Blog posts that inspire

Interview Yourself about Your Passions

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One of my favorite bloggers Shannon Ables from the Simply Luxurious Life wrote a book called “Choosing the Simply Luxurious Life”: A Modern Woman’s Guide. I downloaded a sample onto my Amazon Kindle to see what the book is all about. So far…. I love it!! I especially love the questions that Shannon presents about life. I found the questions about finding your passions extremely intriguing. I found myself answering the questions as I was reading them. I think they are very helpful in finding some truth about yourself. Read the questions below and see if you can figure out what your passions in life are.



* What am I doing when I lose track of time?


* What am I most often complimented on?


* What do others look to me for?


* What do I have the most fun doing?


* What makes me feel great about myself?


* What am I naturally good at?


* What do I most often give to others?


* What ideas, things, places and people am I most inspired by?

(photo from Marchioness Instagram)

A Wealth Board

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A few weeks ago I was reading an article on Camilla Styles about 13 Ways to Up your Financial Game and in the article she discussed ways to create financial wealth. The second item on the list really caught my eye.

She mentioned the idea of creating a “wealth board” and this is what she said about it….
The strong feelings that visuals trigger actually help you achieve your goals. This simple technique is used successfully by Olympian athletes. It will also serve as an encouraging reminder of why you’re doing what you’re doing when the going gets challenging.

A wealth board
I have to admit I LOVE this idea!! I love the idea of keeping pictures of what you would consider to be your wealth on a board to keep you inspired. I have been doing this for years. I just didn’t think of it as a wealth board. Now I will have to create one for home. I think this idea is great! It keeps the heart and mind on the same track and it does remind you of why you do what you do. Create your wealth board today and be inspired!!!
(photo via Camilla Styles)

Be Faithful….

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Photo by Sophie Vinetlouis on Unsplash
“Be faithful to your own taste, because nothing you really like is ever out of a style.”
Billy Baldwin 




Be Someone of Quality

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I follow quite a few blogs and one of them is called The Simply Luxurious Life by Shannon Ables. Shannon is such an excellent writer and has a new book out called Choosing the Simply Luxurious Life. 

I can’t wait to get a copy! In November, Shannon published an article about “Why Not…Be Unforgettable”. I just loved this article. I actually printed it out and kept it in my bag for a few weeks. The entire article is great but I will have to say number 4 stuck with me the most……

4. Be Someone of Quality

Refuse to be a follower playing it safe because you are afraid of being singled out or because you haven’t figured out your own path. Establish what you need in your life to function at your best. Whether it is the food you eat, how much sleep you need or the ethical standards you refuse to break.

Most importantly, come to understand why you do what you do. Have a purpose, a reason, for the direction you are taking in your life.


People don’t all have to approve of your own standards, but know why you live the way you do. Because no matter how hard you defend your decisions to someone who doesn’t accept them based on their own belief system, you’ll never get them to see eye to eye. But so long as you know why, and you are at peace with your reasons, you will leave many with an unforgettable impression that you are someone with thoughtful principles and resolute courage.

Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash





At Home with Madame Chic ~ An Interview with Jennifer L. Scott

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I know for the last few weeks I have been raving about my favorite author Jennifer L. Scott and her book At Home with Madame Chic. I just love both of her books! I found an interview on Youtube of Jennifer and it is a perfect introduction to her and her books. Enjoy the interview!!!

(To watch this video on your mobile, click here).

Simple Brunch Ideas

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I love having friends and family over whenever we can all find the time. Everyone is just so busy these days. I like to have a stress~free way to entertain friends. While reading At Home with Madame Chic the author Jennifer L. Scott gave ways to create a simple brunch that can appear to be bountiful. Here are some ideas:

*  A bowl full of enticing bagels (lay a cloth in the bowl before adding the bagels and allow the edges of the cloth to hang over the side of the bowl). 


*  A pretty platter with artfully arranged sliced tomatoes, capers, sliced red onions, and lox.


*  A little dish with cream cheese and a unique serving knife.


*  A bowl of fruit salad


*  A savory breakfast casserole


*  Croissants or pain au chocolat


*  Quiche (caramelized onion, spinach, broccoli or whatever your favorite is)


*  Assorted salads


*  Sparkling water


*  Juice


*  A signature brunch cocktail like mango mimosas (sparkling wine with a splash of mango juice)


*  Assortment of teas & coffee

(photo via Aerin Lauder Instagram)
Set a pretty tablescape



Make sure your recipes are simple & delicious


Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash

Photo by Dilyara Garifullina on Unsplash

Motivational Tips to Help you Clean your Home

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Cleaning our homes is something that has to be done. There is no other way unless you can hire someone to do it for you. I don’t have that luxury and I do enjoy cleaning so it doesn’t really bother me. But for those of you who hate cleaning, there are tips you can try to help you get it done. Of course, these tips are from the glorious book At Home with Madame Chic. I have just devoured this book over the last several weeks. It is just fantastic!!! Below are some tips from Jennifer about things you can do to motivate yourself into cleaning.


*  Play music while you clean and organize. Music injects energy into the whole process.

*  Listen to an audio-book. Audio-books run for hours. Think about how much you can accomplish while listening to a riveting story.

*  Time yourself while you clean. Figure out how much time you want to devote to caring for your home, set the timer, and get going. Don’t forget the music!

*  Assess and celebrate your progress. When you see visual evidence that your home is getting in order, you will feel the push to preserve. Don’t stop now!

Photo by Austrian National Library on Unsplash