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This little bouquet of posies (aka violets) sits next to where I often sit (and currently find myself) when it’s late afternoon, and the pot of tea has been poured. Something simple, from the garden, nothing fancy, but very special. I think in many ways that gardening, and much of what I learned from British gardeners, taught me. And whether I’m pottering, having tea or watching the latest episode Death Valley It brings a smile, as I engage in each of these activities, I feel lucky to know many more people like you who enjoy welcoming British-inspired ideas into their daily lives and do so with purpose and joy in their own way.
We may each call different parts of the world home, live in large or small communities, have space for a small garden or maybe a balcony for a handful of pots, but in a hot cup we can all sip and savor and from that beginning, anything is possible. Part of why I enjoy our annual themed celebrations is because each of these cultures explored – British and French – awakens a part of me, and I dare say, something in you, that is not given, but chosen. And when you learn about it, stumble upon it, but you realize what you did, something brightened your day, or at least that moment.
When we feel uplifted, the feeling of a brighter day, seems more possible, more ideas appear and it’s all good energy that has the potential to improve our daily lives. By making bolder choices we relax and are able to take time off and do something relaxing, or we simply gain clarity, and that is the most important part of making the most appropriate decisions for our life’s progress.
With all this, TSLL’s Anglophile community, as this year’s annual event has shown, is alive and vibrant, full of curiosity and a desire to live a life that makes you come alive. A few conversations I’d like to draw your attention to in the comments section of posts shared this week:
- If you’re looking for a wide selection of home decor or garden inspiration and how-to books, be sure to read on. 3rd giveaway post As each entrant chose their book, and the variety of titles prompted me to note titles that I am now interested in reading and didn’t know about before. Thank you to everyone who entered and shared your interest so sincerely.
- If you’re looking for more aspects of British culture to delight and potentially welcome on your next trip, be sure to read or listen Episode #426. Thanks to those who shared, the many boofs that British members of our community have, many other specific places to visit, see and enjoy more of what Britain has to offer guests and residents.
- And if you’re looking for a fun TSLL community with humor and connections with members who know how to engage with each other while having fun and being kind, be sure to read this post thread – 40 British exports (pantry items too!) I savor my day – This starts with comment #13 by Karen H. Who innocently launches into a truly wonderful sharing of all things pickle, and then the puns begin. Rona! I love the humor in this group. Thank you for all that has been shared. And thanks to Lucy for giving us content for the inside joke (for new members – everything is explained in the thread so we can all be in on the joke).
A heads up! If being a part of the TSLL community is something you’re thinking about being a part of, whether you’re getting involved as you’ll see in the roles of the winners below and above, or just reading the content that keeps you coming back, perusing the many comments shared, and enjoying reliable, consistent quality content whenever it fits your schedule, Consider becoming a top tier member before August 1st As all membership prices will increase on that date. Lock in current rates, and they’re yours for life with an active membership (including pauses). Learn more about all the benefits here.
Well, now you stop to discover what!
Giveaway for the winners!
If you see your name below, please follow these instructions:
- Email me (Shannon) at giveaway@thesimplyluxuriouslife.com
- Email me Monday May 25 at noon (Pacific). If I do not hear from you during this time, the prize will be sent to the next randomly drawn entrant.
- In your email, include the following information:
- full name
- Shipping address and other necessary information to ensure safe and accurate delivery of your parcel to your home;
- If necessary- Confirm your selection (and availability) for your gift – ie, size, color, book selection, etc.
Now to reveal the winners! And a chance to get to know a little bit about each of them, so you can feel more connected to the people who gather here at TSLL throughout the year.
The Giveaway Winners!
1st gift: A simple book from Starsmead Bookbinding
- Comment #106: Julia C.!
- Julia has been a long time member since our community officially started in September 2020 and get this! His first comment was made more than nine years ago! Thank you, Julia, for regularly engaging and sharing!
- Julia lives in Illinois, has traveled to Paris, has fond memories of visiting the City of Lights with her daughter, and is deeply involved in her local community, helping resettle refugees from other countries in her community.
- His comments are filled with enthusiasm, curiosity, generosity and the joy of life. Thank you for all you have shared over the years Julia and congratulations!
