Posts

February Favorites ~ 2026

/0 Comments/in /by

 

 

Well, that went by fast. February is over. I honestly didn’t realize until last week that we only had one week left. Geez, I was going to post something else but then realized that I need to do my February Favorites. I have been trying some new things this month so here we go… 

 

 

My first favorite is my Galentine’s Day lunch with my girls! We always have a great time at lunch, and it is so good to catch up with each other and spend time together! We had lunch at Restoration Hardware which is always a treat! 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Next up is my new nightgown! Don’t you just love a new nightgown? I purchased this from Amazon and have been wearing it non-stop! It is so elegant and so comfortable! I need it in more colors. Then I decided that I needed a new hairbrush for my downtown office space. I found this leopard one on Amazon as well. It’s functional and chic!

 

 

Okay, don’t make fun of me but I got an email about two weeks ago sharing this Disney Princess castle candleholder from Bath and Body Works. The little girl in me took a gasp! I had to have it! Those of us with VIP access got to shop first so I ordered mine right away. Then it sold it in less than 48 hours! Keep your eye on it. They might restock it. 

 

 

 

Next up are some office beauties. I will be sharing some more photos from my new space soon. I wanted a new sophisticated trinket box for my space and ordered this decorative box from Amazon. It is huge and so elegant! It comes in many different colors. I think I need a second. Then my husband sent me some pink roses my first week in the new office. That were so beautiful and smelled wonderful! He then sent a second bouquet for Valentine’s Day!

 

Speaking of elegance did any of you see Jennifer’s video about Elegant Planning? Oh, I loved it and hope you will enjoy it as well. 

 

And last on my list is a new health product. I have been really interested in collagen and wanted to try some to help with my joints, skin and possibly help me get more protein. I found Quince’s Collagen Peptide Plus and it is sooo good! I have been putting it in my morning lattes for the last month and have really enjoyed the taste. In addition to the collagen, it has 20 grams of protein! I also saw that it is third-party tested which is a huge plus for me.  

 

 

I add some warm frothy oatmilk and it becomes a real treat. Let me know in the comments below what collagen are you using. People have been stopping me saying, “your face is so radiant, and it is glowing”. Hummm I wonder if it is working? 

I hope you enjoyed this month’s favorites. The newsletter should be coming out soon! Have a great week. 

 

  • Affiliate links attached. This post is not sponsored. 

 

 

 

 

Chinoiserie Desk- Another Dream Purchase

/0 Comments/in /by

 

 

Hello Everyone,

I am trying to start my day in a gracious way. It has been about two weeks since we have moved into our new space, and I do LOVE my new office! I will be sure to share a few photos soon. I have had some really nice outings recently. I attended the Great Gatsby play with some of the Guild members. It was really enjoyable! I love theatre. I had a Galentine’s Day lunch with my friends at Restoration Hardware, and attended our Guild sip and shop event at Midlands. Fun! 

Can I tell you what else has been enjoyable? Walking down my stairs in the morning and seeing this beauty…

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

 

Can I tell you how smitten I was when I saw this last month at the antique store? I purchased it at Consign by Design . When I walked in the sales rep greeted me with a smile. I smiled back and when my eyes looked around, I saw this in the background and immediately walked past her (sorry) and walked right up to it. I could not help it!!!

 

 

I apologized of course and she just laughed. She saw me foaming at the mouth trying to get to this desk. Now this is how I found it at the store. Just look at those details on the front! You can see the Geishas in the front and that beautiful green color. On the inside of the desk are lots of drawers and lots of options for storage. The chair has lots of details as well. 

 

 

There is a glass covering the Geishas on the inside of the desk. It is truly a piece to stare at. When I asked the salesclerk about the details they could not tell me anything. Just that it came in from a consigner who was going through a divorce. No details about the desk. I really want to find out what year this is. I do know that the Geishas are made of mother of pearl but that is it. 

 

 

 

When I was in the store picking it up a mother and daughter duo came in and immediately went to it. I just sat and watched them circle my desk and say where it could go. I then walked up and said, “sorry ladies, this is sold”. The daughter then looked at me and said no! I just laughed. 

