Posts that inspiring an elegant life

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

 

 

 

 

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!

 

 

 

The Guild Christmas Luncheon & Fashion Show

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Good Morning,

It’s only 6 days before Christmas! That came so quickly. Christmas shopping this year was not fun. I didn’t have much to buy but it was not fun at all. The kids are getting older and only asked for a few things, but they were expensive items. Most of my husband’s family does not want to present swap anymore so the buying has gone down. I do miss buying gifts for everyone because I love the hunt! But most people don’t like to shop and don’t want the pressure. So I get it. 

I am done and will be wrapping what I do have in a few days. I have another busy work week but will be taking Friday off to get things done around the house, food prep and we are going to the Ayres Tea Room for lunch! I hope we enjoy it this year. Last week my group the Guild had its Annual Christmas Luncheon! This was my first year attending and it was a lot of fun. 

 

 

It was had at the Woodstock Country Club and a full agenda was planned. Those of us in the fashion show got to see where all of the accessories were and where we were to change. I wore my trusty burgundy dress from Target, my new embellished heels from Zara, my pink faux scarf from Ann Taylor and vintage Louis Vuitton. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

This was the table setting. Lots of rich colors for this holiday season! On the menu was chicken marsala, buttery mashed potatoes, asparagus, a salad, and for dessert this absolutely decadent chocolate lava cake with peppermint ice cream! I have never had chocolate lava cake but from here on out I want it with peppermint ice cream! It was so yummy and complete satiated my palate. So pleased! 

 

 

Another beautiful item that was included were the party favors. The group decided to gift to all of us these wonderful silk scarves with a vintage crystal Cameo brooch! Now how great is that? What a gift! I may have to still this idea! 

Everyone kept looking to see who got what scarf and brooch. We also had raffle prizes and I won a gift to Monterey. It’s a local restaurant that I have never heard of. Mr. Shockley and I are looking forward to trying it out. 

After we ate and talked, we headed back to get changed for the fashion show. I think that I may have already shared that the clothes were from a local boutique called the Secret Ingredient. The owner was there and introduced us each and talked about our outfits. It was fun!

 

photo credit: Guild Member

 

They managed to get me into pants! I tried my hardest to find a dress, but they didn’t have any in my size. I ended up piecing this outfit together. My shoes I brought from home. They are from Ann Taylor but I found a cheaper version on Amazon.  The pants were not that bad. Everyone after the show asked me about them. I thought that they were still elegant yet comfy. It was a great experience. 

Let me know in the comments section below if you have ever been in a fashion show big or small. Also please keep in mind that the boutique is still having it’s $25 dress sale! Order a few for your wardrobe! I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas! I will be taking a break for the rest of the week but will still be around. Enjoy the holidays! 

 

 

A Simple Quick Bread for Breakfast

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Good Morning,

It’s been such a busy week! On Monday I made reservations for us to have lunch at the Ayres Tea Room, but we barely got in! They were booked for the entire month of December! I was told that you can start scheduling in October. Noted! I will be calling early next year. We will be going a day before Christmas Eve. Not ideal for me but I will take it. On Tuesday, I took the staff that I supervise to the Cake Bake Shop! We had such a great time. It was all their first time visiting so that was a treat for me to see them enjoy it!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I got my favorite cake. The apple crumble cake is one of my favorites! So good!

 

 

On Wednesday I went to the boutique to go for my fitting for the Guild Fashion Show which is scheduled during our Christmas luncheon. They got me in pants! I am okay with it but the outfit is not something that I would wear but someone else may love it. That evening Lauren and I went to see the Nutcracker. I will linking a video below for you all to view it. 

 

 

We loved this version of Nutcracker! There are some things that we love about our local Nutcracker but it was nice to see this version. I am now getting ready for my work trip to San Diego! I have never been to the west coast so I will share how things go. 

In today’s post I wanted to share this quick and simple bread that I made during Thanksgiving. 

 

 

I found this Pillsbury Pumpkin Quick Bread at my local store, and I love it! It was so easy to make, moist and absolutely delightful with a warm cup of tea. I ended up purchasing a second box and a box of the banana bread. I will be making one of these during Christmas. 

I hope you enjoy this new recipe find and let me know in the comments below if you have use this. I would love to know. Have a great weekend! 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving ~ 2022

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Good Morning,

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

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

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

 

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

 

 

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

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

*A Quiet Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

November Favorites ~ 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lessons People Learn too Late in Life

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Good Morning,

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

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

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

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

 

Photo credit: Habitually Chic via Pinterest 

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

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

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

 

 

photo credit: Carolyn Roehem

 

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

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

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

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

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

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