Homemade Meatloaf

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Good Morning Everyone,

I hope everyone is well. I have been in the office all this week filling in for my friend and co-worker. It has been pleasant so far. Very quiet and I have been able to get quite a bit of work done. I hope it continues….
In my post today I wanted to share this quick family-friendly recipe that I decided to try. Now I have made meatloaf in the past but not like this. I have never put veggies in my meatloaf. This tasted so good!

This is the classic meatloaf recipe from Martha Stewart. It was very simple to make and did not take much time at all. I used my Vitamix to cut all of the veggies down to small chunks. It worked perfectly. 

I put in carrots, onions, parsley, garlic, wheat bread, and seasonings. It was the best meatloaf I have ever made! Also, the ketchup with the brown sugar was so delish!

The meatloaf was complemented by homemade mashed potatoes and green beans. It was a wonderful Sunday meal and a great way to spend the evening. You should definitely try it! Your family will remember it.  Have a great evening! 




(photos via Mrs. Shockley)



Antiques from Asheville

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Good Morning Everyone,


This weekend went by rather quickly. We had a thunderstorm sometime last weekend and our downstairs t.v. has not been working all that well. After a few days passed some of our neighbors posted that some of their appliances and electronics stopped working. So we figured that somehow our area was struck with lightning and almost half of our neighborhood lost a t.v., garage door opener, dishwasher, stove or some sort of electronic. None of us are happy but it is what it is. 

At least no one was hurt. We have to learn how to find some blessing in some of our life complications. Now on to something beautiful. 
In this post, I wanted to share up-close photos of the beautiful items that I purchased from Antique Tobacco Barn in Asheville, North Carolina.

I talked about these items on my Youtube channel. I purchased a crystal letter opener, Australian cookie jar and an Asian or chinoiserie inspired teapot with stand. 

Here is an up-close photo of the Austrian cookie jar. That is what the label described this as. I am not sure if it is. I will not be putting cookies in this. It’s way too gorgeous for that! I am not sure if it is hand painted but it is just an exquisite item to me. I had to have it. 

Here are the stamps on the bottom of the jar. If anyone can tell me what these mean I would greatly appreciate it. 

Here is my “gorgeous darling” in my Eartha Kitt voice, Asian teapot. I saw these and just stared at it. Once I picked it up I realized it had a stand I said to myself, “oh there is no way I am leaving this here”. No one will have this. It’s one of a kind. It feels solid, the colors are gorgeous and it appears to be well made. I know the bottom of this teapot said 1986 and it looks like it was hardly used. I wish I knew the story behind this. I bet it is interesting, 1986, I wonder where it has been. 

I just love it, don’t you? If you are a teacup or teapot lover you can’t resist this. I wonder how owned this? It was made 34 years ago. I may have to conduct some research to see what I can find out. I’ll let you guys know if I learn anything. 



(UPDATE):

I found out some history about my teapot. This is the Franklin Mint 1986 “Bird and Flowers of the Orient” designed by artist Naoko Nobata. 

Franklin Mint Birds And Flowers Of The Orient Collection | Etsy
I saw this set. It was sold out. Each set that I find it is sold out so they are not lasting online. You may be able to find one on eBay if you are interested. 

I hope you enjoyed this post and have a wonderful Monday. I am in the office this week filling in for my friend. I pray this week goes well. I have not been in the office for a full week since March. 

Thanks for reading!



(photos via Mrs. Shockley)


Biltmore Trip/Kings Island~ 2020

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Good Morning Everyone,

It’s the last day of July and we are expecting some cooler temps next week! Yay! It’s been hot. It has taken me a while to get this post together from our trip. I can’t believe that 2 weeks have passed already!

So let’s get into our recent vacation to the Biltmore and Kings Island.

This is the view when you enter the park. We only spent one day here (thank goodness). It was so hot and wearing a mask was not the best thing. 

This was the first rollercoaster that Lauren got on. Now she and my step-son had a great time at the park but we did have a few issues.

