Madeline’s ~ A Boutique in Brown County

Madeline’s is one of the beautiful vintage shops in Brown County. I always make sure I take a visit there. It feels so comfortable and inviting when you walk in. I love all the decor and all the quilts, napkins and home accessories they have.

It is such a cute shop that you must also add this to your list when visiting Brown County. This place is an excellent store to find great hostesses gifts! You can also buy great Christmas gifts too! There are so many ideas that you could come up with to spend money here! It’s just perfect! Enjoy!
The front of Madeline’s 




The entryway; this is as soon as you walk in. 
Sorry it’s so blurry.




Napkins and place-mats 




I love these blue and white napkins. 

More great home accessories

Some of their homemade products

Some of the gorgeous vintage quilts

all photos via Mrs. Shockley




If you wish to contact Madeline’s their number is (812) 988-6301. Their email address is madelinesfrenchcountry@gmail.com. 

My Favorite Glassware

I have been on this glassware hunt for some time now. I wanted some nice, dishwasher safe glasses to use every day. I was visiting One Kings Lane and I saw these fantastic “bee goblets”. Well, at that time I could not purchase them. They were a little steep in price. But that afternoon I went over to T.J. Maxx and what did I find? You guessed it the “bee goblets” for $2.99 a glass!

So I jumped with joy on the inside and quietly took them upfront to pay for them. I have been adding glasses here and there to my collection. I am very happy with it so far. My step-son’s even use my goblets which I think is fantastic!  So below is my collection of glasses and also check out my China & Transferware Board on Pinterest. It’s filled with beautiful inspiration. Enjoy!

My bee goblets. I use these everyday!




My green goblets. My mother in law gave me these. 

All of my glasses and goblets I use. 

These cups are Cynthia Rowley

More Cynthia Rowley items. 





These leaf glasses were a gift from my mother in law 
for my birthday. They come in a set of 16. 






My mother in law was doing some cleaning and decided to give me these also.
I love them! Especially, the detailed handle. So chic!
(all photos above are my own)




Love this beautiful glass below and table setting. 



Bedroom Bouquets

I love having a fresh vase of flowers in the bedroom. It just adds something special to that special place. I know for me after all is done for the day there is nothing like getting in my bed and smelling lilies right next to me. I always make sure that I have at least 2 vases of fresh flowers in my home.

Whenever we have people over or if my girlfriends come upstairs they always comment on my flowers in the bedroom. I think it brings a nice and elegant presence to the space. It is also a wonderful way to bring color into your room. Below is a video from One Kings Lane. I love this arrangement that she makes and you will too. Enjoy!

My bouquet of Queen-Anne Lace in our bedroom. 




How to Create a Bedroom Arrangement – YouTube

(if you are viewing this from your mobile, just click on this link)

French Bread

I love french bread! I have it almost everyday. I discovered this Pillsbury french bread a few years ago at the grocery store. It is so easy to make and when we have guest over for dinner they enjoy it as well.

If prepared right, it is so soft and so delicious. I prepare it with my dinner dishes as well as breakfast. I love it in the morning with scrambled eggs and blackberry preserves! Oh so good!

Below are the steps, it’s pretty simple. I hope you try it!

Here it is still in it’s package.

You take it out and cut slits into it.
Make sure you spray your pan with some cooking spray.

You bake it at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.
Keep an eye on it!

This is the finished product. I put butter on it. Oh my!! Delicious!




I also have it in the morning with turkey bacon. 

Just wonderful!


(all photos via Mrs. Shockley)


Naming your Home

I’ve being thinking about this idea. It was in the Style and Simplicity book by Ted Kennedy Watson. He said:

Naming your Home

WHY NOT? This practice should not be reserved for old, stately English manor homes. Whether you live in a studio apartment or a grand mansion, naming your home makes it more personal. “Come for drinks at seven to the Gainsborough” sounds much more intimate than just giving your street address. It adds a specialness to your home. We often give a gift of a personalized item (notepads or tote bag) with the house name on it when we have weekend guests.

I thought about this and said okay, maybe I can name my home. I was thinking of naming it “East Heritage”. What do you think? Should one name their home?

Our home
I posted this photo on my Instagram and tagged the author Ted Kennedy Watson in it.

Below was his response. I was so excited!!!



I read Ted Kennedy Watson’s book #styleandsimplicity. I love the idea about naming your home. I have no idea what to name it. Any ideas? @watsonkennedy; #ahomeforelegance

watsonkennedyI love that you are going to name your home! Just something that has meaning to you when you think of it and it makes you smile when you say it. Fab house, btw! Bestest, Ted
smsshockley@watsonkennedy; thank you! I was thinking of East Heritage.
watsonkennedyLove it! Come for dinner at 7 to East Heritage sounds perfect! I think you have a winner. Have fun with it!

Critsers Mums ~ In Brown County

Having mums around my house is just a decor requirement when it comes autumn decorating. Critsers Greenhouses is where my husband and I stop every year before leaving Brown County. I just think they have the best hardy mums around! Sure it’s about a 30 minute drive but to me they are so worth it!

The mums are $8 each and they are huge! This year he had kale trees! These are so colorful and different and at $6 each I could not pass it up. My husband and I got to speak with the owner last year. He is such a nice man and they way you pay will really test your character.

There is no one out there to help you. He has an “honor system” set up. Where you put your money in a box and take your mums. We asked him last year if he ever has any stolen and of course he says yes. I think that’s a shame but he keeps doing it year after year.

So if you wish to get some hardy mums in Indiana stop by Critsers. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And please if you do don’t steal. Be gracious just as he is.

So pretty and so many colors!

The kale trees!

The “honor system”. This is how you pay.

My husband loading up the car.

My porch at home

I love my mums!
Thanks for reading!!!
(all photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Hot Water, Lemon & Honey ~ My Favorite Cold Weather Drink

About two years ago, I was having some trouble with my throat. I noticed that my boss always had a cup of lemon and honey around the cold season. I went into her office to talk with her and she noticed that I didn’t sound well. So, she told me to grab one of my tea cups and make hot water, lemon and honey to soothe my throat. It worked!! So now when the season changes to cold I have those ingredients already at home and work. Here are 9 reason why you should drink it:

1: Helps improve digestion

2: Cleanses the stomach improving the functioning of the colon
3: Beats constipation
4: Helps in cleansing the lymphatic system
5: Gives you an instant boost of energy and improves your mood
6: Cleans your urinary tract and acts as a diuretic
7: Improves oral health
8: Increases your chances of weight loss
9: Can give you clear skin

I found this information here. But it also helps with sore throats. I love it!! I also love being able to use my china tea cups at work.  You should try it. It’s a real treat!



My teacup and lemon honey drink at work.