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My First Mahjong Class

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Hello Everyone,

Boy has it been a heavy week. I don’t want to repeat or talk about everything in the news but Lord you know our hearts and hear our prayers for EVERYONE!

Last week was a busy one for me and this past weekend was busy as well. We had our annual neighborhood HOA sale and a LOT of the boutique items sold! When you visit the page, you will see a lot of items gone and some marked down items as well. I hope to have a new arrival coming soon. 

But today friends I wanted to share how my first Mahjong Class went! 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I found a company called Meet at Mahj and decided to sign up for their Mahj 101 class.  This group is run by a woman named Jamie and she was so nice and knowledgeable. She had a great team of women with her, and they were knowledgeable themselves and fun! They have a new studio in Zionsville, Indiana and offer lots of services. In my first class she explained the history of Mahjong which I appreciated and went to explain the rules. There is a LOT to learn. There were terms that I had never heard of in a game. 

We were taught how to plan American Mahjong. There is also Chinese Mahjong which I believe is a little more complicated. Each table had its own Mahjong tiles set and were so beautiful. I loved how she and her team decorated each table in its own theme. We sat down in groups of four and my group did not know each other which honestly, I like. I am in a chapter in my life where I don’t mind meeting new people. 

After she explained the history we went over what the tiles meant and each team member was assigned to a table to made sure that we all understood and could ask questions if we needed to. We were taught how to “wash the tiles”, the Charleston, how to deal, and how to pass which was interesting as well. We were taught how to push out our tiles and to make sure that the “dragon tail” faced a certain way. There was so much to learn during this class!

 

 

 

Once we went through the rules we started a game. I was not in a hurry to win or even understand it. I wanted to take my time and learn it. I wanted to enjoy the moment. I also wanted to be sensitive to the women in the room and not take a bunch of photos or videos. Some people may not want to be on camera, and I try to be mindful of that. 

Mahjong is a mental game I will say that. Each year a card comes out on how you should “create your hand” and I found that to be interesting! My table and I played our game and it took us a while, but we really enjoyed each other’s company and helped each other. I also brought my chinoiserie Mahjong set which the host of the game loved! She will be adding a Mahjong boutique to her game room which I loved that idea. Unfortunately, I did not win the game. My tiles were bad, words right from the teacher. I kept drawing tiles that were not helpful to my hand that I was trying to build but nevertheless I really enjoyed myself. 

The studio was decorated beautifully. I loved all of the pink, the wallpaper frames, chinoiserie fabrics, and tile sets. It was a great time! 

 

 

My Mahjong Set from Etsy

 

 

I will be returning to take Mahjong 102 and will be going to some of her open game courses. There is also a membership if you wanted to join and play all the time. I think that I am going to really enjoy this and look forward to meeting new women. Lord I need some Mahjong women in my life and hosting game nights at my home. I am speaking that into existence! 

Here is my set above. I adore it. I have my mat (mine is sold out here is one similar), tiles, tile racks, tile bag, and Mahjong bag. 

 

 

 

Let me know in the comments below if you have heard of Mahjong, play it or have played it. I am also interested to know if any of you have a girl’s game night! Have a great weekend! 

 

  • Affiliate links attached 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A New Toile Collection

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Hello Friends,

I had a really nice weekend this past Saturday. I received a message on TikTok (@Mrs..Shockley) regarding an antique store in Noblesville called The Annex by Thistle & Thyme and I went to visit this weekend. It was so lovely. I am in a point in my life where I only want to visit antique stores that are carefully curated. I don’t want to go to flea markets or antique stores full of junk. I have visited a few recently where I walked half of the store and just walked out. They were just full of junk and I have no interest nor time. 

I had a thought recently. I was repeating my morning affirmations while heading into work and I began to think about the word curate. I will explain it in another post. I promise. Last week I went to my first Indy Chamber meeting. The Indy Chamber is a non-profit organization that helps small business owners. They also have a Women’s Business Center and last week I attended my first event called Women and Wealth. It was a great opportunity to network and learn more about the organization. 

