Elegant Living Archives - Page 50 of 52

Cursive Writing ~ A Dying Art

July 14, 2014/2 Comments/in Elegant Living, Uncategorized /by mrs.sshockley

A few years back my husband was attending his younger son’s parent-teacher conference. During the discussion about the classroom rules and the year’s subjects my husband learned that they would NO longer be teaching cursive writing.

I thought to myself how dumb is that! The teacher said that since everything is computerized writing would not be necessary. Hearing that really made me sad. If children do not know how to write in cursive then how in the world are they going to sign their credit card slips and mortgages?

So since the schools are no longer teaching that I decided to teach my daughter on my own. I went on the internet and printed off some cursive writing material and I have been having her practice. She is getting much better at it.

I loved learning how to write in cursive. I couldn’t wait to learn in school. I loved it so much that other girls would have me write their “love letters” to their boyfriends. It was fun but cursive writing for me added more beauty to my work. Teachers always complimented me on my writing as well as my assignments.

I still like writing hand written notes to people. I just hate that it’s not being taken seriously. I read somewhere that cursive writing awakens the creative part of the brain and believe you me some of our kids need it!

A few weeks ago I was reading a blog entry on “Penmanship” from Ted Kennedy Watson’s blog. It was absolutely fantastic and inspired me to write this blog entry. You must read it. Another place that I “subscribed” to on my Instagram is Word of the Day. They post a word, definition and use it in a sentence. It is great! We will be in the car and I will read the word of the day and ask my daughter about it. It’s another way to incorporate vocabulary into our lives. So please continue to write and teach your kids the importance of cursive writing!

Photo by John Jennings on Unsplash

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

The Peony Garden

June 16, 2014/2 Comments/in Elegant Living, Uncategorized /by mrs.sshockley

I was recently complaining to my husband about how I can’t find any peony flowers to buy in the floral shops! I keep seeing all these wonderful photos on Instagram from some of the designers that I am following. They are all posting these wonderful photos of their peony centerpieces and gardens.

Well, one of my co-workers received a bouquet from her husband for their anniversary and guess what flowers she had? Peonies!!! I was so excited to see them. So I called the floral shop where she received them from. I told my husband that I was going to buy some after work. He then called the floral shop and had some delivered! I was so pleased!! Finally some peonies of my own and they smelled so good!

So here are some photos of my gorgeous peonies and here are some more photos of inspiration from peony gardens that I have found on the internet. Also, I have attached Martha Stewart’s Youtube video of her Peony Party and a video of her and Kevin Sharky doing some peony flower arranging. Lastly, if you love flowers just as much as I do then read my blog post about Floral Brooches. I hope you enjoy the photos and the videos!

My husband also found me some yellow roses at our local Costco!

They are lovely aren’t they?

My peonies from my husband

My bouquet at work

My peonies at home. I loved them!!!

Peony Party – Martha Stewart

How to Arrange Peonies – YouTube

(click on the links to watch the videos)

(all photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Life: Beautiful ~ A Faith Based Magazine

June 13, 2014/in Elegant Living, Inspiring Books, Uncategorized /by mrs.sshockley

I must admit that I am a christian. I know that is not popular but it is the truth. That has been my faith all my life. I usually keep it to myself and just try to let my life speak for itself.

I am always trying to find wholesome books or magazines to read. I discovered Life Beautiful Magazine sometime last year. My family and I went to visit Barnes & Nobles one evening after dinner. I scanned the magazine shelves for beautiful reads and stumbled on this magazine.

I picked it up and opened it. I was pleasantly surprised at the layout and the articles. In every issue, there is an article from Joyce Meyer, Dave Ramsey, & Marriage 911. There are always recipes, articles about decorating & parenting. You name it the magazine has it.

One of the greatest assets about the magazine is their mission statement. Below is a list of what the company believes in:

Belief Statement:

Life:Beautiful is published on a foundation of the following beliefs:

1. We believe the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are inspired by God and inerrant in the original writings, and that they are the supreme and final authority in faith and life.

2. We believe in one God, the Creator who eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, Mary, and that He was and remains both God and man.

3. We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His own divine image; that they sinned and incurred physical and spiritual death, which is separation from God; and, as a result of Adam’s sin, all humans are now born with a sinful nature and stand guilty before God.

4. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and that all who believe in Him and receive Him as personal Lord and Savior are born again of the Holy Spirit and become children of God.

5. We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, in His ascension into Heaven, and in His present life there for us as High Priest and Advocate.

6. We believe in the blessed hope of the personal and imminent return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells and gives spiritual life to all believers, enables them to understand biblical truth, empowers them to live godly lives, and equips them for service and witness.

7. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the everlasting blessedness of the saved, and the everlasting punishment of the unsaved.

