Choosing The Simply Luxurious Life: A Modern Woman's Guide

by Shannon Ables

How can you have a rich and fulfilling life? The choices you make, not your income or financial assets, are the most powerful determining factor for your quality of life.


Women have never had so many options. Yet we often experience a kind of paralysis, an unconscious willingness to follow societal dictates rather than become the CEOs of our own lives. When we mindlessly follow the dots, we smother our innate gifts and miss opportunities to fulfill our true potential.


There is another way—choosing to live a simply luxurious life. This book will show you how to invest your time and what to eliminate from your life. It will enable you


Design a life of purpose that is aligned with your passions and talents
Become financially independent
Enjoy cultivating a healthy mind and body
Build and maintain strong, loving relationships
Create a chic, timeless signature style
Design a comfortable home that is a true sanctuary
Travel in comfort and style
Discover simple pleasures that make each day something to look forward to


You can curate the life of your dreams by being purposeful and selective, no matter where you live, your income, or your relationship status. Luxury and true fulfillment are ours for the having if we know where to look and how to make the right choices.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Personal Development, Audiobook

ebook

First published November 20, 2014

About the author

Shannon Ables has been living in Bend, Oregon, since 2015 with her two spaniels, Oscar and Norman. Founder and editor of the internationally recognized lifestyle blog, The Simply Luxurious Life (est. 2009) which inspired her first book Choosing The Simply Luxurious Life: A Modern Woman's Guide, and her second, Living The Simply Luxurious Life: Making Your Everydays Extraordinary and Discovering Your Best Self (2018). Her complementary weekly podcast, The Simple Sophisticate was established in 2014, ranking #5 on iTunes New & Noteworthy on its debut, and her vodcast, The Simply Luxurious Kitchen, provides the inspiration for elevating everyday meals using seasonal fare. Shannon is also a regular contributing guest on Portland, Oregon's KATU Afternoon Live and appears on AM Northwest as their resident lifestyle expert. Find and follow TSLL on Instagram @thesimplyluxuriouslife.


Learn more about Shannon Ables at shannonables.com and visit her blog at thesimplyluxuriouslife.com

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked up this book while waiting for Gretchen Rubin's latest book to come out. I had recently enjoyed The Art of Tidying Up and also the Madame Chic books, so I thought this might also help me wait for Better Than Before. Ug, this book was terrible. I couldn't finish it. She gives lots of advice, but she never really breaks it down. "Save your money, buy the best you can, travel..." It was pretty obvious she's a single woman because she was able to do spend a decent amount of money on all these things while teaching. I have kids and can tell you that while I understand budgeting, no amount of budgeting is going to allow me to do all the things she recommends. She did talk about the importance of living within your means, but I think the rest of the book's focus on "buying the best you can afford" over and over got to be too much. And not interesting. The Madame Chic books (while still being very fluffy reading) are much better and are much more interesting. The Art of Tidying Up and all the books by Gretchen Rubin are definitely worth the time. This one is not.

[Alison · Rating 2 out of 5]

It has its moments but it rather seemed that the entire book was some sort of cathartic therapy to prove that the author is enjoying life despite not settling down. Which means the bias is always towards single women in their 30s. I am actually the same age group but felt the book lacked insight into incorporting many of her suggestions in to your life when you have a husband and child to consider. Also, if you are well travelled or come from Europe, you may find the sections on the French way of life, visiting Paris and entertaining a little naive and basic. Overall, it's not a terrble book but I often had the feeling that the author, although a lovely person, has led a very sheltered life.

[Andreea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I generally have an easy approach with this kind of books. I've read this one due to a recommendation from a personal stylist but apart from one chapter that concerns the wardrobe capsule, everything else is a rant about how one should feel good about oneself, how to be grateful and such and how to enjoy Paris (this was at least plain boring). So no.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good nonfiction book about self-care! I enjoyed the chapters on clothing and home decor. The author's comments on what she chose in ceryain situations were also helpful.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading a good inspirational lifestyle book at the beginning of a new year. It’s the perfect refresh and gets me excited to spend the cold, snowy days inside tailoring my house and mindset. This year, I picked up lifestyle blogger Shannon Ables' book titled “Choosing the Simply Luxurious Life: A Modern Women’s Guide.” As a blogger, Shannon sets herself apart from all the others by recording an accompanying podcast called “The Simple Sophisticate” every Monday with tips and suggestions on how to turn the everyday into an extraordinary life. I LOVE these podcasts. They begin with a little French music and dive into lists of “20 Ways to Live Like a Parisian” or “Why Not… Simplify Your Choices?” Her voice is so soothing and listening to these podcasts while drinking my morning “café au lait” restores a sense of calm that makes me excited to tackle the day.

