Shannon Ables's Blog, page 328

Style Inspiration: Stripes & Denim

When summer arrives, there are a handful of classics I gravitate towards: Stripes & denim. Granted, both can be worn anytime of the year, but nothing equals the casual aesthetic, yet elevated chic like anything else chosen so nonchalantly. Enjoy this week’s style inspiration, and be sure to check out this week’s “New Weekly Finds” in the right-hand column. There is a lovely linen stripe dress ideal for summer. 

STYLE INSPIRATION POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES:

~Impressive Summer Style

~Sand & Cement Style

~Summertime Ease

Images: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11)

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Why Not . . . Create a Lingerie Capsule Wardrobe?

“Lingerie is my next love after clothing; I think it is what is worn underneath that really inspires a woman to feel beautiful in her clothes – that inner, secret glamour.” –Alice Temperley
The Simple Sophisticate, episode #42

Much like the director of a film, conductor of an orchestra or foundation of a house, in order for the pieces to harmonize, shine to their fullest or stand the test of time, the items that are often not seen or given recognition, are the most essential components that without would cause the entire production to flop. Such is the power and thus necessity of a quality, thoughtful compilation of one’s lingerie capsule wardrobe.

Inspired by a reader’s recent email, I came up with the lingerie essentials to always have on hand. Erika writes:

“Since listening to your podcasts and reading your blog . . . could you do a blog or podcast on how to wear the luxurious lingerie. I grew up and still live in a small rural community . . . I pretty much just know about bras and panties. When do you wear a slip? With every dress? Do you always wear hose?”

The key, as is with the overall approach to living simply luxuriously, is quality over quantity. And while it may take time to purchase the more luxurious items (which I will delineate below) when you are able, choose to invest. Your skin and peace of mind will thank you.

Prior to going through the list, task yourself with the following assignment:

1. Consider your typical two weeks of outfits. What type of lingerie is needed to make each ensemble shine.

2. Go through your capsule wardrobe. What does each piece require as a foundation piece (bra, underwear, etc)?

Once you have created a list of the items that are needed, keep these four parts under consideration to ensure you will love, feel comfortable and wear your purchases:

1. Style – Will it work underneath the clothing I wear?

2. Cut – Is it the right size for my figure?

3. Material – Is it comfortable against my skin?

4. Color – Is it appropriate for my chosen outfits and does it align with my signature style and taste?

Now to the essentials to build your own lingerie capsule wardrobe:

Essential Basics (Necessary items to function for everyday to special occasion use)

2-3 nude bra & brief sets (include 1 T-shirt bra)
1-2 black bra & brief sets (include 1 T-shirt bra)
10-15 pair of daily wear underwear (enough to make it through a laundry cycle plus a few extra)
2 sports bras (minimum, you may want more based on your activity level), Sweaty Betty, Lucy, Title Nine
1 nude multi-functional/strapless bra
1 black multi-functional/strapless bra
2 Spanx shorts and/or thongs/seamless briefs
1 chemise
1 robe
hose (sheer nude and black opaque), try Donna Karan’s “The Nudes”

Essential Luxuries (Discretionary items you can live without, but when you’re able to invest, are worth having on hand for occasions)

hose (fishnet, thigh-high stockings in black and nude), with a garter belt
slips (full or half)
bodysuit by Spanx
camisole (can double as a bra if built-in)
1-2 colored bra & brief set

Once you begin building your lingerie wardrobe, organize it to showcase and streamline. Rather than simply throwing everything into one lingerie drawer, purchase dividers for your underwear from Storables (here and here), carefully lay out and layer your bras and use skirt hangers for half slips, as well as the proper hangers for chemises and camisoles. And just as importantly, care of the investments you have carefully chosen. Click here to read about how to wash your lingerie.

As I shared in this post a few years ago, as well as in chapter four of TSLL book, lingerie should be worn for you, a secret you possess everyday that nobody knows about unless you choose to share. And I will speak from personal experience, when you feel Italian lace against your skin, the understanding of who lingerie is truly worn for will become crystal clear.

