Lavender, love it or loath it?

The workroom currently smells of lavender, and my husband hates it. I'm not too bothered either way, I find it quite relaxing but its not top on my favourite smell list (that would be Rose or Oud).

My nana and mum both asked me to make some lavender bags for them, realising it was not so much a request as a notification of demand I set to work.

I grow lavender here at the stone tent, so it was easy to pick a substantial amount, hang up in bunches, and dry. After two weeks, I pull the lavender off the stalk and away we go - dried lavender, full of a fresh strong lavender smell! It takes moments to sew little bags to fill with it.

I have lavender in amongst my welsh wool, its not only a relaxing smell used in herbal treatments for relaxation but it also repels moths from all of my gorgeous pure wool products, apparently the plants attract bees (I've seen that in the garden, positively buzzes with bees); the plant also repel rabbits, who don't like the smell - just like my husband!

As I was sewing some bags I made some for the etsy shop. I had panels I'd embroidered for a project I didn't complete so I made a sweet three piece set. Draw sachet, clothes hanger bag and a bag for the doorway.

Very pretty even if I do say so!

Sara and Heart Etsy Shop

The Radish Problem

Ever noticed how excellent the humble Radish is? Just like people, they're all the same, but all completely different too. From planted seed to harvest in 30 days there are few more satisfying veg to grow, especially with children.

The problem is, after the first few amazing salads, what the hell do you do with all the radish you've got? Well, in my opinion they make a great breakfast juice when juiced with carrot and apple.

They also  make a brilliant salad with sliced orange, but that's not my favourite.

Take a 1/2 a red onion and dice it, dice an avocado, slice your radishes, chop some parsley and combine everything with salt, pepper and 1/2 a lime juice. I promise you, you'll love it.