I think June was most definitely the calm before the storm! As we approach the end of term, when you imagine it’s all going to calm down a little, then, bam…July begins and it seems a never ending push of activities!
Anyway, back to June.
Meet…
Meet like minded people online. No, I’m not talking about dating sites, Tinder, etc, although, if you’re free and single, why not give it a go?! I was thinking more along the lounges of being involved in online communities with people who hold similar values and Interests to you. Facebook seems to have a very wide range of groups which you can usually join easily…for everything! Eco-bricking, food, family, mindfulness…and I’ve found it’s a great place to share thoughts, swap ideas, recipes and advice. Obviously you get those who can’t keep their mouth shut and just have to comment and point out what everyone else is doing wrong and how they should change their lifestyle and commit to this, that and the other, but if you can bite your tongue and ignore those then there really are some very friendly communities of like minded people out there!
Two of my favourites are Yes Bebe Babble, a discussion group for a lovely, family run ethically determined online shop, and 30 Days Wild, a Wildlife Trust group set up initially to encourage people to do something ‘wild’ (which can range from jumping in a puddle, to building a dry stone wall!) every day in June, but sorts of keeps itself going all year round as the members just love getting outside with nature! Not only is it a great place to interact with similarly minded people, I have also learnt a huge amount! My knowledge of plant names has developed and I can now recognise ladybird larva and pupa, cinnabar moths and rosemary beetles. I have also developed an overwhelming love of all things bee 🐝!
Make…
My eldest and I spent a lovely hour in the garden creating this fabulous fairy garden earlier this month! I happened to pop into Poundland and was lucky to find they had a huge range of fairy doors, swings, seesaws…basically everything we needed! I bought a couple of plants for the local farm shop, Lathcoats, and used soil and pots from the greenhouse. We added a couple of cheap solar lights, just for effect and F was really thrilled with the result!
Munch…
I tried making this for the first time last year and was so pleased with how it turned out that I decided to do the same again this year. It’s a really simple elderflower cordial why I can be kept in the fridge for a few weeks after making to keep it fresh, but be sure to sterilise everything well first. I used this recipe, but it’s a case of washing the flower heads, soaking in water, sugar and lemons, brining to the boil then leaving to steep overnight. Drain through a clean muslin or preserving bag and, voila, homemade elderflower cordial…perfect for adding to gin (or fizzy water!)
Dont worry if it’s too late for this year and the flowers have gone…you can also use the berries later in the year to infuse gin or vodka and make elderberry syrup to help banish winter colds and flu!
The Chimney House 