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ancientbrit · 4 years ago

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Natter # 8 04/25/2016

Subject: MI MG Natter #8 2016 A Date: April 25, 2016 at 10:21:26 PM PDT Last Friday's clinic was quite a reasonable one - much better than last week, which wouldn't be hard to do. Our client count was double last week at ten. I think that it must have been due to placing the new sandwich board outside. We didn't have it in time last week. As is said - "It pays to advertise." Looking through one of my books on Bulbs and fertilizers I came across some disturbing information. In the description no mention was made of using bone meal, which lack was addressed specifically. "Notice that I have not mentioned bone meal. Even if it were an excellent fertilizer (which it is not),using bone meal in the garden is probably not a good idea. The way I understand it, in olden times bone meal was manufactured from fresh bones that still had some scraps of meat attached. Today, bones are steamed to extract fat from the marrow, which is used to manufacture who knows what - soap perhaps. As well, the bones are mechanically scraped clean of all meat scraps to be used for other by-products. Then the bone itself is processed for gelatin. So much of what previously would have been incorporated as plant nutrient is removed; what is left is nearly pure calcium phosphate which is just about insoluble. I believe that bone meal is a poor fertilizer, low in nutrients, and attractive to every dog & skunk in the neighborhood.They will come digging for the bones they think are buried and in the process uproot any bulbs using it as a fertilizer. These days though, there is more to concern the gardener than this nuisance value: it might just kill you! Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, BSE for short, is a rare, brain rotting disease thought to be primarily transmitted from the brain tissue of infected cattle. Jim Shields, who enthusiastically grows bulbs as an avocation, explains the risks thusly:” "Putting on my professional hat (bio-chemist, protein chemist), I would say that there has to be a possibility of contracting BSE through bone meal. The agent is a prion, a rearranged version of a normal body protein. The rearranged form, actually refolded, is then pathogenic. Steam does not inactivate it; and neither, obviously, do digestive enzymes in the gut, Breathing in the dust should work even better than eating it, if you want to contract the disease. It's manifestation in humans is known as vCJD, or the variant of Creutzfeld-Jacobs Disease. People who want to sell you bone meal and other animal products will vigorously dispute this. There are also people who dispute that we are undergoing Global Warming. In cases where future personal profits are involved, the value of the opinions offered should be seriously questioned. I have banished all forms of bone meal from my garden, permanently. It is not worth the risk. Even though that risk is very small, it is not equal to zero. Getting vCJD would be a really unpleasant way to die. Even Organic gardeners should look for an alternative fertilizer." And now that you are smiling and feeling all warm and comfortable inside, I have to lay a few other pleasantries on you. Jean (my assistant researcher!) discovered a few nasties in checking out England's Daily Telegraph. The first was a real surprise to me - I wasn't aware that Lyme Disease had spread that far, but I guess that wherever deer exist, can Lyme disease ticks be far behind? I think it must be quite rare though as there was a story about a man who caught it, but whose GP failed to diagnose it. His wife trawled the internet and identified the telltale red bulls-eye on his lower leg where he had been bitten by a tick when he was out walking. The tick was tiny, the size of a poppy seed and can be brushed off without being aware of being bitten. Apart from the bulls-eye mark, other symptoms are muscle aches, fatigue, lethargy and headaches, very similar to meningitis. In the long term, Lyme disease causes chronic neurological, neuropsychiatric, rheumatological and locomotor problems and incidences are increasing. This couple, now that they realise the trouble ticks present, will no longer be gardening in long grass with bare legs - it will be all jeans and wellington boots! On a more cheerful note there are many beneficial as well as harmful bacteria and fungi in the soil. Some of these bacteria have been found to activate brain cells to produce seratonin, affecting behaviour in a similar way to anti-depressants. So working with soil or walking through fallen leaves may help you feel happier. However, lurking in some compost heaps is a fungus that causes aspergillosis, a rare disease. Symptoms include cough, fever, difficulty breathing and chest pains. In an extreme case last year a gardener died of aspergillosis in an English hospital. He had previously worked in a foundry, so his unhealthy lungs made him more susceptible. Another compost related disease is lung fibrosis (serious breathing problems) which is caused by spores that live on rotting green compost. Home made compost with it's wonderful earthy smell is sheer nectar to many gardeners, but