OK, I promise I won't sneak booze on board

[meff]

But I want to sneak my travel iron on. I have never been on a cruise without it, and I really really really need it! Will it be found if I am extremely discreet and careful with it? I need to iron almost everything I'm wearing. Poor planning, I know, but I love natural fibers.

We are traveling on the Zuiderdam on March 26, can't wait!

[HeatherInFlorida]

This really falls into a different category from the sneaking booze. It's not about ethics ... it's really about safety. My suggestion ... don't do it.

[sail7seas]

Don't Do IT !!!!

Of all the rules to break, that is NOT the one to take lightly.
No one plans on starting a fire with their travel iron; everyone says I'll be so careful; many, many fires have been started from those things in hotels and on ships.

Leave it home. A fire on a ship is nothing to take lightly.....not that a fire anywhere can be shrugged off. Lives are at stake in order for you to get out the wrinkles.

Pack your clothes in dry cleaner bags. Leave the hanging things on cleaner's metal hangers. They will come out of your suitcase fine.
And if they don't, be a sport. You're on vacation. The charge for having the few things you need pressed is very moderate. Let someone else do it for you and enjoy your vacation.

[sail7seas]

Sorry.....


I meant to add a response to your question about whether you would be caught.

Please do not be offended but my response is "I HOPE SO". I hope they find every iron anyone tries to bring aboard.

[Esme]

I'm sorry to say this, but sneaking booze on board is one thing, but sneaking an iron on, in my opinion is a big no-no. :(

Send your clothes out to be pressed - it's not that expensive and much safer. No matter how careful you are, accidents do happen.

If the iron is spotted in your luggage either at the airport or at the port, it could be confiscated.

While I was typing this, I see that Sail and Heather also answered the OP. Glad everyone is in agreement. Leave IT at home! :(

[trubey]

We've argued that you can't sneak booze on board for safety, liability, and financial reasons. And we'll never really know.

But, I'd guess that the rule regarding no ironing is for safety. The Prinsendam has an ironing board in the laundry room. Maybe other ships do too?

BTW, you won't catch me ironing. I gave mine away over five years ago. What freedom!!

susan.

[HeatherInFlorida]

I have a feeling this is one point we'll all be in agreement on.

I wanted to add one little hint for packing. I use a lot of tissue for my nicer clothes for evening. I use the space bags and have found it's remarkable how well the clothes do in them.

Another product that I recommend to everyone is Downey Wrinkle Releaser. It really works. You lay your article on the bed, spray and smooth out. It is fabulous.

And as Esme and Sail suggested, use the pressing services onboard. I'm pretty cheap about add-on charges, but would not hesitate to do this if I think my clothes are too wrinkled.

[Iggipolka]

Perhaps this is too harsh, so I'll apologise in advance if I offend you. Bringing an iron on board with the potential to cause a fire which would be dangerous and traumatic to other pax and staff, is so selfish. Please don't do it. HAL has options for you regarding pressing clothing and others have mentioned how to pack to reduce the amount of wrinkles. You can also bring some Downy Wrinkle Release, which works reasonably well. Just do not bring an iron.

[blackbird71]

Yipes, I have not been on this class HAL I thought they all had a self-service laundry on them......

[meff]

Not to be argumentative with all of you who are no doubt right about the safety issues, but no other cruise line I have been on has a rule against bringing travel irons on board. I really don't think they are any more a fire hazard than a curling iron.

[richnorto]

Slightly straying off subject, but WHERE DO YOU FIND DOWNEY WRINKLE RELEASER!!!?? (This loudly whined;) ) I have been to Walmart, the grocery store and the Dollar Tree ( I read a rumor it could be found there). I can't even find an off brand! Please tell me it hasn't been discontinued!:confused: Thanks!

[peaches from georgia]

We have it in our regular grocery store right with the fabric softeners on the 'laundry aisle'.

[jhannah]

Yipes, I have not been on this class HAL I thought they all had a self-service laundry on them...... All HAL ships have self-service passenger laundries except for the vista class ships (Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Westerdam, and the upcoming Noordam.) On those ships, we have to rely on the ship's laundry.

I really don't think they are any more a fire hazard than a curling iron. I beg to differ. No curling iron gets as hot as a clothing iron.

[richnorto]

We have it in our regular grocery store right with the fabric softeners on the 'laundry aisle'.

