Posts that inspiring an elegant life

Working with My Second Brand!

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Good Morning Everyone,

I hope all of you had a wonderful Mother’s Day and I do extend my heart to those of you who no longer have your mothers. I am sure that this day can be quite hard around this time. I stayed home for Mother’s Day and quite enjoyed it. We went to dinner at my favorite Mexican restaurant. I love salmon tacos! They are so good! I also tried some fried ice cream. What a treat! 

I just puttered around the house trying to get some home chores done. I worked in my yard a bit and went to a new nursery! It was called Allisonville Gardens and it was such a delight. I really loved the nursey. They had lots of flowers, supplies, a coffee shop, restaurant, and they had a wonderful gift shop. It was really nice. 

It got some wonderful Mother’s Day gifts that I will share in my May favorites blog post!

In current AHFE news, I have begun my work with a second brand. I have shared their products before and have wanted to work with them for quite some time, so I was really excited to receive an email about their new brand affiliate program. The company that I referring to is NOTIQ! 

 

photo credit: Notiq.com

 

I discovered Notiq during the pandemic. I was looking for organizational items for my life especially the workplace and I stumbled on this brand on Instagram. I loved how elegant the planners were and how sophisticated the totes looked. But what I loved even more was the founder’s, V.J. story. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I loved V.J.’s tenacity and bravery in pursing her dreams. I connected well with her story and found tidbits of myself in it. My very first purchase was the I Am Becoming Affirmation water bottle. I cannot tell you how many people have stopped me and asked me about my water bottle. Everyone loves the color and the affirmations. I was in a meeting with our second person in command in my office and he said, “Can you turn your bottle around? I want to know what you are becoming!” Now how fabulous was that! I have TWO of these!

 

 

Next on my list was the Saffanio Structure Tote bag. I have it in the blush. I love this tote. It holds EVERYTHING! There is a card and phone holder on the inside and a clasp to keep the bag closed. If you are thinking of ordering this, you may want to soon. This bag will be retiring shortly. Inside my tote is another organizational item and it is my pen case. My pen case is in every tote that I carry. I DON’T leave home without it. I no longer have to dig in my purse or tote to find a pen. They are all there in my feminine pen case. 

 

 

She also has elegant lunch bags! This is the lunch bag/backpack satchel in mauve pebble, and I have had numerous women ask me about this. This is such a lovely lunch bag and holds your containers and small water bottles. There are also the pouch sets as well. The pouches are on final sale so don’t wait too long. Both items come in multiple colors.  There is also the bundle if you want a set.  I think I may get a red one!

 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

 

There is also my card key case. This goes everywhere with me. I carry my government office cards in it. I also use it to store my garage pass card. This is always in my tote and looks lovely when I pull it out to use it. It comes in multiple different colors and textures. 

 

 

I almost forgot that I had this. I ordered this last year. This is the envelope laptop case in leopard. Isn’t it great? If you don’t like the leopard then get it in the other 16 colors available. 

 

 

And lastly are my new Executive leather clipboards. These are a new release on the Notiq website. When I saw these in the reel, I knew that I wanted one especially for my meetings and for traveling! They are so well made and so excellent. I want to order more! 

I am so happy to be working with this brand and honored. I think V.J. and her team do an excellent job with executing the vision of the brand, they provide excellent customer service, and seek to help the planet. Here is my original blog post if you wish to read it. If you want to see my reels about the products you may watch them here. 

Let me know in the comments section below if you have already purchased a Notiq item!

 

  • This post is sponsored and has affiliate links attached. 

My First Elegant Tag Sale

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Hello!

We had a very busy weekend. We had to move Lauren out of her dorm room and then move my step-son out of his college apartment. Busy, busy! Then we had to go back to campus and attend his graduation which was a wonderful thing! I still can’t believe that he has graduated, and our daughter has finished her first year of college already. The time, the time….

The show house will be wrapping up here soon. There is always a lot to do and a lot of parties. This week I had to attend a private party from one of the interior designers and I finished my last show house shift! Rick had to help me because there were a lot of shifts this year.

One of the perks of being in the Guild has been meeting some of our local interior designers. This is my second year with the Guild and this year I got to meet several designers. With that came invites and one of the invites that I got was to a private tag sale!

I have never gone to a tag sale, so I was so excited to get this invite!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

The tag sale was at Jenni Egger’s Interior Design office. I love that fact that her location is in a historical home near downtown. How great is that?

 

 

 

Now Jenni had two tag sales going on. She has two design studios, but both were in these gorgeous historical homes. On the invite it told you which sale had what. There was a tag sale for the grandmillennial and then a tag sale for the minimalist people! Loved the idea. So of course I went to the grandmillennial sale. 

As soon as you walked in you saw this beautiful emerald green vintage inspired couch, artwork, gorgeous chandelier, and rugs. 

 

 

This was one of the sets of chairs that I was eyeballing. I did think about purchasing a chair for my home office, but I left it alone. Needlepoint chairs with caning…. lovely!

 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

There was lots of porcelain, china, pillows, and silver. There was something in every corner of the home. I had to walk around a few times to take everything in. 

 

 

I did spot this unique and chic ginger jar. It was blue and white, but I loved the florals on it and knew I had to take it home. For only $20, of course!

 

 

There were also linens, and pillow covers. I found this pillow cover and thought it would be perfect for my bedroom. I paid under $20 for it.  A steal!

