Seasonal Thoughts – Nice November

Nice November, for this post I want to expand on life outside the garden. September’s post got me inspired for writing more about my daily joys. And now I have a newsletter set up there is so much to expand on. Being creative is not contained to one area of my life but all of them. If I can find a way to add some shimmy to my days, I will.

Let’s start in the kitchen. I’m going to talk about my second job – batch cooking. It’s working, as I type, I can be smug in the knowledge that dinner for tonight AND rest of week is done. My favourite recipes have included curries and stews and also a little salmon prep. It’s taken the edge of busy nights and freed up some creative space. My favourite recipes are as follows, with a few amends :

Pesto Chicken Stew – Soften some leek before going ahead as it was a bit flavourless without. I also used a few tablespoons of mascarpone instead of cream cheese.  This tastes better if cooked the day before.

I thought this prawn and lentil curry was the best recipe until I tried this coconut and kale fish curry. I have made the bases, then frozen adding the fish when warm.

I have been making up freezer bags of salmon (without the beans) using this recipe as a guide. I have been using them in stirfrys and last night created this salmon and lentil recipe with a happy dose of mash. Yum!

I do like a quick stir fry, this Salt and Pepper Chicken is delicious. Prepping two batches at once saved so much time. When I cook I like to add some stock and noodles to make it soup-y.

This year my photography keeps tapping me on the shoulder. I thought it was obvious I took my own photos but I’m regularly asked if they are my own. They are, if you too were wondering..?

I have been taking photos gently over the years for Papermash. An online stationery company that not only inspired me to start blogging but has supported me throughout. I’ve taken a small amount of photos for them this year but would like to start taking more, for more. A local friend lent me her absolutely beautiful tea to capture. The Christmas Tea smells amazing btw. I wanted to work out a simple photography package for small businesses with lots to say. If I’m honest I won’t get onto it until the New Year but if you are interested get in touch.

As I’m talking about Christmas there are three essentials on my Christmas list.  As an outdoor person my skin goes crazy (bad) in winter. This Tropic Skin Care set has saved it.  A new-to-me rose called Earth Angel stopped me in my tracks – I WILL find a space for it! If you’ve been really good this year I recommend getting yourself an Aerobin hot composter. I splashed out in June and recently been rewarded with the most gorgeous compost ever!

Out of the garden and into London.

Catching up with my best friends is a rare treat. It fills my cup more than anything else. As I have got older I treasure my long term friendships so much. We managed a very long bunch at Mama Shelter in Hackney. When I was an office manager I always had to book Mama Shelter in Paris for my boss. I was curious to experience it in London as it found it a bit triggering. I’m happy to report, the old work wound was easily soothed by a negroni and squishy velvet sofa! It was also really nice to have a pre-wander around Brick Lane and Columbia Road before the crowds swarmed in.

Day outs always arrive like buses. Nothing for months then altogether. A trip to the Victoria and Albert museum – surely my most visited place in London – never fails to inspire. The gift shop is the best and I came away with a solid idea for my Christmas table.

Even though the internet is bombarding me with Christmas. It’s too early to get the big stuff  up but not for a little prep. I have been sewing some new decorations and gathering baskets of ribbons and fabric ready to create something glorious this year. I need to get on with it as this week, winter workshops begin and I really need to turn my home into a magical wonderland.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post, I have felt a bit clunky writing it. Starting anything new is always bit awkward but its shouldn’t stop you from having a go! Enjoy the rest of the photos and don’t forget to pop some bulbs in.