FALL MUSINGS OF SEASONS PAST

 

SPRING TREASURES FROM TARGET

I really needed a day out today so I took a drive to Target, my favorite place to browse! 

I headed for that cute little section in the front of the store that displays everything that is currently in season. It's all well priced and it makes me feel like I'm getting a "great deal" since the prices are quite reasonable. 

I was primarily looking for something Easter/Springish (if that's a phrase) for the center of our kitchen table. Well I hit the jackpot, come take a look.......

SIMPLE VALENTINE WREATH

Valentine's Day is celebrated annually and I just LOVE to add a bit of festivity to my front door during this time of year.

DIY FALL WREATH TRANSFORMATION

Good Morning TLB friends!

I hope you are all well and are enjoying a little cooler temperatures. Finally we've had some nice days here in Texas in the low 80's, and my creative bug hit me bad!

DIY CHAIR UPDATE

Welcome to Tuesday TLB friends,

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Today's DIY blog is all about how a subtle change can transform something into a brand new look..........

THRIFTY VALENTINE IDEAS

Welcome to Foodie Friday friends!

The New Year is shaping up to be a busy one. With the house moving along nicely we should have some concrete poured within a couple of weeks.....that is if inspections along the way don't hold us up. I know the importance of the inspections, but the excitement to physically see those studs started is killing me!

In the meantime, I'm seeing RED everywhere, in a good way of course! I thought I'd better jump on the Valentine wagon. Since time is so precious now-a-days here's a couple of quick and thrifty ideas I've created to share with you that hopefully, will save you time and money.

First of all look at these sweet little cookies, great for a sweet gift......

Besides using limited ingredients, and being the easiest cookie I've ever made....aren't they the cutest little dollops?

All you need is:

1 Box of Strawberry cake mix
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
Red sugar sprinkles
Heart shaped jelly bean candies ( I just used Starburst jelly beans---the recipe originator used Gimbal's, however, I could not find that brand....I think for future purposes old fashioned candy hearts would be great too!)

The recipe may be found by clicking the link below:
http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2016/01/valentines-day-cookie-recipe.html

When I think of  Valentine's Day I think chocolate (or sweet) and flowers....pretty traditional right? So let's talk about flowers.........red roses in particular. 

No longer is it necessary to order or purchase flowers from a florist. It's so great now to be able to go to the supermarket or big box stores and find quality, inexpensive, beautiful flowers.

So I headed to my local grocery store. I found a beautiful bouquet of red roses, ON SALE! Score!! Then I decided not to display them in just one vase, but to pull out the crystal vases, all gifts from hubby's travels to Ireland! I chose various sizes and played with them. 

This is my result......beautiful, simple and elegant!

Nothing says Happy Valentine's Day like a little something sweet and the beauty of a red rose! 

Wishing you all a very sweet and beautiful Valentine's Day!

Kathleen

DIY SNOWY WINTER WREATH

Welcome to a chilly Tuesday here in Texas! The weatherman is predicting mid 30's at night and 60's during the day, a bit warmer than our New Jersey winters. (at least so far!) I was channeling NJ when I decided I needed a Snowy Winter Wreath to hang on our door.

DIY-ELEGANT PEARL SATIN WREATH

Welcome to TLB friends.....it's so nice to see you!

By now you are most likely getting ready for Thanksgiving this week. We'll be traveling back to NY to spend the holiday with family. Somehow we manage Thanksgiving, and two Christmas celebrations in 3 days. Our family affectionately has named the weekend, "Thanksmas!"

Before we shuffle off to Buffalo, I'm sharing a new DIY wreath idea for the Christmas holidays. It's an ELEGANT PEARL SATIN WREATH. Sometimes it's nice to have a variation of wreaths throughout the house. I always decorate the dining room with more shiny touches and lots of candles....a bit more elegant!

