Posts that inspiring an elegant life

Eat like the Royals

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A few weeks ago I mentioned that I was reading a book called The French Beauty Solution. I also said that I would share a few notes or chapters from the book that intrigue me.

I read a section called “Eat like the Royals“. This really caught my eye because it talked about how the French eat their meals. I loved this little tidbit. It puts your meals in perspective.

* Eat breakfast like a king. Have it be the biggest, richest, and most satisfying meal of the day.


* Eat lunch like a prince. Its’ not quite as rich as breakfast, but still fills you up.


* Eat dinner like a peasant. This meal is just as delicious, but with nothing that takes a long time to digest.

In other words, breakfast should always be your biggest meal of the day and dinner your smallest. This gives your body the time it needs to efficiently process your meals. It keeps your blood sugar from spiking, which can give you uncontrollable cravings for carbohydrates and sugary snacks. And it gives you all the energy you need to make it through the day.

(text by Mathilde Thomas)
















Simple Bouquets

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I love, love flowers and for those of you who follow me on Instagram know that also!!! I have written about my beautiful bouquets before (see here and here). Our local grocery store has the best selection. I am always pleasantly surprised when I stop in. A few weeks ago, I stopped in and they had roses for $3 a bundle!!! I felt as if I had hit the floral jackpot!!!

I love sharing my flower finds on my Facebook page  page or Instagram. I just loving having them in my home. I recently found a fabulous Youtuber named Doninique Sasche. She shops at the same grocery store I do (Kroger) and shares how she displays her lovely finds in her home. I hope you enjoy her fantastic and simple Youtube video below. Enjoy!!!!

My roses at home




My hydrangeas at work



























My hydrangea from my yard!

(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Nighttime Niceties

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There is nothing like coming home and relaxing in your bed. Especially after a long work week! I love buying beautiful sheets, pillows & throws for our bed.

I love walking by our bed and eyeing the beautiful neutral colors and soft palettes. Recently, I found these luxurious faux fur pillows at T.J. Maxx. I kept going to them every day! I finally decided, “okay I can’t seem to leave these alone, I must buy them”!!

I have not regretted this purchase. I love them on our bed. They add great warmth and texture. My daughter has been trying to “borrow” one every night. It’s funny. I am glad she enjoys her mother’s taste.

Our bed, please excuse my wrinkled pillow cases. 

The Domain Faux Fur Pillow
Relaxing in my bed, see the cozy blanket
Ahhh nighttime niceties 
I was watching Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic on dvd. 
(photos via AHFE)

My Piano Lessons

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Ever since I was a child I have always wanted to learn the piano. I played the clarinet in 5th grade and that was all. We didn’t have piano lessons when I was in school and my mother was a single parent so money had to be spent on more important things.

But now, since I am an adult I figured I can learn at this stage in my life. I have the time and I really want to have something else in my life. Working, and being a mother are wonderful jobs but being able to do something for yourself keeps your emotions and mind at ease.

I heard that learning music makes you exercise a different part of the brain.  I want to keep my brain in excellent working condition and I want to add excellent quality to my life. I have been taking piano lessons for a month and I am enjoying it!!! My teacher has over 20 years of experience and is a feisty little lady. She is from Russia and has lived in Indianapolis for quite some time. She has a cute little studio on the south side and her prices are very reasonable.

 Right now, I am learning how to read music so that has been a great challenge! But I am doing very well and want to succeed. One song that I have learned to play is called “The Morning in Spring”. It is very short and has taken me 2 weeks to learn.

I am very proud of myself and it has been a great joy to see my family come to the loft to hear me. My step-son has taken a great interest in my lessons. It makes me smile when he attempts to learn the music. He is in a band so it is taking him no time to learn the music. If there is something that you have always wanted to learn then I would encourage you to pursue your dreams.

We are only making this journey once. Make it an elegant one…..


Photo by peter bucks on Unsplash

The Flower Bed

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This spring has been wonderful so far! My husband and I did quite a bit of work this year. We planted some lilac bushes (see my entry here about those), gladiolus, dahlias, lilies and hydrangeas.

We make sure that after we finish house work and dinner that we go outside and enjoy our flowers. It has been such a wonderful blessing! Even my step~sons come out and take a seat.

Our hydrangeas 
The gladiolus 

Our hummingbird feeder

The lilies; the rabbits would not stop eating these!
It was horrible!

I had to cut them down and bring them in the house.
Oh well, at least I still get to enjoy them.
(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Living Well by Bunny Williams

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I always love learning how to live well. While perusing through the June 2015 House Beautiful magazine I came across an article from Bunny Williams and her husband John. Bunny Williams is a great designer. I love her work!! In the article, she and her husband discuss 8 ways to make life worth living.

1. Offer hospitality, not just a drink. “Show don’t tell, what you’re serving with a well-appointed bar.



(photo credit Domaine)

2. Rethink the centerpiece. “Look beyond flowers and vases and pluck an object from the mantel, scatter shells from afar, or display farmers’ market fruits and vegetables. (see my entry here about that)

Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash

3. For a lively table, invite interesting pieces. “Table settings are like guest lists: Diversity is key…..

Photo by Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash

4. Read, share, repeat. “Buy second-hand books by the bundle so that guests can hang on to the stories they begin, even when it’s time to go”. 




5. Don’t be precious about special things. “Use and enjoy your antiques and unique finds, especially in a utilitarian room like the bathroom…..

Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

6. You need one good piece to anchor a room. ” For me, a mirror often does it……



7. Don’t wait to live well. “John and I used to entertain guests even when we had tiny apartments without room for a dining table. The point is: Don’t put off enjoying your home and friends- today there are so many ways to live well without breaking the budget….



Photo by Yakira Eppel on Unsplash

8. Your home begins as soon as you step out of the car. “It’s not just the inside of your house that deserves stylish touches. Celebrate your arrival by rolling out the red carpet for yourself- or at least a pair of oversize planters.”


Watch this fantastic video from Ballard Designs featuring entertaining ideas from Bunny Williams
(original article from House Beautiful; tips from Bunny Williams)

Frances Palmer

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I was watching a video from one of my favorite blogs Quintessence about a ceramic artist by the name of Frances Palmer. She creates the most beautiful vases and dishes. I just love her work and her garden. Watch the video and see why I watch it every week!

(photo credit Frances Palmer)

Frances’ work

(photo credit Frances Palmer)




(video via Quintessence)