Love this!

Stumbled upon this great blog, It All Started with Paint. Linda created these beautiful mason jars with a coat of acrylic paint and a bit of distressing. Be sure to visit her blog but this is how she said she did it.

A coat of acrylic paint.  An overnight to dry. And then distressing. Linda discovered the best way to distress these beauties is with a nail file!

If you are not into a DIY project you can buy them from her etsy shop. I think I will give it a try. Fun project to do with my little girl.

I am dreaming of daisies in these beauties and out on my porch. Btw...my porch makeover is coming soon. Happy to be bringing back our home makeover!

Spring Cleaning

It's that time of year, you know where we take on the daunting tasks of cleaning out overstuffed closets, organizing dressers and cabinets, and de-cluttering, well all the clutter.  While visions of color coordinated closets and perfectly labeled storage boxes fill my head, truth is, it is just not realistic.  However, I did find this blog that had some neat tips and tricks to organizing your home in just 31 days.

http://organizingmadefun.blogspot.com/p/31-days-of-organizing-fun.html

And while getting organized is great, the hard part is keeping it that way. I have found sticking to a weekly schedule is the best way to stay on top the mess before it gets out of control.  Check out this fun printable!  I printed mine, placed it in a frame and use a dry erase marker to add tasks and check off completed ones.

(Source: http://www.evelynkatedesigns.com/2011/05/weekly-cleaning-calendar-printable.html )

Happy Organizing!!

Let's Party!

"Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's Party!' "

~Robin Williams

Spring has sprung and with May upon us, flowers are in full bloom.  Weekends become filled with trips to the park, family picnics, baby showers and weddings.  Decorating and gift giving can become overwhelming especially when the sun outside is calling your name, but with these fun flower DIY's you are sure to bring some bright, colorful joy to any event.  They can also be used to bring a little pop of color into your home.  

These large, tissue paper flowers are great for a shower or wedding

  

 (Source: http://www.designeverydayblog.com/how-to-make-paper-flowers/ )


While these little cuties add a little pizzazz to your gifts

  

And last but definitely not least, these flowers make a perfect centerpiece for your dining room table 

We hope you are enjoying your Spring all things Mother Nature has to offer.  

Work-Life Balance Tips for Work from Home Single Parents

Trying to balance working from home and being a single parent can be challenging. It is such a blessing to be able to be there for all of Ava Rose's activities, school events and to just watch her grow but trying to find the balance can be touch. Sometimes it is just feeling guilty if the day is busy and there is no time to sit down and play. I need to constantly remind myself that she is growing fast and sometimes work can wait. Having a wonderful team helps and also wonderful customers.

Here are some tips I found online that may help you find the balance. These tips came from about.com.

• Make your health a priority. Between alarm clocks, homework, traffic, deadlines, and dinner, single moms may forget to factor in their own well-being. These pointers may help you remember:
• Fuel your body. In the midst of coaxing your child to choose cauliflower over corn chips, it's easy to become lax about your own choices. Shirk fast-food fixes for healthier alternatives you can prepare ahead of time and freeze for the upcoming week. If you are lucky enough to live near a farmers' market, start a weekly ritual of browsing the stalls with your child: You'll get the fresh produce and air your bodies need.
• Factor in fitness. If exercise looms like a chore you'd rather cross off your to-do list, be a kid again and play with your child: Turn up the music and dance. Jump rope. Rollerblade at the park. Regular activity will reward you with more energy, a better appearance, and a happier mood.
• Ease your mind. If you're not a single parent by choice, you may find yourself mulling over the past or regretting decisions that can't be reversed. Instead, give yourself the gift of closure and, ultimately, liberation. Focusing on quality time with your child and staying connected to healthy-minded allies will boost your morale and help keep you strong, centered, and living in the moment.
• Reserve regular "me time." Let yourself linger on the lulls in the day. While your child is napping or at a school play rehearsal, for example, use the hour to call a friend or curl up and read in a cozy chair instead of doing dishes during downtime. Ask a family member or friend to baby-sit while you attend a yoga class, sip coffee at a café, or browse the shops in town. Regular time for yourself will help you de-frazzle and reward your child with a happier, more energized mommy or daddy.

Have some (frugal) fun. No matter what your financial picture, low- (and no-) cost activities can become favorite rituals:

• Pack a picnic. Mealtimes become memorable when they're served up on a blanket in the park-or your living room floor. A dinner that spontaneously becomes a 'tea party' or family picnic will help carve out some extra playtime with your children.

• Books and beyond: Explore your local library. Become regulars at your community branch, where younger children will likely be thrilled to become 'card-carrying' members of society, and older kids may be in for a surprise: In addition to free book, e-book, music, and movie rentals, many libraries offer special programs and events for babies through adults.

• Surf your community's web site. Outdoor concerts, festivals, theatrical productions, free-admission day at the museum: Discover what free or low-cost events are happening near you.

Thanks about.com for your wonderful information. To read more you can find the article here

http://womeninbusiness.about.com/od/balancingworkandlife/a/work-life-balance-tips-single-parents.htm

 

Cheers to all the single parents out there and also the work from home parents single or married. Being a parent is the best gift in the world. 

 

 

Seabrook Classics....Coastal Living - Cottage Charm

 

Shop Seabrook Classics Furniture

We are obsessing over new Bella Notte Linens!

Bella Notte Linens did it again. They created stunning new fabrics and new colors. We are obsessing over Wedgewood. We can never get enough of Bella!

Wedgwood is a gorgeous, soothing blue that harmonizes perfectly with Bella's spectrum of tones, just like a pair of your favorite denim jeans. Whether personifying pure elegance in Satin and Silk Velvet, or exuding a lived-in comfort in Linen and Cotton, Wedgwood lends itself beautifully to all Bella Notte Linens fabrics, making it easy to work with and exceedingly easy to love.

See the world through rose-colored glasses with Bella's brand new hue, Coral! A sunny combination of red, pink and orange, this color will make any bed blush a summery glow.

 

Now your pampered pooch can sleep on Bella Notte Linens. The perfect accessory to complete your bedroom.

Lavender Fields is pleased to offer the complete line of Bella Notte Linens at our shop at 903 Main Street Port Jefferson and online. We also offer Complimentary Design Assistance and full Interior Design Services. Call us 866-898-5461.

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