by C Sawyer
Spruce Up Your Holiday Feast with Herbes de Provence
The Holiday Feast is fast approaching, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate with delicious food and loved ones. While hosting can be a lot of work, we’ve got some easy ways to add a touch of elegance and flavor to your holiday meal without adding to the stress.
A Twist on Traditional Turkey Seasoning
Looking to switch things up from your usual turkey seasoning routine? Look no further than Herbes de Provence, an incredible blend from Belvedere Lavender that incorporates lavender, rosemary, thyme, and a few secret ingredients. This unique blend will add a whole new dimension of flavor to your Holiday turkey.
But Herbes de Provence is More Than Just for Turkey!
The beauty of Herbes de Provence is its versatility. It’s perfect for cooking, grilling, and stewing all year round, not just for the winter holidays. Use it on a variety of meats – turkey, chicken, pork – or add it to your vegetables for a delightful flavor boost.
Simple Ways to Infuse Flavor with Herbes de Provence
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Marinate: Add Herbes de Provence to your marinade for meats before cooking.
- Infuse Oil: Mix Herbes de Provence into cooking oil before grilling or stewing. This will subtly infuse flavor into your food.
- Season: Sprinkle Herbes de Provence directly onto your food before cooking.
Delicious Recipe Inspiration
Feeling adventurous in the kitchen? Check out these recipes that showcase the versatility of Herbes de Provence:
Turkey:
Chicken:
Vegetables:
No matter your preference, there’s a way to incorporate Herbes de Provence into your Holiday Feast. These recipes are just a starting point – get creative and discover your own favorite ways to use this flavorful blend! We’d love to hear your thoughts – leave a comment below and tell us which recipe you try!
Pair Lavender Cranberry Sauce with any of the above to add an extra amazing element to your Holiday Feast.
Check out more recipes on our Blog and find everything you need to add lavender to your Holiday Feast on our Shop.
by Brittney Park-Sawyer
Lavender Sugars
Most recipes for lavender sugar use white sugar; but there is absolutely nothing wrong in using brown sugar, as long as it is not moist! Compacted sugars will spoil quickly, so use brown sugar that is raw or any dry granulated sugars.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup of (white OR brown) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
DIRECTIONS:
- Prepare a clean/sterilized dry jar to store the sugar in, and then add your cup of sugar to the mixing bowl.
- Open your package of Belvedere Lavender Culinary Lavender (or other dried lavender). You can leave the buds whole if you are going to remove them later, or, you can throw the dried Lavender buds into a blender to pulse them until the buds are a coarse cut but not a powder. Then mix together with the sugar.
- Transfer the mixture into the storage jar, making sure to pack the sugar down while sealing it carefully.
- Store the sugar jar in a cool, dark place for 2+ weeks (allowing the sugar to absorb the Lavender flavor – the longer, the stronger the Lavender flavor), shaking the jar every-other day to distribute the Lavender.
- [Note: If using full Lavender buds, remove them after a two-week period]
- Lavender Sugar is now ready to be use in cooking, teas, lemonades, baking recipes, anything that needs a hint of sweetness with a floral twist!
Check our Blog for more uses of lavender in the kitchen. We have a full array of kitchen lavender products in our Shop.
by C Sawyer
It’s that time of year again! Cozy nights by the fireplace, a good book, and a warm cup of hot chocolate. Unfortunately, winter also brings dry and flaky skin. Adjusting to Winter Skin Care is paramount.
The Canadian winter is harsh. With dropping temperatures, our skin naturally loses moisture (hello, chapped lips!). Cold air tightens pores and reduces circulation. Indoors, we crank up the heat, further drying and irritating our skin.
Luckily, Belvedere Lavender’s line of nourishing, all-natural products can help keep your skin happy and healthy throughout winter.
Belvedere Lavender Face & Eye Cream
This delicate cream, suitable for slightly dry to very dry skin, melts into your skin and under-eye area. It combines moisturizing and regenerative ingredients like rose hip oil, borage seed oil, jojoba oil, peach kernel oil, and aloe vera to soothe dry winter skin. Lavender essential oil reduces inflammation, while sweet orange essential oil boosts circulation, keeping your skin soft.
For supple skin, apply a small amount to your face after cleansing and toning. Use light upward strokes and pat under your eyes with your fingertips. At night, apply serum before the cream.
