Lavender, Vintage Cars and Crafts at the Sequim Lavender Festival

Sunday July 17th saw our first visit to the Sequim Lavender Festival® put on by the Sequim Lavender Growers Association in Sequim, WA located on the Olympic Peninsula. This was actually my first time on the Peninsula which made the day trip even more fun. It proved to be a rather typical PNW day within what has been a non-typical Summer with more wet than bright sun unfortunately. That didn't keep people from coming out and enjoying themselves though as the weather shifted from chilly to humid with intermittent sun to cloudy and finally rainy. The fact that it didn't rain all day was a true blessing, both for us and the many vendors set up to show off and sell their wares.

Rabekah Cadorette from Three Strands Handwovens

We opted to make it a day trip but if you're coming from more than 3 hours away you might want to consider staying overnight to get two full days out of the festival or even make it a full weekend trip by arriving on Friday. There's a lot we didn't get to see and extra time would have been nice, especially if you don't want to worry about rushing back to beat the inevitable hour + line up for the ferry.

In town we had the chance to view beautifully restored vintage cars (scary when a Camero can now be entered into such shows! Alas, we're getting old..), crafts of all kinds and of course an abundance of lavender products from plushies stuffed with the fragrant herb to lavender ice cream and gallons of lavender-scented body products.

But by far the most fun was actually going to a farm and picking lavender for ourselves. We spent the majority of our time at Creekside Lavender Farm where owners Susan and Rick Olson showed us around and made recommendations on lavender varieties while we talked essential oils. Lukas had a blast, marveling at all of the various colors and different scents, their bee hives and the very cool owl perched high in their barn. The Olsons use old, copper distillation and we marveled at how it takes 250lbs of fresh lavender to produce 16 ounces of pure essential oil.

Soap Siren pickin' lavender

Lukas picking his own lavender

With over 20 varieties growing at any given time the Olsons have created some wonderful proprietary blends. If making it to their farm isn't an option you can order their amazing products online: including fresh bundles for August weddings! Their honey is also spectacular with their bees getting only the very best from their lavender fields. Lucky little bugs.

Raw cream and whole milk

Our last stop of the day before heading home was to the Dungeness Valley Creamery. They were closed but we were able to take good advantage of the fridge stocked with dairy they make available for just such occasions. Thanks for that guys! With my mom in town right now you have no idea how happy she is to have fresh, raw cream for her coffee. And nothing says yum quite like a glass of fresh milk with a touch of honey and muddled fresh lavender flowers. Divine! Next up, Lavender-Lemon Shortbread..

If you want more great info about Lavender  and it's uses check out the Lavender webinar by Tim Blakley of Aura Cacia on August 10th.

Cheers!

Logan

Soap Siren

Wedding Season is Upon Us in the PNW!

Thanks to our lovely weather, the PNW has a longer Wedding Season than elsewhere in the States. If you're tying the knot soon it's not too late to take care of some of your wedding needs as you get close to the finish line after months of planning. Still in the planning stages for a 2012 wedding? All the better because these ladies are in high demand.

Wedding Director Extraordinaire: Tammy McGowan of Your Wedding Story, has been organizing wedding planning and Big Days for years. Why pull your hair out trying to keep track of everything when Tammy can help keep you sane? Whether you're just starting your planning or you're a few weeks away she can step in and help organize the process. Most importantly, she'll free you up mentally to focus on the joy of getting married. Tammy has fabulous package deals going on right now so reach out to her today and take advantage of the extra savings and free consultation. Your Wedding Story on Facebook.

Brow Tamer: At Maribella Spa Services, licensed esthetician, Angela Graham will tame your brows and clean up all of your important places in preparation for that blissful honeymoon you've been anticipating. With "Nearly Wed" packages she can make sure you're stunning for your big day. She can even work on your entire wedding party..including the Groom! If Angela can tame my curly & unruly brows, yours will be a snap!

My Dec. birthday roses.

DIY Flowers: If you're creating your wedding the old fashioned way (ie with your own two hands and a lot of blackmailing of friends for services) or just looking to shave off costs when working with a florist check out our Fair Trade Roses from South America. Freshly cut and sent via FedEx, they will last throughout your main event and, if properly cared for, greet you upon your return from your honeymoon. These beauties dry elegantly and will make any bouquet a stunning keepsake. We have access to over 50 varieties in a rainbow of assorted colors.

What would a wedding post be without mentioning our Soap Pastries? They make fabulous shower and favor gifts. But reach out asap if you're looking for cakes or cupcakes for your August wedding because demand has shortened our in-store supply and these beauties take 3-4 weeks to be ready. If you're heading towards a Fall wedding even better! The more curing time the better.

Cheers,
Logan
Soap Siren