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thegoodsimplelife

On a mission to infuse good, simple, everyday living with joy! #thegoodsimplelife

It finally happened... my neighbour walked into fr

It finally happened... my neighbour walked into frame for my fit check. Because I had considered the possibility, I had drafted and rehearsed a reply... a response to a minor problem.

Life rarely gives us opportunities to prepare for problems, big or small.

It might be my professional life or time and experience routinely pushing my thoughts to problem solving. As part of my getting dressed for the day, I have incorporated setting an intention for how I will choose to response to problems or plans breaking down. It doesn’t always work but the habit is taking root and the ability to remain calm has improved drastically.

Consider these 5 ways you can respond to problems:

1. Change the situation if you can and own the outcome.
2. Change your emotional response to the problem.
3. Radically accept. It is what it is. It will be what you make it.
4. Remain in a miserable state in response.
5. Make things worse.

Choose wisely. It will make or break the spring in your step 😉

Coat - Harris Wharf London
Trousers - COS
Cropped wool jacket - @ME+EM
Layering shirt - @ME+EM
Shoes - @KURT GEIGER LIMITED
Scarf - @BIMBA Y LOLA
Bag - @Filson1897

#thegoodsimplelife #mindfulness #dailywisdom #wisdom #wisewords #wise #bewise

If you don't have space for a Christmas tree, try

If you don't have space for a Christmas tree, try this simple and affordable holly and eucalyptus arrangement.

#thegoodsimplelife #greenchristmasde #christmasfloralarrangement #christmasdecor #christmasdecorating
Christmas tree alternatives

Here are simple additions and swaps to take elevat

Here are simple additions and swaps to take elevated, structured pieces in our capsule wardrobe from day to night.

ADD a bold lip
SWAP flats for heels
ADD bright pops of colour and sparkle in our accessories
SWAP bag for clutch

This is also easy and fuss free for commuting.

#thegoodsimplelife #daytonight #daytonightlook #festivefashion #outfitinspo

Chocolate brown is trending this fall, and, thankf

Chocolate brown is trending this fall, and, thankfully, it is a staple in my capsule wardrobe. As a navy blue devotee (navy blue is also trending), chocolate brown is a natural complementary choice for shoes and accessories.

This voluminous A-line denim skirt is the anchor piece of this look. A chunky knit vest, layered over a gauzy white cotton shirt, starts the chocolate brown theme. Knee high boots in suede contrast in texture with the smooth patina of the vintage bag and sheen of the leather gloves.

Keep shining, you beautiful people! 💕

#thegoodsimplelife #winteroutfit #autumnoutfits #falloutfit #fitcheckchallenge #outfits

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If you need a momentary escape from the holiday se

If you need a momentary escape from the holiday season.... stuff... stop... stay indoors... and learn how to make Béarnaise sauce.

• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons minced shallots
• 2 sprigs tarragon, leaves stripped and roughly chopped
• 2 sprigs parsley leaves, finely chopped
• 2 egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons white wine
• 3 tablespoons room temperature butter

Heat the white wine vinegar, half the minced shallot, and the chopped tarragon in a saucepan on a medium-low for 5 minutes until the shallots are translucent and the liquid is reduced by about half. Strain out the solids and allow the infused vinegar to cool to room temperature.

Gently heat the butter until it melts and the milk solids separate. Remove from heat and allow the solids to sink. Only use the clarified top portion.

Add the egg yolks and white wine into the concentrated vinegar and whisk vigorously or hand blend, while slowly drizzling in the clarified butter.

Add back into the empty saucepan and heat gently to thicken, whisking constantly. Add in the chopped parsley and remaining chopped shallots. Whisk until desired consistency is reached.

The sauce is best served immediately. You can keep it warm for up to an hour in a vacuum flask. The classical pairing is steak. Why not live a litte and try with fish or grilled vegetables 😉

#thegoodsimplelife #bearnaisesauce #classiccuisine #frenchcuisine

On the shorter days, an easy way to maintain your

On the shorter days, an easy way to maintain your 10,000 steps a day, outdoors, is to plan a festival, twinkly lights walking route. Here are some highlights from Knightsbridge and Mayfair.

