The Lavender Apple: product spotlight

Baking With Lavender Sugar

6:01 AM

Lavender sugar can be used in many ways. My favorite use is in baking. It can be used to sweeten muffin or scone batter. Its beautiful sprinkled over rustic looking cookies.

A common problem with lavender flavored sweets is that if overused, it can come off tasting a little soapy or perfume-like. But I'm sure you've eaten lavender sugar and actually really enjoyed. Lavender has a distinct floral flavor, with subtle hints of rosemary and mint. It's a wonderful flavor when used with restraint.

Here are some tips when baking with lavender.

Use restraint. A little goes a long way. You want the flavor of your baked goods to be enhanced, not over powered.
Lavender and dairy are best friends. They marry well together. So start thinking icecreams, custards, shortbreads, anything with lots of butter.
Balance its notes with something bright like a light citrus juice or zest.

Our culinary lavender sugar has the perfect blend of sugar to lavender ratio so you will never go wrong. Let us know what lavender adventures you have in your kitchen this week!

Find Lavender Sugar Online Here:

http://www.thelavenderapple.com/culinary/lavender-sugar

essential oil

Why I Use Essential Oils

6:16 AM

Before I used essential oils, I really didn't know much about them. I thought they were for hippies who didn't believe in medicine. But essential oils have so many amazing uses. Once you try some, you will be hooked for life.

They are a great sleep aid, especially lavender essential oil. For my babies, just put one drop of lavender essential oils on their feet before bed and the scent soothes them right to sleep. This also works with grown ups!

Lavender oil also works great on bug bites and bee stings. Just one drop can reduce swelling and stop itching. Living on a farm, this has been a life saver!

I've also noticed when I am wearing lavender essential oils, its a natural bug deterrent. The mosquitoes stay far away from me, even when I'm at the lake!

Lavender oil also works great on minor burns to help sooth the pain. It can even help stop the bleeding with minor cuts as well. Working on a farm, these uses come in handy all of the time!

A drop of lavender oil behind your ears can help fade nausea or motion sickness. We have pregnant moms who visit us at the farmers markets all the time telling us our lavender essential oil is their life saver.

It helps with dry or chapped skin, cold sores, dandruff, hay fever. I could go on and on about all the amazing uses, but I really recommend you try it for yourself. You'll be amazed at what you've been missing.

Find some for yourself today HERE. https://www.etsy.com/shop/LavenderAppleFarm

comfort hearts

Lavender Comfort Hearts

3:08 AM

One of our Lavender Apple products that has been coming in super handy recently is our comfort hearts. They are heart shaped pillows filled with lavender. You can heat they up and use them to sooth sore muscles. The heat that radiates from the lavender buds can help ease pain, and it releases the most soothing scent as well.

We know all about muscle pain due to over exertion here on the farm. So when we say we love our lavender comfort hearts, we mean it! We sell these beautiful hearts in all sorts of gorgeous fabrics. Or if you prefer to make your own, you can simply buy the lavender buds for us and tackle your own DIY version. Find everything you need online HERE.

Hope these comfort hearts can bring you some happiness!

bath salts

Our New Etsy Store!

4:39 AM

Hi Everyone.

We wanted to let you know that we have a brand new Etsy store open for business! Online you will now be able to see several new products that weren't previously available through our website. We can also create custom products. There are discounts available on shipping for multiple orders now as well. Lots of fun and new things. So check us out over at http://www.etsy.com/shop/LavenderAppleFarm

Here is a preview of some of our favorite items in our new store!

If you have any feedback or questions for us, please let us know! And don't forget to favorite our shop and your most enjoyed products as well. And as always, make sure you tag us in your social media posts, we love to see our customers enjoying our products!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LavenderAppleFarm

Thank you for shopping small and supporting The Lavender Apple!

air freshener

Mulling Spices

3:07 AM

So we recently highlighted a recipe of how to brew your own stove top air freshener in your house this winter. Some of our customers were aghast that we suggest anyone use anything besides our very own Lavender Apple Mulling Spices. Mulling Spices have been used for centuries to help brighten and freshen the aroma of homes. I find that when I use particular brands of mulling spices, they bring up such strong nostalgic memories for me. I love using The Lavender Apple Mulling Spices in January because it's such a delightful winter smell. I know that I am creating fun family memories this time of year and whenever my family smells these spices, they will have a strong connection back to these years. Its like a way to ensure their brain will remember these wonderful days, as smell is the strongest sense tied to memory.

Anyway, visit our online store to grab yourself some mulling spices and start infusing your home with scents that will help bring your loved ones memories back to this day.

dried lavender

My Favorite Flowers for Valentines Day

5:03 AM

Confession time.... I have gotten really upset with my husband for buying me flowers. I'm terrible, I know. To me flowers seem like such a frivolous gift. They are expensive, they don't last very long, and pretty soon you have nothing left to show of your "gift". I know flowers are romantic, but I would so much more love for my husband to spend our hard earned money on something that I'm not throwing in the trash 3 days later. Enter LAVENDER.

