My Summer Porch

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I posted the photo below on my Instagram page. I talked about how I put a vintage run on my front porch.

I love the way it looks. I didn’t intend on putting a rug on my front porch. I actually washed this rug and just left it out to dry. I figured the summer heat would take care of that. 
But once I saw how it looked on the porch while it was drying, I soon began to love the texture and the idea of having a place to put my feet. So I decided that it would stay. I do love sitting on my front porch with my husband. We always have a glass of wine while we relax and talk. 
I am going to enjoy my porch this summer with my husband. Go out and enjoy yours if you have one also. 
Enjoy!
(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

A Recent Project…

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A few weeks ago husband’s company had a weekend project. It is rare that they work on weekends because my husband believes in spending time with family but this project had to get done.

My husband knows how much I love decor and interiors so once the project was finished he sent me a few photos of the home that they were working at and I just could not believe that this home is located in my city.

Isn’t it magnificent? I love the details in the archway and the pillars look so stately and grand. Take a look at the floors. There were so many attributes. Now this is a grand entryway. 
My husband said that they had art all down the halls. He said that he felt like he was in one of the Smithsonians in Washington again. Looking at this I can see why.
Do I spy blue and white? Of course, a home like this has it. It is elegant and timeless. But take a look at those beautiful sconces. Now aren’t those impressive?
This was one of the bathrooms in the home. They have marble walls and just look at the mirror and chandelier. My goodness….. I was just in awe with the entire space. 
Okay, this is the outdoor space that I dream of! Blue and white lamps outside. Genius! The fireplace looks cozy and did you notice that they have a mirror above it? Wow, I would not have thought of that. It’s just beautiful. 
When my husband sent this photo I just stared at it. The stairs alone are a work of art. And speaking of art do you see it all around on the walls? I wish I could have been there on sight at this project.
I think I would have been driving the owners nuts asking questions about the art, the marble, and all of the features of the home. It’s just splendid. 
I was so happy that my husband shared this pictures with me and so happy that he got the opportunity to work in such a beautiful place. It was truly an honor. 
(photos via Mr. Shockley)

A Chic Entryway

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I mentioned a few weeks ago that I am reading a book called Home Sweet Maison. I am still at the beginning of the book. I was recently reading the section about entryways. I love entryways. I believe that they can tell a story about you and your family.

They can give hints and clues if one is paying attention. The author Danielle Postel-Vinay shared how the french like to use their entryways to tell stories.

She talked about her friend and how she used fragrances in her entryway. That is one of my favorite things that I like to introduce people to when they enter my home. A fragrance……
She also discussed her in-laws entryway.  She said it told a story about them. They had shelves of packed medical books, a human skull, a collection of 18th century beakers, medieval pharmacy jars, phrenological markings, a few old microscopes, and other countless objects. So what did that entryway tell you about her in-laws? That they were interested or were professionals in the medical field. 
I found that to be so fascinating! It was so interesting reading that. How they shared their lives within their entryway.
She shared other tips on how the french decorate their entryways. 1) Your entree should look like no one else’s entrance. Use objects to create a map of your tastes, your interests, and your life. 2) Choose books, artworks, or objects that tell your personal story- objects from your past, present, and even future. Don’t be afraid to dream. Use objects that express hopes for your future endeavors, such as my father-in-law’s typewriter. 3) Create a place for shoes, and coats. I love a big, old-fashioned wooden coat-rack, which is a staple of many of the French homes, but hooks on a wall, an armoire, or a coat closet will also work. 4) Choose a case, bookshelf, or cabinet to display your own memory theater. This will showcase small curiosities and give your guests a glimpse of the microcosm of your life. 
And lastly, place a natural home fragrance, perfume, incense, diffuser, or candle in your entrance that offers a scent to which you have a personal connection. 
These are some great tips and I may “open” up my entryway more and tell a story of my own. 

