The Simple Sophisticate - Intelligent Living Paired with Signature Style

The key to cultivating a life we love living is to know what works best for us. Each individual person will discover rules that are unique to them. The trick is knowing how to determine which rules we should follow. In today's episode discover specific ways to help you find what rules will work for you and how your life will be elevated when you do so.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, a simple salad that is full of flavor. Serve as a side to a delicious barbecued hamburger on a brioche bun, pair with a glass of wine and dinner is served!

Direct download: 116YourRules.mp3
Category:lifestyle -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

A busy world pushes us to be busy as well, and we aren't, we may at times feel as though we aren't doing what we should. On the contrary, the banishment of busy and the ability to embrace a calm and tranquil approach is the key to living a life of quality and true fulfillment. Today's episode discusses in-depth the eight benefits of banishing busy from your life.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, discover a simple approach to your weekly grocery routine that will enable you to stay within your budget, always satiate your tastebuds and and simplify your approach in the kitchen. TSLL Capsule Weekly Menu Planning Pages, Sample Menu and detailed approached is discussed and shared. 

Direct download: 115BanishBusy.mp3
Category:lifestyle -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

One of the most popular requests readers have for upcoming episodes and blog posts is how I manage my time as I balance two full time jobs. Today I am sharing with you 13 habits that I have incorporated into my daily, weekly and monthly routines that enhances the quality of my life and the productivity.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, a comfort food recipe that is über simple and wonderfully delicious: Spaghetti Vongole.

Direct download: 114TimeManagement.mp3
Category:lifestyle -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Self-reliance, the ability to understand and be in-tune with our inner calling is a easy to do if we are by ourselves, but it is the ability to participate, involve ourselves and enjoy society while remaining true to ourselves and are innate talents and passions that cultivates a life full of more contentment. Inspired by Ralph Waldo Emerson's 1841 essay "Self-Reliance", discover 16 benefits you can welcome into your life by living a life of self-reliance. 

In this week's Petit Plaisir, a Francophile Find! Julie Barlow & Jean-Benoît Nadeau's new book The Bonjour Effect is discussed and recommended. 

Direct download: 113SelfReliance.mp3
Category:lifestyle -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

So much of our happiness is entirely in our control, and with these 11 simple ways to immediately shift your mood from a frown to happiness, based on a handful of scientific studies, you can begin to change the quality of your days in an instant.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, two simple ways to enhance your everyday experience. First TSLL Notepads with exclusive full-color Inslee Fariss illustrations are now available at The Simply Luxurious Life: To-Do lists, and To Market, to Market (grocery list). Also, Martha Beck's The Joy Diet book is recommended.

Direct download: 112HappyNow.mp3
Category:health -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

NYC Stylist Tiffani Rogers of Style by Tiffani discusses this season's summer trends (what to save and splurge on), how to style your own capsule wardrobe, how to master the busy schedule being an entrepreneur demands as well as finding the balance in the everyday. A friend for more than seven years, Tiffani's enthusiasm and energy are intoxicating, and her savvy for style is all about quality over quantity.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, inspired by a book mentioned in our discussion, I recommend an audio version of this best-selling book: Bossy Pants by Tina Fey

Direct download: 111TiffaniRogersInterview.mp3
Category:fashion -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Inspired by Roy F. Baumeister and John Tierney's best-selling book Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength, in this episode of the podcast, the 8 benefits of honing this power skill as well as 12 strategies for preserving willpower so that each and everyday you can reach its full potential. 

In this week's Petit Plaisir, it's all about pasta on a crostini. Yep! Except without the pasta. Trust me, it's delicious. Discover my Carbonara Crostini recipe that is simple and delicious. 

Direct download: 110Willpower.mp3
Category:self-improvement -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Being able to your kitchen and cook whatever, whenever you want is doable as long as your pantry, refrigerator, freezer and countertop are stocked with the necessary items. In today's episode discover a list of 34 must-have items that will ensure a wonderful and delicious meal is possible each and every time.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, Three-Mustard Chicken, a simple, short, but top-quality ingredient list that will have you sitting down and enjoying in 45 minutes. 

Direct download: 109Epicerie_-_6-22-16_12.27_PM.mp3
Category:cooking -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Tony-award winning creator, director and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda recently shared a quote about his reason for writing the musical Hamilton. Using his words as inspiration, discover four fundamental tools for reaching your full potential, and along the way amazing yourself as to what you were capable of.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, a new recipe for wrapping up spring and welcoming the summer season: a blueberry rhubarb galette.

Direct download: 108LinmanuelMirandaLesson.mp3
Category:lifestyle -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Sometimes we can push ourselves so hard that when we do finally take a moment to assess how we're doing, we don't trust that we're doing well. This simple checklist offers 21 reasons to demonstrate that yes, you're are doing quite well indeed as you live the life you work so hard to enjoy.

Also, in this week's Petit Plaisir, Shannon reviews the new piece of fiction The Course of Love by Alain de Botton which will be released June 14th. Be sure to enter to win your free copy.

Direct download: 107Relax.mp3
Category:lifestyle -- posted at: 1:00am PDT