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Favorite ways to style Thérèse
We’re going crazy for our new Thérèse style over here, and love her paired with so many of our styles, here’s some of our faves.
Thérèse / Stéphane It’s as if she and Stéphane were made for each other. I’m downright obsessed with the above for a bed (in fact this is what’s on our guest bed currently and I have no plans to change it!)
Thérèse / Stéphane / Lourdes I love pairing the feminine, romantic florals of the Stéphane and Thérèse with the nubby texture of Lourdes.
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styling the Bruyère
Our Bruyère style is an authentic block printed Indian cotton with a soft gray base and beautiful white florals. Her pattern has a slight ombre, which gives the Bruyère depth and dimension.
Macie / Bruyère / Maëlle We especially love that the Bruyère is available in 3 (!) sizes, including 16×24. This is huge, seeing how fabric cuts are coming in narrower and narrower these days and we aren’t always able to offer our styles in lumbar sizes.
Bruyère Our favorite way to style the Bruyère is with our gray mud cloths. These three pair so beautifully, it’s as if they were made for each other.
Macie / Bruyère / Simonne If you’d like to bring in a bit of texture, Arielle is our go to.
Bruyère / Arielle The delicious texture of the Arielle compliments the soft pattern of the Bruyère beautifully.
Have you checked out the beautiful Bruyère? We’d love to see how you style her!
Be sure to take us on insta @withlavenderandgrace!
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DIY glass cleaner
I LOVE the big windows in our living and dining room and morning time, when the sun comes pouring in is my very favorite. Our windows face east and the sun shines directly through them, making everything sparkle and shine. What I don’t love… is seeing dirt and smudge when that delicious sun is shining!
We also have glass lanterns above our kitchen island and one large lantern above our dining room table. In the evenings, when the lights are on, all the smudge on the glass illuminates and it makes me insane!
Both our lanterns and the windows aren’t easy to clean. The lanterns, especially, being in the kitchen can be super tricky. Believe me when I say I’ve tried every cleaner on the planet (even the super toxic ones) and NOTHING beats my DIY glass cleaner.
A good glass cleaner needs 4 things:
- some kind of cleaning concentrate to, well, clean!
- Something to cut the grease
- Something to make them shine.
And so, this cleaner is made up of
- on guard cleaning concentrate
- lemon oil to cut the grease and baked on grime (nothing beats lemon oil!)
- Alcohol to make them shine!
For years I’ve used vinegar, but I’ve found that pure alcohol works SO much better. I’ll use pure (cheap!) vodka, or rubbing alcohol if need be.
Recipe is as follows (use a 32 oz spray bottle):
- 1 capful of on guard cleaning concentrate
- 10-20 drops of lemon oil
- 1 1/2 cups of vodka or rubbing alcohol
- fill the rest with (distilled!) water
That’s it! Happy cleaning!
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styling moody neutrals
We’re seeing lots of “moody” tones lately and I have to say, I am LOVING it. I especially love moody neutrals on a white couch. Actually, it’s what I have on my couch now!
Here are our favorite ways to create “moody” neutral combos.
Foral
I’m downright obsessed with our Stéphane and Severine florals. They bring in just the right amount of a romantic touch without being girly. My favorites are…
Émilie / Stéphane / Guinevere / Colette / Elise This may be my current favorite. The Elise is available in 22×22, so I recommend flanking each side of a couch with this gorgeous neutral, and then using 1-2 of the other styles on each side. All 5 styles have unique patterns that compliment and absolutely flow, making this vignette not only beautiful, but intentional as well. If styling a bed, I would do 2-3 of the Elise in 22×22 and one other style.
Émilie / Severine / Corinne / Colette / Elise This grouping is almost identical to the above, all styles are interchangeable with the exception of the Severine and Stéphane. The Stéphane and Severine are florals that far too similar and I would not recommend pairing them together. Be sure, also, to style Guinevere and Corinne on opposite sides of a couch as they have similar brown tones. One major rule of thumb when choosing textiles: They should always compliment, not compete. If a pattern is too similar they should never be styled together as it can look sloppy and unintentional.
Geometric
Guinevere / Émilie / Colette If you’re wanting to stick to geometric styles, I love this combo. While I usually recommend slipping in a tapestry, floral or solid style to break up geometric vignettes and keep it from looking to “busy”, this pairing 100% works. The pattern on the Émilie leans toward a tapestry, and these styles have such different patterns that compliment rather than compete.
Texture
If you’re a texture loving girl, then look no further than our Arielle style. Her gorgeous wool poms are downright yummy and bring the most delicious, impactful texture to any vignette.
Émilie / Stéphane / Guinevere / Colette / Elise/ Arielle All above styles flow beautifully, so feel free to choose whichever ones you’re drawn to! I would choose the Elise or Stéphane for 22x22s to flank either side of a couch, and then have fun choosing other styles to compliment!
