Looking forward to Spring

As I look at my window at Mt. Hood almost hurting my eyes its so bright from the sun shining off of the new snow, I'm finally believing Spring is in the forecast. Seems like its been a long winter.

Work on the farm is progressing regardless. Pruning is nearly done, lots of lavender cuttings in the greenhouse, and today I will finish planting the rest of my new apple trees that I have grafted onto. Soon irrigation will be on, and even now I'm seeing some new green growth on the lavender. Can't help buy love this plant!

Next week we will start a new month of Specials on our website. Until then, if you are wanting our best prices on our organic lavender oil you better order some before March 31.

Any suggestions for items to have on April specials??? Comment to me from this post and I will do my best to get the item on the Monthly Special Page.

Here's to warmer Spring weather! ;)

The Benefits of Lavender

We are happy to inform you that we have been mentioned in an article called: The Benefits of Lavender-The Multiple Uses of the Lavender Plant Make it Indispensable
by Margret Avery.
It is a great article and very much worth the read. Thanks go to Margret for acknowledging the benefits and strength of our 100% Natural All Purpose Cleaner and our mission statement: "Be kind to your skin, the environment & our children"

Read the article here

Bulk Essential Oil of Lavender Special!

For the month of March we are offering our Organic Lavender essential oil (lavandin-Grosso variety) on HUGE SAVINGS!! These prices are below our wholesale pricing!!

Wonderfully alive, fresh & naturally fragrant, this pure steam distilled essential oil of Lavender is what has made us famous. Harvested in the early morning when the flowers are at their very peak. Every drop is distilled by Joe Orcutt (our Master Distiller). Joe has distilled numerous varieties of lavender, herbs, spices and holy herbs from India.

This Special is perfect for Soap Makers, Candle Makers and other small manufacturers to greatly improve the quality of their product by using this High-Grade Organic essential oil. Share some with your friends & family, or stock up for yourself.

This Bulk Lavender oil special will be available first to you, our BLOG readers. Next week if supplies last, we will offer these prices on our website.
Pricing is as follows:
2 oz. Bottle-Reg. $25.00 Special Price: $20.00

4 oz. Bottle-Reg. $40.00 Special Price: $30.00

8 oz. Bottle-Reg. $75.00 Special Price: $50.00

16 oz. Bottle-Reg. $135.00 Special Price: $80.00

32 oz. Bottle-Reg. $250.00 Special Price: $140.00

1 Gallon-Reg. $850.00 Special Price: $495.00

To Order our Organic Lavender Oil at this great price call us directly at: 541-354-9917

February 2009 Specials

Here is our newest specials for the month of February:

Lavender Dust Body Powder-You will love how silky and beautiful this all Natural powder feels on your skin! Hood River Lavender Body Dust is talc-free, created with Kaolin, Arrow Root and our own L. angustifolia lavender and oil. 2 oz. of lovely pampering Body Dust.

Lavender Palm Wax Candle Special-Sure to set a mood towards relaxation and romance. These all Natural Palm Wax Candles are made with a huge dose of our Organic Lavender Oil! Long-burning and over 90% less toxic and less soot as parafin candles, these candles bring a warm aromatic atmosphere in each 4 oz. travel tin.
With this Buy-1-get-1-FREE price you can't go wrong!

Old Fashion Handmade Lavender Soap- Buy 2 get 1 FREE!

Large Pyramid Palm Wax Candle-This All Natural Lavender Palm Wax candle is made to last and last! Huge amounts of our own organic Lavender essential oil go into this massive candle.
Average 1 lb. 8 oz.!

Plus Soy candle specials, Dried Lavender Specials and more!
Check them all out here: February 2009 Specials

What do Men Know about Women?

With Valentine's Day upon us, its not surprising that the most popular articles online are about Love, Men and Women. Seems the mystery to men of what is really important to women is still mysterious. Perhaps men are slow learners? Perhaps men just don't recognize, or pay attention close enough to learn? The fact is, we are all so busy with life, its responsibilities and time-required challenges, that we forget to notice and prioritise the things that are truly important. Valentine's Day can be the wake-up call for all of us. Possibly the most important thing to learn on Valentine's day is that Love is necessary, and should be acknowledged with the same emphasis everyday as it is on Feb. 14th.
Remember the heart candies and Valentine's cards we shared with classmates during elementary school? Our teaching, and foundation of how important our loved ones are in our life was present in most of us. How did we get so busy that those very principles escape us more days than not? I think that is what Valentine's Day is all about. Wake up to what is really important! Pay attention to what our Loved ones really need from us. An encouraging word wrapped in LOVE goes further to re-connecting our loved ones to us than most of us even know. And, after all, isn't that what is really important? The connection of our loved ones to us.

