BBB - Oils for the family

Despite what you may think I do not go around dragging a huge sack of oils with me wherever I go. I do have a tiny pouch of mini's that go most places with me but there is one rollerball that is always in my bag. 

When I first started using oils I went to France with my family when the boys were 1, 3 and 5 and I needed something to cover all eventualities - eggs on heads, bruises, mosquitos bites, the strange rashes Jim sometimes gets when faced with unusual grass! Was there such a thing? I did my research and created the BBB (bumps, bruises, bites) rollerball and we've been using it ever since. 

So what's in it?

Frankincense: the king of oils, promotes cellular support, soothes and calms the nervous system and therefore the skin, reduces the appearance of skin imperfections

Tea Tree: soothes irritated skin (remember putting it on spots in the 90s?) promotes healthy immune response

Lavender: a natural antihistamine, soothes the skin,  reduces inflammation. Yes it's calming but my goodness this is a bit of a miracle worker on the skin. 

As I was writing this my son came to me having splashed himself with water from the kettle (he is old enough to be making himself tea) and I immediately reached for the BBB roller. The first picture above is the burn, second picture a few minutes after one application and then I applied again and we went out. An hour later he showed me and we couldn't even see where it had been! Obviously the severity of burns vary but this was a fairly painful one and I was pleased to be able to help. 

Seasonal Threats

A lot of people suffer with allergies, hayfever and sensitivity to pollens and grasses but did you know there is a solution that won’t leave you feeling drowsy and can be on hand wherever you go. I've put together a Seasonal Threats bundle which will get you through with no nasty chemicals - perfect.

Lavender
Lavender oil has been used to help soothe and relax for thousands of years. Uses include: helping anxiety, soothing burns and skin wounds, aiding sleep and reducing stress but did you know it is also a natural antihistamine helping reduce irritation and relax breathing. Other uses include:

• Diffuse at night to calm
• Add to dryer balls
• Add 2-3 drops to a warm bath
• Apply to skin to soothe irritations (I have this diluted in a roller ball in my bag for any burns, bites etc when I'm out and about, especially great with kids)

Peppermint This is so useful for a variety of reasons and I use it all the time - from nervous brides to car sick toddlers Peppermint usually has you covered. When we are dealing with allergies quite often breathing becomes restricted, Peppermint is fantastic for opening the airways

• Drop 3-4 drops on the shower flower to help invigorat
• Inhale while driving to stay alert 

Lemon Energising and uplifting this oil helps balance emotions, provide energy and is also wonderful for help when cleaning. For those suffering with allergies it relieves respiratory inflammation

• Place 1-2 drops on the palms of the hands and inhale for a burst of energy
• 3-5 drops of lemon in a diffuser can help with stress 
• Rub it on glass jars etc to remove sticky label residue

How to use these oils to help with hayfever:

To make up a 10ml rollerball simply add:
For adults - 10 drops Peppermint, 10 drops Lemon, 10 drops Lavender and fill to the top For children - 3 drops Peppemint, 3 drops Lemon, 3 drops Lavender and fill to the top

Apply to the temples, pulse points or under the nose

To take in a vegetable capsule - suitable for adults only
Add 2 drops of each to an empty capsule and take with water

Lavender Oil

Lavender has been used for thousands of years to help soothe and relax. Not only can it aid sleep and reduce stress and anxiety but it is also fantastic for soothing burns, skin irritations and burns. 

For recipes and tips on using lavender clip the Lavender label

You can get your lavender here https://doterra.me/DckwP5

F.L.O.O.T

One of my first wow moment with oils was when I had been suffering with a gripey tummy for a week and having tried everything had resigned myself to going to my sisters 40th (already delayed by lockdown) and not being able to eat or drink and feeling rather nauseous the whole time. In desperation I messaged my friend, an aromatherapist, and she told me to take these 5 oils in a vegetable capsule. I did without holding much hope and only realise later, having eaten, drunk and danced all night that there was no tummy pain or nausea in sight. 

This combination is particularly good for colds, flus and other viruses. I always have a rollerball of this made up and for my eldest son, who won't take calpol or paracetamol, this has been my trusty friend in the middle of the night when his temperature is high and neither of us have had much sleep. 

