" Welcome to Lavender Dreams "

and Ivy and Elephants

I’m linking to Honey’s Potpourri Party,

AND Kathy’s Home and Garden party!

I’m joining It’s a Very Cherry World

for Rednesday for the very FIRST time! ♥

I also want to link to the very FIRST Cozy Home Party !

I found a Dotty Hop party, too!

PLEASE HELP! I’m open to ANY suggestions!

What would you do with it?

“The Heart of the Sea” Mosaic Monday

2012-01-08T20:23:00.000-05:00

I was so fortunate to find ‘the heart of the sea’ when we walked on Apollo Beach Christmas day.

This is the very first heart I’ve ever found…a treasure indeed.

I made this mosaic in Picassa and Picnik.

I started with this photo…

But I want to tell you about a fun and easy photo editing tool online.

I was on Living, Laughing and Loving and saw these wonderful blogging tips. HERE!

In Part 4 she mentions Pixlr

It’s very easy to use and you save your photo…be sure to rename it so that it doesn’t overwrite your original…right onto your computer!

I used it here…

and here.

I’m joining Mary at the dear little red house

for Mosaic Monday! I hope you’ll join us, too!

I love working with photos!

PS I’ve had so many people ask….yes, I think it IS a rock but it was in the perfect shape of a heart! When I picked it up, I put it to my heart!

Have you learned a fun editing tool lately?

Are you into the ‘Details’?

2012-01-07T08:33:00.000-05:00

I missed a lot of things over the years because I didn’t notice the details. Now I try to look at things differently.

My hubby had the idea to put a little sand in the bottom of these bottles and it was the perfect touch!

I’ve noticed when I decorate, the details make all the difference.

Don’t you agree that the candles look better if the wicks are burned?

I will have something a certain way for awhile and then realize it is all wrong.

I had this fish dish turned the other way…

and then one morning I looked at it and it looked wrong.

Do you pay attention to the details?

Do you really look and see what’s there?

I would like to mention a fun giveaway at the 2 Seasons for a $50 gift card for the Container Store!

Click HERE to enter!

Here’s a wonderful giveaway given by some of my favorite ladies…the Long Ladies at Marie Madeline Studio!

And Cat’s having a giveaway

click on… In the Light of the Moon.

Or you busy organizing and cleaning your house?

Another blog that is doing a neat series of posts is Funky Junk Interiors called A Week of Change.

I’m trying to read it every day and keep up!

I feel energized in the New year…how about you?

“A Little House of Your Own”

2012-01-06T09:49:00.001-05:00

Today is the day to share vintage Story Books with Corey HERE

and I was inspired by Kim’s beautiful dolls houses on her blog HERE.

I know I could ‘play’ with my house more to customize it

but I do love having it in the doll room.

“The Dollhouse Magic” book is propped beside the dollhouse.

(written in 2000 by Yona Zeldis McDonough with illustrations by Diane Palmisciano)

I love the two little girls in the book, Lila and Jane.

But this is the book that you see on my coffee table in the lanai.

“A Little House of Your Own” by Beatrice Schenk De Regniers, Drawings by Irene Haas, written in 1954…a book I might have read when I was a child!

Don’t you love the black and white drawings in this book?

Do you have a favorite childhood book?

My ‘all time’ favorite is “Heidi” but I’ll leave that for another post!

It’s warm in the Lanai…let’s do a vintage photo shoot!

2012-01-05T10:47:00.000-05:00

Wow! It got cold all the way down to Florida! I had to wear a coat today! It was in the 50s! lol So let’s go out to the lanai and take some pics!

I got an early birthday package from my sister and she sent me these pretty shell boxes! I had 2 squares ones and she sent me 2 round ones!

And I finally found one of the wicker bottles that I have admired at the Antique stores AND on everyone’s blogs! This one was 75 cents!

I almost teared up! heehee!

And won’t this sweet picture be cute in my doll room?

It says “YOUNG IDEAS” Original by RMI Nursery Plastics, INC. 137 East 25th St., N.Y.D. on the back! 75 cents! Oh, I LOVE it!

And I know what my hubby will say when he sees these….’what in the world are you going to do with those?’ But they were so cute…and in their little holder, too!

A splurge….$1.95 !

I’m linking to these fun parties!

I’m joining....Vintage Thingie Thursday

and Ivy and Elephants

#4 Sometimes you feel like a NUT...

I’m linking to Honey’s Potpourri Party, too!

