October Favorites ~ 2022

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Good Morning,

I had a very quiet weekend. I really needed it because on Tuesday evening I realized that I had a spider bite on my leg! You guys it got so bad that I had to go to the doctor’s office! I have been on antibiotics all week and I hate it! You may notice a big band-aid on my leg in some of my upcoming stories. I am trying to let it heal. It has gotten better but I tell you last week was rough! I am so glad that we took it easy this weekend.

On Saturday, I invited my cousin and her two boys over for dinner. It was so nice catching up with them. We have not seen each other since before Covid so it was nice seeing her and checking in. I kept things simple. I just made some breaded chicken, roasted broccoli, roasted potatoes, and banana pudding. Her son specifically asked for the banana pudding. I think he enjoyed it!

Last week in the office was extremely busy and I am afraid this week will be the same, but I have less events going on. Today is Halloween and I am keeping things simple. Rick and I will order pizza, I will make a salad, cook some apple cider, and pass out candy. Lauren is going to walk around our neighborhood and “trick or treat”. She is really hanging out with friends and that’s okay! Well let’s get into my favorites for October. October goodness…. the holidays are so close now.

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

First on my list has been my pumpkin decor. The At Home Store has had the best selection of blue and white pumpkins. I especially love the Grace Mitchell blue and white pumpkin collection. I saw this one in the store a few weeks ago. 

 

 

I have loved using the Grace Mitchell pumpkins in my table decor. These are from last year. 

 

 

 

I did purchase a larger one. I have it mixed in my other pumpkins. It looks great!

 

 

I love this one! I found it at HomeGoods and guess what I found the link to it! Yay! 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Second on my list has been my bedroom. It has become a quiet sanctuary to me in the evenings. I started watching the Crown recently. I am on season one! Let me know in the comments section below if you have watched it! 

 

 

 

Third is this delicious roasted chicken dinner that I order from a restaurant called Charleston’s. It is so good! The chicken is so tender, and the garlic mashed potatoes are a perfect pairing. Even the roasted veggies are a delight to eat. 

 

 

 

Speaking of the Crown, my fourth favorite is a book. I started reading this when we were on our way down to Nashville a few weeks ago. It has been so interesting to read and to learn about the late Queen. Jennifer from the Daily Connoisseur recommended this book a while back. I am glad I finally started it. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Fifth are my insect brooches. They are so fun to wear. People just stare at them. I think that they are still very chic when I pair them with my cardigans. I am on the hunt for more!

 

 

My sixth favorite is my office decor and clothing accessories. I love this photo. This is from my downtown office. I was working at my computer when I turned around and saw this. I thought, “well this looks autumn inspired” so I snapped a photo. Love the colors and textures!

 

 

 

Seventh is my vintage plate that I purchased from Pender & Peony. I actually hung it in my downtown office! It looks great! It adds an unexpected element of elegance to my space. 

 

And my last favorite is a new Youtube channel that I have discovered…

 

 

His name is Kevin Lee Jacobs and he is like a male version of Martha Stewart! I love his channel and his elegant style. Also, his recipes are simple and easy to make. I hope you enjoy it!

Those are my favorites for this month. I am trying to get a head start on the holidays. They are coming up so fast! I have already scheduled my Christmas events for the season. Lauren and I will be attending the Nutcracker this year, but it will be the Russian version! I can’t wait to see it! I am taking the staff that I supervise to the Cake Bake Shop for lunch, I will be booking my yearly brunch at the Ayres Tea Room soon and I will be putting up my Christmas trees in about 2 weeks! Also, the group that I joined called the Guild will be having their Christmas lunch soon and fashion show. Guess who got asked to be in the fashion show? Yep, yours truly! Let me know in the comments section below what your plans are. Have a great Monday! 

 

 

 

 

Please note: some links are affiliate links and if you make a purchase through this link, I will receive a small commission for referring you to the product. Thank you so much in advance if you decide to make a purchase through my link.

 

 

Diana Krall ~ My First Concert!

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Good Morning,

Goodness, I can’t believe it. October is pretty much over. Wow….. that went by quickly. I feel like I need to get my Christmas shopping done! The list isn’t long this year but I still would like to get things done. I am excited about the weekend. I don’t have much planned, but I am having my cousin over for dinner. We haven’t seen each other in a while so it will be so nice to catch up with her. I want to try to get back into having people over again but we will see. 