I plan on using this desk to write my pen pal letters and encourage more handwriting notes. This is such a beautiful desk. My daughter even loves it! She said, “mom it is fabulous”! That made me smile from ear to ear! She asked if it would be in her inheritance. I said yes! I am loving this. I love curating a beautiful life. 

Be elegant everyone! 

 

  • I actually found this listing. It is very similar to my desk, but I did not pay that! I got mine for a steal. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Closet Update ~ Part 2

/0 Comments/in , /by

 

I just had a lovely weekend. I had a show house shift this weekend, and spending time in it is quite lovely. You get to catch up with other members and spend time in a wonderful historic home. I also attended the Great Gatsby play on Sunday with a few members from the Guild. It was quite enjoyable. I always love supporting the arts and I find it to be enriching than the Super Bowl. Sorry not my thing. 

I have been also waiting patiently for my walk-in closet to be finished. It has taken a few weeks because the cabinets that I wanted are a custom gray color. When my husband and I decided to go forward with my closet installation I knew that I just didn’t want a white closet. I wanted something with a pop of color.

 

 

This was my closet before. The last time that I added any new storage to my closet was in 2018. Over the years I have added items to help with storage and decor. I have changed the hangers so that they all matched. I have added multiple rugs, chairs, and table stands. But I have always wanted the feel of a dressing room. 

 

 

OH MY GOODNESS! I love my new closet! It is just like the renderings that California Closets did in July of last year. This was installed by Meridian Closets. My husband had a friend there and they were able to provide a few more details to help with my vision. 

Can we talk about my gray drawers and gold brass hardware? The color is a dream, and my photos are not doing it a justice right now. In the drawers are my scarfs, belts, purse charms, and other accessories. 

 

 

I am loving my top cabinet drawer. They give me more storage for my space. I am storing my travel essentials in these cabinets. Since I don’t need access to them all the time, I figured those cabinets would be perfect for that. 

I wanted wallpaper in this space but with the cabinet install I would never see it or enjoy it. So, I found these chinoiserie pictures/tiles on FMBP for only $40 and they look perfect! I have always wanted a floral arrangement in my dressing room, so I purchased this ceramic vase from Target.  Other accessories include a new valet rod, foot stool, and push tap lights so that I can see my clothing. 

 

 

Here is a glimpse of my closet. I will be doing a full tour on YouTube soon. Until then be elegant every day!

 

  • This post is not sponsored. Affiliate links attached. 

 

 

 

Small Lux in my Powder Room

/in , /by

 

 

It is so cold! It has been so frigid this week! BRRRR! I have been trying to stay warm and stay at home. Goodness! This week will be hard because I have some meetings and we are moving buildings here shortly. I do look forward to decorating my new space. 

In my free moments I have been doing things that relax me. I have been able to pick back up in reading some of the books that I ordered and purchased recently. One of them is called A Life in Good Taste by Caroline Gidiere. This book is so good! I have a lot of pages “bunny eared”. I wanted to share her ideas about the powder room since it inspired me around the holidays. 

Most of you know that in 2021 I did a little powder room update and I still love it! 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

 

I still demand that the door stay open and I still love being in here. Around the holidays I always try to make sure that necessities are placed in here for convenience. Caroline says, “entering a powder room should feel like opening a little jewelry box and finding a hidden gem. I love to cover the space in pattern, even on the ceiling, for a luxurious and enveloping sensation.”  

I believe that my stencil chinoiserie painting created that enveloping sensation in our powder room.

She goes to say, “to me it is the height of comfort to have a fragrant bar of soap and pristine hand towels close to the faucet.”

 

 

 

I found this vintage peacock napkin holder from an antique store and added to my powder room during the holidays. I loved it so much that it will now stay. Now I do have hand towels. They are not monogramed but I like to make sure that they are clean. I purchased this basket and placed it on the floor. Inside are fresh towels that I can just grabbed whenever we have guests at our house. 

Caroline said, ” my favorites are floral hand towels from D. Porthault, whose offerings are so special that I often don’t pay attention to whether or not they match the surrounding elements.” I love the idea of having quality hand towels but sometimes you just can’t afford them. You can find great ones at affordable prices at HomeGoods or these that I found on Amazon. 

