Shannon Ables's Blog, page 334

Letter from the Editor: Cafe Time

As spring rains began falling this week, I must admit I wish such moments would last far longer than they ever do. There is something so soothing, so invigorating and so comforting about rain, temperate rains, rains that signal a new season’s arrival, and of course the sounds and sight of rain whether we are inside or out is part of the package that has me so enamored.

To pull on my wellies, to slip on my trench, these are my beloved spring clothing favorites. Why? To be honest, I probably can’t put my finger on it entirely, but it has to do with life, an opportunity for growth and the reminder that yesterday can be washed away whether we want it to be or not and to live in the moment, soak it up, revel in it and drink in the beautiful scent that it brings.

The talk of spring rain brings me to Paris as it is the season I am so eager to experience in the City of Light and as of yet have not have the privilege. And one of my favorite pastimes whether I’m in Paris or not, especially after a very busy day or week is to slip away to a favorite cafe, commandeer a table for one that offers an ideal vantage point and sip and dream.  Ideally, my dogs would be with me, and I lose all track of time. If the sun is shining, to feel it on my back as the day either begins or ends is surreally magnificent.

But what if we can’t escape to a favorite cafe? What can we do? Why not create a petite reading and dining space in our own home? Here’s how:

Save up and purchase a few bistro chairs from TK Collections, (the iconic brand that supplies most of the Parisian cafes with their furniture)
Select a beautiful table cloth (love these beautiful cotton options)
Make a hot cup of something warm for morning or pour yourself a glass of rose for the afternoon evening
Add delightful reading material (perhaps this, this or this?).
And voilà!

I don’t know about you, but cultivating our own “Parisian respite” in our everyday lives would be a lovely treat to look forward to, no matter where or how we partake and enjoy. So here is to the next time such a moment is offered, may we revel in, delight in and savor it, no?

 

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

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Style Inspiration: Outerwear & Paris

The last week of Fashion Month wraps up in Paris, and this season the street style was delicious. One of the reasons I thoroughly enjoy street style gazing is to see how fashion insiders dress for the elements while simultaneously appearing nonchalantly chic and sophisticated. And as you will see, the outerwear was stunning. While I did include one image that was taken in NYC (Nina Garcia) and the last image, every other photo was captured in the City of Light. Enjoy the gawking, I’m doing it right along with you.

~STYLE INSPIRATION POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES:

~Paris Street Style

~Parisian Spring Style

~Paris FW & Layers of Fall

Images: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11)  (12)  (13) (14) (15)

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Why Not . . . Spring Forward?

“Don’t fear change. You may lose something good, but you may also gain something great.” -Anonymous
~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #29

A couple years ago I shared a list of 12 simple ways to prep for the season of spring, and while these are each activities and seasonal habits I thoroughly look forward to and highly recommend, I wanted to go a bit deeper today. After all, if we desire to spring forward, we must first be willing to let go, otherwise forward momentum will be if not impossible, very difficult as we are weighed down with unnecessary burdens.

Think about a deciduous tree for example. When fall arrives, the leaves turn their glorious autumnal shades as moisture seeps from them, and then they eventually fall to the grown to offer the exhilarating crunch we walk through as we admire the changing of the seasons. In order to be free in the spring to burst forth with as much potential as possible, the leaves from the past must no longer linger on the branches. So too must we unburden ourselves from excess that is no longer serving us. Whether it simply be clothes we no longer wear, items in our home that simply take up space and need to be donated or sold, or something more empowering as to let go of limited thinking – fearful thoughts that may be holding us back keeping us in the current place in our life that is actually no longer serving us.

Today the discussion is going to focus on four ways to be clear about where we want to go, eliminate what prevents us from getting there and maintaining the progress we wish to see occur.

1. Craft Your Personal Mission Statement

“Fundamentally, your mission statement becomes your constitution . . . like the United States Constitution, it is [at its core] fundamentally changeless . . . , the solid expression of your vision and values. It becomes the criterion by which you measure everything else in your life.” -Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Originally written in 1989, Stephen Covey’s success how-to guide has been poured over by thousands, probably millions. And one of his suggestions that he is adamant about when it comes to cultivating a road to a successful life whether it be personal or business is drafting a mission statement. In other words, our very own constitution. A map by how we live, make decisions and go about setting goals and pursing them.

