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
May 16, 2016 • 0sec
103: Effortless Style: The Truth
Is effortless style truly ever effortless? In short, yes. Today discover the five steps to tend to to ensure effortless style that will become a habit worth incorporating into your everyday. In this week's Petit Plaisir, discover a simple, yet absolutely delicious recipe for two: Rustic Apple Tart for Two.
May 9, 2016 • 23min
102: Let's Talk About Beauty
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.
May 2, 2016 • 31min
101: Growth is a Choice
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!
Apr 25, 2016 • 0sec
100: 10 Things Content People Understand About Uncertainty
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.
Apr 18, 2016 • 27min
99: Why Not . . . Celebrate the Obstacles?
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.
Apr 11, 2016 • 32min
98: The Power of the Spoken Word
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
Apr 4, 2016 • 37min
97: Small + Simple = A Grand & Full Life
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.
Mar 28, 2016 • 35min
96: Everyday Living in France: My Interview with Sharon Santoni
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.
Mar 21, 2016 • 41min
95: Why Not . . . Find Your Personal Power?
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.
Mar 14, 2016 • 23min
94: The Truths & Myths of the Independent, Single Woman
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.
