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. 

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!

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. 

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. 

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

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.

The creator of the internationally enjoyed blog My French Country Home and author of her new book My Stylish French Girlfriends, Sharon Santoni joins me on today's episode. Discussing all things French, specifically brocante collecting, how to find and pursue your passion and the key to a happy, passionate life, Sharon will remind listeners about why we love the lifestyle of the French.

This week's Petit Plaisir is a French dessert that is simple and absolutely delicious — Clafoutis aux Poires. 

Inspired by Amy Cuddy's best selling book Presence, discover how to cultivate your personal power in your everyday life and what the benefits are of having it. 

This week's Petit Plaisir is a romantic comedy starring Lake Bell & Simon Pegg, Man Up. 

Inspired by the recently released and best-selling book by Rebecca Traister, All the Single Ladies: Unmarried Women and the Rise of an Independent Nation, this episode is for all women. Revealing three truths and seven myths, discover how the advancements of single women are opening doors for everyone. 

The "everydays" make up the quality of our lives, so it is how we spend these days that is vitally important. Discover 15 everyday habits to practice and by incorporating will create ensure everyday is full of contentment and true happiness.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, a simple decor addition to establish a ritual that will enhance your everyday life. 

The importance of a healthy social well-being involves three primary components: the relationships we have with ourselves, our community and friends as well as our significant other, but how do we go about building one that works for us? That is precisely what we will discuss in this week's episode.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, a new podcast to add to your weekly listening! Pardon My French from Garance Doré. 

Whether an introvert or an extravert, time to be with ourselves is the key to a deep satisfaction with life and the path we choose. Inspired by Frédéric Lenoir's best-selling book Happiness: A Philosopher's Guide, discover specifically how solitude is beneficial for us all.

This week's Petit Plaisir is a Francophile podcast to not only help you with your French but satiate your curiosities about the French culture.

The latest news and world events along with a dash of inspiration and a brush up on French language and culture. Tune in to become up-to-date in fewer than fifteen minutes each Sunday morning.

Often while it can be easy to see the weaknesses or strengths in others' relationships, it can be hard when we're in the middle of them. As a way to develop an intuition about red flags we should heed, tune in to today's podcast to discover 18 red flags that you should take notice of and not ignore.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, a simple, classic French lunch that took me back to my summer of studying abroad in Angers, France. 

The latest news and world events along with a dash of inspiration and a brush up on French language and culture. Tune in to become up-to-date in fewer than fifteen minutes each Sunday morning.

Inspired by Gary Chapman's #1 New York Times best-selling book The 5 Love Languages, discover how to effectively communicate your love for you partner to them, but as well, understand how to know if whom you are with is someone destined to be your life partner. In other words determine if you are merely "in love" but not experiencing real love.

This week's Petit Plaisir, TSLL App is now available for Android users! Discover all of the new enhancements and capabilities on The Simply Luxurious Life app that has been available to iTunes users for some time, but now is available for free on Google Play as well.

The latest news and world events along with a dash of inspiration and a brush up on French language and culture. Tune in to become up-to-date in fewer than fifteen minutes each Sunday morning.

Knowing how to trust the timing of your life can be confusing, but in today's episode Shannon outlines seven specific ways to become in tune with your unique life's journey and most important enjoy the ride. 

In this week's Petit Plaisir, a favorite cozy mystery series is shared by author M.L. Longworth.

One of the primary pillars of living a happy life is finding the courage within yourself to be brave. It is never easy, but the results are well worth it. Today, discover the 13 benefits of being brave.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, Shannon reveals the exclusive TSLL Planner Templates which include the stylish illustrations by Inslee only found on The Simply Luxurious Life brand.

The latest news and world events along with a dash of inspiration and a brush up on French language and culture. Tune in to become up-to-date in fewer than fifteen minutes each Sunday morning.

Today the differences between Strengths and Skills will be shared, along with the significant difference that will have a profoundly positive effect on your everyday life and the future direction you wish to go. 