As he reminds his readers, everyone’s will be unique. You may want to create one for business, for your family or only for your own personal direction. I have two: one for the blog and one for my personal guidance. What a mission statement provides is something to constantly be checking in with; however, as Covey reminds,

“A mission statement is not something you write overnight. It takes deep introspection, careful analysis, thoughtful expression and often many rewrites to produce it in final form . . . you will want to review it regularly and make minor changes as the years bring additional insight or changing circumstances.” -Stephen Covey 

The three main components of any mission statement are as follows:

What do you want to be? (character)
What do you want to do? (contributions and achievements)
What are your values and principles upon what being and doing are based?

I can remember writing my first personal mission statements more than 10 years ago, and upon looking at it recently, while some items have been tweaked due to my circumstances, at the core, my values are the same which was very reassuring.

I encourage you to carve out an afternoon, don’t put a time limit on when it must be completed, and just let your pen flow for awhile. Then craft it into a document that is styled in your own unique voice. Perhaps you prefer poem form instead of prose, but add your own touch. I think you will find great comfort and guidance as you move forward toward the simply luxurious life you are curating for yourself. Oh, and if you want, once you are finished, make it formal – frame it, print it and place it somewhere where you can see it on a regular basis. Or perhaps, you wish to remain more private, in that case, keep a neatly printed copy in your planner or wallet to better suit you. Either way, put it somewhere so that you can refer to it as needed.

~Click here to view a long list of examples of personal mission statements.

2. Discover the Power of Meditation

More creativity, less stress, more compassion, better memory, more positive emotions, long-lasting emotional stability and improved focus. In other words, overall improved health and quality life. Such amazing benefits, and they truly all materialize with a simply daily habit of mindful meditation.

I know, I know – sitting, breathing, not thinking – how is that going to prompt these amazing, much-desired outcomes to occur? After being a half-hearted skeptic for quite some time, a couple of years ago, I came to the realization that this simple practice was something that required much conscious effort. In other words, I realized I couldn’t just sit down and voila!

So I began reading more about it, and coupled with the knowledge that we truly do have the ability to master our minds, I began to realize while I knew I needed to master my mind, that wasn’t happening all of the time, especially not during times of high stress. And I wanted to change.

As I mentioned in last week’s newsletter, having read Dan Harris’ book 10% Happier more than just a few aha moments occurred. In fact it was his initial skepticism that encouraged me to not only read and finish the book, but reread and take ample notes, keeping the book next to me on my first couple attempts at meditating. Simply put Harris reminds readers that “Mindfulness provides space between impulse and action, so you’re not a slave to whatever neurotic obsession pops into your head.”

But in basic terms how does this actually work? I wanted to know, so I found out. Here is the science of the brain as explained in this article: meditation weakens the Me Center (responsible for trigger strong emotional reaction when we feel we might be under attack) and strengthens the Assessment Center of our brains which serves as the rational part of our brain.

In other words, we are better equipped to act based on rational thought rather than our impulse which is motivated by emotion that may be regrettable later.

3. Spruce Up Your Spring Wardrobe

Okay, let’s lighten it up a little bit. If you are a subscriber to either the weekly TSLL newsletter or the bi-annual Seasonal Shopping Guide newsletter, over the past weekend you received TSLL Spring Shopping Guide. And while I admit in the newsletter that clothes are not the answer to the endless questions in life when it comes to discovering our purpose and finding tranquility in our day to day lives, they are a means to the end. In other words, how we present ourselves to the world intrinsically affects our mood, our confidence and the confidence of others in us to complete the job.

So whether you are looking to completely revamp your closet or simply need to add a few items, why not have a look at the guide. Better yet, begin by doing a closet assessment, and then begin building your capsule wardrobe.

4. Reinvigorate Your Eating Regimen

Often times when we sit down to write our new year’s resolutions in January, if they have anything to do with eating well, it can be difficult to become motivated about the selection. After all, at least in my experience, farmer’s markets are closed, fresh produced has been shipped from great distances and food bursting with flavor can be hard to find. However, now that spring is upon us, the opposite is true, good food is becoming more and more available and at great, cost-saving options.

