The Simply Luxurious Life®

The Weekend . . .

2013-05-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

With a rainy work week behind us and a long weekend ahead here in the states, I’m looking forward to jaunting to Portland for a bit of shopping and leisure where there will no doubt be more rain for me to enjoy.

This week on the blog, a bit of commencement address inspiration, summer fashion finds to consider and a look back on my past weekend enjoying the pleasures of spending it at home . . .

~Splurge & Save: No. 8 . . . a classic summer outfit

~Style Inspiration: Chic, Black & White

~Why Not . . . Live a Long, Healthy Life? Part Trois

~This & That: No. 59 . . . a steal of a bargain for a stripe maxi dress and my new sought after herb for the garden

~A Weekend of Work & Play

~20 Ways to be Prepared for Opportunity

And this week’s newsletter – issue #150 – click here to read.

Whether you are looking ahead to three days of freedom or a regular break from the work demands, have a wonderful last weekend of May. Until Monday, bonjour.

Images: (1) source (2) source

Splurge & Save Outfit: No. 8

2013-05-23T17:43:00.001-07:00

Summer holidays are nearly upon us and I am itching to wear the seasonal attire – nautical stripes, white cropped pants, maxi dresses and more. Last weekend a new purchase of Levi’s denim jacket (included in today’s SAVE outfit) arrived, and I couldn’t have been happier with the purchase. For less than $50, the dark denim jacket includes cotton-stretch fabric with long sleeves and a slightly feminine cut (no boxy denim to be wary of).

Another versatile item that I recently added to my wardrobe and look forward to wearing this summer and then into the fall is Tibi’s black and white silk blouse (included in the SPLURGE outfit above). On sale, this classic print works perfectly with white, black or dark denim and for the work week, a classic black pencil skirt or any color you prefer is simple and sophisticated.

And don’t forget to stop by Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale which began yesterday and runs through June 2nd with savings up to 40%. Click here to begin perusing your favorite items.

~SPLURGE~

~7 for Mankind skinny jean white~

~Salvatore Ferragamo Varina patent ballet flats (nude)~

~Rag & Bone ‘The Jean Jacket’~

~Tibi ‘Claire’ stripe silk top~

~Michael Kors ‘Gia’ leather tote~

~Michael Kors bracelet watch~

~SAVE~

~Two by Vince Camuto straight leg jean white~

~Levi’s bold stitch denim jacket~

~Sam Edelman ‘Betty’ ballet flat~

~AIR by Alice + Olivia sleeveless boxy tee~

~American Apparel oversized leather clutch~

~Fossil ‘Emma’ crystal bracelet watch~

~SHOP THESE LOOKS:

Style Inspiration: Chic, Black & White

2013-05-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

From the little black dress to the simple black sandals that reveal your recent pedicure, no matter what the season, black is always a wonderful choice. And a signature approach to wearing black is to seek out vintage or consignment treasures. Upon finding the classic color in a unique and original design, you are certain to stand-out and not be replicated. White too, whether you choose winter or classic hue, can be incorporated year round, so always be on the lookout for a creative item to add to your closet.

~SHOP THESE LOOKS:

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

Why Not . . . Live a Long, Healthy Life? Part Trois

2013-05-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

As we strive to be as healthy as we can be, there may be some necessary tasks that we tend to that we don’t necessarily look forward to partaking in (doctor exams, cleaning the home, etc), but I would argue that such tasks are few compared to the quite enjoyable ones I would like to share today.

Once we find peace with the path we’ve chosen to live, the tranquility we welcome into our lives is priceless. And as we live to enjoy each and every day no matter how simple or routine it may seem, by incorporating the last five tips into our approach, our purpose driven lives become more joyful and fulfilling than we might have ever imagined.

11. Manage Stress Effectively

In order to live a life of continual growth, we must always choose to challenge ourselves. And it is in choosing to challenge ourselves that we welcome the opportunity for growth. However, along with the growth comes frustration, thus stress. Since we already know that stress will occur occasionally, we must have a plan to deal with it constructively so that it doesn’t become debilitating.

For example, schedule regular “me time” in which you respect your need to be alone or do as you please – even if it is for thirty minutes. Schedule a monthly or seasonal spa treatment such as a facial, massage or pedicure. When you carve out time to be pampered, you demand of yourself to slow down and not jump to the next responsibility on your list. In these moments allow yourself to breath, turn your mind off and let go of your worries for the moment.

12. Show Gratitude

Take the time each day to write in your journal about what went well. Remaining conscious of all that is going as expected even on days when it seems nothings is progressing as it should, sheds a bit of perspective on what should and shouldn’t be made into such a big deal.

13. Befriend Multiple Generations

I have always been curious to learn from those who are older than me. Whether it is to learn from their mistakes or to soak up their knowledge, generations that came before us can offer a wealth of information and provide us with even more reason to be appreciative. The same too can be said for the generations that have followed us. My students’ insights and observations regularly enlighten me on new ideas as well as help me appreciate how far I have come.

14. Be a life long learner

Continue to read, explore and learn new skills. It will keep your mind agile and help stave off dementia. While it can be tempting to continue in the same safe routine, our mind’s muscles will slowly atrophy if this path is chosen, and to waste something that is so utterly amazing in all that it can do would be shame. As much as we should keep our bodies agile, we should too keep our minds just as nimble.

15. Get to know and trust yourself

Getting to know ourselves is a continual process because we too are continually growing and improving if we proceed through life correctly. And it is when we become in tune with what makes us smile spontaneously, feel absolutely comfortable and secure, as well as feel confident and self-assured that we can respect ourselves enough to say no to what doesn’t mesh with our values, put down boundaries to ensure those who don’t respect us can choose another victim and ultimately open ourselves up to take a chance on genuine connections with others worthy of our trust.

Since life is wonderfully unpredictable, why not put the odds in our favor so that the time we do have is most enjoyable and very memorable for ourselves and those we’ve chosen to spend our time with. Cheers to an amazing simply luxurious life!

~To view the previous two parts in the series, click here for part two, click here for part one.

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY:

~Making Connections

~11 Things You Must Do To Create the Life of Your Dreams

~To Think For Yourself

Image: (1) source

This & That: No. 59

2013-05-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

A few summer fashion finds, my new favorite herb, a beautiful detail at a wonderful price and a bit of inspiration from a name you might recognize . . .

~Blog Post to Read

1. Food Sampling Etiquette from Classy & Fabulous

Karla M. Davis, the founder of the lifestyle blog Classy & Fabulous continues to be a woman with an abundance of ideas on how to be the classy and fabulous woman so many of us aspire to be. With the many wine and food pairing that tempt my palette, I thought I’d take a look at her tips on food sampling etiquette, and after reading, all the while nodding my head in agreement, I wanted to share.

~Details

2. Diamond Spider Brooch from Humble Chic

Former Secretary of State Madeline Albright has famously used her choice of brooches to express her ideas regarding foreign policy. In fact, in her book Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat's Jewel Box, she documents many of her fashion choices dependent upon who she would be meeting with.
Needless to say, what we choose to wear can be very telling. So when I happened upon this diamond spider brooch (only $38!), I thought what a unique and quite intriguing item to wear. Either to secure a scarf, gather a draped neckline or place on a blouse or jacket, the finishing touches are in the details.

