Archive for category: Inspiring Posts

I follow quite a few blogs and one of them is called The Simply Luxurious Life by Shannon Ables. Shannon is such an excellent writer and has a new book out called Choosing the Simply Luxurious Life. 

I can’t wait to get a copy! In November, Shannon published an article about “Why Not…Be Unforgettable”. I just loved this article. I actually printed it out and kept it in my bag for a few weeks. The entire article is great but I will have to say number 4 stuck with me the most……

4. Be Someone of Quality

Refuse to be a follower playing it safe because you are afraid of being singled out or because you haven’t figured out your own path. Establish what you need in your life to function at your best. Whether it is the food you eat, how much sleep you need or the ethical standards you refuse to break.

Most importantly, come to understand why you do what you do. Have a purpose, a reason, for the direction you are taking in your life.

People don’t all have to approve of your own standards, but know why you live the way you do. Because no matter how hard you defend your decisions to someone who doesn’t accept them based on their own belief system, you’ll never get them to see eye to eye. But so long as you know why, and you are at peace with your reasons, you will leave many with an unforgettable impression that you are someone with thoughtful principles and resolute courage.

Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash

I love having friends and family over whenever we can all find the time. Everyone is just so busy these days. I like to have a stress~free way to entertain friends. While reading At Home with Madame Chic the author Jennifer L. Scott gave ways to create a simple brunch that can appear to be bountiful. Here are some ideas:

*  A bowl full of enticing bagels (lay a cloth in the bowl before adding the bagels and allow the edges of the cloth to hang over the side of the bowl). 


*  A pretty platter with artfully arranged sliced tomatoes, capers, sliced red onions, and lox.


*  A little dish with cream cheese and a unique serving knife.


*  A bowl of fruit salad


*  A savory breakfast casserole


*  Croissants or pain au chocolat


*  Quiche (caramelized onion, spinach, broccoli or whatever your favorite is)


*  Assorted salads


*  Sparkling water


*  Juice


*  A signature brunch cocktail like mango mimosas (sparkling wine with a splash of mango juice)


*  Assortment of teas & coffee

I have been continuing my reading in At Home with Madame Chic by Jennifer L. Scott. Today I want to give a list from Jennifer on tips for working women. We are all working women whether you are a stay-at-home mom or you have a career. Most women today are working. I just loved these tips from Jennifer and I thought they were very helpful.

Getting Ready: 

1: Pack your briefcase and tote the night before. While you’re there, make sure to clear out any clutter, such as old receipts, tissues, loose change.

2: In the evening, lay out your clothes you will wear the following day (I do this every night), right down the corresponding accessories, so you are not pulling out the contents of your lingerie drawer to search for the right shade of tights in the morning rush. I know a chic working woman who keeps her stockings in separate bags according to color so she’s not trying to figure out which is blue and which is black in the dim morning light. This would come in handy if you forgot to lay your clothes out the night before.

3: Plan what you are going to have for breakfast the night before and set out any necessary ingredients (keep the refrigerated food together, set dry ingredients on the counter-top). Blend your morning smoothie drink and keep it in the fridge ready for the next morning. Set the timer on your coffee machine so you awaken to the fresh aroma of your favorite brew.

4: I still advocate sitting down to eat breakfast, but on those mornings which you are running late for the train, you can always put that smoothie in a to-go cup or thermos.

5: If you are taking the kids to daycare on the way to work, make sure everything is packed. Layout their clothes for the day, keep the sunscreen accessible, and pack any snacks and water bottles that might be needed, Keep this all by the front door so you don’t forget anything.

Photo by Larisa Birta on Unsplash