Who is on your team?

I am not going to write about bedding, home decor or furniture. I am writing about your health. Who is on your team? After reading a great book by Suzanne Somers called "Breakthrough" I started to think about my team. She interviews all different types of doctors and discusses throughout the book how we need a team to keep us healthy since there are so many things to consider when we talk about health. This does not only mean doctors to me.

I started to think about my team and realized I am really lucky. I have been forming my team for years. Unfortunately, both  my parents died young and I lost many family members and friends to illness and disease. I started to study holistic nutrition after my mother died and was amazed to learn how much nutrition had an impact on illness. So I started to build my own team without realizing it. Being a vegetarian for years and now a vegan I can tell you first hand how food has made a diffeence in my life. Being a vegan has made me make better choices and eat more whole foods. I now juice and love it. It is the one thing that I have had instant results with as far as energy.

The leader of my team is a wonderful Natural Doctor in Port Jefferson, Dr. Doni Wilson. Dr. Doni is amazing. I started to go to her a few years back and with her guidance started to feel amazing. She is the 1 doctor I go to for all my health questions as well as for my 3 year old daughter Ava. She always has the right answer and gets us back to health in any crisis. She specializes in hormones and food intolerances. Two very important topics my md never discussed with me. Both have been life changing.

Next on my team is my yoga school, Seva Yoga in Port Jefferson. Going to yoga for the last year has taught me to be patient, to breathe and to take some time for myself. I come home feeling refreshed and focused.

Another team member is my gym. I take the time to go to the gym at least 3 days a week and again feel focused when I leave. It is a great stress relief and I know I am taking the time to stay healthy with a great workout.

My local library has joined my team over the years. I go there to seek knowledge regarding my health and love to pick up new books and explore. I thank my library for my good health as I have learned so much from the many books made available to me for free.

Most of all my daughter Ava Rose is on my team. She has given me the drive to be the healthiest ever. I look at her every day and know I want to be around a long long time and I want to be my healthiest for not only me but for Ava.

Don't wait until you are sick to form your team. We all need support to get healthy. Find what works for you and a doctor you can trust and take the steps today. You will not regret it. Your family will not regret it. There are many free resources these days. Go to your local library to find out what resources are in your area. The library is a great starting place.

This weekend is the start of our local Farmer's Market. Ava and I love spending Sunday morning selecting our fruits and veggies for the week. This is how I am spending my Mother's Day. A healthy day with my little girl. We plan on planting some roses in our garden. It reminds us to take the time.

Happy Mother's Day to you. May you find perfect health. I miss my mom very much this day and always but I thank her for my health today.

Win $1000.00 to Spend at Lavender Fields

Win a $1000.00 to spend at Lavender Fields. We are so excited and proud to be listed in the Elle Decor and Home and Garden Directory sweepstakes. “Create your inspired spaces” with a $1,000 Visa Gift Card and the newest version of Apple’s iPad courtesy of Home Garden Directory . homegardendirectory.com, the North American online resource for your indoor and outdoor decor needs, connects you with thousands of quality online shops in the U.S. and Canada, allowing you to create inspired spaces from a wide range of sources. Thanks Elle Decor and Home and Garden!


http://www.elledecor.com/home-sweepstakes/home-garden-directory-1-000-visa-gift-card-and-ipad-sweepstakes
 

For the Love of Scottie Dogs

I love Scottie dogs. The love I have for scottie dogs have led me to meet great friends. My scottie Terri was featured in Romantic Homes Magazine when they did a spread of Lavender Fields. Shortly after, I received an email from a woman named Pat telling me how much she enjoyed the article and loved seeing Terri my scottie. We quickly began exchanging emails and Pat sent photos of her 3 scottie dogs. A friendship began. We found out we had so much in common, scottie dogs, gardening and the love of beautiful fabrics.

Pat is the designer and owner of Mr. Tweed's Whimsy and designs gorgeous custom made pillows. She has been featured in Cottages and Bungalows and Romantic Homes Magazines. Her pillows are stunning and can be found on our website or at Lavender Fields online and the store. Customers that have purchased one pillow always come back for more. I have been lucky enough to receive several pillows as gifts from Pat over the years and have my own collection.

Pat took a very long drive from upstate New York to long island to visit me and meet Terri. Over the years we have been through many of life's ups and downs including the loss of our scottie dogs. Pat still has 2 but it was painful to loose one and not shortly after my Terri passed away.

