COTE DE TEXAS: Provence in Texas: A Giveaway!!!

Provence in Texas: A Giveaway!!!

 

image

Lavender growing at Darlene Marwitz’s farm - Villa Texas Lavender Farm - on the banks of the legendary Texas river, the Pedernales.   Marwitz also owns the charming Fredericksburg shop - Lavender Market

 

It’s hard to believe but this picture was actually taken in the Texas Hill Country – outside of Fredericksburg off the banks of the Pedernales River.  Just saying those words – Fredericksburg, Pedernales, Hill Country – does something to Texans.   The words conjure up Willie Nelson and Longhorns and Shiner Bock beer and football in the fall  and mesquite trees and Highway 16 and tubing down the river all rolled into one.    Lately though, it includes visions of lavender too.  Blanco, a tiny town in the Hill Country, is considered the capitol of Texas Lavender.  Texas lavender?    The purple plant is relatively new to Texas – the first lavender farm, Blanco’s own Hill Country Lavender, was only recently founded in 1999 after a few Texans thought the terrain resembled Provence.   But the lavender farming idea took off and many small-to-large farms now dot the back roads with fields of beautiful purple plants blooming from May to July.    At the several different lavender festivals that go on during the season, including one that’s held in the fall, you can pick your own lavender, listen to lectures about the virtues of the plant, even eat meals cooked with lavender.   Taking its cue from the Texas Wine Trail there is also now a Texas Lavender Trail where you go from farm to farm to farm and just enjoy the visionary delights of the blooming purple fields. 

 

 

image

Cheese, bread and grapes in the lavender fields at Villa Texas Lavender Farm

 

Farming the beautiful fields is not an easy task and tales of droughts and floods that ruined this year’s or that year’s crops are legendary.  But, the lavender business is thriving in the Hill Country judging just by the number of new farms that keep cropping up here and there.  One farm owner,  Darlene Marwitz has a field of her own dreams, Villa Texas,  somewhere between Fredericksburg and Kerrville, on the banks of the Pedernales River.      Fredericksburg is a small town smack in the middle of the Hill Country (though it is weirdly flat in town) and is a quaint shopping destination popular with antique seekers.   Darlene and her husband David spend weekdays in Austin but weekends are spent at Villa Texas, and Darlene also owns a delightful little shop in Fredericksburg.         A lover of all things Italian and an expert on architecture, Darlene opened Lavender Market where she sells a variety of items besides the purple stuff, such as Dash and Albert Rugs and  the Baggallini line.  There is also an online web site to order product from.  The majority of the lavender products that Marwitz sells  is produced in the Texas Hill Country, of course, at the nearby Hummingbird Farms.

 

 

image

Villa Texas Lavender Farm

 

My love of the Hill Country is as deep and wide as Texas, so I was thrilled when the Lavender Market contacted me with an offer of a giveaway for my readers!    The giveaway products the Lavender Market chose are from Hummingbird Farms which grows and distills its own nine varieties of lavender on site – while the products are made in Dallas.    Debi and Jack Williams own Hummingbird Farms, located on Highway 290 between Johnson City and Fred.  Besides their five acres of lavender, they tend to longhorns, dogs, horses and other assorted farm animals.  Debi writes the delightful Lavender Chick, where she blogs about the trials and tribulations of being a lavender farmer’s wife.    Hummingbird Farms, though new to lavender, is an old famous Texas farm, where the pioneering Seguin family first tilled its land in 1897, followed by another legendary Texan family – the Schaefers.   Today the Williams carry on that tradition.  The Lavender Market proudly sells  Hummingbird Farms product because it is some of the finest in Texas and their lavender is distilled right on the property – a rarity for most Texas lavender farms.    In fact, it was easy for the Lavender Market to choose the  giveaway – Hummingbird Farms products are their favorite:

 

image The Giveaway

Hummingbird Farms:   Aromatherapy Body Wash in a 12 oz bottle.

Hummingbird Farms:  Aromatherapy Body Lotion in an 8oz bottle.

Hummingbird Farms:  Liquid Hand Soap – lavender essence, aloe and shea butter, 12 fl. oz.

And Lavender Market will include lavender Earl Gray tea packets, and lavender towelettes!

In addition, even if you don’t win the giveaway – during the month of August, all readers will receive 15% off all their purchases at the Lavender Market’s online shop HERE – plus any purchase over $24 gets free shipping!  Feel free to offer this discount to other family members and friends.      Just be sure you use the code:   cotetx7.     

TO ENTER THE GIVEWAY:    YOU MUST GO TO THE WEBSITE HERE AND CHOSE ONE PRODUCT THAT YOU WOULD GET IF YOU WERE GIVEN A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR ANY ITEM.  TELL ME THE ITEM YOU CHOSE IN A COMMENT.  THAT’S ALL!!!!

