Lavender Lady

10/31/2026

May your Halloween be filled with a little magic, a sprinkle of mischief, plenty of treats, and absolutely NO tricks! 👻

Thank you for following along on my little lavender-loving adventure. 💜

Wishing you a spooktacular Halloween filled with lavender, laughter, and a touch of magic!

💜🦇🎃
The Lavender Lady

10/30/2026

My followers are often some of my best sources! Thanks to Michele Hill, we now have the recipe that corresponds to this article. She was able to find the ingredients with their amounts and I was able to use that come up with directions with the help of Chatbot. The following is the result:

Lavender Rosewater Night Cream

A Handmade Moisturizing Facial Cream

Made with aloe vera, rose hydrosol, shea butter, and lavender essential oil.

Yield: Approximately 100 g (3.5 oz)

Ingredients

Phase A — Water Phase

* 43.2 g distilled water
* 15 g cosmetic-grade aloe vera juice
* 15 g pure rose water (hydrosol)

Phase B — Oil Phase

* 6 g shea butter
* 6 g jojoba oil
* 6 g sweet almond oil
* 6 g emulsifying wax NF
* 1.5 g cetyl alcohol

Phase C — Cool-Down Phase

* 0.5 g vitamin E (tocopherol)
* 0.5 g Liquid Germall Plus
* 0.3 g lavender essential oil

Equipment Needed

* Digital scale accurate to at least 0.1 g
* Two heat-safe glass or stainless-steel containers
* Double boiler or water bath
* Thermometer
* Mini stick blender or cosmetic mixer
* Silicone spatula
* Clean, sanitized cosmetic jar or airless pump container
* Calibrated pH meter or suitable cosmetic pH-testing equipment

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

1. Wash your hands and clean your work surface.
2. Thoroughly clean your utensils, mixing containers, and packaging.
3. Sanitize suitable equipment and containers with 70% isopropyl alcohol, then allow them to dry completely.
4. Weigh each ingredient separately using your digital scale.

Clean equipment and careful handling help reduce contamination during production.

Step 2: Prepare the Water Phase

1. Place the distilled water, aloe vera juice, and rose hydrosol into a heat-safe container.
2. Set the container in a double boiler or water bath.
3. Heat the mixture to approximately 70–75°C (158–167°F).

Keep the container covered as much as practical to minimize evaporation.

Step 3: Prepare the Oil Phase

1. In a separate heat-safe container, combine the shea butter, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, emulsifying wax NF, and cetyl alcohol.
2. Place the container in a second water bath.
3. Heat to approximately 70–75°C (158–167°F), stirring occasionally until the shea butter, emulsifying wax, and cetyl alcohol have melted completely.

The mixture should be uniform, with no visible solid pieces remaining.

Step 4: Combine the Water and Oil Phases

1. Ensure both phases are at approximately the same temperature.
2. Slowly pour the water phase into the oil phase while mixing.
3. Blend with a mini stick blender in short bursts until the mixture becomes smooth, opaque, and creamy.
4. Continue stirring gently as the cream begins to cool.

Avoid excessive blending, which can introduce unnecessary air into the cream.

Step 5: Add the Cool-Down Ingredients

Allow the cream to cool below 40°C (104°F) before adding the cool-down ingredients.

1. Add the vitamin E and mix thoroughly.
2. Add the lavender essential oil and mix until evenly distributed.
3. Add the Liquid Germall Plus and blend thoroughly.

Preservative note: Liquid Germall Plus is generally used at 0.1–0.5% of the total formula and should be added below 50°C (122°F). Your specified amount of 0.5 g is approximately 0.5% of a 100 g batch. Follow the supplier’s current instructions for the exact product you have.

Step 6: Cool and Check the Cream

1. Continue stirring gently until the cream reaches room temperature.
2. Check the final weight. Your formula totals 100 g, so replace any evaporated water with distilled water if necessary.
3. Measure the finished cream’s pH with a calibrated pH meter. A pH around 5–6 is a reasonable initial target for this type of facial cream, subject to preservative compatibility and ingredient specifications.
4. If the cream separates, develops an unusual odor, or changes unexpectedly, do not use it.

