Julie Vos Jewelry Giveaway!

One of the few pieces of jewelry I have been wanting to add to my wardrobe is a long silver link necklace, and recently, I was fortunate enough to discover exactly what I wanted.

Mentioned on Tuesday’s This & That a handful of weeks ago, I discovered Julie Vos beautiful chic jewelry collection. Abundantly full of stunning cuffs, classic hoops, elegant earrings and a long list of necklaces for day and evening, her designs epitomize simple luxury – very refined, yet subtle in their elegance to be worn with a variety of wardrobes.

I am happy to share with you today that a lucky winner will receive Julie Vos’ Altamira silver 29” necklace that is valued at $144 (image below). It is without reservation that I state you will love what you win should your name be chosen. With my own items from her collection in my closet (the Crescent hoops and the Nolita Link silver necklace), I wear them for both for day and evening events.

 

How to enter:

-1st Entry) Simply leave a comment on this post prior to the deadline of Monday, January 14th at noon (pst). Please include your email address as well.

-2nd Entry) Tweet the following exactly – “ Hoping to win a stunning necklace by @julie_vos from @simplyluxurious. Enter here if you feel lucky http://ow.ly/gCrI1 too!”

-3rd Entry) Become a subscriber to TSLL life newsletter (sign up here). If you already subscribe, leave a comment with the address the newsletter is sent to for verification.

The winner will be announced on Friday January 18th in The Simply Luxurious Life’s weekly newsletter. Good luck!

UPDATE: The giveaway is now closed. Be sure to check your newsletter this Friday to see if you are the lucky winner!

A Beauty Giveaway!

Building a capsule wardrobe consists of paring down but at the same time improving the quality and life span of the clothes in your closet. And one of the key pieces of information that each person should know is what their color palette is that would best flatter their skin tone and hair color.

While I’m not expert, I do know what works best for myself and the basics for advising others, but when Yelena from the blog/website Glam Things offered to share her advice and expertise with one lucky reader on how to determine their own color palette, I thought it would blend beautifully into the goal of building a wardrobe and overall look that enhances one’s confidence and beauty.

As a certified color analyst and image consultant, Yelena will gather specific details from the lucky winner (via photos you provide) and in return the winner will receive the following:

1. Discovering Your Season File~ where I explain WHY I believe that you are that certain Season.

2. Your Individual Color Palette with 30 of your best colors.

3. Manual~ Description of your season. From this Manual you will learn:

• how to wear your colors
• your best neutrals
• how to wear black
• your color combinations
• make up
• hair
• glasses
• your level of contrast
• fabrics
• prints
• jewelry
• accessories
• perfume
• your best styles
• what mistakes to avoid
• personality characteristics
• looks
• celebrities

At a value of $59, all of her professional advice is free to the selected winner (winner will be announced Friday November 9th in the newsletter).

HERE’S HOW TO ENTER:

1. Sign up for a Free 5 day e-course " Successful Color Combinations Fast!" offered on Glam Things – click here to register.

2. Leave a comment on this post including an email address where you can be reached should you be the lucky winner.

3. FOR AN ADDED ENTRY: FOLLOW @Glamthings on Twitter and say "Hello Yelena". (include @simplyluxurious so you’re sure to be entered twice)

4. Enter by Thursday, November 8th at 4pm (PDT).

5. The winner will be announced on Friday, November 9th in The Simply Luxurious Life’s weekly newsletter (subscribe on the home page of TSLL).

Good luck!

Image: pinterest

Lessons from Madame Chic: The Giveaway!

Last spring, always looking for a bit of French inspiration, I learned about Jennifer L. Scott’s book Lessons From Madame Chic: 20 Stylish Secrets I Learned While Living in Paris after reading a complimentary review in The New York Times. Thankfully, I quickly ordered the book, because before I knew it, Simon & Schuster had also discovered what a wonderful treasure it was as well and whisked it off the shelves to revamp it for its re-release that is now finally just a few days away – Tuesday November 6th.

Needless to say, Scott’s Lessons from Madame Chic is certainly a must-have for Francophiles, but it is also a wonderful resource for anyone who wishes to cultivate a more simply luxurious way of living. Through beautiful narrations, Madame Chic’s lessons are shared in three different parts on the subjects of Diet & Exercise, Style and Beauty, and lastly, How to Live Well.

