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
Jan 3, 2016 • 11min
76: January 3, 2016 — Au Courant Weekly
The latest news and world events along with a dash of inspiration and a brush up on French language and culture. Tune in to become up-to-date in fewer than fifteen minutes each Sunday morning.
Dec 21, 2015 • 27min
75: 7 Reasons 2016 Will Be A Wonderful Year
Looking ahead to the new year, Shannon shares seven topics of focus for TSLL blog. From introducing TSLL daily planner templates that offer readers/listeners a specific approach to living simply luxuriously, to participating fulling each and every day. Sharing the books she is currently reading to books that have provided inspiration for the upcoming posts in the new year, tune in to discover how to make the new year simply luxurious and uniquely tailored to your talents and passions. This week's Petit Plaisir is the annual TSLL Holiday Playlist hand-picked by Shannon. This year it's all about jazz. Discover 16 favorite jazz tracks to set the mood for the holidays.
Dec 14, 2015 • 26min
74: The First Date Cheat Sheet
What is the purpose of the first date in the first place? Contrary to what we may lead ourselves to believe, it is not to impress but rather to go on a fact-finding mission of sorts. A pursuit of compatibility. Now if who we are authentically impresses the other, splendid! But if it does not, we have not lost but an evening of our time. In today's episode Shannon shares 8 simple tasks to tend to and be aware of when it comes to preparing and partaking in a first date. In this week's Petit Plaisir, a new holiday film to enjoy - Love the Coopers.
Dec 7, 2015 • 22min
73: A Lesson From Ernest Hemingway
Inspired after reading Ernest Hemingway's iconic portrayal of the City of Light in his memoir A Moveable Feast, Shannon shares a learned lesson from the reading. Discussing the courage to let go and how to move forward when what we love is taken away from us, she speaks about how to ensure tomorrow will be brighter and far better than yesterday. In this week's Petit Plaisir, Shannon reviews and enthusiastically recommends Cairo Time, starring Patricia Clarkson and Alexander Siddig. Have a listen to the trailer and the soundtrack.
Nov 30, 2015 • 25min
72: Why Not . . . Be A Strong Woman?
What does it mean to be a strong woman? In today's episode, Shannon shares 15 characteristics of strong women and discusses the benefits of choosing to live with strength. This week's Petit Plaisir is the annual TSLL Holiday Gift Guide.
Nov 23, 2015 • 31min
71: 21 Ways to Create a Simply Luxurious Thanksgiving
From the moment you wake up until the minute you snuggle up in bed, Shannon shares 21 ways to enjoy a simply luxurious Thanksgiving tailored to your tastes and comforts and those you love. This week's Petit Plaisir is a Thanksgiving leftover sandwich that will melt in your mouth.
Nov 16, 2015 • 25min
70: Big Magic: What Elizabeth Gilbert Taught Me
Best-selling author of Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert has just released a new book, Big Magic: Creative Living Without Fear. Inspired by the content as well as an event she hosted in her hometown, Shannon shares her thoughts on where true success actually resides. This week's Petit Plaisir spotlights Shannon's recommended workout clothing that will leave you looking stylish, comfortable and ready to sweat (or do errands, if that is on your to-do list). But rest assured, you will be investing in a quality product that will allow you to feel as good as you look.
Nov 9, 2015 • 25min
69: 15 Habits for Timeless Style
Being effortlessly chic doesn't occur without forethought, but by adhering to these 15 habits, it can be something that with time becomes second-nature. From which colors to choose, which accessories to wear, as well as how to care for your clothes and accessories, when the habits we practice each day render the results we desire, we truly can exude effortless chic style. In this week's Petit Plaisir, Nest candles are reviewed and recommended for the upcoming holidays as well as for scents to permeate your home year-round.
Nov 2, 2015 • 28min
68: 8 Ways for Introverts to Thrive in the Workplace
Introverts gather energy from time alone and being in their own company or calm environments, but sometimes we don't have control over the demands of our jobs. In today's episode, Shannon shares eight ways to cultivate a work environment, no matter what your career field, that will improve the quality of your everyday work environment. In this week's Petit Plaisir, Adele's first track "Hello" from her upcoming album 25 is reviewed.
Oct 26, 2015 • 28min
67: 4 Benefits of Letting Go of Cynicism
Often cynicism in others is easier to recognize in ourselves; however, once we recognize we are slowly becoming more defensive and negative there are simple tools that will be shared in today's episode that will ensure cynicism will no longer be a default. The four benefits will vastly improve the quality of each of our lives once we choose to be more vulnerable, stand securely in who we are and allow the amazing opportunities to present themselves. In this week's Petit Plaisir, Jennifer L. Scott's new book will be released tomorrow, Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic, and Shannon offers her recommendation and specific reasons why.
