Posts

August Favorites ~ 2026

/2 Comments/in , /by

 

 

Hello Everyone,

I hope you’ve been enjoying the little snippets of our recent trip to New York. I have to say, I really loved walking around the city this time. For a few moments, I pretended that I actually lived there—and I have to admit, I could easily get used to it!

There were so many wonderful stores, restaurants, and endless options to explore. I loved every bit of it. One thing I really hoped to find was an antique store, but sadly, I didn’t quite make it to one this time. I’ll just have to save that adventure for my next visit!

It’s time for another round of monthly favorites! From beautiful finds for the home to little luxuries I’ve been enjoying, these are a few things that have made their way into my life lately.

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

First up is this gorgeous blue-and-white ginger jar I found at HomeGoods. It’s quite large, and I absolutely love the shape. It feels so different from the other jars I have, and the design actually has a vintage look that I really adore. Needless to say, I had to bring it home!

Then, after getting back from NYC, I stopped by Consign by Design and found this beautiful crystal vase for only $40. It’s huge, too, and I love how substantial it feels. I’m thinking about putting a candle inside to give it a little extra glow. It’s one of those unexpected finds that makes decorating so much fun!

 

 

Third is this beautiful table setting at Dior in New York. This is honestly one of my favorite things to shop for—and simply to look at. I will always love shopping for clothes and shoes, but lately, shopping for dinnerware has become a new favorite of mine. There is something so special about finding beautiful pieces that make everyday meals feel a little more elevated.

And to the right is a little self-care moment. Lately, I’ve been trying to light candles at night while I’m in bed watching YouTube, and it has quickly become one of my favorite rituals. There is something about the soft glow and beautiful scent that makes the evening feel extra cozy.

Here, I’m burning Diptyque Tuberose alongside Nabela Noor’s Manor White Musk candle. Both are absolutely beautiful and make the perfect pairing for a quiet night in.

 

 

Continuing with home décor, I’ve been trying to find a beautiful way to organize my bangles and bracelets on my vanity. I’ve tried several different solutions, but somehow, they always seem to make the space feel cluttered.

Then, while browsing an antique store, I came across this gorgeous vintage soup tureen. I immediately loved it and, of course, did not want to leave it behind. But lately, I’ve started asking myself a few questions whenever I’m shopping at antique stores: “Okay, where is this going?” “How will it work in my everyday life?” and “Can I actually use it?”

With this piece, I started thinking about my vanity—and those bracelets. Then it hit me: why not use the soup tureen as storage for my bangles and bracelets?

And honestly, how beautiful and chic is that? I love finding ways to give vintage pieces a new purpose, especially when they can be both functional and beautiful. Now my bracelets are organized, easily accessible, and displayed in a way that feels intentional rather than cluttered. It’s exactly the kind of home décor find I love.

 

 

 

 

Here is one of the bracelets that is now happily living in my vintage soup tureen. I found this acrylic tortoise-shell bracelet on Amazon, and I love the combination of the warm tortoise-shell pattern with the gold detail. It’s comfortable to wear, easy to style, and, best of all, it’s at a great price. It’s one of those accessories that looks much more expensive than it actually is.

Next up are these gorgeous tassels that I ordered. I love using them as bag charms on my Hermès-inspired bags. They add such a chic little finishing touch and make the bags feel even more special. I love how something as simple as a tassel can completely change the look of a bag!

 

 

Now for one of my NYC Madison Avenue purchases. I decided to step inside Loro Piana and have a look around, and I’m so glad I did. I first learned about the brand through Lydia Millen and the Duchess of Sussex, and I immediately understood the appeal. Everything felt beautifully simple, exceptionally well made, and incredibly elegant.

Naturally, I found myself gravitating toward the scarves, where I discovered the Enciclopedia del Cardo Tie Band. I was immediately drawn to the beautiful botanical prints and the soft blush background. It felt feminine, timeless, and just a little unexpected.

I wore it with my striped dress to the office and absolutely loved the combination. There was something so pretty about the way the delicate flowers played against the stripes. It was one of those outfits that reminded me how much I love mixing prints when the colors and patterns complement each other.

 

 

And last, but certainly not least, are these gorgeous tortoise-shell office folders from Kate Spade that I found on Amazon. You get six file folders for just $18, which I think is such a steal. They aren’t made of paper and have a beautiful glossy finish, making them feel much more elevated than your typical office folders. Even something as practical as organizing paperwork can be chic!

