Etiquette Matters

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Good Morning Everyone,

Sighing…. it’s Friday and I have had a very busy week. This weekend I plan on taking our daughter to Marshalls and Ross to look for a few things for school. She will be starting her junior year soon. Goodness, I can’t believe it. I will also be uploading a new dress arrival! I am super excited about this dress. It is quite lovely and I hope you all enjoy it! 

 

In today’s post, I wanted to share something that I read in my new etiquette book recently. I wanted to share the paragraph called, “Why Etiquette Matters”. 

 

Photo by Flaunter on Unsplash

 

“Etiquette is the fuel that powers relationships. Emily Post said, “Etiquette is the foundation upon which social structure is built. Every human contact is made smooth by etiquette, or awkward by lack of it. “Grounded as it is in timeless principles, etiquette enables us to face whatever the future may bring with strength of character and integrity. This ever-adaptive code of behavior also allows us to be flexible enough to respect those whose beliefs and traditions differ from our own.”

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

“Civility and courtesy, the outward expressions of human decency, are the proverbial glue that holds society together -qualities that are more important than ever in today’s complex and changing world.” 

I completely agree that when you are a civilized person you can have conversations with people who don’t share the same beliefs as you. With this chaotic world now it seems that people have zero tolerance for anyone different than them. It’s really bad. I know my beliefs are too conservative for some people but that is no reason to be cruel. I wish we could get back to respecting one another. I do pray that we can. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I sent out my second email newsletter yesterday evening. Please check your spam folder to see if you received it. If you would like to be added to the list please send me an email on the Contact Page. 

 

 

tips and text from page 7 of Emily Post’s Etiquette, 19th Edition 

Etiquette Is….

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Hello Everyone!

Goodness, I woke up yesterday morning and had to remind myself of what day it was. I am always off when Monday is a holiday. Yesterday I was tagged in a gorgeous video from my very dear friend Rosenda from the Little Pink Casa. I was really shocked by the feature. I did not ask her to do this so this made it even more special to me. I LOVED the video and have linked it here so you all can watch it. She is wearing the Claire Cream midi and she looks absolutely wonderful in it. She does such a wonderful job with her videos. I adore them! 

Okay, it’s etiquette time! I am still reading my new etiquette book and wanted to share a little snippet from it. On page 6 the author talks about what etiquette is. 

 

Photo credit: Pinterest

 

Fluid… not a set of rigid rules. 

Manners change over time and reflect the best practices of our times. Etiquette isn’t a set “prescriptions” for properness” but merely the guidelines for doing things in ways that make people feel comfortable. 

 

Etiquette is…

For everyone….. not something for the wealthy or wellborn.

Etiquette is a code of behavior for people from all walks of life, every socioeconomic group, and of all ages. Good manners are a valuable asset that costs nothing to acquire. 

 

photo credit: Eugenivy Upsplash 

 

Etiquette is….

Current… not a thing of the past. 

The bedrock principles of etiquette remain as solid as they ever were. Manners change over time and across cultural boundaries, but the principles are universal and timeless. 

And lastly, etiquette is…

Unpretentious….

A polite person doesn’t try to be someone he’s not, nor does he look down on others. 

This last note is something that I wish society would embrace. The world is becoming a hard place and manners are being squeezed out. I always grieves my soul to see rude people. But I always go out into the world hoping for the best. I hope you all enjoyed these tips and let me know your thoughts below. Have a great Wednesday. 

 

 

Tips from Emily Post’s Etiquette, 19th Edition 

 

Chateau Inspiration ~ A New Book

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Hello Everyone,

I hope everyone had an excellent weekend. I ran my normal errands. I actually made it to Target this weekend. One of the items on my list was a new bottle of the Tide Studio Delicates detergent. They were sold out so I came home to order it online and I can’t find it anywhere!!! Are they no longer making it? I am so upset! The closest product to it is the Tide Studio Darks & Colors. I read up on it and it does have the same cleaning and protective qualities as the Delicates formula. So I am going to give it a try. We shall see…. 

 

In today’s post, I wanted to talk about a new book that has just been released. It is called Provence Style: Decorating with French Country Flair.

 

photo credit: Dorian Mongel Upsplash 

 

 

photo credit: Amazon.com

 

I don’t know if any of you follow their Instagram page but you should. It is like looking at a dream over and over again. I would love to stay here, live here, celebrate here, I just want to go here! This is an 18th-century farmhouse in Provence. The property sits on 65 acres has a working pear orchard, sunflower fields, culinary staff, and laundry staff. 