you should try to refrain from breathing in lungsful of it while turning the heap. As is fairly well known, I have a distinct aversion to English Laurel for many reasons, one of which is the poison (cyanide) it contains. An unfortunate gardener in England had taken down a large amount of it and jammed it into his car to take to the dump. He never made it, being fatally overcome by the cyanide fumes on the way! Working on Laurel in the open air should pose no problem, but it would be better not to stand over a shredder that was being used to munch it for any length of time. People have been known to suffer laurel poisoning by confusing the leaves with bay and adding them to stews. The lady writing the article now uses gloves when working with her aconitums (Monkshood) having heard the tragic tale of a man who died after dealing with Wolfsbane (alternative, ancient name for Monkshood) in his garden. He collapsed from multiple organ failure and died five days later. In 2015, a German man died after eating "terribly bitter" zuccinis. The toxin cucurbitacin was diagnosed as the culprit. This is present in pumpkins, zuccinis, and cucumbers and can break down the membranes in the stomach and intestines. The toxin has largely been bred out of them , but if you come across one with a bitter taste - DISCARD! Garden hot tubs can give you Mycobacterium avium (hot tub lung) from daily dips, which causes one to become really ill, being unable to sleep and needing oxygen at night. A six week banishment from the tub usually affects a cure. Finally to complete this diatribe there is always the ever present risk of Tetanus from wounds in the garden. Keeping up to date with your tetanus boosters should be maintained and of course any gardening wounds should be thoroughly cleaned and kept soil-free. In spite of all the above, the garden is still the the healthiest and safest environment for most of us, but as with all things,, it is as well to be up to speed with all potential hazards. On a sweeter note, our three lilacs have taken over from the Viburnum carlesii and have been saturating the air with their wonderful fragrance. 'Such an evocative fragrance too, transporting me back to when my Mum used to take my sister and me to an old abandoned farm near us. Mostly we went to pick gooseberries, blackcurrants and strawberries later in the summer, but going there about now just to pick flowers and lilacs takes me right back to a place that doesn't exist any more. Coming along to take the place of the lilacs in their turn are the herbaceous Azaleas. Three days ago there were just fairly tight buds and an almost completely full set of leaves. Yesterday, the blooms were starting to open, but when I looked a little closer to enjoy the scent, I noticed that there were leaves which had been reduced to skeletal remains with just the ribs of the main vein remaining and I realised that my annual enemy, the Azalea Saw Fly was back. I spent about 45 minutes there picking and squashing their green, inch-worm caterpillars, reaching a total of more than 300. I returned today and racked up another 46. I might just be starting to get the upper hand, as by this time last year I seem to remember I had reached something over 500. So much satisfaction squashing them and knowing that you are being totally organic. Now I find out that Ortho, the chemical giant, has ceased production of neonicotinoids. It will take a little while for existing stocks to disappear, but what a boost for the bee population and beekeepers everywhere. Now all that needs to happen is for Monsanto and other big chemical companies to do the right thing, instead of spending millions to try and persuade the Government that bees are okay with it! On a similar topic, there is a company called "Bee Vectoring Technology" which has developed an environmentally friendly alternative to spraying with chemicals, in which bees carry and deliver a fungus that kills off the bad stuff. Normally, a farmer with an acre of apples sprays about 13 pounds of streptomycin to protect the fruit from fire blight, which can destroy entire orchards. But with the new bee delivery system, a tray at the hive entrance coats the bees hairy legs with a natural powderized fungus called BVT-CR7. The fungus acts as an endophyte and grows harmlessly on the plant. It also prevents parasites and bacteria from taking hold. As the bees forage for nectar and pollen, they deposit the powderized fungus - of which only 0.04 pounds is necessary - on individual apple blossoms. The delivery method is extremely efficient. A hive of 300 can cover 10 million flowers, so a normal sized hive would be capable of covering 200 times that number. Field tests have shown the method to be harmless to the bees and might offer some relief by limiting the amount of pesticides they would normally encounter, putting less pressure on them. The plant sale approacheth and things are getting rather busy. Yesterday Portia and Wendy spent the morning updating the plant labels - in all that rain, just the two of them! I was unable to join in as I had a previous appointment, but I was rather surprised that there was only Wendy who helped out, unless somebody else arrived unannounced. Until next time, your fearless leader, Gordon

