Lavender Peach Skillet Cobbler

We picked up some AMAZING Peaches today from Blake's Orchada in Armada, Michigan... This is on the dessert menu for this weekend! I LOVE FALL! (Photo courtesy of Donna Agusti Photography)

Lavender Peach Skillet Cobbler

This cobbler boasts the same buttery flavor and crunchy topping as old-fashioned cobbler, except we make it in a skillet!  This fruitful dessert offers a delightful sweet ending to any meal. It’s best served warm and topped with Ice Cream, and we recommend Rich Lavender Honey Ice Cream for an extra-decadent delight.

Filling:
3 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted and sliced (may substitute for frozen)
1 cup fresh blueberries or raspberries (may substitute for frozen)

¼ cup sugar

1 tsp cornstarch

Topping:
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup brown sugar

¼ cup sugar
¼ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

½ tsp organic culinary lavender buds

5 Tbsp butter, very cold and cut into chunks
 
Heat oven to 425 degrees.

In a large cast-iron skillet or oven-proof skillet, heat together the ingredients for the filling over a medium heat until the mixture begins to bubble. (2-3 minutes) Mix well and remove from the heat.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and lavender. With a pastry blender, (or with your hands) mix the butter in until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over the fruit mixture. Place the cobbler in the oven and bake, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes.

Recipe courtesy of The Lavender Gourmet by Jennifer Vasich 

What's in the 2012 Summer Olympic Bouquet? Lavender, of course!

By Gina Souders, The Herb Companion

In 2010, Herb Companion readers were very interested in the strange flowers featured in the bouquets handed out at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. This year, the flowers are more identifiable, but I still found myself wondering exactly which gorgeous flowers were in the victory bouquets given out to all of the medalists this time around.

The 2012 London victory bouquet, which is fashioned in the style of a nosegay this year, is sectioned off by four rose varieties—Illios (the yellow rose), Marie Claire (the orange rose), Wimbledon (the green rose) and Aqua (the pink rose). These four colors reflect the colors used in the London 2012 logo. In and around the colorful roses rest the fragrant apple mint, rosemary, English lavender and wheat, according to the London 2012 website.

Jane Packer, a florist who was based in both the UK and Tokyo, designed these charming bouquets before she unexpectedly passed away in November 2011. All of the bouquet flowers were grown in Britain; and local business and local college students helped put the bouquets together. More than 4,000 bouquets will be handed out by the end of the London 2012 Olympics.

Courtesy  Jane Packer  

What do you think of this year's Olympic bouquets? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Read more: Olympic Victory Bouquet is Home Grown in Britain
The worlds most watched bouquet - the 2012 London Olympic's Victory Bouquet
London Olympics "Victory Bouquets": Fresh and British
Victory Ceremonies - London 2012

Lavender Farm & Festival Resource Guide

Agri-tourism is one of the fastest growing travel-trends in the Unites States. Lavender farms that offer tours, classes and annual lavender festivals are certainly helping to push this movement fast-forward. In some areas, such as Sequim, Washington, lavender has become an important role in the sustainability of agriculture and tourism as a whole. Boasting nearly 40 farms in the Sequim-Dungeness Valley alone, the area grows over 110,000 lavender plants each year, and draws 25-30,000 visitors to the area for their annual lavender festival held in July.

If you‘ve never yet had the pleasure of touring a lavender field when it is in full bloom, I highly recommend that you add it to your “to-do” list. Nothing can compare to the tranquility that permeates from lavender, and her rows of streaming purple ribbons neatly lined across the hills and slopes of a lavender farm will draw you into a state of pure lavender bliss.

The following is a brief list of lavender farms and shops throughout the states that offer various lavender activities and events, as well as fine lavender products.

Lavender Farms:

California

The Lavender Fields

1332 Industrial Ave. Escondido, CA 92029

760-839-1489 – www.thelavenderfields.com

Hawaii

Ali'i Kula Lavender

1100 Waipoli Road - Kula Maui, Hawaii 96790

808.878.3004 - www.aliikulalavender.com

Maine

Cape Cod Lavender Farm

PO Box 611 - Harwich, MA 02645
 508-432-8397 – www.capecodlavenderfarm.com

Michigan

Gabriel’s Garden Lavender Boutique

At Blake’s Orchard

810-523-9853 – www.allthingslavender.com

Texas

Hill Country Lavender Farm

P.O. Box 1266 – Blanco, TX 78606

830-833-2294 – www.hillcountrylavender.com

Lavender Festivals:

Here are a list of lavender farms across the United States who offer festivals throughout the year. This is by no means a complete list. If you know of other festivals, please share them with us in the comments section below. Enjoy!

