Hope in a Jar (Night Cream)

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Oh winter! How I hate thee! My skin gets so dry. Since I am getting older I can’t get away with not moisturizing.  Last year my friend Kim introduced me to Philosophy! It’s a wonderful skin care and fragrance line.

I must admit when it comes to beauty products I don’t like to try anything! But this company has certainly changed my mind. I noticed that I had these dark spots on my face and I could not get rid of them. I took a closer look and realized that they were dry spots!

Kim told me about Hope in a Jar. It is a facial moisturizing cream and it certainly does wonders! I purchased my jar at Von Maur and I have been smitten ever since! I use it twice a day and my face has improved! The dark spots are gone and my face is soft. I have purchased more products from Philosophy and I sing their praises. I adore the company. If you want to read my blog entries about the products I use see here and here. Enjoy!!!

My jars at home

The cream; looks glorious doesn’t it?
(all photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Fuzzy Throws Around the Home

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Since November is here and we know that winter is on it’s way, it’s time to pull out the warm fuzzy throws. I love having them around my home. My daughter and two step-sons enjoy them also. They are so affordable now.

T.J. Maxx has tons of them! This is my favorite store for home decor. I have about 5 throws around the home. They add warmth and texture to any room and it is so easy to grab one and snuggle up with a cup of tea or hot cocoa. Here are a few photos of my throws. I hope you can find some for your home. Enjoy!!!
My throw from Von Maur. It was free with a $35 purchase. Yeah me!

My leopard throw. I found it at a thrift store. 

This throw is in my office over my chair. I love it! I found it at T.J. Maxx.



This throw is in the family room. My step-sons fight over this one. 
It covers the whole body and is so soft. I found it a T.J. Maxx.
I love the blue and white!
(all photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Glitter Heels

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I love, love glitter heels! I think they are so much fun and should not be worn just around the holidays! I wear my glitter heels all the time. I especially love wearing them and seeing the little girl’s faces! They always stare at my shoes and then look up at me and smile.

I love it! You can really add some sparkle to your outfit. I usually keep my outfit very plain and chic. I will wear a white blouse, black skirt, pearls and then my glitter heels. It looks great and people stop me all the time. If you can’t find a pair Ebay is a great place to start.

If you have a pair pull them out and wear them. Remember to always wear your best!

My Adrienne Vittadini glitter heels. I found them on Ebay last year for about $30!




This is my second pair of glitter heels. I purchased these at DSW about 2 years ago.
They are from the Ferglicious line. 


This is my third pair. I found these at DSW but they sold out so I got the name and 
searched for them on Ebay last year and found them!!!

These are my dream glitter heels. These are by Kate Spade.
Fantastic aren’t they?
(photos via Mrs. Shockley and google)

Home Tour with Alex Papachristidis

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I didn’t know much about Alex Papchristidis but after I saw his home tour I wanted to know more! Oh my goodness his home is gorgeous! I now follow him on Instagram and I am learning more about his book The Age of Elegance. Amazon will let you “look inside” for a sneak peek. It is gorgeous! Enjoy the home tour and check out his page. Enjoy!!


(photo via Alex’s Instagram page)

( photographer Tria Giovan)
Alex’s book. I will be getting a copy!
To watch this on your mobile click here.
(video via Quintessence)

Elevator Etiquette

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Okay, elevator etiquette is something that I consider to be very important. I work in a skyscraper so I ride an elevator a lot! I always make sure I hold the door open if I see someone coming and I always so hello to the person getting on. I noticed that now with these smartphones no one wants to talk to anyone.

It’s rather annoying. Everyone grabs their phone to distract themselves until they get off. What’s wrong with talking to people? I like getting on the elevator after dealing with the rude individuals on the road and talking to someone about fashion or decor or just life. It’s like a breath of fresh air when someone talks to me on the elevator. I understand that as a safety measure you can’t always talk to some people but most of the time we know who we can and who we can’t.

Below is a list of rules for elevator etiquette. I saw this on Town and Country and really enjoyed it. Also, watch the video below from author Jennifer L. Scott about etiquette and if you missed my blog entry about other places to be elegant see here  and here . Enjoy!!!

1. Ladies First


2. Zip the Lip (Elevator rides are not meant for cell phone conversations)


3. Move to the back (Move to the back so that everyone can file in an orderly fashion) 


4. Le snack (Don’t eat your lunch on the elevator) 


5. Remember there is a camera


6. “Can you hold the door please?”


7. The Exit Strategy (In the back of an elevator and your stop is next? No problem, simply say, “Pardon me, this is my floor”.)


8. Plain old pleasant (Use the following pleasantries, “Good Morning”and  “Have a great day”. Kindness always makes the world a better place.) 


Photo by Waldemar Brandt on Unsplash
To watch this on your mobile click here.
(video via Daily Connoisseur) 

Always Use Your Best

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I am a firm believer in always using the best you have. I always use my best dishes, glasses and other dinnerware. I always use my linen napkins every time we eat dinner.

I use my best vases for flower arrangements. I wear my best shoes on the weekends. I wear my scarves and jewelry on the weekends also! I don’t see any point in “saving” things for special occasions. Honestly, you never know if those occasions will come. So use your best and wear your best always.

People, places and things are here to enjoy so enjoy them. Attached are two of my favorite YouTube videos from the The Daily Connoisseur.  I love how Jennifer is a connoisseur of daily living.  Lastly, if you missed my blog entry on wearing your best in the evening see here. Watch the videos and enjoy!

My top from J Crew and real pearl necklace. 
Now most people would save this for the holidays.
Well, I didn’t. I like to wear nice things now. 

My blue and white dinnerware. I use it almost everyday for dinner or breakfast.


My glasses I use everyday. My step-sons use them also. 



I like to use nice platters when having dinner also. I found this at the Goodwill.
See my blog entry here about Goodwill shopping. 


To watch “Always Use Your Best” on your mobile click here.
To watch “Portion Control Tip Use China” click here.

(all photos via Mrs. Shockley, videos via the Daily Connoisseur)

Printable Place Cards

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I love decorating a table for dinner. I always try to keep it simple so when I read the blog entry for printable place cards from the  Ballard Designs Blog I knew this would be a big hit!



They provide these easy place cards that you can just print out and write on them! The designs are so perfect and it so easy. I definitely will be using these for the holidays. See some great examples below. Enjoy!!


Photo by Thomas AE on Unsplash


This is a great simple example!
(my photo)
This is one of the printable place cards from the Ballard Designs blog. 

Photo by BRUNO EMMANUELLE on Unsplash
And I just had to add this gorgeous table! 
Just stunning….