Wednesday 20 November 2013

Lemon Balm Healing Salve

I've been looking to create a really rich and moisturising hand balm or salve (same thing really!). After a few experiments I think I've come up with a really good recipe.

Initially I had in mind a balm for gardeners, something deep and penetrating that would nourish and protect the hands, also adding an antiseptic element by way of the essential oils.

The formula I'm most happy with contains extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, watermelon seed oil, hemp seed oil (yet again!) and Vitamin E. These have been melted and then whisked to give a softer consistency and finally I added essential oils of tea tree, rosemary and Melissa (Lemon balm). It smells divine and works a treat!



Thursday 14 November 2013

Choccywoccy lip balms!

There's nothing quite as satisfying as whipping up a batch of homemade lip balms and now I've discovered DARK cocoa butter things have reached a high point in the kitchen.

I've used cocoa butter for some time now. Unrefined, it's a pale yellow colour with a strongly enticing aroma of chocolate. Until recently I didn't know there was a dark variety and oh boy...is it good!



I've experimented with a few recipes before finding my perfect combination of ingredients.


This delicious lip balm contains olive wax, Jojoba and castor oils, shea butter, dark chocolate and of course.............. meltingly gorgeous dark cocoa butter.
Yum!

Saturday 2 November 2013

Tilly Mint comes to town!

Meet Tilly Mint and her new range...or box of tricks as she prefers to call it.



And Tilly Mint herself...



Perhaps I should explain to non-Northerners. Tilly Mint is simply a term of endearment, probably originating in Liverpool which is where I grew up and was called Tilly Mint most of the time by my Father! I didn't really give it much of a thought and went on to call my own daughter, and now my grand-daughter, Tilly Mint - at various times.

When I came across this image on a vintage postcard Tilly Mint sprang immediately to mind - I know not why!

So there you have it and Tilly now has her own range....and box of tricks!






And thanks to the photo editing skills of my clever cousin Philip, Tilly now has her own beach!


Wish you were here?