I thank Romantic Homes magazine for sending Pat my way and I am grateful for our friendship. Visit her website and see her gorgeous pillows.

I was also lucky enough to have Ian the scottie at my house today. Ian's mom Maureen is a loyal cusomer and a close friend. Again Maureen and I became close because of our love of scottie dogs. Although Terri is no longer in my life I am grateful for the two wonderful scottie loving friends I have made and one day I will rescue another scottie dog to enjoy life with.

Pat sent Terri one of her hand made pillows for Christmas every year. Here is Terri enjoying her pillow during an afternoon nap.

Pin It to Win It

We’re excited to announce our first ever Lavender Fields 'Pin it to Win it' contest on Pinterest. It's easy to jump on board. Just create a virtual pin board featuring your favorite Lavender Fields products for a chance to win a $100 gift card to the shop.
Contest ends 5/24/12. Winners will be judged based on creativity and composition.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Create a 'Lavender Fields Wish List' Pin Board
http://pinterest.com/lavenderhome/
Step 2: Pin at least ten of your Favorite Lavender Fields wish list items from the shop
Step 3: Email Your board link to be entered into the contest

Winner will be chosen on May 24th and announced right here on the blog.

If you have any questions or would like an invite to Pinterest, please feel free to contact me at lavenderfieldsonline@msn.com.

Meet Courage...the winner of our Rescue Dog Contest

Courage is a German Shepherd starved by his previous owner down to 37 pounds and rescued by German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County. "When Courage was found, he was near death and could not lift his head or stand. He had eaten dirt to survive. GSROC immediately started fund raising for his vet care, and their volunteers rallied to support him in his fight for life. Although he could not lift his head, he still had the strength to lick the faces of his rescuers as they cried over him. I was the person that took Courage from his previous owner and fostered him through months of intensive care and rehabilitation, carrying him out to go potty and back to his bed. Today he is the love of my life, sleeping by my bed and constantly under my feet when I do anything inside or ouside the house. He is a kind, gentle soul, that loves all animals, and adores all people and children. Whenever times get rough, I think of Courage and his fight for survival, and I'm inspired by his refusal to give up.". Congratulations Lisa and Courage.

Every rescue dog story was amazing and very inspiring. Thank you all that submitted your stories.

Rescue Dog Contest Giveaway

Attention Proud parents of a rescue dog ~ we want to hear from YOU!

In honor of these ever-loving pups, we're asking our readers to submit their rescue stories. Upon posting your story, you'll have a chance to win the Sugarboo Dog bed pictured below, valued at $150 AND we'll donate $100.00 to your favorite animal rescue.

Sugarboo Dog bed with Velveteen Rabbit quote

Deadline for submissions is THURSDAY April 5th, 2012 at 12:00 am, EST.

We'll announce the winning story right here on the blog. Be sure to stop back to see if it's you!

Please email us your dog's name and breed as well as the shelter they were adopted from.

Some suggestions you may want to include in your story are:

• the details of how you became the parent of a dog in need
• some of your favorite things about your dog
• what makes your dog so special and unique
• how your life has been changed since acquiring your furry friend
• the story of how you rescued your dog

...and anything else you might want to share.

To enter, complete the steps below and leave your story in the comments section. 

Make sure you leave your contact details so we'll know how to reach you.

To enter send us your story, the rescue group details...
and do two of the following:
Follow us on facebook
Follow us on twitter
Follow us on pinterest
Follow this blog

We can't wait to hear YOUR story!

Signs of True Love ~ A Contest Winner

Sugarboo Print

I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine.

Recently we hosted a giveaway called 'Signs of True Love', asking readers to submit their love stories to us, just in time for Valentine's Day.

We received stories of young love, house love, unconventional love and more... It was difficult to choose but, in the end decided on one special story that touched our hearts.

Kaitlyn was our winner. Here is her story, in her own words...

