Posts

A Reflective Post ~ Thoughts on my Youth

/0 Comments/in /by

 

Hello Friends,

I am trying to start my week off in the right direction. I am focusing a lot on planning around my energy and my thoughts. This past Easter weekend was lovely. We had family over and spent time with the new granddaughter.

 

 

I kept the table setting simple this year. Our adult kids wanted baked spaghetti for Easter dinner. It is a family favorite. I also picked up this vanilla cake with whipped icing on the outside and inside. It was so delicious! This cake has been a family favorite for years. 

In today’s post I wanted to revisit a post that I wrote and shared in 2020. I can’t believe it has been six years already, but a lot has changed in me since then. It’s called Thoughts on my Youth, and I wrote it during a time where I was working from home and FINALLY got a chance to breathe and actually sit down and think about what has happened in my life for the last 15 years. 

I went back recently and re-read that post and watched the video of Beyonce making her comment. I sat with it for a moment and what makes me happy is that I wrote that post six years ago and it documented where I was. It also helps me to understand why I made some decisions in the years after. 

 

 

Photo via: Aerin Lauder

 

 

Now I still wish I had studied abroad and visited a few countries, but who is to say that I can’t do it now? There is a comment in that post from a reader named Arabella and she mentioned that maybe this is the time, when I am older, that I am suppose to have my adventure. Perhaps I will appreciate it more now than I would have in my 20s. And you know what, she is absolutely right! Now since I am working on my health and building my life team a lot has changed in the last 6 years. The Lord has given me adventures. They are small, but I think he is building my confidence to have bigger adventures in the future. 

I think at that moment I needed time to sit and rebuild. As most of you know I started therapy two years ago and have started my hormone journey.  I honestly think that time is working out as it should. That post that I wrote was the beginning of me entering my “seeking season”. I shared what I learned about those seasons in this blog post. 

So, with all of this being said I am saying, my time is working out the way it should. I am learning to trust HIS process. It will still be a journey. I am still learning but I want to have my journey with God when I should. 

Have a great week! 

 

Laundry Room Update ~ Part 2

/0 Comments/in , /by

 

 

Hello Friends,

It is finally spring and I am hoping that I can get rid of my coat soon. I have been wearing a coat most of this month and it has not been fun. My tulips are starting to peek out of my flower bed, and I am headed out to my greenhouse soon to do a clean out. We really need to get in the yard and do some cleaning up. I hope to get that done in the next few weeks. There is always something when it comes to home life. 

The latest project has been the laundry room. The last time I reorganized this room was in 2020. I loved what I did then but lately it has gotten worse to me, and I wanted to install some cabinets, so we did. Finally! 

 

 

This is what the room looked like before. I really needed to go through all of my linens and blankets. I needed to look at all of the products that I had. I needed to get rid of extra hangers. There was so much decluttering that needed to happen. 

Once we got everything out of the room, I was able to see the space and figure out how I wanted it to look. I donated bags and bags of old sheets, blankets, and other linens. I threw out old products, swept, and moped the floor. It felt so good getting rid of everything. 

 

Cabinets installed by Mr. Shockley

 

Ahhhh! It felt so good getting these installed! I smiled like a kid! We went to HomeDepot and purchased these beautiful Hampton Bay shaker wall cabinets in the gorgeous dove gray color. I also picked out these handles as well. Everything looks so good! All of our products and cleaning supplies are stored away. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Now does this look familiar? This is my old closet organizer from my 2018 update! I did not want to get rid of these. I knew they would be a perfect fit in the laundry room. It looks so wonderful and provides more storage. I ordered some valet rods to install on the cabinets to use to hang my clothes from. 

I also could not resist adding some blue and white ginger jars. What inspired this was Randi Garrett’s laundry room. Oh my goodness do I LOVE this room! I would also love a dog bath and a separate linen closet. I mean a whole room! I am so happy with the changes and have already loved the difference that this has made. 

Don’t you just love decluttering? Have a great week and be elegant! 

 

 

  • This post is not sponsored. Affiliate links attached. 

February Favorites ~ 2026

/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

/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

/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.