Step 7: Package and Label

1. Transfer the finished cream into a clean, sanitized cosmetic container.
2. An airless pump container is preferable because it limits repeated exposure to fingers and the surrounding environment.
3. Label the container with the product name and date made.

How to Use

1. Cleanse your face and pat your skin dry.
2. Apply a small amount of cream to your face and neck.
3. Avoid the immediate eye area.
4. Perform a patch test before regular use, and discontinue if irritation develops.

Storage and Safety

* Store the cream in a clean, tightly closed container.
* Avoid introducing water or fingers into the product.
* Do not assume a particular shelf life without appropriate testing.
* Liquid Germall Plus helps protect against microbial growth, but its presence alone does not prove that the finished cream is adequately preserved.
* For a product intended for sale, arrange appropriate stability, packaging-compatibility, and microbial preservative-efficacy testing.

A Note About Your Formula

This formula contains approximately 27% oil-phase ingredients, including emulsifying wax NF and cetyl alcohol. These ingredients should produce a rich, creamy texture when properly emulsified.

Your lavender essential oil concentration is approximately 0.3%, which is a relatively low concentration for a facial product, although individual sensitivity and the essential oil’s safety documentation still matter.

Enjoy your handmade lavender night cream! 💜

10/29/2026

Babassu Oil: A Coconut Oil Substitute in DIY Skincare Recipes

You may have noticed that many DIY skincare recipes include coconut oil. While the moisturizing benefits of coconut oil are a great option for many, it is problematic for those who are allergic to coconut*. In addition to coconut allergies, some find coconut oil to exacerbate acne. In this case, a suitable substitute is necessary.

Because of its unique texture and structure, finding a substitute for coconut oil in skincare recipes is not always an easy task. When it comes to finding an oil that is solid at room temperature, moisturizing to the skin, and melts to liquid at approximately 76°F, our options are limited! Most butters are too firm or don’t have the right texture and action, while many carrier oils are way too thin and don’t function similarly enough to work in place of coconut oil.

Thankfully, there is an easy solution: Babassu Oil
Babassu oil is similar to coconut oil in that it is solid at room temperature. It also has a similar texture and appearance, which makes it an excellent substitute for coconut oil in most recipes. We will talk more about how to use it below, but first, let’s take a deeper look at this amazing oil.

WHAT IS BABASSU OIL?
Babassu oil (Orbignya oleifera) is extracted from the kernels of the Babassu palm which is native to Brazil and found throughout the Amazon region. Solid at room temperature, babassu oil is similar in appearance and application to coconut oil. It has a light consistency, absorbs readily into the skin, and is moisturizing and firming in nature. Babassu is related to coconut, so those who are allergic to coconut may still be allergic to this replacement.
This emollient oil can be used alone or included in a variety of cosmetic preparations such as balms, salves, lotions, creams, body butters, scrubs, and soaps.

WHY USE BABASSU AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR COCONUT OIL?
As mentioned above, Babassu oil is very similar to coconut oil in structure and function. Both are stable vegetable oils with a semi-solid consistency. They are high in Lauric acid and excellent for dry skin. Babassu and coconut oil absorb into the skin at about the same rate. These similarities make babassu oil an ideal ingredient for swapping coconut oil in most skin care recipes. It’s also a wonderful substitute for palm oil.

The fact that babassu oil is solid at room temperature, yet melts on contact with the skin, is one of its greatest selling points (since coconut oil does the same thing). That said, the melting point of babassu oil is slightly lower than that of coconut oil: approximately 22°C or 71°F, compared to coconut oil’s melting point of approximately 25°C or 78°F.

According to Modern Cosmetics*, the fatty acid compositions of coconut and babassu oils are as follows in the posted picture:

As you can see, they are moderately different, but have enough similarities to work well as substitutes for one another. The most notable difference is that babassu oil contains slightly less lauric acid and 10% more oleic acid.