 

image

Hanna, The Marwitz’s Dog and Lavender Market’s Weekend Shop Dog.  What a sweet, sweet face!

.

image Hummingbird Farms’ main house on the road between Johnson City and Fredericksburg.  The Lavender Chick has written many times on her blog about her house that was inspired by A. Hays Town, Louisiana’s favorite architect.  Hummingbird Farms grows and distills the lavender for the aromatherapy products they sell at  Lavender Market.

 

imageRecently,  Hummingbird Farm’s Lavender Chick proudly showed off her new lantern hanging over her famous bathtub.  Love this!!!!

 

 

image

The lavender fields at Darlene Marwitz’s Villa Texas Lavender Farm on the Pedernales.  Isn’t this just too gorgeous??!!!

 

 

image 

Harvest time at Villa Texas Lavender Farm on the Pedernales  River.

 

  image  Butterflies are strongly attracted to the lavender’s oils.  Photo taken at Villa Texas Lavender Farm.

 

 

image

One of the original lavender farmers in Texas recently published her memoir. The plot:  author Jeannie Ralston, a NY magazine editor meets Texan Robb Kendrick, a National Geographic photographer, gives up big city life and becomes a lavender farmer.  After many years toiling in Texas – the Kendricks move to Mexico. 

Read the first chapter on Amazon here and I defy you not to buy it!

 

 image

If you are planning a trip to Fredericksburg,  please visit Ann, who writes Hill Country House from Fredericksburg.   Ann is the blogosphere’s resident spokesperson on all things FRED (and my ex sister-in-law!) – so be sure to email her with any questions you might have about a trip to that area or just visit her blog to read all about decor and architecture in FRED.  

 

 

image And My Notting Hill just visited Fredericksburg and stayed at this charming cottage, The White House.  Go here to read all about it.  It has to be the cutest place in FRED!   Maybe not, though – FRED is filled with darling B&B cottages to rent.  

 

image To read all about the history behind Darlene Marwitz’s Villa Texas and Lavender Market visit the main web site here.   There are lots of additional pictures of Villa Texas and a history of the inspiration behind the lavender farm and market.  Darlene’s interests are varied, a true Renaissance woman, who writes her own blog on her many travels to Italy.

 

In Fredericksburg, Lavender Market is located at:  

339 East Main (across from the Nimitz Museum) in Fredericksburg, TX.   The phone number is 830.997.1068.

To visit during peak growing times, the two main festivals are the way to go:

FREDERICKSBURG LAVENDER TRAIL:    www.beckervineyards.com, www.fredtexflavors.com and www.fredericksburg-texas.com

and

BLANCO LAVENDER FESTIVAL:   www.blancolavenderfest.com.

 

image

Be sure to sign up for the giveaway.  Just leave me a comment telling me what one product you would get if given a gift certificate and I will pick a winner on Wednesday!   Good luck!   The giveaway offer is open only to readers from the United States and Canada.   And remember that during August all Cote de Texas readers get 15% off all products found on the Lavender Market’s online shop here.  Free shipping for orders over $24.     Use the code Cotetx7. 

Thank you so much to Lavender Market for this giveaway, it is much appreciated!   And be sure to leave a comment – you have until Wednesday!   Good luck!!!!

 

 

image

Just a reminder –  This week, The Skirted Roundtable welcomes Anna Spiro from Absolutely Beautiful Things.  To listen to the adorable Anna, go here.   You will enjoy every moment of it, I promise you!  She is even cuter than her pink and white interiors!!

134 comments :

  1. What a beautiful farm! Living in the northeast, our winters are so harsh, I would definitely choose the Texas Hills Lavender Salve.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is so funny!! I just went to the farmer's market at the beach this week and there was a lavender stand.

    I asked where the lavender comes from and she grows it right here at the beach!! She said the climate is like Provence: perfect for lavender.

    I intend to visit and take photos and do a post as well.

    I never thought that was a possibility here. And they just bought it in 2002 which means I missed my chance!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Joni, what a wonderful post. I didn't know about this. How cool! Beautiful pictures!

    I think I would have to choose the lavender body lotion. Mmmmmmmm

    ReplyDelete
  4. How beautiful this is! I love your photos of the lavender. This post and what you've written about South Padre Island make me want visit Texas again.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is so easy! I've been up since 4:00 a.m. (spending yet another sleepless night online), so I'd choose the Sonoma Lavender Pillowcase to see if lavender's legendary properties could soothe me to sleep.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I think I would choose the Hummingbird Farms Lavender Hand Soap, but the travel size lotion from Hummingbird Farms and the book about the Texas Hill Country would be wonderful as well. Thanks for sharing this site with your readers.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That place is magnificent. While I worked in Italy I was constantly stopping to sniff lavendar patches, it is a lovely time to have revisitied with you just now.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have a couple of Lavender plants and they are doing great now. I would definitely choose the Lavender salve.

