Living with Flowers: Lavender

("Bunch of Lavender" by Dearmachine on Etsy)

Lavender has got to be one of the most popular flowers for its delicate and soothing scent, its hardiness, and its simple beauty. In Victorian times many meanings were attached to lavender such as loyalty, devotion, and love.
They are such a versatile flower, are so many ways you can add a little bit of rustic, Victorian charm to your home with them. Here are some of my favorites!

Lavender Tea
Whether its in a loose-leaf blend or a brand name favorite, lavender adds a relaxing element to any tea. It's often paired with chamomile for an incredibly soothing, delicate flavor!

("Quite Afternoon" by Heyclouds on Etsy)

Lavender Soap
Lavender can be soothing for your skin too! Lavender soap smells great and is a pretty accent for any bathroom. Check out these beautiful examples from SatinAndBirch on Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/61708379/silver-and-lavender-soap-hearts-mini-set

Lavender Sachets
Freshen your linens, drawers, or closets with fragrant lavender sachets. Gardenmis offers sets of three organic lavender sachets which can be used also in place of drier sheets. Clever!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66997811/organic-lavender-sachets-set-of-3

Lavender Baked Goods
Lavender adds a touch of refinement with its sweet, floral flavor to a variety of baked goods. Lavender tea cookies are an elegant and tasty addition to a tea party or just to have as a snack. And how about these delicious (and vegan!) vanilla spice and lavender frosted cupcakes from CrazyMaes on Etsy?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67024638/mini-cupcakes-vanilla-spice-with

Dried Lavender
Drying lavender is easy, and makes a beautiful home accent in a vase or hanging from the wall. Here is an easy how-to: http://www.wikihow.com/Dry-Your-Home-Grown-Lavender

("Lavender" Fine Art blank card by TimeFlys on Etsy)

Birds

Be like the bird that, passing on her flight awhile on boughs too slight, feels them give way beneath her, and yet sings, knowing that she hath wings. ~Victor Hugo


This beautiful collage from Dollfacedesign features vintage ledger paper, a tin-type frame, lush flowers, and sweet little bird. So nostalgic and romantic, this is a must-have for a Victorian home!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/49945191/forget-me-not-vintage-ledger-paper


Porcelain is such a wonderful medium, and this lovely necklace by Roundrabbit utilizes it exquisitely. It features a graceful little bird glazed in turquoise, the perfect accessory for summer!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/51145057/porcelain-necklace-summer-bird


mmmm, sachets filled with French lavender from Victorianstation. They feature beautiful French bird postcard motifs. Her entire store is absolutely wonderful, please check it out!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/49074725/bird-sacs-filled-with-lavendervintage