As you probably noticed last week, we started a new blog feature called Insta Friday. We hope that all of our lovely blog readers also follow us on Instagram and Facebook. But we understand the reality that not everyone is on every social media platform. We will try to do a weekly catch up post and share some of our favorite Lavender Apple moments from Instagram here with you lovely readers. 

One of my favorite (and best smelling) lavender chores is hand carving our soaps! Picture shaved potato peels all over your counter, but made of yummy smelling soap! #goatsmilk #lavendersoap #farmchores

A photo posted by Lavender Apple (@the.lavender.apple) on Dec 7, 2014 at 5:01am PST

Just doing a little baking... #lavendercookies #culinarylavender #getinmybelly

A photo posted by Lavender Apple (@the.lavender.apple) on Dec 8, 2014 at 4:45am PST

Remember that puppy from a few posts back? Well here he is today guarding our lavender. #lavender #guarddog #farmdog #lavenderfarm

A photo posted by Lavender Apple (@the.lavender.apple) on Dec 9, 2014 at 5:13am PST

The Lavender Harvest is a family affair. #dontsparethe1yearold #lavender #harvest #farmlife #essentialoils #smellheaven

A photo posted by Lavender Apple (@the.lavender.apple) on Dec 10, 2014 at 6:07am PST

Lavender dryer bags are such a great natural alternative to traditional ones! They smell great and make perfect safe bean bags for your little ones when your done! #repurpose #dryerbags #naturalcleaning #lavender

A photo posted by Lavender Apple (@the.lavender.apple) on Dec 11, 2014 at 3:30am PST

Christmas cookies should be special. Culinary lavender does the trick. #christmascookies #lavender #culinary #farmphotos

A photo posted by Lavender Apple (@the.lavender.apple) on Dec 12, 2014 at 4:55am PST

Our dogs want to remind you to put this in your furry friends stocking this year. #goatsmilksoap #lavender #teatreeoil #neemoil #naturalbugrepellant

A photo posted by Lavender Apple (@the.lavender.apple) on Dec 18, 2014 at 5:56am PST

As you can see, on Instagram we post lifestyle photos and happy moments from our farm life. What else would you like to see photos of? 

One of my favorite Lavender Apple products is our Lavender Water. It is the perfect all natural and organic bug spray! It is especially amazing for kids! Who wants to cover their babies and kiddos in all those chemicals? Not this mama! When Peggy told me that she used her Lavender Water as a natural bug spray, I was skeptical. But then I tried it, and it works like a charm! I used it at the lake, I used it at a family barbecue, I used it at the park, it was amazing! My son and I didn't get bit once, even though bugs were plentiful! 

The Lavender Water Spray has many other wonderful uses as well. 

I already loved this Lavender Water. But then I my friend and I decided to take our 2 year olds out to a sunflower field to do a little photo shoot with them. The bugs out there were insane! Huge bugs everywhere! I was so nervous we were going to get eaten alive! Take a look for yourself! 

But amazingly, our entire crew made it out of these fields without a single bug bite. I am a true believer in this product. Its the perfect safe organic bug spray. I am one happy mama! 

You can buy your own Lavender Water Spray HERE

Enjoy!

Melissa is one variety of lavender we grow here at the Lavender Apple Farm.

Melissa is an english lavender. It's tightly compact pink and white spikes make this a great plant for borders in gardens or for a beautiful contrast in bouquets.  Melissa is our earliest bloomer.  It's delicate slightly lemon scent make it an excellent choice for use in savory dishes.  

The Melissa essential oil is a very sought after and expensive oil.  The oil was written about by Nicolas Culpeper in 1653  " It causeth the mind and heart to become merry, and reviveth the heart, faiting, sleep and driveth away all."

Melissa essential oil is also an important ingredient in Carmelite water (distilled in france in 1611 by the carmelite order).

Well there is your lavender lesson for the month. Let us know if you'd like any of our Melissa Lavender to try in your culinary adventures, or perhaps to compliment a white color scheme in your home decor. We are happy to make custom orders! 

Sometimes your food is just so delicious, you don't care about taking a pretty photo. These rolls speak for themselves, so let your taste buds rather than your eyes do the talking. 

(Taken from the Nelson Family Cook Book)

2 tbs dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
2 eggs
1 1/2 cup warm milk
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/4 tsp salt
4 to 4 1/2 cups flour

Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes. Beat eggs well and add to yeast. Scaled milk, stir in sugar and salt and eggs. Let cool until warm. Add yeast to mixture. Add 2 1/2 cups flour, beating well with fork. Gradually add the remaining flour. Keep the dough rather sticky. Lift out dough and grease bowl on all sides. Knead dough in bowl for 2 minutes. Cover and let rise for 1 hour. Punch down dough and knead for 15 seconds. Let rise for another hour. Form into desired shapes and place in buttered pans. Let rise for at least an hour. Bake at 375 for 12-17 minutes or until light golden brown. Yields 1 1/2 dozen, feel free to double or triple the recipe! 

Bon Appetite!