Walls of Sound

Walls of Sound in Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny, Wales.

Healing Sounds

Healing Sounds.... introduced by the Arts

Strawberry Smoothie Mask

Try a strawberry smoothie mask for smoother, better-hydrated skin.

The findings from clinical nutrition research show that people who eat foods rich in vitamin C have fewer wrinkles and less age-related dry skin than those who don't. Food enriched in vitamin C also helps fight free radicals, which damage cells and break down collagen.

Apply a natural berry smoothie mask once or twice a week and eat C-rich foods daily for smoother, better-hydrated skin.

To Make A Strawberry Smoothie Mask

Blend 1 cup of strawberries with 1 cup of plain yoghurt and 11/2 tablespoons of honey.

Apply on face and neck for 8 minutes before rinsing off.

(http://living.health.com/2008/09/09/feed-your-face-strawberries/)

Scottish Baked Eggs

Eggs are a traditional dish at Easter but are also associated with Spring and fertility in pagan beliefs.

This old farmhouse recipe for Scottish baked eggs (provided in Porters Seasonal Celebrations Cookbook by Richard, Earl of Bradford and Carol Wilson) is simple to make and excellent for brunch accompanied by a light salad.

Ingredients

75g fresh white breadcrumbs

4 eggs

25g stick butter

Salt and pepper

115g ounces mature Cheddar cheese, grated

300ml double (heavy) cream

Preheat the oven to 190 degrees C/375 degrees F.

Butter a baking dish. Scatter half the breadcrumbs over the base of the dish. Break the eggs into the dish and scatter with more breadcrumbs. Dot with the butter and season to taste.

Sprinkle with the cheese and the rest of the breadcrumbs. Pour over the cream and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbling.

A Cool, Tropical Rainforest Walk

The Pine Tree Trail in Fraser's Hill, Malaysia is approximately 5.6km and winds through dense but cool highland forest. The trek takes approximately 7 hours one way and a guide is required. The trail is marked every 500m.

At 1,500m above sea-level and 24 degrees Celsius the tropical rainforest exhibits different types of vegetation from those in hotter lowland regions. These include mosses and lichen.

Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a traditional winter drink especially around Christmas. Wine spoils over time but can be made drinkable with the addition of spices. Recipes and methods differ among cultures.

Although there are various versions this recipe provided by suite101.com is excellent and simple to make.

Ingredients:

1 bottle (750mL) red wine
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
2 sticks cinnamon
4 whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
Zest of 1 orange

Directions:

In a large pot, bring the water and spices to a slow boil for five minutes.
Remove from heat, add the wine, and then warm on low heat for 30 minutes. Make sure not to let the wine boil, as this will burn off the alcohol and destroy the flavours.
After the wine is done heating, strain through fine cheesecloth and serve. Makes 4 servings.

Fighting the Pacu

Pacu is a common name for species of South American fish that are related to the Piranha.

Contrary to their cousins Pacu are normally herbivorous. The Pacu and the Piranha have similar teeth but the Pacu have squarer teeth compared with those of the Piranha which are razor sharp. Another significant difference is the size of the pacu which is considerably larger than their cousin. The Pacu can grow up to 30Kg in the wild. (read more about the Pacu at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacu)

The Pacu is a great game fish for anglers. In fresh water ponds they will take a starchy flour bait. The Pacu is strong and will put up a good fight all the way. Watch your rod!

The Beauty of Sunsets

“Nobody of any real culture, for instance, ever talks nowadays about the beauty of sunset. Sunsets are quite old fashioned. To admire them is a distinct sign of provincialism of temperament. Upon the other hand they go on.” Oscar Wilde. What a pity.

The Wicked Pumpkin

The word halloween represents the Scottish variant of All-Hallows-Even and the Christian holy day of All Saints. The origins of the tradition are linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain or Samuin (pronounced sow-an or sow-in) meaning “Summer’s end.”

The ancient Celts believed that the line between this world and the Otherworld became thin at the end of summer thus allowing good and harmful spirits to cross over. The family’s ancestors were invited home while evil spirits were to be warded off. It is believed that the ancient Celts disguised themselves as harmful spirits by wearing masks and costumes to avoid harm. The bones of slaughtered livestock would be cast into bonfires and cleansing rituals and divination were practiced. These pagan rituals have elements of a festival of the dead; this is also the night of the Witches’ New Year and the Last Harvest.

Pumpkin Carving (Jack O’ Lanterns)

In ancient times lumps of coals were placed in lanterns carved from turnips or gourds on this magical night. The Jack O’ Lanterns were placed in windows and on porches to welcome deceased loved ones but also to protect against evil spirits.

Pumpkin carving has its origins in the early European settlers, in particular the Irish, who migrated to America. The settlers found the native pumpkin to be the perfect choice for Jack O’ Lanterns because they were larger and easier to carve. This tradition has continued into present times though in modern times, halloween has largely become a secular celebration held on the 31st October.

Rangoli

Rangoli is a fun and popular form of art in India involving either the use of coloured sand, rice flour or rice grains. Some Indians believe the use of rice flour or grains invites prosperity into the home or business.

Originally rangoli were created on a small scale – two square feet. They were traditionally made on auspicious occasions and festivals.

Today, they are created on any occasion. Rangoli have become an elaborate form of floor art and can span several square feet in homes, hotel lobbies and other public walkways. Images with intricate details are more effectively created on a larger scale.

This rangoli is one square foot in size and made with less than 0.5 kg of coloured rice grains. Food colouring was used to dye the rice. Three basic colours, red, green and yellow, were combined in various mixtures to create pink, orange and dark brown. There are no restrictions on the use of colours in these floor designs.

How To Create A Rangoli

1. Put a few drops of each basic food colour into separate containers and add a few drops of water.
2. In separate containers experiment with different combinations of the basic colours to derive other hues.
3. Soak the uncooked grains of rice in the containers and stir them to ensure the grains are evenly coated in colour.
4. Spread the dyed grains on some paper and leave to dry.
5. Rangoli designs can be downloaded free from a number of websites.
6. Print the design to a desired scale and trace it on the floor.
7. When the rice is dry proceed to carefully fill the spaces with the appropriate coloured grains ensuring that all gaps are covered.