I mention Shannon’s podcast because it is almost essential to listen to before diving into this book. The book is set up in a very similar manner to her blog and podcast, and knowing the tone and inflection of her voice really makes the book come alive. The book takes the reader through chapters to inspire “simply luxurious living.” The whole concept is that you don’t need to have tons of money or the perfect house to live well. Shannon instead suggests small things you can do to promote “refined living on an everyday income.” She encourages the reader to slow down, savor moments, and invest in quality things and relationships.

Shannon offers simple practical advice throughout the book, such as how to save money so that you can finally invest in those designer shoes you’ve been thinking about for years, or how to entertain guests in a way that is enjoyable for both you and them. I particularly liked Chapter 5, “Creating a Sanctuary, No Matter the Size,” as I have always been drawn to her tips on how to decorate and style a house that works best for you, a house that both looks and functions beautifully. While I may have already known some of the tips she gives (such as always pick up the things scattered about before leaving a room to ease the mind, ensure it is clutter-free and ready to use the next time, and keep you from needing to spend a whole weekend putting your things away) it is always good to hear them again, especially at the beginning of a new year as we may have grown lax in many of the easy tasks that really do encourage luxurious living.

Written by a single woman in her thirties, the book definitely speaks directly to those in similar situations, though Shannon does try to relate it to married women or women with kids or roommates as well. I appreciate that she understands everything in her life may not apply to women across-the-board and that she offers advice for women in different situations than she, though sometimes the advice may be amiss. I certainly don’t blame her for occasionally faulting as it’s impossible to offer advice that’s applicable to everyone and difficult to put yourself in the shoes of someone whom you’ve never been. However, the fact that Shannon recognizes and admits that her advice may not always be universal communicates her compassion and desire for all readers to feel welcome and encouraged. I actually enjoyed reading advice from someone in a different situation than myself because it encouraged me to look at situations differently and try new tactics of living.

The book does exactly what it sets out to do: offer women easy solutions to feel and look their best. From buying a bouquet of fresh flowers to ridding my wardrobe of trendy clothing, I have found so many ways to indulge in the everyday thanks to Shannon’s book. So light a candle, lather up in your favorite body cream, put on that fuzzy robe and cozy slippers, and sink into a comfy chair to enjoy reading this lighthearted guide to everyday living.

[Randi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Shannon's blog and podcast so I bought her book expecting more details on the philosophy of life she has created on her other platforms. I thought that the book was a good read. It was filled with helpful tips and action items for the reader. However, I thought there could have been more focus in the topics chosen and subject matter. Since a wide range of topics were discussed, there was almost too much in the book. Each chapter was an extremely long list of sub-topics and some only had a couple sentences.

I love Shannon's point of view and would like to see her focus her writing more in the next book so that it reads better and draws you in.

I will continue to support her work and am happier that I read the book than not. No regrets. Looking forward to her sophomore effort!

[Mimi Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

My bible.

[Dora · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for young women starting their journeys

Ables does a great job of explaining that one does not have to be rich to live a simply luxurious life. She concentrates on knowing oneself, one’s own style, and living within one’s means financially.

The chapter on style concentrates on developing a capsule wardrobe of timeless quality pieces instead of buying lots of trendy pieces that will not last as long nor will they look good the next season. By costing out the number of times that you will be able to wear a quality piece of clothing, it makes sense to purchase the quality piece instead of the cheaper stuff.

There are also great chapters on finances travel, setting up one’s home, and hosting and being a guest.

I highly recommend this book.

[Carlanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon Ables’ Choosing the Simply Luxurious Life is one to keep on your bookshelf. She offers practical advice and insights on how to better appreciate your lifestyle. I am especially pleased that she highlights the many benefits of being a single. Some of the topics covered are having a signature style, managing your finances, traveling, and making your home a more enjoyable space.

The chapters are easy to read and I appreciate that the advice applies to women in their 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and beyond. Her advice is useful and doable.

[Maryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book felt like someone took a chapter or two out of several other books that I've really enjoyed and mashed them together into one book that isn't very cohesive. I'd recommend Lessons From Madame Chic over this one any day!

[JH]

Complete fluff.

[Susie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing new here. The blog is better because it directs you to other websites and content lol.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy tips for improving your everyday life.

[Anna Powell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing particularly brilliant and has some editing oversight where entries were not converted from the blog for print well.

[Piara Strainge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following on from The Happiness Project, this book came up as a recommendation. I paid more than I would for both the Kindle versions of these books, but in my opinion, the content of The Happiness Project comes out on top. I found it more engaging, thought provoking and the fact Rubin had researched like crazy shone through amazingly. That's not to say I didn't enjoy Ables's efforts. She also makes relevant points about modern day living and interesting observations that resonate with me. The crux of her work is how to live a simply luxurious life whatever your background, culture, social standing or financial position. I strongly believe it's about the little things in life and that's why I was drawn to her book.

