Posts that inspiring an elegant life

Planning for Beauty- JLS Inspiration

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Hello, Friends!

Good gosh! Is it okay to say that now that we are already in November? I was in the grocery store recently and spotted the turkeys, and my first thought was, “Oh my gosh, I really do need to get one soon!” Time is moving way too fast!

As the colder season approaches, I am making a conscious effort to give myself permission to slow down and take my time. This is something I have never really allowed myself to do before, but I find myself in a season of life where I am choosing to embrace it. I want to be intentional about how I spend my time, how I prepare, and how I experience the days ahead.

I am learning that slowing down is not falling behind. Sometimes, it is simply making room for what matters most. And I think that is all a part of planning for beauty.

 

 

 

I recently came across a list from Jennifer L. Scott of The Daily Connoisseur called “Planning for Beauty.” Her approach to planning included things like reflecting on the year, planning around your energy, creating rituals, choosing quality over quantity, setting seasonal intentions, protecting your inner life, and intentionally making room for beauty. I loved the idea immediately. Not simply because I like a beautiful home or appreciate a well-planned week, but because the idea suggests something deeper:

A beautiful life doesn’t happen entirely by accident.

Some of it has to be planned. We plan our work. We plan appointments. We plan vacations. We plan meals. We plan our finances, but how often do we plan for the quality of our lives? How often do we look at our calendar and ask, Will this week actually feel good to live? That question has changed the way I think about planning.

Beauty Needs Room to Exist

Beauty is often treated as something extra. Something we add after the important things are finished. We’ll set the table beautifully when we have time. We’ll read the book when we’ve caught up on everything else. We’ll take the long walk when the schedule slows down. We’ll invite friends over when the house is perfect. We’ll buy the flowers when we have a reason to celebrate. But what if beauty isn’t something we should squeeze into the leftover spaces of our lives? What if it deserves a place on the calendar? The truth is, if we don’t intentionally make room for the things that nourish us, the urgent will almost always take their place. There will always be another email. Another load of laundry. Another errand. Another responsibility. Another thing that needs our attention. At some point, we have to decide that living well is also a responsibility.

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

Plan Around Your Energy, Not Just Your Time

One of the ideas from Jennifer L. Scott’s framework that particularly resonated with me is the idea of planning around your energy. We tend to organize our lives according to the clock, but two hours on the calendar don’t necessarily equal two hours of energy. Some days we are focused and creative. Other days we are tired and need quiet. Some seasons of life are expansive. Others require us to slow down. Learning to recognize this can change the way we plan. Instead of constantly asking, How much can I fit into this day? We can begin asking, “What does this day have the capacity to hold?” That is a very different question. It allows us to stop treating ourselves like machines, which I am guilty of constantly. 

Create Rituals

There is something beautiful about having small rituals that anchor our days. Morning tea before the house wakes up. Lighting a candle while getting ready in the morning. A walk after lunch. Reading before bed. Fresh flowers on the table. Sunday dinner with family. A weekly reset of the house. Writing in a journal at the end of the day. These things may seem insignificant, but rituals tell us that ordinary moments are worth noticing. They create rhythm, and rhythm creates a sense of home—not just within our physical surroundings, but within ourselves.

Choose Quality Over Quantity

One of the greatest challenges of modern life is that we have access to an almost unlimited amount of everything. More information. More entertainment. More possessions. More commitments. More choices, and yet, more doesn’t necessarily mean better. Sometimes a beautiful life is created by subtraction. Fewer commitments. Fewer possessions. Fewer distractions. Fewer relationships that leave us depleted. Fewer things purchased simply because they are available, and more of what actually matters. A beautiful life may not be a life filled with more. It may be a life filled with better. Better conversations. Better food. Better books. Better relationships. Better use of our time. Better attention.

Give Each Season an Intention

I love the idea of living seasonally. Not only in the literal sense of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, but in recognizing that our lives have seasons too. There may be a season for building. A season for resting. A season for learning. A season for creating. A season for caring for others. A season for letting go. A season for beginning again. We don’t have to do everything in every season. Perhaps part of living beautifully is recognizing what this particular season of our lives is asking of us. Instead of constantly trying to do everything, we can ask:

What matters most right now?