Based on Scott’s time as a foreign exchange student in Paris as a young woman, she is now a mother of two young daughters, happily married and living in southern California, so she converses with her readers from a relatable platform.  Immediately upon reading it again, I was reminded of another author who shares her insights and tips on living well with inspiration from the French – Mireille Guiliano. Scott’s tips are weaved skillfully into her experiences and time with Madame Chic and her Parisian family, so much so that you feel you are having a conversation with a trusted, yet wiser girlfriend.

And the beauty of discovering her book was that it didn’t have to end once I finished reading it. As the founder of the blog The Daily Connoisseur, readers are able to enjoy a regular dose of inspiration and YouTube video instructions on how to continually integrate the fine art of French living into their every day lives. 

The re-released edition of Lessons from Madame Chic (279 pages) contains the same content I initially raved about in my review in April (click here to view), but is now adequately accessorized with illustrations found throughout the entire book from the talented artist and designer Virginia Johnson (view the back cover’s illustration below – j’adore the long, waving scarf and Breton top).

 

~The lovely author herself – Jennifer L. Scott, the cover you will find in Australia and New Zealand that is available on November 6th as well! and the back of the cover of the copy being given away to one lucky reader.~

Now if you’re like me, when you see something you know you are going to love, you may not want to wait to see if you win the giveaway. Trust me, you will love this book. My copy has endless margin notes, underlines and asterisks so that I can quickly review my favorite tips and suggestions (read my favorite here).

Even though it isn’t released until November 6th, you can preorder today from Amazon, and what I’ve found is that you will be certain to receive it on that exact release date and sometimes even earlier. (Click here to order for only $14.18 from Amazon.) 

Important Information to Know About the Giveaway:

~1. Enter to win a copy of Jennifer L. Scott’s Lessons from Madame Chic by leaving a comment on this blog post which must contain an email address to reach you at should you be the lucky winner.

~2. Due to regulations by the book’s publisher, this giveaway is unfortunately only open to residents of the United States and Canada (however, those of you who live in Australia and New Zealand, look for your own chic cover to be available for purchase on November 6th – see cover above)

~3. Be sure to enter by Monday, November 5th at midnight.

~4. The winner will be announced Tuesday morning November 6th on the blog!

It’s that simple! Good luck!

ModMade Goods Giveaway!

If you are someone who is drawn to beautiful clothing, decor, and experiences, but also prefers to support Made in the USA businesses and entrepreneurs, then I have a feeling you will enjoy perusing through the new website ModMade Goods.

Founded by former editor LauraU online magazine, Karee Laing, who I have known for almost two years, has created ModMade Goods which is an online retailer that specializes in handcrafted goods and objects created in the USA.

With a passion for vintage and modern, Karee has accumulated for your online shopping experience items of fashion, jewelry, decor, ceramics, gifts, spa goods and stationery that not only allows you to bring more beauty into your life, but also supports their goal of donating “a portion of every online order to a few local charities - just our little way of paying it forward!”

Today, ModMade Goods as teamed up with The Simply Luxurious Life to offer a lucky reader a $50 gift certificate so that they can peruse the website and pick out an item (or two) of their choice (I especially like their stationery and shopper totes!). The winner will also win a complimentary small ModMade pouch (seen in the image below with the models).

Beginning today and running through next Wednesday, September 26th, the winner will be announced in Friday, September 28th weekly newsletter, as well as on The Weekend . . . post on the same day.

Here’s how to enter:

TO ENTER: Leave a comment about your favorite item on the ModMade Goods site (leave the comment here on the blog – The Simply Luxurious Life)

EXTRA ENTRIES
1. "Like" ModMade Goods on Facebook
2. Tweet about this giveaway. To make it easy you can tweet this: "Enter the Simply Luxurious Life Giveaway @thesimplyluxuriouslife @modmadegoods #modmadelaunch!"
3. Follow the ModMade Goods Blog
4. Blog or Facebook about this giveaway. Please include the URL in your comment. {4 extra entries}
5. Follow ModMade Goods on Pinterest

(For each of these extra entries, please leave an additional comment on The Simply Luxurious Life blog stating what your extra entry was)

Good Luck!

The Weekend . . .