    Thanks..
    Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  9. Gorgeous! Sometimes I look at your blog and think, "People really live here!" I love to come by your blog and daydream a bit.

    I'd choose the body wash and I wouldn't share it with my husband or my kids!

    ReplyDelete
  10. The body lotion sounds wonderful!

    What incredible pictures! My grandpa and I used to visit Fredericksburg every Saturday morning for the German bakery...we would stock up on breads and sweets for the week.... It looks and sounds like it has really changed!

    Thank you for the wonderful posting...even though I do feel a bit homesick!

    ReplyDelete
  11. my favorite:

    Hummingbird Farms Body Lotion - 3oz. Tube

    thanks Joni!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. This is such ironic timing.....I'm so excited, I just put in ten lavender plants this past week. They are tiny, but thriving. I'd choose the hand soap with the shea - it just doesn't get better or kinder for your hands.

    ReplyDelete
  13. There is nothing that I enjoy more than the smell of lavender! I went to the website and decided that if I were given a gift certificate I would get either the Sonoma Lavender neck pillow-"relax your neck and shoulders with lavender infused moist heat" or the Sonoma Lavender Spa Blanket-Heated moist therapy from a lavender and flaxseed filled shall-style plush blanket." Either one would work wonders!!

    Thank you so much for the great giveaway!

    Melissa

    ReplyDelete
  14. Those lavender fields are beautiful...I think the Polish and exfoliate, dry skin stress-relieving lavender and Dead Sea salts scrub.

    ReplyDelete
  15. What a beautiful post! I'm ready to plan a trip to the Hill Country and Italy! If I made a purchase, it would be the Hummingbird Farms Aromatherapy Body Lotion.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Joni - What an absolutely wonderful post!! I am so happy that you wrote about Darlene and Debi and all the amazing things they do and sell! Thanks so much for the link to me - I am always so glad to make recommendations to people and then love hearing back from them about their visit. Maybe I should become a travel consultant? Not really - it is just so much fun, though, to share about the hill country! You have done a beautiful job, as always, of sharing great photos and interesting text - loved reading it and of course, plan to mention this post and link back to it on Hill Country House - how can I not?!! Oh, and I would buy the heavenly body wash and lotion!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I am completely blown away by the photos -absolutely stunning! I'm also stunned by the fact that lavender thrives in Texas - shows how much I know - I thought it would be too hot!
    I'd love to be sitting at that little table having wine and cheese in the middle of all that loveliness... I'd like to live on that farm!
    I'd pick the book about the Hill Country in Texas, because I am seriously intrigued now and want to see and learn more.
    xo Isa

    ReplyDelete
  18. The images are breathtaking.

    I'd love to try the room spray.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Are you kidding me? Germ-killing lavender towelettes!!! :) I have four little children, Joni. You can just imagine ice cream around here - I need those wipes :)

    Speaking of ice cream, there's a great little ice cream place in Columbus, OH that makes interesting flavor combinations. A couple of years ago I had a scoop of "Blueberry Lavender". It was sooooo good. Y'all Google "Jeni's Ice Cream" if your in central Ohio!

    XO,
    Jacci

    ReplyDelete
  20. The photos are breathtaking! Gorgeous!

    So many great options to choose from, but I'd go for the lavender neck pillow... a great relaxer.

    ReplyDelete
  21. What a beautiful post! The photos are breathtaking! I love everything lavender, so it is hard to decide! The Lavender Salve and the Aromatherapy Body Lotion! I can imagine the scent! Ahhh!
    ~Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  22. I would love to try the Hummingbird Farm's Body Lotion.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Always makes me homesick! I would like the Sonoma Lavender Foot balm!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Joni, Love this post. Gorgeous pics too! I would love the Hummingbird Farms Lavender Hand Lotion Travel Size. Actually any one of the products would be awesome to own. Thanks for sharing about the beautiful lavender in Hill Country.
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  25. As the granddaughter of lavender farmers in Provence (Banon, specifically), you've gotten my attention!

    I have to say that I like simplicity...the soaps with the lavender bits from Round Top Fields are my favorites.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I used to live near a lavender farm in California, and it was so magical. I would choose the Hummingbird Farms Body Wash and the Essential Oil - can't narrow it down!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love lavender fields! I almost thought it was Provence and not Texas when I saw those picture. The place is so beautiful and so are you Joni. Thanks for hosting this great giveaway. I would love to have the Hummingbird Farms Aromatherapy Body Lotion. Also, don't forget to enter my giveaway. It started yesterday and it will go on until Monday. Have a wonderful weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I would choose the Lavendar body lotion.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Oh Joni.....your inbox is going to explode with this post! What sublime photographs. Texas? Really? More like paradise. I cannot imagine anything more intoxicating that standing in the middle of that field! Gorgeous. And I am off to check out that book. Adore the house as well!! Lovely, lovely.

