Eco-cleaning for lazy people: Homemade Furniture Polish

I use this to treat my wooden kitchen work tops every month or so.  I find that the wood dries out through everyday use and cleaning, so I clear them off completely and treat them to this moisturising lotion - afterwards they have a lovely silky shine and the colour of the wood deepens again.

• Half fill an old jam-jar with olive oil ( I use a cheap light one, not extra-virgin as I worry about the colour staining)
• Top up with white vinegar
• As an optional extra add your choice of essential oil
• Put the lid on tight and give the mixture a really good shake.  It'll separate out again so you have to shake it every time you use it
• Dip a clean, dry cloth into the mixture and wipe over the surfaces
  
• You might like to use another clean, dry cloth to wipe off any excess oil

It smells a bit like a chip shop when the polish goes on, but as it dries any odour disappears.  I've also used this successfully on other wooden furniture, including garden furniture.

Natural Baby Products: Cradle Cap

Henry's got a touch of cradle cap at the moment - dry scaly skin over his scalp.  My health visitor suggested using olive oil, which helped, but we've found this method really combats it:

• Use a soft bristled baby brush to gently brush away the loose flakes.  We've found that putting the oil on over the top of the loose layer means that it doesn't get through to the live skin underneath that really needs moisturising
• Wipe over the scalp with a washable wipe soaked in camomile tea
• Dry the area before smoothing over olive oil

This process needs to be repeated at least once per day.  I tend to do it for Henry before he goes to bed as if I do it in the morning he looks quite greasy all day!