Top Posts for 2014

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Well, 2014 has been an interesting year for me. This has been my first year as a blogger. It is still new to me and I am still learning about what to share and what not to share. But I have enjoyed it very much. A few of my friends have told me that they really love reading my entries every week and the support has been just wonderful.

Thank you all for reading my blog! I am not as fancy as the others but I want my blog to be “my own”. I want to be faithful to who I am and not try to be something else. So with that being said here are my most popular posts from 2014!

1. 100 Ways to be Elegant


2. Looking Presentable at Home


3. Afternoon Tea Etiquette


4. The Peony Garden


5. Blue and White Dinnerware


6. Small Details Around the Home


7. Naming Your Home


8. Chic Affirmations




Photo by 小谢 on Unsplash


Mental Chicness

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I love this “Chic Tip” from author Jennifer L. Scott 


It is a great thing to be on top of current events and know what is going on in the world, but be careful that you don’t obsess and internalize all of the negative news of the day. Practice processing it without allowing yourself to be manipulated. Be informed, but be aware of how the media often use fear tactics to grip readers. While you are reading, try to filter out the spin and see the information for what it is. If a situation is upsetting you and causing you to live your life in fear, take a few deep breaths and bring yourself to the present moment. Right in this very moment, you are okay. If you can do something today to help the situation, do it. If not, try to send the situation love and move on with your day. ~At Home with Madame Chic

Photo by Ilyas Bolatov on Unsplash

Make your Office Chic

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I have been reading Jennifer L. Scott’s book At Home with Madame Chic: Becoming a Connoisseur of Daily Life for the last several weeks. I must say I love this book! But I expected it to be great because her first book Lessons from Madame Chic was just fantastic! Last week I gave a list of affirmations that one could say to themselves for confidence (see here) if you missed it. Today I am going to list some ideas from Jennifer about how to make your office chic.

In April I wrote a blog entry about office inspiration (see here) if you missed it. Below is the list and as always enjoy!!

1:  Forgo the typical generic storage containers found in most offices. You can use mini antique orchid pots to hold you pencils and pens. Use apothecary containers to house your paper clips and rubber bands.

(My office)

2:  Display pictures of loved ones in pretty antique frames.

(My chair at home, no throw rug but a throw is a great option)

3:  Lay out a throw rug.




(My home office on the left)

4:  Hang art on the wall that makes you happy when you look at it.

5:  Place a postcard from a faraway place by your computer to conjure up great memories.






(My oil warmer from Bath & Body Works)




6:  Use potpourri or dried lavender to keep the room smelling fresh.




(My guest chair at work)




7:  Keep a luxurious shawl on the back of your chair to stay warm in the air-conditioning.













8:  Keep a china teacup and saucer or your favorite mug on hand for coffee & tea breaks. Bring real silverware from home to keep lunchtime dignified (even if lunch is eaten at your desk).  See my blog entry (here) on how to eat alone. 












(My tulips)






9:  Bring a bouquet of flowers from your garden or from the farmers’ market and change out the water every day in the vase. It should last you all week. Or bring an orchid or African violet in to beautify your space. 




(all photos via Mrs. Shockley)

My New Office

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My office had some openings this past year and I was so anxious to apply for them. I have an Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies so when some of our paralegals retired I knew that I would finally have the opportunity to start a career.

There were 3 paralegal openings on my floor and I applied for all 3. I interviewed for 2 and my boss asked me which one did I really want so I told her. Well, last week she and the U.S. Attorney told me that I got the job!!!

I was so excited!! What a fantastic Christmas gift!! So out of my cubicle and into an office I go. I am so excited to start my new career! Below are some photos of my new office. I really hate the furniture but oh well….

Overview of my office

Family photos of course

I decided to bring my Von Maur throw and place it on my chair.
I love it for warmth and the color that it provides.

We have limited resources for furniture so I used my drawer for a table.
I dressed it up with some of my photos and magazines.

I snagged this chair from another empty office. I placed it in front of my desk
so that when people come in to talk they have a place to sit.
I added my faux scarf for some luxury. 

And of course one must have a mirror for decor and personal grooming.
(all photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Merry Christmas from AHFE

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Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

I hope that you are enjoying this day with your families and friends and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.

We all know that Christmas is not about the presents but about Christ’s birthday! So enjoy this day celebrate our King and smile and be grateful!

Beauty Interview with Aerin Lauder

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I love Aerin Lauder. I recently posted an entry about her home tour (see here) if you missed it. Her home is so fantastic. I recently stumbled on this interview with Sally Hughes.



The interview with Aerin is so inspiring and as a look around the decor is also inspiring. I am now interested in bringing gold accessories into my home. Watch the video and get to know Aerin and her brand. Enjoy!!!

(photo via Aerin Lauder Instagram)
To watch this on your mobile click here.

Furniture Shopping for my Home

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This past summer my husband and I went furniture shopping for our family room. We have had the same furniture for over 7 years. I am so ready for a change. I am hoping to buy some new pieces this upcoming fall but we will see.

We went to Haverty’s furniture store which is located here in Indianapolis. I have to say I just loved the store!!! They had such a great collection and the prices where pretty fair. Below are some of the pieces that I picked out. I haven’t purchased anything yet. I am still looking. Let me know what you think.

I loved the nightstand next to the bed. Just beautiful….

This sectional is what I am going for. 
I want a gray sectional because the decor colors in the family room and kitchen
are going to be blue and white. 

These lamps would fit right in with the blue and white decor.

An up close photo of the lamps.
The side tables… love!!




I love the coffee table. It’s sturdy and is an excellent source for storage.

Oh, I just love this rug!! This would also go great in the family room.
It is timeless and can hide stains well.
Now we already have a dining room table but I just loved this one!!
I wish I could get it! The cupboard in the back, gosh I would love to 
store my china on that!!!

I have always wanted a tufted headboard and this is the bed I picked out.
I think it is timeless and classic. I could have this for years!!

And last but certainly not least.. the starburst mirror. Now I want one a little bigger
but I loved the way this looked. 



(all photos via Mrs. Shockley)