Blog posts that inspire

Challenges in the Office ~ An Update

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Hello Everyone,

Today is our third golf meet for this week. I only pray that Lauren is enjoying this season. We are trying to keep her involved but that’s been a chore on its own. I ordered some new vintage Weiss earrings on Etsy. I sure hope that they are as lovely in person as they were in the picture but we will see.

In today’s post, we are going to get a little serious. Well, I can’t really say that. I am going to give you all an update on the “classless co-worker” situation at my office. Some of you probably remember my post from 2016 called, “Challenges in the Office.” In that post, I discussed a classless co-worker that I work with who has been “Petty Patty” for years. You have to read that post in order to understand this situation. 

 

photo credit: Pinterest

 

Okay, so now I hope that you have read that post. What’s interesting is that when I read it I just smiled. I mentioned that I wanted to be a paralegal supervisor and I accomplished that goal in April! I still can’t believe it! I am a supervisor. I am so glad that I stayed the course and ignored her. So the environment for me has changed. Since I am in management now my office was moved. I am now far away from her and it is so great! I know some of you have been wanting an office tour but I don’t feel quite comfortable doing one now. Maybe in the future. 

 

photo credit: Pinterest

 

Since I am a supervisor I now have staff to train, keep track of workloads, attorneys to communicate with, trials to prepare for, meetings to schedule, so I really don’t have time for her shenanigans. She still rolls her eyes every time she sees me which has become comical because I think goodness, it has been about 6 1/2 years and you still have not grown up. I mean honestly, there has been no growth in her! I think she is almost 50 which is really sad. 

I have also talked with other staff who have said that she did the same things to them and all of them have said that they just ignore her. Honestly, it’s the best thing to do in this situation. The good thing is that she is not in management and probably never will be because she can’t get along with people and everyone knows it. It’s a little sad. 

I continue to paint my Sistine Chapel and just ignore her. I know she was not happy when I got promoted. You could see it and you could tell. I just continue on with my path and run my race. It has been hard dealing with such a petty person but I knew that somehow and in some way the Lord would work it out. I prayed constantly that I would not fall into the trap with her and that I would eventually get to the “snake line”. 

Have any of you heard of the “snake line”. There is a line in the mountains that poisonous snakes cannot live. Below that snake line, you are subject to all kinds of deadly reptiles. Above that snake line is clarity and peace. Nasty people live below the snake line. Sometimes in life we have to live in that environment and deal with all of the attacks while we are there. But if you keep your eyes on the Lord and on your path eventually you get above the snake line and the snakes cannot live there because they are not meant to climb that high. I finally reached above the snake line. She can’t be where I am because she isn’t built for it. With the Lord’s help, I will continue to climb. Keep climbing, you’ll eventually get above the snake line. 

Have a great Wednesday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100 Ways to be Elegant ~ An Update

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Good Morning,

Well, we have had our first half week of school and it is going well so far. Golf season begins next week and it is going to be a busy time for us. We will have at least 2 golf meets a week and that is always hard but Lauren needs the activity so here we go!

In today’s post, I wanted to talk about a post that I share the first month that I started my blog in 2014. It was called “100 Ways to be Elegant”. Now I of course did not write this list but still love reading it.

While reading it I noticed that this list was created 11 years ago! I can’t believe it’s been that long already. I started reading the list and I still do so many of these things but one of them stuck out to me the most this time and that was number 53 “be quietly self-confident”. As I approach 40 I find myself rethinking things a lot and re-evaluating my life. 

 

 

photo via Instagram 

 

Now that I have a new position at the office and I am in management I find that my expectations of myself are higher. I don’t want to get caught up in the petty office shenanigans. I always want to rise above things and it is not easy. But having quiet self-confidence is something that I am striving for now. 

Another tip from the list that is sticking out to me is number 74, “think before you speak and act. Ask yourself, can anything good come from this”? I have asked myself that questions a few times in the last few months. “Is it really necessary for me to address this?” 

Using wisdom these days is becoming an elegant thing to do. Using wisdom brings peace to the mind and emotions. As I continue to read this list, I am reminded that I do many of these items every day, and makes me smile. It lets me know that I am a woman of substance and I care deeply about beautiful living. How about you? Have you read this list more than once? Has it helped you in any way since you have seen it on the blog? Let me know in the comments section below. 