Where to shop online for lingerie? Here’s a list of recommendations:

~ Huit ~
~ Simone Perele ~
~ Nancy Meyer ~
~ La Petite Coquette ~
~ Aubade ~
~ La Perla ~
~ Faire Frou Frou ~
~ Jane’s Vanity ~ located in Portland, Oregon, and shopping online as well
~ Far West ~ “Luxury Lingerie for Life”, specializes in slips, camisoles and loungewear
~ Bra Smyth ~ – located in New York City, Bra Smyth was one of the first lingerie stores to offer mastectomy bras and swimsuits.
~ Princesse Tam Tam ~

SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~Why Not . . . Buy Yourself Luxurious Lingerie?

~Why Not . . . Create a Special Occasions Capsule Wardrobe?

~Why Not . . . Build a Capsule Wardrobe on a Budget?

Petit Plaisir:

~The New York Times, Sunday Edition (home delivery no matter where you live)

~The Wall Street Journal, home delivery on the day it is printed no matter where you call home

 

Image: (1)

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This & That: No. 162

Beauty
~Laura Mercier’s Secret Finish

Laura Mercier’s illuminator brightens the skin giving your face the appearance of a natural, fresh glow. Apply after you’ve put on your make-up or at the end of the day to perk up your visage, and achieve the radiance that you may feel has drained out up until that point. Many beauty experts recommend mixing moisturizer with an illuminator to create the dewey look many models were sporting on the recent runways, and while I haven’t tried it yet, this item is certainly on my wish list.

Book
~100 Places in France Every Woman Should Go

Marcia DeSanctis, the award-winning writer, speaks from her years of experience having traveled and lived in France as she shares where to go, what to enjoy and how to spend your time on your next trip to France. Having just been released this past November, this is the ideal gift or resource for the Francophile in your life (perhaps a gift to yourself is in order, no?).

Film
~Barbecue

Last weekend I was looking for a light-hearted film, yet something to catch my eye’s attention as well as pique my curiosity. Released in 2014, Barbecue is a French film situated the majority of the time in the countryside of south France, but also in the city of Lyon. Amongst a group of long-time friends, one suffers a heart attack only to have it prompt him to question his entire life’s approach to living well. Enjoy the laughter, the camaraderie, the tears, the frustration and the ultimate happy ending. Available on Netflix, be sure to put it on your watch list.

Music
~Leon Bridges, Coming Home

As a lover of jazz since I was a teenager, I have already fallen in love with the classic talents, but I’m always looking for new talent that is able to grab that timeless touch that is recognizably jazz and make it their own. Leon Bridges, hands down, has done that, is doing that, and I implore you to listen. I mentioned Bridges a few weeks ago on my Instagram feed, but you have probably already heard his title song as it is music you hear in an Apple ad, a scene in TVLand’s Younger, and much more. The album isn’t released until June 23rd, but five of his songs are available for download. I recommend “Coming Home” and “River” so far, but I know there will be more. And if you are someone who enjoys concerts, check out his tour dates; he is everywhere: domestically and abroad, and even in Oregon (Happy Valley), this summer. Have a listen below.

Shopping
~Emerson Fry Core Dress (more colors available)

Emerson Fry knows how to market clothing. Well, at least they know how to market to me because while their silk Core dress looks pretty basic and plain, it is the back that left me speechless. Ideal for summer days and leisurely warm evenings, wear alone or cinch with a belt, the options are endless, but be aware, when you walk away, you will catch people’s eye (in a very good way).

Television
~Odd Mom Out

I know, I know. Another Bravo series, but Andy Cohen has figured something out. Scripted television with women in the starring roles choosing to embrace a life that is not the milieu is a winning combination. Writer and now leading actress Jill Kargman stars in Odd Mom Out which airs each Monday night on Bravo (premiere aired June 8th). Situated on the Upper East Side in New York City, Jill embraces her unconventional, quirky self as she raises her three kids and makes a life with her husband Andy whose family brings its own UES baggage. Have a look at the trailer below.

 

 ~recipe for Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake~

Dress me up, and let me relax. Oh, and let me eat a slice of that cheesecake above, no? The summer vacations may be just around the corner, but the weeks are still busy as everything has yet to settle. And while the weekend will be taking me away to my future home in Bend, I look forward to eating well, dressing up and relaxing. Not a bad trio, if I do say so.