    Oh, I would choose the hand soap!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I think this has to be my all time favorite of all your posts. So gorgeous!
    I'd have to choose the Hummingbird Farms Spa Treatment. Nothing like beautiful polished summer skin in Texas!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Such a great giveaway, and what a beautiful post. Lavender is my favorite, and if God made me choose one blooming plant, lavender would win hands down. It's beautiful, useful, fragrant, timeless. As for the Hummingbird Farms products, I would choose the bottle of essential oil because I would want something from their Texas plants specifically. Also, each night before climbing into bed I squeeze a dollop of heavy duty unscented hand cream into my palm, then top if off with a drop of lavender oil. It's the best lullaby ever. Would love to try it with Texas oil!

    That house with the huge wraparound porch: is that Hill Country Girl's house? I'm WILD about that house!

    (I purchased and read Ralston's book, which is written with utmost excellence and is very interesting. Do be prepared for the story to encompass much more than lavender farming though. Ralston is a REAL writer who tells a complete story. It's not all sweetness and light.)

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hello, Joni,
    I would select this from Hummingbird Farm: Essential Oil of Lavender 10ml so that when I'm sitting at my computer salivating over your wonderful blog and viewing online editions of interior magazines, sourcing, etc. in the dead of a cold winter. I will open the bottle and smell the lovely clean scent of summer and remember the stunning photos of the Villa Texas Lavender Farm.
    I've always read about the Texas
    Hill Country, fondly, and now I will add one more reason to visit the area.
    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I love everything lavender and I loved this post!! I have got to get that book! I would choose the Texas Lavender Salve (for my scary dry feet). It also helps me sleep!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. OMG! I love, love, love lavender! And she has such a lovely online store! I would immediately choose the body lotion!
    Very nice giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Carey= YES - that is Ann's house. I love that picture of it too!!! such a gorgeous house.

    ReplyDelete
  36. As I am turning 29 in a few days, my choice would be the lavender scrub......to scrub-a-dub away those scary, biker-woman-like lines that are appearing on my decloté. Uggh! I guess I should stop sleeping on my side, eh?

    xoxo,

    Andrea

    ReplyDelete
  37. I would LOVE the Lavender Salve. My poor feet take a beating and I would enjoy lavender goodness to soothe them. Thanks for finding another great place. Been wanting a trip to FRED and will add this to my list of places to visit.

    ReplyDelete
  38. FRED is , indeed, a most special corner of Texas. The year I lived there was like being transported back in time to a truly kinder/gentler world. Your beautiful post kindled
    lots of good memories ... .
    Merci Madame Joni!

    Judith

    ReplyDelete
  39. Lavender fields forever!!!
    I love the smell of lavendar, so the room spray would be a must!
    Leslie

    ReplyDelete
  40. Lavender is one of my absolute favorite things in the world. The color, the smell, the beautiful plant, I love it all. However, I would like to explore the taste so I think my pick would be the Earl Grey with lavender and the cookbook. Of course the salve looks wonderful too. I know it's three but I couldn't narrow it down!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Having a two-year old around means LOTS of handwashing - the lavender (my favorite scent EVER) hand soap would be an everyday treat!

    Go Texas Lavender farmers!!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Fred here I come! It's so hard to choose but I'd love the aromatherapy body lotion. Yum.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Wow Joni! Thanks so much for your beautiful write up. I appreciate you introducing the Texas lavender industry to your readers and for mentioning Fredericksburg's gems like Hill Country House Girl.

    The lavender farmers in Texas are still learning about this miraculous herb as we pioneer our way into this new field crop for Texas. I was thrilled to learn that you would be hosting a giveaway for the Lavender Market and that Hummingbird Farms' aromatherapy body care had been chosen for the giveaway. I have worked tirelessly on each ingredient that goes into our body care products in order to develop what I call "glamour green." I hope that we appeal to those that want natural, those that want quality, and those that want elegance.

    I thoroughly enjoy your blog and feel honored to be mentioned by you. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  44. What a great giveaway. Their Sonoma heat wrap looks great. I didn't realize Ann was your ex sister-in-law. I did contact her before I went and she was great. Also - Thanks for mentioning my post on The White House! Michele

    ReplyDelete
  45. Lavender is proof of heaven on earth.

    I would have to get the Hummingbird Farms body lotion and carry it with me every where I go. Or I'd get just as much as I can of the sachets as I can and put them in my closet drawers and in little crevices to keep the scorpions away!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Oh this post excited me! I'm a Texan too - and live way across state from ya'll but I love FRED. The German baked goods there are to die for.