Doterra oils are certified food grade (not all of them) so these are the only ones I use. 

Get everything you need here 

On Guard Oil Blend

I'm not kidding when I say I use this all over the house. A blend of cinnamon, wild orange, rosemary and eucalyptus these are powerful antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and can be diffused into the air and used to clean and purify household surfaces.

Citrus oils are also very uplifting so what I love about this is when I diffuse it when we are under the weather it does give a mood boost. You can also gently inhale straight from the bottle. 

You can mix 3-5 drops with 250ml of water and use to clean countertops and other surfaces but I use our cleaner concentrate to clean pretty much everything in the house. I also love using the toothpaste at night (I use one with more whitening ooomph in the morning) and I add drops of On Guard oil with four other oils (lemon, tea tree, frankincense and oregano) to make a 'flu bomb' which helps the bodies natural defences against cold and flu viruses (and tummy problems!) 

I carry the On Guard spray in my handbag to use as a hand and surface sanitiser on the go - you know when you get on a train and your kids basically want to lick everything, well this helps with that. 

Snow Moon

🌕 The full moon for February is usually call the snow moon but can also be the ice moon, storm moon or hunger moon.

❄️ Its full moon in Aquarius thought to be an unconventional and trailblazing sign so if you are planning or journalling this full moon it's time to put your most creative and inventive ideas space. Time to think about the idea you've had but have always thought 'it will never work'. Its also very passionate so basically get thinking about something that excites you.

🌕 If you have crystals its time to super charge them in moonlight. Pop them on a windowsill - I always remember looking after my friend Katie's house when she was away and finding crystals on every window frame.

❄️ Write a list of all the things you're worried about people you'd like to forgive, burn them and release them (this can continue as a ritual as the moon wanes)

🌕 The full moon is a time of balance, it's a time to focus on the 'harvest'. Pay attention to all the things you've manifested so far and all that's yet to manifest. A full moon bath is perfect to focus on abundance and a time to relax.

Air Blend

Not as glamorous as some of the other oils I use but this one is used a lot in my house. Designed to open and soothe the tissues of the respiratory system it also has antiviral and can help with anxiety, asthma, bronchitis, congestion, and coughs

It has a really fresh and uplifting smell including bay, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, tea tree, and lemon oils.

I often diffuse this either on it's own or with Purify and On Guard for extra oomph. I have also made up a rollerball (see below) which I roll on the boys chests and backs when they are blocked up, have a cold or cough. It genuinely makes a difference and it's so nice to avoid the more chemically alternatives.

• Can be applied on the chest, back or bottoms of the feet
• Diffuse into the air or apply to the palms of the hands and cup over the nose and mouth and breathe deeply.
• Inhale from the bottle
• Drop 2-3 drops on the floor of a hot shower and inhale whilst showering
• Ashtma/Bronchitis - diffuse or inhale from bottle
• Coughs - add 8 drops to 5ml fractionated coconut oil in a small roll on bottle and apply a small amount on the chest, back and forehead
• Congestion - 3-5 drops to a small bowl of hot water and inhale

It may not be the most exciting oils but it's one I would definitely not be without - great for all the family. 

Get yours here

Balance Blend

 One of the first oil blends I fell in love with this is still one of my most used oils in my diffuser, especially in my kitchen where it gives Balance to the family after a long day at work and school when we can become a bit ratty. 

The oils in this blend help establish a feeling of calm, peace and relaxation. It can aid the harmonising of various physiological systems of the body and promote tranquility and balances the body and mind

• The blend includes: Spruce, Ho Wood, Blue Tansy, Frankincense, German (Blue) Chamomile, Osmanthus
• Calming/Relaxing: Add 3 drops to 1tbsp (15ml) fractionated coconut oil and use as a soothing massage oil
• Harmonising/Grounding: Place 3 drops on the bottoms of the feet
• Balancing: Diffuse in an aromatherapy diffuser
• Primary uses include: Anxiety, Back pain, Balance, Brain Integration, Bursitis, Confusion, Depression, Energy, Fear, Grief, Hot Flashes, Herniated Discs, Mood Swings

You can check it out here 

Frankincense

 One of my favourite and most-used oils. Created through steam distillation of resin Frankincense has been used for thousands of years in cosmetics, perfumes, skincare and medicines With a rich, deep, warm scent and blends beautifully with all oils.

