The Simple Sophisticate - Intelligent Living Paired With Signature Style

What is the purpose of the first date in the first place? Contrary to what we may lead ourselves to believe, it is not to impress but rather to go on a fact-finding mission of sorts. A pursuit of compatibility. Now if who we are authentically impresses the other, splendid! But if it does not, we have not lost but an evening of our time. In today's episode Shannon shares 8 simple tasks to tend to and be aware of when it comes to preparing and partaking in a first date. In this week's Petit Plaisir, a new holiday film to enjoy - Love the Coopers.

Inspired after reading Ernest Hemingway's iconic portrayal of the City of Light in his memoir A Moveable Feast, Shannon shares a learned lesson from the reading. Discussing the courage to let go and how to move forward when what we love is taken away from us, she speaks about how to ensure tomorrow will be brighter and far better than yesterday. In this week's Petit Plaisir, Shannon reviews and enthusiastically recommends Cairo Time, starring Patricia Clarkson and Alexander Siddig. Have a listen to the trailer and the soundtrack.

What does it mean to be a strong woman? In today's episode, Shannon shares 15 characteristics of strong women and discusses the benefits of choosing to live with strength. This week's Petit Plaisir is the annual TSLL Holiday Gift Guide.

From the moment you wake up until the minute you snuggle up in bed, Shannon shares 21 ways to enjoy a simply luxurious Thanksgiving tailored to your tastes and comforts and those you love.  This week's Petit Plaisir is a Thanksgiving leftover sandwich that will melt in your mouth. 

Best-selling author of Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert has just released a new book, Big Magic: Creative Living Without Fear. Inspired by the content as well as an event she hosted in her hometown, Shannon shares her thoughts on where true success actually resides. This week's Petit Plaisir spotlights Shannon's recommended workout clothing that will leave you looking stylish, comfortable and ready to sweat (or do errands, if that is on your to-do list). But rest assured, you will be investing in a quality product that will allow you to feel as good as you look.

Being effortlessly chic doesn't occur without forethought, but by adhering to these 15 habits, it can be something that with time becomes second-nature. From which colors to choose, which accessories to wear, as well as how to care for your clothes and accessories, when the habits we practice each day render the results we desire, we truly can exude effortless chic style. In this week's Petit Plaisir, Nest candles are reviewed and recommended for the upcoming holidays as well as for scents to permeate your home year-round. 

Introverts gather energy from time alone and being in their own company or calm environments, but sometimes we don't have control over the demands of our jobs. In today's episode, Shannon shares eight ways to cultivate a work environment, no matter what your career field, that will improve the quality of your everyday work environment.  In this week's Petit Plaisir, Adele's first track "Hello" from her upcoming album 25 is reviewed. 

Often cynicism in others is easier to recognize in ourselves; however, once we recognize we are slowly becoming more defensive and negative there are simple tools that will be shared in today's episode that will ensure cynicism will no longer be a default. The four benefits will vastly improve the quality of each of our lives once we choose to be more vulnerable, stand securely in who we are and allow the amazing opportunities to present themselves. In this week's Petit Plaisir, Jennifer L. Scott's new book will be released tomorrow, Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic, and Shannon offers her recommendation and specific reasons why.

Inspired by Thomas J. Stanley's book Stop Acting Rich, discover seven misnomers of those who aspire to be rich but actually aren't, and more importantly unearth the 12 ways to cultivate true financial security. In today's Petit Plaisir, a Francophile Find in a new book by Florence de Dampierre, French Chic Living: Simple Ways to Make Your Home Beautiful. 

Diving into what stereotypes are and why they are detrimental, this episode primarily focuses on the six ways to defy them in our everyday lives, no matter what the stereotype is that you have been pigeonholed by. In this week's Petit Plaisir, discover my review and recommendation for Misty Copeland's documentary "A Ballerina's Tale" which hits theaters nationwide on October 14, 2015. 

Inspired by the history of Eryie Vineyards in Oregon, discover how vineyards have many life lessons to teach us all as we pursue a fulfilling and quality life. This week's Petit Plaisir, Shannon reviews Sharon Santoni's new book My Stylish French Girlfriends.

Discover 11 ways to build a strong foundation for living a life of quality. Beginning with gratitude and ending with hope, there are nine more imperative skills that when we acquire, contentment and fulfillment are soon to follow. In this week's Petit Plaisir, I review Nancy Meyers' new film The Intern.

The quality of our lives is based on the decisions we make every day. And even though it may feel as though our minds are energizer bunnies, they burn out each day as well. It is imperative that we consumer our mind's power for the most important decisions and leave the remaining decisions to auto-pilot. The key is to make sure the auto-pilot is set to a quality life outcome.  In today's episode 17 everyday decisions will be shared that can be added to the auto-pilot list.  In this week's Petit Plaisir, the perfect recipe to end summer and begin fall: Fresh Heirloom Tomato Soup with Cream inspired by my favorite podcast, The Splendid Table.

Choosing to broaden our perspectives on a regular basis, whether through travel, reading or meeting new people from different life experiences can have a tremendously positive experience on the quality of our lives.  Today, 10 benefits will be shared to encourage each of us to continue to increase our knowledge and understanding of the world. This week's Petit Plaisir is a staple in the capsule wardrobe (spring or fall). Shannon has found her favorite tee and explains what size you should order and why you should invest.

As everyone returns from their summer getaways, whether you are going back to school, to work or simply getting back to a regular work schedule, the goal of being at work is to be efficient. And the best way to be efficient is to have an office area that is curated to make us comfortable and therefore confident to do our best work. With removal of clutter, only having items that we need and streamlining our systems, we can ensure a more productive work day each and every time we step foot in the office. Today I will share with you 25 simple, yet powerful ways to make your work day all the more enjoyable and productive. In this week's Petit Plaisir, a film set in Paris starring Michael Cain and Clémence Poésy that took my breath away, and I am eager to share: Last Love. 

President Obama renames Mt. McKinley, migrants stop a Eurostar train for hours near Calais, France, experts discover more trees on the planet earth than expected and much more! In this week's French Word of the Week it's all about wrapping up vacations and returning to the regular routine. Can you guess what word is the focus?

A seasonless, classic wardrobe essential is the blazer. In today's episode discover the 6 reasons why a blazer is a must-have in any woman's wardrobe, and then learn 9 ways to style a wardrobe to align with your signature style. In this week's Petit Plaisir, Shannon shares a simple decor trick to bring a bit more luxury to your bed without breaking the bank. 

The 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, firefighters from Down Under come to help the west, Serene begins the pursuit of wrapping up the grand slam and much, much more.  In this week's French Word of the Week, Géraldine is sharing the differences in language when it comes to friendships and romantic partnerships.

Author, blogger and decor expert Frances Schultz's new book The Bee Cottage Story: How I Made a Muddle of Things and Decorated My Way Back to Happiness is the focus of today's discussion. And while the premise of the book is all about how she restored her 1920's East Hampton's cottage, it also part memoir as readers discovery her journey to arrive at the place she is today, fulfilled, content and full of wisdom. Topics of happiness, meditation, authenticity and yes, even decor are discussed. In today's Petit Plaisir, I share my top 10 decor tips and ideas from the pages of The Bee Cottage Story by Frances Schultz.

First two women graduate from Army Ranger School, Addyi is approved for women's libidos, Lily Tomlin stars in a delightful new film and much more. In this week's French Word of the Week, we're talking food and breakfast, French toast specifically.