The Nutcracker ~ 2017

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This is our third year seeing the Nutcracker and it was just as wonderful as the first year. My mother-in-law joined my daughter and I this year. I believe my mother may join us next year. We will see.

This year I let my daughter talk me into getting balcony seats. I don’t think that I will be doing that next year but I did enjoy the view of the ceiling. 

This year we have a different Sugar Plum Fairy but she did a wonderful job!

They all did a magnificent job and I hope that we will continue to go each year!
I hope that you attend the ballet whenever you get a chance. To see my previous posts about the our Nutcracker visits see here and here.
Seek the arts!

(photos via Mrs. Shockley and IB.com)

Lunch at the Ayres Tea Room ~ 2017

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Time for my Ayres Tea Room post! Yes, we went again for lunch and it is such a joy to go to! I love it but my family…. not so much. But they are good sports and go for me. I remind them that I only get to go once a year. If you missed my post from last year about it you may see it here.

Still love the wallpaper and the vintage photos.

My favorite hot tea to get while I am here. 
Vintage silver for your hot tea. 
Chicken velvet soup, always delicious! If you want to see the recipe you may view it here.

The Classic Tea Experience is what I always order. 
This year was the first year we ordered dessert. This is the lemon berry marscarpone cake. It is a lemon sponge cake layered with mascarpone and mixed berries!
We had a lovely lunch as always and will be visiting again next Christmas!

(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Kitchen of the Month ~ December 2017

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Happy New Year Everyone! I wanted to start the year with this beautiful kitchen tour. These kitchens of the month in House Beautiful sure have been marvelous to see. This month it is a kitchen by designer Alison Pickart. It is absolutely stunning as all the kitchens of the months in House Beautiful have been.

photo credit Erin Kunkel 

Love the table in the center by Restoration Hardware. The greenery flowing around the window is captivating also. Just simple and beautiful. 

photo credit Travis J. Photography

Love the cabinets and wreaths.

photo credit Travis J. Photography

A holiday dessert station for guests. A wonderful idea…..






To see the rest of the kitchen and read more about it click here. Enjoy!!!!!

(photos via House Beautiful.com)

My New Wine Glasses

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Costco, wonderful Costco! I love Costco seriously. We go there a lot! My husband found these great wine glasses and I just had to share…..

They are so simple and elegant.

I watched a video from William Hanson who is an etiquette expert and he said to hold a wine glass by the stem. If you hold it by the cup you will look like an alcoholic!
If you wish to watch this video you may see it here. 
Beware….
 

It is nice to finally have wine glasses that match. My glasses have been 2 here, 3 there and they have all been different. So to have wine glasses that are a set is absolutely wonderful to me! 
If you wish to purchase them you may do so here. Could be a great hostess gift. 
And the best part is they are shatter resistant! So great! 
I hope you enjoyed this post and are inspired!


(photos via Mrs. Shockley & Costco)

A little Von Maur Shopping

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Sorry about my delay last week. My daughter and I raked leaves last weekend….. turned out to be a BAD idea for me! I am was so sore! Goodness gracious!

Last Sunday we had a few errands to run. Honestly, I hate going out now since it is Christmas time. The stores are just unbearable to me and I just don’t want to deal with the hostility of it all.

I did however make it to one of my favorite stores. I love Von Maur and have written about it many times here on the blog. I didn’t buy much but just wanted to share a few things…..

Love this wrap by Calvin Klein. 

The Christmas decor everywhere is always beautiful.

Love buying undergarments.

Okay, I am not a lingerie kinda of girl. I like long silk gowns that are comfortable. In fact I purchased this red one that you see here. If you are interested you may purchase it here.

Love the extra large Christmas trees that they have. 
They are so beautiful and make the whole store feel so festive!

Of course, I have to stop to see what Louis Vuitton’s they have. 
This is where I purchased mine last year. 

Love the baby blue color of this Kate Spade tote. 
If you are interested in purchasing this you may see it here.

Lots of stripes this year….
Kate Spade Stripe Totes

The last stop was looking at fresh water pearls.
 I purchased a set about 2 years ago. I still love them!
Window shopping is always a great way for me to relax. I also get great ideas this way. I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas and are ready for the new year!
(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Merry Christmas ~ 2017

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Well, another holiday is here and will be leaving soon. I still can’t believe that 2018 is upon us. As I look at my daughter who is aging right before my eyes I can’t help but wonder what the world will be like for her. It is becoming such a scary place now but I try to remain hopeful. Hopeful that the Lord I serve is still on the throne and watching over us. Please guide us Lord. As the days continue to grow dark help us to always keep searching for the light. 
This blog has been a wonderful outlet for me to share beautiful things. I love beauty and always will. Help me Father to continue in this gift. In Jesus name, Amen!
Merry Christmas!
(photo via House Beautiful)

Fav Kitchen Items at Williams Sonoma

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Did you get your recent Williams Sonoma catalog? I know I did and of course picked out a few kitchen favorites….

Cuisinart Griddler
Would love to have this!!!
Vintage Etched Glassware
I still adore this! I may have mentioned these before on the blog.
Tartan Dinnerware
Well aren’t these festive?
Ohh, how chic are these?
Copper utensils
Now this is a sight of beauty!!
Clad Slow Cooker
I would like to have all of these items but one thing that I have learned is patience pays off in the end. I always like to wait on my dream items. Sales always come and that is what I like to wait for. Waiting is elegant!!!!
(photos via Williams Sonoma.com)