November Favorites ~ 2022

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Good Morning and Hello to the last week of November

Shesh… I can’t believe it is the last week of November. My goodness! I seriously feel like I have to start shopping for Christmas Eve dinner! So much so soon! I start my busy week today. Then I will be packing soon for my work trip to San Diego. I honestly don’t know what to expect. I will be wearing my city sneakers from Banana Republic, my Concourse tote from Mark & Graham, one of my comfy dresses, chic cardigan, pearls and Chanel brooch. If I remember to take a photo, then I will share my “airport style” with you all. 

I am looking forward to this opportunity and new adventure! Now let’s share what made me smile in November….

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

The first on my list are the country clubs that I get to visit with my group the Guild. I never knew about all these glorious spaces! It’s been wonderful! This room was in the Highland Country Club here in my city. 

 

 

Second has been what I call “life photos”. This is me in my car on my way to the office and this is a daily look into my life. My fresh flowers for the week, fav handbag of the moment and my shoes. I am serious. This is what my passenger seat looks like all the time!

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Speaking of my office, my third fav is my office but really it is my new carry-on Concourse tote from Mark and Graham. I do love this! Especially seeing my monogram on it. I have been carrying it nonstop!

 

 

 

Fourth is my new Christmas tree urn from Ballard Designs. I will be sure to share what my tree looks like in it. It is truly a beautiful piece and definitely what I was seeking to help me start my sophisticated Christmas decorating! It’s lovely and I have gotten lots of compliments! 

 

 

The fifth is this Barbie ornament. I have been in love with this ornament since 2003. I first saw her on my mother-in-law’s Barbie tree and started my quest of making my own Barbie Christmas tree. I found this about 2 years ago on Poshmark. I am going to love pulling her out year after year. She reminds me of Jackie O!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Sixth are daily happenings. I walked in from work one day last week and saw this. My husband had gone to Costco to get my favorite poinsettias. I love seeing these every year. 

 

 

And last are these new pumps from Sarah Flint. These are now in my top 5! I love these! There is an awesome sale going on right now! Sarah is having a Cyber Monday sale where accessories are 20% off as well as table wear! I would take advantage if I were you! Not sure what pair of shoes to get? Then try the Fireside House Shoe. I have a pair! You can use my code SARAHFLINT-BASMSSHOCKLEY and get $50 off of the house shoe. Need a gift? Then get the house shoe for a family member or friend but don’t forget my code! 

I hope 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.

 

Thanksgiving ~ 2022

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Good Morning,

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Our holiday turned out great although I am exhausted! We kept things simple and enjoyed everyone’s company. We also sat and watch the sequel to A Christmas Story. It’s called a Christmas Story Christmas and you should check it out! It was quite good. I have been so busy at work and trying to get things done here at home that I feel like I am so behind on things. I normally have my Christmas shopping done, no worries, I am close but I feel like nothing is complete until that list is checked off! I am also going to be flying to San Diego in about another week, so I really need to get my schedule in order. 

This week is a busy one again! On Monday there will be lots of Cyber sales. I need to book a Christmas lunch at the Ayres Tea Room. You all know that we try to go there every year. On Tuesday I am taking my team to the Cake Bake Shop for lunch! We are all so excited! On Wednesday I have my fitting for the fashion show for my Guild Christmas luncheon and Lauren and I are going to see the Russian Nutcracker! Lots of exciting things that I hope to share in the next few days. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

 

This was my table setting this year. My local grocery store did not have a good selection of flowers this season. It was really hard trying to find inspiration. So I did the best that I could and used some astromelias and purple stock. Not what I had in mind but it worked out. 

 

 

My uncle and aunt gave me these beautiful crystal glasses and the tall crystal vases. It goes so well with the rest of my china.

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

 

My caramel cake was a big hit again! You can make this by scratch or semi-homemade. I shared the recipe on the blog last year if you are interested. 

 

 

 

I love my gold turkey candle pedestal that I purchased from Bath & Body Works last year. I have tried finding it but I am sure it is sold out everywhere. I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving. It certainly came and went fast. Below are a few of previous years Thanksgiving blog posts and don’t forget about the boutique’s Black Friday sale! Use code blackfriday22 for 15% off sitewide!

 

*A Quiet Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

November Favorites ~ 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lessons People Learn too Late in Life

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Good Morning,

I wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I have to host this year and just want to keep things simple. I will be making my usual dishes. My herb roasted turkey, fruit and nut dressing, homemade mashed potatoes and of course the two new additions, cranberry sauce and caramel cake. I will be making something new on Thanksgiving morning and that will be banana bread. It’s been years since I have made it and wanted to give it a try. We plan on having just our kids and my cousin will be stopping by. I hope you all enjoy the holiday!

And of course, with the holidays approaching dealing with family and friends can be difficult so I did want to share some lessons that I found on Instagram. One of the interior designers that I follow shared this on his page a few weeks ago and I thought it might be helpful to you all as well. 

