The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady

ISBN: 1846660149

"To sit on rocks; to muse o'er flood and fell;

To slowly trace the forest's shady scene;

Where things that own not man's dominion dwell;

And mortal foot hath ne'er or rarely been!

To climb the trackless mountain all unseen;

With the wild flock, that never need a fold;

Alone o'er steeps and foaming falls to lean;

This is not solitude: 'tis but to hold

Converse with Nature's charms, and view her stores unrolled."

  Byron.

                                                                                                                      

And so we are introduced to the wonderful Centenary re-issue of The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady, aptly preparing us for what is to follow.

Author Edith Holden was born in Kings Norton, Worcester, England in 1871. But it was in the small village of Olton in Warwickshire that she wrote and illustrated her famous diary in 1906. Reflected in her exquisite paintings, Edith Holden's love and perception of nature is obvious. It is a wonderful record of the diversity of the English countryside in the early 20th century, through her eyes.

The exquisite beauty of her paintings touches your soul, with wonderfully blended colour and minute attention to detail.  Her favourite poems are included, to enhance the theme or mood of the illustrations. Her diary entries are fascinating insights into the changing delights of nature brought forth by each season.

Handwritten in Edith's beautiful copperplate handwriting, the text adds to the authentic feel of this book and the era in which it was penned.

This volume would be a wonderful addition to the library of any lover of historical naturalist artwork- or of the abundance of nature itself!

Vegetables for Vitality

ISBN: 978-192107750-0
More than 200 delicious recipes to add vegetables to every meal

Yet again Reader's Digest brings us a magnificent book- 320 pages- packed full of tempting recipes, with mouth watering full colour photographs.

As we become much more aware of the importance of having a diet high in vegetables and fruits- the health giving bounty of nature- many of us are on the lookout for new and inventive way of serving them up. Ideas to tempt fussy eaters or children (and big kids) who refuse vegetables just on principle. New gourmet delights for dinner parties or that special occasion.

This book is a wealth of inspiration for any occasion! Some of the recipes are vegetarian, while many provide easy and tasty ways to combine veggies with a meat ingredient, in ways different to just the standard "meat & three veg".

The first section of this book introduces us to vegetables as our partners in health- what vegetables contain what nutrients, how they help us health-wise including a chart of medical problems and the vegetables and their nutrients which can be of benefit. 

It discusses where to get best quality veggies, various ways veggies are grown and ways to eat more vegetables easily. There is a seasoning guide plus herbs and spices, including a segment on various ones used in cuisines around the world. Useful kitchen implements and cooking methods, are also covered.

Next come the recipe sections:

• Eggs & Breakfasts- omelettes, frittatas, pancakes, burritos, tomato dishes
  
• Drinks, Snacks & Starters- smoothies, dips, stuffed vegetables, roll-ups, sandwiches, savoury tarts, bagels, terrine
  
• Savoury Soups-borscht, gazpacho, chowders, egg drop soup, noodle soups
  
• Chicken & Turkey- salads, teriyaki, grilled, pan fried, stir fry, baked, pies
  
• Beef, Lamb & Pork- stew, cobbler, chillis, stir fries, grilled, fajitas
  
• Fish & Seafood-salads, stir fries, gumbo, steamed, curries, baked, grilled
  
• Pasta & Noodles- pestos, pasta bakes, no cook sauces, tortellini, asian noodles, linguine, angel hair pasta, rigatone
  
• Vegetables, Pulses & Grains- stuffed veggies, rissotos, pot pie, souffle, savoury tarts, fried rices, chillis, pizzas
  
• Vegetable Side Dishes- stir fried, creamed, roasted, glazed, braised, pureed, mashed, stuffed, grilled, asian style, rice dishes
  
• Fresh, Grilled & Roasted Salads- all kinds of dressings, sauces and preparation styles
  
• Breads & Muffins- scones, muffins and breads with vegetables in
  
• Cakes, Cookies & Desserts- cakes, pies, tarts, cookies containing veggies
  
  
  
  

Following these is an A-Z Guide to Vegetables. For each vegetable, details such as nutritional attributes, seasonal availability, what to look for in choosing good quality, storing, preparation, basic cooking and best uses. Where appropriate, information about the varieties of a vegetable is given.

