Here we go again! Time to reflect on the year that’s past and look ahead to the possibility of tomorrow. Wishing you health, happiness, and abundance in 2016.

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Wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday!

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Just when I think each year couldn’t possibly be busier or more wonderful than the next… There are many things I’m thankful for this year - my perfectly imperfect house, the opportunity to work in a job I am passionate about, and most importantly the health and happiness of my family.

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving with those you hold most dear.

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Holy moly - what a month! I feel wonderfully blessed (and slightly delirious) after such a crazy start to summer. Here are a few snippets so far:

It all began with the installation of a restaurant remodel I have been working on.

Followed by a brief camping excursion celebrating my 2nd anniversary with my beloved.

But there is little rest for the weary! Catching up from any time off can be a considerable task -

especially when you work two jobs!!!

Throw in the highs and lows of a bachelorette party, the loss of a friend, a birthday, Father’s Day, and my parent’s 40th wedding anniversary…

And to top it all off, my little sister was the most beautiful bride only days ago <3

That’s a wrap for now - stay tuned for more to come

Yes, it is the THIRD week of January and I’m just getting around to my first entry of the new year. So far it has been somewhat of an uncomfortable start to 2015. Like many, I am looking ahead, setting goals, and developing strategies for success. But in order to grow, I’m also taking an honest look back to see how I can learn from 2014. It’s a bit of a weird space I’m in, and one I’m not sure how to describe. In any case, here are some thoughts to celebrate and inspire the potential of a new beginning.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Wishing you and yours a very merry holiday! <3

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Months have passed since my last post. I could have backdated this entry and no one would have been the wiser, but my guilt has got the best of me.

June came and went with bittersweet swiftness. Aside from the customary hiking, kayaking, and household chores, June included an idyllic honeymoon vacation, out-of-state family visitors, and a reunion of monumental proportions (152 relatives, color coded by family - of course). Sadly, June also marked the sudden passing of a dear friend and mentor. ”We were but stones…. his light made us stars.”

July, as it so happens, seems to have passed with a unique velocity all it’s own. It should come as no surprise that mourning a friend, working two jobs, and the brilliant blessing of a new puppy all equate to a month of blurred memories.

And so we find ourselves in August - but it’s not time to throw in the towel just yet. Despite the early arrival of cooler temperatures, there is still time left to enjoy summer.

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For the last 4 1/2 years, I have been part of something wonderful. Company C is a colorful home furnishings retailer based out of Concord, NH (believe it or not). With a strong web presence and distributors across the country, they specialize in unique area rugs, textiles, furniture, and more.

To supplement my design business in it’s infancy, I have been working part-time at Company C’s flagship store. This has been a wonderful opportunity to mature in confidence, refine my customer service skills, and foster an expertise in furniture and various textiles. Overall I am grateful to Company C for the chance to develop my talent as a designer, as well as create several extraordinary friendships.

But alas, all good things must come to an end.

As of last week, I have moved on from Company C. I am now the newest member of the Cedar Mill Group, Inc., a local design/build/remodeling company I have come to know quite well over the years.

As their in house design consultant, I will be involved in CAD drawing, contributing to design details and space planning, as well as working with clients to select materials, finishes, and fixtures. Clearly this is an exciting and exceptional opportunity for me to grow as a designer regarding the various facets of construction and remodeling.

Aside from this (the big changes I had eluded to last time), not much has changed for Lavender & Lotus. I am still active with clients in updating/improving their homes and offices, and look forward to the new design opportunities yet to be discovered.

Until next time my peeps - Peace

L’amour fait tourner le monde… (It’s love that makes the world go around).

There is something especially sweet about your first Valentine’s Day as a married couple… Life is wonderfully wonderful for me lately. Lots of changes are on the horizon - I will be sure to update you in the very near future.

In the meantime, wishing you all a magical day of love.

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2013 was a year of love and celebration for me as I marked two major life accomplishments - getting married and buying my first house. Day 2 of 2014, I already feel that there is something different about this year. I’m not quite sure if it’s a new sense of determination, the evolution of my own self-awareness, or simply a matter of being another year older/wiser. Whatever the case may be, I greet this day and year with optimism, enthusiasm, and purpose.

Wishing you all a very happy new year!

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