The Weekend . . .

The first week of my summer is just wrapping up, so my mind has been blissfully free to make plans and then change them, as well as begin doing something and become distracted without the confinement of a structured schedule. It is quite lovely, and I feel wonderfully spoiled.

What I find when I have such tweakable structure is that my mind is far more creative. For example, there were moments this past week when I would get busy doing something, only to realize that when I looked up at the clock – four hours had passed. To me, that is what life should be about – discovering your passions, becoming so engrossed in them that you don’t mind the work because you genuinely love doing it.

Needless to say, I couldn’t help ask the question today . . . what dream are you turning into your reality? What ship will you be chasing down and choosing to sail in a direction that is uniquely your own?

It is my dearest hope that you find the gumption within you to step out and seek out what is calling your name, catches your attention every time you have a stray thought and take a chance on yourself. Life is far too short, and much too precious to spend it in negativity and mediocrity.

So why not this weekend, give yourself some time to dream, then to plan, then begin putting it into action, and if you’re already busy building your dream, keep working. You’re getting closer than you think.

Some exciting news happened Wednesday. The blog made it to television! Stephanie Kralevich, a reporter from a local Portland news station – Fox 12 – chose to spotlight The Simply Luxurious Life for her weekly segment “Surfin’ with Steph”.  If you live in the Portland area and missed it, it will be mentioned again on Monday’s Good Day Oregon (Fox 49) at 9 am. A huge thank you to Stephanie for her kindness and consideration.

Here is a look back on a wonderful week that introduced a new feature to the blog that so many of you are already taking advantage of, and I can’t believe I didn’t think of it sooner, and a return of a favorite piece – Rules of Style.

~Style Inspiration: Boyfriend Jeans & Shorts
~Why Not . . . Create Your Own Style Commandments? . . . the readers’ favorite this week
~A sneak peek – Emma Stone’s cover of Vogue US July 2012
~Ask Shannon
~What Will Your Purpose Be?
~My new style inspiration – Rules of Style: Hedvig Opshaug
~This & That: No. 11 – a book to read, sales to shop and tips for your next yard sale

And a look at this week’s newsletter – issue #105 – click here to read.

Until Monday, bonjour!

P.S. - In last week's This & That: No. 10, I mentioned I had ordered a nautical top from Chance clothing. Click here to see read my review of their product.

Images: 1. , 2. , 3.

New Feature! – Ask Shannon

One of my favorite discoveries and most humbling of compliments since creating The Simply Luxurious Life blog is receiving reader emails seeking advice on fashion, style, life quandaries and everything in between.

With careful thought, I have tried to help and advise based on my life experience and understanding of the posed questions by each reader. With topics sent in from readers about what to pack for Paris to how to handle a particular relationship situation and even how to pick up and move on when things don’t necessarily go as they were planned, I am touched by the trust readers have placed in me to open up and introduce themselves.

Whether you simply want someone to listen or are seeking my advice, I have now created a special feature – Ask Shannon. Please note that your emails will NOT be shared on the blog (I will be responding to each email directly), as I simply wanted to open the door for those of you who may want to ask a question – big or small - about any of the following topics that involve trying to live your most simply luxurious life:

decor, friendships, travel, entertaining, living your best life, love, fashion, fitness, and money~

askshannon@thesimplyluxuriouslife.com 

While we each are creating our own unique, specially tailored life, sometimes it’s nice to know that someone will listen. As Maya Angelou reminds us, and what I try to exhibit on the blog: “When we learn, teach, when we get, give”.

If I can help, I’d love to. Email me.

 

Images: (1) simplyluxurious/Inslee (2) simplyluxurious