It’s called 8 Lessons People Learn too Late in Life…

  1. Important people come and go, and that’s okay. Unfortunately, the most important people in your life can become strangers overnight. Fortunately, total strangers can become the most important people in your life overnight. This process hurts, but if accepted, it serves to improve the quality and suitability of the people in your life. 

 

Photo credit: Habitually Chic via Pinterest 

2) Your diet isn’t just what you eat. As you get older you realize that your diet isn’t just what you eat, it’s what you watch, what you read, who you follow and who you spend your time with. So if your goal is to have a healthier mind, you have to start by removing all the junk from your diet. 

3) You have to let people down to be happy. You and your mental health are more important than you career, more money, other people’s opinions, that event you said you would attend, your partner’s mood and your family’s wishes. If taking care of yourself means letting someone down, then let someone down. Your self-love must always be stronger than your desire to be loved by others. 

4) Never let rejection lead to self-rejection. A person who has experienced rejection fears rejection, and a person that fears rejection tends to push or run away before they can be rejected. In their subconscious mind they have avoided rejection. In reality they’ve been rejected again this time by themselves. 

 

 

photo credit: Carolyn Roehem

 

5) Own your responsibilities, own your future. You’re not responsible for your trauma but you are responsible for breaking the cycle and not hurting more people because of what happened to you. You will never control your future if you let your present be controlled by your past. What happened yesterday may not be your responsibility, but how you behave today is. 

6) Quality over quantity. Life is about quality, not quantity. One quality friend gives you more than 100 acquaintances. One quality relationship gives you more than 100 flings. One quality experience gives you more than 100 drunken nights. 

7) Fairytales will make you unhappy. Obsessing over the things that society said you’re “supposed to do” will kill your happiness. Don’t listen to the fake fairytales of how your life is suppose to be going. You don’t have to go to university at 18, or get a job at 21, or buy a house at 25, or get married at 30, or have kids at 35.  Everyone is different, and your path to happiness will be too. 

8) Fun is yours. If you want to enjoy your life, don’t subscribe to other people’s definition of “fun”. Fun doesn’t have to mean drinking, partying and socializing. Fun can be a night in alone, getting lost in a book, a deep conversation, a walk, creating art, playing music or doing work that you love. Your fun belongs to you, make sure you define it. 

I hope you all enjoyed these lessons, honestly, they are reminders for some of us. I know sometimes I have to be reminded of these that I don’t have to do. It is hard sometimes. Really hard. But I will say knowing who you are what your goals are can help keep you grounded.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and the boutique is having a Black Friday Sale! Use code blackfriday22 and get 15% off of everything! That does include clearance items! Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chic Holiday Pieces

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Happy Friday,

I am actually excited about this weekend! I threw out so much of my old Christmas ornaments. My trees are up and I will try to take some photos this weekend. I am on the hunt for some ribbon for all three of my trees, new ornaments and new tree toppers. My trees are really bare this year, but I don’t care. I want to take my time curating beautiful, quality ornaments. I have a few more presents to buy for Christmas and my Thanksgiving menu is just about done! Everything is slowly coming together.

In today’s post I wanted to share my recent Christmas online purchases.

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I cannot stop wearing these! They are so beautiful and chic! Ann Taylor did such a great job in designing these. I purchased them in black as well. I have seen lots of shoes this season with the crystal bow but none of them compared to these. So comfy as well!

 

 

So great….

 

 

 

I have been on the hunt for a pair of houndstooth heels for a while now and this is the first pair that I have ever purchased! Again, from Ann Taylor. These are on sale for $94 but you get an additional 30% off! These would be another classic shoe statement for your wardrobe. 

 

 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I could not wait to see this brooch in person. I love a vintage style brooch, and this was a great addition to my winter wardrobe!

 

 

 

This is an oldie but goodie. I purchased this Ann Taylor crystal collar from Poshmark a few years ago. I don’t recall ever seeing this in the stores or online. It must be from many moons ago.

 

 

 

This dusty pink faux fur stole was a recent Poshmark purchase! I only paid $25 for it and it was brand new with tags. I loved wearing it to the office!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

 

The last item that I purchased from Ann Taylor is this jeweled sweater jacket. It is quite warm and incredibly well-made! The jacket is very substantial. It was such a great buy. I am thinking twice about ordering it in black. 

I am loving my winter pieces for this season. There is one more item on my list. I would love to get a cream-colored tote. Something similar to this without the price tag or this.  I don’t own a cream-colored tote. I had one many years ago, but I think I damaged it. So I am due. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Wish me luck on shopping for new ornaments this season! 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gallery on 16th ~ New Indy Discovery

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Good Morning,

I am pooped! Yesterday I did not leave the house. I worked on getting my house decorated for Christmas! I am worn out, but it is done. I will be going to Hobby Lobby and the At Home store this weekend for new decorations. I am going to be getting rid of a lot of mine. I purchased a bunch from Walmart over the years, and they are just so cheap. Nothing wrong with Walmart but I am just ready for some wonderful new, fresh Christmas decor, and some substantial ornaments. I’ll share what I find soon. On with a new local restaurant discovery….

