The Lavender House

All the blues 🔵.
Floral, patterned, striped, knitted - this September I'll take any blue. I am also wanting cosy, as this morning was the first morning I poked my foot out from the under the duvet and it felt cold!

Basket season is every season.
And it's not just me!
I enjoyed my tea, toast and marmalade this morning whilst pursuing the Autumn latest magazine drop. As always it is inspiring and full of home and fashion styling. It was lovely to see baskets on show with Autumn dressing. I always tell people how I use mine all year round and not just as the beach bag they can often be classified as. Validation from the was a lovely way to start the day!
I have lots of different styles on the website, flat handled, padded handled, long or short lengths and if you would rather no leather then two designs with woven handles.
Why not get yourself tea and toast one morning and take a look..

One for the grid!
Royal Ascot 2024.
All flowers, horses, champagne & kisses.
(And of course baskets, when is there not?)

I always love placing a order!
You may notice there are some old favourites like Poppy Forest. You adore it still so much that it goes in the basket every time!
I cannot wait for them to arrive and get making 💕.
Even though I know what's in the delivery the unboxing is always a delight.
Let me know if you have a favourite.

April palette of Wisteria purple.
It's not quite the size to have wisteria hysteria over, however it is still beautiful. Especially when showing off the Annie basket bag.
This Wisteria we planted in Covid, it has taken its time but is finally established and flowering dark purple. It is perfect timing as the Camellia has just finished and the Lavender is yet to begin in the front courtyard. I do hope those out walking enjoy the space. It is fast becoming one of my favourite areas.

Style perfection.
Outfit goals and styling perfection (is it ever in doubt) from - with only the Sasha bag in hand!
It's also my go to basket bag, overfilled and on my arm whenever I leave the house. Those of you who have chatted with me at events are testament to the that!
It's farmers market this Sunday 10am-2pm. I will bring plenty of baskets (including the Sasha) along and my order for sunshine has been placed!

I need a beach some time soon please.
I love looking at past holiday photos. This was Corfu two years ago. It was a truly special few weeks of just hanging as a family together. Not doing much, but feeling like we were doing everything we should ever be doing.

Easter basket or more?
A reminder that baskets are not just for Easter!
How do you store yours? I like mine on display for all to see 😁.

Happy Easter from us.
I hope you have all had the most perfect day.
I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by my family and eaten way too much cauliflower cheese and chocolate. Feeling extremely loved and privileged to be in this position.
Now someone please hide the remaining eggs or I will eat them too!

What I sourced V's how I styled it.
I was up nice and early this morning to get the best out of a sunny day . It never disappoints and today was no exception. I managed to restock old marmalade jars ready for candle making, found lots of vintage baskets and the sought after occasional desk for the snug (which was my main objective).
Next quest; the perfect chair- I will be back!

Feeling blue (and floral)
kitchen is my dream kitchen. Our own renovation is incoming for this space and this is peak mood board for me. We have finished our youngest's bedroom now, where we used stiff key blue and it is also what I would like to use on the kitchen cupboards and shelves.
I couldn't help myself and have added a few of my own bits to help dress the room! I mean a basket bag makes a room right?

Day tripper.
We decided to take a day out of the city and visit Lake Como. It was such the right thing to do!
Luckily we had blue skies and sunshine on our side ☀️.
Note to all: Always remember your basket bag.

It's a jungle in here!
Our master bathroom truly feels like the comfortable and natural space I had always dreamt off. With all the plants, soft mizzle green on the panelled walls and of course Lavender, I feel relaxed the second I walk in.

Never enough space for all the books,
but always space for a (refilled) candle and basket.

Cosy nights call for cosy surroundings.
With all the Christmas decs now back in the loft and trees out for recycling, there is a feel of space, but also bareness in the house. As much as a home with 2 adults, three children, 2 cats, 2 dogs and a gecko allows it to be! (And just the ones that live indoors)!
Fear not, cosy blankets, log burner and a candle lit is a quick remedy to warm up a space and these chilly nights.
I was intending to watch the traitors but the darts derailed me the other day, so maybe now is the perfect night to catch up?! Is it as good as last year?

A beautiful sunny day at Olney Farmers' Market

Le weekend…
So far the weekend has been busy (in a nice way) and very productive.
Today was a day of quarters - netball this morning, followed by numerous washing loads to make the most of the October sun, then a quick trip out for the final bits to celebrate my husbands birthday tomorrow, ending with prep for market day happening in the morning 10am-2pm.
Exciting bit is, no cooking for moi, as tonight we are having take out🥡!
It looks like it will be a crisp autumnal sunny day tomorrow so it would be lovely to see those of you local for a chat. I will have some one-off basket styles with me. Shown in the pics. If you can’t make it but would like one of the bags, let me know and I will get it posted out to you. Also do tell me what you think to the bags.
Enjoy your Saturday evening.

A dish for whatever you fancy.
I use these vintage dishes for all sorts around the house. In the bedroom they are definitely for popping my jewellery in.
I am using the green from the boot room as the background. I am so in love with the richness of that I couldn’t resist. You may see it keeps popping up!
Nice to take a few pretty shots this evening as today has been a netball day. First session for my 13 year old with - very exciting!

Early October’s evening light is just…
… Perfect, don’t you think?
Just a couple of points to think about though -
First: I would have to keep the door open (to get that light stream) whilst I enjoyed my bath and you know that’s just an invitation to every other person and animal in the house to join you.
Second: it may be a massive bath but it isn’t big enough for the two of us! (two being the giant monstera currently residing in said bath tub). The battle to remove may take some time. But hey it looks good though 😂!

The boot room so far.
I still have lots to paint, but we are getting there! I felt like I was being really brave going with the deep green colour, however choosing paired with seems like the only option it could ever have been!
My basket bags now have their own place to live, on a row of wooden hooks. I love them being on display and also being so handy to grab
running out the door. Only problem is I may need some more hooks! The numbers of baskets just keeps growing.
Will obviously share once completed.

Busy hands.
I had a little visitor come see me in my workshop a few nights ago. He was supposed to be tucked up in bed, however I forgave him when I saw the photos he sneakily took of me!
This beautiful candle is already sold, but don’t worry I will find many more vintage beauties.

Backdrops of beauty.
It’s hard to believe these images of Marrakesh were captured only weeks ago. Every twist and turn of the medina and palaces we visited had an array of colour and intricate patterns everywhere you looked. My camera roll is full, bursting with photos of a beautiful bustling city. Watching Instagram stories of those we met there show much of this area still standing and the community coming together to rebuild and support one another in areas more in need.
At the time you are just desperate to get a good shot, not realising you are capturing history. These shots now mark a time ‘before’.

Hard to find the words.
As you all aware, we have just returned from Marrakech where spent an amazing family holiday.
What has happened this last week is unbearably shocking and so very sad. We were welcomed where ever we went and by every one we met, with open arms, large smiles and a desire to share their culture. Kindness surrounds you at every corner and it is this love and respect for one another that will help them rebuild and flourish again.
I have been in contact with some of the people we met and they are safe and being looked after. Their community has come together.
Morocco you made a place in our heart and our thoughts are with you 🇲🇦.

Sunny September evenings.
Not just a towel, a table cloth, scarf or sarong but also an invisibility cloak and cape!
My goodness, is there no end to the uses of a Hammam towel?!?