Elegant Inspirations: Things That InspireWhen we pay attention to the little things, things that make us smile, laugh, feel happy, inspired make us appreciate how much we have. Sometimes noting beautiful things that may go unnoticed gives as heightened and greater awareness of beauty. Let us not miss the simple joys of life. As Jodi Kahn in The Little Pink Book of Elegance: The Modern Girl's Guide to Living With Style (Little Pink Books) You might also be interested in 'elegant style elements!' It is more for the fashion wardrobe. 
Elegant Inspiration: Handwriting There is something beautiful with elegant writing. Before print revolutionized the worlds, people who had beautiful handwriting could get jobs writing out bibles, family tree books, marriage documents etc. It is an art. If you have beautiful handwriting, you should commend yourself! I know it is old fashioned, but make an effort to write pretty cards, notes for your family and friends. I, for one, have terrible handwriting. I try very hard, I do. I was even given handwriting homework. I guess, I like to write as fast as the thoughts flow. Thank goodness for laptops. I still try very hard though, I really do. 
Elegant Inspiration: Balconies If I could, I would have a balcony in every apartment I live in. I would love to have coffee there, dine there or just make pretty by flowers and potted plants. They just look so darling. It is something so romantic about it. It is like being able to stand outside without having to go out. It offers a view from a higher ground, perhaps indulge in a little people watching. It is good for a view, breathe a little fresh air. To be able to eat or dine outside yet retain the intimacy and comfort of your own home. A balcony is something to be appreciated!
Elegant Inspiration: Monogrammed Gifts It is so old-fashionedly elegant. I honestly believe that is how big designers become a 'brand'. They all started making things and monogrammed them for recognition that they made it. It is so that others would know where to go to buy similar things. In the past, ordinary people also monogrammed their possessions for easy recognition. Before manufacturing became a boom, only a few vendors made things hence everyone had identical things like the Ford car. Right now, there are so many varied designs by different companies, there isn't a need to anymore. It is just something nice to do. 
Elegant Inspiration: Old Books Most old books are hard to keep. They were made of poorer quality because technology was not so advanced them. However, there is something very precious about them. I keep about a couple of books from my childhood to remember where I was from, and what I was like as a little girl. Amongst my most prized collection are Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Classic Fairytales, Goodnight stories, The Children's Bible, Archie comics, Sweet Valley girls (just one to two books), Teenage books of Manners, books by Judy Blume and Roald Dahl, which Maltida was my favourite.
Linen Linen these days in shops aren't as pretty as how they used to be! It is a challenge to find really good ones and even harder to find ones with lace! Sometimes my house uses freebie towels to replace beautiful linens that we have to perhaps make the linens last longer, and to make use of what we are given. I resolve not to do that though. It doesn't match, looks out of place and cheap. I think I'll just use them as wash clothes to wipe counters or the car.
Warm sunshine coming through my bedroom Though it is true that no one likes to wake up to sunshine in their face, and that sun does cause premature aging, I still believe in the benefits of a little sun. Without the sun, the trees won't be green and animals won't be filled with vibrant colour. There was an experiment I read years ago that a goldfish was reared in the dark room, giving it plenty of food and oxygen. And when it finally was brought out into the light, it wasn't its usual beautiful gold colour. It was white! For the same reason, deep sea animals are usually white colourless or develop light-emitting agents on their body to get around. For this reason, I still think we should not be afraid of the sun. Wear plenty of sunblock yes, but draw your curtains and open your windows! Let the sun fill your lovely house, we feel happier when a place is naturally lit and airy. Journaling An age-old practice that we neglect but have been revived by blogging! It is quite amazing when you re-read your journal entries, I'm not sure what it does for your soul but it has to be good! We can see what we have been through and we appreciate everything we have for it. People started documenting the minute writing became an option. It is rumored to be pioneered by shepherds drawing a mark on a stone for every sheep when he was counting his flock. 
If you think about it, writing is a mere transference of thought to paper. We can store that paper, read it at another time, leave it for generations preceding us when we are gone. We are able to learn about the past through history, learn about our heritage, smile at silly christmas cards we wrote when we were a child.I enjoy very much watching videos of my fiance when he was a child as much as hearing stories his parents and brothers tell me about him. I could listen to them over and over. That is why I'm glad I started journaling as a child and I continued into my university years and now. I document all my travels even though it might not be in as much detail as I wish. When I have a child, I will document his or her life and give it to them when they turn 18. A personal present from their mother!
Old fashioned wrapping I'm starting to think this is an old fashioned page! Pardon that, but I seem to draw elegant inspiration by beautiful things and so many of them seem to be so old-school! In my shop, Pages of Beige , it is compulsory that we wrap with brown paper and silk or satin ribbons. Sometimes I like to mix it up a bit and provide a little bit of twine to create a more vintage look. I personally think its so pretty. Wrapping is equally important as buying the present! It adds so much to 'the thought that counts'. You actually care for the person's experience and pleasure in receiving a beautifully wrapped gift and unwrapping it! 
Bath tubs Elegant Inspirations: Draw a bath filled with flowers! Who uses them anymore? It is highly tempting to ignore them because it takes up so much time. I completely understand. But research says baths from a tub is actually much better for cleanliness and does not dry up your skin! I try to take baths as often as I can. When I am more settled, I hope to take a bath in a tub every other day. Now I try to do so every week. I also take this time to fill them with bath salts to nourish my skin and throw in a few fresh petals! You'll feel so good like you've just been away on a spa vacation.It is my personal resolution to never give a gift unwrap. I even try to wrap up little services!
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says, "Although true elegance emanate from inside, elegance and beauty are all around us, and serve as wonderful teachers."