Materials you will need:

-foam wreath ring-I used 16 inch diameter (any size you prefer)
-one can of Spray Adhesive
- 3 pkgs. pearl strands (Hobby Lobby bridal section) 
-one spool of  Satin ribbon approx. 30 ft. spool (Hobby Lobby bridal section)
-glue gun

Directions:

1.  Spray the foam wreath with adhesive spray. It will be a bit tacky to work with, but wrap the entire wreath with the satin ribbon. Secure the end with a touch of glue from the glue gun.

2. Starting at the top of the wreath inner circle, spread a tiny bead of glue, and press the  pearls into place as you move around the perimeter. Glue, finger press pearls securely, and so on. (I started on the inside and moved toward the outside of the foam core.)

3. Once you have the pearls in place, cut a piece of ribbon for hanging and secure it
to the back of the area on the top of the wreath where you have had all of your pearl
strands meet. This covers up the edges. 

4. Use your own discretion regarding a bow. I always like a bow on my wreaths to complete them, but it is not necessary. Secure with glue gun on top of the ribbon you have secured for hanging.

It's that easy!

Add a bit of elegance to one of your rooms for the holidays!

 Have fun!

                                                                                      Kathleen

DIY THE CANDY CANE ENVELOPE

Welcome TLB friends!

I hope that you are having a great week so far! Since I've seen you last, I've been as busy as an elf in Santa's workshop. 

Between hubby's family and mine we've got quite a group of great-nieces and nephews, so I'm always trying to think of something that will delight these sweet little kiddies at holiday time. My plan is to put this felt envelope and it's contents at their place settings---who doesn't like a little gift at Christmas?

I love incorporating a learning experience into the fun. How about the Legend of the Candy Cane? Where did that candy cane come from? Was it Santa? Was it Jesus?Hmm....well today's blog will not only delight, but will educate these little sweeties!

DIY COTTON BOLL WREATH

Welcome to TLB.....it's so nice that you stopped by today! 

I've got a great DIY wreath to share with you that is easy to assemble, and will be a beautiful add to your front door and any wall in your home.

Take a peek.......

DIY MAY DAY GIFT

Welcome to Monday friends!

In only a couple of short weeks May 1st will be here. This day is referred to as May Day and in some places considered the first day of Spring. Some of the May Day traditions are the crowning of a May queen or sometimes King. That person was to oversee all of the day's activities that would take place. Children and adults of all ages fill May baskets with candy or flowers and leave them secretly on neighbor's porches. What a sweet gesture of kindness!

One year I bought small baskets and filled them with flowers tying them on the door knobs of all of my neighbors. This year I changed it up a bit.

I made a quick trip to the Dollar General store and purchased these cute floral buckets and a spool of the pink polka dot ribbon. Then I headed to Costco and purchased a 6-pack of herbs that included Basil for $9.99. I left the Basil intact with soil and planted it gently into the floral bucket. Then I secured the handle of the bucket to the door knob with the ribbon and tied in a knot. I added a bow because when I wrap gifts, I always include a pretty bow on top!! Who doesn't like a gift with a beautiful bow??

Cost:

$1.66 Basil plant
$1.00 decorative bucket with handle
$1.00 1-spool ribbon (there is plenty of ribbon left for more pots)
Total cost for TLB's May Day Gift--less than $4.00

This DIY is so easy and inexpensive.You can personalize it with any plant you like. These little buckets would be great filled with cookies or candy also.

You'll be the hit of the neighborhood! Your friends will love the fact that you are thinking of them with something so pretty, fun and useful!

Happy May Day!

                      Kathleen

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MOD PODGE DIY EASTER EGGS

Welcome to Monday, my friends!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I'm still adjusting to my new environment. I'm so used to grabbing a winter coat before I leave the house, I almost feel like I'm on vacation. Well I can tell you that couldn't be farther from the truth!

Our weekend was filled with furniture stores and nurseries. It honestly was so much fun....even hubby got into it! I get energized playing with fabrics and plants. Crazy huh?

