Christmas Brunch Ideas

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Here are some quick ideas from blogger Daniell Fox who threw a Christmas brunch instead of a dinner party to celebrate.

photo credit Travis J. Photography

1) Plan a meal that you can prepare ahead of time….


      She suggested making pancakes and having an assortment of toppings for your guests. 
photo credit Travis J. Photography
2) Keep it cozy…..


     She kept the color palette in earthy tones, add Christmas lights and velvet pillows. 
photo credit Travis J. Photography
3) Use greenery to make the space more inviting…..


     She used greenery from a florist and the floral arrangements were inspired by a wedding bouquet.
photo credit Travis J. Photography




To read the rest of her ideas and see more photos click here. I hope that you enjoy the photos just as much as I did. 
(photos via House Beautiful.com)

A Shopping Update

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Last week I wrote a post about velvet items. Well, I did order the velvet bow clutch from Ann Taylor and it has arrived. I just wanted to share what it looked like.

It is absolutely beautiful and I will carry it in my Louis Vuitton Neverfull. That tote is so big that I can place the clutch inside and use as a cosmetic bag, or a bag to keep items in. 

My Suede Bow Pumps were on my list for this winter also. These are super comfortable!
I couldn’t believe it!
The heel is 3 1/2 inches long. 

Great for office wear everyday. 
I sure hope you enjoyed this post and pop on over to Ann Taylor. The shoes are about $45 and the clutch is about $35! Everything is 50% off! Enjoy!!!!

(photos via Lauren S. and Mrs. Shockley)

A Blue and White Christmas….

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Oh my goodness, this was such a beautiful home that I saw in House Beautiful magazine! Just look at the pictures below….

photo credit Pernille Loof


I just adore the table skirt with the tassel trim!!! 
I have been trying to convince my husband about getting more round tables.

photo credit Pernille Loof

Some of the ornaments on the tree are from the Enchanted Home! I have some of those!
It’s always exciting when a decorator uses something that you purchased also!

photo credit Pernille Loof
This is just stunning! The floors with the paint colors, the wreath on the window. Just enchanting…..
photo credit Pernille Loof


Okay, we must talk about this room. I just LOOOOVE this! Oh my goodness when I saw it in the magazine I just knew that I would use this for later in life inspiration. I can just see myself here with my husband (both of us retired) and having my hot water, lemon and honey in my blue and white teacup. I would be looking out the window looking at snow or my flower garden and waiting on my grandchildren to arrive! I think that this is great! Just a cozy table with two chairs. The article said that the table was custom made. I maybe custom copying!!!!
photo credit Pernille Loof


Another inspiring room. I love the idea of having armchairs fitted with slipcovers in a favorite fabric. Another great dining room idea. If you missed my search for dining room inspiration you may see it here.
photo credit Pernille Loof


This room is so spectacular! Just a classic design that will never go out of style. Love the pop of red!
photo credit Pernille Loof

Still can’t believe that this home is from 1822. Just gorgeous! That is why I admire tradition so much. We are always reaching back to it. 
If you wish to read the original article you may see it here.
(photos via House Beautiful.com)

Gracious Jewelry at Banana Republic

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I think that Banana Republic and Ann Taylor for that matter has some of the best jewelry! I am always excited for when the holiday season comes around. I see some of the prettiest things at that time. This past week I went and took a little visit to Banana Republic and wanted to share some of the things that I found.

Beaded Burst Clip-on Earring
I actually picked these up! They are so pretty on. 
Here I am with the earrings and fox brooch. 
Jeweled Present Stud earring
Now these are gorgeous!!!!
Modern Pearl Bracelet
Always classic!
And last but not least the faux fur creature brooch. I actually did pick this up and cannot wait to wear it with my other brooches. I love combining more than one brooch together. It always looks great!
You should check out their website for more beautiful things. 
Enjoy!!!

(photos via Mrs. Shockley and Banana Republic.com)


Ideas for Holiday Decorating

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Christmas is coming soon and I know that for the most part all of our homes are decorated. But I still love getting new ideas and seeing new projects that people put together. Also, we all know that I love lists! Victoria Magazine just published a list for holiday ideas and I just wanted to share a few….

1) Offer a warm welcome to visitors…..
Have your guest open the door to beautiful decor and fresh greenery. I will have to try this.
My kitchen
2) Follow a color palette that speaks to you….
For the last few years, I have really been drawn to red. And now since I have been collecting blue and white that color palette has been added to my Christmas decor. 
My office
3) Illuminate your environs
Christmas lights and candle light bring softness to our homes and space. 
My home
4) Honor cherished collections
Grouping family heirlooms and treasures together gives some families comfort and joy.
5) Display favorite ornaments
I love pulling out our favorite Barbie ornaments each year. I started collecting these when my daughter was one. She said that she will always treasure these. 
Our Barbie tree


I really loved these ideas and found some new ways of adding some more special ideas to our home for the next holiday season. If you would like to read the rest of the article you may see it here.
Enjoy!!!
(photos Mrs. Shockley & Victoria Magazine)

Teacup Organizing

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I really miss Martha Stewart being on cable T.V. I know that she has her Potluck Show with Snoop Dogg but what I miss is her old show with all the learning material that she shared. I learned so MUCH from those shows. At that time I was a young wife and new mother so the Martha Stewart Show was my cookbook, my sewing book, organizational book, I mean you name it!

I often find myself going to her website and looking for old vintage Martha Stewart shows on Youtube. There is a guy by the name of Joseph Patz who has a vintage Martha Stewart channel on Youtube if you are interested.

I was looking at my messy and unorganized cabinet recently. I stood and thought I need to organize this. What came to mind was Martha’s episode called, “How to Display a Collection in a Cabinet.”

I immediately started stacking my teacups in all my cabinets and it looked so orderly and wonderful that I had to share it.

Before the stacking….

After….
Better, much better!

Doesn’t it look great? And what’s so funny is that my cups are from the Martha Stewart Collection! I just love it. You can watch the video here if you are interested. Happy Organizing! 
(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

My 600th Post!

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I can’t believe it! This is my 600th blog post! It is still quite amazing that I am made it this far. That I have “published” more than 500 entries. I can’t believe it!

It has been quite a journey trying to come up with different posts every week. Sometimes I must admit I want to quit because you just don’t know if you are truly inspiring anyone. 
Seeing other bloggers pages makes you feel like yours should match theirs but I fight that. I want mine to be my own and not mimic someone else. 
I love meeting all of my new “social media” friends. I have met some really nice bloggers and instagrammers. 
I have met some authors and I have been able to chat with them. It has been great opening up my world and meeting people on the other side of it. 
My kitchen at home
I do hope that I can continue with blogging. It is a great outlet and a great place to make elegant friends. 
(photos via Pinterest)