Also included, for our interest, are various little sections of fascinating informational "Did You Know"'s.

A glossary of good nutrition follows, then a vegetable freezing chart, and a useful chart of ingredient equivalents. A comprehensive index finishes off this superb volume.

This book is an invaluable addition to the recipe library of any health conscious cook- or a wonderful gift to a young person starting out on their own! There are enough easy, tasty, healthy recipes to keep them going for weeks!

Environmentally Friendly Cleaning With Products You May Already Have!

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CLEANING PRODUCTS

Rather than buying commercial cleaners, why not try some simple ingredients that most people have at home, or are easily obtainable.  Apart from environmental concerns, allergy sufferers- both those with skin sensitivities and breathing/asthma difficulties- are much less likely to have adverse reactions to these things, however, with any of the stronger natural products, it is still advisable to wear gloves.

Suggested Earth-wise Cleaners: 

Bicarbonate of Soda - Otherwise known as bicarb, carb soda or baking soda, this is a marvellous medium for absorbing odours from fridges, drawers etc. One of the great things about it is that it is a powder, not liquid, so it can be used in even delicate water sensitive items, such as cardboard boxes. Composed of sodium bicarbonate, and mildly alkaline, it is a mild abrasive and therefore is excellent for mild scrubbing. It is low in toxicity and forms a "detergent" which reacts with grease and oil. 

Salt - Salt acts as a scourer and a disinfectant. Excellent for saucepans etc.

Borax - Borax, an alkaline mineral salt, is a wonder cleaner! It dissolves grease, removes stains, disinfects, deodorises and inhibits mould. You can use it as a water or fabric softener. It can be toxic if eaten, so watch animals and children. This toxicity dissipates quickly in the environment however.

Soap Flakes - You should be able to buy pure soap flakes, or you can grate a bar of pure laundry soap to make your own. Store in an air tight container. Pure soap is biodegradable, low toxicity and unlike detergent, does not contribute to algal blooms in rivers.

White Vinegar - Will remove tarnish, bathroom scum and clean toilets, including removing hard water stains. 

Lemon Juice - Lemon juice smells wonderful and is good for deodorising, removing stains and inhibiting mould. Also, as a matter of interest, lemon juice works wonders if squirted into a dog's mouth in a dog fight! Best to avoid the eyes unless unavoidable, although it is a fairly mild acid so will probably only sting and not do any permanent damage. If you do get any in the eyes, rinse out of eyes immediately after the fight is stopped- make sure dogs are fully separated and unable to get near each other again first, or the fight may start again without warning, with you in the middle!
 

Eucalyptus and Tea-Tree Oils - Naturally scented disinfectants- add to hot water. Also, used neat, they are good for removing sticky goo off surfaces, but be careful with some plastics or plasticised surfaces! 

Washing Soda - Consisting of sodium carbonate (moderate alkaline) washing soda is useful in the kitchen for cutting through grease. Also removes stains and softens water.

SEE: More Environmentally Friendly pages.

Cleaning Floors The Environmentally Friendly Way - We Show You How

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CLEANING: FLOORS

Are you among the many people who are becoming concerned that the chemicals we use everyday can damage our health, and the environment? Then no doubt you are interested in finding natural, greener cleaning products to use instead.

Natural cleaners are safer, usually cheaper, equally effective as harsh chemicals, and best of all, you know exactly what you have used. 

Homemade green cleaners usually use only the main cleaning agents and perhaps a natural fragrance, while commercial cleaners often also contain additives such as fragrances and bulking agents, and who knows what else!

If you, or family members, are allergy sufferers- both those with skin sensitivities and breathing/asthma difficulties- you are much less likely to have adverse reactions to environmentally friendly cleaners. However, with any of the stronger natural products, it is still advisable to wear gloves. If you are hyper sensitive, you might also consider wearing eye and breathing protection.


Natural environmental cleaners are more quickly, and fully, biodegradable, are lower in toxicity, and therefore much less harmful to our waterways and wildlife. "Grey water" containing green cleaners is also suitable for re-use on gardens, as a water saving measure, and can even be stored and treated in special tanks for use in toilets or even washing machines.

