When Writing Emily Post's Great Great Grandson Becomes Part of Your Job Description...

Panic.


* * * 

Straight panic.  This handwritten Thank You note will be going to the  great great grandson of the Queen of Etiquette herself, Mrs. Emily Post.  You know, the lady that created the rule book for manners back in 1922?

* * * 

...the famous "blue book"...

One thing I have going for me is I'm a "collector" (or hoarder) of fabulous stationary AND I know, I'm not the only one whose mother referenced Emily Post when it came to manners.  From day 1.  Thank you Laney, I appreciate how I was raised! 

* * * 

... Ancesserie Stationary... 

(these are my favs! only the best for Mr. Senning)

Last week we hosted a Young Professional's webinar on "The 24/7 Professional" with Daniel Post Senning as the presenter (aka, in my eyes a true celebrity; kin folk to one of my idols).  --sigh-- Since I was the running lead on this I got to chat with Daniel himself to set up the logistics, LUCKY me.  I love my job!

He covered topics that any professional could use no matter what stage in their career they are.  One being when to HAND write a thank you note in this "electronic communication" world we live in.  Yes, I fall under the "Millennial" generation, but there are parts of me that  appreciate how the "Baby Boomers" lived.  Hand-written-notes.

So, lucky me, I have ONE shot to nail this note.

I've written thank you notes, love notes, please forgive me notes, I'm sure there are others, but this my friends, might be one of the most important (right after my college application, maybe.) 

* * * 

... wise words from Emily Post, #manners...

All in all, every step of this process and part of my job has been incredible.  I got to talk to the grandson of the lady's guidelines I have been using my whole life (and yes, I even wrote a paper on the "proper dating etiquette" in college referencing Mrs. Post).  Dan himself is so down to earth and easy going and I'm BEYOND stoked to be working with him on our webinar in March.

* * * 

I'm gitty like a gal going on her first date with the love of her life. Dear God, PLEASE help me channel my inner Emily Post and create the most impressive thank you note I've ever written...  

... etiquette is a beautiful thing... 

xo

-W

Need advice? The Emily Post Institute "the one stop  shop for all things Emily Post".   

Also, check out Daniel & Emily's podcast where they answer 21st Century etiquette questions, Awesome Etiquette

My Kitchen is Made for Dancing

My favorite thing to do on a snow day?

 

* * *

... dance in the kitchen...

 

One way to my heart.  Throw on some tunes & dance like no one is watching.  Perfect thing to do on a snow day!

 

Day 2 of being cooped up. 

 

* * *



So we brunched it up in casa de Morris.  On the menu?  Buttermilk pancakes, eggs, & fruit.  very simple.  For my birthday this year my best sent me a food basket from Southern Season filled with Southern goodies! Thank you thank you LME, xoxo!

 

*SIDENOTE: grits were involved but there was a little mishap in the kitchen...

 

- - Pancakes - -

 Atkinson's Pancake mix & h2o.  I cut the recipe in 1/2 so we wouldn't waste any of that goodness.  Throw that on medium heat, wait for the bubbles (take a sip of your bubbly), flip, 30-45 seconds and bam.

 

* * *



- - Eggs - -

 

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4 eggs, a dash of liquid smoke (my best kept secret!), milk, s&p - as soon as you plate the eggs, sprinkle some cheese on top.  I chose creamy Havarti for this meal.... melted just perfectly!



 

* * *



To feel a little sophisticated I poured the syrup in a fancy duck dish, took the butter out of the container and let it get to room temp.  Best way to get spreadable butter.  If it is taking a hot minute to get to the right temp, put it near your stove while cooking.  Heat helps!

 

* * *

While at a dinner party this summer the host had individual salt & pepper shakers for each guest.  I loved! So after searching for ones that deserved to come home with me, I finally found some at Tuesday Morning.    Just a little something to make your guest feel special.

