A QUICK REFRESH

 Good Morning TLB friends,

I hope that my post finds you well and enjoying the Summer weather. 

A LOVELY SPRING REMINDER

 Blossom by Blossom Spring Begins....

OUR FOREVER HOME BUILD

Welcome back TLB friends!

I hope this week finds you well! 

Things in my world are busy, but a good busy. I've adjusted to our new lifestyle here in the  Northwestern U.S., and am beginning to feel ready to conquer what lies ahead. What lies ahead you ask?  Lots of airline miles!!

We have begun building our "forever" home in the Florida. Much travel, and of course all of the subsequent holiday celebrations that go along with this time of year will complete our 2019!

The biggest challenge I've completed are the selections for the new house. I just have some lighting yet to order. Those of you that have built semi-custom homes know the drill. You have a design center that houses most or all of your selections, many are in vignettes so that you may get a good visual, however, there are some that are in a catalog
that you must choose from. Not a task that should be taken lightly!!!! Go in with your photo album of ideas....it helps immensely! 

We were able to make the hardcore selections, flooring, cabinets, countertops, etc. from the showroom. We decided to take the lighting fixtures that were included in our base price and have them installed. We cannot close if there are not fixtures installed, so after closing we will hire an electrician to install the fixtures and fans that we purchased to replace them for us. We are planning on donating the other lighting to "Habitat for Humanity" which is always in need of donations in Florida. 

I've been very fortunate to be able to work with my lighting sales lady from Texas who helped me so much with our lighting in that house. We worked together thru phone and emails and she shipped everything to Florida for us.

I started selection choices with the flooring.I did allot of research first!! We knew it would be the most costly selection (outside of the pool) for the house. The flooring will be in at least 3/4 of the house. I chose a Mohawk oak engineered flooring that withstands heat and humidity. (Metropolitan Lights, color City Loft Oak)     https://www.mohawkflooring.com/engineered-wood/detail/14842-182986/Metropolitan-Lights-City-Loft-Oak Once that selection was made I knew how much I had left in hubby's budget for me to spend on everything else AND the color family that would coordinate
with the flooring.

We both loved the kitchen in Texas and though I cannot recreate it exactly, I chose to
use the black and white theme once again. Island and butlers pantry black cabinets, perimeter of kitchen and top and bottom cabinets are white with all countertops gray marbled quartz. I kept my simple white subway tile with white grout in a staggered pattern in the kitchen, and herringbone pattern in the butlers pantry. All cabinets will have black matte hardware this time. I'm still "in love" with this color combo. I'm currently working with my
lighting lady on the island pendants. They will be black also.

Below is a photo of the kitchen/dinette area from the model. We chose a bit different
perimeter layout and appliances.

Hubby wanted a pool so we re-created many of the features from the Texas 
house with the Florida designer; shape of the pool, most of the same materials and color, but changed the waterfall stone to a Ledge stone slate veneer.

We also enlarged the outdoor patio for entertaining, and added decorative pavers. (instead of swirled concrete like Texas) The pool and entertaining area will be entirely encased
within a screened lanai.

Well, as things progress I will continue to share. But this gives you a taste of what's
to come.

Have a wonderful week!

 Kathleen

A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM TLB

Hello TLB Friends!

As we all know "life" has a way of dictating our future, and mine has taken quite a few turns over the past year. My philosophy has always been, "God doesn't give you more than you can handle." In today's blog I'll bring you all up to speed......

Last year my husband's company did some downsizing in preparation of a corporate "buy-out." This affected some of the top executives, like my husband. As many of you know we had built our home in Texas, established our life, and after one year of living in the new house the announcement came.

In the midst of debating whether to sell the house, we received the most wonderful news that our oldest daughter was expecting her first child. She lives in Florida and since we have a vacation home in Florida we decided that it made sense to sell the Texas home and move to the Florida house to be nearer our daughter and new grandchild.

We sold our home to a lovely young family with two teenagers. The kids were so excited when they chose their bedrooms and couldn't wait to swim in the pool! As sad as it was to leave the memories we had already made in our home; all of the painstaking selections, the touches that made it home for us, the friends we had made, it felt good that we knew our home would be filled with the "love and joy of this new family."

So we said-----

AND 

 Hello Florida....

Whenever we move, there is always something that goes awry. Unfortunately, our movers packed the garage door remotes in the Florida boxes, so when we arrived in Florida we quickly mailed them back to Texas to the new family. Soon after we unpacked the rest of the boxes and settled in, we received a note with some of our mail enclosed in an envelope from the new owners. It read, "Thank you for sending the garage door openers, and for the beautiful flowers and wine! We love our new home! 

