Shifting the Mindset: Convenient to Conscious

Introducing Lemon & Lavender’s Homesteading Swap Party — A Monthly Gathering for Makers, Bakers, and Creators

At Lemon & Lavender, we’re always dreaming up new ways to bring our community together around creativity, sustainability, and simple living. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce our newest project — the Homesteading Swap Party!

This monthly event is a celebration of all things handmade, homegrown, and heart-filled. Whether you’re an experienced homesteader or simply love the idea of crafting and sharing something special, our Homesteading Swap Party is designed to connect people who enjoy creating, trading, and learning from one another.

What is a Homesteading Swap Party?

Each month, participants sign up to bring 12 quantities of one homesteading item of their choice — something they’ve made, mixed, canned, or crafted with love. Your item could be anything from a jar of homemade jelly, a bag of dried brownie mix, or a container of soup, to a bar of handmade soap or a bundle of herbal tea. The ideas are endless and the creativity is contagious!

Think of it as a cozy community marketplace where instead of buying, we’re swapping — exchanging the fruits of our creativity and hard work. You’ll leave with a collection of homemade treasures from others who share your passion for simple, sustainable living.

What to Bring

Each guest should bring quantity of 12 of one homesteading-inspired item to swap (we limit the guests to only 12), along with printed copies of their recipe or instructions for others to take home. This allows everyone to not only enjoy the gift but also recreate it in their own kitchens or homes. It’s a wonderful way to share favorite family recipes, creative pantry ideas, and the joy that comes from making things from scratch.

What’s Included

Participation in each Homesteading Swap Party costs $10 per person. With your registration, you’ll also receive a special gift from the Lemon & Lavender Refillery to take home to use — something that perfectly complements your homesteading goodies. It’s our little way of saying thank you for being part of this creative, community-focused gathering.

And of course, no Lemon & Lavender event would be complete without a little extra treat! Every attendee will also enjoy 20% off all in-store purchases during the event. It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on your favorite eco-friendly refills, find inspiration for your next handmade creation, or simply treat yourself to something lovely.

Small Gathering, Big Connection

To keep our gatherings personal and meaningful, we’re limiting each Homesteading Swap Party to just 12 participants. This ensures that everyone has a chance to connect, share stories, and truly enjoy the experience.

The smaller group size makes the evening feel more like a gathering of friends than a formal event — relaxed, inspiring, and full of genuine community spirit. Whether you’re sharing your grandmother’s pickle recipe or your latest soap blend, every exchange feels special and memorable.

How to Sign Up

Signing up is simple! Just visit the Lemon & Lavender website, look under the Workshops section, and click on the Monthly Homesteading Swap link to reserve your spot.

Because we limit participation to 12 guests, the registration link will close one week prior to the event. Once the event is closed, each participant will receive an email confirming the total number of attendees. This gives everyone plenty of time to prepare their homemade goodies and recipes before the big night.

Why We Created the Swap Party

The heart of this project is simple: connection. In a world that moves fast, there’s something grounding about slowing down to create, share, and swap with others. Each item represents time, care, and creativity — and when we trade them, we’re not just exchanging goods; we’re exchanging inspiration.

Our hope is that every Homesteading Swap Party becomes a source of fresh ideas, new friendships, and warm memories. You might arrive with a single jar of jam and leave with a basket full of treasures — and a few new recipes to try at home.

Join the Fun!

The Homesteading Swap Party meets once a month at Lemon & Lavender, and spots fill up quickly due to our 12-person limit. Bring your handmade creation, your recipe, and your enthusiasm — we’ll provide the welcoming atmosphere, the Lemon & Lavender goodies, and the sense of community that makes these nights so special.

Because at Lemon & Lavender, we believe that when we come together to share what we create, we don’t just fill our pantries — we fill our hearts.

The Clean Beauty Promise: Why Lemon & Lavender Puts Ingredients First

At Lemon & Lavender, we believe that taking care of yourself should never come at the expense of your health—or the planet. As an all-natural, eco-friendly lifestyle store, we’re proud to offer products across multiple categories—home, baby, kitchen, and more—but one of our deepest passions lies in self-care. It’s where the heart of our mission lives: providing clean, effective, and truly sustainable products that nourish your body and the environment.

