Things I’m afraid to tell you

May 16th, 2012

Now that I survived the Girls, Inc. renovation (lordy!), I’ve been working to get caught up on a few things.  One “To Do” included reviewing recent activity in the world of design blogs.  In my absence, a mini-movement has developed amongst bloggers to promote authentic, let’s-get-real conversations with our readers.  I’m all about being real, so here goes.

Things I’m afraid to tell you…

My home is not perfect.  I’m not saying that to be modest or from the perspective of a picky perfectionist either.  At this point in my life, I am still in a small apartment with a major mish-mosh of hand-me-down furnishings.  Granted, it is a cute home, but far from ideal.  I will say that I am incredibly grateful for this home as it has been an affordable option during the early years of building my business.

I’ve explored a variety of styles over the years (hence the cumulative mish-mosh, 9 apartments later), but that is life, I suppose.  You try something on and see if it sticks.  All the while, our choices help us to define who we are and what we want.  These days I get to play vicariously through my clients, and finally seem to have discovered my own groove.  The timing is perfect as Ray and I plan to purchase a house next year.  I am so eager for the liberty to go wherever my creativity takes me.  Hopefully you know this “ideal home” is not just about new/pretty stuff.  I dream of a kitchen where Ray and I can cook together, a yard to garden and bar-b-que, a place where we can see the stars and adopt a dog.  We’ll get there someday, and I promise to share pictures when we do.

I compare myself to others.  This probably shows up the most when I think about having kids.  So many of my peers are long since married and have become parents.  I’m just barely engaged and worry that I will miss my opportunity to become a mother.  Once upon a time my “plan” was to be married at 25 years old and a mother by 27.  Apparently that was not the path that I was meant to take, and yet I still struggle to accept my chosen path instead.  So where do I go from here?  Well, I’m still working on that.  I think it comes down to loving myself where I’m at, and having faith that God has a plan for me.   Where I am is exactly where I am supposed to be.

I feel lazy.  Then again, I just might be tired.  There is so much that goes into running your own business - you’re the marketing department, accounting department, sales, customer service, heck you’re probably the janitor too.  Aside from Lavender & Lotus, I also work a part-time job, am active in a networking group, and maintain this blog.  But like many others, I am also a friend, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and most recently a fiancee.  There is always something to do and I struggle to find the energy for it all.  The endless persuit of balance I suppose.  Occasionally I find myself contemplating a return to full-time employment – regular hours, consistent pay… but then I remember the potential of what this business could be.

Hopefully you recognize that this post was about coming from the heart and not just an open forum to complain.  I am truly happy with my life and am grateful for your support <3

Revealed

May 15th, 2012

Saturday was the big reveal for Building on Hope’s renovation of Girls, Inc. in Manchester.  This was such an incredible experience for me to learn, give, and grow.  Below is a snippet of the the program from the big day.

 

 

Thank you again to everyone involved.  We made it happen as a team!  I’d like to offer special thanks to Brushworks Painting, BSR Services, Ed’s Flooring America, JR Langley, Liberty Hill Construction, Harvey Construction, Rowland Studios, Surplus Office Equipment, Warrenstreet Architects, and Melissa Amorim.

Check out before and after pictures in the Gallery!

Sensational, on the side

May 7th, 2012

For one reason or another, I’ve got a thing for sideboards and buffets.  A major thing.  Maybe it’s the thought of extra storage (you can never have enough), or their generally lean proportions that drive me wild.  Either intricately ornate or sleek and refined, I’m a fan.

Here are a few for your viewing pleasure.

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Source:  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Pin-spired

May 4th, 2012

It’s been raining for what seems like forever.  I realize the earth and flowers really need it, but come ON!  Perhaps I’m just operating on a bit of short fuse from an intense week.  Gotta love growth.

To lighten the mood, here are some cute, happy, fun things from Pinterest-land.  Happy weekend!

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Source:  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

In progress

April 25th, 2012

One project that has kept me pretty busy for the past few months (I hinted of it here), is with Building on Hope.  This organization of volunteer design professionals has chosen Girls, Inc. for their latest and greatest non-profit renovation.  While the whole building is receiving some major TLC, I am responsible for the storage closet – soon to be director’s personal office.  Here is an image of how the plans are lookin’ so far.

This project is fast approaching with the ground breaking ceremony taking place today!  Stay tuned for details on this major transformation.

Research

April 19th, 2012

Nearly three weeks engaged, I totally have wedding on the brain.  So why fight it?  There are still PLENTY of decisions to be made, but so far we are planning on a spring wedding for 2013.  Check out these lovely images – sounds like “research” to me!

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Source:  1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Mix n’ Match

April 12th, 2012

As usual, life is good – and BUSY! Although I hate to write and run, I’m afraid I must.

I love these mismatched seating groups.  They add variety, color, interest, and a playfulness to the space.  Maybe it’s also my fondness for the Weasley family or the Three Bears coming out as well – everyone has a chair that is unique to them :)   What do you think?

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Source:  1, 2, 3, 4, 5

 

Happy: plain and simple.

April 7th, 2012

Hello! In all honesty, I’ve been home from vacation for almost a full week now.  But you know what it’s like – catching up on extra laundry, processing the emails that piled up in your absence, following up with clients, scheduling appointments, yadda, yadda, yadda.   One element that I was not expecting prior to my departure was notifying friends and family that I am now engaged!!!  As you can imagine, I can hardly sit still and my cheeks ache from smiling.   So not only am I going to be hard-core focused on my business after attending this amazing leadership training, but I also get to plan a wedding.  Horray!

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Source: here

Ciao

March 23rd, 2012

What…  a…  week…  It’s incredible what a woman can accomplish before going on vacation.  Between miscellanous errands, record breaking temperatures, packing, business, and life in general, this week has been very full.  The strange sadness of losing my friend has also found me in quiet moments…  I focus my energy on love and gratitude…

Rather than continue with further extraneous “…’s”, I will bid you all adieu.   Vacation awaits!  Until my return, take good care dear lovelies!  <3

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Source:  here

Spring

March 20th, 2012

Wishing you all a very happy Spring Equinox!

Source:  here

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All of the images posted on this blog are copyrighted to their respective owners (unless otherwise stated). If you would like to know/see more, feel free to click on the desired image or listed source - it will link you back to it's owner. Happy blogging!