Floral Brooches

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I was absolutely amazed at this oversized corsage created by Amy Merrick for the Martha Stewart Weddings Spring 2014 edition. It is just stunning!! But I also realized that I did the same thing with a few of my flower brooches that I had in 2011. So it looks like I was already ahead of the game on this fantastic creation. Below is a photo of my creation it’s not as exquisite as Amy’s but pretty good for store-bought brooches.  Just elegant…



 
 


(photo by Mrs. Shockley)
 

100 Ways to Be Elegant

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I found this list last year on the Simply Luxurious Life blog by Shannon Ables and I just fell in love with the list. I also noticed that I did about 44 of the requirements already which was a nice surprise! I enjoyed this list so much that I printed it out and keep it in my library. I think it’s just a great reminder and a joy to read each time. You take a look at the list and see how elegant you already are!!

 

100 Ways To Be Elegant


by DeeAnne on 11/06/2010 (livethecharmedlife.com)

 

1. Send thank you notes
2. Practice good posture
3. Speak more softly
4. Listen without interrupting
5. Wear solid colours
6. Ignore fads, or use them sparingly
7. Have a signature wine that you serve at home
8. Wear only 2-3 accessories
9. Have impeccable manners
10. Read on a variety of topics
11. Maintain a budget
12. Study the arts
13. Have one signature perfume/cologne
14. Show restraint in expressing anger
15. Learn the art of conversation
16. Learn French
17. Wear a trench coat
18. Learn how to wear a scarf
19. Wear a tuxedo, when one is called for
20. Practice quality over quantity
21. Don’t yell or scream
22. Learn to dance the waltz
23. Have one fabulous signature meal you serve guests
24. Remember birthdays
25. Go on picnics
26. Wear dresses/suits more often, and on dates
27. Simplify your life, your home and your calendar
28. Wear pearls
29. Open the door for ladies
30. Let him open the door for you
31. Remember that it’s more important to be kind than it is to be right
32. Serve coffee or tea after meals
33. Arrive exactly on time
34. Don’t complain
35. Dress to travel
36. Be well travelled
37. If you’re a women, don’t wear black shoes between Memorial Day and Labor Day…wear spectator pumps instead
38. Keep your home clean and uncluttered
39. When guests stay over, put a small pitcher and glass for water on their nightstand, along with a book they might enjoy
40. Learn how to host a small dinner party
41. Have one subdued solid colour scheme throughout your home, use accessories to add colour
42. Learn how to make the perfect martini
43. Learn how to tie both a regular tie and a bow tie (whether you’re a man or a woman)
44. Be a lady or a gentleman at work, especially when delivering a difficult message or when tempers flare
45. Wear lovely/handsome hats
46. Don’t point out the mistakes of others
47. Wait your turn patiently
48. Don’t curse
49. Chew each bite 20 times
50. Sip your drink
51. Learn proper etiquette for all situations
52. Accept compliments graciously
53. Be quietly self confident
54. Don’t boast
55. Be respectful of others
56. Have fresh flowers in your home
57. Write a letter rather than send an email to those you love
58. Keep your nails well manicured
59. Maintain your shoes and clothing
60. Don’t ever lose your joie de vivre
61. Be well groomed
62. Remember that money does not equal elegance, nor is it necessary to be elegant
63. Wear less make-up
64. Wear well-fitting clothes
65. Spray lavender on your sheets
66. Be positive
67. Learn to politely say no
68. Be concerned with making others feel comfortable
69. Maintain good health
70. Don’t overindulge
71. Hold yourself to high standards
72. Turn your mobile off at dinner
73. Wear simple, classic hairstyles
74. Think before you speak or act. Ask yourself, can anything good come from this?
75. Apoligize sincerely
76. Have integrity
77. Don’t speak ill of others, or gossip
78. Always take a gift to your host or hostess
79. Tie a scarf on your handbag
80. Take a clutch in the evening
81. Wear well fitting jeans with either a long sleeve white shirt or solid sweater for more casual events
82. Only wear sneakers for exercise
83. Use white sheets, white towels, white dishes
84. Be sure your clothes are pressed
85. Your car’s horn should say “pardon me, but do you see me?”, rather than “get out of my way!”
86. Overdo empathy
87. Light candles in your home
88. Go for walks in the park on Sunday
89. Give others sincere compliments
90. Understand your own worth
91. Learn how to open a bottle of champagne
92. Dress appropriately for the occasion
93. Do small favours for others, without expecting anything in return
94. Say please and thank you
95. Take the time to stop and listen to others, especially children
96. Take responsibility for yourself and your own happiness
97. Keep a journal
98. Give thoughtful gifts, rather than expensive ones
99. Less is more
100. Savour the moment

Spring Break 2014- How to Travel Organized and with Elegance

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It is Spring Break for some of us already and with all the snow we have been having it’s a race to the beaches! So here are some tips from the queen of organization Martha Stewart! Also are some photos of traveling in style. Enjoy!