Then dried lavender entered my life. It is the perfect flower for a gal like me. In it's dried state, it still looks fresh, but it will stay beautiful like this permanently. It smells wonderful, looks wonderful, and doesn't cost near as much as real flowers. So gents, do your wife a favor this valentines day; if you want to be romantic and get her flowers, get her dried lavender. Its unique, elegant, romantic, and something she can cherish all year long.

Find our store online at www.lavenderapple.com

carpet freshener

Keeping Your House Fresh & Happy During Winter

6:36 AM

Januaries can be tough. The fun of the holidays are over, the bright new winter snow can become grey and muddy. You may or may not be dealing with broken resolutions. Lets just say, Januaries are not my favorite. But I know my mood can dictate my family's mood. One way we keep our house feeling cozy and fresh during winter months, is by brewing stove top potpourri. When your family walks in that door, they will be engulfed by a happy and welcoming winter aroma that will set the tone and mood for your house. Instant coziness will ensue, trust me.

Ingredients:

3 sticks cinnamon sticks

2 oranges, quartered

5 sprigs fresh rosmary

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 tablespoon cloves

6 cups water

Bring to a boil, then simmer on low. If liquid runs low, feel free to add additional water.

Another way to keep your house smelling and feeling fresh is our all natural carpet fresher. Sprinkle over your carpet and vaccum up and your house will instantly smell clean and inviting. Get yours here: www.lavenderapple.com Let us know how these quick winter pick me ups work for you!

Dried Lavender Bundles

My Favorite Stocking Stuffers

4:41 AM

Whenever we have new customers get hooked on our lavender products, they are always asking me what my favorites are. Its so hard to pick! Well luckily I was able to narrow it down to my top ten, okay okay, I couldn't narrow it down to JUST ten, so here are my top fifteen favorite products by The Lavender Apple. With so many great choices, you will be sure to find the perfect gift for that hard to buy for person on your list. (All products available online at www.lavenderapple.com)

Lavender Jellies

Lavender Herbs De Provence, Lavender Salt, Lavender Lemon Pepper, and Culinary Lavender

Lavender Bath Salts

Lavender Dryer Bags

Lavender Eye Pillows

Dried Lavender Bundles

Mulling Spices

Lavender Honey

Lavender Goats Milk Soap

Lavender Body Oil

Lavender Sugar Scrub

Lavender Salt

Lavender Water

Lavender Sugar

Lavender Sachets

Lavender Carpet Refresher

Well there you have it. Now you have NO excuse not to have all of your Christmas Shopping complete. Link to Shop: www.lavenderapple.com

lavender salt

Lavender Salt

4:10 AM

I kind of have an obsession with lavender salt these days. Its just upped the anti for me in my culinary game. Seriously. If you haven't tried this magic stuff, you've gotta go for it. Basically any dish you make and season with regular salt, can actually be enhanced in flavor by lavender salt. Its my little secret weapon that gives all of my dishes that extra little oomph.

Ways to cook with lavender salt: making ice-cream, seasoning potatoes, homemade chocolate, seasoning proteins (lamb especially), salad seasoning, on fresh fruit or vegetables, the options really are pretty limitless.

The other day I made one of my go to meals and it just wasn't as good as it normally is. I was wondering what my issue was when I suddenly realized I had just used regular old kosher salt rather than my lavender salt! What a huge different one tiny tweak made!

Well I could go on and on. If you're interested in trying your own lavender salt, you can grab some here. http://www.lavenderapple.com/culinaryproducts.php?products_d_exhibit=3

Enjoy! Let us know how it goes!

bundles

Lavender Bundles

5:08 AM

This week on instagram I had someone ask me if we sold lavender bundles. Do we sell lavender bundles? We have lavender bundles coming out of our ears! Yes. We sell these beautiful little bundles. Come find us at the Salt Lake Farmers Market, or you can contact us via our website or comment on this blog post. We sell them by the single bundle or even by the box. They are great as dried flowers in vases, used to create beautiful lavender wreaths, you can use them to make flower crown headbands, and we often see them used to decorate weddings. Here are some bundles from our harvest day, all dried and hung and waiting for their next assignment.

honey

Honey, Jelly, & Jam. Oh My!

4:59 AM

Jam vs Jelly

It can be a heated debate sometimes. It can tear your family breakfast apart. Do your family a favor and just serve both and keep everyone happy.

What's the difference between Jam and Jelly? Jelly is typically a more clear type of fruit spread which is made of firmed fruit or vegetable juice with pectin. Jam is a product made out of whole fruits which are cut into pieces. Jams are typically thicker with fruit pulp and sometimes even seeds.