On one of the rollercoaster rides Lauren’s face mask fell down and once the ride was over we wanted to purchase the photo. The staff would not let us because her mask fell down. Now I get it, they don’t want us posting that to Facebook and people thinking that they don’t have to wear a mask but come on now. Wearing a mask on a rollercoaster was a bit much to me. Now if you are walking around and standing in line, okay wear your mask but while riding that’s a bit much to me (they did space everyone at least two seats apart). 

The second issue was with me and my husband. We wanted to take a “break” so we found an area in the park (it was not crowded) where we can sit and take off our masks. No one was around us but a security guard came up and told us to put them on. Really?!!! No one is around us. Now they had these “break areas” where you could go and take off your mask and they want you to do it there. But what’s over there? You guessed it more people!! It made no sense to us! Just nuts!!!!

Oh and if you had one of their $20 fountain drinks in your mouth they would not tell you to wear your mask as long as you were spending money. 

I was so happy to leave Kings Island and head to Asheville. Arriving at the Biltmore was a breath of fresh air!!!

Now you did have to wear a mask while touring the home but we understood that and most people stood over 6ft apart. People were quiet and absorbing the home. It was a much better tour this time. This is the garden room. I spy blue and white!!!

The gorgeous dining room. I didn’t take as many pictures this time. I wanted to enjoy the home and not have a camera in my hand the entire time. 

I completely missed this the last time we were here. I spy blue and white again! Beautiful details!

I loved the furniture in this room. The contrast between the floors, rug, and furniture is so elegant to me. 

Mrs. Vandebilt’s room, always a favorite. 



Mr. Vandebilt’s study



After the tour, we headed to the gift shop which I did not get to visit the last time. Alas, blue and white. So pretty!
My husband and I also did some wine tasting in this room and purchased 4 bottles of the Biltmore wine. We then headed outside to the gardens. 

Lavender

The conservatory is a work of art itself.

I also didn’t snap any food photos this time. I really wanted to just enjoy my vacation and not take pictures the whole time. But I did have to get a photo of this dessert that my step-son ordered. It was a little too tart for me but visually beautiful. 

Despite the heat, and the mask frustration, overall it was a really good trip. Considering we are in a global pandemic this was a low-key, simple vacation and we enjoyed it. My husband and I tried to keep things in perspective and remind ourselves that we don’t have too many more of these left with our kids. And the Lord has provided all of our needs and our “greeds” during this whole Covid scare. 

Thank you Lord and forgive us for being silly sometimes. I hope you all enjoyed this post and have a wonderful weekend. 
(photos via Mrs. Shockley)


Downton Abbey Exhibit ~ Biltmore Vacation

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Hello Everyone!
Okay, I know, I know… most of you probably have watched my video where I discuss how I have not watched the Downton Abbey series. It’s okay, I plan on watching it soon. I can only watch one series at a time. I can’t do multiples. It’s just too much for me. 

I did, however, want to share one of the exhibits that I got to visit while at the Biltmore.

The one thing that I learned about the show is that it is set during the 1912 sinking of the Titanic and left the future of their leadership in jeopardy. I found that part so interesting. Now I know I need to watch the series!

This particular exhibit was much smaller and located by the winery. 




This is some of the “daywear” worn by Lady Mary. 
These are some of the evening dresses worn by Lady Edith. The original dress of lemon sorbet silk crepe with scalloped hem heavily decorated with seed beading, sequin, and metallic embroidery, layered over a tiered silk and chiffon scallop hemmed slip. 


Evening and daywear collections

This is jewelry belonging to the Crawley family. Wealthy aristocratic women could afford jewelry made from precious metal, real pearls, and beautiful gemstones. 

My favorite is this exquisite brooch. I could not get the details for it. We had a line of people behind us. I would love to recreate this or find one similar. 

Wedding dresses, one was worn by Lady Edith. Again I could not get all of the details but I am loving the blue one. 

Bridal and wedding accessories worn by Lady Mary & Lady Edith

Wedding suit worn by Mr. Carson and a wedding dress worn by Mrs. Hughs (I think). Both are very lovely. 

The last photo that I was able to take on the tour were these various hats worn by the Downton Abbey residents. When you take a step back and look at these clothes it just makes you wonder about where we are today. You can barely get people to put clothes on let alone look nice. 

