Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Grow your own herbs: parsley, oregano, mint, sage, rosemary, basil
- put them out in the rain, though not when windy
- allow room in pots for roots to spread
- cover holes of pot with broken bits of plates
- get compost and plant the herb 5cm deep
- press soil around so that it's secure, water immediately
Joey Grey's Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of back bacon, chopped
- oil for frying
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 5 large white potatoes, thinly sliced
- fat/juices from roast joint
- salt, freshly ground pepper
- 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
Method:
- fry bacon briefly in little oil
- add onions and cook till soft and golden
- add potatoes and fat juices, stir potatoes until coated
- cover with hot water, season with salt and pepper, add rosemary
- cover pan and simmer till potatoes are tender, 25 mins, stirring occasionally to prevent browning
Vegetable Soup with Bay
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- a little butter, olive oil
- turnips, carrots, potatoes or other root vegetables, chopped into bitesize
- 900ml vegetable stock (use stock cube or save the water you cook veges in)
- 2 bay leaves
Method
- fry onion in butter/oil until soft
- add vegetables and brown a little, keep moving so that don't burn
- add stock and bay leaves, bring to boil and then simmer until vegetables tender
Homemade Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
- 450g tomatoes
- 1 onion chopped
- a little oil
- 1 flowering head of dill, chopped
- salt, freshly ground pepper
Method:
- plunge tomatoes in boiling water, leave for 1 min, plunge in cold water, will make it possible to peel of skin
- chop them and set aside
- gently fry onion till soft
- add dill, chopped tomatoes, stock, season with salt and pepper.
- pour into jar when cool, shake and chill. use as required
Maddison's Mint Chutney
Ingredients
- 900ml wine vinegar
- 450g brown sugar
- 350g seedless raisins
- 1 dried red chilli pepper
- 2 tsp dry mustard powder
- 2tsp salt
- 225 g tomatoes chopped
- 450g apples, cored and chopped
- 6 small onions, chopped
- 1 mug shopped fresh mint
- 3 peppercorns, crushed
Method:
- put vinegar in saucepan. bring almost to boil
- add brown sugar, raisins, chilli, mustard, salt, stir well till sugar dissolve
- take off heat
- add tomatoes, apples, onions, mint, peppercorns and mix together
- put in clean jars and seal, store in fridge
- chutney is ready to use after 1 month. chutney improves and matures with age.
Face Massage:
relieve stress, prevent lines appearing on face
- start at base of throat, apply lotion with both hands, stroking upwards towards edge of jaw. Use swift stroking motion. May find it easier using back of hand, performing swift rolling motion of one finger after another
- now at edge of jaw bone, just below ear, use thumb and forefinger to pinch skin, working towards centre of chin. Do 6x. Prevents double chin
- massage lotion onto face, using upward motion.
- face exercise: pinch eyebrows to release tension from straining eyes
- take bag of frozen vegetables as "ice pack" on eyes
Root mask
carrots are rich in Vit A, good for skin. Turnip good cleanser for all signs.
Ingredients: 2 carrots, peeled and chopped;
2 turnips, peeled and chopped
Method: boil carrots and turnips together, drain, mash into paste
when cool, apply to face, smooth all over, relax for 10 mins. rince off with milk, then with water
Tomato mask (good for blackheads)
peel and mash tomato and strain through sieve. Stir in some oatmeal. Use as facemask
Food for healthy skin
- Onions
- Watercress- contains iron, sulpur, cleanse inside of body. eat raw in salads
- Celery- organic sulphur, essential salts, treat rheumatism
raw celery + cheese - Radish - purify blood, complexion. Boil and eat as vegetable or add raw to salad
- Boiled turnip tops- cleanse blood, complexion
- Potato- scrub skin instead of peeling. Minerals and vitamins directly under skin.
help keep skin and hair in prime condition
from http://lunarium.co.uk/sign.php
Moon in Aries
The Moon in Aries makes an individual energetic, impetuous and impulsive. Even if at times he or she might seem calm and cool outside, inside they are full of fidgety urges. Quite unexpectedly for those around them, and sometimes even for themselves, these people can suddenly get involved in an adventure, make a decisive step, or go to the other side of the globe under the influence of a bright new idea.