I also have lots of fun things going on this week. On Tuesday, I will be attending our Guild Luncheon to start off our next designer showhouse. I was recently added to our Supervisory Working Group for the Department of Justice which is a huge honor because it is so competitive. So that means my first meeting is this week. I have a Guild Director meeting, and my first Mahjong class is on Thursday. I am so excited! 

On Friday, our neighborhood is having its yearly fall HOA yard sale and then after that I am attending an interior designer workshop for Judy Bates Designs! It’s a fun and busy week. Speaking of interior design have any of you seen the new toile collection by Brandon Maxwell at Pottery Barn?

 

photos via Pottery Barn 

 

 

Can we say gorgeous? This showed up in my feed on Facebook and I just had to take a look at it. There are a lot of toile prints out there some are good and some (I think are really bad). I love toile with animals and nature. I believe that could go with your decor more.  This upholstered dining room set is stunning! 

 

photos via Pottery Barn 

 

I love this table skirt and reversible throw. The table skirt is not available on the website yet. I don’t know if it ever will be. If someone finds out, please let me know! Of course, the collection would not be complete with dinnerware and utensils. 

 

 

Ceramic pumpkins and vases are included in this beautiful collection as well. I love the combination of the toile and stripes. I think they flow together so well. I must admit the pumpkins were very tempting. I even love the doggie bed! Oh my goodness, so cute and chic. 

Let me know in the comments below are you a toile lover or not. Have a great weekend! 

 

 

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What is “Hostingcore”?

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Well hello September!

My favorite month of the year! Not because it is my birthday month but because of all of the wonderful things that come with it. September always whispers autumn to me. I am trying my best not to rush this season but to actually pay attention to the days ahead. It is so hard with busy schedules, and work but I really want to make an effort. When our daughter was home for the summer, I was talking about something, and I can’t remember what it was. She then said, “be present”. Which of course is my phrase of the year. Being in this new season of life is requiring a lot of that. 

I hope everyone had a wonderful 3- day weekend. Goodness those go by so fast. I always want to get a lot done but I actually ended up watching the first Downtown Abbey movie from 2019. I really enjoyed it. Now I have not watched the series, but I intend on watching the movies. Looking at all of the decor and clothes always puts a smile on my face. Which made me think of a recent trend that I stumbled on months ago. Have any of you heard of “hostingcore”? 

 

 

My sitting room 

 

 

 

An article by Kate Lickert from Veranda Magazine described it as follows:

“With looming financial uncertainties and a growing desire to foster deeper connections, we’re entering a new era of entertaining at home. One of TikTok’s latest trends, hostingcore, embodies this design and lifestyle movement by encouraging you to transform every corner of your home into an open invitation. It’s not about hosting flawless soirées (who has the time or patience for that?). Instead, it’s about curating a space so warm and considered that guests feel at ease the moment they step inside.” 

Okay, now I like the sound of that and honestly try to embody that every time we have guests. I think the older I get the less fuss that I want in my life. 

 

My Thanksgiving tablescape from 2024

 

 

The article goes on to say:

“The hostingcore trend is casual in nature, but still inspires you to romanticize your gatherings (think: the kitchens and parties in Nancy Meyers movies). For example, the “good dishes” are meant for everyday use, the playlist is always queued up, and there’s always a chilled bottle of wine in the fridge. Hostingcore isn’t about being the perfect host; it’s about creating a thoughtful atmosphere and turning everyday moments into special occasions.” 

I would add that hostingcore is not only about preparing for these events but about everyday life. If you live this way with these items, then it’s no longer hostingcore but you will be living beautifully at your core. I think most of us who are in this space try to live this way every day. I love that this trend is happening and of course hope that it continues. If you want read the rest of the list click here. I also have a few elegant items on my Amazon list. You can shop it here. 

Have a great week!

 

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Senses & Sensibility ~ At Home

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Hello Friends,

Is anyone tired of the heat? I know I am! There have been several days recently where I wanted to sit out on my porch with a book and dessert but could not because it was way too humid! I have been so sad this summer season. I have not had one flower in my greenhouse. It has just been so unbearable in it. But I am hoping to have some help soon. I just finished the summer session on my Land Gardeners Create Academy lesson. I love it!

