Lavender Lady

09/10/2025

Apple Lavender Galette

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Crust chill time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings : 12 slices
calories : 209kcal
Author: Emily

Equipment
* baking sheet
* pastry cutter or large fork
* apple corer/slicer (optional)
* parchment paper

Ingredients

Pie Crust
* 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
* ½ tablespoon sugar
* ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
* ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
* 4 tablespoon ice cold water

Apple Lavender Galette Filling
* 6-8 medium apples, cored and sliced into thin wedges
* ½ cup sugar
* ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
* 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds
* ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
* 1 egg, beaten
* coarse sugar for crust

Instructions

Pie Crust
* Place the water in a cup or bowl of ice to get nice and cold. Add the flour, sugar, and salt to a large mixing bowl and mix together with a fork or whisk. Add the butter pieces and cut in using a pastry cutter/fork at first and then use your hands to fully incorporate ensuring you have a coarse meal with some larger pieces of butter throughout. Remeasure and add the ice-cold water and mix in using a fork and then your hands.�
* Create a disc using your hands but do not press too hard, just form and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for a minimum of an hour, more if you can.�
* Once the dough has chilled, remove the disc from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temp for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out. Roll the disc out with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface, rotating and flipping as you go. Continue rolling until you get a 12-13" circle (mine was more of a rectangle, it doesn't have to be perfect) and it's about ⅛" thick. Remember, this is a "rustic" galette so the edges can and will be rough and uneven.�
* Place the rolled-out dough on a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet and place it back in the fridge until you are ready to fill and bake.�
Galette Filling and Assembly
* Preheat the oven to 375°F and set the oven rack to one of the lower settings. While the crust is chilling, cut and core the apples and place them in a large bowl. Add the sugar, salt, lemon juice, lavender, and cinnamon and mix together with the apples.�
* Remove the chilled crust out of the fridge and spoon the apple mixture on top starting at the middle. Leave about 2" around the edge. Fold the edge up and around the apples, creasing where needed. Brush the crust edges with the beaten egg and sprinkle with the coarse sugar. �
* Place the galette in the oven and bake for 1 hour. Allow the galette to cool slightly and serve immediately.�
Notes

* For the pie crust, make sure your butter and water are super cold. Make a glass of ice water before you start making the crust and the water will be super cold when you are ready to add it.

* If you are using your hands to mix in the butter, run them under cold water first so your hands don't melt the butter.

* Don't overstuff the galette! Try to make a nice flat pile of filling so that everything bakes evenly and the bottom of the crust cooks through. When in doubt, take some away.

* Bake the galette on a lower rack in the oven. This will keep the top from burning but allow the crust to cook all the way through.

* Don't skip the egg wash! It makes the crust brown, crispy, and amazing!

* If the crust breaks or cracks while folding it over, don't worry, just pinch it back together!

09/09/2025

The many healing benefits of Lavender

If you had to choose an oil…it would have to be lavender essential oil,�because it is antibacterial and antiviral. So, it’s great to have when people around you are sick; it can also be used to relax.�~ Karen Rose

Lavender is lovely and healing

In my garden I have a lovely clump of Hidcote Lavender, and this summer I’m propagating starts to create a hedge along the upper edge of a hill. As a garden perennial, Lavender is amazingly hardy, attracts pollinators and is generally fuss free, but beyond its beauty, it’s also a wonderful herbal remedy. Read on to learn just a few of lavender’s many healing benefits as well as some tips to make the most of this lovely herb.

Better Sleep

Lavender is commonly referred to when you hear about essential oils and sleep. And for good reason. Breathing the scent of lavender before sleep can help you get to sleep, and sleeping in a lavender-infused room can create a deeper, better quality of sleep.

Minor Burns

Lavender can also ease the pain and inflammation of burns. When infused in an oil, lavender can be used on minor burns to help ease the pain, inflammation, and the burn itself. Making the ointment is fairly simple. Add the essential oil to an oil that can harden or be whipped into a lotion, such as coconut oil. Adding sweet almond oil or Vitamin E makes it even more therapeutic, and will help soothe and heal the skin around the burned area. You can pre-make the ointment or lotion and store in an airtight jar.