"I was 13 when I first met her. We went to the same high school, were in the same group of friends, and ended up going to the same college; her one year later than myself. The summer prior to her first quarter at college, her previous relationship crumbled and she was heartbroken, so I stepped up to the plate as best friend and did my best to comfort and keep her mind off of her devastation. Little did I know that by doing so it would change my whole life. Over that summer I fell completely head over heels for her, just completely denying it due to the fact that a) she was a girl, I was a girl and I hadn't stepped into that territory yet, and b) I was currently in a 3 year relationship. At college we were inseparable and as numerous problems kept tearing at me from my current relationship, being around her drove me insane though I was incomplete denial of it and jealous of every person she pursued and who pursued this insanely intelligent, beautiful, sexy, hilarious best friend of mine . Fast forward. New Year's Eve. We're ringing in the new year with some champagne and mixed drinks when my reservations go out the window and I hug her so tight so she knows how much I care about her and need her and love her. And then we're kissing and I'm on fire. I have never felt like this in my entire life. All of my senses are peaking and this is a high I can't and will never be able to get enough of. I tell my boyfriend and we break up, but this is not simple. This is not easy. This is messy and heart wrenching and horrible and after a couple weeks and various inappropriate actions I decide that he can't handle this and we need to not see each other for awhile. He stalks us for two months plus. He memorizes our schedules and shows up outside our classes before and after. He breaks into our dormitory buildings on multiple occasions and just loiters outside of them waiting. We don't eat. We don't sleep. But we have each other. And it's exciting and fresh and comforting and wonderful and the purest thing that I have ever known or will ever know. My ex and I never speak again. I come out to my family after a couple months (I was raised strict southern baptist and the rest of my family is still practicing). This does not go smoothly either, though I'm used to being the black sheep. But this is different. My mother is crying and screaming to my father "How could we have done this Gerry?". Done what? I'm in love and the happiest and most comfortable I've been with myself... ever. My mother doesn't speak to me for several weeks and this hurts more than I had imagined. But I know what's right. I can feel it in my heart and no outdated religious doctrine can even attempt to tell me otherwise. Things are much better now. While my relationship of almost 3 years is still not fully accepted by my family and definitely not at all by society (we've been shot at with a bb gun in Kentucky, groped and harassed by male college students, among various other altercations) her family is being phenomenal. We're planning on moving to New York soon to finish school and start our lives together. I think this will be the most exciting adventure yet."

CONGRATULATIONS, Kaitlyn!You get your choice of either of these delicious signs from Sugarboo:

All You Need is Love Sign

~or~

You Have My Whole Heart

Special thanks to all who entered.
Keep checking back for more contests or better yet, put yourself on our mailing list to get the latest news and information. Until then, stop by the shop and see what's new!

Bella Notte Linens February Update

Bella Notte Linens has announced the 2012 introductions and discontinued colors and items.

We are so happy to announce two new gorgeous colors.

Pacific, an elegant, subtle blue-green that flows harmoninously with the rest of the colors. Pacific is the perfect accent to any bed.

Rose Quartz, a beautiful antique rose, soft and sophisticated. It is sweet when paired with White and Petal in a pastel crib, while lending itself equally to the bohemian whimsy of a queen bed stacked high with Fawn, Ginger and a splash of Adagio.

And then there is a new texture, Vivianne, a lightweight large-scale, botanical jacquard. A truly beautiful pattern soft and subtle in lighter tones, while truly breathtaking in darker colors where the floral pattern can be seen in full bloom.

Now to get to the discontinued colors...We are sad to see these colors go but if you need to add anything to add anything to a bed you already created then you can still order up until April. So we are saying goodbye to Charcoal, Crimson, Cypress, Ink, Ocean, Pistachio and Spice.

Also discontinued are the textures Dawson and Peony. If you need these textures contact us quickly as once the fabric is gone it is gone.

As always Lavender Fields offers free design assistance and would be happy to put the Bella Notte Linens bed or crib of your dreams together with you.

Newly added to our online store is Allysa, Madera and Homespun. All gorgeous alone or mixed together.

Making room for new arrivals....Save on Sale Items

As we make room for our new Spring arrivals we are cleaning house and added some great items to our sale section. Take 10% off all sale items by entering code Sale at checkout. Quantities are limited so shop soon.

Signs of True Love ~ A Contest

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, we've decided to honor the day in a special way. 

We want to hear your love story.

How did you meet?

Share your proposal.

Did he ask your dad?

High school sweethearts?

Rekindled love?

Your piece should be at least 200 words. We want details!

And, hey! Don't limit yourself to the standard relationship. If you've got a love story with your husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, pet, children...even your dream house. 

We've all got a story.

And they're all special and unique.

Honor your story and share it with the world.

Contest ends February 24th, so start writing!

We can't wait to see them all. We will post the winner on our blog when the contest is over.

To enter send us your love story and do one of the following:

Like us on Facebook

Follow this blog

Follow us on Twitter

Share this contest on Facebook

No purchase necessary. Your entry must include your first name and state and must be at least 200 words long. We will select a winner on February 24, 2012.

