& So It Snowed!

Yesterday I woke to a blanket of snow. Not a very thick blanket, more of a sheet, beautiful nevertheless.

I have started to walk the pooch through the field twice a day now, so knowing how much he loves the snow I was dressed and out!

It's magical isn't it? Everything cloaked in white, bringing with it a stillness to the air. As I walked I had a smile on my face and laughed out loud as Olly dove into drifts. Living high up on the moors we get that bit extra - lucky - especially when not battling to work ;-)

& so my thoughts turned to Christmas - well, it does doesn't it when there's snow? This year feels extra special as I imagine Sebby seeing the christmas tree and decorations, the wonderment of it all. What goes on in those little heads?! A first visit to Santa, I can hardly contain myself, eeeeekkkkk!!

Of course the gathering of family and friends, sharing and creating memories and special moments. I try hard every year not to enter the madness, try to be mindful of what I am buying. For Christmas should be about coming together; not the dashing from shop to shop frantically finding something that matches what 'you spend'. 

This year, there is a calmness in my heart, it makes me want to change my lifestyle even more and think about where I want to be; what I want to do, for I know this calmness is because I am free of the stresses of work (not for much longer!!)

So, some pictures that I really enjoyed taking this weekend - thank you so much for stopping by and for lovely comments!

Whatever you are up to this weekend,
may you be calm in your heart, XX

Slowing Down In The Kitchen

My evenings usually go something like this (when I am in work). I arrive home to Olly very eager to go for a walk, so straight out of the back door I go, whatever the weather. I return, get tea on, throwing whatever I have in the oven, not particularly thinking about the food I am putting on our plates, just how quickly I can get it done.

Baking I find different to cooking, I thoroughly enjoy baking and often when I am stressed find myself in the middle of baking a cake - comfort food!!

But, I want to enjoy cooking more, to plan more thoroughly, to take my time preparing and more importantly eating. Despite throwing whatever in the oven we do have a really healthy diet, as in lots of fish, more protein, limited carbs, but just thrown together by the seat of my pants ;-)

This week I have enjoyed being in the kitchen, because I have had time. I tried a couple of new recipes and have slowed down my eating - I don't have anywhere to go at the moment, I'm not going running, dashing off to Pilates......

First up, this gorgeous colourful Vegetarian Chilli which I forgot to picture when on the plate!!

I wasn't too sure about this Cauliflower Cheese with Crispy Bacon, but made it for lunch and it was yummy. So simple, yet filling too! I forgot to roast mine, Frugal Queen's looks better, haha!

Last but not least this comforting, autumnal Roasted Pumpkin Soup. It was delicious and enjoyed by all who tasted! :-) I have made pumpkin soup before, which was left to go cold by everyone, me included. I picked a bad recipe....this time I went with Jamie Oliver. I did water it down quite a bit after these shots, I also added sweet potato :-0

So, I'm trying to embrace the slow, taking advantage of my time at home as I recover. Looking for inspiration, planning to eat something new at last once a week. I'd love if you could share or point me to any recent recipes you have tried and loved.

Happy Weekend!
XX

Notes From An Exhibition #TheYearInBooks

So, back in September I made my proclamation to read Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins whilst on holiday. I did start it, but somehow lost my way. Eventually I restarted it - and oh my what a book! Demolished it in two sittings last week. Towards the end I actually felt frightened reading it, thinking things like 'run' 'call the police' - if that isn't the sign of a great read, what is??

So, ever late to the party, I have chosen  Notes From An Exhibition for my November read. Almost half way through the month but I have all the time in the world as I recover from my hysterectomy :-) I have never read anything by Patrick Gale before so looking forward to reading one of his 15 novels!!

Joining Laura at Circle Of Pine Trees - why not share what you are reading - or see what others are reading?
XX