If they have it in Atlanta, surely I can find it here in Birmingham! I guess I'll hit all the other grocery stores. Thanks! Walmart usually has everything and I went into panic mode. I spent 4 hours yesterday ironing all my clothes for the cruise and still have DH. 2 DD's and DS. I would hate to spend all that time and walk around wrinkled all week:D .

[sail7seas]

Not to be argumentative with all of you who are no doubt right about the safety issues, but no other cruise line I have been on has a rule against bringing travel irons on board. I really don't think they are any more a fire hazard than a curling iron.


Indeed, HAL is definitely not the only line to have a rule against using travel irons.

And even if they are the only ones.......You are aware that is their rule; you have chosen to travel on HAL; you should abide by the rule.

Here we go again. Groan...... Haven't we already beat that horse about following rules.

Yours is not to reason why; yours is just to do or --- !!

How about following the 'dam' rules????

Have a great time. No one really cares if your clothes are crisp and perfectly uncreased. I seriously doubt many would even notice unless they were in true 'rag bag condition'. :)

[Ziggy7]

I hate to say this but ...... this thread is one of the reasons the cruise ships need rules in the first place! Common sense and respect for others would do away with lots of these rules everyone breaks because they dont think they apply to them. JMHO :(

[RuthC]

I really don't think they are any more a fire hazard than a curling iron.
With all due respect, you do not need to "think" about this---HAL has done the thinking for you, and they have decided that the risk is not worth it.
Bring a steamer, if you must. Use the Downy Wrinkle Remover. Hang your things in a steamy bathroom. Send your things out for pressing. Go wrinkled.
But do not use an iron in your cabin.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Re: Downy Wrinkle Releaser ... I'm looking at my bottle. It's a trigger bottle and it's off white. I get it at our local grocery store and it's with all the other laundry products. The words "Wrinkle Releaser" are much smaller than the word Downy. I'm sure it's very popular. I even use it at home for T-shirts, etc. Love the stuff.

Interesting that the OP asked for an opinion ... everyone responded that it's a definite "no no" and the OP comes back and wants to debate it. So that's that for me.

[Ziggy7]

Thats why I said what I said :) I'm out of here :)

[blackbird71]

I just got off Radisson's Mariner and NO IRONS are the rule... But they did have two irons in each self service laundry.

[RuthC]

I just got off Radisson's Mariner and NO IRONS are the rule... But they did have two irons in each self service laundry.
meff is on the Zuiderdam, and the Vista-class ships don't have self-service laundries. There-in lies some of the problem.
However, the solution does not lie in bringing a travel iron.

[marp109]

After having difficulty finding the Downy wrinkle release in the supermarket, I found a recipe for it that works great. Add 1 tsp. of liquid fabric softener to 1 to 1 1/2 c. distilled water in a fine spray bottle. I added it to lavender ironing water and got both benefits. Definitely planning on taking it when I travel. Hope this helps. (This is what retired home economics teachers do for fun :) )

[sail7seas]

Marp....


That is fabulous. Thank you for sharing the 'recipe' with us.

[Copper_beeches]

Indeed, HAL is definitely not the only line to have a rule against using travel irons.

And even if they are the only ones.......You are aware that is their rule; you have chosen to travel on HAL; you should abide by the rule.

Here we go again. Groan...... Haven't we already beat that horse about following rules.

Yours is not to reason why; yours is just to do or --- !!

How about following the 'dam' rules????

Have a great time. No one really cares if your clothes are crisp and perfectly uncreased. I seriously doubt many would even notice unless they were in true 'rag bag condition'. :)

Sorry to butt in, they're banned on NCL... though that doesn't stop many who "need" them I'm sure... (I don't iron at home, I certainly wouldn't start on a cruise!!)

[dakrewser]

But I want to sneak my travel iron on. I have never been on a cruise without it, and I really really really need it!

So do you figure the rest of us just wear wrinked clothes? You don't need it, since there are multiple safer alternatives. But, as a favor to the rest of us, which cabin are you in? Please give fair warning to those who'll be anywhere near you on board so they can bring along their portable fire extinguishers!

