The Simply Luxurious Life's Newsletter 24

Published: Fri, 11/26/10

 

"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."

- Hamilton Wright Mabie
 
 

 
No. 24                    Friday, November 26, 2010  


T
 
he holidays are here! Can you believe it? With the wintery weather we've recently had in the Pacific Northwest, I'm more than ready to get into the spirit of things. And with the help of holiday music filling the air, Oprah's Favorite Things, Rue magazine's launch of its Holiday issue and the excitement felt from nearly everyone I encounter, I can't wait to simply soak it all up and revel in the moment. 
 
I am a true believer that when you take the time to be appreciative for what you have in your life, it serves as a magnet for more lovely moments and memories to arrive at your doorstep. So this season, I will be trying to continue this approach as I plan the outing of picking out my Christmas tree - making it an entire day affair, loading up the dogs, playing the Christmas CDs in the car (and of course singing along), taking the time to pick out just the perfect tree and decking it with music and movies creating an inviting environment for cheer and jolly goodness; as well, as when I plan gifts for those I love and am thankful for and reminding myself that the season is a time to treasure the moments, the love and the laughter instead of the things (although, a stuffed stocking is always a nice surprise). 
 
However you are spending the first few days of the holiday, I hope you are smiling, laughing and losing all track of time. This week's newsletter is sprinkled with a few holiday ideas and images, as well as what you've come to trust and look forward to.  Since it is the season when children's dreams seem to magically come to life, what about the dreams of us adults?  Monday's Inspirational post, Keep Dreaming, focused on just this topic and seemed to be a hit as it was the favorite of my readers. This week's spotlighted reader shares a wonderful list of her favorite luxuries and is herself an entrepreneur knee-deep in luxuries as she is the founder of Luxuria Jewellery Boutique. Do take a look at her responses as well as her business, as her jewellery is classic with a touch of individuality, true luxury indeed. 
 
After watching Oprah's Ultimate Favorite Things shows, I found myself making lists upon lists, and on top of one of those lists is what I have spotlighted for I'm Coveting , and I have a feeling many of you will agree. If you will be taking on the holiday by throwing a dinner party, be sure to check out the two part series Why Not . . . Have A Dinner Party? as I've included my surefire tips on how to ensure a luxurious affair without so much of the hassle. And here's a thought to ponder, what traditions do you hold dear and which do you do out of habit?  I share my thoughts on the topic in my New & Trusted Holiday Traditions post. And if by chance your annual tradition is to travel for the holidays, why not . . . travel luxuriously? 
 
 
 
, it is my sincerest hope that you have a very magical holiday season. After all, this time of year is an opportunity to focus on what we truly treasure and take the time to express our feelings in a way that is most comfortable and genuine for each and every one of us.  Have a lovely weekend, and until next week, I'll see you on the blog. Happy Holidays!!!
  
-Shannon
 
 
 EXTRA FASHION & DESIGN POSTS
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Articles from Around the Web You Might Enjoy
 
-Harper's Bazaar US
 
 

 
- New York Times
 
-Real Simple
 
 

 
Happy Holidays
 
from The Simply Luxurious Life
 

 
 

 Readers' Favorite Post

Keep Dreaming


Weekly Themes on the Blog
Sunday: Cups of Tea
 
Monday's Inspiration: Keep Dreaming
 
Tuesday's Rooms of Inspiration: Tablescapes For The Holidays
 
Wednesday's Why Not . . .?: Have a Dinner Party? Part Deux

Thursday Treasures: Food, Snow & Smiles
 
Friday: I'm Craving
 
 
Saturday: Short & Sweet
 
Weekend Rules of Style: Kate Moss
 

Reader Spotlight
Vanessa
of
 
How do you define luxury?
 
For me luxury is quite a difficult word to describe; it's quite subjective. Let me explain. For me it means "indulging" in anything that is not necessarily a necessity, but that makes me feel wonderful and pampered. It doesn't have to have a high price tag and necessarily be related to "rich living", as long as it is luxurious and indulgent for the recipient. Having said  that I appreciate and acknowledge that for many people simple necessities ARE  at the same time a  luxury. For example in some countries clean fresh water is a luxury, and yet it is an absolute necessity. So I think it's all about an individuals perspective.
 
What luxuries do you enjoy in your day to day life?
 
* wonderful, rich creamy moisturisers (for face and body). I love creams!

* I like good quality make-up; nothing like a gorgeous, lustre lipstick from one of the great beauty houses. I always feel "finished" and "pampered" with great quality make-up.

* Food cooked from scratch wherever possible. Here in Spain, 1-2 hour lunches are the norm, but can be viewed as a luxury also. Since living in Spain, I try and follow this custom whenever I can.

* one beautiful piece of jewellery worn every day; whether it's a gorgeous cocktail ring, or a fab bracelet. I try to limit it to only 1 piece only otherwise you can look like a walking Christmas tree
winking smile.

*Living away from my country of birth and family, I still view internet, Skype and technology as a luxury (here comes the merge between a luxury and a necessity). I don't know how I would have managed 20 years ago.

* a really good quality watch. I'm going for Bulgari for my watches.

* cashmere socks, curled up on the sofa in my pyjamas whilst watching a film with my husband

* a really good head massage followed by a fab blow-dry

*luxurious hair shampoos and masks/treatments

* indulging in my love of cooking and all things gastronomic; even just browsing through the wonderful gourmet food shops they have here in Seville where I live

* to stop at one of the many street side coffee shops, buy a coffee or hot chocolate, sit at one of the tables in the sun and take the time to appreciate where I am (physically).  

*new books; I love the smell and feel of lovely new books especially when they arrive in the post!

*unconditional love
 
What luxuries do you hope to enjoy in the future?
 
* It would have to be more travel. Since living in Spain most of my travelling revolves around Spain/ Portugal or travelling back to the UK to see  family.I would like to do more travelling outside Europe

* I would love to own a bookstore somewhere in the country in the UK. This store would have a lovely open fire, huge leather sofas, fabulous wine for customers to taste, and books everywhere.

* to work because I want to, not because I have to!

* to own a small little holiday home on the island of Maui    

Weekend Reading

 
Favorite Photos
Products I Use & Love

Michael Stars - sheer heather rhinestone drape neck top

Luxurious Items


 
Milly silk-chiffon tiered blouse - $295

Miu Miu - glitter pumps -$595
 

Luxury For Less



Nine West rocha - $69 (more colors)



Anthropologie wardrobe staple cardigan - $49.95 (more colors)

I'm Coveting. . .


Williams Sonoma Croissants - $39.95

Magazine Alert!




Real Simple - December 2010

Carrie Underwood - Instyle US - December 2010
A Tasty Appetizer


Fontina Tartlet

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