"Luxury is ... to be able to take control of one's life, health, and the pursuit of happiness in a way that is joyful ... It is when we attain freedom that we can follow the mission of living simply luxuriously: choosing quality over quantity, preferring sensibility over frivolity, opting for a personal signature style over trendy fashions, and discovering a truly fulfilling life rather than being led around by the nose."

The start of the book has to hook you, but Ables's intro was somewhat repetitive - and the end of the book lost me when she included indulging your inner Francophile (Ch 10) and recipes in Chapter 11. The final chapter, Chapter 12, rescued the book from having an unsatisfactory conclusion by bringing together the main themes and reminding the reader of the purpose.

Negatives aside, the book still got me thinking, and that's what I wanted from it. Here are some of my favourite bits, which sit nicely with the Being Happy series I'm currently working on and my resolution to be the very best version of myself this year.

It's ok to want "me" time whether you're in a relationship, or you're single, because you can't be truly happy until you own your happiness and the secret to that is, it comes from YOU.

Value and enjoy personal rituals. They bring contentment.

Create your own unique destiny and own your uniqueness. "The woman who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been." Albert Einstein.

Taking a chance on yourself is a gift to yourself. It's scary, but it's worth it. Use the fear you feel to empower you.

Face your fears. How many times have we heard this? But I've done it, and it works! The build up in your head makes you feel something is going to be much worse than it really is. Maria Shriver says: "Someone once told me not to be afraid of being afraid, because, she said, 'Anxiety is a glimpse of your own daring.' Isn't that great? It means part of your agitation is just excitement about what you're getting ready to accomplish. And whatever you're afraid of - that's the very thing you should try to do."

"The best protection any woman can have ... is courage." Elizabeth Cady Stanton. The stance taken by those brave, courageous men and women in our history books helped to "make the world a bit more accepting, a bit more just, and a bit more humane." Courage is the difference between a good life and a great life.

I like this one: when setting goals make sure they are SMART - specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely.

Something I really need to work on - Analyse less. Act more.

When Meryl Streep played Julia Child in Julia & Julia, she said this about her character: "You know, we think that there is a formula, and actually the formula for happiness and success is just actually ... be yourself in the most vivid possible way you can because then you don't have to pretend. That is the freedom (Julia Child) enjoyed in her life and that is inspirational to me."

"The woman you wish to become is already within you. She's waiting for you to find the courage to reveal her to the world."

Find your passion and then become an expert in it. Malcolm Gladwell talks about the 10,000-hour rule where you practice a task for 10,000 hours to be a success in that field. Ables says, "The formula is very clear: Acquire knowledge, make a sustained effort, and exercise patience."

As an individual, you don't need to be validated by anyone else. What you feel, what you think, your values...they are YOURS because you've decided what you deem important to leading a fulfilling life. "In our world today, there are as many opinions as there are people...Choosing to maintain some privacy and not share everything about our lives with the rest of the world bolsters a belief in ourselves."

"In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you." Oscar Wilde

"You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself." Alan Alda

We all know the well known saying "Money can't buy you happiness", but as Ables points out and I've experienced, money is very useful when it comes to building a foundation for emergencies and for dreaming and scheming - in my case, my next destination! The best feeling in the world is financial security.

Despite the outside world dictating what Success is and isn't, Success should be what you deem it to be for yourself and your own personal struggle to achieve what you've achieved.

"Nothing can bring you peace but yourself." Ralph Waldo Emerson

We are so busy rushing through life, that we rarely connect with ourselves. I remember in my 20s being swept along most of the time because there wasn't any time to stop and get in tune with myself. For the start of my 30s, I've had time to think about what is most important to me in all aspects of my life.

"...at the core of our desire for connection is a need to know that we exist, that we are loved, needed, and valued."

"All great changes are preceded by chaos." Deepak Chopra

"What I like most about change is that it's a synonym for 'hope'. If you are taking a risk, what you are really saying is, 'I believe in tomorrow, and I will be part of it.' " Linda Ellerbee

It was Ables's idea that sparked my desire to keep a journal for 2016, writing one positive sentence a day for 365 days. Even if nothing goes right one day, I'm going to pull a positive from a negative - I hope!

Ables says that simple luxuries are everywhere, but we need to slow down to really see them. I like the way she puts it, "...indulging in a simple luxury that slows down your heartbeat just enough that you can appreciate all the things in your life that are going well."

[Sylvia Swann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beat the heck out of The Art of Frugal Hedonism. Shannon Ables is definitely not dumpster diving for food. She does, however, outline a way to live simply and luxuriously without breaking the bank.