🌳 Focus energy, improve concentration. It eases hyperactivity, impatience, irritability and impatience.

🌳 Is great to diffuse during yoga practice and can enhance spiritual awareness. In religious ceremonies it was used to help communication with the creator.

• Arthritis: Can be massaged into joints affected by arthritis (with coconut oil)
• Depression: Can be inhaled directly from the bottle, applied neat to the temples or diluted with coconut oil for massage or diffused for depression
• Mental Fatigue: apply neat to the temples, back of neck or feet to relax
• Inflammation: 3 drops with 2 drops lavender in a bowl of cold water and using a flannel apply to the affected area.
• Focus: diffuse with lemon or citrus oils
• I use it with lemon, tea tree, oregano and On Guard in a capsule to combat any lurgy

You can purchase through my shop here

Wild & Stone Dish Cloths

I would love this to be a super glamorous post but it's not, it's a post about my quest for the perfect, sustainable washing up cloth and how by god I think I've found it. 

Eco dish cloths either work well but stain and smell or look great and last 2 weeks. But fear not, I've found you not one but two options. 

For my main kitchen sink I have gone for the Organic Cotton Dish cloth - get two one for the wash and one to be used. These hold their own, give good heft to whatever you are cleaning and don't get smelly or slimey. They are so good my mum ordered one and thus far she has been incredibly dismissive of all others I've tried often holding them between thumb and finger whilst looking pained. 

Then for the utility room sink which is mostly washing up the dogs bowls - they are fed raw so I like to keep these very specific - I have got these Swedish dishcloths. They are compostable, washable and really sturdy so as of yet, I've only used one from my pack of 4. 

January Morning Diffuser Blends

 I find one of the ways to make January more bearable is to treat it like a new season so here are some ideas for diffuser blends to make your year get going in the right way

For any oils you can check out doTerra 

Sweet Potato Salad

I'm late to the sweet potato party but I'm making up for lost time. I'm not a huge fan of potatoes in general and the name sweet potato does not do this delicious, filling healthy object justice. With both of us working from home and me doing the majority of homeschooling I handed the cooking reigns over to Joe but since moving to Hampshire just before Christmas I have taken back one reign and will occasionally do a freezer filler or a filling salad for a healthy lunch and this is one of my go to's. 

You can of course tweak it to suit your tastes - I would always add pomegranate seeds, Joe can live without them - but this should be just what you need to liven up your working-from-home lunch break and you can cook the sweet potato, keep in the fridge and then make the salad when you need to which means it takes a matter of minutes. 

This is the basic recipe - I tend to do the sweet potato, I usually have feta in the fridge and some herbs and then add whatever else I have. Avocado is delicious in this as are a few spinach leaves. 

Sweet Potato & Feta Salad
serves 2

2 sweet potatoes 
1/2 block feta, cut into cubes
Pumpkin seeds and/or pine nuts
Pecans and/or almonds, chopped
Half a head of broccoli
1 tbsp teriyaki 
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cumin
basil or any fresh herb you like
salt & pepper

For the dressing:
soy
honey
olive oil
fresh ginger

Pre-heat oven to 200C/

1. Peel the sweet potato and cut into cubes, you can par boil it or not. If you do it will reduce the time in the oven. Then toss in oil, cumin and turmeric and cook in the oven for about 40-45 minutes or until slightly crispy. 

2. In a small frying pan over a low heat sprinkle the pumpkin seeds and pine nuts with the teriyaki and cook briefly til they are coated and the teriyaki is sort of hardened onto the pan - not too much! If you don't have teriyaki soy will do just as well. Tip into your salad bowl and using your wooden spoon get the teriyaki off the bottom of the pan into the bowl too. 

3. Add the feta and then tear off tiny mini heads of broccoli into the bowl. It can seem ponderous but small bits of raw broccoli are amazing so worth it. 

4. Mix up the dressing and then put the sweet potato into the salad bowl, add the chopped nuts and the dressing. Add the basil and toss. Season to taste. 

