The Making of My Shelfie

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I heard the term “shelfie” sometime last year while reading some of my favorite blogs and thought, “what in the world is a shelfie”? To me a shelfie is a small space in your home to place things that you love. You can use books, bowls, plants, pictures, boards, statutes, basically just about anything.

It’s how they are placed that determines the beauty. I think if you have an eye for beauty and organization you can decorate a “shelfie”. It’s all about personal style and things you love. I believe that you should always use things that you love in your decor. So for my shelfie I used just that. See for yourself.

(My shelfie)
Okay, this is a file cabinet that was moved into my office a week ago. So I decorated the top of it as my “shelfie”. I used my poster board photo that I found at the Goodwill last year. I purchased some frames from the flea market and printed some photos off of Pinterest and placed them in the frames. Gorgeous pictures aren’t they? Then I purchased some branches and tall flowers and placed them in a vase. I added a blue and white cup for my decor and color. I placed my new Aerin Lauder Beauty at Home book (which I love) on the cabinet and I thought my Amazon Kindle (1st generation) looked good there also. I love my “shelfie” because it’s another extension of me. 
Thanks for reading!!!

Be Elegant Everyday

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I always make sure that I look my very best every day. I always pick out a nice blouse, skirt, shoes, and then I add my accessories. I wear perfume every day.

But being elegant does not mean you have to have money or beauty. The only thing that is required is good taste. Earlier last year I read a book called A Guide to Elegance. It gives several tips on how to be elegant and what it means to be chic. In the chapter called “Budget” it mentions this:

“With careful coordination, good taste, and self -restraint, even a tiny budget can permit you to be surprisingly well-dressed. For example, here is an outline of a complete but basic minimum wardrobe.

For the Winter:

1 basic coat

1 black skirt

1 sweater in a complementary color- for example beige or brown

1 silk sweater, black or white, with a pretty neckline

1 pair of back high-heeled pumps

1 pair of flats

1 black leather handbag

1 pearl necklace

With these few items, you will be equipped for work and dates. Enjoy!!

My gemstone faceted necklace from Talbots

Interview Yourself about Your Passions

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One of my favorite bloggers Shannon Ables from the Simply Luxurious Life wrote a book called “Choosing the Simply Luxurious Life”: A Modern Woman’s Guide. I downloaded a sample onto my Amazon Kindle to see what the book is all about. So far…. I love it!! I especially love the questions that Shannon presents about life. I found the questions about finding your passions extremely intriguing. I found myself answering the questions as I was reading them. I think they are very helpful in finding some truth about yourself. Read the questions below and see if you can figure out what your passions in life are.



* What am I doing when I lose track of time?


* What am I most often complimented on?


* What do others look to me for?


* What do I have the most fun doing?


* What makes me feel great about myself?


* What am I naturally good at?


* What do I most often give to others?


* What ideas, things, places and people am I most inspired by?

(photo from Marchioness Instagram)

Barefoot Contessa

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I am a huge fan of Ina Garten the Barefoot Contessa. I recently watched a short video about her life and how she started the Barefoot Contessa. I enjoy her cooking show! I love her simple delicious recipes and her simple but gorgeous table settings!! Watch the video and see why she is just a classic!

(photo from Barefoot Contessa.com)
To watch this video on your mobile click here.

Gray Kate Spade (My Spring 2015 Tote)

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I love bag shopping and honestly who doesn’t!! Shopping for a bag or tote always takes me a while because I want to make sure that the tote “fits” with my wardrobe and that I will carry it 10 years from now. So when I saw this Kate Spade Cedar Street tote I knew that it would be a perfect fit for my wardrobe. I have been carrying it for a few weeks and it looks so chic. I have really enjoyed it! Lastly, if you missed my blog entry about How to Keep your Handbag Elegant see it here. Enjoy!!!

My tote. I love the gray color. Perfect for any season!!

I love the size and the “purse feet” at the bottom. 

The inside. I love the polka dot pattern. So feminine….
(all photos via Mrs. Shockley)

A Wealth Board

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A few weeks ago I was reading an article on Camilla Styles about 13 Ways to Up your Financial Game and in the article she discussed ways to create financial wealth. The second item on the list really caught my eye.

She mentioned the idea of creating a “wealth board” and this is what she said about it….
The strong feelings that visuals trigger actually help you achieve your goals. This simple technique is used successfully by Olympian athletes. It will also serve as an encouraging reminder of why you’re doing what you’re doing when the going gets challenging.

A wealth board
I have to admit I LOVE this idea!! I love the idea of keeping pictures of what you would consider to be your wealth on a board to keep you inspired. I have been doing this for years. I just didn’t think of it as a wealth board. Now I will have to create one for home. I think this idea is great! It keeps the heart and mind on the same track and it does remind you of why you do what you do. Create your wealth board today and be inspired!!!
(photo via Camilla Styles)

Be Faithful….

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Photo by Sophie Vinetlouis on Unsplash
“Be faithful to your own taste, because nothing you really like is ever out of a style.”
Billy Baldwin