As if by magic It’s Easter Weekend and the Mother Nature has done her very best. The sun is shining and we are able to enjoy up to six guests in our gardens this weekend here in England. Hurrah! This week’s blog, is all about the fun bit! Adding the the finishing touches, to welcome your friends and family back into your garden or when you meet on the beach or at the park for a picnic. I’ll be sharing things that have caught my eye that I think you’ll love, together with some delicious recipes so you don’t spend all day in the kitchen!
If you’ve been following my Blog for the last few weeks, I’ve shared ideas that have helped me over the years, that I call the Big Spring Refresh!
Phew! So that’s the hard work done! Now it’s time to enjoy your space.
“Gardens and flowers have a way of bringing people together, drawing them from their homes.” ― Clare Ansberry, The Woman on Troy Hill.
Making an entrance
Years ago, someone told me to put a simple pot near your front door or by your garden gate, filled with blooms that not only look pretty, but also have a wonderful fragrance. It is a fabulous welcome to anyone visiting and of course for you on a daily basis! The beauty of having your blooms in a pot means that you can move them depending on the season. They will have the same effect on your balcony, outside your beach hut or on your decking.
Sweet peas have a very special place in my heart – they always remind me of my dear grandparents and so to have them growing in my garden, like like they did. Although my gramps was a master, how I wish he was here now to help me.
“A friend is one who overlooks your broken fence and admires the flowers in your garden.”
Unknown
Let’s Eat!
After all the hard work you’ve done refreshing your garden ready for Spring and entertaining your guests, the last thing you want to be doing is slaving in the kitchen all day. Your friends and family want to see you! The key to this happening is to prepare ahead and keep it simple. Sharing a few favourites from James Duigan that we love and hope you do too.
Greek Lamb Skewers with Courgette Tzakziki
A huge family favourite which we love to cook on the barbecue, alrthough you can cook on the griddle / grill if tyou prefer. Everything can be prepared in advance.
Ingredients:
600g organic lamb leg steaks, trimmed and cut into large chunks.
2 tbs olive oil, salt and pepper
1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp ground coriander
1/2 cucumber, 2 courgettes
1 small bunch of mint, finely chopped.
300ml organic natural yogurt
zest of 1 lemon, juice of 1/2 lemon
rocket leaves, to serve.
Method:
Rub the lamb with the olive oil, salt, peper, cinamon and corriamnder. Thread onto wooden skewers that have been soaked in water for 30 minutes.
Grate the cucumber and ciourgettes and mix in a bowl with finely chopped mint leaves. Stir in the yogurt and lemon zest.
Heat the grill / griddle pan to a medium heat (or if you’re using a barbecue, ensure it’s perfect to start cooking on.
Grill the lamb for about 4 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden. Squeeze the lemon juice over the lamb and serve with the tzatziki and some peppery rocket.
Kabbouleh
A delicious lunchbox or picnic treat and certainly the perfect accompaniment to any barbecue, we love it with chicken or fish. Feel free to mix up your grains and use what you have to hand, gluten-free varieties if you prefer.
Ingredients:
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
¼ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp sumac, juice of 1 lemon
¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp ground black pepper
100g cooked and cooled quinoa, brown rice or bulgur wheat (or a mixture, or any leftover cooked grains of your choice that you have to hand)
3 good handfuls of kale leaves (stalks discarded), finely chopped
half a small cucumber, seeds scooped out, finely chopped, 1 spring onion, finely chopped,
8 small tomatoes, chopped into quarters, handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
Method:
First, make the dressing; it will taste better the longer it sits. Whisk together the olive oil, cumin, sumac, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and set aside.
Make sure the cooked grains have cooled down completely so they don’t wilt the salad when you put everything together.
Put the kale, cucumber, spring onion and tomatoes in a serving bowl and stir in the parsley.
Pour over half the dressing and mix it through; this step will tenderise the kale and distribute great flavour through the salad.
Add the cooled cooked grains and the rest of the dressing, stirring everything together.
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt or another squeeze of lemon, or to the way you like it. Tuck in.
TIP If you like heat, feel free to add a little fresh or dried chilli, or some finely chopped garlic.
Sticky Chicken Thighs (serves 4)
Pure comfort food. The kids love these with the sweet potato wedges with crispy chickpeas and dollops of Greek yoghurt seasoned with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of spring onion. You can cook the chicken in the oven as here, or on the barbecue if you prefer.
Ingredients:
140g tomato purée
2 tbsp honey (optional)
1 tbsp tamari
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp paprika
generous pinch of black pepper
600g organic chicken thighs
drizzle of rapeseed oil
For the salsa
Ingredients:
4 large tomatoes
small handful of fresh coriander, with stalks, finely chopped
1 green chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
1 small garlic clove, finely chopped
1 small red onion, finely chopped
juice of 1 lime
salt and ground black pepper
drizzle of good-quality olive oil
Method:
In a large bowl, mix together the tomato purée, honey (if using), tamari, apple cider vinegar, paprika and pepper to make the marinade. Season to taste. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until each one is completely coated.