~Garden

3. Lemon Verbena herb

I have been devouring the many farmers’ markets in my area and adding new and curious herbs to my herb garden. Last weekend while watching P. Allen Smith’s PBS show, he showed viewers how to make a simple lemon verbena infused honey. To be used in tea, drizzled over cheese or warm scones, I am all the more enticed to grow this fragrant herb.

~Shopping

4. Giambattista Valli leopard ankle pant

Leopard is a classic option, and Giambattista Valli’s silk/wool blend ankle pants are reduced 80% at Barney’s Warehouse. A beautiful pant for the evening when a dress just isn’t calling your name, pair with black heels, a simple black blouse and you will certainly impress.

5. Jane Stripe maxi dress

I can’t help but enjoy the fashion pleasures of summer as maxi dresses are perfect for both comfort and style. This affordable nautical maxi paired with a classic denim jacket, sandals, sunnies and a straw tote is simple and a wonderful choice for travel or strolling.

6. Nanette Lepore striking black and white shorts

No longer are denim and khaki the only options for shorts. From prints to stripes, shorts can make just as much of a fashion statement as an expertly chosen pair of shoes. Nanette Lepore’s black and white striped shorts would be fun to pair with a blouse in a solid color - perhaps with this silk blouse or this short sleeve option?

~Commencement Address to Watch

~Kerry Washington at George Washington University

As the graduation season rolls around each year, I become a commencement address junkie. Always looking for inspiration, I have found that there are always a select few that become worthy of being repeated year after year. Speaking this past weekend at her alma mater George Washington University, actress Kerry Washington’s commencement address is one that may just jump into this category.

A Weekend of Work & Play

2013-05-20T11:27:00.001-07:00

I must admit, I revel in weekends where my schedule is my own and I can putz around my home.

This past weekend was just such an opportunity, and it found me doing a bit of playing, working and eating. Have a look . . .

With time to seek out the perfect plants for the pots on my porch, I stopped by My Grandmother’s Garden just outside of Walla Walla and discovered a treasure trove of flowers and plants. Of course, my boys had to say hello to the resident black lab. It was a friendly hello, and then we were off to the our next destination (more on the project involving paint below).

After hitting the local farmers’ market, I had to stop into my favorite patisserie – Colville St. Patisserie to pick up a hot chocolate to go. Their decadent desserts certainly caught my attention.

With chardonnay from Waterbrook, sautéed Mushroom Bruschetta was the simple appetizer I chose to finish the pairing (see recipe below)~

And for dinner, with fresh from the market asparagus, primavera risotto sounded like an irresistible choice. Click here for the recipe.

Whoever said you have to make the entire meal from scratch? The simply luxurious approach is to leave the baking up to the experts, and this Lemon Curd Coconut tart from the Walla Walla Bread Company was the perfect ending to a wonderful evening of dining.

And the project for the weekend was to paint my previously green wooden Adirondack chairs white. Upon attempting to begin the project on Saturday, I was thwarted by a brief rain smattering and blustery wind, but with Sunday’s ideal temperate weather, the job was finally completed.

With a small yard for the dogs to chase their ball, I love sitting in these chairs during the summer evenings and letting Oscar (above) and Norman play while simply relaxing . . . sometimes with a book, sometimes with a glass of wine and sometimes catching up with a good friend.

All in all, I couldn’t have asked for a more relaxing and productive weekend. I would love to hear how your weekend went. What simply luxurious activities do you delight in when you have the weekend to do as you please?

RECIPE

Sautéed Mushroom Bruschetta

Ingredients:

1-2 cups sliced mushrooms of choice
julienned fresh basil
fresh baguette
1/4 cup unsalted butter
extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

Preheat the oven to broil. Slice the baguette on the bias in 3/4 inch slices. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Drizzle each slice with EVOO (extra virgin olive oil).
While waiting for the oven to preheat, using a saute pan, melt a 1/4 cup of butter and place the sliced mushrooms in the pan on medium heat. Saute mushrooms for approximately 5 minutes. Upon removing the pan from the heat, sprinkle basil on the mushrooms and toss.
Place bread in the oven for 2-4 minutes – watch closely as you are just wanting to lightly toast the bread.
Using a spoon or spatula, place 2-4 mushrooms on each slice of break. Sprinkle with parmesan if you’d like and enjoy!

Images: (1) source, all other images from Simply Luxurious’ Instagram

20 Ways to be Prepared for Opportunity

2013-05-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

“Opportunity favors the prepared.” – Madeline Levine in The New York Times

Life has a keen sense of humor, and it is all the more enjoyable when we are laughing with it. What I mean to say is that we have a choice every single day regarding how we will approach the 24 hours we are given. We can either choose to trek through life as though it is a burden full of drudgery and monotony or we can realize that life is as grand as we believe it to be.

We are the makers of the destiny we seek. As a young adult it is easier to be full of hope and ambition as the world seems full of possibilities, but as we get older, some may have us believe that we need to settle and resign ourselves to the reality that life is what the world tells us it “should” be.

Perhaps they mention one is too old . . . simply look to Betty White as proof they have no clue what one is capable of in their golden years. Or perhaps they say one’s schooling is lacking . . . simply look to Mark Twain who had no more than a 5th grade education to disprove this washed up theory. If whatever they are saying doesn’t ring true for you, then stop listening and follow your internal direction. Such cynicism has never accomplished anything, so dismiss the Scrooges of the world and continue to look for the many opportunities that are wishing and waiting to be discovered. Because trust me, they are out there, no matter what your age.

Today’s quote is simple, but painstakingly true. Opportunities do not just plop out of thin air when we aren’t looking. The good news for those of us who are willing to work hard and consistently is that we must be prepared for the opportunity when we see it so that we can pounce.

While the opportunities we continue to gather up may seem small, it is often these small opportunities capitalized upon again and again that lead to the grand break we are looking for. Very rarely does a record breaking diamond become unearthed on the first try, but rather after many other small treasures have been discovered along the way.

Here are a few things that you can do right now and continue to do each day to aid in your preparation to be able to seize on the opportunities you wish to find.

1. Mind your money manners, but know when to take risks. When you have control of your finances, you can take risks knowing that you have the savings or income to weather the storm should your risk fail.

2. For your health’s sake, eat well. An added benefit is that you’ll look great too. Who knows when the opportunities will be ready for you to find them. It could be when you’re twenty or it could be when you’re nearing middle age and beyond. Remain healthy so that no matter when it arrives, you can enjoy it to the fullest.

3. Make the right type of mistakes – made while being courageous and ambitious, rather than defensive, lazy or ignorant. Mistakes will happen to us all, but make them while striving forward toward something new or challenging, rather than sitting around doing nothing afraid of everything.

4. Look for opportunities, seek them out. Open your eyes. Say yes. Do something new. Ask why. Never stop learning.

5. Be kind and helpful. Helping others out when you can simply because you can and not to gain anything in return creates an environment of support and positive rapport. By creating an environment that is welcoming and uplifting, more of that energy is created. Pay forward what you wish to see more of, even if you don’t see a lot of it at the present moment.

6. Strengthen your self-discipline muscle. Stop spending frivolously. Put down that second helping. Stop engaging with people who are not good for you or your self-esteem.

7. Pay yourself first. Start saving for retirement and a rainy day today. Create a monthly EFT and forget about it.

8. Wake up early. Don’t waste a minute. The early bird really does get the worm.

9. Continually strive for excellence, not perfection. Never stop learning about the world you live in. Continually try to better understand yourself, your emotions, your job, your passions, your strengths, etc. The answers will come if you keep searching.