In this week's Petit Plaisir, a simple and delicious skillet chicken recipe that includes the trinity of Italian cooking: basil, mozzarella and tomatoes. 30 minutes to yum!

The latest news and world events along with a dash of inspiration and a brush up on French language and culture. Tune in to become up-to-date in fewer than fifteen minutes each Sunday morning.

As the new year begins, the idea of how to create a happier life may be at the forefront of our minds, but what does that mean? Inspired by Dr. Seligman's book Authentic Happiness, discover 18 specific habits to cultivate in your daily life that will improve the happiness you experience.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, a simple weekly habit that costs fewer than $10 and will bring immense happiness.

The latest news and world events along with a dash of inspiration and a brush up on French language and culture. Tune in to become up-to-date in fewer than fifteen minutes each Sunday morning.

Inspired by Brené Brown's speech titled "The Anatomy of Trust", today's episode focuses on the specific definition of what trust entails, how we can build trust in our relationships and strengthen the often forgotten element of trust, self-trust.

This week's Petit Plaisir, Shannon shares her recommendation and review of Mozart in the Jungle.

The latest news and world events along with a dash of inspiration and a brush up on French language and culture. Tune in to become up-to-date in fewer than fifteen minutes each Sunday morning.

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.

Even when we can identify a toxic person a mile away, we will still will have to deal with them from time to time. Whether it's in the workplace, at home or out in the community, there will be moments that can either leave us deflated if we don't know how to handle them or conversely simply be a minor road bump when handled effectively. 

While we can limit our interactions, we'll talk about how to do just that as well as how to deal with toxic people we may encounter from time to time. 

In this week's Petit Plaisir, a simple touch you can bring to your home to brighten the mood of the space without breaking the bank. 

Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, a WWII bomb in London, the film People, Places, Things and much more in this week's top news stories of the week.

The idea of "feeling fat" is often rather a feeling of knowing we aren't taking care of our body as we should and knowing we can feel better in our own skin. In today's episode, Shannon shares 15 simple ways to get back on track when it comes to eating well without going on a "diet" as Americans use the term. 

In this week's Petit Plaisir, Shannon reviews Harper Lee's Go Set A Watchman.

The top stories from the past stories such as President Obama's announcement on greenhouse gas emmissions, meditation's positive effects on being self-critical and the return of a Stradivarius  violin that was lost 35 years ago. So much to talk about, so tune in and you'll be au courant in 15 minutes or less. 

Inspired by Dr. Paul Dolan's book Happiness by Design, this episode will focus 30 specific ways to cultivate a happier life. Most importantly, as revealed by Dr. Dolan's book, the equation of what makes a happy life is discussed and from that point the remaining 29 tips are shared.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, the book The French Beauty Solution is reviewed and recommended. 

Discover the top stories of the past week in 15 minutes or less. This week topics range from the selection of the 2022 Winter Olympics to Turkey, health studies, the Republican Presidential debate, Jon Stewart and a films that are debuting nationally and in Bend.

Geraldine Lepere discusses a chic French word of the week that you won't want to miss.

Inspired by her own experience of relocating after nine years of living in her beloved house to her new home in Bend, Oregon, Shannon shares a checklist that will take you from before to during to settling in without the unnecessary stress and angst. Such a life transition can and should be seen as an opportunity, and such a realization is easier to understand when the unnecessary stress is alleviated. Tune in to find out how.

In this week's Petit Plaisir discover a simple, scrumptious summer dessert that will have you stopping by your local farmer's market this coming week in order to treat yourself adn your guests - a Berry Galette.

Part of living well is being in the know, whether it is being knowledgable of news from around the world or informed of going-ons right in your own community, because it’s not what you think, it’s that you think. All of the information shared on the Au Courant Weekly will enable you to go forth into the weekend ready for an engaging conversation or simply mindful of the most recent current events, from which you can formulate your own opinions. So tune in each Saturday morning, and in 15 minutes or less you will be au courant.

In this week's episode: Dr. Seuss, Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, the Sibling Study, Cuban Embassy, President Obama in Kenya, and more!

