Lovely Lavender

A dear friend just returned from her travels to the West Coast where she visited her parents’ Bed and Breakfast in Port Angeles, Washington-a beautiful getaway near Olympic National Park with oceanfront and mountain views. I was amazed by the photos of The George Washington Inn and have since put it on my growing list of places I want to stay but one of the highlights for me was that this particular B&B has its own lavender farm known as Washington Lavender. Stunning shades of purple floral spreading over ten acres-just incredible! Lucky for me, my friend gifted me with some delicious lavender tea and a sweet lavender sachet.

I adore lavender for a variety of reasons from its fragrance and coloring to its health benefits and even its flavor. So, as a tribute to my friend’s recent adventure, I thought we could explore some of the ways that a simple sprig of lavender can beautify our lives!

Décor A bundle of lavender looks incredible in almost any jar or vase. My favorite way to display lavender is in a white pitcher on a counter or nightstand table as I have found that this herb matches most every design from Modern or Traditional to Farmhouse or French Country. Fresh cut lavender bunches can be put in a container of water and enjoyed for 2-3 days. They can last an additional week but if you are interested in drying your bunch, remove your lavender from the water after 3 days, cut off any brown parts of the stem and hang upside down to dry.

A great addition to any nightstand, this bunch of purple lavender buds adds a pop of color while giving off a calming scent. Pair this with a cup of tea before bed and you or your guests are in for an evening of sweet dreams!

Once dried and properly stored in an airtight container, your lavender can last for 2-3 years! You can use it to make potpourri or soaps; however, we have already established that life is beyond busy. So, instead I purchase delightful soaps and sachet bags like the ones shown below. I grabbed these small treasures during our trip to Ireland and have loved tucking them in drawers and closets around my home. However, what I will find time to do with my dried lavender is gently crush it between my palms and sprinkle it in a hot bath. It is wonderfully relaxing and smells amazing!

When I have that extra moment, I try to remember to tie a bundle with a scrap of ribbon or twine and place on my guests’ bedding or fresh towels. It is the simplest of gestures but one that is incredibly appreciated and beautiful!

Cooking I had heard of lavender tea but was surprised to learn that you can use lavender in your baked goods or summer drinks. If you get a chance, I encourage you to experiment with using cooking lavender in some of your favorite desserts or beverages. Here are two simple recipes which offer a hint of lavender! Note: The wonderful owner of The George Washington Inn let me know that only English lavender should be used for cooking or tea as other lavenders will leave a bitter aftertaste.

https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/lavender_lemonade/

https://www.sugarhero.com/lavender-lemon-bars/

Tea Not only is lavender tea aromatic and flavorful (often with hints of rosemary or mint) but it also offers great health benefits as it helps you sleep better, reduces inflammation, supports your immune system, detoxifies your body and so much more. I also find it delicious!

Just like dusting off my Honduran Tea Set, I decided to use a cup from my wedding china. No use letting it sit in my sideboard cabinet when I can use it to enjoy my lavender tea this evening!

Of course lavender comes in other forms than just fresh or dried. You can diffuse lavender oils from Young Living or doTERRA to help heal minor burns and insect bites. The benefits just continue! The great thing about this herb is that it is very inexpensive but so versatile. Whether you grab a bunch at a Whole Foods or an Earth Fare or whether you visit your local lavender farm (mine is the Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill, North Carolina), you can incorporate it into your everyday life. Brighten up the corner of a room, treat yourself to a relaxing moment, or spoil your guests a little-remember that the EveryDay Details Matter!

For some lavender may be too intense. You can store it in that airtight container we discussed previously to lessen the fragrance; however, if it is still too much remember that lavender is just of many herbs and flowers that we will talk about over time which can simply beautify your life! All of these ideas take a moment to execute but add an incredible visual and fragrance to any endeavor (the lemon bars do take longer of course 😊).

Now, I am off to brew a cup of lavender tea and plan my trip to our country’s northeast corner where I can enjoy these beautiful landscapes and walk through lavender fields.