Items that I loved for the month

March Favorites ~ 2023

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Good Morning,

It’s the last day of March… wow! And it’s still cold here. It’s quite annoying but I am trying to make the best of it. We are gearing up for prom! Lauren and I dropped off her prom dress earlier this week for alterations. I scheduled her hair and makeup appointment. I purchased her jewelry and glitter clutch. I am not sure if I will post a picture or not. I will have to wait and see how she feels about it and how things go. But so far so good. I will try again to film a video for YouTube. Every time I schedule this something comes up, but I will try. In the meantime, I hope you all enjoy this month’s favorites. 

First on my list for March favorites are my recent Loeffler Randall dupe find from Amazon.

 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

 

 

I absolutely love these! I went and ordered them in black as well. They are so comfy and so pretty on. I hope that they get them in pink. I would love a pair in pink seriously! 

 

 

Second on my list are my new scarf rings! Now if you follow me on Instagram then you would have seen a reel of me showing you how to use this. It is so easy to use and so elegant! I took one to Washington with me. It was so chic and they are so affordable. 

 

 

Speaking of Washington, D.C., the azalea garden at the National Gallery of Art was a dream. I have shared this before. It never gets old. If you ever go there stop by and look at the art and make sure to see the azalea garden. It is for the most part always there. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley

 

The fourth item is my new jewelry travel case. I am ashamed to say that when I travel, I normally just put my jewelry in a box. It usually works out okay but having an actual jewelry travel case is soo much better! I worry constantly when we travel about my vintage earrings being damaged or lost. I remember a few years back; TSA opened my suitcase and went through it for whatever reason and dumped everything everywhere! I was so upset. Now if I would have had a jewelry case then I think my suitcase and jewelry would have been in better shape and protected! 

 

 

Speaking of organized suitcase, I purchased my first set of packing cubes. I watched a few videos on YouTube and was convinced to try some. I am so glad that I did! Above is how I packed for my trip to Washington. I felt so organized, my clothes stayed in place, and everything had its place. It was so wonderful! I felt like I got more packed in my suitcase because of the packing cubes. 

 

 

Sixth on my list is my monthly luncheons with my friends from the Guild. I love having these! Honestly, I did not understand the importance of female friendships until recently. I never saw healthy female friendships when I grew up.  I only saw my mother have her “friends” and as soon as they left her sight, she would just talk about them so bad! So I assume that’s what friendships were, and I never wanted it! But now that I am older, I now know that friendships are so much more and that what I saw was not correct. We have so much fun during our monthly luncheons and I look forward to them each month! 

 

Okay one more shoe favorite….

 

 

Now I have never been a white shoe kind of person, but I saw these on the Ann Taylor website and could not resist! They are so pretty on! The heel is the perfect size, and the color is outstanding. It has a bit of cream in it and will go with a LOT of items in my wardrobe. I can’t wait to wear them this spring and summer. 

I hope flowers and trees are beginning to bloom in your world. My heart is longing for beautiful blooms right now. Have a great weekend!

 

Please note: some links are affiliate links and if you make a purchase through this link, I will receive a small commission for referring you to the product. Thank you so much in advance if you decide to make a purchase through my link.

 

Oh I wanted to tell everyone that some of the boutique’s dresses and accessories are on my Poshmark page! If you want to make an offer you can and shipping is cheaper! Here is the link!

 

February Favorites ~ 2023

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Good Morning Everyone!

It’s Monday again… gosh I am not ready for this week. I really want to stay home and purge some items in my home. I started going through cabinets and drawers and just got honest with myself. We don’t use most of the stuff in these cabinets. So I am planning a purge day. I am trying to plan it while my husband is at work. He has hoarder tendencies. I never purges anything and I mean anything! While I will get rid of something in a heartbeat and will feel like my life is complete! 

I also made a big purchase this weekend! I ordered my new desk! I am so excited! It will not be available until April which is okay. I was a little disappointed that I could not get it sooner but it will be worth the wait. Right now, I am using my dining room table from my first apartment! You all have seen it before. I purchased it in 2002. It is time to move on for sure.  I want more substantial pieces in my home, and I am trying to move things out bit by bit. 

Now on to my favorite things in February….

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

February was already a rough month for our family. Most of you know that we had to put our last dog down earlier this month. He was diagnosed with cancer and watching him suffer was horrible. He seemed to be in good spirits, but he was dwindling away right in front of our eyes. Getting these beautiful roses from my husband the day after he passed was wonderful!

 

 

Second on my list has been my salmon salads at lunch. I am actually making these at home and they are so delicious! I bake the salmon the night before, put it in a container, pack my salad in a separate container and then mix it all together for lunch the next day. The other great part is that no one is smelling it in the office! They have been so good!

