The Simple Sophisticate - Intelligent Living Paired With Signature Style

Socrates reminds us that the "unexamined life is not worth living", but what exactly is the examined life? Today, I examine five general over-arching ways each of us can live more consciously and mindfully in our everyday lives so that we are indeed living an examined life rather than being led around by the nose. 

The beauty of life is that the unexpected can always happen, but if we don't recognize that life's surprises can actually be diamonds to be seized, we may end up missing amazing opportunities. The best way to seize these opportunities is to live fully each day. In today's podcast, 6 tips will be shared on how to be present each day so that you turn the magic that life presents into a life of your dreams. 

Food is a pleasure to be enjoyed throughout our lives, but food is not why we live our lives. On the other hand, it is important that we not see food as the enemy, but rather as a key element in achieving our best lives. As long as we undertand what we are putting into our bodies - putting ourselves in the driver's seat and taking back the steering wheel from the advertisers and the weight-loss books - we can eat well without feeling deprived. 

Regardless of the size of home we live in, creating a space that is welcoming, clean, and comfortable is crucial to rejuvenating and relaxing so that tomorrow we can be at our best. With 6 simple ideas, Shannon shares detailed examples on how to turn your home into your sanctuary. And in this week's Petit Plaisir, international best-selling author and lifestyle blogger Jennifer L. Scott stops by to talk about her new book At Home With Madame Chic which is being released on October 7.

Authenticity is a simple notion in its construct, but applying it to everyday living can be daunting. In today's podcast, four concrete measurements of what precisely authenticity looks like will be shared, as well as six benefits that will improve the quality of your life. And in this week's Petit Plaisir, Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett's album Cheek to Cheek is sampled and reviewed.

Confidence not only is something you can learn, but it is also something you can master. In today's podcast, Shannon share five specific ways to exude more confidence, the five major benefits of acquiring confidence, and interviews Tracy Hooper, the founder of The Confidence Project who offers hands-on workshops online and in person in Portland, Oregon and Baltimore, Maryland. 

From the cuisine to the fashion and everything in between, there are many aspects of the French culture that continue to fascinate people from around the world. As a professed Francophile, Shannon Ables, explains how her love of all things French became the primary foundation of her blog's premise - The Simply Luxurious Life. With an appreciation for quality over quantity, a more fulfilling and content life can blossom with the 10 simple attributes derived from the French culture. 

Regardless of your age, size, job or personality, these 10 essential wardrobe items will be the glue that pulls each season together seamlessly. 

At the foundation of a contented life that instills peace of mind regardless of life's events is financial security. As one of the pillars of a simply luxurious life, this podcast will dive into the essential 6 steps, share tips, strategies and tools on how to create a strong financial foundation regardless of your paycheck.

A simply luxurious life is a life focused on quality over quantity, and while each of us has our own path to follow, our own unique passions that drive us and our own ordering of priorities, the foundation that is necessary to be successful in life remains the same for everyone. Today on the podcast, discover the eight essential pillars for building the foundation that will allow you to enable you to turn you dreams into reality and reach your full potential.