Yesterday’s Thoughts from the Editor sparked some great conversation, feel free to have a look. And don’t forget that the sign-ups for the fall capsule wardrobe styling sessions are coming up on Saturday June 20th, so be sure to mark your calendars. Many people are already emailing, but I’m not taking names until the 20th, so be sure to email me bright and early on the 20th.

On an entirely different note, perhaps you’ve heard about the most recent Vanity Fair cover? Well, if you haven’t (and especially if you have), Elinor Burkett wrote a worth reading op-ed piece this past weekend for The New York Times, “What Makes a Woman?“.

In other, more light-hearted reading for your leisurely upcoming weekend . . .

~Oprah shares 5 Promises Every Woman Should Make (To Herself)

~As you’re prepping your summer travel plans, Must-Have Travel Apps

~The New Yorker explores the question, Can Reading Make You Happier?

~Do you work for yourself? The 8 Traits Shared By the Most Successful Entrepreneurs

~Martha Stewart takes Architectural Digest through her Maine estate (below). Take the tour here.

I do hope you have plans to look forward to this weekend, and no matter how they may play out, take a little time for you. Until Monday, bon weekend!

Image: (2)

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Thoughts from the Editor: Letting Go of Stuff

Letting go (per the focus of this week’s episode of the podcast) and paring down have been at the forefront of my mind lately as I contemplate the reality of packing up not only my house, but my classroom full of 13 years of teaching. And so I found it to be quite serendipitous when I was flipping through the June issue of Elle US and was introduced to professional life and home organizer Laura Cattano.

Author of the blog The Order Obsessed, she is currently the guest coach at Elle.com and will be offering a post a week for the month of June (click here for her first lesson on organizing one’s boudoir). The idea of purging and ridding my life of items I haven’t used in years excites me tremendously. Even after having had two yard sales in the past three years, I still have items of decor and clothing I would like to shed (and plus my mover informed me, I will be paying per the pound, so I thought that was yet another motivator to let a few items go as well).

And as this past year was focused on the launch of the book, a dream-come-true event, and more recently, cementing the opportunity to move to Bend, my schedule hasn’t been as open as I would have liked to edit of my closet as I typically do twice a year. With that said however, in the next few weeks, I am looking forward to carving out an entire day to be ruthless (for anyone who lives in the area, I promise there will be a yard sale in July). ~Click here to follow a simple guide for editing your closet.

The feeling of letting go of anything opens up space in our lives for what is a better fit or simply leaves more room to breathe and move more freely, effortlessly and unencumbered.

I would like a bit more space between each of my hangers. I would like a to look at my closet again and see an item I want to wear on each hanger. I would like to have fewer clothes.

What I have discovered since I curated my first capsule wardrobe is that with each year, it becomes more precise, more in alignment with my genuine signature style. This also means that a few more clothing items must go, to make room for items that would work much better. Yes, it may appear frustrating that we have to let items go, but the feel-good-tingling-feeling is that we’re truly narrowing in, not only what we enjoy wearing, but what works best for our lives. Such a feeling of refinement is exactly the purpose of the capsule wardrobe.

And since we are on the note of editing our closets, TSLL reader Kristin recently introduced me to Cuyana’s Lean Closet idea which in many ways aligns with the simply luxurious approach: Purchasing quality items, however, fewer items. You might want to have a look.

But before I leave you today, I thought I’d offer a bit of inspiration of what you might want to consider tossing from your closet:

~Items that are always losing out to another option in your closet

~Items that are uncomfortable to wear for whatever reason: fit, fabric, length, etc. 

~Items that date you or were purchased only to keep up with the trend of the season (which is now last season)

~Items that shrink your confidence

~Items that don’t look their best anymore: Stains, fading, tears, rips, etc.

