It Isn’t Personal, It’s Life

One of the things I do, which completely complicates my life, is to take things personally. Whether it’s in business, in personal relationships, or in life, I just can’t seem to help myself, and it...

The Zen of Not Knowing it All

I once thought that I had to have all of the answers, both for myself and for others. Somewhere along the way I lost that sense of responsibility, as it silently slipped away by simply uttering the...

100 Ways to Have More Romance and Intrigue in Your Life

1. Believe in your own version of a very modern fairy tale, and go find it 2. Have your morning coffee in bed, while listening to “Zou Bisou Bisou “ 3. Have breakfast in bed on Sunday mornings,...

Friday Evenings Are For…

Talking over the week’s events… A Kir and White Truffle Potato Chips… And a little Bossa Nova. I hope you have a very lovely weekend ! DeeAnne x

100 {More} Ways to Uncomplicate Your Life

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo de Vinci Due to the overwhelming popularity of 100 Ways to Uncomplicate Your Life, here’s a reprint of the next edition of ways to make this...

The Romance of Food

“This is the food that romance is made of.” I was struck by those words, used to describe the recipe I found yesterday for Orange and Ricotta Doughnuts with Chocolate Dipping Sauce, by the lovely...

The Case For Being Discerning

“Elegance is innate. It has nothing to do with being well dressed. Elegance is refusal.” Diana Vreeland I find that the older I get, the more I enjoy being around truly elegant men and women. The...

I Think I’ve Outgrown Pink

Carlos Miele by Dan Smith. I think I’ve finally outgrown pink. It isn’t all shades of pink that no longer capture my attention; it’s just that perfect, clear, bright shade of electric hot pink that...

This is My Symphony

To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes...

Back to the Lovely Future

I hope your 2013 has begun on a wonderful note! I’m now officially back, and looking forward to a bright, beautiful new year, but 2012 was so delightful, that 2013 already has a lot to live up to....

A Very Perfect Gift

It’s that time of year when everyone is searching for that one perfect gift. The one thing that will make someone else happy. The one bauble that will show them how much we care, but, at least in...

Just En Pointe: The Ballet Boot Camp Challenge

The Ballet Boot Camp Challenge is a lovely way to be long, lean, strong and fit, while adding more grace and flexibility to your movements. Just perfect for a fresh approach to the new year. Note:...

An Alarming Absence of Chaos

Sometimes it seems that a sense of chaos has become an accepted part of everyday modern life. Too many places to be, too many personal belongings to maintain, too many bills to pay, and too many...

The Importance of Quality During Difficult Economic Times

The world’s economies have been mired in a slowdown for several years now, with no real end in sight, but there’s one group of people that seem to be taking it quite in their stride. It isn’t the...

Time Management, Il Dolce Far Niente and a Second Cup of Cappuccino

I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with time management. I mean, the concept seems logical enough; I can fit everything in if I just schedule it properly. But I’m a lover of il dolce far...

Why I’ve Given Up Fashion Trends For Good

Fashions fade, style is eternal. Yves Saint Laurent I once thought that fashion trends were necessary to keep my wardrobe interesting, but I’ve recently changed my mind on that subject. I now see...

In Packing as in Life, Slower is Always Faster

It never fails. I wait until the last minute to pack for vacation, and I end up being a frantic mess throughout the process. Of course, once I arrive at my gorgeous holiday destination, I realise...

The Elegance of Engagement

The act of engaging in life is so elegant. It signals optimism for the future, being comfortable with ourselves and an unmistakeable joie de vivre. Those that are able to master engagement open...

I Hope You Live a Life You’re Proud of. ~F. Scott Fitzgerald

100 Elegant Reasons to Become an Expatriate

1. Because you long to retrace the steps of the expat community of Paris during the 1920s2. You enjoy figuring things out for yourself3. You’re addicted to world history4. You want to speak...

100 Ways to Add a Bit of Glamour to Your Life

1. Dress up more often…for work, for play or just for running errands2. Maintain your manicure and pedicure3. Emphasize your best feature, and play down any flaws4. Pin up your hair, pour yourself...

100 Ways to Age With Grace, Elegance and Joie de Vivre

1. Celebrate every birthday with friends, family and champagne2. Practice yoga, stretching or Pilates to stay flexible, and prevent the aches and stiffness that are often erroneously attributed to...

What is the Elegant Guide to Lifestyle Design?

I received an email this week, saying that the reader was enjoying the posts on LTCL, but also asking exactly what the elegant guide to lifestyle design meant. I replied to the message, explaining...

A Return to the Intimate Wedding

Whether elegant or charming, grand or intimate, weddings are such lovely occasions, and I must admit that I love them all. I’m especially in awe of the vulnerability that two people are willing to...

100 Ways to Live Slow

1. Turn off the Blackberry/PDA as soon as you walk through your front door2. Leave the Blackberry/PDA at home when you go on holiday, or have your hotel lock it up3. Read and respond to email only...

Being Elegant on the Inside

Does elegance come from the inside, or is it displayed only on the outside? It seems far easier to appear to be elegant on the outside. Simply wear the right clothes, use the correct fork, act in...

The Elegance of Slow

Slow is so much more elegant than fast. It’s all in the pure luxury of taking the time. Taking the time to enjoy a phone conversation rather than sending only vital information via text. Taking the...

The Fine Art of Letting Go

All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on. ~Havelock Ellis Today I’m wondering what’s happened to the fine art of letting go? Everywhere I look, there are articles...

100 Ways to Uncomplicate Your Life

1. Don’t try to read other people’s minds 2. Get up 30 minutes earlier so that you don’t rush/get a ticket while driving too fast/have to explain why you’re late/get fired 3. Get 8 hours of sleep...

To Live a Life of Intelligent Luxury

The best things in life are free. The second best are expensive. ~Coco Chanel I first came across the term intelligent luxury on the website for Soneva Fushi, Maldives, while planning an upcoming...