California: www.ojaivalleylavenderfestival.org

Michigan: www.michiganlavenderfestival.net

New Mexico: www.lavenderinthevillage.com

Texas: www.blancolavenderfestival.com

Washington: www.sequimlavenderfestival.com

Sweet Lavender: A Gift Fit For Royalty

The fresh, clean aroma of lavender has enthralled humankind for thousands of years. The word lavender is derived from the Latin word "lavare" which means "to wash" or "to bathe", signifying this herbs delicate cleansing properties. Lavender has often been referred to as the "Queen of Herbs". Rightfully so considering that many royal dignitaries have developed a fondness for lavender's soothing properties throughout time...

 

French king Louis XIV bathed in lavender water, and Queen Elizabeth I of England commanded that lavender conserve be served at the royal table. She also decreed that fresh lavender flowers be made available every day of the year...a task sure to make a gardener weary, especially in England's climate.

It has been recorded that King Charles VI of France demanded lavender filled cushions wherever he went so that the lovely fragrance could lift his depression. (The king needed a little "cushy" for his "tushy"...Sorry, couldn't resist!)

Perhaps the greatest lavender lover of all times was Queen Victoria, who appointed someone solely to supply her with lavender products and oil. Queen Victoria also used lavender as a disinfectant.

If for nothing else, the sweet aroma of lavender will help transport you to the land of serenity... And hey, if lavender is good enough for the Royal Family, then it's good enough for me!

 Lavender in bloom at Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire, England

12 Ways To Use Lavender For Your Wedding

Love is in the air... and the sweet scent of lavender is sure to accompany with these lovely wedding ideas. Lavender will help soothe those wedding jitters for the bride and the groom while offering a unique -and fragrant- spin on tradition. We hope that these ideas help to spark your imagination, and get your creativity flowing...

For the Ceremony itself:
 

1. Fresh lavender in the Bridal and/or Bridesmaid bouquets add color and fragrance. Dried Keepsake Bouquets of roses, lavender and rosemary are also very unique...you can add a card or message to the bouquets with the legend of each flower. (The Language of Flowers used by the Victorian's provides an in-depth meaning to each flower/herb. For instance, Lavender is the flower of "Devotion", Rosemary is for "Remembrance", and Roses, depending on the color, depict "Love", "Purity", etc.)

 

2. Pressed lavender programs (or invitations) will help turn the ordinary into extraordinary! You can make these yourself, and each will be a one-of-a-kind.

3. Lavender buds in the ring bearers pillow scent the ceremony for the Bride, Groom and wedding party -it can be very aromatic, romantic and memorable. The pillow fragrance will last forever and can find a place on your bed to hold the memory and freshen your linens.

4. Dried lavender buds for the flower girls to strew down the aisle fills the space with scent.  As the bridesmaids follow, stepping on the buds releases even more fragrance that will last throughout the ceremony.  (You need not be concerned about clean up...no one has ever objected to the lingering scent of lavender in the vacuum cleaner)

 

5. Bunches of dried lavender tied with big bows at each pew or row of chairs adds a beautiful ambiance. Dried lavender stems can be cut to any length and made just the right size to work with the bow.

After the Ceremony:

 

6. As a wedding toss, place dried lavender flowers in little cones made from pages of a romance novel -or book of poetry-  and give them to each guest to toss over the departing Bride and Groom. Dried lavender will not harm birds.

For the Reception:
 

7. Dried lavender bouquets in little vases or in a large centerpiece are very popular. For an outdoor or more casual wedding, use mason jars or metal buckets tied with pretty ribbon. For formal weddings, use European style urns or antique vases.
 

8. Add culinary lavender to the food! Lavender can enhance the food and beverages served at the Reception.  Many delicious recipes can be found in The Lavender Gourmet to make lavender scented cakes, ice cream, cookies and punch.

