Street Chic

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I heard this quote from Carolina Herrera, “Elegance is not about what a woman is wearing but it’s the way she is wearing it. “It’s not about money and it’s not about beauty. It’s about carrying yourself in a different way.



When walking downtown I see all kinds of different fashion. Some you enjoy and some you don’t. But how you carry yourself says a lot about you. I always like to look nice everywhere I go. I even had this mindset while I was in high school. When I was a junior in high school there was a teacher that stood by the door and always watched me walk by.


One day she stopped me and said, “I like the way you carry yourself”. “Follow me I have something for you”. Turns out the school had a business program and some job opportunities. I prepared a resume and she submitted it to the United States Attorney’s Office. I was then given an interview and then the job. 


So how you “keep” yourself is very important. You never know when someone could be watching you who may have job opportunities. Below are some photos from my Magnolia board on Pinterest. Let them inspire you for a new street-chic look! Also is Carolina Herrera’s interview with PopSugar below. She is one of my favorite fashion icons. Watch and see why. Enjoy! 
Me with my coral Totes coat (thrift store find) & my Coral Coach bag 
purchased from Von Maur, Spring 2013

Carolina Herrera on Music as Inspiration and What It Means to 

(photos via Pinterst & Mrs. Shockley)

Roasted Vegetables

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A few weeks ago I was on Youtube and stumbled upon a roasted vegetables recipe from Martha Stewart. It looked so simple so I decided to try it when I got home.

I went to the store and bought some grapes, tomatoes, brussel sprouts, and pears. I sprinkled some olive oil, salt, pepper, all spice and oregano on them and it turned out great. I have been trying to incorporate more recipes in my cooking agenda and it is going very well. Below is the video from Martha that inspired my curiosity. Enjoy!

 
Seasonal Roasted Vegetables – Martha Stewart – YouTube
 
 

Homekeeping with a Pet

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Homekeeping is very important in regards to being elegant because a clean home is an elegant home. I really like to clean and organize. It takes my mind off whatever issues I may have for the moment. It’s great exercise and you can listen to your favorite music.

I have a boxer named Bishop. I love my dog and enjoy having him. One thing I will not tolerate is my home smelling like “dog”. My visitors should see my dog not smell him. That is why I clean my house religiously. I keep my floors swept and vacuumed. We bath our dog and wash his blankies.

One product I decided to try last year was the Swiffer.  It is absolutely wonderful!!! I use it on all my floors and it gets all of the dog hair and human hair. Another product I use is Odor Control Solutions. My husband buys it at our local pet store. It is an all natural treatment for bacterial odors. I sprinkle a little on the floors and vacuum. It works great!! They have it in lavender and lemon scent.

The other products that we use are the Nature’s Miracle . They have helped when he had his little “accidents”. Of course I still have my Bath and Body Works bulbs in my walls and that keeps the house smelling wonderful. Below are some photos of what products I use. So I want to give those of you a little hope who have pets that having an elegant home is possible.

My dog “Bishop” in my sitting room

The carpet cleaner I use





My Swiffer

All the hair it picks up (sorry I know this is gross but I wanted to show everyone)

My beautiful Casablanca lilies, my dog does not bother them. 









(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic

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I first heard of shabby chic my senior year in high school. I was flipping through the channels one day and came across a show called “Rachel Ashwell’s Shabby Chic“. What caught my attention was the beautifully time-worn objects and the appeal of the simple and practical living.

Rachel’s company was founded in 1989 and is now recognized not only as a brand name, but as a decorating style. Many Americans love the allure of “shabbiness” because of its beauty and comfort. I adore the look of shabby chic rooms. I appreciate things that are useful, well loved and comfortable. I love the appearance of slip covered furniture, peeled and tattered tables and chairs. Oh gosh, and the colors!

The seaform, mint, celadon greens, dusty roses, pale blues, ivories, creams and grays. When I got my first book of Rachel’s I was hooked. Then I went to Ebay and purchased some of her dvd’s. I love seeing her go and visit the many flea markets for her gorgeous finds. So take a look at the lavish photos below and let Rachel invite you inside the unique world of Shabby Chic.