If you don't have time, or the wish, to make your own cleaners, then try to look out for Environmental Choice logos when choosing commercial products.

Below are some earth-wise floor cleaning ideas:

CARPETS

• Always clean as soon after the spill as possible. Blot, scoop and scrape up what you can.

• Proceed with caution, if at all concerned about colour fastness. An out of the way spot of carpet can be used for testing first, if desired. It may pay to test in advance before a spill occurs, so that you can be ready with the right, safe removing medium right away.

• Soda water can be used to remove odours and mess, such as little pet accidents, spills or vomit. The bubbles help the stain to rise and makes it easier to remove.

• Bicarbonate of soda, either on a damp rag, or sprinkled on and left for 30 minutes before vacuuming, will help absorb odours.

• Bicarbonate of soda or cornflour (for heavy grease stains) used as above will help remove greasy stains.

• To remove wax, scrape off as much as you can.

• Then cover with a paper towel or blotting paper. Hold a hot iron above the paper, while pressing the paper down to blot the wax. You may need to repeat this several times.

• For red wine stain, act quickly. Mop up liquid with cloth. Saturate the spill with white wine. Leave to soak for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water on a clean cloth.

• To remove scuffs use a pencil eraser or eucalyptus oil.

• For rust stains on lino, rub with half a lemon sprinkled with salt.

• Wash an oil finished wood floor with 1 part methylated spirits to 10 parts hot water.

• Buff with dry cloth.

• To remove sticky spills, sprinkle with flour and wipe with a damp cloth.

• Add 2 cups of vinegar to a bucket of warm water to mop tiled floors.

Carpet Cleaning Foam
2 cups pure soap flakes
1/2 cup methylated spirits
25ml eucalyptus oil
1/4 cup washing soda
Combine ingredients and whisk or shake in a jar until dissolved and mixed.
This mixture should be quite thick, but if it becomes to hard to shake to mix completely, you can add a little hot water. Keep in a sealed container.
When needed, mix 3 tablespoons of the mixture with 1 litre of very hot water

and whisk until foamy.
Rub onto the stain and leave to soak for 10-15 minutes.
After the soak, using a sponge dipped in white vinegar, wipe area well.

This neutralises the alkalinity of the foam.

Blot up moisture with a clean absorbent rag.

HARD FLOORS

Bicarb Scouring Paste
8 tablespoons bicarb
2 tablespoon water
Mix into a stiff paste.
Use for scrubbing marks on tiled floors etc.
Rinse or buff off after scrubbing.

Floor Cleaner
**Do not use on wood floors**
6 litres of hot water
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup washing soda
2 tablespoons liquid soap
Combine well in a bucket and mop floor.
Then mop with clean plain water.

SEE: More Environmentally Friendly pages.

Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Tips (Recipes!) For Your Bathroom

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CLEANING IN THE BATHROOM

Here are some useful ideas for giving your bathroom a "green clean".

• Mould on grout can be removed by using Bicarb Scouring Paste (see below) on an old toothbrush. This can also be used on mouldy shower curtains. Alternatively, a paste made from lemon juice, vinegar and borax can be used.

• Soap scum can be removed from a shower screen by using a mixture of 2 parts salt and 1 part vinegar, and rubbing with a rough cloth or scourer.  Then, rub over with a few drops of almond oil to deter recurring build-up.

• To remove hard water or rust stains, mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 1/2 cup of white vinegar, and rub vigorously.

• 1/2 cup of vinegar and 2 litres of water makes an excellent window or mirror cleaner. Doesn't tend to streak like plain water.

• To help stop bathroom mirrors from fogging, wipe over with glycerine, then buff dry with a soft cloth.

• Instead of chemical air fresheners, burn off toilet odours with a scented candle or aromatherapy oil burner.  (Be aware of fire safety!)

• Alternatively, bowls of pot pourri or fragrant flowers can act as natural air fresheners.

• To remove stubborn bowl rings/stains, soak overnight with a paste of borax and lemon juice.  In the morning, scrub and flush before use.

• Bicarb on a toothbrush is good for cleaning nooks and crannies, such as a round taps.  Toothpaste is also great for this!

