A New Chinoiserie Project

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Good Morning Everyone,

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! We went to the outlet mall in Cincinnati, and I really didn’t find much. I really wanted to wait until fall break, but my husband wanted to go early so we did. I did go into the Tory Burch outlet store, and I didn’t see any bags that I liked but I did purchase another scarf and some green clip emerald green earrings. I think that they are perfect for the upcoming season. We went and had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory there but while we waited on our table I went and visited Dillard’s. I don’t have one in my city so whenever I see one, I like to take a peek.

While I was looking around, I saw this gorgeous Wedgewood Hibiscus bone china cup! I think I may need to add this to my collection. The store is so pretty and is full of high-quality items for your home and for dressing up! I guess I should be happy that we don’t have one nearby. It could be a “bad thing” if it was here! 

Now on to my new furniture project! In July, I went antiquing and found the brown ruffle foot stool below. 

 

 

I think that I shared this photo in my July favorites. I found this at the antique store for only $35! It was a steal but trying to find an upholster has been a challenge for me.

 

 

Actually, I left it at the store and then went back to get it about an hour later. I just knew that I could not let that sit there. The bones were too good. I just needed a little patience in finding someone to work with me. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I really thought that it was going to take me a while to find someone but something weird happened. I was searching Google for an upholster near me and the name Steve Burroughs popped up. Now I have been searching for an upholster for years and I have never seen that name before. So I gave him a call and his message said that you could text him photos of the piece that you wanted to have work done on. 

He responded right away! I was floored! I made arrangements to meet with him the following week after I texted him my photos. Once I arrived I was amazed at how beautiful his property was and that his little shop was just right behind his home! Isn’t it the cutest little workshop? It’s actually pretty cleaned and organized on the inside. Steve gave me a little tour. 

 

 

After he showed me the shop we began to discuss the “vision” that I had for my stool. He had a storage room full of left over materials from past projects. He said that if I found something that I liked I could use it and save money using his leftover fabrics. Well I did find this blue fabric in the storage room. I selected this and once I got home I just kept thinking about it. It did not make my “heart sing”. I knew that I had to go and find some fabric that I would love. That’s when Steve directed me to Calico Corners. 

Now this was a new discovery to me! I never knew that this store existed but I am so glad that I decided to go and look for my own fabrics. I had a version of blue and white for my stool. So while looking around I came across Vern Yip-blue and Vern Yip Exotic Garden. I went with exotic garden. I felt as if the splash of color from this fabric would go well with my home decor. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

It took about 2 months, but it was so worth the wait! Look at how beautiful it turned out! 

 

 

It’s stunning!

 

 

 

 

The fabric looks so good! It was like they were made for each other! 

 

 

Oh my goodness, I love my stool so much! It is a perfect home decor addition to my sitting room. I look forward to using my stool and to working with Steve again. I have more projects that I would love to work with him on! Steve was so nice and polite! He was a true gentleman. 

Let me know in the comments section below if you have ever used a upholster and if so what was the project? I found a similar one on Amazon, see here. Also a new archive button has been added to the website. It gives you the option to view all of my blog posts by year and month. 

Have a great Monday! 

 

 

A Beautiful Decanter

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Good Morning!

No work on Monday! I love having these 3-day weekends. I plan on going to Cincinnati tomorrow. I want to do a little bit of shopping, not too much. I think I shared that they had the best outlet mall. I just want to take a day trip, have dinner, and then return home. For Sunday, I just plan on hanging out at home. I may get caught up on my house chores. Then on Monday I just want to get caught up on some blog posts, get some inspiration, and then sit and watch a movie or two. Maybe ride my bike, or sit on the porch, there could be a lot of things that we can do. Just having the extra day is a wonderful thing. 

This is going to be a very short blog post today, but I wanted to share a recent find and new “elegant idea”.

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

 

I was looking at my garden tub and noticed that I did not like the plastic bottle that my bubble bath liquid was in. I stared at it for a few minutes and a crystal decanter popped in my mind. I can’t explain it but that’s what happened. So, I made a mental note to look for one when I decided to go antique shopping. 