Thanks to everyone that has written to me about my computer crash! We did not lose anything! My hubby had just done a back up on the external hard drive so he said everything has been saved. Of course it is taking a lot of time to transfer it to my new computer. It’s a challenge! Have a Happy Day!

Lavender Dream surprises!

2012-01-03T11:46:00.000-05:00

The best part of having a blog is making friends.

I chose the name of my blog because I love the scent of lavender. I also love all of the shades of purple and lavender. The Dream part of my name? I remember my dreams every morning….every morning. I write some of them down but most of the time I just share them with my hubby. My Dad used to say, if you tell your dream before you eat breakfast it will come true. So…some of them I tell as soon as I wake up….a few I never repeat! Most of the time my dreams are good!

I have a Lavender Dreamer button…thanks to hubby!

Lavender Dreams soap….thanks Tracy at Screaming Sardine.

A DREAM bracelet…thanks Shanti at Sunshine Bliss.

A quilt that my sweet cousin, Cindy made last year…

and now “My Heart Beats Lavender Annie”

made for me by Maxie at Prims and Annies.

She surprised me with this gift and made me very happy! She wrote me a beautiful letter, too.

Isn’t she perfect?

Do you see that she’s included a sweet bear and some little extras for me to decorate with?

Thank you sweet Maxie…

♥

Lavender Annie is loved!

Time for change…Mosaic Monday

2012-01-01T20:11:00.000-05:00

I rang in the New Year with a new computer and we are still getting everything set up! Read “Crashing” into the New Year HERE!

I’m glad I had a few photos on my camera to make a mosaic!

I made this arrangement with the shells I picked up on Apollo Beach Christmas day. (here’s my HAUL!)

My very favorite shell is the Atlantic Calico Scallop.

It’s the small shell with purple stripes. There are lots of variations, from solid white to dark purple..even shades of black or gray.

It’s considered a common shell here in Florida but I love searching for them and pick up every one I find!

This beautiful glass tray was a gift from my friend, Debbie at The Love of the Sea blog. Thanks Debbie! You knew I would put shells in it eventually! heehee!

I’m still getting used to my new computer so please be patient with me. Everything takes a lot longer when you’re learning so I’ll visit when I can!

I’m joining Mary at the dear little red house

for Mosaic Monday!

♥

Happy New Year everyone!

“Crashing” into the New Year!

2012-01-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

Or how to be thinner in the New Year!

My computer crashed on Thursday! How shocking!

I had a post scheduled for Saturday and I could make sure it looked OK on my hubby’s lap top but oh how I missed visiting everyone! I was in MAJOR withdrawal for TWO whole days!

But a trip to Walmart and a smart hubby and I am back in business now! (NEW and THINNER…on top of stand, OLD on the floor)

My new computer is THINNER…and so is my pocketbook but so far I’m really liking many of the new features! I’ll be ‘learning’ for awhile! And of course I hope my hubby can retrieve everything off of the old computer. He hasn’t started that process yet!

I have the Internet, my Gmail, Windows Live Writer and Picassa

…life it good!

GOOD BYE NASA…you were a good ‘puter!!!

Drama…drama…drama!

How did your year start?

(and what font do you like to use? Lucinda Calligraphy is MISSING from my new fonts!!!)

Happy New Year!

Your favs?

2011-12-31T08:34:00.000-05:00

I went back and looked at my posts to see

which ones had the most comments!

And here they are!

(you can click on each one to see the whole post)

With 69 comments...the #1 post...

Vintage kitchen linens

And now at #2 with 66 comments...

My Dreamy Bedroom

(with some vintage linens!)

At #3 Blogger Beware! Danger Ahead!!!

I’m not sure if you liked this post

or really hated it! It got mixed reviews! lol

is all about the Peanut Festival!

#5 What nots and Rinky dinks!

Looks like another Mosaic Monday!

Honorable mention?

My hubby in his Florida Christmas shirt came in 6th!

Doesn’t he look proud?

I’ve had such a wonderful year of blogging!

Thank you all for the comments you took the time to leave!

They mean the world to me!

♥

So what does this mean?

Time to go shopping for more vintage treasures...

and hubby some new Florida shirts! heehee!

Happy New Year!

Happy Blogging!

Lemons larger than Grapefruits?

2011-12-29T08:33:00.000-05:00

We had such a beautiful drive out to the groves last week!

The weather was fabulous

and the fruit was juicy and ripe!

One of the best parts about blogging is making friends!

And I have a friend that lives close to me...Del’s Shells.

She posted HERE about the groves and gave me good directions.

