From article by the excellent Sarah Lonsdale* in the Sunday Telegraph on 30 September 2012

  

(Part of the series: How to be green and stay sane)

Want to trim your bills, update your home and do your bit for the planet? Sarah sorts the facts from the finds.  This week: collaborative consumption

Shortly after Tracy Currer moved to Lymington in the New Forest, she lent her tall stepladder to a complete stranger who needed to cut his garden hedges: 'The ladders came back a few days later, in the same condition as I lent them in, and as a thank you, I was taken out for an afternoon's sailing'.

Tracy is part of a growing movement of swappers, lenders, borrowers and sharers who use digital technologies to get in touch with people in their area to reduce the need to buy expensive household equipment.  on step up from 'freecycling', which is about giving unwanted items away, it's been given a specific term by economists: 'collaborative consumption'.  (see: http://collaborativeconsumption.com/)

Although it's a movement born partly out of economic reality, environmentalists hope that once money starts flowing again, the 'borrowing not buying' habit will remain, reducing waste: only 10% of everything in our sheds cupboards and garages is used more than once a month.

Tracy has formed her own borrowing website: Economodo, and says it is particularly useful for people who have just moved house, or who have just had a baby, when one-off purchases can push up bills mercilessly.  'The site's users include people who have just moved house borrowing a drill for a week to put up their pictures, to people having birthday parties borrowing chocolate fountains.'  Some lend for nothing, others charge a nominal fee, lower than commercial rates, often donating the money they earn to charity.  Landers and borrowers are everywhere, from the Orkneys to the Channel Islands; items lent include projectors, iPads, camera lenses, even space in a pottery-firing kiln, babysitting and sewing lessons.

Tracy and her friend, Meriel Lenfesty, who lives on Guernsey, came up with their version while thinking of ways to help neighbourhoods get to know each other and be more resilient during hard times.  'We did some research around the idea of lending and borrowing and concluded that if we could work on the issue of trust - will a stranger look after my power drill?  Who pays if things get broken? - then it would be worth doing,' says Tracy.  The website included add-ons, such as deposits for high-value items and the ability to limit the size of a lending circle, for example, to a particular geographical location, to parents of children at the same school or to people at the same workplace.

Rachel Botsman, author of What's Mine is Yours which charts the rise of collaborative consumption, says that since the economic downturn started, there has been 'an explosion in sharing, bartering, lending, trading, gifting and swapping',.  She adds that she started to notice, a couple of years ago, that instead of boasting at dinner parties about the new car they had bought, 'friends boasted about how they had given up their cars altogether by becoming members of car-sharing schemes' and that they were talking excitedly about 'swapping DVDs, books and computer games' in a way that those of us old enough to remember the cash-strapped Seventies used to swap marbles in the playground. (Or indeed, those of us who were adults in the 70s used to share things)
'The big difference is social media', says Paula Owen, a climate-change chemist turned consultant on energy efficiency.  'If you're about to have a baby, you can go on the internet and find local baby and maternity clothes swapping groups near you as well as all that equipment you'll need.'
Increasingly sophisticated 'reputation' software, such as 'feedback' ratings left against borrowers' profiles, helps people trust strangers when lending out expensive items or giving out addresses.

*See: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/journalists/sarah-lonsdale/

** collaborativeconsumption.com; paulaowenconsulting.com; tastewatch.ord.uk; clothesswap.meetup.com; the Science Museum's Changing Climate Programme includes courses on reducing family consumption (sciencemuseum.org.uk).

See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collaborative_consumption

With Winter now on it's way (it's Autumn already!), here are some ideas for:

Home-made medicine

I didn't realise, but common problems such as colds and general aches and pains can be treated with ingenious ingredients from the store cupboard

 

Colds

At the first signs of sniffles and sneezes, take a mustard foot bath just before bedtime.  Put a teaspoon of ordinary mustard powder and the same amount of household soda into a bowl or bucket of water as hot as you can stand.  It should reach halfway up the calves.  Keep your feet in the water for at least 10 minutes, topping up with hot water at intervals.  Dry your feet, put on thick socks and hop straight into bed.

