Quick, Easy, Tasty, Chocolate Avocado Mousse

If you need a quick dessert. This is a great last minute healthy dessert recipe. Also love this recipe, as I get to sneak Avocado into the children. My children are not a fans of Avocado but really love this dessert. The mousse has a lovely creamy consistency and tastes amazing. It is super quick and easy to make.

Makes 4 pots

You will need:

100g dark chocolate plus extra to grate ontop.

2 avocados

1 x 160ml can of coconut cream

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

3 tablespoons of maple syrup

1 tsp of vanilla extract

3 -4 drops of pure essential oil (food safe) I use DOTERRA essential oil. We love wild orange or peppermint.

To serve

grated chocolate / fresh berries.

METHOD:

  1. Melt chocolate in a heat proof bowl either in a microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until melted. Or on the stove in a heat proof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water. Once melted set aside to cool slightly.

  2. Place the remaining ingredients into a nutri-bullet or small blender and blend until smooth.

  3. If desired add 3 - 4 drops of CPTG (Certified Therapeutic Grade) essential oil.

  4. Add the slightly cooled chocolate and blend well. Spoon into small bowls or pipe into small glass jars.

  5. Top with grated chocolate or fresh berries. Leave in the fridge until you are ready to serve.


ENJOY!!!!




Soy Wax Candles - DIY

As the weather is getting cooler here, I really look forward to lighting candles and sitting by the fire. This is HYGGE for me. HYGGE is a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).

Making these candles is another great way for me to reduce chemicals and toxins in our home. Video showing how to make these at the end of the post.

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INGREDIENTS

Jars - I have used 4 x 120ml brown glass jars with metal lids

4 Candle wicks

360g Soy Wax flakes

20 - 30 drops Essential Oils - I have used Lime and Ginger (20 drops lime and 10 drops ginger)

Wooden / Ice-cream sticks or pegs to hold the wick in the centre of the candle. (I used the tip of a small scissors to make holes in wooden sticks)

METHOD

Place wax into a jug and put over a double boiler (Into a saucepan with water in it).

Melt while stirring until the wax is all melted approx 80oC/ 180oF. Remove the jug from the saucepan and leave to cool slightly to about 60oC / 140oF.

Add the essential oil into the melted cooled wax and stir in.

Dip the wicks into the wax mixture and place on the bottom of the jars. Add the wooden sticks or pegs to the wicks then pour the wax into the jars.

Leave to set for at least 2 - 3 days before burning.

These would make a lovely gift too. Video below.

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Beautiful Bath Salts ( Epsom & Himalayan salt , dried flowers)

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Just as the weather is starting to change I’ve made a new batch of my Bath Salts. I love relaxing and unwinding in a warm bath.

You can use the basic recipe and add any essential oils that you prefer. I change up the essential oil blends according to how I would like to feel or if there is anything specific I need support with.

These bath salts are super simple to make and are also a great gift.

SERENITY Essential oil is the oil of Tranquility. It is a calming blend that helps to relinquish feelings of anxiety, stress and overwhelm. It helps to quiet the mind and helps you to unwind.

YLANG YLANG is the oil of the inner child. It allows emotional healing to flow naturally.

Epsom salts - are known to soothe skin, reduce and relieve soreness, pain and stress. Remove harmful toxins and balance the body.

Himalayan salt - is known to nourish and detox the body.

Bicarbonate of soda - assists in detox and absorbs oils from the skin.



There is a video at the end of the post to show just how simple it is to make these Bath Salts.

Beautiful Bath Salts

240g Epsom Salts

120g coarse Himalayan salt / Sea salt

60g Bicarbonate of Soda

12 drops of CPTG (Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade) Essential oil. I used 6 drops each of Serenity and Ylang Ylang.

Dried flowers (Optional). I used dried rose petals and dried calendula flowers)

METHOD

Mix all the ingredients well together and place into sealable jars.

To use:

Run warm bath, add salts and enjoy your

soak.

If you would like to purchase of find out more about these oils. Please click below.


