Secret “Mirror Magic!”
Creative and decorative ideas for mirrors! Mirrors can bring the outside in and can add sparkle to any space, especially when the mirror reflects candlelight and chandelier light. I was inspired to share a few design ideas with you on how mirrors can be used to enhance your interiors. A thoughtful subscriber from North Carolina […]
Marvelous Coconut Macaroon Cookies!
If you are ever in a pinch to make some quick and easy, but insanely yummy cookies, I have the recipe for you- my coconut macaroons! I imagine you have all the ingredients already on hand, especially if you keep a package of sweetened “Baker’s” coconut in your freezer. I use coconut for several recipes, […]
Ceilings: The 5th Wall!
Think of ceilings as your fifth wall! Most guests rarely look up to the ceiling until they begin to feel notably comfortable in their surroundings, so something other than white can be an unexpected treat for your guests’ eyes to discover. I honor the tradition of a white ceiling for historic or classically designed houses. […]
Holly’s Secret, Simply Scrumptious Strawberry Pie!
As a 21-year-old bride, I quickly discovered my darling husband’s predilection for pies! It was not long before I compiled a repertoire of easy but very yummy pie recipes! The season of sweet summer strawberries is almost over, so here is my secret recipe, “easy as pie” to make! My 5 Simple Ingredients: -One Pillsbury […]
The Simple Act of Kindness
How quickly life can change! I had spent the morning at Buckingham Palace, interviewed the Chairman of The Goring Hotel, took a lovely ride to Heathrow, and then said a joyful farewell to my dear “LondonTown.” Before I knew it, I was blissfully asleep on the plane home, with my eye mask perfectly in place…. […]
How to Repurpose Silver Pieces!
Mummy taught me how to repurpose silver pieces, which she did brilliantly out of necessity. My parents moved 33 times during my father’s career. I hope to inspire you to think outside of the box! Here are 14 of my secrets to “repurposing silver pieces” in a diverse, unique manner: A silver champagne cooler can […]
Wish Granted!
Last week, Stuart and I had the honor of Chairing “Live Royally!” an extraordinary five-day event that CEO.org (Chief Executives Organization) hosted in England for only 34 members/spouse attendees. Drawing from my experience filming my PBS TV series in England, I was inspired to create a regal yet entertaining and informative experience. The challenge was […]
Some of your best ideas may come while on holiday!
Secrets to Lovely Living endeavors to cover topics I hope will enrich your life. With that in mind, I am honored to present my daughter, Alexandra, to you. She just may enhance your life! Thank you for indulging me. Vacation gives you time to start implementing simple micro habits, to think about navigating a career move […]
The Powder Room: A Perfect Place for Artwork!
Consider adding even more charm to your Powder Room walls with lovely artwork. Typically, most guests do not expect to discover important artwork in a Powder Room! While silver picture frames, replete with meaningful photographs, pique the curiosity of your guests in other rooms, pretty Powder Rooms can be the perfect backdrop to display some […]
Bridal Pictures: How and Where to Display Them!
A lovely tradition in classically designed houses is a table devoted to bridal photographs as an homage to various brides within the family tree. In the past, the assembled portraits only featured the bride in a formal black-and-white pose, but they have now morphed into pictures of the bride and groom in black-and-white and also […]
Wedding Wisdom Part II: What No-No’s to Know!
Why is June the most popular month for getting married? June is derived from Juno, the goddess of marriage and the protector of women. A wedding in June is considered auspicious, so the couple will be blessed with happiness! How grateful I am to have such a tradition-minded, international audience who takes the time to […]
Wedding Guest No-No’s: What you need to know!
Love, laughter, and a “happily ever after!” It’s June, the month of roses and weddings! Being a guest at a wedding is a treat, but more importantly, witnessing a marriage ceremony is an honor. Several mother-of-the-bride subscribers have shared their experiences with me about what a guest should NOT do at a wedding! Weddings are […]