A bird in the hand

                      

    The gardener arrived early to his work one sunny morning bearing runner beans for a favourite customer and quite unaware that within moments he would be called upon to save a life.  Rascally squirrels had managed to remove the top of a tall, enclosed peanut feeder - designed to keep them out- tipped out most of the nuts and made off with their bounty.  On arriving for his early morning peanuts, the jay, finding only a few nuts left, stuck his head into the plastic tube, wriggled and squirmed his way to the bottom and very soon found himself stuck fast, upside down and swinging helplessly in the rapidly rising heat of the day.      The ingenuity of the gardener is often called upon and this was all in a day's work but more than a little daunting. All there was to pull on were the tips of one or two tail feathers, the bird's claws were wedged forward under its throat and it was very annoyed.  A gentle tug elicited an alarmed squawk but a slight movement so little by little the gardener pulled gently on the feathers until accompanied by much protesting, the poor creature was released.  It seemed unharmed by its brush with death and shaking its feathers to restore its injured dignity, flew off into the trees.  You'll be glad to know that the top has been firmly tied on to the feeder and the squirrels will have to think of another plan..I expect they will..
  After several days of intensive house cleaning  -the sort that involves endless bowls of soapy water and carpet shampoo..not to mention the dusting and carrying of many, many books and nick-nacks following the relining of our chimney and installation of a stove I felt the need of a gentler day yesterday and decided to replenish my stores of deodorant and moisturiser.  I thought I'd share the recipes here. 
 Most deodorants include metals, particularly aluminium, also parabens and heaven knows what (and do investigate the ingredients of 'alumimium free' deodorants now appearing on supermarket shelves before you buy).  Given that these are applied very close to lymph nodes in the upper area of the breasts, a little extra effort or expense is probably worth it, added to which, perspiration is the body's way of getting rid of toxins as you will probably find out when you stop using the things that block that process.   A detox preparation of Fullers Earth (Calcium Bentonite clay) made into a paste with oil will speed this process rapidly and is a good idea for a deep cleanse.  No home made deodorant is going to work as well as a conventional one. You will need to wash and apply more often and bless your body for doing its job.  I do keep a 'proper' deodorant for the very rare occasion where I might need the extra confidence but very much dislike the harshness of the chemicals on my skin.  The adage 'Don't put anything on your skin that you wouldn't put in your mouth' is a wise one...Best not eat beeswax though..Ok, so here we go.. 
    I have a cup  marking on my measuring jug so use it often nowadays.  1 cup is equivalent to 128g or 4½ oz.

Deodorant

• 2½ tbsp organic virgin coconut oil
• 2½ tbsp unrefined shea butter
• ¼ cup arrowroot
• 1½ tbsp bicarbonate soda

12 drops essential oil

Deodorant oils include Benzoin, Bergamot, Clary, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Neroli,and Patchouli   (Tisserand: The Art of Aromatherapy)  Use your personal favourite oil or blend but don't be tempted to use more, 12 drops will be fine. Avoid perfume oils for the reasons given above. I use a classic blend of Lavender and Patchouli in lots of things, the patchouli loses its fusty smell and just adds depth to a floral oil.You will need a couple of very clean small jars or tins..2x 50g should be ample. Keep in fridge for 3 months or so and chuck it out as soon as it smells or looks unpleasant

Place oils in a glass jar in a pan of water and bring to the boil, stirring to mix well.  When melted add arrowroot, bicarb and essential oils. Spoon into jars or tins and cool.


Moisturiser  

 Ingredients:       1 cup aloe vera gel
                         ¾ oz ( 20 g) beeswax, grated - Vegans can use Carnuba wax
                          ¼ cup  Almond oil                                                                                  
                          ¼ cup Coconut oil
                           10 drops essential oil (don't use perfume oil for the reasons above)

       I used to use a cheap blender specifically for emulsifying creams and lotions but it wasn't really up to the job and I found that for occasional use, 15 minutes with a basin and fork is better, but you will need stamina and a strong arm. I include the blender instructions for the moisturiser but be aware that wax will partially solidify  under the blades and will need scraping out several times during the process (and be a bugger to clean ).

•  Melt wax and coconut oil in the almond oil   (use a bowl in a pan of simmering water and don't allow water to splash in to the oil)
• Pour into blender or large bowl and leave to cool, maybe an hour or so.
• Mix essential oils with aloe vera gel. I used a blend of Benzoin, Rose and Jasmine oils. The Benzoin harmonises well with a good quality coconut oil which smells lovely on its own..you could just use those two. Both waxy oil and gel need to be the same temperature to emulsify properly, I use a cooking thermometer (22 -25C) but cool room temperature is fine, if aloe vera is colder it won't work so well.
• Very slowly pour aloe vera gel into blender as it whips (or into the bowl as you beat like hell with a large fork or very clean whisk) 'til fluffy and light, scraping the bottom several times until all is blended.   Spoon into jars or tins.  Mine made 400g.  Keep spare in fridge for at least 3 months.