Christmas Gift Ideas 2021

I wasn't going to do one this year but there are lots of things I keep seeing and thought maybe it would help those of you who are stuck for ideas. 

Blue Bowl - as always I do a lot of my shopping for here as I can usually find something for everyone. This year I've gone for a glug jug for my mother in law and I always get some hexagon earrings for someone. 

Zoeva Brushes - these are some of my favourites (though I haven't used the whole range) and there are some great deals on sets at the moment and my go-to for contouring or foundation on my clients is the 110 Face Shape - I must have at least 5!

Atticus, Beetle & Bop - my own online stationery shop I started in lockdown and have yet to mention on here which seems a bit silly but if you need some stocking fillers, a puzzle or lovely matches (which make a fantastic house gift!) then go and have a look. 

Nkuku - I always seem to find something either I want (always useful if you find you get asked what you want and have a mind blank!) or great presents for my family. The things I've got from here have been fantastic quality. 

Fraser & Parsley - I love this brand, they are just a joy to follow on social media and their products are beautiful. I would love the Five Year Christmas Planner as I'm always so chaotic at this time of year and it would make a fantastic gift but I've also had my eye on the Meal Planners for ages. Try as I might to use my phone for things I still find my brain works better when I put pen to paper. 

Ruby & Dot - one of my favourite small brands that I've discovered this year. I have my eye on the black sweater with gold eye jumper (because it has lightning bolts of course) 

Fizz Goes Pop - another great small business and I spent a lot of time nearly buying myself these lovely lighting hoops (in green thanks!) 

Spacemasks - I get these for everyone every year as they are not just an eye mask they are a ticket to some relaxation. Lie or sit down and give yourself a 10 minute break. That's what these say. 

Guided Meditation for Stress and Anxiety by Radhi Devlukia

 I'm terrible at meditation without guidance. I either fall asleep or just can't get into it but I really love this meditation and it's helped me just take some time out when I've needed it so I thought you might like it too

Autumn Diffuser Blends

 

30 Day Tech Detox

I don't know about you but my phone use sky rocketed during 2020. I was averaging over 8 hours a day and feeling terrible. Not only that but my children were watching me be a slave to a screen. Over Christmas I had some much needed phone-free time and it was incredible. 

So I've designed a 30 Day Tech Detox which I've been doing for the whole of January, that aims to help everyone have a bit of a tech clean-up and encourage healthier habits. During a global pandemic tech has kept us connected to the loved ones we have been missing and for many of use, have kept businesses afloat. But with no basic tech hygiene in place the positives of connection and industry are getting outweighed by mental health issues, lack of sleep and the addictive qualities of social media. For those of use who suffer with depression and anxiety the last thing we need is to be comparing ourselves to other people for hours every day. 

This detox doesn't aim to make you phone-free, it just helps you reevaluate how you are using your tech and to claw back some of the reality in your real life. 

Christmas Gift Guide 2020 - Jewellery and Accessories

 

I think this year especially it's love to send something thoughtful in the post but it can be tricky choosing clothes for people. Jewellery and accessories can be a great option and the majority of people listed below I have bought from and offer fantastic customer services to help you track down the perfect gift. 

Blue Bowl Silk Clutch - these are beautiful, bright and unusual. I can't decide between yellow or turquoise and red. 

Marloe - I really love these zip bags. Good for keeping all your stuff in, for me pens, notebooks and glasses in a dark blue with pink writing. For kids to keep their lego or homework bits in. Makes a great present for a godchild or niece/nephew

Black and Beech knits - i particularly like the forest green and french rose scarf it's spectacular 

Hexagon earrings - I have and love these. Light and easy to wear they are enough dangle to be fun but not annoying and they go with everything. 

Chambers & Beau - I love this jewellry and have been eyeing up the glasses chain for ages 

Sharkie & Bear - beautiful, fun earrings made in the UK from cork. Lightweight and easy to wear these make great stocking fillers too. 

House of Evergreen - I'm always wearing something from Katie and these are chunky and usual. The canvas bag strap is also fantastic and easy to send in the post. 