Besides being similar in texture, composition, and function, the appearance of babassu oil is not unlike coconut oil, as it is light in color. Although it can be slightly more yellow than coconut oil, the light hue means it won’t greatly alter the appearance of skin care preparations.

Babassu oil has a slightly nutty, almost coconut-like, scent which means it won’t drastically change the fragrance of your homemade products. That said, its odor is mild compared to unrefined coconut oil, so it could make a difference if you desire a strong coconut aroma.

One last reason to use babassu oil is simply to mix things up! It is fun to incorporate a variety of ingredients into homemade skin care preparations. In fact, experimenting with new additions can be a great way to discover ingredients you love! Plus, substituting coconut oil for babassu oil is one of the simplest methods for giving a unique twist to your homemade products. Handing a friend, the gift of a “babassu lotion bar” sounds much more fancy than a “coconut oil lotion bar,” don’t you think?

HOW TO USE BABASSU AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR COCONUT OIL
In many cases a 1:1 substitute is effective. However, since the melting point of Babassu oil is slightly lower than coconut oil, it can be helpful to increase solidifying waxes when making products to be used in extreme heat. These may include items such as lip balms that will be carried in your pocket, or salves and lotion bars that may be stored in a backpack on a warm summer day. Adding a little more wax (such as beeswax or carnauba wax) prevents products from becoming too soft (or melting).

HOW TO SUBSTITUTE BABASSU OIL FOR COCONUT OIL IN DIFFERENT HOMEMADE SKINCARE PRODUCTS AND HERBAL PREPARATIONS�
Lip Balm
Much like coconut oil, babassu oil imparts emollient benefits to lip balm and provides a gloss and shine. In most cases a 1:1 substitution will work well, however, as mentioned above, if lip balm is stored or used in warmer temperatures, it may be prudent to increase the amount of beeswax (or other solidifying wax) slightly.
I tested babassu oil in place of coconut oil in this Lime Coconut lip balm recipe and found it worked beautifully.

You may find it helpful to make a small amount of lip balm and test the consistency to assess if it is to your liking before creating larger batches. This is always a good idea, even when not making substitutions. To test the consistency, pour a teaspoon of your melted ingredients onto a cold plate and allow to harden. Check consistency by rubbing a little of the cooled mixture onto your skin. This testing process is useful when making lotion bars and salves, too, as they can be remelted and more oil or wax can be added to achieve the desired outcome.

Lotion bars
Much like lip balm, lotion bars often include a solid oil, such as coconut oil. Babassu oil works well for lotion bars since it melts on contact with the skin and imparts many nourishing benefits (especially for dry skin). I substituted coconut oil for babassu oil in my favorite lotion bar recipe and noticed little to no difference in consistency or performance. My only concern was the possibility of the bar getting too soft in warm temperatures (I have this same concern with coconut oil, to be honest. But felt it could be more of an issue with babassu since the melting point is a few degrees lower). To combat this, use slightly less babassu oil or increase the beeswax a little.

Salve and Balm
Babassu oil is a great substitute for coconut oil in salves and balms, and its soothing qualities make it an excellent ingredient. Substitute in equal amounts.

Body Butter��Many people report that homemade body butter is less greasy when made with babassu oil in place of coconut oil. It can be substituted in equal amounts, but feel free to play with the measurements, adjusting a little at a time to achieve the desired consistency.

Lotion and Cream
Babassu oil can be used in place of coconut oil in homemade lotions. The results will be almost identical. It can be included in the oil phase of lotion and cream formulations and should be used as 3-5% of the overall formula. It is suitable for all skin types.

Hair Treatments
Many hair treatments use coconut oil as a base and are intended to condition and moisturize the hair and scalp. In this case it can be argued that babassu oil may actually be superior to coconut oil in hair treatments, as it is slightly less greasy and washes out easier than coconut oil does. Replace coconut oil with babassu in equal amounts.

Body Scrubs
Babassu oil adds bulk and richness to body scrubs just as coconut oil does. It can be used to replace coconut oil in any body scrub recipe.