That question can bring enormous clarity.

Put Beauty on the Calendar

This might be my favorite part. Plan for beauty. Don’t wait for beauty to happen. Create opportunities for it. Buy the flowers. Make the dinner. Use the good dishes. Take yourself to the museum. Go for the walk. Read the novel. Put on the dress. Invite the friends. Listen to the music. Watch the sunset. Make your home lovely for the people who actually live there, and don’t wait for a special occasion. Your life is the occasion. There is a tendency to save beautiful things for later. The good china. The expensive perfume. The beautiful dress. The vacation. The celebration. The candle. The photograph, but later isn’t guaranteed, and ordinary life deserves beauty too.

End the Week Gently

I also love the idea of ending a week with reflection rather than judgment. Instead of asking, Did I accomplish everything? Perhaps we can ask: What went well? What nourished me? What drained me? What am I proud of? What did I learn? What would I like to do differently next week? There is something wonderfully gentle about this kind of review. It isn’t about criticizing ourselves into becoming better. It is about becoming more aware, and awareness gives us the ability to make better choices.

A Beautiful Life Is Built Intentionally

I don’t think living a beautiful life means living an easy life. It doesn’t mean every room is clean, every meal is homemade, every day is peaceful, or every season is enjoyable. Life will still be messy. There will be hard days. There will be unexpected circumstances. There will be seasons when simply getting through the day is enough. But perhaps living beautifully means refusing to let the difficult parts of life convince us that beauty doesn’t matter. It means continuing to notice. Continuing to cultivate. Continuing to choose. Continuing to make room for the things that remind us that life is more than a list of obligations.

Jennifer L. Scott’s idea of “Planning for Beauty” gave me a new way to think about planning. I’m not simply planning my week anymore. I’m beginning to ask myself: What kind of life am I creating with the way I spend my days? Because eventually, our lives are made up of those days, and perhaps a beautiful life isn’t something we find. Perhaps it is something we intentionally create, one beautiful choice at a time.

The idea for this post was inspired by Jennifer L. Scott’s “Planning for Beauty” framework from The Daily Connoisseur. Her ideas prompted me to think more deeply about how we can intentionally plan not just for productivity, but for a beautiful and meaningful life.

I hope this will inspire you as well. 

 

 

What Travel Taught Me This Season

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Good Morning Everyone!

I cannot believe how quickly this month has gone by—truly! I am still trying to catch up from all of my travels, but in the midst of unpacking, getting back into my routine, and reflecting on everything I have experienced, I realized just how much this season of travel has taught me.

I talked about some of it in my recent YouTube video, but I also wanted to capture my thoughts here. There is something about writing things down that allows me to slow down and really reflect on what I have learned.

I thought I was learning how to travel, but I ended up learning a lot about myself.

I learned how I like to eat when I am away from home, how much rest I really need, what I actually need to pack, what makes an accommodation feel comfortable, and even how I like to spend my time when I am not in my own space.

  • How I like to live away from home —The photo above is the view from my room. It overlooked the courtyard of the training facility where we were staying. It was early in the morning, and everything was quiet and beautiful.

    I had just finished my morning devotional and was taking a few deep breaths before heading down to the treadmill. In that moment, I found myself appreciating the stillness. There was nowhere I needed to rush to just yet. I could simply sit, take in the view, breathe, and prepare myself for the day ahead.

    Those quiet moments have become some of my favorite parts of traveling. They remind me that even when I am away from home and my schedule is full, I can still create little moments of peace and maintain the routines that keep me grounded.

  • How I like to eat —One of the things I truly enjoy about traveling is trying new restaurants. I don’t always get the opportunity to explore different cuisines when I am at home. My husband isn’t particularly adventurous when it comes to food, so when I travel, I feel like I have a little more freedom to explore and try things I might not otherwise order.

