Living Well by Bunny Williams
I always love learning how to live well. While perusing through the June 2015 House Beautiful magazine I came across an article from Bunny Williams and her husband John. Bunny Williams is a great designer. I love her work!! In the article, she and her husband discuss 8 ways to make life worth living.
1. Offer hospitality, not just a drink. “Show don’t tell, what you’re serving with a well-appointed bar.
(photo credit Domaine)
2. Rethink the centerpiece. “Look beyond flowers and vases and pluck an object from the mantel, scatter shells from afar, or display farmers’ market fruits and vegetables. (see my entry here about that)
Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash
3. For a lively table, invite interesting pieces. “Table settings are like guest lists: Diversity is key…..
Photo by Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash
4. Read, share, repeat. “Buy second-hand books by the bundle so that guests can hang on to the stories they begin, even when it’s time to go”.
5. Don’t be precious about special things. “Use and enjoy your antiques and unique finds, especially in a utilitarian room like the bathroom…..
Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash
6. You need one good piece to anchor a room. ” For me, a mirror often does it……
7. Don’t wait to live well. “John and I used to entertain guests even when we had tiny apartments without room for a dining table. The point is: Don’t put off enjoying your home and friends- today there are so many ways to live well without breaking the budget….
Photo by Yakira Eppel on Unsplash
8. Your home begins as soon as you step out of the car. “It’s not just the inside of your house that deserves stylish touches. Celebrate your arrival by rolling out the red carpet for yourself- or at least a pair of oversize planters.”
Watch this fantastic video from Ballard Designs featuring entertaining ideas from Bunny Williams
(original article from House Beautiful; tips from Bunny Williams)
Grace of Monaco
As I have said before, I love classic movies. Although, this is not a classic movie, not yet. It is a recent release that I discovered in Netflix. I wasn’t sure about watching it but now I am very happy that I did. I loved it!!! It was such a great movie and I thought Nicole Kidman did such a wonderful job playing Grace Kelly! I truly enjoyed it. If you have the time please watch this movie. The setting in France was wonderful, the costumes, the acting, just everything!!! It was just chic…..
Tips for Great Style
After I read a book I always go through it again for a recap. While scrolling through Jennifer L. Scott’s book Lessons from Madame Chic I stumbled upon some tips she gave for dressing well. I love these simple yet truthful tips. I can honestly say that I think this way every time I dress myself. Enjoy the tips!
~ Only wear clothes because you love them, they look great on you, and they reflect who you are.
~ Define your true style to help guide you when shopping.
~ Think of how you want to present yourself to the world every time you get dressed.
~ Listen to your instinct about your style. Deep down you know if something works or doesn’t work.
Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash
Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash
Mrs. Shockley (me)
Joan Rivers jacket
Photo by Alyssa Hurley on Unsplash
Frances Palmer
I was watching a video from one of my favorite blogs Quintessence about a ceramic artist by the name of Frances Palmer. She creates the most beautiful vases and dishes. I just love her work and her garden. Watch the video and see why I watch it every week!
(photo credit Frances Palmer)
Frances’ work
(photo credit Frances Palmer)
(video via Quintessence)
Bruschetta Bread
I found this wonderful and easy recipe from my favorite blogger Mrs. Nikki. Her blog At Home with Nikki is full of great tips, recipes and advice. I have always wanted to try this so when I saw it on her Youtube channel I could not resist!! The bread was so delicious and easy to make. It will be a winning dish when I entertain!
Bruschetta Bread
* French bread
* 2 tomatoes
* Olive oil
* Garlic powder
* Salt and pepper
* Basil (I used the bottle kind)
* Crumbled cheese
Bake the bread first in the oven at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. Then take it out, drizzle it with your olive oil, top the bread with the tomato mixture, then add your crumbled cheese, basil and then your done!
My bruschetta bread
Peony Beauty
Well, it is finally peony season here in Indiana. There is only one florist that I know of that has peonies available to purchase. So when they tell me that they are available I go every week and buy about 2 bouquets for work and home. They are just so beautiful and hard to resist! Last year was the first time I had peonies. See my entry here about those.
I have been to our florist about 4 times already!!! But I really enjoy flowers in my home. There is just a simple beauty that they bring to your life.
My peonies and hydrangea bouquet
My bouquet at work
The peony arrangement from my husband
(all photos via Mrs. Shockley)