Like the girl pictured above, I am dreaming. I am dreaming and giddily excited about the upcoming week I have off.  Nothing extravagant is planned, nothing earth-shattering, but pure freedom to make my schedule each day that suits exactly what I need to accomplish is certainly something I am looking forward to.

Read more »

Shopbop and Elizabeth and James Giveaway

With a new fashion season just beginning, I thought this would be a perfect time to give away a gift certificate for a bit of shopping. Shopbop has partnered up with The Simply Luxurious Life to give away a $100 gift certificate to one lucky reader to purchase any time found on their shopping website.
Read more »

Seductively French Giveaway

If you are a Francophile at heart as I am, you will love today’s simply luxurious giveaway.

Recently, the creators behind Seductively French graciously offered to share a taste of the beautiful and spa-like products that truly are seductively French.

While having just begun their venture into the blogging and online world, Seductively French is busy pulling together their upcoming lifestyle boutique which will share “artists, designers and their creations to the International community, enhancing life with stunning interiors, brilliant fashion, inspiring thoughts and fabulous photography all French inspired.” Look for the boutique to be up and running in three months.

However, while you wait, see what Seductively French is all about by visiting their Facebook page and blog.

Today’s giveaway is from Jardin de France which includes Secret Hespéridé Eau de Cologne 25ml and 100gr soap, all contained in an armchair jewelry box keepsake (click here to view).

Jardin de France was born in 1920 in Amboise, Loire Valley, the area called at the time "The garden of France". Recently having relocated to Bourbon Lancy, a spa town with four hot water springs, and situated close to the Loire River, the perfumery has rediscovered its roots.

Today, Jardin de France offers a large range of perfumed waters: beauty water with essential oils, eau de toilette, as well as the eau de Cologne, in a wide pallet of scents with floral, green, woody notes.

Bring a touch of France into your morning beauty ritual, or add a French touch to your guest bath with these products that are luxurious and a simple pleasure to treat yourself to.  And be sure to stop by the Seductively French blog as there are many more giveaways taking place.

To Enter:

1) Leave a comment here on The Simply Luxurious Life with your email address.

2) For a second and third entry, visit the Seductively French blog and/or Facebook page. Upon doing so, please stop back by to leave a comment on The Simply Luxurious Life letting me know you’ve visited Seductively French so that you are sure to be entered multiple times.

3) Be sure to enter by Sunday, April 24th at Noon – Pacific Standard Time, at which point a winner will be chosen at random.

4) Stop by next Monday – April 25th, to see if you are the winner.

Good Luck!

Short and Sweet

The first week of June is here and in my book, summer has arrived whether the calendar says so or not.  I’m thrilled to be waking up to a morning that will follow pretty much wherever the wind takes me – maybe a little yard work, scoping out some yard sales, taking a leisurely stroll or gathering some ideas for my writing. 

I hope your weekend is something you are thrilled to be waking up to.  This week has been full of ironing out some kinks on the blog, but I think (knocking on wood) I’ve smoothed everything out.  Thank you dear readers for stopping by this week.  There have been so many lovely comments, and I truly love hearing about your Thursday Treasures as well as your cravings on Friday.  It takes me out of my world and makes me smile. 

If you haven’t done so already, be sure to enter to win the luxurious care package – full of music, books, inspiration and something to sip as you enjoy them all.  Click here to enter.   You have until Wednesday, June 9th at midnight PDT.

This is what’s been going on this past week on The Simply Luxurious Life:

Monday’s Inspiration: Using Fear to Your Advantage

June Magazine: Vogue Spain – Adriana Lima – June 2010

Style: 8 Ways to Boost Your Summer Wardrobe

Luxurious Care Package Giveaway!

Tuesday’s Rooms of Inspiration: A Bathroom for Two

Fashion Fix: Rainy Day Beauty

Wednesday’s Why Not?": Simplify Your Life – Part Deux

SATC 2 Premiere Fashions: New York, London & Japan

Thursday Treasures:  The Reliable and Unexpected

Foodie Friday: Basil, Tomato & Mozzarella Bruschetta

On the Cover: Cameron Diaz – Vogue UK July 2010

Friday’s Cravings: Shopping, Peonies & Balance

Images: (1) Fashion Everyday (2)  We Heart It

Cups of Tea (4/18-4/24)

Sunday has arrived, and with it the last Sunday of April.   Where has the month gone?  As promised, the winner of my most recent giveaway – a handmade silk flower pin exclusively from Dulken & Derrick is being announced.