Put the thighs on a large baking tray. Drizzle with a little oil and bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven or until completely cooked through and golden brown. Turn halfway through cooking.
Meanwhile, make the salsa. Finely chop the tomatoes and add to a small bowl with the coriander. Mix in the chilli, garlic, onion and lime juice. Season to taste and add a good glug of oil. Mix again and leave in the fridge until the chicken is ready.
Serve the chicken with a big spoonful of salsa, a green salad, seasoned yoghurt (see recipe intro above) and, if you like, sweet potato wedges.
Roasted figs with honey & Greek yoghurt (Serves 4)
“Whenever I make this simple dessert, it reminds me that if you choose delicious, good-quality ingredients, you don’t need to do anything fancy with them.” James Duigan
Ingredients
4 large figs
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1-2 tsp manuka honey or good quality honey for drizzling (or try maple syrup for a variation)
handful of rosemary sprigs
8 tbsp Greek yoghurt or coconut yoghurt
2 tbsp pecans, chopped and toasted
Method:
Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/ gas 4 and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Slice the figs into halves and quarters. Place them on the prepared baking tray.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon over the figs and drizzle with the honey. Lastly, lay the rosemary sprigs over the figs.
Place in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until caramelised and soft. Leave to cool for 10 minutes.
Serve the figs dolloped with the yoghurt, sprinkled with the pecans and the remaining teaspoon of cinnamon.
Chalk Pink Linen Company create the highest quality luxury bedding, table linens and home wares made from pure European Flax Linen. Their linen is gently stonewashed to create a timeless style and elegance which becomes more beautiful with every wash. Beautiful linen that’s not only eco friendly but don’t require an iron!
“A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in–what more could he ask?
A few flowers at his feet and above him the stars.”
― Victor Hugo, Les Miserables
Life’s a beach!
…or a picnic! We can now venture to the parks and beaches and see friends, should you wish to leave the garden! That doesn’t mean you can’t style it out there too. (although please be socially distant and stay safe)
Love this new season cool bag from Sophie Alport to keep our food and drinks super cold and fresh. I think we could all enjoy this beautiful giant picnic rug, in the garden, park or the beach. It’s from Annabel James, a new find for me. Oh so lovely!
I’ve recently discovered a fabulous cocktail company, Bar Bouy. A new brand dreamt up on the beach in Devon when the world pressed pause last year, was a positive to come out of Lockdown! I adore their philosphophy, with their main aim being to put some smiles back on faces. I also love that Bar Bouy are local.
“With a taste for well-made drinks and a thirst for the perfect sized pre mixed sundowner, we’ve created a range of hand crafted, bar standard, cocktails to be enjoyed at home or sent as gifts.”
Each cocktail is made to order just a stone’s throw from the sea using premium spirits and high quality ingredients. They are fresh, so once delivered should be chilled and enjoyed within seven days. Alternatively they can be frozen upright and kept for up to three months before being defrosted and enjoyed at a time that suits you.
Each bottle is 240ml giving the ideal measure for two to share at home, the park or back on the beach where the very idea of them first began. Doesn’t that sound amazing? Think these would make fabulous gifts too. Question is which one will you try first?
When the sun goes down..
We’ve not seen our friends or family for a while and so when the sun goes down, we really won’t want the “party” to end. We want to be cosy and warm, especially as we can’t enterain inside right now so having some throws close by is a must! This is where lighting, candles and a fire pit also come in handy! (Please ensure you are being safe!)
I love the idea of an outdoor cinema and love how Cuprinol have styled theirs above. Anyone else get lost on Pinterest or just me? I’m delighted to share wirth you another new find, Rory and Ruby, a small business who sell the most incredible gifts, such as the Organic Cotton star throw (below) and gorgeous hampers.. If you’re a keen gardener, you’ll love the Gardeners Hampers too. They are fabulous.
Imagine sitting around the fire pit long into the night surrounded by friends or family. Doesn’t it look heavenly?
I hope that I’ve have given you a little inspiration for your garden and menu for this Spring and Summer ahead. As ever, I’d love to know your thoughts and comments so do let me know. What’s inspired you the most and what are you motivated to try. I read every comment honestly.
Chalk Pink Linen Company.
Next time on the blog, I’ll be sharing some thoughts on how we can look after our mental health and well-being as we continue with the easing of Lockdown. If you’d like to receive it straight to your inbox, you can subscribe here. (There will be no spam, I promise!)
In the meantime, feel free to join the conversation on my instagram.
I really hope you’re having a fabulous weekend and have a lovely week ahead.