I am so excited to share with you all that I went to my very FIRST concert a few weeks ago! I know, I know. It sounds so weird especially since I am 40 and just now doing this but honestly there weren’t many people that I have wanted to go see.

I remember in my teen years how certain rappers came in town and some of the girls and boys that I went to school with would go and see them, but I remember never wanting to go. I mean I had no interest whatsoever. And back then I worked so if I did go I would be paying for my own ticket and it just felt like a waste of money to me.

I would ask my fellow peers the next day or following week how the concert was and they would say everything that went on and I just thought “why in the world would I want to be in a giant room with men constantly in my face and just crazy things going on? No thanks. There have been a few singers that have come to Indy that I thought I would like to see and one of them was Sade. I did want to see her in my twenties, but we just had Lauren and could not afford the extra expense. So here I am 20 years later going to my first concert, and I could not have been happier!

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

Shop my outfit? My purse is here, my scarf is the Pearl Scarf from my boutique, my skirt is from Amazon, my cardigan is here,  phone case is from Amazon, and my glitter pumps are from Poshmark.

 

I decided to keep my outfit simple. I was going to wear a satin dress but then I decided to wear something that I could be comfortable in and so did Mr. Shockley. He did not want to wear a tie. We wanted to keep things simple.

 

 

The event was at the Center of Performing Arts, also known as the Carmel Palladium. It is a beautiful venue here in my city.

 

 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Even the carpet has a “grandmilliennial” look to it. It was a really classy location and for the most part everyone dressed up! It made me so happy to see people put on their best!

 

 

 

 

 

My husband paid for box seats so this was our view! It was phenomenal! We had a private space and for the most part it was quiet where we sat. We had “good box” neighbors.

 

 

I took this photo before people started to arrive. It was such a beautiful space and was not crowded. That was a concern as well. The only thing that kept going wrong was the older attendees would snap photos with their flash on! It drove me nuts, but I figured they forgot to turn it off.

 

 

 

Diana was such a great performer. She cracked some jokes and played most of my favorites. She played for 2 and a half hours straight with no intermission and came back out for an encore! I am so happy that this was my first concert. I honestly have no regrets. This was a perfect first concert for me and I am happy that the Lord allowed me to have this experience.

Tell me below about your first concert and if you had any regrets. Have a great weekend!

 

 

 

 

Shopping Poshmark ~ My Key Search Words

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Good Morning Everyone,

Goodness, it is so hard to head back to the office after being out for a week. I have been able to keep up with my emails and work which has been nice but it is still hard to return. I also have a lot going on this week! We’ve got a staff meeting, I have a women’s leadership event happening on Tuesday, and lots of other things happening. I also have started my Christmas shopping! This is a little late for me. I like to start in September but with our family changes gift searching has become very light. The kids are getting older so it’s less toys and now more money! It’s kind of sad but it’s change. 

I will have lots of great new posts coming your way. I did not have jury duty while on vacation! They did not call me which was great! I got to do everything on my list so I will be sure to share it soon! 

In today’s post I did want to share my key search words when searching for fashion on Poshmark. I have shared about Poshmark before. I love it! It’s a great way to shop someone’s closet and make offers! There are a few key search words that I use when shopping. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I shared how I shop for vintage earrings before and those key search words remain the same. Sometimes I will add what color I am looking for if I want to narrow it down but for vintage earrings I always put in “vintage clip earrings” in the search bar. I am actually selling these on my Poshmark closet! Here is the link if you are interested! 

 

 

Now let’s not forget about brooches! I actually found the big spider brooch from eBay which is another great place to find vintage jewelry. In the search bar I would put in “insect brooch”, or “bug brooch” and usually options do come up! It’s so fun to see what shopping options are available for purchase! 

 

 

Other items are totes. Everyone knows that I am a huge tote fan and always on the hunt for one! This beautiful orange leather tote was found on Poshmark a few years ago! I couldn’t believe it when I saw it! I remember putting “Ann Taylor leather totes” in the search bar and a few options popped up including this one! She only wanted about $30 for it! I did not hesitate to purchase it. Once I got it, I inspected it of course and there is a tag on the inside that says, “genuine leather” and it’s from Ann Taylor. What a find! I would also use those same search words for Coach leather totes and any other designer. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

“Embellished tops and dresses” are other great key search words. I am selling this in my Poshmark closet as well. I always search for “Ann Taylor heels, “Banana Republic heels”, “Coach heels”, “Gal meets Glam dresses”, ” A-line skirts”, “Tweed Cardigans”, and don’t forget about housewares. I will put in the search bar “Pink Jasperware”. There are a lot of people selling home decor antiques and keep in mind you can make an offer. Pottery Barn is one of the brands that I follow as well as Crate & Barrel, Lenox, Martha Stewart, Pampered Chef, Pier 1, Sur la Table, and Williams Sonoma. Don’t forget about fragrances as well. I hope these tips will help you in our Poshmark shopping endeavors! Let me know in the comments section below if you are on Poshmark! Have a great Monday!