10. Simplify and focus. You can’t do everything, but you what you choose to focus on can be done well if you let go of those things that aren’t at the top of your priority list.

11. Keep a clean home. Limit your stress, free your mind, create room for opportunities to be found.

12. Master your mind. Freedom lies in choosing your thoughts and not being a slave to anything that crosses your mind’s path.

13. Meditate. A simple practice that builds mind control, lowers stress and builds appreciation.

14. Create specific goals. If you don’t know where you’re going or what you want, your life will never change and you’ll never know what to look for regarding opportunities.

15. Be authentic. Do not apologize for being yourself. Ignore the laughter, walk away and walk toward those and a world that is appreciative of the gifts you have to offer.

16. Be productive, create something of value. No matter what you choose to do with your day, so long as it is in alignment with your goals, being productive will inch you one step closer to the opportunities you seek.

17. Stop blaming or complaining. Energy and time and most importantly the ability to see the opportunity is tossed aside immediately when we blame others or complain about something we don’t like or understand.

18. Stop being a follower. There’s already enough sheep in this world. Become conscious of which direction you are going and why. What type of life are you trying to lead? Are your actions and decisions today in line with the life you just described?

19. Choose to initiate rather than react. By choosing to initiate, you are taking the reins and directing life. You may not know how today’s particular scene will play out, but at least you are choosing to lead rather than to follow or be a spectator.

20. Make your own rules. If the rules aren’t working for you and the opportunities are not revealing themselves, do something different. And keep your eyes open.

“Jumping at several small opportunities may get us there more quickly than waiting for one big one to come along.” –Hugh Allen

Today, make the decision to look at the world as a ginormous present just waiting to be opened, realized and capitalized upon. Such an attitude will take conscious effort and the mastering of your mind, but the experiences and memories that will follow will be more than worth the energy you will have expended. Have a wonderful Monday everyone.

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~Change Your Thoughts, Change Your World

~Create Your Own Unique Destiny

~Turning Goals into Reality

Image: (1) source

The Weekend . . .

2013-05-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

I am currently waiting patiently for the peonies to bloom here in the Pacific Northwest. Oh, how I love the beauty of these evanescent blooms – the blushing femininity and endless layers of delicate pedals – Mother Nature is truly a gifted artist.

The middle of May has come and gone, and I can almost see the long Memorial day weekend. With students seeing summer on the horizon, and teachers too, it is this time of year that is electric and inspiring. With new opportunities, a new phase of life being bravely stepped into, spring offers so much potential.

This past week on the blog I ventured into the new social media app of Vine, shared a wonderful pleasure read I am excited for my Francophile readers to enjoy, and shared a bit of life and fashion inspiration as well. Have a look . . .

~the top post of the week . . . How to Make Your Own History

~a wonderful weekend read . . . J ’Adore Paris – Book Review

~a style inspiration extra . . . Kerry Washington - Style Inspiration

~Simply Luxurious is on Vine! . . . what is it and see my inaugural video

~Splurge & Save Outfit: No. 7 . . . peplum tops, leather jackets and simple cap top shoes

~Oscar de la Renta & The Outnet . . . discover fabulous fashion at a more affordable price

~Style Inspiration: Denim & White

~Why Not . . . Live a Long, Healthy Life? Part Deux

~This & That: No. 57 . . . my new favorite sunnies, two books for travel and finances and more

And this week’s newsletter – issue #149 – click here to read.

I want to thank you yet again for taking the time to stop by The Simply Luxurious Life. Your time in making the effort to choose to visit does not go unnoticed, and I want you to know I am very appreciative and humbled. Have a wonderful weekend indulging in a few favorite simple luxuries of your own. Until Monday, bonjour.

Images: (1) source (2) source

Oscar de la Renta & The Outnet

2013-05-16T21:54:00.001-07:00

Oscar de la Renta has arrived at The Outnet, and while the designs may be from last year (Spring 2012), they are nonetheless chic, classic and much more affordable (items reduced 60-70%). While the only item I will be shipping to my closet will be a silk-twill scarf, I highly recommend perusing all 137 items (click here). After all, you never know when Oscar may be able to make his home in your closet. It may be sooner than you think.

Here are a few of items that caught my eye:

1. Feathered silk-chiffon gown~

2. Knitted silk skirt~

3. Draped wool-blend dress (fuchsia)~

4. Pointelle-detailed cashmere-blend scarf (pink)~

5. Wool blend skirt (pink)~

6. cotton-twill silk-blend brocade dress (yellow)~

7. Palm-print silk dress~

8. Gardenita suede pumps~

9. Geometric print silk-faille dress~

10. Printed halter-neck swimsuit~

11. Printed silk-twill scarf~

12. Metallic raffia-effect sandals~

Images: 2 & 3 from style.com

Splurge & Save Outfit: No. 7

2013-05-16T18:05:00.001-07:00

These week’s Splurge & Save Outfit was inspired by today’s Style Inspiration post. Blending white and denim during the spring season and into the summer is always something I reach for. And with peplum tops seemingly everywhere in bargain and high end boutiques, why not bring this simple feminine touch to a very classic and chic outfit?

Whether you prefer flats or sturdy pumps, this look is fresh, simple and perfect for errands, traveling or catching a matinee this weekend with a good friend.

~SPLURGE~

~Torn by Ronny Kobo Judy peplum top~

~Coach legacy Candace medium carryall~

~J.Brand 811 mid-rise skinny jeans in karma~

~J.Crew Etta cap toe leather pumps~

~Trouve perforated leather bomber~

~SAVE~

~ASOS white peplum top with half sleeve~

~Michael Kors Jet Set Large tote black~

~JAG jeans ‘new Jane’ slim stretch jeans~

~Calvin Klein Caela flats~

~Bop Basics – The Fiance blazer~

~SHOP THESE OUTFITS:

Style Inspiration: Denim & White

2013-05-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

One of the simplest, yet most elegant and chic combinations to throw together when spring arrives is denim and white. Just last week I pulled out my white cropped pants and dismissed the white Memorial day myth (it was in the 90s outside and besides, the only rules to follow are those that work for your signature style).

With a neutral foundation, any beautiful print, bright color, classic trench or scarf will shine when paired with white denim. Denim in general is one of my favorite go-to options. Worn with beautiful Salvatore Ferragamo classic flats as Lauren Santo Domingo demonstrates above or playful pumps reveals the versatility that this year round favorite embodies.

Shop These Looks:

Images: (1) source(2) source (3) source(4) glamourai (5) source (6) source (7) source (8) district of chic (9) source (10) eat.sleep.wear(11) source (12) Happily Grey

Simply Luxurious is on Vine!

2013-05-15T18:16:00.000-07:00

It took me two years to finally create a Facebook account for The Simply Luxurious Life, so when Twitter offered the new social networking video app Vine this past January, I was a bit hesitant. However, I couldn’t help but be quite curious. A six second video? Was it worth it? Would readers want to see small snippets of the world through my eyes?

Well, I’m about to find out. Just this week, I signed up and posted my first video, Purple Tranquility (view below) which reveals a glimpse of my herb garden, my new foray with vegetables – a pot of lettuce - and a little something special at the end. I do hope you enjoy yet another way to enjoy a few more simply luxurious moments.

~Follow via Twitter (@simplyluxurious) or via the free Vine app for smart phones (click here to download). And if you’re a newsletter subscriber (sign-up here), each week the newsletter will include the most recent videos posted.

