Home Updates, Accessories & Tours

Refreshing My Christmas Ornaments

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Good Morning Everyone,

My busy week has ended, and I can relax a little. Yesterday we had a retirement party for a dear co-worker of mine. It’s always bittersweet saying goodbye to someone that you have worked with for about 18 years! Time sure does fly! This weekend we are headed back to the Franklin Historical Theatre and this time we are going to watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. My family loves this movie! I am not a big fan. Cousin Eddie drives me nuts, but my family gets a kick out of it. Christmas is next week, and I finally done Christmas shopping. I can now enjoy the holidays a little more. 

I think I shared in a previous post about how I wanted a more “sophisticated” look for my trees this year. I have been getting rid of a lot of old Christmas decorations and ornaments. I realized that when I opened my tubs this year and looked at my decorations, I was not happy. I was not excited about decorating because I did not like what I had and at that moment I knew that it was time to “refresh” my ornaments. 

So I went on the hunt for inspiration and new ornaments. 

 

 

This tree started my quest. I follow The Decor Diet on Instagram and the LTK and I saw this tree along with this gorgeous Christmas tree urn from Ballard Designs. I knew that I had to have it and luckily it was on sale!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I was so excited when it arrived and felt a wave of new inspiration come over me. Most of my ornaments were from my mother-in-law. Nothing wrong with it but they were just not me and I wanted my trees to display my style. 

 

 

We decided to put my white Christmas tree in it and I was so surprised at how great it looked! I purchased this tree from Walmart and adding this Christmas tree urn just gave it a more expensive and classic look. I added my blue and white ornaments from the Enchanted Home and my peacock ornaments from the At Home Store.  I still felt like more was needed so I started my hunt on Etsy for ribbon. 

 

 

I ended up finding this stunning ribbon from Etsy! My face lit up when I saw it. I knew that it was perfect for my tree! I am so happy with how everything turned out. Now I just need to get some practice putting it into my tree. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Then I turned my attention to our family tree. I got rid of a lot of the red. I just wanted more neutral colors for this tree. I went out and got more ornaments and found this beautiful ribbon from Katherine at Pender and Peony. I think it is a perfect fit!

 

 

Here is the top of the tree. I decided to add some poinsettias to the top. I loved the way that it turned out but I am still looking for inspiration. 

 

 

We still have our Barbie tree which I am not changing at this moment. I did get rid of some old ornaments from this tree, but Lauren decorated it. I thought she did a wonderful job! She loves having the poodle skirt under it. Sometimes it is a hassle but it really adds to the look. I did record a short video on my Youtube channel sharing my trees and some of Christmas decor. 

 

 

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! The boutique is still having a sale! Everything is under $30! Take advantage and order a dress or two! 

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving ~ 2022

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Good Morning,

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Our holiday turned out great although I am exhausted! We kept things simple and enjoyed everyone’s company. We also sat and watch the sequel to A Christmas Story. It’s called a Christmas Story Christmas and you should check it out! It was quite good. I have been so busy at work and trying to get things done here at home that I feel like I am so behind on things. I normally have my Christmas shopping done, no worries, I am close but I feel like nothing is complete until that list is checked off! I am also going to be flying to San Diego in about another week, so I really need to get my schedule in order. 

This week is a busy one again! On Monday there will be lots of Cyber sales. I need to book a Christmas lunch at the Ayres Tea Room. You all know that we try to go there every year. On Tuesday I am taking my team to the Cake Bake Shop for lunch! We are all so excited! On Wednesday I have my fitting for the fashion show for my Guild Christmas luncheon and Lauren and I are going to see the Russian Nutcracker! Lots of exciting things that I hope to share in the next few days. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

 

This was my table setting this year. My local grocery store did not have a good selection of flowers this season. It was really hard trying to find inspiration. So I did the best that I could and used some astromelias and purple stock. Not what I had in mind but it worked out. 

 

 

My uncle and aunt gave me these beautiful crystal glasses and the tall crystal vases. It goes so well with the rest of my china.

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

 

My caramel cake was a big hit again! You can make this by scratch or semi-homemade. I shared the recipe on the blog last year if you are interested. 

 

 

 

I love my gold turkey candle pedestal that I purchased from Bath & Body Works last year. I have tried finding it but I am sure it is sold out everywhere. I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving. It certainly came and went fast. Below are a few of previous years Thanksgiving blog posts and don’t forget about the boutique’s Black Friday sale! Use code blackfriday22 for 15% off sitewide!

