Shannon Ables's Blog, page 339

2014 Top Motivational Posts

Living a simply luxurious life brings with it an understanding that rather than being handed a roadmap of how we should live our lives, we must determine and create the roadmap for ourselves. A roadmap tailored to our values, interests, experiences and talents. This is not an easy task to assume, as it is indeed a choice. Many people, organizations, societies, would gladly hand out a map that would align with their needs and wants rather than your own, but the only great life, Diane Vreeland reminds in the quote I include at the bottom of the blog, is the one we know we want and we make it for ourselves.

Each Monday, whether on the blog or on The Simple Sophisticate podcast, inspiration for how to build your own unique simply luxurious life was shared and has been since 2010. Below you will find readers’ top posts from the past twelve months, but if you would like to view all of the 51 posts shared, click here.   To read the entire post for 2014 top entries, simply click on the image.

 

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TSLL Celebrates 5 Years

 “If you trust in life, unexpected awesomeness will come your way.” -Anonymous

Every once in awhile, we need to celebrate those milestones that while they may not be entirely understood by others, are quite significant to us. Such is the case on this day each year for me – December 26th. And per my preference, especially after enjoying the holidays with loved ones, I carve this day out for myself (and my dogs).

Each year on this day I count myself very fortunate, blessed and indebted to you, my readers. Five years ago today The Simply Luxurious Life blog began without one ounce of an idea of where it would lead. And the most important place it led me was on a journey to curate a life that is uniquely my own allowing me to feel comfortable being myself as each day’s journey prompts me to feel giddy to get out of bed. And isn’t that what we all seek? To be excited to wake up and live each day?

On the blog’s two year anniversary, I posted these thoughts, and I must admit, my admiration and gratitude while at the top of my list still has only multiplied. It is the readers of TSLL that continue to humble me, to teach me and remind me that life is as beautiful and amazing as we wish to make it. And the good news is, we can make it absolutely magnificent with the everyday choices we make, the relationships we build and the activities we pursue as we fill our days.

With the culmination of the blog being turned into a book this year, a tremendous goal has been reached, but as I’ve said before, with the publication of Choosing The Simply Luxurious Life: A Modern Woman’s Guide  it is my primary hope to give you the tools to build the life of your dreams. While the foundation of a strong sense of self, financial astuteness, a clear purpose and direction will be common components for everyone, each of us will continue to build a life that is unique to us. And that is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves.

So what will year six bring on the blog? To be honest, that is why I’m excited, I know, but at the same time, I don’t know. A mirroring of life, no? So I will share with you a glimpse that I spotlighted on Instagram yesterday. Simply a quote, but a reminder that it is an examined life and choosing to be brave that will leave us most fulfilled at the end of our days.

And now, a day of private celebration. I must admit, I do love such days. What will mine look like? Have a look, and be sure to carve out time for those moments of celebration you no doubt have achieved as well.

A tidying and freshening up of the sanctuary so as to relax and mosey about the house as I please waiting for any inspiration to blossom (or perhaps just a nice nap). 

A refusal to look at the clock and lose myself in a book (or two).

Enjoying a long, leisurely morning with the newspaper and my calendar making plans with friends for the days ahead and planning, planning, planning . . . 

Contemplating taking advantage of the many after-Christmas sales to replenish my lingerie wardrobe as well as other capsule wardrobe items (try these destinations for great sales: DVF 50% off, Ann Taylor use code ANN60 for 60% off, Lord & Taylor use code AFTER to save an additional 20% after sale reductions, Nordstrom’s end of season clearance, Matches Fashion an extra 10% off sale items for today only EXTRA10E, lingerie from Net-a-Porter, J.Crew use HOLIDAYTIME to save 30%, and Joie use code HOLIDAY25 to save 25%.

Melting into a bathtub full of warmth and bubbles and perhaps sipping a glass of wine as well.  

A feeling of hope and gratitude as 2015 prepares to unfold. 

Here’s to living a simply luxurious life, each in our very own way. Bonjour.

Images: (Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda Fall 2014) (2) (3) (4) (5) (5.5) (6)

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