Kerry Washington – Style Inspiration

2013-05-15T17:35:00.001-07:00

With Scandal’s season finale tomorrow night, I thought I’d take the liberty of perusing through the many chic style moments Kerry Washington has had over the past few years. While very rarely engaging in a fashion faux pas, Washington impressively dons trends with the skill of a seasoned veteran, which is easy to forget as she appears fresh, young and timeless all at once. At age 36 and standing 5’4”, Washington commands the screen with each scene she shares with actor Tony Goldwyn and continues to keep her audiences at the edge of their seats each Thursday night.

With her stylist Erin Walsh, Washington has reminded us of her chameleon-like ability to expertly wear bold prints, regal gowns, feminine dresses and bright colors. However, I must say that I adore her character Olivia Pope’s neutral palette, feminine aesthetic and predilection for opera-length gloves.

While I usually DVR each episode and watch it on the weekend, I might just this once have to watch it with everyone else. Will you be watching? And also, what do you think of her style?

Kerry Walsh with her stylist, Erin Walsh.

~in Louis Vuitton~

~in Rodarte~

~at the Oscars in 2013 in Miu Miu~

~at the 2013 Golden Globes in Miu Miu~

~in Vivienne Westwood at the Emmy’s~

~at Django Unchained UK Premiere in Giles Spring 2013~

~at the 2012 AMA’s in Stella McCartney~

~in episode 7 of Scandal in Jean Fares Couture~

~in DKNY~

~in Gucci~

~in Calvin Klein~

~in J.Mendel at Berlin premiere of Django Unchained~

~in Monique Lhuillier~

~in Kate Spade New York dress ~

~in Rome at Django Unchained in Peter Pilotto's mixed prints and navy Nicholas Kirkwood pumps~

~in Oscar de la Renta and Jimmy Choo pumps at the NAACP Awards~

~in character as Olivia Pope in ABC’s hit drama Scandal wearing opera length gloves for day~

~at the 2013 Met Gala in Vera Wang~

~Elle US June 2013 cover in Marc Jacobs Fall 2013 which hits newsstands May 21st~

Images: (1) source (2) source (3) source (4) source (5) source (6) source (7) source (8) source (9) source (10) source (11 & 12) source (13) source (14) source (16) source (17) source(18) source (19) source (20) source (21) source (22) source (23)source(25) source

Why Not . . . Live a Long, Healthy Life? Part Deux

2013-05-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

With Angelina Jolie’s recent disclosure to the New York Times that she decided to undergo a preventative double mastectomy due to her discovery of the uncommon defective version of a gene called BRCA1, it’s an astounding and impressive example of someone taking control of their ability to live as long and as healthy as possible based on their singular circumstances.

Last week the Why Not . . . Live a Long, Healthy Life? series began with inspiration from David Plasker’s book The 100 Year Lifestyle, and it continues this week with additional information and ideas on how to make choices today that will allow you to live an even more fulfilling and rewarding life, beginning with #6 which Angelina Jolie’s decision beautifully exemplifies. Let’s get going.

6. Become proactive with your health

Jolie’s decision may seem drastic to those who haven’t witnessed an immediate family member be stolen far too soon due to the grips of cancer similar to Angelina (her mother died from breast cancer at age 56), but when we become aware of our past, we can look fear in the face a little bit easier because we can grab hold of the tools that can best help us navigate what may lie ahead.

Instead of having to make an appointment with the doctor due to ill health or being rushed to the emergency room, why not schedule preventative annual check-ups so that any abnormality can be caught early and more easily dealt with (click here to view a list of scheduled appointments every woman should make throughout her life).

7. Schedule Play-Time, but not all of the time

As schedules and responsibilities begin to grow, the simple fact that there will only always be 24 hours in a day oddly eludes us until we realize we have yet to enjoy a weekend with nothing to do in months. Scheduling time to enjoy yourself is a must when it comes to living a healthy life. This is not to say hard work and dedication isn’t necessary, but if you’re like me, I can become so focused on something that I forget how much time has passed and how exhausted my body and mind have become.

One of the greatest benefits of play-time is the break it gives the mind and the restorative opportunity it gives the body. Respect your body, value quality productivity more than simply being busy and I can guarantee, based on my own experience, that life will be more fulfilling and enjoyable.

8. Spend time in nature

Some are fortunate to have a running creek, a scenic mountain or acres of pasture right out their back door, but most are not. It’s hard to explain to someone the power and therapeutic ability of nature until they themselves have had the opportunity to walk down a grassy lane listening to the morning birds chirp their simple tunes or watch pets frolic free from leashes in wide open meadows first-hand.

Even if you live in the city or are miles from open space, making time to visit a local park or take a tour through the magnificent Japanese or Chinese gardens in your area can take you out of your head for awhile and help to appreciate the amazing gift of Mother Nature. By simply gaining a bit of time to breath slowly and deeply, we are often reminded of what it is we most value in our lives and let go of unnecessary worries.

9. Exercise Regularly, but not excessively

As I’ve mentioned a couple of times on the blog (here and here), my experience with intense exercising has helped me to realize that it can be enjoyable, so long as it is consistent. Whether you enjoy walking or running, hiking or dancing, choose to incorporate a regular routine of exercise into your life. Make it as mandatory as eating and breathing, and your body will thank you as it will be better able to care for you for years to come.

10. Create Ideal Home & Work Environments

What surrounds us affects us, and to not understand this simple truth is to let go mindlessly of something we have absolute control over. Much like the people we spend our waking hours with, so too is our work and home environment a determining factor of our moods, creativity and energy levels. Whether it’s reducing the clutter throughout our home or choosing to find a way to allow more light into your work space, these choices can help reduce unnecessary stress, save time and brighten our day. Click here for tips on how to simplify and reduce clutter, click here to discover simple ways to turn a hum-drum workday into a luxurious occasion and click here for simple, easy tips on how to clean your home.

Stop by next week for the final part in the series of creating a long and healthy life. (Click here to view part one.)

Image: (1) source

J’Adore Paris – Book Review

2013-05-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

The ideal pairing: an au courant city guide of Paris and an enjoyable story of a charming and delightful protagonist that readers came to know in Isabelle LaFleche’s last best-selling novel J’Adore New York.

In her most recent novel (released today), LaFleche’s J'adore Paris involves the determined, independent and savvy Catherine Lambert who is the chic Parisian lawyer that successfully navigated the demands and all-business life in New York City in J’Adore New York. Finding herself relocating back to Paris to work for Christian Dior as an intellectual property director, she embarks on a risky operation to undercover counterfeit fashion goods. LaFleche’s detailed imagery of Dior’s collections that many readers will remember from the runways along with her locale descriptions, prompted me to highlight many details of places I am now even more curious to visit.

With a mastery of the history behind the famed fashion house and a reputable understanding of the current controversy in the garment industry involving the black market, LaFleche’s expertise strengthens the story-line allowing her readers to become informed as they are simultaneously being entertained.

With Lambert’s colleague Rikash that will leave readers in stitches, a young love that is simple, sweet and not unnecessarily messy and wardrobe details that perhaps may inspire your next trip to the closet, J'adore Paris is a triumphant encore and a wonderful next read for your weekend getaway.

J'adore Paris
342 pages
by Isabella LaFleche
Released – May 14, 2013

This & That: No. 58

2013-05-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

My new favorite sunglasses, a fashion lover’s travel guide to Paris, a must-plant vegetable to add to your garden and more . . .

