Saturday Spotlight: Life Behind the Blogger

Susan from Must Love Junk, and myself wanted to do a regular feature on our blogs, something unique that hasn't been done before.   So we came up with an idea to 'spotlight the real life behind the blogger' in a more personal way.

There is so much talent and inspiration in blogland, and we thought it would be fun to bring you a closer look at the person behind the blog.

Every week on Saturday we will spotlight a blogger and have them tell us a little bit about themselves and their blogs.  You will be able to see and read about each of the bloggers on both Susan's and my blog. 

Kathleen from Lavender bouquet
August 16th

Good Saturday to everyone.  This week I am introducing you to a newer blogger.  I found Kathleen's blog from her following my blog.  I fell in love with her blog and asked her to do spotlight since she is a newer blogger and it would introduce her to so many of the wonderful bloggers that read Spotlight.  I thought this is a great way for you to get to know her and she to get to know all of you.  So when you get a chance please hop over to her great blog and say Hi.

Hello New Friends!

When I received an email from Kris asking me to be part of Saturday Spotlight: Life Behind the Blogger, I was so grateful. It’s tough to get started as a new blogger 

and since Kris has such a beautiful blog this is a true compliment!

My name is Kathleen and the name of my blog is The Lavender Bouquet. (http:/thelavenderbouquet.blogspot.com) I began blogging a year ago and chose the 

name because I have always admired the stunning beauty of lavender growing in the fields of Provence and dreamed of someday experiencing them first hand.

I grew up in a small rural town in Western New York near Buffalo.  I’ve been married for 37 years to the love of my life. He’s a wonderfully patient man after

having 4 sisters and 3 daughters!  Our daughters are grown, have graduated from college, and are well into their own careers and lives. We are a very 

close family, so getting together is always a good time!  We are very proud of our daughters and the great women they have become.

This photo was taken when we were in Paris at dinner in the Eiffel Tower. We celebrated our anniversary by traveling to Portugal and France

 two years ago. It was such a beautiful experience!

My husband’s executive career has taken us to many cities and towns starting in Western NY, followed by the Midwest, Southeast, Southwest, and now the Northeast. 

We have moved 13 times throughout our marriage. Only 4 of those have been without our daughters.

We decided early on that my husband's career was positioned to be more lucrative than mine, so began my career as a stay at home Mom. Once we started moving

our decision paid off “two fold.”  I was with the girls through the day to day challenges of moving, and integrating. And when Dad was home, they had the added bonus 

of help with the homework and weekend times when he coached their sports teams. It was a great balance that worked very well for all of us!

I started blogging after much encouragement from my husband and daughters, as well as a few close friends. Because we had moved so many times the physical 

relocations became my job. I handled the conversations with the relo companies, realtors, house hunting and home selections. Our homes were always new with 

the exception of “3.” Most were custom built, and a few were spec homes. With each relocation I began learning so much about building, design, materials, and 

construction. I realized I just LOVED it!

My passion for decorating grew to become such a “sweet spot” for me during the moves. I became quite familiar in choosing selections that were neutral in color 

and making the most of my budget. I tried to keep the selections so that the homes would be appealing to anyone’s color pallet and would sell quickly if necessary.

I personalize our homes by way of adding color and personal effects through our furnishings.

Our present home has really pushed me to new limits. It is a “16” year old home that was in need of a lot of TLC. I told my husband it just needed a loving touch 

to restore it to its original beauty and of course it had “good bones!” At this point in our marriage he just says, “I trust your judgment.”  Kind of a lot on my shoulders, 

but I was up for the challenge because I LOVE it so much.

Here is a bit of a peek at what the kitchen looked like BEFORE reno and AFTER we completed.

I love Spring and its beautiful unfolding of color. I love to “play” (as my husband calls it) in my flower gardens in the early morning hours when the dew is still on the ground. 

I keep it simple, a few flower beds and colorful pots on the patios and porch. This photo is one of the urns on our front porch.

Along the way entertaining has become an integral part of our lifestyle. That's where my inner FOODIE kicks in. I like to throw a party wrapped around a beautiful presentation.

Each time we move we host a cocktail party or a housewarming party.  This allows us to introduce ourselves to our neighbors. I love this way of opening our doors to

new friends….just like I am to you today!

Thanks so much for reading a little about me and my family. I’d love it if you would all stop by The Lavender Bouquet for a visit!

Don’t forget to say “hello!” You can find us on Facebook too!

My sincere thanks to Kris for taking the time to introduce newbies like me to the world of Blogland!

Fondly,

Kathleen

Thank you Kathleen for sharing your self with all of us.  You will not be a newbie after today when everyone starts to visit your beautiful blog.

Please hop over to Susan's blog and meet another wonderful blogger in Spotlight Jeanie from Marmalade Gypsy.

Have a wonderful week end.

Kris

:)