    My colleagues and I especially enjoy going to Thai restaurants, and I have had the chance to try different types of sushi and dishes that are completely new to me. I love looking at a menu and thinking, I’ve never tried that before—let’s see what it’s like!

    There is something about being away from home that makes me feel a little more adventurous when it comes to food. I don’t have my usual routines or familiar choices surrounding me, so I give myself permission to explore.

    Honestly, I feel truly free when it comes to food when I travel. And I have discovered that some of my favorite travel memories have happened sitting around a table, trying something new, sharing a meal, and enjoying good conversation with the people I am traveling with.

 

  • Conversations with travelers —It has been so interesting listening to other travelers talk about their journeys and experiences. On one trip, I overheard a gentleman sharing that he had just run a marathon in Japan and was now on his way to Poland. I thought that was fascinating. Everyone you meet seems to have a story, a destination, and a reason for being there.

    I love hearing different languages, meeting new people, and learning a little about where others have been and where they are going. There is something special about being surrounded by people from different places and backgrounds. Travel has reminded me that the world is so much bigger than my everyday routine, and sometimes all it takes is a simple conversation to give you a glimpse into someone else’s world. 

  • Packing —I loved the pieces that traveled with me on my trips. My Travel with Elegance post is a glimpse into how I live beautifully and comfortably while away from home—and a guide to bringing a little elegance wherever you go.

Travel has shaped the way I see the world and, perhaps even more importantly, the way I see myself. Wherever the next journey takes me, I hope to continue traveling with intention, living with elegance, and remaining open to all that each new experience has to teach me.

 

 

The Guest Room: A Long-Awaited Finish

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Welcome September!

I already feel like this month is flying by. I have even started thinking about my Christmas shopping and making my holiday lists. It will all be here before we know it!

This past week, I spent a whole day ALONE in my home, and honestly, it was such a treat. There is something so wonderful about having the house to yourself—no schedule, no interruptions, and plenty of time to enjoy the little things.

Last weekend, I was able to start and finish my guest bedroom, and I have to say, it felt so good to finally check this project off my list. This room has been on my radar for months, and I am so glad I finally made the time to bring it all together.

I wanted the space to feel elegant, feminine, comfortable, and welcoming—the kind of room where guests can come in, close the door, and feel right at home.

And now that it is finished, I can’t wait to share it with you.

Come on in and see my new guest bedroom… 🕊️🌷

This is how the room started. And honestly, this picture was taken after I had already cleared out a few things!

This room belonged to my stepsons for the first eight years we lived in this home. They each had a separate bed, along with some basic furniture, and it worked perfectly for them while they were here.

Once they moved out, though, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do with the space. I knew I wanted to eventually make it into something beautiful, but I wasn’t in any hurry to decide.

At one point, I decided to give the room to my husband and told him he could make it his “man cave.” Well…that idea didn’t last very long.

Before I knew it, he was simply dumping his things in there with no real plan, and the room was quickly becoming a storage room. 😂

That was when I decided it was time to take the room back.

I finally looked at him and said, “No. This is the second biggest bedroom in the house. I am NOT going to let you turn it into a storage room!”

And just like that, the guest bedroom project was born.

Looking back, I’m actually glad I waited. I needed some time to figure out what I wanted this room to feel like. And once I finally had a vision, I couldn’t wait to get started.

I am so proud of how this space came together. What I love most is that I didn’t go out and buy everything brand new. I wanted the room to feel collected, personal, and timeless, so I used things I already had, mixed in some vintage finds, and searched for pieces that had just the right character.

I started with the bed frame, which I found on Facebook Marketplace for about $175. I knew from the beginning that I wanted something with a vintage feel, so I was on the hunt for quite a while. When I came across this one, I knew it was exactly what I had been looking for. The carved details and old-fashioned charm became the perfect starting point for the room.

Next came the mattress, which I also found on Facebook Marketplace. I happened to find a very nice gentleman who was selling brand-new mattresses out of a warehouse. The mattress was wonderful, and he provided excellent customer service. I always love finding a great deal, especially when the quality is there!

