Episode 208- All About Lavender
Host J Schwanke explores all things lavender in this episode of Life in Bloom. We can relax and rejuvenate with Lavender plantings, or hand crafted soaps, you’ll learn to make a Vintage dried lavender bottle, and delight your taste buds with a honey lavender cheesecake— it’s time for us to get lost in Lavender!
This show is completely dedicated to one of Kelly and my Favorite Flowers- Lavender. We grow it in the yard, we love to enjoy in our cooking and cocktail making- and we love to include things in our lives that are lavender scented-created-or inspired.
Join me as I take a trip to a wonderful artisanal farm- in Hamilton Michigan- Leche & Lavender for a visit with my friend Katie Kuipers- and her Goats (Phyllis, Bar, Karen, Jim and Cathy)- to learn more about crafting Michigan Made goats milk soap. We get to learn how to Milk a Goat- learn about Hungry Little Baby Goats- and the method- and philosophy of creating Happy Soap that is good for you- and enhances your health and wellness.

Let’s take a look- Behind the Bloom- with Katie and her goats… Click on this Pic- to watch Behind the Bloom with Leché & Lavender!
Just Added- Behind the Bloom- with Katie and the Goats- with outtakes and more Soap Details – LINK HERE!

This Instant Cheesecake Recipe is easy- and adding a subtle Lavender flavor is not only delicious- it creates an eye-catching presentation.
Next I make a Lavender Honey Cheesecake recipe- that is Lavender in Color and Flavor. I use an instant cheesecake boxed recipe and dress it up with homemade toppings and fresh Lavender!
Lavender Cheesecake- Recipe in Bloom- Follow this Link for Recipe!

Lavender Collins- #Flower Cocktail Hour
Lavender and Lemon appear in this refreshing Lavender Collins Cocktail- that’s easy to make- and beautiful to serve!
Flower Cocktail Hour includes Lavender with this twist on the Tom Collins- only this Collins is created with Lavender Floral Elixir and a special Monkey Gin… check it out!
Lavender Collins- #Flower Cocktail Hour- Follow this Link for the Recipe!

J shares how to create this vintage French Flower Craft- learn to make a Lavender Bottle with Fresh Lavender!
I show you how to create this fun vintage craft that is still popular in France today. We’ll make a Lavender Bottle out of fresh Lavender that can be tucked into a draw or closet. It’s a fun project that can be done with kids- and it’s remarkably easy- yet stunningly beautiful!
Flower Craft- Making Vintage Lavender Bottles

I share interesting ways to use Lavender to advantage your health and wellness… it’s one of the amazing Benefits of Lavender!
Together we explore the health and wellness benefits of Lavender. I use a lavender sachet- to calm myself for meditating- as a car air freshener, a fragrance enhancer for laundry in the dryer and storage areas- and as a sleep aid… you’ll be amazed at the health and wellness benefits that Lavender has in store for us!
Health and Wellness Impacts that Lavender Provides
And of course- the Featured Flower this episode all about Lavender is … wait for it… LAVENDER!
Featured Flower: Lavender