 

 

 

Another thing that I love seeing in other powder room are the soaps that some families use. I have been able to try out or test other products because of what a powder room may have. I love the soaps at Bath and Body Works. This one is my absolute favorite! I also love the Nest brand. They have beautifully scented soaps. I purchased these soap dispensers from Amazon and have gotten compliments from all of our guests and added this jasmine scented lotion to the powder room. Everyone enjoyed using both products. We cannot forget about scents. I love a Bath and Body Works wallflower to add to the senses and to help alleviate any other smells.  Again, it’s the small luxurious items that you can offer your guests for a wonderful experience. I know using the bathroom is not a fun thing sometimes but why not offer some elegance while using yours. 

I hope you all found these tips helpful and will take a second look at your powder room. Turn it into your jewel box if you can! Be bold and enjoy. 

 

 

  • Affiliate links attached 

 

 

 

 

The Inspiring Design Panel

/in /by

 

Hello Friends,

What a busy few days I have ahead of me. I am now trying to get caught up with “life” since they have re-opened the government. I am now working on my Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas list. For the past few days, I have really been into home design, comfort and beauty. My home is completely decorated for the holidays, and I will be sure to share that later but for now I did want to share a recent video that posted to YouTube.

The video is called Conversations on Design. 

 

Photo via Charlotte Moss.com 

 

 

This video was an absolute joy to watch, and I so enjoyed the conversations. I wish I could have attended this in person! This was a special event spearheaded by Charlotte Moss celebrating creativity, community, and the future of interior design. This inspiring program benefits the Interior Design Scholarship at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCUarts), supporting the next generation of designers, creators, and innovators. The program features leading voices in the world of design:

If you love design, then you will LOVE this video! I will be taking next week off from the blog to spend Thanksgiving with my family but will return the following week with my November favorites. Happy Thanksgiving!

 

  • Some text via YouTube. This post is not sponsored.  
  • Shop my favorites page for any gift or ornament ideas! Or go to my ShopMy page for more higher end purchases. 

Flower Magazine Show House~ 2025

/in /by

 

 

Hello Everyone,

I have started my Christmas decorating in my home. I took some days this week to get my trees up and get everything decorated. It feels good to have that long list behind me. I am also in this small task/details/ tedious work in my home mood. What I mean by that is I am going into various rooms in my home and re-organizing, and cleaning small areas. Recently, I went into my kitchen cabinet under my sink and re-organized it. I am picking apart my closet again. I will be going thru my home office and moving it around. I need to clean out my phone gallery and get my digital photos organized. There are just a lot of small projects around the house that I want to do. 

I also need to go through everything in my downtown office before we move. I can’t wait to take everything out, throw stuff out, and move my new furniture and items into my new space. Like I said I want to be a better curator. 

I just want beautiful spaces wherever I live. Speaking of new spaces, we now have our new show house for the upcoming year. I also just found out about the Flower Magazine Show House! Oh, my goodness, if I would have known about it earlier, I may have planned a trip to go and see it. There are so many show houses going on in the country. I really need to get a list going and get dates on my calendar but for now here is the Flower Magazine Show House. It is gorgeous! 

 

watercolor illustration of the Flower magazine 2025 showhouse front facade in Nashville Tennessee

Illustration by Adrienne Retief

 

 

Look at this spectacular home! This is a 6-bedroom, 11 bath home was built in 1999. It is a total of 20,000 square feet and was built by architectural firm Pfeffer Torode. This show house was open from October 9 to October 26. There were 23 designers and 9 floral designers. Some of the big names that I recognized was Mark D. Sikes, Corey Damen Jenkins, and Meg Braff. 

 

photo by Leslee Mitchell/ Illustration by Diane Carnevale 

 

First up for me was this beautiful bedroom decorated by Alexandra Norwood Interiors. This is absolute heaven. I love the fabrics, and simple elegance of the room. I would have loved to have seen the green light fixture. You should visit her website. She has lovely taste. 

 

photo by Leslee Mitchell/ Illustration by Diane Carnevale 

 

Next up is the fantastic Corey Damon Jenkins. I recently fell in love with Corey’s work while watching the Kips Bay Show House in New York. He decorated the dining room and oh my goodness! It was spectacular and wonderfully layered. Corey decorated the study in this show house. I am loving the blues, greens and creams. 