~Sparkles, sequins (just let them go, I had to do the same thing)

~Shoes that are never, at any point of the day, comfortable

~Freebie T-shirts from any group you’ve been a part of that is simply taking up space

~Cheap, knock-off handbags (stick to three quality bags: clutch, tote, handbag for day, and you will be set)

~Any lingerie (underwear, bras, hose, etc) that has lost its luster, elasticity, etc.

Okay, now . . . I am setting the date with myself. I can’t wait. Can you?

~THOUGHTS FROM THE EDITOR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES:

~To the Class of 2015

~Cannes Red Carpet 2015

~Why Not . . . Move Forward Successfully?

Image: (1)

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Word of the Week: No. 6

 

Click to hear pronunciation:

http://www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/milieu.m4a

WORDS OF THE WEEK FROM THE ARCHIVES:

~No. 5: dearth

~No. 4: vacillate

~No. 3: accoutrements

Image via Fashion and Style by Vanja Milicevic

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Outfit of the Week: Summer Sophisticate

~Stella McCartney faux suede sandal (68% off)~

~DVF Dacey two-tone jersey-crepe wrap maxi dress~

~Lanvin Love gold-tone necklace (40% off)~

~Rebecca Minkoff Mab leather tote (white) 50% off~

~Chloe Aviator-style metal sunglasses~

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Style Inspiration: Impressive Summer Style

With summer comes playful combinations, as well as options and pairings you may not consider during the other three months. Since stepping outside of your comfort zone is part of the game it seems, indulge in this season, have fun and experiment. Who knows, you may just find something to add to your signature style that you couldn’t imagine living without. From fringed skirts as the one above, to sheer maxi dresses, stacked sandals or a statement print sheath, keep your eye out from something that sings to you.

 

Images:(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13)

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Letting Go & Hanging On: What Falls Where?

“We must be willing to let go of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”– Joseph Campbell
The Simple Sophisticate, episode #41

While the undeniable life truth remains that change is inevitable, even when we seek change, fervently pursue it, letting go of certain aspects of the life we’ve been living can feel as though we are leaving behind our “Linus blanket“.

Whether it’s the comfort of being accepted  in the community we currently live in, the comfort of the walls we’ve built to protect our heart or the comfort of a social calendar that may not have been to our taste, but at least we have one, letting go of what we have known for what is completely uncertain can cause angst in even the most courageous of people.

At the beginning of 2015, the first post of the year focused on the premise of getting back to simple. As Einstein reminds, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” And part of striking the right balance is letting go of the unnecessary which in turn invokes change in our lives on our own terms for the purpose of improving the overall quality of life. And in the same vein, knowing what to always hang on to – the foundational components – will give our lives the sound structure and direction that will bring fulfillment.

Let Go Of: 

1. Others’ Opinions

It has been my experience that when I am unsure of myself, abilities and path, I seek approval from others more readily and often. The lesson? Take the time to get to know yourself, hone your strengths and in doing so you will begin to approve of yourself and that is all that matters. (Discover a more in-depth discussion on the importance of seeking your own approval here.)

2. The Number of Likes

Social media accounts offer wonderful ways to stay in touch and share information, but similar to #1, if your value or confidence depends on outside approval, you need to begin doing work on the inside: Mental strength, self-acceptance and self-knowledge.

3. The Size of Your House

Many people believe they need a large house because they have many people for whom they will have to house or they have an immense amount of stuff. The fact of the matter is, Americans have lived in far smaller homes in the past with just as many people (often more). Two years ago this post provoked great discussion on the benefits of living in a smaller home.

4. Societal Expectations That Shrink Who You Are and Could Be

“Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.”– Raymond Lindquist

Many people want to, but few choose to find the courage to walk to the beat of their own drum when they realize to do otherwise would diminish who they are and what they have to offer. Be brave. We all are capable of discovering the courage within us because it is there just waiting to be exercised.

5. A Busy Schedule

Inevitably there will be times when your life becomes harried because a confluence occurs of all of your life priorities, but allowing this to be an everyday occurrence speaks more of what each of us lacks in life and are afraid to confront. Read this post about the need to let go of busy.

6. Brand Name Clothing

The only reason I buy Diane von Furstenberg clothing is because it aligns with my signature style: quality, chic, casual attire (and it has to be on sale). However, to buy a pair of heels for the red soles or a handbag for the entwining Cs so everyone can see you owning/wearing them is to reveal your dependence on the approval of others. (See #1.)