As hubby was packing for a week of travel, I sat down to do today's DIY project....
MOD PODGE EASTER EGGS. 

Items you will need:

1. Mod Podge
2. Faux eggs 
3. A few sponge paint brushes 
4. Origami paper
5. Scissors

It wanted to decorate eggs to add to my speckled collection. Origami paper allowed me to
add a nice little design with very little effort.  Warning.....your fingers will be a bit sticky!

Directions:

1.  Cut Origami paper in small pieces.
2.  Brush small areas of the egg with Mod Podge.
3.  Place cut pieces of paper over the area. Using a dry brush to seal all edges, create a       smooth look.
4.  Let dry.

It's just that easy! Why not take a few minutes to spice up your egg collection. The sky's the limit, use any color combo you like to personalize your eggs. Add a monogram if you like!

                                                  Wishing you a fun Monday!

                          Kathleen

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***Easter bunny was purchased at World Market.

SPRING IN THE SOUTH

Welcome back to "The Lavender Bouquet" friends.......

I'm so glad to be back with all of you.....thanks so much for your patience during my brief break and joining me as we begin our 2015 journey together! I missed y'all!

It's been a very busy few months. Hubby and I have changed our location for a bit. As I write to you we are residing at our Florida house, a nice change of pace for a short time. Lots of logistics and driving in a very hazardous snowstorm were a bit nerve wracking, but we arrived safely and are settling in very nicely.

We've decided to take time to do some renovating while we are here, just a little updating and freshening. My adrenalin started pumping when hubby suggested visiting kitchen cabinet companies and furniture stores. Yes, you read it right, HUBBY suggested this. Of course I was on board for this little adventure immediately!!

I'll be sharing some new DIY projects, delish recipes and as usual some of our travel adventures with you along the way. My first SPRING 2015 DIY project is the Spring wreath you see above. On the drive to Florida we stopped in Raleigh to see our daughter and went to the most beautiful little gift shop. It was filled with lots of Spring inspiration! The bug bit me, so as soon as I got settled in, I created my Spring wreath..........hope you enjoy it! 

  Let the fun begin!

       

                               Kathleen

***Materials for wreath include:

1-grapevine wreath (size is your choice)

1-spool wire edged ribbon

flowers of your choice

Assembly is easy with a hot glue gun.

***Reminder...check us out on Pinterest, Instagram(TheLavenderBouquet), Facebook & Hometalk 

DIY FROM OLD CALENDARS

Good Morning Monday my friends!

I hope you all had a great weekend! Hubby and I were able to spend a few days at our Florida house for a little relaxation. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. 

Today's blog is inspired by a long time friend from Florida. About 5 years she gifted me a beautiful set of calendars from the artist Susan Wallace Barnes. I became a fan instantly and began gifting them to my other Florida friends.

Her work in watercolors is light and cheery and brings such a sweet touch to wherever they are displayed. Anyone who knows me knows that I love watercolor artistry.

One of my friends resides both at the Jersey shore and Florida. She loves them so much she has easels displaying calendars at both of her homes.....and I must confess so do I! I look forward to their release every year.

A couple years ago as the year was coming to an end  I perused the pages of the beautiful calendars one more time before I was going to pack them away. As I looked around, the Florida house walls were begging for some color and that's when it hit me.....

I bought two white wooden frames, added a creamy white mat and one of the 11 x 14 prints to each frame. Most of you have probably tried this easy DIY, but in case you haven't, it's an inexpensive way to add color and personal touches to a home. I think most of all, having something you love displayed tells a story of you.

Here's what my framed wall art looks like in my kitchen:

Why not recycle your beautiful calendars to add something new and beautiful to your walls?

Aren't familiar with Susan Wallace Barnes? Here's a little background on her:

Susan's home is located on coastal meadow in California's Carmel Bay. She is very active in environmental efforts on behalf of ocean awareness. 

