A brighter & warmer day...

This summer I wandered through an amazing Botanical Garden and Conservatory at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. Time stood still as I enjoyed and admired the work of 120 gardners & staff it takes to keep this beauty looking perfect for the thousand of visitors daily.

This show was titled Under the Sea 2016 and represented the many creatures & scenes found in the deep. With the flowers and mosaics, they are stunning!

You could spend all day in this space and never take in it's detail~

SO many shells! The patience of a saint in this work. 

This picture does little to convey the light and texture of the glass flowers at the ceiling. It is truly breathtaking and a marvel. As so many things in Las Vegas are about the lights and night-life, this is an amazing adventure in the light of day~

The show changes seasonally and reflect the theme in plants & art. Head to the Bellagio's website to catch the Fall & Thanksgiving edition.

Hope you have enjoyed this Summer trip to the Sea on this cold, windy WI day in Nov.

Enjoy~Valorie

My November Birthday is coming!!

Wow, we sure have been blesses with amazing weather in WI for November!
I can't remember the last time my Birthday also brought blooming Pansies!

I've been using our Countdown Calendar from the Avon Living Magalog to enjoy a candy each day until my Birthday!  I could get used to that kind of treat everyday!!  There must always be something you're counting down to, Right!?!

Enjoy!!  Val

Everyone's Irish on March 17!

In the waining week of winter comes a holiday full of shamrocks, rainbows and bag pipes! Thank the good hearts of the Irish!!

Here in WI, it's 50 mile an hour wind and thunderstorms that cause Luna to simply poke her head out and retreat!! And, who could blame her? A little sun, some cherry daffodils and hope would be welcome. 

Do you celebrate March 17th as St. Patrick's Day? From my earliest memories, my Burgess heritage took this holiday seriously. With a passion for John Gary, my Grama was always full of the old Irish tunes. I was rocked to sleep to Tura Lura Lura and so were my babies. I always catch a lump and tear when Irish Eyes are smiling!!

Making little leprechaun bundles of gold for my lovely Clients I'm visiting on 3/17!!!

SO many of the beautiful porcelains I have remind me of Holiday Tea with my Mom. Polly loved beautiful and delicate things and took the tiniest bites of whatever goodie we shared. Her appreciation for all things exquisite was her way.

Such a long post, my apology!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This little sparkly top hat and mouse came from my sister, Judy!!

Tea does seem sweeter in a Belleek cup. We enjoy our American Corned Beef and Cabbage.
 Will you lift a pint in honor? Cause, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day!!  Enjoy,  Val  xx

Come visit me on Instagram!

I'm having a lot of fun getting to know you and your businesses, families and pasttimes on your Insta accounts! 

Stop by at BloomValw and pay me a visit! I'd love to hear a comment or two from you and see what you're up to.  Another awesome way to connect!!

Enjoy,  Val

The gifts are unwrapped, the calories consumed and here you are with the Holiday behind you.
Are you relieved it went off without a hitch? Your daughter loved all that was selected and you don't actually have to set foot into a store today to stand in that return line? Your cookies were delicious, recipes requested and are all out of your houseso today you start eating like you know you should? Or, are you like the rest of us; bone tired, reaching for a peanut butter ball as you scramble for the receipts you'll need today to return that bathrobe Aunt Sally didn't want? Whatever your holiday looked like, my wish for you today is peace. Peace to say, I gave my all. Peace to remember the hearts you touched with your goodness and the peace to enjoy the lights, music and yes even another PB Ball. Peace, my friend.  Val XX

Are you a traditional Red & Green Girl?

With so much love for French country, Farmhouse style and White in Blogland I have some trouble finding kindrid spirits! Mine is a home with NO white walls (not even 1) no painted trim, (I am in Wisconsin with a family that loves the outdoors!) and a true passion for color!

While I love to see what beautiful spaces are created in your homes, I haven't shared much of mine. I had a friend stop by and comment, "No one I know has a home like yours."! Now, you could interpret that a dozen ways to Sunday, but I think she meant I live with what I love!! AND I love RED!
Guess I'll get the camera into action and capture more of my colorful Holiday journey.
Let me know if you're on board!!  Enjoy,  Val

Working for children who need a good Night...Can you help?

Every 4th quarter my little Bloom Biz chooses a non-profit to work with and celebrate our abundance during the past year.

This year we are honored to work with the Pajama Program!

This 501(c)3 collects new Pajamas and new Books for distribution to children at risk.

Many of these kids have never enjoyed the bedtime ritual we take for granted.

The security of a warm pair of Pajamas and a story told by a parent or loved-one at bedtime is not their routine.

Did you know that the average age of homelessness in America is 9?

If you have a local chapter and can make a donation, please do so!

If you'd like to help my campaign and aren't in the Madison, WI area, you can donate too.

https://www.crowdrise.com/bloomdreams1/fundraiser/valoriewestberg

will gladly accept your gift.

Thank you for your support and for thinking about a donation.

We are so blessed!