7. Fake Food

Not only will your waistline thank you, but your long-term physical health and especially your mind. Click here to find a list of foods to let go of and ones to indulge in.

8. Comparing Social Calendars

If you are secure and loving the life you are living, to hear that a dear friend is going to roam around the world should be exciting, celebratory news. On the flip side, to have friends who are secure in their lives enough to be excited for your adventures, are friendships you want to nurture. So be sure to travel or not to travel, go out or not go out, for the right reasons.

9. The Latest Tech Upgrade

Everyone’s life will require certain tech capabilities, but let go of the need to be seen with the latest release of the iPhone or Samsung Galaxy. In so doing you will be able to use that money for other more enjoyable investments.

10. Where Someone Gained Their Education

Whether a public college or a prestigious Ivy League institution or a trade school in proximity to where you grew up, where someone chose or was financially able to advance their training of the career they wish to pursue shouldn’t matter in the least. It is one’s willingness to learn, ability to grow and apply successfully their knowledge along with their passion and work ethic, that should catch our attention. So look not at the place of degree, but rather to someone’s expertise and passionate pursuit.

11. Mode of Transportation

Perhaps this is bigger out here on the west coast, but the only reason one should pay attention to their choice of transportation is to ensure functionality and safety. Beyond that, save your money and don’t forget to change your oil regularly (if your mode of transport is a car).

12. Past Mistakes

“The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward.”– Steve Maraboli

We each leave behind us a textbook full of lessons we have the opportunity to learn from as we move forward, but learning from them and dwelling on them are two different things. When we revert to dwelling, we are longing for a chance to rewrite history  – a chance, we undoubtedly know will never materialize. Rather when we chose to learn from history, we are accepting our past, remembering we are human and moving forward with more knowledge.

Just as there are clear things to let go of, there are specific items to hold onto with absolute resolution:

1. Curiosity 

To remain curious, as Diane Sawyer reminds, is to never grow old. For there will always be something new to learn and will serve as a fire you never want to extinguish.

2. Books, Information, Etc.

Whether a book checked out from the library or a news article read in Feedly, voluntarily choose to be well read and in the know. Click here for the benefits of staying abreast of current affairs and here for the benefits of reading.

3. Authenticity

You have something to offer the world that no one else has. Take the time to discover it, have the courage to cultivate it and pursue it without apology. Your life and legacy will be more fulfilling as a result.

4. Your Unique Path

People often scoff, question or try to thwart ideas they don’t understand or due to their experience, couldn’t imagine for themselves. As humans we consciously view the world from our limited perspective. Knowing this should lift the burden as you pursue and cultivate the life you have imagined.

5. Gratitude

Being thankful for what is going well keeps the positive energy flowing through each of our days, motivates us to be more positive by default and is a magnet for more experiences and people to be thankful for.

Often too, when we spend our time being thankful for what we do have, we don’t pursue so often what we don’t need. Which as a byproduct eliminates unnecessary stress as well.

6. Hope

Never lose the fuel that will carry you right up to the moment you weren’t sure would ever happen.

Without question, life, if lived consciously, isn’t always easy, but there are many ways we make it harder than it needs to be.

All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.”– Havelock Ellis

Strip the unnecessary and revel in the beautiful.

While yes, quite simple, it requires conscious effort on our part. The key is to recognize what supports you as you courageously choose to be authentically who you are and have the capability to become and what aligns with your life priorities. Everything else is just filler. Even in choosing what to hold on to and what to let go of, notice which list is longer. Quality and quantity prevails again.

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~Getting Back to Simple

Petit Plaisir:

Eminence Facial Recovery Oil

Purchase here or here. Find a spa who carries the product here.