It is simply essential for the Moon in Aries to somehow release the energy of this hot-headed sign, an uncomfortable for the Moon. It is quite common for an individual with this Moon to go into sports (REAL sports, not chess!).
Moon in Aries people see life as a permanent battle or competition. Even if everything goes smoothly, without effort, theirMoon in Aries will find something to struggle for.
Since the Moon rules unconscious reactions, people with the Moon in Aries react very quickly and automatically. Later, when they become more conscious of their actions, they may regret what they've done, but, alas, patience and prudence are not their strong points.
If their life is too stable and dull, Moon in Aries individuals might protest against this, and this can show as health problems - possibly inflammatory disorders of digestion or an allergy. The Moon is also associated with skin, and the skin may become reddish, with pimples or a rash. Moon in Aries can also be prone to headaches, sleeplessness (especially when overworked or overexcited) and eye problems.
To get rid of stress, Moon in Aries needs to somehow spend excess energy - to have a run, to punch someone (if not physically then emotionally), or break something.
It is not easy for Moon in Aries to be a parent. It just cannot be unobtrusive and steady. Its pedagogical style is more like a cavalry charge, and a slap on the wrist can be its main argument.
Moon in Aries people often think of their mother as an active and energetic person, and the main thing which she taught them in life is not to be idle and that they should pursue their goals.
Housekeeping may serve as a safety-valve for these people, especially for women. They have plenty of energy for cleaning, repairing, cooking, but this happens in bursts, and if something isn't completed until the end of such a burst, it will be abandoned until the next time. Normally, the Moon in Aries can be a good cook (if it doesn't burn something in a haste), but everyday cooking is seen as humdrum and boring.
Maximise Your Body's Potential Through Your Stars
The Goat
Ruling Planet: Saturn, the planet of structure
Triplicity or Element: Earth
Quadruplicity or Mode: Cardinal
Keywords: cautious, reserved, prudent, ambitious, constructive, disciplined
Capricorn is an earth sign, grounded elements, practical and sometimes slow-moving. They need to know all the facts before they'll make a decision to embark on something.
Cautious, serious and extremely ambitious. Yet there is a wicked sense of humour there just dying to get out. They are planners, and can annoy partners by giving them a schedule of what they are going to do and when. They plan well in business too, and make good bosses. They are steadfast and love to be in control of situations. They would give up a love affair simply because it did not fit in with what they had planned. Sad, but they can't break away from the path to success they have chosen.
Saturn is the planet of self control and discipline. It gives them the urge to build for security and for the family, and it also throws up great challenges throughout life. People ruled by Saturn are figures of authority. Dastardly attractive, they look powerful even if they are not.
They like to be seen doing the right thing. They like conservative colours associated with their sign and often wear them: dark green, grey, brown, black.
They are ambitious but at the same time pessimistic, always believing that something will go wrong and everything will fail. These loyal friends will put themselves out for you but just make sure you're prepared to return the favour because they will ask for one back.
Earth signs are dependable and good in a crisis. Usually strong-willed, determined and hard-working. Watch out for their bad temper but remember that their bark is worse than their bite.
Capricorns flourish best in the countryside and it is unlikely you will see a geniunely happy goat living in the city. If they have a flat in the city instead of a house in the country, you can bet it is filled with greenery. And they may not even know why they are doing it.
You won't find a Capricorn without a pension plan, as Saturn also governs old age and the need for securty later in life is always at the front of the thrifty goat's mind. Family responsibilities are also important. They go out of their way to look after their elders. Capricorns will love you forever if you grant them respect. They will always be good to you though you may like to keep an eye on what they are doing when you are not around.