#thegoodsimplelife #10000stepsaday #christmasinlondon

I love Lina Stores! If I'm ever in the mood for fe

I love Lina Stores! If I'm ever in the mood for feel-good pasta, I will visit one of their many locations in London. An aperitivo to start and always, always, the 30-egg yolk tagliolini with truffle.

The retro interiors and splashes of mint green will charm you into smiling as soon as you enter. This is a 12 year love affair, and the quality and consistency have not faltered one bit. You have to go!

#Londonrestaurants #londonfoodie #besteatslondon #londondining #foodreviewlondon #londonfoodguide

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In the colder months, you don't have to sacrifice

In the colder months, you don't have to sacrifice style to warmth and comfort if you take the time to consider the intersection of style and function. It is a guiding principle for curating a sustainable capsule wardrobe, which will last multiple seasons.

Let me elaborate using three style elements from this casual, office appropriate look: a knit column dress, cropped cardigan, suede boots, puff-sleeved coat and wool cap. The brief is matte, dark colours with a cosy feel.

Style element: Puffed/balloon sleeve
Function: Traps a thicker layer of insulating air around the body. In the coat and repeated in the cardigan. Both are crafted in wool. The knitted felted virgin wool of the coat is warmer than double-faced wool.

Style element: Wool cap creating a colour sandwich with the boots.
Function: Warmth for the head and protection from damp, frizz inducing air for the hair.

Style element: Slouched suede tall boots.
Function: Pockets of insulating air around the legs.

This is a simple and effective concept to apply to the decision-making behind new investment pieces.

#thegoodsimplelife #capsulewardrobe ##classicstyle #styletips

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Before you win at dating, win at dating yourself.

Before you win at dating, win at dating yourself. Solo dining is a life skill and a flex to strengthen your confidence, table manners, and conversation skills (should you be approached now that your cacophanous entourage is not in your company).

I have met some truly wonderful people who are now friends or genteel acquaintances, all while solo dining.

Sitting at home feeling sorry for yourself is not a good use of your beautiful life force.

Thank you to Molo London for another delicious and quick bite! 💕

#thegoodsimplelife #solodate #solodining #seafood

The damp chill of November calls for a hat when ou

The damp chill of November calls for a hat when outdoors. With my curls and cranial might, a blowout makes wearing a hat a whole lot easier.

This is my bedtime routine to preserve my blowout.

I apply an anti-humidity balm and brush my hair. Section in half from ear to ear, going over the crown. Brush the back section straight upwards and roll into a pincurl. Secure at the crown with a Bobby pin. Split the front half in two, along your preferred part. Brush each section upwards, roll into a pincurl, and pin to secure.

Wrap in a satin scarf or wear a satin lined bonnet for sleep.

Take them down after you're dressed for your final getting ready step... Comb or finger comb and style in place. A little hairspray will help preserve your curls.

Here's to looking and feeling your best! 💕

#thegoodsimplelife #overnightcurls #overnightblowout #pincurls #blowouthair

Quick and easy vegetables for dinner or packed lun

Quick and easy vegetables for dinner or packed lunch.

Wash all your vegetables: one red pepper, cavalo nero, and two aubergines.

Dice the pepper and slice the aubergines in half. Arrange the cavalo nero leaves at the bottom of an oiled baking dish and sprinkle the diced peppers over the leaves. Season with salt and pepper.

Place the aubergines on top of the leaves and season with salt, pepper, and a generous pour of olive oil.

Bake for 30 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius.

Once baked, crumble the crispy cavalo nero over the aubergines and enjoy hot.

#thegoodsimplelife #vegetables #batchcooking

I think you need reminding of your uniqueness in t

I think you need reminding of your uniqueness in the animal kingdom, dear human. You're creative. You have a beautiful and wonderful brain. We need you and your brain to keep fighting for and creating good things on this planet.

Now is not a time to lose hope. We still have it in us to dream new dreams and continue making a contribution to the greater good.

And you can look nice while doing that important work.

A little layering and styling to create a faux wrap effect on a denim shirt (a really good wind blocker). Nearly black tights, instead of pure black tights, keeps the look from leaning too much on the formal side.