~Podcast #13 – 8 Ways to Create Glowing Skin

 

Image: (1) Ruban FW15

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This & That: No. 161

Beauty
~Chanel CC Cream Complete Correction Sunscreen (SPF 25-32)

As I was flipping through one of my fashion magazines last week, I came across a recommendation of Chanel’s sunscreen. And since my curiosity was piqued, I looked a little further. Not only does Chanel’s sunscreen contain a higher SPF than most designer beauty tinted moisturizers (typically 15), it also serves as a primer in many ways as well. Be sure to read the reviews provided by the link, but if you’re willing to invest, and don’t want to put too many different products on your face as it serves as your basic semi-sheer foundation, you might want to have a look.

Book
~Happily Ali After: And Other Fairly True Tales by Ali Wentworth

As only comedian and actress Ali Wentworth can, the follow-up book to her best-selling Ali in Wonderland, looks to be filled with her unique and engagingly hilarious voice. Inspired by maxims appearing in her Twitter feed, Wentworth attempted to follow their advice and then took a detour from Gretchen Rubin’s Happiness Project to experience what turned out at times to be the “Unhappiness Project”. Much like a girlfriend you could spend hours talking and laughing with without editing a word, if you’re looking for a slice of humor, you may have found your book.

~Killing Monica by Candace Bushnell

Sex and the City writer Candace Bushnell returns on June 23rd with her latest novel, Killing Monica. Perhaps inspired by her own road of success derived by the iconic character Carrie Bradshaw, PJ Wallis, the protagonist of the tale is a writer who after having crafted the beloved Monica (a young woman making her way in Manhattan), wishes now only to kill her and write something completely outside of the audience’s expectation. Not without her publisher and husband begging her to stay the course as it is a cash cow, she finally finds the courage, and the books takes the readers along for the ride. I must say, I think this will be ideal summer reading.

~Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic: Lessons in Everyday Elegance by Jennifer L. Scott

I couldn’t wait to share with you, but I wanted to give you the head’s up. Jennifer L. Scott (of the Daily Connoisseur blog) has just announced her third book’s release date. Tuesday October 27th mark your calendars for her resource of a book all about simple everyday lessons in poise that will take you from work to hosting effortlessly elegantly without batting an eye.

Shopping
~Chance Stripe Pajamas

When Julia Leach first began her company, Chance, a couple of years ago, the stripe fanatic that I am was beyond exuberant. Why? Well, it’s all about stripes – classic stripes. And while a nautical top is an ideal essential to have in our closet, a luxury that I splurged on and still love to wear to bed is a pair of her classic stripe pocket pajamas. Available in a couple of different options as you can see above, save up and rest-assured, the quality cotton sleep set will last for years.

Theater
~The Tempest

Shakespeare in the Park has begun in New York City, and it is The Tempest that is currently available to the audience to enjoy. Starring Sam Waterston of Law & Order and more recently Grace & Frankie fame, Shakespeare’s tale of young love and old enemies is directed by Tony award winner Michael Greif. While I am going to do my best to see a production on my upcoming trip to NYC, it most certainly won’t be easy. But who knows, I might just get lucky!

~recipe for Raspberry Mango Tango Smoothie~

What a week it has been. With careful attention being paid to correcting some technical glitches on the blog to wrapping up the last few days with my seniors, there has been only a few spare hours to sit down and breathe, but the good news is that all has come to a positive resolution.

As I mentioned last week, for anyone who is a subscriber to the daily emails, the delivery has been held up. *fingers crossed* Thankfully, everything should be back up and working: The app, Bloglovin, Feedly, and Pulse should all be updating as they should (you may have to delete and re-add TSLL feed on Feedly and Pulse as that was my experience). If you receive two emails with the same posts, be sure to delete your Feedburner account and not your Aweber as I am shifting entirely over to Aweber and trying to let go of Feedburner as it is not as well-tended to. If you still are not receiving your daily emails as you have in the past, please do let me know. Needless to say, it has made me evermore appreciative for the many days, months and years everything has run smoothly.

And with that, the weekend. Perhaps you will get to indulge in some outdoor leisure, or pop on by the local farmers’ market to pick up the perfect ingredients for the delicious smoothie shown above. Whatever you choose to do, have a wonderful time. For your reading pleasure this week, you will find a handful articles you might enjoy below. And with that, until Monday, bon weekend!