 A hot toddy of lemon (rich in vitamin C) and soothing honey is a time-honoured remedy.  Squeeze the juice of a lemon, add boiling water and sweeten with honey.  Hot ginger tea is another comforting drink which stimulates the circulation and helps fight respiratory complaints.  Add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger root to the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of honey, topped up with boiling water.

The antiviral and antibacterial properties of garlic have been used for treating colds for over five thousand years.  Onions also have strong medicinal qualities and act as a nasal decongestant.  The taste of garlic can be disguised by cooking, for example in a nourishing vegetable broth with onions.  Parsley too.

Inhale steam to relieve a stuffed-up nose and blocked sinuses – half fill a bowl with hot water, put a towel over your head to trap the steam and inhale for a few minutes at a time.

Coughs and sore throats

Honey and lemon (see above) and ginger tea will soothe irritated tissues.  Try keeping a small flask of either drink by your bed if a cough is troublesome at night.  Sage is another tried and tested home remedy for throaty coughs.  Pour boiling water onto three or four fresh leaves or a teaspoon of dried sage, leave to infuse for a few minutes, then strain and use to gargle with when the liquid is cold enough.

Chilblains and chilly extremities

Many familiar kitchen herbs and spices pep up the circulation, among them are: cayenne pepper, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, marjoram and ginger.  Try to buy spices whole rather than pre-ground as they keep longer.

Digestive problems

For flatulence, take a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of grated nutmeg and simmer in milk, with a little honey.  Or infuse a teaspoon of grated ginger root in a cup of boiling water to ten minutes.  Use herbs traditionally used in cooking to aid digestion, such as mint, fennel and tarragon.

Sore muscles

The pain of a one-off ache caused by a pulled muscle on the sports field or in the garden may be eased by a massage.  Put a large sprig of rosemary, lavender or thyme into a glass or enamel pan, add half a pint of olive or almond oil and heat gently until all colour has left the plant.  Let the oil cool until it is pleasantly warm before using.

Sprains

Seek professional help if there’s any chance this might be a fracture.  Rest and elevate the affected joint and reduce pain and swelling with an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a cloth or towel.  Keep in place for 30 minutes and replace with a fresh pack. 

Insect stings and bites

Immerse the area in cold water with bicarb for a bee sting (after removing the sting), vinegar for a wasp sting.  Flying insects such as mosquitoes and midges seem to be repelled by garlic, so eating plenty of it might be a useful deterrent.

Rubbing the cut edge of a garlic clove on a mosquito bite can help reduce the swelling.

Sore or puffy eyes

Put slices of cucumber or raw potato over your closed eyes, lie back and rest for five minutes.  A used teabag also works well.

Eczema and dry or itchy skin

Oats are a traditional remedy for soothing sensitive or inflamed skin.  Put lb mixed oat flakes and oatmeal in a muslin bag or a thin cotton handkerchief and tie it to the hot tap while running a bath.  Then put the bag to soak in the bath.  Make sure you use a strainer over the plug-hole when emptying the bath!

Sickness

Ginger tea might help.  For children, try a ginger biscuit.

Toothache

If bearable, chew on a clove, which has anti-infective and anaesthetic properties.  A teaspoon of sage or thyme infused for ten minutes in a cup of boiling water then cooled and swilled repeatedly around the mouth can help to reduce inflammation.

It's almost worth having a problem in order to try out one of these remedies!!