~Article to Read

1. How Not to Hate Dating – Atlantic Monthly

Chiara Atik shares an excerpt from her book Modern Dating: A Field Guide on Atlantic Monthly’s website in which she reveals the importance of letting go and of enjoying the life you are living currently. She shares that while it can be a slow process, the cliché of “It always happens when you aren’t looking” holds water – meaning, when you immerse yourself in the life you love, allow yourself to become genuinely happy, you welcome to you those with similar interests and are able to engage in a manner that is far more engaging and attractive. Certainly something to consider.

~Book

2. Fashion Insider’s Guide to Paris by Carole Sabas

French Vogue correspondent Carole Sabas is a native Parisian currently living in New York City. And as you might imagine, many of her friends and colleagues would look to her for recommendations about where to shop, sleep, eat and visit when making travel plans to her hometown. Due to the abundance of inquires, she created a small book and gave it to her friends for free outlining exactly what they had requested.

Well now (just released last week), thankfully, she is sharing her insights with anyone who is curious about the city that so many Francophiles dream of visiting, and you can have her guidebook too - A Fashion Insider’s Guide to Paris. (Not looking to travel to Paris anytime soon, but are curious about New York City? She has a Fashion Insider’s Guide to New York as well.)

3. Happy Money: The Science of Smarter Spending by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton

Last summer, Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton shared an excerpt of their upcoming book Happy Money in the New York Times titled “Don’t Indulge, Be Happy”. The article asserts, based on their research that the average annual income at which happiness ceasing to grow is $75,000. With concrete evidence, they reveal the science behind the power of money and the fallacies we place on money unnecessarily. Being released today, I look forward to reading the entire book to better grasp how to take more command of money and find the balance of a healthy income and a quality way of life.

~Garden

4. Heirloom Tomatoes

With a tiny garden plot for vegetables, one of the few items I include each year are tomatoes. Last weekend, I found myself at Walla Walla’s farmers’ market and discovered a wonderful selection of heirloom tomatoes. Needless to say, I picked up a few of them this past weekend and can’t wait for them to produce the magic that only an heirloom tomato provides. Ideal in a caprese salad or on bruschetta, for only a few dollars, if you are able, pick up a plant or two the next time you stop by your local farmers’ market or nursery and your summer will be even more delicious.

~Shopping

5. Chloé square-frame black sunglasses

I have been looking for a quality pair of black over-sized sunglasses for three years now. Not wanting to break the bank (would love a pair of Tom Ford’s, but can’t bring myself to pay the price), I found a pair on The Outnet from Chloe for $110. Over-sized, but not excessively so, these frames are a classic shape, exude quality and exceeded my expectations upon arrival. With no big gaudy labels, these square-frame shades will complement nearly every face (click here to discover the perfect sunglasses for your face).

6. Tibi Family and Friend Event (25% off regularly priced items)

With simple, modern clothing, Tibi designs are items that pair well with a variety of pieces you already have in your closet. And the good news is that beginning yesterday and running through Friday, May 17th, all regularly priced merchandise is reduced 25% with promo code FRIENDS25 (an extra 10% off current markdowns). Here are a few items that caught my eye – this dress, this peplum top, this stripe sheath dress, and this classic black shift dress.

How to Make Your Own History

2013-05-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Someone recently posed the question, “Why not make your own history?” and I began to turn over this idea in my head. As a history teacher and someone who has an insatiable curiosity for the past, I couldn’t help but ask the question, how does someone consciously go about making their own history?

As young children we are influenced and molded by the people who raise us and counsel us – for better or for worse. Unless we are able to step outside of the inner circle our family has created or have parents that allow us to see more of the world offering us a broaden perspective of all the different ways life can be lived, it is easy to be ignorant of the possibilities the world can offer. Ultimately, whether a child has been offered the opportunity or not, there must be something within an individual to create a life for themselves that is uniquely their own, tailored to their talents, passions and abilities. And in tapping into this inner curiosity, one must be willing to face adversity along the path toward their most fulfilling and content life.

An example that immediately comes to my mind exemplifying the ability of someone to write their own history regardless of the limitations their childhood may have presented is my father. While I won’t go into specific details as they are his to share, needless to say his ability to create a life that wasn’t even modeled and to soar to heights that were merely dreams in other family members’ eyes demonstrates the importance and extraordinary outcomes that are possible to those who dare to make their own history that is not harnessed by others’ lack of vision.

So how does one go about making their own history? This is what I’ve learned so far:

1. Understand the past.

I have always been an independent person. Beginning in childhood and continuing until the present day, I refuse to be afraid to try something simply because no one else wants to join me. With that said, I value my independence, so when I began to understand the history of women and their fight for equality, votes and financial independence, I too began to appreciate my independence much more greatly. And it is in the understanding of the past that helps us to determine how we want to proceed as we create our own history.

2. Get to know yourself.

I may sound like a broken record, but I can’t reiterate enough the importance of getting to know yourself. Admittedly, to know who you are when you’re in your pre-teen years is far different than knowing yourself in your twenties, thirties and beyond as so much will change (although some things will simply become more clear), but the key is to continue to challenge and introduce yourself to new ideas and listen to your internal response in each instance. It is in these moments of stillness that allow you to truly understand what makes you feel comforted or unsafe, inspired or bored, curious or apathetic, so that you can continue down the path that feels best suited to your authentic self.

3. Respect and befriend yourself.

Once you accept your quirks, your strengths, and your weaknesses, it is important to stop apologizing and start capitalizing on the best person you can ever be – your authentic self. And when you begin to respect yourself, you refuse to let people speak negatively about the person standing in front of them that they don’t understand or want to understand. You can either speak up or ignore and more on, either way, refuse to be belittled for being the only person you can be – your best self. Everyone needs a friend who will have our backs every single day. And guess what? You’ve always had them. Now stop ignoring them.

4. Create a vision

“You are capable of more than you know. Choose a goal that seems right for you and strive to be the best, however hard the path. Aim high. Behave honorably. Prepare to be alone at times, and to endure failure. Persist! The world needs all you can give.”
-E. O. Wilson

Do this simple activity. If you knew you would not be judged, laughed at or criticized, what would your dream life look like? Write it down.

Now, let’s step back into the real world. It’s understandable why some may choose a path that is less fraught with friction, adversity and questioning, but to not choose the life we desire in order to avoid these trials is to live someone else’s history and not our own.

If you remember back to your last social studies course, history is not smooth sailing. It’s littered with blood, uncertainty and loss. But remember that throughout history, all of the turmoil is what had to occur in order to institute the change that was sought.

5. Set small goals

Once you have your vision, break it down into small goals. So long as you are making small steps forward, the history that you are creating is slowly taking shape. And before long, you will turn around and notice how that first step so very long ago was necessary to get to the milestone you may have initially thought was never possible.

6. Create a resolute belief in yourself.

Perhaps at this very moment, no one understands why you would want to live the life you have created in your vision board. But more often than not, it is ourselves we have to convince. So long as you are being honest with yourself about what brings you joy, contentment, satisfaction and a sense of positive societal contribution in the best way that you can and want, then stop being afraid of becoming your best self. And for those moments when you lose your nerve, but you know without question you are on the right track, make sure you have a friend or family member who is there to listen, support and get you back on your feet to prod you forward.