~Learn from those who know . . . 5 Powerful Rituals of Mentally Strong People

~SJP launches a bridal shoe line, after all, it is June

~Knowledge can be procured anywhere . . . 10 Life Lessons You Learn in the Real World, Not in School

~School may be out, but if you’re a parent who is reveling in an empty nest, you will love this article from The Wall Street Journal “School’s Out Forever“

~It really is the simple things that make a big difference . . . 10 Small Things People Overlook Which Actually Matter for Success

~Ah, I would be remiss if I didn’t include a few all-time favorite commencement addresses. Marie Claire UK rounds up the top 10 Speeches by Inspirational Women, and I would highly recommend Nora Ephron’s if you have time to listen.

~Forgo multi-tasking and try single tasking, you might just be amazed by the increased productivity

Images: (2)

 

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Thoughts from the Editor: To the Class of 2015

Change, desired or lamented, expected or served as a curveball, can affect us each in a myriad of ways. From emotional mood swings that combat us at unexpected times to spontaneous bursts of exhilaration as we allow the reality to sink in, and realize the opportunities that lay ahead, the experiences it causes to unfold can shock even the most well-experienced person.

The last day with my seniors was yesterday, and as was the occasion, I shared a few words of parting wisdom that have helped me along the way, and perhaps may be of some assistance no matter where they wish their path to go.  At this point, they are more than likely ready to escape the direction of teachers, as I completely understand. Now is the time with the events of commencement to begin, to start fresh, to take off the training wheels and practice and apply all that has been learned. But should they want to hear just one more (or in this case, three) pieces of advice, I thought I’d say a few words.

While I shared the following three pieces of wisdom in class, my nerves and emotions grabbed me, and my delivery was not as I had hoped for each class. So I’d like to take the opportunity to share what I revealed to my students. Most likely TSLL readers are not those who are graduating from high school, let alone college, but perhaps anyone who is moving on to the next or a new stage will find these words helpful. For me, without question, they are words I believe in wholeheartedly as adhering to each of them has help me to curate a life I still pinch myself each time I realize it is my reality.

Here we go. To anyone reading, students and future alum of PHS or students of life, take them or leave them, it is entirely up to you as you no doubt have many talking heads from parents, relatives, administrators and even friends giving you words of advice.

1. Be willing to work hard for your life goals. It has been my experience that anything worthwhile doesn’t land in our laps (and if it does, question the heck out of it). Part of the reason we have a greater appreciation for hard sought after aspirations is that we recognize the time and energy it took to make the journey arrive at its destination. Too often, when we are handed something without blinking an eye, it is easier to toss it aside, as we don’t realize that for many such a feat was most difficult.

2. Be brave enough to get to know yourself. Take the time to discern which voices of guidance are truly yours and which are actually your parents, friends or society. In doing so, you will traverse along a trail that in retrospect you will be proud to say you had the courage to embark on. (Click here to read Why Not . . . Get to Know Yourself?)

3. Be kind. There will be days when it will be easier than others to extend a kind word or helping hand. There will be days when you know you could have done better, but trust me when I say, you will never regret choosing kindness even if it goes unappreciated. On that note, being kind may at times require you to say or do something someone doesn’t want to hear, but needs to hear. Find the courage and tact to do so. Perhaps down the road they will understand, but either way, your actions will rest well with your conscious.

And most importantly be kind to yourself. Be kind by saying “No” if that is the necessary answer (because “No” is an answer, even if someone doesn’t want to hear it), that is in alignment with your journey, destination, values and peace of mind. Be kind to yourself by caring for yourself so that you can be your best self. Because when we are each at our best, those around us rise with up as well.

The journey has already begun, but now more than ever you are at the wheel. Do not take for granted this opportunity. While it may be easier to sit in the backseat and let someone else navigate your journey, you’ll never know for sure where you will go or what you could have achieved. Be brave. Trust your compass. And enjoy the thrill of this adventure called life.

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

9 Ways to Trust Your Inner Compass

10 Ways to Take Command of Your Life

17 Benefits of Being Yourself

A Thinking Life = A Happy Life

Why Not . . . Figure Out How You Are Hard-Wired?

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