I hope that’s helpful! Happy styling!
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Essential oils
Hi Friends! Welcome to my little section of my blog where I get to FINALLY share my obsession for oils. Sharing this love of mine has been on my heart for YEARS, these bottles of plant based heaven have changed our family’s lives in so many ways. We use them for immune support, skin support, sleep support, emotional support, ALL THE THINGS. We diffuse them every minute of the day, roll them on our bodies and we use all of the plant-based personal care and household items. I can’t tell you what a blessing Doterra has been for us.
I have a TREMENDOUS heart and calling to empower families to take back the joy, tone and health of their homes. One of the things I am most excited about as I begin this journey, is creating a community of women: all on the same mission to create JOYFUL, grace filled, beautiful and HEALTHY homes.
In this community we’ll be offering support, encouragement, education and sharing tips and tricks we’ve learned as we explore this world of plant based support together.
The best way to get started is with an enrollment kit.
My very favorite enrollment kit is the Home Essentials Kit, which has many of the major players that I LOVE, including
- adaptiv for stress and tension support. We take the adaptiv capsules and diffuse adaptiv throughout the day. I also keep a spray in the car and in my purse. There are some oils I have an emotional response to (you’ll find this too!) and adaptiv is one of those oils.
- breathe I have many, many testimonials I could share about the amazing benefits of breathe. Last year, along with everyone else we struggled with sickness and breathe was key for respiratory support. I diffuse it and rub it on our chests.
- on guard I am never, ever, EVER without a bottle of on guard, Doterra’s immune support. The boys rub on guard on the bottoms of their feet every night before bed and before leaving the house. I take the cough drops (because their delicious) all the time and if there’s sickness going around I take the capsules. I also love the on guard cleaning concentrates. If we’ve been exposed to anything or during flu season my house is pumping on guard and we will all be slathered in it.
- balance Doterra’s grounding blend to support balancing emotions (amen?). Diffuse it throughout the house or in the car, apply it to the bottoms of your feet.
- Copaiba is one of my very faves. Copaiba supports the health of the cardiovascular, immune, and digestive systems when ingested. It’s also a powerful antioxidant. I take a couple drops under the tongue throughout the day for pain support. I also add it to my glow serum for skin support.
- lemon is the MVP of oils for cleaning. It does wonders for glass and grease alike. Add a couple drops to your water too!
- lavender My love (clearly!) lavender for skin support, sleep support and hair support. Lavender all day, everyday.
You also get a super cute petal diffuser. I have this diffuser in our office and both boys’ rooms!
This kit has all the oils you need to make an on guard, tummy, headache, sleepy, pain, emotional support and breathe roller. The lemon (and vodka) is also all you’ll need for my DIY clean glass cleaner!
When you sign up with me, I’ll also send you our Belgian linen dishcloth, natural kitchen brushes and amber roller and spray bottles.
To shop the Home Essentials Kit, head over here
The Healthy Start kit is a fantastic starter kit for someone who’s brand new to oils.
It has the top ten oils in 5 ml bottles, and the oils included are the oils needed for a sleepy, on guard, pain, tummy, breathe and killer roller. It also has lemon and comes with a darling pebble diffuser.
When you buy this kit, I’ll also send you our kitchen brushes and amber roller and spray bottles.
To shop the Healthy Start Kit, head over here
In joining, you’ll have access to our private community Facebook page and I’ll be supporting and guiding you along the way. We’ll also communicate via text.
If like me, you’d like to turn your passion for oils into a business, I’ll be providing all the training and resources you’ll need to build an empire from your kitchen counter. We’ll be doing things a little differently, and I’ll be coaching and teaching you how network market and sell online. If not, that’s cool too!
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SELL OILS OR PURCHASE MONTHLY OILS AS A MEMBER! Think of joining like a Costco membership, purchasing a starter kit will ensure that you will receive wholesale pricing of 25% off retail prices on everything Doterra offers (SO worth it).
Becoming a member also means you’ll get to participate in Loyalty Rewards. Think of the Loyalty Rewards Program (LRP) like your Amazon Prime subscription. Simply set up an LRP order and that order will process automatically every month on a pre-selected batch date. What I LOVE about Doterra’s LRP is that you don’t have to wait for that date to process your LRP. If you need something else within the same month you can place additional LRP order (happens to me all the time!) The best part? You’ll earn rewards with every LRP order!
You may be wondering…
why Doterra and not the cheaper oils from Whole Foods or Amazon?
Many essential oils on the market are heavily contaminated or adulterated with synthetic chemicals. If you’re buying essential oils for your family, it is imperative that you use something natural and safe. You don’t want inadvertently buy something you think is natural but turns out to be synthetic- this can cause more harm than good.
