Changes & New Creations

A lot's been going on, new house - bit of a project, work, new crafts, a sewing class and Shakespeare Richard II...so it's all go!

Many things in the house need sorting (not least to say a new kitchen!) All in good time...I keep telling myself, got to watch the ££ it's a busy and costly time of the year!

We 'inherited' some chickens, who desperately needed looking after, that's an ongoing project and the garden seems to have been a dumping ground, so more clearing and sorting there, just want the worst done before the really cold weather sets in!

Potential for a decent garden - just get rid of the 'dump' at the bottom, sort the chicken's pen, sort the hedges and tree, get some more light in, get up the paving slabs, demolish old shed, build new larger shed, get a veg patch in, flowers etc...this may take a while!

I have had a little 'me' time in between, so my sister and I attended a lovely sewing class at Guthrie & Ghani in Moseley. See more here.
I also was fortunate enough to get tickets for Stratford to see Richard II with David Tennant- we had excellent seats, so close. The play was very good and had light hearted comedy moments, and parts of the play are relevant to today, so Shakespeare was well ahead of his time, that or the problems of then are still with us today!

I have been crafting I can, which isn't often enough and sometimes I'm too tired to craft- which isn't on! Anyway I have agreed to make a few items for The Donkey Sanctuary, a lovely charity looking after neglected/abandoned Donkeys I hope to make a few items for them, it's just fitting it in around my crafting too!

Crochet - as well as various donkey themed items, I have been working on some cute crochet creations including owls and robins. 

Felt - again I have been making donkey items as well as some robins here, which I hope to make into brooches/decorations/hair clips...hopefully in time for Christmas!

Lavender scented donkey sachets - typically my felt robins have gone walkies, I can't remember where I put them!

I have also got some background projects I have been working on, including some bouquets I hope to finally put together, it's all a bit experimental, but involves crochet, beads, buttons, vintage pearls and various bits and bobs. I would love to get something finished this year, but with robins in need of making and turning to Christmas - hand made decorations...who knows if I'll have time!

I'm also considering a craft swap...may be join one or organise myself? I'd like to, but it all boils down to time - if only we had more of it!!

Crochet Flowers

Vintage bead earrings

Shells - making into Angel Wings & Butterflies

Headband - button centre

Lavender Lemonade

Having already made elderflower cordial this year, I thought I'd try something different. I was going with elderflower and rhubarb, but it didn't work out - I'm wondering if it's because I froze the elderflowers?

I did look on several websites and many people do freeze elderflowers and they are fine when making items later on, but it didn't work for me. I have some more left so I might try again, but for now I just made some lavender lemonade.


This was easy to do, but does need a fair few lemons, I used 7 I think to just get the 300ml needed.

Ingredients:
300ml lemon juice
250g sugar
1litre water (in total)
Approx 14 lavender heads - fresh or dried


Dissolve the sugar into 500ml of water, boil until dissolved.
Remove from the heat, add the lavender, cover and leave to cool.
Juice lemons.
Once Sugar mixture has cooled add the lemon juice and 500ml of water.
Strain the liquid into bottles.

Can be drunk straight away, or even better, chill the lemonade in the fridge and add a few ice cubes - delicious!!

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.