Items that I loved for the month

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.

 

 

September Favorites ~ 2022

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Good Morning!

I hope you all had a great weekend! I did not attend the Fall Festival in Franklin BUT I do intend on attending the Vintage Whimsy festival this upcoming weekend! It’s my fav antique store in Franklin! That I am looking forward to! My 40th is Wednesday and I am getting excited. I confirmed with the bakery that I will be picking up my cake on Wednesday around 2! Goodness, you guys I hope it’s beautiful! I confirmed with my husband that my balloon arch is coming, and we will see how this turns out.

I have a few favorites for this month. I will be sure to share how everything turns out with my birthday plans. Now let’s get into September favorites!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

 

The first on my list is my dinner on the porch moment. A few weeks ago, I decided to put my outdoor table on the porch, put a vintage cloth over it and have dinner. I also brought out my bouquet of sunflowers which I can’t seem to find anymore! This was so needed. I had my favorite salmon meal, sauteed spinach, and brown rice. 

 

 

Second is my new bracelet organizer from Amazon! This has been such a game changer for me. I have always kept my jewelry in my drawers and what I have begun to notice is that if it is all tucked away, I don’t see it and it doesn’t get worn. I have been trying to organize my life in a way where I see my items and wear them. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Of course, this made the list. Every time I pass this I just stare. It’s gorgeous. Simply gorgeous. I hope you had a change to read about my second reupholster experience that was phenomenal!

 

 

 

Autumn is finally upon us and its fourth on my list. I keep telling myself that I don’t need another pumpkin. But every time I say that I find one. This was at HomeGoods and of course there is no link. If you are interested in it, you know where to look. Happy Hunting!!!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Fifth on my list is our new family member named Frank. I purchased him from Target. I saw a designer put a skeleton at her dining room table last year and I thought it was a neat idea. I am not into Halloween decorating that much but I thought this would be fun!

 

 

Sixth on my list has been autumn decorating. The one thing that I like about living in the Midwest is the change in seasons. I love seeing the leaves change colors and everything become cozy and chilly. I found these pumpkin pillows at HomeGoods of course. The pillows are a dark navy color which I adore. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

The seventh has been my new dusty rose tote from Notiq! I shared this brand before. I went back and ordered the tote and affirmation water bottle! I love all my products from this brand. Everything is well made and with purpose!

 

 

 

This had to make the list. I know that I just went but I loved it so much! My visit to Woodhouse Spa was incredible! I cannot wait to go back next week for my first gel manicure! I am also hoping to schedule a facial soon! I will be sure to share!

 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

And last has been roses. I have had several rose bouquets this month from Kroger that have been outstanding! I wish they were always this good but I have been enjoying them this month for sure! I hope you all enjoyed my favorites for the month of September. I do have a new boutique arrival….

 

 

 

My new Autumn Equestrian Scarf is now available on the website! It’s beautiful! The material is so soft. It feels like cashmere without the price. Wear it with your jeans and boots, use it as a throw, take it to the office or buy it for your boyfriend or hubby! I think the scarf can be worn by both people. I hope you all enjoy it!

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August Favorites ~ 2022

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Good Morning,

Last week of August, well it’s the last few days of August! September starts this month! I will share my birthday wish list with you all soon! I did some more antiquing this weekend. I went to Midlands which is one of the most elegant antique stores that we have in my city. I am on the hunt for a new but vintage chandelier for my sitting room. I would like something a bit bigger and better quality. But let’s jump right into my favorites for the month of August!

 

 

The first on my list is sitting. I love having days where I can just sit. I took some time this weekend to sit a little more. I have not been sleeping well the last two weeks. I have been getting up an hour early and that really affected my body’s reaction. Having a day or two to just sit and relax is important!

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Second is a new vintage Jasperware purchase! I ordered this teacup and saucer from eBay. I reached out to Katherine from Pender and Peony and asked if they were safe to drink from and she said yes so, I could not resist ordering one! It’s quite lovely!

 

 

Third is my bathroom. I love this room! I recently took a step back and just stared at it. I still can’t believe that my husband painted this for me. It’s still a dream. If you missed out on this small update you may read it here. 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

The fourth has been my beautiful vintage perfume bottle! Katherine from Pender & Peony had a set of 2 but I missed the auction! So I went on Etsy to see if I could find one and I did! I found similar ones here and here if you are interested. 