The linens were already tucked away in my closet. I love shopping my own home and rediscovering things I already own. Sometimes you don’t need something new—you just need to look at what you have with fresh eyes.

The tufted bench at the foot of the bed is another piece with a little history. I purchased it during Covid and actually shared it here on the blog back in 2020. It’s funny how pieces can sit in your home for years and then suddenly find their perfect place.

And then there is the Venetian mirror, which I found at an antique store last year. I knew I wanted to incorporate a beautiful vintage mirror into the room, and this one adds just the right amount of elegance and sparkle.

This little table has been in my office for more than five years. It was given to me by my father-in-law, so it has always had a special place in my home. I had actually considered getting rid of it, but once I decided to create the guest bedroom, I knew I could give it a new purpose.

Sometimes the pieces we are ready to part with just need a second chance!

I kept the table just as it was and simply added a storage basket to the bottom shelf. It was such an easy addition, but it gives guests a convenient place to tuck away a few things while keeping the room neat and organized.

The beautiful blue and white vase was a Christmas gift from my daughter-in-law and stepson. I love having pieces in my home that have a story behind them, and this one adds the perfect touch of blue to the room.

The lamp was a more recent find. I came across this Wedgwood lamp at an antique store and got it at a phenomenal price. I couldn’t pass it up! The classic design fits beautifully with the vintage feel I was creating in the room.

And, of course, I wanted the nightstand to feel a little more like a guest experience rather than simply a place to put a lamp. I added a beautiful candle and some bed linen spray to make the space feel extra special.

Those little touches are important to me. When someone stays in our home, I want them to feel welcomed and cared for. A candle, fresh linens, a lovely scent, and a few thoughtful details can make a bedroom feel less like a spare room and more like a beautiful little retreat.

The last areas I added to the room were, of course, places to sit. I love when a bedroom has more than just a bed—it makes the space feel like a true retreat and gives guests a cozy spot to sit and relax.

I decided to keep my green settee in this room. I don’t know if any of you remember this piece, but I purchased it from Facebook Marketplace a few years ago. It has moved around a bit, but I knew it would be perfect in this room.

I absolutely love it tucked into the corner with a few decorative pillows and my faux cherry blossom tree. The green adds a beautiful pop of color against all of the softer neutrals in the room, and I think the combination feels both elegant and inviting.

I also moved my vintage armchair into the room, and I couldn’t be happier with it here. The vintage fabric is what really makes this chair special. It has so much character and is truly one of a kind.

I love that both of these pieces were things I already owned. Rather than starting from scratch, I was able to shop my own home and find new ways to use pieces that I already loved.

And I think that’s one of the best parts of decorating a home. Sometimes you don’t need to buy something new—you just need to look at what you already have with a fresh perspective. 

I recently added this vintage bird and floral pillow cover, which just arrived from Amazon. I think it looks lovely in the room. The soft colors and delicate pattern fit right in with the vintage, feminine feel I was going for.

And I couldn’t possibly have a guest bedroom without a throw blanket. I love having throws throughout my home. They add warmth, softness, and another layer to a room—and let’s be honest, there is nothing better than having an extra blanket nearby when you’re a guest!

I still can’t quite believe that I finally have a guest bedroom. This has been on my home list—and honestly, my life list—for such a long time. I’ve always dreamed of having a beautiful space where family and friends could come, stay awhile, and feel completely at home.

Now, after years of thinking about it, planning it, and slowly collecting the pieces, it’s finally here.

And perhaps that’s what I love most about this room. It’s not just another decorated room in our home. It’s a space created with hospitality in mind. A place where I can welcome the people I love and make them feel special.

To me, that’s another beautiful way to bring elegance into your home.

Because true elegance isn’t just about how beautiful your home looks. It’s about how beautifully you make people feel when they are there. 🕊️

My previous blog post from 2014 is here. 

Affiliate links attached. 

A New York Day at The Plaza, Love Shack Fancy & Ralph Lauren

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Hello Friends,

I feel like I can finally breathe a little. I just finished my last work trip of 2026, and with September officially here, it feels like I can slow down just a bit.

