Hello!

A very happy Spring Equinox to you.

Hope the sun has been shining on you today.

I’ve had such a lush day – although officially the Equinox was yesterday – Iris and I celebrated today. Find out how below. 

We’ve just published our 124th edition of the magazine – get your hands on our Creativity special edition here. 

Every edition has our 2025 Alternative Schools Guide tucked inside listing over 90 alternative learning spaces to help you make the right choice for your child. Get your copy delivered.

Home education-wise, we’ve been mainly outside again this week, with some times tables practice (at Iris’ request) over breakfast, and more Women’s Studies through reading the tales inside HerStory by Katherine Halligan and the ABCs of Women’s History by Rio Cortez.

What we’ve Been up to This Week:

Making a Healing Balm

Iris and I had fun making a calendula and chamomile healing balm this week using infused olive oil, which we’d made earlier. It’s very simple to make and creates a lovely soothing, all-round balm, which nourishes the skin and reduces inflammation. Calendula is known for its skin-repairing properties, while chamomile is calming and anti-inflammatory. Want to make some at home? Here’s how to do it.

Here’s what you need:

  • 120ml infused calendula oil (we made this by infusing dried calendula flowers in extra virgin olive oil)
  • 2 tbsp beeswax pellets
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 15 drops chamomile essential oil

Instructions:

  1. Melt – In a double boiler or heat-safe bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the beeswax.
  2. Add Oil and Honey – Once melted, stir in the infused calendula oil and honey until well combined.
  3. Cool Slightly – Remove from heat and let it cool for 1-2 minutes before adding the chamomile essential oils.
  4. Pour & Set – Pour the mixture into small tins or glass jars and allow it to solidify at room temperature.
  5. Store – Keep in a cool, dark place. The balm should last 6-12 months.

This calendula and chamomile balm has so many uses – we carry a pot with us when we’re out and about. Iris gets into a lot of scrapes! And she loves having a pot of balm she’s made to treat the grazes that ensue. I used our new batch on a burn that I got whilst making roasted spicy chickpeas (check out this recipe for a novel, super-easy snack!), and it healed so quick. 

The balm is also good for treating dry skin, eczema, rashes, as a lip balm (yummy honey taste!) and also to soothe sunburnt skin. A great little all-rounder!

This gorgeous image of handmade calendula lip balm is by Schisandra and Bergamot.