Bug Bites

The same lavender ointment or lotion you use for burns can also be used on bug bites. Besides being anti-inflammatory, it also works as an antiseptic. It can help clean and soothe the area, and draw out any infection, all in one easy to apply ointment.

Skin Irritations

Lavender can help heal sunburn, rashes, or dry skin issues by soothing the skin so it can restore itself. It can also help ease dryness, keeping skin hydrated and smooth during the healing process.

Keep in mind

When purchasing, make sure to buy pure lavender. You don’t want a dried form that’s been enhanced in some way to boost the scent. The extra perfumes and/or sprays could cause allergic reactions and may detract from lavender’s healing properties. Additionally, discontinue use if you notice a reaction to the oil.

To ensure you’re purchasing pure lavender, look for organic and buy from a trusted seller.

09/07/2025

Lavender Oat Dream Cream

Heated water phase�66.4g | 66.4% distilled water�4g | 4% vegetable glycerine (USA / Canada)
Heated oil phase�3g | 3% Ritamulse SCG (USA / Canada / UK / AU)�14g | 14% oat oil�7g | 7% cocoa butter (USA / Canada)�3g | 3% cetearyl alcohol (USA / Canada)�2g | 2% colloidal oatmeal (USA / Canada)

Cool down phase�0.5g | 0.5% Liquid Germall Plus™ (USA / Canada)�0.1g | 0.1% lavender essential oil (USA / Canada)
Prepare a water bath by bringing about 3cm/1″ of water to a bare simmer over low to medium-low heat in a wide, flat-bottomed sauté pan.
Weigh the heated water phase into a small heat-resistant glass measuring cup or glass beaker. Weigh the entire lot (measuring cup + ingredients) and note that weight for use later. Weigh the heated oil phase into a second heat-resistant glass measuring cup. Place both measuring cups in your prepared water bath to melt everything through.

After about 20–30 minutes the oil part should be completely melted and the water part should be thoroughly dissolved. Remove the water bath from the heat and weigh the water phase. Add enough hot distilled water to the heated water phase to bring the weight back up to what it was before heating, and then pour the water part into the oil part. Stir with a flexible silicone spatula to incorporate.

Grab your immersion blender and begin blending the lotion, starting with short bursts so the still-very-liquid lotion doesn’t whirl up and spray everywhere. Blend for about a minute before switching to hand stirring. You’ll need to be fairly diligent with the stirring at first, but once the mixture has thickened up a bit and is uniform you can switch to stirring occasionally. Once the outside of the glass measuring cup is just warm to the touch (40°C or cooler, if you have a thermometer) we’re ready to proceed.

Now it’s time to incorporate our cool down ingredients. Because cool down ingredients are typically present at very low amounts you’ll need to use an accurate scale—preferably one accurate to 0.01g. As these more accurate scales tend to have fairly low (100–200g) maximum weights you won’t be able to put the entire batch of lotion on that scale without blowing it out. So—grab a smaller dish. Add a scoop or two of lotion, and then weigh the cool down ingredients into that, using the more accurate scale. Stir to thoroughly incorporate, and then stir all of that back into the master batch of lotion. Doing it this way minimizes the amount of cool down ingredients lost to the secondary container.

Once the cool down phase has been incorporated, all that’s left to do is package it up! I used a 100mL (3.3fl oz) black plastic jar that looks just like the ones from Lush; it’s from YellowBee. This emulsion is thick enough that I don’t recommend a pump-top bottle, but I think it could work in a squeeze tube.

Use as you’d use any hand or body lotion. Enjoy!

SHELF LIFE & STORAGE

Because this cream contains water, you must include a broad-spectrum preservative to ward off microbial growth. This is non-optional. With good manufacturing practice and proper preservation, this formulation should last at least a year. Even with a preservative, this project may eventually spoil as our kitchens are not sterile laboratories, so in the event you notice any change in colour, scent, or texture, chuck it out and make a fresh batch.

https://www.humblebeeandme.com/lavender-oat-dream-cream/

09/06/2025

Raspberry Lavender Soothing Body Milk

Heated water phase�42.6g | 42.6% distilled water�30g | 30% lavender hydrosol (USA / Canada)�5g | 5% vegetable glycerine (USA / Canada)�2g | 2% panthenol powder (vitamin B5) (USA / Canada)�1.5g | 1.5% Geogard Ultra™ (USA / Canada / UK / NZ / Aus / South Africa)