I found this one. It’s pretty heavy and absolutely exquisite! I paid about $50 which was too much but it’s a very substantial decanter. Now I have had it for about a week and I have no regrets. I would encourage you to change up your items. If you use bubble bath, then why not put it in a beautiful decanter. I found some pretty reasonable ones on Amazon. See here, here, and here, if you are interested. 

Let me know what your long weekend plans are and if you already use decanters! Have a great weekend!

 

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.

 

 

 

August Favorites ~ 2022

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Good Morning,

Last week of August, well it’s the last few days of August! September starts this month! I will share my birthday wish list with you all soon! I did some more antiquing this weekend. I went to Midlands which is one of the most elegant antique stores that we have in my city. I am on the hunt for a new but vintage chandelier for my sitting room. I would like something a bit bigger and better quality. But let’s jump right into my favorites for the month of August!

 

 

The first on my list is sitting. I love having days where I can just sit. I took some time this weekend to sit a little more. I have not been sleeping well the last two weeks. I have been getting up an hour early and that really affected my body’s reaction. Having a day or two to just sit and relax is important!

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Second is a new vintage Jasperware purchase! I ordered this teacup and saucer from eBay. I reached out to Katherine from Pender and Peony and asked if they were safe to drink from and she said yes so, I could not resist ordering one! It’s quite lovely!

 

 

Third is my bathroom. I love this room! I recently took a step back and just stared at it. I still can’t believe that my husband painted this for me. It’s still a dream. If you missed out on this small update you may read it here. 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

The fourth has been my beautiful vintage perfume bottle! Katherine from Pender & Peony had a set of 2 but I missed the auction! So I went on Etsy to see if I could find one and I did! I found similar ones here and here if you are interested. 

 

 

Fifth is my cameo bookmark and Coach notebook! Aren’t they a beautiful combination? The notebook is great for jotting down ideas and needs. The bookmark is the epitome of grandmillennial style! Both are quite affordable as well! 

 

 

The sixth has been my antiquing adventures. I have gone antiquing a lot these past few months and have really enjoyed it. Just this past Saturday I found these reproductions. One of the Mona Lisa for about $375 and “Woman with a Parasol” by Claude Monet for about $300 as well. I didn’t buy either but wanted them both!

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Seventh is my new garden stool! Isn’t she lovely? I purchased it from an online antique store on Instagram called Union Birch. I love it! I love the colors and design. It is still very similar to the chinoiserie look. Make sure that you follow her. 

 

 

The eighth are more antique finds! I purchased this blue and white umbrella stand and this blue and white planter. My husband and I are planning on getting a concrete pad poured in our backyard. It will be soo nice to have a place for my table and chairs and to put some blue and white planters out! 

The last on my list is this phenomenal home tour of the Breakers! If you guys enjoyed my posts or my Youtube video of my trip then you will really enjoy the in-depth tour that Homeworthy gives of this timeless property! Enjoy!

 

 

I hope you all have found some inspiration in my August favorites. I love sharing new things and new adventures. I do have some new beautiful grandmillennial inspired items on my “shop my favorites” page. You should check it out. Until then have a great Monday!

 

Oh and the boutique has a new arrival! My first transitional dress of the season is here. The Grace Checker Midi is so elegant. It’s navy and gray and perfect for this new autumn season!

 

 

 

 

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.

 

Lady of the House ~What is that for you?

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Good Morning All,

I had a great evening yesterday. I attended my very first Guild Meeting! It was for the new members only, so we all got to meet each other. It was nice getting to meet all of the other new members and the women in leadership. I think that I am going to like this… 

Well, I am not sure but do any of you follow Inspired by Nikki’s Youtube channel? I believe most of us do and I have been loving her “Lady of the House” series for a while. That got me thinking about what does a “lady of the house” mean to me? 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

My front porch 

 

A lady of the house kind of day for me would be getting up early, giving my silent thanks to the Lord, starting my bubble bath, and getting ready. After that I check my planner or to-do list for the day. Since I plan out my weeks in advance, I have an idea of what house chores or personal business items need to be done. 

