It's that time of year when the trees are shedding their colourful autumn leaves and the landscape starts to look bare.
But if you take a closer look you'll see tiny flashes of colour as you pass by.
Dotted along the hedgerows are tiny Rosehips, with their oval shape and bright scarlet colour.
The most common you'll come across are the fruit of the wild (or more commonly Dog) Rose (Rosa Canina), but you may also find the Rosa Rugosa fruit, which are more round and bulbous in shape and more common in cultivated gardens.
Now even as a small child when the rose hips were spotted, my friends and I were filled with glee; we gathered all we could carry and proceeded to spend hours tearing them and shoving down the backs of each others school shirts. The fruits contain tiny hairs which make up nature's own itching powder, great for childhood pranks not so good for ingesting and therefore care must be taken in their preparation for consumption.
It's sad that while blackberries are greedily plucked from their bushes by many, the lonely rosehip remains on its stem to rot away unused.
It is such a waste.
These tough little fruits contain vitamins A, C and K, plus the B vitamins thiamin, riboflavin and niacin.
In fact their vitamin C content is said to be four times that of blackcurrants and up to twenty times that of oranges (and they don't need to be shipped halfway round the world to be enjoyed).
It wasn't always this way, during World War II, when German submarines were sinking many commercial ships; citrus fruits were difficult to import.
The British public were encouraged through pamphlets produced by Claire Loewenfeld, a dietitian working for Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children, to gather wild-grown rose hips and to make a Vitamin C syrup for children. There were articles in the British Medical Journal and letters to The Times Newspaper, with the same advice.English children were paid 3d per lb for rosehips harvested in the autumn to be made into rosehip syrup by the company Delrosa in Wallsend (near Newcastle).
In our house we are always trying to avoid getting coughs and colds when the cold weather sets in so instead of buying more oranges, or taking multivitamin tablet, we go down to nature's pharmacy and pick up some rosehips to make our own vitamin C boosting syrup.
Rosehips are best picked after the first frost, but don't leave it too late or they'll become a little waterlogged and will begin to rot, you really want to pick them by the first weekend in November (they produce fruit from late August, so there's plenty of time for gathering).
I have two recipes that I use to make the syrup, usually making at least one batch of each to last until the next rosehips grow.
The first recipe is from one of my favourite books, Grow Your Own Drugs by James Wong.
I make several quantities of this recipe.
250g fresh rosehips
5 cloves (optional)
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
500ml water
Approx 125g sugar
1. Crush the rosehips slightly and place into a pan. Add the cloves and cinnamon stick if using, then add the water. Simmer, uncovered for about twenty minutes.
2. Strain then add the smae ammount of sugar as there is liquid (approx 125g). Stir until disolved and bring to the boil, then simmer for ten minutes. Cool and filter through a muslin, before pouring into a small sterilised bottle.
Another good recipe for Rosehip syrup is featured on the Eat Weeds website.
1kg rosehips
3 litres of water
500g dark brown soft sugar (I've used ordinary granulated sugar and it worked just as well)
1.Bring to the boil 2 litres of water
2. Chop rosehips in food processor until mashed up, then add to boiling water.
3. Bring water back to the boil, then remove from heat and allow to steep for 20 minutes.
4. Pour rosehips and liquid into a scalded jelly bag and allow the juice to drip through. Gently squeeze the jelly bag to extract as much liquid as possible. Be careful not to rip the bag.
5. Add rosehip pulp back to a saucepan containing 1 litre of water and bring back to the boil. Then remove from heat and allow the contents to steep for another 20 minutes before straining through the jelly bag as in Step 3.
6. Add sugar to the strained rosehip liquid and dissolve, allow to simmer for five minutes, then pour into hot, sterilised bottles.
Makes: Approximately 2 litres
(For both recipes)
USE: For children, give 2 tsp per day, dilute one part syrup to 5 parts water and drink as a cordial (we like to use sparkling water as a treat); or use instead of maple syrup on pancakes, ice-cream, waffles or rice pudding.