Green Mandarin, Wild orange & Grapefruit Hand & Body Scrub

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Hey lovelies. Do you schedule time for your selfcare or are you like me who squeezes it in whenever I can. As a mum sometimes that is what you have to do. I love taking a moment for myself after I have done the dishes or after I’ve put the kids to bed. Using this scrub on your hands and body is a lovely way to take care of yourself and your skin.

I really enjoy making my own (DIY) natural beauty and home cleaning products. The more I think about it the more I remember watching my Mum making her own natural beauty products when I was growing up.

For the last couple of years I’ve been working on reducing and eliminating our toxic load. That is chemicals and toxins that are in our home. Most of these come in products that we use and put on our bodies or that are in products that we use to clean our homes. By making my own products I know what is contained in them #nonasties.

I have also recorded a video below to show you how to make this scrub.

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BENEFITS OF THE ESSENTIAL OILS

Green Mandarin - Is the oil of pure potential. It has uplifting, refreshing, cleansing and calming properties.

Grapefruit - Is the oil of honouring the body. It has antioxidant, antiseptic and anti-toxin properties.

Wild Orange - Is the oil of abundance. It has energising, antiseptic, antidepressant properties.



YOU WILL NEED:

1/2 heaped cup of raw cane sugar

1/2 cup melted and cooled coconut oil

10 - 15 drops dóterra citrus essential oils (I used green mandarin, wild orange and grapefruit)

  • Mix everything together in a bowl or jug and place into a glass jar to store.

  • TO USE: Use on wet skin and rub in circular motions on hands or from the feet upwards. Rinse off with warm water.

  • Your skin will be super soft, look, feel and smell amazing.

N.B - Coconut oil will solidify in cooler climates, simply scoop out scrub and as you r rub between your hands your body heat will melt the oil.

In warmer clients you may need to add extra sugar to create the desired consistency.

If you would like to purchase these oils click the link below for my online store.

http://www.mydoterra.com/charissevankan

I also have a blog post on how to purchse essential oils which can be found here.


Dishwasher Tablets - Natural DIY

I’ve been working on reducing the use of chemicals and toxins in our home. Its a wonderful feeling of achievement to know that we have eliminated these. To know that our children are not being exposed to harmful chemicals and toxins. When I first started using essential oils and started on this natural health and wellness lifestyle I was shocked to discover the amount of chemicals that we used in every day life from products that we put on our skin and products used when cleaning our homes.

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I love DIY and making my own natural solution products. It’s fun and the kids love helping making alot of our diy products too.

Here is a quick and easy recipe for Natural Dishwashing Tablets.

You will need

1 cup of bread / bicarbonate of soda

1/4 cup citric acid

1 tablespoon of Doterra cleaner concentrate / Castille soap

5 drops each of lemon and grapefruit Doterra essential oil.

METHOD

  • Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and make sure that itis mixed well.

  • Place mixture into a silicone mould and leave to set overnight.

  • Once set remove and put into an airtight container.

  • Use in your dishwasher.

    N.B - I always rinse my plates etc… before putting in the dishwasher.

    You can find the recipe and video for the toilet bombs recipe by clicking the link below.

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Preparing children to return to school - using essential oils

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Back to school is a massive shift for families especially at this time. Changes in routine, uncertainty and germs are concerns for everyone.

Essential oils can be of great support to children, they can offer emotion support, help with sleep and protection against germs.

We use CPTG (Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade) Essential Oils to ease feelings of anxiety, as well as for cleaning and disinfecting. We also eat wholesome nutritious food, drink adequate water as well as take probiotics and vitamins to help support a healthy immune system.

Are you a parent who loves to support your family through the use of natural products. If any of this resonates with you please get in touch with me to find out how you can start incorporating these beautiful natural products in your daily health and wellness support.


Use of Essential oil, supplements & probiotics for Immune & Emotional Support

We use essential oils with relaxing, protective, uplifting properties daily. We also take supplements and probiotics to support a healthy gut and immune system. Below is a list of the products we use: -

  1. Serenity or Lavender - Using oils with calming and relaxing properties is a great support in getting a good nights sleep. Ensuring kids are well rested and getting enough sleep, means they will be in better form for going back to school.