 

*This post is not sponsored. 

 

A Special Kind of Chair…

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Good Morning,

I am a little excited. I will be taking a week off next week! Now I am hoping that things go well, and I can do everything on my list. I will be sure to share how my fall break went as well as how my first concert went! I don’t know if I shared but I went to my first concert on Wednesday! My husband took me to go see jazz pianist Diana Krall! It was wonderful! I will be sure to share that soon. Today I wanted to show you guys my recent big antique purchase. 

 

Photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I went to Vintage Whimsy a few weeks ago for their fall festival and spotted this chair in the corner. I immediately stopped and stared. I thought it was so beautiful!

 

 

The store clerk saw me staring at it and said, “That chair takes a special kind of person”. I then said, “I am that person”! She then smiled and said, “are you”! We began to talk, and I tried to get the price down but could not. I was going to leave it but my heart began to sing and that’s when I knew that I had to take her home. 

 

 

I love the fabric. It has a “rised” look to it. It reminded me of my carpet bag that I purchased a few years ago. The bones of the chair are so good but I am still complimenting having it reupholstered. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I took it to my office. I have gotten lots of compliments on it. Most people think that I should keep the fabric the same and only a few think that I should change it. I do love it the way it is.  I wish I could find out what year it was. I may reach out to the store and see if the seller knows any details about it. 

 

 

Such a great addition…

 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I think it is going to be great having this chair. Just look at how gorgeous it looks with my new Rose Parker Slings from Sarah Flint! Vintage, rich, and chic! Lovely! Don’t forget about my code for $50 off! Use code SARAHFLINT-BASMSSHOCKLEY if you see a pair that you want for this holiday season! There will be more beautiful shoes to come! 

Speaking of new arrivals, the boutique has one! The Charlotte Velvet Midi has returned but in plus size! The color is emerald green and I am trying my very best not to keep one. It is available for purchase right now! I hope you enjoy it! I will be posting on Monday but then taking the rest of the week off! Have a great weekend! 

 

 

 

 

 

David Austin Roses ~ My First Bouquet

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Good Morning Everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Today is a federal holiday and I don’t have to be in office. Lauren is on fall break for two weeks! I keep telling myself this is the last year for this. She will have shorter breaks this coming fall when she starts college. While she is on break we are going to attend a campus tour today and I have a few Zoom calls set up with some college counselors! Let the college journey begin! 

I will be taking the second week off. I do hope that I can drive down to Nashville to visit the Sarah Flint store! I will be taking that week off from the blog so I will be sure to share whatever I was able to do when I return. In today’s post I did want to share my first David Austin Roses bouquet!

 

 

It’s always exciting to receive a bouquet from Grace Rose Farms. It’s also nerve wrecking! I will not lie. You are not sure as to how these will bloom because they are grown organically so you are always at the mercy of the flower. 

 

 

 

 

This is what they looked like the day that I received them. Not too bad. My husband said that they were shipped from Columbia and got held up in customs. My birthday was on a Wednesday and these didn’t arrive until 3 days later. So I was glad to see that there was no damage. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

After about two days this is what they looked like. They were gorgeous and the smell…. goodness I wish I could bottle it. Many perfumes claim to have a rose scent but I have yet to smell a perfume with the scent of David Austin roses.

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Now I have had Grace Roses before see here and here but my husband and I both agree that this was our favorite bouquet sent from them. Look at how spectacular this was! This was my fourth bouquet from them, and each bouquet has been a dream. I am looking forward to my next one. Have a wonderful Monday! 

Also check out the boutique! There are a few dresses on sale. Oh and don’t forget some of the dresses are on my Poshmark account which means that you can make an offer! Be sure to check that out! 