How much do you know about what your mate's heart needs from you? Not surprisingly, the most viewed article today is one on Yahoo titled: What-Men-Must-Know-About-Women.
How do you fair?

Lavender Truffles & Chocolates shipping NOW!!!

NOW SHIPPING!
Handmade decadent Lavender Truffles, Lavender Chocolates, Chocolate covered Lavender Divinity, Lavender mellows & Lavender Carmellows!

Just in time for VALENTINE'S DAY
These are to die for!!! Unbelievable YUMMY!
Orders are ready to ship today

St. Valentine's Day Specials

St. Valentine's Day Specials are now online.
If Chocolate Cherry, or Chocolate Raspberry, or our beautiful Lavender Rose Massage Oil doesn't give you some ideas for Romance, then you need professional help!

See these and "Love Kits" (gift packs) on our Valentine's Day Page

Lavender Soap Online Special!

Online Special
While supplies Last!

BIG Savings on our handmade Old Fashioned Lavender Soap

Buy 2 + 1 FREE!

or

Buy 4 + 3 FREE!

Available online only! Check it out on our Monthly Specials Page

Positive Approaches to 2009

Happy 2009! Amid all the New Year resolutions, may we suggest 3 that we strive to live by:
Learn Something New-
Put to purpose your "I've always wanted to ___" Be it golf, skiing, college class at night, painting, music, etc.

See Something Spectacular-
Our world is full of the sensational! From nature's Mountains, Oceans & Rivers, to breath-taking Parks & Gardens, bountiful Farms & Vineyards, all which are awaiting in Oregon's Playground!

Say "Adios" To Stress!-
We all need to learn how to de-stress more. Exercise, Day-Spas, Yoga, "Girls-day-outs", chocolate, whatever takes you to a place of calm, make time for it. Good-quality sleep is essential. Did you know that Lavender is a very potent, natural deep sleep inducer? There are literally hundreds of sleep tests that verify its effectiveness. We try to help you catch zzzz's with our relaxing items like our Lavender Pillow Insert and Organic Lavender Oil, just to name a few.

Please visit our Monthly Specials Page and save BIG on some of our most popular products. These are HUGE Savings!

Live Simply & Happy,

Diane Orcutt
Hood River Lavender Farms
888-528-3276

New Year means Big New Specials

Its a new year, and in our part of the world its a new round of winter weather. We have been hit, or blessed (depending on how you want to look at it) with a real winter so far this year. Lots of snow, cold, and brisk, clean days. This is the first winter here since I moved back from Alaska that reminds of the Great North. I kinda like it.

We have pulled out the stops on our "after the Holidays Specials". Deep discounts and savings. This is your chance to re-stock on your favorite Lavender goodies, or purchase that little something that Santa must of been too busy to realize that you wanted.

With winter, comes the increase of colds, congestions, and cabin-fever. Nothing clears the head like our Lavender lavandin essential oil. Our personal favorite for sinus congestion and also athlete's foot is Hidcote Giant Lavender oil. And when the frustration of being couped up inside too long, or the stress of confinement creeps in, or the tiring effects of insomnia take their toll, nothing works so natural and cleanly beautiful as our Lavender angustifolia essential oils.

Migraines...if you don't suffer from them, chances are you know someone who does. They can be devastating, and for sure change your life. Here is a great article I found that may be of some help: http://ezinearticles.com/?3-Natural-Cures-For-A-Migraine-Headache&id=21275 There ARE natural aides that can reduce the suffering.

Be sure to check out our New Year's Lavender Specials

and may 2009 hold wonderous opportunities and blessings for us all!

Lavender Lady BLOG

Ever wondered what it would be like living on a Lavender Farm? Follow the day-to-day life of Lavender Lady-Diane as she lives this unique and wonderful life!