 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Third on the list was my first digital magazine newsprint! I shared this on the blog. I ordered a magazine newsprint of the article. I will get a frame for it and hang it in my office somewhere soon!

 

 

Fourth is this fantastic Amazon find! It has been really hard for me to find great dresses. I am really picky and want a certain look and fit and I love this dress from Amazon. It comes in several different colors and fits so well and is very elegant. I just ordered it on violet and hope to order it in burgundy soon. 

 

 

The fifth has been this “Lady in the Blue Dress” picture. I had it upstairs but then decided to move it downstairs to enjoy. I love it here! I did have some information on it. I will try and find it. 

 

 

Sixth was a new restaurant that my husband and I went to for Valentine’s Day. It was called Monterey Coastal Cuisine and it was divine! I got the roasted chicken, mushroom risotto, and honey roasted brussel sprouts. It was soo good! My goodness I loved this meal. The restaurant was beautiful, and it was so nice going somewhere different. 

 

 

The last favorite on my list was the flower workshop that I just did this past week. I enjoyed that so much. It was so nice to be with other women working towards a great cause and enjoying the beauty that God created. 

I hope you all enjoyed my favorites for this month. I can’t believe that we are headed towards March. Mr. Shockley and I will be celebrating 19 years of marriage on Tuesday and 20 years together in May. Have a great Monday! 

 

fyi: This post is not sponsored. I use affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links.

January Favorites ~ 2023

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Good Morning,

This will be my first favorites list for 2023! This is also tax time for me. I am trying to get all of my documents together and get everything organized before I file. With my regular job, the blog, the boutique, and my influencer work, tax time has been a very busy time for me. There is a lot that needs to be done. I am looking forward to when I am completely done with it. Then I want to focus on getting new inventory for the boutique. That is always the fun part!

I finally finished season 1 of the Crown and I am now starting season 2. Let me know in the comments section below what series you are watching. Now on to my favorites for the month of January.

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

My first favorite is my Royal Albert Tea for One set that I purchased from Wedgwood. I love it so much! I have been wanting this for quite some time and decided to go ahead and purchase it. I am so happy that I did!

 

 

The second favorite is my Staffordshire dogs that I purchased from an Instagram account called Willow Road Interiors. She also has an Etsy page as well. Now I think I have may share that I don’t normally like these figurines. In fact, most of them (to me) are quite ugly. But when I saw these, I instantly loved them! Here is another pair that you might like. Check out her account! 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Third on my list were these yellow tulips that I found at the local grocery store. It has been so cold, gloomy, and dark here in Indy that having these for a week during January was a joy! They were so bright, cheery, and added a lovely feeling to our home. 

 

 

 

Fourth on my list has been my most FAVORITE thing this month! I love this new houndstooth tote from Kate Spade. Now I will share that during this month I did purchase a Teddy Blake bag, but I sent it back. I will be sure to share that experience but after sending it back I saw this and could not resist it. A few influencers did purse tutorials on YouTube. Here is the one that sold me! I love it! No regrets!

 

 

 

Oh this one was good as well! I saw this on Amazon months ago and decided to go ahead and order it! So glad I did! It comes in 21 colors. It is the perfect wrap cardigan! I will be wearing this while traveling and I think I may be wearing it during the spring! The fabric is so soft, it wraps so easily, and it’s the perfect pink. It’s perfect you guys! 

 

 

Sixth on my list was my latest blue and white haul at HomeGoods. I wanted this peony arrangement in the blue and white vase and it sold out at the HomeGoods near me. My co-worker went to her location and found it! So of course, I go and in addition to getting that arrangement they had some blue and white on sale! What a wonderful surprise! Also I was able to shop alone so that made it all the more worthwhile. 

And the last favorite for this month was a new YouTube channel that I found!

 

Mariana is another influencer who enjoys being elegant. I love her style and enjoy her videos. I hope you will enjoy her content as well. 

Well, that is it for my favorites for January. The quest for beautiful things is always on my radar and I hope to find more beautiful items to share next month. Have a great Monday!

 

Please note: some links are affiliate links and if you make a purchase through this link, I will receive a small commission for referring you to the product. Thank you so much in advance if you decide to make a purchase through my link.

 

 

 

Top Posts ~ 2022

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Good Morning Everyone,

I tried to get some rest this weekend. I was pretty much unsuccessful. I need to get back on a better sleep schedule this week. My body is not reacting well to not having enough rest. My body tends to get really “tight” when it is tired, and it shows on the scale. Not fun! Other than that, it was a very productive weekend. I got a lot of purging done! I am so excited! I am moving things and packing things up in my stepson’s room. I’ll be glad to have it completely maybe sometime this year! Now on to the top blog posts for 2022. 