 

 

Fifth is my cameo bookmark and Coach notebook! Aren’t they a beautiful combination? The notebook is great for jotting down ideas and needs. The bookmark is the epitome of grandmillennial style! Both are quite affordable as well! 

 

 

The sixth has been my antiquing adventures. I have gone antiquing a lot these past few months and have really enjoyed it. Just this past Saturday I found these reproductions. One of the Mona Lisa for about $375 and “Woman with a Parasol” by Claude Monet for about $300 as well. I didn’t buy either but wanted them both!

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Seventh is my new garden stool! Isn’t she lovely? I purchased it from an online antique store on Instagram called Union Birch. I love it! I love the colors and design. It is still very similar to the chinoiserie look. Make sure that you follow her. 

 

 

The eighth are more antique finds! I purchased this blue and white umbrella stand and this blue and white planter. My husband and I are planning on getting a concrete pad poured in our backyard. It will be soo nice to have a place for my table and chairs and to put some blue and white planters out! 

The last on my list is this phenomenal home tour of the Breakers! If you guys enjoyed my posts or my Youtube video of my trip then you will really enjoy the in-depth tour that Homeworthy gives of this timeless property! Enjoy!

 

 

I hope you all have found some inspiration in my August favorites. I love sharing new things and new adventures. I do have some new beautiful grandmillennial inspired items on my “shop my favorites” page. You should check it out. Until then have a great Monday!

 

Oh and the boutique has a new arrival! My first transitional dress of the season is here. The Grace Checker Midi is so elegant. It’s navy and gray and perfect for this new autumn season!

 

 

 

 

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.

 

July Favorites ~ 2022

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Good Morning Everyone,

I had a wonderful weekend. I didn’t do a whole lot but the things that I did were marvelous. I went and visited the new antique store in Broad Ripple called French Pharmacie Flea and it did NOT disappoint! My husband had a friend’s surprise party to attend so my daughter and I went and had dinner at Longhorn. It was a really nice Saturday. Yesterday, I decided that I wanted to go and see Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris! I have no regrets. After watching the previews twice on YouTube, I knew that I had to go and see that movie! It was so inspiring! I teared up a few times during the movie but I smiled for the most part. I feel like Mrs. Harris all the time. I just want to take a leap!  

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I snapped a few photos from the antique store. It was right on point for me!

 

 

Okay now let me share my favorites for the month of July….

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley

 

For one thing I did A LOT of antiquing this month. I just could not stop myself! I just keep finding all of these beautiful things. It’s been a little hard saying no to vintage jewelry. These are my recent purchases above. I found this gold and pearl vintage clip earrings and this pink and gold cameo. I paid under $20 for both!

Oh and I am wearing the boutique’s Ballet Lace Cardigan which is on sale for only $20! 

 

 

My second favorite has been my MME.Mink Picnique Overnighter Tote! I wanted this two years ago but was just not sure. Now that I have it I must say that I love it! It’s quite large but boy is it a head turner! 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Third was this year’s peony season! Now normally I am not able to find any this late, but we just kept finding these for the entire month of June! Here in Indiana, I stop seeing them around the first week of June but we just kept finding them and I enjoyed every minute of it!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Fourth was our summer trip! Most of you know that we went to Newport, Rhode Island this year and it was an absolute dream to me. I loved every bit of this trip. I will be sharing the home tours and other details in the weeks to come! I hope you enjoy it!

 

 

 

 

The fifth has been my giftshop finds from the home tours. After you tour each mansion, you walk downstairs to the gift shop. Each mansion had a gift shop! They all sold similar things, and this was one of them. I saw it and squealed a little. My husband then turned and looked and said, “okay, you can get it”! Yay! It is a chinoiserie champagne wine bucket, but I plan on using it as a vase. What do you all think? I did find a few on Amazon and other places. Check out my shop my favorites page to see them. 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Sixth has been another vintage purchase. I found this company on Instagram called Kimono Dragon and they are located in New York. The owner goes to Paris to shop for vintage jewelry for her store. I love all of the unique pieces. I spotted this vintage Park Lane pearl necklace from 1980 on her website and could not resist. 

 

 

Seventh is another gift shop purchase. I went to two gift shops trying to find this Chelsea Bird teacup and saucer set. I found it and set one to my friend Mrs. Shery as well. This was originally created in the 19th and can be found at the Kingscote mansion. We could not tour that home. It was closed to the public while we were there, but I was still happy to find this set! 

