An Elegant Bookstore…

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Happy New Year Everyone!

Welcome to 2023! Honestly, I still cannot believe that I am still blogging! I am actually a little shocked! I do love it and trying to come up with new blog posts every week is a lot of work. It’s not easy that is for sure, but I do love it and I am glad that you all are still here. I hope your holidays were excellent. It went by rather quickly. Our holiday was great, but I am exhausted and still have another busy week. I was able to fit in some antiquing. I found a new store! OMG, I think it might be the best I have ever seen. I can’t wait to share it here on the blog very soon! 

Speaking of new stores, I did see an article recently about this new bookstore created out of an 1840s Greek Revival townhouse. I had to share this especially since many of you are readers.

 

photo credits: Sarah Winchester

 

Now how elegant is this? I would love to visit a bookstore that looked like this! It’s outstanding! I loved how the owner spoke about what her vision was. “I always envisioned that the store would be in a townhouse, and I could picture people wandering from floor to floor and exploring nooks and crannies,” says Melissa. “I wanted it to feel like you were in someone’s personal home.”

 

photo credit: Sarah Winchester

 

Now let’s talk about the decor. Melissa, the owner, reached out to her longtime interior designer Cathy Kincaid. Now how great is that? I love Cathy’s work! I am a huge fan and I am not surprised by how beautiful, sophisticated, and balance that each room has in this bookstore. I have watched Cathy’s recent video on Schumacher 1889’s channel more than I can count. 

Cathy decorated each room in her signature style. Lots of blue tones, with pops of red, different fabrics and textures. 

 

photo credit: Sarah Winchester

 

Now this was my favorite part of the bookstore. I love how Melissa added a special events component to the store. She said, “event planners have access to a variety of tablescapes, as well as the café’s curated specialty menus created by Chef Colleen Suhanosky. For those wanting a wine consultation, a sommelier from a nearby private club is available. In addition, the bookstore has engaged with floral designer Cailla Quinn of Ephemirus to create special arrangements tailored to each event.” 

I LOVE this don’t you? I think it is fabulous! It’s a very creative way to get customers into your bookstore and gives them another opportunity to use the space! I think it’s genius. You could have meetings here, host a book club, small bridal shower, anything! The parties are limitless. 

I do hope that you all enjoyed this beautiful new bookstore find and you can read the original article here. I will be sharing a recent article about myself here soon! I can’t believe it! Have a great Tuesday!

 

 

My Christmas Table Setting ~ 2022

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Good Friday Morning and Happy New Year!

Wow it’s time for another year. We have so many changes upon us! Lauren will be going to prom soon and graduating from high school! We are about to apply for a college soon and I am just as nervous as she is. Keep us in your prayers. 

I am excited about her beginning her new journey. I am also excited for my stepson. This will be his last year in college, and he will officially be out on his own. He honestly doesn’t come home now so I am already making plans for his bedroom. Yay me!

Speaking of decorating and making changes I was so lost about how to decorate my table for Christmas this year. I went to my table linen cabinet and pulled out everything. It took me a few hours to get some inspiration but once I did the ideas just came….

 

 

I found this vine silk table cover and this hunter green cover in my linen cabinet. I had completely forgot about them both! I remember purchasing them from the antique store this past summer. So glad that I did. I think I only paid $5 each! 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley

 

After that I added my candelabras. I found these at the antique store last year. Looking wonderful so far…

 

 

Next it was time to make a decision about vases and flower arrangements. I knew that I wanted to use smaller vases this year and I wanted to use more than one. These were in my vase cabinet, and I thought that they would be great using them as centerpieces. 

 

 

 

It was so fun putting these small arrangements together. I used astromelias and pine for my arrangements this year. I wanted different flowers to use but this turned out really good and these were under $20! I love it all grouped together in the center. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley

 

I loved seeing all of the different colors and textures on my table. Once I finished the flower arrangements I decided to go and look for smaller items that I could add. I pulled this small ginger jar out of china cabinet. It seems as though it belonged on the table. 

 

 

Here it is up close. See all of the colors? Every color was at my table this year. It really belonged there. I paid under $10 for this at the antique store. 

 

 

 

Here is the finished product. I pulled out my Better Homes & Gardens Christmas plates. Now I know that these don’t belong, but I went ahead and added them anyway. I felt like my green tablecloth keep the red down it a minimum. 

