June has been a busy and exciting month so far, and I thought that I’d start this issue of The Blend by giving you a flavour of what we’ve been up to. Earlier this month, we ran our second lip balm/cheek tint workshop in the Cheltenham branch of John Lewis. As the students set about creating their own beauty products, I had great fun sharing with them my passion for natural ingredients. Throughout June we’ve been selling at The Curated Store in Stow-on-the-Wold – a truly inspiring boutique which showcases a monthly rotation of independent businesses. We’ll be here until 2nd July and I would really recommend a visit! Step inside and be wowed by the gorgeous fashion, linen, art, and wellness products created by small brands with big ideas. |
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I’m based here in the store for a couple of days a week and have really relished being able to interact with the customers. Cath Kidston popped in last week which was very exciting! As all of our products use the finest aromatherapy oils, it is lovely for shoppers to be able to experience just how gorgeously scented our ranges are. Here I am with our stand. |
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I’ve also been busy preparing to launch several new skin and body products. Once the photography has been completed, they’ll be making their way onto the Cotswold Remedies website. Our new ‘Emotional Balance’ Nourishing Hand Oil has been especially popular in The Curated Store. Simply spritz the oil onto your palms, cup your hands and inhale our blend of five essential oils; clary sage, blue tansey, geranium, peppermint, and lavender have a wondrous effect on stilling the mind and calming the senses. Our Nourishing Hand Oil is a great thing to gift anyone that might be facing a difficult time; I've also been contacted by someone to say that it's really helped her to sleep more soundly, which is something many of us (myself included) need help with! |
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As this school year draws to a close, we thought we’d share a few thoughtful gift ideas for the inspirational class teachers who have nurtured, encouraged and been on some amazing academic adventures with our children since last September. Knowing that, by July, all teachers bar none will be frazzled and in need of relaxation, how about treating them to one of our award-winning bath oils? Take your pick from ‘Relax’, ‘Restore’ or ‘Revive’. Our bath oils are packed with hand-blended essential oils to ease end-of-year stresses and strains. And, if you can’t choose between our three bath oil options, our Therapeutic Bath Oil set contains one of each type in 10ml bottle sizes – a luxurious way to tailor your bath time routine to suit your mood. |
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USE THE CODE TEACH23 AT THE CHECKOUT
FOR 15% OFF ANY PURCHASE.
VALID UNTIL 9TH JULY 2023 |
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I’ve been reading: Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. Truly a book to be savoured, I didn’t want it to end. Bursting with life, this novel is inspired by Shakespeare’s son, a boy whose life has been forgotten, but whose name was given to one of the most celebrated plays ever written. It’s also a tender tale of the bond between twins, the love story of a visionary healer who captivates the local glover’s wayward son and a heart-breaking insight into the devastation of the plague in the late 16th century. I guarantee that you will be pulled straight into this beautiful story… have some tissues to hand! |
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I’m following: @emma.bardwell, a specialist menopause nutritionist. I’m loving Emma’s no-nonsense nutrition advice and recipe ideas. She also introduced me to the rather lovely Mother Root Ginger Switchel which I can’t get enough of at the moment! (www.motherroot.london) |
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I’ve been cooking: Carrot and sesame salad. I’m a huge fan of salads, especially when we're experiencing scorching temperatures. There are quite a few ingredients to include but, once you have them in your store cupboard, you’ll just need to buy the carrots and herbs. |
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Here’s the recipe for you: 3 large, grated carrots 1 tbsp lime juice 1 tsp sesame oil 2 tsp olive oil 4 tbsp toasted sesame seeds 40g roughly chopped herbs (a mix of coriander, mint and basil leaves works best) For the marinade: 30g honey, 120ml cider vinegar, 1 tsp chilli flakes (optional) |
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Method: Put the marinade ingredients in a small pan and heat until the honey dissolves, before tipping into a bowl. Add the carrots, toss and leave for 30 mins. Drain the carrots, retaining the marinade liquid. Add a tablespoon of the marinade, the lime juice, oils, sesame seeds, herbs and a little salt. Toss and serve. |
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I hope the remaining days of June are good ones for you. I look forward to writing to you again next month. |
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Cotswold Remedies, 58 Albert Road, Cheltenham GL52 2QX |
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