9. Tie the seating cards to a little bouquet of lavender. What a charming way to help each guest find the way to their table!

After the Wedding
 

10. Store your wedding gown in a cloth bag or a large box with acid free paper and tuck in a lavender sachet to keep mustiness and moths away.  A young woman of the future may want to wear your dress!  Tuck lavender scented shoe stuffers into your shoes to keep them new and fresh.

11. Add 5 drops of lavender to 1/4 cup Epsom Salts, mix well, and add to tepid bath water. The lavender will help soothe sore muscles and erase provide a bit of stress relief after the big day.

12. Take a nap with a silky eye pillow filled with flax to soothe your eyes and lavender to ensure restful sleep and sweet dreams, or give yourself a mini foot massage by adding a couple drops of lavender to your favorite lotion.

Lavender is one of the most beloved herbs and scents in the world and is equally enjoyed by men and women so use it liberally and experiment with your own creations! We would love to hear stories of how you brought lavender into your wedding!

Lavender Dreams,

Jennifer Vasich

Celebrate National Popcorn Day...with a lavender twist!

Today is National Popcorn Day. We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than with some Lavender Chocolate Covered Popcorn. Lavender is an earthly elixir that enhances the flavor of chocolate. (And who can resisit chocolate??) Here's a recipe from The Lavender Gourmet, by Jennifer Vasich, that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy!

Lavender Chocolate Covered Popcorn

10 cups air-popped popcorn (without salt or butter) ¼ cup honey
2 Tbsp butter
¾ cup milk chocolate chips
¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 tsp coarse ground kosher salt (or sea salt)
1 tsp organic culinary lavender buds
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Pop the popcorn according to the package directions. Place the popped corn on a large cookie sheet lined with parchment (or waxed) paper.

In a small saucepan, heat together the honey, butter and milk chocolate chips over a low heat, stirring until the chocolate is completely melted. Remove from the heat and allow the honey and chocolate mixture to cool slightly. Pour the mixture over the popcorn, stirring to coat evenly. Chill until the chocolate sets.

Once the chocolate has hardened on the popcorn, melt the semisweet chocolate chips over a low heat, stirring constantly. Drizzle the semisweet chocolate over the popcorn. Sprinkle with the kosher salt and lavender buds and chopped nuts (optional). Chill until the chocolate hardens and then break into pieces. Enjoy!

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Makes 10 cups.

The Lavender Gourmet, by Jennifer Vasich, is available on amazon.com! GET THIS BOOK

Scented Sentiments

I recently came across an article I wrote a few years back while organizing some files on my computer. It was published in the Summer, 2008 issue of Gabriel's Garden Magazine. (A short-lived publication that we once produced with a great zeal and ambition...before the quick realization of how daunting, tiresome and tedious producing a magazine truly was.) We loved the magazine, but between running two businesses and raising a family, there simply wasn't any more we could give...and so, the magazine had three issues.

In any event, we thought that it would be a great thing to share with all of you. With December being the most hectic month of the year for so many people, this idea is sure to offer your friends and loved ones a nice break from their day! Enjoy! -Jennifer

“A handwritten note is like dining by candlelight instead of flicking on the lights, like making a gift instead of ordering one, like taking a walk instead of driving. Handwritten notes will add a lot to your life. You can still use the telephone or the Web for the daily chores of staying in touch, but for the words that matter, it’s courteous, classy, caring and civilized to pick up a pen.”  ~Margaret Shepherd, author of The Art of The Handwritten Note

When the daily mail arrives, do you find yourself sifting through all the mess, and feeling your stress levels rise when it seems there's nothing but bills? When a pretty handwritten envelope arrives, do you immediately set that one aside to open first? In this high-tech world, a handwritten letter is a limited commodity that few people take the time to create yet everyone treasures. Give yourself a break from the fast pace of life to tell a friend or loved one how much they are cared for using the sentiment of a handwritten note. The letter doesn’t have to be elaborate, in fact, we suggest keeping it simple. Using your favorite pen is a must. It helps to unlock the creative side of your brain and gives you the satisfaction of liking your own handwriting. Start first with a rough draft and then make necessary edits. Copy your letter onto your favorite stationery, in your best handwriting. The most common mistake that people make is being too critical of their own handwriting. If it doesn’t look like John Hancock penned it, don’t worry! The recipient will love it. For an even more personalized appeal, try your hand at creating Lavender Scented Stationery to send your correspondence. The recipient will treasure the essence of your fragrant letter from beginning to end, and you may even find that writing gives you a restful, and much needed reprieve from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day living.