  2. Onguard is the protective blend. We diffuse this daily, along with placing it in a roller bottle and diluting it with fractionated coconut oil and rub on the spine and soles of feet in the morning and at night before bed. This oil supports a healthy immune system. We also use this blend for cleaning by making up a natural spray cleaner.

    https://media.doterra.com/us/en/pips/doterra-on-guard-essential-oil-blend.pdf

  3. Stronger - This is part of the children’s collection and is a protective blend.

    It is contains oils Cedarwood, Litsea, Frankincense, and Rose in a base of Fractionated Coconut Oil. It promotes feelings of wellness and vitality and is soothing to emotions in times of stress. This will be brought along in the school bag.

    Stronger Protective Blend evokes feelings of wellness and vitality when needed most. Featuring Cedarwood, Litsea, Frankincense, and Rose in a gentle and convenient format combined with Fractionated Coconut Oil, this uniquely supportive blend is perfect for sensitive skin and provides a sense of resiliency when needed most. Litsea, one of the main ingredients in Stronger, helps to keep skin healthy looking and clean while promoting positive feelings. The bright and uplifting aroma of Stronger is refreshing to the senses and works as the perfect blend for daily resiliency or when you are not feeling your best. With the powerful rejuvenating benefits of wood and floral oils, Stronger works as the perfect every day skin health essential oil blend. For more information please see below.

    https://media.doterra.com/us/en/pips/doterra-stronger.pdf

  4. Onguard Mist Spray - Same blend as above - this is a sanitising spray and this will be brought along in the school bag.

    dōTERRA On Guard Sanitizing Mist purifies hands by eliminating 99.9 percent of bacteria and other germs on the skin through an extremely fine, quick drying mist. Infused with a natural apple extract, the moisturizing formula will not dry out the skin and leaves hands feeling soft and smooth. The dōTERRA On Guard blend of Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary CPTG® essential oils provides an uplifting citrus spice aroma and its protective benefits. The naturally derived active ingredient, ethyl alcohol, gives the mist antiseptic properties to effectively cleanse hands and prevent the spread of bacteria. Sanitizing hands with the convenient mist is perfect for traveling, school, work, and on-the-go families.

    https://media.doterra.com/us/en/pips/doterra-on-guard-sanitizing-mist.pdf

  5. Probiotics and Supplements - These are taken daily to help support a healthy gut and immune system.

    PB Assist Jr is a powdered probiotic supplement designed for children or adults who have trouble swallowing pills. It includes 5 billion live cells of a unique blend of six different probiotic strains, specifically selected for their benefits among children. These probiotics have been blended into a delicious powder that can be poured directly into the mouth for a fun and tasty way to integrate probiotics into anyone’s daily routine.

    https://media.doterra.com/us/en/pips/doterra-pb-assist-junior.pdf

    doTERRA a2z Chewable is a proprietary formula of ingredients developed with children and adults who have difficulty swallowing capsules in mind. Combining a blend of B vitamins with a blend of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as botanical extracts, doTERRA a2z Chewable supports healthy cell development and longevity when taken daily.* doTERRA a2z Chewable is formulated to be used with doTERRA Wild Orange-flavored IQ Mega™ Omega-3 fish oil as a comprehensive dietary supplement that supports healthy immunity and cognitive function as well as antioxidant protection.*

    https://media.doterra.com/us/en/pips/doterra-a2z-chewables.pdf

If you would like to order any of the above products please click the button below to visit my online store.



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Lemon Spelt Cake

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This lemon spelt cake is one of our go to bakes, its quick and easy to make, doesn’t take long to bake, has a lovely texture, is made using spelt flour so is easier to digest. Is refined sugar free and is made with maple syrup so doesn’t cause a blood sugar spike. It’s a delicious tea time treat and one of our favourites to bring along in our picnic basket. We often wrap this up and bring along when going to visit family and friends. All you need is some parchment paper, string/raffia and some flowers or herbs.

