Lavender Fields Forever

The other day i found myself in need of a little field trip. Not your typical school bus- museum- type trip, but a real field trip.

Hello, my name is Gaia, and i like to look at fields. There, now you know. I like farms, fields, woodlands, vista's {my favorite word-of-the-day } There is some of the most beautiful land stretching throughout Northern Michigan.

So, that being said, imagine my surprise when out for a drive the other day, i'm moseying along-green hills, green fields, green vista's, and BAM! Purple!

A lavender farm!It looks like someone spread a huge purple blanket across the ground.Welcome to Lavender Hill Farms of Horton Bay, Michigan.

They have been growing lavender here since 2003, and have over 25 varieties of lavender.

The lavender is identified with signs on little white picket fences. Love that white lavender!

The most surprising part was that there isn't an overwhelming smell of lavender, just a subtle sweetness in the air.
What you do notice is the sound. Thousands of little bee wings singing in the sunshine. A constant hum of busyness.

Too busy to be bothered with me. Thank goodness!

The gift shop carries a beautiful assortment of handmade products and food stuffs. I had to try the Laundry Bar. With Ms.A at camp, i know she'll bring home an assortment of unidentifiable stains!I got the girls these handmade sachets for their closets.

And this yummy little number is all mine! It's a loofah filled with creamy lavender soap {it looks good enough to eat!}

If you're in the area, here's what you need to know to go!

Have a happy Thursday!

Go take a field trip ; )

Furniture Finds

A couple of weeks ago i found some great furniture finds for our northern nest at "Antiques At The Fairground" in the Emmet County fairground in Petoskey, Michigan.

We've been looking for a coffee table that will hold up to spills, feet, you know, all the abuse a coffee table takes! Well, i think we found the perfect piece. Just look at this monster! It's huge! It's battered! It's amazing!

It's heavy. Really heavy. Just ask my back.

We have no idea of the age, but it's made from live oak and has no nails in it's construction.

Did i mention it's heavy?

I found this cute bookshelf for Ms. B's room. She's so not a pink girl, but for some reason this peachy-pink appealed to her.

A nightstand for Ms.A's room. Or a monkey bench- which ever.

Remember this ironing board?

Now it's a sofa table! I love it!

This sweet little garden table works perfectly by the front door.

It has such sweet details.

I stole this bench from the park- just kidding! I did buy it, and it was a park bench, now it just needs a thick coat of paint { it's a little rough on the tushy } Probably in cream.

I love the color of this tray. I want this to be the accent color in this house... if i can just stick to the plan...

It was a great show. Not too overwhelming, and quality pieces without the crazy prices. There is another show August 6th & 7th at the fairgrounds. If you're near by, you should check it out. I'll be back for sure!

My sweet boy, Maximus, had a seizure on the 4th of July. We've never experienced seizures with any of our dogs. It only lasted a few minutes, but looks so scary. We took him to the local vet who told us there wasn't much more to do than watch him for signs of another one. He seems back to his old self now and is doing well...and now gets to sit on the chaise outside- how do you say 'no' to that face!

Have a happy Friday!

Mackinaw or Mackinac?

This past week we've been enjoying the company of our cousins from Florida, at our northern nest. We've been doing a lot of eating, laughing, shopping and playing.

Yesterday we did the touristy thing, and took the family to Mackinac Island- the land of horse manure and fudge. Yeah, you heard me, horses and fudge.

This is the Mackinaw Bridge, it takes you from Mackinaw City to the Upper Peninsula, eh?

We took the ferry from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island- don't ask why the spelling is different-i don't get it!

The Grand Hotel is the prize of the island. It was built in 1887, and has been the backdrop for one of my favorite movies, "Somewhere In Time", and i believe several Ester Williams movies.

This is the beautiful tree lined road that leads to the hotel. Did i mention the there are no cars allowed on the Island? This contributes to half of the famous aroma of the island...manure. Yup. Sweet man and i have stayed here several times, and would highly recommend it, just not in the heat of August {no A.C. ugh}

Another famous stop is historic Fort Mackinac. I took this picture from the ferry. Sorry about the water spray!
There were dozens of kites flying along the shore.

and lazy summer dogs

Our favorite part of the Island is off the main drag, away from the hustle and bustle, where you get a sense of the history and every day life here.

There are dozens of these beautiful Victorian style homes that either rent out rooms or are bed and breakfast inns.

Notice all the bikes? This is your best way of getting around the island. Just don't get caught behind the pooper scooper guy...see his bike to the left? Nuf said.

Probably my favorite fudge shop in Northern Michigan is Ryba's. Their pink and black store reminds you of an old time candy store with the fudge guy working on the marble tables in the front window. And the smell? Oh my, it will make your jeans tight just inhaling that glorious scent.

And, yes, we went home with several pounds of Ryba's fudge. You just have to hold your breath till you get back to your ferry home!

Well, we've been having a blast, and it's all gone way too fast. Tomorrow our company heads south for home, and we have to head back to real life, too. I can't wait to show you my antique show finds!

Till next time ♡

Happy Fourth!

Hope you have a relaxing weekend enjoying family, fun and freedom.