    Given a choice, I'd love to read Darlene's Italy Fever book. That's what I would want if I won!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Oh, if I win I would totally get that bodywash. Nice! Thanks for changing out to my new link. :) xo

    ReplyDelete
  48. I have been to Fredericksburg several times when I lived in Texas but I never think of Lavender! These photos are amazing! I would love the body wash or the lavender scented soap. I love everything lavender! The book looks wonderful, too! Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Joni, my goodie of choice would be Lovey the Lavender Lamb. I have a wonderful senior Rottweiler who now has some difficulty sleeping. Along with his meds, I dab various essential oils (lavender, peppermint, Rescue Remedy) behind his ears or on his nose to soothe him. My sweet boy would enjoy his own Lavender Lovey.
    Above all, Joni, thank you for the gift of your blog. I open each posting as a present....with much anticipation. I am never disappointed.

    ReplyDelete
  50. those pictures are amazing! i just want to run through that lavendar and have a picnic now!!! how beautiful!!! xo.

    ReplyDelete
  51. pretty! i've always wanted to visit a lavendar farm. i've seen signs on the hwy for them... maybe i'll take a detour there next time i see one.

    ReplyDelete
  52. How pretty! and an interesting article too. I'd love to have the Hummingbird Farms Liquid Hand Soap.

    ReplyDelete
  53. What a great giveaway Joni- I would most definitely go with the lotion. I've lived in Houston for 6 years now and still haven't made it to Fredericksburg, I have to go!

    ReplyDelete
  54. I couldn't help myself! I went to the website and everything looked so wonderful that I bought the lavender soap and some sachets. I just love the smell of lavender.
    Can I still be entered into the give away?

    These images of the lavender fields are just gorgeous.
    You made my weekend, Joni.

    xo
    Brooke

    ReplyDelete
  55. I love lavender! I planted 3 plants last year and they are huge now! I would love to have the Hummingbird Farms Spa Treatment.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Beautiful pictures. I would love to have to lavender bath gel.

    ReplyDelete
  57. I meant to say I would love to have the lavender bath gel!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Joni,

    This is the absolute best give away! I would love the Lavender Salve if I were to win! Thank you and Texas Lavender Hills for the wonderful giveaway and discount.

    Samantha

    ReplyDelete
  59. I'd love the Caldrea Lavender Pine room spray. A clean scent that brings a bit of Provence (or hill country!) to my Southern California home!

    ReplyDelete
  60. The Sonoma Lavender Spa Blanket, imagine soothing the aches of a day in that glorious sent! Or, just lounging on a rainy day, curled in the blanket, sipping lavender tea, and reading a good book!

    We have lived in TX (San Antonio) for 4 years now and have yet to make it to Fred! How horrible is that? This fall it will have to be our first weekend stop.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Texas Lavender Hills Lavender Salve would be my choice. I think it would be great for all the "flip flop" months we have here in Texas.

    There is also a great Lavender Farm near Gainesville that we frequent.

    Thank you for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  62. I would LOVE the Hummingbird Farms spa treatment.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Hey there! I just popped over from Deb's and so glad I did! What a wonderful post with so much information on lavender farming and the Texas Hill Country!

    If I had a gift certificate, I would definitely get Deb's lavender salve for my nasty "bloggers elbow".

    Thank you!

    Justine :o )

    ReplyDelete
  64. This post made me want to head straight to the Hill Country...when it cools off a bit! Still amazes me that these farms are in Texas. My choice...lavender lotion.

    ReplyDelete
  65. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Very fun posting. I would buy the Lavender Sachets By the Yard--perfect for stashing throughout my lingerie and linen drawers and a couple in my suitcase.

    Also, there is a book out called The Wildwater Walking Club that includes a visit to a lavender festival in the state of Washington. Lavender must be the new hip herb!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Thanks so much for this post and putting me on to Darlene's blog! What a renaissance woman! My choice would be the liquid hand soap with lavender essence! Just love that expression 'essence'- what a cool word!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Great website, thanks for the slink. I would love to own the book The Texas Hill Country: A Food & Wine Lover's Paradise.

    I am starting to be obsessed with Houston design, thanks to your website! I'm anxiously awaiting more of your Top Design Elements.

    ReplyDelete
  69. I would have to get the Lavender buds so I could try a new recipe and I would love to have that Spa Mask to fight off the headache I had today! Sorry that's two!
    I would also love the house! What a great place.
    Thanks Joni for your awesome blog! You put so much time and effort into it I just love to read your posts.

    ReplyDelete
  70. I think any of the lavender sachets...I'm redoing my drawers & closets.:-) Love your blog.

    Angela

    ReplyDelete
  71. Beautiful post, Joni; and thanks for the great giveaway. I especially like the Hummingbird Farms Aromatherapy Body Lotion.