I may go ahead and get one of the house chores done (like go out and water my plants on the front porch), then it’s off to the grocery store to get fresh flowers and food for the week. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

Our bedroom, love having fresh flowers in it. 

After I come home, groceries are put away and then I make self a beautiful brunch. I make my scrambled butter eggs, cinnamon bread toast, fresh grapes, orange juice, and a teapot of hot tea. I sit and enjoy my brunch, plan my week, then I start my chore list. It’s not as long anymore since I do one chore every day. I can’t stand cleaning a house all weekend now. I did it for over 15 years and will not do it again. It’s not worth it. 

 

Me playing my friend Marc’s piano

 

I think a lady of the house kind of day would include an “elegant activity”. Whatever your activity may be, whether antiquing, playing an instrument, dinner with a friend, reading or maybe going to a book club. I think we should include those in our days. 

 

My weekly salmon dinner with brown rice and sautéed spinach! I love it!

 

After everything is completed on my list, I usually love to end the day with a beautiful meal. I have shared this before. It’s one of my favorites. I love to enjoy my meals at home or out. 

 

Me after a fun day of antiquing

 

And lastly a lady of the house kind of day would not be complete without my dress, cardigan, and ballet house slippers. My hair is fixed, earrings on, and my favorite perfume has been applied. What would your lady of the house kind of day be? Make sure you share it below! 

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Book Clubs ~ Are you in one?

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Good Morning,

I went antiquing this weekend but that really isn’t a surprise. I get these urges at the middle of the month and always make sure that I take some time to go. I found some wonderful things. If you follow me on Instagram, then you would have seen my reel about it. I did save it to my “Elegant Living” highlight. You can visit that reel to see some of my adventures and items! I will most likely be sharing those in my August favorites. Overall, it was a very quiet weekend.

This post is inspired by my supervisor. She is the Civil Chief in my division, and I love working with her! It has been great so far! There are so many things that I love about her. Her calendar is one of them. She is a bit older than me, but her calendar so inspires me!

I am in charge of it, so I get to see everything she puts on it. One of the items is her monthly pedicure. She actually goes to a spa and gets it done! Okay check! I need to do that! I have a nail salon that I go to and yesterday I decided to get a pedicure. It was terrible because the young lady who did it was NOT TRAINED AT ALL. But I am taking that as a sign to look for a new location. I have been at this location for several years, and they have new management. 

 

photo credit: Pinterest

 

The other items are her monthly dinners with friends and her book club meetings! Ohhh I am so jealous! This past Friday she told me that she was hosting it. So that got me thinking. Are any of you in a book club? Or have you ever been in a book club? If so, please share your good and bad experiences. I would LOVE to know. As you all know I have been doing a lot of networking and hope to meet a friend or two in these groups. Let me know in the comments section below if you have any experiences with one. Have a great Monday!

 

 

 

A Fable from England…

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Good Morning All,

I am glad it is Friday! Looking forward to the weekend. I just have a little running around to do and a few house chores. Other than that, it should be a pretty light weekend. Things have been really busy at work and with Lauren beginning her senior year in high school some things have been added to my list. I also wanted to let you all know that I am trying to get new dresses for the boutique. It has been really hard to get them in. Some of the dresses won’t be available until November! Crazy! But I am trying!

I did take a risk recently and purchased something from a company that I was not familiar with. I was looking for another company when I found this one. It’s called Fable England. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

It shipped all the way from England and arrived pretty quickly. Loved the inside of the box. 

 

 

 

I loved reading the story about how the company began. That’s usually how inspiration begins. Finding something that inspires you.

 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Now isn’t this print lovely? This is called the Toile de Jouy Vintage Blue Scarf. It’s made of silk like material and is a great size. And did you see the price? It’s under $40 with shipping included!

 

 

Look at how nice and big it is. It’s 70 cm x 70 cm. It’s the perfect size for your neck and handbags.

 

 

 

I’ve been carrying it on my bag all this week. It looks extremely chic. I hope you order one for yourself or check out their other accessories. I think the Peacock tote, Toile de Jouy messenger, and Alice blue tote are wonderful pieces from their collection. This post is not sponsored. I genuinely found them and love my scarf!

Have a great weekend!