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lynk-photography-blog · 6 years ago

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As summer drags its sorry arse to the golden precipice of Autumn whilst delivering light that even Raphael couldn’t better and as I didn’t go away this summer I thought I would make you suffer my version of my holiday photos. (Spoiler alert- no sausage legs on sun-beds were used in the making of this blog!)

Love a bit of London! The Barbican in the rain always catches my eye. I felt like I could have been anywhere with so many styles all fighting for the same space.

It seemed this summer that every road was lined with pale bleached grasses and you look out across the patchwork of fields in burnt umber, desert sand and raw ochre that made England seem a cross between the Balearics and a moonscape. As a photographer I first saw these as challenges that were almost insurmountable, but I then started to view them with beauty and worked with it. That said it has been amazing summer for lavender.

I always love going back to The Trafalgar at St James. The excitement of walking through the TDR doors and the bustle at the bar. Such a very cool place to be able to work in.

The wall is down in the bar and restaurant. It opens the whole space up and gives it even more drama.

Whilst I think it feels like only yesterday that Charlene was working with Henry Ramsay in the garage in those overalls!! It’s actually quite sobering to realise it nearly was a lifetime ago. That’s a life time if you are 32 or younger. Sobering.

I managed to get up close and personal recently with the lady herself at a BBC Children in Need event. She was performing a really intimate gig to about 100 very lucky guests. She looked amazing and her performance had everyone screaming for more.

If this wasn’t enough for one night, next on stage was the one and only, (ladies hold onto your hats) Take That!!!

Gary, Howard and Mark. Looking rugged, time has been kind to them. They seem to have grown into their more natural look. Again a crowd of, very noisy, about 100. (Where on earth does that ever happen!!)

I was lucky to get very very close to get these shots. As you can imagine, a lot of shots were fired off but these are the images cleared by the boys themselves for use.

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Now that is what you call a driveway. Must be a nightmare keeping those edges tidy! Cliveden House. What a place!

Apparently there was a wedding earlier this summer. I think it made the news. For those of you who weren’t aware, (or only watched Love Island repeats all summer) the Duchess of Sussex stayed at Cliveden House the night before the wedding. As you would imagine, the worlds press went crazy for footage. As I have shot for the hotel for the last 4 years, I managed to get my images into some amazing publications. But I think nothing beats Vogue for prestige. (CLANG!!!)

Lygon Arms in Cotswolds is a very special place to stay. I was lucky enough to stay there with my family for my wife’s birthday this year. Everything that you would expect from such an Iconic Hotel.

Variety is the spice of life so they say. Well this summer has been the Lamb Bhuna mixed with a Chicken Biryani type of life.

I was commissioned to photograph an industrial project at Waterloo Station at night. How often do you get to go behind the scenes of one of the countries busiest stations. I felt like I was on a Channel 4 documentary. The light, reflections and patterns had me mesmerised.

Adding a bit more spice I then had the opportunity to work with the amazing Sarah Ireland on the launch of her new fragrance and scented candles.

I asked to produce a series of product and lifestyle images to compliment the beautiful delicate fragrances.

then from the sublime …..

I was challenged earlier this year to make a fish finger sandwich look exciting.

I love a challenge, me!!!

I am entering the Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year awards this year. This is the class leading competition and will showcase some of the best food shots from around the world. You can check back here to see how things progress but I have managed to hassle five leading chefs to collaborate with me open this.

My life may appear to mostly be made up of travelling from hotel to restaurants to hotel. But there is other cool stuff I occasionally get to do. Recently I got to shoot for the launch of Team Jobs Executive Search in Dorset. They had an idea of the style they were looking for but I had free reign on the creative. So much more exciting and real than either using stock or shooting that restrictive safe corporate imagery.

The coolest bar in Chelsea has to be Hans Bar and Grill. Situated on Pavilion Road just off Sloane Square. The designers have demonstrated such clever effortless style. The mix of greenery, Edison bulbs and light from the glass ceiling gives a sense of tranquillity that makes you want to stay there all day. Exceptional food and service are what you would expect from such an esteemed establishment. It won’t let you down. Like a well oiled Swiss clock. (Does one oil a clock?)

Well there you have it. If you are still reading this you either deserve a cream egg (only 32 Sundays until Easter) or more, likely you need more going own if your life. So go out and buy a guinea pig.

See you on the other side of the war.

Nobody on the road, nobody on the beach ….. As summer drags its sorry arse to the golden precipice of Autumn whilst delivering light that even Raphael couldn't better and as I didn't go away this summer I thought I would make you suffer my version of my holiday photos.

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theperfectorpage · 7 years ago

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French Cult Beauty Products

Bonjour, Ladies!

During my last trip to Paris, beauty was on my mind. And how could it not be? The city is essentially a big arena where beautiful food, beautiful architecture and beautiful people are all sparring for first place for the “Most Charming Award”— and they ALL win. It’s beautiful, but more than that it is CHARMING. The city really knows how to woo you. And at the top of the Charming list, are the people. The Parisian women know how to be exquisitely beautiful, but in an understated, “not trying” kind of way. When I asked women on the street and in beauty shops what their philosophy on beauty was, most responded that the French never compromise luxury, never ever. They buy classics, and stick to the classics, while ignoring trends. They never “push it” when it comes to beauty, either. When they apply makeup, it’s never to change themselves, it’s only used to “freshen up” their looks. Parisians believe “less is more.” They embrace their flaws and use them to their advantage because they believe their “flaws make them more interesting to look at.”