We're making this VERY worth it.

~Winner gets their choice of either or these gorgeous Sugarboo signs~ valued at $300.00.
Which will YOU choose?

~or~

Gray Goes White

In honor of winter, we've hand selected a variety of Winter Whites from our Aidan Gray collection. Each piece emanates superior style and panache.

The coveted and Aidan Gray line was born from a love of interiors, design and authentic products that exude “European Grandeur.” Known throughout the design community for quality products made by hand and with authentic materials such as solid wood, rustic metals, antique mirror, old painted finishes and silk appointments. Discover the quality and beauty of this lovely line to accent your space.

Aidan Gray Laura Mirror

The Aidan Gray Laura Mirror marries simplicity and elegance. A wood starburst with a speckled white finish. The perfect compliment to your European inspired decor.

Aidan Gray Ethan Dining Chairs

A carved, solid oak frame plays host to a firm, yet comfortable seat. An elegant, hand-painted finish with rich yet subtle hues of cream brings a touch of class to your dining table.  

Aidan Gray Ethan Bench

The Ethan bench boasts a sturdy oak frame in their signature Lakewood finish. The cozy, cottage-chic cushion is constructed of burlap encasing a soft cushion in winter white. The caned backrest adds casual dimension to this otherwise sophisticated piece.

Aidan Gray Francesca Wall Sconce

Inspired by fragments of European columns, the Francesca wall sconce will take center stage in any room. Dripping with elegance and style, and finished off with a distressed white finish, this piece adds the perfect finishing touch to your favorite space.

Aidan Gray Nancy Candlesticks

Delicate detailed carvings hand-painted in winter white make the Nancy candlestick the ideal compliment for any room. Whether as an accent piece or a focal point, this beauty will turn heads and start conversations. A gently distressed finish brings the charm of yesteryear to today's interiors. 



On another note...






Vanessa Voisinet is our lucky contest winner. She was chosen in the shop by a customer yesterday via good old fashioned hat drawing!


CONGRATULATIONS Vanessa!


NEW CONTEST COMING SOON!

Winter Sale

Over 180 items on sale now. Stock is limited. Shop now....

From our house to your house we wish you a Wonderful Holiday and a Happy New Year

Whether you're still doing some last minute shopping or need some goodies to fill your own stocking with, these decadent and rich lotions, soaps, parfums should do the trick. And in a most festive way!

Using traditional methods and the most precious ingredients, they hand blend their signature scents to create sophisticated, alluring fragrances.

Today we are featuring the popular Vetiver collection. 

Other fragrance editions are available in the shop.

Indulgence you can use in a lotion, rich with aloe vera and shea butter and a scent that is earthy, woody and confident. 

elizabeth W body lotion

Escape from a world of worries; step into a bath scented with heavy vetiver and soak all your troubles away. A delightful and relaxing fragrance balanced with citrus tones and tints of bergamot.

elizabeth W shower gel

A staple in any bathroom. elizabeth W's original creation ripe with heavy vetiver and balanced with light, citrus tones and green tints of bergamot. A bar soap like no other. Soothing. Sensual. Rich.

elizabeth W triple milled soap

Make yourself unforgettable at this year's holiday and New Year's parties with a touch of Elizabeth W small batch production Eau de Parfum with essential oils and alluring aromas. Earthy, woody, confident. A unique fragrance blend that won't soon be forgotten.

elizabeth W eau de parfum

Treat dry hands with a surge of shea butter and vitamin E, with an earthy, woody aroma that's just perfect for men or women. The deep rich scent soothes and relaxes hands with a most delightful, subtle scent. 

elizabeth W hand lotion

 What are you waiting for? 

Treat yourself today!

Lavender Fields
Favorite Gifts of the Season

Cozy up with some coffee and get to unwrapping in this plush, cozy dot robe. Available in candy blue dot, candy ivory dot, multi, pink or sage.  

Tourance Luxury Candy Dot Robe

Keep tootsies warm and snug with this luxurious throw. If you're gonna relax-why not do it in style? A cuddly, rich, faux mink throw in chocolate, ivory, dark caramel or ivory.

Tourance Luxury Throw

 Little girls love to show off their fashion sense. Bundle them in this sassy, faux fur, leopard print number, sure to garner plenty of attention!