STORAGE: Keeps for 1 week in the fridge once opened. Unopened, keeps for upto a year.
I love the tropical fruit like flavour that rosehips have and it's a winner with the kids.
Don't let these amazing fruits go to waste - get out there picking and make yourself a winter pick-me-up !
Thursday 4 November 2010
Tuesday 2 November 2010
Baby . . . . . you wear it well . . . Pt 1
That's right babywearing is the new black !!
Cam Gigandet, of Twilight fame, enjoys a day of shopping with a sleeping Everleigh Ray in a pouch style carrier
I had already passed along the biggest-pram-in-the-world before I had Rosie.
I knew I would need someway of getting around with the baby and a very active 3 year old Cam but didn't really know what to do.
I looked at a few lightweight buggies but it just didn't feel right and that left me feeling a little unprepared for Rosie's imminent arrival.
I hadn't really thought about a baby carrier as I'd had a terible Tomy one that I had to take off after 5 minutes of putting Cam in it as it dug into my shoulders and put a lot of strain on my back.
I mentioned it to a friend and she suggested maybe I just needed a different type of carrier ?
She introduced me to the Moby Wrap
I fell in love with it right away and she actually bought me one of my own in red (my favourite colour) as a new baby gift and it's still the best present I have EVER received.
I tried it on all the time, practising all the different ways to wrap it round your body to make sure I would know what I was doing but I really didn't need to worry as it is so simple to wear and comes with a booklet full of step-by-step photos of how to tie it for the stage your baby is at. It can even be used with twins !!
Me and a sleeping Rosie in our Moby Wrap
I was overwhelmed by the freedom it afforded me.
I could wrap up Rosie nice and snug, clip on my lumber backpack nappy bag (We'll come back to this don't worry), and be hands free.
I could comfortably hold hands with Cam as we walked along, even give him a piggyback sometimes.
I could carry the shopping at the same time too (or pull along my shopping trolley on wheels - we'll come back to this too !).
I could jump on any bus, not having to wait for the special lowrise ones or have to take the baby out and fold up the buggy whilst wrestling a toddler into a seat at the same time.
Me, Cam and Rosie enjoying a day out at Edinburgh Castle
Simply put - I can't recommend them highly enough, it literally changed my life.
I did wonder if I would get people staring or saying unkind things but in my experince people's reactions have been very positive (although you probably know by now when it comes to how I parent the only opinion I need is my own).
I have had several people ask me where I got the wrap (I should have been selling them !), some who just wanted to know what I had hidden inside when Rosie was sleeping, and people who were surprised I was actually breastfeeding in front of them and they didn't even realise.
But by far the most comments I received were when I had Rosie in the carrier but we were both covered by my beloved babywearing poncho.
It gets pretty cold here in Fife towards autumn time, and can be very windy. I wanted to find something to keep us both warm on the coldest days, but hadn't found anything apropriate.
Then I was lucky enough to find some internet forums for babywearers.
One of the ladies had a friend who was from rural Peru where carrying your child in a wrap, or manta as they are known there, is a traditional practice.
She had knitted a couple of poncho's designed for babywearers to try out a pattern and her friend offered to sell them for her. I was lucky enough to snap one up for £35 (far less than commercially available babywearing coats).
It is the most beautiful clothing item I have ever owned, lovely grey alpaca wool, so soft.
We were both snuggled up warm on the way to take Cam to nursery each morning and looked great too.
You don't have to pay for taking the babywearing route by look like a crazy woodstock throwback, it just takes a little research (I'll share more about other carriers and coats avaiable soon).
I know some people will be wondering if it's comfortable for long periods of time, or if it causes back problems and the simple answer is no - not if you do it right.
I have scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and have never experienced any discomfort whilst wearing Rosie in the wrap, even for full days, even now when she's 2.
Take care when putting on your chosen carrier and in positioning your baby and you will be fine.
If you have tried one of the buckle covered, big brand, strappy carrier and have given up on the whole idea - WAIT - look around on the internet and see what else is available.
