SPECIAL MARKET IN AUGUST

On August 24th we're having a "Best of British Summer" market in Glossop and it promises to be an excellent day.  As well as a host of stalls for you to browse and buy from there will be non-stop, all day entertainment from the lovely ladies of The Moot.  I spoke with our Market Superintendent this morning and she has assured me that plans are underway to make this a day to remember for the whole family.  We'll be telling you more about this event closer to the date and introducing you to the traders who will be standing this special market so check back regularly for up to the minute news.

NATURAL INSPECT REPELLENT

Whilst the sunshine is very welcome, the insects that this weather attracts aren't!  I've been scouring the web for a cheap and easy, natural insect repellent that can be made at home for very little cost .  This one looks extremely good and I have tried it out myself and it works well.  It is also, animal, baby and child friendly too.

Natural Insect Repellent Ingredients

Different insects are repelled by different chemicals, so you'll get a more effective repellent if you combine a few different insect-repelling natural oils. If you are making large amounts of insect repellent, a good rule of thumb is to mix the repellent so it's 5-10% essential oil, so mix 1 part essential oil with 10-20 parts carrier oil or alcohol. For a smaller batch use:

• 10-25 drops (total) of essential oils
• 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil or alcohol

The essential oils that work well against biting insects (mosquitoes, flies, ticks, fleas) are:

• cinnamon oil (mosquitoes)
• lemon eucalyptus or regular eucalyptus oil (mosquitoes, ticks, and lice)
• citronella oil (mosquitoes and biting flies)
• castor oil (mosquitoes)
• orange oil (fleas)
• rose geranium (ticks and lice)

Safe carrier oils and alcohols include:

• olive oil
• sunflower oil
• any other cooking oil
• witch hazel
• vodka

Natural Insect Repellent Recipe

Mix the essential oil with the carrier oil or alcohol. Rub or spray the natural insect repellent onto skin or clothing, using care to avoid the sensitive eye area. You'll need to re-apply the natural product after about an hour or after swimming or exercise. Unused natural insect repellent may be stored in a dark bottle, away from heat or sunlight. If you wish, you may combine the oil with aloe vera gel to change the consistency of the product.

YARN, BUTTONS, THREAD, NEEDLES AND PINS

If you knit, crochet, sew or embroider, this stall in Glossop Market Hall is like a little corner of heaven.  The selection they have is massive and is a crafters paradise.  They are open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9am until 5pm so why not pay them a visit the next time you are looking for some new yarn, thread, buttons, knitting pins, crochet hooks and all of those other things which we crafty folk can't live without.  Spoil yourself this weekend and add to your stash!