My “Sitting Room” at home.
( I need a bigger rug and the search continues)

Closet Beauty

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Last year we built our second home and I just love our new home. It has so much space and everything is new. This is my first walk-in closet and I just enjoy it so much. My mother- in- law found this chic little chandelier at Lowe’s. It fits perfectly in my closet. I will admit my closet isn’t as glamorous as the one’s I see on Pinterest but I enjoy it and consider it a wonderful blessing. Below are photos of my closet and other closets that I have on my Pinterest boards. They will inspire you as well. Enjoy!

Chanel Inspired

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Chanel is known as one of the most glamorous couture fashion lines of all time. You can’t say “Chanel without thinking elegance.  The Chanel bag is one of the most sought after bags of all time. I know for a fact that they cannot keep them in consignment shops.

I love finding Chanel accessories at flea markets, boutiques,  and online.  I recently started back on my quest for finding Chanel accessories once I was inspired by Mrs. Trina’ s fashion videos. She has such excellent taste and I love watching her “unboxing” videos.

I recently made the following purchases and think they are fabulous:

 
Chanel Necklace
 
Chanel Brooch

 
The white pearl necklace is one big necklace that you can wrap around twice. It is fantastic! My next purchase was some Chanel earrings.

 
Chanel pearl earrings

My next purchase was the gorgeous Chanel GST (grand shopping tote). I love it! When I saw Mrs. Trina’s video on it I just thought, “What a chic bag”. It comes with this beautiful dust bag. When you open the flap there is a drawing of Chanel. It is called the Chanel GST in cream, caviar leather, with gold hardware. It sits comfortable on your arm and there is lots of space in it. It is just fabulous!

 
Chanel GST
 
My next purchase was a pair of Chanel sunglasses with the bow. I think they are so feminine!

 
Chanel sunglasses
 
My last purchase was this Chanel mug from Etsy. I thought what a great item to have to carry my chi-tea around in. Very chic!
 
 
Chanel mug
 
 
I am very happy with my purchases. I will enjoy them. Below is Mrs. Trina’s videos of her Chanel items. Enjoy!!
 
 
my favourite look of all time , chanel – YouTube
 
trina leavers – YouTube
 
trina leavers – YouTube
 
 
 
 
 

Apple Cinnamon Tea Cake

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I learned about this recipe two weeks ago. I have never baked before so I wanted to try it. I got all of the ingredients together and I borrowed my mother-in-laws hand mixer. It took me about an hour to prepare and about 50 minutes to bake. It was absolutely fantastic!

My first baking experience was wonderful and it was a great success. The cake was light and fluffy and there was just enough cinnamon in it and just enough sugar and the Granny Smith apples were juicy and delectable! I served it with vanilla ice cream and my family really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed this dish and will be making it again and again. If you would like to try it the recipe is below. And where did I learn about this recipe? None other than my favorite Youtube friend, Mrs. Trina! Her video is below. Enjoy!

*Apple and Cinnamon Tea Cake* (see website here)
Makes one 9 inch cake, serving 8 to 10

A deliciously moist cake, filled with lovely apples and cinnamon flavours.   Serve warm with softly whipped double cream for a real treat!

185g of unsalted butter, softened (3/4 cup)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
126g of golden caster sugar (2/3 cup)
3 large free range eggs, lightly beaten
150g of plain flour (1 1/2 cups)
1/2 tsp baking powder
pinch salt
78ml of whole milk (1/3 cup)

To top:
4 small Granny Smith Apples, peeled, halved and cored
1 tsp caster sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

To finish:
a heaped dessertspoon of apricot jam, gently warmed (about 1/4 cup)

To serve:
Softly whipped double cream


Preheat the oven to 170*C/325*F/ gas mark 3.  Butter a 9 inch round spring form cake tin.   Line the bottom with baking paper.  Butter the paper.  Set aside.

Cream together the butter, cinnamon and sugar until light and fluffy.   Beat in the eggs, a bit at a time, mixing well after each addition.  Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt.   Add to the creamed mixture, alternately with the milk.  Spread the batter in the prepared pan.  Cut little slits in the apples almost all the way through working from the rounded top down, taking care to leave them intact on the flat side.  Place the apple halves evenly spaced around the cake on top of the batter.  Stir together the sugar and cinnamon.  Sprinkle evenly over top.

Bake for 50 minutes.  Remove from the oven.  Gently brush with the apricot jam.   Return to the oven and bake for a further 10 minutes, or until the cake tests done when a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Serve warm, cut into wedges along with some softly whipped double cream.

apple and cinnamon tea cake – YouTube
(photos via Mrs. Shockley)