Mint and Rosemary Cologne - Home Made

Eau de cologne is easy to make from a blend of your favourite aromatic oils with water and alcohol.

They make a perfect gift for friends, male or female.

Get together the following:-

15ml of any fresh mint (1 tablespoonful)
15ml of rosemary leaves (1 tablespoonful)
1 lemon
1 orange
50ml (2fl oz) of vodka - a cheap one to use as an alcohol base
115ml (4fl oz) rosewater

You will also need:-

A plastic sieve
Small saucepan
A bowl
A jug and storage containers

Wash the rosemary and mint leaves then dry them.  Place in a bowl.  Heat the vodka in a pan and pour over the herbs.  Wash the lemon and orange.  Grate the peel onto the herbs.  Warm the rosewater in a pan and add to the mix.  Cover it and keep in the fridge for a week.  Remember to stir it every day.  At the end of the week, strain the mixture through a plastic sieve into a perfume bottle and seal.  It should keep for two weeks in the fridge, and can be used in the bath, or as a splash on.

An Oasis in Maida Vale, London, England

THE QUINCE TREE at CLIFTON NURSERIES

 I was greeted by a friendly member of staff at 12.30, so I asked if it would be OK to just have a coffee as I didn't want lunch so early.  I was alone and felt very welcome.  The staff were attentive.  If I wasn't such a cold soul, I would have sat outside with a blanket in the garden centre.  As I live a short bus ride away, and don't have a garden, I might book lunch and pick up a plant or two for my window box.  I didn't find the coffee expensive at £2.95.  It's central London.  Would recommend but didn't try the food yet.

February walking in Kensington Gardens

Kensington Palace and cafe

 

Queen Victoria

 

Bird bath?

                                                         Flowers in Hyde Park


This was a morning walk in Hyde Park, stopping at Kensington Palace for lunch.  To the side of the palace is a cafe and gift shop.