Also, I wanted to let everyone know that the boutique’s new arrival is ready for purchase. The Stella Bow Satchel is a new addition and comes in two colors, rose pink and grey. I hope you all enjoy the new arrival and don’t forget to share photos of you in your purchases! I would love to see everyone in their boutique item.

Have a great weekend everyone!

 

 

Common Introduction Mistakes

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Good Morning,

Boy this week flew by. I don’t really have plans. Our daughter is going to Kings Island with her brother on Saturday so we will have the day to ourselves.  Mr. Shockley and I may have dinner and I may run my normal errands but we don’t have much planned. I do need to send my iRobot Roomba in for repair. It is not working right. I need little Alfred to help me keep the house in order. I do miss him and his daily vacuuming. 

Okay in today’s post I wanted to share more tips from my Emily Post Etiquette book. Have you ever screwed up an introduction with someone? You got nervous and asked something that you feel like you should not have? I have and love getting tips on what not to say and what to say. 

The first thing you should NOT do is look away. Eye contact is critical in an introduction. People who look over others’ shoulders and around the room while involved in introductions are saying by their actions that they really don’t care. 

I ALWAYS try to make sure that I am looking at someone when speaking to them. I want that person to feel like their presence is welcome and so is the conversation. 

 

photo credit: MainehouseBlogspot.com 

 

Next was making too-personal comments. This gets a LOT of people in trouble. Divorces, bereavements, job losses, illnesses, and/or rehab history are topics too intimate to raise during an introduction. I never ask personal questions. But I am always amazed at what people ask or feel like they have the right to know. 

The third is interrupting. When others are engaged in serious conversation, don’t break in to introduce someone else. Wait for a more convenient moment. 

 

photo credit: Pottery Barn.com

 

The fourth is deferring to one person at the expense of the other. Be sure that both parties are included in any conversation that follows an introduction.  The fifth tip is gushing. Most people are embarrassed by overly enthusiastic introductions. 

And the last tip is making someone wait to be introduced. When someone new joins a group already in conversation, put the conversation on hold and make the introduction. “Excuse me. Hi, Jane, nice to see you. Have you met Abby and Jack?”

I hope you all have found some value in these tips. It is always nice to have reminders. It is amazing how good manners do follow you. My husband went to the car wash recently and he was telling them that I was his wife and one of the team members said, “Your wife is always kind to us and we appreciate that”. 

People are watching. Have a great weekend!

 

 

Tips from Emily Posts Etiquette, page 18

 

 

 

 

Etiquette Is….

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Hello Everyone!

Goodness, I woke up yesterday morning and had to remind myself of what day it was. I am always off when Monday is a holiday. Yesterday I was tagged in a gorgeous video from my very dear friend Rosenda from the Little Pink Casa. I was really shocked by the feature. I did not ask her to do this so this made it even more special to me. I LOVED the video and have linked it here so you all can watch it. She is wearing the Claire Cream midi and she looks absolutely wonderful in it. She does such a wonderful job with her videos. I adore them! 

Okay, it’s etiquette time! I am still reading my new etiquette book and wanted to share a little snippet from it. On page 6 the author talks about what etiquette is. 

 

Photo credit: Pinterest

 

Fluid… not a set of rigid rules. 

Manners change over time and reflect the best practices of our times. Etiquette isn’t a set “prescriptions” for properness” but merely the guidelines for doing things in ways that make people feel comfortable. 

 

Etiquette is…

For everyone….. not something for the wealthy or wellborn.

Etiquette is a code of behavior for people from all walks of life, every socioeconomic group, and of all ages. Good manners are a valuable asset that costs nothing to acquire. 

 

photo credit: Eugenivy Upsplash 

 

Etiquette is….

Current… not a thing of the past. 

The bedrock principles of etiquette remain as solid as they ever were. Manners change over time and across cultural boundaries, but the principles are universal and timeless. 

And lastly, etiquette is…

Unpretentious….

A polite person doesn’t try to be someone he’s not, nor does he look down on others. 

This last note is something that I wish society would embrace. The world is becoming a hard place and manners are being squeezed out. I always grieves my soul to see rude people. But I always go out into the world hoping for the best. I hope you all enjoyed these tips and let me know your thoughts below. Have a great Wednesday. 

 

 

Tips from Emily Post’s Etiquette, 19th Edition 

 

A Blue Bug & Boutique Hotel

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And a Happy Monday to everyone! I have quite a busy week this week. I have a new staff member starting today, a staff meeting on Tuesday, and a possible pop-up shop on Friday. So we will see how things pan out. 