Nicole of Following Rabbits is the lovely winner of this giveaway which was sponsored by The Blue Onion Marketplace.  An enormous thank you to Michele Syre, owner of the aforementioned website who made this giveaway enjoyable and a perfect fit for my readers.  Thank you for allowing them to have a choice.  Again, congratulations to Nicole and thank you to everyone who took the time to stop by and enter.  If you haven’t had a chance to stop by and visit Following Rabbits, be sure to make some.  Her blog is full of images and tales of one who thoroughly enjoys living life in New York City.  I enjoy living vicariously through her blog as I can only visit once in a great while.  Keep in mind there will most definitely be more giveaways in the future, so stay tuned.

All right, so pour your steaming cup of joe into your favorite coffee mug or bring your tea pot to a boil to prep for a lovely few looks into some fantastic posts I came across this week.  What you will find: thoughts on the material items we all seem to collect, a timely spring dessert, beautiful decor, and a thoughtful quote to wrap it up.  Enjoy having a look.

 

1.  How Much is Too Much?

Life Hack presented a question that most certainly gave me pause. While I am well aware that material items will not make me happy by themselves, how many does it take for our happiness to begin to dissipate? Is that even possible? Click on the header above or the image below read the author’s thoughts on this matter.

 

 

2.  Rhubarb Bars   

One of my favorite things in early spring is the appearance of my rhubarb in my garden.  My favorite dessert at the moment to make would most certainly have to be a strawberry rhubarb pie; however, these rhubarb bars posted on Cook & Eat might just give my old standby pie a run for its money.  Click on the header above or the image below to take a look at the recipe.

 

3. Cottage-like Decor  

Julia of Belle Vivir included on her blog this week four or five images that caught my eye due to the feel of rustic tranquility and unique individuality with regards to the choices involving the mirrors, sinks and other accessories.  These images reminded me of a magazine that is no longer in print, but I so wish it still was – Cottage Living, which was known for cozy, lived in homes with character and charm.  Click on the header above or the image below to see the rest of her compellation.

 

4. SATC 2 Interior Design

After some searching and digging, Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic shared more than a few images of the set on the upcoming Sex and the City 2 movie.  She goes in-depth sharing with her readers the names of products on display in each shot and shares the details that sometimes often get overlooked by the reader, but not the set designer.  I enjoyed looking through this post especially since it seemed to reveal small moments that allowed my imagination to wonder even further as to what will take place in the film.

 

5.  Be Grateful 

Isabelle LaFalce of Pink Lemonade Design blog coupled the photo below with a quote reminding us all to be grateful for the optimism that is brought into our lives by others. A lovely thought to end the weekend.  Also, Isabelle’s first novel Adore New York was released this past week in Canada, so why not take a look?  I know I’ll be picking up mine soon!

 

Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.

-Marcel Proust

Images: (1) - We Heart It

Short and Sweet

Saturday morning, oh happy day!  I couldn’t be more thrilled to greet today as it is filled with . . . wait for it. . .  free time!  What a lovely and beautiful thing it is to be able to be busy, but every once in awhile I need to recharge.  Last night, my weekend ended in a very enjoyable way – a fantastic evening of friends, wine and spirited conversation over the six bottles of wine we were blind tasting.  It was my opportunity to host the event and that in itself was a joy – extra flowers “had” to be purchased, the house a bit more deep cleaned and the anticipation of creating a few recipes for a crowd that hadn’t been tasted beyond my own test-run attempts turned out all right thankfully.

All in all, things went well, and I’m exhausted and smiling as I wake up to a lovely lazy Saturday.  How was your week, and what will you be up to today?  Saturday really does seem to be the day that if anyone were to peek at our lives, would reveal a bit about our true loves and passions.  I’d love to hear what one would learn about you if you’d care to share.

Here are a few links to this past week’s posts on The Simply Luxurious Life:

Monday – Finding Your Direction

Guest post on CheckYourParis – Individual Luxuries

Tuesday – Ellen Pompeo & Elle Decor

Wednesday – Simple Pleasures

Thursday – A Lovely Life

Friday – A Parisian Tart

Saturday -  9 to 5 Femininity

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your Saturday and be sure to visit tomorrow for my weekly Cups of Tea to see who the winner is of the giveaway.  Bonjour!

