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By the time the end of December arrives, when we take a moment to reflect back over the past twelve months, it often can be amazing to recall all that occurred, what we savored, and what we dared to do.
Compiled in the collage above is a glimpse at many of the highlights and fond memories I will hold in my heart as we step into a new year, as I never want to forget the gifts, the opportunities, and dear moments that were so treasured. Beginning with TSLL’s first Member dinner in Paris! Meeting Dani, Berni, Mariana, and Grace and they meeting each other! was such a special outing. Which then finds visiting France as one of the highlights most definitely – Paris and Brittany. The garden and Nelle and everyday life along with a new regular meet-up I so enjoy – Scrabble! – made 2025 a nourishing year of comfort, exploration and deepening of appreciation for how rich life really is.
This year also marked the release of a long-thought-about and much-anticipated online cooking course with the Intro to French Cooking: Everyday Deliciousness; to be able to finally bring this to you, following strengthening my own skills in Paris at Le Cordon Bleu, was most definitely a highlight. TSLL readers’ response and enrollment when it launched in August exceeded my imagination. To all who have enrolled, I hope you are finding the tips and skills helpful as you savor your everyday life seasonally.
I hope you too, as you reflect on 2025 are able to find the treasures, celebrate the highs and even the lows, reminding yourself of how you came through them.
This year we are keeping with the annual tradition that has been happening since 2010 (yep! TSLL is 17 years old – we celebrated it yesterday with the annual list of Favorite Books of 2025 – read that post here) by sharing the TOP Posts of the year that was, BUT, I am simplifying it for you, putting all of them into one post so you can make sure you don’t miss a thing, and, admittedly, making sure I have time to have a true week off as I try to do at the end of each year.
Below you will find the TOP Post in specific categories – an individual post, but sometimes, there will be a couple, as multiple posts were favorites of readers – in each of the main categories that were explored this year (you can find all of the categories here on TSLL’s Archives page). Click on the title or the image to be taken directly to the full post to read and explore.
Programming note for 2026!
Look for two new series to be added to TSLL’s regular postings beginning in January.
On January 1st, I will share more details of what they will be (you already know about one of them if you are a regular reader or IG follower – a signature style 12-part series). If you enjoy TSLL’s content, there will be even more to enjoy in 2026 on a regular basis to support your simply luxurious life, further reason to enjoy the content ad-free, as it really does improve the reading experience by eliminating distractions, sharpening clarity, and providing dependable support for ensuring the content you love continues to be shared. TSLL’s Members make TSLL possible, and I am so grateful for every member’s interest and decision to be part of our international community. Learn more here about membership options.
Are you a BASIC Tier Member and would like to Upgrade to a TOP Tier Membership? Upgrading is simple! After logging in, click ‘Account’ in the upper left-hand corner; this will take you to your Dashboard. Then click the“Subscriptions/Memberships” tab, where you will see your Membership listed. To its right, click “Change Plan,” then choose the membership you want to change to (see screenshot below).
Now! Let’s get to the list of TOP Posts, 24 in all! Enjoy exploring.
British Inspired
Contentment
Courses from TSLL
Introduction to French Cooking: Everyday Deliciousness, $95
Décor
French-Inspired
Garden
Health
Lifestyle
Part Une: Who TSLL is Written For — What Does It Mean to Be a ‘Thinking Person’? (What Resides at the Heart of Living Simply Luxuriously)
Mindfulness
Money
episode #413: 13 Ways to Finesse the Art of Spending Money
Petits Plaisirs
The Marlow Murder Club series (books & tv), petit plaisir #410
Podcast
episode #405: How to Be Loving to Ourselves which Allows Us to Heal
episode #398: The Simple Two-Word Phrase that will Transform Your Life in Extraordinary Ways, as taught by Mel Robbins (and it’s not on the cover of her new book)
Recipes
Relationships
Simplicity
Signature Style
The Clothing & Accessories I Wore in France (Paris & Brittany) in March and Recommend!
Style Inspiration
episode #404: 11 Classic British Wardrobe Details for Effortless Style
Travel
Wishing you a rejuvenating time Between the Years. New TSLL content will begin with the new year on Thursday January 1st with A Cuppa Moments w/Shannon for TOP Tier Members and on Friday for the weekly This & That post! Bonne journée and Bonne Année !
Explore all of the TOP Posts over the the past 16 years when you click here.
Thank you, Shannon for another wonderful year of learning and growing with the TSLL community.
I don’t always comment, but I do read (and re-read) your posts. I love being a Top Tier Member, I have learned so much from you and others.
I am grateful to have found a place with thoughtful encouragement at a time when even at 70 (oh, my) I can learn, grow, and be the best person for myself, my family, and my community.
During this week between the years I am savoring quiet reading, my favorite afternoon tea, and planning the year ahead . . . with lots of space for serendipity!
Wishing you and this community a new year of joy and peace.
Julia, It is a delight to hear from you whenever you say hello, even when it is just by being present and reading the blog. I am tickled to read all that you have shared – you have brought a smile to my morning. Thank you for painting a nourishing picture of cozying in, nourishing oneself and savoring! “Lots of space for serendipity!” I adore your mindset and appreciate your sharing. Your joy is palpable. 🙂 Have a most wonderful time as the year concludes and may the new year begin with auspiciousness brimming with possibility.
Thank you again!
Oh Dear Shannon, what a year. You have shared so much and guided my thoughts and actions in so many ways. With readings and insights that truly influence my interpretation of my Luxurious Life, this year has been a gift. And for that, Thank You, and I look forward to the year ahead, the new features you will offer here, and more adventures with dear Nelle. Happy New Year!
PS: I really appreciate this summary post, makes my old eyes happy to have it all in one place:)
Thank you Lucy. To know how much you enjoy and find value in TSLL is greatly appreciated to hear and thank you as well for the feedback on this new approach to sharing the TOP Posts of the year. 🙂 Have a wonderful end of year!
And if I have failed to mention, your influence and teaching has been the spark I needed to start and continue 😊
You are very sweet and generous to say Lucy. 🙂 Thank you. xoxo
Happy Twixtmas, Shannon! Thank you for the roundup. I’ve really enjoyed the blog and podcast this year, and have Le Papillon at the ready on Audible for daily snippets. I’m sure you’re savouring these delightful winter days. Best wishes from London (though currently in Devon 🎄).
Happy Twixtmas Krys! Wishing you a wonderful moment of respite in Devon – what a beautiful part of the country to snuggle away and savor quiet and daily winter delights. 🙂
Thank you for your comment and kind words. So tickled you enjoy TSLL’s content this year. Bonne année !
Dear Shannon,
What a year it has been! You should be commended on the outstanding content you provided TSLL members! I’ve learned so much and have applied it to my life. I’m still a work in progress, but aren’t we all!
Sending warm wishes for the New Year,
Jamie