7. Get started!

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~First Seek Self-Approval

~Freedom: Create Your Own Legacy

~The Key to Happiness

Images: (1) source (2) source (3) source

The Weekend . . .

2013-05-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

A weekend to celebrate and a weekend to appreciate. Between the must anticipated premiere of The Great Gatsby and moments with mom, add an immense amount of sunshine, and the weekend becomes rich and quite fruitful.

As the weekend begins, perusing the local farmers’ markets is on my to-do list as well as enjoying the abundance of beautiful plants and flowers at area nurseries. Off course, with all of the Walla Walla wineries right out my back door, my mom and I will have to do a bit of wine tasting as well. to begin the Mother’s Day weekend (who said it had to be contained to one day?).

I do hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead. Time to indulge, to relax, time to surround yourself with beauty and to enjoy loved ones’ company. In case your week prevented you from stopping by the blog, you’ll find a simple French cookie recipe that will melt in your mouth, my top picks from the Met Gala’s red carpet as well as a Monday Inspirational post that will help to better understand how to create healthy, enjoyable relationships with those you love and want to get to know. All of those posts and more, have a look . . .

~Making Connections . . . the simple ingredients necessary for healthy relationships and how to establish and sustain them

~2013 Met Gala Best Dressed . . . yep, SJP was at the top of my list

~Splurge & Save Outfit: No. 6 . . . and evening out that mixes and matches sophisticated and casual attire

~Style Inspiration: Signature Heels & Color

~Why Not . . . Live a Healthy Long Life?

~This & That: No. 57 . . . my favorite new fashion find, a book to help you navigate the farmers’ market and create in season meals year round and more . . .

~A Simple French Treat – palmiers . . . so simple, so delicious

Emily of Sugar & Spice invited me to share a few things I most look forward to with the arrival of spring while she is enjoying a much deserved vacation. Have a look at my list here.

And this week’s newsletter – issue #148 – click here to read.

Until Monday, bonjour.

Images: (1) source (2) source

Splurge & Save Outfit: No. 6

2013-05-09T17:23:00.001-07:00

The evening arrives and you want to dress up, but you’re not exactly in the mood for a dress. Reach for black cropped tuxedo pants, add a little shimmer when choosing your footwear and temper the “wow” factor with a casual trendy chambray shirt. Simple, dependable and effortlessly chic.

~SHOP THESE LOOKS:

~SPLURGE OUTFIT:

~SAVE OUTFIT:

Style Inspiration: Signature Heels & Color

2013-05-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

Beautiful and statement making shoes will forever be a passion of mine. After all, nothing elevates a simple, chic look more than a pair of heels that were carefully selected and assembled with durability and style in mind.

Another simple style trick when working with a capsule wardrobe is to adhere to neutral pieces that mix and match in a variety of combinations and then complete the look with a touch of signature color. For example, a beautiful clutch, a bright leather jacket or a head turning scarf. Have a look at a few stylish examples:

SHOP THESE STYLES:

Images: (1) source (2) source (3) source (4) Atlantic-Pacific (5) source(6) source(7) source (8) source (9) source (10) source (11) source (12) source

Why Not . . . Live a Healthy Long Life?

2013-05-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

It happened one New Years that I found myself on the Oregon Coast. While on this particular leisurely vacation, my schedule was wide open, and I had time to think, dream and set goals. While perusing through a local bookstore, I came across a book that still sits in my office and is referred to periodically for inspiration and motivation on how to live a higher quality of life.

The 100 Year Lifestyle by Dr. Eric Plasker offers simple, yet insightful ideas to alter the duration and quality of our life in more ways than we might have imagined. He reveals through research the effect simple changes of thoughts, habits and physical activity can have on our individual life expectancy regardless of our genetic make-up. And while it is agreed that there are some health components we have absolutely no control over, what is empowering is to know how much we actually do have control of and often forget about as we go through our days.

Because while it may seem at times that our lives are long, it is when we realize how truly delicate it is that we want to make the most of the days we have and leave a legacy that allows us to tap into our talents, pursue our passions and live the world a bit better than when we found it.

Today begins a new three part series of ways found and also inspired by the book to help you curate a longer life of quality and enjoyment. Let’s get started.

1. Continue to challenge yourself – continue to learn new skills to keep your mind as nimble as possible. Studies have shown that regular mental exercises can help prevent or ward off dementia in old age. Click here for simple ways to challenge yourself no matter what your age.

2. Find and bolster energy enhancers – take a moment to make a list of activities that build your energy, begin to cultivate new creativity and ideas and upon completion leave you ready to take on whatever the rest of the day holds. Perhaps eating a well-balanced meal to begin your day, a certain type of exercise, or getting eight hours of sleep consistently puts you in a better mood and elevates your ability to perform at your best. Whatever you put on your list, sit down and plan how you can regularly incorporate these activities into your daily routine.

3. Think progress, not perfection – Instead of hanging your head after failing to meet the criteria for a perfect outcome, choose instead to focus on the progress that was made during the process. With each small step of improvement, knowledge is gained and confidence is built, helping to bring the goal ever closer. And more importantly, but choosing to focus on the progress that is being made rather than accomplishing perfection, you reduce your stress and bolster your confidence and self-esteem which is fuel to continue toward your intended target.

4. Stop wasting money – stress has been shown to play a factor in increased health problems as the release of cortisol puts the body into adrenaline mode which, in excess, can put unwarranted strain on the body, slowly disabilities it’s ability to heal itself. And when finances are in order and you are living paycheck to paycheck, stress increases. Click here for view an entire list of money posts that can help you organize your finances and successfully get control of a very powerful tool.

5. Work to feel productive – surprisingly enough, that dream job that sits in the back of our minds offering us minimal, if any stress, actually doesn’t help us live longer if we aren’t regularly doing something productive. By choosing to work in a field that challenges us, sometimes frustrates us, but ultimately allows us to feel accomplished and productive at the end of the day, we challenge our minds and feed our need to feel of value.

The gift we each have is to curate a life that is uniquely our own, truly fulfilling and one that allows us to offer to the world the gifts only we possess. However, it is our responsibility to take advantage of what we have control of to ensure that we live our best life.

Stop by next Wednesday, when more simple tips will be shared about live a long and healthy life.

~SIMILAR POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY FROM THE ARCHIVES:

~12 Way to Achieve Excellence

~Excellence vs Mediocrity

~Perfection vs High Achiever – The Difference

Images: source

This & That: No. 57

2013-05-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

Food, fashion, wine and a film that we’ve all been patiently waiting for . . .

~App

1. PS DEPT

In need of a particular item of clothing and don’t have the time to search your favorite stores or peruse the web? The PS DEPT app allows you to reach out to your favorite stores via your smart phone and send out a search. Upon receiving your message, the personal shoppers will send you what they have that fits your request and style preferences at which point you can either purchase or have them hold it in the store to try one at a time that works with your schedule.

While you will have to submit your name and wait to be accepted, within a few hours I was welcomed. Simply knowing that such a time saving and helpful service is available will be handy to have at the ready for any fashion emergency.

~Blog Post to Read

2. How to Wear Women’s Hats

In my opinion, any woman who chooses to wear a hat radiates confidence and immediate intrigue. And while I have purchased many hats over the years, I am still not certain what my best options are when it comes to picking out the right style and shape for my face, outfit and hair style. By chance, I discovered a post from the Mighty Girl blog archives that shares great detail on choosing the right hat, how to wear it, how to care for it and a list of hat options, and I wanted to share with my fellow hat lovers.

