The Simply Luxurious Life's Newsletter 48

Published: Fri, 05/13/11


 

"When you are content to be simply yourself, and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you."
 
-Anna Quindlen (passage from the Tao)

 
  
          No. 48                    Friday, May 13, 2011  


L
 
 
ife has its way of surprising us, teaching us, reminding us and leading us.  I am always reminded of this fact when spring is in full bloom, and I am humbled by the dependability that results in success of incorporating patience, hard work, trusting oneself, and pushing forward gradually, yet steadily, in our day to day lives.
 
One such reminder came this past week as I was toodling around in my yard, taking careful stake of the hostas as they revealed their full luscious leaves and as a young magnolia tree's blossoms finally burst with brilliant yellow color. I then realized that none of these plants had been planted during the same year or were around prior to my moving into my home, but over time, after having lived and cared for the grounds of my home for the past five years, the beautiful spring perennials and trees had sprung up to display a home full of foliage that at one time wasn't there.
 
And therein lies the lesson. Consistent, steady effort that for so long seems to go unnoticed, unappreciated, and yielding little, if any results, will in its own time burst its top and shower each one of us with unexpected treasures and surprises. Now the surprises might not be things necessarily.  It may be a realization of a new found confidence or strength, or an ability to let go of something once so tightly grasped.  Whatever it is, once the destination is certain, stop fixating on the end result and instead place the attention on the daily effort that is required. This approach will conserve energy that was originally wasted worrying and fretting, and instead be used to gain ground in the direction of the intended goal.
 
As I mentioned before, life is funny. While we make plans, many people seem to think, we are being laughed at, but I have to believe that if we set into motion effort toward a goal and are willing to back it up with our blood, sweat and tears - amazing outcomes await.
 
 
 
 
In this week's newsletter, the overwhelming favorite post was Monday's 26 Things I Know For Sure
and one of the things that I enjoyed most was how many people who commented added on to the list or tweaked the list to fit them.  It was a fun task to sit down and really come to a consensus on what genuinely I am very certain about. I'd love to hear from you as well as you share what you know for sure in your life so far when it comes to how to go about living your best life.  Not to be completely outshined, one of the most well-liked Why Not . . .? series Why Not . . . Be A Successful Woman? wrapped up with six more tips on how to cultivate the success each of us are seeking.
 
And a new regular post was introduced, and I am very curious to hear your feedback. Titled Shoe Fix: A Luxury & A Bargain, I have scoured the internet for two luxurious pairs of shoes (this week a gorgeous stiletto and a simple red ballet flat) and then paired them with much cheaper look-a-likes. As always I am constantly trying to improve and tweak so that you enjoy the blog and find it helpful and inspiring.  If ever you have ideas or suggestions, please don't hesitate to contact me ([email protected]).
 
The beautiful spring weather is something to be savored here in the Pacific Northwest, and I do hope you are looking ahead to a fantastic few days off.  Thank you for all of your support, and until next week, I'll see you on the blog.  

-Shannon
 
 
EXTRA FASHION & DESIGN POSTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Articles from Around the Web You Might Enjoy
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
*How to Rise Above Jealous - The Daily Love


 
French Women Don't Get Fat
 
 
 
This Week's
 
Style Suggestion
 
 
An evening out that is semi-casual is often hard to dress for, but now that sequins tend to be everywhere, they bridge the gap between high and low quite well. Pair a sequin linen sweater top with cropped jeans, flats or heels (whatever your preference), simple silver hoop earrings and voila!


*cropped jeans - $210

 Readers' Favorite Post

26 Things I Know For Sure

Weekly Themes
on the Blog
Monday's Inspiration:
 


Tuesday's Rooms of Inspiration:
 
 
Wednesday's Why Not. . .?:
 
 
Rules of Style:
 
 

 


Style Inspiration:
 

 
Foodie Friday:
 
(Due to Blogger's site begin down at the time of publication of the newsletter, this post will be included next week.)

Financial Food For Thought:
 
(Due to Blogger's site begin down at the time of publication of the newsletter, this post will be included next week.)

Weekend Reading

How To Dress for Success - by Edith Head (re-released April 12, 2011)
Photo of the Week

Things I Love . . .

I love my weekly New Yorker magazine as it arrives on the weekend and is one of my mandatory leisure reads as I unwind from a busy week..
I'm Coveting . . .

Burberry silk-satin robe - $195 
Magazine Alert!

Eva Green - Harper's Bazaar UK - June 2011

Thandie Newton - InStyle UK - June 2011

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