 

 

 

Living with Roses ~ New Book

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Good Morning,

We have a three-day weekend coming up! I look forward to these. Our daughter is also going to be on fall break which is so nice. I have some plans for how I want to spend it, but I got slapped with a summons for jury duty!!! NOO! Right in the middle of the week I wanted to take! Lord forgive me but I sure hope they don’t need me! I will share as the time gets closer about my plans for fall break. For right now let’s share the latest Victoria Magazine new book release!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I could not resist ordering this book! I love roses. That is no surprise. I think we all do. Victoria Magazine has done such a great job on their latest book releases. I have gotten most of Victoria Magazines book releases and enjoy reading them all the time. 

 

 

You will find so much inspiration in these pages. The pages are filled with beautiful photography. The authors are very descriptive about the rose gardens and each species. They discuss how to grow roses in your region and what works best and what doesn’t. They also share beautiful rooms. Like this room above from Josephine Davis’s home. I love all the colors and textures. 

 

 

This room is another favorite. It may look familiar. It’s the beautiful dining room of Jenny Bohannon from Tallwood Country House. I am a huge fan of her home and website. It’s the perfect balance of elegance and comfort. One thing that I learned about Jenny from the book is that she worked for Desiree Lee who was the former gardener to the great Bunny Mellon! Now how fun is that? They created settings which Ms. Lee called Vintage Tastemakers Spring Tablescapes. 

Jenny said, “when Mrs. Mellon died, many of her former garden staff dispersed from Oak Spring, allowing women like her with dreams of following in Jackie Kennedy and Bunny Mellon’s footsteps, to work with them in their own homes and gardens.” What a dream!

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley of Living with Roses Victoria Magazine book 

 

A dream chateau. This chateau is in the book as well. It’s called Chateau d’Yquem and it dates back to the 16th century. A dream, isn’t it? It’s actually a winery located in France. This is actually on the cover of Victoria’s calendar. I just received mine in the mail! 

 

 

Overall, the book encourages you to live beautifully which is what this blog has been all about since I started it. Roses are often throughout my home. I have flowers in the bedroom, bathroom, and dining room table. Flowers will always be a part of my life. You should order this book, pour yourself a cup of tea and enjoy it. I can’t wait to read it during a cold winter morning with a cup of hot ginger and chamomile tea. Enjoy!

 

 

 

This post is not sponsored. 

 

 

Please note: some links are affiliate links and if you make a purchase through this link, I will receive a small commission for referring you to the product. Thank you so much in advance if you decide to make a purchase through my link.

 

 

This is 40…

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Good Morning,

The crisp mornings have stayed so far. I really do enjoy my walks in the mornings. It’s so nice. Well, I had a WONDERFUL send off to 40! My husband did a great job and pretty much got everything that I wanted! It was splendid. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley

 

On Friday, I came home to see this. My husband was trying to get it done before I came home but I think it worked out. I gained a new friend in the process. 

 

 

It’s a mother and daughter team by the name of Balloon Ambience and they did a great job! I think they nailed it honestly!

 

 

I felt so special. Honestly, I felt like a little kid! The balloon arch is still up and will stay up a few more days. 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Now let’s talk about this gorgeous cake of mine. I did not even want to cut it. It was so beautiful! I smiled from ear to ear and told my husband over and over how much I loved it so! It was cherry chip on the inside of the cake and tasted just as good as it looked. The cake was completed by Kim’s Kakery, Bakery & Cafe. They did a phenomenal job! I could not have been happier!

 

 

 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

After that I was presented with my gifts. I could not stop staring at this elegant Gucci Flora Compact. Even if you don’t wear eyeshadow the compact alone is worth having on your vanity. It’s one of those vanity pieces that will always remain timeless. I also received my new favorite fragrance. It’s Aerin Rose De Grasse. The scent is alluring and classic as well!

 

 

On Saturday morning I received another unexpected gift…..

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

This beautiful bouquet of David Austin Roses from Grace Rose Farms! I was not expecting this! It was such a wonderful surprise, and the smell is so amazing! My husband said that they got stuck in customs because they were being shipped from Columbia. Wow…

 

I also went to the Vintage Whimsy Fall Festival and did a bit of antiquing….

 

 

I saw this in the store and could not stop staring at her. It was the exact shape I wanted. I have been looking for an armchair like this for a few years now.

 

 

I tried to negotiate the price, but the seller would not go down. But I could not walk away from it. So I have her! Do you think that I should change the fabric and paint it? 

 

 

 

This photo and this photo are my inspirations. What do you think? Let me know in the comments section below!

 

 

Have a great Monday and thank you all again for the birthday wishes!