 

So, if you are cooped up like us, go fix breakfast!  Good thing about breakfast is that it can be eaten no matter the time of day.  

 

Happy snow/ice day from Maggie, Louise & myself!!

 

* * *

xo

-W



Exculsive Look: Home Office Accesories

aka

... my 2nd favorite room in my house...

 

* * * 

Perfect trio: mug, books, & fresh flowers 

 



We young professionals spend a lot of time in the "office".  Whether that be one at home or one you sit in traffic to go to.  Either way, 96% of us have one or the other and I'm a big advocate of decorating both.  Just ask my co-workers!  Today I'm going to give you a few of my favorite necessities I feel every office should have.  Lucky you.



 

 

My idea of the perfect home office?  This beauty:

 

* * *

Totally kidding Mom.  I wouldn't get anything done and my career path would probably be a dead-end.

 

I'm going to start with my favorite desk accessory:  

The jewelry holder.





 

* * *

Find me at World Market!

 

I commonly refer to this as my "catch all".  If you are anything like me, as soon as I'm home I get comfy.  That means the accessories for the day are the first to go.  Having a place to drop those items keep you organized and they aren't scattered all over.  If I can't find a piece, it is usually here.

 

Annual Planner

 





 

* * *

Having your annual planner handy keeps you and your life events in line. And it can act like a jewelry holder.  I'm not a big Lilly lady, but I fell in love with the planner several years ago and this is the one I keep going back to.  This particular one is August 2015 - December 2016, amazing.

 





Something that makes you smile

 

* * *

Two summers ago I went "diving" for my first sand dollar. Yes I know, at 27.  But it was one of my favorite summers with great memories so when the day is gloomy this tiny sand dollar brings warmth and happiness right back to the day.  Keep something around that gets you back to your happy place should you encounter "one of those" emails.  Its amazing how one tiny little thing can turn your day around.

 

A clock & Multiple Pen Colors

 



* * *

Self explanatory. It is just nice to keep up with the time... and not have to look on a cell phone.  I found this clock at Goodwill for .50 cents, oh happy day!   It was gold, tiny, and so elegant that I couldn't pass it up.  So it came home.  Colorful pens.   My #1 when organizing my workload.  I assign different colors to different tasks and go from there.  Crazy, but it works.

 

* * *

Probably the biggest reason I love spending time in my office is because on this move, it seems I put a lot of my favorite items/furniture in here. 

 

Exhibit A:  the trunk from my great great (maybe one more great?) grandfather. 

 

* * * 

 I'm very fortunate that my family  has some pretty cool things that have a story behind them that get passed down to me.  This trunk does hold a special spot in my heart though.  For as long as I can remember, it sat at the top of the stairs in grandmother's house until it made its way to me. 

 

Bird Cages

 



* * *

So I've never owned a bird.  But I have a thing for birdcages.  This yellow treasure I found at the Raleigh Flea Market right after college.  If you see items that you "wouldn't ever use", buy it.  Use it to decorate!

 

Hands down.  My favorite piece in the whole house.

 



* * *

"The Chair"

 

If you have read any of my older post, you by now know how in love I am with this chair.  $5. It was mine.  Thank you, once again, Goodwill.  This elegant darling was love at first sight and one of a kind.  I've had it in my bedroom, in the living room, and now in the office.  I realize I spend a lot of time in here, so it was the best fit.  Isn't she lovely?!





 

Let's be real, it isn't clean and "staged" all day every day...

... & there is normally a dog or two by my feet.

 

* *  *

 

 

Happy Wine Wednesday folks & a few words of wisdom remember:

 

* * *

xo

-W

 

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Saturday Shenanigans & Other News

My Saturday shenanigans?

 

* * *

Breakfast meeting in bed with cupcakes & cashmere.  I can probably owe it to Emily and her blog for inspiring me to start p&p. 

 

This past week a found another treasure. Shocker, I know. But it was a beauty and vintage. & $2!

