Appreciative and Exhilarated

Feb 28, 2014

EMBARGOED_UNTIL_10.31PM_CHRISTMAS_DAY_01.JPG2.28.14 ~the recipe for Carrot Cake with Citrus Goat Cheese frosting~

“As you grow old, you learn more. If you stayed at twenty-two, you’d always be as ignorant as you were at twenty-two. Aging is not just decay, you know. It’s growth. It’s more than the negative that you’re going to die, its also the positive that you understand you’re going to die, and that you live a better life because of it.”  – Morrie Schwartz

The Downton Abbey season finale. Many critics were underwhelmed by the episode, but I want to applaud Julian Fellowes. Void of unnecessary drama to spike false attention, while I won’t give anything away for those who haven’t watched it yet, the ending simply made me smile – Carson and Mrs. Hughes. No, it’s not always about romantic love, but genuine respect and friendship. A beautiful, heart-warming message to tide us over until next season.

And whether it has to do with my age, or just the fact that I’ve always been an old soul, today I celebrate my 35th birthday with great excitement. I can’t help but say that I love each year’s arrival. Partly because I usually get to eat my favorite carrot cake, but also because I’m still here with at least one more chance (and hopefully many more) to reach my full potential. When I first read Tuesdays with Morrie from which the quote about is derived, I had to read it again because I was ecstatic to finally find the words to describe how I felt each time I celebrated another year of being here on this earth.

Now I don’t want to get all sappy today, after all it’s Friday, and all the more reason to celebrate no matter what the date.  If you haven’t read this week’s most popular post, which turned out to be the most popular of all time on the blog, you might want to have a look. And if you are looking for a new pair of fabulous chic heels, you might want to stop by Nordstrom today as Sarah Jessica Parker’s collection finally becomes available (10 of my favorites are in this week’s Weekly Finds in the right-hand column).

As February ends and March begins that means that TSLL annual Spring Fashion Newsletter is delivered. So if you are a subscriber to the newsletter (or would like to be), look for the issue to arrive early Saturday morning. (Here is a look at last Fall’s issue to get a preview of what to look forward to.)

With the spring fashion newsletter being released tomorrow and the weekly petit plaisir that more and more readers are saying is quickly becoming their favorite weekly post returning again this weekend, it is my hope that you continue to find tips and inspiration to help you live your very own simply luxurious life. Have a lovely weekend, and until then, bonjour.

Images: (1) 



26 thoughts on “Appreciative and Exhilarated”

  2. I wish you the happiest of birthdays from the UK Shannon! I love your blog, you seem to be such a sensible and interesting person, a daily-must-read for me! Lots of love xx

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  5. I wish you a Happy Birthday and many more to come.
    Where is the recipe for the carrot cake? I can’t find it on your blog. Thank you

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  6. Happy happy Youday, Shannon! I hope that it is a lovely day! Have a blessed and fun weekend celebrating the passage of last year and the beginning of a new one!

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  7. Happy Birthday Shannon!
    Your blog one of the best discoveries i made last year…i usually only look at pictures in other blogs yours is the only one i take time to sit and read…you are such an inspiration.keep working your magic!

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  8. Happy B’day Shannon… been reading your blog for almost a year now, and I never want to miss a post. You make me feel good in the morning! !! Such a beautiful gift, to wake us all up with inspiration and life truths everyday! Life gets better with every passing day..

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  13. Happy birthday Shannon! May you have a celebration day and weekend that matches your impeccable style, your luxurious way of living and your appreciation for beauty and quality, full of joy and everything you wish!

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  15. Happy Birthday, Shannon!!! Celebrate this day as only you could, revel in the grace of another year, and may continue to God bless you with wisdom. Bisous, my dear.

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  16. Hi, Shannon. Happy 35th Birthday. Carrot cake sounds like an excellent choice. And yes, I agree with you about Downton Abbey’s season finale. I loved Mrs. Hughes reaching for Carson’s hand! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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  17. Happy Birthday Shannon!

    I am turning 30 today – sort of: I am a leap year baby and so while I consider today my birthday I am in a moment of pause, as my birthday is just a flash or a moment between today and tomorrow. So today I guess I am 29, and tomorrow I will wake up in a new decade. I have been looking forward to this as an opportunity for renewal and reflection, and yet today I woke up in a full blown existential crisis. I am self -medicating with chocolate and tea.

    I wanted to comment on your post today, as well as your recent post (35 Things…) because it is so timely for me, and so full of very important attitudes. We have much in common, I am also a teacher and a writer and aim to live mindfully. It is a pleasure to read your blog which reflect such a purposeful effort at balance, creativity, and simple luxury. It is refreshing to hear the voice of a smart woman who is on her own unique path at a moment where I am a bit apprehensive, really, of what is or isn’t in store for me in my 30’s. I am appreciative of your reminder that there is much to be joyful about, and grateful for.

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    1. Happy birthday to you, and absolutely you should be celebrating (and again tomorrow – 🙂 )

      Thank you for stopping by and best wishes going into your 30th year. It will be a wonderful decade; I have no doubt. xo

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  18. Happy Birthday, Shannon!!! Celebrate this day as only you could, in style and grace. I pray that God bestows greater grace and wisdom into your life. Bisous, my dear.

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  19. Happy Birthday, Shannon. It’s my special day, too! Though I am somewhat older than you, I appreciate the quotation and will think about it every time I think about my age. Thank you for the wonderful gift.

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  21. I just want to take a moment before finally turning in after the first day of my 35th year to thank you for your birthday wishes. I couldn’t have imagined so much love from so many different places and voices. If today was any indication, it will indeed be a blessed year. Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Bon nuit. xoxo

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  22. Happy birthday Shannon!
    I have read your blog for almost 3 years now and I can honestly say it is the best blog I have ever seen, in many ways. In your blog I find inspiration, moral support, so many very important and touching topics, very, very wise thoughts, elegance, beauty, grace, goodness of heart. Thank you very, very much for your always wonderful blog! For me it is a true treasure.
    Best wishes, Rebecca from Europe

    Reply

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