Milk...

Coincidently, I have given some thought to trying alternative milk sources and I have just so happened to come across this article in the Ecologist Magazine. I'm somewhat surprised that Soya is top of the list, however, it is definitely something I would recommend reading.

http://www.theecologist.org/green_green_living/food_and_drink/847876/top_10alternatives_to_cows_milk.html

This suggestion however, is not something that is grabbing my partners attention as his response was.. 'I like milk!'... 

So that aside, give it a read ladies and gents and let me know your thoughts. Due to space limitations and the obvious permission from Mr Farmer, I am restricted in obtaining sheep or goats milk (other than buying from shops). 

So, going forward, as a trial, I am partial to attempting the almond or cashew milk. So, instead of buying it in, I'm going to attempt making it myself. I know some of you might be wondering, why not buy it in if you're buying the nuts however, I want to see whether it's going to get a thumbs up on taste before I look at methods of growing my own.

Bye Bye Bantams...

Sad day yesterday as Mr & Mrs Bucket have gone.

They have been relocated to an animal sanctuary called HACK in North Wales (http://www.hackonline.org.uk/). It's predominantly for horses but they do have quite a number of varied species living there too including other chickens. This way, they'll both be able to remain together and no longer cause problems with neighbours. It's probably worth noting that if you do intend to have chickens, even living on a farm has it's complications. Sad day.

Cushion sewing projects....

So I might have got a tad carried away here, but when you have excess material and your house needs softening up; what better way to do it than with home-made cushions. The only expense was buying some of the cushions (not all I'd like to add as some where just recovered) and it was an added bonus that the ones bought were actually in the sale.

The woollen striped fabric was itself made out of an actual recycled poncho. They may not be perfect but it's always a fabulous sense of achievement when having finished. Check out the pics of some examples made and let me know your thoughts.

Growing For Herbal & Culinary Use...

Not far from the boundaries of our paved backyard is a pond, of which, it is surrounded by grassland. It is here that my chickens live and where I eagerly attempt to grow my own veg. So, the plan is, just to reiterate my previous post, it would be fabulous to have an array of colourful wild flowers growing around the pond and behind the cottage. With approval and encouragement from Mr Farmer, the plan is on. This isn't an area that I am particular strong at so with the help from a reliable Welshman, the wheels are in motion. Check out the before pics so far and watch this space.

Successful Facial Care...

So I can confirm that my skin feels a lot healthier and softer after changing my regime. It was challenging initially. However, the easy part is just to keep it simple and think about what your skin needs. It is worth noting that you need to up your water consumption intake too and keep yourself hydrated.

My regime consisted of washing my face morning and night with an oil based soap. In this case I used Oliva Pure Olive Oil Soap (see pic).

Then with the aid of a damp cotton wool pad/ball, I'd spread the oil over my face and neck (again morning and night). It doesn't take long to soak in but it works a treat. Let me reiterate, I'm no scientist but this is something that works for me but if you'd like to check out more technical/scientific etc etc information, again, it is worth reading Pat Thomas' book about moisturisers and facial cleansing.

Good luck and let me know if you decide to give it a go. Happy reading.

Pet Food ...

For sometime I've been thinking 'what IS actually in the pet food I'm feeding my trusty felines'? Do we actually know whether its causing more harm than good? So, going forward and in taking a leaf out of my parents book, I want to change from the standard pre-packaged and tinned cat food and shift to something more home-made and trustworthy. This then raises the question as to what DO cats actually need in a healthy balanced diet. It might be worth reading this article from the ecologist in the meantime just to give you some insight... http://www.theecologist.org/green_green_living/home/268818/should_my_dog_eat_dog_food.html
So, suggestions welcome again ladies and gents and I'll keep you posted on what we plan to do.

SNAIL GEL.....

Ok, so I kind of made a mistake whilst out yesterday in Holland & Barrett purchasing the addictive plain choc coated ginger sweet treats. I happened to notice an interesting product called SNAIL GEL.. How can anyone after seeing that, not consider having a mooch in more detail. It is a product by De Tuinen and is supposedly aimed at helping support skin repair by using extracts of snail slime. The pic below is a tad blurred so check out the link too for more information: (http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product_detail.asp?pid=869)

SNAIL GEL

Hmmmm... So, I was intrigued and somewhat hooked and thought, why not give it a go. However, don't be fooled, it isn't cheap and only after leaving the shop in shock of having spent over £40 for a few replacement foodie home bits, natural deodorant and snail slime I was perplexed at what had just happened. When rereading my receipt, I had realised I had been fooled and what I thought was marketed at under £5 was in fact £21.39. I'm not too sure whether this was my mistake but I can confirm that I have never spent so much on a beauty product in my life and considering the purposes of trying to live a much more self-sufficient life, it is certainly not something I would have chosen to do knowingly.