I hope you all enjoyed seeing some of my favorite finds for the month of August. I can’t believe September is almost here! This month has been filled with so many fun discoveries, from home décor and accessories to little luxuries that make everyday life feel a bit more special.

I’m planning to film an end-of-summer video for my YouTube channel, but before I can officially wrap up the travel year, I have one more work trip to take. My newsletter will also be hitting your inboxes soon, so be sure to keep an eye out for that.

Thank you so much for spending a little time with me and my August favorites. Have a wonderful week!

 

  • This post is not sponsored. Affiliate links attached. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July Favorites ~ 2026

/in /by

 

 

Hello Friends,

I’m back from my fourth work trip, and it was hot! I’m truly enjoying this season of my life. Traveling so much has given me a new perspective on life and on people.

Recently, while sitting on a plane, I found myself reflecting and quietly confessing a few things to myself. One realization stood out: I’ve been craving different kinds of relationships and experiences.

I want to be around people who inspire me—people who are well-traveled, kind, spiritually grounded, confident, and generous with their knowledge, stories, and experiences. I want to share beautiful conversations, meaningful moments, and unforgettable places with people who appreciate the richness of life.

I’m not entirely sure why this desire has grown so strong, but I know it’s real. Maybe travel has expanded my perspective, or maybe I’m simply evolving. Whatever the reason, I’m grateful for this new season and excited to see where it leads.

Now on to things I have enjoyed the month of July:

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

First up is a little vanity luxury. I recently ordered the Iris Pressed Glass Vase from Anthropologie, and it has become the perfect home for my makeup brushes. It looks absolutely beautiful on my bathroom vanity and instantly elevates the space with a touch of elegance. The vase is available in three different styles, and each one is just as lovely as the next. If you’re looking to add a little beauty to your vanity, I highly recommend collecting all three.

Next up is a new perfume I’ve been enjoying from Caudalie, the same company that created the gorgeous facial mist I absolutely love. This fragrance features notes of raspberry grape, neroli, and patchouli, creating a scent that is light, fresh, floral, and subtly fruity. It’s the perfect fragrance for spring and summer—effortlessly elegant and ideal for everyday wear.

I can’t believe I’m still finding peonies at my local grocery store. These blooms were incredibly fragrant and opened into the most beautiful, full blossoms. Having them in my office throughout the week was such a simple luxury and brought so much joy to my workspace.

Another delightful surprise was the arrival of a new book on the interiors of Bunny Mellon. Written by Charlotte Moss and beautifully illustrated by Snowy Campbell, it is both charming and whimsical. The pages are filled with timeless inspiration, making it a wonderful addition to my growing collection of design books.

Next is a little scarf elegance. I decided to wear my chinoiserie scarf with a coordinating scarf tie, draped gracefully over my shoulders, to the office. The combination felt effortlessly elegant, and I received so many lovely compliments throughout the day. It’s amazing how a simple accessory can elevate an entire outfit.

Then another exciting package arrived! I decided to order the Garden Bag from Holland Cooper, and it is every bit as charming as I had hoped. I adore the delicate frilled edge and the fresh green-and-white color palette. It’s the perfect blend of timeless style and countryside charm, and I know it will be a beautiful companion for the greenhouse seasons ahead.

Then I stumbled upon this glorious find! I’ve been wanting a pair of the Lily of the Valley Dior teacups for quite some time, but they are so expensive. A single teacup costs $240! I found a seller on eBay offering a set of two for just $288, and I even managed to negotiate an even better price by making an offer.

This set is absolutely beautiful and the epitome of elegance. My family and I will be heading to New York soon, and I’ve already scheduled an afternoon tea at the Lowell Hotel. I’ll be sure to share all about the experience once we return!

Aside from my David Austin roses, I feel like this is my greatest gardening accomplishment! I finally have sweet peas growing in my raised beds, and I can hardly believe it. After almost two years of waiting, I got my first blooms this season.

I don’t have many flowers yet, but they are so fragrant and beautiful that I wish I could keep them forever. Seeing them bloom after all this time has made the wait completely worthwhile. I am so proud!

Okay, I know I’m on a teacup kick! I recently purchased another teacup and saucer that has been on my wishlist for quite some time: the Ginori 1735 mug and saucer.