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

The Elegant Ralph Lauren Store & Vintage Mercedes

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Good Morning Everyone,

It’s the middle of August already and we are headed toward less humidity this week! I was so excited to see the weather forecast for this week. I am breathing a sigh of relief. My husband’s grandfather’s funeral turned out okay. Everyone was nice and supportive of everyone. It actually turned into a celebration instead of a funeral. As it should be. 

I received some good news after the funeral. I talked about the Indiana Paralegal’s Association and how I just joined. I think I mentioned that they also have special interests’ groups within the association and that I applied to be a part of one. What I did not expect was an email on Friday telling me that I was going to chair the group that I applied for! Now how funny is that! We will see how things go but I thought that was interesting. 

I have also been trying to join the EARS Evaluation Program at my office for years now. I received an email the same day that I was nominated and finally will be placed on the team! This program is a team of people that go to different U.S. Attorney Offices around the country and evaluate how they are doing. I am scheduled to travel to San Diego in December and will be evaluating my first office in March of next year. I am so excited about these new journeys! 

Now on to the last portion of our trip! Once we returned from Rhode Island we stopped in New Jersey and spent two more days with our friends. With that being said, we decided to head back into New York City and see Manhattan!

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

This was the original Ralph Lauren Store. It is the store where everything began. 

 

 

As soon as you walk in there is a doorman that opens the door for you, and you enter right into this beautiful entryway. The flowers are real!

 

 

Now this store is the men’s store. This entire building is for men. The women’s clothing and accessories is across the street. But I must say the men’s store is the epitome of elegance. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley

 

Each room had its very own theme. I didn’t take pictures of all of the rooms. I wanted to enjoy the moment and take it all in. There was one room that was black and white, and I wanted to take a photo of that room but too many people kept coming in. 

 

 

The Ricky bag on the shelf…

After walking around the men’s store. I decided to walk on over to the women’s store. 

 

 

As soon as I walked in I was in awe again…

 

 

The women’s store had the Ralph Lauren Cafe inside. I did order a lemonade and cinnamon pastry. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Now this store not only had the cafe, but it also had clothes, vintage jewelry and home decor! Very smart Ralph!

 

 

Fresh flowers everywhere…

 

 

I could not resist looking at the vintage jewelry collection. I can’t remember all of the details of every piece but the two that stand out to me are the two that I tried on. 

 

photo credit: Mr. Shockley 

 

I can’t remember all of the details of this bracelet, but I think it’s from the 1950s!

 

 

This one made my heart stopped! I think it’s from around the same time, had real diamonds and rubies and is from India. You could dress this down as well. Add a white crisp shirt, your favorite jeans, beautiful kitten heels, and this bracelet… sheer elegance!

 

 

After looking at the jewelry and some of the accessories I went upstairs to take a look at some of the home decor. All I kept saying was “oh my”. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

 

This will be the inspo behind my next blue and white arrangement! 

 

 

All of this was Ralph Lauren….

 

 

This has some serious boutique inspiration for me! It would be a dream for me. 

 

photo credit: Mr. Shockley 

 

Look at these stairs! I believe the sale associate told me that these came from Italy and were about $5 million!! It looks like something from the original Chanel store. 

 

 

Had to take at least one….

 

 

 

That store was truly a dream, and I could not leave with buying something. Both my husband and I really loved this Ralph Lauren scent. It’s called Round Hill. I love the lavender, and musk notes that it has. My second favorite scent was the Pied-A-Terre. It had notes of jasmine. 

Before I end this post, I did want to quickly share our visit to the Newport Car Museum. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

My husband and stepson were so excited walking into this museum. I was hoping to see one of my dream cars and I did. 

 

 

 

There were about 80 cars in this musem, and the staff was tremendously nice! 

 

 

And then I saw it. A vintage Mercedes…

 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

 

This is a 1963 Mercedes Benz 300 SL.

 

 

It really is a beautiful car. I could see myself driving it with my sunglasses and hair scarf! Such a classic car. I hope you all enjoyed this last post from our summer vacation. It truly was a perfect vacation this year and I could not ask for a more wonderful experience. I hope you all have a wonderful Monday!