Early Fall Favorites ~2015

Now that fall is officially here it is time to start taking a peek at fall fashion and accessories. I am sorry but I love the fall!!!! Nothing wrong with summer but it is just too hot for me!

Finding classic, elegant shoes has been a job for the last few months. I really didn’t find to many sandals that I loved or heels but I stumbled on some great slip~ ins a few months ago.

I did a search on Google for leopard shoes and found these great slip~ in mules at Target!! I love them!! They are so comfortable and they go with everything. The price was reasonable and I adore them. I grab them on the weekends and run my errands and I still look great!


The second item that I love is this Anya Faux-Fur Snood from Chico’s. It is so chic and I can see myself wearing it with some of my classic white shirts and pearls.

Recently, I purchased a pair of Gucci sunglasses and fresh water pearls. I waited 1 year to purchase the pearls and 5 years to purchase the Gucci sunglasses. I saw Sandra Bullock wear a pair of incredibly chic Gucci sunglasses in the movie called the “Blind Side”.  


And last but certainly not least my next fall favorite is my Louis Vuitton Sac Plat tote. I purchased this a few months ago and I love it. I have always wanted a Louis Vuitton and I purchased my bag from Tradesy. I wrote about it a few months ago, see it here if you missed it. 

Me with my daughter at the flamingo exhibit at the zoo and of course 
I am carrying my bag. Love it!!!
photos via AHFE 

The New Fabric

A few months ago my husband went with his father to help a friend move some furniture into his new office space. This friend is an attorney and had some extra furniture that he did not want. So he offered some of the pieces to my husband.

My husband brings the furniture pieces home and I love all of them, except the burgundy arm chairs. They were hideous to me!! I told my husband to drop them off at the Goodwill but he saw the beauty in them before I did which is rare.

I just could not get past that color. I begin to stare at them and then I sat in them. They were tremendously comfortable. So the wheels in my mind begin to turn and I said, “Let’s just change the fabric”. I did a little research and found Vitian’s Re-Upholstery, LLC.

I gave her a call and she came out with these giant fabric books and looked at my chairs. She told me that they were over 30 years old and that I was nuts for wanting to drop them off at the Goodwill. She said, “They don’t make furniture like this anymore, you better keep them”. My husband then looks at me with this stupid smile on his face. Yeah, yeah, he was right.

After talking and laughing for a while we settle on a color called “Platinum”. It took several weeks because of all of the studs but I received them recently and I love them. I am very happy with my chairs and very happy that I listened to my husband.

My chairs before….

My chairs after…. love!!
photos via AHFE

Home Tour- Timothy Corrigan in L.A.

I really enjoy home tours. Especially, when you can watch them over and over. Last year, Susanna Salk and Stacy Bewkes from the fantastic blog Quintessence interviewed the fabulous Timothy Corrigan in his amazing chateau in Paris. I wrote about it last year, see here if you missed it.

Now Susanna and Stacy are back for a second interview but this time it is at Timothy’s gorgeous and sophisticated home in Los Angeles. Tim grew up in this home so he already had the vision and the beautiful connection to it.

Watch the fantastic home tour below and look at the beautiful lunch that he prepared for Susanna. Oh, magnifique!

photo credit Nicole LaMotte, via One Kings Lane
(Video from Quintessence)

Eat like the Royals

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I was reading a book called The French Beauty Solution. I also said that I would share a few notes or chapters from the book that intrigue me.

I read a section called “Eat like the Royals“. This really caught my eye because it talked about how the French eat their meals. I loved this little tidbit. It puts your meals in perspective.

* Eat breakfast like a king. Have it be the biggest, richest, and most satisfying meal of the day.


* Eat lunch like a prince. Its’ not quite as rich as breakfast, but still fills you up.


* Eat dinner like a peasant. This meal is just as delicious, but with nothing that takes a long time to digest.

In other words, breakfast should always be your biggest meal of the day and dinner your smallest. This gives your body the time it needs to efficiently process your meals. It keeps your blood sugar from spiking, which can give you uncontrollable cravings for carbohydrates and sugary snacks. And it gives you all the energy you need to make it through the day.

(text by Mathilde Thomas)
















My Tour of the Manor House Antiques Mall

Everyone has ways to relax. Visiting antique stores is one of mine! I love looking at furniture! It is a great way to unwind and be inspired. The Manor House Antique Mall  has been one of my favorites. They closed sometime ago and I was very sad. But this weekend I found out that they have re-opened at a new location!!! I was so excited. I had to take a trip….

I loved this chinoiserie inspired screen!!!

I really liked the bird prints. 

Fantastic artwork

All of these milk glasses were $1!! I had to use self-control for this.

I loved the floral arrangements on the table.
I tried to get the clerk to sell them to me. I was not successful. 



Photos via AHFE

Simple Bouquets

I love, love flowers and for those of you who follow me on Instagram know that also!!! I have written about my beautiful bouquets before (see here and here). Our local grocery store has the best selection. I am always pleasantly surprised when I stop in. A few weeks ago, I stopped in and they had roses for $3 a bundle!!! I felt as if I had hit the floral jackpot!!!

I love sharing my flower finds on my Facebook page  page or Instagram. I just loving having them in my home. I recently found a fabulous Youtuber named Doninique Sasche. She shops at the same grocery store I do (Kroger) and shares how she displays her lovely finds in her home. I hope you enjoy her fantastic and simple Youtube video below. Enjoy!!!!

My roses at home




My hydrangeas at work



























My hydrangea from my yard!

(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Nighttime Niceties

There is nothing like coming home and relaxing in your bed. Especially after a long work week! I love buying beautiful sheets, pillows & throws for our bed.

I love walking by our bed and eyeing the beautiful neutral colors and soft palettes. Recently, I found these luxurious faux fur pillows at T.J. Maxx. I kept going to them every day! I finally decided, “okay I can’t seem to leave these alone, I must buy them”!!

I have not regretted this purchase. I love them on our bed. They add great warmth and texture. My daughter has been trying to “borrow” one every night. It’s funny. I am glad she enjoys her mother’s taste.

Our bed, please excuse my wrinkled pillow cases. 

Relaxing in my bed, see the cozy blanket
Ahhh nighttime niceties 
I was watching Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic on dvd. 
(photos via AHFE)