And another idea, from http://nancyvienneau.com/blog/articles/home-remedy/ :

MAGGIE’S COUGH REMEDY
¼ teaspoon Cayenne
¼ teaspoon Ginger
1 Tablespoon Cider Vinegar (preferably organic)
2 Tablespoon Water
1 Tablespoon Honey (local if possible)

1. Dissolve cayenne and ginger in cider vinegar and water. Add honey and shake well. Take one tablespoon as needed for cough.
2. Note: This is potent albeit watery syrup. It also doesn’t dissolve perfectly. Always shake well before using.
3. If you make this in small batches as the recipe is written, there is no need to refrigerate.
4. If you prefer, you may refrigerate this. It keeps as long as you need it. 

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: This remedy and dosage are for adults. I have no personal experience giving this to children, and cannot recommend it for children. Many have reported on this site (see comments) that they have had great success administering the remedy in smaller doses to their kids. This is those parents' personal choice; and

Moreover,

Honey should NEVER be given in any form to children under the age of one year, due to the risk of infant botulism–hence the remedy should never, under any circumstances , be given to an infant.

THE BEGINNINGS OF A USEFUL ARTICLE

‘Ageing is a build up of faults in the body’

I’ve just been reading an interesting book which expounds this theory and, on the basis there’s nothing to lose and all to gain, have decided to try some (all possibly!) of the suggestions.

Apparently if the body is healthy it mops up unstable free radicals (baddies).  If not, these can accumulate, followed by weakening of the body and even disease.

Therefore here are some important things I’m going to try and stick to.  Many I do already - but it’s always useful to have a reminder:

1. Eat non-refined carbohydrates and sugars
2. Four cups of tea, preferably green, every day
3. Drink at least 5 cups of water every day
4. Grown own food if possible
5. Eat between 5 and 8 portions of fruit and veg every day
6. Eat fruit and veg of every colour – and the darker the better
7. Supplements – Vit C, Vit E, Vitamin Bs, multivitamins, multiminerals
8. Q10 (30 – 90mg/day)
9. Fish oils, olive oil (avoid oils/fats which are solid at room temperature)
10. Small amount of lean meat (about 35g per day is more than enough)
11. Ditch junk food.
12. Avoid processed foods, especially preserved and chargrilled meats
13. Be the right weight, if you need to lose be specific about why you want to lose
14. Eat less than 2000 calories, even 1400!
15. Stop eating when 80% full
16. Fast, say 600 cal/day one day every one to two weeks
17. Eat sensibly 80% of the time
18. Eat dark chocolate – 70% or more (!)
19. Drink a little red wine
20. Cut down on sugars as they are ageing
21. Exercise – brisk walking, swimming, gardening, use the stairs
22. Yoga
23. Lift weights
24. Get enough sleep
25. Have sex
26. Laugh
27. Keep learning
28. Feel in control of working life
29. Have a faith
30. Give up smoking (already done that!)
31. Floss the teeth
32. Reduce stress, as too much affects adrenaline and digestion
33. Meditating, letting go, forgiving
34. Massage, reduces stress and increases levels of infection-fighting cells.
35. Don’t sunbathe, use sunscreen
36. Get plenty of fresh air
37. Remember to breathe properly
38. Avoid fumes, smokes, pollutants where possible
39. Have regular health checks
40. Cut back on salt, but do eat some
41. Brain gym: crossword, puzzles, quizzes, keep up with current affairs, learn a language, change daily routine.
42. Look after the bones: the right foods and exercise
43. Check that the home is safe: smoke alarm, no loose mats etc
44. Safety in the garden
45. Wear a seat belt
46. Keep up to date with fashions and new products

Some of the many foods to enjoy:

Broccoli, spinach, carrots, kale cress, rocket, spring greens, cabbage, onions, sweet potatoes,fish, soy, low fat, low sugar,  nuts, wholegrains, yoghurt, sardines, herrings, salmon, mackerel, tomatoes (esp cooked) beans, dried fruit, pnb, berries, pineapple, soba noodles*, tofu, some meat, quinoa, bulgar wheat, eggs, yoghurt, cheese, nuts, seeds, lentils, beans, grains, brown rice, turkey, chicken, olive oil, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, linseeds, hemp, flax, soy oil, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, soy (milk, tofu, miso, beans, yoghurt, ice cream, mince etc), edamame**, porridge,