2nd gift: A journal or planner from Papersmiths
- Comment #97: Emblad (Margaret)!
- Margaret has been a top level member since September 2020 and has been commenting since 2019!
- He lives in New Jersey, and one of my favorite comments he shared was prompted by a post I shared back in 2019 about a lesson I learned from a hot air balloon. He himself worked at NJ’s largest hot air balloon festival and took a ride into the trees to witness the sunrise (how cool would that be!). Read his comments on the post here. Thank you Margaret for sharing the lessons you learned through this wonderful creation that takes us up in the air to expand our view of the world.
- Also! Margaret is a marathon runner! And an inspiring one at that! He shared in his comments after listening Also episode #358 Anna Murphy, Fashion Director of The Times, “It’s important for everyone to keep themselves young from the inside out”. Be sure to check out that post and read his comments. I hold her up as inspiration for my fitness goals.
3rd Gift: A British home decor or favorite garden book
- Comment #92: Peggypi!
- Peggy is a running member, active for the past six years as of September 2020, and living in Maryland, she recently welcomed a new family member into their home – a puppy named Blossom. ☺️🐾❤️
- Peggy’s determination to live well, as demonstrated by her words in her comments over the years, whether it’s embracing the yes year, being intentional about embracing her spectacular changes in 2023, or making time for herself amidst the busy schedules and holidays, I have no doubt she’s living a life to love. And it came through conscious choice and courage. Bravo Peggy!
- He chose Monty Don’s British Gardens The book provided inspiration for her own garden, making it her special outdoor retreat and place of inspiration.
4th Giveaway (open to all weekly newsletter subscribers): $25 gift certificate towards a purchase at British Essentials (Shipping costs are covered by TSLL, so you can enjoy the full $25 in purchases)
- Email #7: Loretta Galligan!
- Loretta has been part of the TSLL community since 2023 and is an enrollee in TSLL’s course, Exploring and Enhancing French Cooking.
- From Massachusetts, Loretta shares fond memories of her family’s vacations in past comments, including items brought home from trips and creative activities that make these annual events even more special.
- Congratulations Loretta!
Grand Prize: A Fortnum & Mason hamper of British treats!
- Comment #13: Karen Free!
- Karen has been a Top Level member since 2021 and is currently enrolled in the Content Masterclass.
- He calls Pennsylvania home and has been a regular contributor to A Kappa Moment for several years. In one of his comments, he even lets us in on a favorite place he likes to visit for dinner while in Paris, studying abroad while in college (that’s the 6th! And I’ll let you see the post where his comment was found). here) to this day he still appreciates the advice his brother gave him that prompted him to take up this opportunity to travel and explore (Karen 😌 thank you for the reminder). The quote you shared in that June 2022 conversation A kappa moment One that I deeply understood and found great truth in (read his comments here)
- Congratulations on winning the Grand Giveaway! And thank you for all you’ve shared in your comments over the years. I have enjoyed going back through all you have shared. You were so generous with your wisdom, love of life and lessons learned.
Congratulations to all! and winnersPlease share photos of your gifts when they arrive or how you are using them in your daily life Email me the picture or post it on social media and tag me @thesimplyluxuriouslifeAnd then I’ll share them in an upcoming one A kappa moment If members are sent my way. Always excited to see how members enjoy using their gifts. ☺️
If you find your name above, please contact me as soon as possible with the following requested information (shared above) so that I can start the shipping process quickly and ensure that you receive your gift as soon as possible ☺️.
This coming week, I will be shipping and/or tending each giveaway to hopefully have them all on their way to the winners by the end of May.
Thank you to everyone who entered, introduced themselves a little more, shared what they loved, fondly remembered, dreamed or discovered, and made your days more enjoyable.
If you’re still caught up on all of the time-shared content This year’s British Week – 8th Annual – You can find all the posts here. With 16 posts, you have a lot to explore, enjoy and discover!
And now it’s time to look ahead to next year’s annual British Week, the 8th Annual TSLL British Week, which is always the third full week in May, And next year will fall on May 16-23, 2027.
See all British Week content created and shared over the past eight years Designated page here on the blog. And as always, look for British-inspired content every week or weekly throughout the year This & that Posts or blogs and podcasts. Thank you again for making this annual celebration a special occasion. Cherio!