(Tips from Author Danielle Postell-Vinay, photos via Pinterest)

Trinkets at Charming Charlie

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Whenever we are waiting to eat dinner at a restaurant near the mall I always try to pop in a store and take a quick peek.

This past weekend it was Charming Charlie. These are just a few things that caught my eye.

What a delicate cup! I could not find the links to any of these items online. I am not sure what is going on but the website is not letting you place orders right now. 
This was called the Mom’s Day tote in pink medium. 
I thought this was beautiful. It reminds of a Chanel cross-body. 
This was a very chic black tote. On the front of the bag it says “Hayden”.
Pretty rose gold cluster earrings. 
I love these and probably should have purchased them!
I thought this was a pretty cosmetic bag. It was called “Impulse”.
I know this post would have been more enjoyable if I could provide the links. I am not sure what is going on with the website but hopefully it will be fixed soon. 
Enjoy!

(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Have a Chic Lunch

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Does anyone have lunch alone? I know I do! There is nothing wrong with going to lunch with people but I usual take my lunch hour to relax and enjoy things that I like to do. Sometimes I take a walk to the mall (located across the street from my building) and go to some of my favorite stores. I read a magazine that I just recently picked up, read some other blogs, make some phone calls, etc.

I like to enjoy the full hour of my lunch. I recently brought in some of my vintage linen napkins that I just purchased from the flea market. They look so pretty with my antique dishes and cups.

I also take that time to practice table manners and etiquette. It is the perfect time to brush up and perfect those skills. I remember one of my favorite authors Jennifer L. Scott talking about dining alone. I loved the video that she did on her Youtube channel about it.

So that got me thinking about lunch utensils and bags. I saw these beauties at Von Maur and wanted to share them. 
This is the Kate Spade Rugby Stripe Lunch tote. I thought it was very chic.
Here is what the inside looked like.
I thought this one was nice too. It is called the Kate Spade Strawberries Lunch tote. 
Honestly, this is my favorite. If I had seen this at the store I probably would have purchased it. This is the Kate Spade Out to Lunch tote. I think it is quite lovely. 
Some of the lunch tupperware was chic also (see here if you are interested). I hope that you are inspired to go out and buy some nice lunch items for yourself.  Enjoy life wherever you can!

(photos via Mrs. Shockley and Von Maur.com)

Enjoying the Peony Season

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It is finally here!!! Peony Season!!! I couldn’t wait to get a bouquet this year. I have shared my bouquets on the blog in the past, see here and here.

I have it calendared each year to call the florist and see if the peonies have arrived. And they have….

I stopped by bright and early to see if I could get a few stems for my office. 
And I did! I just gazed at them the whole time I was walking to my office. 
They gave such a wonderful scent and added such beauty! Ahhh, I just adore them!
They had to come home with me to enjoy over the Memorial Day weekend! Well this is my first bouquet for the year. I hope that I am able to get more and soon!
Enjoy beauty wherever you can.
(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

I Love Spanxs!

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I remember when I first heard this word, “spanxs”. I thought what in the world are those? So I googled them and looked at a few and by the looks of them I did not like them.

I purchased an imitation pair and that was the worst experience I ever had! They rolled up my stomach and up my chest. They were dreadful!

But then a few weeks ago I decided to go and look at an actual pair of spanxs and honestly I am glad I did.

My spanx at home
I LOVE my spanxs! They work! They pull in what needs to be pulled in and the tuck in what needs to be tucked in. I went ahead and invested in an nude pair and a black pair and honestly I have no regrets!
I have the OnCore High-Waisted Shaper Short and for someone who wears dresses all the time having on a pair of shorts has been a life saver. I wish I would have purchased these before. 
These are the pairs that I purchased. I wash them on the delicate cycle then I let them air dry. It has been great having them. 
If you had a bad experience like I did maybe you should give them another chance or go up a size. I did and they fit! I really do enjoy them and I do feel more put together with a pair on. 
Enjoy!
(photo via Mrs. Shockley)