Well, we are about to close on August, and I am gathering my August favorites for next week’s post. But in the meantime, I hope you all enjoy this little snippet from Gracious Home- Cultivating a Spirit of Welcome from Victoria Magazine. 

This list comes from the lovely author Melissa Lester from Victoria Magazine.

Heighten feelings of serenity by looking beyond the aesthetics of your interiors to consider the entire sensory experience of being in your home.

  • Take a few minutes at the end of each day to tidy your surroundings so that you will awake to a welcoming environment. When time does not allow for following through on this suggestion fully, consider the one area that is most important to your sense of well-being and focus your efforts there.
  • Whatever your favorite genre, set a tranquil mood with soft strains of music. Slow and simple melodies with gentle harmonies promote relaxation.

 

 

Screenshot- via Pinterest (Aerin Lauder Dressing Room) 

  • Open your windows during a spring shower not only to reduce humidity and ventilate your home but also to savor the gentle pitter-patter of raindrops, along with the delightfully earthy odor know as petrichor. 
  • To infuse your home with a fragrance known for calming properties, turn to lavender, chamomile, or vanilla.
  • Stash a variety of soft blankets in different weights near conversation areas. 
  • Lend a sweet floral essence to clothing by tucking sachets brimming with potpourri into drawers and closets. 
  • Fill a pretty bowl with fresh seasonal produce. A bushel of apples adds autumnal color to the kitchen while encouraging a wholesome snack. 

 

Photo via Pinterest 

 

 

  • As it circulates the air, let an oscillating fan lull you to sleep with the relaxing sounds of summers past. 
  • In a glass atomizer, craft a signature fragrance by diluting a few drops of essential oil and a pinch of Epsom salts in distilled water. Spritzing pillows and bedding with the aromatic spray may inspire dreams of the garden. 
  • If you have a fireplace, set a table before the hearth for the coziest wintertime dinners. 
  • Add moisture to the air by simmering redolent ingredients in water or apple juice and refreshing the liquid, as needed, throughout the day. Consider citrus slices, fresh herbs, and spices for the medley. 
  • Savor the sensory of experience of making a pot of coffee- listening to the percolate, inhaling the brew’s slightly nutty aroma, taking that first bracing sip, and tasting its fresh roasted flavor. 

 

 

Photo credit via: L. Shockley 

 

 

A few of these I already do. I hope these provide some inspiration to add a little beauty to your everyday lives. Don’t be afraid to add a few things. Sometimes I think we get in our own way. Step aside and try at least one of these and let me know in the comments section below. I also have some new elegant Amazon finds on my favorites page.  Have a great week! 

 

  • This post is not sponsored. Affiliate link attached. 

 

 

The Parlor PS ~ New Restaurant Discovery

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Hello Friends,

It’s still HOT! Now I don’t want to wish the summer away but I sure do want to wish the heat away. I really want to sit on my porch, read a book and maybe have a glass of wine. But it is still too hot! On Friday, Lauren and I went to see Freakier Friday with Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsy Lohan. It was really cute and Lauren loved it. I also worked on my garden a bit. I have not been able to put anything in the greenhouse this summer it has been far too hot. We also visited a new restaurant about 40 minutes from where we live. It is called the Parlor PS. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

 

A co-worker told me about this restaurant last week. She mentioned that she was going there to have tea and you all know that I love afternoon tea. But once she showed me the website, I knew that I had to visit myself! This restaurant just opened in March and is located in Mooresville, Indiana. As soon as I walked in I immediately loved the Victorian decor. 

 

 

I am a chandelier girl and this had them everywhere. I also loved the deep blue paint color. It looked so beautiful with the matching chairs. It was a beautiful balance of old world charm and the Victorian era. 

 

 

I loved the china and teacup sets. You can tell that the owners carefully curated their antiques for this space. The wallpaper blended seamless with the paint color. 

