The Simple Sophisticate - Intelligent Living Paired with Signature Style

Whether we've stepped foot on the terra firma of the British Isles or not, the time prior to an anticipated trip to do so, whether already booked or dreamed about, is a skill in patience and preparation. Yep, savoring how we've curated what we can right where we live to incorporate what we love most about the culture.

Since my last trip in October 2023, the moment I returned home, I wanted to hop right back on the plane again and head back to Britain. If it weren't for my pups and my budget, I would have ☺️ But such a feeling is a gift as well. It means we have found what speaks to us, what brings us to life, and that is something to celebrate.

What we do in between our trips will make the next trip all the more a treasured memory. So by exploring and pinpointing exactly what we miss, it can better inform us of what we wish to see, do, and look forward to when we return. So, today, I'd like to share with you 10 things I miss before the next opportunity arises to upload my tickets on my phone and pack my luggage.

Find the Show Notes for this episode on The SImply Luxurious Life blog, https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/podcast426

Find the text for this mini-episode on The Simply Luxurious Life - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/moment20

Find the text for this mini-episode on The Simply Luxurious Life - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/moment19

Chess. At first, the idea of thinking like a chess champion may sound like an impossible feat if we do not know how to play the game, but as winner of two U.S. Women's Chess Championships and the first woman to win the U.S. Junior Chess Open, Jennifer Shahade shares in her new book, it all comes down to thinking well. Or to put it more precisely, thinking sideways.

In my conversation with Jennifer, who is also a two-time Global Poker Award winner and silver Olympic medalist, she will share what she means by her chosen title, and then we will dive into specific decision-making strategies that champion chess players like herself use and how they also translate into creating a life we love living.

Be sure to tune in to the audio version of our conversation as we will talk about the power of embracing intermezzos, why presence is crucial to seeing and then seizing opportunity, why focusing on our strengths is far more valuable than zeroing in on our weaknesses, and many more worthwhile pieces of life advice as witnessed through the lens of the game of chess. I do hope you enjoy the episode as Jennifer was a great guest and shared freely. And her Petit Plaisir offers a new perspective on a word we may have unfairly defined negatively.

Find the Show Notes for the episode on The Simply Luxurious Life blog - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/podcast425

Find the text for this mini-episode on The Simply Luxurious Life - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/moment18

Find the text for this mini-episode on The Simply Luxurious Life - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/moment17

Find the text for this mini-episode on The Simply Luxurious Life - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/moment16

"The key is to enjoy the moment, and never stop learning along the way." —Sharon Santoni encouragement to explore France's many antique and vintage markets, fairs and shops

France. The history, the ambiance, the food, ahhh, and the antiques and vintage treasures.

If you've ever dreamed of traveling to France or have traveled to France and have wanted to know how to navigate the many brocantes, antique fairs and markets, a new book has been written for you. Sharon Santoni, founder of My French Country Home - the blog, the magazine, the travel tours and the seasonal boxes filled with treasures, has spent years traveling around France treasure hunting, and mostly in the wee hours of the morning. A mother of four, now a self-described empty-nester, she and her husband had their home to furnish, and so it was to the French brocantes they went to do so. Thus began an adventure and sparked a passion for French antiques.

In our conversation talking about her new book - The Art of Antiquing in France, Sharon will share how her introduction into this wonderful world of treasures and French history began, who guided her through and welcomed her into the community of dealers that find themselves at various markets and fairs over the calendar year, and she generously shares insights of where to go, what to look for and how to connect with the dealers to learn more about what catches your eye. She will also share what the true test of a good buy is when it comes to purchasing antiques, and how to hone your eye, taste and judgment so you can feel confident with your choices.

Listen to the episode, #424, to hear our entire conversation and find the Show Notes on The Simply Luxurious Life blog - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/podcast424

Find the text for this mini-episode on The Simply Luxurious Life - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/moment15

Find the text for this mini-episode on The Simply Luxurious Life - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/moment14