Over the weekend, I shared the above photo of my grocery run for the week as I had discussed a few weeks ago on my Thoughts from the Editor post. And in all honestly, this image very rarely deviates from week to week in order to simplify my life and keep my eating habits in line.

But here is where it will change, when new seasons begin to offer their prime vegetables and fruit. Right now I’m eager to bring into my kitchen asparagus and rhubarb and come summer, I will be piling the tomatoes into my basket or pulling them off the vines from my yard.

Have fun picking and choosing food. The cooking does not have to be complicated if the food is of high quality and the use of herbs, olive oil and real butter are used appropriately. Click here to view a list of how to feed your body well without depriving your taste buds of luxurious flavor and satiation.

At the core of springing forward is priming the well that is you. Once you know what you value, no matter what changes around you, you will be better equipped to flow with the changes because as Covey reminds us, our core principle values shouldn’t fluctuate much, if at all, much like the U.S. Constitution.

May you have a wonderful start to the new season.

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~Why Not . . . Buy Local Produce?

~Why Not . . . Create a Mini Garden?

~What is Worth the Risk?

Petit Plaisir

Sole Meunière 

~scene starring Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci in Julie & Julia~

Time: 10-20 minutes

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
2 fresh sole fillets (3-4 ounces each)
3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
1 teaspoons of grated lemon zest
2 small lemons or 1 large lemon (3-4 tablespoons of juice)

Directions:

Combine flour with salt and pepper on a large shallow plate.
Pat the sole dry with a paper towel and then sprinkle with salt on one side.
Heat up 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a sauce pan over medium heat until it begins to brown.
Dredge both fillets in the flour mixture.
Place the fillets in the saucepan with the hot butter.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until lightly brown.
Flip onto the second side and sprinkle fillets with zest and lemon juice. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
Remove from the pan and place on serving dish. Pour the sauce from the pan over the fish for additional flavor.
Serve immediately or cover with tin foil until remaining dishes for your menu are complete.
Garnish with chopped Italian parsley and/or slices of lemon.

~Wine as seen in the photos from Liner & Elsen, Chateau d’Aix-en-Provence Rose, 2013

~recipe for Roasted Vegetables (as seen in the picture)

 

Image: (1)

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This & That: No. 149

~Book
~Amherst: A Novel by William Nicholson

Oscar winning screenwriter, William Nicholson, takes two love stories (one from the past and one from the present), the American poet Emily Dickinson to preside over both, and parallels their adulterous and destined affairs. Arriving from London in present day, Alice Dickinson arrives in Amherst, Massachusetts, to complete research for a potential screenplay about Emily Dickinson’s brother Austin who had a scandalous affair with a married woman 20 years his junior.

While on location, Alice herself becomes entangled in a similar affair with an English professor very much her senior. With love at the core of the novel, its temptations, wonders and amazements are shared with pieces of history as the author’s guide.

~Less Medicine, More Health: 7 Assumptions That Drive Too Much Medical Care

As a doctor at Dartmouth’s Medical Center, H. Gilbert Welch offers the argument that more medical care doesn’t not equate to better health. After his best-selling book diagnosis, Welch debunks seven myths that prompt many of us to undergo too many tests, expose ourselves unnecessarily to too many procedures and offers suggestions on how to remain healthy (a healthy balance must be struck) without stressing our minds and our bodies out.

Read a recent interview he gave on Science Friday here.

~Film
~ While We Were Young

On March 27th, Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts star in a thoughtful film as they star as a middle-aged couple who has recently become captivated by a young couple who explore and enjoy life with abandon. Stepping into their world, Stiller & Watts contemplate their age and what they really want. I must say, I’m quite curious to watch this Noah Baumbach film.

~Francophile Find
~News in Slow French

If you are someone like me, who must stay abreast of the daily news, but also would love (in all of my spare time) to improve my French, this just might be the app for you. Offering weekly newscasts that discuss the top stories of the week in French, yes, slow French, you will be amazed at how much you pick up. With a free app available (in other languages as well), this a simple tool to improve your listening and comprehension in the language you are eager to learn.