 

Here is a sample of a good day:

• Remember to eat breakfast
• Drink water
• Brush/floss teeth
• Walk
• Drink tea
• Contact with friends
• Yoga
• Rainbow salad
• Use the stairs
• Massage
• Meditate
• Drink some red wine
• Eat fish
• Laugh
• Have sex
• Have a good sleep

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soba

** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edamame

(Reduced from book by infiniteideas.com)

What's in a Name







It’s a wise parent whose children are satisfied with their Christian names.  Most of us have fantasies that our lives would be improved if we were called something less plain if we are called Jane, or something more plain if we’re called Aphrodite or Ebenezer.

Sam Goldwyn arrived in America with a Polish surname that was deemed unpronounceable by the immigration officers.  So he adopted the name Goldfish.  Goldwyn evolved as his name and the name of his movie company from an amalgamation of Goldfish and an early partner, Edgar Selwyn.  A lawsuit was brought, challenging his right to use the invented name.  In the course of the hearing the judge, who eventually ruled in Goldwyn’s favour, observed: ‘A self-made man may prefer a self-made name’.

There is a lot of self-made naming going on.  Pamella Bordes, the parliamentary researcher into the Net Book Agreement, put the second ‘l’ in Pamella because it was different, and perhaps because it suggests the fashionable double-barrelled first name, making the best of two worlds: Sue-Ellen, Pam Ella.

Pamela itself was first used by Sir Philip Sidney in his Arcadia (1590).  If he invented it, it is not clear quite what he meant by it, though a derivation from the two Greek words ‘all honey’, ie all sweetness, is possible.  Samuel Richardson brought the name into general use with Pamela Andrews, the heroine of his best-selling novel.  Pamela, in 1740.  In the 18^th Century pronunciation varied between Pameela and the modern Pamela.  Peak popularity of Pamela in English-speaking countries was in the Fifties; the name has faded now.

Marilyn is another of these invented names getting the best of two names, Mary and Ellen.  One of its earliest users was Marilyn Miller, the American musical star of the Twenties, originally named Mary Ellen Miller.  In the Forties Marilyn Maxwell (christened Marvel Maxwell, poor kid) began to appear regularly in cinema screens.  By now the name had reached Britain, and became very popular in the Fifties.  Then came Marilyn Monroe (originally Norma Jean Baker or Mortenson), who was renamed by a casting agent with Marilyn Miller in mind.  Since then it seems to me that the name has faded in popularity in Britain at least. 

Teachers are the people who are better placed to keep closely in touch with changes of fashion in nomenclature.

Australian soaps that are beginning to lather our TV screens are a rich source of brave new names, such as Cheredith, which is presumably another two-pronged name, combining Cherry with Edith (or Judith?), by analogy with Meredith.

And Where did the girls’ name Kylie, as in Kylie Minogue originate?  Jolly interesting, as it happens.  It comes from karli, a name for a kind of boomerang in Nyungar and related languages of the Aborigines of Western Australia.  It is recorded as early as 1835: ‘I am sorry that nasty word boomerang has been suffered to supercede (sic) the proper name.  Boomerang is a corruption used at Sydney by the white people, but no the native word, which is tur-ra-ma, but kiley is the name here’.

Kiley was adapted in transferred use to mean a small piece of board upon which two pennies are rested for spinning in an Australian game: ‘The game is played with two pennies, a mattress, a thin piece of wood called a kip (sometimes a stick or a kiley), and amazing dexterity and ardour.’ Kylie’s use as a girls’ name was confined to Australia, until the arrival of Neighbours on our screens.  It has interacted and mated with Kelly, the Irish surname used as a Christian name for both boys and girls in Australia.  And Kylie was influenced by Grace Kelly, who played a leading role in vastly popular and influential High Society (1956).  The names of the tiresome character she portrayed in the film, Tracy Samantha, were also taken up from that time onwards.  On such silken threads are new names spun.

