tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33904561972697614732012-01-29T19:44:16.840-05:00Our mission is to educate, comfort and enrich the lives of others through the wonderful world of lavender. From fabulous lavender products and culinary lavender recipes to learning how to grow and harvest lavender for your own enjoyment, this is where lavender fanatics gather to share their fondness for the "grandmother of herbs". We welcome you to join us during our annual Michigan Lavender Festival every July, where we celebrate the many benefits of lavender with thousands of happy people.jennyVnoreply@blogger.comBlogger401100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-47313943219989852252012-01-19T12:45:00.001-05:002012-01-19T12:50:53.101-05:00

Today is National Popcorn Day. We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than with some Lavender Chocolate Covered Popcorn. Lavender is an earthly elixir that enhances the flavor of chocolate. (And who can resisit chocolate??) Here's a recipe from The Lavender Gourmet, by Jennifer Vasich, that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy! Lavender Chocolate Covered Popcorn

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-947432932185727802012-01-18T06:47:00.002-05:002012-01-18T06:57:47.630-05:00

Alright lavender enthusiasts, here is your chance to get a complimentary copy of our new ebook, The Lavender Home Spa! Now you can create your own handmade lavender bath products using pure lavender essential oil, organic oils and butters, lavender buds grown from your garden and other natural ingredients. The best part is that the book really is free... When you subscribe to our Lavender

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-59576928016107527872011-12-20T09:33:00.000-05:002011-12-20T09:34:06.754-05:00

Soothe your soles to this invigorating treat!  This scrub will smooth and cleanse, while the cocoa butter makes your feet ultra soft and supple. Natural peppermint oil deodorizes, energizes and soothes tired soles, while relaxing muscles. Lavender essential oil adds an extra soothing touch, while also relaxing achy muscles and joints. This foot treatment is super easy to make, and is the

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-68825020970254583492011-12-16T23:11:00.004-05:002011-12-16T23:16:15.164-05:00

When the first snowflakes start to fall and most people are making their holiday plans, we are thinking about lavender & sunshine! Every year, we welcome thousands of visitors to our Annual Lavender Festival, (in July) and begin preparing for that event as early as November. We strongly believe that surrounding ourselves with lavender all the time has truly helped us to combat the syndrome

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-16525989009083136012011-12-10T07:18:00.001-05:002011-12-20T09:36:30.363-05:00

I recently came across an article I wrote a few years back while organizing some files on my computer. It was published in the Summer, 2008 issue of Gabriel's Garden Magazine. (A short-lived publication that we once produced with a great zeal and ambition...before the quick realization of how daunting, tiresome and tedious producing a magazine truly was.) We loved the magazine, but between

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-39438526005988198112011-12-09T11:12:00.001-05:002011-12-20T09:35:47.987-05:00

Here are just a few ways you can fill your home with the unforgettable fragrance of Lavender to create a warm, restful ambiance... Sprinkle Lavender Buds directly on your carpet before vacuuming. The oils in the Lavender will release a pleasant fragrance in your entire room when you vacuum them up!  (lavender is regarded as being safe for pets)  Arrange a dried Lavender bouquet in a

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-26601387664704347062011-12-08T20:01:00.001-05:002011-12-20T09:35:18.858-05:00

Have you ever wondered if there was a secret to healthy, younger looking skin? What if that secret was virtually free and easy to achieve? Well, the good news is that there is a secret, and that it is easier to achieve than you might think…it is called “Dry Skin Brushing”. The benefits of this simple “Home Spa Treatment” may pleasantly surprise you. The Facts: Or skin is the largest organ

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-59082061374678862592011-12-07T09:31:00.001-05:002011-12-20T09:34:51.526-05:00

Dry, cracked lips? If you’re looking for a more natural solution to the chemically laden, petroleum based lip products on the market, look no further! Not only is making your own lip balm simple to do, it will save you a lot of money. Once you try this recipe for natural lip balm made with lavender essential oil, chances are you’ll never go back to the manufactured ones.  Lavender oil soothes

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-26976125117214525982011-12-06T22:30:00.001-05:002011-12-06T22:42:22.424-05:00

(NaturalNews) New research out of Portugal has found that lavender oil is a powerful antifungal agent that fights and prevents skin and nail infections, including Candida albicans. Published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology, the study found that lavender essential oil exhibits amazing protection against a wide range of pathogenic fungi -- and it works better than all known antifungal

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-64105182832090635342011-10-15T15:46:00.000-04:002011-12-09T01:33:13.251-05:00

As the cool, crisp Autumn season rolls in, our taste buds begin to crave the fruits of the season. We will be sharing a few of our favorite fall recipes in the days to come, all with a lavender flair, of course! This recipe happens to be one of our favorites. After one bite of these buttery, sweet and salty caramel covered apples, you may never want to eat a "Plain Jane" caramel apple again.

