Peony Season ~ 2022

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Good Morning,

I spent a nice quiet weekend at home. I was really tired. I think all of the running around from the last two weekends kind of wore me out. On Saturday I started my day early and went grocery shopping then spent most of the day at home doing a few house chores and then sitting on the porch and reading!!! Oh I loved it! 

While I read I went and put my favorite dessert in the oven, a berry tart. I then put it on my favorite blue and white plate and took it outside to enjoy on the porch. It was a nice afternoon. On Sunday I finished laundry and watched the Schmacher1889 channel on Youtube. 

On Friday I did walk to Whole Foods to look around. I forgot that once the weather breaks I normally take a stroll there once a week during my lunch break. I got some more peonies and I found white tulips for my tulipiere!  I will do a separate post sharing that later. Now let me share my beautiful peonies for this season!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

I still can’t get over how beautiful these were! This was my first peony bouquet of the 2022 season. I purchased these at JP Parker of course. The corals are my favorite. They don’t smell as wonderful as the pink and white ones but they are still expectational!

 

 

This bouquet was actually from my front yard garden! My peonies did so well this year! My husband and I kept going to smell them every day. They were truly wonderful! 

 

 

My husband said that we should plant more in the backyard! I am totally on board with that but we still need to get some other things done back there before we plant. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

These are my white ones. They bloomed first and where the most fragrant. I don’t remember what they were called. I think we have the peony called “bride’s dream”. I remember it being something like that.  I took some to my office the first chance I got. 

 

 

These are also from my garden. I still can’t believe that these were mine! Each year they get bigger and I get more of them. I hope it continues to grow.

 

 

photo credit: L. Shockley 

I don’t remember if I mentioned this already but while we were at the peony festival I got to meet Mrs. JP Parker herself. She was incredibly nice and enduring. I have to give credit to my husband for walking around and talking with people. He networks pretty well. Because of that I got to meet her and her husband and I told her how much I loved the flowers and the company. She then gave me 10 free peonies! I went to pick them up and they were stunning! Just look at them!

 

 

My house has been so beautiful and so fragrant these last few weeks. Each morning that I came down to go out and do my walk I would just stare at them. It’s the small beautiful things in life that make it wonderful! Enjoy your homes!

 

 

 

 

My First Peony Festival

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Good Morning,

Friday already? Gosh, this week went by really quick. I don’t have much planned for the weekend. Just some errands and I need start looking for my Father’s Day gift. That is right around the corner as well. I do want to ride my bike when I get home from work. I am feeling a bike ride today. 

While I am out shopping I do hope that I can find some white tulips. I purchased this tulipiere about 2 weeks ago and I cannot wait to use it! Wish me luck!

Well earlier this week I shared that I found out about a peony festival here in my city! You know how someone will “like” an event on Facebook and then that appears in your newsfeed? That’s what happened here and I am so glad that it did! 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

So this was the 2nd Annual Peony Festival and the peony is our state flower! Lucky us! I told my husband that I was going and I did not care if he wanted to go or not. He wanted to and so did our daughter. My step-son and his girlfriend joined us as well! It was a great family day!

 

 

There were beautiful fresh peonies everywhere! And the scent was heavenly! They also had food trucks and vendors selling items. It got me thinking about setting up the boutique! I may have to consider that!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

This was one of the vendors. It’s called the Indiana Paper Company and they make faux peonies out of paper! They were so detailed and looked extraordinary. This company also offers workshops. They will teach you how to make these beautiful stems. They were incredibly nice individuals as well. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Everywhere we turned I wanted to grab peonies! They were everywhere!

 

 

 

Beautiful floral vendors. 

 

 

I did end up getting a bouquet of course. The florist looked at me as I was picking out my flowers and she said, “You know how to pick them don’t you”. I said, “yes, I know what I want”. She then said, “look at the colors you picked”. It’s lovely. I smiled and thanked her.