Photo by Anthony DELANOIX on Unsplash

How to
Pack a Suitcase for a Five-Day Trip
In
this suitcase, there is plenty of room for nearly a week’s worth of clothing.
The key is to keep everything in separate and neat bundles, while making use of
the built-in compartments.

1.
Sweaters
To maintain the shape of my knitted tops and chunkier sweaters, I line the back
of each garment with a few sheets of acid-free tissue paper before folding.
These items should never be stored on hangers, either at hotels or at home;
doing so can cause the fibers near the shoulders to stretch.

2.
Footwear
Shoes are usually the heaviest cargo in a travel bag. To prevent them from
crushing delicate clothing, I tuck them around the perimeter of the suitcase.
Each pair is kept in an individual drawstring-topped shoe bag. I stuff the toes
of my pumps and other dress shoes with acid-free tissue paper; socks go inside
sneakers and slides.

3.
Assembled Outfits
To streamline both packing and dressing on trips, I plan my outfits ahead of
time, complete with shoes and accessories. I put each outfit on a single hanger
(unless the top is a sweater) and wrap it in plastic.

4.
Accessories
In addition to packing my shoes in pouches, I also place belts in one bag,
undergarments in another, and tights and leggings in yet another. This ensures
that the suitcase stays organized, even in the rare event it is searched at the
airport.

Tangle-Free
Chargers
These days, traveling means toting around a lot of electronics. I pack each
charger separately in a labeled resealable plastic bag so everything is visible
and at my fingertips.

Computer Protection
Laptops have to be taken out of their cases at airport security checkpoints, so
I keep mine in a jumbo resealable bag to minimize handling. The power cord goes
into a smaller bag.

Light,
Easy Reading
I carry my Kindle, which lets me scan an array of books and newspapers, and my
cashmere scarf with me on every trip. I also bring my toiletries (in containers
that hold less than 3 ounces), a change of clothes, and my contact lens
container and solution, just in case I am separated from my luggage.

Uncluttered
Carryall
A messenger bag is roomy, can double as a pocketbook, and holds everything I
need. I rely on a few coordinating accessories, including a large, sleek
walletlike clutch by Perrin, to hold miscellaneous items.

Instant
Identifier
One trip to the baggage carousel is proof enough that nearly all suitcases look
alike. A bright-green ribbon tied to the handle distinguishes each of my bags
from everyone else’s.

Security
Measure
Many luggage locks are forbidden under security regulations. So I tie the
zipper pull tags on my suitcase together with a piece of waxed twine. That way,
I can tell if it has been opened.

To Relax
or Exercise
Comfortable, breathable clothes are always good to have on a trip. I’ll wear
them on the plane during a long flight or save them for an impromptu hike or
workout.

How
to Pack an Ensemble for Traveling
My trips are always extremely busy, so I plan what I’ll wear to each event to
ensure that I don’t take extra clothes. With this one-outfit-per-hanger system,
wrinkles are minimized, and I can hang up items as soon as I arrive.

Step 1:
Hang the bottom First, you need a good dual-purpose hanger with metal
clips and a secure grip. Attach a pair of jeans or pants or a skirt at the
waist.

Step 2:
Add the shirt
Slip the top onto the hanger, covering the bottom piece. If possible, keep all
the buttons closed so that the shirt and collar will lie flat.

Step 3:
Fold and wrap
Place the outfit facedown on a bed or a table. Tuck the pant legs under,
creasing at the knees or in thirds. Then fold in the shirt’s sleeves, and make
a final fold at the bottom to fit inside the suitcase. Slip a clear plastic
garment bag (you can use one from a dry cleaner) over the entire bundle,
tucking in any excess plastic.

(Text from Martha Stewart.com)

22 Tips for Creating a Grown Up Space

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I have been reading the Simply Luxurious Life Blog for about a year. I love this blog. It has such great articles, tips, and fashion. It is just a great blog!! Here is an article that I have been carrying around in my bag for about 2 weeks.  It is an article that gives you 22 tips for creating a grown-up living space. It is great. Below is the link and a photo of my sitting room in my home. We are almost there!! I just need to get a bigger rug and a few more decorative pieces. Enjoy the blog!


http://www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/22-tips-creating-grown-ups-living-space/

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Habitually Chic®: Chic London Wedding

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Habitually Chic®: Chic London Wedding

This is absolutely gorgeous. Just sheer elegance….

http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/2014/03/chic-london-wedding.html#links

Sunday Tea

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Happy Sunday,
    Today is a day of relaxing and resting. A day for morning worship and catching up on reading. Today I decided to take some time and read a few things and rest. I have also decided to enjoy a cup of tea. My husband got me this china set from Teavanna a few years ago for my birthday. I think it’s gorgeous and I enjoy using it. I like to encourage all of my friends to use their best and so should you. Enjoy!