The Simple Sophisticate - Intelligent Living Paired with Signature Style
Shannon Ables
The simple sophisticate is someone who prefers quality over quantity, sensible living over mindless consumption, personal style instead of trendy fashions, has an insatiable curiosity for life's endless questions and a desire to live a truly fulfilling life rather than being led around by the nose. Inspired by her lifestyle blog The Simply Luxurious Life, Shannon Ables (the original Simple Sophisticate) shares with listeners tips on how to live a refined life on an everyday income, a life of true contentment. Founded on the principle of the art of living a life of quality over quantity, episodes explore topics ranging from creating an everyday life you love living, strengthening mindfulness practices, preparing seasonally delicious meals, building a capsule wardrobe, traveling the world (Francophiles and Anglophiles tune in as France as well as the Britain are favorite destinations), and living life to the fullest without breaking the bank because living well is really quite simple.
*illustration by artist Sarah Löcker exclusively commissioned for the show
*illustration by artist Sarah Löcker exclusively commissioned for the show
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 17, 2016 • 32min
126: A Powerful Couple: Boundaries & Vulnerability
One of the most important skills we can learn and implement into our lives on a regular basis is understanding that in order to have healthy relationships, a content life and a sense of freedom is to learn how to set clear boundaries in order to be able to open ourselves up so that others can truly know who we are and what we can offer to the world. In today's episode discover the benefits of establishing boundaries, come to understand if you need to re-enforce the boundaries you have attempted and learn where in your life you may want to incorporate boundaries. This week's Petit Plaisir is a Francophile book that will offer inspiration for your home, your style and your everyday life. The recently released book by Sarah Lavoine, Chez Moi: Decorating Your Home and Living like a Parisienne.
Oct 10, 2016 • 24min
125: The Importance of Good Service
Letting go of what is no longer serving us is something we have to be consciously reminded of, and one of the most detrimental ways we don't serve ourselves well is the stories we accept as truth that limit our potential. In today's episode discover the importance of letting go of bad service and the benefits that will abound in your life when you do. In this week's Petit Plaisir, mini apple pies that offer the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavor.
Oct 3, 2016 • 18min
124: Why Not . . . Have a Plan?
Inspired by Julia Child and her determination to publish what we all now know as a masterpiece, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, in today's episode discover a clear path to making the goal you desire come to fruition, and it all begins with having a plan. In this week's Petit Plaisir, a new favorite magazine for anyone who loves to beautiful decor, traveling, cooking and identifies as being either an Anglophile or a Francophile.
Sep 26, 2016 • 26min
123: How to Make Fall a Luxurious Season
Fall is as Lauren DeStefano states, the grand finale, when the world shares the most beautiful and bountiful produce, experiences and offerings. In today's episode discover routines and items to incorporate each year into the much anticipated fall season. This week's Petit Plaisir is a fun romantic comedy that was just released and Shannon thoroughly enjoyed: Bridget Jones's Baby. Tune in to find out why.
Sep 19, 2016 • 22min
122: 7 Benefits of Having Self-Compassion
Having self-compassion can have a powerfully positive effect on our overall quality of life. When we consider how we treat ourselves and recognize that the self-criticism we thought was beneficial is actually detrimental, the change is most certainly welcome. Discover 7 benefits as well as ideas for being self-compassionate in today's episode. This week's Petit Plaisir is a favorite dessert of Shannon's: Tarte au Citron. Simple, sweet, and delicious.
Sep 12, 2016 • 31min
121: 14 Ways to Get Back to Calm
As schedules begin to change with summer fading into fall, why not maintain the tranquility we adored during the leisurely months? Discover 14 daily habits to incorporate into your life that will ensure more contentment and more peace. In this week's Petit Plaisir a beautiful memoir by Isabel Vincent, Dinners with Edward is discussed and highly recommended.
Sep 5, 2016 • 26min
120: The Wonderful Truth About Health, Happiness & Aging
Have you resigned yourself to the idea that at a certain age things (not so great things) just happen to us? Well, no more! Inspired by Dr. Frank Lipman's new book 10 Reasons You Feel Old and Get Fat and How You Can Stay Young, Slim, and Happy! discover the 10 myths that we need to relinquish and how we can change the way we are living right now to make a tremendously positive difference for the rest of our lives. In this week's Petit Plaisir, discover a Decadent Fig Appetizer. With only four ingredients and 15 minutes, you will have an appetizer to cause your tastebuds to dance.
Aug 29, 2016 • 26min
119: Why Never Giving Up Is A Very Good Idea
When we don't know the path we should be taking or the role model we thought would lead us to our contentment but instead leads us to feeling as though something is missing, it is the decision to never give up that will ultimate be the key to finding what truly makes us happy. Just as much as never giving up, it is being determined to get to know yourself that is crucial. Today's episode shares examples and insight into ensuring that these two keys are worth pursuing. In this week's Petit Plaisir, a simple touch to your home decor that is inexpensive and sure to bring great pleasure.
Aug 27, 2016 • 24min
118: Paris, Relationships & Our Truest Selves
New York Times bestselling author Eleanor Brown joins me on the podcast to talk about her latest novel The Light of Paris. Discover her inspiration for the novel, her thoughts on mother-daughter relationships, the importance of finding our own truth about who each of us has the potential to be and her favorite thing to do in Paris.
Aug 22, 2016 • 44min
117: How to Be Chic with Fiona Ferris
Joining me on the podcast today is author and blogger from New Zealand Fiona Ferris. Inspired by her blog How to Be Chic, her new book, which was just released this past June, Thirty Days of Chic offers detailed, simple, yet thoughtful ways to cultivate a more contented life. Inspired by the French culture, Fiona discusses not only her book, but new plans for her own life, how she came to find peace being herself, being an introvert and a wonderful story about Coco Chanel. In this week's Petit Plaisir, Julia Child's cooking show, The French Chef is discussed and recommended.
