The Simple Sophisticate - Intelligent Living Paired with Signature Style

Discover 10 tools that will help you squash the regular negative thoughts that pop up from time to time no matter how wonderful our lives may be going. Moments of self-doubt, uncertainty, these tools will help you combat the negativity immediately so that no unnecessary time or energy is wasted and you can continue to move forward positively.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, a 2014 French film, Sex, Love & Therapy starring Sophie Marceau and Patrick Bruel. A delightful romantic comedy.

Direct download: 106squashnegativity.mp3
Category:lifestyle -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Whether you own or rent, whether your place is large or small, even if you've lived in your space for decades or only a few months, these 11 simple tips will make your home your new sanctuary all without calling a contractor or breaking the bank.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, discover a book that will improve your sleep and improve the overall quality of your life: Arianna Huffington's new book The Sleep Revolution: Transform Your Life One Night at a Time

Direct download: 105DecorSanctuary_-_5-29-16_5.05_PM.mp3
Category:decor -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Inspired by Donald Sull and Kathleen M. Eisenhacdt's 2015 book Simple Rules: How to Thrive in a Complex World, discover the benefits of simple rules, how they can improve the overall quality of life and hear six examples of simple rules Shannon uses in her own life.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, a simple staple item for your capsule wardrobe that is on sale and works well for anyone who loves to layer.

Direct download: 104SimpleRules.mp3
Category:lifestyle -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Is effortless style truly ever effortless? In short, yes. Today discover the five steps to tend to to ensure effortless style that will become a habit worth incorporating into your everyday.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, discover a simple,  yet absolutely delicious recipe for two: Rustic Apple Tart for Two.

Direct download: 103Effortlessstyle_-_5-15-16_1.51_PM.mp3
Category:style -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Inspired by blogger, author, photographer and illustrator Garance Doré book Love, Life, Style, the topic of beauty and how to truly feel beautiful is discussed in today's episode.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, a home decor item that will add that extra something or be a perfect house warming gift. 

Direct download: 102BeautyFINAL.mp3
Category:lifestyle -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

The difference between being an Adult and being a Grown-up is choice. And with the choice comes the decision to choose to grow. Growth as we know isn't always easy, but the result of choosing to venture down the path into being a Grown-up is to gain a life full or contentment and an increased quality of living in both our relationships with others and ourselves. In today's episode discover 12 characteristics of growth exercised by Grown-ups.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, discover my new Francophile Find that will help you with your language skills in 15 short minutes each time you tune in: Coffee Break French!

Direct download: 101growth.mp3
Category:self-help -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

What is the secret for those who have found contentment when it comes to dealing with uncertainty? In today's episode we dive into the 10 specific distinctions that help contentment thrive in an uncertain world.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, a feel good song that will have you on your feet and tapping your toes as well as everything else. 

And it's the 100th episode of The Simple Sophisticate, so we're celebrating by offering an exclusive, one week only drastic discount on signed copies of TSLL book.  Tune in to find out how to purchase your copy or gifts for the upcoming graduation ceremonies and Mother's Day celebrations. 

Direct download: 100contentment_-_4-24-16_4.11_PM.mp3
Category:self-improvement -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

The obstacles in life can understandably be frustrating, but perhaps a reframing of them is all we need to see the beauty in them. Tune in today to see exactly why that obstacles that's been keeping you stuck in your tracks is exactly what will help you soar beyond your expectations.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, I'm sharing my go-to breakfast for nearly everyday of the week: simple, delicious and satiating. Buttery Steel Cut Oats. 

Direct download: 99Obstacles.mp3
Category:inspiration -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

How we speak is just as powerful as what we say. In today's episode, discover nine tips on how to improve the way you speak so that you can foster and improve the connections you make both in your professional and personal world.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, Francophiles, cooks and gardeners will want to get their hands on this hybrid of a cookbook and French-living guide. Susan Herrmann Loomis' latest book (released in 2015) is a gem. In a French Kitchen: Tales and Tradition of Everyday Home Cooking in France

Direct download: 98speech.mp3
Category:communication -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Our everyday lives can be as grand and full based on how we live. Instead of the size of the house, it is the energy, beauty and details we cultivate that determine the quality of our sanctuary. Discover 16 tips and ideas to elevate the quality of your everyday life.

This week's Petit Plaisir is a simple seasonal suggestion, welcome tulips into your home. Also discover how to best pick and ensure long-lasting blooms with each bouquet.

Direct download: 97simplegrand.mp3
Category:lifestyle -- posted at: 1:00am PDT