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Benefits of Spelt  - aids blood circulation, boosts the immune system, regulates metabolism. builds strong bones and aids digestion.

Benefits of Maple Syrup  - promotes healthy digestion, maintains sugar level and brain function and reduces stress.

Benefits of Dóterra Lemon essential oil  - cleanses the body and aids in digestion, improves the mood.

Benefits of Elderflower  - high in Vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant.

INGREDIENTS

125g softened butter

175g white spelt flour (we love Kells spelt flour) https://kellswholemeal.ie/?s=spelt+flour

2 large eggs we love free range

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

175ml maple syrup

grated zest of 1 lemon or 5 -6 drops of Dóterra lemon essential oil

4 tablespoons milk or elderflower cordial

METHOD

  • Preheat oven to 180oC. Line a loaf tin with parchment paper. If you don’t have parchment paper grease and flour the tin.

  • Cream butter until is light in colour you can do this by hand with a wooden spoon or in a mixer with the paddle attachment. Add an egg and 1 tablespoon of flour and mix, then repeat with the second egg.

  • Add the remaining flour, baking powder and maple syrup and mix together until combined.

  • Add the milk or elderflower cordial. Pour or spoon into the lined or greased tin and bake for 30 - 40 mins or until a skewer comes out clean.

  • Leave to cool in the tin then remove and enjoy or wrap up.










Chocolate Chia Pudding - Breakfast / Dessert (PICNIC)

Hello… We’ve been spending alot of time at the beach and I try to make different things for our picnic basket. For me the deal is quick, easy & tasty. Please watch video showing just how simple, below.

This is a lovely pot to bring along to have as breakfast or dessert, top it with loads of yogurt and fresh fruit. Yum.

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Benefits of Chia seeds -

  • they are an excellent source of omega fatty acids, rich in anti-oxidants, they also provide fibre, calcium and iron.

Makes 2 medium or 4 small jars

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup cocoa powder

4 tablespoons of maple syrup

1/2 tsp each vanilla and ground cinnamon

1 tin coconut milk or 1 1/2 cups of milk of your choice.

1/2 cup chia seeds.


METHOD

  • whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl or jug and then pour or spoon into jars.

  • top with yogurt and fresh fruit, leave to set in the fridge. Can be made overnight. I usually make it in the morning before we leave the house and it is ready to eat after an hour.

Other interesting facts about chia seeds - 2tbs of Chia seeds contain :

6 x more iron than spinach - 6 x more calcium than milk - 41 percent of your daily fibre &

64 percent more potassium than a banana.





HOW TO PURCHASE THERAPEUTIC GRADE ESSENTIAL OILS

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BUYING WHOLESALE – 25% OFF EVERYTHING
For a joining fee, you can enrol for a 1 year doTERRA wholesale account and gain access to the whole range at 25% off.
Joining fees: EU €25, UK £24, US $35,NZ $40, AUS $35 + VAT / taxes and welcome pack shipping fee)
There’s no minimum spend, no monthly order requirements and no lock-in contracts of any kind.

You have the option to purchase an enrollment kit if liked, in which case the joining fee will be waived.
Here are the kit options (prices are ex VAT / taxes and shipping cost). Please get in touch if you would like my help in making your selection.

I can set up your account for you or if you would prefer to do it yourself, here’s how:

  • Click on ‘Join and Save’ in the top right hand corner of my online store.

  • Scroll to the bottom of the page that opens and click ‘Join doTERRA’. This brings you to the start of the application form.

  • Select your language and country (where the products will be shipped to).

  • Select a ‘wholesale account’.

  • Continue to enter your personal information and set up a password.

  • My ID number, 5677312, should appear in the enroller ID and sponsor ID boxes but if not, then type that into each so that I can be your support.

  • Either add your joining fee or selected enrollment kit to your cart.

  • If you want to add anything else to you order, start typing the name of the product into the space with the place-marker text “Enter additional item # or product name” and then add these to your cart too.

  • Once ready, click ‘View Totals’ whereby the VAT and shipping costs will be added on to give you your total.

