My Tour of the Manor House Antiques Mall

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Everyone has ways to relax. Visiting antique stores is one of mine! I love looking at furniture! It is a great way to unwind and be inspired. The Manor House Antique Mall  has been one of my favorites. They closed sometime ago and I was very sad. But this weekend I found out that they have re-opened at a new location!!! I was so excited. I had to take a trip….

I loved this chinoiserie inspired screen!!!

I really liked the bird prints. 

Fantastic artwork

All of these milk glasses were $1!! I had to use self-control for this.

I loved the floral arrangements on the table.
I tried to get the clerk to sell them to me. I was not successful. 



Photos via AHFE

Simple Bouquets

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I love, love flowers and for those of you who follow me on Instagram know that also!!! I have written about my beautiful bouquets before (see here and here). Our local grocery store has the best selection. I am always pleasantly surprised when I stop in. A few weeks ago, I stopped in and they had roses for $3 a bundle!!! I felt as if I had hit the floral jackpot!!!

I love sharing my flower finds on my Facebook page  page or Instagram. I just loving having them in my home. I recently found a fabulous Youtuber named Doninique Sasche. She shops at the same grocery store I do (Kroger) and shares how she displays her lovely finds in her home. I hope you enjoy her fantastic and simple Youtube video below. Enjoy!!!!

My roses at home




My hydrangeas at work



























My hydrangea from my yard!

(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Nighttime Niceties

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There is nothing like coming home and relaxing in your bed. Especially after a long work week! I love buying beautiful sheets, pillows & throws for our bed.

I love walking by our bed and eyeing the beautiful neutral colors and soft palettes. Recently, I found these luxurious faux fur pillows at T.J. Maxx. I kept going to them every day! I finally decided, “okay I can’t seem to leave these alone, I must buy them”!!

I have not regretted this purchase. I love them on our bed. They add great warmth and texture. My daughter has been trying to “borrow” one every night. It’s funny. I am glad she enjoys her mother’s taste.

Our bed, please excuse my wrinkled pillow cases. 

The Domain Faux Fur Pillow
Relaxing in my bed, see the cozy blanket
Ahhh nighttime niceties 
I was watching Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic on dvd. 
(photos via AHFE)

An Inspiring Closet

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My recent love for blue and white has really surprised me. I am not sure how it happened but I am really loving the change!

Inspiration has been everywhere including this gorgeous oyster blue closet by designer Gray Walker. This amazing closet shows great beauty and function. Be inspired…

photos via Dustin Peck

The French Way of Eating

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I always wondered how the French manage to keep their gorgeous figures and still enjoy life. I know here in America overeating is a severe problem. I have to constantly tell myself, “Listen, you don’t have to eat all this food that they are putting on your plate”. The restaurant portion sizes are just out of control! And I have heard some people say that they think they are too small!!!

Well, I refuse to let food conquer me! I want to enjoy beautiful meals but I am not going to let food control me. I was reading French Essence and Vicki wrote about The French Way.


She talked about how she went to her aesthetician and discussed how the French eat.  Her aesthetician had some excellent advise….

Nothing changed in that she stressed the word moderation over and over. Her way is not about denial but the timing, quantities and combinations of how we eat. 


If we feel the desire to consume less than the ideal, eat it early and not too often. Depriving ourselves can make a diet difficult to maintain. Eating in a healthy way, maintaining our weight and setting up eating practices for the future are the way this French woman thinks. 

You must finish reading the article. It is an absolute eye opener.


Home Tour ~Dennis Basso’s Blue & White Haven

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For those of us who are QVC fans we all know who Dennis Basso is! He is the bright, funny man with great style. I love his faux furs on QVC as well as his throws.

Dennis has an eye for glamour so I was not at all surprised by his gorgeous home tour in the Hamptons. Talk about blue and white inspiration……

(all photos via Traditional Home)

My Visit to the Butterfly Floral Garden

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Having a whimsical garden has always been my dream. My husband and I have planted quite a bit this spring. We planted some lilac, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, peonies, lilies, gladiolus and dahlias. I have really enjoyed my garden this spring and summer. But it was nothing like the flower garden at the Butterfly Gardens here at our zoo.

Our friends were in town from New York and my husband and I decided to take them around our city. Of course Indianapolis is nothing like New York but we knew there were some excellent places to visit.

This was my first visit and I did not expect to see this gorgeous garden when we entered the courtyard. I was completely stunned! It was breathtaking to me…

The entryway….

The weeping willows were so majestic….

Yes, they were growing real pineapples!

This was one of my favorite spots.
The lily pads 

Me enjoying the garden







(all photos via Mrs. Shockley)