I've received many messages, particularly over the holiday season, from readers looking for advice on how to not overspend. Many readers wrote that they feel consumed by shopping and that it's taking over their life. As a result, many are in debt, have their homes cluttered with too many items, and yet with all these...

I was recently given a set of antique china that belonged to my great-grandmother. The set is Syracuse China in the Briarcliff pattern, which was made in America, and dates back to the 1940s. Because this set belonged to my great-grandmother, and then my grandmother, it is very special to me. We dined off of the china...

Ashenden Giveaway Winner Thank you to everyone who entered in the Ashenden giveaway. I really enjoyed reading your comments listing your favorite historical novels and movies! And now without further ado, the winner of Ashenden by Elizabeth Wilhide (picked courtesy of random.org) is: Susan M. from Greenville, SC,...

The luxurious bubble bath you received as a gift for your birthday. Your great-grandmother's china. Those cloth napkins your mother gave you for Christmas. Your nice day shoes. That fabulous wrap dress you bought last year. Do you use your best things on a daily basis? If not... why? Our subconscious tries to talk...

Downton Abbey season 3 aired here in America last Sunday and what a delight it was. This show has cast a spell on us. There is something so mesmerizing about that grand English country house and its inhabitants. Well for all fellow Downton fanatics I have a marvelous book recommendation for you... Ashenden, by Elizabeth...

I get a lot of messages from readers who say they are intrigued by many of the concepts in Lessons from Madame Chic, but don't know how to incorporate them into their lifestyle. Some feel intimidated, particularly with the ten-item wardrobe challenge, and wonder how they are going to implement the idea into their life....

Happy New Year! Bonne année! I will officially be back to blogging next week but I wanted to wish you a very happy new year. I hope this year brings peace, good health and prosperity to you and your loved ones. And now for the latest news items... ♥ I was featured in USA Weekend in an article called Look fabulous, faster....