As they get older, become keen gardeners, spending hours pottering around thinking of all the people they have met and all the things they have done with their lives.
Capricorn Health and Development from Child to Adult
Capricorn infant is extremely perceptive. Fit into family life very well and should sleep with few problems. This baby is very little trouble and a delight to have around. They are observers, waiting patiently and watching what everyone else is doing. The truth is they are planning their move very carefully. These master planners are just beginning to develop their planning muscles.
Health Sore Points
Knees, skeleton, bones and skin are ruled by Capricorn. Calcium levels need to be watched. Take care of lungs. Take particular care of knees as you get older.
Watch out for skin disorders, chills and rheumatism. Take regular walks, fresh air.
Keep moving! Any job that means sitting down all day in cramped position is no good for you. Your joints easily stiffen and you need to guard against this.
Capricorns need to guard against teeth problems.
Sunburn can be a problem for sensitive capricorn skin.
Many capricorns have faulty breathing, often as a result of poor posture. Is your back curved? Are you breathing shallowly in quick little breaths? You need to straighten your back (not ram-rod, just comfortably straight) and breathe well. Good deep breaths will get everything circulating around your body and will fend off lethargy.
Cures and Counsel
Do all you can to ensure an enjoyable old age because you are going to be around for a long time. Treat your body well and respect it and it will last a lifetime.
Take gentle exercise. Gentle movements are the answer for you.
You must take care not to be too harsh on yourself about what you can or cannot do. Eat a little bit of what you fancy from time to time and don't get a guilt complex about it. Once you know what your sign needs you'll know where you can be indulgent without doing harm. And let your hair down occasionally. Learn to compromise, and to allow yourself a little pleasure.
If you suffer from bad knees, as many Capricorns do, stock up on parsley and devil's claw. You can chop parsley over many dishes. Parsley sauce is great with fish and new potatoes.
Capricorn lungs are not as strong as others. Stubborn coughs.
Drink lungwort tea.
Good Capricorn Food
Watermelon juice every morning!
Capricorn often lack calcium phosphate. (affinity for albument, cement for build up bony structure, master builder of body, creating new blood vessels, digestive fluid)
Source: cabbage, watercress, kale, milk, prunes
Spaghetti Pie
Ingredients:
125g spaghetti
1 egg, beaten
5-6 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
15g butter
240ml ricotta cheese
240ml bottled tomato or meat sauce for pasta
125 mozarella cheese, shredded
Method:
Preheat oven to 180deg
Cook spaghetti al dente
Combine egg, parmesan and butter in bowl and stir in hot spaggheti. Press mixture evenly into bottom and up the sides of 22cm pie dish. Spread ricotta over the crust. Spoon the tomato sauce over the ricotta. Bake for 20 mins. Remove from oven, sprinkle with mozarella. Bake another 5 mins until cheese melts and crust sets.
Chocolate souffle
Ingredients:
2 fresh organic eggs, separated
50g(2 oz) sugar
12 tbsp evaporated milk
50g milk chocolate
15g (half oz) gelatine
4 tbsp warm water
whipped cream, cherries (decorate)
Method:
whisk egg yolk with sugar until thick and creamy.
Whip evaporated milk and add to eggs and sugar.
Put chocolate into heatproof bowl over saucepan of simmering water and melt slowly.
Add chocolate to milk, egg and sugar mixture
Put gelatine in small bowl, add warm water and stir until dissolved.
Add to chocolate mixture
Beat egg whites until stiff and stir into chocolate mixture
Distribute among 6 small pots or teacup
Add some whipped cream and cherry
(this recipe uses uncooked eggs, use only fresh organic free range, dont keep more than 24 hours) if concerned about raw eggs, can bake at 150deg for half an hour, until set.
Your ideal health sign holiday
Cruises are perfect for you. This goat loves to see places but prefers not to have to walk too far. As you cruise, enjoying the beautiful view, you can stretch your legs on the deck. There's plenty to see and you can also retire to the safety of your cabin when you want to.