Once again, these pieces are certainly an investment, but they are crafted from fine porcelain and are truly works of art. The craftsmanship and timeless design make them feel just as much like collectibles as they are functional pieces for enjoying a cup of tea.

And lastly, the Manor Candle by Nabela Noor restocked last week—and sold out again! Thankfully, I was able to purchase it this time in the White Musk scent, and I couldn’t love it more.

This candle is the epitome of elegance. From its beautiful design to its luxurious fragrance, it feels like such a special addition to my home. In my opinion, it is absolutely worth the price. If you’ve been hoping to get one, keep your eyes peeled for the next restock—they don’t stay in stock for long!

I hope you found inspiration in this month’s finds! I hope to share some new elegant adventures from our NYC trip soon. 

June Favorites ~ 2026

/in /by

 

 

Good Morning Friends,

We have reached the halfway point of the year, and it hardly seems possible. June is nearly behind us, and I find myself wondering where the days have gone. The first half of the year has been full, with three work trips already completed and a fourth on the calendar for July.

Through the busyness, I have remained committed to the things that ground me. I am still attending Pilates classes, still reflecting on my word of the year, and still intentionally planning for beauty in my everyday life.

One of my greatest joys has been watching my raised beds come to life. This season, I added peonies, delphiniums, hydrangeas, and tulips, each bringing its own charm to the garden. And after much anticipation, I have one sweet pea beginning to bloom. It is a small reminder that beauty often unfolds slowly, rewarding those who are willing to wait and tend with care.

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

One of my favorite monthly traditions is reflecting on the little things that have brought joy to my days. Throughout June, I discovered several new favorites, including YouTube channels that inspired me, songs that became the soundtrack to the season, beautiful accessories, delicious desserts, and a refreshing spring drink. These small pleasures have added a touch of beauty to everyday life, and I am delighted to share them with you.

 

 

During one of my recent work trips, a colleague ordered a drink that immediately caught my attention. It was a simple combination of sparkling water, fresh lemon, lime, and mint. Intrigued, I ordered one for myself, and what a delightful discovery it was! Light, refreshing, and wonderfully crisp, it quickly became a favorite.

Since returning home, I have stocked my refrigerator with sparkling water and have kept lemons, limes, and fresh mint on hand so I can recreate it. I have especially enjoyed sipping this refreshing beverage alongside dinner on warm summer evenings. Sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most enjoyable.

Later in the month, I attended a staff luncheon with my attorney and team at the lovely The Capital Grille. I ordered the chicken breast entrée, which was excellent, but it was dessert that truly stole the show. I selected the sweet and savory apple tart, and it was absolutely divine. The perfect balance of flavors and textures made it a memorable ending to the meal. In fact, I am still thinking about it weeks later—a sure sign of a truly exceptional dessert.

 

 

Next up is a gorgeous leaf brooch I discovered on Etsy, paired with a stunning Dior pouch from Poshmark. The brooch is wonderfully oversized, making a true statement piece, and features three pins on the back for secure styling. I recently shared a reel featuring this beauty on my Instagram account, and it has quickly become a favorite. The Dior pouch is equally enchanting, with its garden-inspired design creating a dreamy, elegant combination that feels both timeless and unique. I ordered a second one just in case. 

 

 

A touch of beauty can transform even the simplest spaces, and this lush bouquet of faux peonies does exactly that. I arranged in a vintage-inspired crystal vase, the creamy ivory blooms bring softness, romance, and timeless elegance to my vanity space in my bathroom. Their realistic petals and full, abundant form create the look of freshly gathered garden flowers. I found them in my local garden center recently. 

Now this was a great find! This delicate tulip bag charm in the prettiest shade of pale blue was such a wonderful summer find. I also have it in pink, and ivory. The charming floral accent adds a whimsical touch to my handbags, proving that the smallest details often make the most beautiful statement.

 

 

It was time to refresh my collection of home fragrances, and I was thrilled to finally add the Manor Candle in Lemon Loaf by Nabela Noor to my home. I have mentioned her candles before, but this one exceeded every expectation. Not only does it fill the room with the most delicious, comforting scent, but the vessel itself is absolutely stunning. It is truly a beautiful piece of décor in its own right. I will be sharing an unboxing on my Instagram account and possibly on YouTube as well, because this candle deserves a closer look.