 

 

 

Now the menu had lots of southern food and comfort food options. We ordered the southern biscuits to share. That whipped butter that they gave us…. OH MY GOODNESS! I could have licked it out of the bowl. It was so good. I also loved the homemade apple butter. 

We all ordered the half fried chicken withe bacon jam. It was a tasty combination. The homemade garlic cream and mashes potatoes were perfect along with the green beans. Now their gravy had a hit of expresso to it. You may want to try that if you go. 

They also had a great list of mocktails all alcohol free. I really want to go back for a tea time. I think that would be quite enjoyable. 

 

 

I did journey upstairs to see their event space. It’s a great space for baby shower, bridal showers, and small events. 

 

 

 

I did enjoy myself and hope to return soon with my girlfriends perhaps. If you live in the Indianapolis area and want to give them a try then you should. My co-worker also told me that they have an antique store next door! I completely missed that. If you decide to visit let me know. It’s a really cute space. 

 

  • the post is not sponsored 

 

 

 

July Favorites ~ 2025

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Hi There,

I am trying to get my blog posts out and newsletter as soon as possible. I am going to be flying out here soon for a work trip and I am trying to work ahead. My new Mahjong set has arrived! FINALLY! I will be sharing photos soon but let’s get into my favorites for the month of July.

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Now first on my list was very hard to get! I watched Meghan’s series on Netflix and loved it! Then I learned about her new business called As Ever by Meghan.  Her first launch of her products sold out in hours. I then signed up to make sure that I could get at least one tin of tea and I did! I managed to order some of her herbal lemon ginger tea. It tastes wonderful and the smell is incredible, and I am not just saying that. I don’t know if they will be relaunching a third batch, but I would recommend that you sign up to get updates. I really want a jar of her raspberry spread. We’ll see. 

 

 

Next is my dinner with girls this month. We went to a new restaurant called Aberdeen Social House and it was delicious! I got the short rib in miso soup and dumplings. So good! Then I got invited as an influencer to the Garden Soiree hosted by the Villages. It was such a great opportunity, and I was so grateful for the invite. I had never heard of this organization, but they work with foster families assisting them with adoptions and providing support. It was a wonderful cause!

 

 

Ohh I have been after a foaming soap dispenser for a while now and I found this on Amazon! I love the blue and white design and gold hardware. I love foaming soaps from Bath and Body Works, but I don’t always love the bottle. This is perfect. I can just pour the soap in the dispenser and still get the foaming effective. 

Fifth are my new Chanel earrings and necklace. I purchased these from the Chanel party that I attended by one of our Guild members. We had so much fun trying on jewelry, eating, and talking. 

 

 

OMG! I love my chair. Do you all remember this chair? I purchased it from FBMP for only $50 and have been waiting to get it reupholstered. The before photo is the striped fabric that was faded and old and the new fabric is a dream. I love this chintz fabric in blue. I went right to it when I went into the fabric store, and I had the same gentleman work on it for me. I have gotten so many compliments on it.  

 

 

No! I have been in denial myself. I am in my reading glasses era, and it sucks! Sorry but it does. I noticed last year that we went out to dinner I would pull the menu away from my face. OMG! I then went to see my eye doctor and she said, yeah you need reading glasses.” I said but I wear contacts. She said that doesn’t matter anymore. NOOOO! So I went ahead and ordered these from Amazon. I have to say that are really, affordable and work.  I have a pair at home, work, and my purse. 

 

 

I know that I mentioned that I had a consultant come from California Closets to look at my walk-in closet and come up with a design. This is what she came up with. I am so happy with the design and use of my space. I really need this and hope to get this installed soon!

 

Last on my list is my Zoltar fortune. Have any of you ever did this? It was at Universal, and I decided to try it. It was very interesting. This is what Zoltar told me….

You are a strong believer in fate. You feel that you have no control over your destiny. Fortunately, you are destined to be very happy indeed. You’ve had some trouble mostly caused by the inconsideration of others. But fate will be kind to you, and you can expect your life to run on a smoother pattern. You have a neat and tidy nature and can’t tolerate slovenliness around you. Since you demand this of yourself and others you will always live in a tidy atmosphere. 