We had a good weekend. We tried our best to spoil my husband but things always happen where we have to focus on the kids. On Friday we went and looked at our daughter’s dream car. She will be a junior in high school in a few months so we figured this was a good year for her to drive. Our daughter has always wanted a Volkswagon Beetle in sky blue and our good friend found the car! I couldn’t believe it! We are so excited for Lauren and are praying vigilantly for her to be safe. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

She is super excited and can’t stop smiling. It is a wonderful thing to be able to do things like this for your kids. I hope that all of you had a great weekend and celebrated your fathers, husbands, and whatever special guy you have in your life. 

Now on to this gorgeous hotel that I learned about on the Victoria magazine website. The hotel is called Hotel Paris Marais Caron de Beaumarchais. I have never seen a hotel like this but this hotel speaks to me in so many ways. 

 

Photo credit: Hotel Paris Marais Caron.com 

 

The very first thing that captured me about this hotel is that they do not have a traditional front desk area. The lobby features a living area completely decorated with 18th-century antiques! Oh my gosh!

 

 

 

I can’t believe how gorgeous this hotel is. When you walk in there is a fireplace, candles, and a crystal chandelier. 

 

photo credit: Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais.com

 

And you all have to check out the bedrooms! Oh my goodness, they are stunning! They are truly an elegant dream. Each room is decorated with 18th-century antiques, some have beautiful views and a wonderful breakfast option. 

 

 

Doesn’t this look wonderful? This is the breakfast that they offer. This would be a dream for me. To stay in such a beautiful hotel, wake up to this beautiful breakfast, and stare out my windows. Such a beautiful dream! I really hope that I can go to France one day and stay in a hotel like this. Wouldn’t you?

I really hope you all enjoyed this beautiful hotel. I would love to know if any of you have been to France and stayed in a hotel similar to this one. Please share your story below. 

Before I end today’s post I wanted to let everyone know that my new earring arrivals are available on the boutique’s page. I really hope that you all enjoy them. Have a great Monday!

 

 

Ivy Vine Earring

Camellia Pearl Earring

 

 

 

This post is not sponsored. 

 

 

Table Manners with French Girlfriends

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Good Morning,

Today I just wanted to post a short video that I watched last month from my favorite blogger Sharon Santoni. She shared this beautiful video from her friends Octavie and Cecile and their beautiful store called La Maison du Bac.  I do hope that you enjoy it!

 

photo credit: La Maison du Bac Instagram 

 

 

 

 

 

Decor Evolving

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Dear June,

Please don’t go by so fast! I hope the Lord hears my request. I am ready for it to get a little warmer here but not humid. I hate the humidity! I don’t have many plans for the weekend. I did just order my first etiquette book! I know, I know… I don’t own one. Well, I don’t own an official etiquette book and I felt like it was time. So I ordered the Emily Posts Etiquette, 19th Edition: Manners for Today. 

I am really excited to see it and read it! Of course, I will share it once it arrives. In today’s post I wanted to share a recent photo that I found in my phone’s photo gallery.

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

This was our living room in our first home in 2008! It’s funny, my husband and I were just talking about this house. I still remember the day we closed when we purchased it. I couldn’t believe that I was a homeowner at the age of 25! It was a great feeling. 

When I look at this photo I remember what I purchased, how much I paid, and why I purchased it. The two pink chairs should look familiar. I still have those but they are in my boutique/ home office now. My mother found those at a Goodwill store if you can believe it!

The gold curtains are from Walmart and I still have that giant floral arrangement. I paid only $10 for that thing! My mother-in-law’s friend sold it to me. I adored it and still do. I still have that as well. It should look familiar. It is in my sitting room on the left side of me if you watch my Youtube videos. I replace the flowers every couple of years. 

As I stare at it I realize that I was a “grandmillienial” at 25 and maybe younger. I remember sharing my bedroom in high school in one of my blog posts. I had “old lady” stuff then. 

But I do know that as time has passed my style has changed a bit. In this photo, you will notice that there is no blue and white. I didn’t own any.  I did start to notice it at this time. I see other things in this photo that are not there that I love now, and it just brings a conversation back to my mind. 

I had a dear friend tell me that every 10 years your style will change and I continue to believe that she is right. So what do you all think? Has your home decor style changed in the last decade? If so what did you love back then that you don’t now?

Leave a comment below. I would love to know. Have a great weekend!