Elegant Living Archives - Page 3 of 52

Shall We Return to Refinement?

March 19, 2024/in Elegant Living /by mrs.sshockley

Good Morning,

We had a very quiet weekend. I did a little antique shopping. I found a birdcage that was absolutely beautiful!

Now I don’t intend on getting a bird, but I love bird cages. I want this just for home decor. I know that may sound weird, but I do love it. I am hoping to get the price dropped. The owner has it marked for $220. I want to maybe pay half of that, but we will see.

It’s been a while since I have shared an article that intrigued me. An interior designer that I follow shared some info from this article called “We’re Ready for a Return to Refinement”. Reading this title captured me immediately. Now that we are post Covid, it just seems as though the world cannot pull it together. Maybe it’s me but every time we go to a restaurant all I see is sloppiness. For a period of time, it was driving me nuts, but I am trying to settle into the thought process that I cannot control everything.

In the article, it starts off reminding us that “sofas that make you sit up a little straighter, and heeled pumps that give you a more graceful gait are unabashedly elegant essentials” necessary for your beautiful life.

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley (Ralph Lauren Store, Manhattan)

The article goes on to discuss setting your table for dinner, decorating your home, and shopping. Now with inflation out of control, living your best life on a budget has become a motto for most of us. I have been trying to very best to find affordable pieces on Amazon to organize my home and to live in a lovely manner. Don’t get me wrong I love Amazon but having some substantial pieces in my life to balance out those Amazon purchases is how I want to live. I have an affirmation that I have been saying almost daily for over 10 years. “Lord help me to buy quality, not quantity”.

One thing that I have learned these last few years is that our time is very short. I want to live my life in beautiful ways as much as possible.

How I Romanticize my Life Daily

March 7, 2024/in Elegant Living /by mrs.sshockley

Good Morning Everyone!

Busy, busy I have been. Lauren is home this week for spring break and we are just trying to keep things simple. I have been trying to pay attention to my daily life and look at what is working for me and what is not. Organizing my home and life has not been easy. Lots of things are being purged and lots of small changes have happened. In the mist of these changes, I have been also trying to keep things beautiful in my life.

I was recently inspired by a video that I watched. There have been a few influencers who recently shared ways that they are romanticize their daily lives and I thought I would share my list as well.

First are my morning walks. I can’t tell you how these have become so important to me. I started these walks in 2020 during the height of the pandemic. I felt a need to get out and get fresh air and try to capture my emotions and put things into perspective. I am still doing that and need these walks to listen to podcasts, talk with God, and lay out my dreams. It also gives me the opportunity to see flowers, and watch the sun rise.

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

The second is pouring myself a vanilla latte at the office every morning, and using my fine china. I LOVE doing this! I had a co-worker who came in after my oatmilk finished in my frother and she saw me pour this into my china cup and she said, “you treat yourself so well”. Now that comment struck me. I thought, “this is treating myself well”? Really, this is something that I do every day and I don’t give it any thought, but she did and at that moment I knew that I was blessed.

Third is making my bed. I cannot leave my house without doing this. Having a well-made bed speaks volumes to me when I come home. After a long day at the office, I head upstairs to my bedroom to drop things off and seeing my bed made and waiting for me is a beautiful way and relaxing way to end my day.

Along with seeing my well-made bed, making myself a pitcher of lemon and cucumber water has been another way of romanticizing myself. It is so refreshing and delicious. I have had a glass almost every night while watching Designing Women from 1986!

Fifth is setting a beautiful yet simple tablescape. I love seeing a beautiful set table every day. Having this brings beauty into my life and gives me the opportunity to use my best.

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley

Sixth is and you should not be a shock but fresh flowers. I have shared multiple bouquets on my website. I don’t think that I need to explain how buying yourself a bouquet (even if it’s from the grocery store) is a beautiful way to romanticize your life! Please try it. You will not regret it.

Seventh are candles. Lighting candles in the evenings or in the mornings when I have teatime brings me such solace. I loving smelling my favorite candles while reading a book, writing in my journal, or sipping a cup of hot tea.

And the last items are art museums, ballets, and classical music. I always try to schedule beautiful events in my life to romanticize myself. There is an upcoming event called Art in Bloom that I want to go and see. I also calendar the ballets and other events to make sure that I can schedule a time to seek the arts. I also set my alarm to classical music. It makes me smile when I hear it in the mornings.

I hope that you have gained some inspiration from this post. Add small things in your life that fit with your character to bring about beauty. Life is so very short. Enjoy your best!

Affiliate links attached.