I recently filmed an end-of-summer video for YouTube, and I’ll be sharing it on my channel soon. Lauren is all moved in and has officially started her senior year of college, which is hard to believe!

I also finally finished the guest bedroom, and I’m so excited to share it with you. And just like that, I’ll be kicking off the Guild show house season here soon. There is always something happening this time of year, and I’m looking forward to sharing it all with you.

Before we move too far into September, I wanted to finish sharing a little more from my New York trip. There were so many beautiful places I visited while I was there, but I especially wanted to take you along to a few of the stores that caught my eye—The Plaza, Love Shack Fancy, and Ralph Lauren.

Each one had its own unique New York charm, and together they made for such a fun and inspiring day in the city.

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Of course, I couldn’t help but stop by the Ralph Lauren store while I was in New York. I absolutely love the women’s side—it truly is a dream. This was my second time visiting, and I actually shared my first tour of the store back in 2022.

There is so much to love about the space, and I found myself taking in all of the details and drawing plenty of inspiration for my own dressing room. From the beautiful displays to the timeless interiors, it is one of those places where you could spend hours just taking it all in.

After looking around, we headed downstairs to the pastry shop for lattes and a few pastries. We found seats in the gorgeous café and enjoyed our treats before heading back out into the city. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next up was LoveShackFancy, and while I’ll admit the clothes are a little young for me, I absolutely fell in love with the store itself. The interiors are a dream—so feminine, romantic, and filled with the prettiest details. From the floral wallpaper and draped fabrics to the antique-inspired furniture, beautiful chandeliers, and fresh flowers, every corner felt thoughtfully styled. I found myself taking more inspiration from the decor than the clothing! There were so many little details that I’m filing away for future projects, especially as I continue working on my own home. It was definitely worth a stop just to take in all of the beautiful design inspiration.

 

 

 

 

 

The last place we visited was The Plaza, and I have to say, walking up to the hotel and stepping inside felt like something out of a dream. The architecture, the details, and the history of the space are absolutely beautiful, and I’m so glad I had the chance to see it in person. But if I’m being completely honest, something felt a little off during our visit. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I never really felt welcomed or comfortable there. We stopped into the gift shop, and at one point I got the feeling that the woman working there thought I was stealing. Shortly after, a security guard came into the area and seemed to be looking around, even though my family and I were the only ones in the shop. Perhaps I misread the situation, and I certainly don’t want to assume anyone’s intentions, but it left me with an uncomfortable feeling. As beautiful as The Plaza is, I left feeling like it just wasn’t a place I would choose to visit again. Sometimes you can’t quite explain a feeling—you just know when something doesn’t feel right.

Despite the feeling I had at The Plaza, our trip to New York this year turned out to be such a wonderful adventure. We made so many special memories as a family, and that is what I will remember most.

We took Lauren to the Museum of the Moving Image, where she got to see the Jim Henson exhibition featuring the Muppets. She was absolutely in heaven! She also discovered a store called Museum of Nostalgia, which was right up her alley. She has such a love for the 80s, which I have to admit I find so interesting, but I love seeing the things that make her happy.

We also had some wonderful meals, spent time with dear friends, and simply enjoyed being together in the city. New York always seems to have something new to discover, and even with a few unexpected moments, this trip was one we will remember fondly.

I certainly hope I get the chance to visit New York again soon. There is still so much I want to see, do, and, of course, shop!

 

 

 

 

August Favorites ~ 2026

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Hello Everyone,

I hope you’ve been enjoying the little snippets of our recent trip to New York. I have to say, I really loved walking around the city this time. For a few moments, I pretended that I actually lived there—and I have to admit, I could easily get used to it!

There were so many wonderful stores, restaurants, and endless options to explore. I loved every bit of it. One thing I really hoped to find was an antique store, but sadly, I didn’t quite make it to one this time. I’ll just have to save that adventure for my next visit!

It’s time for another round of monthly favorites! From beautiful finds for the home to little luxuries I’ve been enjoying, these are a few things that have made their way into my life lately.