Interesting right? Now I don’t get into tarot cards or horoscopes, but I found this very interesting. 

I hope you all enjoyed my favorites for the month of July. Check your mailboxes and spam boxes for my monthly newsletters. I will be sharing my antique shopping from Orlando when I return. 

 

 

 

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Our Trip to Universal ~ 2025

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Hello Everyone!

I had a busy weekend, but it was great! I took the day off last Friday to go and pick up my newly reupholstered chair.  It is gorgeous! I will be sure to share some photos later. Once I returned home, I had a representative from California Closets come by and design a closet organization system for my walk -in closet. I am in love with it and hope to get it done soon! Then later on that afternoon one of our Guild members had a Chanel jewelry party at her home. I had a blast! She had great nibbles around to eat, and the jewelry was stunning. I purchased two pairs of earrings and a necklace. Of course I will share photos later. Lastly on Saturday, I attended a Garden Soiree! I was invited as influencer. It was a great time to network with other people in my city and see a beautiful property and garden. 

Okay so I am finally getting around to sharing our trip to Universal Studios in Florida. We went in June. It has been almost 3 weeks since we have been back. I have been busy I tell you! Well I took some photos, not a lot. Again, my word of the year is “be present” so that is what I was trying to do while in Florida. 

I will start off with the hotel. We stayed at the Hard Rock Resort which was a 10-minute walk to Universal. I will say it was a beautiful hotel, and the staff was incredibly nice!

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley

 

The hotel was very clean and had lots of amenities. There were restaurants on site, rock music playing downstairs in the lobby with music videos, a Starbucks, and so much more!  As I mentioned the park was such a short walk from our hotel. We could also take a ferry. We passed this beautiful area of water every day. I actually loved looking at this on our way to the park. 

 

 

It was so HOT! I mean hot. I actually got a terrible heat rash the first day and it lasted for more than 10 days. It hurt and itched at the same time, but I powered through it. Once we got to the park we split up from the girls and they headed to Harry Potter. Walking around was an experience. I was not getting on any rides but wanted to see Universal. My husband and I did get on the Bourne Stuntacular. If you are a Jason Bourne fan, then you will certainly enjoy this. 

 

 

We did catch up with the girls in Diagon Alley. I will say this the Harry Potter World was put together quite nicely. There was a lot to see, and I think the Disney team did a great job creating their merchandise. All of it was very nice. We walked around, saw the dragon blow fire out of its mouth, and ate lunch at the Leaky Cauldron with the girls. 

 

 

Another place that we dined at was the Hard Rock Restaurant. Lauren loved it! She loved the pink Cadillac spinning around in the middle of the restaurant. I loved the service, the space, and the food. This salad that I got was so satisfying! On a day where it is 100 degrees, having this salad was so refreshing and needed. 

 

 

I did manage to get in a pool day. The pool area at the hotel was stunning. It was well kept and had a food and bar service. I ordered lots of things from Amazon to wear to the pool. This swimsuit cover up looked so chic along with this striped swimsuit. I also ordered this swimming cap to match as well as this beach tote. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley

 

It was so nice just sitting by the pool and reading. I brought my Bunny Mellon book to catch up on. This is a really big book, and I need to finish it. It is really good! It is so fascinating to read about all of the connections and history that this family has. They started Listerine!

 

 

And the last place that I will mention is this restaurant which was so hard to get into! The Chocolate Emporium was a real treat. The food… all I can say is OMG! You really need to watch the video to get an idea about how much of an adventure it was. The staff was incredibly nice, and we got to meet the characters as well. 

Overall, it was a really nice trip and was a dream for Lauren. Because we stayed at the Hard Rock hotel, she had early access to the park and Express passes! She hardly waited for any ride! She and her friend Ana were in Cloud 9! As parents it’s a great feeling to be able to do this for your kid. When I was growing up, we never traveled anywhere. So, I feel incredibly blessed to be able to do this for my kids. 

Next week, I will be sharing my day at the Cake Bake Shop in Disney!!! 

 

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  • This post is not sponsored.