Many online baby carrier stores even offer a rental system so you can try before you buy (understandably you will be required to pay a deposit, refunded upon return of the carrier).
Try them out and find what works for you, and I guarantee you WILL find something for you and your baby, and you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.
I had already passed along the biggest-pram-in-the-world before I had Rosie.
I knew I would need someway of getting around with the baby and a very active 3 year old Cam but didn't really know what to do.
I looked at a few lightweight buggies but it just didn't feel right and that left me feeling a little unprepared for Rosie's imminent arrival.
I hadn't really thought about a baby carrier as I'd had a terible Tomy one that I had to take off after 5 minutes of putting Cam in it as it dug into my shoulders and put a lot of strain on my back.
I mentioned it to a friend and she suggested maybe I just needed a different type of carrier ?
She introduced me to the Moby Wrap
I fell in love with it right away and she actually bought me one of my own in red (my favourite colour) as a new baby gift and it's still the best present I have EVER received.
I tried it on all the time, practising all the different ways to wrap it round your body to make sure I would know what I was doing but I really didn't need to worry as it is so simple to wear and comes with a booklet full of step-by-step photos of how to tie it for the stage your baby is at. It can even be used with twins !!
I was overwhelmed by the freedom it afforded me.
I could wrap up Rosie nice and snug, clip on my lumber backpack nappy bag (We'll come back to this don't worry), and be hands free.
I could comfortably hold hands with Cam as we walked along, even give him a piggyback sometimes.
I could carry the shopping at the same time too (or pull along my shopping trolley on wheels - we'll come back to this too !).
I could jump on any bus, not having to wait for the special lowrise ones or have to take the baby out and fold up the buggy whilst wrestling a toddler into a seat at the same time.
Simply put - I can't recommend them highly enough, it literally changed my life.
I did wonder if I would get people staring or saying unkind things but in my experince people's reactions have been very positive (although you probably know by now when it comes to how I parent the only opinion I need is my own).
I have had several people ask me where I got the wrap (I should have been selling them !), some who just wanted to know what I had hidden inside when Rosie was sleeping, and people who were surprised I was actually breastfeeding in front of them and they didn't even realise.
But by far the most comments I received were when I had Rosie in the carrier but we were both covered by my beloved babywearing poncho.
It gets pretty cold here in Fife towards autumn time, and can be very windy. I wanted to find something to keep us both warm on the coldest days, but hadn't found anything apropriate.
Then I was lucky enough to find some internet forums for babywearers.
One of the ladies had a friend who was from rural Peru where carrying your child in a wrap, or manta as they are known there, is a traditional practice.
She had knitted a couple of poncho's designed for babywearers to try out a pattern and her friend offered to sell them for her. I was lucky enough to snap one up for £35 (far less than commercially available babywearing coats).
It is the most beautiful clothing item I have ever owned, lovely grey alpaca wool, so soft.
We were both snuggled up warm on the way to take Cam to nursery each morning and looked great too.
You don't have to pay for taking the babywearing route by look like a crazy woodstock throwback, it just takes a little research (I'll share more about other carriers and coats avaiable soon).
I know some people will be wondering if it's comfortable for long periods of time, or if it causes back problems and the simple answer is no - not if you do it right.
I have scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and have never experienced any discomfort whilst wearing Rosie in the wrap, even for full days, even now when she's 2.
Take care when putting on your chosen carrier and in positioning your baby and you will be fine.
If you have tried one of the buckle covered, big brand, strappy carrier and have given up on the whole idea - WAIT - look around on the internet and see what else is available.
Many online baby carrier stores even offer a rental system so you can try before you buy (understandably you will be required to pay a deposit, refunded upon return of the carrier).
Try them out and find what works for you, and I guarantee you WILL find something for you and your baby, and you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.
Monday 1 November 2010
The parent trap. . . .
When I had Cam, I was 23 and pretty scared, I got swept up in all craziness faced by new parents, naively buying into what all the magazines, books and advertisements told me I "needed" to have a happy baby, or that would make me a better mother.