From the moment you step into our store, you can rest assured that every item on our shelves has been closely vetted for clean, non-toxic ingredients. But we don’t stop there. We also ensure the companies we stock uphold eco-friendly practices and prioritize sustainable packaging. Because to us, clean should mean more than just what’s inside the bottle—it should reflect every part of the product’s lifecycle.

Why Clean Isn’t Just a Buzzword

In recent years, “clean beauty” and “non-toxic living” have become industry buzzwords—but too often, we’ve seen those claims paired with plastic packaging or misleading ingredient lists. That contradiction didn’t sit well with us. Why create a “natural” product, only to package it in single-use plastic that will sit in a landfill for hundreds of years?

That realization sparked a major turning point for us. We decided to take things into our own hands—literally—and began manufacturing our own line of self-care products. This way, we could control every step of the process: from sourcing high-quality, organic ingredients to choosing packaging that aligns with our values.

Our in-house line is crafted with both people and planet in mind. Everything is packaged in glass—infinitely reusable and recyclable—because sustainability should never be an afterthought. In fact, many of our customers find creative ways to reuse our glass containers long after the product is gone, giving them a second (or third, or tenth!) life.

Our Most-Loved In-House Products

Our customers have fallen in love with our exclusive line of self-care essentials—and we can’t say we blame them! Some of our most popular items include:

• Powder Dry Shampoo – Unlike conventional formulas that use cornstarch (which can clog pores and lead to brittle hair), ours is made with arrowroot powder, a more gentle, breathable option that keeps your scalp healthy while giving your hair that fresh boost.
  

  

  
  

• Body Scrubs – Made with organic sugars, oils, and high-grade essential oils, our scrubs gently exfoliate while deeply nourishing your skin.
  
  

  

• Body Sprays – Fresh, clean scents made from essential oils and safe, non-toxic bases—perfect for a mid-day refresh.
  

  

  
  

• Eye Revive & Hair Revive – Our revitalizing formulas are crafted to bring life back to tired eyes and stressed strands, using ingredients that work with your body, not against it.

  

We take a thoughtful, intentional approach to every product we create. If it’s not safe, effective, and sustainable—we don’t make it. It’s that simple.

Ingredients Matter—And Here’s Why

One of our biggest goals is education. We believe that when customers understand why ingredients matter, they can make more empowered choices for themselves and their families. For example, cornstarch may be natural, but it’s not always the right fit for sensitive skin or scalp health. That’s why we opt for alternatives like arrowroot powder—just one of the many thoughtful decisions behind our formulas.

Similarly, we avoid synthetic fragrances and opt instead for therapeutic-grade essential oils. The difference isn’t just in the scent—it’s in the way these natural oils interact with your body, offering real benefits without the hidden toxins.

Come See (and Smell!) the Difference

We invite you to visit Lemon & Lavender and explore our in-house line for yourself. Feel the texture of our body scrubs, try a spritz of our body sprays, and see why so many of our customers keep coming back. Whether you're looking to swap one product or overhaul your entire routine, we’re here to help you do it with confidence—and care.

At Lemon & Lavender, clean isn’t a trend. It’s a promise. One we make to you, to your family, and to the Earth. And we’re just getting started.

From the beginning, our workshops have been about going back to the basics. In a world that moves quickly, where convenience often trumps quality, we wanted to offer something that invited people to slow down.

Plan Now, Bloom Later: We're breaking down your month to month steps for a happy year in your garden!

There’s something deeply rewarding about growing your own food, flowers, or herbs but a great garden doesn’t just happen. It starts with a plan, and believe it or not, that planning begins in the middle of winter. We want to go one step further and help you start planning for next year starting this fall. If you’ve ever felt like you were playing catch-up come spring, this guide is for you. Let’s break down and list out what each month should look like, so you’re never behind—and always one step closer to your best garden yet!

January: Dream & Design

The coldest months are for warm ideas.

Review what worked (and didn’t) last year.

Sketch out garden beds or container setups.

Browse seed catalogs and start a wishlist.

Research native plants or pollinator-friendly choices.

Set a budget and timeline for big garden projects.

February: Order & Organize

Let’s turn those dreams into plans.

Finalize your seed list and place your orders.

Organize your tools and clean pots.

Set up a seed-starting area indoors (if needed).

Start a garden journal or spreadsheet to track planting.

March: Start Indoors & Prep Outside

Spring is creeping in—slowly.