Images: (1) Oscar Falk (2)  Oh Baby It’s Natalie

Cups of Tea (4/11-4/17)

Just as I sat down to type, the thunder began to rumble, and I could hear the slapping of the raindrops as they met the ground.  The scent was intoxicating.  If someone could bottle it, I would be an immediate customer. Thus the image below.

This week’s Cups of Tea offers an opportunity to become a bit more organized, a wonderful pasta dish, creative ideas with a unique accessory, a sneak peek of a beloved fashion magazine’s next issue and some food for thought. Enjoy perusing and your drink of choice this morning.

 

1.How to Be Better Organized

Thanks to a reference by Sasha of Everything Fabulous, I came across a post on Deliciously Organized that will hopefully lead to an even better organization system than I already have.  Tiffany and Carlee accumulated beautiful photos to pair with their 10 Habits from Highly Organized People.  Isn’t the photo below unique?  A stack of books, seriously, a stack of books. Wow!

 

2. Get Ready For Spring Recipe 

I am a sucker for pasta, if you haven’t already noticed from previous posts.  So when I learned of this recipe by Big Girls, Small Kitchen through their newsletter, I had to include it.  They label it as a recipe for one, but it could easily be multiplied for a couple or even a dinner party.  Click on the header above or the image below for the recipe of Lemon Fettuccine with Bacon & Chives.

 

3. A Bit of Peacock Beauty

Since becoming a follower of Simply Luxurious on Twitter, DEva Weddings has been an ardent supporter, and I couldn’t be more appreciative.  Recently, one of their posts grabbed my attention with its creativity and whimsy.  What you will see when you click on the header or image below is a collection of images sharing a variety of ways to incorporate the beauty of the peacock into your wedding, your decor, or your flower arrangements.  Have a look, I have a feeling you will be impressed.

 

4. A Beautiful Peek

Harper’s Bazaar is one of my many favorite fashion magazines, and I do look forward to receiving it every month.  Sasha of Everything Fabulous gave her readers a quick peek before it hits newsstands and also shared a few excerpts from the write up.

 

5. What Would You Do?

I know I’ve used Laura from Under the Sheets . . . shh’s quotes before, but I must say, I truly find her choice of aphorisms, as well as her commentary on each one that she chooses, quite insightful.  At the end of each week, without fail, I know I can look to her website for my weekly dose of inspiration.  Thank you Laura. This image poses a fantastic question to us all.  Be sure to click on the image, however, to read Laura’s thoughts on her choice.  But sincerely, what would you do?

Image: (1) - We Heart It

A Luxurious Giveaway!

Accessories, accessories, accessories.  The power of one simple, yet stunning accessory truly can transform an outfit.  Whether it be a belt, a gorgeous long necklace, chandelier earrings or in the case of my giveaway, a beautiful handmade silk flower pin.

Michele Syre, owner of Blue Onion Marketplace, has graciously teamed up with Simply Luxurious to give away a flower pin of your choice from the highly respected Dulken & Derrick.  You may recognize this now famous accessory, as Carrie Bradshaw of Sex and the City fame first put them on the proverbial map thanks to the designer Patricia Field.   The oversized white flower Sarah Jessica Parker’s character donned in the opening scenes of Sex and the City’s first movie is also of this line created by Dulken & Derrick.  Dulken & Derrick works with Michele and her on-line company exclusively to sell their now well-known products.

The versatility of these flower pins are endless, “You can pin these flower pins to your favorite coat, scarf, bag, sweater, belt, hat, cute little top, napkin ring or even a wedding dress.”  Another option, if you don’t feel you’d wear it yourself, why not place it atop a perfectly wrapped gift for a special birthday, a wedding gift, or any lovely occasion to make not only the gift inside worth coveting, but also the wrapping itself.