~Book

3. P.Allen Smith’s Seasonal Recipes from the Garden

One of my favorite pastimes on the weekends is to snuggle into my armchair in the morning and watch cooking shows. So I was thrilled to discover P.Allen Smith’s cooking/lifestyle show on PBS a few weeks ago. And even though it is in reruns now, each episode is still new to me.

Inspired by his most recent cookbook P. Allen Smith’s Seasonal Recipes from the Garden which was released in 2010, he offers a long list of recipes inspired by what you will find at the farmers’ market or in your very own garden each season to help create favorable, delicious meals.

~Film

4. The Great Gatsby

Yes, Baz Luhrman’s 3-D version of The Great Gatsby finally hits theaters hits theaters this Friday (May 10th) in the states, and I am looking forward to watching the storyline, as well as the fashion. It is interesting to note, for those of you that have read the original novel, that Luhrman has admittedly chosen to pattern the protagonist Gatsby after F. Scott Fitzgerald’s first version of the novel titled Trimalchio which portrays Jay Gatsby as much more aggressive, crude and destructive. Either way, it should be an entertaining film to watch. (Click here to view information on the stylists, soundtrack, view the trailer and learn more about Baz Luhrman).

~Kitchen

5. Camille 23 oz red wine glass (aka Scandal’s Olivia Pope’s wine glass of choice)

A few months ago I shared on This & That that I am loving Shonda Rhimes’ latest drama series Scandal (ABC Thursday 10pm). While the plot line is certainly heating up (did anyone else become ever more intrigued after last week’s episode?), I also love observing the decor in Olivia Pope’s home, including the small details. In this case, I’m been fixated on her choice of wine glasses. With extra long stems, her red wine glass of choice piqued my interest, and I wanted to find out where to find them. The good news is that they are very affordable and easy to find. From Crate & Barrel, the Camille 23 oz red wine glass is under $13 and are certain to look beautiful on the shelf, but stunning with your favorite red of choice (perhaps a bottle from Don Carlo Vineyard?).

~Shopping

6. DVF ‘Robyn’ dress in animal dots black and white

Always keeping an eye open for sales from my favorite designers, I was thrilled to discover Diane von Furstenberg’s reduced price of 50% on her animal dots black and white ‘Robyn’ dress. Made of silk-chiffon and fitting at the waistline you prefer, I look forward to wearing it this summer with simple black sandals, statement earrings, a colorful clutch and a simple low bun.

2013 Met Gala Best Dressed

2013-05-06T20:44:00.001-07:00

The biggest fashion red carpet of the year and the opening of the new fashion exhibition, this year’s Met Gala was centered around the theme Punk: Chaos to Couture. With such a tricky theme to navigate (spikes or no spikes, cape or . . . cape, that would be a no), only a select few demonstrated their talented fashion sense and blended both concepts beautifully. So I couldn’t help coming up with a few of my own awards for the best dressed.

OVERALL BEST DRESSED TO THE THEME OF THE EVENING:

~Sarah Jessica Parker in Giles Deacon dress, Philip Treacy punk couture hat and Louboutin heels. Only SJP can pull off a couture mohawk. Absolute, stunning confidence and the ultimate fashion muse~

~custom thigh-high tartan boots from Christian Louboutin~

~SJP striking a pose for Vogue photographers with Hamish Bowles~

BEST SIGNATURE PUNK COUTURE STYLE:

~Anne Hathaway debuts her new hair color in a Valentino gown~

BEST MODERN PUNK COUTURE FEMME FATALE:

~Doutzen Kroes in Theyskens' Theory~

BEST EMBODIMENT OF THE SEXY PUNK THEME:

~Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen wearing Anthony Vaccarello~

BEST DRESSED FEMININE PUNK CHIC

~Borrowing a signature piece from Olivia Pope with the gloves . . . Kerry Washington in Vera Wang~

BEST WOMAN OF A CERTAIN DRESSED in THEME:

~Diane von Furstenberg~

While the exhibit is open for the public to view from beginning May 9 running through August 14, the fashions worn on the red carpet are available for purchase this year through Moda Operandi - click here to find out more.

~PREVIOUS BEST DRESSED MET GALA RED CARPET posts:

~2012 Met Gala Red Carpet Best Dressed

~2011 Met Gala Red Carpet Best Dressed

~2010 Met Gala Red Carpet Best Dressed

Images via Vogue, The Gloss & Pop Sugar

A Simple French Treat

2013-05-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

These buttery, sweet melt-in-your-mouth treats will take you to Paris without having to leave your home. Paired with a cup of hot tea or cafe au lait, these delicate simple luxuries will please adults and kids both. Needless to say, over this past weekend, my sweet tooth craving was more than satiated. Sweet dreams indeed!

Prior to my baking class at Sur La Table last month, my experience with palmiers was not pleasant. As my first memory was from a plastic bag that most likely sat on the shelf for months, the sticky, hard cookie was not worth the calories, money or effort. Thankfully, that is not what palmiers are supposed to taste like.

Emelia Hall, the Parisian Boulangerie instructor at Sur La Table, shared a list of French recipes that can be done at home, and one of them was sweet or savory palmiers (click here to see all of Sur La Table cooking class offerings).

Made with quick puff pastry (which can be made ahead of time, recipe is below), the process of making palmiers is very simple and requires few ingredients. Not sure I could successfully make them at home, I was thrilled to discover that while the chilling process takes time and patience, the actually skill needed is minimal. I couldn’t have been more pleased or delighted with out how they turned out. Have a look:

Palmiers

(French for their resemblance to palm frond. They are also called elephant ears or butterfly wings.)

Ingredients:

1/2 recipe (18 oz) Quick Puff Pastry (see recipe below)
1 cup (7 oz) sugar, plus more if needed OR 1 cup filling of your choice (you can incorporate whatever filling you like in the middle of the palmiers before baking, layer honey, mustard, prosciutto, parmesan cheese, etc)

Directions:

1. Generously dust your work surface with sugar. Place the dough in the center and sprinkle the top with one cup sugar (if making savory palmiers, add the savory ingredient just before you fold into the heart shape), covering it completely. Roll into a 16 by 10-inch rectangle, using additional sugar as needed to keep the dough from sticking to the surface.

2. Make a book fold (four layers). Using a ruler and the back of a knife, mark a line dividing the dough in half length-wise, each half measuring 8 x 10 inches. Using the ruler and knife again, mark each half into quarters. Fold the two short edges to the quarter mark and fold over again until you are 1/4 of an inch away from the center (do this on both sides). Tighten each side to leave 1/4 inch space down the center of the dough. Fold one side on top of the other, forming a 10-inch long cylinder.

If you look at the end of the cylinder, you’ll see the shape of a heart. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

3. Line the baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and position an over rack in the center. Place the remaining sugar in a small mixing bowl. Trim the ends of the cylinder if they are uneven or cracked, then cut twelve 1/4-inch thick slices from the chilled cylinder, dip each side in sugar, and place two inches apart on the baking sheet. (Any left over dough that is not going into the oven, rewrap and return to the refrigerator.)

4. Bake the cookies for 7-10 minutes, or until golden at the edges. With a spatula, flip each cookie over. Return to the over and bake for 9-12 minutes longer, until they are a beautiful golden brown. Transfer to a rack and cool completely.

Quick Puff Pastry

(The palmier recipe calls for half of this recipe; however, you can freeze the other half for up to 4-6 weeks for a variety of recipes.