The most important thing to look for is purity. Pure essential oils allow you to reap the full benefits that nature has to offer. Doterra’s oils are 100% pure. There are no contaminants, fillers, or adulterations. The essential oil industry did not have standards to ensure purity, so doTERRA created one.
Every batch of doTERRA essential oils goes through a rigorous testing process—and after that, each oil is sent to an independent third party for further testing and validation. You can go to sourcetoyou.com and the enter code on bottom of each vial to see exactly what’s in it.
Can I use my oils on my kids?
Absolutely! Doterra oils are safe for people of all ages! I can’t tell you what a blessing oils have been to support the health (and emotions) of my children. It’s important to know two things: how to dilute oils for children and where to use them. Not to worry, I’ll be helping you and providing information along the way!
How will I know what to do with my oils once I get them?
With your enrollment, I send welcome kits right from my home to each person who signs up with me, and that includes all the ways you can learn form me!
I’ll be sending you a guide with all the basics to get beginners going. This guide has over 250 health conditions and recommended single oils, blends, and other products to offer support. It also contains easy DIY recipes and tips for aromatic, topical, and internal use.
You’ll be invited to a private wellness group on Facebook, and be invited to communicate with me via text!
If you have any questions or would like to speak with me about anything related to oils, please email me at oils@withlavenderandgrace.com. You can also read about the safety of using essential oils here!
I’ve included the top accessories I use for all my DIY projects with oils, house cleaners, spray bottles, rollers, etc.. And my cute label maker!
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8 ways to turn your bathroom into a spa
I talk a lot about elevating the everyday, creating moments of joy and moments to look forward to throughout your day- even in the midst of the mundane.
One of my favorite ways to do this is to elevate my “self care” routine and make my time in my bathroom as luxurious as possible. Instead of simply taking a shower, washing my face and heading to bed… I treat this time like a little trip to the spa. Here are my tips for making your bathroom as spa-like as possible.
- Bring in the plants (so long as you have windows)! Plants love the bathroom and they thrive in here, and it’s the perfect way to bring in some organic decor.
- Treat yourself to a linen robe. Not your ratty-old fuzzy, but a robe that feels special when you put it on. After taking detox baths, it’s important to air dry and not towel dry off (so the minerals can soak into your skin). I like putting on a robe while I’m still a bit damp to stay warm.
- Make your own clean beauty oils. I’ve been making my own skin serum, cleansing oil, body oil (and shampoo and conditioner!) for years. I love being able to customize my products for my skin’s needs, and I love that this way I’m able to use a product that I can trust and is 100% clean. I’ll be sharing recipes soon!
- Use your natural self care tools. Dry brush before you shower, Gua Sha your face and body in the morning, use your pumice stone. Natural self care tools are not only incredibly effective (but they look pretty as decor in your bathroom too!)
- Get yourself a good bath caddy. I love soaking in a mineral or detox bath with a good book.
- LED candles, set to turn on when you usually are in the bathroom. It’s no secret I love timed LED candles. I keep the lights off and bathe by candlelight in the evening and it’s heavenly.
- Diffuse lavender, rosemary and eucalyptus. My favorite oils to diffuse that give me allll the spa vibes.
- Keep epsom salts, organic borax, magnesium flakes and bentonite clay on hand for detox and mineral baths. I take a detox bath once a week and daily if I’m sick. They make such a difference and I always have supplies on hand. These jars from Target are my favorite for pantry, cleaning supply and bath supply storage!
How do you elevate your self care routine?
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Sausage & white bean stew
This is the easiest stew EVER and it’s my go-to for busy nights.
Ingredients
- one onion, thinly sliced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
- small bunch of thyme, chopped (I LOVE love love thyme so go heavy handed with it in this)
- 4-8 andouille sausages, sliced. Depending on how meat-y you want it. I’ve made it with one pack of 4, when we’re really hungry and when I have it I’ll do two.
- 36 ounces of bone broth (about one and a half quart jars). If you’re doing just 4 sausages you can do just one quart of bone broth
- 2 cans cannellini beans
- handfuls of chopped kale
Directions
- In a dutch oven, drizzle olive oil and sauce onions until fragrant. Add in your sausage and saute until onions are translucent.
- Add in your chopped garlic and sauce, then add in the thyme.
- pour in your bone broth and bring to a boil, then add your cannelloni beans. Bring back to a boil and then down to a simmer.
- Simmer for about an hour (I’ve let it simmer on low for 3-4 hours before). Then, take a potato masher and mash up the cannelloni beans to thicken it up.
- About 20 minutes before serving, add in the kale.
- Serve with chopped parsley and crusty bread.
enjoy!
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Styling long shelves
Long shelves can be a bit tricky to style, and it’s easy for them to look cluttered and lack cohesiveness.
The shelves in our dining room were a bit overwhelming to me at first, and I kept them super bone bare to avoid them looking messy. I love being able to display my favorite things, and so I started using the “grid” method when styling and it has helped SO much! Now I’m able to display all of my beautiful things, while still remaining intentional and cohesive.