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderfully creative week!

Kathleen

****Don't forget to check us out on Facebook too!

DIY TULLE HALLOWEEN WREATH

Good Morning Friends!

I hope you all had a great weekend! It's all about Halloween today. I was in Michael's a few weeks ago, just as they were stocking the shelves with all of the Halloween goodies. I saw the cutest Halloween wreath made with tulle. Yes, like the tulle in ballerina dresses! I loved the colors and it sure looked like a quick DIY......so I thought I would share it with you.

At the time I spotted the wreath there were no directions posted with how to make it. The sales girl that made the sample walked me through how she made it. I added a bit more detail that should make the project a bit easier for you.

Items you will need for the project:
3- spools of 6" wide tulle (1-orange, 1-purple, 1 black)
1- 12" foam wreath
Decor to attach--I used a spider

Directions:

1. Cut tulle into 20" long strips. I used about 32-35 per color.
2. Alternating tulle orange, black, purple pattern, add each strip of tulle to the wreath with a lark's head knot keeping them tightly pushed together. If you are not sure how to tie this know you may find it here on UTUBE--
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyzUmetVJFA
3. Trim the tulle ends when you are finished so they are the same length and glue on your choice of spooky decoration.
4. I used an extra piece of tulle to hang the wreath on my door.

It's as easy as this............

I think I may add some more creepy bugs or eyeballs to make it look more scary. Have fun and decorate yours with your own personal touches.

Have a wonderful day!


Kathleen

*****THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!  

GOLDEN FALL MANTEL

Happy Monday!

I hope you all had a great weekend! Today's blog is all about how a simple decoupaged pumpkin can turn a mantel into a Golden Fall vision. 

The Caspari cocktail napkins actually set the color pallette for me.....gold, crimson and orange. I'm such a fan of those 

colors in the fall. 

The mantel is tall and a bit wide, sometimes making it difficult to photograph in it's entirety. This view is the center of the mantel. Of course the decoupaged pumpkin takes centerstage. Easy drapped fall garland, leaves, mercury glass vases filled with golden pinecones, and golden spray painted mini pumpkins complete the center. 

Note the golden pumpkin on the left. Isn't it pretty? I love all of the texture. That little guy came from my favorite Dollar Tree store and used to look like this.......

After a good coat of gold spray paint he looks like this.......I love how the texture is accentuated by just giving it a shiny coat of paint.

Here's a side peek with the candlestick. I took advantage of the Pottery Barn sale last week and bought a pair of Theroux candlesticks. I love the timeless style and the bands of silver shine to them.

  

It's hard to believe that the mantel inspiration actually began with a napkin. Even the simplest things can give us inspiration to create something beautiful! Never underestimate the power of a napkin!

Wishing you a beautiful day!

Kathleen

See you on Wednesday!

DIY AUTUMN WREATH

I ventured out to some of my favorite craft stores yesterday in search of Autumn inspiration. I was basically looking for a new way to make a wreath for my front door, something a bit different by using a square shape. The selection was pretty limited. Square is just not that popular, however, the square wire wreath frame below seemed just perfect.

Then came the dilemma of how and what will I attach to the frame?? Searching up and down the aisles at Joann Fabric I came across a beautiful leafy garland with shades of gold, brown, red and orange. It was more than sufficient in length to provide all of the leafy fullness that I needed to cover the frame.

I started by attaching the garland with florist wire directly to the frame.  

As I worked around the perimeter, then trimmed some of the leaves from the garland and hot glued them to strategic places so that the metal frame was not exposed.

To embellish the wreath adding faux acorns, small purple berry clusters and pheasant feathers seemed just enough for that touch of Autumn. In lieu of a bow, I chose a simple piece of burlap ribbon to secure the wreath to the top of the door.

The materials used made it difficult to create nice sharp corners, but the final DIY showcases a brilliant display of Autumn greeting our guests at the front door.