Ordering in Time for Christmas!

Today, 12/18 is the last day we are told by USPS Priority that they can guarantee your package will arrive by Christmas!

However...for those of us that are waiting til the last minute, we can still ship USPS Express and get your package there in time, BUT you must call us to order!
Our contact phone number: 888-LAV-FARM

Thanks for your business, we deeply appreciate every customer!

Joe & Diane

Gifts For Men....Finally!!

We finally have added our "Gifts For Men" page! Highlighting the page is our "Old English Lavender Woods" After-Shave Tonic. This incredible tonic has been in our "line-up" for some time now...but just now added to our site.

Extremely effective as an antiseptic and moisturizer, this All Natural Vegan spray has a very attractive aroma of deeps woods, spice, and fresh herbs.

Created with a base of healing Hydrosols of Lavender, Helichrysum, Lemon Balm & Rose, and healing essential oils of Tulsi, Artemisia, Rosemary, Juniper Berry, Black Spruce & more. The result is a gentle, yet effective astringent that reduces redness and inflammation from shaving, fights blemishes, and leaves your face & shave areas smooth & hydrated.

Read More here

To see ALL our Men's Products go here

Last Chance Christmas Bazaar Dec 13-14

We will be at the Last Chance Christmas Bazaar located at the Hood River County Fairgrounds this next weekend. This is a great show for the "locals" and there is a wide array of vendors that make up this event.

We are very pleased to have the opportunity to honor our dear friend, and lavender grower, Treva Hoffman, at this event too. Treva was an Oregon Lavender Pioneer, a very talented, respected, and much loved Lady. Treva led the Treva Hoffman Foundation to support the fight against breast cancer up to her passing this last August 12th. The Treva Hoffman Foundation believes 'each step is a step' and each dollar gets us closer to understanding the causes, as well as working toward a cure. Funds raised stay in our local area to benefit cancer patients in our community.

We will have a table at this show where 100% of all the funds will go to this valuable Foundation. We even have a few soaps that Treva made, along with some sachets and other items that will be on the "Foundation Table". In addition, we are donating 15% of the sales on all of our other products from the other display tables. Please come down and help us honor and support the Treva Hoffman Foundation and our loved ones battling breast cancer, and take home some lovely aromatic gifts for your loved ones, or for just yourself.

Read more about The Treva Hoffman Foundation here

New Wreaths, Soy Candles and Great Deals!

Just in time for the Holidays we have gorgeous lavender Wreaths, New elegant Soy Candles, and awesome deals on our certified organic lavender oils, sachets, Helichrysum hydrosol and much much more.

Check it out here!strong>

Sniff Away what Ails You

Simple Solutions for vibrant health from Natural Solutions Magazine recognizes the calming benefits of Lavender.

Titled: "Sniff Away what Ails You" the article goes on to say:
If holiday stress has you OD'ing on sugary snacks or pouring yourself that 3rd glass of wine at night, a new study from the Warwick Olfaction Research Group in England offers a saner solution: Simply smelling certain fragrances has a stress-reducing effect on the brain that's similar to food and even some mood-altering drugs. "Some scents can trigger your pituitary gland to release hormones specific to easing many health-related ailments," says Michael Finkelstein, MD, a holistic physician in Westchester, New York.

"Lavender contains linalool, a substance that blocks the stress response in the body and relaxes the muscles," says Ruth Knill, PhD, an herbalist specializing in Oriental medicine in Boston. Perfect if you have neck and shoulder pains after marathon shopping trips.

Perhaps that's 1 of the reasons why our neckwraps, backwraps and Lavender Tummy warmers are so beneficial to use!

Hood River-National Geographic's Adventure Magazine Best Places to Live

Yep, We (Hood River) made #5 of the National Geographic Adventure Magazine's Top Places to Live!

Here is what the article says:
"5. Hood River, Oregon
A River Town’s Next Wave
The steady westerlies churning the mighty Columbia nearby have been drawing windsurfers and kiteboarders to Hood River for years. But lately an almost equal number of mountain bikers, powderhounds, and whitewater paddlers have started calling it home as well. Judging by the signs above all the new restaurants, the recent arrivals are partial to sushi joints, wine bars, and bistros with hard-to-pronounce European names. But this recreational boomtown hasn’t abandoned its roots—the focus here is still centered squarely on the action outside." Read More

No news for us, we absolutely LOVE it here! Our little town has become the hot spot for BIG Fun.

