HARVEST TIME

Greetings from Sunny Santa Ynez, CA where it is harvest time at Hacienda Almanecer!

This years lavender crop is gorgeous, fragrant, and as always 100% organic!

ENJOY!!

Lavender and the Sun

Did you know that lavender works exceptionally well on burns... thats right, sun or otherwise, if the skin is unbroken. It will bring pain relief and speed healing. Lavender is considered an anti-septic, anti-inflammatory and regenerative, so virtually all cuts, bruises, and scrapes will respond well. The sun has been showing its shy self in Southern CA...so if you find yourself without sun block and consequently a burn....treat yourself with lavender... or Lavender Bliss MIst!!!

Lavender in FULL Bloom

Despite the June (and July) gloom on the coast in Southern, CA... the lavender in Santa Ynez is in full bloom and has never looked better! Even these pics can't quite capture the beauty, the fragrance, the color of the sea of deep dark purple lavender in full bloom. I can't stop thinking of all things lavender...fresh flowers, lavender infused drinks and menu's, spraying LBM everywhere and having it drying upside down and above the kitchen sink....ahhhhh lavender inspiration!!!

Summer is Blooming on the Farm

Ahhhh, the first of Summer 2010's crop!!! Can't you just smell it??

Lavender Lime-Aid a Summer Must

I can't help but share this delectable drink with you! You'll be drinking it all summer long!

LAVENDER LIME-ADE

• 6 cups water
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup dried lavender or 1/3 cup fresh lavender flowers
• 1 tsp. grated lime zest
• 1 cup (~8 limes) fresh-squeezed lime juice and lime slices (optional)

1. In a 2 qt. Saucepan, combine 2 cups water, sugar, lavender and lime zest. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove pan from heat and let syrup stand for 10 min. Strain and discard lavender
2. In large pitcher, stir syrup, lime juice and the remaining 4 cups water. Serve over ice, with lime slices if desired. Serve it all SUMMER LONG...start today!!

Summer Inspiration

This years lavender crop is looking absolutely beautiful...thick, lush, vibrant green with a multitude of spikes ascending towards the sun.

Get ready to find fresh picked lavender at your local farmers market beginning now for the next few months as the weather gets increasingly warm. Fantastic to decorate with, gift, use in drinks, ice cream, as a garnish to fruit, cheese or any platter, and sure to add a smile to anyone who comes in contact with its clean, minty, refreshing scent and beautiful purple flower! What are you waiting for...go and get some!!!

Summer Inspiration