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

First up is this gorgeous blue-and-white ginger jar I found at HomeGoods. It’s quite large, and I absolutely love the shape. It feels so different from the other jars I have, and the design actually has a vintage look that I really adore. Needless to say, I had to bring it home!

Then, after getting back from NYC, I stopped by Consign by Design and found this beautiful crystal vase for only $40. It’s huge, too, and I love how substantial it feels. I’m thinking about putting a candle inside to give it a little extra glow. It’s one of those unexpected finds that makes decorating so much fun!

 

 

Third is this beautiful table setting at Dior in New York. This is honestly one of my favorite things to shop for—and simply to look at. I will always love shopping for clothes and shoes, but lately, shopping for dinnerware has become a new favorite of mine. There is something so special about finding beautiful pieces that make everyday meals feel a little more elevated.

And to the right is a little self-care moment. Lately, I’ve been trying to light candles at night while I’m in bed watching YouTube, and it has quickly become one of my favorite rituals. There is something about the soft glow and beautiful scent that makes the evening feel extra cozy.

Here, I’m burning Diptyque Tuberose alongside Nabela Noor’s Manor White Musk candle. Both are absolutely beautiful and make the perfect pairing for a quiet night in.

 

 

Continuing with home décor, I’ve been trying to find a beautiful way to organize my bangles and bracelets on my vanity. I’ve tried several different solutions, but somehow, they always seem to make the space feel cluttered.

Then, while browsing an antique store, I came across this gorgeous vintage soup tureen. I immediately loved it and, of course, did not want to leave it behind. But lately, I’ve started asking myself a few questions whenever I’m shopping at antique stores: “Okay, where is this going?” “How will it work in my everyday life?” and “Can I actually use it?”

With this piece, I started thinking about my vanity—and those bracelets. Then it hit me: why not use the soup tureen as storage for my bangles and bracelets?

And honestly, how beautiful and chic is that? I love finding ways to give vintage pieces a new purpose, especially when they can be both functional and beautiful. Now my bracelets are organized, easily accessible, and displayed in a way that feels intentional rather than cluttered. It’s exactly the kind of home décor find I love.

 

 

 

 

Here is one of the bracelets that is now happily living in my vintage soup tureen. I found this acrylic tortoise-shell bracelet on Amazon, and I love the combination of the warm tortoise-shell pattern with the gold detail. It’s comfortable to wear, easy to style, and, best of all, it’s at a great price. It’s one of those accessories that looks much more expensive than it actually is.

Next up are these gorgeous tassels that I ordered. I love using them as bag charms on my Hermès-inspired bags. They add such a chic little finishing touch and make the bags feel even more special. I love how something as simple as a tassel can completely change the look of a bag!

 

 

Now for one of my NYC Madison Avenue purchases. I decided to step inside Loro Piana and have a look around, and I’m so glad I did. I first learned about the brand through Lydia Millen and the Duchess of Sussex, and I immediately understood the appeal. Everything felt beautifully simple, exceptionally well made, and incredibly elegant.

Naturally, I found myself gravitating toward the scarves, where I discovered the Enciclopedia del Cardo Tie Band. I was immediately drawn to the beautiful botanical prints and the soft blush background. It felt feminine, timeless, and just a little unexpected.

I wore it with my striped dress to the office and absolutely loved the combination. There was something so pretty about the way the delicate flowers played against the stripes. It was one of those outfits that reminded me how much I love mixing prints when the colors and patterns complement each other.

 

 

And last, but certainly not least, are these gorgeous tortoise-shell office folders from Kate Spade that I found on Amazon. You get six file folders for just $18, which I think is such a steal. They aren’t made of paper and have a beautiful glossy finish, making them feel much more elevated than your typical office folders. Even something as practical as organizing paperwork can be chic!

I hope you all enjoyed seeing some of my favorite finds for the month of August. I can’t believe September is almost here! This month has been filled with so many fun discoveries, from home décor and accessories to little luxuries that make everyday life feel a bit more special.

