Cameo Details

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Hello Everyone!

I did so much better these past two week with my bedtime. Getting rest is really important to my body and it lets me know when it’s not happy. Did any of you see the new book that Jennifer L. Scott shared on her Instagram? It’s called “Fast like a Girl” A Woman’s Guide to Using the Healing Power of Fasting to Burn Fat, etc”.  I am really curious about it. I have hit a wall with my weight loss, and I am trying to figure out where I am now. I know that I am having some hormonal changes and I am trying to learn about that as well. Let me know if you have done intermittent fasting. I am so curious about everyone’s results. 

I also wanted to know if any of you have watched the Wedding Veil Series on the Hallmark channel? I absolutely love this series and I am so happy with how it is written, the cast, and the story line. First off, they all have careers in the Arts! Now how great is that? They did such a great job with this series. This past weekend I watched the 5th installment called The Wedding Veil Inspiration. I loved this one as well. I also try to pay attention to the details after I watch it a first time. I pay attention to their homes, their offices, how the dress, etc. In this particular episode I fell in love with Lacey Chabert, “Avery”, cameo brooch on her beautiful pink coat!

 

 

So I tried to pause the movie and take a photo of it. Can you see it? How lovely is that? 

 

 

I tried to get a photo up close, but this is the best that I could get. Now you guys know that this inspired me and put me on the hunt to search for something similar. I did find a few on Etsy. I found this one, this one, and this one. 

I’ll be sure to share whatever I order. Let me know in the comments below if you have been watching the series. Do you enjoy it? Yes or no? Have a great weekend!

Oh I must tell you all! Sarah Flint is having a 40% off select styles sale! Oh my goodness, get over to the website! A pair that you love just might be included. If not then don’t forget to use my code SARAHFLINT-BASMSSHOCKLEY for $50 off your first order!

 

 

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.

Beauty Firsts ~ My First Facial

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Good Morning,

I hope you all had a great weekend! I got a lot of housework done and took a look at my home binder. There are so many things that I want to update in my home! It’s going to take a lot of time and money! We did receive some good news! Lauren got accepted into the college that she wanted! We are so excited for her! All weekend I just kept thinking about how fast 20 years went by. Rick and I met in 2003 and now it’s 2023. It’s incredible! Really it is. 

I am still unsure about 2023 but I know one thing getting my first facial this year has been a highlight that is for sure! It was one of the best beauty experiences that I have ever had. I went to Woodhouse Spa of course to get my first facial. 

 

 

The girl that did my facial her name was Allison, and it was phenomenal! We tied up my hair and she had me lie down on the bed that eventually got very warm. Once I did that, she turned on the steam and began to cleanse my face. I removed my eyelashes so that I was free to enjoy the experience.

She exfoliated my skin, got rid of some blackheads and massaged my face, neck, and shoulders! It was a dream for sure! It lasted for about an hour, and I tell you I could barely get up out of that bed to go get my pedicure! I was so relaxed and sleepy! 

I can’t wait to get another one this year. I may wait until the summer or maybe the fall. I am not sure yet but I will be planning another facial for sure. I am also interested in their waxing services. Please let me know in the comments section below if you have ever had a facial or waxing services. I would love to know your thoughts!

Don’t forget to shop the boutique! Most of the dresses are on sale and shop my favorites page as well! 

 

 

New Soundings… An Antique Store!

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Good Morning,

These Fridays are coming fast! This weekend I just have a few errands to run. On Wednesday I went to Woodhouse Spa to have my monthly pedi and also got my first facial! It was a dream! I have made a decision that when family or friends ask what I want for my birthday or any other celebration I will be saying a gift card toward services at Woodhouse! I loved it!

I may also consider having them give me gift cards to my favorite antique stores. I found a new one recently. It is called Surroundings.  My husband had suggested it to me a while ago, but it just didn’t look like it had anything. Boy was I wrong!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

As soon as you walked in it was wonderful blue and white ginger jars everywhere! And they were not the cheap ones either! 

 

 

Then I turned around and saw this dreamy display! I wanted practically everything on it. Especially the one with the gold accents. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley

 

A gentleman by the name of Gary owned the store. He said that he had been there for years and gets new shipments every other week. He had artwork, vintage chandeliers, porcelain lamps, beautiful rugs, and vintage furniture. Every nook and cranny was packed with vintage finds. 

 

 

I circled the store 3 times. Yes 3 times! I could not help it. Every time I came around I found something new to look at. 

 

 

There were so many things that I wanted. Including this beautiful green ginger jar. Isn’t it a lovely color?

 

 

After talking with the store owner and walking around a few more times it was time to make a few purchases. I got the gold leaf frame, bubble bee, Hermes inspired card box and the Together at the Table book! I have not had a chance to look at the book but will be sure to share it soon. Oh I also purchased a Hermes inspired blanket.  I may share it in my January Favorites. 

Let me know what you think about the new store! I know that I will be returning again soon! I have some video footage of it as well and may share it on Instagram. 

Have a great weekend! 

 

 

Top Posts ~ 2022

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Good Morning Everyone,

I tried to get some rest this weekend. I was pretty much unsuccessful. I need to get back on a better sleep schedule this week. My body is not reacting well to not having enough rest. My body tends to get really “tight” when it is tired, and it shows on the scale. Not fun! Other than that, it was a very productive weekend. I got a lot of purging done! I am so excited! I am moving things and packing things up in my stepson’s room. I’ll be glad to have it completely maybe sometime this year! Now on to the top blog posts for 2022. 

