Living the Simply Luxurious Life Making the Everydays Extraordinary and Discovering Your Best Self

501 Pages·2018·2.01 MB·English

by  Shannon Ables

Praise for Shannon’s blog and her first book, Choosing the Simply Luxurious Life
I stumbled upon Choosing the Simply Luxurious Life while browsing for books. I signed up for the blog
and Instagram. As an avid Francophile, this was the perfect, French-like style. Quality of life, simplicity,
glamour, and constant learning enticed me. Thank you for a job well done! — Debra, Durham, NC, USA
Shannon Ables’s Simply Luxurious brand is as inspiring as it is enjoyable. Like a warm drink in a favorite
mug, a cozy Sunday morning, or a delightful conversation with an intimate friend, her podcast and writing
are always a treat. Ables’s take on topics ranging from personal finance to style emphasizes quality over
quantity, thoughtful choices, and the importance of staying intellectually curious. Personal growth is a
journey to be savored, and Choosing the Simply Luxurious Life is a choice guidebook for the route. —
Emily S., Providence, RI, USA
Through her books and blog, Shannon has shown us that geography is irrelevant when choosing to pursue a
life of quality. Beauty, luxury, and simplicity can be found anywhere one chooses to look for them. I speak
from the heart in saying that I can highly recommend Shannon’s books and blog for anyone who chooses to
live a simply luxurious life. — Bev, Jericho, VT, USA
Everybody’s version of happiness, joy, balance, and what makes their life luxurious is very different.
Choosing the Simply Luxurious Life: A Modern Women’s Guide encourages you to look at your life, decide
what you want from it, what you want to include in it, and how you want to live it. Shannon has written a
truly wonderful book that is both informative and inspiring. — Miriam, Melbourne, Australia
I’m a French woman who discovered The Simply Luxurious Life blog with delightful pleasure. I also
ordered the book, read it, and gave it to my daughter. I wish I had read this book years ago to allow me to
find my path of daily little pleasures. This is how I live now and teach my daughter to live. — Sandra,
Villard-de-Lans, France
From life as a broke college student to life as a new mom starting a small business, The Simply Luxurious
Life has helped me craft a life of fulfillment. Shannon gives timeless advice that is applicable to all phases
of life as well as all budgets. She has truly shaped the woman I have become, and I am forever grateful. —
Madilyn, St. Louis, MO, USA
Shannon’s book and podcasts on capsule wardrobes, buying quality, and eating seasonal speak directly to
my heart and passions. I look forward to listening to the podcast each week and am always uplifted and
further challenged to make each moment count and thoroughly enjoy my gift of life. — Hanne, London,
England
It has taken me eighty years to learn the lesson that Shannon has given to all of us: a life of quality over
quantity. Without unnecessary clutter, there is room in our lives for learning, loving, and helping others. —
Toni, Rancho Mirage, CA, USA
There is a saying that when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. For her many followers, Shannon
is both teacher and muse. The Simply Luxurious Life blog and book provide unbounded inspiration and
encouragement to seek quality over quantity and to truly believe that a contented, mindful life is possible,
whatever distractions come our way.
— Sue, County Durham, England
When my daily blogroll arrives in my inbox, I might skip reading other blog posts, but never Shannon’s.
Both her blog and her book are inspirational and encouraging on so many levels. From style to self-
confidence to travel, she covers it all, offering a guide to a life that’s rewarding and fulfilling. I look
forward to her second book, which I expect will enrich my life in new ways. — Deanne, Cleveland, WI,
USA
Whenever I feel a part of my daily life needs tweaking, I reach for my copy of Choosing the Simply
Luxurious Life: A Modern Woman’s Guide and immediately find new inspiration to make my life better.
Shannon Ables’s writing provides readers with a guide to the delicious topic of living a good life and the
encouragement and practical steps to achieve it. — Janis, Seattle, WA, USA
Shannon, since discovering your blog in 2014 (and devouring the content in one sitting!), I have been a big
fan of your work. Your podcasts are the perfect companion on an evening walk (it’s like listening to an old
friend!), and your Instagram posts are often timely reminders of how life’s simple pleasures can be enjoyed
to enrich our everyday lives. You are a true inspiration, and I’m looking forward to setting aside an
afternoon to delve into the second book with a hot cup of tea or a café au lait! — Caroline, Cork, Ireland
Shannon writes and speaks in a truly authentic voice. She has learned how to live an extraordinary life on
an ordinary income as a public-school teacher, and in her books, blog, and podcast she teaches us how to do
the same and live more graciously as a result. In addition, she shares a vital message for women about
making our own choices and being the authors of our own lives. Shannon encourages me to live differently,
and I am grateful for her. — Deborah, Columbus, OH, USA
I adore Shannon’s podcasts and listen to them repeatedly. She inspires me, and I love her zest for life,
enthusiasm, and all things French. Thank you, Shannon. — Kim, Blenheim, New Zealand
I stumbled across Choosing the Simply Luxurious Life a few years ago, and I was instantly smitten with
everything Shannon creates. She really delivers an intelligent (yet simple) approach to navigating life as a
modern woman with her signature je ne sais quoi charm! — Kristine, Toronto, ON, Canada
Shannon and her two boys, Oscar and Norman, are not only a necessary but an intricate part of my morning
ritual since the early days of The Simply Luxurious Life blog. I look forward to my morning coffee with
Shannon because she inspires me to LIVE my life to the fullest and with luxury. I am a femme d’un certain
age, but TSLL blog and her book Choosing the Simply Luxurious Life are inspirational and motivational
for all ages because life isn’t about age. Thank you, Shannon, for staying true to your vision and your
mission statement. — Michelle, TX, USA
Shannon and I have coffee every morning as I make my lunch and prepare for my day. I swear that our
“coffee dates” ground me in the moment and inspire me to set my intention for that day. She has given
names to some of my daily rituals and introduced me to so many more. — RJ, Fort Langley, BC, Canada
Shannon is the wise friend we all need in our lives, and I wish I had had her when I was graduating from
college and heading out into the world. I treasure all of her posts and use them as an invitation to examine
aspects of my life. I firmly believe we all have the potential to live each day well, and Shannon has done the
work to give us the action steps to make a beautiful life a reality. — Marina, Kansas City, MO, USA
Shannon and TSLL blog have been a guiding light on how to navigate life: combining focused efforts for
long-term goals, the notion of self-fulfillment, and the charm of sophistication. All that with the addition of
excellent taste and inspiration from the French culture. I cannot wait to read the second book! — Charis,
Athens, Greece
I am a long-time follower of Shannon Ables, aspiring to live my own simply luxurious life. Her topics are
always interesting. Her ideas and suggestions, many of which I’ve incorporated into my daily routine, are
easy to implement. Even the smallest changes can make such a big difference. I can’t wait for the next
book. Shannon, you are really so inspiring! Thank you! — Ann, Paso Robles, CA, USA
I stumbled upon Shannon’s blog years ago and am a long-time fan of her work. As a “seeker,” I love to
explore ways to bring more pleasure, passion, and purpose to my life, and Shannon’s approach has always
resonated with me. Her message is simple yet powerful: through our accumulated, daily choices, we have
the power to design the life of our dreams. She encourages women to know themselves, to value
themselves, and to celebrate themselves. Her wisdom, guidance, and inspiration have certainly contributed
to my own simply luxurious life! — Karen, Port Washington, NY, USA
I am a latecomer but already a huge fan of your blog. It stands out from others for its authenticity and
inspiration. You impart a positive energy which is infectious for simple, luxurious living. I can honestly say
that it is now one of my petits plaisirs. — Kameela, Eastbourne, East Sussex, UK
Thanks to Shannon’s many gentle reminders throughout her blog posts, podcasts, and especially her first
book, I have been able to cultivate the life I always dreamed of! My days went from hectic and stressed to
calm and enjoyable. I think fondly of Shannon’s lovely influence each time I enjoy a simple pleasure or
soak in a peaceful moment. — Karin, Alabama, USA
Shannon, from the moment I started to read your book, my journey began! Added to the mix were relatable,
relevant, and inspiring podcasts and blog posts that became my Monday morning routine. Your tips for
cultivating daily rituals have added a touch of magic to my life. Quality versus quantity in all areas . . . from
chocolates to finances! — Sarah, Thomasville, GA, USA
Shannon’s wonderful book lives permanently on my coffee table. It’s a constant reminder that the simple
things in life are often the most luxurious . . . a simple bunch of flowers, sitting by a crackling fire with a
hot chocolate, or treating yourself to a beautifully scented candle. Fewer possessions and remembering
quality over quantity. Can’t wait for the new book, Shannon! — Liz Power, Plymouth, Devon, UK
If one is seeking a guide to living their best life, look no further than Shannon Ables. She offers her
followers a daily dose of inspiration and encouragement, while embracing the notion that change is always
possible. — Carol Belleville, ON, Canada
Living
The Simply Luxurious
Life

