starring, written and created by actress Sharon Hogan & comedian Rob Delaney, guest starring
~Free for Amazon Prime Members
Images: (1) (1.5) (2) (3) (3.5) (3.6) (3.75) (4)
The post Why Not . . . Make the Most of Summer? appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.