Are you making an Autumn wreath this year? What are you using for your frame.......grapevine, wire, twig? Feel free to share your ideas with us....it's a great way for all of us to learn!

Wishing you a wonderfully creative Wednesday!

Kathleen

***Thanks so much for stopping by today and WELCOME to ALL of our new friends!! Our blog subscribers and Facebook page has grown immensely during the last week. See you on Thursday for Devine Find!

DIY-THRIFT STORE CORBEL SHELVES

I hope your week has been going well. I'm getting the house ready for weekend guests. Our friends from Florida will be joining us along with our oldest daughter. I'm looking forward to a busy weekend!

I have an easy DIY to share with you today! My last trip to the thrift store resulted in a purchase of 2 corbel shelves. They were in great shape, a terrific price at $3.00 each, and just what I needed for the powder room wall. 

I decided to spray paint them a Metallic Pure Gold color and added a sponging of Bark Brown Acrylic Paint to them. They blend nicely with the Ralph Lauren inspired wallpaper. 

I added a bit of aqua blue painted coral to one shelf.

And kept the second shelf vase more of monochromatic shade.

The crown molding is a deep brown contrast to the wallpaper so the metallic gold shelves with a hint of the bark brown paint blend nicely. The wallpaper is such a bold print it's a bit difficult to find accessories that compliment it.

Simple vignette on top of the toilet.

And that's my DIY for today....1 set of corbel shelves, 1 can of Metallic Gold paint, and a tiny bit of Bark Brown sponge paint. Easy and very inexpensive!!

Have you been thrifting lately? If I go with an open mind I can find so much that can easily and inexpensively be transformed into the perfect treasure I have been looking for.

Wishing you a creative day!

Kathleen

**** Remember we also have a Facebook page, THE LAVENDER BOUQUET, where I post many great ideas that don't appear on the blog. Check us out and remember to LIKE our page! You may also subscribe to the blog so that it is delivered directly to your inbox. Just fill in the box on the right hand side of the blog where it says EMAIL. Hope you enjoyed today's blog!

HANGING PLATE GROUPING in BEDROOM

Welcome to Wednesday my friends! I hope your week is going well. I'm so busy for the next month it's making me a bit crazy! Why does it seem that Summer just fly's by? What's your summer been like? Share some of your busy summer day stories with us. We'd love to hear them.

One of the projects I've been working on is finishing my youngest daughter's bedroom. Even though the girls are grown and on their own every time we move we still have a "special bedroom" designated for each of them. I always try to personalize them in some way, lately it is with a special framed photo from their travels together. I didn't hang anything on her walls because I hadn't found what I was looking for. One day recently, I came upon these plates that were made from the impression of doilies and I thought they would look lovely in her room.

The trend of hanging plates has intrigued me, but also frightened me a bit. I don't like to make mistakes when it comes to puncturing a  hole in a wall. Besides that you have to be spot on with your measurements or the complete wall will look ridiculous..

So I solicited my hubby's assistance to achieve this!

Instructions:

Step #1--I mounted the marble design piece in the center directly above the bed. (That's when I called hubby in to help finish!) 

Step #2-- Make a template by tracing the outline of the plate on parchment paper and cutting it out.  

**I LOVE my pencil from OLIVE BOX this month! Isn't that a great phrase?

Step #3-- Define the spacing from the marble piece to the plate, the spacing between each and the drop down spacing number from the top. We used 3" for all of them. This made is quite easy. Carefully tape each template in place.

Step #4-- Place the plate on top of the template, find the center in the back and take a small nail or tack and mark the spot on the wall where the edge (see edge below) of the back of the plate hits the wall. Push the nail or tack right through the template leaving a mark on the wall. A little tricky but you can do it! 

Step #5-- Attach a 3M Adhesive Picture Hanger in the middle of the back of the plate just under the protruded edge.