A Barbie Tea at the Propylaeum

February 20, 2024/3 Comments/in Elegant Living /by mrs.sshockley

What a wonderful, long weekend! I truly enjoyed it. I watched Suspicion with Cary Grant and set my DVR for recording the new Jane Austen inspired movies on Hallmark. They have been really nice so far. I have also been adding LOTS of new Amazon finds to my lists and my Shop my Favorites page on my website.

A few days ago, it was my turn to watch the Showhouse. As a Guild member we take turns assisting the contractors and designers. I always enjoy this. It gives me an opportunity to meet the local designers and learn about companies in my area.

Another great perk of being a Guild member is exposure to wonderful organizations. I was recently invited to a Barbie Tea theme party at a women’s historical society called the Propylaeum. The Propylaeum was started in 1888 and was created to provide a center for cultivation for women.

When I pulled up to the historical home, I knew that I would love it.

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

It has a very grand entrance. You can also rent some space at the historical home for parties or weddings.

Loving the staircase, even with the dated carpet.

The floors….

photo credit: The Propylaeum

I decided to be a good sport and take a photo in the Barbie themed photo-opt area. Not usually my thing but I did enjoy it! I kept my outfit simple yet comfortable. I am wearing a pink blush dress, ballerina cardigan from my boutique, my Tory Burch cap toe heels, and my vintage Louis Vuitton. (I have a 2xl left in light pink of the ballerina cardigan on my website).

I stopped, grabbed a glass of pink Moscato, and headed to my table.

The room was put together so well and was a wonderful welcome to a drury Saturday morning.

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

I sat next to my friend Amy who immediately made me try Earl Grey tea. Yes you read that correctly. I have NEVER tried Earl Grey tea until that ladies tea and I must say it was so good! I also loved seeing all of the vintage china, tea sandwiches and pastries as well.

Now most of us at the table did not know each other but that did not stop me from asking who was a member of the Propylaeum and who was not. I wanted to know more about the institution and the leadership opportunities that they offered. Sadly, no one at my table was a member. It was nice catching up with Amy and Margaret, but it was also wonderful to meet new people.

Loved the paintings on the ceilings. People put so much more effort into elegant living back then.

After the tea, I decided to go upstairs and do a self-guided tour of the home. This room was my absolute favorite. I love the pink paint color, detailed fireplace and floors. This home had tons of rooms. It felt as if the house went on and on.

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

I also could not get enough of this vintage bed and fabric headboard. Oh magnifique! Just beautiful! There is a Mother’s Day tea scheduled soon. I really would like to go so we will see if I can fit it into my schedule.

Let me know in the comments section below if you have made any new recent tearoom discoveries in your city.

Side note: the Elizabeth Arden Vintage Vanity Collection has been added to my Poshmark page. Take a peek, make an offer!

A New Book ~ Bridgerton Guide to Entertaining

February 17, 2024/2 Comments/in Elegant Living, Inspiring Books /by mrs.sshockley

And it is the weekend…. the NBA All Star Game is here, and I am trying my hardest to stay away from downtown. I am working from home today and will enjoy every minute of it. I am looking forward to making some time to read the latest copy of Victoria magazine. I had a hard time finding it in my stores! A little scary.

For Valentine’s Day Rick and I kept it simple. He got me a beautiful bouquet of roses and took a Hershey chocolate bar bouquet to Lauren! She was so surprised. It was so sweet!

I really want to make some time to sit and watch Three Coins in a Fountain and read the newest book that I just found!

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley

Can you all believe that I found this? It was a treasure for sure. I found it while we were waiting for our table for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. We always go into the Barnes and Noble bookstore that is attached. It’s a great place to read and relax. While we were there, I stumbled on this The Official Bridgerton Guide to Entertaining and it is truly a treat!

As soon as I opened the book, I audible gasped. The photography was so beautiful! Just look at this, the first chapter is called “A Breakfast Visit with the Bridgerton’s”. I mean, come on, who would not be curious about this? In this chapter, they give you recipes for crumpets with salted honey butter, Meyer lemon & poppy seed tea biscuits, crustless quiche with leeks, ham, and English cheddar, kippers on toast, and London Fog lattes! Oh my!

Here is the table of contents. Each party is divided into chapters. We have the Queens Lawn Party, Afternoon Tea with the Sharmas, Dinner at Featherington Ball and Lady Danbury’s Den of Iniquity.

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley

Not only will you be inspired by the recipes, but the photography is inspiring as well. I love these elegant glimpses into the family home, clothes, and decor.

This is truly a beautiful book and I hope that if you are a Bridgerton fan that you will order a copy for yourself. It is priced quite well on Amazon so don’t feel bad about ordering this treat of a book! If you do order it and make one of the recipes I would LOVE to know! I will be sharing my recent afternoon tea adventure next week!

I hope you got to see the recent Instagram story from the Little Pink Casa sharing the blush Cameo earrings! They look so lovely on her. Please feel free to use her code: PinkCasa20 for 20% off the entire boutique. Enjoy!