 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

This was one of my bouquets. It was the most gorgeous stock I had ever seen and it lasted over a week! 

 

 

 

Me and Mr. Shockley 

 

We had a great time. Honestly, it was like a dream to me because it was a giant garden. The whole park was full of smells and beauty. We did grab a few cupcakes from Smallcakes. They were good but I am a huge Flying Cupcake fan. I love their cupcakes! 

This event has already been added to my “Elegant things to do in Indy” list. Yes, I started one to keep track of events or to schedule my favorite things to do. I did want to go back to the Butterfly Garden at the zoo but the closed it! I was so shocked! I couldn’t believe it. But this event will make up for that loss. 

I hope this encourages you to seek out beautiful things in your city. Even if you have to attend things alone then so be it. Don’t let that stop you from enjoying your life!

Also, I want everyone to know that the Beverly Rose Tote is on sale for only $20! I only have 4 left! Order one for your spring/summer wardrobe. I will NOT be restocking this item. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

May Favorites ~ 2022

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Good Morning,

I am still dreaming about my visit to the Cake Bake shop yesterday. I will be sure to share photos soon! I think I love these decorations the most. She decorated the shop in swans and roses. Need I say more? 

Now I know I am a little late but let’s dive right into my favorites for the month of May….

 

 

First on my list is something that I stumbled on at the store. I think that I have shared this yogurt before called Oui. I LOVE this yogurt! It is so delicious and now they have a chocolate and vanilla version! Awww, it has shaved chocolate flakes in it with the creamy yogurt. It is truly a special treat. I hope you try it!

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Second on the list is this bathtub caddy. I have been wanting one for a while so I decided to give this a try. It works great and has a little holder for your glass of wine. Let me know if you use a bathroom caddy. I think I may also try to order a wooden one. I will let you know!

 

 

 

Third on the list is my new dress coverup for my swimsuit. I am a very modest person when it comes to swimwear and I always wear a one-piece but I also love a craftan or dress to wear over my swimsuit especially if I am walking from place to place. I found this one on Amazon and ordered it right away!

 

 

The fourth is my Mother’s Day gift from my husband! I keep a “wishlist” photo gallery on my phone and he took a peek at it. This ring was on it so he ordered it. It’s the new embellished green teardrop ring from Nicola Bathie. It’s stunning! I took it to the jewelry store to ask about resizing and Ken who helps me all the time went on and on about how beautiful it was. It made me smile. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Fifth is this fun but chic tray table. My nightstand is a tad bit too small. I need a little more table space for my books and notes. When I get in bed I like to read and sometimes I may have an idea for the blog or I need to research some things so having this extra little table beside my bed has been great for note taking and books! 

 

 

The sixth was my azalea bush that we purchased from the Biltmore about 3 years ago! It bloomed so beautifully this year and was a treat to look at while we sat on the porch. 

 

 

Seventh is my tiffany blue beach cruiser. My husband purchased this bike for me about 5 years ago and I adore it! I ride it every year in my dresses. I can’t find my particular cruiser because it sold out years ago but I found this one and this one. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

The eighth has been this year peony season. You guys know that I am always excited when this season comes around. I will do a separate blog post with my visit to the peony festival and my peonies that grew in the front yard!

 

 

 

Ninth was my recent antique shopping visit. I have been doing way too much antiquing and need to slow down! But my recent finds have been sensational! I love every piece and love how they are adding substance and beauty to my home. 

Well I hope you all enjoyed my favorites for the month of May. This month went by so fast to me. Lauren’s last day of school was last week and it hit me that she is a senior this year! A SENIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL! I can’t believe it. This is going to be a busy year as we gear up for college, prom, and graduation. I am praying for a wonderful year for her!

 

 

I almost forgot about this wonderful home tour! I just found this channel. I hope you enjoy it. 

