The Simply Luxurious Life's Newsletter 29

Published: Fri, 12/31/10

"The secret to a rich life is to have more beginnings than endings."

-David Weinbaum

No. 29 Friday, December 31, 2010

he last day of 2010. Can you believe 365 days have just passed? As you reflect back on those 365 days, how would you describe them? Were they full of hope, excitement, production, or frustration, questions and tears? With all of my heart, it is my wish that you are looking back on a year that was full of more ups than downs, more moments of joy than hurt, and more reasons to celebrate than to shake your head.

The beauty of those 365 days is that we have a choice each day as to how we will live it. There will be times when frustration confronts us, but thankfully there will be times when complete exhilaration fills us. How we choose to see each experience will determine how we will come out on the other side. It is so easy to be cynical and negative, but who ever accomplished something because they didn't think it would happen? I can pretty much guarantee the answer would be zilch. In order to accomplish, in order grow, in order to shine, we must turn our face to the sun and strive. We must squeeze out the goodness no matter where we can find it because we only receive 365 days a year. Or better yet, we are fortunate to have 365 days each year if we're lucky. How will you spend the upcoming 365?

The last day of the year is a time I do cherish. I think it is always a good idea to examine your growth, to ponder the obstacles that stood in your way and how you handled them during 2010. Hopefully, you will see strength that you weren't aware of while standing in the moment itself, and in realizing this strength it will boost your confidence, reminding you that you will and can be even more successful in the coming year.

In this last newsletter of 2010, I would like to introduce you to a blogger from New Zealand who is someone of like-minds with myself. A lady who appreciates the balance of luxurious moments alongside simple pleasures. Recently, she wrote a 30 day series on How To Be Chic , and I found myself agreeing to each point and suggestion she made. With such a strong and warm voice, Fiona shares insight on how to be a stylish lady in modern times. Do be sure to view her series (click here) and stop by her lovely site. It is a blog that continually reminds me to slow down, savor and be more appreciative.

With the year winding up, I had an opportunity to look back over the many posts this blog has displayed. As a way of sharing some of the most popular topics, I rounded up four to six of the top posts from each of the themed days of the week and had a week of review on the blog. The idea was very well received and your comments touched me. Thank you.

As 2011 begins, so too does Oprah Winfrey's Network (OWN), and if you aren't sure where to find it on your television, I will try to help you out a bit. If you have DISH Network, view it on channel 189, if you have DirecTV view it on 279 or 1279, and if you have cable, simply check your listings as it should be there regardless of your carrier. I for one wish her all the success in the world. Television with the intention to uplift, inspire and motivate with a good purpose is something that will most certainly be welcomed to the airwaves. I was especially moved by Oprah's interview with Barbara Walters recently where she spoke about the decision to begin this new endeavor and what propels her in life in general. If you didn't get a chance to see it, I highly recommend it. (Click here to view)

Before I go, I want to say thank you for subscribing to this newsletter. For being supportive as the journey of the blog and The Simply Luxurious Life unfolds, evolves and grows. And more importantly, I wish you a fulfilling and exceptional year in 2011. I just know it's going to be amazing. I can just feel it. Can't you?

Happy New Year! I'll see you on the the blog!

-Shannon

EXTRA FASHION & DESIGN POSTS

Something To Celebrate!

Why Not . . .? Favorites from 2010

Interior Preferences

A Plethora of Stylish Rules

A Simply Luxurious Spread

Distinctive Inspiration

Articles from Around the Web You Might Enjoy

*Late Night With Colin Cowie

(recipes for your New Year party) -Oprah

*Selling New York (HGTV) - season premiere Thursday, January 6th 9pm eastern time (following these New York realtors as they take viewers through some amazing homes in Manhattan)

*Health/Fitness Essentials for the New Year

-Zen to Fitness

*The Rectory (I want to stay here!) -Red Magazine

*Your New Year Money Checklist -RealSimple

*Shop Smart Every Time -InStyle US

*A Week With Cynthia Rowley

-The New York Times

And Don't Forget . . .

Readers' Favorite Post

Something To Celebrate

Weekly Themes on the Blog

Blog Line-up for the New Year - Beginning January 3rd!

Reader Spotlight

Fiona

How to be Chic

How do you define luxury?

I have two definitions of luxury. The first one is my initial thought when I hear the word - plush sofas, opulent decor, beautifully scented candles, sumptuous carpets, fine champagne, fresh oysters, and the softest of drapey knit clothing for wearing around the home. Home is where I'm most content, and as I go through life I look for ways to make our home life as luxurious as possible on a modest budget.

My other definition of luxury is the freedom to do as I please. It's blissful to have a morning when I wake up without an alarm, a day off work and no obligations (these three things together don't seem to happen often enough, as I'm sure they don't for you either).

What luxuries do you enjoy in your every day routine?

Many. I am blessed with such luxuries as the love of my husband, family and friends, a warm, dry and cosy home, work that I enjoy, the ability to create and relax, a love of reading and a never-ending supply of books. The list goes on and on.

What luxuries do you hope to enjoy in the future?

In the future I hope to enjoy owning our own home, and bringing a child into the world. The home thing I can control somewhat, as for a baby, it's up to the Universe!

Weekend Reading