Posts that inspiring an elegant life

A Dream Cottage

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Hello Everyone,

I had a pretty good weekend. My new dress for the boutique has arrived. I have decided to name it Frances. I hope you all enjoy it and will love it as much as I do. On Saturday I went to our outlet mall to do a little school shopping for Lauren. That turned out to be a bust! She hates shopping and it was really hard trying to find her things for school.

I did visit the Ann Taylor outlet store and the Coach outlet store I will share those items with you all later. I am now helping our daughter look at colleges. I can’t believe I am saying that. Oh my goodness. Life is happening too fast.

Alright now let’s get into today’s post. I have also been looking at the new Victoria magazine. Have you ever looked inside one of their issues and thought, “I sure do hope they put these pictures on the website” and when it happens I am always excited. In this month’s issue, I was really hoping that they were going to put this article’s photos on the website and they did!

 

photo credit: Mac Jamieson

 

Don’t you just love the chair? In the magazine, it talks about the owner Ann Monfore’s and how she collects child-size chairs. This is a child-size chair. I would love to see this in an adult size. Wouldn’t you? 

photo credit: Mac Jamieson

 

When I turned the page and saw this simply stunning dining room and I thought, “okay they better post this on the website”! This room has so much inspiration! This room is absolute perfection. The french doors in the distance, the 1850 French trumeau mirror and look at that solid wood table. They don’t make tables like they used to! 

 

photo credit: Mac Jamieson 

 

Okay, beach who? This would be a dream vacation spot for me! I would just plant my umbrella in the yard and have a picnic out there. The only thing this house would need is a swimming pool then I would probably never want to leave my house! 

I love how she designed the garden choosing boxwoods and blue hydrangeas my favorite! Another fun fact about this home is that it caught fire some years ago and was rebuilt in 2004. The owners wanted to replicate the previous home which was known as Seldom Inn. 

I would say two big thumbs up! They turned this into a wonderful retreat and beautiful home at the same time. It has the comforts of home yet houses beautiful antiques. I hope you all enjoyed this post and pick up an issue for yourself. It’s rare that Victoria magazine disappoints. 

 

 

 

This post is not sponsored. 

 

 

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 

 

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!

 

 

 

 

A Blue Bug & Boutique Hotel

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And a Happy Monday to everyone! I have quite a busy week this week. I have a new staff member starting today, a staff meeting on Tuesday, and a possible pop-up shop on Friday. So we will see how things pan out. 

We had a good weekend. We tried our best to spoil my husband but things always happen where we have to focus on the kids. On Friday we went and looked at our daughter’s dream car. She will be a junior in high school in a few months so we figured this was a good year for her to drive. Our daughter has always wanted a Volkswagon Beetle in sky blue and our good friend found the car! I couldn’t believe it! We are so excited for Lauren and are praying vigilantly for her to be safe. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

She is super excited and can’t stop smiling. It is a wonderful thing to be able to do things like this for your kids. I hope that all of you had a great weekend and celebrated your fathers, husbands, and whatever special guy you have in your life. 

Now on to this gorgeous hotel that I learned about on the Victoria magazine website. The hotel is called Hotel Paris Marais Caron de Beaumarchais. I have never seen a hotel like this but this hotel speaks to me in so many ways. 

 

Photo credit: Hotel Paris Marais Caron.com 

 

The very first thing that captured me about this hotel is that they do not have a traditional front desk area. The lobby features a living area completely decorated with 18th-century antiques! Oh my gosh!

 

 

 

I can’t believe how gorgeous this hotel is. When you walk in there is a fireplace, candles, and a crystal chandelier. 

 

photo credit: Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais.com

 

And you all have to check out the bedrooms! Oh my goodness, they are stunning! They are truly an elegant dream. Each room is decorated with 18th-century antiques, some have beautiful views and a wonderful breakfast option. 

 

 

Doesn’t this look wonderful? This is the breakfast that they offer. This would be a dream for me. To stay in such a beautiful hotel, wake up to this beautiful breakfast, and stare out my windows. Such a beautiful dream! I really hope that I can go to France one day and stay in a hotel like this. Wouldn’t you?

I really hope you all enjoyed this beautiful hotel. I would love to know if any of you have been to France and stayed in a hotel similar to this one. Please share your story below. 

Before I end today’s post I wanted to let everyone know that my new earring arrivals are available on the boutique’s page. I really hope that you all enjoy them. Have a great Monday!

 

 

Ivy Vine Earring

Camellia Pearl Earring

 

 

 

This post is not sponsored. 

 

 

New Home Decor Websites

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Hello Everyone,

The weather here has been so great! It has been sunny and the humidity has vanished for now. I am on the hunt for a new company that can reupholster my chairs. I have a vision in my mind. I just hope that I can find someone to help me make it a reality soon!

Now on to some beautiful new websites that I have recently discovered. The first is called French Garden House. I found this website on the Victoria magazine website. This website is filled with exceptionally beautiful french country home antiques. 

 

photo credit: French Manoir Instagram 

 

My favorite selection is their jewelry selection. I love a good brooch! The second website is called Mrs. Alice and it is a GORGEOUS website! 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Alice Instagram 

 

Mrs. Alice is a tablescape company that offers beautiful accessories for your dining pleasure. You could probably spend hours on this website staring at all of the items. They are just stunning. 

 

 

Just look at these candlesticks! It is a grandmillennial’s dream!

 

 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Alice Instagram 

 

There are so many beautiful accessories on this site. I do hope that everyone enjoys scrolling through it and finding their favorite items. I have a few on my list that I would love to order! 

Enjoy!