Also we have another new arrival for the boutique. This is the Daphne Flutter Dress. It’s gorgeous! I wish I could order it in plus size. I would have for me! But I hope you all enjoy the new arrivals and don’t forget to add the Jasmine Pearl Brooch. It’s so pretty!

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

A New Antique Piece

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Good Morning,

Happy Memorial Day! Did you miss me? I am having the worst computer troubles. I did a computer update almost two weeks ago and my computer just crashed! I still don’t know what happened and I am still working out the issues. I just knew that I was not ready to buy a new computer. We purchased this desktop that I have in 2017 and I am not ready to let it go yet! I hate buying electronics. I was already having issues with my new phone. It seems to be one thing after another.

So my husband took my computer to the gentleman who created my website and he reset my computer. So fingers crossed that everything is okay!

I did have an incredible weekend about a week ago. If you follow me on Instagram then you would have seen that I went to the peony festival here in my city! We had a wonderful time. I will share photos later. I also submitted our passport applications!!! I am so excited. I told my husband I am going to Italy one way or another!  It won’t be for a year or two but I am working on it!  

Now I have been waiting to share my new chain cabinet.

 

 

This is my old one. My mother in law gave it to me about 9 years ago. Honestly, I never wanted it but she insisted on me taking it and I can rarely so no to her so I did. It’s a solid piece and is good quality but it’s just not something that I would pick out. I knew that eventually I would find a piece that suits me and I finally did!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

 

I saw this piece while antiquing and new immediately that I wanted it. 

 

 

I could not wait to get it home. Now the original price was $400! I talked her down to $250! What a steal right? I was so excited when she accepted my offer. I got it home and clean it and sprayed it. 

 

 

I was able to fit all of my china teacup sets. It’s a wonderful fit and it goes well with my home decor. It is the perfect size. I didn’t want a huge cabinet because I knew that I did not have the space for it so this works well. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Here is a up-close look at my teacups and teapots. Most of these pieces are probably familiar to you. At the bottom I have my new soup tureen that I purchased from the same antique store. 

 

 

This may sound weird but it was so fun cleaning this out and placing all of my china inside. I finally have a beautiful piece that goes with my home decor and personality. This looks really similar to my vintage nightstands that I purchase a few months ago. 

I am looking forward to having this piece for a very long time. I just love antiquing. There are a few more things that I want to replace in my home and I will be sure to share those items once I find them. 

The boutique does have a new plus-size arrival! The Maggie Stripe Midi is available in two colors mauve and navy. It is super comfy and incredible chic. I hope you enjoy it! Order it in both colors!

 

Have a great Monday! 

 

 

 

 

 

Mom Time ~ Antiquing!

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Good Morning,

It was a great weekend! The weather was perfect and I was able to get everything done on my list. I am starting to have problems with my home computer. I hope I can work them out but we will see. I hate buying electronics! I placed two orders with my vendor for some new dresses for the boutique. A plus size dress and regular size dress. We will see if those orders can be filled. Everyone is having issues with supply. 

Our trial last week went well. I am glad that it is finished and off my radar. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

Our courtroom ceilings…. beautiful aren’t they?

 

On Friday I had a light day at the office so I left a few hours early to have some “mom time” before I came home to start the weekend. I wanted to go antiquing. I just love antiquing. I could do it every day if you let me. One thing that I added to my list was a bike ride. 

 

photo credit: L. Shockley

It was a wonderful evening for it. We went as a family. 

 

Now let me show you the beautiful items that I purchased!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I purchased this lovely little Lenox swan, a Haviland Limoges beautiful soup tureen, Waterford Marquis small vase, Spode blue and white plate, and a Wedgewood Jasperware pitcher. I paid about $70 for all of it! Wonderful deal, I think!

 

 

The swan has a home on my dresser. I love seeing all of my vintage and antique pieces placed on my dresser. 

