Fresh Facial Spray

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I have been learning a lot about facial care recently. I am not a big make-up person but my skin care is very important to me. I recently saw a Youtube video of Martha Stewart and in that video she discussed her facial care routine.

She mentioned using a facial spray toner when she wants to hydrate her skin. I have never heard of a facial spray so I thought I would do some “looking around” and see what I could find. I made a visit to Sephora. They carry almost everything you need for your body.

While looking around I stumbled on a beauty line called “Fresh”. The first thing I picked up was their Hesperides Grapefruit Spray. Oh my gosh is it delicious! So I purchased that and I love it (see my entry here about it). The next was the facial spray. It is called Rose Water Toner. I have been using it for about 3 weeks and I tell you it is fantastic!

I spray it on after my morning cleaning with my Clarisonic (see my blog entry here about that) and I also spray it on at night. It is a bit expense but it is well worth it! If you are looking for a great facial spray then try the Fresh Rose Water Toner. It will hydrate your face and it smells just like roses! The next item on my list is the Rose Eye Cream. I can’t wait to try it!

Flea Market Silver

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Every Friday I pay a visit to my favorite flea market called the Beech Grove Emporium. A few weeks ago one of the booths had some silver pots, trays & cups. On the tag it said the Benedict Inn. The Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference Center  is a place where you can rent a room or space for your special occasion.

I was so excited about my silver teapot set. The price wasn’t that bad either. I don’t think there’s a lot of real silver in it but it’s very beautiful and I am quite pleased with it. I have been learning a lot about silver and it’s value. Trina Leavers a woman I follow on Youtube posted a video some time early this year about her silver tea set.

It is gorgeous! Below is what I purchased at the flea market and I have also provided the video for Trina. As always, enjoy!

My tea set! 

I love these mint julep cups. They were great for my flower arranging.

tea downton abbey style, sterling silver teaset – YouTube

(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Autumn Style Inspiration

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Oh, the season of cold is upon us. I hope we get a “fall” this year. Our autumns here have been cut short so I am hoping to get a good long one this year. Our summer hasn’t been all that good. It has rained a lot here in Indiana.

But since September is coming (my birthday month) I have been looking at photos on Pinterest and getting inspired. I have a fashion board called Magnolia on Pinterest. It’s where I keep all of my outfit inspiration photos. I pulled a few from my board that are just “singing” to me right now. So take a look and let the photos inspire you to get fashionable ready for fall. Also if you missed my blog entry about Street Chic here it is. Enjoy!

Photo by Roland Denes on Unsplash

Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash

Photo by Miriam Przybylo on Unsplash

My White Binders

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I love magazines and books! Sometimes when I am looking through a magazine and there is a page I want or an idea I will usually try to google it if I don’t want to buy the whole book. Pinterest has been a new thing for me. I have only been on it for about 2 years. I love keeping all my ideas on my boards but sometimes I want physical copies.

I started my “white binders” a few years ago (since 2005). I started collecting magazine clippings and printed sheets to catalog my inspiration. It is a lot like Pinterest only I have a book or binder. For me it’s like creating my very own magazine.

They are full of things I love. I keep my outfit inspirations and my decor ideas. I catalog ideas or items I have bought for the house. They have become my “brain” on review. I love it when my daughter pulls them out and starts looking at them. She begins to ask questions about my ideas or why I love something. It has been wonderful.

I would encourage anyone who loves beautiful things or decor to start a few Pinterest boards, scrapbook or start creating your own binders. It will tell you a lot about yourself and what you like.

My binders at home

My binders


Touring in New York

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There is so much to see and do in New York! We were there for about 5 days and there were still things on the list that I wanted to do but maybe next time. Below are some photos we took walking around and driving around New York City. If you ever get a chance to visit I guarantee you will enjoy it!

We drove by the Waldorf Astoria. 
This hotel always reminds me of Coming to America!



Times Square






The Plaza Hotel. This hotel reminds me of Home Alone 2 Lost in New York.







The world famous Cotton Club. 




The Charging Bull in Wall Street. 




My view from Rockefeller Center.  You can see Central Park in the middle.
Just gorgeous…





Giants Stadium

My view from the ferry of the Statute of Liberty. 


My view of the Freedom Tower. 

The Brooklyn Bridge. 

A view of Harlem





This was the entryway to a party that was going on in Bryant Park.
I just loved the lit trees. 

Vegetable Centerpieces & Arrangements

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I have really become fascinated with vegetable centerpieces lately. I recently saw an asparagus centerpiece on the cover of Ted Kennedy Watson’s book Style and Simplicity. I thought “how beautiful” using vegetables to make arrangements.



The prices of vegetables aren’t bad either. So you can have an interesting and healthy arrangement in your home at a cheap price. I recently had an arrangement that had cabbage in it and I just loved it! It made the arrangement look so rich and vibrant. Below is some inspiration for vegetable centerpieces. I hope they inspire you to try out these wonderful items from the garden. Enjoy!



Photo by Vince Lee on Unsplash



(photo from Ted Kennedy Watson.com)
Ted Kennedy Watson’s book Style and Simplicity
A Guide to Living a More Beautiful Life
I have a copy and it is absolutely wonderful!!!


The Frittata ~ A Simple Breakfast

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So as most of you know I purchased Style & Simplicity a few months ago. There is a chapter in the book called “Frittata”. Ted gives you a simple recipe for creating this beautiful breakfast dish. Now I have heard of a frittata from Ina Garten. I record all her shows on Sundays and she made a frittata in one of the episodes.

So once I read this from Ted I thought, “I have to try this”. So I followed the recipe and it turned out great! I loved it! It was so simple and quick. I added some french bread and a glass of o.j. it was a great Sunday breakfast.

So here is the recipe and also here is the blog entry from Ted (see here). I hope you try it and enjoy it as much as I did! Enjoy!

1) Break 5 eggs into a bowl, add a splash of milk, a few pinches of salt, a pinch of pepper and whisk together. 
2) Turn on broiler in your oven so it begins to heat up. You will want to use a non-stick skillet that can go in the oven for the frittata. 
3) Turn heat to the lowest setting on the stove top, and add enough butter so the skillet is fully coated and melts completely. 
4) Add the egg mixture to the skillet. Add crumbled bits of smoked salmon and scattered bits of herbed goat cheese around the eggs. 
5) Let the eggs cook just until they have set on the bottom, but are still runny on the top. 
6) Take the skillet and place under the broiler that you turned on earlier. You want to stay with this dish as it cooks. The eggs will start to bubble, brown, and puff up. Once the entire mixture is set, take out from under the broiler, making sure to wear a heat proof cooking glove or use a hearty pot holder. The handle is going to be quite hot. Serve with toast. This also makes a lovely lunch or Summer supper served with a salad and a glass of Chardonnay.






My frittata. I added the 6 eggs, parsley flakes, salt, pepper, turkey bacon & cheese.
It was wonderful!!