We always leave the new family's a little something. My Christmas Amaryllis was just the most gorgeous red and full of blooms, it just felt like it would make a beautiful "warm welcome" in the all white kitchen. A bottle of wine is something my husband always likes to leave on the counter for celebrating.

Most everything went into storage in Texas as the Florida house is already furnished and considerably more cozy!!  When we finally land permanently, it will seem like Christmas when we are unpacking boxes. We did alot of sorting and purging prior to this move, making us much more lean. It's funny sometimes how we hang on to some things forever, and when we stop and think about it, we wonder "why?"

Soon after settling into the Florida house, we realized it was time for a bit of freshening. We decided to start with the exterior, giving it a new updated color palette, which we just received approval for from our HOA.

-Body & garage door--Sherwin Williams-#7065 Argos
-Trim-Sherwin Williams-Casa Blanca-#7571
-Front Door-Sherwin Williams-In the Navy-#9178
- Lanai Patio Floors-Sherwin Williams-Casa Blanca-#7571

The beginning of June the painters will work their magic, and in the meantime, I'm toying with new interior wall color, BUT most importantly right now, we are spending a great deal of time with our daughter and new granddaughter.

We just can't get enough of our sweet little-

 Catherine Grace born on February 28th!

Thanks so much for your loyalty during my hiatus. It feels great to be back on the "blogging trail" once again! I have missed all of you!


                                                                        Fondly,

                           Kathleen

                                

ADDING EASY COLOR TO YOUR HOME

Life sure has a way of passing by when you are busy! The past 3 weeks I have been on 8 airplanes! There's been no time for brainstorming what my next blog will be, when we have a wedding to plan!

I've been with my daughter in Charleston making selections so that she and her fiance could sign all of their contracts for their Fall wedding, and of course at the Florida house for the Spring cleanup. Busy times!

After coming home from beautiful warm states that are prolific with colorful flowers......our house an Texas seemed a bit drab inside. It only took one quick trip to the grocery store floral department and for less than $20.00 things began looking much more springlike

inside!

Variegated cream and red Hyrdrangeas, red Mini Carnations and  green Solidago bunches
added just the right amount of "Happy Spring" to the house.

If you need a quick pick me up for your home......head on over to your local grocery

store and pick up a bright beautiful bouquet that is sure to add a bit of "Happy Spring" 

to your home too!

Have a colorful day!

Kathleen

Don't forget to follow The Lavender Bouquet on INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK!

FEATHERED FRIENDS FRIDAY

Greetings TLB friends......

Just wanted to stop by, along with my feathered Florida friends, to wish you all a very BLESSED weekend!

                           Kathleen

WARM CHRISTMAS WISHES

Greetings TLB friends,

The Florida house is decorated, the cookies are baked, the family has all arrived....and now it's time to settle in for a warm winter's night as we wait for Santa's arrival.........

Wishing you all a beautiful Christmas filled with the love and laughter of family!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Kathleen

Message from TLB..........

See you Wednesday!

UNIQUE GRILLED CHEESE JOINT

Welcome to Foodie Friday!

This week has been a real learning experience for us. We've spent several days with kitchen and countertop experts, and then had a little fun exploring some of the recommended restaurants of Southwest Florida.

Since today is Foodie Friday I'm sharing our unique experience at 11:Eleven Cafe in Fort Myers, Florida. Recently Alton Brown, the "Cutthroat Kitchen" host, stopped for lunch, and the Cafe has been bustling since. Tourists and locals alike are lined up on any given day to sample the delish "comfort classics." So hubby and I decided to stop by for lunch to see what all of the chatter was about.

The simple eclectic decor reflects the personality of Chef and Owner Christa Leigh.

The menu consists of childhood favorites like grilled cheese, savory waffles, Naan flatbread, and baked potatoes.....all with a twist. I tried "The Gabbi Mac & Cheese please." It's mac and cheese with your choice of cheese between 2 slices of bread! Yep, a sandwich grilled and pressed until the cheesy goodness escapes around the edges just a bit! YUMMY....but oh so filling. Hubby tried the Bacon and Cheese........which included 3 strips of bacon, added to an already oozing grilled cheese sandwich. YUMMY but deadly! You may customize your own sandwich. Also, served are made from scratch soups, vegan and vegetarian items. 

My Gabbi Mac and Cheese Sandwich------

Eclectic touches are everywhere......

If you are ever in the Fort Myers area stop by the 11:Eleven Cafe for a unique dining experience.

                                       Wishing you a wonderful Easter Weekend!

                                                         Kathleen

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!