It’s amazing how my husband and I keep discovering new things about our city. He recently found a new restaurant to go and have lunch at. It was called Gallery on 16th. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

My husband found this place while he and his crew were working in the area. Now it is not my taste in decor but it is quite lovely and the staff was incredibly nice!

 

 

Now as soon as you walk in they have their pastries on display. Everything has a Laduree feel to it. They are beautiful displayed and look well made.

 

 

We sat down and looked at the menu. I looked around. The restaurant had a bit of a minimalist look to it. Not a lot of bright colors, concrete floors, but simple and a bit chic. 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

 

I ordered the artichoke omelette. It had roasted artichokes, parmesan, arugula, charred lemon, and lemon bechamel. It was so creamy and very delicious! 

 

 

 

I wasn’t sure if I was going to order a pastry or not but my husband talked me into it. I tried this plated pastry. I don’t remember the name but it was quite delicious. My husband and I split it.

It’s a wonderful place to have a light and delicious lunch and if you are local you should go and check it out! I hope you enjoyed this new restaurant find and the boutique has a new arrival! The Eleanor Lace Midi is my newest dress for this holiday season. It is a beautiful deep burgundy color and has roses laced on the entire dress! It’s lovely!

 

 

Seeking the Arts ~ The Claude Monet Exhibit

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Happy Friday!

It is Veterans Day and of course I want to thank everyone who has served this country. I have shared this before but my husband is one of them. Thank you! I don’t have to be in the office today so I booked a few things to get done. Last night my group the Guild had a Wine and Design Event. It was a lot of fun! We got to meet the new designers for the upcoming Decorator’s Showhouse!  We got to see their plans for the room that they are assigned. It’s really exciting! Our Christmas luncheon will be coming up soon as well as the fashion show! I’ll try to share photos if I can. Now on to my most recent “seek the arts” adventure. 

During fall break we went to Nashville and visited a few places. What we also did was take Lauren to the Monet Art Exhibit at Newfields. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley

 

The exhibit transported you to 19th century Paris and displayed the works of Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, and Cezanne. The exhibit had music which was set to include Europe’s most renowned composers! 

 

 

 

 

I found a seat and just enjoyed the exhibit. I believe this was “Woman with a Parasol” from 1875. 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I believe this is the “Water Lily Pond” from 1900. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I only took a few photos. I wanted to pay attention and enjoy the moment. It was a pretty long presentation, and it also displayed the works of the other artists. Lauren and I both love the water lily piece. There are a few more that I love from Monet and they are Camille (the Woman in the Green Dress), On the Bank of the Seine, Bennecourt, Houses on the Achterzaan, Bouquet of Sunflowers, and there are so many more. I am trying to find ways to enjoy the arts in my city. Please let me know below what you are doing to explore your town!

Don’t forget to check out the boutique! A few dresses are on sale! Have a great weekend! 

 

 

Dinner at Restoration Hardware Cafe

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Happy Monday!

On Saturday I am happy to say that I did not do much! It was wonderful. I went grocery shopping and that was it. So nice. On Sunday same thing. I just puttered around the house, got a few chores done and tried to relax. 

On Friday I shared my visit to the Sarah Flint Store. I also talked about my husband taking me to dinner at the Restoration Hardware Cafe. It was truly magnificent and wonderfully chic. I shared my visit to Restoration Hardware here on the blog a few years ago. I was not surprised at how beautiful the cafe was and how it matched the elegance of the store. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

This was the view looking into the restaurant! Now how wonderful is that? It is a bit intimidating but if you are confident in living beautifully then embracing places such as this is nothing. 

All of the furniture is from Restoration Hardware of course as well as the chandeliers. I also just learned that there is one in Columbus, Ohio which is really close to me!

 

 

 

The staff was incredibly nice and you could not stop looking around. It was that beautiful! 

 

 

 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

There was a chandelier above each table….

 

 

 

My view from where I sat…

 

 

 

I ordered the roasted chicken of course. You guys know that I love a roasted chicken entree. This came with roasted garlic, olive oil potato puree and natural jus. It was so good! For dessert we stopped by Hatti B’s. I wanted to try their peach cobbler. I will be honest. It was okay. Nothing I would go and try again. After dinner we hit the road and headed back to Indy. I wanted to stay over but I felt like we were so close to home why spend a fortune at a hotel when I can be home in just a few hours. I am so glad that we did. Let me know in the comments section below if you have visited either one of these restaurants. I would love to know about your experience. Have a great Monday!