Home Updates, Accessories & Tours

Fav Kitchen Items at Williams Sonoma

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Did you get your recent Williams Sonoma catalog? I know I did and of course picked out a few kitchen favorites….

Cuisinart Griddler
Would love to have this!!!
Vintage Etched Glassware
I still adore this! I may have mentioned these before on the blog.
Tartan Dinnerware
Well aren’t these festive?
Ohh, how chic are these?
Copper utensils
Now this is a sight of beauty!!
Clad Slow Cooker
I would like to have all of these items but one thing that I have learned is patience pays off in the end. I always like to wait on my dream items. Sales always come and that is what I like to wait for. Waiting is elegant!!!!
(photos via Williams Sonoma.com)

Christmas Brunch Ideas

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Here are some quick ideas from blogger Daniell Fox who threw a Christmas brunch instead of a dinner party to celebrate.

photo credit Travis J. Photography

1) Plan a meal that you can prepare ahead of time….


      She suggested making pancakes and having an assortment of toppings for your guests. 
photo credit Travis J. Photography
2) Keep it cozy…..


     She kept the color palette in earthy tones, add Christmas lights and velvet pillows. 
photo credit Travis J. Photography
3) Use greenery to make the space more inviting…..


     She used greenery from a florist and the floral arrangements were inspired by a wedding bouquet.
photo credit Travis J. Photography




To read the rest of her ideas and see more photos click here. I hope that you enjoy the photos just as much as I did. 
(photos via House Beautiful.com)

A Blue and White Christmas….

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Oh my goodness, this was such a beautiful home that I saw in House Beautiful magazine! Just look at the pictures below….

photo credit Pernille Loof


I just adore the table skirt with the tassel trim!!! 
I have been trying to convince my husband about getting more round tables.

photo credit Pernille Loof

Some of the ornaments on the tree are from the Enchanted Home! I have some of those!
It’s always exciting when a decorator uses something that you purchased also!

photo credit Pernille Loof
This is just stunning! The floors with the paint colors, the wreath on the window. Just enchanting…..
photo credit Pernille Loof


Okay, we must talk about this room. I just LOOOOVE this! Oh my goodness when I saw it in the magazine I just knew that I would use this for later in life inspiration. I can just see myself here with my husband (both of us retired) and having my hot water, lemon and honey in my blue and white teacup. I would be looking out the window looking at snow or my flower garden and waiting on my grandchildren to arrive! I think that this is great! Just a cozy table with two chairs. The article said that the table was custom made. I maybe custom copying!!!!
photo credit Pernille Loof


Another inspiring room. I love the idea of having armchairs fitted with slipcovers in a favorite fabric. Another great dining room idea. If you missed my search for dining room inspiration you may see it here.
photo credit Pernille Loof


This room is so spectacular! Just a classic design that will never go out of style. Love the pop of red!
photo credit Pernille Loof

Still can’t believe that this home is from 1822. Just gorgeous! That is why I admire tradition so much. We are always reaching back to it. 
If you wish to read the original article you may see it here.
(photos via House Beautiful.com)

Ideas for Holiday Decorating

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Christmas is coming soon and I know that for the most part all of our homes are decorated. But I still love getting new ideas and seeing new projects that people put together. Also, we all know that I love lists! Victoria Magazine just published a list for holiday ideas and I just wanted to share a few….

1) Offer a warm welcome to visitors…..
Have your guest open the door to beautiful decor and fresh greenery. I will have to try this.
My kitchen
2) Follow a color palette that speaks to you….
For the last few years, I have really been drawn to red. And now since I have been collecting blue and white that color palette has been added to my Christmas decor. 
My office
3) Illuminate your environs
Christmas lights and candle light bring softness to our homes and space. 
My home
4) Honor cherished collections
Grouping family heirlooms and treasures together gives some families comfort and joy.
5) Display favorite ornaments
I love pulling out our favorite Barbie ornaments each year. I started collecting these when my daughter was one. She said that she will always treasure these. 
Our Barbie tree


I really loved these ideas and found some new ways of adding some more special ideas to our home for the next holiday season. If you would like to read the rest of the article you may see it here.
Enjoy!!!
(photos Mrs. Shockley & Victoria Magazine)

Autumn Candles ~ 2017

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Okay, I recently posted about Bath and Body Works Essential Oil Candle collection (see here if you missed it) but now their autumn collection has just debuted and I have some favorites that I picked up already.

Black Cherry Merlot
This is great. I have it in my car and a room spray. The dark cherry is so scrumptious and woody. 
Peppermint
I love peppermint scents. They put me in such a Christmas mood. 
Tokyo Petals
Cherry Blossoms and Strawberries
Autumn Apricot
This has been my absolute favorite! It has been so hard finding it in stores! I found one in one location and the other all the way across town! I don’t know why but they are so elusive. 
Rose Water & Ivy
Very nice and subtle. 
Well, I hope you enjoyed my autumn candle suggestions. They are lots more on the website for you to review and ponder. Enjoy!!!!

(photos via BathandBodyworks.com)

The Enchanted Home~ Christmas Ornaments

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I have been a fan of Tina’s The Enchanted Home since 2014. She has a beautiful blog and wonderful shopping website for those of us who are fans of blue and white. My friend recently shared with me her purchase from Tina. She bought some blue and white ginger jar ornaments.

They are so lovely. I just had to buy some.


I was able to purchase 2 of these. They are mini ginger jars. They are quite large and fantastic!



Blue and White Ornaments


I wanted these too but I believe they sold out quickly!

(UPDATE ~ they have been restocked, hurry!)






If you have a chance go and check out her website and blog. You will truly be inspired. 

(photos via Mrs. Shery)

H & M Home Decor

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I am a dedicated shopper at H & M but what I did not know was that they have a home collection! I was totally surprised when I visited the website.

So I decided to share a few of my favorite home decor items from the site!

Large Braided Storage Basket
Tall Candlestick
Tall Metal Vase
Small Metal Tray
Satin Duvet Cover Set
Velvet Cushion Cover
Comes in 4 colors!
Porcelain Teapot
Lots of home decor accessories for really great prices! I hope that some of the items will show up in the stores soon! I would love to see them in person. Enjoy!!!!

(photos via H&M)