Ask any Parisian woman what’s in her skincare arsenal, and she’ll reply (in French, of course) that most of her skincare can be picked up at a French pharmacy (“pharmacie” to them)! Because the French have a big secret, which is that their Pharmacies are very unlike our Pharmacies. Their drugstores carry products, with a fair price tag, that are dripping in luxury! They carry quality products that genuinely work. They’re also usually free of alcohols, parabens. harsh chemicals and unnecessary fragrances. Next time you’re in Paris, make sure you stock up. Not going? You definitely should! But until you do, ask your friend who’s going to bring you back some.

Now that their secret is out, here are my (and their) favorites:

Bioderma:

Soap-free and hypoallergenic, Bioderma is the Micellar Water to beat. It removes layers of makeup without being the least bit drying. It preserves the natural (good) oils on your skin, while dissolving the bad (pollutants and dirt) that damage your skin. You want that J.Lo Glow? Then get some Bioderma and use it religiously! You can use it before cleansing, to remove makeup or after as a toner— because this stuff balances your skin’s PH, too! I use it morning and night— and sometimes midday when my face needs a redo!

This is my most purchased French product. I can’t sing its praises enough! I recommend it to anyone and everyone. And I’m recommending it to you, too! Do it. Do it now.

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre:

This is the cream that makeup artists swear by to create a smooth, hydrated canvas. It’s also in the beauty bags of models, actresses and plain old beauty product lovers. It’s tried and true, folks! Since it’s birth in 1950, it’s wowed users as being a cream that can also act as makeup remover, cleansing lotion, makeup primer, and just a really fulfilling facial moisturizer. It’s fast drying and not overwhelmingly thick, but also protects your skin’s barrier so you retain much needed hydration.

I just purchased my third bottle of Embryolisse and I’m not stopping anytime soon. I use it underneath my foundation (always) and on days when I’m EXTRA dry, I even mix a pea-sized amount with my foundation. I love the dewy glow it provides!

Caudalie:

The new kid on the skincare block, at least here in the States, is an herbed skin spritzer. A completely refreshing way to apply hydration throughout the day. I love it in a purse-sized bottle so I can stay dewy throughout the day. Because parched skin is dull skin.

At the top of the skin-spritzing list stands Caudalie Beauty Elixir mist. Smelling intriguingly medicinal and feeling chilly and fresh. I spritz this immediately after cleansing, again after moisturizing, again after applying makeup and throughout the day again and again and again— because I live in the dessert and this dry air just won’t quit! This Beauty Elixir Mist is Caudalie’s bread and butter— their #1 seller.

Another French crowd pleaser is the Caudalie Vine(Activ) Overnight Detox Oil. This oil is totally plant based, and why wouldn’t it be? The Parisians love natural skincare as much as they love their croissants and daily espresso. This oil targets anti-aging pollutants and stressors in the skin, which helps to rid your skin of impurities, all while you sleep. It aids in bringing youth to your complexion by creating smooth, bright skin. Whoever said the Fountain of Youth was fictional didn’t know about this stuff.

Avene:

First thing I noticed upon entering my first French Pharmacie, was a tall stack of thermal sprays, also, hoards of tourists (and natives) grabbing them up by the armful. What is a thermal spray, you ask? Well it’s mineral water that comes from a hot spring, is loaded with beneficial natural ingredients, then is bottled in an aerosol can for easy applying. It seems gimmicky, at least it did to me. But I researched a lot about French beauty, and thermal water was at the top of each list. The benefits include hydrating the skin, because most people have dehydrated skin. It offers protection from UV damage, since most sprays are high in zinc, copper and selenium. It also decreases inflammation, soothes skin and keeps you looking and feeling ultra fresh.

Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water is the measuring stick for which each and every thermal spray should be measured against. It is the game changer. It can be used after cleansing, after working out, after shaving. It can be used to treat allergic reactions, redness and even diaper rashes. If you have itchy skin, use it. If you have wounded skin, use it. Use it at the beginning, end and all throughout your day. This spray also has the boasting power of being sold every two second, worldwide. True story. I saw this stuff being sold in Costco sized six-packs, while in France, so you KNOW its a crowd pleaser. If you can get your hands on some, purchase it in bulk!

