The Simply Luxurious Life newsletter 139

Published: Fri, 03/08/13

Lately, as my days become full with fun and exciting projects that must be tended to upon returning from a day of teaching, I am still adamant about creating time at the end of as many days during the week as possible to unwind, put my feet up and turn my electronical devices off.

Whether a day at work was exasperating or exhilarating, I am still exhausted and needed to unwind and relax, as I know you are as well. Knowing I have time (whether it is thirty minutes or an hour or two) to just be is a wonderful thing to look forward to during a hectic day of expectations, due dates and meetings.

More than anything, brewing a cup of tea, snuggling up with my dogs and not having to rush to do anything is one of my greatest simple luxuries at the end of a long, busy day. For this week's post from the archives I thought I'd share with you a post that shares 14 ideas on how you too can create an evening that you look forward to as many times as you can during the course of your work week.

Ideas for Ending the Day Well

In this week's newsletter, another recipe is shared - one of my favorite pasta recipes, as well as a snapshot of photos captured during a decor styling project series that will begin in a few weeks on the blog.

If you live in the states, don't forget to spring ahead this weekend, and no matter where you live, have a beautiful weekend. Until next week, I'll see you on the blog.

-Shannon

A Look Back on this Week on the Blog . . . 1, 2, 3 years ago . . .

1 year ago . . . Why Not . . . Unplug?

2 years ago . . . A Cook's Kitchen

3 years ago . . . What Surrounds You?

This & That: No.48

Lean In: Women, Work & the Will to Lead - book
The Perfect Meal: The Search of the Lost Tastes of France - book
Salt, Sugar, Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us - book
Sam Edelman shoes - shopping
It's a Brad, Brad World - television
The Rachel Zoe Project - television

Want & Have Outfit:

No. 24

Wednesday night I sat down and watched the premiere of The Rachel Zoe Project. I must say that it was one of the best episodes I've ever watched. While I may be a bit bias, let me first explain.

In September, Rachel Zoe's spring 2013 collection walked down the runway at Lincoln Center for the first time during New York Fashion Week (previously she had revealed her collections as presentations). The entire episode focused on the preparation and ultimately, the culmination of the actual show itself. Full of tweaks, scissor slices as well as Rachel's attendance at three other top designer shows (Oscar de la Renta, Prabal Gurung and Michael Kors), the viewers received a wonderful glimpse into the glamorized experience that is NYFW.

And the other, more personal, reason I loved this episode so much was that I too was in New York City attending fashion week during that particular taping. No, I didn't have the privilege of attending top designer shows (but I did attend - here's a glimpse - day one, two and three) nor did I get a glimpse of Rachel Zoe, but I did drink in the energy, walk the corridor full of photogs at Lincoln Center and indulge in the amazing weather (following the random tornado).

So with Spring fashions on my mind, a few Thursday Style Inspiration posts including oodles of boyfriend jeans (here and here) and in particular Rachel Zoe's spring collection, I pulled together this week's outfit (one top for warmer weather, one for a touch more warmth and one to wear in my dreams).

~WANT~

~J.Brand 'Aiden' distressed boyfriend jeans~

~Rachel Zoe 'Marcy' oversized sequin top~

~Chloe draped sateen top~

~L.A.M.B. Janaye pump~

~Kenneth Cole white pump~

~Rebecca Minkoff M.A.B. leather tote (other colors available)~

~HAVE~

~Iris & Ink cashmere sweater (gray, other colors available)~

March 8, 2013 Issue #139

"Like water which can clearly mirror the sky and the trees only so long as its surface is undisturbed, the mind can only reflect the true image of the Self when it is tranquil and wholly relaxed."

-Indra Devi