~Music
~Rebel Heart, Madonna

Okay, I may date myself here, but in the eighties, Madonna’s album True Blue was the first cassette I ever purchased. So, for that reason, and now many others, I will forever be a fan. With a double disc album having been just released this past Tuesday, the debut song “Living for Love” is one that is certainly growing on me. (This video and song will forever be one of my favorites.) Have a look and listen below:

~Television
~Jo starring Jean Reno on Acorn

I continue to be reminded why I love subscribing to the British television streaming service Acorn. Just this past week, I was perusing the selections on this $4.99/month service and stumbled upon two of my favorite items combined into one – anything French and mysteries. Set in Paris, Jean Reno stars as a Joachim (Jo) Saint-Clair who is a veteran detective in Paris Criminal Brigade. With eight episodes in its first season which was just recently released, if you were a fan of the original Law & Order (the executive producer is behind Jo) and you love seeing the famed sights of Paris, you will be in for a treat.

 

~recipe for Pear Almond Cake~

A warm, and perhaps rainy at times weekend can only be described in my dictionary of living well as absolutely ideal. With plans for a combination of work (but fun work as I am finishing up the Spring Shopping Guide), play (working in the yard and setting it up for spring) and leisure (reading, napping, whatever else sounds relaxing, nibbling on something sweet and scrumptious perhaps?), I have been waiting for such a weekend for some time.

How about you? What would be your ideal leisurely weekend at home? Hopefully, whatever it is, it is one its way for the next few days. And you know what? You’ve earned it. Savor, revel, indulge, relax. Take the time to rejuvenate yourself so that you can be your best self.

Whether you spend the weekend relaxing, traveling, bee-bopping or anything in between, here are a few articles you might enjoy reading . . .

~11 Important Things You Should Know About Yourself

~What We Appreciate, Appreciates

~10 Courageous Ways to Live Without Regret

~Kate Middleton visits Downton Abbey

~Why We Worry, and What to Do About It

~The Daily Beast tries to understand and then smooths out the fuss about Sheryl Sandburg

And in case you missed Chanel’s Fall 2015 collection in the Grand Palais, have a look below at the impressive and to the “T” construction of a stereotypical Parisian brasserie. Named Brasserie Gabrielle after its beloved founder, the first pic is quite the who’s who, and to view all of my favorites from Paris Fashion Week, click here.

~ from left to right: Anna Wintour, Mario Testino, Hamish Bowles and Brad Kroenig with son Hudson (Karl Lagerfeld’s godson)~

 

Images: (2) (4), Brasserie images via Vogue Paris, Chanel and Harper’s Bazaar

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Letter from the Editor: Reading & Curiosity

One of the priceless gifts that being a teacher gives you are moments that cannot be planned for, but are oh so treasured when they happen. A former student who is currently in college asked if she could stop by recently and have lunch with me during the school day. Tickled, and eager to hear how her experience in higher academia were going, we set the date.

As she was talking about her classes and all that she was learning, I lost track of time. I’m not sure if she enjoyed it as much as I, but I gobbled up her new found knowledge, conversing about topics such as philosophy, politics and religion. Needless to say, in that moment, she was the teacher as I walked away having learned more than a few things from the discussion.

For me, such conversations and sharing of information are intoxicating as they pique my curiosity as I wish to learn more and more if only I had the time to take the classes she was talking about with such intrigue. To observe someone else light up when they talk about newfound knowledge and an excitement for life is a joy that inspires hope and serves as a reminder that there really is something more to learn no matter what our age.

I suppose the reason I surround myself with endless books begging to be read or finally finished, as well as a long laundry list of publications arriving each month is because I love the euphoria that knowledge cultivates within me. To find answers, to unearth the “why” for life’s infinite questions, is soothing in its own way.