This is JoAnn Reynolds....

She and her brother own Reynolds Grove and

use some of the same equipment that their parents used!

We walked around and took pics and enjoyed our visit!

We bought Navel oranges, Satsumas, Grapefruit

and ONE lemon that we picked from the tree!

Wait I want THAT one! heehee!

That’s it!

Here’s our ‘haul’!

Whoops...where’s the Ponderosa Lemon?

OH MY! It just doesn’t get any better than that!

Well...except for the Poinsettias growing in their flower beds!

Wish you were close by so that I could

share some fresh Florida sunshine...and fruit!

Which do you want? One of each?

*Happy holidays*

What I wore Wednesday!

2011-12-27T19:56:00.000-05:00

We have lots of fun here in Florida but we don’t really get dressed up! I got the nicest surprise from Shanti from Sunshine Bliss...

a perfect bracelet for my Florida style!

I can wear it every day....

and I do!

I’m wearing

red and white stripe shirt...J. Crew

Dark blue jeans....Lee riders

Teva sandals

A vintage necklace

Silver bracelet, hand stamped with DREAM

from Sunshine Bliss Studio

And a happy smile (we’re on our way to the Orange Groves, I’ll post those pics later!)

I’m joining the Pleated Poppy for

What I wore Wednesday!

Shanti just wrote to tell me that

she has a 50 % off SALE on some items!!!

I’m off to do some after Christmas shopping!

Do you have a favorite piece of jewelry?

Did you get it for Christmas?

Over the River and through the woods...to the Seashore!

2011-12-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

We spent the day at the Canaveral National Seashore

and started a new tradition!

This is my very favorite beach to pick up shells!

You have to wear shoes to walk on the beach....

it’s solid shells!

We didn’t have big plans for Christmas so we got up early and packed a picnic lunch and headed to the beach!

The temps were in the 80s but it felt cooler walking on the beach or IN the water!

And it was the perfect day! And the biggest surprise?

We saw several coconuts washed up on shore!

We saw a colorful sunset, then settled back to listen to holiday music and enjoy the Christmas lights on the way home.

A perfect day....a new tradition!

Thanks for all of the sweet Christmas greetings!

Did you have a wonderful day, too?

* Merry Christmas *

2011-12-24T10:14:00.001-05:00

“Christmas waves a magic wand

over this world, and behold,

everything is softer and more beautiful.”

Norman Vincent Peale

We’re both wishing you all

a very Merry Christmas

filled with all of God’s blessings.

*** Merry Christmas ***

A Camo Christmas?

2011-12-23T08:45:00.000-05:00

AAaahhh...afternoons in the lanai!

Relaxing and enjoying 80 degree temps!

So who do we have enjoying all of this Florida sunshine..

blending into the decor in ‘lanai camo’?

The big ole Elf that Brenda from the Rusty Thimble sent me!

I won her November giveaway and oh how I love him!

(and YES, Vicky, I kiss him every day! heehee!)

I also got the hand made ornies as part of my

PAFA Winter Wonderland win.

She included a beautiful snowman soap, too!

Thank you SO very much Brenda! I’ve had the most incredible month! So we are all happy in the lanai today!

Well....Anne is still a little aloof but she’ll come around!

Is it warmer than normal at your house?

Are you enjoying all of your Christmas pretties?

Enjoy your week!

A few pretties and the Golf Cart Parade

2011-12-22T09:57:00.000-05:00

I have a few favorite things here

and there throughout the house.

The candle holder in the center has a paper tag, Hong Kong.

I almost got rid of the plastic greenery because I love the white metal so much...but then I just couldn’t!

I love lots of candles...

and cards in an old vintage sleigh....

and books and mice!

We had a fun time at the Golf Cart Parade!

Have you ever seen a Golf cart decorated?

Whoops...don’t look kids!

I’m linking to these fun parties!

I’m joining....Vintage Thingie Thursday

I’m linking to Honey’s Potpourri Party, too!

*** Enjoy your day! ***

‘Wednesday Wee Ones at Christmastime’

2011-12-21T08:33:00.000-05:00

I walked around the doll room and took a few photos.

I didn’t dress as many dolls this year

but I did add a few things to their table.

And these two little ones have their own Christmas tea.

Come on in, there’s lots to see...

an angel over the baby bed....

a pretty girl in the stroller....

a bear enjoying tea from his very own elephant cup....

and one of my most favorite Lloyd Middleton Christmas dolls.

I even bought wee ornaments at Rainbow Springs.

