Items that I loved for the month

Winner of the Ann Taylor Giveaway!!!

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Well the time has come to announce the winner of my Ann Taylor silk scarf giveaway. My daughter and I did an old school bowl drawing. I wrote out all the names and put them in a bowl and I had my daughter pull the name. 
And the WINNER IS:   M. GOSS!!!!!!
Congratulations!!! Please email me or contact me via facebook book A Home for Elegance. You can send me a message there or you may send me a message on Instagram under mrsshockley. Please send me your address that I may ship it to. Thank you so much to all my readers who entered. I am sorry that I couldn’t send one to all of you. Goodness, I sure did think about it! But I will be doing another giveaway later this year. I am not sure what it will be but I have some ideas. Thank you so much for reading and chatting with me!
(photos via Pinterest and Mrs. Shockley)

Top Posts of 2017

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Goodness, another year of blogging has flown by. I can’t believe it! Well time to share what blog posts were popular this year. I had quite a few and then I had my favorites. I want to thank all my readers for coming by and reading. It is always fun chatting with everyone.

Weekend Flats
Although this shoe is no longer available, it was quite popular on the blog this time last year.

Champagne Truffles
These were so delicious! I hope that I can get another box this year!
February Finds
Gracious Recoveries
This was a huge hit on the blog!
Social Graces
Another huge hit on the blog!!!
Inspiring Calendars

Picnic Ideas
I need to do this soon!

Beauty Everyday
One of my favorite blog posts of 2017!
My favorite blog posts from 2017 are: Inspiration for a Dining Room Table, the Beauty of Accessorizing, My Cupboard Update, Beauty in Waiting, The Library of Congress, The National Gallery of Art in Washington, of course my Lunch at Laudree in NYC, my Lunch at the Symphony with my friend, my Berry Tart that I finally got right this past year, and my Blue and White Collection. I am very grateful to the Lord for allowing me to do so many wonderful things in 2017. I am hoping that 2018 will be a wonderful year for my family and for my relationship with God. Thank you for joining me on this journey. 
If you would like to see past top blog posts you may view them here. Enjoy!!!

(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Merry Christmas ~ 2017

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Well, another holiday is here and will be leaving soon. I still can’t believe that 2018 is upon us. As I look at my daughter who is aging right before my eyes I can’t help but wonder what the world will be like for her. It is becoming such a scary place now but I try to remain hopeful. Hopeful that the Lord I serve is still on the throne and watching over us. Please guide us Lord. As the days continue to grow dark help us to always keep searching for the light. 
This blog has been a wonderful outlet for me to share beautiful things. I love beauty and always will. Help me Father to continue in this gift. In Jesus name, Amen!
Merry Christmas!
(photo via House Beautiful)

My 600th Post!

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I can’t believe it! This is my 600th blog post! It is still quite amazing that I am made it this far. That I have “published” more than 500 entries. I can’t believe it!

It has been quite a journey trying to come up with different posts every week. Sometimes I must admit I want to quit because you just don’t know if you are truly inspiring anyone. 
Seeing other bloggers pages makes you feel like yours should match theirs but I fight that. I want mine to be my own and not mimic someone else. 
I love meeting all of my new “social media” friends. I have met some really nice bloggers and instagrammers. 
I have met some authors and I have been able to chat with them. It has been great opening up my world and meeting people on the other side of it. 
My kitchen at home
I do hope that I can continue with blogging. It is a great outlet and a great place to make elegant friends. 
(photos via Pinterest)

Random Posts from 2014

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I wanted to share some of my first year blogging posts today. I thought it would be fun to share those and to see how much I have changed in the last three years. I hope you enjoy them…..





Well Hello (first post ever!)













































photo credit Mrs. Shockley 





Elegance for Bed


















photo credit Mrs. Shockley 



I certainly enjoyed my first year of blogging and hope to continue with more.


Top Posts for 2016

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My home

Oh my I can’t believe another year has passed already! I am heading toward year three for blogging. Don’t get me wrong I do enjoy it but there are some days that I do want to quit.

It can be a lot of work coming up with new posts three times a week! But I know what it is like to have a favorite blogger or Youtuber quit on you. You feel lost for a while because you enjoy the inspiration that they provide every week.

I am not saying that I am the best but I know that I have a least one follower who enjoys my posts (I hope)……     🙂

Now here are the top posts or top viewed entries for 2016. I hope to bring more inspiration this year and I hope that I am continually inspired from you as well. Thank you!!!

~ An Elegant Routine




~ My Visit to the Biltmore




~ Wine Tasting at the Biltmore




~ Being Private at Home




~ Principles of a Gracious Life ~ Elegance




~ The Butler Speaks ~ The Art of Housekeeping




~ Feminine Pursuits




~ Cottage Love




~ Gracious Interactions




~ Renewing Vows

And here the the past top posts here on the blog:



~ Top Posts for 2014




~ Top Posts for 2015

My Spring Favorites ~ 2016

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So spring has begun pretty early here in Indiana. My lilies, lilac bushes, and lark spur are starting to make appearances. So with that being said I am so inspired to began some spring shopping!

I have been seeing sale after sale! Keeping the flesh under control has been really hard but when I find classic pieces on sale, I just go for it! I have stopped at a few stores and these are the items that I have already purchased for spring…..

These pave and pearl earrings were on sale at Talbots for $20!
Fantastic!


Pave and Pearl Earrings
I love this Knit Bardot dress that I found at Target last month!
It is so comfortable and chic!


Knit Bardot Dress
My Coach peep toe heels. I am wearing them in the picture above.
They are so comfortable and classic!


Coach Delilah Heels
I love bug brooches and have been looking for one for sometime now.
Banana Republic just starting selling these recently! Joy!

Jeweled Leaf Brooch


I am also wearing this in the second photo. 




I also picked up these gorgeous pink blush Ninewest heels from Ebay this past week.
Fabulous! 



Be inspired to begin your chic spring list!






(all photos via Mrs. Shockley)