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Beauty in function and design is demonstrated as only the Brits can do in the above captured Royal Sussex Flower Trug (size 2), and one just like this will be one of the six giveaways given to a lucky TOP Tier Member during TSLL's 5th Annual British Week (May 21-28). 

Paying attention to the details, finishing well a project or job, extending a thank you and expressing appreciation upon conclusion of an enjoyed or productive occasion, these details and actions sometimes seem small or insignificant, but in fact, have quite the opposite effect. 

From the copper nails that are used in these hand-made pieces of utilitarian artistry to the two distinct types of wood that make the piece itself: the handles are made of chestnut wood and the body of the trug is made from recycled Cricket Bat Willow. These works of art take a well-trained hand to make (learn more about the process of making each trug here). The details not only create an original piece of work that many try to mimic, but none can match, they have been used since the mid 19th century because they work well and last an incredibly long time. 

Another example of tending to the details: our sanctuaries. The finishing pieces that we use everyday, and if we would only also tend to how they look, we would elevate the room more than we might first imagine: the light switches and switchplates - why not install quality metal pieces thereby removing the plastic? It's small, but you see it everyday each day, and use it multiple times a day - sturdy and stunning. 

This is not to say we should be perfectionists, but rather invested in finishing well, attaining excellence to the best of our ability and budget, so that we can be proud of what we have invested ourselves in which brings both satisfaction, but also a resting calm that is fundamental to the elevating of our daily experience. Perhaps this is why I have always gravitated toward living a life of quality over quantity: I have seen and experienced an elevated experience in nearly everything when the former is chosen over the latter. If something is going to be with me for a long time or it is an occasion/event/outing that is influencial or meaningful, I do my best to invest well - both with my attention and time (thereby, editing out other activities, expenditures, etc.), and my hard-earned money. Investing in quality experiences as well as quality tangible items, and doing so consciously, is the powerful practice that when put to use, changes how we experience our lives. 

In today's newsletter, it is my hope that you find the quality to meet your expectations. There are many different topics addressed and explored along with a wonderful conversation about how to elevate the everyday with flowers as I talk with Sandra Sigman, owner of Les Fleurs flower boutique and author of her new and bestselling book French Blooms in episode #355 of the podcast.  As well, explore the many details tended to as I reveal the objectives, befores and afters with all the pics of the Kitchen Curtain and Library Cookbook Nook that was just finished earlier this spring (it is noted in the post that I will be updating the switches and switchplates, but you will notice, since we just talked about it above, the white plastic just doesn't zhush it up at all - I promise to show you the newly added detail when it is place; otherwise, all other details have been tended to). And rest assured, there are three Outfits of the Month to shop, a monthly gardening post, two posts about money and still much more. I do hope you enjoy. 

Thank you for choosing to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. Wishing you a wonderful Sunday and upcoming first week of May. Until the final day in May (Wednesday), the 31st, I will see you on the blog!

—Shannon

~To explore every post you wish to read, be sure to become a member to one of the two tiers - BASIC or TOP as non-members can only read five non-exclusive posts a month (it will reset on the first of each month - tomorrow!).