Lavender Trails

I love lavender!  I mean love love love lavender!

I was beyond thrilled when I saw that my home town started a lavender trail.

Less than 5 minutes from my house- a lavender trail!  It just opened this year.  I am hoping in a a few years it will be like ones I have seen in Washington and Oregon. 

I have been to Washington and Oregon visiting my sister and I love to stop at lavender fields. There is one in particular that sits and view of Mt Hood.  It's part of a loop called the fruit loop.   It's a 35-mile scenic meander through the fruit orchards, small towns, and back roads of the Hood River Valley. Located about 45 minutes east of Portland by way of the Columbia Gorge, and directly south of the town of Hood River, the area is Oregon's largest fruit growing region I like to think as part of the Orrville Fruit Loop- since right near Smuckers. 

For $20 ($5 goes to the Up Side of Downs- for Downs Syndrome) you can come and walk around, take photos and cut a bunch lavender.  

For $5 (a donation to Downs Syndrome ) you can walk around and take photos.

"What Are Possible Health Benefits of Lavender?

May Help Improve Sleep. ...
Could Help Treat Skin Blemishes. ...
May Offer a Natural Remedy for Pain. ...
Reduce Blood Pressure and Heart Rate. ...
Could Relieve Asthma Symptoms. ...
Lessens Menopausal Hot Flashes. ...
Help Combat Fungus Growth. ...
Potentially Promotes Hair Growth."

https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet/what-are-possible-benefits-lavender-must-know-facts-about-therapeutic-plant/

The Lavender Tails has set up lots of great photo ops.  They have frames around for fun photos. a giant butterfly, a table and chairs. and other areas.

I love lavender in my iced tea.  If you haven't tried it, you need too.  When I make mint tea I just add a few sprigs or  a bunch of the "flower buds" with the mint tea.   It's refreshing and adds a lovely floral addition. 

I bought two lavender plants and they spent a great deal of time letting me know how to plant and grow the plants.  It was super helpful!  They had so many great tips.

Sembo City Japan Street Tea Teaism House

Why should it be just the kids who have fun with legos???

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sembo-City-Japan-Street-Tea-Teaism-House-Room-Lounge-Mini-Blocks-Building-Shop/124148150767?epid=17006336769&hash=item1ce7ce71ef:g:uVcAAOSwY2pejrcY

I got this on eBay.  I negotiated a better price, I did NOT pay $20.  I love to barter.  

The water wheel really works.  It is so cute.

I received a package with all the building blocks. 

 

Earl Grey wanted to be apart of the process, so it took awhile to make.  But, he is so cute, I did not make him move.

I would say it took me about 3 hours to put together.

It was fun and I was really pleased with the way it turned out.

The roof is cloth.  It is really cute.

It is a tea house, but I wish there were tea cups and a tea pot included.

Ohio Tea Company, Bora Bora Mango

https://www.ohioteaco.com/Bora-Bora-Mango_p_688.html

Rooibos, dried mango, blackberry leaves, calendula petals and natural flavors

I bought the Bora Bora Mango as a fruity offering for the office.   I have a love hate relation with Rooibos teas.  I either love it and can't taste the rooibos or I hate it when I can taste the rooibos.

With this tea I can taste the rooibos, so I am not a fan.  It is so interesting that my mom and younger sister love rooibos tea.  Everyone's taste buds are different.  If you like rooibos, you should love this tea.

As you can see below there are chunks of goodness in this tea.

Handmade Tea Cup by Rudy Whistle Pottery Studio

I'm so excited and proud of one my friends for going after her dream.  She has a pottery studio and is making beautiful pottery!!!

She blessed me with this lovely tea cup.  It reminds me of matcha tea, I adore it.  

#Rudywhistlepotterystudio

#handthrown

#Gasfiredpottery

Check out her amazing hand made pieces!!!  She will soon be up and running on Etsy.  She has a page on Instagram-rudywhistle. 

My friend does beautiful work!!  If you are looking for a gift or something for yourself, you should check out her pottery.