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-6046932572050688232010-12-12T17:12:00.000-05:002011-12-06T22:43:52.258-05:00

Bath salts are quick and easy to make at home, and are a treasured gift for anyone who loves to soak in the tub. Remember, it's all in the presentation! The secret to turning simple bath salts into a fabulous gift has everything to do with the packaging. The right package can transform even the most basic of bath salts into a much appreciated gift that look stunning in the bathroom. This

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-88339152221298439742010-11-13T00:33:00.000-05:002011-12-09T01:34:05.849-05:00

Do you have trouble falling asleep? Do you feel sluggish and lethargic during the day? I recently read an interesting article on Dr. Joseph Mercola's website which I found quite alarming. In this report, Dr. Mercola states that, "Americans get about 25 percent less sleep than they did a century ago -- and this isn’t just a matter of having less energy. Too little sleep impacts your levels of

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-78086615395554739062010-11-12T05:38:00.005-05:002011-12-06T22:45:32.097-05:00

Per request of our customers, we are sharing the recipe for this "new & improved" shortbread, which was adapted from a recipe originally published in The Lavender Gourmet by Jennifer Vasich.  So then, how do you improve something that is already superb? This new version uses CPTG Essential Oils (Wild Orange & Lemon), which perfectly compliment the lavender. If you've never used Essential

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-46856254704825225072010-10-08T20:49:00.001-04:002011-12-09T01:34:41.545-05:00

Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.  ~Stanley Horowitz   I don't know about you, but I can't get enough of this beautiful Autumn weather we've been having! It has been a gorgeous week, and the change of colors has been simply breathtaking out here in the country where we live. While working in the garden and pruning some

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-14116556538361785092010-10-06T14:10:00.001-04:002011-12-01T10:47:22.080-05:00

As some of you already know, we've been making some positive changes in our home regarding health &  wellness. This includes the way we eat. I recently fell in love with a new book, The Eat Clean Diet Recharged, by Tosca Reno. It has inspired me to take a step in the right direction and I hope to inspire others to do the same. After just a few weeks of cutting out the sugar, white flour and

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-4798301902581976402010-09-30T00:34:00.000-04:002011-12-01T10:47:57.369-05:00

Lavender is a remarkable plant that has been cherished for its unmistakable aroma and its treasured medicinal properties for thousands of years. The essential oil of lavender is a universal oil that has been known to balance the body, reduce stress and treat a myriad of health and emotional issues. It's the Swiss army knife of essential oils. I always say, "When in doubt, use Lavender."

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-29129806900253059692010-07-05T16:01:00.001-04:002011-12-01T10:49:53.744-05:00

French Lavender 4-Berry Pie Nothing beats this summertime pie filled with locally grown, orchard fresh fruits. Using my mother’s best recipe for flaky crust, this decadent dessert oozes with flavor. Absolutely marvelous served piping hot with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream. Enjoy! Crust: 2 Sticks Unsalted Butter, very cold 1 t. salt 2 Tbsp Sugar 2 1/2 Cup Flour 1/2 - 1 Cup Ice

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-2625070321924889432010-06-15T18:11:00.000-04:002011-12-01T10:51:42.827-05:00

Our all-time favorite! This delightfully refreshing drink turns a pretty pink color after you add the lavender, and it has continued to be something that festival goers look forward to every year. Our favorite culinary lavender variety to use is Hidtcote, although any culinary variety may be used. Serve over ice in your favorite glasses, and garnish with fresh lime slices and lavender sprigs

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-75311511405985751002010-04-25T12:34:00.006-04:002011-11-30T17:09:51.792-05:00

Friday, May 7, 2010 @ 6:00 pm & Saturday, May 8, 2010 @ 2:00 pm Are you looking for ways to make your Mom feel extra special? Shower her with love and blessings this year, and celebrate how much she means to you while relaxing at Gabriel's Garden during one of our Mother's Day Tea Events!  A refreshing Grilled Chicken & Cranberry Salad with fresh Raspberry Vinaigrette will start your

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-16751621795336673562010-04-09T21:02:00.007-04:002011-12-01T10:52:16.840-05:00

By popular demand, we are posting some useful information regarding care for your lavender. Properly pruning your lavender plants is crucial to maintain the health, vitality and beauty of this remarkable little herb. Lavender doesn’t require a great deal of maintenance, but some attention is needed in the pruning department. The most important thing to remember is to begin pruning lavender

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-18035325075116843782010-04-03T11:30:00.000-04:002011-12-01T10:52:45.604-05:00