 

*A Quiet Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

November Favorites ~ 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Special Kind of Chair…

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Good Morning,

I am a little excited. I will be taking a week off next week! Now I am hoping that things go well, and I can do everything on my list. I will be sure to share how my fall break went as well as how my first concert went! I don’t know if I shared but I went to my first concert on Wednesday! My husband took me to go see jazz pianist Diana Krall! It was wonderful! I will be sure to share that soon. Today I wanted to show you guys my recent big antique purchase. 

 

Photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I went to Vintage Whimsy a few weeks ago for their fall festival and spotted this chair in the corner. I immediately stopped and stared. I thought it was so beautiful!

 

 

The store clerk saw me staring at it and said, “That chair takes a special kind of person”. I then said, “I am that person”! She then smiled and said, “are you”! We began to talk, and I tried to get the price down but could not. I was going to leave it but my heart began to sing and that’s when I knew that I had to take her home. 

 

 

I love the fabric. It has a “rised” look to it. It reminded me of my carpet bag that I purchased a few years ago. The bones of the chair are so good but I am still complimenting having it reupholstered. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I took it to my office. I have gotten lots of compliments on it. Most people think that I should keep the fabric the same and only a few think that I should change it. I do love it the way it is.  I wish I could find out what year it was. I may reach out to the store and see if the seller knows any details about it. 

 

 

Such a great addition…

 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I think it is going to be great having this chair. Just look at how gorgeous it looks with my new Rose Parker Slings from Sarah Flint! Vintage, rich, and chic! Lovely! Don’t forget about my code for $50 off! Use code SARAHFLINT-BASMSSHOCKLEY if you see a pair that you want for this holiday season! There will be more beautiful shoes to come! 

Speaking of new arrivals, the boutique has one! The Charlotte Velvet Midi has returned but in plus size! The color is emerald green and I am trying my very best not to keep one. It is available for purchase right now! I hope you enjoy it! I will be posting on Monday but then taking the rest of the week off! Have a great weekend! 

 

 

 

 

 

David Austin Roses ~ My First Bouquet

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Good Morning Everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Today is a federal holiday and I don’t have to be in office. Lauren is on fall break for two weeks! I keep telling myself this is the last year for this. She will have shorter breaks this coming fall when she starts college. While she is on break we are going to attend a campus tour today and I have a few Zoom calls set up with some college counselors! Let the college journey begin! 

I will be taking the second week off. I do hope that I can drive down to Nashville to visit the Sarah Flint store! I will be taking that week off from the blog so I will be sure to share whatever I was able to do when I return. In today’s post I did want to share my first David Austin Roses bouquet!

 

 

It’s always exciting to receive a bouquet from Grace Rose Farms. It’s also nerve wrecking! I will not lie. You are not sure as to how these will bloom because they are grown organically so you are always at the mercy of the flower. 

 

 

 

 

This is what they looked like the day that I received them. Not too bad. My husband said that they were shipped from Columbia and got held up in customs. My birthday was on a Wednesday and these didn’t arrive until 3 days later. So I was glad to see that there was no damage. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

After about two days this is what they looked like. They were gorgeous and the smell…. goodness I wish I could bottle it. Many perfumes claim to have a rose scent but I have yet to smell a perfume with the scent of David Austin roses.

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Now I have had Grace Roses before see here and here but my husband and I both agree that this was our favorite bouquet sent from them. Look at how spectacular this was! This was my fourth bouquet from them, and each bouquet has been a dream. I am looking forward to my next one. Have a wonderful Monday! 

Also check out the boutique! There are a few dresses on sale. Oh and don’t forget some of the dresses are on my Poshmark account which means that you can make an offer! Be sure to check that out! 

 

 

 

A Beautiful Haven…

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Good Morning,

It’s Friday and I have had a busy week! I am on a Women’s Initiative Leadership committee at my office and we are in the middle of planning our self-care event for October! I am looking forward to how this will turn out. On Tuesday, I had my second Guild meeting and it was our luncheon for the new members! It was held at the Woodstock Country Club here in my city. I have never heard of this club before but it was stunning! I will be sure to share photos next week. The luncheon was incredibly nice. It was a great feeling to be around a group of like-minded women who love to serve! 

I am also getting ready for our subdivision’s HOA sale! I love when these come around. I will be setting up the boutique in my garage and I am looking forward to selling some of my dresses!

In today’s post I wanted to share this gorgeous home tour on the Victoria Magazine website. This home is actually in the new book Living with Roses. I actually have a copy and will be sharing it soon! Let me know in the comments section below if you want me to do a flip through of that book or a vintage Victoria magazine.

