Relax

Well it's been 'one of those days' and so much going on you always forget to take time out for yourself. So a few tips on relaxation- using essential oils.

I have always used essential oils, much relied upon since I started getting migraines as a child and I still use the oils today for myself, but also as an aromatherapist.

Most people who have treatments with me have specific aliments they need help with, but what is at the heart of everything is finding time to relax. 9/10 times an oil I use in my blends treats problems of stress, worry, insomnia and aid the body to relax.

Most common relaxing oil is lavender- great for so so many things, but ideal for sleepless nights and stress. You can get lavender yourself and just add a few drops to your pillow at night, in an oil burner or in the bath. it works wonders to calm nerves and it is probably the most gentle of essential oils on your skin, even helping with those little kitchen burns you get.

Just look how beautiful it is too- my fave colour purple! A great place to visit is Norfolk, so much lovely lavender, and it's used in so many ways!

Another great essential oil which aids relaxation is Ylang Ylang. A stronger, floral, almost tropical aroma. It is termed as a 'base note', meaning its aroma is deeper and these base notes are known for being good sedatives. You only need to use a small amount of this oil in any burner or massage blend, so as not to overpower the rest of the oils and get the right balance which allows the oil to work at its best.

Another stunning looking plant, that when oils are extracted, can have really benefical effects on the human body and mind.

Other oils that might work for you to help you relax (remember each individual will have preferences over scent, one of our most powerful senses) include:
Chamomile (Roman)
Cedarwood
Neroli
Rosemary
Sandalwood...the list goes on, so why not try them. Even a few drops in an oil burner can make a difference.

Easter Snacks

Well, after I won some lovely Easter cookie cutters I had planned everyone would be getting wonderful Easter biscuits this year- what I hadn't planned is that the oven would break the week before Easter!

So Easter Sunday, late morning at my parents I started making buscuits, but not wanting all that time spent on rolling out dough and baking various flavoured biscuits I went down a different route (tried to make quick biscuits).

I decided to make some lavender biscuits which you usually roll into balls, but I used the mixture to fill the cutters instead, so at least they had some 'eastery' shaped biscuits!

The receipe is really simple:  Makes approx 12 bicuits
75g self raising flour
75g caster sugar
75g unsalted butter
75g porridge oats
1 tbsp golden syrup (optional- I didn't use this)
1 tbsp milk
1 tsp of lavender leaves finely chopped (or use 1 tsp of flowers)
1tsp flowers

Pre heat oven to Gas Mark 4/180C
Grease and line baking tray

Sift flour in to a bowl add oats and sugar, mix.
Melt butter, syrup and milk together.
Add butter mixture to flour mixture, stir well.
The mixture comes together, almost like a dough.

Place a tablespoonful of the mixture onto baking tray, leaving space between each one.
I used cutters and filled them with mixture, then left the cutters whilst the biscuits were baking, or another option you could try is to chill the mixture for a few minutes in the fridge so it becomes more solid which would then make it useable to roll out and cut out shapes (this was suggested after I had decided to fill my cutters and bake in oven, so I haven't tried it.)

Bake for 10-15 mins, until golden. leave to cool for 5mins and then transfer to wire rack.

I left the biscuits plain, but you could decorate them, although the wonderful lavender and homemade look to them, I don't think you need to. So my quick-made Easter buscuits were done and tasted rather good too!

The Easter Bunny!

Bunnies, chicks, eggs and umbrellas!!(there would have been a f lower but the flower broke) Also some unshaped ones too!