New Gift Packs!

Just in time for the Holiday Shopping, we have some brand new Luxurious & Pampering Gift Packs. Save money on all these items by buying them at a discount in the Gift Packs. There is even a new item added, "Lavender Dust Body Powder" that is only available in our Luxury Bath & Body Gift Pack. These won't last long, and some will not be available after they are gone. Get a jump on your Holiday Shopping and give the Organic Stress Relief: "Lavender"

View our Gift Packs here

New Pictures from our Lavender Farm!

We have added several new pictures to our website from this year's activities. You can view them here:
2008 Pictures

Enjoy!

Pure Unrefined Shea Butter

We are very excited to have formed a business relationship with Ah Shayh to aquire Pure unrefined Shea Butter directly from Ghana. This Shea Butter has greatly raised the nuturing quality of our healing balms, creams and butters. We are proud to support the vision that Ah Shayh displays and find intercontinental encouragement in their goals.

Ah Shayh mission statement is: "Ah Shayh is a collective owned and operated by women of color who are committed to maintaining a partnership with the Dagomba Women's Shea Nut Butter Collective in Tamale, Ghana (Africa).

The vision of the Ah Shayh team is to work with the Dagomba women and their families to provide necessary tools and resources for the production of shea butter. We are dedicated to bringing micro-credit, educational scholarships, and other resources to the women to aid the women and families of Ghana in becoming financially self-sufficient.

We will also work in collaboration with the chief of the village and local government towards the goal of eradicating poverty through access to education, economic opportunities, and support the women to become visible and vocal in their local governments."

We fell in love with the mission statement and purposeful intent of Ah Shayh and knew we had to try their Shea Butter. We are so very impressed! The Shea Butter sold by Ah Shayh is unrefined and has a very subtle pleasant aroma. Many companies use bleaches, deodorizers, or chemicals to alter the scent and appearance of Shea Butter. It is important to not purchase Shea Butter that has been altered in this way, as these processing methods deplete the product of its healing and medicinal properties, and also destroy the vitamins and minerals naturally present in Shea Butter. Shea Butter naturally has a cream color, and a distinctive scent, which dissapates once applied.

We have used, and continue to use, unrefined Shea Butter in all of our balms, creams and butters, but notice a major difference in Ah Shayh's. The Shea Butter comes in large "bricks", the same as when it left Ghana, and the structure of the finished product is immediately noticable in the finished product. Shea butter, even unrefined shea butter, loses a bit of its beneficial nutrients and properties each time it is melted and shaped, as in pouring into a jar. By the time most unrefined Shea Butters rich manufacturer's like us, it has been melted at least twice.

Shea Butter is naturally rich in Vitamins A, E, and F, as well as a number of other vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A and E help to soothe, hydrate, and balance the skin. They also provide skin collagen, which assists with wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Vitamin F contains essential fatty acids, and helps protect and revitalize damaged skin and hair. Shea Butter is an intense moisturizer for dry skin, and is a wonderful product for revitalizing dull or dry skin on the body or scalp. It promotes skin renewal, increases the circulation, and accelerates wound healing. It is also beneficial for the treatment of many different conditions, such as:
Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Eczema cream
Blemish cream
For Softer Smoother skin
For Burns
Wrinkle Reduction cream
Moisturizer for Dry Hair
Shaving cream
Anti-itch cream
Skin Abrasions

Ah Shayh continues projects such as The Bike Project which empowers students by purchasing bikes to help in their transportation to and from school. In rural Africa many students walk several miles to and from school. To read more about this project click here.

When you purchase our Lavender Shea Balm, Hempie Salve Balm, Foot Balm, X-TREME Body Butter, Mega Therapy Cream, and MSM Mega Therapy Cream, you are supporting the Mission of Ah Shayh and also treating yourself to the very best of therapuetic products for your skin and health.

To see the finished products we are cheerfully creating under the direction of our aesthetician, Diane Orcutt, follow the links attached to the names of the products above or by clicking here.