Step #6-- Remove the template from the wall, place the adhesive part of the plate on the area that you marked with a nail. And once you are comfortable with the placement, press in place.

It's a bit time consuming when it comes to placement, but be patient or do it as a team, it will all work out!

Take a peek at my daughter's newly finished bedroom.....

 What do you think?

The bedroom is painted with Benjamin Moore AC-37 Big Bend Beige. The ceiling, trim and doors are Benjamin Moore Super White which is my tried and true for a crisp clean look in the bedrooms.

My husband and I purchased the beautiful throw in Paris. It was imported from India and the detail is simply stunning. It's a beautiful compliment to the silver grays in her room. The comforter and shams are from Restoration Hardware.

Thanks for stopping by today for a peek into my daughter's bedroom. What I try to achieve in all of girls rooms is a sense of tranquility for them. A place to come "back home" to. And a place that gives them a chance to recharge and enjoy our precious family time!

I am looking forward to seeing you on Foodie Friday for that great Summer Dinner Menu that I promised you from Monday's tablescape blog.

See you then!

Kathleen

BEAUTIFUL LADY FINGER CENTERPIECE

One of my favorite places my husband and I have traveled to was Paris. We celebrated our anniversary there two years ago and the memories are still fresh in my mind. 

It's difficult for me to pick my "favorite thing" that we saw, experienced or ate, because the entire trip was a dream come true! I must say the Rue Cler street market was pretty high on my list. Fresh produce, fish, cheeses, deli foods,chocolate shops, and the wonderful bakeries! Ahhhh.....the bakeries. Never before have I seen such gorgeous displays of tempting pastries, macarons, cakes and of course the breads!

I recently found a photo of a beautiful Lady Finger centerpiece. It reminded me so much of our days in Paris. I thought I would attempt to create my own version. Of course I did not bake my own Lady Fingers, but I found a great substitute in the grocery store......and here is my LADY FINGER CENTERPIECE!

**Sidenote: My middle daughter gifted me this beautiful lace runner from her recent trip to Belgium.  I just love it!

Below are the items you will need--

1. Hat or floral pins.
2. Moss
3. Fresh roses and babies breath
4. Ribbon
5. 2 packages of Lady Fingers (if you use my size layers)
6. Floral foam for 3 layers  1- 6", 1-8",1-10" (approx. 2 inches thick)

Hot glue gun, scissors, plastic wrap

 2. Cut floral foam (see below)

3. Soak each layer of foam in water and wrap securely in plastic wrap. (you don't want to get your Lady Fingers wet!)

4. Glue layers together leaving perimeter for flowers or babies breath. Poke holes for flowers around each layer. The pattern is up to you. You may also use the babies breath in between.
HINT: I started by placing 4 roses equidistant around each layer perimeter, and built the rest from that point. 

5. Push moss in between flowers so that the plastic wrap and floral foam are not exposed.

6. Place a bead of hot glue on the bottom 1/3 of the lady finger layers and press carefully into place; pressing against the edge of the foam wrapped layer. 

7. Wrap ribbon around the perimeter of each layer. Attach the end of the ribbon with hat/floral pin, sticking it into the foam layer securely. I made sure this was located at the back of the centerpiece, however, the pearl topped pins look very pretty on the ribbon.

****THIS IS NOT EDIBLE****

I hope you have enjoyed today's blog.

This centerpiece is a bit time consuming and should be made the day of the event. The Lady Fingers are fragile and should not be exposed to moisture. 

*** If you are using hearty,fresh picked roses or flowers that can withstand the better part of a day without drooping, water soaked foam may not be necessary.

Options for use of centerpiece:
1. Bridal shower
2. Wedding shower
3. Baby shower
4. Anniversary party
5. Afternoon tea
6. Any party with a French theme
And the list goes on.....use your imagination and have fun!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend! 

au revoir!!

Kathleen

*****
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