 

* * *

Growing up my sweet mother would often bring us breakfast in bed on trays similar to this one (I'm pretty sure there were Nickelodeon characters on them) so when  I saw the vibrant colors I knew I needed to snag it.  And much to my surprise it had legs.  YES!

 

* * *

Breakfast in bed doesn't have to be some extravagant ordeal, keep it simple!  Take your normal breakfast, throw it on a tray, add some freshness (go look outside!) and there you have it. 

 

* * *



My recipe?  Raisin brand topped with bananas, coffee, & Simply Orange with Pineapple (fun twist to your ordinary OJ).  I like to use dishes that I normally wouldn't.  This tea cup is one of my favorites that I grabbed when we were selling our family house.  Saturday morning was kind of dreary & cold, so this yellow warmed me up!

 

I have said it before, but I'm going to say it again, if a family member is giving something away, grab it!  Especially with dishes, mix and matching adds so much fun and character to your table setting.

 

Next Saturday stop: flowers.

 

* * *

When it is warmer out, I normally swing by the local farmer's market to scoop up my weekly fresh flowers.  Best deal there is!  Since winter finally decided to show its face, I go to my local g-store.  I love the mix & match 3 for $12 deal.    This week, I deiced to go with a bright pop of fuchsia.  An alternate for reasonably priced flowers, Trader Joe's.

 

* * *

Fresh flowers & color are always keeping my house full of cheer during the week!  I recommend, it makes for a happier week for sure!

 

* * *

... and a happier Louise...







In other news:

* * *

I chopped my hair off.

BIG thanks to Alicia at T.Reid & Company in Charlotte.  Chopping off 7 inches never felt so good!  If you are looking for reasonably priced hair salon with a fabulous atmosphere, T. Reid is your place!  Tell them I sent you, you're welcome.

 

 * * *
Looking forward to a new week & whatever challenges it has to throw at me.

!!Go Panthers!!
xo
-W

Be sure to like porch & palette on Facebook!

 

Hot Diggity Dog!

Food Bars.

Fun & Functional

* * * 

Two words: Hot.Dog. Yum! 

Charlotte's Carolina Panthers  are in the playoffs and hopefully Super Bowl bound!  

To celebrate, my company is doing a "Potluck Tailgateish" lunch tomorrow.  My suggestion was a food bar, come on, who doesn't like food and a bar?  Super simple and it has football written all over it!

Cooking for a crowd can get expensive and overwhelming.  Don't let it!  With this recipe, all you do is throw your dogs in the crockpot (I suggest standing end to end to fit more) & cook on high for 4 hours.  Then consume.

* * * 

Now for the fun part.  

Toppings.

* * * 

Get creative!   There are endless options on what you can put on a hot dog.  Don't let this stress you out.  Here are my suggestions and some that you don't want to leave off your shopping list:

• chili
• onions
• slaw
• jalepenos
• cheese
• sauerkraut
• relish
• hot sauce
• pickles
• bacon
• tomato
• & of course mustard, ketchup, mayo

Again, these are just suggestions.  Don't feel like you need to go over the top and get them all.    Happy shopping my friends! And don't forget the buns.... 

Need some direction on how to dress your dog?

* * * 

...I'm feeling very American... 

Go Panthers!

xo

-W

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Oh Hey, Wednesday.

The back half.

* * *

The wine of the week: Decoy Wines

"The everyday wine for the well-informed"

Let's be honest, Wednesdays can sometimes be a drag, especially if you've had a Monday & Tuesday like mine!

How I'm really feeling right now? See below.

* * *

... woke up this morning thinking it was Friday.... hey, at least its all downhill from here.

So, you put all your energy into Monday and Tuesday, then when Wednesday rolls around some of us start to get a tad lazy.  You're in luck ladies.  I came across a post for 7 easy hair hacks that still have you looking cute & are under five minutes! ... maybe 6.  Thank you Byrdie!