One lucky winner will receive their choice of flower pin.  The three options are:  (1) large pink poppy, (2) rust peony or (3) white peony. Please click on any of the photos below to learn more about each of the products and see even more images.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Large Pink Poppy – Dulken & Derrick Vintage Flower Pin 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rust Peony – Dulken & Derrick Pin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

White Peony – Dulken & Derrick Vintage Flower Pin

The Blue Onion Marketplace, founded in 2008, is a website for those of us who desire quality over quantity,  luxury over mediocrity and style rather than a trend.  Michele Syre, a computer aided design Senior drafter/department coordinator at an engineering company during the day, became inspired by her love for J.Crew (you will find Dulken & Derrick on their models throughout their well-styled magazines), the many fashion blogs online, and people watching at The Grove in Shrewsbury, New Jersey.   You will find that the models Blue Onion uses are all women seeking their PhD’s.  The support and appreciation for women seeking a higher education is something that is dear to my heart,  and I couldn’t have thought of better women to display such luxurious wares.

Other quality products you will find are Globetrotter Luggage, a British company that has provided bags for royalty, James Bond, Kate Moss and Dita Von Tease since 1897.  This brand has also been displayed in J.Crew.  If you live in a rainy city and still want to remain effortlessly stylish, Pasotti Ombrelli, maker of luxury umbrellas since 1956, can build the umbrella of your dreams, or you can choose from a list of options right at Blue Onion Marketplace. Here are just a few you will find.

Sofia Milos displays an exquisite plum umbrella with a regal handle.

As you can see, luxury is the goal of The Blue Onion Marketplace, so don’t hesitate to stop by and take a look for yourself.

All right my luxurious readers, the giveaway is open to all of my readers (so if you live abroad, please enter!) and will run until Saturday, April 24th at noon PDT. The winner will be drawn using Random.org and will be announced on Sunday, April 25, in my Cups of Tea post. 

Here’s how you enter:

1) – Leave a comment on this post, making sure to include your choice of which pin you would like to receive when you win.

2) – Include your email address in your comment if it doesn’t automatically appear.

3) – For a second entry, become a follower of Simply Luxurious on Twitter (click here to follow) and tweet about the giveaway, making sure to include @simplyluxurious in your tweet (this ensures that I’m aware of your tweet!) or simply leave another comment informing me that you tweeted.

4) – For a third entry, become a follower of Simply Luxurious by clicking on “follow”found in the left sidebar (current followers will automatically be entered when they comment).

That’s it!  Good luck to everyone.  If I could, I would love to give a giveaway to each of you.  I am so thankful to all of my readers for all of your kind comments and lovely thoughts or for simply stopping by and reading when you find the time.  I look forward to reading your words each day and appreciate your time and effort in choosing to visit Simply Luxurious.   Have a wonderful Sunday.

Images: (1) J. Sullivan Design Blog (2) Bridezilla

Cups of Tea (4/4 – 4/10)

Sunday, Sunday. Welcome Sunday!  It is my sincere hope that your week has been filled with wonderful surprises, both big and small.  Often times we rush around so hurriedly that it is easy to forget the things in our lives to be grateful for.   A few things I must say that I am grateful for are my continued access to a warm cup of tea, new magazines to flip through and the time to enjoy the sun as it streams through the windows. What might you put on your list of things to be grateful for this week?

As you ponder this thought, have a look at this week’s Cups of Tea.  Here’s what I have in store for you:  an opportunity to bring more calm into your life, simple bits of inspiration to improve your fabulous life even more, a scrumptious something special to nibble on, a bit of nostalgia and a suggestion as to why it is okay not to have all the answers all the time.

A quick heads up - next week’s Cups of Tea will reveal my next giveaway, so be sure to stop back by.

 

1. A Vacation of Calm

Often times our lives become so encumbered by technology that we forget the beauty that nature has to extend to us if only we open our eyes.  Located in Tennessee is the  BlackBerry Farm which offers seemingly endless opportunities for guests to take a breath and get away from the hustle and bustle.  Erin of Elements of Style shared this past week a bevy of images both of the interior and exterior views one would have the pleasure of basking in upon arriving.  This might be a place you’ll want to bookmark for an upcoming vacation when you just want to get away from it all.  Have a look.

 

2. Be Inspired to Grow  

In search of some inspiration this week, I came across a post on Life Hack that prompted me to take out my own pen and notepad to scribble down the many suggestions one might attempt to improve their lives.  Celestine, of The Personal Excellence Blog, wrote a fascinating guest blog suggesting simple ways in which we can slowly, but surely, create the life we have envisioned for ourselves.  I have a feeling you’ll find at least one or two ideas you’ll want to jot down as well.  Have a look.  

