Thursday, August 15, 2024

Vertical stripe cardigan

 


Are you enjoying summer break ? We can't go on a trip because of pets. It's very shame, but I want my dog, cats, chicken and goats to live long :) 

By the ways, I have finished crocheting the beautiful summer cardigan. It looks chilly and it actually is cool to wear, the heat through the lace holes.  


Where I failed was used summer yarn of cotton and linen. The cardigan is stiff and doesn't stretch, tight around the bust and shoulders.

Writ down that I don't forget. Using summer yarn is a good idea, but use a yarn with some stretch, or choice one size up. 



This was a vintage pattern. 



Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Mosquito repellent spray

 I would like to know the scientific basis for why this liquid repels mosquitoes. I don't know which ingredient is the main cause. I have been experimenting with it for four years myself, and it seems to be effective, so I would like to introduce it to you.

All you need is gin, mint oil, and chinaberry leaves.


Place the leaves in a jar, pour in the gin and leave to steep.


When the leaves change color like this, they are done. You can remove the leaves or leave them on.


Put 30% of this liquid, add mint oil and mix well, then add the remaining water 70%.

↓In a container like this, add about 40 drops of mint oil.

It has a nice scent and doesn't cause rashes. It can be used by children, can be sprayed on the face, and doesn't stain clothes. But It's natural,  the effect doesn't last long.

In places where there are 100 mosquitoes, Stay vigilant. Cover up as much skin as possible. and you need to apply this liquid evenly to your skin. Don't forget your palms, fingers, and ears. 


There are a lot of mosquitoes in Japan of summer. The mosquito repellents sold at home improvement stores are often strong medicines containing pesticides, and have small letters saying not to put them directly on the skin. They are scary medicines. However, they cannot prevent mosquitoes 100%.



Saturday, June 29, 2024

Monthly photos

 

My happy dog


Pomegranate flower in the garden

New socks ;)


Slight aroma and a sour taste


Greenpeace from the kitchen garden 



It was a great season to stroll around the garden.


Monday, June 3, 2024

Medicine for Mosquito bites

 


In Japan, in addiction to the common mosquito, there are also bugs called "Abu and "Buyo, whose bites are terribly itchy. If you get bitten by a large number of them, you can't sleep.. 

However, I learned good methods, If you are staying long in Japan, let's use it. 


This plant " Dokudami" grows all over Japan, and is hated :(  It loves the rain and prefers to grow densely in places with many mosquitoes. ( I saw them also in an alleyway near a hotel in Tokyo) The white flowers bloom around this season, so pick as many as you can, and


soak them in white liquor. It will be ready to use in a month. apply it to the skin bitten. 


The liquid will discolor when exposed to air, but that's not a problem, also It can be used for years.


The first summer after moving to the countryside, I went to the pharmacy. However, no matter how many times I applied ointment, it was still tooo itchy. 

This liquid medicine is an old method, but it works after just one application. ( If you are stung by a bee, leaving soaked cotton on the skin for an extended period of time )


More and more international travelers are coming. The countryside is beautiful and fragrant. I hope your trip is wonderful :)





Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Monthly photos

 



The cat guide




in the coffee shop


He has a GPS necklace, it's a new toy of my hubby. It would be a hindrance for a cat, don't you think ?  Don' t worry, it will break in about a month...






Friday, April 26, 2024

Monthly photos and few reports


in the Bookstore

 






My little girl and boy 



Finished socks 


The dress I sewed.  Simplicity 8672