[richnorto]

After having difficulty finding the Downy wrinkle release in the supermarket, I found a recipe for it that works great. Add 1 tsp. of liquid fabric softener to 1 to 1 1/2 c. distilled water in a fine spray bottle. I added it to lavender ironing water and got both benefits. Definitely planning on taking it when I travel. Hope this helps. (This is what retired home economics teachers do for fun :) )

Wonderful!!!! Thank you!!:)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Yes, Marp, thank you so much for sharing that recipe! I'm going to try it before I buy another bottle of the Downey WR! Obviously cheaper and you can choose your own scent!

[cruzincurt]

What's the big deal about a few wrinkles, who's going to notice? And if they do, mind their own business. Some of the HAL passengers have more wrinkles than my clothes.

[meff]

Wow, I certainly did not intend to start such a huge issue. Obviously, many people feel strongly about this and it is clear that I am in the minority on this one.

One of you said,
"Interesting that the OP asked for an opinion ... everyone responded that it's a definite "no no" and the OP comes back and wants to debate it. So that's that for me." ( I don't know how to use that fancy quote feature)

Actually, if you check my original post, you will see that I did not ask for an opinion, I just asked if I would likely get caught sneaking my iron in.

I apologize for having started this thread as it is obviously not very much fun, and I think most people come to this site to have a little fun anticipating their cruises. I am sorry for the anger and anxiety I may have caused. I assure you all I am a law abiding citizen and I know the rules apply to me as well as everyone else.

[sail7seas]

Best way to be sure you will not get caught is to not bring the iron.

Fun stops (for me) when my safety is jeopardized.

[meff]

Gosh, sail7seas, I'm trying to make up! My apology was genuine, I really had no idea the topic would cause such stress.

[midgecruiser]

Yikes Meff. I'm with you. Thats enough. We get it already.

Great advice about the wrinkle spray. Thats what were looking for here.

[jhannah]

I apologize for having started this thread as it is obviously not very much fun, and I think most people come to this site to have a little fun anticipating their cruises. Maybe this is the problem. If you were intending to have some fun by talking about sneaking something on board (which is beaten to death here) then that wasn't obvious. Since you're relatively new to the board, people don't "know" you ... your humor ... your way of expressing yourself. So, was the original post in jest?

[meff]

The original question was not a joke, but I had no idea it would cause such a problem. I have been around here a short time, but I had perceived this board as a nice group of people. Right now I am hesitant to say much more because I have apologized but I keep getting criticized. I don't know what else to do, I just wish I had never started the thread.

[sail7seas]

Meff.....


No need to apologize. You haven't used the iron on board.
All you did was ask.

All we did, was give our strong opinions.

Hope you have a wonderful, Downey wrinkle free cruise. :)

[Time2sail]

" but I had perceived this board as a nice group of people"

You just asked for an opinion (yes you did) and you got it. Now, don't get mad because they gave you answers you didn't want to hear.

Got some other questions?:) They really are helpful on this board.

[HeatherInFlorida]

One of you said,
"Interesting that the OP asked for an opinion ... everyone responded that it's a definite "no no" and the OP comes back and wants to debate it. So that's that for me." ( I don't know how to use that fancy quote feature)

Actually, if you check my original post, you will see that I did not ask for an opinion, I just asked if I would likely get caught sneaking my iron in.



Meff, I'm sorry if I misunderstood your original post, but when someone asks "Will it be found if I'm extremely discreet and careful with it?" I see that as asking for an opinion on that question. I now realize you only wanted to know if you would get caught ... not whether you should do it.

But we all tried to give you some good ideas on how to travel without your iron (because it's dangerous) so I was a little put off when you had no interest in that, but merely wanted to debate about bringing the iron.

So I am sorry for misinterpreting the question. Everyone here really wants to help people with questions and issues about cruising so I hope you're not put off by this misunderstanding.

[jaguarstyper]

The original question was not a joke, but I had no idea it would cause such a problem. I have been around here a short time, but I had perceived this board as a nice group of people. Right now I am hesitant to say much more because I have apologized but I keep getting criticized. I don't know what else to do, I just wish I had never started the thread.

Hey Meff, dont get so bothered by the critical responses. There are many people on these boards who just seem to wait for someone to post an innocent question and then jump all over them for being ignorant. If you knew the answer, you wouldnt have asked the question. Sometimes I wish people would leave their self-righteous aggrandizement, flame throwers and sledghammers in their closets, where they belong.

All that said, I can see the justification for banning an iron. They certainly can be a fire hazard. Telling you that, politely would have been all that was needed.