We are continually making up new names. J M Barrie invented Wendy for Peter Pan in 1904, after a child had used the two phrase ‘friendy-wendy’ to him.  In fact there were already several Germanic names in existence, such as Wendelburg and Wendelgard, which might have produced such a pet name less nauseatingly. The silly name has been helped along by three British actresses: Wendy Hiller, Wendy Barrie and Wendy Craig. 

Thelma was invented by Marie Corelli for the heroine of her noval Thelma (1887), presumably based on the Greek thelema, will. Thelma Ritter, the comedienne, gave it a boost but it has faced, and it’s now quietly used, mostly by black American parents.

Fiona was invented as the first part of his pseudonym, Fiona Macleod, by William Sharp (1855 – 1905).  It’s derived from the Gaelic fionn, fair or white, became very popular in Scotland, reached a peak in England in the Seventies, but is not used in the United States.  There are tides in the names of men, and particularly women, and they are shifting, pulled by the moon of fashion, all the time.

(Article by Philip Howard)

See also: http://www.first-names-meanings.com/

 

If you like Hilary Mantel* …

… then try these …

• Bilgewater by Jane Gardam
• The Country Girls by Edna O’Brien
• Invitation to the Waltz by Rosamund Lehmann
• Cat’s Eye by Margaret Atwood
• Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson
• The Getting of Wisdom by Henry Handel Richardson
• The Dressmaker by Beryl Bainbridge
• Caledonia by Elspeth Barker
• The Millstone by Margaret Drabble
• Room for a Single Lady by Clare Boylan

Also by Hilary herself:

• Every Day is Mother’s Day (1985)
• Vacant Possession (1986)
• Eight Months on Ghazzah Street (1988)
• Fludd (1989)
• A Place of Greater Safety (1992)
• A Change of Climate (1994)
• An Experiment in Love (1995)
• The Giant, O’Brien (1998)
• Giving up the Ghost (2003)
• Learning to Talk (2003)

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hilary_Mantel, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/7345476/Hilary-Mantel-interview.html and http://literature.britishcouncil.org/hilary-mantel

Today the Paignton branch of Westcountry Embroiderers (http://www.westcountryembroiderers.co.uk/) had an Open Day at our meeting room at Collaton St Mary, to which everyone was invited.  It was to show some of our recent work and was also to encourage people to join our informal and friendly group.  Here are photos of some of the work exhibited.   

The interests of members vary, with some people being relative beginners and others rather more experienced.  Some of us like to follow patterns and sew more traditional pieces; and others are interested in experimenting with new materials, techniques and also machining.  
There is always someone on hand if you get stuck or need some inspiration!

Our group meets in the morning on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month to sew and to learn techniques from each other.  Occasionally we have a guest speaker and also workshop days. 

Later this month we will be exhibiting work to the Creative Stitch and Hobbycrafts Show at Westpoint (http://www.westpointarena.com/events/48/).

Please ring 01803 401752 if you'd like more information about us.

We've just returned from a fun week in Derbyshire.  Fun compared with Paignton? Well, yes it was, there was such a choice of things on offer - and that didn't include the stunning scenery and excellent food.

Darley Park

 
So will now try and recapitulate:


Friday:  Viewed a bungalow we rather like the look of - and it ticks nearly all the boxes.  Let's hope it's still on the market when we're free to buy!  Had my hair trimmed which was a wonderful feeling as it was way overdue and I felt like one of those Highland sheep. 

A banner seen in the Guildhall Market, celebration of the 2012 London Olympics

Wandered down to town and popped into Derby Cathedral where we saw an exhibition of bobbin lace (http://lace.lacefairy.com/Lace/BeginGuide.html).  It looks so straightforward and impressive that I'd like to take it up that as a hobby when we move up to Derby, haven't seen classes for bobbin lace making down in Devon.
 