And speaking of books, here are a few that were recently released or will be released soon that you may enjoy as well:

~How to Be a Heroine: Or, What I’ve Learned from Reading too Much by Samantha Ellis

~Selfish, Shallow & Self-Absorbed: Sixten Writers on the Decision Not to Have Kids by Meghan Daum

~Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives by Gretchen Rubin

~The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do by Jeff Goins

~The Philosopher’s Toolkit: A Compendium of Philosophical Concepts and Methods

So lately, and always it seems, my thoughts have been thinking of home libraries and how lovely ti would be to have the space and the shelves to have such a room in my home.  As sort of a makeshift Decor Inspiration post. at the end of the post there are few images of beautiful interior images offering a variety of ways to decorate with books and inspire a room of reading and curiosity for life’s answers. But before we get to those, what would your ideal home library include? A sofa or an Eames lounge chair? Dark or light walls? Side tables or tufted ottomans? A television or tech free? If we’re dreaming, below is my list of must-haves. Feel free to dream with me in the comments.

Shelves of books organized by subjects for easy acquisition dependent on my need and mood
Oodles of windows or at least one large French window as to let in the sunshine and feel the breeze on warm summer days or gaze through and hear the pitter patter of the rain when spring showers fall.
A sofa with a chaise or an ottoman for cozy comfort
To clearly designate the purpose of the room, I would prefer it sans television, so as to allow the books and reading material to have  my full attention.
A vase or two for fresh flowers
A tray or table large enough for a tea setting
Art that has been gradually but carefully collected from travels

Now, please do share . . .

 

Images: (1) House Beautiful

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Style Inspiration: A Little of Everything

From white to black, warmth to breezy, flared jeans to boyfriend length, the options for establishing a signature style are endless. And while that can be overwhelming at times as we begin the journey of solidifying what exudes our best and most authentic self, it can also be a tremendous amount of fun. After all, it takes time and doesn’t happen after one shopping excursion. So do have patience with yourself and enjoy the journey. Much like life, no?

 

 

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

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The Modern Woman’s Lifestyle Grocery List

“Being a woman no longer means being silent and subservient. A modern woman is strong, but in a subtle, confident way that doesn’t need to be abrasive. A woman’s looks can be helpful, but her brains will always propel her to where she wants to go. A modern woman is well-educated; she is up on what is going on in the world around her so that no one can pull the wool over her eyes.” -Choosing The Simply Luxurious Life: A Modern Woman’s Guide

The Simple Sophisticate, episode #28

Throughout the duration of TSLL blog, many lists have been shared: back-to-school/work, weekly grocery, travel tote packing, 10 wardrobe essentials and maintaining a simply luxurious life – just to name a few. But after perusing through some of my favorite magazines over the weekend and tending to my to-do list to stock up on certain lifestyle basics that had run out, I realized there was one list that has not yet been shared – the lifestyle grocery list.

What is the lifestyle grocery list?

Any item that requires  money in your budget, but doesn’t occur regularly (i.e. weekly or monthly), minus food or clothes. This list includes a variety of arenas of our lives as keeping these items stocked allows for our lives to run more smoothly, our confidence to soar, a healthy balance between work and leisure to be struck, networking and relationships to remain strong and our knowledge of the world to regularly stimulated and informed.

1. Stationery

From thank you cards to basic blank stationery and even the annual holiday cards, make a point of trying to stock up before you run out, as you never know when you’ll need them, but you’ll always be glad you do have them at the ready. (TSLL Rec ~ Inslee Stationery)

2. 2-3 Intriguing Books

Whether you have a book on your nightstand next to your bed, in your purse or prepped and ready next to your favorite reading chair in the living room, have two or three books of different genres so that no matter what your mood, you will always have something to dive into. Here are three categories I have found to cover all of my bases of potential moods and interests: leisure (cozy mystery, beach reading, etc), literature (classics, award-winners, etc) and non-fiction (how-to, biographies, history, lifestyle, inspiration, etc)

3. Favorite tea, coffee or drink of choice

Knowing you have your favorite coffee in the morning ready to help kick off the day or your favorite sipping tea in the evening to unwind is a wonderful comfort to bookend the day. Be kind to yourself when choosing your varietals, and remember that such a simple luxury can make a very big difference. (TSLL recommends ~ Palais des Thes Montagne Bleue, BeeCrowBee black lavender, Mariage Frere Vert Provence)

4. Trusted Make-Up Basics

Thankfully make-up doesn’t need to be purchased each month, as it can become expensive, but it is a necessary purchase to include in our budget. Whether you are an extensive routine, or something simple, be sure to have these five basics stocked: concealor, blush, lipstick, primer, and mascara. After all, when we look are best, our confidence receives an extra boost and we are better able to forget how we look and focus fully on what we are doing.

