Creating Beauty ~Oscar de la Renta

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The legendary fashion designer Oscar de la Renta died on October 20, 2014. I think we all loved Oscar like he was our very own personal designer. I for one loved his wonderful attitude toward elegance and pleasure. I followed his channel on YouTube (see here). 



About a year ago Oscar posted a video of an interview that he had with interior designer Miles Redd.  I loved the comment that Oscar made, he said, “I don’t want to see one tulip in one vase. I like to see 10,000 tulips in one vase”. That sounds like something I would say. So watch the video and fall in love with Oscar all over again. 

Photo by Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz on Unsplash





To watch the video from your mobile click here.
(all photos via google)

Multiples of Things ~TKW

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I mentioned before on here that I loved the book by Ted Kennedy Watson called “Style and Simplicity”.  On page 102 he mentioned how he loves “Multiples of Things”.  He says the following:

THINK OF STRENGTH IN NUMBERS on this one. A few bowls hung up in a row is pretty, but quite a few bowls hung up in a row is even prettier. Multiples of one type of object are such a strong visual. Think of a fireplace mantel covered with candlesticks. When you use a good number of the same object, the eye looks at the collective whole as one, and you can create a really stunning display of items. Think also of a dining table filled with clear drinking glasses, each glass filled with a tulip. From the simple to the grand, mass a collection together of awesome visual impact.

I couldn’t agree more and he is right. When I see multiples of things I do see it as one. How clever! So when I have two or three vases filled with flowers together I no longer feel like it’s too much. I feel like this looks really grand…. Thank you Ted!

My blue and white vases at home. 

Ted Kennedy Watson’s table. Gorgeous white dahlias!

Another one of Ted’s tables! Multiples….

My peony arrangements this past summer. Multiples….





A photo from Ted’s store. He even puts all of his items in multiples and it looks splendid!



(all photos via my own and Ted Kennedy Watson.com)

Madeline’s ~ A Boutique in Brown County

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Madeline’s is one of the beautiful vintage shops in Brown County. I always make sure I take a visit there. It feels so comfortable and inviting when you walk in. I love all the decor and all the quilts, napkins and home accessories they have.

It is such a cute shop that you must also add this to your list when visiting Brown County. This place is an excellent store to find great hostesses gifts! You can also buy great Christmas gifts too! There are so many ideas that you could come up with to spend money here! It’s just perfect! Enjoy!
The front of Madeline’s 




The entryway; this is as soon as you walk in. 
Sorry it’s so blurry.




Napkins and place-mats 




I love these blue and white napkins. 

More great home accessories

Some of their homemade products

Some of the gorgeous vintage quilts

all photos via Mrs. Shockley




If you wish to contact Madeline’s their number is (812) 988-6301. Their email address is madelinesfrenchcountry@gmail.com. 

My Favorite Glassware

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I have been on this glassware hunt for some time now. I wanted some nice, dishwasher safe glasses to use every day. I was visiting One Kings Lane and I saw these fantastic “bee goblets”. Well, at that time I could not purchase them. They were a little steep in price. But that afternoon I went over to T.J. Maxx and what did I find? You guessed it the “bee goblets” for $2.99 a glass!

So I jumped with joy on the inside and quietly took them upfront to pay for them. I have been adding glasses here and there to my collection. I am very happy with it so far. My step-son’s even use my goblets which I think is fantastic!  So below is my collection of glasses and also check out my China & Transferware Board on Pinterest. It’s filled with beautiful inspiration. Enjoy!

My bee goblets. I use these everyday!




My green goblets. My mother in law gave me these. 

All of my glasses and goblets I use. 

These cups are Cynthia Rowley

More Cynthia Rowley items. 





These leaf glasses were a gift from my mother in law 
for my birthday. They come in a set of 16. 






My mother in law was doing some cleaning and decided to give me these also.
I love them! Especially, the detailed handle. So chic!
(all photos above are my own)




Love this beautiful glass below and table setting. 

Photo by Євгенія Височина on Unsplash


Bedroom Bouquets

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I love having a fresh vase of flowers in the bedroom. It just adds something special to that special place. I know for me after all is done for the day there is nothing like getting in my bed and smelling lilies right next to me. I always make sure that I have at least 2 vases of fresh flowers in my home.

Whenever we have people over or if my girlfriends come upstairs they always comment on my flowers in the bedroom. I think it brings a nice and elegant presence to the space. It is also a wonderful way to bring color into your room. Below is a video from One Kings Lane. I love this arrangement that she makes and you will too. Enjoy!

My bouquet of Queen-Anne Lace in our bedroom. 




How to Create a Bedroom Arrangement – YouTube

(if you are viewing this from your mobile, just click on this link)

French Bread

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I love french bread! I have it almost everyday. I discovered this Pillsbury french bread a few years ago at the grocery store. It is so easy to make and when we have guest over for dinner they enjoy it as well.

If prepared right, it is so soft and so delicious. I prepare it with my dinner dishes as well as breakfast. I love it in the morning with scrambled eggs and blackberry preserves! Oh so good!

Below are the steps, it’s pretty simple. I hope you try it!

Here it is still in it’s package.

You take it out and cut slits into it.
Make sure you spray your pan with some cooking spray.

You bake it at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.
Keep an eye on it!

This is the finished product. I put butter on it. Oh my!! Delicious!




I also have it in the morning with turkey bacon. 

Just wonderful!


(all photos via Mrs. Shockley)


Naming your Home

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I’ve being thinking about this idea. It was in the Style and Simplicity book by Ted Kennedy Watson. He said:

Naming your Home

WHY NOT? This practice should not be reserved for old, stately English manor homes. Whether you live in a studio apartment or a grand mansion, naming your home makes it more personal. “Come for drinks at seven to the Gainsborough” sounds much more intimate than just giving your street address. It adds a specialness to your home. We often give a gift of a personalized item (notepads or tote bag) with the house name on it when we have weekend guests.

I thought about this and said okay, maybe I can name my home. I was thinking of naming it “East Heritage”. What do you think? Should one name their home?

Our home
I posted this photo on my Instagram and tagged the author Ted Kennedy Watson in it.

Below was his response. I was so excited!!!



I read Ted Kennedy Watson’s book #styleandsimplicity. I love the idea about naming your home. I have no idea what to name it. Any ideas? @watsonkennedy; #ahomeforelegance

watsonkennedyI love that you are going to name your home! Just something that has meaning to you when you think of it and it makes you smile when you say it. Fab house, btw! Bestest, Ted
smsshockley@watsonkennedy; thank you! I was thinking of East Heritage.
watsonkennedyLove it! Come for dinner at 7 to East Heritage sounds perfect! I think you have a winner. Have fun with it!