The table looked so beautiful this year and I was so happy and proud of the work behind it. Shopping your home is the best thing that you can do. I am always amazed at what I find at home. You will see some new glasses here soon. Remember that video I shared about the anchor hocking goblets? Well I found some on eBay and made an offer and won! I only got 3 and will be on the hunt for 3 more! Wish me luck! If you are interested in buying some, I found a set here and here. 

 

 

Another great piece is this blue and white planter that my stepson and his girlfriend got me for Christmas! I do love it! I will be using it for flower arrangements of course. Let me know in the comments section below if you found any inspiration from my table setting. I do have fun creating this table and just find so much joy and creating beauty. I hope you all have a great weekend! Talk soon!

 

 

 

December Favorites ~ 2022

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Good Morning,

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas! We spent it with family and friends. I quite enjoyed everyone’s company this year. Gifts were small but of great quality. I think that is the direction where everyone is headed in my family. Of course, we thanked the Lord for our health and for the many blessings that we received this year. The Lord has been quite gracious to us. 

This year has been full of so many new adventures for me. I am trying to have more experiences in my life instead of things. I feel like a lot of people are on that path. We will see what the Lord has planned for us this year. But let’s get into my favorites for the month of December. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

 

First on my list was my trip to San Diego earlier this month. This was my first trip to the west coast, and it was different for me. First off, that time zone difference! Whoa, that hit me around day 2. I was so tired and hungry all the time! 

 

 

I stayed at the Kimpton Alma Hotel. The staff was incredibly nice, and they had “happy hour” every night. They served wine and hor d’oeuvres. Each night it was different. The weather was a little chilly in San Diego but quite comfortable. 

 

 

Second was my travel outfit and gear. Since I will be traveling at least twice a year for my job I decided to buy better items for traveling. First off, I love my new carry-on tote from Mark and Graham. I think I may have already shared it but I love it! It looks so classy! Loving my new city sneakers as well and I did purchase some new organizational items for packing. 

Speaking of traveling I did order a second pair of travel sneakers.

 

 

This was my third favorite. I know they may not be for everyone, but I thought that they were so fun! I saw them in Von Maur and could not resist. I love seeing a classic beautiful coat with a fun pair of sneakers. 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley

 

Still on the travel items this pill holder was my fourth favorite. I ordered this from Etsy and it’s William Morris inspired. I plan on using this for my vitamins, aspirins, and anything else I will need while traveling. 

 

 

Fifth are my new but old vintage clip earrings! I found these gorgeous things on Poshmark and had to make an offer! I have been wearing them nonstop ever since!

 

 

The sixth was my recent visit to the Franklin Artcraft Theatre. My husband and I went to watch White Christmas! It was so nice! They come out and announce the movie and say the Pledge of Alliance every time. I want to come back and watch Funny Face with Audrey Hepburn and visit the new antique store called FrenChic. 

 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Seventh on my list was this bundle of fresh pine that I found at the grocery store. I also found this faux silver champagne bucket at T.J. Maxx. It was a great find! I used some of this pine in my Christmas table setting which I will share later. 

 

 

Ninth is my Christmas gift. So I saw this beautiful ram bracelet on Ward Vintage’s Instagram account and had to message her about it. Turns out it is Kenneth Jay Lane and was up for purchasing. I showed it to my husband and said that I was going to message her and ask if it was still available. About an hour later, she responds and says that it is no longer available someone had purchased it! I was so mad and went on ranting in the house for a few days. What I did not know was it was my husband who had purchased it right from under me! He surprised me with it on Christmas day. I smiled and said, “very smooth”! 

 

And last is a new YouTube channel that I recently discovered. 

 

 

 

Now I don’t love everything but most of her vintage dishes and designs I do love! Especially her anchor hocking goblets in this video! I am now on the hunt for some! I do hope that you all enjoyed my December finds. Let me know in the comments section below how your Christmas was! I would love to hear from you all! Have a great Monday!

 

 

Please note: some links are affiliate links and if you make a purchase through this link, I will receive a small commission for referring you to the product. Thank you so much in advance if you decide to make a purchase through my link.

 

 

The Guild Christmas Luncheon & Fashion Show

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Good Morning,

It’s only 6 days before Christmas! That came so quickly. Christmas shopping this year was not fun. I didn’t have much to buy but it was not fun at all. The kids are getting older and only asked for a few things, but they were expensive items. Most of my husband’s family does not want to present swap anymore so the buying has gone down. I do miss buying gifts for everyone because I love the hunt! But most people don’t like to shop and don’t want the pressure. So I get it. 

