Lavender Museum France...

While in the South of France touring the Provence and Luberon regions we stopped at this wonderful Lavender Museum.  Musee de la Lavande and you can click the link to read more details. I love lavender and had read about this stop long before we traveled.  Mr. C was kind enough to indulge me and we had a lovely visit.  The tour is quite interesting.

The grounds are lovely and quite perfect for resting and even bringing a picnic lunch which we did not have with us.  We did sit and enjoy an ice cold water and snack we had.

This is a copper still.  Did you know they distilled lavender oils from the lavender plant buds in copper stills? Very amazing to see how it has been done for decades by this family that decided to share their love and livelihoods of farming lavender with this museum open to the public.

Lavender is very interesting and I did not have much knowledge of fine lavender before visiting here.  I am so glad we stopped and learned more about something I truly adore.

Yes they have a fine boutique and Flat Fanny and I did some shopping.  We purchased some fine lavender essential oil.  Only produced and sold here...not in the States.  I already have some lavender essential oil I purchased in the local health foods store.  Now I know the difference.  I have been using a small spray vessel filled with my infused lavender oil for refreshing my face in dry and/or hot conditions.  I carried it with me on the planes and trains and used it when I felt less than refreshed.  Just a light spritz and ahhh.
Here is the recipe I use.  It is from Curly Girl by Lorraine Massey with Michele Bender.
1.  Fill a large pot with 2 quarts water.
2.  Cover the pot, bring to boil and simmer for 1 hour to remove impurities. Check to be certain water isn't boiling away.
3.  Remove pan from heat and add 5 drops pure (not synthetic) lavender essential oil.  Stir to blend and replace the lid.
4.  Let the lavender water steep until cool.  Pour into spray bottles.
5.  Store extra lavender spray in a cool place.
This spray can be used to refresh rooms, car interiors, bed linens, clothes in the dryer and hair and face.
You will want to spray this in a non-conspicuous area until you are certain you like the results.  Your lavender essential oil may be different from my lavender essential oil.
August is already on a fast track.  Fortunately we got some light rain yesterday and today it is misting.  I am so very thankful for any moisture we receive in this Dry Drought Ridden state we are in.  I have been busy with my semi-annual Whooly Thyme trimming at the pond.  Not much happening in the studio or sewing room.  I have plans for projects but just need to get myself motivated and busy.  I think I am still in vacation mode or maybe Summer lazy days mode.
What are you busy doing these days of August?  I understand school begins very soon.  So early compared to years ago when it began right after Labor Day.
Summer Sunshine Smiles...or...Winter Cool Sparkles to each of you.  Creative Bliss to all...