My Tour of the Governor’s Mansion

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This past week my co-worker and I took a tour of our local Governor’s mansion. The tour was free and the butler that took us around has worked there for 40 years!!! It was a wonderful tour and I will be going back in the spring. They have a garden tour then. They take you on a tour of the grounds. There are magnolia trees, lilac bushes, lilies, roses and spearmint. I can’t wait! I am looking forward to seeing all the beautiful flowers and maybe learning something too. 
Me at the entryway

The entryway chandelier 

The chimney

Blue and white vases

But of course I must take pictures of the chandelier 

Overview of the living room

The upstairs was blocked off. You can only tour
the downstairs.

The governor’s office

The dining room

Dining room chandelier 



The hand painted mural in the dinning room. 

Love the silver!

The breakfast room

The kitchen

The family room

Very cozy….




The outdoor entertaining space

The butler “Mr. Dexter”. He has been working here
for 40 years! 

If you would like to tour the Governor’s mansion, see here.



(all photos via AHFE)




Scarf Tying Ideas

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The scarf is such an essential tool in a woman’s wardrobe. I have several baskets in my closets. I also keep a basket in my car full of scarves and pashminas. 


Last year I wrote an entry (see here) about ways to tie a scarf. Maitai has several great videos about how to tie her luxurious Hermes scarves. Oh, gosh I always swoon over her collection. It’s just de toute beaute. 


I recently purchased this gorgeous scarf from Ann Taylor Loft. Along with the scarf came this very nice instructional tag on how to tie a scarf. I thought I would share it…

I love this look.

Me with the Ann Taylor Loft petaled square scarf
Below is a video from my favorite author Jennifer L. Scott on how to tie a scarf using the butterfly knot.
(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Bling Earmuff Giveaway

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I love finding great accessories and sharing them with you all here on the blog. I found these “bling” earmuffs some weeks ago. I got a pair for my daughter and I and we both love them.

I decided to give a pair away here on the blog. If you would like to enter my “free giveaway”, please post your name below or on the blog’s facebook page in the comments section. I will take down your name and have my daughter draw the name of the winner next week.

Once we have our winner I will ship the earmuffs to you. Thanks for reading my blog and good luck!

My daughter and I with our earmuffs.
(photo via AHFE)

(Contest is for U.S. citizens only)

Our Trip to the State Museum

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Last week I volunteered to chaperon my daughter’s field trip to the Indiana State Museum.  I was a bit nervous about having a group of hyper 5th graders to look after but I was looking forward to viewing some of the art work and spending time with my daughter.

The first 2 hours were left to us to explore the museum. We went all over. It was interesting seeing some of the exhibits. Especially, the exhibit dedicated to the 90’s! That hit me hard! They had a big-wheel on display and my kid just looked at me and said, “You rode one of those”? I thought, “oh goodness”.

I didn’t think I was old but now I guess I am. After we finished looking at “old stuff” we headed to the art room. They had some beautiful paintings on display. Below are a few of my favorites.

Summer Bouquet (1933)
by J. Edgar Forkner
Oil on Canvas
 A Garden is a Lovesome Thing
ca. 1919
Maude Kaufman Eggemeyer
Blooming Redbud
Maude Kaufman Eggemeyer
1919
Chinese Things
1926
Edna Stubbs Cathell
Foggy Landscape
1895
John Elwood Bundy

When we walked in we saw this. Just beautiful.
What a good combination, Christmas and artwork. 
photos via AHFE

Be Thankful…

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I am learning that being grateful for what you have and loving your own life brings so much peace. Love your own life. Happy Thanksgiving!!!
photo via Pinterest

Being the Perfect House Guest

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The time is drawing near for the holidays and being someone’s house guest may be on your list for this holiday season. Real Simple magazine has a great list called 10 Ways to be the Ideal Houseguest.

This is a great list that one can use to master the art of house guest etiquette. You don’t want to ruin your chances of being uninvited to your friend’s beautiful colonial in New York (my friend’s home in New York see here).

1) Be clear about how long you will stay ~ 
Make sure you lock down your visiting dates far in advance with your hosts…..







Photo by Trend on Unsplash





2) No surprises please~ 
Never show up unannounced


3) Choose the perfect gift~
Proper guest etiquette requires a gift.  Try a delicious delicacy from your hometown or a flowering plant….


4) House Rules Rule
When you arrive gently inquire about how things are done to avoid any misunderstandings…..





Photo by Андрей Постовой on Unsplash


5) Be Appropriate
Everybody has different comfort levels when it comes to baring. Before you walk down the hall in your shower towel – take cues from your host, when in doubt err on the side of modesty. 


6) Help Out
You should offer to help cook; set the table and do dishes; drive everyone in your car. Even if you are turned down your hosts will appreciate the gesture. 




7) Entertain Yourself
Your hosts still has a life and may have to work during the day. If so do some exploring on your own and let your hosts know what your plans are. 


8) BYO (Bring Your Own)
Don’t expect to use your hosts’ toiletries or other items. If you have forgotten to pack toothpaste inquire about where you can buy one. 


9) Leave No Trace
If there is one thing to take from these tips, it should be this: leave the place as clean as possible when you go.    






Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash





If you want to read more about this list then visit the link above. Also, if you missed my entry about Preparing for Guest see here.

Dermatologist Tips

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I am still reading The French Beauty Solution. It is such a great reference book. I have really enjoyed learning about my skin and about sunblock.

I really didn’t know how important sunblock was until recently. Now, that I am in my 30’s my overall health has been at the top of my list. I am in Chapter 4 of the book. In this section Mathilde is discussing dermatologist visits. Are they needed?

Well, according to Dr. Waldorf, you should see a dermatologist for any of the following:

* For a baseline, healthy checkup at any age. Your doctor will photograph your entire body and use this in the future for comparison to see if any moles or spots are growing or changing. Given how prevalent skin cancer is, you can’t be too safe. Some women go to medi-spas to have moles removed, but this can be risky as the people working there are often not medically trained and can’t tell the difference between skin cancer and benign mole. The same risks go for at-home devices. When it comes to your skin, it’s always good to trust a professional.

Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash



* If you have any moles, spots, or splotches that don’t heal, change shape or color, or appear suddenly and don’t go away no matter what you try. A normal pimple doesn’t last for months, and scrubbing at it won’t make it go away and can make it much worse. 


* If you suddenly develop any skin condition such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, painful irritation, or rashes.


* If the texture of your skin changes dramatically. This can be due to fluctuating hormone levels. 


* If you start losing a lot of hair on your head and growing it on your face. This, too, might be caused by hormonal changes.


* If you just want advice about more intensive skin care treatments, especially to treat sun damage.




This book has been so helpful to me. I hope you can pick up a copy of your own and start educating yourself on the importance of skincare. I am looking forward to Chapter 5. I will be reading about skincare ingredients, natural oils, and perfume. 




To read more about my entries on this book see here and here.







Text by Mathilde Thomas