Best Of:: Lavender Love

I can't ever get enough of lavender. I dream of filling my future gardens with rows and rows that I can stroll through. For those of you lucky enough to have lavender growing near you right now, I've pulled together some of my favorite DIYs and recipes.

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While I was traveling in Washington state this last week, I saw lavender everywhere. I took every excuse to walk by my mother-in-law's flower garden and rub the little flowers between my fingers. The scent it releases is the most comforting and home-like smell I can imagine. The flowers were constantly covered with bees and I started craving lavender honey, which is made when bees pollinate lavender and infuse the flavor in the honey. Mmmm... 

Ok, enough daydreaming. Let's get on to the list.

1. Lavender Hot Chocolate

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This is the number one thing I want to try with fresh lavender. If it was in my garden right now, this would probably be my breakfast all summer long. I don't even mind that it's so hot outside, this sounds like heaven.

2. Lavender Handmade Paper

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Talk about creative! I've done DIY paper, but never thought of putting lavender in the mix! Just think of sending handwritten notes or dinner invitations on this sweet paper that is naturally colored and scented.

3. Lavender Blueberry Ice Cream

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I have a serious weakness for homemade ice cream. I make my own whenever I can, and always stop at the little homemade shops in small towns. This afternoon snack would be perfectly sweet and refreshing.

4. Dried Lavender Bunches

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Another dream I have is to hang bunches to dry in my future laundry room. I might just love dried lavender as much as fresh. The scent lasts for such a long time and I think little hand tied bunches are so pretty hanging on walls or as bridesmaid bouquets.

5. Lavender Eye Pillows

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Have you ever used one of these. The scent is so soothing and immediately relieves any tension you are holding in your face. This would be an easy thing to do once the dried bundles start to fall apart.

6. Lavender Sugar

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Lavender sugar would be yummy sprinkled in lemonade or herbal tea. I would also love to try making a sugar scrub or soak with it.

7. Lavender Syrup

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I've been sitting here thinking of what to write for this one, but it's making me so hungry I can't think. I'll let your imagination do the rest.

8. Frolic Through Fields

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Finally, find a field of lavender and run through it. Open your arms to the sky, twirl around and sing The Hills Are Alive, then collapse on a pillow of sweet smelling purple. I'm getting carried away again. Off to daydream land!

*amber*

3 Years

Exactly three years ago, I was waking up for the most important day of my life so far. I had hardly slept with a stomach full of butterflies, but that morning, I woke up with the most amazing peaceful feeling. As I had my hair nails done, I sat in calm and marveled at how serene I felt. Regardless of what could go wrong, I knew I was making the best decision of my life.

A few hours later, I was married to the love of my life for all eternity. I never cry out of happiness, but as we were being married, I was filled with the most overwhelming joy and the tears started flowing. Again, I knew this was the right choice.

After three years and explaining our love so many times, these expressions have started to sound cliche. There simply are not words to express the way I feel about this amazing man and the life we have built together is better than I ever imagined.

We were married in the LDS Salt Lake Temple. Because of the promises we made to each other, we will be able to spend forever together, even after death and the journeys beyond that. I may be biased, but I think it is the most beautiful wedding venue in the entire world.

Our wedding fell on the hottest day of the summer. Pictures for two hours in 103 degree weather and a big dress and tux should have been miserable. I only remember feeling elated and like I was in a dream.

Because I love event planning and am always watching for the newest cool ideas and trends, I often think, "if I were getting married now, I would definitely do THAT," or, "I wish I had incorporated that element into my wedding."

But then I remember how special our day was, and that all goes away. I look at our photos and realized they are timeless. We had a quick three month engagement, so I didn't have the time to excruciate over every little detail, like I always do. However, everything fell together perfectly and the event was so fitting for us. Of course, my tastes have changed a lot over the last three years, but I am still deeply in love with our wedding day and all it represented.

Our day was full of friends of family who mean so much to us. Many have helped our marriage grow, and many new friends have entered our lives. We are so grateful for everyone who has helped us along this journey and made our life together brighter.

And most of all, I am eternally thankful that God put this man in my path so early in my life. Again, a cliche, but I was lost before him but I didn't yet know it. He has improved the person I have become and I can't wait to see what the future will hold for us. 

Happy three years Seth, here's to the rest of forever. I love you!

*amber*

Wednesday Wisdom

Well, it's the middle of the week. Today we'll be taking a long drive out to the ocean. And I just don't feel like writing much. I know, poor me. But I decided to share a bit of wisdom that I try to live my life by. When I've applied this, I've never felt like I can't take on the world. For me it's as simple as starting the day by getting up, getting ready and reading something meaningful and I feel confident and powerful.

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Do you feel the same way? What little things do you do day to day to conquer the world?

*amber*

London Fever 2012

'Ello me lovelies. Excuse my faux English accent, but just be grateful you didn't hear me try it in person. The Olympics are officially over, but since we're on vacation, we haven't seen the closing ceremonies yet. Therefore, I have chosen to pretend they are still going. These Olympics have renewed my fervor for all things British. My mom went to London when I was 15, and ever since, I have wanted to make the trip across the pond. This summer, I have been thinking about the good ol' UK a little more than normal, so it has definitely influenced some of my current obsessions.