5. Necessary Hair Products

Now this list, similar to the make-up list, will vary based on you, but for a general list, most of us need products to help us prep, style, hold, and repair. And to maintain a blow-out as not everyone washes their hair everyday, having a dry shampoo is always a good idea.

6. Candles

Lately, I have fallen in love with having scented candles around the home. Especially during the chillier months, candles offer the similar touch as fresh flowers as they cozy up the space and soften the mood. (TSLL Recommends ~, Diptyque – Santal & Lavender)

7. Bubble Bath

Dipping into a warm bubble bath at the end of a long day or during a leisurely weekend is a simple pleasures that must be enjoyed from time to time. While yes, a bath without bubbles works just as well, there is just something lovely about the texture, opaque appearance and often scent depending upon which varietal you purchase. These are my two favorites: verbena & lavender.

8. Journal

Ah, the outlet for self-therapy, expressing gratitude, keeping a personal history, cataloging ideas, and anything else that prompts you to write, having a journal on-hand at all times is something I highly recommend. Often purchased twice a year, sometimes once, a journal is a trusted companion that doesn’t cost all that much to maintain.

9. Truffles

As I’ve mentioned several times on the blog, in the book and on the podcast, one of my favorite rituals if I haven’t indulged in dessert is one dark chocolate truffle paired with a cup of black lavender tea. A simple luxury that always satiates my taste buds and signals to my mind that its time to unwind, Arrowhead Chocolates are always ready to be enjoyed.

10. Razors

A razor that is primed and ready to work its magic is a simple item we may take for granted. Making sure we are not using a dull razor as well will help avoid razor burn and unnecessary stubble.

11. Toothbrush

Sometimes this item is something I forget about and keep brushing away with a bristles that really aren’t doing much. Every six months, help your teeth and your gums out and pick up a new toothbrush.

12. Skincare

Certainly items that are worth the investment, caring for our skin will allow our best selves to shine and prevent unnecessary pre-mature aging. From cleanser to moisturizer, eye cream, scrub, masques, and body lotion, have a look here for tips on how to create glowing skin.

13. Planner Refills

As someone who still using a hold-in-your-hands planner, this requires an annual refill. While I have tried to go completely digital, the writer in me needed to physically be able to write, erase, pen-in the events of my everyday life. Scratch this from your list if you are paperless. (Franklin Planners)

14. Make-up Application Tools

Each woman’s make-up routine will be different, and aside from the brushes we use and clean, we will need to keep stocked the disposable items such as: cotton balls, Q-tips, sponges, etc.

15. 2-5 subscriptions for regular reading material

Part of being a savvy citizen, individual and wise decision-maker is knowing what is going on in the world. Also, having when we stay abreast of news in our fields of interest, we have ample conversation topics and deepen our own knowledge base as well. Here are just a few ideas of subscriptions you may want to include in your reading repertoire: local newspaper, world/national newspaper, periodicals, hobbies, etc. Below is a potential list of specific publications that I have in the past or currently enjoy that you may be interested in:

The New Yorker
The Economist
The Week
The New York Times
The Wall Street Journal
Times Literary Supplement
The New York Review of Books
Vogue US
Real Simple
The English Home
Harper’s Bazaar
Elle UK
Elle US
Town & Country
Vanity Fair
Saveur
Bon Appetit
Time
Elle Decor
House Beautiful
Domino
Porter

16. Business Cards

Whether you run your own business, work for a company, teach, or simply are done working in the traditional work-force, having a card to quickly hand someone that contains your information is always a good idea. After all, you are your brand, so enjoy designing your card if you have that luxury. I prefer to use the online printing business Zazzle, as they offer great prices and endless options so you can design the precise card to match your vision. (Vistaprint)

17. Nail Polish

Even if you have the luxury of paying someone else to do your nails, having polish and top coat at home is a good idea for chips and touch-ups. As someone who does her own pedicures and manicures, having these two items fresh and full is a good idea for whenever I can squeeze in this pampering activity.