(NaturalNews) Essential oils extracted from common kitchen herbs and spices can be used as safer, less destructive pesticides, according to research led by Murray Isman of the University of British Columbia and presented at the Fall Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Washington, D.C. "We are exploring the potential use of natural pesticides based on plant essential oils --

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-32293695165130273422010-03-07T22:10:00.000-05:002011-12-01T10:52:53.429-05:00

Gabriel's Garden is delighted to now be offering Free Essential Oil Classes! Over the years, we have felt very fortunate to be able to share our love for lavender with everyone, and hope that you will be our guest for our upcoming aromatherapy event. Intro To Essential Oils: In this class, you will learn how to use essential oils to care for your family's everyday health and wellness needs using

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-75635921146623358972010-02-15T12:44:00.000-05:002011-12-01T10:53:24.174-05:00

We are thrilled to announce that one of our products has been featured on the blog for Glamour Magazine! Here's what Cindi Leive, editor-in-chief of Glamour Magazine, had to say about our Lavender Pillow Spray,"My favorite things so far: Lavender pillow spray. The one I tried, by Gabriel's Garden, made my pillow smell like a spa. And there’s science here: One study found that the smell of

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-82360267267003139102010-02-05T00:10:00.005-05:002011-12-01T10:31:14.940-05:00

Banana Nut French Toast with Lavender Honey Butter Several years ago, my sister Sharon treated me to a “girls weekend away” in Manistee, Michigan at a quaint little Bed & Breakfast near Lake Michigan. We thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing weekend, and while there, the innkeepers made an incredible breakfast that included French toast with a sumptuous banana-nut filling. The recipe here is my own

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-39424764182716344162010-01-30T21:24:00.004-05:002011-12-01T10:31:32.359-05:00

  This fabulous coffee drink, which was published in The Lavender Gourmet, tastes even better when enjoyed by the fireplace on a cold winter day. The rich, dark chocolate espresso is perfectly balanced by the slightly sweet taste of the lavender-infused milk. In one statement, I like to call it "Absolute perfection." Lavender Mocha Latte' 3 ¼ cups low-fat milk 2/3 cup bittersweet chocolate

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-35887079494488720562010-01-15T20:52:00.004-05:002011-12-01T10:31:39.126-05:00

Paris Tea: Friday, January 29th @ 6:00pm Inspired by one of the most romantic cities in Europe, this tea beckons with all of the fine living and exquisite food that Paris is known for. The evening begins with a Pot of Fresh Brewed Tea, followed by a slice of  Asparagus/Ham Quiche and Field Green Salad with homemade Raspberry Vinaigrette. Your three-tier presentation of Delightful Desserts

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-51496940331184039902010-01-14T21:54:00.001-05:002011-12-01T10:54:39.347-05:00

The Lavender Gourmet is a culinary cookbook masterpiece full of mouth-watering recipes that use one of nature’s most fragrant herbs, culinary lavender. The cookbook showcases recipes for both entertaining and every day occasions. The Lavender Gourmet contains twelve different recipe chapters including basics & beverages, breakfast & brunch, lunch favorites, appetizers, vegetables, & sides;

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-26611709673567517802010-01-13T00:39:00.005-05:002011-12-01T10:55:07.188-05:00

Recently, a customer told us that she heard about using lavender as a natural treatment for ear infections on The Dr. Oz Show. It's true that the healing properties of lavender oil are endless; we just never thought to use lavender as a way to treat earaches! It makes perfect sense! The following information was taken directly from Dr. Oz's site: www.doctoroz.com. For further information

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-69787025762464434852010-01-11T12:52:00.001-05:002011-12-01T10:35:45.066-05:00

Soothe your soles with this simply amazing Home Spa Treatment! The therapeutic benefits of this Refreshing Lavender Mint Foot Bath include relieving aches and pains, while combating fatigue and exhaustion. Ingredients: 3 drops lavender essential oil 3 drops peppermint essential oil 1/2 cup epsom salts 1 sprig of lavender (optional) 2-3 peppermint leaves (optional) Fill a large basin with

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-86100174114463903182010-01-11T12:42:00.002-05:002011-12-01T10:35:58.013-05:00

This refreshing mask will exfoliate, soften and hydrate your skin. Cranberries offer a load of vitamin C, and the active enzymes from the fruit will help to exfoliate that dull, winter-dry skin. This mask will help to remove dead skin cells and leave your face feeling fresh, soft and glowing! Ingredients: 1/2 cup chopped cranberries 1/2 cup seedless grapes 1 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice 2

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-77259922495817081262010-01-11T12:34:00.002-05:002011-12-01T10:55:42.547-05:00