Affiliated link attached.

A Candle Project…

February 13, 2024/2 Comments/in Elegant Living /by mrs.sshockley

Good Morning,

The weather here in Indy was great this past weekend. We had lots of sunshine on Sunday. It was so needed. I attended a ladies afternoon tea that I can’t wait to share with you soon. Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and we intend on spending it at home. What I do want is a beautifully scented bouquet. Something with lots of beautiful greenery and blush colors. So we will see!

Now I want to share something with you that was absolutely spectacular to me! As you all know I am a part of the St. Margaret’s Guild and we are about to gear up for the 2024 Showhouse. I am really looking forward to seeing how the rooms will be transformed. This year a special project has been added.

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

We are working on a signature candle scent for this year’s showhouse, and I am so excited to be a part of this project. I can’t go into details about our specific process, but I can share that working with Penn & Beech candle company was a phenomenal experience!

The process was so simple and exciting. I have ALWAYS wanted to create my own signature scent and I so glad that I got to experience this process with the Guild.

These were some of my favorite oils. I am a floral girl to my core and wanted nothing but floral and clean scents. I can’t wait to share with you all the final product and I will be making an appointment myself to perhaps create a signature candle for A Home for Elegance. I am working with a consultant at this time and hope to start the process soon! I will keep you posted!

This post is not sponsored.

January Favorites ~ 2024

January 30, 2024/in Elegant Living, Monthly Favorites /by mrs.sshockley

Good Morning,

Oh my goodness everyone, I had a good weekend, but I sure do feel like I was hit by a truck this week! I don’t feel sick but I am emotional and physically drained. I had lunch earlier last week with some of my Guild friends to work on a special project for the showhouse this year. During our lunch we started talking menopause and perimenopause which I think I am in the thick of.

I talked about how I loss 18 pounds during Covid and then last year it ALL came back within a few months. My friends shared a doctor with me that has a podcast, and I have started watching some of her videos regarding symptoms of perimenopause. I am on a journey right now to figure things out, but I will be SURE to share with you all what I am learning and supplements that I have started to take.

I also binged watched Operation Niki’s organizing videos on Instagram. Oh my goodness! I love them all. I have so many items in my Amazon cart. Lord! I have also joined TikTok! My handle names are of course @ahomeforelegance and @mrs..shockley. I hope you can find me and follow along. Now let’s get into my favorites for the first month of 2024!

You all know that I have been on an organizational kick recently and finding this bag was a part of it! I get stopped non-stop about this bag and the trolley that it comes with! I mean even men stop me about it! This has been a game changer. I normally carry two totes to the office every day and having this tote that I am able to put on the trolley and pull it into my office has been wonderful. Now my particular color is quite expensive but there are other colors that are a little less. Let me know if you get one!

The second was a crazy find! So for Christmas last year I really wanted a Christian Dior advent calendar but at $1,000 (with products) I could not stomach spending that. Also, with products it could be hit or miss with if you like them or not. I really just wanted the calendar part and then it dawned on me, “hey I wonder if anyone will just sell the calendar on Poshmark”. So I checked and found one! This particular seller was selling hers for just $40 and I quickly added it to my cart and purchased it. It is so elegant, and I cannot wait to use it this upcoming holiday season!

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

Now with these shoes I understood the power of an influencer. These shoes were posted on the LTK app. There were about 4 pairs left in my city and I thought I would just pop by one and pick up a pair. Wrong! By the time the evening came there was only ONE pair left and I had to call the Target which took them 2 hours to answer the phone, to find out if the pair was still there! I was able to put them on hold and pick them up but oh my goodness! My city was filling online orders because of the demand! It was incredible! So glad I got a pair but sadly they are sold out!

My fourth favorite is a table full of wonder. While I was putting away all of my Christmas decor, I decided to change my floral arrangements around my home as well. I put all of the arrangements on my dining room table and saw this. It was so wonderful! I left it like this for a few hours and just enjoyed it.

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

Speaking of flowers doesn’t this pink bouquet look wonderful in this vintage vase? This was one of my antique finds during my shopping in January. It is stunning and looks wonderful on my dresser. It is from FrenChic in Franklin, Indiana.

My sixth favorite was my very first avocado toast! Yep that is right! My very first avocado toast. This had avocado, poached eggs, bacon, and was marvelous! This was what I ordered at a place called the Garden Table with my Guild friends.

My last favorite is a newly discovered YouTube channel…

This channel is called American Viscountess and it is spectacular if you love touring historical castles and properties! You could seriously binge watch her channel. It is quite enjoyable!

I hope you all enjoyed my favorites for this month. I will have some more organizational finds and decor ideas coming soon!