  • Add your payment details and click ‘Process Order and Continue’.

  • After the order is complete, you will be given the option to set up on the Loyalty Reward Programme (LRP) whereby you can earn points for regular orders.

  • Being on this programme offers you the best value for your money in purchasing doTERRA products. If you aren’t already familiar with how it works, I will give you full information on it once we connect. This can be set up at a later stage if liked and is not a requirement.

You will receive an email from doTERRA confirming your subscription and account number and password.

I will also send you welcome information to help you get started and invite you to my private Whatsapp community group as well as being there to support you throughout your oil journey.

One more thing! Going forward after your first year, an annual fee will apply to the beginning of each new year if you still wish to purchase from doTERRA (this is a legal requirement doTERRA are required to fulfil in offering a wholesale account to customers).
(EU €15, UK £18, US $25, AUS $25, NZ $30 + VAT / taxes).
However, doTERRA will send you a free 15ml bottle of peppermint oil (which is worth around the same price anyhow).

Thank you for reading this far.

Are you interested in taking control of your own health and wellbeing or have already empowered yourself by making your purchase of doTERRA’s bottles of pure magic, in which case, CONGRATS and I look forward to supporting you!

What are Essential Oils & 3 Ways to Use Them

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Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds produced by plants. They are found in different parts of plants, including the seeds, roots, leaves, flowers, fruit and bark of the plants.

These natural compounds serve a variety of purposes and they help the plant to adapt to its ever changing environment, protecting against threats and providing beneficial properties.


There are three ways to use essential oils.

  • Aromatic - through smell

  • Place oils a cool mist diffuser or inhale from the palms of your hands or wear as a perfume. They can also be added to jewellery or clothing. DO NOT HEAT ESSENTIAL OILS AS THIS MAY ALTER THEIR CHEMISTRY.

  • inhaling essential oils supports many body systems, aromatic use of essential oils influences mood very quickly as our sense of smell is connected to regions of the brain that control emotions and hormones.

  • Topical - on skin

  • this is a popular way to experience the benefits of the oils, especially when placed on different areas that need support.

  • apply to specific areas on your body, use for massage and also in products such a lotions and moisturisers. I love and enjoy making my own body butters and scrubs. I have a lovely recipe for a luscious body butter on my blog.

  • Internal - Ingesting

  • place a drop under your tongue, in a glass of water or in a veggie cap. Please ensure the oils that you are ingesting are safe to be ingested. ONLY INGEST CERTIFIED PURE THERAPEUTIC GRADE ESSENTIAL OILS.

  • The best essential oils are pure and unadulterated.

Using essential oils is easy once you understand the safety and application principles. Start by determining the uses and benefits, follow the labels and packing instructions and seek healthcare and professional advice if you have any concerns.


TOILET BOMBS

It is really important for us that our home is a clean and safe space. Especially with children in the home. As a part of reducing the toxic load, we have eliminated alot of chemicals used in our home, especially those in cleaning products. I really enjoying making natural products. This is a recipe for natural toilet cleaning bombs. No toxic chemicals or fumes here people. They are quick and easy to make, please see video below:

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You will need a silicone ice cube tray / other mould.

INGREDIENTS

250g / 1 cup bicarbonate of soda

60g / 1/4 cup citric acid

1 1/2 tbsp castille soap

3-4 drops each of dóterra lemon and lemongrass essential oil. (You can put any oil that has cleansing properties here)

METHOD

In a medium sized bowl add the citric acid and bicarbonate of soda and mix together, add the castille soap and essential oil and mix well until mixture comes together when pressed. Put into tray / mould and press down. Leave overnight to set. Place into a airtight container.

TO USE

Place 1 - 2 pods into the toilet bowl. Leave to fizz then scrub around the bowl to clean.

If you liked this natural solutions recipe please try my recipe for Natural Dishwashing Tablets below.

BATH BOMBS

We love making our own natural beauty products. It’s really fun especially when the kids get interested and involved in the process. I started making my own beauty products as part of the plan to reduce the toxic load in our home. When I discovered how many chemicals are used in most beauty products and that it only takes 26 seconds for them to enter your blood stream. (I know shocking !!!). I decided to do something about it.

