2011 Harvest Culinary Lavender

2011 Harvest Culinary Lavender is ready and will be on sale at Millthorpe Markets

4/12/11

 I have just finished stripping the first of our Lavendula Angustifolia for 2011 and will be at market with it, supplies are short due to the rain.

Culinary Lavender

“Unleash your inner chefness”

Lavendula Angustifolia

For baked goods.

-rinse and pat dry before use-

kellsandkangalovelavender.blogspot.com

Kangaroo Flat Lavender Farm NSW 0408643881



Im Back

Yes I am back! back from the brink.  It's been months and months since I last visited you, hope all's well.  For all my absence I have had my head stuck in chemistry books, you say what? Yes chemistry books.  Chemistry is a compulsery subject in Aromatherapy I may have reconcidered my studies had I realised.  And what does chemistry have to do with aromatherapy I hear you say, well I am proud & confident to say that chemistry plays a very important, vital role in successful healing treatments and outcomes.  If you can identify the major chemical constituents in an essential oil you can prescribe a treatment blend that is successful therapeutically and targeted specifically and not just one that smells lovely .  So I had my chemistry exam this morning, it's over and done with and I am feeling creative so stay tuned!

Workless Wednesday

No work on Wednesdays!  That is what I have decided.... Wednesday is work free.... I wish!

Nope I dont think that I can get away with a completely work free day, so I have compromised with myself.

and from this day forth I promise to myself

To workless Wednesdays!!!!

I am in love with this idea!

Where did this idea come from? Well a few places I guess.  I follow Raspberry Rainbows blog and Cat has a wordless Wednesday every week, which I often wonder about but with 4 children living in the house I shant be so lucky to rest my ears for as little as 5 minutes let alone a whole day!

 I rang our accountant a few weeks ago on a Wednesday and the answering machine blurted out that they were not in the office on Wednesdays, that got me thinking ahhh how nice would it be to have a work free Wednesday, I have since discovered thay my accountant doesnt actually have Wednesday free, he just doesnt have clients on Wednesday. Which isnt as appealing I must say!

Wednesday for me is Mothers group day, its a day where we get together talk alot and drink alot of coffee, so I rush around getting my family organised in the morning then chill out for a couple of hours with my friends before coming home again. Very therapeutic!

But..

 I have found that I really struggle to get motivated into achieving much else, it must be the whole coming down thing from all the caffiene consumed.  So I start to put pressure on myself to do something, finish something, carry on with something, start something.  

Why?

Exactly,.. I do enough!! So I pledge to Workless Wednesdays 

For Me!!

So...

 The pressure is off already, I feel good about it. 

Bring on Workless Wednesdays!

Aromatherapy???

So what is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the gentle science based on the use of essential oils derived from plants.

Apart from their pleasing aromas, essential oils are valued for their cosmetic and therapeutic values.

The essential oils are able to stimulate the body's self healing processes.

Aromatherapy uniquely combines in equal importance, individual blends of oils with body contact therapy.

The significance of aromatherapy as a holistic art lies in the uniqueness of each treatment, as opposed to a technique of massage or a standard prescription of ready blended oils.

 

"Aromatherapy is... the skilled and controlled use of essential oils for physical and emotional health and well being." Valerie Cooksley

"Aromatherapy conveys the concept of healing with aromatic substances." Robert Tisserand

 

"Aromatherapy is a caring, hands-on therapy which seeks to induce relaxation, to increase energy, to reduce the effects of stress and to restore lost balance to mind, body and soul." Robert Tisserand

 

"Aromatherapy can be defined as the controlled use of essential oils to maintain and promote physical, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing." Gabriel Mojay

 

"Aromatherapy is essentially an interaction between the therapist, client and essential oils, working together to bring forth the healing energy which will help the client regain their sense of well being and vitality." Jade Shutes

 

What is an aromatherapist?

 

An aromatherapist is a holistic health practitioner, meaning that we treat the whole person, naturally

We are here to help nourish and balance the life force and vital energy.

We believe that health is beauty and that beauty is health

Spring is in the air...

Everywhere I look around...... Spring is in the air,... with every site and every sound....

Global Change

Jhye's geography homework for this week is to take a photo of something that represents "global change", then present it. This is what he came up with.

totally wicked blog

I am on the computer again, feeling a bit guilty because I have so many other things to be doing, I am still on the lemon thing and decided to google lemon cake. and wull la I have found the best blog I have read for ages with an Olive oil Lemon cake!!!! http://www.completelydelicious.com/ has been added to my blog list if you have some spare time and like to bake,- check it out!