Enjoy your week! Take time to play!

When Santa comes to Florida.....

2011-12-20T08:29:00.000-05:00

he travels in STYLE!

We watched Santa come down the Rainbow River

last night in a boat!

I know this photo is blurry but I am leaving it this way on purpose. Do you see the reindeer? With the shadowing, it looks like reindeer on the left...one even looks like it’s IN the boat! Do you see them?

I still get a thrill seeing Santa...even at my age! heehee!

Mrs. Claus was as pretty and sweet as ever, too!

Do you see the little boy in the stroller looking up?

What a delight to spend time at Rainbow Springs State Park

with thousands of twinkling lights to lead the way!

Do you still feel excited seeing Santa?

I knew what your answer would be!

Enjoy your week!

A Tiny Merry Merry!

2011-12-18T20:00:00.000-05:00

I found this cute little ‘wooden house’ at the Thrift Store for a quarter and had all kinds of plans to make it beautiful! But then I started playing just to see how some of my little wooden ornies would look and decided to enjoy it just the way it is! (I’m sure I’ll spray paint it and wall paper it and put little embellishments on it....some day! heehee!)

I’m joining Mary at the dear little red house

for Mosaic Monday!

And if you enjoyed my Giveaway last week, you’ll LOVE this one!

Anne won the 2 little Christmas stockings that I made and stuffed with Eco Soap’s Peppermint Lip Balm and she’s giving one away on her blog HERE! She’s even added another Christmas goodie! The FUN continues! Hurry, it’s a quick giveaway!

***Happy Holidays***

♥ Merry Merry ♥

A Good time for a Good book!

2011-12-18T10:06:00.000-05:00

I know it’s a busy time but that can be the perfect time to read a good book.

My hubby and I read at night before we go to bed and it’s a nice way to unwind.

My sweet friend, Maggie from Just Books and Normandy Life sent me my first Mary Kay Andrews book, Savannah Blues....all the way from France!

And she was right...I fell in love with this author!

So I went to the library and checked out Deep Dish next. I loved the story and the characters in this book, too but was disappointed in the language. I don’t know why she felt it was necessary to use so many curse words so that knocked it down and notch or two for me. The book ended with some Southern recipes...that brought it back up a notch! heehee!

Today I checked out Blue Christmas and I will start reading that tonight! I can’t wait!

We bought the latest book by one of my favorite authors Charles Frazier.

In case you are new here....I’ll post a photo of my favorite author...and me taken last year!

I went goo goo ga ga over him ...right in front of my hubby (and his wife, too) ! haha!

One of my ALL time favorite books is Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier but you may recognize his name as the author of Cold Mountain. I can’t wait to read Nightwoods! My hubby is reading it first!

I have a stack of Christmas books on my library table. It’s such a great time to read the classic Christmas stories.

Do you have a favorite Christmas book? What are you reading now?

“Seashells and deer”

2011-12-16T08:33:00.000-05:00

I enjoyed decorating my foyer with a

simple arrangement of my deer collection...

and a few shells here and there for a ‘Florida’ touch!

(my art is not wrinkled, that’s a reflection through the glass!)

You don’t think of deer and seashells together but last year when we spent a few days on Jekyll Island, GA we got up early to see the sunrise and saw deer on the beach! I was too shocked to take a photo! And as soon as they saw us they were off through the dunes. But it was a sight I will never forget!

I’m joining Sally Lee by the Sea for Coastal Christmas!

Do you have any deer in your Christmas decor this year?

Color Coordinated Thrifting!

2011-12-15T08:30:00.000-05:00

I found this precious little tea cup and saucer at my favorite thrift store!

So perfect...without even a chip!

Do you think it looks nice on this tablecloth?

Yes?

Hhhhmmmm.....this isn’t a tablecloth but the top I was wearing when I shopped! heehee!

I came home and washed my little cup and sat down with it, put my glasses on to read the bottom and looked down and realized my top perfectly matched the tea set! (It says Winterling Kirchenlamitz Bavaria on the bottom)

I’m good...but I didn’t know I was THIS good! haha!

And look at all the little wooden ornies I found in a bin full of junk...I mean treasures!

The tiny basket and container were part of the deal, too.

(I’ve turned the basket around to the pretty side now!)

I also got three other little Christmas treasures that I’ll save for another day!

It was half price day at the Thrift store so my bill rang up to $2.07 for everything!!!

Oh, what FUN!

I’m linking to these fun parties!

I’m joining....Vintage Thingie Thursday

and Club G.W. No. 15