I am done and will be wrapping what I do have in a few days. I have another busy work week but will be taking Friday off to get things done around the house, food prep and we are going to the Ayres Tea Room for lunch! I hope we enjoy it this year. Last week my group the Guild had its Annual Christmas Luncheon! This was my first year attending and it was a lot of fun. 

 

 

It was had at the Woodstock Country Club and a full agenda was planned. Those of us in the fashion show got to see where all of the accessories were and where we were to change. I wore my trusty burgundy dress from Target, my new embellished heels from Zara, my pink faux scarf from Ann Taylor and vintage Louis Vuitton. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

This was the table setting. Lots of rich colors for this holiday season! On the menu was chicken marsala, buttery mashed potatoes, asparagus, a salad, and for dessert this absolutely decadent chocolate lava cake with peppermint ice cream! I have never had chocolate lava cake but from here on out I want it with peppermint ice cream! It was so yummy and complete satiated my palate. So pleased! 

 

 

Another beautiful item that was included were the party favors. The group decided to gift to all of us these wonderful silk scarves with a vintage crystal Cameo brooch! Now how great is that? What a gift! I may have to still this idea! 

Everyone kept looking to see who got what scarf and brooch. We also had raffle prizes and I won a gift to Monterey. It’s a local restaurant that I have never heard of. Mr. Shockley and I are looking forward to trying it out. 

After we ate and talked, we headed back to get changed for the fashion show. I think that I may have already shared that the clothes were from a local boutique called the Secret Ingredient. The owner was there and introduced us each and talked about our outfits. It was fun!

 

photo credit: Guild Member

 

They managed to get me into pants! I tried my hardest to find a dress, but they didn’t have any in my size. I ended up piecing this outfit together. My shoes I brought from home. They are from Ann Taylor but I found a cheaper version on Amazon.  The pants were not that bad. Everyone after the show asked me about them. I thought that they were still elegant yet comfy. It was a great experience. 

Let me know in the comments section below if you have ever been in a fashion show big or small. Also please keep in mind that the boutique is still having it’s $25 dress sale! Order a few for your wardrobe! I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas! I will be taking a break for the rest of the week but will still be around. Enjoy the holidays! 

 

 

Refreshing My Christmas Ornaments

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Good Morning Everyone,

My busy week has ended, and I can relax a little. Yesterday we had a retirement party for a dear co-worker of mine. It’s always bittersweet saying goodbye to someone that you have worked with for about 18 years! Time sure does fly! This weekend we are headed back to the Franklin Historical Theatre and this time we are going to watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. My family loves this movie! I am not a big fan. Cousin Eddie drives me nuts, but my family gets a kick out of it. Christmas is next week, and I finally done Christmas shopping. I can now enjoy the holidays a little more. 

I think I shared in a previous post about how I wanted a more “sophisticated” look for my trees this year. I have been getting rid of a lot of old Christmas decorations and ornaments. I realized that when I opened my tubs this year and looked at my decorations, I was not happy. I was not excited about decorating because I did not like what I had and at that moment I knew that it was time to “refresh” my ornaments. 

So I went on the hunt for inspiration and new ornaments. 

 

 

This tree started my quest. I follow The Decor Diet on Instagram and the LTK and I saw this tree along with this gorgeous Christmas tree urn from Ballard Designs. I knew that I had to have it and luckily it was on sale!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I was so excited when it arrived and felt a wave of new inspiration come over me. Most of my ornaments were from my mother-in-law. Nothing wrong with it but they were just not me and I wanted my trees to display my style. 

 

 

We decided to put my white Christmas tree in it and I was so surprised at how great it looked! I purchased this tree from Walmart and adding this Christmas tree urn just gave it a more expensive and classic look. I added my blue and white ornaments from the Enchanted Home and my peacock ornaments from the At Home Store.  I still felt like more was needed so I started my hunt on Etsy for ribbon. 

 

 

I ended up finding this stunning ribbon from Etsy! My face lit up when I saw it. I knew that it was perfect for my tree! I am so happy with how everything turned out. Now I just need to get some practice putting it into my tree. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Then I turned my attention to our family tree. I got rid of a lot of the red. I just wanted more neutral colors for this tree. I went out and got more ornaments and found this beautiful ribbon from Katherine at Pender and Peony. I think it is a perfect fit!