Lavender Scented Stationery

It’s like tucking a fresh little bouquet of Lavender into every envelope!

Directions: 

Squeeze a lavender sachet (or two) and place in a box with your favorite stationery. Allow the lavender oil from the buds to infuse your papers for 2-3 weeks before using. Your writing papers and envelopes will be filled with the essence of the French Countryside!

“To love a person is to learn the song that is in their Heart, and to sing it to them When they have Forgotten." — Author Unknown

The Secret to Radiant Skin

Have you ever wondered if there was a secret to healthy, younger looking skin? What if that secret was virtually free and easy to achieve? Well, the good news is that there is a secret, and that it is easier to achieve than you might think…it is called “Dry Skin Brushing”. The benefits of this simple “Home Spa Treatment” may pleasantly surprise you.

The Facts:
Or skin is the largest organ in our body, and after the liver, it is the second largest organ of detoxification that our body uses. In fact, the skin is responsible for eliminating one quarter of the body’s toxins every day. If our elimination is poor, these toxins become trapped in our system resulting in dull or tired skin, acne and clogged pores. Clogged pores are not just a cosmetic concern. Failing to rid the body of toxins can result in poor health. Dry skin brushing actually helps to eliminate these toxins by assisting your body to shed wastes, which in turn, helps promote overall health and vitality.

There are many benefits to skin brushing, a few of which include:

Honey Lavender Caramel Apples

As the cool, crisp Autumn season rolls in, our taste buds begin to crave the fruits of the season. We will be sharing a few of our favorite fall recipes in the days to come, all with a lavender flair, of course! This recipe happens to be one of our favorites. After one bite of these buttery, sweet and salty caramel covered apples, you may never want to eat a "Plain Jane" caramel apple again. Bon Apetit!

Ingredients:

1 cup milk
1 ½ cups heavy cream
2 teaspoons dried lavender buds
¾ cup unsalted butter
¾ cup honey
1 ¾ cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
4-6 apples, cored and sliced (we prefer Granny Smith)
toasted hazelnuts or cashews, chopped (optional)

Lavender Citrus Shortbread

Per request of our customers, we are sharing the recipe for this "new & improved" shortbread, which was adapted from a recipe originally published in The Lavender Gourmet by Jennifer Vasich. 

Lavender Citrus Shortbread

1 ½  Cups unsalted butter, softened

1 Cup Sugar

3 Cups flour

¼ tsp salt

1 ½ tsp Pure Vanilla extract

10 drops Lemon

10 drops Orange

1 ½ Tbsp Organic Culinary Lavender Buds

Coarse Ground Sugar, for garnish (optional)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a medium sized mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, lemon  oil, orange oil, and lavender buds with an electric mixer for about 4-5 minutes, until it is light and fluffy. Slowly add the flour (one cup at a time) until well incorporated. If dough is still sticky, add a touch more flour.

Form dough into logs and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm. Slice dough into 1/2 thick slices. Lay cookie slices on parchment lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the top of each cookie with coarse ground sugar (optional). Bake for 10-15 minutes or until edges are slightly golden. Cool on cookie sheet for 10 minutes before removing from pan. Allow to cool completely on wire racks before serving. Makes approx. 3 dozen. Adapted from a recipe for Lavender Lemon Shortbread originally published in The Lavender Gourmet by Jennifer Vasich.

Autumn Bliss

Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.  ~Stanley Horowitz
 
I don't know about you, but I can't get enough of this beautiful Autumn weather we've been having! It has been a gorgeous week, and the change of colors has been simply breathtaking out here in the country where we live.

While working in the garden and pruning some perennials this week, I thought I had better remind everyone that it is best to not prune your lavender in the fall here in Michigan. Pruning should be done in the spring before new growth starts. (Take 1/3 of the entire plant off, and reshape it into a nice mound.---We willre-post this again in the spring.)