I've been thinking about the winter and how harsh the elements can be on our skin. I just whipped up a batch of Shea Body Butter to conquer my over-dry skin. Now we're talking! This stuff is so good I've packaged some to give as gifts to my sisters and nieces! =) Not only does our skin take a beating from the winter season, the lack of sunlight and fresh air can do a number on your spirit...IF

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-58374529057931867462010-01-02T18:57:00.004-05:002011-12-01T10:57:36.001-05:00

Sesame, Honey & Lavender Body Polish Here is one of our favorite recipes for a wonderful "Home Spa" Treatment! It's a perfect way to rid your body of that winter-dry skin and you'll love how relaxed you'll feel afterwards. Honey has been prized since antiquity, especially in Asian cultures, as a humectant and skin conditioner. In this recipe, we combine it with lavender and sesame seeds to

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-35902271926512664282009-12-20T13:01:00.013-05:002011-12-01T10:37:39.826-05:00

Here is a simple recipe that you can make at home! These bath salts will help to soothe tired muscles and relieve aches and pains. For a more decorative look, stir in a handful of dried lavender flowers before placing the salts in your jar... Enjoy!   LAVENDER DREAMS BATH SALTS 1 cup epsom salt 1/2 cup sea salt 8 drops Lavender Essential Oil 2-3 tablespoons baking soda Directions: Combine

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-60601583916072210882009-12-16T12:42:00.001-05:002011-12-01T10:57:03.222-05:00

Science is showing that lavender's calming effects are more than folklore. By Katie Gilbert, published on June 13, 2006 - last reviewed on June 17, 2009 Claims have long circulated about lavender's ability to prevent balding, control mild burns and acne, as well as treat gastrointestinal disorders. But lavender's impact on mood and cognition has garnered the most attention. A

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-28938215348634289472008-04-14T00:10:00.009-04:002011-12-01T10:38:32.930-05:00

Every season we bring back limited edition fragrances, and springtime is no different. This time of year happens to be my favorite, for many different reasons. From the crocuses and tulips pushing their way through the cold winter ground, to the birds singing and shining their faces up toward the sun, spring is a new beginning. Sometimes we just adapt to the cold, dreary days of winter and forget

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-33764284091848345912008-02-03T23:10:00.002-05:002011-12-01T10:39:16.487-05:00

I would like to personally thank Sandie Parrott, a writer & photographer who resides in Clarkston, Michigan. Sandie and I first met last summer as she attended one of our Lavender Garden Teas and then later the Lavender Festival... Sandie was given an opportunity to write an article about lavender and agri-tourism for a national magazine, and I am thankful that she so graciously included us

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-47514578388195186602008-01-16T13:42:00.001-05:002011-12-01T10:39:28.070-05:00

Hi Everyone, It has been WAY TOO LONG since the last time we posted a blog. To be honest, we are still pretty new to this whole blog idea, and didn't realize just how many people were reading it! After many of your Emails requesting more blog posts, we decided to make it one of our goals for 2008. We will do our best to create more regular posts, and hope to bring you more of the inspiration,

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-71677158576437043242007-08-07T23:34:00.002-04:002011-12-01T10:56:31.959-05:00

oops! I forgot to add Francoi's recipe for the Honey Lavender Biscotti from his 'Cooking with Lavender' class, and decided to also add a couple more... The Lavender Lemon Shortbread is a Lavender Festival Favorite! enjoy! Honey Lavender Biscotti: 2 1/4 Cup Flour 1 tsp Baking powder 1/2 tsp Baking Soda 1/4 tsp Salt 2/3 Cup Sugar 3 Eggs, large 3 Tbsp Lavender Honey (may substitute for plain

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-86585612784259764172007-08-06T12:55:00.001-04:002011-12-01T10:56:11.499-05:00

By popular demand, we are posting two of the recipes from the "Cooking With Lavender Class" that was taught by Francois Faloppa, a genuine Frenchman who dazzled us with his culinary talents at the 2007 Michigan Lavender Festival at Gabriel's Garden! We hope you all enjoy these recipes. More will be posted soon... Lavender Creme Brulee: 4 Cups Heavy Cream 1 Tbsp. Culinary Lavender Buds 8

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3390456197269761473.post-22568092863316896722007-08-06T01:13:00.000-04:002011-12-01T10:55:49.899-05:00

Truly, God smiled on us and blessed us with another beautiful weekend for our annual event! In the midst of a very busy 2-days, Michael & I actually shared a moment together where we observed the interaction between so many 'happy people'... and we took it all in... in that moment, it just seemed to me as if the sweet fragrance of lavender swaying in the breeze mingling with the sounds of Harp

jennyVnoreply@blogger.com0