So, too embarrassed and in shock to return the product and my partner reiterating what a fool I was. I am now a self inflicted guinea pig for snail slime.... watch this space.

If the verdict is good, I think I'd rather go out collecting snails myself then spend silly money on a product in which I'm guessing most of the cost covers the packaging. Hmmm... I feel somewhat fooled!

Oils Oils Oils...

What a lovely surprise from Mr Postie and Aromantics when I got home. My two ordered oils have finally arrived. The Sweet Almond Organic Oil and Honey Moisturiser. No real need for buying both but I was just curious to try the two. As highly recommended by Mrs Badger, using oils is a healthy and natural alternative to using any other face products e.g. cleanser, toners and creams. If you read Pat Thomas' book it goes into further detail and explains all the science aspects. That I'll not bore you with. Verdict to follow.

Landshare...

This one is dedicated to 'Happy Jack' - I know some of you might be thinking it's easier for me to become self sufficient as I live on a farm, however, I want to raise awareness to the Landshare scheme that is open to everyone. It is a chance for those who have spare unused land to share and be brought together with individuals in need of space and land to cultivate and grow their own. You'll be surprised at how much is available out there. If in doubt, I certainly recommend just having a look at this website -  http://www.landshare.net/.
Happy Reading chaps and chapettes. :-)

Blueberries...

Woweee.... check out my blueberries. This is my first crop after a LONG time waiting so not bad. I'm soooo excited to try them. Turn blue Mr Blueberry bush.

Willow Trellis...

So, for sometime I've been wanting to fix some trellises up around the back yard to grow some herbal flowers and to attract more bees and butterflies. This is something that I refuse to go out and buy when we're surrounded by acres of woodland. So, Sunday was a fun day for me collecting willow to weave into trellises. Somewhat challenging when the heifers try to eat the leaves from the willow plants whilst I'm carrying them across the fields. I felt like a walking canteen!! This is still a work in progress so pictures will follow shortly.

SWAP

Anyone got a light Sussex hen to swap with healthy young bantam blue wyandottes cockerel. Live on farm in NWales. Complaints already in less than 24hrs. Refusing to kill and waste money.

Temp Chicken HQ...

Check out the coop which lovely Jimbob helped assemble. Temporary location via the pond for now until clearing made in designated Chicken HQ behind the barn. The birds have been named; will be challenging to try remember them. We have, the Three Witches of Eastwick aka Alexandra, Sukie and Jane, Barbara and Mr and Mrs Bucket aka Hyacinth and Richard. All seem to have settled in and survived their first night. Our cats are extremely curious with the new editions. Three eggs on the first day already. The home-made dust bath appears to be a success amongst tribe flock!

Bantam Blue Laced Wyandotte Mr & Mrs Bucket

Black Rock (Witches of Eastwick Alexandra)

Chelford Agricultural Auction...

Made a trip up to Chelford Market yesterday morning. It was chaos. First time I've ever been to an agricultural auction. Still no scooby on what Mr Auction Man was actually saying. It was great to see such a wide variety of birds and many many other animals. No children were hurt in the horde of sellers and buyers. We witnessed a few semi-suicidal chicks flying out of cages. Six birds in total brought home with us. Three Black Rock Girls, one Salmon Faverolle and a pair of Bantam Blue Laced Wyandotte. After purchase, we discovered that one of the Blue Laced Wyandottes was actually a cockerel and the Salmon Faverolle was feeling somewhat broody, subsequently, once back home, she was swapped with a Buff Orpington from Lodge HQ. So, even though it rain throughout the whole trip, it ended with sleepy smiles all round.

Wild Flower Meadow....

Ok, so i've come up with another plan. I've decided to add some pretty wild flowers into the area/grass banking at the back of the cottage surrounding the pond. However, one golden rule - the flowers have to be of some herbal or culinary benefit. So, this is an area that I might require some tips on. Back to the aid of Mr Phillips once more (check out his book below) and the superb Mr James Wong (again book is below)...

 

Before and after pics to follow with species ... eek! 

Samples...

Just ordered some freebie samples from There Must Be a Better Way online shop(http://www.theremustbeabetterway.co.uk/). I recommend anyone who is unsure whether to go the whole hog and just want to try some natural beauty products first to give it a go. Verdict to follow :-)

Ethical Superstore...

Ok, I've just bought my monthly shop products from the ethical superstore (http://www.ethicalsuperstore.com/). It's certainly worth a mooch as there are loads of deals to grab. Similar with the household products, I've waited on these to all run low before replacing them. I do still intend to make my own cleaning products in the long term but no harm in switching to chemical free in the mean time. Watch this space for verdict report. :-)

Oils...

