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.