Home Updates, Accessories & Tours
Shopping for Faux Flowers
I love faux flowers! I know a lot of people don’t but I just think they are a great substitution for flowers when the weather is cold. Here in Indiana, it’s hard finding certain flowers. But Hobby Lobby has made it easy to have beautiful flowers until the weather gets warm!
I went a few weekends ago to get some new floral pieces to “refresh” my bouquets at home and work. The selection was so grand! I had such a hard time narrowing down which flowers I wanted. But I purchased a few and will be back for more. See below what I bought and how I placed them.
Gorgeous aren’t they!
So many to choose from.
The stargazer lilly. My absolute favorite!!
These would be great fillers.
Faux kale bushes… yes please!!
I loved these!! I will be going back for them!
I purchased these for my nightstand. I am not sure what they are.
I purchased a second bush for my reading area.
This is my big floral arrangement in my sitting room. I put some long green vines in it.
I think it makes the arrangement look lush!
Another bouquet in my sitting room.
This is a bouquet at work. I love it! It looks so grand on my desk!
As always thanks for reading!
(all photos via Mrs. Shockley)
Blue and White at Pier 1 Imports
I recently made a trip to our local Pier 1 store. I must admit I have not been in years!!! It was a wonderful surprise when I walked in. All the beautiful dishes and decor. I loved the faux flowers. It was just stunning. They have now been added to my list of stores to visit for home decor.
What captured my eye were the beautiful blue and white ginger jars. They were on sale that day and I was able to purchase this one for about $23!! I was so excited!! I would encourage anyone to visit their local store. It will inspire you to create beauty….
My desk at work. If you wish to purchase this ginger jar click here.
The vase is from T.J. Maxx and the faux flowers are from Pier I.
(photo via Mrs. Shockley)
Sample Cleaning Schedule
I love cleaning my home! I know that may sound weird but I do enjoy it. I posted a blog entry about Home-keeping with a Pet in April (see here) if you missed it. I have my own cleaning schedule and it helps me keep my home in order. While reading At Home with Madame Chic, author Jennifer L. Scott gave a sample cleaning schedule. I love cleaning schedules! Now you don’t have to create the same schedule but this list just gives you an idea of what a cleaning schedule for your home could be. Below is the list and also a video from Ms. Nikki. Enjoy!!!
Monday: Laundry (darks, and dedicates), dust, vacuum, mop floors, empty all trash
Tuesday: Laundry (whites and towels), ironing, bathrooms
Wednesday: Dust, vacuum, wash windows, change children’s sheets
Thursday: Kitchen detail cleaning, empty all trash
Friday: Change master bedroom sheets, dust, vacuum
To watch this video on your mobile click here.
How to Fold a Towel
I recently watched this video below from the Daily Connoisseur about how to fold a towel. I thought it was great!!! Check it out!
To watch it on your mobile click here.
Make your Office Chic
I have been reading Jennifer L. Scott’s book At Home with Madame Chic: Becoming a Connoisseur of Daily Life for the last several weeks. I must say I love this book! But I expected it to be great because her first book Lessons from Madame Chic was just fantastic! Last week I gave a list of affirmations that one could say to themselves for confidence (see here) if you missed it. Today I am going to list some ideas from Jennifer about how to make your office chic.
In April I wrote a blog entry about office inspiration (see here) if you missed it. Below is the list and as always enjoy!!
1: Forgo the typical generic storage containers found in most offices. You can use mini antique orchid pots to hold you pencils and pens. Use apothecary containers to house your paper clips and rubber bands.
(My office)
2: Display pictures of loved ones in pretty antique frames.
(My chair at home, no throw rug but a throw is a great option)
3: Lay out a throw rug.
(My home office on the left)
4: Hang art on the wall that makes you happy when you look at it.
5: Place a postcard from a faraway place by your computer to conjure up great memories.
(My oil warmer from Bath & Body Works)
6: Use potpourri or dried lavender to keep the room smelling fresh.
(My guest chair at work)
7: Keep a luxurious shawl on the back of your chair to stay warm in the air-conditioning.
8: Keep a china teacup and saucer or your favorite mug on hand for coffee & tea breaks. Bring real silverware from home to keep lunchtime dignified (even if lunch is eaten at your desk). See my blog entry (here) on how to eat alone.
(My tulips)
9: Bring a bouquet of flowers from your garden or from the farmers’ market and change out the water every day in the vase. It should last you all week. Or bring an orchid or African violet in to beautify your space.
(all photos via Mrs. Shockley)
My New Office
My office had some openings this past year and I was so anxious to apply for them. I have an Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies so when some of our paralegals retired I knew that I would finally have the opportunity to start a career.
There were 3 paralegal openings on my floor and I applied for all 3. I interviewed for 2 and my boss asked me which one did I really want so I told her. Well, last week she and the U.S. Attorney told me that I got the job!!!
I was so excited!! What a fantastic Christmas gift!! So out of my cubicle and into an office I go. I am so excited to start my new career! Below are some photos of my new office. I really hate the furniture but oh well….
Overview of my office
Family photos of course
I decided to bring my Von Maur throw and place it on my chair.
I love it for warmth and the color that it provides.
We have limited resources for furniture so I used my drawer for a table.
I dressed it up with some of my photos and magazines.
I snagged this chair from another empty office. I placed it in front of my desk
so that when people come in to talk they have a place to sit.
I added my faux scarf for some luxury.
And of course one must have a mirror for decor and personal grooming.
(all photos via Mrs. Shockley)