I think this is a wonderful magazine to purchase. I believe they only send out publications four times a year. I have purchased a few and they have been a joy to read. So check out their website and add Life Beautiful Magazine to your choice of reading!

Photo by Monika Grabkowska on Unsplash

Elegant Baby Shower Ideas & Checklist

June 4, 2014/2 Comments/in Elegant Living, Uncategorized /by mrs.sshockley

I love throwing baby showers! It’s another fun way to celebrate with friends and family. Last year my brother had his first baby and I was so thrilled to host the shower. There are so many ideas out there. Martha Stewart has a great baby shower website and so does Style Me Pretty. Below is the checklist I use when planning a baby shower.

* Set the Date
* Pick a Host
* Send invitations
* Pick a theme
* Choose a menu
* Pick a drink (if you choose)
* Pick out games
* Get gift list together (make sure the soon to be mom is registered)
* Get a baby memory book (I love these!)
* Encourage everyone to get a book for the nursery library (if you choose to do so)
* Pick up party favors for guests

Baby shower games are always a fun way to get people to communicate and have fun. Below is one example. These are so easy to find on the internet. I found this game on Baby Shower Savvy.

Here are some more baby shower ideas and inspiration. I hope it inspires you to throw a simple elegant shower for your loved you. Enjoy!

The “Girl” Baby Shower that I hosted for my brother.

More pictures from the “girl” baby shower.

Shower favors I gave to each guest. I saw this idea on Pinterest.

Pink polish, easy and fantastic!

This is from the “Boy” shower that I hosted for my cousin.

More photos from the “Boy”shower.

Also, please click on the link below and watch the Youtube video from Vera Bradley. The shower was hosted by The Tomkat Studio. It has great ideas also!

Vera Bradley Baby Shower by The TomKat Studio – YouTube

(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Elegant Cell Phone Manners

May 23, 2014/in Elegant Living, Uncategorized /by mrs.sshockley

Ohh this is a touchy subject. Cell phones, we all have them and use. Personally, I hate having a cell phone sometimes. I miss the time when people could not find you but they are necessary for emergencies and children.

The one thing I cannot stand is obnoxious cell phone behavior! I see people talking in their cell phones like they are walkie talkies! That is not what they are used for. I also hate hearing other people’s phone conversations. That is the worse!

But what saddens me is that I see WOMEN with the worse cell phone manners! So I found a list for proper phone etiquette which can help everyone. I have learned a lot from this list too. I also found a fantastic video from The English Manner. The English Manner is a unique British company providing international training and consultancy in contemporary etiquette, protocol, the arts, social skills, household and event planning.

So view the list below and watch the Youtube video from The English Manner and fine-tune your cell phone manners! Enjoy!

Proper Cell Phone Etiquette: Cell phones should be in silent mode in a restaurant, theater etc.
Try not to answer your phone during dinner or entertaining. If you really need to, make it brief or tell your caller to call you back.
Be considerate when you are on the phone in the public. There should be no reason people in proximity can hear your entire conversation.
Please use hands-free or speakerphone when driving.
Cellular phone etiquette – Do not send text messages when you are in the company of others. If you absolutely must, do so discreetly.
If you have to, please say, “I’m sorry, do you mind? I have to get this” And I hope it is in only in extremely urgent cases.
Silent mode does not mean noisy vibrating noises as well.
Never answer another’s phone. If you really have to, immediately identify yourself and state the reason why you are answering the person’s phone, “Rachel’s phone, Anne speaking. Rachel is driving at the moment.”
Voice-mail greeting etiquette on a cell phone: Brief, clear. Basically, you should identify yourself because that’s the whole point.

These tips are from the Elegant Woman.

(photo via Mrs. Shockley)

Mobile Phone Manners: A Guide from The English Manner …

(click on this link to watch the YouTube video)

Classic Movies I Enjoy

May 2, 2014/in Elegant Living, Uncategorized /by mrs.sshockley

I love, love, love classic movies! They don’t make movies the way they use to. I am a big fan of the 30’s and 40’s. Honestly, anything before the 1960’s I am a fan of. The costumes of the movie stars are just breathtaking and so elegant.

I love seeing the women in their gloves and hats and the men in their suits. Looking presentable on a daily basis was normal back then. But times have changed and that does not mean that I can take a look back and enjoy some of the best movies out there.

Below is a list of the movies I have in my collection so far. There are still quite a few I would love to get but I am having a hard time finding them. I have watched these movies over and over. I just love them. Here is the list:

An Affair to Remember (1957) with Cary Grant & Deborah Kerr
I am such a Cary Grant fan. He was just stupendous!

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) with Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard
This is an all-time classic! I want every piece of Audrey’s wardrobe in this movie!

