Archive for category: Elegant Living

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…..

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)

Well, it is finally peony season here in Indiana. There is only one florist that I know of that has peonies available to purchase. So when they tell me that they are available I go every week and buy about 2 bouquets for work and home. They are just so beautiful and hard to resist! Last year was the first time I had peonies. See my entry here about those.

I have been to our florist about 4 times already!!! But I really enjoy flowers in my home. There is just a simple beauty that they bring to your life.