 

 

Here is the top of the tree. I decided to add some poinsettias to the top. I loved the way that it turned out but I am still looking for inspiration. 

 

 

We still have our Barbie tree which I am not changing at this moment. I did get rid of some old ornaments from this tree, but Lauren decorated it. I thought she did a wonderful job! She loves having the poodle skirt under it. Sometimes it is a hassle but it really adds to the look. I did record a short video on my Youtube channel sharing my trees and some of Christmas decor. 

 

 

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! The boutique is still having a sale! Everything is under $30! Take advantage and order a dress or two! 

 

 

 

 

Snowboots & Heels

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Good Morning

I am back from my work trip from San Diego! I must say it was a little colder than expected. My flights went pretty well. The flight home on Wednesday was a little rough. We did not land until 11:45 in the evening then a freight truck was moved in front of where they were suppose to unload our luggage so I had to wait another 30 minutes which put me at 12:30 in the morning. So I didn’t get home until 1 a.m. and managed to get unpacked and in bed by 2 a.m. I did get up and go to the office the next day but didn’t go in until 10 a.m. Overall, it was a nice trip. I can share my hotel and room if you are all interested. Let me know in the comments section below.

On Friday last week my group the Guild had its Christmas luncheon and fashion show! I actually had a great time. I can share that in a post later as well. 

I was asked a question a few weeks ago about if I wear snow boots and or heels when it snows, and the answer is I wear them both! When it snows here in Indiana, and I have to go out I do put on a pair of snow boots and the boots below are my favorite. I do wear them with the dresses, and my coat and it looks fine. 

 

 

My boots are old but here are a similar pair. Once I get inside the office, I then pull out my heels that I usually carry with me in my shoe bags.

 

 

I have a few shoe bags that I use. I love this Kate Spade shoe bag at the moment, and I do have a few from Sarah Flint. Use whatever works for you. 

 

 

 

I am always one to have things organized and ready to go. I think when you work in an office you tend to figure out what works for you and what doesn’t. I have learned that having shoe bags is a must in the snow season for me. I have tried wearing my heels on snowy sidewalks and streets and I tell you it’s not safe doing that. I have fallen so many times. As I get older I am finding more practical ways to be elegant and still find comfort. Like I use to wear heels all the time in airports and found that I cause a lot of damage to my feet doing that and was in so much pain when I got home that I would have to sit in order to get relief. 

So no more of that. When I need to wear comfortable shoes, I will be wearing them and will be wearing my heels all other times. I am learning to find the balance. Let me know in the comments section what you do when you are traveling or in weather that is not so nice. 

Also the boutique is having a $25 dress sale! All dresses are $25 or less! Take advantage of this wonderful sale! 

 

*Affiliate links attached 

 

 

A Simple Quick Bread for Breakfast

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Good Morning,

It’s been such a busy week! On Monday I made reservations for us to have lunch at the Ayres Tea Room, but we barely got in! They were booked for the entire month of December! I was told that you can start scheduling in October. Noted! I will be calling early next year. We will be going a day before Christmas Eve. Not ideal for me but I will take it. On Tuesday, I took the staff that I supervise to the Cake Bake Shop! We had such a great time. It was all their first time visiting so that was a treat for me to see them enjoy it!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I got my favorite cake. The apple crumble cake is one of my favorites! So good!

 

 

On Wednesday I went to the boutique to go for my fitting for the Guild Fashion Show which is scheduled during our Christmas luncheon. They got me in pants! I am okay with it but the outfit is not something that I would wear but someone else may love it. That evening Lauren and I went to see the Nutcracker. I will linking a video below for you all to view it. 

 

 

We loved this version of Nutcracker! There are some things that we love about our local Nutcracker but it was nice to see this version. I am now getting ready for my work trip to San Diego! I have never been to the west coast so I will share how things go. 

In today’s post I wanted to share this quick and simple bread that I made during Thanksgiving. 

 

 

I found this Pillsbury Pumpkin Quick Bread at my local store, and I love it! It was so easy to make, moist and absolutely delightful with a warm cup of tea. I ended up purchasing a second box and a box of the banana bread. I will be making one of these during Christmas. 

I hope you enjoy this new recipe find and let me know in the comments below if you have use this. I would love to know. Have a great weekend!