Ingredients:

4 1/2 sticks (18 oz) cold unsalted butter
3 cups (15 oz) unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons (3 oz) very cold water
1 1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar

Directions for Quick Pastry Puff:

1. Cut cold butter into 3/4 inch cubes. Transfer to the bowl of a stand mixer or a mixing bowl. Add the flour and salt, toss with your hands until the butter is coated. Chill the bowl in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Combine the water and vinegar and refrigerator for 20 minutes as well.

2. Fit the bowl with the butter onto the stand mixer with the paddle attachment or place butter and flour into a food processor. If using a stand mixer, place on low speed for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. If using a food processor, pulse until the butter is broken up into a variety of sizes but not too fine. In both instances, the largest size of broken butter bits should be 1/2 inch square – too big for pie dough, but perfect for quick puff pastry. Don’t overblend, as the butter will break into pieces two small to form the flaky layers you want in puff pastry.

3. With the mixer or food processor on low, slowly add the water-vinegar mixture, drizzling it in at different points around the bowl. In about 10 seconds, the dough will begin to come together in large chunks and feel slightly moist, but it will not look smooth or finished. Turn the dough and any dry bits at the bottom onto a work surface that has been dusted with flour (I used a pastry frame which is much less sticky and allows for easy clean-up – click here to buy).

4. Shape the dough into a rough rectangle about 6 by 8 inches and about 1-1/2 inches thick. Dust the top with flour and roll the dough into a 14 by 16 inch rectangle. Brush any flour from the surface of the dough.

5. Make a letter fold (3 total layers after folding – see my example below). Brush off any excess flour as you fold. It will look shaggy – this is completely acceptable and expected. Roll your pin across the top of the dough briefly and gently one or two times, just to fuse the dough. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes. After the first 30 minutes, take out and roll out again to 14 x 16 inches and make the letter fold. Place back in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

*You can do this entire process ahead of time and keep the dough in the fridge up to 48 hours.

*Will keep for two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature.

Images; via The Simply Luxurious Life

Making Connections

2013-05-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

“Connection is the energy that is created between people when they feel seen, heard and valued, when they can give and receive without judgment.”

– Brene Brown, author of Daring Greatly: How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead

A young mothers group, the President’s Club, Lean In circles for women daring to be ambitious, any healthy relationship between two people.

What do each of these have in common?

First, the people involved have similar experiences and interests which bring them together. And secondly, if the group or rendezvous is to be defined as successful, then it means that those involved feel their presence is noticed, welcomed and appreciated. And most importantly, there is a mutual understanding of the excitement, fears and doubts that all parties involved are/have going/gone through which helps to reduce judgment and instead instigate genuine support and understanding thereby creating the genuine connection that Brene Brown writes and speaks about.

The paradox of making connections with others is that (1) we can feel alone while we are in a relationship with someone, (2) in a room crowded with people or (3) even if we have thousands of “friends” on social media networks. So where and how do we seek authentic connections?

First and most important, come to understand the definition of connection. Just as in each of the above three examples mentioned, it becomes more apparent as to why it is possible to feel alone - (1) your partner doesn’t hear you, what you say doesn’t matter if it doesn’t correlate with what they want (2) you don’t have the same values as the people in the room, and (3) none or very few of the people would notice if you “unfriended” them.

Dr. Brene Brown shares in her book Daring Greatly, that science has shown we are hard-wired for seeking social connections. While everyone’s level of connectedness may vary (i.e. extroverts vs. introverts), she argues that at the core of why we seek connections is to know that we exist, that we are loved, needed and valued. And when, in our minds, we don’t feel “seen, heard or valued”, we suffer.

What do faux connections look like:

having to change what you believe, value or are passionate about to belong
being agreeable all of the time even when you don’t agree
dating or marrying someone to lift the social burden of being single
having a long list of “friends” on social media without one to call on during times of trouble, worry or emergency
endless taking by one party without appreciation
endless giving by one party in order to please – being used simply because you are made to believe you “should” do something or if you don’t you won’t be accepted

What do authentic connections look like:

perfection isn’t required
similar interests/passions
having a differing opinion won’t exclude you from the group
trust in the other party or person to show up authentically
being able to be yourself
a belief that you bring value to the relationship or group with your presence
both parties give and receive equally and willingly

Everyone connects with different types of people; however, at the foundation of each of these connections runs a common thread. I’d like to encourage you to take some time today to examine those relationships and groups you feel, or have felt in the past, to be the most connected to and genuinely enjoyed being a part of. Why?

Most likely, it was because you could truly be yourself, you could let your hair down, and feel as though you were contributing something of value. A variety of connections come to my mind as to when I felt/feel the most connected: my high school sports teams, my grad school cohort, my parents, my closest friends, my niece, being a pet owner, as a teacher in the classroom, with my mentor of more than ten years, a romantic relationship that I was too young to appreciate, and currently with my readers here on the blog.

Now, the how. How do we find the authentic connections that we seek?

Understand yourself and come to appreciate all that you are and are not - once you respect your innate passions, quirks and curiosities, the path you should follow becomes clearer. It may not be crystal clear, but at least you can point yourself in the right direction. And it is on this path that you will have the opportunity to meet people to create genuine connections with. (Click here to find out how to get to know yourself).
Be observant - while at work, be observant of those who appear to have similar interests or approaches or are experts in their field. In your personal life, be curious about events, gatherings, say yes to invitations that you want to learn more about or already have an interest in.
Be curious – be brave and willing to introduce yourself and ask questions. Listen, but also be authentic in your response. It is the combination of authentic representation of ourselves and discovering similarities with others that sparks ignite.
Be authentic – don’t over-share or reveal unnecessary stories about yourself as a way to try and impress or connect with someone. Remember to be authentic. Desperation is easily sensed, but on the flipside, so too is genuine interest.
Be patient – when getting to know someone you’ve just begun dating or a regular group gathering you’ve just started to attend, take your time to observe who they really are by seeing them in a variety of scenarios or overtime. Anyone can make a great first impression with practice and honed skill, but it is the follow through that should seal the deal.
Keep your word – in other words, be honest and forthright. Sometimes there will be instances when you have to cancel plans, but be honest as to why and do so as much ahead of time as possible if this is a relationship you want to strengthen. However, do your best to match your actions with your words. People remember what you do, so make sure it’s worth remembering.
Be vulnerable – as the relationship progresses, in order to strengthen the bond, authenticity is required. And in order to be authentic, the masks that we put up for the rest of the world to protect ourselves must be removed from time to time. Take a risk and invite your date to your favorite pastime, or in a meeting with a trusted colleague, share your idea that you were too afraid to share in front of everyone. By revealing yourself, you discover how deep the connection can go and if it will last. Do this gradually – the revealing of yourself - and as you do you will draw to yourself people who you can create genuine connections with and as an added bonus, you will become more comfortable in your own skin.

Once we understand how successful relationships work, we can focus on strengthening the ones we already are a part of and seek out ones that would bring even more value and enjoyment to our lives. And as we live with intention, what we spend time doing grows and multiples.

I don’t know about you, but quality relationships, rather than a multitude of faux relationships for appearance sake is certainly part of my definition of a simply luxurious life. Have a wonderful Monday everyone.

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~17 Ways to be a Good Partner

~Why Not . . . Make Someone Feel Special?

~Learn to Leap

Image: (1) source (2) source (3) source (4) source