Bath Bombs
Coconut oil is often used in bath bomb recipes to help ingredients stick together and add a moisturizing element. In general, you can substitute coconut oil for babassu in equal amounts.

Soap
Babassu works well as a substitute for coconut oil in cold process soap as it produces similar results in hardness and lather. Babassu helps produce large, fluffy, bubbles, much like coconut oil, and is an excellent option when making coconut-free soap. For cold process soapmaking, the recommended usage rate is between 2-33%. When substituting, start out by replacing coconut oil with the same amount of babassu. If the result is not to your liking, experiment by adding more or less, but keep the recommended ratios in mind and don’t go above 33% babassu oil in any cold process soap formulation.

The nourishing properties of babassu oil make it a superior skin care ingredient in its own right. However, its similarities to coconut oil elevates it to superstar status when it comes to replacing coconut oil.

*Since babassu is related to coconut, it is possible that those with coconut allergies may also be allergic to babassu.

from Mountain Rose Herbs’ blog

10/28/2026

Common Edible Flowers That Complement Lavender In The Kitchen

Lavender has a potent, camphor-like profile that easily overwhelms other ingredients. To balance this, pair it with flowers that offer distinct contrast. Roses provide a soft floral depth that softens the sharp notes of lavender. Violas and pansies contribute a mild wintergreen or grassy flavor. These combinations prevent a single flower from dominating the palate. Use fresh blooms to ensure the strongest flavor profiles in your dishes.
Citrus-scented blooms like marigolds and nasturtiums work well with lavender in savory applications. Nasturtiums provide a peppery kick that cuts through the floral perfume of English lavender. Calendula adds a saffron-like hue and subtle bitterness to the mix. Borage offers a cooling cucumber taste that balances the warmth of dried lavender buds. Always verify the plant species before consumption to ensure they are safe for culinary use.

How To Create A Simple Edible Flower Salad Featuring Garden Lavender

Construct a base of neutral greens like butter lettuce to support the intense floral notes. Scatter culinary lavender sparingly over the leaves. Add rose petals and nasturtiums for color and flavor variety. The lavender provides the primary aroma while other blooms add texture and visual appeal. Avoid using too much lavender as it can make the salad taste like soap. Keep the ratios balanced for the best results.

Dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette made of lemon juice and light oil. Acid helps break down the oils in the lavender and releases its flavor. Avoid heavy creamy dressings that coat the flowers and mask their delicate taste. Toss the salad gently just before serving to prevent the petals from wilting. This technique ensures the flowers remain crisp and vibrant on the plate. Use only organic flowers grown without chemical pesticides.

Lavender As A Savory Herb: Rubs, Marinades, And Compound Butters

Lavender belongs to the mint family. This makes it a natural partner for fatty meats like lamb and duck. You must use Lavandula angustifolia for the best results. It has less camphor than other varieties. Grind dried buds with black pepper, kosher salt, and thyme to create a powerful dry rub. This mixture breaks down tough proteins while adding a clean scent.

Compound butter offers a high return on effort. Fold minced fresh lavender and minced garlic into softened unsalted butter. Wrap the mixture in parchment paper and chill until firm. Add a slice to grilled steaks or roasted chicken immediately after cooking. The residual heat releases the oils. This technique mimics French culinary traditions where lavender often appears in Herbs de Provence blends for savory Balance.

Lavender Infused Olive Oil And Vinegar For Everyday Cooking

Infusing oils and vinegars extends the life of your harvest. Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil as your base. Warm the oil slightly to about one hundred degrees Fahrenheit before adding dried lavender. Do not boil the oil or you will ruin the flavor profile. This infusion works well for roasting root vegetables like carrots and potatoes. It adds a sophisticated edge to simple sheet pan dinners.

Vinegar infusions require a different approach. Use white w**e vinegar or apple c***r vinegar for the best chemical reaction. Place dried lavender buds in a glass jar and cover with room temperature vinegar. Let it sit in a dark place for two weeks then strain. This liquid serves as a sharp base for salad dressings. It cuts through heavy fats and cleanses the palate during multi-course meals.