Heated oil phase�2g | 2% Montanov™ 202 (USA / Canada / EU / NZ / AU)�10g | 10% red raspberry seed oil�5g | 5% Isoamyl Laurate (USA / Canada / EU)�0.1g | 0.1% xanthan gum (soft) (USA / Canada)
Cool down phase�0.3g | 0.3% Vitamin E MT-50 (USA / Canada)�1.5g | 1.5% 10% NaOH solution

Prepare a water bath by bringing about 3cm/1″ of water to a bare simmer over low to medium-low heat in a wide, flat-bottomed sauté pan.
Weigh the heated water phase into a small heat-resistant glass measuring cup or glass beaker. Weigh the entire lot (measuring cup + ingredients) and note that weight for use later. Weigh the heated oil phase into a second heat-resistant glass measuring cup. Place both measuring cups in your prepared water bath to melt everything through.

After about 20–30 minutes the oil part should be completely melted and the water part should be thoroughly dissolved. Remove the water bath from the heat and weigh the water phase. Add enough hot distilled water to the heated water phase to bring the weight back up to what it was before heating, and then pour the water part into the oil part. Stir with a flexible silicone spatula to incorporate.

Grab your immersion blender and begin blending the lotion, starting with short bursts so the still-very-liquid lotion doesn’t whirl up and spray everywhere. Blend for about a minute before switching to hand stirring. You’ll need to be fairly diligent with the stirring at first, but once the mixture has thickened up a bit and is uniform you can switch to stirring occasionally. Once the outside of the glass measuring cup is just warm to the touch (40°C or cooler, if you have a thermometer) we’re ready to proceed.

Now it’s time to incorporate our cool down ingredients. Because cool down ingredients are typically present at very low amounts you’ll need to use an accurate scale—preferably one accurate to 0.01g. As these more accurate scales tend to have fairly low (100–200g) maximum weights you won’t be able to put the entire batch of lotion on that scale without blowing it out. So—grab a smaller dish. Add a scoop or two of lotion, and then weigh the cool down ingredients into that, using the more accurate scale. Stir to thoroughly incorporate, and then stir all of that back into the master batch of lotion. Doing it this way minimizes the amount of cool down ingredients lost to the secondary container.

To test and adjust the pH: create a 10% dilution by weighing 2g product and 18g distilled water into a small bowl or beaker and whisk to combine (wondering why?). Check the pH with your pH meter (I have this one [USA / Canada]). Depending on the shape of your bowl/beaker you may need to tilt it in order to fully submerge the sensor on your pH meter. The pH should fall between 4.5–5. If it’s lower than 4.5 or higher than 5.5, you’ll want to adjust it. Please read this article to learn more about pH adjusting.

Once the cool down phase has been incorporated, all that’s left to do is package it up! I recommend something that takes advantage of the low viscosity. I put one batch in an airless pump bottle and another in a now-discontinued 100mL (3.3fl oz) plastic bottle with a disc top. I think something like this would work well, too.
Use this body milk as you’d use any lotion. Enjoy!

SHELF LIFE & STORAGE
Because this body milk contains water, you must include a broad-spectrum preservative to ward off microbial growth. This is non-optional. Even with a preservative, this project may eventually spoil as our kitchens are not sterile laboratories, so in the event you notice any change in colour, scent, or texture, chuck it out and make a fresh batch.

https://www.humblebeeandme.com/raspberry-lavender-soothing-body-milk/

09/05/2025

IS LAVENDER OIL GOOD FOR JOINT PAIN?
Posted by Aromalief Team on February 19, 2021

If you are wondering "Is Lavender Oil Good for Joint Pain" then read on to learn more in this blog post.

Evidence is mounting that essential oils can be good medicine when it comes to easing symptoms of joint pain and arthritis. Today, we’re going to highlight one all-star oil in particular: lavender. This oil has long been praised for its calming properties, but did you know that there are many studies pointing to its astounding ability to reduce pain? In this article, we’ll be discussing why lavender oil is good for joint pain, the benefits it offers, and how to use it for pain relief.

