INSPIRATION & SWEET MEMORIES VIGNETTE

Thanks so much for visiting The Lavender Bouquet--I hope you enjoy your visit today. 

I spent my weekend doing the much dreaded outdoor clean-up and removing all of the plants from my patio pots. I love fall for so many reasons, however, I'm always a bit sad when the colorful flowers of spring and summer come to an end.

I stopped by the grocery store today to pick up a few items and as I entered there were beautiful bouquets of deep pink Cockscomb (Celosia) on display. If you aren't familiar with this beautiful flower this may jog your memory---

These flowers are sometimes referred to as Wool Flowers or Brain Celosia, referring to the color of the brain.Their heads range from 2-5 inches across and they have a strong leafy stem. They bloom from late summer through late fall. I've never grown them, but am tempted to try them next spring.

Arranging Cockscomb in a vase couldn't be simpler. They display best keeping them in a tight bouquet because they have a flat side to them. They may be dried if you prefer also.  All I added were sprigs of tall twigs adorned with lime berries.

Take a look at the coffee table vignette that all began with inspiration from the Cockscomb.

Speaking of inspiration......as I was setting up the vignette.  I came across a very special gift from some dear friends. They gifted us this beautiful book when we were moving from Ohio. It's titled, Where Love Resides-Reflections on Love and Life. The book is about quiltmakers. It showcases the blocks that represent each quiltmakers declaration of love. The final quilt is called Where Love Resides.

I started re-reading some of pages and leafing through the beautiful photographs. The photos of the quilt blocks are the handiwork of many talented women ultimately culminating into one quilt.  Below is a list of the blocks represented on the quilt:

Sisterhood
The Home
Your Dreams
Motherhood
Nature
Creativity
Passion
Marriage
Community

Wrapping ourselves in a quilt like this, is like surrounding  
ourselves with the people and places that have enriched our lives. As a blanket makes us feel cozy and warm, so does this quilt of Love.

There are days that we all need inspiration and comfort. My day started with a decision to buy some beautiful flowers and ended with the warm memories of old friends.

What about your day? What inspires you?

Wishing you a day filled with sweet memories!

Kathleen


***Please stop by back on Wednesday for a little Fall inspiration! 

CHANGING UP THE COFFEE TABLE FOR SPRING!

Spring and "springtime" to me are like the most exciting time of the year. I love as the trees unfold with their beautiful leaves, bulbs pop out of the ground, the birds are chirping and the smell of fresh mown grass permeates the air.

When the outside plantings are done it's time to move inside the house adding a bit of Spring here and there. With the dining room finished, the mantle and the entertainment center completed, I thought a fresh new coffee table vignette would be in order. 

I am slowly gravitating towards adding blue in phases into our family room. Making the change on the coffee table helps pull the entertainment center into the "blue" fold too.

I found this great blue leather tray at Homegoods. By adding my Orrefors crystal bowl (a gift from my sister and brother-in-law) filled with green apples for a nice contrast, a Galway crystal rose bowl filled with fresh flowers, a coordinating navy spined book and an Eiffel tower coaster the vignette was complete.  By using things that I had on hand, it was a very inexpensive change and really introduces another touch of blue into the room.

It's so easy to make impactful, subtle changes in your home. Sometimes it's as easy as opening drawers and exploring closets to find these great treasures.

Wishing you a wonderful day of exploring!

Kathleen

***Many thanks for sharing your day with us at The Lavender Bouquet. Stop back on Foodie Friday!!