I believed what every mum I met told me and tried to mesh their conflicted opinions into my perfect parent plan.
I ended up spending a fortune and didn't even use a lot of what I had acquired, or even want most of it.
I also had a hard time bonding with my little boy, and fell into a depression that lasted a long time and went undiagnosed and untreated.
If only I could go back and tell myself how it really is *sigh*
The first of many shared birthdays
We put ourselves under such pressure to fit into what we perceive as the socially acceptable way to parent.
We're told that we need the biggest, shiniest pram with Nasa specifictaions that costs as much as a second-hand car.
We're told that we need the nappies with the best technology and chemical cocktail to keep our baby "dry" through the night.
We're told to let our babies cry and learn to comfort themselves, to not seek attention or allow them to be be dependant on you through the night.
Well let me tell you a secret that I wish someone had told me . . . . it's a load of rubbish - the best thing you can do is go with your gut.
When I had Rosie I realised I wasn't happy with the way I had done things first time round.
I let go of all the impossible expectations, ignored everyone else and followed my instincts - that was the key - trusting in myself, to know I knew instinctually what was best for me and my baby.
As a result I was so much more relaxed that things went smoothly from the day she arrived.
I had refused all but gas and air through labour and that lest us both alert following the birth.
Within minutes we were snuggled up as she latched on and fed from me. It was one of the most magical moments of my life.
I left the hospital 5 hours later, made up a picnic and we celebrated her arrival as well as the fact she came just in time to share her brother's 3rd birthday.
Me and the kids making birthday picnic treats
I had already ditched the people carrier sized pram I had and instead switched it for a Moby Wrap .
I carried her constantly, even in the house, I was still able to do everything and we were both happy to be close to each other. I had no problems getting on the bus like when I had a pram.
I kept her in bed with me at night, at the first sign of her stirring I would move so she could feed, I didn't go through any of the sleeplessness that a lot of new parents find so very difficult, I actually felt better than ever before.
There were there were other things I tried and used which I'm sure you'll hear more about like cloth nappies and reusable wipes, homemade babyfood and toys.
But if I could go back and tell myself anything it would be not to fall into the parent trap.
You know yourself and your child better than anyone, trust your instincts and they will steer you right where you need to be.
I believed what every mum I met told me and tried to mesh their conflicted opinions into my perfect parent plan.
I ended up spending a fortune and didn't even use a lot of what I had acquired, or even want most of it.
I also had a hard time bonding with my little boy, and fell into a depression that lasted a long time and went undiagnosed and untreated.
If only I could go back and tell myself how it really is *sigh*
We put ourselves under such pressure to fit into what we perceive as the socially acceptable way to parent.
We're told that we need the biggest, shiniest pram with Nasa specifictaions that costs as much as a second-hand car.
We're told that we need the nappies with the best technology and chemical cocktail to keep our baby "dry" through the night.
We're told to let our babies cry and learn to comfort themselves, to not seek attention or allow them to be be dependant on you through the night.
Well let me tell you a secret that I wish someone had told me . . . . it's a load of rubbish - the best thing you can do is go with your gut.
When I had Rosie I realised I wasn't happy with the way I had done things first time round.
I let go of all the impossible expectations, ignored everyone else and followed my instincts - that was the key - trusting in myself, to know I knew instinctually what was best for me and my baby.
As a result I was so much more relaxed that things went smoothly from the day she arrived.
I had refused all but gas and air through labour and that lest us both alert following the birth.
Within minutes we were snuggled up as she latched on and fed from me. It was one of the most magical moments of my life.
I left the hospital 5 hours later, made up a picnic and we celebrated her arrival as well as the fact she came just in time to share her brother's 3rd birthday.
I had already ditched the people carrier sized pram I had and instead switched it for a Moby Wrap .
I carried her constantly, even in the house, I was still able to do everything and we were both happy to be close to each other. I had no problems getting on the bus like when I had a pram.
I kept her in bed with me at night, at the first sign of her stirring I would move so she could feed, I didn't go through any of the sleeplessness that a lot of new parents find so very difficult, I actually felt better than ever before.
