Chillin’ at the Strawberry Inn (+ Pine Lavender Farm)

What cha doing?
Nothing, chillin’ at The Strawberry Inn
Who you wit’?
Me and my peeps; won’t you bring four of your friends?

If you know the song, we are friends and I bet we would’ve closed down the club together back in the day.

This past weekend Benjamin and I drove up to Strawberry to celebrate a birthday weekend for a couple – our friends who own The Strawberry Inn.

Amber and Carson bought the hotel last year and remodeled it to this cute little vision. They blocked off their birthday weekend for friends – just for us to enjoy and turn it into a party hotel. LOL. OK it wasn’t wild like that but it sure was super fun to have everyone in the same hotel. They sell out every weekend! You’ve seen Amber guest blog here about Air B&Bs and decor tips. They’ve flipped over 200 homes and well why not a hotel too?

^^Amber is in the middle.

There are two more gals missing from this pic that had to get back to the Valley the next day. I realized in the past 6 years since Benjamin and I got married I’ve made a handful of new friends but even more importantly, there are a handful of girlfriends that stand out that have become quite close friends, regular phone calls and texts and we’ve reached that comfort level which is such a relief because you know how friendships require maintenance and some dedication but it’s worth it in the end! We are often over at Carson and Amber’s for dinner, and though they have kids we spend a lot of time with them, they always make time for us when their kids go to bed (we do love their girls too). Amber and I are always encouraging each other in business and faith – and Benjamin just loves Carson and they have their own friendship so it’s a couple made match in heaven. I’ve called Amber when I have struggled with heart issues and she’ll give me such great encouragement and also pray for me right on the spot. I say these things to encourage you to be that kind of friend and also put in the time when you feel a connection, make plans, and reach out with regular phone calls – you will be so happy to be like, hey I made new friends as a busy adult and it was worth it!

Back to the day – while some girls had to return home, the remaining went to a lavender class at Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm. We made lavender margaritas, sugar, scrub and it was such a blast! I would highly recommend going. The hilarious story was that the owners were researching what Elk didn’t eat because they were having such a problem with them eating everything – and one thing they don’t eat is lavender – and so a lovely lavender farm was created!

Strawberry shirt (similar) / Levi’s / Toms shoes / Tote / Sunnies

Terry taught the class and shared the different types of lavender and uses. I now want to go back to Provence and I am missing France like you wouldn’t believe. And if I may also share, I am contemplating heading to Bordeaux for a week this summer but it’s a maybe, would love your feedback if you have gone – it will be my third time in France and of course not my last since I feel so connected to France.

You can say the class was super fun, look at our smiles! Thanks Kelsey and Amber for these shots!

I know how to remove the buds from lavender and I want to make lavender sugar and frosting! In the middle of class I was caught red handed with a spoon just eating the confectionary lavender sugar, haha!! It was SOOOOOO good you guys!

Before I move on, can we acknowledge my awesome Strawberry shirt? When in Strawberry, wear a strawberry print shirt! This silk top was a gift from my longtime good friend Rachel (I went to Thailand with her) who knew I was on the hunt for a shirt for the trip. I feel so blessed to have such thoughtful generous friends.

After, we seasoned our chicken with lavender lemon pepper and sat by the fire making s’mores and chatting into the night.

Levi’s / Mocassins

It was such a fun stay, lots of eating, exploring Strawberry (and Pine) and just time with friends! It doesn’t get better than that. Make sure you check out The Strawberry Inn and bring up some friends! I stayed in room 2 and that has an adjoining room so if you have a large family or want to go up with friends book room 2 and 3.

Benjamin says I always get more energy when I’m with my friends and it’s true. I will never ever pass up time with my girls (unless I have something scheduled already) but I will always jump at the chance for quality time, that’s a priority to me in life, relationships are everything and quality time is my love language so I love that my friends understand that and often feel the same way. Take time to plan a trip – you are never too busy for friends, I promise.