The Simply Luxurious Life's Newsletter 23

Published: Fri, 11/19/10

"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder."

-G.K. Chesterton

No. 23 Friday, November 19, 2010

he upcoming Thanksgiving holiday here in the states is one of my favorite times of year. A holiday in which the purpose is to pay thanks, to be grateful and to reflect on the goodness and bounty of each of our lives to me couldn't be a better way to spend a day off with family and friends.

Waking up on Thursday morning, still dressed in my pajamas and sitting down to take in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, perhaps warming up the house with a roaring fire in the fireplace and hot tea to sip as the day begins to wake up will most likely be how I begin my Thanksgiving. This easing into the day allows me to slow down and be reminded of what the day is all about. Looking forward to the early evening with family and friends, I will eventually make my way into the kitchen to create my contribution to the Thanksgiving day feast before I head over the mountain to enjoy the grand dinner and spirited conversation.

The simplicity such a holiday can bring with the special touches of grand formality and tradition are what resonate most with me I think. Certain rituals become something all the more special. During this next week, I hope you enjoy the time together with whomever you choose to spend it with. and I wish that the holiday season may begin with a jolly lovely spring in your step. To help you become even more prepared for the holidays and dinner parties, this week's Why Not Wednesday focused on Having Your Own Dinner Party. The series will continue for the next two weeks, but the first portion should get you off to a great start. Monday's Inspirational post True Contentment was very well received by readers this week and is a reminder as to what should be the true goal with any endeavor we embark on.

Whether you are celebrating Thanksgiving or not, simple rituals bring a special occasion to the every day, and if you're curious as to what some may be that you can add to your life, check out Why Not . . . Create Your Own Ritual?:

Why Not . . . Create Your Own Simple Ritual?

After all, no matter what time of year it is, we need to be reminded that we are important, our time is important and most importantly, simple luxuries really are necessities.

This week's newsletter includes some great ideas on how to prep for the holidays, whether it be concerning clothes, decor, or entertaining. The spotlighted reader/blogger this week just recently returned from Paris, and it was a treat to hear about her time spent in the City of Light. With her regular posts of Style, Beauty, and Fashion, I have come to enjoy stopping by her blog very much. Do make sure you introduce yourself to Emily of Sugar & Spice.

I would like to send a quick shout out to Tiffani for bringing Traditional Home's Holiday 2010 issue to my attention. It looks to be a fantastic issue to help us all enjoy this festive time of year.

Here's to a wonderful commencement to the holidays - may it be full of cheer, lovely surprises and an abundance of beauty. Until next week, I'll see you on the blog.

-Shannon

EXTRA FASHION & DESIGN POSTS

Tom Ford Is Back

Jessica Alba - Cover Elle US - December 2010

Manhattan Simplicity

Weekend Style Inspiration

Soaking In Luxury

Articles from Around the Web You Might Enjoy

*5 Financial Habits That Will Make You Happy

-Jean Chatzky, Wowowow

*Upgrade Your Signature Style

-Instyle

*9 Secrets Of Motivated People

-Real Simple

*35 Minute Fall Dinner Party

- Mireille Guiliano

*Oprah's Ultimate Favorite Things

-A TWO DAY EVENT!!

-Friday, November 19th, Monday, November 22nd

Readers' Favorite Post

True Contentment

Weekly Themes on the Blog

Sunday: Cups of Tea

Monday's Inspiration: True Contentment

Tuesday's Rooms of Inspiration: Wall Of Frames

Wednesday's Why Not . . .?: Have A Dinner Party?

Thursday Treasures: Snuggles, Soup & French Food

Friday: I'm Craving

Foodie Friday: Maple Bars

Saturday: Short & Sweet

Weekend Rules of Style: Molly Sims

Favorite Photos

Reader Spotlight

Emily

Sugar & Spice

How do you define luxury?

Luxury, for me, is something out of the ordinary.

It doesn't have to be expensive or big or out-of-reach, just the best of whatever is possible. For example, you might not be able to afford first class travel but before you get on the airplane, why not treat yourself to a more luxurious pillow on which to lay your head as you snooze high above the clouds? Create your own little bit on luxury in economy.

What luxuries do you enjoy in your day to day life?

A little luxury that I try to fit into each day is time out for myself, it might just be 5 minutes in the morning to sit and drink a cup of coffee and look out of the window, or it might be enough time to give myself a manicure or a pedicure, to have a bath, or to read a book that I have been trying to finish for weeks. Time, for me, is my greatest day-to-day luxury.

Less frequently, luxuries include coffee and a catch up with a friend - old or new, seen often or rarely, I just love the company of my friends. A trip to the hairdresser is another luxury which I do not seem to indulge in enough - my poor hair!

What luxuries would you like to enjoy in the future?

In the future, I hope to have a house of my own and to have the luxury of making it my own, by decorating it in my own style and filling it with my things.

Weekend Reading