    ReplyDelete
  72. I just want to jump in the car & head over to those gorgeous fields. Imagine just relaxing between the rows for a picnic naturally with lavender honey ice cream...its mighty now!!!
    I'd actually choose the lavender filled puppy for my good friends little baby boy Brandon. He's been in NICU since his birth on April 19 & will still be there for quite some time as his lung function just isnt there yet. Soft cuddly & smells good.

    ReplyDelete
  73. I love all the products, however, I would love to try the lavender soap.

    ReplyDelete
  74. The lavendar scrub for sure! :)

    ReplyDelete
  75. Love the lavender farms of Blanco -- an aunt lived there and it was such fun to visit the lavender farms. It certainly has transformed the Blanco area. And who could not visit the Hill Country without Fred -- a darling town. Our favorite stop was The Rather Sweet Bakery -- wonderful pastries!

    ReplyDelete
  76. The pictures are stunning.

    I would chose the 12oz. Hummingbird Farm body wash. My wife has the body lotion is is in love with all things Hummingbird Farms. She has the hardest time finding a "lavender" body wash that actually smells like lavender.

    I found you from reading Lavender Chick's blog.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Hi Joni,

    Great find! Definately the Texas Lavender Hills Lavender Salve.

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  78. Karen Junking in GAAugust 2, 2009 at 7:47 AM

    I am not from Texas, but I have spent some time in the Hill Country. I love it. Your post makes me want to return there for a visit. I know it is very dry in the area this year. I hope the drought will end soon.

    ReplyDelete
  79. What a fun giveaway! I think my feet really long for the spa booties, although the salve looks nice, too! I think I'd have to go with the booties - heated AND scented? Heaven!

    ReplyDelete
  80. Thank you for this treat!

    Monday I will begin my 31st year of teaching. I'd love to come home and soak in a bath with Lavender Body Wash! Stress! Be thee gone!

    ReplyDelete
  81. Beautiful Post! I sure love your blog and I appreciate your sence of style! I looked over the website and I think it would be charming to have some lavender bars of soap to put in a charming glass something or other in my bathroom. What a fabulous farm and thank you for introducing us all to Fredricksburg - I'm in Idaho and haven't ever seen fields full of lavendar :) Thanks again, The Lady

    ReplyDelete
  82. Another beautiful post! And I love lavender. I think a lavender pillowcase is just what I need!
    Rhonda

    ReplyDelete
  83. Okay, I am sitting in Jo'Burg, SAfrica reading your blog re Lavender after touring the winery/lavender farms outside Cape Town,CA, and just had to get to my Joni! Actually, I raced down to the Business Centre at the International Hotel across from the airport to see if the Queen had any new posts,I would love some Texas Lavender Salve! Barbara ( from Dallas ),president of your fam club,self-appointed,of course!

    ReplyDelete
  84. The photos are just stunning! I've looked at the website and its so hard to narrow it down to one thing, but I would LOVE the neck pillow. I've had a long few weeks, and I think the scent of lavender and the warmth would really relax my neck and shoulders. I'm relaxing just thinking about it now! Great giveaway!!

    ReplyDelete
  85. Difficult choice but the Baggalini Day Tripper and then plan a trip to TX lavender fields!
    Read the book and it was a great read.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Oh how Delish! I'd pick up some of the Sonoma Foot Balm and the Texas Lavender salve....ahhhhh....to sooth my ever so dry tootsies.

    Blessings,
    Spencer

    ReplyDelete
  87. I LOVE all things lavender. I grow as much as I can in my garden. But, wouldn't it be loverly to have a lavender farm! My favorite is the Sonoma Lavender Booties since I suffer from feet cramps. Thanks for a beautiful post! All the best, Maureen

    ReplyDelete
  88. Oh...I cannot even imagine living surrounded by that most heady scent! Beautiful Pics Joni...Lovely post!

    I have used those towlettes...they are insanely great...the company is great too!

    But...I would go for the essential oil. The real deal!

    Off to listen to the skirted round table...

    ReplyDelete
  89. Simply gorgeous! The lavender soaps would be heavenly...but my heart goes out to the irresistible pooch Hanna, and her Notecards. What a face! We lost our beloved "Sunny" 5 months ago, and I need another to shower with kisses!

    ReplyDelete
  90. I love, love, love lavender scented products. And, as I have been wrestling, I mean reupholstering, two louis xv armchairs for the last week, I would have to choose the Sonoma Lavender Neck Pillow to relax my oh-so aching neck and shoulders.

    ReplyDelete
  91. I would definitely opt for the lavender buds...what a unique idea! I have never used lavender in the kitchen, but now that it's mentioned, I think I should try it!

    Thanks!

    Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  92. The Round Top Fields of Lavender Soap sounds wonderful. Thank you Joni for a great giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  93. Joni,
    Texas just keeps getting better & better, especially the Hill Country. Love the Perdenales & those big old pecan trees. I love Lavender & the essential oils would be my pick. What a lovely post & a very kind give-away indeed. Thanks for telling us about the book also. I am looking for something new & will be sure to pick it up. Stop by because I am posting about a local author & a book that you would just love!
    xo Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  94. I've always loved that revolution earl grey w/ lavendar tea -so I'd have to choose that! i have it everyday for my 'tea break' at work! so much better than plain earl gray.

    ReplyDelete
  95. I moved to Texas three years ago, and I live just outside of Austin...I love the Hill Country, and the lavender farms.
    I am an Interior Designer (I can finally say that again!), who is starting over...very daunting.
    I discovered your blog, and find it charming, informative.
    I began blogging about a month ago, and am getting discouraged, but I forge onward and upward!

    Thanks for all the inspiration.
    I love the Tuscan Lavender Soap...I have a thing about soaps, from the packaging to the shape, scent, and I end up not using it as a soap (I use liquid soaps) with which to watch, but love to have it in it's pretty dish on my vanity...the scent infusing the room...I also love to put them in my dresser drawers..especially, the lavender.

    ReplyDelete
  96. Okay, you are going to think I've been in a coma for the last several years, but I am new to blogging...even though Ihave a blog of own...working on learning all the things I need to know...
    I left the "Anonymous" post above,asking for the Tuscan Lavender Soap...
    Then, I thought, if I am "Anonymous", will you be able to reach me, should I be fortunate enough to be chosen....

    Sheesh, just shoot me now...!!!

    ReplyDelete
  97. Can you even imagine how heavenly it would be to live on and breathe a lavendar farm every day? Ahhhh, i'd opt for the lavendar soaps to fulfill my princess-y dreams!

    ReplyDelete
  98. What beautiful pictures! I love lavender and I'd pick the Aromatherapy Body Wash - sounds yummy!

    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  99. Wonderful post, not only do we learn Interior Design from you, we are now informed of the Hill Country! Fantastic!Lavender is the most wonderful fragrance and so versatile. I would like the spa mittens and some tea, that would be heavenly. Thanks Joni for being here, it' so great to have your blog to look forward to. Karen

    ReplyDelete
  100. I swear I smelled that lavender as I read this post!! It's one of my favs...and jasmine.

    That is one lucky dog!!

    Best,
    Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  101. I have lived in Texas for five years and every year I have planned on visiting the Hill Country. This is the YEAR!

    I love lavender and would choose the Aromatherapy Body Wash. If I don't win I will just pick it up when I visit.

    ReplyDelete
  102. The Baggallini A La Carte Bag captured my attention and all thoughts of Lavender evaporated.

    ReplyDelete
  103. What a refreshing blog entry, especially on a hot humid day such as this ! I love the scent of lavender and pine mixed together too. I think I would have to go with the lavender foot creme, seems to be the closest I could get to walking in a lavender field barefoot...ahhh. Thank you for this.

    ReplyDelete
  104. I love this post and the photos are beautiful! I would choose the Sonoma lavender heat up. I will be adding the Hill Country to my vacation list!
    I enjoy your blog daily. :)

    ReplyDelete
  105. I would love the body lotion.

    ReplyDelete
  106. joni-thanks for the great destination...your blog!! i would choose the aromatherapy body lotion.

    ReplyDelete
  107. Thank you, Joni, for this wonderful, beautiful story about the Texas Hill Country.

    Living here at the edge (outside Austin) of the Hill Country, I've followed Debi and Ann's blog for awhile now and visited Lavender Market. Seeing as how we're "neighbors" and all.

    Of course I'd pick the book "The Texas Hill Country" for my coffee table in front of my white slipcover sofa!

    Thanks again for another beautiful story.

    ReplyDelete
  108. Wow, If I had to choose just one it would be the book Texas Hill Country. What a beautiful post! Hugs, Paticia

    ReplyDelete
  109. Oh, what fun! I love Villa Texas and have many things from them. I would love to get the Lavender Salve. It would be great for the tired ol' feet after walking the streets of Fred. I am lucky because my mom lives there and I get to Fred frequently.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  110. How lovely! I would choose the aromatherapy body wash.

    ReplyDelete
  111. oh how i long to have the Herban Essentials Lavender Towelettes in my baby bag! those moments of brief panic when baby W is screaming in the market I could pull out a towelette and calm us both down!

    ReplyDelete
  112. I've been a customer of Hummingbird Farms for several years now, having discovered Debbie's blog through her post on the passing of Lady Bird Johnson. I would love to be considered for your giveaway (and I've bookmarked your incredible blog so that I can visit again and again).

    The product I'd choose is the Sonoma Lavender Spa Mask - I work as a legal assistant and I go home almost every night with an eyestrain headache. I cannot imagine how soothing that mask would feel!

    Thanks for sharing your giveway ~ I'm off to continue exploring your blog and website!