Carmen Jones with Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte
I adore Dorothy in this movie. She was so glamorous and sultry!

Coco before Chanel (2009) with Audrey Tautou
One of the best stories of Chanel I have seen.

High Society (1956) with Frank Sinatra, Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong
What a cast! Great film and music!

How to Marry a Millionaire (1953) with Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable and Lauren Bacall
Again the wardrobe is fantastic! I thought Marilyn Monroe was a hoot and Lauren Bacall was such a class act!

Little Miss Marker (1980) with Walter Matthau and Julie Andrews
I saw this movie on Netflix and I just enjoyed it so much. Walter and Julie come together at the end to save the little girl! Just great!

Love is a Many-Splendored Thing (1955) with William Holden and Jennifer Jones
I think Jennifer Jones is just a gorgeous woman! The politics in the movie was great also!

Murphy’s Romance (1985) with Sally Field and James Garner
An older man falling in love with a single young mom. Just fantastic! I love James Garner’s line at the end. “Separate the men from the boys Emma”. I show some wear I don’t deny it”. “I am faithful and steady”… it’s just something you don’t hear anymore.

My Fair Lady (1964) with Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison
This movie has it all. The clothes, the scene, the music & the acting. I love the song at the end of the movie sung my Dr. Higgins. “I’ve grown accustom to her face”. Just lovely.

Only You (1994) with Robert Downey, Jr. and Marisa Tomei
Oh my gosh, this movie is filmed in my dream vacation spot, Venice, Italy. Each scene is just stunning! The story is a bit funny. Marisa who plays “Faith” is following a man by the name of Damon Bradley whom she thinks is her true love. She gets the name from the Quija board game when they were kids.

People will Talk (1951) with Cary Grant and Jeanne Crain
This is one of my favorite movies. “Debra” played by Jeanne Crain faints in a classroom while being taught by Dr. Praetorious, played by Cary. She then ends up at his doctor’s office. She shoots herself once she finds out that she is pregnant. Dr. Praetorious marries her to stop her from “trying again”. It’s a great movie with Cary Grant. Did I mention it had Cary Grant?

Remains of the Day (1993) with Anthony Hopskins, Emma Thompson and Christopher Reeve
This is a very special movie to me. It’s about an English butler who is fanatical about his work. Emma Thompson plays as the estate’s housekeeper. Hopskins and Thompson gradually fall in love and neither of them admit it. But you see it in their fierce arguments with one another.

Sabrina (1995) with Harrison Ford, Julia Ormond & Greg Kinnear
This is my favorite movie! My top five! The Larrabee estate is a dream home. Being sent to Paris for a year to study fashion, another great bonus! Having a makeover by Vogue, need I say more. Also, having two brothers being in love with you, oh my……

Somewhere in Time (1980) with Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour
To travel back in time to meet someone whom you have fallen in love with just by looking at their picture. I bet a lot of people would be doing that if it were possible. What was interesting was the fact that she gave him a gold watch in the future and told him to come back to her.

Working Girl (1988) with Harrison Ford, Melanie Griffith & Sigourney Weaver
I can relate to this movie. I am a secretary and it feels as though you work your tail off and get no where with it. But then an opportunity comes along and changes the atmosphere. I thought Sigourney and Melanie were very classy and sensational in this movie!

Well these are some of my favorite movies. I have watched all these over and over. I hope you can find some of your favorites from this list.

The movies that I am still going to buy or I can not find are:

Introducing Dorothy Dandridge with Halle Berry

Do not Disturb (1965) with Doris Day

In the Pleasure of his Company with Fred Astaire & Debbie Reynolds

The Birds & the Bees (1956) with Mitzi Gaynor and George Gobel

Sabrina (1945) with Audrey Hepburn

(photo via Mrs. Shockley)

Thrift Store Shopping- Affordable Elegance

April 22, 2014/in Elegant Living, Uncategorized /by mrs.sshockley

Thrift store shopping is one of my favorite hobbies! I go and visit the thrift store, Goodwills and antiques shops a few times every few months. I love the hunt! I love finding pieces and pulling everything together. I always find great deals and wonderful pieces.

My grandmother was a thrift store shopper. She went every weekend. The staff knew her by first name and always looked forward to seeing her. As I got older she would come and pick me and my sister up and we would go with her. She was so good at finding things. It were as though the items would just navigate to her.

I think I may have inherited that same gift. I always seem to find fantastic pieces and great clothing. I went to the Goodwill store this past weekend. We have one of the south-side of Indianapolis. This location has become one of my favorites. So take a look at some of the great items that I found. These are pieces that I was drawn to. So go and visit your local thrift store. You never know what great items you may find to add elegance to your life!