 

 

This month’s list is going to be very long…

More antique finds. So do you all remember my first FBMP find? I purchased a 56-piece Johann Haviland set for only $50? Now what I did not have was the teapot. I went into one of my favorite antique stores and what do I see? The teapot…. I made an offer on it and he accepted it! Yay! I have also been on the hunt for this particular print. It’s the Burgess and Leigh Asiatic Pheasants blue and I found a few teacups and saucers on eBay. The person that I purchased this from still has a few. You can make an offer. Good luck!

 

 

The ninth are my special quote napkins. Lauren found these in the gift shop at the Breakers. She handed them to me and said, “you need to buy these”. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley

 

Tenth on my list was this “Derby style” hat that I found in the gift shop. I love Derby hats and hope that I can attend the derby some day! 

 

 

I am going to enjoy wearing this hat!

 

 

 

And last on my list is this inspirational plate. I saw this in the gift shop as well. “Well-behaved women rarely make history”. I think sometimes you just have to leap. I hope you all enjoyed this month’s favorites. Have a wonderful Monday! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June Favorites ~ 2022

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Good Morning,

I hope everyone had a good weekend. I still can’t believe this is the last weekend in June! I had a wonderful time at the antique fair this weekend. I will be sure to share a few photos later!

Let’s get into my favs for the month of June. I had some fun favorites for this month…

 

 

My first favorite was the boutique’s Ballet Lace Cardigan. I actually kept a light pink for myself and loved wearing it with my blue dress to the office. It was so beautiful and super elegant. I really enjoyed wearing it and will be wearing it again soon. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Second was an antique trip that I took to a new store. It is called Vintage Whimsy and it’s a local store in Franklin, Indiana. My boss shared it with me this month and I had to take a look and I love this store! They have the prettiest things! I ended up purchasing two table cloths, a pair of vintage earrings, and my blue and white platter that I just hung. 

 

 

The earrings look great…

 

 

The third item is my new passport!!! Happy Dance! It finally arrived last week and it only took 3 weeks. I was not expecting that! I am so happy to finally have this. For years I have talked about traveling to Italy, or France and this year I thought, “you know if an opportunity presented itself I would not be able to go because I don’t have my passport”. Right after I had that thought I suddenly felt “lead” to get it started and I am so glad that I did. I’m ready Lord!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Fourth is my new leather quilted bag! I saw this in the store and loved the crystal bird as the button and the soft leather. This is called the Kensington soft bag by Kurt Geiger London. He has other bags like this and this. It’s quite lovely!

 

 

The fifth is my new swan cake topper from the Cake Bake shop. Now I have no purpose for this but at only $15 why not order one? I may place it on a dessert in the new future. Maybe my cake for my 40th but I am not sure yet. If you love it I would encourage you to order it now. In a few months they will go back up in price! Move quickly….

 

 

 

The sixth are my new grandmillennial inspired cameo bookmarks. Aren’t these great? They are so different and wonderful. The price is surprising as well. You may order it here or here. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley

 

Seventh has been my most recent fashion idea. I love tying scarves around my bags but I find that I don’t like the “tie” look. I love for a scarf to drape over the bag and around the straps but if I did that then I have to worry about losing it. I have lost scarves before… not fun. It then dawned on me that I had this vintage Anne Klein Lion scarf clip that I found on Poshmark a few years ago.  I am now using that to help with my drape look and provide security for my scarf.  I found some similar ones here and here. I love it!

 

 

Eight are my new chinoiserie journals that I found at the At Home store. I have tried multiple times to find these online but I can’t seem to locate them. If you have a store nearby I would go and check. These were by the cashiers and were under $10 each! Beautiful!

 

 

And the last item has been this book called Marella Agnelli The Last Swan. I have been reading this during my lunch hour and oh it is so good! I never knew who this woman was but I saw this book on Instagram years ago. It is such an interesting read. Marella was married to one of the Fiat leaders and she lived such a glamours life. I loved reading about her relationship with the Kennedys and Truman Capote. She also had a love affair with interior design and reading how she decorated the family homes was so educational. My daughter even loved the pictures in this book which is rare. 

Well those are my favorites for the month of June. I am starting to get really excited. Our family vacation will be coming up here soon. I will share those details when the time gets closer. Have a wonderful 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.