Choosing the “top posts” of the year is always so hard. I do love going back and looking to see what inspired me. What new things did I try, purchases, places that I visited. In the end I always pull back and realize how blessed I really am! Thank you, Lord, for everything! 

Now let’s see what my favorites were in 2022!

 

In January…

January Favorites ~ 2022

So many great finds this month. I still love that teapot and teacups!

 

 

Thriving is Elegant

I loved learning about this quote from Maya Angelou. I still have it saved in my phone!

 

 

February ~ 2022

Lunch at a New Tea Room

I was so glad that I took a day to go and have lunch here. I may need to schedule this again. 

 

 

Would you Travel Alone?

I still think about this from time to time. Although I did just get to travel alone to San Diego without my daughter and husband. There is something that renews the spirit when you travel alone. It makes you focus on you and what you actually like. 

 

March ~ 2022

The Grandmilliennial Style of Ms. Rhimes

Still cannot get over this fabulous apartment of Shonda Rhimes!

 

photo credit: Michael Mundy

 

April ~ 2022

A Delightful Home Tour

This was the home tour that got me started with the Guild. This moment will always have a special place in my heart. 

 

 

I will be honest. Most of my blog posts in April I loved! Here they are!

 

May ~ 2022

Be Too Big to Care

This blog post came just in time. I needed to hear why I am on the course that I am on and not to get into the gutter with those who are not worth it. 

 

 

Joining the Guild

This was the same month where I joined the Guild and the Sarah Flint Family!

 

 

June ~ 2022

A Chicago Trip ~ Sarah Flint BA Meeting

I had not been to Chicago in over 10 years! It was a nice short trip, and I made more friends!

 

 

So many fun things happened in the month of June. I took a visit to the Cake Bake Shop, had a small backyard oasis, and went to my first peony festival! 

 

July ~ 2022

Touring the Magnificent Breakers

I simply LOVED Rhode Island. Mr. Shockley and I are hoping to visit again soon.

 

 

July was another great month of wonderful things. You may read all of the posts here. 

 

August ~ 2022

Lady of the House~ What is that for You?

 

 

In August I shared my trip to the Ralph Lauren Store in Manhattan and more mansion tours!

 

 

September ~ 2022

My First Spa Visit ~ Woodhouse Spa

I loved this! I actually go once a month now for a pedicure and will be getting my first facial next week! I will be sure to share the experience.

 

My First Guild Luncheon ~Woodstock Country Club

This was another fun event! I love all of these new experiences that I had in 2022. They made the year more fulfilling!

 

 

Plans for my 40th was another great post as well as my September Favorites. I always enjoy sharing those. 

 

October ~ 2022

During this month I went to my first concert! Going to see Diana Krall is an experience that I will never forget. It was wonderful. 

 

 

Of course, this month would not be complete without me sharing my 40th birthday celebration! I still can’t believe that I am 40. Honestly it sounds good saying it. 

 

 

November ~ 2022

This is the month where I shared my visit to Nashville, Tennessee. We did not get to stay long but seeing the Sarah Flint store and having dinner at Restoration Hardware were great introductions to the city!

 

 

And this year’s Thanksgiving celebration was simple and quiet. 

 

 

December ~ 2022

My Christmas Table setting was fun to create this year. My December favorites shared more of my adventures for this month and being in my first fashion show was a great experience! It turned out better than I thought it would. 

 

 

2022 was a wonderful year for me and my family! I am not sure what’s in store for us this year, but I am always praying that the Lord is with us and that everything we do, and plan is according to his will. Life has its ups and downs but trying to remain grateful is always at the center of my heart. Thank you for reading! 

 

 

Top Blog Posts from previous years

 

 

 

 

December Favorites ~ 2022

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Good Morning,

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas! We spent it with family and friends. I quite enjoyed everyone’s company this year. Gifts were small but of great quality. I think that is the direction where everyone is headed in my family. Of course, we thanked the Lord for our health and for the many blessings that we received this year. The Lord has been quite gracious to us. 

This year has been full of so many new adventures for me. I am trying to have more experiences in my life instead of things. I feel like a lot of people are on that path. We will see what the Lord has planned for us this year. But let’s get into my favorites for the month of December. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

 

First on my list was my trip to San Diego earlier this month. This was my first trip to the west coast, and it was different for me. First off, that time zone difference! Whoa, that hit me around day 2. I was so tired and hungry all the time! 

