Simple Rigatoni

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I keep a dinner rotation list so that there is none of the “what’s for dinner” questions  when I get home from work.

I shop for the same items every week and it makes preparing meals very easy. On the list is my simple rigatoni meal.

I just boil a box of rigatoni noodles, warm up some Ragu spaghetti sauce (meat flavored). Most nights my husband and I have meat in ours so I will brown some ground beef in a skillet and pour the sauce over it. Add some garlic salt and basil for seasoning. My daughter doesn’t like much meat so with her’s we just add the sauce and basil.

Once the noodles are done I pour the sauce over the noodles, sprinkle some cheese, bake some french bread and Voila. Dinner is served! I still use my dishes and cloth napkins. It keeps dinner nice and simple. Enjoy!

(photo via AHFE)

Our First Ballet ~ The Nutcracker

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I have been inspired by the arts recently. I told my husband that I would like to get into the habit of learning new things and seeing new things. A few months ago I heard about the “Nutcracker” performed by the Indianapolis Ballet here in our city.

I purchased some tickets and my daughter and I went. We sat down and had a wonderful lunch at our favorite restaurant Panera then headed to the ballet. It was at the Scottish Rite Cathedral which was absolutely beautiful.

When my daughter walked in she was in awe! She started talking pictures with her tablet! I was so glad that she enjoyed the ballet and asked if she would bring a friend next time. I was very pleased with the performance and the prices.

It was just splendid….

My daughter and I

From our seats….

This is how close we were to the stage

(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

An Indianapolis Kitchen

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It is always exciting to see your hometown in a decor book that you read on a monthly basis. It was a nice surprise seeing “Indianapolis” mentioned in House Beautiful magazine.

This kitchen designed by Angie Hranowsky is a fresh take on neutral hues.

photo credit: Nathan Kirkman

photo credit: Nathan Kirkman

To read the original article, see here.

My Thank~You Notecards

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I have been hearing a lot about writing thank you notes to people. There is nothing like a hand-written note.

When I receive one I keep them because it says that this person took the time to write down their thoughts.

I keep a box of blank thank you notes at work and home. They are easy to find and are just lovely gifts. It also keeps you active in the cursive writing arena.

If you can pick up a box of blank thank you note cards today. In a world where technology is taking over this is a nice way to keep beautiful gestures in our world.

My thank you note cards at work

My thank you note cards at home
(photos via AHFE)

Travel Garment Bags

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We all love traveling but the only hard part about traveling is packing!!! I always try to make sure that I find items that will make packing fun and organized. I saw these beautiful travel bags at my local Talbots store.

They are great!! I ordered them online during the “Black Friday” sale and only paid $19 after shipping!!! What a steal!!! I love them. They are so chic and will make you feel like a million bucks when you open you suitcase and see your lovely garment bags keeping things organized and beautiful.

This bag is called “unmentionables”. I love it!
My garment bags at home. They came beautifully package like this.

Talbots Travel bags

This is the “wash and fold” bag.

This bag can be used for shoes and other garments.






On the back of each bag has the “Talbot”s 
signature on it. Very chic….

(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Merry Christmas 2015

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Merry Christmas to everyone!
Thank you so much for stopping by and reading my blog this year. I really appreciate the traffic and time from everyone!!


I have been writing my blog for almost 2 years and so far I have had almost 18,000 viewers!
That may not be a lot but to me I think it is awesome. So thank you again and I wish everyone a blessed year!




Mrs. Shockley

Christmas Musings Around My Home

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Decorating has been a huge outlet and source of inspiration in my life. I have always loved beautiful homes and beautiful living. I am not a millionaire nor do I have a lot of money but I do my very best with what I have.

I believe that you should always use your best in life. And I also believe that if you use your best you will be rewarded with much more. These are photos of things around my home. This is my way of “elegant living”.

My sitting room. Icicle lights in the windows.
Love!

My huge poinsettia from Costco. We buy 3 every year.

Peppermint M & M’s

Table centerpiece

My Christmas birdhouse

The “Christmas glasses”. They turn the Christmas lights to stars.

My office

Table setting during Thanksgiving

Roses from my husband. I love the rich colors. 


Me relaxing at home
Enjoying “Beauty at Home” by Aerin Lauder

(all photos via AHFE)