As for this weekend, I am definitely enjoying these last few days of warm sunshine and looking forward to attending the family reunion tomorrow at my sister's house. We are going on a hay ride, and I'm

Zucchini & Carrot Trail Mix Muffins

As some of you already know, we've been making some positive changes in our home regarding health &  wellness. This includes the way we eat.

I recently fell in love with a new book, The Eat Clean Diet Recharged, by Tosca Reno. It has inspired me to take a step in the right direction and I hope to inspire others to do the same. After just a few weeks of cutting out the sugar, white flour and dairy, and adding lots of lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, fiber and plenty of water...I feel amazing! I have slipped up a bit now and again, but I just keep getting back up and moving forward. I'm hopeful that my family will follow my quest for health and enjoy re-training their taste buds as much as I am!

Our favorite recipe for summer!

French Lavender 4-Berry Pie

Nothing beats this summertime pie filled with locally grown, orchard fresh fruits. Using my mother’s best recipe for flaky crust, this decadent dessert oozes with flavor. Absolutely marvelous served piping hot with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!


Crust:
2 Sticks Unsalted Butter, very cold
1 t. salt
2 Tbsp Sugar
2 1/2 Cup Flour
1/2 - 1 Cup Ice Water

Lavender Lemonade

Our all-time favorite! This delightfully refreshing drink turns a pretty pink color after you add the lavender, and it has continued to be something that festival goers look forward to every year. Our favorite culinary lavender variety to use is Hidtcote, although any culinary variety may be used.

Serve over ice in your favorite glasses, and garnish with fresh lime slices and lavender sprigs for extra pizzazz!!
 

• 6 lemons
• 1 cup organic cane sugar
• 6 cups cold water
• 1/4 cup fresh or 1 TBSP dried lavender buds
• Ice Cubes
• Lavender Springs and Lime Slices for garnish (optional)

Official News Release: Michigan Lavender Festival returns to Wolcott Farm

"A Symphony for the Senses"
 

The Eighth Annual Michigan Lavender Festival, presented by Gabriel's Garden, will be held at the Wolcott Farm Learning Center, located at 65775 Wolcott Road in Ray Twp., Michigan between 30 and 31 Mile Roads. The 2-day event will take place on Friday and Saturday, July 16 and 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

This one-and-only lavender festival in Michigan, presented by Gabriel's Garden, has earned a reputation for delivering quality activities and first-rate vendors in a serene, lavender-filled atmosphere - and this year is no exception. As festival co-founder Jennifer Vasich describes it, "The lavender festival is a symphony for the senses." 

Previously held in Romeo, The Michigan Lavender Festival is proud to be a Made-In-Michigan Event, featuring over 65 Michigan artists of one-of-a-kind, hand-made goods.  Festival highlights include free classes and demonstrations, gourmet lunch, a natural health area, a farmers' market,

Mother's Day Tea Events!

Friday, May 7, 2010 @ 6:00 pm

& Saturday, May 8, 2010 @ 2:00 pm

Are you looking for ways to make your Mom feel extra special? Shower her with love and blessings this year, and celebrate how much she means to you while relaxing at Gabriel's Garden during one of our Mother's Day Tea Events! 

A refreshing Grilled Chicken & Cranberry Salad with fresh Raspberry Vinaigrette will start your luncheon, followed by a delightful selection of Savory Tea Sandwiches. A lovely, three-tier presentation of Sweets, Pastries and Chocolate Desserts will complete the tea, and of course, we will be offering one of our famous selections of Fresh Brewed Tea during the luncheon. A chilled Sparkling Raspberry Spumante (non-alcoholic) will also be served.

Growing Lavender 101: Spring Pruning!

By popular demand, we are posting some useful information regarding care for your lavender. Properly pruning your lavender plants is crucial to maintain the health, vitality and beauty of this remarkable little herb. Lavender doesn’t require a great deal of maintenance, but some attention is needed in the pruning department. The most important thing to remember is to begin pruning lavender while the plant is still young. This way new growth will be encouraged right from the start. It also prevents the stalks from becoming woody in the center, which is a common problem amongst lavender plants that have not been pruned regularly.

Pruning Young Lavender Plants

When the lavender plants are young, and preferably still in pots, simply pinch out any new growth, and

Our Lavender pillow Spray was featured on the GLAMOUR magazine blog!