So now that I am inspired again I have to go.. cook, sew, soap, clean, sing & dance

Everything Lemon

I am sure all of you with a Lemon tree know what I mean by,.. everything lemon....
I hate to see the fruit go to waste, thankfully our tree is only small. So much fruit from just one tree!

 We have been busy trying and making new recipes.  Lemon meringue pies, lemon curd, lemon pudding, lemon slice, lemon chicken, lemon, lemon, lemon.

It is actually nice to work with the lemons, especially at this time of year, winter can be quite gloomy -I feel.  I have found that the lemons improve my mood?!? is that weird?!?  the colour is vibrant and the aroma is fresh and uplifting.  Maybe a lemon a day... 

Ready Set Go..

Now available in store is my gorgeous Mums books, scroll down and read all about them.

A'HA

Australian Honey Ants - Ants dont always look alike!

A'HA is a tale of how ants can dream too! It is an 'A' story with alphabetical rhyme. Set in the desert regions of Central Australia this story unfolds with the weather. Learn about natural differences not just how Ants live and survive.

Arley dreamed of a bright sky and Ada even wanted to fly!

William and Willow Wagtail

This book is a tale of two brave little birds 'one of which loses his wag! It is a 'W' story that invites you to think about the words, how they rhyme yet give an incite into how Willy Wagtails actually live. I personally dont know of anyone that doesnt relate to these happy cheeky creatures.

'Imagine cawed Crikey its simple you know! Just try to imagine then let it go'.

One belief is that Willie Wagtails hop into our lives to remind us to be cheerful.

About Ready Set Go Creative Stories

These imaginative and intuitive Australian Children's Stories compose a light hearted look into diverse unique native creatures. They comprise realism's about behaviours and habitats yet also bring an awareness of how simple practical expression can relate to much of human life experiences.

The Author observes all children as unique as the creatures in the stories and comments on an industry that relishes new innovative works by meeting practical needs within our society with fun and spontaneity.

Importantly the focus on these stories is not only to entertain but to keep them as entirely Australian as possible by complimenting with native illustrations.

J.E.S Author & Illustrator

 

I am listing my Mums books in my shop because she is my true inspiration. The books are exceptional, breathtaking and captivating. Your children will treasure them as much as mine do, I am sure of it. "William and Willow Wagtail", and "A'HA" (Australian Honey Ants) both written and illustrated completely by my amazing and talented Mother. Enjoy the absolute honour of buying a uniquely Australian handmade and created children's book.

 

I have many copies- click my madeit shop for more information.

Lavender Essential Oil

Back by popular demand....

Hootie Pillows

I have Lavender in my tummy...

Avaialble soon in my madeit shop 

Adorable Hootie Heatpacks...

New Adorable Hootie Heatpacks...with Lavender!

Available on line in my madeit shop,.. (just as soon as I can list them)

New... Hootie iRattle with Lavender Collection

Shake me baby- I iRattle

 Hooties with Lavender

soap giveaway winner

Time to draw the soap giveaway, 

 I have decided to give everyone who has entered a sample pack of soap, to say thanks for showing your support. So if I havent already got your details let me know them so that I can organise your packs and get them to you.

 

I also decided to draw 3 winners 1st, 2nd & 3rd prizes

2nd winner receives 2 soaps

3rd receives 1 soap

Drum roll please...

 the winner is

2nd prize goes too

3rd prize...



Congratulations comment number 10 won, which was the last one recieved

Soaps 4 sale

Just a quick note to say that most of my soaps are now available online for purchase, through my madeit shop.  Click my madeit button, blinkie, link and it will take you straight there. Thanks for looking!

Soap giveaway ends today,  the winner will be announced soon.

Botanicals

New botanicals will be available in store.  I have enough Lavender to last me through the winter and untill harvest begins this year so I have decided to make it available for purchase.  I also have enough gorgeous golden Calendula.  

Lavender Intermedia, suitable for craft, soaping etc, you are only limited by your imagination with these fragrant little flower beauties.  A blend of 20 varieties.

Lavender Intermedia

Lavender Angustifolia- Culinary Lavender

The only consumable Lavender recipes are available on my blog which is going to be updated over the next week or so with some really interesting flavours---... keep your eyes peeled.

 Lavender Angustifoila

Can also be used in soaping and craft.  The colour is more intense than the intermedia and smells sweet like lollies!
It is a favourite with my eye pillows.

Calendula Petals (Organic)

Calendula has a wide range of medicinal uses. It is a soothing tea for gastrointestinal problems, healing wash for skin wounds, easily infused into oil for a healing salve or balm. Great for baby nappy area.