    ReplyDelete
  113. I would get the lavender spa mask in a heart beat! talk about relaxing!

    ReplyDelete
  114. I would get the Lavender Salve. Lavender has many healing properties, as you know, and it smells GOOD!

    btw - that has got to be the best-smelling dog in Texas!

    ReplyDelete
  115. Joni- THANK YOU so much for such a wonderful post! You did an amazing job of researching & putting it all together.

    Darlene and I worked together to style all of the lavender field photos a few years ago and I had almost forgotten how beautiful it is! The first time I saw the field in bloom -- my breath was taken away and I stood in stupefied awe. Someday I hope to see the fields in Provence, but for now, I'm pretty happy to be here in Fredericksburg, enjoying our local fields.

    And of course, a big shout out to Debi and Ann - oh, both have beautiful homes full of fantastic ideas!

    ReplyDelete
  116. I would choose from the "spa" category, the lavender booties. how wonderful!!!

    d. from GA

    ReplyDelete
  117. Definately the lavendar wrap!

    ReplyDelete
  118. Beautiful post Joni. I would choose the Hummingbird Farms Lavender Hand lotion. Lavender fields are my favorite pastoral scenes; so reminicent of Provence and now Texas.

    ReplyDelete
  119. Wow! I could almost smell the lavender as I read your post and visited the Farm. I'd love to have some of the lavendar salve. It just looked different. Thanks for sending us to her site!

    ReplyDelete
  120. My husband and I were just talking about color combinations for our garden. I love lavendar and orange together. When I saw the exquisite photo of the orange butterfly on a stalk of lavender, it reaffirmed my color preference.

    It seems I'm in good company with my selection of the Lavender Salve ~ sounds luxurious!

    ReplyDelete
  121. Of course, I want it all. But I'd probably choose the body lotion unless I was feeling really reckless and then I'd choose the salve. Thanks for offering a wonderful giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  122. Lavender makes me think of my grandmother and I loved her so much. I would buy the the Hummingbird farms liquid hand soap. It sounds wonderful. Someone is going to be one lucky winner to win your collection of lavender.
    Regards from a Western Canadian Quilter,
    Anna

    ReplyDelete
  123. Joni, as always, what a gorgeous post and what a wonderful find this farm is. I would select the Sonoma Lavender hand cream - not for myself, but for my poor husband, who has eczema on his hands but still has to scour them all day long as he is a doctor treating patient after patient. (Plus he has to come home to me, which surely tries his patience!)

    xo
    Melissa

    ReplyDelete
  124. I love everything lavender! Amazing such beauty deep in the heart of Texas. I would just love the spa treatment with the dead sea salt. I have a couple of very sickly lavender plants in my yard...I was inspired with the fields in CA on my bike trip and just had to have some. I thought it was the heat here, but if it grows so well there, it just must be the location I have it...will have to investigate further!
    Thanks Joni!
    Blessings....

    ReplyDelete
  125. I think I would chose the Hummingbird Farms Lavender hand soap. I was tempted by the aromatherapy bodywash, but (since I work at a hospital) I wash my hands about a zillion times a day - and could "aromatherapy" myself a minute with each handwashing!

    Thanks for making me homesick for the Hill Country :0)

    ReplyDelete
  126. The hand soap would be great.

    I am a fan of the Swedish furniture. If I could start over that is one of the looks that enchant me.

    ReplyDelete
  127. Amy W. from NashvilleAugust 5, 2009 at 9:32 AM

    I would love to get the Sonoma Lavender Spa Blanket!

    ReplyDelete
  128. The Chicago winters can be harsh, so giving a basket of lavender products at Christmas time to family and friends would definitely have to include Hummingbird Farm's Spa Treatment. Not only is a lavender scent timeless, but this Spa Treatment will instantly soothe, condition, and moisturize.

    This farm is a great Leica Workshop in the Fall too-!

    Denise
    discountdesignerfabrics.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  129. What a great article. I adore lavender and would love anything, but especially the Sonoma Lavender Spa Blanket. ...and the dog!

    ReplyDelete
  130. What a great post! I would choose the Hummingbird Farms lotion. Jamie V in MT
    http://rem-nants.blogspot.com
    amzanioli@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  131. What a great post! I would choose the Hummingbird Farms lotion. Jamie V in MT
    http://rem-nants.blogspot.com
    amzanioli@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  132. WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!!!

    ASPIRATIONS OF A SOUTHERN HOUSEWIFE!!!

    CONGRATULATIONS -

    AND THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ENTERING. CONTEST NOW CLOSED, BUT REMEMBER - DISCOUNTS ARE BEING OFFERED FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST.

    ReplyDelete
  133. OMG...This is just what I need. Flabuless where have you been the last ten years of my life? I need you. Thanks!laboratoriumkraan

    ReplyDelete