18. Stamps

While much of the correspondence we are involved in doesn’t required stamps, if we are sending cards and using our stationery, we will need to have stamps.

19. Prescriptions

If you have any type of prescription whether for health, eye-sight, etc, this is a must-have item to budget for whenever the cycle is about to run-out.

20. Perfume

Perfume can last six months to a year and still have its potency, but not having it always makes me feel naked. Since it is an item that doesn’t need to be purchased as often, investing in a quality fragrance is a wonderful idea.

21. Flowers

If I can, picking up flowers weekly is ideal, but either due to the season or my budget needs, this may not always happen. While a discretionary purchase, purchasing flowers and bringing them home can add a warm and welcoming touch.

22. Dry Cleaning 

Necessary, but not always on a regular basis, keeping a little extra available for such moments when your favorite dress, blouse or skirts need to be cared for is a worthwhile investment in your style, presentation and confidence.

23. Calendars

Perhaps your planner refills involve a calendar element as well, but if part of your home decor is hanging a wall calendar, this is a yearly expense to budget for.

24. Fitness Passes

Depending upon your fitness regimen, you may already pay a monthly gym fee or not attend a gym or classes at all. As someone who attends yoga classes, I purchase a pass with a certain number of classes and it runs out once I’ve used each pass. This is not a monthly expense, but something I need to budget for when it is about to run out.

Primarily, the reason to be aware of our lifestyle grocery list is to recognize what our budget needs to be prepared for, rather than being surprised when we run out of items we depend on regularly. Not all of these items will be on your list, as I have compiled it from what I tend to need and use in my own life. Please do share items that you feel I should add, as I am always looking for feedback.

Most importantly, living well, living simply luxuriously is about living consciously and handling those items which are completely in our control. Being prepared, looking our best, and feeling our best are three things that we can influence in a variety of ways. Why not do all that we can?

~If you would like a clean PDF Lifestyle Grocery List complete with blanks to fill in to your necessary items, click here for the stream-lined look without the descriptors.

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~6 Ingredients for a Perfect Day

~12 Ways to Jump Start Your Day

~Reduce Money Stress

Petit Plaisir:
~ blopro The Perfect Shower Cap

With a terry cloth liner that soaks up steam and moisture, your blow-out will remain in tact on those days when washing your hair isn’t necessary. A simple beauty must-have that will save time and maintain your great style.

Images: (1)

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This & That: No. 148

~Book
~Every Woman’s Guide to Romance in Paris by Caroline O’Connell

A reader of the blog recently brought this book to my attention (thank you Lynette!), and I quickly looked it up and put it on my wish list. With specific recommendations for what to do, where to look and how to do it in the City of Light, this is a guide for someone who is simply smitten with Paris and all things French.

~Movie
~The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Always looking for a feel-good movie, I adored the prequel starring Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Nev Patel, and now the The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, which premieres today (March 6th), looks just as lovely. With the addition of Richard Gere, the beloved cast returns: Penelope Wilton (Isobel from Downton Abbey, and nearly everyone else you remember and enjoyed. See it in the theater or wait just a bit and savor it in the comfort of your own home, but either way, have a taste by watching the trailer below.

~Paris
~Diana Krall at the L’Olympia Hall

During my last trip to Paris in 2013, I had the opportunity to see Melody Gardot in the iconic L’Olympia Hall. With its intimate feel in the heart of Paris, I thoroughly enjoyed my night with the tunes I came to know and love and the audience and acoustic were even more magnificent. How did I learn of this theater? Diana Krall’s Live in Paris CD. Ever since I have picked up that album, I have vowed I would enjoy her in concert in that very venue, and it just so happens that with her latest album Wallflower, just released earlier this year, she will be on stage for two straight nights – October 14th & 15th. Now I have to figure out how to make it work into my schedule.