Choosing the “top posts” of the year is always so hard. I do love going back and looking to see what inspired me. What new things did I try, purchases, places that I visited. In the end I always pull back and realize how blessed I really am! Thank you, Lord, for everything! 

Now let’s see what my favorites were in 2022!

 

In January…

January Favorites ~ 2022

So many great finds this month. I still love that teapot and teacups!

 

 

Thriving is Elegant

I loved learning about this quote from Maya Angelou. I still have it saved in my phone!

 

 

February ~ 2022

Lunch at a New Tea Room

I was so glad that I took a day to go and have lunch here. I may need to schedule this again. 

 

 

Would you Travel Alone?

I still think about this from time to time. Although I did just get to travel alone to San Diego without my daughter and husband. There is something that renews the spirit when you travel alone. It makes you focus on you and what you actually like. 

 

March ~ 2022

The Grandmilliennial Style of Ms. Rhimes

Still cannot get over this fabulous apartment of Shonda Rhimes!

 

photo credit: Michael Mundy

 

April ~ 2022

A Delightful Home Tour

This was the home tour that got me started with the Guild. This moment will always have a special place in my heart. 

 

 

I will be honest. Most of my blog posts in April I loved! Here they are!

 

May ~ 2022

Be Too Big to Care

This blog post came just in time. I needed to hear why I am on the course that I am on and not to get into the gutter with those who are not worth it. 

 

 

Joining the Guild

This was the same month where I joined the Guild and the Sarah Flint Family!

 

 

June ~ 2022

A Chicago Trip ~ Sarah Flint BA Meeting

I had not been to Chicago in over 10 years! It was a nice short trip, and I made more friends!

 

 

So many fun things happened in the month of June. I took a visit to the Cake Bake Shop, had a small backyard oasis, and went to my first peony festival! 

 

July ~ 2022

Touring the Magnificent Breakers

I simply LOVED Rhode Island. Mr. Shockley and I are hoping to visit again soon.

 

 

July was another great month of wonderful things. You may read all of the posts here. 

 

August ~ 2022

Lady of the House~ What is that for You?

 

 

In August I shared my trip to the Ralph Lauren Store in Manhattan and more mansion tours!

 

 

September ~ 2022

My First Spa Visit ~ Woodhouse Spa

I loved this! I actually go once a month now for a pedicure and will be getting my first facial next week! I will be sure to share the experience.

 

My First Guild Luncheon ~Woodstock Country Club

This was another fun event! I love all of these new experiences that I had in 2022. They made the year more fulfilling!

 

 

Plans for my 40th was another great post as well as my September Favorites. I always enjoy sharing those. 

 

October ~ 2022

During this month I went to my first concert! Going to see Diana Krall is an experience that I will never forget. It was wonderful. 

 

 

Of course, this month would not be complete without me sharing my 40th birthday celebration! I still can’t believe that I am 40. Honestly it sounds good saying it. 

 

 

November ~ 2022

This is the month where I shared my visit to Nashville, Tennessee. We did not get to stay long but seeing the Sarah Flint store and having dinner at Restoration Hardware were great introductions to the city!

 

 

And this year’s Thanksgiving celebration was simple and quiet. 

 

 

December ~ 2022

My Christmas Table setting was fun to create this year. My December favorites shared more of my adventures for this month and being in my first fashion show was a great experience! It turned out better than I thought it would. 

 

 

2022 was a wonderful year for me and my family! I am not sure what’s in store for us this year, but I am always praying that the Lord is with us and that everything we do, and plan is according to his will. Life has its ups and downs but trying to remain grateful is always at the center of my heart. Thank you for reading! 

 

 

Top Blog Posts from previous years

 

 

 

 

A Great Start to 2023…

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Happy Friday Friends!

I have a few things planned for this weekend. I really want to go through my closet and do my seasonal closet review. It helps me keep things organized and in perspective. I really get honest with myself about what I am wearing and what I am not. Then I am packing up and cleaning my stepson’s bedroom. He NEVER comes home. So, my husband and I recently told him that we are taking over his room. Well, it will be me taking it over. I am turning it into my workout room. That boy never comes home, and his room sits! 

I am so looking forward to this new season in life. Although I will miss him being around, I will certainly enjoy more space! I still can’t believe it is 2023. I have my word for the year, and it is “worship”. Last year my word was “trust”. I know that the Lord wants me to worship him in all that I do. Especially, in my daily life. I hope that I can honor him by doing that this year. He has already sent a blessing my way this year. 

In early December, an editor from a digital magazine called NashvilleVoyager Magazine reached out to me and asked if I wanted to be a part of their inspiring stories series. This series is for individuals who are influencers, business owners, creators, artists, etc. I was really shocked when they reached out to me. I asked how they found me, and she said that someone from their magazine did. I am still curious as to how and who. 

I agreed to her small interview and a few weeks later an article about me was published on their website!

 

 

This was a wonderful surprise and a great start to 2023. When you have a moment, you can read the article. I tried to keep it as simple as possible. I hope you all still enjoy reading the blog and love shopping the boutique. Having this blog has been such a wonderful blessing to me over the years and I find myself going back and reading my old blog posts. This website is like my “giant journal”. It has captured my life over the last 10 years, and I hope it has been a blessing to you as well. Have a great weekend! 

 

 

 

 

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!