Later this month, after a lunch meeting, I decided to make a stop at Williams Sonoma and discovered another treasure. Their Famille Rose candle in the Lush Jasmine fragrance immediately captured my attention. The scent is exquisite—fresh, elegant, and beautifully layered—but it was the gorgeous ginger jar-inspired vessel that completely won me over. With its timeless design and delicate details, it felt like the perfect addition to my home for the season. Some pieces are simply too beautiful to leave behind, and this was certainly one of them.

The final addition to my favorites this month is a beautiful piece of classical music that has quickly become part of my daily routine. Titled Marianelli: Liz on Top of the World, it is featured on the soundtrack of Pride & Prejudice and captures a sense of joy, hope, and quiet elegance in just a few short minutes. Though the composition is brief, it is remarkably moving and leaves a lasting impression. Its uplifting melody now serves as my morning alarm, offering a gentle and inspiring start to each day. There is something wonderfully serene about waking up to music that feels both timeless and enchanting.

I hope you enjoyed this month’s collection of favorites. I shared the beautiful pieces, fragrances, and moments that made June so special. Until next time, may you continue to find beauty, elegance, and joy in the everyday.

 

  • affiliate links attached. 

 

 

May Favorites ~ 2026

/in /by

 

Well Hello Everyone!

I hope everyone has been well. I had a work trip last week and had a trip two weeks before that. It’s been busy. I still have a few more trips, there are lots of things going on at the office, and I am still trying to figure out what to do with the boutique. 

I will say this I have loved my work trips. The exposure and experiences that come with them are priceless. My next newsletter will be hitting your inboxes soon. I hope you all are having a lovely spring. Now here are my May favorites. There are quite a few.

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

First is my “beauty book”. Every Friday morning, I have my devotional in my office then I go to my sitting room, light a candle, and read my beauty book. It is a wonderful way to start my Fridays. I don’t usually work out on Fridays. I like to take my Friday mornings easy. This month my beauty book is Flower Couture by Cordelia de Castellane. Cordelia is the artistic director for Dior and is a tastemaker in Paris. 

Next up are these gorgeous garden heels from DSW. They are from their Kelly and Katie shoe line. The heel height is perfect and so is this gorgeous print. There are several more on my favorites page. 

 

 

Third is this gorgeous ceramic rope vase from Crate and Barrel — now completely sold out. I had been watching it for over a year, and when it finally went on sale from $399 to $179, I knew I had to get it before it disappeared.

On the right is a tulip brooch I’m considering for the boutique, inspired by a design created by Carolina Herrera. I love pieces that feel elegant, timeless, and feminine. Let me know your thoughts below.

 

 

 

Now this favorite is incredible! One of our designers from the show house shared this with me. It was in his room at the show house. Now of course it is not a real one, but it sure does look like one. It’s from a company called Bagvard. It is such great quality and comes in other colors. I will be ordering a second one! 

 

 

With so much upcoming travel, I realized it was finally time to invest in luggage I truly loved. I chose a silver hardcase set from Delsey Paris — including a carry-on with a protected laptop compartment that’s perfect for travel days. I’ve never owned matching suitcases before, and somehow it makes the entire experience feel more elegant and intentional. Beautiful pieces that travel well and function well are always worth it. 

 

 

I recently discovered a new Instagram account called Soulfedhome and I am completely smitten with her white vintage vase. Her finds are so carefully curated — classic, timeless, and full of quality. I’m hoping to find something similar for my own home.

I’ve also been focusing more on hand care lately, especially with all of my recent travel. Flying leaves my skin so dry after landing, so I decided to start using the same creams I use on my face for my hands and nails. Right now, I’m loving my L’Oréal Paris collagen cream paired with sweet almond cuticle oil.

And lastly is a new YouTube channel discovery of course. 

 

This channel is so good and I love their honesty. If you don’t know who Mrs. Alice is then you should get to know their website. It is where I purchased my chinoiserie vases. 

Well, that is all my friends for my May favorites. I do hope that you have found some inspiration and enjoyment as always. Take care and be elegant!

 

  • Affiliate links attached 

 

 

April Favorites ~ 2026

/in /by

 

 

Hello Everyone,

I have decided to share my April favorites a week early. I have a lot going on next week and will not be posting to the blog. Of course, I will share any elegant adventures or finds that may occur. My newsletter will arrive the last week of April and I am currently working on a survey. I want to get everyone’s opinion about the future of the boutique and blog. 