For the capricorns who prefer to keep dry land beneath their feet, how about a luxury camper van with all the earthly comforts? Then you can just pull up to your destination of choice and still have your own bed to retire to at night!
Kooshti Sante Drink (rich in iron and vitamin C, good for clear complexion)
2 cups chopped dark green spinach leaves
1/4 cup chopped parsley
3 cups fresh orange juice
As you reach midlife, it's up to you to start reasses your life, what's good and what's bad, and what you can do to improve it (and the lives of those around you). Life is all about evolving and making changes when they are needed. If you are thinking about mistakes that you have made, THEN DON"T! Without mistakes we cannot learn and life would be boring if nothing ever went wrong. Learn to laugh about past mistakes. If you don't laugh, you'll cry, and there's too much fun to be had for that. Don't expect that you have to stick with all the decisions you made when you were younger. Benefit from maturity and change a few if you can. Think about what you want and not what others expect from you. Think about what you could do for those you love.
Moon in Aries
- You are very positive about life and great at giving others confidence in themselves
- Quick to jump to conclusions about people, find it hard to keep emotions in check
- You can be bold, rebellious, impudent and physical
- You rush where angels fear to tread, and find yourself in inadvisable situations
- Make decisions too quickly for the liking of your close ones, who might be trying to slow down your impatient impulses
- Do not always think of the consequences of your actions and later may regret them
- Often the mouthpiece for others, saying what everyone else is thinking
- You will achieve a lot in life because you have the edge over many others
- Not afraid to ask from promotion/ payrise
- Gut instinct can be relied on
- You lack patience, you need a partner who can keep up with your fast-paced lifestyle.
- Be careful not to allow this assertiveness to turn into aggression or you could find yourself in unncessary physical disputes.
- You need action and excitement and have a quick temper
- You tend to put yourself first and some friends may regard you as selfish
- Passionate and fervent, your love life is often spontaneous and most definitely at its best when unplanned
- Prone to Aries ailments, problems linked to head, eg migraines, headaches.
- Clumsy and prone to knocks and bruises, you are too busy 'doing' to remember about 'thinking'.
- Think more before you speak
- You are very positive about life and great at giving others confidence in themselves
- Quick to jump to conclusions about people, find it hard to keep emotions in check
- You can be bold, rebellious, impudent and physical
- You rush where angels fear to tread, and find yourself in inadvisable situations
- Make decisions too quickly for the liking of your close ones, who might be trying to slow down your impatient impulses
- Do not always think of the consequences of your actions and later may regret them
- Often the mouthpiece for others, saying what everyone else is thinking
- You will achieve a lot in life because you have the edge over many others
- Not afraid to ask from promotion/ payrise
- Gut instinct can be relied on
- You lack patience, you need a partner who can keep up with your fast-paced lifestyle.
- Be careful not to allow this assertiveness to turn into aggression or you could find yourself in unncessary physical disputes.
- You need action and excitement and have a quick temper
- You tend to put yourself first and some friends may regard you as selfish
- Passionate and fervent, your love life is often spontaneous and most definitely at its best when unplanned
- Prone to Aries ailments, problems linked to head, eg migraines, headaches.
- Clumsy and prone to knocks and bruises, you are too busy 'doing' to remember about 'thinking'.
- Think more before you speak
Aries
THE RAM
Ruling planet: Mars, roman god of war
Triplicity/element: fire
Quadruplicity/mode: Cardinal -> good at starting new things, initiating action, eager, impatient of delays
Keywords: headstrong, opinionated, action initiator, leader, loyal to a cause, egotistical, passionate
- Always reinventing themselves and finding new ways to encourage their friends and family into new undertakings.
- Action is the keyword. Always on the go, planning the next move.