Making Your Everydays Extraordinary and Discovering Your
Best Self

Shannon Ables

Simply Luxurious Publishing
BEND, OREGON
Copyright © 2018 by Shannon Ables.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or
transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or
other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of
the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews
and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For
permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions
Coordinator,” at the address below.
Simply Luxurious Publishing
www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com
Illustrations by Inslee by Design
Cover layout by Dash Creative
Ordering Information:
Quantity sales. Special discounts are available on quantity purchases by
corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the “Special Sales
Department” at the address above.
Living The Simply Luxurious Life/ Shannon Ables. —1st ed.
ISBN: 978-0692085219
Contents
Introduction
One: Living a Simply Luxurious Everyday Life
Two: Mastering the Complexity of Simplicity
Three: Society, Women, and the Woman You Want to Be
Four: Be Your Own Brand: Thriving in Your Career
Five: Building Your Community
Six: Money Matters: Masterminding Your Financial Security
Seven: Matters of the Heart
Eight: Stock Your Toolbox I: Own Your Strengths
Nine: Stock Your Toolbox II: Hone the Skills You Need to Succeed
Ten: How to Make a Successful Fresh Start
Eleven: Effortless Style: The Truth
Twelve: Enjoying Eating and Being Healthy
Thirteen: Living Small
Fourteen: Cultivating True Contentment
Fifteen: Savor the Life You Have Created
Acknowledgments
About the Author
To my companions during the journey thus far in my new hometown,
my sweet boys, Oscar and Norman