ROSEMARY AND SAGE HAIR RINSE

This is particularly good for dark hair, giving it a healthy glow.  There are anti-bacterial properties in rosemary which might help keep a dandruff free healthy scalp.   Sage should make the hair nice and shiny.

It will keep for about a week in the fridge.  Make the day before you need it, to let it infuse.

2 oz approx. of fresh rosemary
2 oz approx. of fresh sage leaves
1 pint of boiling water

Using a pair of kitchen scissors, snip the rosemary sprigs into a pyrex bowl.  Add the sage leaves and pour the boiling water on them.  Leave to infuse for 3 hours but preferably overnight.  Strain the mixture, using a plastic sieve, into a jug and then pour into a storage bottle (perhaps an old vinegar bottle).

After shampooing and rinsing your hair, tip some of the herb rinse over your hair and leave for half an hour.  Then rinse it off and dry your hair.

Mint and rosemary cologne

Eau de cologne is easy to make from a blend of your favourite aromatic oils with water and alcohol.

They make a perfect gift for friends, male or female.

Get together the following:-

15ml of any fresh mint (1 tablespoonful)
15ml of rosemary leaves (1 tablespoonful)
1 lemon
1 orange
50ml (2fl oz) of vodka - a cheap one to use as an alcohol base
115ml (4fl oz) rosewater

You will also need:-

A plastic sieve
Small saucepan
A bowl
A jug and storage containers

Wash the rosemary and mint leaves then dry them.  Place in a bowl.  Heat the vodka in a pan and pour over the herbs.  Wash the lemon and orange.  Grate the peel onto the herbs.  Warm the rosewater in a pan and add to the mix.  Cover it and keep in the fridge for a week.  Remember to stir it every day.  At the end of the week, strain the mixture through a plastic sieve into a perfume bottle and seal.  It should keep for two weeks in the fridge, and can be used in the bath, or as a splash on.

A Wintery Walk in Kensington Gardens

Kensington Palace February 2019
A great place to stop for lunch in the cafe, followed by a look around the gift shop.

 

Queen Victoria

 

The Albert Memoriam

 

For thirst birds and dogs

  

Hyde Park flowers

Meghan Markle's New Patronage

The Press

Yesterday, the Mayhew Home for dogs and cats in Kensal Green expected a visit from their new patron, Meghan Markle.  When I arrived to a slow drizzle, there didn't seem to be many people outside except the press.  After waiting an hour, the rain became rather heavy, so I decided to give up.

Mayhew Home, Kensal Green

CHILLIED PORK CASSEROLE WITH HERBS

1 large onion, chopped
Few garlic cloves cleaned and crushed
Pork fillet cut into cubes
1 tin of tomatoes
Some tomato puree
Mixed herbs and oregano
White wine
Butter beans (tinned)
Quarter tsp of red hot chilli and a few chilli flakes according to taste
Salt and black pepper

Fry the onion and garlic cloves, then add the pork and fry until browned.  Add the herbs, seasoning and the tin of tomatoes, stir in some tomato puree and add a good glug of the wine to provide cooking liquid.  Add the chilli and leave to cook for 1 hour then add the butter beans.

Eileen's Potatoes
Here’s the recipe for almond potatoes. Slice some new pots, or other and boil for around 10 mins in salted water. Meanwhile fry a slice red onion with some garlic in a little oil for three to four mins. Add half a teaspoon or so of turmeric and a good handful of flaked almonds. . Drain and add the potatoes and some rocket, I used parsley. Pour in some double cream and reheat. Transfer to an ovenproof dish, check seasoning salt and black pepper and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake for around 30 to 40 mins  190-200.  Enjoy.

A Poem About Touch

THE GAZE

You caught my stare
Or was it a glare
I felt a buzz
Or maybe a stir
When you touched my hand
With the tips of your fingers
It was like an electric shock
I pulled my hand away
In that moment I knew
I knew it would be you

Why Don't Older People Wear Brighter Coloured Clothes and Accessories?

When you reach a certain age, is it really necessary to wear just beige or navy.  We need more colourful older people.  Men as well as women.  Think Jo Brand, the comedian, Prue Leith, the chef (with her colourful glasses), Sue Pollard, Mary Berry (all those colourful jackets), Christopher Biggins, Paul Martin, the antiques expert with his loud trousers.

Walking down Oxford Street in central London, many people wrap up warm in dark anoraks, jeans and trainers, all very comfortable for shopping, but what about a winter white coat with a black Russian hat to liven up the crowds.  Why aren't red leather boots easy to buy?  They are available online but not many on shelves in the shops.


So, reach in that wardrobe for something bright today and wear it with pride.