 

photo credit: Julia Engel (Gal Meets Glam)

 

This photo above is what lead me to this beautiful chateau. Julia posted this on her blog and I saw the room and just fell in love. Isn’t it gorgeous? This bedroom is called the Chambre Fontaine and is the original master bedroom of the home. 

 

photo credit: Amazon.com

 

 

It has seven bedrooms and is about 13,000 square feet. It is a stunning property and I can’t wait to order this book to read about it. I hope it takes me away to this beautiful chateau. It has been my dream to own a chateau someday. Honestly, if I could just visit one in Italy I think that would be enough for me. 

I hope everyone has enjoyed this post and enjoys looking at all of the photos that they have posted to their Instagram account. This property truly sings to the elegant being in you. Have a great Monday!

Also, I wanted to mention that I sent out my first email newsletter a few days ago. My apologies if you received it without me telling you first. My system picked those emails from individuals who made purchases from the boutique. If you would be interested in receiving an email from the blog please send me an email on the Contact page. I will add you to the list. Thank you again!

 

 

 

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 Lovely New Product~ Lavender Pillow Mist

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Good Morning Everyone,

Happy Friday to you all! Some of us will be enjoying a three-day weekend. I am one of them and so looking forward to it. I hope to get my usual items done, but I hope to have a few hours here and there to rest. On Monday we are taking my daughter and her bestie to the zoo. Since we aren’t taking a summer vacation this year we are trying to find little events to add to her summer before it’s over. She returns to school at the end of the month and I could not hate it more. I hate these short summers! 

I am looking forward to her fall break. I am already counting down the months. I also wanted to remind everyone that the boutique is still having its sale. I am hoping to clear out a few more items and I am on the hunt for a dress or two to add. My vendors have some great dresses. I am just having a hard time trying to make a decision on one. 

Well, let’s move on to today’s post. I wanted to share a recent purchase. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I think most of you watched my recent video on Youtube and if not I will share it below. But in that video, I talked about my recent Bath and Body Works purchases. I purchased the Lavender Vanilla body cream and just fell in love with it. I put it all over my body in the morning and every time I walk by someone they comment on my scent. 

Well, I went back last weekend and picked up the pillow and body mist and I tell you it is the most wonderful elegant treat! The scent is so light and lovely. I spray it on the bed and on myself! It’s heavenly. It’s small beautiful things like this that can make life so pleasing. I tell you I don’t think this scent will disappoint you. It’s that delightful. 

I hope you all enjoyed this new find and have a chance to go out and smell it. I will leave my recent Youtube video below and have a wonderful 4th of July everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

This post is not sponsored. 

 

 

 

 

 

Host Gift Ideas

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Good Morning Everyone,

Thank you to everyone who has purchased from the boutique. It is such a joy for me to pack an order. I always smile when I get to process and pack an order. Thank you so much! 

I am a little sad right now. We are normally planning our vacations around this time but due to my recent promotion and my husband’s horribly busy schedule, we are finding it hard to plan a vacation this summer. Plus it is so hard being “married” to our daughter’s school schedule. She goes back at the end of July which gives us only 8 weeks to try to plan something! I tell you what I am getting really tired of it!

So after talking it over with my husband we are considering planning a getaway in October. Our daughter will be on fall break and we have two weeks to get away and hopefully, our schedules will calm down at that point. 

Because this is our normal vacation season that had me thinking about staying with friends and family during this time. I always have a hard time trying to figure out what to buy for a host gift. I always like to bring something when we arrive and it is so hard to figure out what to buy our host. 

 

 

photo credit: Aerin Lauder Instagram

 

This week during my lunch break I have been flipping through my new Emily Post Etiquette book and landed on the “Twelve House Gift Ideas”. On this page, she discussed that houseguests are expected to give a gift to their host. She said for an overnight stay a bottle of wine is sufficient. If it is longer something more substantial is required. 

If the host has children it is also nice if they can partake in it as well. She suggests a box of chocolates or a family game. You can take the gift with you and present it once you arrive or have the gift sent as soon as you leave. 

 

photo credit: Cathy Graham Instagram

 

Here are the twelve gift ideas that were suggested:

  • New best-selling book
  • Consumables, such as gift basket of gourmet treats, fruit, or chocolates
  • Hand towels or beach towels
  • Placemats, napkins, and napkin rings
  • Bottle of liqueur or cognac you know your host is fond of
  • Sturdy canvas tote bag (monogram optional)
  • Two or three unusual kitchen utensils, or a set of nice nesting bowls
  • For a golfer, a dozen golf balls
  • Set of nicely packages herbs and spices
  • Picture frame, with a picture taken during your visit sent later
  • Candles and informal candlesticks
  • Houseplant in a decorative pot

 

Great tips right? I will be keeping this list handy. I hope you all have found some ideas for your houseguests’ visits. It is always a wonderful thing to have friends that will allow you to stay but it is also a wonderful thing to be able to bless them with a beautiful gift.