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Traditional design with velvet, tufting and anything Victorian. I love it all when placed in a modern eclectic mix.

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A renewed love for Kate and her effortlessly classic style. 

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Blackberries. In, on or with almost anything. These beauties grown wild all over the English countryside.

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British Invasion. Recently returned to my Beatles collection and found it continues to hit the spot.

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Mixed patterned tea-ware. I've had a collection since I was 7. 

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The classics. These newly designed Hardcovers are on my wishlist, and I dream of rereading familiar tales on a drizzly fall day.

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Burberry. Classic shapes, fits and textures like tweed, leather, or anything inspired by menswear.

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A longtime favorite, lattice windows. I would love to curl up next to one to catch some dappled sunlight on chilly days. (Can you tell I'm excited for Autumn yet?)

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Dreams of an untamed cottage garden with winding paths.

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The union jack symbol. I think the modern interpretations of the UK flag can be really fun. I like this dresser and would love to do it tone on tone blues or greys for a boys' room.

How did you celebrate the London Olympics? Did you eat fish and chips or host a tea party? I want to hear what you love (or don't love) about Great Britain and its culture.

*amber*

Blushing Bridal Bash

For my friend Ashley's bridal shower, Everything was pink. Ashley's friend Noelle agreed to have it in her beautiful home, and her daughters were eyeing the setup and telling me they wished all the pink could stay up. But honestly, I was a little worried about how it would turn out. I have a confession to make: pink scares me. Really badly.

I actually really like pink and think it can be unbelievably beautiful and dreamy, but it can easily go so wrong. Think uber hot pink with zebra stripes. Sorry if you love that look, but I just find combinations like that obnoxious and overbearing. I wanted to use all different shades, but worried that the bright pinks might start to overpower or feel like a Hannah Montana birthday party. To make sure I had a clear vision of how I would make pink work, I made an inspiration board, featured Saturday.

One way I discovered to use it well was to use the current ombre trend. By using a gradient of different pinks, the look could stay interesting, modern and still grown up.

I started by designing these ombre watercolor invitations inside beautifully hand painted floral cards.

We decided to hold the shower on Noelle's back patio. It was a gorgeous location on the mountainside in Springville, Utah. We were able to feel the summer breeze and enjoy incredible views over the valley.

As guests entered the space, they were asked to add a fingerprint balloon to a string held by a gold silhouette of Ashley in her bridal gown. I didn't get a good photo, but the sign in was something like this.

The table was decorated with an A for Ashley, decorated with paper flowers like you used to make in elementary school with a pencil eraser. Ashley LOVES dogs. In a way I've never seen anyone love them. In New York, she had what I called dog-dar and obsessed over every single dog. I found these funny bulldog salt and pepper shakers at Target and invented the Glitter Pup (TM.) I think they're quirky and brought a sense of humor.

I made these paper fans inspired by BHLDN's crinkle fans. Because the event was outside in the afternoon in Utah, these fans in a variety of pink patterns were a cute way to stay cool. 

I made these gradient streamer curtains to act as a pretty backdrop.

I love the way they turned out, and they were constantly moving in the breeze.

Originally, these paper lanterns were crisscrossed all over the ceiling of the space. However, the wind wouldn't let them stay up for more than a few minutes, so they were moved to the beautiful arches around the patio. 

Here's some of that breathtaking view I was talking about.

For the main table, I wanted a fun, collected centerpiece. I started with sepia colored hexagon mirrors. On top, I grouped glass bottles with calla lilies, eucalyptus, candles and succulents.

I loved the geometry of the mirrors with the relaxed feel of the other elements. 

The eucalyptus smelled amazing and each little succulent was unique and interesting.

I painted gradating shades of pink on dollar store candles and sealed the paint with mod podge. 

For the smaller table, I used some leftovers, because I wasn't sure how many people would arrive. 

The second glitter pup made his place on this table. 

We had some yummy refreshments brought by Ashley's amazing family.

I made this little framed quote because it captured the vibe of the shower. It says, "I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.” -Audrey Hepburn

I made three different signature pink cupcakes for the shower, each wrapped in pretty gold liner.

Strawberry Cheesecake: strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting, graham crackers and a strawberry

Cherry Vanilla: cherry chip cake with pink vanilla frosting and edible pearls

Pink Lemonade: ombre pink dyed white cake with pink lemonade frosting, yellow sugar sprinkles and a paper straw

Here is what the ombre cupcake looked like. I split the batter into three batches and dyed each a different shade. It only looks like two now, but I still like the look of the fade.

But let's be honest, I probably wouldn't have minded if they were completely ugly. Nomnomnom.

And of course, we all drank a lot of water and strawberry lemonade. Have to stay hydrated in this heat!

I had so much fun pulling this together for Ashley and meeting her sweet family and friends. Even though I was so exhausted, they left me inspired enough to have energy to do her bridal party flowers the next morning! More on that later.

Happy Monday everyone! Or maybe it's an "oh crap, it's Monday" sort of day. Either way, take some time to celebrate the waning summer in your own way. We'll be spending the day exploring Seattle and enjoying the rare heat it's getting right now!

*amber*