The Weekend . . .

Only one weekend has the privilege of fondly saying farewell to 2011 and graciously welcoming 2012. Such a weekend if full of sighs of wonderment of how we did it all in only 12 short months and what will be in the 12 wide open months ahead.

During this new years’ weekend I am looking forward to taking it easy, hopping in the car to a faraway destination that is secluded with friends and loved ones, a warm fire and hopefully freshly fallen snow.  The books and magazines will be packed that I am aching to catch up on, and my dreams and thoughts will be floating about, simply dancing around in my head full of possibility and potential.

How will you be ringing in the new year? Festively and exuberantly, or leisurely and in your own unique way? However and whomever you choose to ring in the new year with, I wish you a grand time and may you wake up Sunday morning with hope, optimism and renewed sense of accomplishment.

This past week on the blog was reserved for looking back on the best posts of the year here on The Simply Luxurious Life. Doing this allows me some time to revamp the blog and continue to provide content that is worthwhile and inspiring to you, my readers.  With that said, there is a new addition to the blog and that is The Simply Luxurious Life Tumblr site. Click here to learn more about it.

Also, a dear blogger and reader, Dana of DTC Designs, granted me the opportunity to share a bit more about myself with her readers and you, as well as accompanying the post with a lovely illustration. Click here to read the entire interview.

And just released is Docica’s (an online magazine dedicated to simple living) Dec/Jan issue which is focused on overcoming obstacles and shining regardless of what may stand in your way. Click here to read the entire issue.

So here it is.  A look back on the Best of . . . The Simply Luxurious Life for 2011:

*Monday Inspiration

*Random Tuesdays

*Wednesday’s Why Not . . . ?

*Thursday’s Style Inspiration

*Foodie Fridays

*Being Financially Savvy

And this week’s newsletter – issue #81 – click here to read.

Have a wonderful new year celebration. Be safe, merry and hopeful! Until 2012, bonjour.

Images: (1)  damian loeb (2) Isabeli Fontana & Ranbir Kapoor by Marc Hom for Vogue India

Best of . . . Becoming Financially Savvy

At the beginning of 2011 I began to write a handful of posts on money. After all, a truly fulfilling life must incorporate successful handling of money.  Yes, it can be stressful, but the key is to control your money effectively so that it works FOR you, instead of letting it control your life. Below are a few of the posts that garnered the most attention, but see the entire list of money posts from 2011, click here.

7 Traits of the Wealthy

Taking Control of Your Spending (3 part series)

 

3 Baskets of Savings

 

Cost Per Wear

 

Reduce Money Stress

Best of . . . Foodie Fridays 2011

Throughout the year, Fridays have become the day to post new recipes that I have discovered that have turned out scrumptious, delicious and must-create to devour and enjoy. As I am a sweet lover, there were many new dessert recipes that I shared (as you will see below), but there were also a few savory dishes that impressed me and will forever remain in my go-to file of recipes.  Below is a peak at a few of the recipes shared this past year.

 

Strawberry Rhubarb Tartlet

 

Sourdough French Bread

 

Primavera Risotto

 

Spaghetti alla Carbonara (simpler and healthier)

 

Potatoes au Gratin

Apple Pie with a Twist

 

Marionberry Crostata

The Best of . . . Thursday's Style Inspiration

Fashion, style, classically chic, original and more than anything a hobby I can’t help but share.  Each Thursday, the style inspiration post is composed of 10-20 images that have caught my attention due to their beauty, creativity and simple accessibility for anyone to emulate. Sometimes there is a overall theme, but sometimes it’s a mix of seasonal and simply perfectly paired outfits. Below is a look at one from each month during 2011.  Simply click on the header to view the entire post.

January 2011

February 2011

March 2011

April 2011

June 2011

June 2011

July 2011

August 2011

 

September 2011

 

October 2011

 

November 2011

 

December 2011

A Simply Luxurious Addition – Tumblr!

With the beginning of a new year, I am always looking for ways to reinvent, revive, refresh and improve your experience with The Simply Luxurious Life.  And as a woman who loves consistency and routine, I don’t want to change the routine of regular posts that occur each week here on the blog, but there are so many times when I just want to share a simple thought, one more quote, a beautiful image that doesn’t fit with the theme for the day or share news that I think you might find interesting.  So . . .

The Simply Luxurious Life can now also be found on Tumblr. Updated daily with new images, quotes, inspiration, fashion, recipes and videos, stop by for even more simply luxurious inspiration.

 

 

Below is just a sampling of what you will find on the new extension of The Simply Luxurious Life. To quickly navigate from this blog to the Tumblr site, simply click on the red Tumblr icon found here on the blog underneath the Mission Statement in the second column, and if you’d like to follow The Simply Luxurious Life on Tumblr, simply click on the +Follow button that appears in the upper right hand corner on my Tumblr page.

(2) Source (3) Source (4) Source (5) Source

The Best of . . . Wednesday’s Why Not . . .?

After watching the recently released film We Bought A Zoo (by the way, the soundtrack is well worth the purchase – absolutely wonderful), I am again reminded of the power of asking ourselves Why Not . . .? when an idea pops into our mind.  After all, life is meant to be lived, savored and yes, devoured, so . . . why not?

Below are a few of the most enjoyed Why Not . . . ? posts of 2011 here on The Simply Luxurious Life. And be sure to always trigger yes, why the heck not?

Why Not . . . Watch Less Television?

 

Why Not . . . Achieve Balance?

 

Why Not . . . Be An Optimist?

 

Why Not . . . Create Your Own Signature Style?

 

Why Not . . . Get & Stay in Shape?

 

Why Not . . . Save Time?

 

Why Not . . . Ignore Horoscopes?

Best of . . . Random Tuesdays

What you will find on Tuesdays here on The Simply Luxurious Life is a smattering of inspiration for home, life, fashion, reading and anything that fits the definition of bringing more simplicity, thus the opportunity for more luxurious living into your life.  Below are a few of the most popular post that garnered much conversations and found readers returning to frequently.  Simply click on the title of the post to read the entire article.

 

30 Ways to Find Tranquility in Your Day

 

What to Pack for a Luxurious Hotel Stay

 

Cleaning Your Sanctuary – Tackle & Simplify

 

Create a Spa at Home

 

The Key to Accessories

 

10 Essential Shoes Every Woman Should Have

 

Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange

 

Kate Middleton’s Wedding Dressed Unveiled

The Best Of . . . Monday Inspiration

During the last week of the year, I like to reflect back on the past 51 weeks of posts that resonated most with readers on The Simply Luxurious Life. Every Monday to begin the week, you will find a quote and inspirational insights for the week ahead. Below are just a few of the many posts that readers most enjoyed. Simply click on the title above each photo to read that particular post in its entirety.

And be sure to return next Monday as we begin 2012 with a free new post to begin your week and what I am confident will be an amazingly wonderful year.

26 Things I Know For Sure

 

Concentrate Your Power

17 Benefits of Being Yourself

A Little Privacy Please

 

What I’ve Learned So Far

 

11 Steps to a Fresh Start