Wanna weigh in on the debate? Which is your favorite?

Lavender Apple Jelly

Raspberry Peach Jam

Lavender Plum Jelly

Lavender Cherry Jam

And while we're at it, lets throw some Lavender Honey in there too.

You can buy all of our lavender infused Jams, Jellies, and Honey on our website at www.lavenderapple.com Jams and Jellies are wonderful, but with a hint of lavender they will take your breakfasts to the next level. Let us know your take on these delicious spreads!

barbecue

The Best Grilling Condiments You're Forgetting About

5:04 AM

Summer is the time for grilling. Everyone wants to be outdoors, that's where all the action is. Picnics, barbecues, get togethers with family and friends. Its the stuff long lasting memories are made of. I don't know about you, but the food you serve at your summer get togethers all play into those great memories. Weekend after weekend, traditional grilled burgers or chicken can get old hat pretty quickly, which is why we try to switch things up. Every week we like trying out a new tasty condiment with our grilled meats. Have you ever tried the Lavender Apple's Cranberry Apple Relish? It is oh so good.

Cranberry relish is typically thought of as an accompanying side to Thanksgiving or Christmas fare. But here at the Lavender Apple, we actually use it all year round. It goes smashingly with grilled chicken, lamb, and even sweet burgers. Your guests will be so impressed to get a flavor profile they aren't expecting and they will be singing your praises for something that is so simple to add, but that makes the meal feel a little bit different and a little bit special.

Other condiments we love and highly recommend are a spicy rhubarb chutney, homemade relish, chimichurri herb sauce, and creamy dill mustard. Condiments can often be an after thought at a barbecue, so by putting a little extra thought into yours, it will be the easiest way to elevate your parties.

Enjoy!

essential oil

Creative Ways To Use Lavender Essential Oil

5:53 AM

If you use essential oils at all in your daily life, you are probably pretty familiar with all of the standard uses for lavender essential oils. Its wonderful for relaxing and relieving stress. Well today I wanted to highlight a few of my favorite less known uses for lavender essential oils.

Did you know you can use lavender essential oil as a mattress refresher? Simply mix about a third of a cup of baking soda with 3 drops of lavender apple essential oil. Then sprinkle the mixture over your mattress. Let this sit for about 30 minutes, then simply vacuum it up with the nozzle of your vacuum. I've noticed my son sleeps so much more soundly when I do this because the lavender smell is left on his mattress and helps soothe him to sleep. Heavens, I probably sleep better too!

The other unique way you can use lavender essential oil is for your hair! Many essential oils are only good for certain types of hair, but luckily lavender oil works on all hair types. Its great for preventing breakage, soothing a dry scalp, and even has soothing properties for dry hair.

The last one I want to talk about is using lavender oil to help with nose bleeds. Any moms of toddlers know that these can occasionally spring up. Simply blot a tissue with lavender oil and place it in the nostril. It may sound a little odd, but it certainly works.

Well there are a few of the lesser widely known uses for lavender essential oils. There are just so many ways to use this powerful elixir. I'd love to hear how you use yours. And if you're running low, you can always order more online here: http://lavenderapple.com

carpet

How To Keep Your Carpets Clean Safely

5:16 AM

When I became a new mom, I realized just how important clean carpets were. I used to be the type of person that was annoyed when friends would ask me to remove my shoes in their homes. It just felt so awkward and actually a little rude sometimes. But then like many other things in my life, when I became a mother, all of that changed. I realized how much time my sweet little baby spent on the carpet. Face first on the carpet, face on the carpet, me laying on the carpet next to him, etc. Then when he became a toddler, the carpet love continued. All of our playing was done on our carpet. When friends came over, I was now the one asking them to remove their shoes. Sometimes maintenance men would come over and as they walked in and out and I couldn't catch them in time to remove their shoes, I would cringe. And those of us with pets know all too well how much of a lovely scent our beloved animals can leave behind.

Enter Lavender Carpet Freshener. Just a quick sprinkle of this stuff over my carpet and then a quick vacuum and I can rest easy.

How does it work? We use natural baking soda to absorb moisture, odors, and oils. It also helps to loosen up any dirt particles left behind from normal carpet use. We also add lavender essential oils and lavender buds, which have antibacterial, antiseptic, anti fungal properties. All of these are wonderful natural ways to take care of all those nasty germs lurking in your carpet.