 

photo credit: Victoria Magazine

 

Have a great weekend everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

A New Chinoiserie Project

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Good Morning Everyone,

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! We went to the outlet mall in Cincinnati, and I really didn’t find much. I really wanted to wait until fall break, but my husband wanted to go early so we did. I did go into the Tory Burch outlet store, and I didn’t see any bags that I liked but I did purchase another scarf and some green clip emerald green earrings. I think that they are perfect for the upcoming season. We went and had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory there but while we waited on our table I went and visited Dillard’s. I don’t have one in my city so whenever I see one, I like to take a peek.

While I was looking around, I saw this gorgeous Wedgewood Hibiscus bone china cup! I think I may need to add this to my collection. The store is so pretty and is full of high-quality items for your home and for dressing up! I guess I should be happy that we don’t have one nearby. It could be a “bad thing” if it was here! 

Now on to my new furniture project! In July, I went antiquing and found the brown ruffle foot stool below. 

 

 

I think that I shared this photo in my July favorites. I found this at the antique store for only $35! It was a steal but trying to find an upholster has been a challenge for me.

 

 

Actually, I left it at the store and then went back to get it about an hour later. I just knew that I could not let that sit there. The bones were too good. I just needed a little patience in finding someone to work with me. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I really thought that it was going to take me a while to find someone but something weird happened. I was searching Google for an upholster near me and the name Steve Burroughs popped up. Now I have been searching for an upholster for years and I have never seen that name before. So I gave him a call and his message said that you could text him photos of the piece that you wanted to have work done on. 

He responded right away! I was floored! I made arrangements to meet with him the following week after I texted him my photos. Once I arrived I was amazed at how beautiful his property was and that his little shop was just right behind his home! Isn’t it the cutest little workshop? It’s actually pretty cleaned and organized on the inside. Steve gave me a little tour. 

 

 

After he showed me the shop we began to discuss the “vision” that I had for my stool. He had a storage room full of left over materials from past projects. He said that if I found something that I liked I could use it and save money using his leftover fabrics. Well I did find this blue fabric in the storage room. I selected this and once I got home I just kept thinking about it. It did not make my “heart sing”. I knew that I had to go and find some fabric that I would love. That’s when Steve directed me to Calico Corners. 

Now this was a new discovery to me! I never knew that this store existed but I am so glad that I decided to go and look for my own fabrics. I had a version of blue and white for my stool. So while looking around I came across Vern Yip-blue and Vern Yip Exotic Garden. I went with exotic garden. I felt as if the splash of color from this fabric would go well with my home decor. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

It took about 2 months, but it was so worth the wait! Look at how beautiful it turned out! 

 

 

It’s stunning!

 

 

 

 

The fabric looks so good! It was like they were made for each other! 

 

 

Oh my goodness, I love my stool so much! It is a perfect home decor addition to my sitting room. I look forward to using my stool and to working with Steve again. I have more projects that I would love to work with him on! Steve was so nice and polite! He was a true gentleman. 

Let me know in the comments section below if you have ever used a upholster and if so what was the project? I found a similar one on Amazon, see here. Also a new archive button has been added to the website. It gives you the option to view all of my blog posts by year and month. 

Have a great Monday! 

 

 

A Beautiful Decanter

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Good Morning!

No work on Monday! I love having these 3-day weekends. I plan on going to Cincinnati tomorrow. I want to do a little bit of shopping, not too much. I think I shared that they had the best outlet mall. I just want to take a day trip, have dinner, and then return home. For Sunday, I just plan on hanging out at home. I may get caught up on my house chores. Then on Monday I just want to get caught up on some blog posts, get some inspiration, and then sit and watch a movie or two. Maybe ride my bike, or sit on the porch, there could be a lot of things that we can do. Just having the extra day is a wonderful thing. 

This is going to be a very short blog post today, but I wanted to share a recent find and new “elegant idea”.

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

 

I was looking at my garden tub and noticed that I did not like the plastic bottle that my bubble bath liquid was in. I stared at it for a few minutes and a crystal decanter popped in my mind. I can’t explain it but that’s what happened. So, I made a mental note to look for one when I decided to go antique shopping. 

I found this one. It’s pretty heavy and absolutely exquisite! I paid about $50 which was too much but it’s a very substantial decanter. Now I have had it for about a week and I have no regrets. I would encourage you to change up your items. If you use bubble bath, then why not put it in a beautiful decanter. I found some pretty reasonable ones on Amazon. See here, here, and here, if you are interested. 

Let me know what your long weekend plans are and if you already use decanters! Have a great weekend!

 

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