And don't forget Géraldine Lepère, the French language expert and founder of the website Comme une Française  offers her weekly French Word of the Week at the end of the episode. Find out what it is!

Tapping into our true potential requires that we cultivate sanctuaries throughout our daily routines. And while our home should most certainly be a sanctuary as we've discussed in previous episodes, so many other sanctuaries can be cultivated as well. In today's episode, inspired by her recent paddle boarding experience shares the power of carving out time alone so that we can let go of what is thwarting us from discovering what our heart yearns for and stepping ever closer to our true potential.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, the second weekly episode of The Simple Sophisticate, which begins airing this Saturday (July 25, 2015) is discussed. 

If you've ever wanted to bring the comfort and luxury home with you after traveling and staying in lush living arrangements, whether a luxury hotel or vacation rental, in today's episode you'll discover 10 simple and inexpensive ways you can live a little more luxuriously right at home.

In this week's Petit Plaisir Shannon reviews the film The Woman in Gold the film and shares her experience visiting the Neue Galerie where the original Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I hangs. 

Inspired by Dr. Elaine Aron's best-selling book, The Highly Sensitive Person, discover the 26 characteristics of being highly sensitive and learn 19 ways to ensure you can thrive to your fullest potential.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, Shannon shares one of her favorite podcasts to listen to while relaxing and traveling: The Splendid Table.

As the summer solistice has just occurred and the summer season has officially begun, Shannon shares 15 simple ways to take advantage of all that summer has to offer whether you are staying in town or have the opportunity to travel.

This week's Petit Plaisir at the end of the episode is Amazon's latest original comedy series that is the ideal six episode download to enjoy whether you are on a plane, train, in the car or are spending an evening or two in. 

In order for clothing to look its best and therefore to allow each of us to feel our best, we need the proper lingerie that provides the foundational element of each outfit we choose. Today, Shannon shares the 10 essential basics for the Lingerie Capsule Wardrobe along with five items that are Essential Luxuries.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, Shannon shares one of her favorie weekly weekend rituals.

The quality of our days is another lesson in knowing what to hold on to and what to let go of, in other words choosing quality over quantity. In today's episode, discover 12 items that perhaps you hold on to unnecessarily and six items to hold on to no matter where your life takes you.

This week's Petit Plaisir is Shannon's latest favorite beauty product that will hydrate skin and minimize wrinkles.

Inspired by Sophia Amoruso's best-selling book #GirlBoss, today's episode dives into eight specific ways you can design the life that taps into your passions, assists you in letting go of social dictates and strongholds and live the live you only previously imagined. 

This week's Petit Plaisir is a Francophile film that involves love and chocolat - Romantics Anonymous.

Believe it or not, love and real estate have more in common than not. In today's episode, Shannon shares through her own experience what having success in real estate (or dating) can teach us about the other.

This week's Petit Plaisir shares a dose of inspiration from one of the top commencement addresses given by David Foster Wallace.

The third part in the Life & Tech series continues with nine specific Do's and Don'ts of texting. With the primary goal of enhancing our relationships, not hindering them, listeners will learn where, when and how to best communicate.

This week's Petit Plaisir is one of Shannon's favorite afternoon snacks to help her get through the day. It's simple and a palette pleaser.

Very often the phrase "It was meant to be" is uttered to explain why something worked out or didn't work out, depending upon the situation. However, in today's episode Shannon shares seven truths as to what actually plays a role in helping the life we wish to happen, the destiny we hope will materialize actually have a change at coming to fruition. Believe it or not, we play a bigger role than we may have first imagined.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, Amy Morin's book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do is reviewed.

One of the eight pillars of a simply luxurious life is a healthy social circle, and in today's episode listeners will discover exactly who will and who won't contribute to a more quality, fulfilling and successful life.

In today's Petit Plaisir, Shannon shares her secret to sleeping well from the pillow to the pillowcase. A simple change can make a big difference in the quality of your nights and days.

