Environment Update

I thought it was about time I gave an update on our eco-friendly campaign.  We have been using environmentally friendly cleaning products in the cottage for over 12 months now with no deterioration of the cleaning efficiency or quality, so I guess that means it's a thumbs up for Ecover and Method cleaning products.

We have also joined PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and now all our toiletries have to be eco-friendly AND not tested on animals to be considered.  Not as easy as you might think trying to work out who does and who doesn't test on animals.  I was shocked by what I read on the PETA (and other) websites. 

I am currently searching for an eco-friendly way of keeping the weeds under control which has not been easy with the amount of rain we've had this year.  If you know any eco-friendly tips or magic "recipes" let me know and once I've tested them I'll put them on the website.

Sonia

http://www.dalraddycottage.com/

Staffordshire Environmental Quality Award

In November we were awarded the Staffordshire Environmental Quality award for our committment to the environment and making Staffordshire special.

Only a handful of businesses have this award as I write this and it is rewarding to know that we are one of the leaders in this important initiative.  Of course, as we live here too, we have a vested interest in keeping the environment safe and special.  Cannock Chase is already an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a site of scientific special interest (SSSI), a national park, a nature reserve with the largest population of wild deer in the country, and a beautiful place to live and visit.  Staffordshire has many hidden gems and you really need time to explore the beautiful countryside, stately homes, adventure parks, markets, festivals, museums, gardens etc etc etc etc . 

Why don't you visit us soon.?  I know you'll be surprised and delighted and want to come back time after time.....

Sonia

http://www.dalraddycottage.com/

GOLD award again

Hi

Oops - It's been a while since my last blog.  A lot has happened over the last year too.  We have just been awarded 4 star GOLD again (for the third time) by Visit Britain.  This accolade is only awarded to the top few percent each year.....  We are justifiably proud of this achievement.

A lot of things are taken into account when we have an assessment - the standards book is almost as thick as a certain phone directory!  It's quality and attention to detail that makes the difference, and trying to provide all the extras that you would need at home.  Still every year we manage to come up with a list of potential improvements, even though our guests already class us as "Excellent"........It can be something as simple as providing kitchen foil, cling film and freezer bags in the kitchen drawer to us being there when a guest's shopping is delivered. 

Keep an eye on the website for new photographs of the interior and exterior too.......

Sonia

http://www.dalraddycottage.com/

Eco friendly Cleaning

As part of our commitment to the environment, we have always used eco friendly cleaners wherever possible and encouraged our guests to try them in the cottage, in the hope that they'll (you'll) get hooked and then use them at home.

We are aware though that in this tight economic climate you may be tempted to go for "cheaper" non-eco friendly alternatives so I have been trialling simple to make natural alternatives which cost even less. 
The first of these is " a general cleaner" below -

As always, be careful when trying a new product or ingredient in your home. Test the cleaner in a small area first, especially on rugs and carpets, which could stain permanently.

General Cleaner

For most household cleaning, use a simple mix of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle   to remove dirt and germs. You can use this mixture to clean windows, floors, and countertops

I'll be trialling this over the next few weeks to clean the windows, floors and work services - I'll let you know how I get on.

Sonia
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Sad News - Millie

Hi

Sad news to report.  Our beloved German Shepherd dog "Millie" died today at the ripe old age of 11.  She had been diagnosed with arthritis and cushings syndrome in March and although we had that under control with tablets, we knew deep down that it was only a matter of time.  Her back and muscles had become too weak with this degenerative disease and so today we had to make the decision every pet owner dreads.

She is buried in our garden along with numerous goats, and our previous dogs Sheeba and Jet. 

Even though we still have three dogs (Portia, Jovi and Amber) the house is suddenly very empty.

Time heals - and at least she is at peace now.

Rest in Peace Millie (1999 - 2010)

Sonia

Hens at Dalraddy Cottage

Hi

Our long awaited hens have arrived at Dalraddy Cottage.  We took delivery of 19 (should have been 20 but the farmer obviously can't count!) point of lay hens on Saturday.  They are settling in to their new environment quite well.  We don't think they had seen daylight before because they kept running in to the shed at first. 
They are now eating a healthy variety of organic layers pellets, mixed corn and kitchen scraps plus whatever it is they dig up in their pen!
So when our guests visit our beautiful 4star GOLD self-catering cottage for their holidays they should shortly be also enjoying fresh free range eggs!

Sonia

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Gold Award for Dalraddy Cottage

Hi

We had our annual assessment on Friday 19th March 2010 for Dalraddy Cottage and are excited to report that we have now been awarded 4 Star GOLD.  This is in recognition of the improvements and upgrades that we have been doing to our self-catering cottage on Cannock Chase over the last 12 months and was very well received.  The assessor said "The property has been upgraded since the last visit at considerable cost and effort and the owner should be congratulated.  The property offers a very comfortable level of accomodation for guests  to this popular location".   Yippee!!!

I'm still beaming!

Sonia

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