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With spring's arrival, it's as if a new bounce in one's step can be felt, an extra boost of hope, a renewed sense of determination.
While it can be an unobstructed path we take when we choose to play it safe, follow what works and stick to the same routine day in and day out, waiting for the monthly paycheck to arrive, clocking in and out of work five days a week, and blindly choosing this routine often leaves us wondering what might have been. What were we really capable of?
Now I will admit, doing what one needs to do to put money in the bank for basic necessities and caring for loved ones is paramount, but once those needs are covered, why not . . . take a risk?
Tomorrow, after many years of planning, saving, working and dreaming, I am moving into my flat in Portland's Pearl District. I can't tell you how excited I am to live part-time back in the city I so love. However, with this leap, I am taking a risk. I wouldn't be being honest if I didn't admit there is a hint of uncertainty dancing around somewhere in my head. But based on how my mind works, that small dose of fear is what I am confident will propel me to make
something wonderful out of a bit of uncertainty, and I look forward to taking sharing my journey and discoveries with you.
I have always believed, and my past has proven me correct far more times than not, that taking a risk on something that captures your mind, heart and imagination is well worth the temporary timidity.
So as I go about taking my own risk, I hope you too will consider taking your own leap. Here is a post from the archives that may help nudge you along . . .
This week's newsletter is full of fashion, decor, spring, food and lifestyle inspiration and motivation to kick off the first weekend of the new season. On Tuesday, a four part decor series began as I opened up my home to share glimpses of how you too can make simple additions to your interior that make a tremendous difference. Click here to read part one in the series.
Also, you may have seen the extensive coverage in the media of Sheryl Sandberg's recently released book Lean In. It is well worth the read and the hype. If you are at all curious, I've shared my review of the book this week on the blog as well - have a look here.
And if you're looking for a new side dish that will knock the socks off your next dinner guests, but is also simple enough to make for a weekday meal, be sure to check out the latest recipe posted on the blog (click here).
Lastly, you may have noticed that in the last month or so I have eliminated the ads being displayed in this newsletter. I have also made the decision to reduce the number of ads on the blog itself. The reason I made this decision was to create a better experience and cleaner aesthetic for you, the readers.
However, with that said, being the founder and sole contributor of The Simply Luxurious Life blog, it takes a source of income to bring the experiences, spotlights, profiles and ideas to my readers as well as offer the top quality that I always strive to offer each and every week.
This past week, many of you may have seen the Gilt ad that popped up prior to visiting the page. With a simple click of "Continue" that appears in the upper right-hand corner, you can bypass this ad (which only lasts for 10 seconds if you don't click) and be taken straight to the blog. It is this style of ad that is allowing me to keep the streamline look on the blog and eliminate all ads on the newsletter, which I am very happy to be able to do. Please note that these ads will not be occurring all of the time but only periodically. I want to thank you in advance for understanding and for your enthusiastic support as I continue to create the best possible experience and content for the readers who take time to stop by so regularly.
On that note, it is the weekend, and we can all officially take a huge sigh of relief. Time to take the "have to" work attire off, slip on your favorite blue jeans, gather together your favorite people and toast to what I know is going to be an amazing start to spring.
Before I forget, I will be traveling to New York City this upcoming week, and if you'd like to follow along, I'll be sharing photos from my trip on Instagram
. Also, if you're in Portland this Sunday evening, Cara Black has a book reading and signing of her latest murder mystery - Murder Below Montparnasse (released March 5, 2013) - click here to attend. Perhaps I'll see you there!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone, and until next week, I'll see you
on the blog.
-Shannon |