In Kate Bolick's recently released book (April 21, 2015), she dives into the possibilities of remaining single. While Bolick doesn't profess that being single is the best way to live for everyone, she does point out observations and biases of society that prompt the reader to pause and consider previously held assumptions about what the right path is for them. 

In today's episode, three specific insights are shared which are inspired by Bolick's book as to how to go about living a life that is in alignment with your passions and innate leanings.

Today's Petit Plaisir highlight's one of Shannon's favorite simple pleasures to be enjoyed regularly during the week to unwind and relax - L'Occitane's Lavender Foaming Bath.

The power of email correspondence is profound. However, the key is to understand that it is a tool to communicate, and it is up to the sender to effectively do so. In today's episode specific ideas and rules are shared to ensure you are able to clearly communicate and elicit the response you desire.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, Shannon shared her latest tech find that is not only function and aesthetically pleasing, but a frugal find that will last as well. 

Eric Klinenberg shared in his best-selling book Going Solo that living alone is continuing to increase world-wide. In today's episode, listeners will discover 16 tips and ideas on how to make the most of this experience, whether temporary or permanent, so that it can be thoroughly enjoyable and memorable.

In this week's Petit Plaisir, Peter Mayle's book Acquired Tastes is reviewed and recommended for ideal evening leisure reading.

Inspired by the style icons from the past (Coco Chanel, Jane Birkin, Bridgette Bardot, and Catherine Deneuve), as well as those effortlessly chic French women of the 21st century, this episode breaks down the 14 basic essentials to have in your capsule wardrobe to look chic, timeless and confident. 

This week's Petit Plaisir, a French dessert, Dark Chocolate Mousse. So simple and satiating, you will be sure to impress your guests and your very own tastebuds as it can easily be made and appreciated during the work week as well. 

Each one of us encounters fears from time to time, the key is to understand how to navigate them as we continue toward our goals and stepping into our full potential. In today's episode, listeners will discover 11 specific ways to master fear in their everyday lives and livle more courageously. 

In this week's Petit Plaisir, the recipe for an appetizer that is simple, scrumptious and ideal for mid-week or weekend entertaining: Pear, Goat Cheese, Prosciutto and Honey Bites. 

Our mobile devices can help our lives run more efficient, but if not used correctly, can have significant drawbacks. In today's episode 12 rules for mobile manners are shared as well as four ways to make sure you are the master of your cell phone or smart phone. And in this week's Petit Plaisir, Shannon reviews CBS' Madam Secretary, starring Tea Leoni.

As a new season begins, it is a reminder that by unburdening ourselves of the unnecessary (events and ideas of the past that are no longer aiding us in our quest for a better life), we are better equipped to successfully strive toward the future and everyday life we wish to live. In today's episode four specific tips will be shared to focus on what you value, get out of your own way and maintain your decided direction. And in this week's Petit Plaisir, the classic recipe Sole Meunière is shared for a simple, yet gourmet meal.

What is the lifestyle grocery list?

Any item that requires  money in your budget, but doesn't occur regularly (i.e. weekly or monthly), minus food or clothes. This list includes a variety of arenas of our lives as keeping these items stocked allows for our lives to run more smoothly, our confidence to soar, a healthy balance between work and leisure to be struck, networking and relationships to remain strong and our knowledge of the world to regularly stimulated and informed.

Understanding the power of money and becoming the master of it is crucial to a life full of contentment. In today's podcast, the definition of true wealth will be shared along with both monetary and monetary ways to attain it. 

If you enjoy living simply, but also enjoy entertaining from time to time, a bar cart is a wonderful, efficient way to combine style and function without the fuss. In today's episode, specific styling tips are shared on how to style your bar cart for your lifestyle whether it be a morning display full of pastries and tea, an evening of wine or a fully stocked mixed drinks bar, tune in to see why you may just want to add one to your sanctuary.

Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of needs are the catalyst for today's episode. Shannon will dive into the definition of Self-Actualization, remind us all that we can indeed achieve it and why we all should make the leap to attain it.