I’m planning to film an end-of-summer video for my YouTube channel, but before I can officially wrap up the travel year, I have one more work trip to take. My newsletter will also be hitting your inboxes soon, so be sure to keep an eye out for that.

Thank you so much for spending a little time with me and my August favorites. Have a wonderful week!

 

  • This post is not sponsored. Affiliate links attached. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Afternoon with Dior: Lily of the Valley Tea

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Good Morning Friends,

We have returned from New York! This trip was a bit more relaxed than our previous visits. I didn’t want to visit any of the usual tourist attractions this time. Instead, I wanted to slow down, wander, enjoy beautiful meals, our friends, and simply experience the city at a more leisurely pace.

I’ll be sharing our New York adventures with you over the next few weeks, so I hope you’ll come along with me. I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying these last days of summer.

We are also gearing up to move Lauren back into her dorm for her SENIOR YEAR! I can hardly believe it. How is it possible that she is already beginning her senior year of college? It seems like just yesterday we were moving her into her freshman dorm. Wow—time really does fly!

But for now, let me take you back to one of my favorite afternoons in New York.

 

photos via: Mrs. Shockley 

 

There are afternoons in New York that feel almost dreamlike, and my Lily of the Valley Christian Dior tea at The Lowell Hotel was one of them.

From the moment I stepped inside, the atmosphere felt wonderfully removed from the city outside. The hotel was elegant and intimate, with beautiful cream-colored interiors, polished details, fresh flowers, and the softest golden light. And there was a delicate floral fragrance in the air that reminded me of jasmine—subtle, fresh, and wonderfully calming. It made the entire experience feel like entering a private garden in the middle of Manhattan.

 

 

The setting was especially beautiful for afternoon tea. I settled in at a beautifully dressed table surrounded by classic New York elegance, with china, silver, fresh flowers, and the prettiest little details. Everything felt refined without being overly formal.

 

 

 

The Lily of the Valley theme brought its own sense of romance. Lily of the valley has always seemed to me like one of those flowers that represents quiet luxury: delicate, graceful, and unmistakably elegant. It was the perfect inspiration for a tea experience associated with Christian Dior.

 

 

 

And then there was the tea itself.

The beautiful Dior-inspired porcelain, the delicate floral patterns, the teapot warming gently on the table, and a cup of fragrant mandarin jasmine tea made the afternoon feel wonderfully indulgent. I loved the ritual of pouring the tea, taking my time, and simply enjoying the moment. There is something about afternoon tea that encourages you to slow down—and in New York, that feels like a luxury in itself.

 

 

The sandwiches were beautifully arranged on the bottom tier, with delicate little tea sandwiches that were almost too pretty to eat. The middle tier featured the most beautiful little desserts, including a bright lemon-colored pastry and a raspberry creation that looked like a tiny work of art.

And the top tier? More beautiful sweets, including a little cream-filled pastry and a refreshing-looking dessert served in a glass. I was absolutely smitten with the scones and Devonshire cream. Oh my goodness! Those were my favorite. 

 

 

The room added to the magic. Tall windows brought in the greenery outside, while the floral arrangements and traditional furnishings created an atmosphere that felt timeless rather than trendy. It was elegant in that very special New York way: polished, romantic, and quietly glamorous.

What I will remember most, though, is the feeling.

The jasmine-like fragrance in the air, the beautiful flowers, the Dior details, the delicate china, and a warm cup of tea in my hands all came together to create one of those little New York memories that stays with you.

Once I had finished my sandwiches, scones, and desserts, I thought our lovely tea experience had come to an end. But then my waitress surprised me with a little extra treat—Dior cookies!

They were almost too beautiful to eat. Almost. 😊

I tried so hard to save them and keep them for as long as I could. They were just so pretty, with all of their delicate details, and I knew they would make such a sweet little souvenir from our afternoon.

Well…I did eat them.

I couldn’t resist!

I knew they weren’t going to last forever, and honestly, I decided they deserved to be enjoyed rather than simply admired. They were just as delicious as they were beautiful, and they were the perfect little ending to such a special afternoon.

