How to make an olive oil lamp out of an orange:
http://www.portugalsmallholding.org/make-an-oil-lamp-with-an-orange/
Bread Oven Project:
January, 2010:
Girl Power / We Got Wood
OK, so I may not have felled, chopped, or even done the heavy-lifting of carrying the wood down to the store (thanks to Kirsten and Helen who did) but I did stack (and thus – what feels important somehow – touch) every one of these pieces of firewood that will be keeping us warm next winter 
That’s 4 cubic metres of wood shifted and stacked today (4 layers deep) but we need a lot more still!
A well-stocked woodpile gives me a great sense of satisfaction and security.
Playing with a farm on the farm
Matt, Kirsten and Poppy (and Poppy’s toys – much to the delight of Joni and Mark!) arrived back in October and we’re really enjoying having them here, new long-term residents to share life on the quinta.
We now have our own youtube channel, so watch out for more videos soon!
Chill Out After Boom 2010
We’ll once again be offering eco-camping and yurt rental to anyone who’d like to chill out before and/or after the Boom Festival.
After Boom Chill Out
Hang out with new friends, or pick a peaceful and private spot on the many terraces shaded by olive trees and grape vines, read a book, sunbathe, take a dip in the splash tank, play some acoustic music, use the kitchen caravan to cook up some of the quinta’s fresh organic produce (or join us for an evening meal), or help out around the smallholding if you’re feeling more energetic! The river Mondego is a walk away for swimming and fishing.
Organised activities are also available – horse riding, picnic rides or walks, or take a group workshop to learn about any aspect of life on the smallholding (natural horsemanship, bee keeping, organic gardening, cookery, etc).
Today I’m Going To …
Bake Bread
Make a vegan chocolate cake for Aonghas’s party
Make a “Shepherd’s Pie” with the leftovers from Matt’s birthday dinner
Go for a ride with horse and dog
Try to fix the blog so I can upload photos!
Turmeric Detox Tea
Turmeric contains curcumin which is a free radical fighting substance that is used as a defense against cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin is also antitumor, antiarthritic, anti-amyloid and anti-inflammatory. Turmeric can be combined with ginger to make a delicious detoxifying tea.
Ingredients:
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger
1/2 teaspoon powdered turmeric
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1. Boil the water, then add the powdered ginger and turmeric. Simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Strain the tea into a mug then add maple syrup and lemon
3. Stir the mixture and it’s ready
(I’m about to drink some of this now to fight off horrible flu!)
