April showers may bring May flowers, but I'm an impatient lady, as I want the world to be in full bloom already. My solution is simple: I turn to the home bar when in need of a floral fix. A swirl of lavender simple syrup and a dash of Page's Parfait Amour — a crème de violette analogue — dress up the classic Tom Collins cocktail for a sipper that transports you to sunnier days.
Wary of floral elements in food? I was too, not so long ago. The key is restraint, as the line between lovely and eau de old lady is fine. Thankfully, this cocktail is well balanced, refreshing, and could convert all but the most stalwart floral food haters. What are you waiting for? Transport yourself to a field of lavender the fast-fix way.
I've been up to my knees in blueberries after discovering cartons of them on sale for next to nothing at the market. After a long afternoon of hard work, I found myself in need of an alcoholic refreshment — so very naturally, the berries found their way into my drink. Browsing through cocktail recipes, I was inspired by a libation, 
There's something slightly magical about the bright color and powerful fragrance of a big bouquet of lavender. For years we've been raving about 
If the scent or the effects of chemical bug sprays worry you, why not go the natural way? Lavender is a wonderful natural bug repellent, and it smells fantastic, too. Try placing potted lavender and other herb plants near your doors to repel bugs from entering your home. When you're having a picnic or hosting an outdoor dinner party, set some bunches of dried lavender on your table to use as table décor and keep the insects away!
Earlier today, I showed you how to 