Nuxe dry oil:

A multi purpose oil for face, body and hair. This oil lines the shelves at any and every store in Paris. It also lines the walls of each and every article on French Pharmacy products I’ve read. No, really! I can’t believe how present the Nuxe oil is in France. It made me think I was missing out on a big secret. It smells incredibly fresh and is lightweight— and could be the next big thing for your beauty regimen.

If using on your face, I find success in mixing a few drops in with my normal moisturizer— then work into my skin in an outward motion. It results in incredible supple, soft skin. If you have chapped lips, apply a drop of Nuxe oil, then seal the moisture with a thin layer of Vaseline over top. The same idea applies for body moisturizing— apply the oil on your driest areas (knees, ankles, elbows, dry patches) then seal that hydration in with a body cream over top. If you’re wanting luxe locks, spray Nuxe oil onto a natural bristle brush and comb through your hair, paying specific attention to your ends.

Sanoflore 24 Roll-on Deodorant:

For all of my natural-loving ladies, this deodorant is the one for you! I hate deodorants that smell too natural (i.e. “herby”) and I also hate smelling like a flower or baby powder. This smells fresh, clean and powdery. This is a more-natural option for staying safe and healthy, while preventing the annoying side effects of sweating. Deodorants (anti-perspirants) that we’re used to in the U.S. are banned in Europe because of the toxins and contaminates they contain. Yikes. This is aluminum free, non-toxic and the best non-antiperspirant deodorant I’ve encountered.

Clemascience Pomissime La Fabuleuse:

I spent a good majority of my time in Paris at beauty product stores and pharmacies asking actual Parisians what their favorite products were and asking store clerks what the best selling items were. This body and face cream was one such best selling item. The particular madame I asked responded without hesitation that the cream was not only her store’s best seller, but a best seller in all of France. It’s sold for skin ranging from normal to sensitive to aging— and provides almost instant radiance.

This lotion includes an ingredient that is becoming mainstream in skincare today— snail slime. That is not a joke. I kind of wish it were, though. It would make sense that escargot-eating Parisians WOULD use snail slime in skincare, but almost everyone else is doing it, too. Snail secretion is the NEXT BIG THING in skincare technology. Snail slime contains powerful peptides and hyaluronic acid. It also helps to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in your skin. It can also help to treat dry skin, wrinkles, acne scars, rosacea and age spots. No wonder this cream is a national best seller! Get slimin’ kids!

Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk:

This dry shampoo has been on my radar since I started seeing it in US stores and in beauty related articles and blogs. Before visiting France I had yet to try it, however. It is an award-winning hair powder that absorbs oil, adds volume and texture, and lengthens the life of your blowout. The ultra-fine powder doesn’t weigh down your hair and it smells INCREDIBLE. It’s non-drying formula contains oat milk to provide added hydration. I have found my Holy Grail dry shampoo, folks. Her name is Klorane. This dry shampoo wins all the awards in my book.

A french girl tip I picked up, is to spray it in your fringe, crown and at the base of your hairline— the “oily” areas. Then shake your hands through in a pumping motion, creating texture, volume and a controlled mess. Those Parisians know how to create the perfect “on purpose bedhead.” I think their big hair secret is Klorane.

Paris is such a hub for beauty and inspiration. For years we’ve obsessed over their breads, pastries and cheeses —as well as their perfumes, lipsticks and fashion. The next big thing Americans are tapping into is their skincare products that, yes, can be found in a regular old pharmacy. So whether you’re going to visit France, or you’re just going to scour the internet until you find these French secrets— find a way to get them. These products won’t disappoint!

And if you’re already a passenger on the French Pharmacy bandwagon, comment below which products are your favorite! I’d absolutely love to hear your experience with them!

Until next time, Au Revoir!

Xoxo,

Amy

French Cult Beauty Products posted first on http://ift.tt/2u0M9RP

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rachelmorris305 · 7 years ago

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French Cult Beauty Products

Bonjour, Ladies!

Now that their secret is out, here are my (and their) favorites:

Bioderma:

This is my most purchased French product. I can’t sing its praises enough! I recommend it to anyone and everyone. And I’m recommending it to you, too! Do it. Do it now.

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre:

Caudalie:

Avene:

Nuxe dry oil:

Sanoflore 24 Roll-on Deodorant:

Clemascience Pomissime La Fabuleuse:

Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk:

And if you’re already a passenger on the French Pharmacy bandwagon, comment below which products are your favorite! I’d absolutely love to hear your experience with them!

Until next time, Au Revoir!

Xoxo,

Awesome post by Barefoot Blonde

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