Here are my other blog posts about being a houseguest, see here and here. 

Stay elegant my friends! 

 

 

 

Tips from Emily Posts Etiquette, page 268

 

 

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.

 

 

First Boutique Pop-Up & Antique Shopping

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Hello All,

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. I had a really good weekend. I took Friday off and hung out with my daughter and we set up the boutique for our subdivision’s community sale. We had fun and really enjoyed ourselves. On Saturday I set up again for the second day and I sold more than I expected! I was really happy. I hope to do it again soon.

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

 

The boutique is having a 4th of July sale. Lots of items are under $10 so I hope that you find something that you love. There are a few dresses that are $10 as well. The Beverly tote is only $38! I received lots of compliments on this bag during the pop-up sale. So I hope everyone can find an item or two to order. Okay now on to my lovely finds from antique shopping. 

 

 

So my first stop on Friday was Solomon Paris Antiques. I mentioned them a little while ago in my blog post about the Indiana Decorator’s House. This place was everything that I imagined. It was chic, elegant, and really expensive. I circled the store three times to make sure that the prices were correct in my head. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

You could tell that everything has its place. The owner was very kind and knowledgeable. 

 

 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Then I had to go to the bathroom and when I walked in I just stared. It was like walking into an art gallery. The textured wallpaper was so rich and so was the gold tilted ceiling. 

I didn’t want to take too many pictures because I wanted to enjoy the moment but I did need a few to share with you guys. So after looking around there I walked down two doors to another antique store called The Corner Bazaar. 

 

 

The very first thing that caught my eye were these Waterford crystal wine glasses. They were in a cabinet and the price was marked “5 for $35”. I couldn’t believe it. I had to have them. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

The second item that caught my eye but that was in the same cabinet was this mid-size Waterford vase. It was only $35 and I had to have it as well!

 

 

The last item that caught my eye was this crystal bowl. Now I have no idea what brand this is but I thought it was stunning and wanted it for my dresser. It was only $20 which was a steal to me!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

 

Gotta love the crystals! I hope everyone enjoyed today’s post and found some inspiration today. I am still on the hunt for my upholstery cleaner for my new vintage chairs. Let me know in the comments section below what upholstery cleaner you have tried if any. I would love some tips or tricks! Thanks for reading and have a great Monday!

 

 

 

 

June Favorites ~ 2021

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Good Morning Everyone,

It’s a little early to be sharing my June Favorites but I wanted to post it early since I was so late for the month of May. Let’s jump right in….

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

 

My first favorite for this month was my new business cards! I designed these myself on the Vistaprint website. I love the way they turned out and it’s great to be able to pass them out when someone gives me a compliment! 

 

 

The second is this ruffle midi dress that I ordered from Amazon.  I was a little apprehensive about ordering it but it fits great! It’s very lightweight and will be great for the summer. It comes in 4 other colors. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Third is my first etiquette book! I ordered this from Amazon and have not had a chance to read it. It is packed with etiquette tips for every part of life. The book is huge and I hope to share some tips from it soon. 

 

 

Fourth are my new Vivian pearl drop earrings. These are so sophisticated on and I have worn them to the office already. I am very proud of the accessories that I have for the boutique. I pray that with each order I get better. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Fifth are my (new to me) vintage chairs that I purchased from Facebook Marketplace. I have been enjoying these chairs so much. They are so beautiful! I already have one quote to change the fabric on them but I am seriously considering just having them cleaned and then just added a different fabric on the back. 

 

 

Sixth is my weekly salmon dinners. I love making this dish and eating it. It is my absolute favorite. I buy my salmon from Costco. It already comes with the dill butter on it. I just add extra virgin olive oil, more dill, salt, and pepper. So good! 

 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

My seventh favorite is my quilted chain tote from Walmart. I still can’t believe that this was only $40! I have it in mauve and black. This is the tan color and it is lovely as well. I really love the interior color. It’s very chic. 

 

 

photo credit: Life at Gracehall Instagram

 

And last on my list was this lovely video and photo from Shelby at Life at Gracehall. I was so happy that she loved the garden tassel pouch from the boutique. I am always excited when someone shares a photo of an item that they received! It lets me know that I am on the right track. I only have one pouch left and I will not be re-stocking it. Most of the items in the boutique will not be restocked. 

I hope you all enjoyed my June favorites. We will see what July brings. Thanks for reading!

 

 

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.