Blog posts that inspire

Feminine Pursuits

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Last month I shared that I am reading a book called Thirty Chic Days~ Practical Inspiration for a Beautiful Life and I am still enjoying this book. Last week I was reading a section of the book called “enjoying feminine pursuits” and in this section, the author Fiona talked about feminine pursuits or past-times that she loves to include in her life.

That got me thinking….. hmmm do I have any feminine pursuits that I enjoy? Well of course I do! So I decided to share my list of my favorite feminine things to do.

* Goodwill shopping ~ I love looking for great skirts and shirts to add to my wardrobe. See my blog post here about my thrift store shopping.




My blouse and skirt are from the thrift store.


* Playing the piano ~ I take lessons every Monday! See my blog post here about my lessons

* Buying flowers and flower arranging ~ Shocker, I think not!






















My weekend flower loot!

* Reading


* Watching old movies. See my favorites here.


* Manicures and pedicures


* Hearing influential women speak about life, failures, and careers


* Having tea with friends. See my post here about that. 







* Collecting silver and learning about it. See my blog post here about that. 


* Wearing perfume. See my blog post here about my favorites.


* Collecting blue and white plates. I have a serious problem… but I love the way they look.



























The blue and white plates I found at T.J. Maxx last month along with some of my other goodies.


* Wearing pink and red fingernail polish. There is just something so chic about those colors. 


* Wearing big curls in my hair every day! I love it! 


* Volunteer work. I recently volunteered as a fashion counselor for the Dress for Success program at my office! Yeah!


* Listening to my little girl every morning talk to me about life. 


* Before leaving my office making sure my daily to-do list for the next morning is complete. I hate coming to the office and not having my day planned. Drives me nuts!


And last but certainly not least, praying on a regular basis (sometimes hourly if I am truly disturbed) and working on my finance spreadsheet every other Wednesday. You should know what your monthly finances are. 


I hope you enjoyed this list. Keeping your goals and dreams in front of your mind is always helpful and will help you stay the course. 

(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Principles of a Gracious Life ~ Geniality

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photo credit Ilyas Bolatov 
Whenever we have a warm, cheerful, positive disposition, we’re not only contributing to, but sympathizing with the enjoyment of life. People who inspire joy or happiness, who affirm and confirm others, are marked with genius, belonging to a higher nature. When we have a pleasant, friendly personality, we glow with a gracious, giving spirit, spreading the energy of light all around us.





~The Principles of a Gracious Life
by Alexandra Stoddard

Principles of a Gracious Life ~ Ease

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Photo by Karolina Bobek ✌ on Unsplash
Whenever we experience freedom from constraint, pain, agitation or worry, we sense the pleasant satisfactions of naturalness. When we’re not making an effort, when we have relief from labor and are able to be carefree, we can feel rested, be quiet and tranquil, secure in the ease and comfort of our mind and heart. We need relaxation and a moment’s peace in order to live graciously, and when we do find this sense of calm, we experience greater dexterity in our performance. By backing away we move forward with grace.


~The Principles of a Gracious Life
by Alexandra Stoddard

Principles of A Gracious Life ~ Appreciation

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photo credit Melnychuk Nataliya
When we have a quick recognition of excellence, when we’re able to value someone or something, fully aware of the magnitude of their qualities, our illumination leads to being thankful, increasing the value of esteem. Being aware of the worth of appreciation is key to a gracious life. Whenever we esteem highly, we are validating life, its merit and worth.

When we are thankful, we ourselves increase in value, transcending time and place, becoming one with eternity. Of all the qualities of a gracious life, appreciation is the most essential. When we’re conscious of all the good and beautiful things and people in our lives, not judging, but living in continuous gratitude, we’re free to connect with the great, timeless truths. When we show appreciation, we’re recognizing the divinity within us, our true identity. 



~The Principles of a Gracious Life
by Alexandra Stoddard

Principles of a Gracious Life ~ Elegance

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My photo of the greenhouse at the Biltmore.
If you would like to read about my visit to the Biltmore Gardens see here.
“When we are sensitive to beauty in simplicity and mildness in manners, and choose to conduct ourselves in this consciousness, elegance results. Being refined in appearance, form, and style indicates that we not only respect and care for ourselves, but that we take others seriously as well. Showing interest and concern for and being receptive and responsive to those we come into contact with makes us examples of grace.”





~The Principles of a Gracious Life
by Alexandra Stoddard













Principles of Gracious Living ~ Authenticity

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photo credit Aerin Lauder Instagram account

“When we are true to ourselves and to others when our character is one of integrity, we have the quality of being authentic. Our personality is genuine, absolute, and reliable, and therefore worthy of trust and credibility. When we believe in ourselves, we are free to grow in our own soil, in the direction of our pure nature, which is grace-filled.”

~The Principles of a Gracious Life

by Alexandra Stoddard











(photo via Facebook)

Merry Christmas 2015

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Merry Christmas to everyone!
Thank you so much for stopping by and reading my blog this year. I really appreciate the traffic and time from everyone!!


I have been writing my blog for almost 2 years and so far I have had almost 18,000 viewers!
That may not be a lot but to me I think it is awesome. So thank you again and I wish everyone a blessed year!




Mrs. Shockley