 

 

 

 

 

It took me a while to leave the hotel. The intoxicating scent of jasmine and the effortless elegance of the space made it surprisingly difficult to walk away. Instead, I wandered through the hotel a little longer, taking in every detail and snapping a few photos along the way.

The floral arrangements were unlike anything I had ever seen in person. Each one felt like a work of art, with layers of texture, rich colors, delicate details, and an elegance that was truly unmatched. Everywhere I looked, there was another beautiful arrangement or thoughtful detail that demanded a second glance.

 

 

I did eventually leave the hotel and make my way down Madison Avenue, stopping into a few shops along the way, including Hermès, Loro Piana, Creed, and Dior.

At Dior, I wandered into the Dior Home store, where I couldn’t resist taking a few photos of their beautifully styled table settings. As I studied the china, I found myself admiring the details and, once again, wanting another set of teacups. Everything was thoughtfully curated, right down to the fresh floral arrangements that filled the space.

The customer service was equally exceptional. There was a beautifully dressed gentleman from Venezuela who was incredibly kind and gracious. He seemed to appreciate our warmth and kindness as much as we appreciated his, and before we left, he surprised me with another set of Dior cookies. It was such a lovely and unexpected touch that made the experience even more memorable.

This was such a wonderful day and exactly what I wanted my New York trip to be—filled with beauty, peace, and genuine experiences that I would remember long after returning home.

And, of course, I couldn’t stop thinking about those beautiful Dior teacups! I eventually found and ordered a Christian Dior teacup and saucer set on eBay. I’ve included the link here if you’re interested in taking a look for yourself.

I hope you enjoyed coming along with me for this part of our New York adventure. Thank you for reading, and I’ll be back soon to share more beautiful moments and experiences from our trip!

 

 

 

A Dress Code at Home

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Hello Everyone,

I hope you all enjoyed your holiday! We kept things simple this year by having dinner with our kids and spending the evening watching movies. It was a relaxing way to celebrate together.

There are so many exciting things I am preparing for right now, and I look forward to sharing an update with you very soon.

I am still reading Living Beautifully Together by Alexandra Stoddard, and I recently came across a sentence that really made me stop and think. She writes, “A man who wanders around the house in only his underdrawers insults his wife and children.”

That quote immediately got me thinking about the way we dress at home. We’ve discussed this topic on the blog before, so it isn’t a new conversation, but it is one that I believe is always worth revisiting.

The way we present ourselves within our own homes says something about the respect we have for ourselves and for those we love. While comfort certainly has its place, there is also value in dressing with a sense of care and dignity, even when no one outside the family will see us. Home is where our habits are formed, and the atmosphere we create begins with the small, everyday choices we make.

 

photo credit: Pinterest

 

I simply adore this vintage photograph of a mother and daughter in their nightwear. I have been searching for a gown like this for quite some time now, as there is something so graceful and timeless about it.

Making sure I have lovely, modest gowns to wear to bed has always been a priority for me. Even when I lived alone in my apartment at just twenty years old, I wore vintage-style gowns around my home. They made everyday life feel a little more beautiful and always brought a smile to my face.

I have long believed that what we wear at home influences how we feel. Slipping into a pretty gown at the end of the day transforms an ordinary evening into something a bit more special, reminding me that elegance is not reserved for public occasions—it begins within the walls of our own homes.

 

photo credit: Pinterest

 

Another inspiring photograph! This image features Jasmine Guy from the beloved 1980s television show A Different World. I have always admired the effortless elegance portrayed in many older television shows. Even in quiet moments at home, the women were often dressed in beautiful robes or flowing gowns that reflected a sense of grace and self-respect.

I know television isn’t always an accurate reflection of everyday life, but these images remind me that there is beauty in creating a lovely home environment and in dressing with intention, even when no one else is around. There is something undeniably uplifting about slipping into a beautiful nightgown at the end of the day. It transforms an ordinary evening into a peaceful ritual and reminds us that elegance begins at home.

What is your dress code at home?