What to Wear in the British Isles

Easter in the UK is usually a complete washout.  In 2019 Easter was the warmest on record.  In the sunshine it was warm enough to wear a t-shirt and shorts, but in the shade???  Would you, could you brave that cool wind on bare legs?  I couldn't.  It seems that as soon as the sun shines, it's "summer" no matter the temperature is less than 18C.  My phone is currently telling me it's 7C but outside in the street, people are happily going about their days without a coat.  The sun isn't out today.

I am not keen to swim outdoors unless the temperature reaches 28/29C.  Lots of Brits feel differently and dive right in.

A Warm Winter Drink

Suggested ingredients:

1 orange
Several cloves
A splash of port
A cinammon stick
A teaspoon of allspice
3 teaspoons of sugar
25ml of rum
25ml of brandy

Stick cloves into an orange.  Cook it in the oven for 15 minutes, on a tray, at 180C.
Cut it in quarters and put in a saucepan with port, cinammon, allspice, sugar, rum and brandy.  Don't bring to the boil if you want to retain the alcohol.  Serve warm in a pretty mug.

STEAM INHALATION

Suffering from a cold, sore throat, runny nose?  What about trying steam inhalation for some relief?

The steam will help to open the nasal passages.  You will need a large heatproof bowl such as Pyrex, boiling water, a towel, essential oils or a handful of fresh herbs.

If using fresh herbs, crush them and add a pint of boiling water.  Cover your head and the bowl with a large towel and inhale the steam.  Do this for 5 minutes twice a day.  Why not try thyme?

If using oils, add three or four drops of the oil with a pint of boiling water.  Inhale in the same way as the herbs, but probably a minute will be long enough.

You could try:-
Eucalyptus
Lavender
Frankincense
Tea Tree

Obviously, seek medical advice if symptoms persist.

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