Here is what I mean. The trick with long shelves is that they are, well, LONG. Break your shelves into grids, 3 across and one grid for every shelf. Because this is in our dining room I kept the bottom middle open for extra serving space when entertaining.
Then, in each grid repeat materials and colors. For me, this is white earthenware, glass and natural wood. Every grid doesn’t have to have every color or material, but you’ll see in the picture above that my white earthenware is on either side to create symmetry (I wouldn’t have them directly above each other as one side of the shelves would be too heavy with white.
If you’re decorating bookshelves, maybe you start with books and add a small grouping in each grid, and then a decorative element in the same material or color in 2 or 3 of your grids.
Next, I added in some books for height, but you’ll see that they’re in the same tone as my natural wood so the look flows.
Then a bit of art for interest and greenery to bring it to life, and finally just a touch of antique gold to bring it dimension.
I hope that helps my friends! Please tag me on insta if you are styling your shelves using this method!
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my guide to mix and matching textiles
Mix and matching textiles can be a bit overwhelming, and done incorrectly it can make your pillow vignette look like a bit of a mess. But! following a couple steps and keeping in mind tips and tricks can make it super easy and allow you to create a beautiful, cohesive look.
Step one: Establish your color scheme. Every single style doesn’t have to fall into this scheme, but you want to first establish the overall look, theme or tone you’re going for.
Guinevere / Émilie / Celeste / Avril
Step two: Choose a floral or tapestry style within your color scheme (AKA the star). This is the style we’ll be pairing our other styles with, as it’s usually the “busiest”. Choose this style first so you have a jumping off point.
Laconda / Avril / Celeste / Lucille
Step three: choose a coordinating geometric print within your color scheme.
Corinne / Colette / Émilie / Héloïse / Simonne / Guinevere
Step four: choose another geometric print on a different scale, or solid style to ground the look. For example, if we chose the Colette for our first geometric, maybe we’d go with Émilie for our second. It’s also important that our geometric style is significantly different than or first we’ve chosen. For example, if we’re using choosing Héloïse, avoid styling with Émilie as they are nearly identical.
One major rule of thumb I have is to avoid using the same patter in a different color. For example, I would say never use the Colette and Simonne in the same vignette.
I hope that helps make you! Don’t ever hesitate to shoot me an email at hello@withlavenderandgrace.com and I’d be more than happy to help!
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Dry brushing benefits
We all that it’s important to exfoliate the skin to keep it looking young and feeling smooth, right? Chances are you may even use a brush or loofah in the shower or bath. But, did you know that dry brushing not only exfoliates and plumps the skin to keep it looking young- but it also can support our health and wellness by boosting circulation and aiding in lymphatic drainage?
I’ve been brushing for years, and I’ve gotten disciplined with incorporating it into my nightly routine within the past year and I can 100% say that I notice a significant difference in how I feel when I dry brush.
Here’s why: Dry brushing boosts circulation. You may notice as you dry brush that your skin may be a bit red (that’s actually a good thing!) It’s the result of increased circulation in the areas you’ve been dry brushing. Your body is simply pushing more blood to those areas.
All blood contains lymph (lymph is made up of white blood cells, especially lymphocytes, the cells that attack bacteria). We filter lymph through our lymph nodes. Dry brushing speeds up the rate of blood pumping by increasing circulation, which helps get the lymph through the body, therefore removing toxins, pathogens (viruses!) more quickly.
So how do you dry brush? It’s exactly what it sounds like! You simply take a (dry) body brush with stiff bristles and brush your (dry) skin upwards. I’ll do 8-12 strokes per each section of my body. I always start with my calves, work up my legs and then my arms, stomach and chest. The key is to brush in long upward strokes towards your heart, so you’d always be brushing up, with the exception of your chest when you’ll be brushing down towards the heart.
I brush about 5 times a week, but when you’re starting out I’d start with once a week, and work my way up to two times a week. There are some that say dry brushing can boost energy, due to the fact that it increases circulation. For this reason many recommend dry brushing in the morning. I shower at night so I dry brush at night. While I definitely feel “invigorated” after dry brushing, it doesn’t effect my sleep. After you brush, hop in the shower to rinse off all the dead skin cells. I take a detox bath 1-2 times a week, and I’ll hop in the bath after the shower, or I’ll apply my body oil and head to bed. I then do body gua sha on my body in the morning, the mornings after I dry brush.
WLG sells two brushes that I use and love. Our long handled dry/ wet brush is fantastic if you’re just getting started. It comes with a removable long handle so you can easily get your back too! Our hand held dry brush is what I use, but it’s quite stiff and I wouldn’t recommend using it if you’re new to dry brushing.
Let me know if you give it a try and how it works for you!
