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
Apr 13, 2015 • 37min
33: How to Live Alone Well
Eric Klinenberg shared in his best-selling book Going Solo that living alone is continuing to increase world-wide. In today's episode, listeners will discover 16 tips and ideas on how to make the most of this experience, whether temporary or permanent, so that it can be thoroughly enjoyable and memorable. In this week's Petit Plaisir, Peter Mayle's book Acquired Tastes is reviewed and recommended for ideal evening leisure reading.
Apr 6, 2015 • 32min
32: The Francophile's Style Guide
Inspired by the style icons from the past (Coco Chanel, Jane Birkin, Bridgette Bardot, and Catherine Deneuve), as well as those effortlessly chic French women of the 21st century, this episode breaks down the 14 basic essentials to have in your capsule wardrobe to look chic, timeless and confident. This week's Petit Plaisir, a French dessert, Dark Chocolate Mousse. So simple and satiating, you will be sure to impress your guests and your very own tastebuds as it can easily be made and appreciated during the work week as well.
Mar 30, 2015 • 32min
31: How to Live a Courageous Life
Each one of us encounters fears from time to time, the key is to understand how to navigate them as we continue toward our goals and stepping into our full potential. In today's episode, listeners will discover 11 specific ways to master fear in their everyday lives and livle more courageously. In this week's Petit Plaisir, the recipe for an appetizer that is simple, scrumptious and ideal for mid-week or weekend entertaining: Pear, Goat Cheese, Prosciutto and Honey Bites.
Mar 23, 2015 • 36min
30: Become the Master of Your Cell Phone
Our mobile devices can help our lives run more efficient, but if not used correctly, can have significant drawbacks. In today's episode 12 rules for mobile manners are shared as well as four ways to make sure you are the master of your cell phone or smart phone. And in this week's Petit Plaisir, Shannon reviews CBS' Madam Secretary, starring Tea Leoni.
Mar 16, 2015 • 33min
29: Why Not . . . Spring Forward?
As a new season begins, it is a reminder that by unburdening ourselves of the unnecessary (events and ideas of the past that are no longer aiding us in our quest for a better life), we are better equipped to successfully strive toward the future and everyday life we wish to live. In today's episode four specific tips will be shared to focus on what you value, get out of your own way and maintain your decided direction. And in this week's Petit Plaisir, the classic recipe Sole Meunière is shared for a simple, yet gourmet meal.
Mar 9, 2015 • 38min
28: The Modern Woman's Lifestyle Grocery List
What is the lifestyle grocery list? Any item that requires money in your budget, but doesn't occur regularly (i.e. weekly or monthly), minus food or clothes. This list includes a variety of arenas of our lives as keeping these items stocked allows for our lives to run more smoothly, our confidence to soar, a healthy balance between work and leisure to be struck, networking and relationships to remain strong and our knowledge of the world to regularly stimulated and informed.
Mar 2, 2015 • 31min
27: 13 Ways to Cultivate True Wealth
Understanding the power of money and becoming the master of it is crucial to a life full of contentment. In today's podcast, the definition of true wealth will be shared along with both monetary and monetary ways to attain it.
Feb 23, 2015 • 27min
26: How to Style a Bar Cart
If you enjoy living simply, but also enjoy entertaining from time to time, a bar cart is a wonderful, efficient way to combine style and function without the fuss. In today's episode, specific styling tips are shared on how to style your bar cart for your lifestyle whether it be a morning display full of pastries and tea, an evening of wine or a fully stocked mixed drinks bar, tune in to see why you may just want to add one to your sanctuary.
Feb 16, 2015 • 40min
25: Why Not . . . Become Self-Actualized?
Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of needs are the catalyst for today's episode. Shannon will dive into the definition of Self-Actualization, remind us all that we can indeed achieve it and why we all should make the leap to attain it.
Feb 9, 2015 • 35min
24: 10 Differences Between Women & Girls
Have you ever wondered what is at the foundation of the difference between a woman and a girl? Well, most importantly, it is a choice and something each individual can become once they recognize it all begins with taking responsibility for themselves. The gift of choosing to become a woman is that it empowers each individual to cultivate the life of her dreams and live a life of fulfillment each and everyday.