Here's a suggestion, smuggle aboard a couple bottles of your favorite booze. You'll be too drunk to care about your wrinkled clothes. Or better yet, smugly wheel aboard 17 crates of your favorite wine and champagne. That way, you can get drunk and not break any of the rules.

Bottom line, enjoy your cruise.

Tim

[michmike]

Tim - touche' Couldn't agree more

[cruzincurt]

LOL, dare we bring back the throw-away clothes posts? ie, wear your oldest clothes and throw them away instead of bringing them back home.

[dakrewser]

Hey Meff, dont get so bothered by the critical responses. There are many people on these boards who just seem to wait for someone to post an innocent question and then jump all over them for being ignorant. If you knew the answer, you wouldnt have asked the question.
Tim

The OP knew the answer, though - re-read the original question. It wasn't "Can I bring an iron with me" but "how can I smuggle one aboard?" That isn't an innocent question, but one that directly impacts my safety. And I'll gladly jump all over anyone else who wants to deliberately break the rules. Safety isn't optional.

[jaguarstyper]

The question asked was "will I get caught". Meff probably never contemplated the risk associated with iron aboards a ship. Since irons are common in everyone's home and travel irons are used extensively in hotels. I can see why you wouldnt think twice about it.

A simple response like, "No, you probably wouldnt get caught (and you probably wouldnt), but here is something you really should consider...."

There is rarely a need to "jump on" anyone on this board. Civility goes a lot further than virulence.

Tim

[jhannah]

But the fact that "sneak" and "will it be found" was the wording used indicates that the poster knew it was against the rules, don't you think?

[RuthC]

I notice that the original poster has apologised for asking the question, but has not stated that after listening to everything that was said she won't bring the iron.

I would like to see that posted.

[N.FL Cruisers]

After having difficulty finding the Downy wrinkle release in the supermarket, I found a recipe for it that works great. Add 1 tsp. of liquid fabric softener to 1 to 1 1/2 c. distilled water in a fine spray bottle. I added it to lavender ironing water and got both benefits. Definitely planning on taking it when I travel. Hope this helps. (This is what retired home economics teachers do for fun :) )

I have a question about your great suggestion in place of an iron. After mixing the fabric softner and distilled water together, you said you then added it to lavender ironing water. What is that? thanks

[pins5]

http://www.strangecosmos.com/images/content/6530.jpg
Here's a cruise line that allows irons.
Im sorry....I had to do it!:p

Here's a suggestion, smuggle aboard a couple bottles of your favorite booze. You'll be too drunk to care about your wrinkled clothes. Or better yet, smugly wheel aboard 17 crates of your favorite wine and champagne. That way, you can get drunk and not break any of the rules.

Bottom line, enjoy your cruise.
Tim


Great idea Tim!

[Ziggy7]

But the fact that "sneak" and "will it be found" was the wording used indicates that the poster knew it was against the rules, don't you think?Bingo! Good on you! :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Ah, Pins, I find myself relying on you now for a good laugh. What a great pic! You don't even need to post! So funny ... thank you so much!!!

Tim, I can't understand why you're so upset?! Take a page from your own book: (you said: "Sometimes I wish people would leave their self-righteous aggrandizement, flame throwers and sledghammers in their closets, where they belong.")

Don't you think your statement is exactly what you're accusing everyone here of?

I thought everyone was very nice, very helpful and very direct. There was no flaming, no admonishing ... just a simple request to please not do it! And then we offered packing tips, etc., to help the OP feel more comfortable without her iron.

There was no problem at all until it became clear that the OP really wanted all of us to say ... "sure, go ahead ... sneak it on. You'll get away with it! And why not? You deserve your iron! Cruiselines are just trying to get your money anyway by charging you for pressing ... that's all it's about".

When she didn't get that reaction she found fault with the posts. I don't understand that reaction. As far as I'm concerned a nicer group of people you're simply not going to find. JMHO.

[marp109]

Lavender linen water is something you spray on ironing, bedding, etc. to give a faint lavender scent. I made my own as I grow tons of lavender but think I saw it at Linens and Things.

[ekerr19]

If they have it in Atlanta, surely I can find it here in Birmingham! I guess I'll hit all the other grocery stores. Thanks! Walmart usually has everything and I went into panic mode. I spent 4 hours yesterday ironing all my clothes for the cruise and still have DH. 2 DD's and DS. I would hate to spend all that time and walk around wrinkled all week:D .

