Inspired by Earth Day

Happy 40th planet Earth! Thinking green here is some Earth Day inspiration I found on 'Your Daily Thread':

“The average American meal travels about 1500 miles to get from farm to plate” (CUESA). For a typical carrot it’s more like 1800 (Sustainable Table). I don’t feel good traveling that kind of distance and neither does our produce, not to mention the greenhouse gas emissions involved in the journey.

According to Steven L. Hopp in his wife Barbara Kingsolver’s book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, if every U.S. citizen ate one meal a week composed of locally, organically raised food, we would reduce American oil use by a million barrels every week.

And it’s not just transportation: “As much as forty percent of the energy used in the food system goes towards the production of chemical fertilizers and pesticides” (Sustainable Table).

By supporting sustainable agriculture you say a big yes to healthy water and soil, biodiversity, pesticide-free food and the important work of small farmers.

Think globally...buy locally! that goes for your lavender needs too!!

Spring has Sprung at Hacienda Almanecer

Pictures speak a thousand words. The 2010 crop of lavender is in good company here.

And....just when you think you don't have a song to sing...sing anyways! Life is good! Lavender Bliss Mist..."a bottle of pure liquid sunshine"!

Sleep Inspiration...

It's true, years of research prove that lavender produces calming, soothing, and sedative effects. "In folklore, linen bags were filled with lavender flowers and placed under the pillow to help people fall asleep. Today, this anecdotal remedy for sleepless nights has been validated by clinical studies proving the benefits of lavender in aiding a sound and restful night's sleep." Mist your face, pajamas, pillow and bed linens and feel the soothing effects of lavender!!

Kids + Lavender

I use Lavender Bliss Mist &/or pure lavender oil with my kids for: cuts, scrapes, burns, relaxation, hair brushing, hand cleaning in a bind, before bed--on their pillows and in the air, when they are sick, and to calm them any time of the day!! Go ahead squirt them, they'll love it and so will you!

Lavender Pistachio Hot Cocoa

OK, have you ever tried cooking with lavender?? Now I have made lavender vanilla ice cream and lavender lemonade which are both delicious but, have you tried Lavender-Pistachio Hot Cocoa? Umm, yumm! Since it is going to rain tomorrow and through the weekend you might give it a try...

you'll need:

2 1/2 cups whole milk, 4 tsp. culinary lavender, 12 oz shaved bittersweet chocolate, whipped cream (home made or store bought), 4 tbsp. chopped roasted salted pistachios + tea infuser for lavender.

In medium sauce pan, bring milk to simmer over med-low heat. Turn off heat, cover pan, add lavender (start with LESS at first if you don't want it too strong--you can always add more) & steep in hot milk for 3-5 minutes---the longer you leave in the milk to stronger the flavor. Remove the tea infuser of lavender (or strain lavender from milk). Add chocolate to warm milk and whisk vigorously until melted and frothing. Pour into 4 cups, top each with dollop of whipped cream & sprinkle with chopped pistachios!

Enjoy every sip!!

Hair Inspiration...

So, when I have bed head and don't feel like jumping in the shower...what do I do...I grab my bottle of Bliss Mist and squirt away! It wets, straightens + makes me feel so good and yummy smelling to boot! I do this with my kiddies too---that helps to beat the am hair brushing fuss-a-thon! Try it... you'll love it!

Love Inspiration...

With Valentines around the corner...I'm thinking pink, purple, yummy, romantic, refreshing, love and chocolate. How about you?

A little history on lavender and love...

Lavender was used for tremblings of the heart and luring men. It is also useful for emotional pain. If someone lost a loved one they used lavender to heal the heart.

It is said that Cleopatra seduced Julius Caesar and Mark Antony while wearing perfumes with lavender in them!

What'cha waiting for... go & get yourself some Lavender Bliss and get your love on!