There are great tips on every topic, finance, home decor, building a capsule wardrobe, relationships, travel, and entertaining. If you’re a woman of any age, on your own, this book will be helpful.

My only qualm is the notion of “creating an air of mystery.” This phrase invariably pops up in every advice to females book. Ignore it. Find your passion and follow it, whether it’s your vocation, or something you do in your spare time. There is nothing more attractive than a person in love with their interest, someone with passion for something besides a potential mate. If you’re following your passion you don’t really need a mate. If you find one it just makes life a little sweeter. Neither you nor he, if he’s passionate too, will be a burden to the other. That air of mystery is kind of built in without any contrivance. What could be more compelling than a passionate person?

The overriding message of the book, is be yourself. Don’t worry if anyone likes it, just be true to yourself. There is no better message. So buy this sweet little book and enjoy Shannon’s inspiring little spirit.

[Chianna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I now realize why it took six years to finish this book. Bought the hard copy first and then the kindle because I thought it would make it easier to read.

No it was just an eye searing chore. It’s redundant, verbose, and could have been several more useful bullet lists.

Not to mention that her likely blog audience is too old for this as they either already know it keenly or to google the details as needed.

It reads very snobbish and elitist all under the guise of helping the reader do life as she does. Kind of makes her sound like an informed poser.

Complete drivel. I must have quit reading her blog after the book. The best parts are either in said blog (or any other) or quotes for other humans.

I sincerely hate I bought this book twice. 😒 I don’t think I’ve often been this peeved about a book... I gave the hard copy to a relative hoping she might like it as she is far younger.

She may be charming but this reads superficial and pretentious. 🤷🏽‍♀️

My advice: read the blog if you must but a Google search would be far better.

[Opemipo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starting out this book, I was intrigued and learnt a lot but then it started getting a bit tiring and also repetitive. It felt like I was reading a series of blog posts. I listen to Shannon's podcast and I like the fact that she gives listicles but it got tiring at a point. Nevertheless I enjoyed it and will be referring to it whenever I struggle with anything the book addresses. I learnt a lot about living a simple life and taking charge of my life. It was a very timely book that takes a different approach to life in our present hustle culture society.

[Helene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I thoroughly enjoy her podcast and blog, this book was a bit of let down and I did not find it easy to read. The chapters are made up of seemingly endless lists, quotes and contain hardly any elaboration on how to realistically incorporate the well-meant suggestions she gives. I agree with some of the previously mentioned comments that (living in Europe myself) the view she presents of Paris and France is very stereotypical.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely read. The following quote from the book gives a good insight on the author's direction. "A simply luxurious life is not easy to create initially because it requires that we focus on quality and let go of excess. It requires us to get to know ourselves and be present. It requires us to be conscious and alert, and to have a genuine desire to live well. It requires that we keep in mind that in curating a simply luxurious life we are creating a life of continued fulfillment and joy."

[tallytune · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually go for the lifestyle type books but I love Shannon Ables' blog so I figured I would give this one a try. I am so glad I did, it is a well written, concise guide that covers a plethora of topics on how to live a life that is right for you while giving tips on figuring out exactly who that is and what you want in life.

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

For free content read her blog if you can get past the run on sentences and misspellings....how an English teacher does not edit her own work I will never understand... This book offers NOTHING new....just a vehicle to promote herself and get some trips paid for so she can merchandise on her blog...

[Zulemah21 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read to learn how to live a more dream life

The advise Shannon gives is so true. It inspired me to look at my life and work on the aspects that I want to change and improve. She's a wonderful role model!

[Yevonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. Not a terrible book but lacking in polish and depth. Like many books based on blogs, if you've read much of the author's blog, the book doesn't offer a lot more. I wish the author had gone into more detail with specific strategies and tips because I like her overall perspective.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book. Sadly, it wasn’t a great read. Though the tips are all solid (mostly), they are repetitive. There was a lack of explanation on how to actually live the tips offered. It felt like one chapter after another of repeating the same tips just to fill the pages.

[Candice Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

An inspiring book. Will incorporate a few tidbits into my own luxurious, every day life. I highly recommend perusing her blog too.

[Dona Haber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shannon beautifully captures the little pleasures of everyday and teaches in her book step by step how anyone can elevate their life. I read the ebook, but her podcast is lovely as well.

[Laura Razo · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the organization is a bit lacking - I love this book! It is inspiring and motivates me to truly curate my life. I imagine I will reread this book every year!

[Miranda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Random Amazon buy. I’ve never heard of the author nor her blog. While it was interesting, it went on and on and on. I feel like it would have been much better if they cut out 50-100 pages.

[Kim Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Motivating- I kind of want to create a capsule wardrobe now!