 

 

I stayed at the Kimpton Alma Hotel. The staff was incredibly nice, and they had “happy hour” every night. They served wine and hor d’oeuvres. Each night it was different. The weather was a little chilly in San Diego but quite comfortable. 

 

 

Second was my travel outfit and gear. Since I will be traveling at least twice a year for my job I decided to buy better items for traveling. First off, I love my new carry-on tote from Mark and Graham. I think I may have already shared it but I love it! It looks so classy! Loving my new city sneakers as well and I did purchase some new organizational items for packing. 

Speaking of traveling I did order a second pair of travel sneakers.

 

 

This was my third favorite. I know they may not be for everyone, but I thought that they were so fun! I saw them in Von Maur and could not resist. I love seeing a classic beautiful coat with a fun pair of sneakers. 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley

 

Still on the travel items this pill holder was my fourth favorite. I ordered this from Etsy and it’s William Morris inspired. I plan on using this for my vitamins, aspirins, and anything else I will need while traveling. 

 

 

Fifth are my new but old vintage clip earrings! I found these gorgeous things on Poshmark and had to make an offer! I have been wearing them nonstop ever since!

 

 

The sixth was my recent visit to the Franklin Artcraft Theatre. My husband and I went to watch White Christmas! It was so nice! They come out and announce the movie and say the Pledge of Alliance every time. I want to come back and watch Funny Face with Audrey Hepburn and visit the new antique store called FrenChic. 

 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Seventh on my list was this bundle of fresh pine that I found at the grocery store. I also found this faux silver champagne bucket at T.J. Maxx. It was a great find! I used some of this pine in my Christmas table setting which I will share later. 

 

 

Ninth is my Christmas gift. So I saw this beautiful ram bracelet on Ward Vintage’s Instagram account and had to message her about it. Turns out it is Kenneth Jay Lane and was up for purchasing. I showed it to my husband and said that I was going to message her and ask if it was still available. About an hour later, she responds and says that it is no longer available someone had purchased it! I was so mad and went on ranting in the house for a few days. What I did not know was it was my husband who had purchased it right from under me! He surprised me with it on Christmas day. I smiled and said, “very smooth”! 

 

And last is a new YouTube channel that I recently discovered. 

 

 

 

Now I don’t love everything but most of her vintage dishes and designs I do love! Especially her anchor hocking goblets in this video! I am now on the hunt for some! I do hope that you all enjoyed my December finds. Let me know in the comments section below how your Christmas was! I would love to hear from you all! Have a great Monday!

 

 

Please note: some links are affiliate links and if you make a purchase through this link, I will receive a small commission for referring you to the product. Thank you so much in advance if you decide to make a purchase through my link.

 

 

November Favorites ~ 2022

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Good Morning and Hello to the last week of November

Shesh… I can’t believe it is the last week of November. My goodness! I seriously feel like I have to start shopping for Christmas Eve dinner! So much so soon! I start my busy week today. Then I will be packing soon for my work trip to San Diego. I honestly don’t know what to expect. I will be wearing my city sneakers from Banana Republic, my Concourse tote from Mark & Graham, one of my comfy dresses, chic cardigan, pearls and Chanel brooch. If I remember to take a photo, then I will share my “airport style” with you all. 

I am looking forward to this opportunity and new adventure! Now let’s share what made me smile in November….

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

The first on my list are the country clubs that I get to visit with my group the Guild. I never knew about all these glorious spaces! It’s been wonderful! This room was in the Highland Country Club here in my city. 

 

 

Second has been what I call “life photos”. This is me in my car on my way to the office and this is a daily look into my life. My fresh flowers for the week, fav handbag of the moment and my shoes. I am serious. This is what my passenger seat looks like all the time!

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Speaking of my office, my third fav is my office but really it is my new carry-on Concourse tote from Mark and Graham. I do love this! Especially seeing my monogram on it. I have been carrying it nonstop!

 

 

 

Fourth is my new Christmas tree urn from Ballard Designs. I will be sure to share what my tree looks like in it. It is truly a beautiful piece and definitely what I was seeking to help me start my sophisticated Christmas decorating! It’s lovely and I have gotten lots of compliments! 

 

 

The fifth is this Barbie ornament. I have been in love with this ornament since 2003. I first saw her on my mother-in-law’s Barbie tree and started my quest of making my own Barbie Christmas tree. I found this about 2 years ago on Poshmark. I am going to love pulling her out year after year. She reminds me of Jackie O!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Sixth are daily happenings. I walked in from work one day last week and saw this. My husband had gone to Costco to get my favorite poinsettias. I love seeing these every year. 