 

3. A Slice . . . Maybe Two?

Once again, Deb of Smitten Kitchen has shared with her readers a recipe I couldn’t just click past.  I immediately saved this delectable and eye-catching New York Cheesecake recipe for what will hopefully be successful dinner parties in the near future.

 

4. A Bit of Nostalgia  

A blog I have been following for a couple of months now and intensely enjoy because of all the memories it conjures up of my own trip to Paris is the HiP Paris Blog.  A handful of writers have teamed up to create a beautiful collection of visits to favorite restaurants, events, sites and simply share experiences had in the famous City of Lights.  The post I selected to share this week was written by Tory Hoen titled “Bravo L’Américaine” in which she describes some of her first experiences having arrived in Paris.  Oh, the memories it brings back. 

 

5. Have Patience

This week Elements of Style is showcased twice, but I just couldn’t help myself.  For many of us, certain quotations grab us due to the events that are going on in our lives at that particular time, and while I am always striving to be more patient in all areas of my life, I felt I would drive it home a bit this week by sharing this passage with you.  I find it to be very true and something to keep in mind when I feel that things just aren’t happening according to my “life plan”.  If you would like even more inspiration click here.

Images: (1) - We Heart It  (3) We Heart It

Cups of Tea (3/21-3/27)

Spring is beginning to show true signs of the beauty that awaits, and in the past few days I was able to start planning my upcoming outings to the nurseries.  What to plant in this pot, what to include from last year’s ideas, and what to I want to add?  I liken the designing of my garden and front porch to that of putting together one’s wardrobe – the beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.  If it sings to me, my attention is grabbed. 

To that end, however, I still have so many ideas in my head regarding my home decor and attire that my mind is a jumble of ideas with the lovely addition of spring planting.  If these are my only worries, I am a lucky girl.

This week’s Cups of Tea include a few new blogs that I am so happy to have found – you’ll understand why when you view their photos – gorgeous!  Also included is a bit of inspiration, ideas on decorum and a delicious comfort food favorite to try. 

Now, grab a cup of tea, or your morning drink of choice,  and enjoy perusing over some fantastic posts from the past week. 

 

1. Lovely Illustrations 

Isabelle Lafleche, the creator of Pink Lemonade Design, has a beautiful blog displaying luxurious images both in decor and fashion.  Not only does she have her own blog, but she will soon be releasing her first novel J’adore New York this fall.  This particular post which highlighted the artwork of Izak which can also be found on Henri Bendel’s website, caught my eye, and I just had to share.  Click on the header above or the image below to see more images similar to the below. 

My dream day and life – shopping in New York City, dressed classic casual, my dogs by my side and, oh, don’t forget the flowers!

 

2.  Let the Sunshine In!

Just came across Sarah Klassen’s blog Haute Design, and I will most certainly be frequenting this site for, if nothing else, the images.  Absolutely exquisite and unique.  I was a bit mesmerized by this particular post of rooms filled with sunlight and felt they were a perfect analogy for all of us in the states as we are slowly emerging from the doldrums of winter into the longer hours of spring.  Click on the image below to have a gander at even more sun-filled rooms. 

 (images, courtesy of Haute Design, scanned from Côté Sud / photography by Bernard Touillon)

 

3. Mind Your Ps and Qs 

Leeann of Fabulously French included a pleasant post that, while directed at the proper behavior in France, can also be applicable in any country in most cases.  One that particularly caught my attention was,“ When visiting a French home, don't expect to be invited into the kitchen or to take a house tour. The French have a very definite sense of personal space, and you'll be escorted to what are considered the guest areas.”  I found this refreshing simply because until someone is offered a tour, one should never assume anything.  Read on to see how you are doing, and if you agree. After all, one’s home is an extension of one’s self, and we all need our private sanctuaries to be kept private.

 

4. Savory Comfort Food

Phoebe and Cara of Big Girls, Small Kitchen shared with their readers this week a scrumptious recipe for a simple dinner after a long, stressful day at work.  I happen to love toasted sandwiches that include melted cheese and artisan bread, and this recipe for Turkey Pepper jack Melts is one I’ll soon be trying. I’m sure it will make your dinner companions happy as well. Click on the image below or the header above to find the recipe.