Have you ever wondered what is at the foundation of the difference between a woman and a girl? Well, most importantly, it is a choice and something each individual can become once they recognize it all begins with taking responsibility for themselves. The gift of choosing to become a woman is that it empowers each individual to cultivate the life of her dreams and live a life of fulfillment each and everyday.

Twenty ways inspired by the French to live truly simply luxuriously each and every day.

The good news is anyone can have charisma. It is not something you are born with. Inspired by Olivia Fox Cabane's 2013 book The Charisma Myth, in today's episode, 17 habits are shared with specific examples that will help listeners become charismatic and ultimately help them strengthen relationships and reach greater success in their professional lives as well. 

Inspired by Shawn Achor's best-selling book Before Happiness, today's episode focuses on how we can shift the reality in which we see our lives. From setting self-imposed barriers to opening our lives up to more success and happiness, how we see the world and our own lives is a tremendous determinate in our everyday contentment. 

One of the most fundamental components to living well is mastering our thoughts on any given day. Regardless of life's events, how we respond will determine the outcome. In today's podcast, Shannon shares 10 tools that if practiced regularly can become habits that will improve the quality of your life. 

The part of being a romantic I want to grab onto and dive deeper into is the idea of thinking outside the box, of not being limited by the boundaries that are instituted by society or even by our own experiences. And as such, I want us to gravitate to a higher, more historically accurate definition of the term romantic - the Romantic:  "a life philosophy that prizes the rejection of pure rationalism in favor of intuition, imagination, and emotion; the embrace of nonconformity and sincerity; a tendency towards nostalgia; and the celebration of curiosity, spontaneity, and wonder".

In today's podcast, I will share 6 realities that will begin to occur in your life as you embrace the idea of becoming a Romantic.

With 2015 quickly approaching, perhaps you are contemplating a few resolutions to pursue. Today, I will share with you 15 (plus one more) ideas of what you might want to pursue in order to improve the overall quality of your life. From challenging yourself, to adding habits that reduce your stress, 2015 will indeed begin auspiciously if we set our minds to make it so. 

A full life is a live that is continually changing, offering us opportunities that have never before experienced and becoming all the more enjoyable. However, to ensure that each of our lives is dynamic, we must cultivate regular everyday habits in how we respond to whatever life throws at us. In today's podcast, four habits are shared that will help listeners open their lives in ways they may have never before thought possible. 

Too often we are the obstacle that gets in the way of life unfolding in such a way that will bring us happiness. Whether out of ignorance or fear, we can unknowingly get in our own way and prevent a most amazing life from occurring. By letting go of the six fixed life ideas discussed in today's podcast, you will open your life up to more amazing opportunity and experiences than you could have ever initially imagined. 

Building a signature style involves knowing who you are, what your physical assets are and understanding what works best with your lifestyle. In today's podcast, Shannon shares 7 specific ways to narrow down and discover what your unique signature style is so that your best self can shine.

With just a little preparation and arranging of priorities, the holiday season can be the best time of year and set the stage for a wonderful start to the new year. With these eight strategies you will be able to plan and let go allowing the events to unfold as they will inviting endless opportunities for beautiful memories to be created.

How we treat and care for our skin is just as vitally important as what we eat and how we live. Amazingly positive results can reveal themselves naturally if only we are disciplined and have the knowledge to know how to properly take care of our skin. In today's podcast discover eight ways to properly care from your skin and discover why investing today will pay off dividends tomorrow. 

The key to being unforgettable is not to present perfection and agree to everything and everyone we meet. Rather being unforgettable begins with being our authentic selves, approachable, thoughtful and most importantly honest and trustworthy. Such qualities while basic foundations for building any lasting connection are often forgotten. Tune in to find out specific ways to unforgettable without regret. 

One of the pillars of living a simply luxurious life is building strong and healthy relationships. Whether at work, at home or in your community, these seven components will give you specific guidance on how to cultivate relationships that while requiring sincere investment will produce amazing life fulfilling rewards and memories. 

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.