Homemade Deodorant: The French Alternative
The ancient Egyptians had what was possibly the world's first underarm deodorant. Apparently they just picked a lettuce going to seed and rubbed the juice from the stem on to their armpits. Jackie French gave it a try, and found that it (sort of) ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Peppermint Foot Rejuvenator - The French Alternative
If you're a no-shoes person at heart, you may need Jackie's Peppermint Foot Rejuvenator to keep your feet in tip-top condition. Place the honey in a saucepan and heat it until it's runny (no more than 3 seconds). Take the pan off the heat and mix ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Hot Potpourri: The French Alternative
In winter heaters can dry out a room, as well as your skin and lips. A sachet of hot potpourri simmering on the stove puts moisture back into the air and perfumes the whole house. Don't worry if you don't have all of the ingredients listed above, ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Scented Rose Beads: The French Alternative
If your budget doesn't stretch to diamonds and pearls or if you have children who would like some jewellery, scented rose beads may be the way to go. Beeswax and roses can be combined to make scented rose beads. Threaded on dental floss they make ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Golden Marjoram - The French Alternative
Jackie French says that golden marjoram (Origanum vulgare 'Aureum') not only tastes good, but also keeps garden goblins away. According to legend, goblins hate marjoram. Golden marjoram can be used in salads, tomato sauces, on tomato-rich pizzas ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Beetroot - The French Alternative
Jackie French loves sitting down to a feast of delicious, home-grown beetroot. She grows all different kinds - red, white, yellow, long, round, and even a sweet, candy-striped variety. Beetroot grows in a wide range of climates. Sow seed from ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Confetti - The French Alternative
Paper confetti can be really messy, and it's not such a good idea to throw rice at a newly married couple either. Although rice is a fertility symbol, when it is left lying around it can attract vermin such as rats and pigeons! Jackie French ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Medlars: The French Alternative
The medlar is an ancient fruit tree thought to have originated in the Middle East centuries ago. It was probably introduced to much of Europe by the Romans, and was a great favourite at the dinner table in Medieval England. The plant was once ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Aloe vera: The French Alternative
What do you do when you've forgotten the mosquito repellant? Or maybe you're suffering from sunburn and need a solution to calm your skin? Help is at hand, says Jackie French, if you grow Aloe vera. Aloe vera is a succulent which has many ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Fortune Telling with Roses - The French Alternative
Through the ages people have used many different methods to tell the future. One of Jackie's favourites is the apple pip method used in Ancient Rome. To predict the winner of a horse race, the Romans apparently named each pip after a horse, then ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Pressed Flower Cards: The French Alternative
Flowers of all kinds are easy to press and they can be used to make note paper, greeting cards, bookmarks or even more complicated arrangements suitable for framing. Jackie French used pressed flowers from her garden to make some very special ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Tile and Bathroom Cleanser - The French Alternative
Jackie French recommends this tile and bathroom cleanser. It is simple to make, works a treat and smells divine. Put all the ingredients into a blender and blend together (don't mix too much or it will overflow). Rub the mixture onto dirty ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
