Best Of:: Lavender Love

I can't ever get enough of lavender. I dream of filling my future gardens with rows and rows that I can stroll through. For those of you lucky enough to have lavender growing near you right now, I've pulled together some of my favorite DIYs and recipes.

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While I was traveling in Washington state this last week, I saw lavender everywhere. I took every excuse to walk by my mother-in-law's flower garden and rub the little flowers between my fingers. The scent it releases is the most comforting and home-like smell I can imagine. The flowers were constantly covered with bees and I started craving lavender honey, which is made when bees pollinate lavender and infuse the flavor in the honey. Mmmm... 

Ok, enough daydreaming. Let's get on to the list.

1. Lavender Hot Chocolate

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This is the number one thing I want to try with fresh lavender. If it was in my garden right now, this would probably be my breakfast all summer long. I don't even mind that it's so hot outside, this sounds like heaven.

2. Lavender Handmade Paper

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Talk about creative! I've done DIY paper, but never thought of putting lavender in the mix! Just think of sending handwritten notes or dinner invitations on this sweet paper that is naturally colored and scented.

3. Lavender Blueberry Ice Cream

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I have a serious weakness for homemade ice cream. I make my own whenever I can, and always stop at the little homemade shops in small towns. This afternoon snack would be perfectly sweet and refreshing.

4. Dried Lavender Bunches

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Another dream I have is to hang bunches to dry in my future laundry room. I might just love dried lavender as much as fresh. The scent lasts for such a long time and I think little hand tied bunches are so pretty hanging on walls or as bridesmaid bouquets.

5. Lavender Eye Pillows

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Have you ever used one of these. The scent is so soothing and immediately relieves any tension you are holding in your face. This would be an easy thing to do once the dried bundles start to fall apart.

6. Lavender Sugar

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Lavender sugar would be yummy sprinkled in lemonade or herbal tea. I would also love to try making a sugar scrub or soak with it.

7. Lavender Syrup

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I've been sitting here thinking of what to write for this one, but it's making me so hungry I can't think. I'll let your imagination do the rest.

8. Frolic Through Fields

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Finally, find a field of lavender and run through it. Open your arms to the sky, twirl around and sing The Hills Are Alive, then collapse on a pillow of sweet smelling purple. I'm getting carried away again. Off to daydream land!

*amber*