- Need to prove to themselves that they are truly alive, without new beginnings they can feel suffocated
- Change is an essential part of their lives
- Make sure you listen when they talk. No matter how boring some of their precious info may seem. To them the latest goings on in a soap opera may seem crucial.
- Continuity can sometimes be a problem, may not sustain the enthusiasm they start out with
- Red is their colour, often see this colour when they plan to go to war. They love to be noticed but they are not sly.
- Straightforward and will not lie to you.
- Have the ability to set their mind on something and to go for it with all the energy of a superjet on its way to war
- Fire: hot and explosive, you can upset them and not even know they are angry with you, it builds up and all of a sudden they explode. But don't worry, they have a split personality and once they have shouted and let the pressure out they will be right back to normal
- If Aries is an object, it would be a rocket waiting to take off, and astounding everyone by its abilities once it does
- Biggest problem is nerves, esp in high power jobs. You think they are doing fine but underneath their cool smile they are agonizing that they could be doing better.
- Often accused of being selfish, indeed they believe they must put themselves first if they are ever to be of help to others.
- Forceful, feeling and full of bright ideas and strong ambitions
- For the ram to be the best they can, they must find someone who can keep them going and support them in their ideas and dreams.
- Aries careers: Lecturer- Telling people what they need to know and being admired for it- ideal!
- Aries rule the head, brain, face. Prone to stress in these parts of the body.
- Eyestrain a potential problem, weak eyesight
- Try to avoid undue stress, because you are subject to nervous strain
- Mars is a fighter, you can pull yourself out of the worst of illnesses by sheer willpower.
- At work you ask someone to do the job, and being impatient, you interfere and end up doing it yourself
Cures and Counsel
- Don't bottle up your feelings. Learn to let off steam
- Get regular eye tests
- Headaches: fresh air rather than reach for pill bottle. Aries headache is a sign of stress, whether physical or psychological. Relaxation exercises, massage, camomile or lavender oil in bath water-> relax blood vessels, alleviate tension
Gently massage temples with five drops of juniper essential oil diluted with 2tbsp olive oil - Headaches due to stress/tiredness best cured by rest
- Aries needs regular exercise
- Juniper berries
1 dozen juniper berries
900ml boiling water
honey
(crush berries, put in pot, cover with boiling water, steep for 10 mins, strain and drink)
Aries Food
- deficient in potassium phosphate, cause nervous problems -> best source is tomatoes
- lemons and celery;
lemons are cleansing and healing and good for brain, making you feel alert and alive. contain phosphorus, nourishment for brain and nerve cells;
Celery is rich in potassium, fantastic system cleanser. Good against gout, rheumatism - grapefruit, parsnips, apples
- fire sign: metabolic rate high, burn off food they gobble down very quickly
need extra protein to keep energy high, to help build muscles
Health checklist
- For headaches, take feverfew, magnesium, B complex, esp B2 and B3, evening primrose
- For nervous problmes take vit B1, B6 or better still B complex
- Stomach problems, peppermint
- B1 found in brown rice, peas, beans, breakfast cereals, marmite
- B6 found in wholemeal bread, wholegrains, liver, fish, bananas, wheatbran, yeast extract, promote healthy skin, nerves, help hormone production
Top Tomatoes
Ingredients:
- 4 large tomatoes, skinned and chopped
- 150g button mushrooms, chopped
- 75g cheddar cheese, finely grated
- 75g fresh granary breadcrumbs
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- good pinch of mixed herbs
- 40g butter, plus extra for greasing
Method
- To skin tomatoes, simply drop in pan of boiling water for a minute and take out carefully with slotted spoon. Place under running cold water and skin comes off easily
- preheat oven to 220deg
- Grease ovenproof dish with butter
- layer the tomatoes, mushrooms, cheese and breakcrumbs until all ingredients used up, finisheing off with a layer of breadcrumbs, remembering to season as you go.
- Dot with butter and bake till crisp and golden - abt 25 mins
- If garlic lover, add to breadcrumbs