WHAT IS LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL?

Lavender is a beautiful flowering plant in the mint family that’s easily recognized by its sweet, floral scent and striking purple color. Lavender oil is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils whose use has been documented for over 2,500 years. It’s created by extracting the nectar from the flowering plant, Lavandula angustifolia.

WHY IS LAVENDER OIL GOOD FOR JOINT PAIN?

A study in 2015 found that lavender essential oil has both anti-inflammatory and analgesic (aka, pain-relieving) properties. During one test, researchers also found that when diluted lavender essential oil was applied topically, it provided pain relief comparable to that of the prescription medication tramadol.

In another study of 90 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, the pain severity of the group that was given a massage with lavender essential oil was immediately and significantly improved compared to the placebo groups.

Due to its ability to reduce pain and tamp down inflammation, lavender oil is an ideal remedy for reducing joint pain. It’s a completely non-toxic and natural way to reduce the pain, swelling, and stiffness that accompanies a painful diagnosis like arthritis.

OTHER BENEFITS OF LAVENDER OIL

Not only does lavender oil reduce inflammation and pain, but it also has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, promote restful sleep, and improve mood thanks to two compounds it contains, linalool and linalyl acetate, which have sedative, calming effects.

Studies show that breathing in the scent of lavender oil or applying it to the skin transmits messages to the limbic system, a brain region known to influence the nervous system and help regulate emotion. This accounts for lavender’s ability to boost one’s mood, relieve depression and anxiety, and aid in restful sleep—all things that are very helpful when dealing with pain.

HOW TO USE LAVENDER OIL FOR PAIN RELIEF

As you can see, lavender essential oil is something you definitely want in your arsenal if you suffer from joint pain, arthritis, or any other type of pain condition. There are a few different ways you can benefit from lavender oil:

* Massage. You can use a cream like Aromalief H**p Pain Relief Cream in Calming Lavender just before bed and massage it where it hurts. You may also want to use it on your neck and shoulders to reduce the tension of the day. Dispense a dime size amount massage with your thumbs.
* Diffuser. Put a few drops of lavender essential oil on a cloth and inhale its aroma, or buy a diffuser that mists essential oil into the air. Diffuse lavender oil before bed to help relieve pain and inflammation and promote restful sleep.
* Spray. You can add 5-10 drops of lavender oil into a spray bottle with water and mist it into the air.

Tip: Some people like to put their lavender and carrier oil blend into a small rollerball bottle that they can easily carry with them and apply when needed.

From Aromalief.com

https://pin.it/2bwf6vQMW

Note from Lavender Lady:

This article is written by Aromalief® which is a brand of topical pain relievers made in Florida for women with chronic pain by women. It is 97% Naturally-derived, Vegan, and Cruelty-Free. That said, this is not an endorsement for the product because I have not tried it yet myself. I posted the blog because it has great information on the use of lavender oils.

In no way should essential oils be used neat on the skin. Always dilute with a carrier oil for topical use.

09/03/2025

Honey Lavender Panna Cotta

Silky smooth custard infused with floral lavender and sweet honey—this stunning panna cotta is like eating a spring garden!
Light yet luxurious, it’s the perfect sophisticated finish to any meal.

Difficulty�Easy: Just heat, mix, and chill!
Time�Prep time: 10 minutes�Cook time: 5 minutes�Chill time: 4 hours�Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes�Servings: 4 people

Ingredients
For the Panna Cotta:
* 2 cups heavy cream
* 1/2 cup whole milk
* 1/4 cup honey (plus extra for drizzling)
* 1 tablespoon culinary lavender buds
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
* 2 tablespoons cold water

For Serving:
* Fresh berries (raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries)
* Shortbread cookies
* Edible flowers (optional)

Instructions
1. Bloom the Gelatin�Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes to soften.
2. Infuse the Cream�In a saucepan, combine cream, milk, honey, and lavender. Heat over medium until steaming (about 175°F), stirring occasionally. Do not boil. Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 15 minutes.
3. Strain and Combine�Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean saucepan, pressing on lavender to extract flavor. Discard lavender.�Warm mixture over low heat. Add softened gelatin and vanilla, whisking until completely dissolved (about 2 minutes).
4. Pour and Chill�Divide mixture among 4 ramekins or glasses. Refrigerate uncovered for at least 4 hours, or until set.
5. Serve�Run a knife around edges to unmold (or serve in glasses). Top with fresh berries, a honey drizzle, and edible flowers if using. Serve with shortbread cookies.