So, after taking in the advice from Pat Thomas (and Mrs Badger) regarding facial creams, cleaners and toners, I have now purchased some Sweet Cold Pressed Organic Almond Oil. This has been something I have wanted to do for a while but I'm not one to waste what we already have in the house. All beauty products within the hose have almost run out. Waiting on delivery from Mr Postie. Verdict report to follow. Product cost is £4.95 and it should last up to 2.5yrs. Not bad when you consider how much is spent on unnecessary beauty products. Word of warning. Do have a shop around as I have come across similar products asking for four times the amount. Remember, changing your spending habits has to be cost effective. Happy Reading. :-)

Cats v Swifty Swallow...

Close encounter! 

Somehow a swifty swallow must have got into the cottage whilst my back was turned and started making a racket trying to escape. This didn't help as it only attracted the attention of my two kitties. All was safe until the bird made a wrong turn towards the cats. The cats pounced and George (the youngest) came up triumphant with a fluttering bird in her mouth. Not good. However, after a few mins of shock, I managed to get George to release the bird and shooed both cats outdoors. Now it became a waiting game. So after numerous poos on my kitchen table, the swift swallow managed to escape through the skylight to freedom and away from kitty jaws. Certainly time to put the kettle on!

New Girls on the Way...

Happy times, my new girls are hopefully coming on Monday. It's been decided that chickens are the first birds to join the Hodgkinson/Johnson family. Hutch and run to be assembled tomorrow. Thank you to Mr Henry and his friend for the long term lend of it (so it certainly saves me pennies). Temporary home to be by the pond for now until clearing made in selected wooded area by the barn. No definite decision on the breed yet. Pics to follow along with trials and tribulations of Bank Holiday Monday's adventures.

Cow Licking...

Enjoyed a relaxing walk around the farm this evening with Farmer Robert counting heifers. Few encounters with overly friendly girls. Check out the pic. :-)

Soapnuts ... take TWO

So, here they are happy readers. My soapnuts have arrived. This is the website again if anyone is up for giving them ago (http://soapnuts.co.uk/). Not had a chance to use them yet, no need to waste what we have but very excited to get going.

Green Knickers...

Ok, so it might appear a bit odd that I'm blogging about this but when you think about the impact that just the simplest things have, it's amazing at the prospect of options available. So, it's about time I purchased some more 'smalls'!

However, I do want to stick to my plan and make sure that I'm only buying things that are ethically viable and environmentally friendly. I'm certainly open to suggestions here ladies and gents but just to give you all a quick idea at how it's easy to source things, I've come across this blog which is certainly informative (http://www.greenknickers.org/wordpress/?page_id=47).
Happy Reading

Water Butt..

After being installed for only a few hours the butt is full already!! Might need to consider installing another one for back up.

Birthdays...

Trying to be eco doesn't end when you want to give birthday gifts. So, that considered, newspaper was used for recycling, a hand made card was crafted and a seasonal organic cake was baked.

Flies ... grrrr

Ok, I'm going slightly crazy. One word FLIES! How on earth do you stop them from coming into the house without using chemicals?? I feel like I'm started a war with them and there is only so much flapping around that I am prepared to do. Just trying to bake and I'm trying to keep cool and calm!!
Any suggestions welcome.

Rain Water

Thanks to Ann and Robert for firstly, giving me the water butt and secondly, for fixing it to the drainpipe outside the cottage. Pic shortly to follow. I can now recycle and reuse rain water for the garden and stop using tap water. Happy Days.

Soapnuts...

Ok - very excited. I've just ordered my first batch of SOAPNUTs. I'll keep you posted when they arrive. Check out the link on my Green Bibles for more details but in a nutshell, they're a natural chemical free alternative to washing powder and liquid plus much much more. As an added bonus, after use you can mix them in a jar/container with white wine vinegar to make a eco-friendly household cleaner.

Hurry up Mr Postman!

Buying Food...

I'm guessing a lot of you have already read about the protests against the development of a new store (Tesco) in Bristol, of which, it got me thinking as to where I buy my products from. I'll hold my hands up and admit that I too have been a culprit of this myself. However, I have over the past few years, begrudgingly wanted to continue with this nasty habit. Although, as a non driver, it isn't always that straight forward. I did however, live in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, of which, there was a fantastic little co-operative called Unicorn Grocery (http://www.unicorn-grocery.co.uk/) which sold local, wholesome organic food. If anyone reading this and just so happens to live that way, give it a go, you'll never go back. But, back to my initial point, has anyone given any further thought of the way in which a supermarket influences our spending habits? Are supermarkets partly to blame for our countries obesity and health problems? etc etc I'm not saying these are all entirely true but you can't help think that there is some connection...

