After Gardening Soak

It's July --- which means the weeds are growing in the garden --- and need pulled so we can continue to enjoy the beautiful flowers and veggies we planted last spring. It also means it's quite hot outside. Aches and pains are intensified with all the sweat and labor. Here's a simple recipe for the bath to help sooth your muscles and help you relax. Enjoy a warm soak while sipping on a glass of iced Strawberry & Lavender Lemonade.

After Gardening Soak

1/4 cup lavender, dried
1/4 cup rosemary, dried
1/4 cup eucalyptus, dried

Pour 4 cups of boiling water over herbs and allow to steep for 20 minutes or longer. Remove herbs and add the liquid to bath water. Relax and enjoy. Be soothed!

Strawberry & Lavender Lemonade

2 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
6 large strawberries
1 tablespoon lavender flowers, dried
2 1/2 cups water
2 1/4 cups lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
Fresh lavender flower stems for garnish

Combine 2 1/2 cups water, sugar, and strawberries in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. After sugar dissolves, reduce heat and simmer for five minutes more. Remove from heat. Stir in lavender flowers and cover. Allow mixture to cool. Then, strain into a large pitcher, mashing the strawberries as you strain. Add the additional water with the lemon juice and stir well. Pour into tall glass over ice and garnish with a long stem of lavender and bud. Enjoy!

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