Calendula also has the rare quality of keeping its colour during soap making. Unlike most herbal additives, calendula will not turn brown or black in a bar of herbal soap.

 
This years Harvest will be bigger than last as we have planted an extra 700 plants. This should mean that I will have a contant supply available to purchase.

My Madeit Shop

I finally made it onto "madeit!"  So exciting! I will be listing of the next week or so including my soaps.  You will be able to purchase my items, using paypal or direct debit.  Watch this space!!

Soap Giveaway

Soap Giveaway, be squeaky clean beautifully!

I have decided to have my 1st soap give away, my new range is nearly ready. To enter all you need to do is leave a comment below. Tell me what you love most about Lavender, or my blog. Your name will then go into the draw to win 3 beautiful soaps made by me, with complimentary post. You can gain an extra entry into the competition by spreading the word and getting one of your friends to mention your name (+ their own) in the comment. Don’t forget to check back to see if you or one of your friends have won!! (+ so that you can give me post details) Each soap is worth $6.00 each + postage!

You will be in the running to win these beauties.

1. Lavender Swirl with Cocoa Butter
2. Lime with Lavender Drop
3. Lavender, Pomegranite, Raspberry & Sage (my fav)

Soaps will be available for purchase from me and through my madeit store which I will have up and running hopefully by the end of the week.

Organic Weeders

Our newest funny looking family members...... Black headed fully shedding dorpers, in lamb.  They are not just here to look pretty, they have a job to do, weeding?!.   At the International Lavender Conference (TALGA) in Tassie I found it fascinating that people around the world in the Lavender business suffer from the same probems as we do, one huge one being weeds. Lots of idea's are thrown around but there are pros and cons for all of them, there never seems to be a "right thing to do" because all Lavenders grow & respond differently depending on where you live, even simple things can majorly affect the outcome.  Experimentation- see what's best for you and what works.  There was a guest speaker from France, a gorgeous girl, Catherine Liardet, she and her family have dedicated there lives to Lavender for over 100 years, they live as one with the lavender. I was Intrigued by her (& her accent, beautiful)  Catherines family, farm organically, they "let the sheep in to eat the weeds" before harvest.  This got me thinking.  I am not into chemicals, never really have been, (I clean with mostly with Enjo have done for years) I'd rather get down on my hands and knees and pull the weeds, (which is what we have been doing) but there are only 24 hours in a day, I need some help.  So sheep it is for us for a while. Hopefully they will save us some time?-(& not eat the lavenders)  Lots of hard work has been done in preperation, like fencing,  Michael and Pop have re fenced the whole house yard to sheep proof it, the fence & new gates look so good, great job boys- thankyou.x  All there is left to say now is "go sheep go, give all you've got!"..... but please don't eat my Lavenders.

 

Henry and I went to collect the eggs today, our chooks have been off the lay, we had been lucky to maybe get 2.. to our suprise there were eggs galore, I didn't go very prepared and so I had to use my beanie to carry them back to the house!

I will be cooking abit later.  I have really been wanting to make some Lemon Curd, our lemons are ripe on the tree, and now I can!  Maybe I might even share the recipe with you.

Old Fashioned Soap Balls

These soap balls are absolutely divine, jam packed skin loving ingredients,they contain generous amounts of luxurious oils, butters,clays botanicals, fragrances and Lavender Essential Oil .  No two are the same- French milled and gorgeous. Limited available
150g each

Wish you could smell these guys!

Way overdue for a catch up.....So how IS everyone?

 

Time flys when your flat out, doesn't it!! Since my last posting that's what I have been,... flat out. And having fun when I get the chance, which is normally at the expense of sleep- but we only live once, I'll catch on the sleep some other time. I have discovered a new passion in soaping, I am in love. I love the creativeness of it the transformation of it, the armoa, oh the aroma! The excitment of unmoulding to see if an idea worked out. I love looking at it too, photo's are cool, the whole experience is totally wicked!! Fun!.

 

 

I have also been flat out with craft I am having an EOFY sale at the moment in my ebay store and already have sold half my stock.  Love it!  I am having to sew sew sew to keep up with demands, but I am in such a great place at the moment that everything is running soomthly and I am coping!!! (at the same time I feel my excitement trying to overrule me.... but I am a Mummy and wife first and foremost so a cooking and a cleaning I must), everything else seems to be just falling into place.

So this is a few of my soaps, nearly ready for purchase,,... I am also thinking of a "soap giveaway.." What do you think?