Belvedere Lavender Hand & Body Lotion
Winter can lead to painful cracking and bleeding of the skin. This lotion’s ingredients, like pumpkin seed oil and peach kernel oil, nourish and soothe sensitive and chapped skin. Kokum butter and bamboo extract prevent dryness and soften the skin, keeping your hands well-hydrated.
Skip the extra-long hot showers in winter; they strip away natural oils. Instead, massage the lotion gently into your body after a warm shower or bath to seal in moisture.
Belvedere Lavender Rosy Le Balm
Keep dry and chapped lips at bay with this ultra-moisturizing lip balm! Loaded with ingredients like rosehip seed oil, peach kernel oil, lavender essential oil, beeswax, and vitamin E, your lips will be ready to brave the winter.
Apply to lips as often as desired. How are you Adjusting to Winter Skin Care?
See our full line of all-natural lavender skincare products in our shop, read more social media or Blogs about lavender, or create a V.I.P. account to stay in the loop.
by C Sawyer
Sleep Well During the Holidays (and All Year Long!)
The holidays can be a stressful time. We often feel overwhelmed trying to do it all, and that can really impact our sleep. But quality sleep is so important for our overall health, especially during this busy season.
It’s easy to get caught up in negative self-talk, especially when we’re trying to relax before bed. But don’t worry, here are some tips to help you maximize your sleep during the holidays and beyond:
1. Stick to a Schedule
Go to bed and wake up around the same time each day, even on weekends and holidays. This helps regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
2. Listen to Your Body
When you feel tired, go to bed! Don’t toss and turn for hours waiting to fall asleep.
3. Take a Break
If you can’t fall asleep after 20 minutes, get up and do something relaxing until you feel sleepy.
4. Avoid Stimulants and Depressants
Nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol can all interfere with sleep. Avoid them for at least 4-6 hours before bedtime.
5. Make Your Bedroom a Sleep Sanctuary
Use your bed only for sleep and intimacy. Avoid working, eating, or watching TV in bed.
6. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
Develop a calming pre-sleep ritual to wind down. This could include stretching, meditation, reading, or taking a warm bath.
7. Enjoy a Soothing Bath
A hot bath an hour or two before bed can help you relax and prepare for sleep.
8. Get Moving
Regular exercise can improve sleep quality. Aim for morning or afternoon workouts, and avoid strenuous activity close to bedtime.
9. Eat a Balanced Diet
What you eat can affect your sleep. Enjoy a balanced diet throughout the day and have a light snack before bed. A warm glass of milk can be especially helpful.
10. Don’t Clock Watch
Constantly checking the clock can increase anxiety and make it harder to fall asleep. Turn your clock away from your bed.
By following these tips, you can prioritize sleep and enjoy a more restful and rejuvenating holiday season. Read up on other selfcare tips and explore our range of luxury lavender products to help you take care of what matters most, you!
by C Sawyer
As we embrace the holiday season, we remember the joys and stresses of celebrating and getting together with family, friends, and loved ones. Even with the pandemic still influencing our decisions regarding the holidays, we’ve put together some easy tips you can use, regardless of how you’re celebrating.
Embrace Dip
Every great event has great food. If you’re out of practice preparing a feast, turn to this Creamy Herbes de Provence Dip recipe from Canadian Living to ensure your appetizers are incredible.
A Gift for the Host
A great guest always brings a host or hostess gift. Consider gifting all-natural, organic skincare you feel good using.
Bring a Dish to Share
Consider making some incredible buns or bread to add to the meal. Check out this recipe for Olive Oil and Herbes de Provence Bread that both inexperienced and experienced bakers can prepare.
Overstock the Bar
If you’re hosting an event where alcohol is served, overstock your bar to ensure guests have their drink of choice. Consider setting up a self-serve bar to free yourself up and put guests in control of their drinks.
Set Up a Kid-Friendly Space
Set up an area just for the kids. This area may include items like coloring books and crayons, kid-friendly food, playdough, and more. It creates a space where kids can be themselves.
As we embrace the holidays and hosting events, we want to spend more time with our guests than cooking, cleaning, and tending bar. Embrace the holiday season!
Our new Bundles make gifting quick and easy over the holidays, Subscription Plans ensure your gift is enjoyed through the whole year too! Check out more Blog post to get skin care tips for winter.