• To remove grease and scale from around plug holes, rub with half a lemon.
•  Clean toilets by sprinkling dampened bowl with borax, then spraying with vinegar.  Let soak, preferably for an hour or so, then scrub with toilet brush.

Bicarb Scouring Paste
8 tablespoons bicarb
2 tablespoon water
Mix into a stiff paste.
Use for scrubbing tile grout or bathroom surfaces etc.
Rinse or buff off after scrubbing.

Bicarb Household Spray Cleaner
2 teaspoon bicarb
2 teaspoon pure soap flakes
large dash of vinegar or squeeze of lemon
2 cups warm water
Mix until all is dissolved.
Put into a spray bottle and use as a cleaning spray.
Wipe bath, basin, tiles etc with a sponge or cloth.

Mould Inhibiting Spray
2 teaspoons of borax
1 cup of white vinegar
Mix and put into a spray bottle.
Spray on shower tiles etc.
Leave for 30 minutes, then wipe off. 

Fragrant Disinfectant

50 drops of essential oil eg. lavender, lemon, rose

4 tablespoons methylated spirits

1 litre distilled water

Combine methylated spirits and oil in a clean bottle.

Leave for 24 hours.

Add water and put in spray bottle.

Shake bottle before each use.

Spray on bathroom (or other) surfaces,

such as toilet, basin, shower recess

for wonderfully fragrant disinfected areas.

If you don't have time, or the desire, to make your own cleaners, then look out for products with Environmental Choice logos when choosing commercial cleaners.

SEE: More Environmentally Friendly pages.

Cleaning Your Kitchen The Environmentally Friendly Way - We Show You How

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CLEANING IN THE KITCHEN

Keeping a kitchen clean and hygienic, needn't rely on harsh commercial cleaners which can damage our health, and seriously impact on the environment.

Here are some useful ideas for "going green" in the kitchen.

• To refresh your fridge, rub over with a little vanilla essence (pure or mixed with water) and leave a dish of bicarbonate of soda on a shelf at all times to absorb odours.

• To clean and deodorise your microwave, place the juice and cut up skin of a lemon to a bowl of water.  Microwave on high for approx. 5 minutes.  Wipe clean.

• Wipe kitchen surfaces with eucalyptus oil on a damp cloth, to disinfect.

• To clean your oven, wipe out while still warm with a damp cloth sprinkled liberally with carb soda.  If this doesn't remove all grime, make a paste of vinegar and carb soda, apply to oven with a cloth, then leave for an hour.  Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

• To remove hard water or rust stains from sinks, mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 1/2 cup of white vinegar, and rub vigorously.

• 1/2 cup of vinegar and 2 litres of water makes an excellent window cleaner, and doesn't tend to streak like plain water or detergents.

• Bicarb on a toothbrush is good for cleaning nooks and crannies, such as a round taps or sink plug holes.  Toothpaste is also great for this!

• To remove grease and scale from around sink plug holes, rub with half a lemon.

• For burnt on food in a saucepan or baking tray, sprinkle with washing soda and then add boiling water.  Leave for 30-40 minutes.  Then, wash as usual.  Oven racks can be soaked overnight in a solution of 1 cup of washing soda for each litre of hot water.  You may need to use a large plastic tub or your laundry trough to allow racks to be completely submerged.

• Soak kitchen sponges and cloths overnight in a solution of boiling water, a large dash of vinegar and a few drops of eucalyptus or tea-tree oil.  Rinse before use.

Bicarb Scouring Paste
8 tablespoons bicarb
2 tablespoon water
Mix into a stiff paste.
Use for scrubbing stove tops and kitchen surfaces etc.
Rinse or buff off after scrubbing.

Bicarb Household Spray Cleaner
2 teaspoon bicarb
2 teaspoon pure soap flakes
large dash of vinegar or squeeze of lemon
2 cups warm water
Mix until all is dissolved.
Put into a spray bottle and use as a cleaning spray.
Wipe with a sponge or cloth.