 

photo by Leslee Mitchell/ Illustration by A. Moreno 

 

When I saw the wallpaper in this room, I immediately took a screenshot. I am toying around with ideas for my walk-in closet and adding wallpaper is one of them. This room was designed by Duval Design. Again, another design firm that has the gift of layering. I loved this little corner of the bedroom with the vanity/desk, chair and dreamy wallpaper. 

 

photo by Leslee Mitchell/ Illustration by Shanna Masters 

 

This room felt like a secret garden. This was the guest suite in the show house designed by Kim Scodro.  Again, the wallpaper! I am in love with it along with the substantial furniture pieces. This room also has wonderful light and French doors. What a guest room! 

 

photo by Leslee Mitchell/ Illustration by Diane Carnevale 

 

The last room is the mud room designed by Parkes & Lamb Interiors. Now this would be a dream room to have. I love the flowers and fabrics. It would be a great space to house all of my coats, scarves, and other outerwear accessories. I love the idea of having fresh flowers in a mud room. Now what a great welcome would that be to come home to? I hope you all enjoyed this house tour. I am loving home tours lately and looking for inspiration in my home that I can incorporate. Let me know in the comments below if you have visited a show house in your city! 

 

  • This post is not sponsored. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Dream Secretary

/in /by

 

 

Good Morning Friends,

Oh I am so happy to have the hour back. It means a lot in the mornings and really does help with getting things done throughout the day. This past weekend was nice. I did my usual errand runs and did a few things around the home. 

But friends I will be honest, this past month has been really frustrating especially these last two weeks. As a federal worker, I will say that it is hard. Lots of people think that we are sitting at home still collecting a paycheck but what people don’t understand is that we really are not. This week could be the second paycheck that we miss, and I tell you it is hard on families. I shared this back in 2019 (Living During a Shutdown), and I am still living this way but with a lot of frustration. 

I am still praying for clarity, peace, and understanding. Now onto my glorious FBMP find!

 

 

I still cannot believe that I actually purchased my dream secretary. I mentioned that I wanted this desk back in 2020. It is so funny how sometimes you can mention something, share it, post it, or put it on your vision board and watch it come into fruition. I must admit sometimes it is a bit scary. I shared this office in a blog post in 2019, so this desk has been on my mind for a long time. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

 

Now how did I found this beautiful piece you may ask? Well my one of our interior designers from the show house, Blake Richardson, sent me the FBMP post. I told him that I was on the hunt for one and he mentioned that he saw this piece on marketplace. I looked at it and immediately fell in love the only problem was it looked humongous on marketplace! I went home and pulled out my measuring tape and measured it out. Then I reached out to the seller to get more info. I spoke with my husband, and he said that it would just be too big. I then convinced myself that it would be too be for my space and tried to let it go. But I could not. I mean do you see the details of this beautiful thing! 

 

 

So a week goes by and it does not sell on FBMP. I cannot shake it. I kept thinking about it and you know what the price was? Only $330! Unbelievable! The cheapest I could find one was on Charish for $1,400 so I was completely aware that this was cheap, and I needed to see it in person. So I reached out to the seller to make arrangements to see it. Once I walked up to her door I knew. She was a beautiful older lady with fantastic taste. As soon as I stepped inside the house, I looked to my left and saw more Asian inspired furniture and the biggest smile on her face. It was as if she knew. One thing she did mentioned when I messaged her was that “only certain people can appreciate a piece like this”. I knew that that person was me. 

We sat and talked for over an hour! We talked about work, and beautiful homes. It was like she was my long-lost friend. The connection was truly incredible! 

 

 

She told me that this piece was over 40 years old and was purchased from an estate sale. She believed that it was originally from Spain but could not recall. I told her that it was beautiful and could not believe that she was selling it! She said that her and her husband were downsizing and that it would not fit in her new home. I then asked about the price of $330. She said that it was her favorite number. Look at all of the beautiful storage. I told her and her sweet husband that it was going to be placed in my new office in February downtown and that I promise to take care of it for the next 40 years. 

I am so happy to have this piece in my life. This was truly a surprise, and I am very grateful to God for having Blake send me the listing and for letting me have a wonderful encounter with Mrs. Ragland! Have a great weekend!