Happy Holidays to you and your family as we prepare to share a feast next week.

I'll update you on our progress here and I'd love to hear your comments below.

Warmly,  Valorie

It is time!

The week has arrived! Up to now, I have merely played with Halloween! A few orange lights, some pumpkin spice latte with a graham cracker shot...you know, the fall stuff! But my fave holiday is right around the corner and it's finally time! 

When you are a "retail person" you get accustomed to living in the future. It doesn't really bother me that Christmas trees are now set up in stores along side backpacks and pencils in September. But, there are people that really don't understand that, and I respect that.

 Walking the line between excitement and restraint is hard! A girl that is as passionate about the holidays as I am needs to respect the boundaries and that means my enjoyment is usually private. Like, that In Sept. I hide Holiday M&M's in all their fabulous fall colors so I have them on hand for Halloween popcorn balls. Or, eat candy corn until my teeth hurt to get my initial fix! Snack mix suddlenly includes dried apples and candy pumpkins. I am hooked!

 When you see an vintage bird cage in February and KNOW how great it would look on your porch with stuffed crows and a NEVERMORE sign, you qualify!

  I have lovingly collected jewels for each season and holiday and last year took the plunge and dedicated a jewelry box to my Halloween/Thanksgiving/Fall stash! It makes me so happy to open the lid and peek at the jewels folks have given me over the years and my current Avon additions! I'll tell you that people don't truly notice your watch has floating bats in the face. You can wear it happily all month! Or go ahead and wrap a cat charm bracelet around the top of your Halloween feather tree!

The Holiday is approaching! What will you do to get ready? Are you a scary, bump-in-the-night fan or just someone that thinks orange isn't used nearly enough today? Share your halloween thoughts in the comments...I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in my fixation with the black cats and candy corn!! Enjoy,  Val

Your Beautiful Backyard! Exploring Madison, WI

We love to travel! We also love history so are thrilled to take time to explore new cities and their stories. Recently, we had a chance to do that here in our own community of Madison,WI. Taking some time out of a Saturday afternoon, we found ourselves in the heart of our downtown.

The Capital Theater opened it's doors in 1928 as one of the opulent Movie Houses of the Silent era.
It served Madison for decades entertaining the community and becoming a haven for Concerts!

 Looking out of the 2nd floor window of The Overture Center for the Arts, you have a lovely view of the State Capital! The glass has a quality that makes it clear even from the outside and is stunning.


In the mid 1990's the building was showing it's age. The city had funded much improvement with the help of local business, Oscar Mayer, but it needed more.

In came local businessman, Jerry Frautschi with the largest single gift to the arts in American history to date.


Overture Hall is one of five performance spaces in the building.
Touring Companies from all over the world perform here and the Organ is a true treasure.

 My friend, Dawn was our tour guide and I was fasinated to learn of all the references to our lakes in design. Lighting here designed to appear as waves! Curves in structure like the movement of water.  Beautiful...            

 The Orpheum Theater is directly across the street on State St. It was build in 1926 and was the first building in WI to have air-conditioning! Build in the Art Deco style of the age, it stands today as a restored live performance and musical theater.

So, what are you doing this week-end? Can you enjoy being a tourist in your own hometown? You may find history just a footstep away you walk past daily!!  Enjoy,  Valorie  xx

Taking good care...

It's grey and cold here today. On days like this, you have to find something beautiful to help you remember that the sun will return and the soft, spring breezes will blow soon...

Just a quick trip to the grocer for some new flavor of tea and a lovely bunch of posies may make all the difference!

Take good care,
Valorie  XX

The quest continues...I will get organized this year!

On this final day of January, I continue my quest for simple, easy systems. Here is an assortment of Avon organizers to help spruce up any dressing table, bathroom shelf or travel bag!

Knowing your fave products are just within easy reach and ready for the day makes me happy!

We carry so many amazing brushes to fill the brush case. I'll show you the set soon!

In the meantime, Happy end of January!! 

You are taking care of everyone else, working like crazy to put together a lovely holiday for others and generally living that frantic December life! I don't know a woman getting a restful night sleep!
Let me add my 2cents here.
You have permission to slow down! I know it's silly, but I also so appreciate a friend that gives me that advise so here goes!

A cup of warm, fragrant tea enjoyed in a porcelain cup is not an luxury. Sitting quietly and enjoying your children in front of the beautiful Tree is a memory you will have forever. Stepping into the shower and enjoying the golden goodness that is Luxurious Bliss Skin So Soft will start your day in a slow and special way. The warm amber liquid is aroma therapy that also scents your bathroom when you are done! Add the body cream and Spray oil and you will feel the luxury that comes with taking time just for you.
Slow down, take a minute for grace and enjoy your day!  Val

Does it feel like this should be on the horizon? I'm having an amazing summer with both my college kids home. I truly don't want to think about Sept.!!! Are you one of those super organized parents that has already done your B-T-S shopping or like me, running around the last day possible when the fave pens are all sold out? What do you think???