My heart somewhat grieves when I see items like this because I know we will never look like this ever again. But thank goodness for shows like this. They are great reminders and wonderful breaks for the soul. 

Thank you for reading!!
(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

July Favorites ~ 2020

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It’s the end of another month in 2020. I know many of us can’t wait for this year to be over. We have lost so much this year already. I somewhat dread 2021. I don’t know what to expect. I am trying to be positive. 

Well, let’s jump into my favorites for July…

The first item has been my rose lip cream from Fresh. I take it everywhere, it smells so lovely and is quite a large size. I have no regrets buying this from Instagram. I love it!

My next favorite has been my electric tea kettle that my step-son got for me for Christmas. He found it at Costco but I find one similar from Amazon if you are interested. Our office will not let us use office appliances due to Covid so we have had to get creative. This kettle provides me with the hot water I need to continue to have my hot tea while I am in the office. It has been a blessing. 
Third has been my recent Poshmark Finds. I love Poshmark and continue to purchase from it. It gives me great opportunities to search for items that I want and to negotiate prices. See my video below to take a peek. 

The fourth was my blue and white table setting project. I had so much fun doing this. I loved it and still look back at my photos. 

Fifth were my beautiful pink lilies that I found at the grocery store! Aren’t they stunning? I added some leaves from my peony bush outside to give it more greenery. I loved having these in my home office. 





And lastly, has been the beautiful Instagram account of Nicolas Fairford. 

Pin on Flat
photo credit Nicolas Fairford 
I don’t know if any of you follow him but he has such an elegant and inspiring account. He has superb taste and a wonderful Youtube channel if you are interested.


That’s it for my favorites for this month. Most of the items that I love I have already shared them this month. We will see what August holds. Honestly, I am hoping for cooler weather. It has been so hot lately and wearing a mask does not help. Father, please be with us. 



(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Blue and White Cameo Earrings

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Good Morning Everyone,

The end of July is upon us. Our daughter is suppose to start her sophomore year next week. We thought she would be attending in-person classes but her school has decided to e-learn for the first few weeks. Sounds good to me…. 

I still can’t believe it. Our daughter will be a sophomore in high school. Goodness these years are flying by! She was only 9 when I started blogging. It has been 6 years already!

Not to mention my step-son will be starting his sophomore year in college. He can’t wait to go back. God be with our children this year, please. 

Now in today’s Friday post I wanted to share these beautiful earrings from Nicola Bathie. I have been following her on Instagram for sometime now and I love her jewelry. 

She recently had a sale and I was able to grab her sought after pearl cluster- Paris blue cameo earrings! 

Gorgeous aren’t they?

My box that they came in. 

They are so beautiful. You can’t help but to stare at them. I just stared when I first opened the box. They are just stunning. 

Now they are quite large and she has created a smaller version but the price is still a little high. 

They are a statement piece for any wardrobe. They are quite striking but in a good way. You stare not because they are too big but because of how beautiful they are and very different which I like. 

I hope you can check out her website and subscribe to emails. She does have sales which can help you to get a beautiful pair of your own. Have a great weekend!


(photos via Nicola.com and Mrs. Shockley)

A New White Lamp

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Good Morning Everyone,

Still hoping that everyone is well. It’s been a rough year. I had 4 people that I knew pass away. Only one to Covid and I am already worn out by funerals.

Taking a vacation last week was much needed time away. We really loved Asheville. It was a great time! I will be sharing some photos this week from our adventure.

Today I just wanted to do a quick post about a lamp change up.


I decided to update my lamp in my office. I have had my lamps since 2007 and I felt a change was needed. So I ordered this white Vienna lamp from Home Depot. I love the way it looks and I think it is a perfect fit for the table and decor. 

This is what it looked like before. I believe the white lamp stands out more and gives it a more updated look. 


I am so pleased with how it looks. It looks sophisticated and chic. I was a little apprehensive about buying a white lamp. I am not into all of the white interiors that everyone seems to be steering toward. I love splashes of color here and there. 


But I think this turned out well and was a great purchase. I also ended up purchasing a new faux floral arrangement from HomeGoods while we were in Asheville. 

Let me know what you guys think in the comments section. 


Have a great day!




(photos via Mrs. Shockley)