Girl, you need to find a good dry cleaner... there is no way on earth I would spend 4 hours ironing! Before our cruise, I take everything to the cleaners - she washes, irons, drycleans, etc. for all four of us for about $200 - and we have a lot of clothes.

DH & DS dress shirts all lightly starched - no need to iron or use wrinkle release. They come out of the suitcase just as great looking as they went in! All their Dockers, DH's dressy shorts, etc. nice and lightly starched - they look great.

No need to do it all yourself - figure out what your time is worth, especially when you are so close to leaving!

[pins5]

marp109
Lavender linen water is something you spray on ironing, bedding, etc. to give a faint lavender scent. I made my own as I grow tons of lavender but think I saw it at Linens and Things.


Lavender is my absolute favorite!!! I started growing it a couple of years ago and its beautiful. How do you make your own lavender water?
Don't laugh at me if its the obvious answer....."put it in water?":p lol
I have bought it at Linen and Things....would love to make my own:)

[richnorto]

[QUOTE=ekerr19]Girl, you need to find a good dry cleaner... there is no way on earth I would spend 4 hours ironing! Before our cruise, I take everything to the cleaners - she washes, irons, drycleans, etc. for all four of us for about $200 - and we have a lot of clothes.


Not bad:rolleyes: . I was wondering why I'm the only person I know who doesn't use "the ironing lady" as I was doing it! Looking at the mountain of clothes left to iron, I may break down and have someone do it for me. Good suggestion!:)

[ekerr19]

Not bad:rolleyes: . I was wondering why I'm the only person I know who doesn't use "the ironing lady" as I was doing it! Looking at the mountain of clothes left to iron, I may break down and have someone do it for me. Good suggestion!:)

You won't be sorry! For me, it is money very well spent. Initially, I thought, "yikes, that's pretty pricey" but it turned out to be more than worth it.

So much less stress and hassle. :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

I do all my own ironing and DH does his. We both find it therapeutic. However, I have to admit I feel that since I'm not working anymore, it's the least I can do.:D

[trubey]

Can we turn this thread into a Martha Stewart workshop?

I've never seen this Wrinkle Release product. I've lived in Portugal for the last five years in a small rural town where owning a washer and a dryer is considered upper class. So, can you tell me: what exactly do you do with this solution and when do you do it?

OOOh, and how do you make lavender water. I do have lavender growing.

susan.

[jhannah]

So, can you tell me: what exactly do you do with this solution and when do you do it? You spray it lightly on the wrinkled fabric, then tug the fabric vertically and horizontally and smooth it with your hand. The solution relaxes the weave and when it dries it is much smoother than before. That's it for today, class. Time for recess! Tomorrow's topic will be "insider secrets of stock trading." ;)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Jim! I'm impressed. Nothing gets me more excited than a guy who knows his laundry products.

Okay ... no remarks ... just stifle yourselves:)

[Randyk47]

At least Jim didn't come back and say tomorrow's class would be on "stocking hanging"! :D Having said that.....one of the adjustments my bride of 7 years and I have had to make is that I'm so darn particular about wash products, sorting clothes, drying.....etc., etc. Some guys really get into that stuff! Go Jim go!

[trubey]

This reminds me of funny onboard ship story.

I went off to the laundry room several times during the cruise. It was no big thing, I’d just pop in, pop out, and take the clothes back to our room for folding and storage. But every time I was there, there was also a group of about 6 or 7 who were traveling together. And each time we would talk about how there seemed to be a never ending supply of dirty laundry. This group was composed of the patriach and his several 20-something children and their spouses. And they were doing an immaculate job on all their clothes. One would put the clothes in the machine, one would take them out, one would iron, one would fold, and one called room service for drinks and snacks. They really knew how to get things done and have a good time.

Susan.

[dakrewser]

Jim! I'm impressed. Nothing gets me more excited than a guy who knows his laundry products.


That's only what I'd expect from a lady whose DH does his own ironing. I last used an iron 40 years ago. And I burned the shirt then!

[xpcdoojk]

Not to be argumentative with all of you who are no doubt right about the safety issues, but no other cruise line I have been on has a rule against bringing travel irons on board. I really don't think they are any more a fire hazard than a curling iron.