Sofianni - stunning unique jewellery designed and made by Maria. She does beautiful commissions and I have my eye on her beautiful hoops with dangling discs. 

Yala Jewellery - beautifully designed African jewellery. Ethical and eco-friendly - I really love these bangles. 

Christmas Gift Guide 2020 - Stationery

Would it be complete with out a stationery option? Stationery is a great gift, it doesn't involve commitment, and is always useful. 

• 
  Atticus, Beetle & Bop - my own stationery shop, so I'm just getting going but I have some great stocking fillers ready to go. 
• Penfax and co - there's loads to choose from here and it's a great place to go for fountain pens. They also do these fantastic poker dice for the poker player in your life. 
• Craft scissors - these have been on my Christmas list for ages, yes you could do all your Christmas shopping on Blue Bowl but for stationery lovers, journallers and planner addicts these scissors are The One. 
• Portfolio - a forest green one of these will be a treat to myself when I hit a goal. I'm not sure what that goal is yet but one of these will be mine. 
• Cable tidy - I love the beetle one of these - great for those of use who are forever losing chargers and headphones. 
• Blue Bowl Notebooks - my favourite notebooks. Plain paper, beautiful design and my two favourite sizes.
• Paperweights - these are stunning and I spend a lot of time deciding which I want. I think Carnival Zebra is the winner but there is something for everyone and with lots of people now working in home offices this is a lovely cheering addition to any desk. 
  

30 Days of Notebook Prompts

So this year I would really like to proactivly get stuff done for me. I'm not one for New Year's Resolutions but in 2019 I made big steps in my business and well, without wanting to sound like a weirdo, my mind so I really want to do some of the things I always mean to do but instead I spend my time doing pointless shit for other people*.

So one of the things I used to do, before grown-up jobs, husbands, kids, anti-depressants etc is write in notebooks. I used to have one like a security blanket. One group of friends even hilariously used to call me Lyrics because that is often what I wrote. Well I want to get back to it. Back to the notebooks, back to creativity but I've become scared of fucking up so I've created 30 days of prompts to just get me in the habit of using notebooks again. So if you want to up your creativity, spend less time on your phone and just do something for yourself why don't you join in. I'll be sharing mine on Instagram using the hashtag #30daysofnotebooks

*I love doing stuff for other people but my god I need to learn to not fill ever single minute doing everything for everyone else and making myself ill. There. I said it.

Christmas Gift Ideas (Books)

I love books and they make fantastic presents for all ages. Whether you are going to stay with someone and need to take something or are posting something to a niece or nephew, hopefully I've got it covered.

Agatha Christie - you know I'm a huge Agatha Christie fan and there are three gorgeous new editions out this Christmas. The ABC Murders, 4.50 from Paddington (my favourite of the three) and The Mystery of the Blue Train - all great reads and I really love the new colours. How I wish I could have them.

Blind Date with a Book Club - this is such a fantastic idea - choose the genre's and every month for 6 months you get a book sent to you or you can choose one book based on it's five line sentence. I personally love the sound of the Last Christmas selection.

Blue Bowl - not only my favourite place for presents in general but a great selection of unusual books for grown-ups and children. My eldest (6) loves Smart about Sharks and I'm going to get the middle one Bonkers about Beetles (his nickname is Beetle) and I love the Dahlov Ipcar books too. For grown-up's this is Florence's latest pick.

The Home Bar - a great book (dare I say it?) for men. My husband really loves this book and it looks beautiful.

The Nancy Mitford Collection - from Heywood Hill (where she once worked) this is a beautiful collection of five Nancy Mitford paperbacks in a beautiful box.

Penguin Classics - Waterstones are doing beautiful hardback editions. You can get someone their favourite book or if you have a baby why not get the A Christmas Carol - we got one (in not such a beaut edition) for Ned for his first Christmas and we read it to him at this time every year and it's so lovely.

Small Print Books - a really fantastic independent book shop that has an incredible selection of unusual books for children.

Timeless; A Century of Iconic Looks - Louise Young is the make-up artist when it comes to historical accuracy and I'm so happy to have this book with me when I go on shoots. Not only is it great for make-up artists but a wonderful read for those interested in cosmetics and hair through the ages.