Here are a couple of my favorites:

Upside-Down Half Bun

* * *

This spin off is doable in traffic and still has you looking chic.  Just loop the tail of your pony into a bun and you're done. 

Second in line would be the Voluminous low pony:

* * *

"To give yours a little something extra, pull the pony tight, and then lift a few pieces right above the hair tie.  This adds a bit of a lift, ensuring you won't look like you just rolled out of bed."   My kind of look on a Wednesday!

Today my friends, here is my advice:

* * * 



My Wednesday oh la la: this dainty little area.  I'm on a black & what kick lately with a splash of gold (& a hint of green)!



* * *

Still needing a little bit more procrastination time?  Check out these blogs!

MISSETAYLA ... a blogger from home & sweetest doll!

My Domaine - Lifestyle

.... whew, Wednesday...

xo

-W

Surviving Monday & Actually Enjoying It!

Monday, my new best friend.

* * * 

Who took it upon themselves to give Mondays such a bad rep?  Did you have a bad weekend? Monday is your fresh start.  Loving your job? Monday is the heart of a new work week.  Looking forward to next weekend?  Monday is one day closer... 

I, personally, am going to start looking at Monday as my friend.  Why start the week off being miserable?  That's never fun. Nor does anything positive come from it.  Here is my new & improved Monday routine:

* * * 

Wake up early, find your pump up song & dance away

Exercise.  Doesn't have to be anything fancy, I prefer jumping jacks!

Breakfast, the most important meal. (well, after coffee!)

Get wherever you happen to go early

Smile.  Be happy. You survived the weekend & didn't go to jail! 

Organize the work, tackle the tough challenges first & remember you can say no

Visualize success. Even the small weekly tasks

... and remember that there is always Tuesday...

* * * 

Not only am I just going to survive this day, I'm going to actually enjoy it!

* * * 

"Happy girls are the prettiest" - Audrey Hepburn

Here's the trick:

After getting all the "work" stuff organized, make sure you have something in your Monday that you'll look forward too. Maybe it is making your favorite breakfast or even a lunch date to break up the work day. This Monday, I'm looking forward to a Clemson Tiger win!!

Another trick: wear something new.  Even if that "something new" is an article of clothing that you haven't worn in awhile.  It keeps things fresh & you'll be rocking the confidence and excitement to show it off.

My item of the day? These Kendra Scott, Clemson orange, Danielle Earrings.

* * * 

You can find these gems here! 

Bottom line: treat yourself here and there throughout the day and you will find yourself giving Monday a little more love & less hate.

* * * 

 So close your email & open a bar tab. Or go home and watch the Bachelor ...

Congrats, you survived Monday! 

xo 

-W

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I think I've Finally Found My Hallelujah

2015, was a doozy! 


* * *

Lessons learned my friend.  Good & bad.   Happy & sad.  Made decisions, some questionable, but all in all it was a good chapter!
 

2016 being my last year in my twenties (until September) I'm going to make it a good one.  &  do it for myself and not let anyone or anything hold me back.  I don't know what it is about turning 30, but for some reason it makes you stop and evaluate everything.  Which could be a good thing!

One of my resolutions was waking up 1 hour earlier to start my day.  So far, so good.  I have one week under my belt!

 

* * *

So what do I do with that extra hour?

porch & palette

 

I've also made a resolution to pay a little bit more attention to the blog this year.   Blogging is my hallelujah (watch the video below...you'll get it.) and I'm my happiest when I am, so why not start my day on a good note!

* * *

...oh hey, Andy Grammer...

 

There are great happenings on porch & palette coming your way!

 

 

* * *

I thank God for protecting me from what I thought I wanted & blessing me with what I didn't know I needed.  I like when good, unexpected things happen!  2016, you've started out on a good note!

Take me as I am, or watch me as I go...

* * *

... easy like Sunday morning...
xo
-W