There were there were other things I tried and used which I'm sure you'll hear more about like cloth nappies and reusable wipes, homemade babyfood and toys.
But if I could go back and tell myself anything it would be not to fall into the parent trap.
You know yourself and your child better than anyone, trust your instincts and they will steer you right where you need to be.
Free . . . .my favourite price . . .
I am by no means going to give Ray Mears or Bear Grylls a run for their money but I do love to get out and about with the kids and see what we can make from what we find.
It's so satisfying to be able to show my children what fruit looks like on a tree or bush instead of in a plastic bag or jar. I love when they ask to go foraging and get as excited about it as a trip to the park, although we have combined the two several times when collecting Elderflowers which are a favourite of ours.
One thing we do is ALWAYS carry is a pocket copy of Food for Free by Richard Mabey, whenever we are out and about.
The kids love to match the pictures to what we find.
It's a great inexpensive little guide to pop in your bag.
It has a great introduction, is full of clear coloured pictures, has a month by month list for quick reference to what's in season, and contains information on Roots, Green Vegetables, Herbs, Spices, Flowers, Fruits, Nuts, Funghi and even Seaweed and Shellfish. There are a few recipes and suggestions for use too.
We've picked up some great things on our travels; Sweet Chestnuts from a trip to Warwick Castle, Wild Cabbage from a trip to a local beach, Cockles & Mussels from the sea on our holidays.
There's even been days out spent just trying to identify new things without even bringing anything home.
Right now it's all about Elderberries and Rosehips - Keep your eyes open for posts to follow on these and much more.
It's so satisfying to be able to show my children what fruit looks like on a tree or bush instead of in a plastic bag or jar. I love when they ask to go foraging and get as excited about it as a trip to the park, although we have combined the two several times when collecting Elderflowers which are a favourite of ours.
One thing we do is ALWAYS carry is a pocket copy of Food for Free by Richard Mabey, whenever we are out and about.
The kids love to match the pictures to what we find.
It's a great inexpensive little guide to pop in your bag.
It has a great introduction, is full of clear coloured pictures, has a month by month list for quick reference to what's in season, and contains information on Roots, Green Vegetables, Herbs, Spices, Flowers, Fruits, Nuts, Funghi and even Seaweed and Shellfish. There are a few recipes and suggestions for use too.
We've picked up some great things on our travels; Sweet Chestnuts from a trip to Warwick Castle, Wild Cabbage from a trip to a local beach, Cockles & Mussels from the sea on our holidays.
There's even been days out spent just trying to identify new things without even bringing anything home.
Right now it's all about Elderberries and Rosehips - Keep your eyes open for posts to follow on these and much more.
Saturday 30 October 2010
The sun will come out tomorrow . . . well maybe not, we are in Fife.
I'm Anna, but you can call me Annie.
The Lomond Hills (a 15-20 minute drive from home)
I consider us friends already just for the fact you've bothered to read this.
I'm 28 and mum to two beautiful children, Cam my son is 5 and Rosie-May is my baby at 2.
We live in Fife, Scotland.
The View from my bedroom window
As a family we're what could be described as "imperfectly natural".
What does "imperfectly natural" mean ?
"It means lets try and look after the planet and our own health in the process but lets not beat ourselves up – lets think ‘small change big difference’ and do the bits we can" (Janey Lee Grace, Author of Imperfectly Natural Woman)
We thought it would be fun to share our journey !
I consider us friends already just for the fact you've bothered to read this.
I'm 28 and mum to two beautiful children, Cam my son is 5 and Rosie-May is my baby at 2.
We live in Fife, Scotland.
Where we go for our walks (15 minutes from our house)
As a family we're what could be described as "imperfectly natural".
What does "imperfectly natural" mean ?
"It means lets try and look after the planet and our own health in the process but lets not beat ourselves up – lets think ‘small change big difference’ and do the bits we can" (Janey Lee Grace, Author of Imperfectly Natural Woman)
We thought it would be fun to share our journey !
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