 

 

And last are these new pumps from Sarah Flint. These are now in my top 5! I love these! There is an awesome sale going on right now! Sarah is having a Cyber Monday sale where accessories are 20% off as well as table wear! I would take advantage if I were you! Not sure what pair of shoes to get? Then try the Fireside House Shoe. I have a pair! You can use my code SARAHFLINT-BASMSSHOCKLEY and get $50 off of the house shoe. Need a gift? Then get the house shoe for a family member or friend but don’t forget my code! 

I hope you all have a great Monday! 

 

 

 

Please note: some links are affiliate links and if you make a purchase through this link, I will receive a small commission for referring you to the product. Thank you so much in advance if you decide to make a purchase through my link.

 

October Favorites ~ 2022

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Good Morning,

I had a very quiet weekend. I really needed it because on Tuesday evening I realized that I had a spider bite on my leg! You guys it got so bad that I had to go to the doctor’s office! I have been on antibiotics all week and I hate it! You may notice a big band-aid on my leg in some of my upcoming stories. I am trying to let it heal. It has gotten better but I tell you last week was rough! I am so glad that we took it easy this weekend.

On Saturday, I invited my cousin and her two boys over for dinner. It was so nice catching up with them. We have not seen each other since before Covid so it was nice seeing her and checking in. I kept things simple. I just made some breaded chicken, roasted broccoli, roasted potatoes, and banana pudding. Her son specifically asked for the banana pudding. I think he enjoyed it!

Last week in the office was extremely busy and I am afraid this week will be the same, but I have less events going on. Today is Halloween and I am keeping things simple. Rick and I will order pizza, I will make a salad, cook some apple cider, and pass out candy. Lauren is going to walk around our neighborhood and “trick or treat”. She is really hanging out with friends and that’s okay! Well let’s get into my favorites for October. October goodness…. the holidays are so close now.

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

First on my list has been my pumpkin decor. The At Home Store has had the best selection of blue and white pumpkins. I especially love the Grace Mitchell blue and white pumpkin collection. I saw this one in the store a few weeks ago. 

 

 

I have loved using the Grace Mitchell pumpkins in my table decor. These are from last year. 

 

 

 

I did purchase a larger one. I have it mixed in my other pumpkins. It looks great!

 

 

I love this one! I found it at HomeGoods and guess what I found the link to it! Yay! 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Second on my list has been my bedroom. It has become a quiet sanctuary to me in the evenings. I started watching the Crown recently. I am on season one! Let me know in the comments section below if you have watched it! 

 

 

 

Third is this delicious roasted chicken dinner that I order from a restaurant called Charleston’s. It is so good! The chicken is so tender, and the garlic mashed potatoes are a perfect pairing. Even the roasted veggies are a delight to eat. 

 

 

 

Speaking of the Crown, my fourth favorite is a book. I started reading this when we were on our way down to Nashville a few weeks ago. It has been so interesting to read and to learn about the late Queen. Jennifer from the Daily Connoisseur recommended this book a while back. I am glad I finally started it. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Fifth are my insect brooches. They are so fun to wear. People just stare at them. I think that they are still very chic when I pair them with my cardigans. I am on the hunt for more!

 

 

My sixth favorite is my office decor and clothing accessories. I love this photo. This is from my downtown office. I was working at my computer when I turned around and saw this. I thought, “well this looks autumn inspired” so I snapped a photo. Love the colors and textures!

 

 

 

Seventh is my vintage plate that I purchased from Pender & Peony. I actually hung it in my downtown office! It looks great! It adds an unexpected element of elegance to my space. 

 

And my last favorite is a new Youtube channel that I have discovered…

 

 

His name is Kevin Lee Jacobs and he is like a male version of Martha Stewart! I love his channel and his elegant style. Also, his recipes are simple and easy to make. I hope you enjoy it!

Those are my favorites for this month. I am trying to get a head start on the holidays. They are coming up so fast! I have already scheduled my Christmas events for the season. Lauren and I will be attending the Nutcracker this year, but it will be the Russian version! I can’t wait to see it! I am taking the staff that I supervise to the Cake Bake Shop for lunch, I will be booking my yearly brunch at the Ayres Tea Room soon and I will be putting up my Christmas trees in about 2 weeks! Also, the group that I joined called the Guild will be having their Christmas lunch soon and fashion show. Guess who got asked to be in the fashion show? Yep, yours truly! Let me know in the comments section below what your plans are. Have a great Monday! 

 

 

 

 

Please note: some links are affiliate links and if you make a purchase through this link, I will receive a small commission for referring you to the product. Thank you so much in advance if you decide to make a purchase through my link.