We are thrilled to announce that one of our products has been featured on the blog for Glamour Magazine! Here's what Cindi Leive, editor-in-chief of Glamour Magazine, had to say about our Lavender Pillow Spray,"My favorite things so far: Lavender pillow spray. The one I tried, by Gabriel's Garden, made my pillow smell like a spa. And there’s science here: One study found that the smell of lavender oil at night increases the amount of time you spend in the most restorative phase of sleep."

To read the complete article, follow the link at the bottom of the page...

http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/blogs/vitamin-g/2010/02/sleep-challenge-2010-man-they.html

One of our favorite recipes for Brunch....

Banana Nut French Toast with Lavender Honey Butter

Several years ago, my sister Sharon treated me to a “girls weekend away” in Manistee, Michigan at a quaint little Bed & Breakfast near Lake Michigan. We thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing weekend, and while there, the innkeepers made an incredible breakfast that included French toast with a sumptuous banana-nut filling. The recipe here is my own version of that decadent breakfast, which tastes absolutely amazing when served with homemade lavender honey butter.
This recipe is from  The Lavender Gourmet by Jennifer Vasich, published by Moose Run Productions (November, 2009)

Banana Nut French Toast:
3 Ripe Bananas, mashed
3 Eggs, slightly beaten
¾ cup Milk
1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
10-12 slices French Bread, sliced ½ inch thick, preferably a day old
1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
butter, for frying

enjoy a Lavender Mocha Latte!

 

This fabulous coffee drink, which was published in The Lavender Gourmet, tastes even better when enjoyed by the fireplace on a cold winter day. The rich, dark chocolate espresso is perfectly balanced by the slightly sweet taste of the lavender-infused milk. In one statement, I like to call it "Absolute perfection."

Lavender Mocha Latte'

3 ¼ cups low-fat milk

2/3 cup bittersweet chocolate chips (we prefer Ghirardelli brand)

2 Tbsp Instant Espresso (may substitute for instant coffee)

1 Tbsp organic culinary lavender buds

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Fresh whipped cream and cocoa powder for garnish (optional)

In a medium sized saucepan, stir together the milk and lavender buds over a medium heat until the milk begins to bubble. Remove from the

Join us for Tea in the Garden!

MY FIRST BOOK REVIEW! Here's what blogcritics.org had to say about The Lavender Gourmet:

The Lavender Gourmet is a culinary cookbook masterpiece full of mouth-watering recipes that use one of nature’s most fragrant herbs, culinary lavender. The cookbook showcases recipes for both entertaining and every day occasions.

The Lavender Gourmet contains twelve different recipe chapters including basics & beverages, breakfast & brunch, lunch favorites, appetizers, vegetables, & sides; soups & stews, salsa, salads & dressings; dinner entrees; breads, muffins, & scones; cakes, pies, & tarts; cookies & sweets; smoothes, ice cream, & sorbet; and lavender & chocolate. There are over 140 recipes in twelve categories that you can choose from.

Each recipe is displayed on either one or two pages depending on the complexity of the recipe and whether or not there are photographs included. There are black and white photographs

Lavender Cranberry Enzyme Mask

This refreshing mask will exfoliate, soften and hydrate your skin. Cranberries offer a load of vitamin C, and the active enzymes from the fruit will help to exfoliate that dull, winter-dry skin. This mask will help to remove dead skin cells and leave your face feeling fresh, soft and glowing!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup chopped cranberries
1/2 cup seedless grapes
1 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 drops lavender oil
1/2 pack of gelatin

Mix all of the ingredients together in a blender or food processor until smooth. Refrigerate for 30 minutes until the gelatin sets. When slightly firm, apply to freshly washed face for 5-10 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Lilacs in Full Bloom

Every season we bring back limited edition fragrances, and springtime is no different. This time of year happens to be my favorite, for many different reasons. From the crocuses and tulips pushing their way through the cold winter ground, to the birds singing and shining their faces up toward the sun, spring is a new beginning. Sometimes we just adapt to the cold, dreary days of winter and forget that spring is a surety to come. Albeit a necessary reprieve, winter can seem to last forever. Spring, however, is a time of renewal.