Royal Caribbean has a rule against it too. I don't take one, but I think it is a little over the top. When we are talking about safety is there anything more liable to cause a fire than smoking in bed? It is hard to take the travel iron seriously when they don't try to limit something that is clearly more dangerous.

That being said, why bring an iron, they are heavy and you might have to use it.:D

jc

[HeatherInFlorida]

That's only what I'd expect from a lady whose DH does his own ironing. I last used an iron 40 years ago. And I burned the shirt then!

Well, Dave, I get equally excited when men pay attention. I marvel at your powers of observation!;) I thought that teeny tiny sentence went unnoticed ... but I should have expected more from you.

Shortly after meeting DH 25 years ago I did try to iron his shirts and for some reason I just couldn't get them as pressed as he likes them. It's really a shame because I really wanted to help out. So I gave in and said "okay, then, you're obviously so much better at this than I am!":D

[jaguarstyper]

Tim, I can't understand why you're so upset?! Take a page from your own book: (you said: "Sometimes I wish people would leave their self-righteous aggrandizement, flame throwers and sledghammers in their closets, where they belong.")

Heather,

I'm not at all upset. I have plenty in business and life to get me upset, this board certainly isnt one of them. I was merely pointing out that its just not appropriate to berate a poster to the point that they feel the need to apologize for their original question. And, thats just what has happened. A question was asked and a storm of replies followed. I have not flamed anyone. I simply pointed out that I thought they were a bit heavy handed in their responses. I can disagree with you and attempt to politely articulate a point. There is nothing wrong with that. I would challenge you to find one time where I have flamed, berated or treated any poster with disrespect. Its just not in my nature. Very few things upset me.

Tim

[dakrewser]

I would challenge you to find one time where I have flamed, berated or treated any poster with disrespect.

You are the one who said: "Sometimes I wish people would leave their self-righteous aggrandizement..."

That's hardly a complimentary statement.:rolleyes:

[Ziggy7]

Jim! I'm impressed. Nothing gets me more excited than a guy who knows his laundry products.

Okay ... no remarks ... just stifle yourselves:)

OOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh I'm not touching this one with a ten foot pole teeeehehehehehehee :p

[jhannah]

Don't think ill of me because I'm in touch with my feminine side! :D

[HeatherInFlorida]

There is no post on this thread that should have led the OP to feel she had to apologize.

Sorry, Tim, but I think she over-reacted and I think you are. There are times I would agree with you 100% and I can be as guilty as the next for sometimes coming down too hard on a poster. But this is not one of those times. I think everyone was just trying to be helpful and for some reason the OP just took it wrong.

On the other hand, I think your post was very insulting and totally without merit.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Don't think ill of me because I'm in touch with my feminine side! :D

Not at all, Jim ... I believe you are to be much admired;) . Real men do eat quiche:D

[marp109]

Lavender linen water is a little more complicated than putting lavender in water! It requires 2 weeks of sun, high proof vodka, lavender buds without the leaves or stems, and lots of patience to "stir the soup" every evening If you want more details, I'd be glad to email the recipe. marp109@hotmail.com. This seems to be going in a different direction than the rest of the thread!

[jaguarstyper]

On the other hand, I think your post was very insulting and totally without merit.

If I offended you, I apologize. That was not my intent.

Tim

[HeatherInFlorida]

If I offended you, I apologize. That was not my intent.

Tim

Okay, Tim ... not to worry...over and done. We're cool:) .

[Oceanwench]

Lavender linen water is a little more complicated than putting lavender in water! It requires 2 weeks of sun, high proof vodka, lavender buds without the leaves or stems, and lots of patience to "stir the soup" every evening If you want more details, I'd be glad to email the recipe. marp109@hotmail.com. This seems to be going in a different direction than the rest of the thread!

high proof vodka in lavender water? does that mean you'd have to sneak it on in your luggage?

**just kidding**

[dakrewser]

Lavender linen water is a little more complicated than putting lavender in water! It requires 2 weeks of sun, high proof vodka, lavender buds without the leaves or stems, and lots of patience to "stir the soup" every evening If you want more details, I'd be glad to email the recipe. marp109@hotmail.com. This seems to be going in a different direction than the rest of the thread!

Or, you can go on-line (http://www.uniquelycal.com/sonomalavender/accents/laundry.htm) and buy it by the liter from Sonoma Lavender. Then there's no need to *smuggle* it aboard!

:) -dave