#thegoodsimplelife #styletips #styleinspo

Loving double indigo denim looks 🥰 Layer a de

Loving double indigo denim looks 🥰

Layer a denim shirt over a turtleneck and pair with matching bottoms. Camel outerwear and accessories add a chic finishing polish to this warm, fall into winter outfit.

These leopard print wedges are circa 2005! I've had them resoled once and added rubber at the heel. Amazing cost per wear.

#thegoodsimplelife #ootdstyle #outfitcheck #doubledenim

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Here's a simple hack to determine if your outfit o

Here's a simple hack to determine if your outfit or next purchase is classic and timeless, with guaranteed wear for the next decade.

Ask yourself, will it Tatooine? Can you stand next to Luke Skywalker on Tatooine, an arrid planet in the Star Wars universe, and blend in?

Snap a pic of you in the outfit, do a lasso cut and add to the classic Luke Skywalker Tatooine scene. If you blend in with the scene, chances are, the outfit is a timeless look.

This is a great hack if you're trying to switch to a more streamlined, low-consumption wardrobe and need help deciding on investment purchases with excellent cost per wear.

#thegoodsimplelife #fashiontips #timelessfashion #classicstyle #starwarsfans

In the long run, persistence and consistent, disci

In the long run, persistence and consistent, disciplined work always win.

#thegoodsimplelife #fitcheck✔️ #stylediary #ootdinspo

Our long walks in solitude slowly synthesise the s

Our long walks in solitude slowly synthesise the sights, sounds, and thoughts into inspiration and new ideas. I filmed this fit check about two weekends ago but only now have an idea of what draws me to this iconic London location, apart from its clean lines and abundance of empty space in a crowded city. My musings crystallised in the editing process.

Paternoster Square symbolises survival and persistence, two core qualities of The Good Simple Life and my life to date.

You're invited to pause and consider the ways in which old buildings (the main subject of The Good Simple Life's early photography) can inspire our self-development and personal growth. If we conceive self as a structure to me maintained, refurbished, renovated, and most of all to serve a purpose: shelter and defence for the less fortunate as much as for family and friends.

Can you see it? Isn't that a lovely idea about your existence?

Get out there... get shining and get serving.

And serve some looks along the way 😉

#thegoodsimplelife #fitcheckchallenge #stylediary

Before others can enjoy your company, you need to

Before others can enjoy your company, you need to master the art of enjoying your own company. Enter the solo lunch date. This time, it's a tropical escape with little sprinkles of colonial history.

#thegoodsimplelife #solodate #discoverdominica
#wandergram

When curating a capsule wardrobe, these chic, clas

When curating a capsule wardrobe, these chic, classic neutrals in the brown colour palette will never go out of style. All of these items are from seasons past and are still going strong. Timeless form and function will always win for cost per wear and environmental sustainability. Save and follow for more inspo. Share with your bestie! 💕

#thegoodsimplelife #classicstyle #chicstyle #elegantstyle #neutralaesthetic

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Shockingly good fragrance combo... yes, it's high

Shockingly good fragrance combo... yes, it's high low... Guerlain paired with Lush 😶‍🌫️

Base of Sticky Dates lotion with a spritz of Honey, I Washed the Kids before applying to arms and legs. Both body lotion and body spray are from Lush Cosmetics.

Final layer of Tonka Imperiale by Guerlain.

Rich, warm, cozy, and sweet.

#thegoodsimplelife #fragrancelayering #fragrancecombining #guerlain #lushcosmetics

A clever capsule curation serves you well in the l

A clever capsule curation serves you well in the long run. Burgundy is a classic leather handbag colour and now that warm and rich colour is all the rage (again), I dug into my handbag hamper for a burgundy bag... adds a contemporary edge to an otherwise simple and classic outfit.

For handbags, I stick to quality pieces in neutral or classic colours, timeless silhouettes. If there is a trendy bag I love, I go for a budget dupe and sell on Vinted when the season changes.

Who else had this Marc Jacobs bag?

#thegoodsimplelife #ootdfashion #burgundybag #burgundy

Jeans- UNIQLO Europe
Cardigan - Jenni Kayne
Layering shirt - ME+EM
Ballet flats - ZARA
Sunglasses - MELLER
Crossbody bag - Marc Jacobs

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