Instead of reaching for a potentially harmful and chemical laden carpet cleaner, consider this healthy ecofriendly alternative instead. As a bonus, the lavender smells amazing and will help you feel relaxed when you are sitting or playing on your carpet. This stuff is the greatest. We actually have a hard time keeping it in stock! So if you don't see it in our online store at www.lavenderapple.com just shoot me a quick email at cnelson@thepurpleapple.com and I will see what I can do about getting them restocked on our website.

eye pillow

Migraine Help

6:30 AM

I have so many loved ones who suffer from crazy migraines. They sound just awful, debilitating sometimes. That is why I absolutely love the Lavender Apple's Eye Pillows. Our lavender eye pillows are hand cut and sewn from the finest silks. Then we fill them with flax and our organic lavender buds. After a full day of eye strain, nothing feels better than a cool and soothing eye pillow. These freeze beautiful and are so relaxing to use as you relax in the evening. With all of us being glued to our electronic devices these days, we find more and more customers who absolutley need and love our eye pillows. We hope you will too. You can order yours HERE.

honey

Honey

5:22 AM

Photo by @abbietastic

We have had hives around our farm for many years now. We love the gentle hum of all of the bees you can hear while walking through our lavender fields. We of course have to sell honey, and sell a delicious lavender infused variety.

There are many reasons you should be including honey in your diet. Honey contains flavonoids and antioxidants. We all know those help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease. That should be reason enough, but there are actually many more!

We have been watching a lot of Winnie The Pooh with our 2 year old around here. And so trying to come up with fun ways to let him include honey in his meals has been great. I love knowing that honey is antibacterial. The bees add an enzyme that makes hydrogen peroxide, how cool is that? Honey can also help with coughs. Studies have shown honey is just as effective as dextromethorphan in relieving coughs at night. Even though honey contains sugar, its not the same as white sugar. It actually helps the body regulate blood sugar levels. Some honeys even have a low hypoglycemic index so they don't rock your sugar levels. Ancient olympic athletes would eat honey to help their performance. This has actually been verified in modern studies showing honey helps you maintain your glycogen levels and recover faster than other sweeteners.

So yeah, honey is pretty much natures superior sugar. Looks like we'll be fighting off Winnie The Pooh for our next sweet treat.

How do you use honey in your diet?

lavender

Plague Bags

6:00 AM

Sachets have been used for centuries upon centuries. Which is why I am always so surprised when people ask what they are when they stop by our booth at the farmers market. Sachets are small cloth bags, often filled with herbs or flowers to help scent a room or drawer. Clear back as far as the Han Dynasty in China, women would wear them to help repell insents and even believed they helped ward off evil spirits. The Kings and Queens of Britain would use them to keep odors at bay, and also to help enduce sleep. In medieval times, sachets were refered to as plague bags and were worn around the neck to keep parasites away. Crazy.

Luckily for us, todays sachets have much more benign uses. You can place them in your drawers and closets to keep your linens smelling fresh and bright. One thing I love about our “Lavender Apple” sachets particularly is that they are filled with 100% organic lavender. So the scent you get when you place them with your sheets is not only soothing and relaxing, but you can feel good knowing its very safe for you and your family vs using a synthetic perfume.

One of my favorite customers call our sachets her “sleep pillows” and she places them underneath her pillow each night to help calm her as she drifts into sleep. You can buy your own Lavender Apple Sachets online here:

http://www.lavenderapple.com/homegoodsproductss.php

How do you use your sachets? We'd love to hear from you!

lavender sugar

Why we can't stop talking about Lavender Sugar

3:33 AM

I love Lavender Sugar. Ask my friends, I can't shut-up about it.

We love the unique twist that lavender can add to sweets. The easiest way to infuse this purple flower into your culinary adventures is by trying lavender sugar. You can use lavender sugar in so many ways. You can use it to sweeten any type of batter including muffins, scones, or even a cake. You can also sprinkle them on the top of sugar cookies or butter cookies before baking. You could even mix lavender sugar into softened butter for a sweet herbaceous spread. Lavender sugar is also very mild in comparison to some other infused sugars such as rose. So it is a great way to start your herb infused sugar adventures.

Photo Credit: @abbietastic www.abbietastic.blogspot.com

There are so many uses for this delicious sweet sugar blend. Our clients tell us they use it in their tea to add a nice relaxing aroma and flavor. They also use it to rim their cocktails. I love staring it over my berries in the morning. We've even seen one of my favorite bloggers use it to make lavender infused doughnuts! Hello! The limitations are only due to your imagination.

Buy your own lavender infused sugar HERE

How do you use our lavender sugar? We'd love to hear from you!

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Baking With Lavender Sugar

Why I Use Essential Oils

Lavender Comfort Hearts

Our New Etsy Store!

Mulling Spices

My Favorite Flowers for Valentines Day

Keeping Your House Fresh & Happy During Winter

My Favorite Stocking Stuffers

Lavender Salt

Lavender Bundles

Honey, Jelly, & Jam. Oh My!

The Best Grilling Condiments You're Forgetting About

Creative Ways To Use Lavender Essential Oil

How To Keep Your Carpets Clean Safely

Migraine Help

Honey

Plague Bags

Why we can't stop talking about Lavender Sugar

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