Posts that inspiring an elegant life

Peony Beauty

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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.

My peonies and hydrangea bouquet 




My bouquet at work

The peony arrangement from my husband


(all photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Receiving Guest Properly

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As most of you know, I am a huge fan of the Daily Connoisseur. Jennifer L. Scott has become one of my favorite authors!! Recently, she discussed a very important subject: Receiving Guest Properly. I thought this was wonderful because I think we all need to be reminded of how to greet our guests when they arrive at our homes. I love Jennifer’s guidelines on how to accomplish this. See her guidelines below and watch the video. It is superb!!!!

1. Get accustomed to using your best- If you use your best on a daily basis, it won’t feel awkward to do so when company comes over. 


2. Shed your insecurities and don’t apologize- While it’s important to get your home ready for guests, don’t obsess about the details. Let their knock on the door be a signal for you to drop any insecurities that you may have about the state of your home or whether or not they will like your cooking. Don’t apologize for yourself, your skills or your home. Your guests are most likely just happy to have been invited over!


3. Designate a space for their belongings- Let your guests know where they can place their handbag, coat and umbrella, or place their belongings there for them. 


4. Always offer a drink to your guests upon their arrival- It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of seeing your friends, but don’t forget to offer them something to drink when they arrive. They might be really thirsty or would really appreciate a strong cup of coffee.


5. Provide food if your guests are visiting during a mealtime- If you are inviting people over during a mealtime (noon or 7pm, for example) you must provide them with a meal. 




Photo by Aubrey Odom on Unsplash
Provide beautiful food and use your best

Photo by Olivier Bergeron on Unsplash
Organize your space, make it beautiful






(video via YouTube)


The Scent of Lilac

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A dear co~worker of mine brought me in some lilac from her yard. I was ecstatic! My office smelled wonderful!! I planted some of my own lilac bushes this spring and I cannot wait until they return next year!

My lilac at work
My lilac bushes at home
(photo via Mrs. Shockley)

Anthropologie Tea for Me

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I took another visit to Anthropologie and what did I spy with my little eye? Another great tea cup! I just had to have this! It is really big and looks wonderful on my desk at work. I have used it multiple times already. If you missed my Anthropologie store tour see it here.

This cup was in the clearance section of the store.




(photo via Mrs. Shockley)

My Daughter’s Flower Arranging Birthday Party

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My daughter turned 10 recently!!! I can’t believe it myself. It still shocks me to know that I have a 10 year old! Well, her birthday parties have become a full time job and I have to always come up with ideas for her and her friends to have fun.

I saw this idea on Style Me Pretty last year. I thought “how cute is that, a flower arranging party for girls”. Yes!!! It was so simple and the girls loved it!! See below….

I purchased some mason jars from our local Michaels store. They were on sale for .88!








I then went to my local grocery store and picked up some flowers.
They were really inexpensive and pretty!

I purchased some spring stickers from the craft store and the
girls placed them on their jars.
They were having a lot of fun!!!

The snacks for the girls!

I love these!! I purchased them about 5 years ago from the Christmas Tree Shop.
They are great! I have used them for several parties!!

Of course I had to get an arrangement out of this myself!



Thanks for reading!!


(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

How to Eat Alone

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I always look forward to author Jennifer L. Scott’s Youtube videos on Sundays. A few weeks ago she gave a wonderful tip on how to enjoy your meals alone. Once I watched the video I have to admit I became much more aware of how I dine alone. I am now on a mission to implement these tips on my lunch break. Watch and enjoy!!!

Photo by Elaine Howlin on Unsplash
To watch this video from your mobile click here.

Chic Affirmations ~At Home with Madame Chic

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I love to hear and say personal affirmations to myself in the mornings. While reading At Home with Madame Chic author Jennifer L. Scott mentions a few powerful affirmations that one could say to themselves to improve their quality of life.

I am a firm believer in one using their best and now I am learning that one should believe their best and say the best about themselves. So below are the affirmations that Jennifer mentioned in her book. I would encourage you to add these to your daily thinking. Enjoy!!!

1. I am vibrant, healthy and full of energy.


2. My beauty is radiant.


3. I am a calm and patient parent.


4. Today I will relish the small things.


5. Today I will make my home beautiful.


6. I choose to eat healthy foods today.


7. My home is a sanctuary.


8. I can remain effortlessly in the present moment.


9. My creativity is inspiring.


10. I can get through any situation with grace. ( My absolute favorite!)


11. No matter what happens today, I will cultivate inner peace.


12. I can change the world.


13. All is well. 


For more ideas on living well check out Jennifer’s book. I already have a copy and love it!!!

Author Jennifer L. Scott and both of her books.
(photo via Google)