Ever since I was introduced to essential oils, having experienced the pure and high quality of Dóterra, I’ve been empowered to change our lives. I’ve been on this journey learning about natural solutions and improving my family’s health by reducing and eliminating our exposure to toxins, one step at a time.

It is very important to check the quality of the essential oils you use, to make sure that there are no synthetic toxins or fillers used in them. Especially if you are putting them on your children’s and your skin !!!!!

We love having baths as part of our selfcare. When I decided to make a video to show how these gorgeous bath bombs are made, my 9 year old daughter jumped at the chance to be my assistant. The video is at the end of the recipe and you can watch her making her favourite bath bombs. Please leave a comment if you can, she will be so delighted :)

So here’s the recipe…..

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INGREDIENTS

1 Cup Citric Acid ( this can be bought at your local chemist/pharmacy)

1 Cup Baking/ Bread Soda

1/2 Cup Cornflour / Cornstarch

1/2 Cup Fractionated Coconut Oil (you can use melted and cooled coconut oil)

10 drops of Citrus Essential Oil

Food Colouring, we used red

Sprinkles (Optional)

METHOD

In a large bowl add citric acid add coconut oil and mix together. Add baking soda, cornflour, colouring and mix until combined.

Get your moulds ready, we used a madeleine tins for the shell shape and a silicone muffin mould. Place sprinkles into the moulds.

Spoon in the bath bomb mix and press into the moulds. Add extra sprinkles ontop if desired and leave to harden overnight.

THESE SMELL DEVINE, AND WOULD MAKE A LOVELY GIFT TOO.



ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL

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I enjoy foraging and I love love love Elderflower. While we were out walking the other day, I spotted that the Elderflower’s were in bloom. So on our next walk, I brought along my basket to pick some to make this delicious cordial.

Makes 3 x 500ml bottles (1.5l)

You will need:

25 - 30 elderflower heads

1kg sugar

600ml water

2 unwaxed lemons - skin peeled with a peeler and lemons sliced

35g citric acid

1 large pot / saucepan

Method.

  • Shake the heads of the elderflowers to remove any bugs.

  • Place the sugar and water in the large pot,. Heat on the stove, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.

  • Add lemon zest, lemon slices, citric acid and elderflower heads and stir.

  • Add a weight or plate so everything stays immersed cover and leave overnight.

  • Next morning strain using a sieve and muslin cloth. Squeeze excess out of the cloth and pour the liquid into sterilised bottles.

  • Store in the fridge.

Ideas of how to use the cordial.

  • dilute with water add ice and lemon slices / raspberries and or strawberries.

  • add to drinks - gin, prosecco, spritzers.

  • delicious over fruit

  • can be added to or used to make desserts like jelly, ice-cream, pannacotta and whipped cream

  • use to make salad dressing

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Lavender Lemonade

This is the recipe I use when I make drinks for our essential oil events. The kids love it too.

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The recipe is always requested and everyone who has tried it has said that is it really refreshing. It can be easily halved or doubled. If you don’t like lavender you can you leave this out. If you don’t have a CPTG essential oil, you can infuse your sugar with dried lavender and use that instead.

Ingredients:

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

2 - 3 drops CPTG (Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade) lavender essential oil (always use a food safe essential oil, I use Doterra). This is optional.

1 cup lemon juice (approx 6 lemons)

3 cups of sparkling water / flat water

To Serve:

Ice and lemon slices

Mint leaves or lavender flowers

Method

Make a simple syrup by placing the sugar and water in a saucepan on the heat. Bring to a simmer and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Take off the heat and leave to cool. Make sure the syrup is cold before adding to the lemon juice.

Combine lemon juice and simple syrup and add water to a jug with 2 drops of  lavender essential oil. Place into a bottle and leave in the fridge until ready to serve.

Dilute with water to taste then add ice and lemon slices to serve. The syrup will keep in the fridge for a week, ours never lasts that long.

Enjoy