So, as a point of trying to live a life that is detached and self sufficient, I shall be no longer ordering my weekly shop online with Asda and where possible, live without, make/grow my own or seek alternative local suppliers ...

Happy Reading Folks

Cleaning with Chemicals...

So, after being made aware of this fantastic informative book (What's In This Stuff by PAT THOMAS) I have had my eyes open to shocking facts about how we carelessly live our lives swimming in chemicals. I have always tried to make sure that I eat healthily and where possible, consider the implications of what my choices will have on the production of certain products.

This book however, makes you aware of how frequently we allow ourselves, our children and families from birth to death to be in contact with chemicals that can cause cancer, skin disorders, allergies, asthma, headaches, depression, infertility and much much more. If I would recommend anyone to buy a book ,this would be at the top of my list.

Taking this forward, I have decided to remove all chemicals from within our house. I know it won't be easy and there will be times when it'll drive me crazy but having a go is the easy part and all I want to do is try. I will be considering the financial implications for everything and keeping an open realistic mind throughout. So, I'll keep you posted ladies and gents. Keep reading.

Helicopter V Taxi !!

OK, this might seem rather odd but I was privy to a bit of information that is too good NOT to share.

During a time when we all need to readdress our spending habits, it seems immoral, arrogant and unjust that a 'certain' minority of people see it acceptable to out-rightly go over the top.

Since when is it cheaper to travel by helicopter than taxi?? Surely you need to consider variables other than cost and I would be asking 'who is going to be picking up this tab'??

As a person who strongly believes in affordable education for all, shame on you - you know who you are.

Hair Dye

I have in the past had the odd tendency to want to colour my hair, red, black, brown and even blonde. So I've quickly realised how much contact I am exposing myself to chemicals on a regular basis. This got me thinking. Is it possible to colour my hair without chemicals? Firstly, if I'm going to continue, I might as well keep the risk of chemically induced 'problems' to a minimum OR, what steps do I take to eliminate the need to colour my hair in the first place. Like most females, I won't deny that I do try to make an effort to look my best or relatively half decent. I am the owner of the odd grey hair strand and I have been since I was twenty. So, is it time I stop hiding it and start embracing it.

Hummm, more thought required on this one. Any how, I have come across this website that produced natural hair dye... http://www.suvarna.co.uk/.
Happy reading.

Knolton Market Garden

So, over the last few days, I have predominantly been helping/volunteering my services/time/energy and enthusiasm to help on Knolton Market Garden (http://knoltonmarketgarden.blogspot.com/). This is something that I just can't get enough of and what better way to learn about gardening and allotments then with helping friends out.
So today, we've been weeding, planting seeds (and plants) and setting up frames for cucumbers. As the weather is a tad too chilly to plant anything outdoors yet for me (other than the odd direct sew), I've got plenty of time to learn something new every week.
Today was topped off with a few incidents involving a certain four legged dog and two mice and a frog.... I'm pleased to say that all lived to see another day.

Bedroom Sewing

Due to somewhat slight dimension limitations within the bedroom, a compromise was needed! Our existing bed wouldn't fit. This therefore meant we needed to make do with an alternative bed of which, to save space it still required storage underneath but on a downside, it didn't come with a headboard. So after a few uncomfortable sleeps from loosing our pillows into the abyss behind the back of the bed and  from clanking our skulls against the wall, a headboard needed to be fashioned.

As I had plenty of material it seemed ignorant to buy a new one. So, by just sewing together two spare cushions and making a giant pillowcase, a headboard was fashioned.

 This was then aided by my partner making a bedroom shelf (see image above) to which we could hang the headboard from.  Total costs = zero, total comfort = 100%.

Roger Phillips - Mushrooms

Perfect Saturday gift from the postman. I finally received my 2nd hand copy of Roger Phillip's book on Mushrooms and other fungi of Great Britain & Europe (http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/) - thanks to Ian for the tip. Foraging beware!

Chickens

So today has been preoccupied with making decisions. One of which involves CHICKENS. So, the plan is to certainly have some to provide us with our own eggs (possibly look at meat options at a later date) however, lets just stick with eggs for now. All suggestions welcome on what type of breed we should have. A location has been determined, hutch to be sourced/made. Might be a test of my DIY skills. Certainly going to check out freecycle (http://www.uk.freecycle.org/) - which I recommend everyone should do however,  I'm sure you'll be enlightened with images to follow at a later date.

To add drama into the 'batch' - Jim has mentioned he'd prefer DUCKs... watch this space :-)

Natural Rug Store

Very exciting day today. My samples from the Natural Rug Store (http://www.naturalrugstore.co.uk/) arrived today. The plan is to eventually fit the cottage out with suitable flooring aka rugs in this case before winter. So on a plus note, the cottage will firstly be much warmer and secondly, be from a sustainable resource.