I had such a great time at the tag sale and hope to be invited to more. These events have been so wonderful to attend and to experience. Life has truly taken on a different form this season in my life and I am here for it! Elegant adventures continue!

Also the boutique is having a sale! Use code MTDY20 for 20% off your entire order. I sold a lot of dresses recently, so my inventory is low! There are only 3 of the Belle Rose Maxis left! 

 

Incorporating Timeless Design into Your Style ~ AHFE interviews Sassy Green Interiors

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Good Morning Everyone,

I hope you all have been well. I am excited to finally share my recent collaboration with Maryellen Hodapp and Christy Soldatis of Sassy Green Interiors! This interview was such a wonderful opportunity for me. It occurred in the primary bedroom that they designed for the upcoming Indianapolis Decorators’ Show House & Gardens. I have never had a collaboration like this before, and I enjoyed every minute of it. It was also a joy to feature some of my Sarah Flint accessories. It put a smile on my face to see Maryellen and Christy wearing the beautiful silk scarves. It was as if they all belonged in the room together. Now, without further ado, you can read the interview below. Enjoy!

 

photo credit via: Lindsay Martin of Southern Sky Photography

 

1. Could you please tell my readers what your inspiration was? What inspired the beautiful fabrics, colors, and antiques?

We started with the House of Hackney Babylon pattern. We repeated the use of the “willow” fabric and wallpaper in the room design in the alcove, on the lampshades, the nightstands, and the bolster pillow on the bed. We added more fabrics, rugs, and accessories for a complete layered look.

 

photo credit: Whitney Kinkel 

 

2. Do you think one’s interiors could inspire one’s personal style?

Absolutely, yes! We see both interior design and fashion design as an art form. We love and celebrate the arts and encourage our clients to invest in art. We want our clients to pay attention to art, though it is sometimes the last part of what we do in a room; we love for people to consider it essential and leave enough space in their budget for art. A room doesn’t look complete when art is missing, just like a beautiful outfit looks unfinished without the right accessories. You can create a personal style by developing an artistic aesthetic in your fashion selections. 

 

photo credit: Whitney Kinkel 

 

3. Can anyone use one’s love for classic, timeless home interiors to inspire one’s style?

Yes! You can select traditional design styles with well-made, good-quality fabrics. A traditional style is timeless and easily updated. It will last a lifetime. 

 

photo credit: Whitney Kinkel

 

4. Who are your favorite fashion designers? 

Probably Ralph Lauren.…he blends the two, both interior design and personal fashion. He has an incredible eye for design. Whether you see one of his interiors or clothing designs, you immediately know it is Ralph Lauren. He’s a master of design, classic and timeless.

 

photo credit: Whitney Kinkel 

 

We wanted to leave your readers with this thought: good classic design, whether fashion or interior design, will start to build a story of you both in your home and closet. 

 

photo credit: Lindsay Martin of Southern Sky Designs

 

 

Announcements & Sarah Flint Secret Garden Collection!

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Hello Friends!

The weather here in Indy has been fantastic! We have had sunny skies and 80 degrees! It is so nice to be coat free. I have been working on some new things and I have some announcements.

The first is that I am a second ambassador for a new brand, and I will be sharing that soon. The second announcement is that I was asked by an interior design firm here in my city to do a collaboration with them this Friday!!! I am so excited for this new opportunity, and I can’t believe that they asked me to do a collab! This is my first collaboration in this format, and I am really nervous but looking forward to it. Sassy Green Interiors is a local design firm, and their work is so beautiful. They are one of designers in the St. Margaret’s Show House this year and I will be conducting a Q & A with them called “Timeless Classic Living & Quiet Luxury”. I do hope that you all enjoy the photos and the interview! Another tidbit is that I will be bringing some of my Sarah Flint scarfs and shoes to place in their room to take photos! So exciting!

Now speaking of shoes and beautiful things, I wanted to share some of the new Secret Garden Collection at Sarah Flint.

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

First off, I have to share that I finally got one of the pairs of Gracie’s that I wanted. Sarah sent out an archive sale link and I was able to get this for only $199! I know that is still a lot of money but compared to the original price of $595, I have to say that this was a good deal. They are still on sale for $299 and they only have a few sizes left. You can still use my code SARAHFLINT-CCMRSSHOCKLEY for %15 off of your first purchase. 

 

 

Just stunning…

 

 

Of course there is a new scarf in this collection. I shared this on my recent YouTube video, and I have seriously not stopped wearing it. I just love it. The Secret Garden Scarf 45 is a stunning piece to have in your wardrobe. It is made of silk and is utterly timeless. I have gotten lots of compliments already. You truly will be able to have this in your wardrobe forever. 

 

 

I normally don’t like flats, but these Mauve Lace Parkers are sensational! Aren’t they adorable? 

 

 

One more item that has just launched on the website are these silk ties. They are originally for the Grear Sandals but can be worn in different ways. I especially love this way. I can’t wait for mine to arrive. I will be using them as purse scarfs and scarfs for my neck. 

Don’t forget to use my code: SARAHFLINT-CCMRSSHOCKLEY for %15 off your first shoe purchase! Let me know in the comments section below if you order anything. I can’t wait to share my collaboration with you all next week as well as my first tag sale that I got to attend! 

 

*This post is sponsored; affiliate links attached. 

Shall We Return to Refinement?

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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

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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

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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!