From Cerus Bot-a flower and garden journal

10/27/2026

DIY Homemade Chamomile and Lavender Healing Night Cream:

Note from Lavender Lady: If you would like to mimic the recipe/not recipe in the previous post, you will want to substitute rose water for the distilled water. Use babassu oil in place of the coconut oil and DON’T FORGET to add a PRESERVATIVE. You will also want to add an emollient.

* 3 ounces of solid coconut oil: This serves as the primary emollient, providing deep hydration.
* 1 ½ ounces of grated beeswax: This acts as a thickening agent and helps to create a protective barrier.
* 6 ounces of liquid jojoba oil, infused with chamomile and lavender: Jojoba mimics skin sebum and hydrates without clogging pores.
* 8 ounces of distilled water: This is the base for the cream.
* 5 teaspoons of chamomile flowers: Known for their calming properties, these flowers help reduce redness and inflammation.
* 5 teaspoons of lavender buds: This ingredient adds fragrance and enhances the soothing effect.
* Lavender or chamomile essential oil (optional): A few drops can intensify the therapeutic benefits.
* a Broad-Spectrum Preservative such as Liquid Germall Plus or Optiphen Plus. Follow directions on the bottle. -LL

Step-by-Step Process
Creating the night cream involves several straightforward steps. First, I gently heat the coconut oil and beeswax together until the beeswax melts completely. I often use a double boiler method to prevent overheating.

Next, I remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool slightly. While it cools, I steep the chamomile and lavender in boiling distilled water for about 15-20 minutes. I strain this infusion into the oil mixture, ensuring no plant material remains.

Once combined, I whisk in the infused jojoba oil. If desired, I can add a few drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil for added fragrance and skin benefits. Note from Lavender Lady: this is where you will want to add a broad-spectrum preservative which is necessary to prevent bacterial growth. My preference is Liquid Germall Plus. Follow directions on the packaging for proper amounts. This mixture is then whipped until it reaches a creamy texture.

Storage and Preservation
For storage, I choose an airtight glass jar to keep the night cream fresh and effective. It’s vital to ensure the container is clean and dry before transferring the cream.

I avoid exposure to direct sunlight and store it in a cool, dry place. This cream typically lasts for several weeks, but I always check for any changes in color or scent before use. If stored properly, it can retain its soothing properties and provide skin relief over an extended period.

Note from Lavender Lady: I added a broad spectrum preservative to the original recipe. If you access the original recipe, please be aware that this is a necessary step.

10/27/2026

DIY Night Repair Lavender Cream Recipe for Glowing Skin Overnight
By
Miggo
July 14, 2026

Note from Lavender Lady: You would think an article with a title like this would include a recipe for a Night Repair Cream wouldn’t you? It doesn’t. However, it provides so much good information that I felt the need to share it. I now am in search of a good recipe for you. Stay tuned-but read the article.

Just a reminder that anything with water in the mix (aloe, rose water, etc.) MUST have a preservative.

Searching… 😊 LL

https://pin.it/2KwtWmmIp

10/26/2026

10/21/2026

Creamy Lemon Lavender Chicken

INGREDIENTS

* 6 Chicken breast
* 2 tbsp Olive oil
* 1 tbsp Garlic minced
* 1 tbsp Thyme fresh, chopped
* 1 tbsp Lemon zest
* 2 tbsp Lemon juice
* 1 tbsp Honey
* 3 tbsp Lavender syrup
* 2 cups White w**e
* 1 pint Heavy cream
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 tsp Lavender flowers

INSTRUCTIONS

* 1. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper.��2. Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.��3. Sear the chicken until golden on both sides and cooked through, then remove it from the pan and set aside.��4. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the diced onion, cooking until golden. Add minced garlic, chopped thyme, and cook for another 3 minutes.��5. Deglaze the pan with white w**e. Add honey, lavender syrup, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and zest, and reduce to half.��6. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve and stir in the heavy cream with a small pinch of crushed lavender. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly. If you need a thicker sauce, you can use a slurry of arrowroot and water.��7. Serve immediately while warm and silky.�
thetastesoflife.com