WEEKEND GETAWAY AND THE BEAUTIFUL GARDENS AT THE RITZ

I hope you all had a great weekend! Hubby and I traveled to the Florida house for a bit of R & R. He had just returned from two weeks of extensive travel to Europe and the west coast, so he was ready for some down time. It's not always easy for him to "shut down the power plant" but this trip, he did very well. We even made it to the beach twice!

Our first beach day was at Fort Myers beach. We were greeted by a very interesting man weaving beautiful baskets from coconut branches. Take a look at his beautiful work. He told us he was taught by an older gentlemen and that choosing the correct size and shape of the coconut branch is what determines how his basket turns out. It was quite an interesting process to watch as it unfolded into this beautiful basket.

Fort Myers Beach was lovely.

The Ritz Carlton of Naples beach.

After enjoying some great beach time we headed to Naples. By the time we reached Naples the skies were a bit ominous. But beach time was still a good time!

We met our friends for lunch at the Ritz Carlton. It had been quite a few years since my hubby and I had stayed at the Ritz, so the decor had been updated.

The foyer greeted us with the classic beauty that only the Ritz can provide. A gorgeous gold carved table topped with a beautiful floral arrangement of tropical flowers..... it sets the tone for a beautiful tropical Welcome.

A few years ago I took a flower arranging class here, and learned that the Ritz, at that time, had their own floral staff on site. They showed us how to create a beautiful tropical floral piece. I will never forget the gorgeous result when all he started with was a pile of fronds,bird of paradise and other tropicals...just gorgeous!

The grounds and courtyards are always a typical manicured vision. 

The gardens with their beautiful pots of color and vignettes for relaxation are always so inviting.

My hubby loved this tropical Dr. Seuss looking plant!

I am always looking for great ideas for our patios at home and I love this bench! I can picture it at the end of our patio.

If you like this bench too, here is a link where you may purchase one very close to this:
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Outdoor-Bench/5157434/product.html

I love this bench too!

I told hubby next year I would love to add a boxwood hedge designed much like below in our side yard near the patio. Then I could add the beautiful concrete bench above into the center of the hedge, instead of using the flowers they used below. Wouldn't that be gorgeous?

Here's where you can find a beautiful bench close to the one above:http://www.thegardengates.com/traditional-curved-garden-bench-p1076.aspx?gclid=Cj0KEQjw_42eBRDHqcG1psmtneEBEiQAWPL8WAYQEHgqxg1j_LMkzTZ-TsYgW38-2xhOdNoLhqYpyMcaAsGY8P8HAQ

Well it's back to reality, but we sure did have some wonderfully relaxing moments. We all need to recharge, but it doesn't have to be at the Ritz.....turn off the cell phone, get out that chaise, make yourself a nice beachy drink and start soaking up that sun! (with sunscreen of course!) 

I hope you have enjoyed today's blog!  Thanks for stopping by!

Kathleen

A LITTLE BIT OF OUR PARADISE!

I hope you have been having a wonderful week. I've been in Florida for the week appreciating all of the great weather, glorious plants in bloom, and visiting with friends. No complaints here!

It never fails when I arrive here and wake up the very first morning, and open the slider door, I am amazed at the beauty around us......such a wonderful world God has created for us to enjoy! This trip the hubby is able to join me for a few days too; an added bonus.

Every morning I walk past 4 lakes full of ducks, and trees with birds chirping like crazy. We've been known to have an alligator or two spotted occasionally also. They've never come up into our yard, thankfully!!

As I walked today I took some photos that I thought you might enjoy. This is only some of the beauty.........

Of course, there's also a "special chair" calling my name in the afternoons. A little ice tea, a good book, of course sun screen, and that's what I call paradise. I just picked up this colorful blanket for the beach at Old World Market.....I am loving the colors!!!

Wishing you a wonderfully relaxing weekend!

See you on Monday.....

Kathleen

****Thanks so much for stopping by The Lavender Bouquet. Don't forget to tell your friends about us!

Greetings from Florida!

Good Morning from Florida!

I have been enjoying a wonderful week here. A bit rainy at times, but I haven't let it dampen my spirits.
Girlfriend time has been fun, and I even managed to get to my favorite Boca Bargoons Fabric store, which was having a SALE! I will share some of my delightful finds in upcoming blogs.

I also spent a great deal of time this week on my computer. I had been noticing a decline in the subscriber
numbers and found that I had a compatibility issue that I believe has been taken care of. Please keep me
informed if you are not receiving your Monday, Wednesday and Friday blogs.

Well, it's time to head North.......I wish you all a wonderful weekend!

                                                                Kathleen