Tips
* Lavender strength: Steep longer for stronger floral flavor (max 30 minutes)
* Vegetarian option: Use agar-agar instead of gelatin
* Make ahead: Keeps refrigerated for 3 days
* Serving ideas: Layer with berry compote for a parfait effect
* No ramekins? Use wine glasses for elegant presentation

La Marmite Magique

09/03/2025

🍂 September in Michigan: Where Harvest Meets Heritage 🥒

There’s something magical about this time of year — when the farmers' markets are bursting with late-summer bounty, and kitchens across Michigan come alive with the scent of vinegar, dill, garlic, and tradition.

Pickling isn't just preserving vegetables — it's preserving stories, seasons, and the spirit of community. For generations, Michigan families have gathered in early fall to turn fresh produce into jars of homemade goodness that last all winter long.

We 💚 Trenton Farmers Market on Thursdays!

🧄🌽🥕 Looking for inspiration, seasonal tips, and ways to celebrate local food traditions? Visit us at 👉 www.gather-and-grow.com — where community and tradition come together.

09/02/2025

09/01/2025

DIY Lavender Soothing Lip Gloss

Creating a soothing lip gloss at home is simple and rewarding. This recipe combines the nourishing properties of raspberry seed oil and the calming scent of lavender, making it perfect for everyday use.
Natural Ingredients Used
For my lavender lip gloss, I use the following ingredients:
* Raspberry Seed Oil (1 tablespoon): Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, this oil helps moisturize and protect my lips.
* Coconut Oil (1 tablespoon): Known for its hydrating properties, coconut oil adds a smooth texture and keeps my lips soft.
* Beeswax Pellets (1 tablespoon): This natural wax provides structure to the gloss, ensuring it stays on my lips while offering a light barrier.
* Lavender Essential Oil (6-8 drops): Not only does this add a pleasant aroma, but it also offers soothing properties that can calm irritated skin.
These ingredients work together harmoniously, making my lips feel luxurious and cared for.
Step-by-Step Mixing and Storage Process
To create my lavender soothing lip gloss, I follow these steps:
1. Double Boiler Setup: I begin by placing a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water. This gentle heat will melt my ingredients evenly.
2. Melt Ingredients: I add the raspberry seed oil, coconut oil, and beeswax pellets to the bowl. Stir the mixture gently until everything is fully melted and combined.
3. Incorporate Lavender Oil: Once melted, I remove the bowl from heat and let it cool slightly. I then add the lavender essential oil, stirring well to distribute the scent evenly.
4. Pour and Cool: I pour the mixture into lip gloss containers and allow it to cool for about 20-30 minutes until set.
5. Storage: For best results, I store the lip gloss in a cool, dry place. This ensures it retains its texture and soothing properties.
By following these steps, I can enjoy beautiful, homemade lavender lip gloss anytime.

Benefits of Raspberry Seed Oil
Raspberry seed oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe irritated skin. It contains a high concentration of linoleic acid, known for its moisturizing effects, helping skin retain hydration.
Rich in vitamin E, this oil acts as a natural antioxidant, protecting skin cells from damage. It can also help reduce the appearance of scars and promote a more even skin tone.
The oil absorbs quickly, making it ideal as a carrier oil for other essential oils. Its non-greasy texture makes it suitable for both facial and body applications, providing a nourishing glowwithout excess residue.

08/31/2025

💜Lavender Maple Syrup💜
Our friends at Cherry Hill Lavender Farm in Frankfort , MI gifted us a sample of their bestselling Lavender Maple Syrup this summer.

Now my flapjack skills aren't what Farmer Adam's are, but now that it's cooler outside, I had to try it! It's absolutely devine👌 The sweetness of the Maple syrup and and the floral complex back note of the lavender is delicious!

Id highly suggest you give it a try or gift it to a lavender lover or foodie in your life🥞💜✨️

https://www.cherryhilllavenderfarm.com