Start seeds indoors for cool-season crops (like lettuce, onions, broccoli).

Begin prepping beds when soil is workable.

Sharpen and oil tools.

Clean up any leftover debris from winter storms.

April: Plant Early, Watch the Weather

Things are warming up—let’s go.

Direct sow hardy crops (peas, radishes, carrots).

Transplant indoor starts on mild days.

Add compost and mulch to beds.

Prune shrubs and trees before leaf-out, if needed.

May: Go All In

This is the big one.

Plant most warm-weather crops (tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash).

Continue succession planting for a longer harvest.

Monitor for pests and weeds—this is their time, too.

Keep watering consistent and deep.

June: Maintain & Mulch

Time to tend.

Weed regularly and reapply mulch as needed.

Start harvesting early crops.

Pinch or prune to shape plants and improve airflow.

Water in the morning to prevent disease.

July: Harvest & Replant

The garden’s buzzing with life.

Harvest frequently to encourage more growth.

Replant fast growers (like lettuce, herbs) in succession.

Watch for signs of drought stress.

Deadhead flowers to keep blooms coming.

August: Reflect & Prepare

Hot days, busy hands.

Keep harvesting—many crops are peaking.

Start fall crops (think kale, spinach, carrots).

Collect seeds from favorite plants.

Take photos and notes for next year’s plan.

September: Transition & Tidy

Fall is in the air.

Harvest the last of the summer crops.

Plant garlic, cover crops, or perennials.

Compost spent plants (unless diseased).

Start storing tools and hoses between uses.

October: Wind Down with Intention

Let your garden rest.

Clear beds and top with compost or mulch.

Store pots and tools in a dry place.

Reflect on what you grew, loved, and learned.

Plant bulbs for spring if the ground isn’t frozen.

November: Gratitude & Grounding

Time to slow down.

Make a list of your garden’s greatest hits.

Write a wish list for next season.

Consider indoor plants or sprouting microgreens.

Read, rest, and restore your gardener soul.

December: Rest, Read & Reset

Because every gardener deserves a break.

Curl up with seed catalogs and gardening books.

Gift or wishlist gardening tools or supplies.

Reflect on the peace your garden brought you this year.

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Bonus Tip: If you’re a container gardener or working with small spaces, many of these monthly steps still apply—just scale them down and focus on crops suited to your space and light. With a little planning and seasonal care, your garden can bring joy year-round—from cozy January planning to colorful August harvests. Bookmark this guide and come back to it each month—you’ll be surprised how much more rewarding the process becomes when you’re always one step ahead.

Hello, Summer! Simple Ways to Embrace the Season Sustainably

There’s something magical about summertime. From the sunshine, fresh blooms, and slower days invite us to reconnect with nature and ourselves. We believe summer can be full of joy and sustainability. Whether you're heading outdoors or staying close to home, small choices can have a big impact.

Here are easy ways to kick off a more sustainable summer:

Refill, Don’t Landfill

From sunscreen to bug spray, summer often comes with extra products. Instead of buying single-use plastics, opt for refills! Our refillery offers clean, skin-loving versions of your summer essentials—without the waste.

Switch Up Your Summer Self-Care

Your skin changes with the season—your routine can too. Look for non-toxic, small-batch products that are gentle on your skin and safe for the environment. We love our whipped tallow, dry shampoo, and magnesium soaks for easy, nourishing care.

Pack Greener Picnics & Beach Days

Trade ziplocks for beeswax wraps, plastic forks for bamboo cutlery, and fast food for fresh farmers market finds. Reusable totes, produce bags, and cloth napkins make outdoor fun way more sustainable—and stylish, too.

Support Local, All Season Long

Shopping small keeps your dollars close to home and supports makers who care. Whether you’re picking up a summer candle, a handmade soap, or a gift for a host, shopping at local supports a more thoughtful kind of summer.

Let’s make this summer a little softer on the planet and a lot more intentional! Shop in store and online all season for all your summer and refill needs! 

Every year on April 22, we come together to celebrate Earth Day, a global movement dedicated to environmental protection, sustainability, and making choices that benefit our planet. While every day is a great day to care for the Earth, this is the perfect opportunity to reflect on our habits and find new ways to live more sustainably. We believe small changes can make a big difference! Here are some simple, impactful ways to celebrate Earth Day the sustainable way.