 

 

And the small Waterford Marquis vase is on my second clear table in my bedroom which I will share later. This little vase is the perfect size for a small bouquet. I really enjoyed my few hours of antiquing. I did see something else that I wanted from there and I went back to get it. I will share it tomorrow! Have a wonderful Monday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be Too Big to Care

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Good Morning,

I am so looking forward to this weekend. I have a few “home things” planned but nothing major. Next weekend I am praying for excellent weather. I will be attending the Indiana Peony Festival and I can’t wait! I have never gone before so this will be my first year. It looked wonderful and I am trying to get out and find beautiful things to do in my city. 

Thank you to everyone who reached out about my “Activities Outside the Office” post. I think we all need a reminder from time to time. Did any of you watch Jennifer’s recent video? It is called “5 Reasons to Take the High Road and Remain Unbothered”. 

 

 

OMG… I loved this video. Especially number one, “be too big to care”. That pierced my heart. It is so true. People always and I mean always want to pull you into the dirt with them and sometimes it can be hard to ignore them. 

I have my moments where I want to match their pettiness but I quickly pull back and say, “No, we are rising above this”. “Don’t sink”. 

 

photo credit: Marchionesshg

 

This has been a life journey for me. I did not grow up in a home where manners and character were taught. I did not see good relationships or friendships so immaturity was matched with immaturity. As I got older and left my home and begin being around other people. I learned lots of things. I learned that class was something worth being sought after. 

I loved the definition of the word that she discussed in her video called magnanimous. Did you all read it? Being forgiving toward a rival or less powerful person. Wow… “less powerful person”. That phrase is everything and I am beginning to put my enemies in that category. Less powerful person…..

What are your thoughts? Do you think that you can be too big to care? Let me know in the comments below and have a great weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

Activities Outside of Work

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Good Morning,

I can’t believe it hit 80 degrees yesterday! It was beautiful a little warm but beautiful. I placed my chinoiserie rug outside on my porch recently and I need to visit the nursery to get my mandevilles for the year. My lilac bushes are blooming and my peonies are beginning to bud. The beautiful flower season is upon us! 

I am planning on having a picnic at our favorite park soon and I will be sure to share some of my favorite items from it. With all of these summer activities coming up it and all of my new adventures beginning it got me thinking about “activities outside of work”. 

 

 

photo credit: Randi Garrett

 

I am on a committee at my office called the Women’s Leadership Initiative or “WLI” and we recently had a panel of women in leadership roles speak to some of our guests. We discussed topics such as motherhood, being wives, taking care of ourselves, being leaders in male-dominated fields, and being involved in activities outside of the office. All of these subjects were wonderful but the one that struck a chord with me was “activities outside of the office”. One thing that I noticed about some of the “trouble-makers” or “petty Pattys” in our office was that none of them were involved in anything significant outside of the office and you could tell!

 

photo credit: Pinterest

 

When you are involved in activities outside of your normal job it gives you balance. Because then your time and efforts are put into something else that you love! When you have nothing going on then you begin to try to find your value or worth in your current job because that is where all of your efforts are going. Don’t do that! Find other activities to do! I will be 40 later this year and I am finally at a point in my life where I can finally start getting out a little more. By me joining all of these committees and volunteering I am making friends and meeting people. 

Don’t put all of your value in your job. It is not healthy. Because what ends up happening is when so and so gets the promotion you want you then begin to devalue yourself because all of your worth is in that job! You also tend to start drama with other staff and gossip because your focus is on everyone else because you have nothing going for you. So now everyone is a target! Don’t do it. It’s not worth it and trust me people see it. 

I would say pour yourself a cup of tea, get out a pen and paper, jot down your favorite things to do and then search your city! Or you can do what I did. Speak it! When I take my morning walks I speak things out loud to the Lord. He hears and if it is his will he will get you there. I said I wanted to network. He heard me and here I am. There will be some work on your part but you can do it. Build the life you want. Don’t be one of those petty sour women in the office that thrives on drama. Rise above it! Have a great Wednesday!