Bon Appetite!

 

5. Make it Happen

Every Friday, I look forward to Laura of  Under the Sheets . . . shhh’s Inspirational Weekend Quote, and this week it didn’t disappoint.  While rather frank and to the point, it’s all that needs to be said.  Sometimes a little less talking and a lot more doing is necessary.  Click on the image below to read a bit more of her thoughts on this particular quote, and be inspired.

Inspiration, Goodies, and Recipes – 1st Giveaway!

The last three months have flown by due in no small part to my time on my blog, twitter and continually observing and taking in the immense amount of inspiration that is in my everyday life.  It truly is amazing what goodness can be found once we chose to look for it.

With all of that being said, my 100th post has come and gone during this past week, and I wanted to take the opportunity to thank all of my readers.  Whether you are someone who regularly comments or someone who chooses to keep their thoughts to themselves, I appreciate your time.  We all have so many options and choices in this life and for you to choose to give a few minutes to Simply Luxurious is a treat.  And so a treat for you!

During my jaunt to Portland, I came upon a lovely shop that deals primarily in elegant and unique invitations – whether they be for something as simple as a dinner or a wine tasting party, or for something as grand as a wedding or a graduation.  Uptowne Papers, located on 9th NW 23rd Place, made it quite easy to decide on the perfect invite for my upcoming Spring Barrel Tasting Party (more about the invites on Wednesday), but what Lori Pellicano (the owner) also shared with me was a new treat that I must share with you.  Brandini Toffee.

If you are even the slightest fan of almond roca, you will be blown away by the luscious combination of dark chocolate, roasted almonds, butter and sugar.  Only four ingredients! Can you believe that?  The story of how two freshmen in high school began this tasty business is even more impressive.  Learn more about the Brandini story by clicking here.

So with all of that said, Lori was kind enough to share with us one tin of Brandini Bites (did I mention Martha Stewart gave it her approval, as well as Oprah?).  Thank you Lori for your generous hospitality, it was a pleasure meeting you, and I look forward to returning for my next gathering. 

But that’s not all!  Also included in the giveaway is something to do with food and entertaining.  I have mentioned a handful of her recipes in various posts (Delizioso, Dinner in Fifteen, A Delicious Evening In). Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa, has a cookbook that I think you might want to have in your kitchen (if you don’t already) at the ready for an evening in which the goal is to remain simple, yet create something that is absolutely delicious.  The most recent cookbook is (as you see below) Back to Basics, and it will also be included in the giveaway.

This is one of my most used cookbooks.  Not only does it include the majority of the recipes you may have seen on Food Network, but tips on entertaining, what type of flower arrangements to include, the best types of appetizers to serve and much more.  She really does stick to her mantra – back to basics.  The meals are simple, yet delicious.

We’re not done yet! Since Simply Luxurious focuses on a handful of interests – not only food and entertaining, I had to include something that also deals with fashion, style, and a bit about home decor.  As you may recall, I’ve mentioned Rachel Zoe too many times in the last few months.  Due to this fact, I thought I’d give away her book Style A to Zoe.

All in all, I can say you will find wonderful images of the celebrities she has styled, as well as events she has attended.  The idea for my post Weekend Essential grew out of Rachel’s mention that we should all have a weekend uniform of sorts.  More importantly though, is the wealth of information she shares on looking stylish and fabulous in your own skin.  If you haven’t read this book or don’t have one of your own, I think you would love it. It is a wonderful resource that I find myself going back to again and again. Click here for a fantastic review found on Purse Blog.

Phew!  To recap, one lucky reader will receive – three lovely items: a tin of Brandini Toffee, Barefoot Contessa’s – Back to Basics cookbook, and Rachel Zoe’s book Style A to Zoe.

To enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post and please make sure to include your email address, so I can contact you if you win. (If you don’t want to leave a comment, you may email me at info@thesimplyluxuriouslife.com to be entered as well)

2. To receive an additional entry, tweet about the giveaway and let me know you tweeted!

Giveaway ends on Saturday, April 3rd at Noon PDT.

That’s it!  I look forward to hearing from you and good luck!

The winner will be drawn at random and will be announced on Sunday’s Cups of Tea which will post April 4th.

Thank you again, and I hope to see you back her at The Simply Luxurious Life soon!