Saturday:  Afternoon leisurely walk near Ambergate, along the path by the leafy canal.

Later we went to Denby Pottery (http://www.denby.co.uk/dinnerware/icat/favourites/) where we bought some bowls to complement our original set.  Our design is now out of production, so they don't match but they do look good together.  Is discontinuing a design a conspiracy to make us buy more - or more a reflection of changing fasion?

Sunday: Drove early to Wirksworth Festival (http://www.wirksworthfestival.co.uk/), so we could get a parking space, but it was lucky that we did arrive early as there was so much to see. 

Monday: After an early start and long walk we got into position, halfway up a hill, to watch part of day 2 of the Cycle Tour of Britain 2012(http://www.tourofbritain.com/_ns_race/): Wiggins, Cavendish and four others appeared, followed much later by the rest of them.

I was amazed at the size of the entourage - many police motorcycles, camera motorcycles, back-up cars. One cyclist was even having his rear wheel oiled en-route!  It was difficult to know whether to clap and enjoy the moment or take a photo for posterity, so I did both - neither successfully! 

 Afterwards we wandered around Maynall Langley Garden Centre (http://www.meynell-langley-gardens.co.uk/).  We looked at plants but were careful not to be tempted as we are, after all, in the process of moving house.  This was followed by a super lunch, with all the family.

Tuesday: Sudbury Hall (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sudburyhall/?campid=MIDPPC) and Museum of Childhood.  Played connect4 and chess on the grass outside the stable block, before having a lovely picnic lunch.  Had a conducted tour part of the of the Hall, followed by a quick peruse of the Museum of Childhood.  Must go back again, and this time see the rest of the Hall, have more of a walk around the grounds and sample the cafe.  It was fun seeing a large party of primary school children having a day out too.

The Long Gallery at Sudbury Hall - for ladies to promenade on wet days - and somewhere big enough to 'hang' all the relatives.

Wednesday: wended our way home, after a walk in Darley Park.  Called in at Westbury Court Garden (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/westbury-court-garden/).

Hair ideas for a square face

 

Avoid short crops symmetry or anything geometric which emphasises the squareness and go for soft curves and swings which will soften the jaw line.  Aim for a slightly pointy look, leaving bits s falling forwards to break lines.  Have it graduating at the bottom, not club cut.  If hair is long, make sure there is fullness at the top and up0per sides to balance the jaw line.  Avoid hard sleek lines, but don’t go mad on waves and curls, aim for soft ones.

Also see: http://beautyadvices.webs.com/hairstyles.htm

Elongate a Square with the right Hair

The square face can be elongated somewhat by added height on the top of the head. Layers on the crown and parting your hair off center help to reduce a square look. Wispy bangs and temples soften the squareness too, and may add roundness. Wavy hair adds to the softening effect; straight lines, straight bangs and straight or flat hair are to be avoided. Short or medium hair looks nice. Don't let any haircut end at your jawline.

Happiness Manifesto

Try these for two months and see the difference they make!

1.     Get physical: exercise for half an hour three times a week

2.     Count your blessings: at the end of each day, reflect on at least five things you’re grateful for.

3.     Talk time: have an hour-long uninterrupted conversation with your partner or closest friend each week.

4.     Plant something: even if it’s a window box or pot plant – and keep it alive!

5.     Cut your TV viewing by half: at least.

6.     Smile at and/or say hello to a stranger: at least once a day.

7.     Phone a friend: make contact with at least one friend or relation you have not been in contact for a while and arrange to meet up.

8.     Have a good laugh at least once a day.

9.     Every day make sure you give yourself a treat: take time to enjoy this.

10. Daily kindness: do an extra good turn for someone each day.

Having been a Brownie Guide leader for many years, much of the above is rather familiar.  It was a good reminder for the leaders, as well as for the Brownies themselves.