Thursday 29 August 2013

Beauty & the egg - a natural face mask


Photograph by Binky Nixon

BEAUTY AND THE EGG
A natural beauty recipe

This remedy is a godsend and I've used it on countless occasions. It's especially good before a night out as it's a temporary facelift without the surgery. It works better than the countless creams I've tried and it's 100% natural. Botox in a shell (I kid you not.)

Tools required: 1 egg.
Prep time: none
Takes: 5 minutes

1.  For best result exfoliate before hand.

2. Take one egg, crack and separate the white from the yolk. (Dispose of yolk or keep for hair mask ... that's another post)  Give the white a quick whip (only for 10 secs or so) 

3. Slap it on ... pat it all over your face and let it dry. Soon you'll be transformed into a Barbi that's half your age! (err see disclaimer)

Note: Try NOT laugh when it's dry.  If you do it cracks and you'll get to see what you'll look like as an old woman. It's hideous ... but if you want to freak out your other half out then it's WELL worth doing.

4. Simply wash off. Feels just lovely.

For best results: If you have dry skin, follow with a 10 minute pure honey mask for ultimate moisturisation.

xx

Disclaimer: you won't look like Barbi and you won't really look half your age but you WILL look better and appear younger looking as it does smooth fine lines in my opinion. Also I can't take responsibility if you're allergic to egg white. I suggest a test patch. Bear in mind it does sting a little when it goes on but that's normal, however if it's too uncomfortable wash it off.
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Monday 19 August 2013

Easy curtain tie backs!

Use a simple lace ribbon or pretty neck scarf to tie back a neutral curtain. Can add a lovely splash of colour and is easy to wash / change with the seasons  (I love lace in summer and something richer and heavier in winter) Now go have a cuppa while you peruse your scarf drawer : )

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Tuesday 6 August 2013

How to make a teacup candle


How to make a teacup candle - Photograph by Binky Nixon



What girly doesn't love a teacup candle. They are feminine, decorative AND they serve a function! (this is what you point out to loved one when you get told off for buying more toot.) They also make a perfect gift.  When hubby and I were married we made all of our decor by hand. There was a LOT of decor and it took 8 hours to decorate a beautiful Tudor barn. But that's another story ...

One of the things I made were 50 Teacup candles as favours for the womenfolk. It was my first time at making them, and I wanted to give them something they could keep and enjoy, and in years to come remember us when they're sipping tea from their pretty cup : )  It may sound like a huge undertaking but it really was much easier and far cheaper than you think. It was also fun, easy and hugely satisfying. Buying a ready made teacup candle can set you back £12 a cup, but to make it is pennies. So why not start collecting, and make some up ready for xmas!!?? your girlies will love you for it ... (and feel free to send one to me for giving you the idea : )

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Wednesday 17 July 2013

Welcome to a handmade cottage




Welcome to my cosy corner. I'm Jodie May - songwriter, wife and devoted dog mother to Ralphy (pictured right.) I founded my local craft club (The cottage crafters) and I am happy to be the first Craft columnist for the Herts and Essex Observer. When we moved into our little cottage we didn't have much in the way of money. So by using craft, thrifty buying, up-cycling and making things myself I managed to create a lovely, cosy characterful home ... full of old furniture, antiques and ramshackled loveliness. 
    




I absolutely love old rustic things ... antique furniture, antique cotton and lace, old copper and silver and old floral fabrics. In fact almost all of my furniture is antique, and it was all sourced from charity shops. I love the simplicity and the quality of old things ... and I love that each piece has a story to tell. I also love the simple way people lived in by-gone days ... and I try to take from that as best I can, by living as naturally, and simply as I can. ... which is easier said than done. 

      I not only created our handmade home, we also had a handmade wedding! We made almost everything and saved a small fortune. On return from our honeymoon I felt my life needed a change of direction, so I started a craft club in my town, became a craft columnist for the local Observer and decided to start a blog! I want to show people that crafting cosy characterful homes (or weddings) is a lot easier (and cheaper) than you might think. I hope you enjoy the blog, and do feel free to come and say hello anytime.



About me ...


Name: Jodie May

Age: A lady never tells ... Ok I'm 37.

Likes: Dog Walks in Woodlands * paddling in streams * anything floral antique lace * tea and cake in vintage china * Campfires * Antique shops (I love old things that have a story to tell) * Gardening and attempting to grow my own * blankets * charity shops * crafting * making things * having time
with with my loved ones.

Dislikes: Cooking (I just can't ... I try but it's not good, thankfully hubby loves cooking : ) Slugs - though I can't kill them. Running (I just can't - and hubby laughs when I try.)

TV: Wind in the willows (I know I'm a grown woman but it's just so sweet and lovely! and I'd love to
live in Moles house) The good life * Upstairs downstairs *  Frasier * Only fools and horses * Larkrise to Candleford (I watch it with my lovely little elderly friend Ros : )

To read some frequently asked questions (and answers) click here!

JM x





www.ahandmadecottage.com

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