Photo via Helena Simon.com 

 

First on my list is this new website discovery. I don’t know how this website ended up in my feed, but I am glad that it did. Helena Simon is a designer who crafts beautiful brooches. This one is a dream! The cherry blossom branch brooch is handmade with silk organza and two 14-carat gold pins. It is on my dream list! 

 

 

Next is this lion tissue box that I purchased for my home office. I love the gold trim and lion head. Then I decided that I needed a little extra protein the mornings before my walk. So, I ordered these small glass bottles to put my favorite protein drink Owyn in. It helps me to not waste my drinks and gives me a little boost before my walk. 

 

 

Oh, this was an interesting purchase from Amazon. I saw another influencer using this and thought I would give it a try. It is a such a treat and helps with puffiness and inflammation. I think it will be my go-to self-care treat this hot summer!

 

 

 

Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and I am sharing some gift ideas on my page here. I think this peony candle would be a great gift idea. The scent is light and floral and just look at this adorable, fluted candle holder. During my recent HomeGoods spring shopping visit , I picked up these absolutely stunning faux roses with vines! I mean these are a dream. I am now trying to hunt them down at every HomeGoods in my city. I need more!!! 

 

 

And last is a new YouTube channel discovery. I found Chic Between the Lines earlier this month and have really enjoyed this channel. I hope that they record a second season and I would love to see more vlog style videos as well. I hope you all enjoyed this month’s favorites. I hope you have a great week, and I will see you all in May with blog posts about the show house! 

 

 

  • This post is not sponsored. Affiliate links attached. 

 

 

 

 

March Favorites ~ 2026

/in /by

 

Hello Friends,

I had a wonderful quiet weekend. I spent most of it at home. I needed a weekend to get chores done. I clean up my flower beds, swept out the greenhouse, and reorganize it. I cleaned my bathrooms, washed some clothes, and even gave myself a pedicure! The weather was wonderful! I even enjoyed some ice cream and watched a few movies. It’s been a while that I have had a weekend that I felt productive. 

I am still learning to “plan around my energy” and I am trying to pay attention to if I am living well. Let me know in the comments below how your spring cleaning is going. 

 

photos: via Mrs. Shockley 

 

First on my list of favorites is a floral bouquet that I purchased for myself. I normally purchase flowers from my grocery store. They have not been great but this month I actually found some wonderful blooms. It was nice and speaking of blooms my tulips are coming up in my raised beds! It has been such a nice surprise.

 

 

Next up are handbags! I got a call in early March from my SA at Coach. She told me that Coach was requesting that all of the green Coach Empire 48 bags be returned to the warehouse! I have no idea why, but when you try to search for them now you cannot find them. I was glad that I grabbed one before they were sent back! My second tote purchase was the Knightsbridge Travel Bag from Holland Cooper. Jade the founder of Holland Cooper posted a video about it in October of last year and I was finally able to purchase it this month! It is sold out already but get on the list to be emailed about it being restocked if you are interested. 

 

 

Next is another FBMP purchase! If you watched my recent video you will know that I am working on my guest bedroom. I share more details in my video, but I found this beautiful vintage queen size headboard and footboard on FBMP. I am now on the hunt for a mattress and then let the fun begin! I can finally put the room together.

Now that spring is here, I can finally open the windows. I ordered these curtain tiebacks after another influencer shared them on her page. They are what I call Amazon chic!

 

 

 

 

This was such a beautiful moment at home. At this moment I was planning my week for beauty and wanted to capture it. I shared a small reel on Instagram. I had a candle burning, it was quiet, and very enjoyable. I am trying to take moments like this once a week to work at my desk and embrace the beauty that I live in. 

 

 

 

Here are some of my pockets of peace! I went antiquing last week and drove to Thistle and Thyme. It is an amazing antique store in my city. The owner does such a beautiful curating her store. I just love how everything is decorated and placed in the store. You can tell it is with purpose. While I was there, I spotted this red and white faux floral arrangement. Now I don’t have any red in my home, but I could not stop looking at these. They have been there for a while because I remember seeing this arrangement months ago. I decided to buy it. It has landed on my desk for now. I actually don’t mind it being there.

And last is my home office. I was sitting at my Mahjong practice table one morning, I was there practicing, and I saw this area in my office. I loved my settee with the faux fur throw, my pillows, chinoiserie stool, and Mrs. Alice urn. It just made me smile.

My newsletter will be hitting your inboxes soon. Have a great week and Happy Easter!

 

  • 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.