Faux Cheetah Fur Baby Jacket

Have a friend, mother, sister, aunt, cousin...anyone who needs a little reminder about how fabulous they are this season? This vintage inspired sign should do the trick. The perfect gift to remind her that she is priceless! Available in three divine colors. 

Inspiring Words Sign from Red Letter 

Pamper them with these decadent bath & body products from Elizabeth W. Shower gels, perfumed soaps, body lotions, eau de parfums, hand lotions and hand washes will leave them feeling like they just left the spa.

Elizabeth W bath and body products

Harry Barker's All Natural Dog Biscuits in a vintage inspired tin. One pound of bone shaped biscuits baked exclusively for Harry Barker. Approved by Spectrum Veterinary Allergy Labs. Our Biscuits are hypo-allergenic, salt free, sugar free, preservative free, wheat free and best of all...low fat!! Baked in the USA.

 

Gifts for Furry Friends

Favorite Gifts This Season

We gathered some of our very favorite gifts from the shop. Perfect for gift giving (even if that gift happens to be for yourself!) We think you'll fall in love with these beautiful finds, too!

Happy Thanksgiving

From our House to your House we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving

We're Giving Away $150!

We're so excited to be offering a giveaway.

Just in time for the holidays!

A chance to win a $150 at Lavender Fields

There are several opportunities to gain entries. You can do any or all of these. Each one counts as an entry.

1. LIKE us on Facebook

2. FOLLOW us on Twitter

3. BLOG about our Giveaway

4. TWEET about our Giveaway

5. Post a link to our Giveaway on your Facebook Page

Then c'mon back here & leave a comment on this post letting us know how you did. HURRY-contest ends 11/26/11. Winner will be contacted via email and announced right here on the blog.  No restrictions...just be sure to use it before it expires on 12/31/11.

 GOOD LUCK!

Girl's Night Out at Lavender Fields

Things We Are Loving Right Now...

Fall: marvelously rich and decadent, yet cozy and comforting.

That time of year where we prepare to spend a bit more time indoors and enjoy the comforts of home as we get ready for the upcoming holiday season. Preparing for gatherings with family and friends during this impending, busiest of seasons means paying a bit more attention to those little details. We've spent some time assembling a divine array of  products you can be proud to display in your home. Stop in to see all that's new at Lavender Fields for Fall. You'll find everything from home decor items like bedding, candles, furniture gifts, homekeeping and more.

Bring some of Autumn's breathtaking color palate into your home with these beautiful pieces. And don't forget  the candles. Nothing makes a house feel more like a home than the infusion of sumptuously scents of the season...and maybe some homemade pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.

We're just crazy about this Adagio bedding set from Bella Notte. It's divine hues of gold, deep red, ocean blue, navy and sage compliments so many styles. As with all of the products Lavender Fields offers, you can count on exceptional quality.

Adagio Bedding from Bella Notte

Vintage inspired pieces are all the rage these days and this beautiful Aiden Gray Sac de Moulin cube is no exception. Whether decorating in cottage style or introducing a few hand selected pieces to your more traditional decor, you're sure to find a place for this neutrally colored and adaptable beauty.

Aiden Gray Sac de Moulin Cube

Always a popular item at Lavender Fields, these French Script Taper Candle Bundles add a touch of warmth in any season. Their delicious creamy ivory hue and exquisite French script will make them right at home just about anywhere. Parisian Chic at it's finest.

French Script Taper Candles

We're loving these Obrien Schridde Frames not only for their beautiful handwork but also because they're available in an array of colors to match any decor. Whether cream, baby blue, beige, sage or taupe you'll definitely find one that will accent your home perfectly.

OBrien Schridde Frame

Last, but certainly not least, we adore these delicious Rosy Rings candles for Fall. The mere sight of them is reminiscent of the comforts of home. And with a generous two hunderd hourburn time, you'll be able to enjoy these lovely pieces all season long and then some.

Rosy Rings Apple Candle



Lavender Fields is proud of our customer service. If ever you need any help or suggestions with Fall decorating ideas, please feel free to contact us.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Image & Recipe from AllRecipes.com

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease and flour muffin pan or use paper liners.
2. Mix sugar, oil, eggs. Add pumpkin and water. In separate bowl mix together the baking flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices and salt.. Add wet mixture and stir in chocolate chips.
3. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes.

Nutritional Information
Amount Per Serving  Calories: 197 | Total Fat: 7.7g | Cholesterol: 35mg