Dish washing Detergent

1 cup soap flakes
1 cup washing soda
1 cup vinegar or lemon juice
1/2 cup water
few drops of essential oil of your choosing

Bring water and soap flakes to the boil, reduce heat

and stir until dissolved and smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in washing soda, until fully blended.
Add the vinegar and essential oil.
Use 1-2 teaspoons in a sink of hot water.
Store remainder in a sealed bottle.

Fragrant Disinfectant

50 drops of essential oil eg. lavender, lemon, rose

4 tablespoons methylated spirits

1 litre distilled water

Combine methylated spirits and oil in a clean bottle.

Leave for 24 hours.

Add water and put in spray bottle.

Shake bottle before each use.

Spray on sink or other surfaces,

for wonderfully fragrant disinfected areas.

SEE: More Environmentally Friendly pages.

If you don't have time, or the desire, to make your own cleaners, then look out for products with Environmental Choice logos when choosing commercial cleaners.

Grey Water Systems - Are You Throwing Away A Precious Resource?

GREY WATER SYSTEMS

Recent drought conditions and water restrictions are causing many families to look at different options for making the most of the water they use.

One marvellous way to recycle your water is to install a grey water collection system.

With households producing about 350-450 litres of grey water each day, reuse of this water can lead to substantial savings, in both water and money.

INSTALLING GREY WATER SYSTEMS 

Make sure that you only install an approved grey water system, or it could be costly both money-wise and health-wise. You will probably find that some of the work will need to be done by licensed plumbers, as it involves work on sewer pipes. Grey water storage tanks can be installed underground, under your house in certain situations, or as an outdoor tank. Some grey water systems are gravity fed, and others use pump systems.

This involves collecting grey water from household use, such as washing machines, hand basins, baths and showers- use of dish washing water is not recommended because of the food and grease particles it contains.

The grey water is usually put through a filtration or treatment system, and then reused on the garden, or rerouted back into the house to use for flushing toilets.

Families deciding to recycle grey water need to be aware of what they put into this water. Suitable detergents and personal cleaning products need to be used, as too much of the wrong chemicals can damage plants and contaminate soils.


Germs can survive in gray water, so water used for washing soiled nappies, or while family members are ill, should not be reused. The same goes for showers/baths for little children who might not understand they should not urinate in water that is to be recycled.

Garden watering systems using grey water should ideally be delivered directly to the roots, with underground weeping or dripper systems. Grey water should not be sprayed on the surface of plants, in case of contamination and drifting of water to other areas, and on to people or pets.

It is not recommended that grey water (possibly with the exception of certain treated grey waters) is used on plants that will be eaten, such as fruits and veggies and herbs. Fruit trees are fine, as long as the water doesn't contact the fruit itself. Animals, or children, should not have access to greywater.

You should always contact your local council and state water body, to find out what rules and legislation your area has in regard to installation and use of grey water systems. 

Depending on which type of system you choose, the regulations will be different.

Types of Domestic Grey Water Recycling Systems:

Diversion Only Systems
These are the simplest and easiest to install grey water system. However, as they are not filtered or treated at all they may pose greater hazards, both to health risks and blockage of garden watering systems.

Usually operated as a gravity flow grey water system, they collect household water and flow it directly onto the garden. Diversion only systems will usually require less "red tape".

Diversion and Filtration Systems
These systems strain the household water, filtering hair or other particles. The grey water is then less likely to block garden watering systems. The filter does need cleaning or replacing at times, and they will cost more to install than diversion only systems, but are less likely to cause annoying problems with your garden pipes so may be worth considering. They are also more heavily regulated. 

Diversion and Treatment Systems
The best quality, and least hazardous, grey water is produced by a diversion and treatment system. These use various different methods, such as sand filters or aeration, to treat the water and cut down germs and solid particles.

This water can be used in more direct irrigation systems and also for flushing toilets. Installing one of these systems is much more expensive, and there are ongoing expenses and maintenance. Once again, there is much greater regulation for this type of system.

Installing a grey water collection system would make a great "eco friendly" family DIY project for the handy person and enthusiastic helpers. Just make sure you comply with any regulations and get professional help where required.

The internet is the ideal place to find lots of information, useful tips and product details for the various grey water systems on offer. It also gives easy access to a variety of suppliers, so that you can compare prices and other details, so that you can get the best system and price for your specific needs.

Happy Watering!