Swap Single-Use for Sustainable

One of the easiest ways to reduce waste is by swapping out disposable products for reusable alternatives. This Earth Day, take a look at your daily routine and identify where you can make a switch:

• Bring your own reusable shopping bags instead of relying on plastic ones.

• Swap plastic water bottles for a refillable glass or stainless-steel bottle.

• Try reusable food wraps instead of plastic wrap to store leftovers.

Our refillery makes it easy to embrace reusables by offering package-free, sustainable household and personal care products.

Support Local & Shop Responsibly

Shopping locally not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping, but it also supports small businesses that prioritize sustainability. When you shop at a refillery or eco-conscious store, you help reduce packaging waste and invest in products designed to last.

Some ways to make mindful shopping choices this Earth Day:

• Choose products with minimal or compostable packaging.

• Buy in bulk to reduce single-use plastics.

• Opt for ethically made, non-toxic, and cruelty-free products.

Get Outside & Give Back

Earth Day is a wonderful time to step outside and reconnect with nature. Whether you go for a walk, start a small garden, or volunteer for a cleanup, there are so many ways to give back to the planet.

Join a local tree-planting event or plant a flower in your own backyard to support pollinators.
Organize or participate in a community cleanup—even picking up a few pieces of litter can make a difference.
Spend time in nature, whether it’s a hike, bike ride, or picnic, to appreciate the beauty we’re working to protect.

Every Day is Earth Day

Earth Day is more than just a one-day event—it’s a reminder that our small, everyday actions add up to a healthier planet. Whether it’s refilling your favorite products, supporting local businesses, or spending time outdoors, we can all make a difference.

We’re proud to be part of the movement toward a more sustainable future. Join us this Earth Day and beyond as we continue to make eco-friendly choices that benefit both people and the planet. 

How will you celebrate Earth Day this year? Let us know in the comments! 🌍✨

Spring Into Sustainability: Easy Eco-Friendly Swaps for a Greener Season

As the days grow longer and flowers begin to bloom, spring is the perfect time to refresh not only our homes but also our habits. With sustainability at the forefront of mindful living, making small eco-friendly swaps can have a big impact on our planet. Whether you’re just starting your sustainability journey or looking to deepen your commitment, here are some easy swaps to help you embrace a greener season.

1. Swap Plastic for Reusables

Spring cleaning isn’t just for decluttering—it’s a great time to rethink single-use plastics. Replace plastic water bottles with a stylish reusable one, swap disposable grocery bags for sturdy totes, and ditch plastic wrap for beeswax wraps. These simple changes reduce waste and keep unnecessary plastic out of landfills.

2. Freshen Up Your Cleaning Routine

Spring cleaning often involves a lot of chemicals, but it doesn’t have to! Opt for eco-friendly, refillable cleaning products or make your own using natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. Microfiber cloths andcompostable sponges are excellent alternatives to wasteful paper towels and synthetic scrubbers.

3. Choose Sustainable Wardrobe Updates

As we transition into warmer weather, it’s tempting to update our wardrobe. Instead of fast fashion, try thrift shopping, clothing swaps, or investing in ethically made, sustainable brands. This not only reduces textile waste but also supports more responsible production practices.

4. Revamp Your Self-Care Routine

Spring is a time of renewal, and your beauty and self-care routine can be refreshed sustainably, too! Look for refillable beauty products, solid shampoo bars, and biodegradable packaging. Support brands that prioritize cruelty-free and non-toxic ingredients.

5. Make the Most of Outdoor Adventures

With warmer days ahead, embrace nature responsibly. Pack your picnics with reusable utensils, cloth napkins, and stainless steel straws. When hiking or heading to the beach, bring a trash bag to pick up any litter and leave no trace behind.

6. Support Local & Sustainable Brands

Spring is the perfect time to shop local and support small businesses. Visit local markets and stores to find seasonal, sustainable products while reducing your carbon footprint. Don’t forget to bring your reusable bags to cut down on plastic waste! 

Spring Forward with Sustainability!

Every small step toward sustainability makes a difference. By making mindful swaps, we can welcome spring in a way that benefits both our lives and the planet. Which eco-friendly swap will you try first? Let us know in the comments!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to show your love than by choosing thoughtful gifts that are kind to the planet.