~Podcast
~Happier by Gretchen Rubin

Okay, now this is a podcast to tune in to. Best-selling author Gretchen Rubin finally has dipped her toes in to the world of audio with her new podcast Happier. Having debuted at the end of February, she has just two episodes so far, but they are fantastic. Sharing her simple, yet helpful tips on how to go about our everyday and invite even more happiness than we may have imagined, Rubin and her sister, who lives in Los Angeles, offer a wonderful, playful banter that is easy to listen to and well worth your time.

~Shopping
~Everlane Navy Cotton Swing Trench

As spring arrives in mere days, I am looking for lighter layers, and this navy cotton trench looks ideal for a classic neutral to wear with denim, khaki, or a light-weight day dress or who knows what else?

~J.Crew Bonded Cotton Trench Coat

And for a bit dressier approach, this bonded cotton trench, while a bit of an investment, is ideal for dress-up casual events that blur the lines. With its A-line cut, it is feminine and classic.

~recipe for Stacked Eggplant Parmesan~

While I know we lose an hour of sleep this weekend (don’t forget to spring ahead!), I don’t much mind as the weather is absolutely splendid. With a weekend scheduled to stay at home, have coffee with friends, dinner with family, get back to the present with a yoga class and time to continue putting the finishing touches on TSLL Spring Shopping Guide, I am absolutely thrilled for the two days of leisure to arrive. And perhaps one evening a bath as that image above is too hard to resist.

For your reading pleasure a few things you might enjoy:

~Aisling of Tresor Parisien takes readers along with her as she preps for the final week of fashion month in the Paris Fashion Week Survival Kit

~10 Damages Lies & Excuses That Your Mind Loves to Tell You

~When Your Punctuation Says It All 

~Veranda magazine shares 11 Signs You Were Meant to Live in Paris

~10 Things Highly Intuitive People Do Differently

~A Black Dress to Take You from the Boardroom to the Ballroom courtesy of Inslee

 

 

Images: (2 – Michael Jones photography)

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Thoughts from the Editor: I Am A Searcher

What is a searcher? Are you a searcher?

Perhaps you are if you are stopping by and reading TSLL regularly, because as I discovered, after reading the passage below by James Kavanaugh, I am indeed a searcher and TSLL blog is the medium that provides the vessel to share what I discover.

And the best, and most exhilarating discovery of all is that I can’t imagine being any other way. I truly cannot imagine living any other way. Have a read through the passage, and then let’s talk on the other side.

 

As I ponder Kavanaugh’s words, I begin to play with other daily habits, other daily behaviors that I adhere to that align with the idea of being a searcher, and I wanted to share five that came to mind:

~I read voraciously to learn more about paths not traveled or yet to be experienced.

~I resolutely believe where there is an obstacle, there is a solution, a path to be found that leads to the other side.

~I am enthralled in observation of others, am keen to subtle peculiarities and sensitive to their pain and happiness as much as my own.

~I adore the touch of water – be it a stream, running bath water or rain from the clouds. 

~I am invigorated by intimate conversation, conceptual discussions and thoughtful contemplation.

Now, if you too identify with being a searcher, I encourage you to share one way in which you find yourself exercising daily habits that mingle with the life of a searcher. I am very eager to hear.

After all, at the core, a searcher is someone who is intoxicated by the wonders of life and truly is dancing each day, challenged, yet entertained by the rhythm that changes regularly, but has a subtle regular heartbeat if only we choose to listen. Feel free to comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic.

On a completely different note, well . . . not entirely. Milan Fashion Week offered a few fabulous collections. Hey, we can all be searchers and still look chic while we do it, no? 

Below are a few ensembles that caught my eye (view all of my MFW favorites here). And stay tuned as Paris Fashion Week has just begun. All of the outfits that catch my eye will be posted here.

Emilio Pucci

Max Mara

Jil Sander

Blumarine

 

Images: (1) (2)

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Style Inspiration: Black & Options

Black is simple. Black is powerful. Black is ideal to as a staple as it can mix and match with anything. A khaki trench, sophisticate prints, favorite denims or chic, clean shades of white.

~STYLE INSPIRATION POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES: 

~Black, White & Warm

~Shades of Black & Tan

~Black & White

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

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