A little mission – pantry makeover and organisation. What I did so our kitchen worked more effectively for us as a family. We all have our systems in place and I’m sure you have your own too, however incase it helps, I thought I’d talk you through what I did to organise our kitchen and pantry cupboards.
I always enjoy a good old spring clean and declutter and it seems I’m not on my own – thank goodness! Spending a year in Lockdown has meant we’ve looked at our spaces differently and in my case, decluttering at the beginning last March and now again a year on!
Clear the clutter so you have room to see the potential in front of you.
Syd and Shea McGee
Moving Day; the back story.
To give you a little back story, when we moved into our home, the children were still young, I was running my Fitness and Wellbeing business and up at 4.15am every morning and my husband also has a busy job! Not unusual, I hear you say..
Moving in day was equally busy. I picked up our new keys at midday, having run two busy fitness camps for my clients at 6am and 9am. We had until the 3.30pm school pick up to get the majority of the work done. Essentially I was keen to at least make the childrens bedrooms and the living areas livable! Yes my #PowerofanHours were in full swing, even then!
Obviously in an ideal world, we’d have looked at the space in our kitchen and worked out logically where everything should live. We didn’t, we simply unpacked the boxes (in an organised manner as possible) and that was that, back to our crazy busy lives, excited to be in our new home. It worked.
The simplest of touches for the guest room.
Lockdown bought a new vision
Over the years, I’ve decluttered and moved things around but one of the positives this Lockdown has given me was to really look at our space, how it functioned, or didn’t and plan accordingly.
It’s been a huge lightbulb moment for me, having the brain space and time to be objective, yet creating spaces behind the doors that work so much more effectively for us as a family. I cleared a space in my diary and the “Little Mission -the pantry makeover and organisation” commenced!
I started with one cupboard, where we store our hot drink ingredients, thinking I’d remove the items that were out of date or no longer served the family and simply replace back in the cupboard.. However, on closer examination, I realised that this cupboard also now hosted items we used for entertaining & baking.
Most of the items were already in storage jars but overtime it had become disorganised and cluttered, not only that but our mugs were over the other side of the kitchen. Not a good use of space or time, just to make a cup of coffee! Now I know this sounds silly, I’m sure many of you already have a “hot drinks station” as The Home Edit call it, but remember we moved in and went with the flow!
The top shelf now stores a basket with a stock of fruit teas, together with a storage jar of filter coffee and the cafetière. the second shelf now hosts our mugs and the bottom shelf hosts the teas, coffees etc that we use regularly. Our kettle lives directly under this cupboard and it works really well! Simple things eh..?
“Having a place for everything and everything in it’s place makes the world of difference” A quote my Granny Ruby would say often, I think I adopted her passion for being organised from her!
“I look forward to spring cleaning and putting things in their place. It’s therapeutic for me”
Kimora Lee Simmons
The System
Powered on, I turned my attentions to the pantry cupboards and adopted the same process.
Remove all items.
Discard what’s out of date or your family no longer need or use.
Wash all storage containers and wipe cupboards.
Assess the space.
Consider what you need to complete the job. Labels? Jars? Adjust the shelf heights?
Refill storage jars and place back where they suit you, your family and your lifestyle.
It always looks worse before it gets better!
Things I found useful to consider when starting a pantry organisation.
Think about what you actually do in your kitchen!
Where you cook, where you prepare the packed lunches, which items you use more than others. It took me until recently to realise that I stored my flour on the top shelf, with all the baking ingredients, which meant I’d have to jump onto the worktop to reach it – Every. Single. Time!! Why it didn’t occur to me to have a reshuffle and move these items to a lower shelf was purely because I didn’t give it another thought!
AfterBefore I can now reach the items I use on a daily basis! The baking ingrediants are stored in the basket, making life much simpler and neater.
Plan your layout!
I’m an old fashioned kind of girl and when the brain goes round and round in circles, I write it down. This new system needed to work, I wanted to have a space that was efficient, yet looked elegant and that worked for everyone, keeping the upkeep to a minimum. (Our longed for kitchen renovation is still in the “dream stage” but this process all helps for when the planning becomes a reality.)
I drew the kitchen and cupboard layout on a piece of paper and reassessed which storage jars and labels I needed and where they would go. By writing it all down, having an old fashioned “brain dump” cleared the fog and I could get a clearer perspective. A good thing when you are short of time!
Jars from Amazon Customised labels from Printtailors By working out what you need to refresh your space, before you order can save money and time. I used lots of storage jars I already had and ordered a couple more to complete the task. My coffee bags now have their own jar and customised label.
Divide the kitchen into “Stations”
I’m sure if I shared my steps in the kitchen before the pantry makeover and organisation, you’d giggle. Everything was so far away from each other.. The honey lived in a cupboard far from the toaster. The herbs were in a cupboard on the other side of the kitchen away from the oven.
Having stopped and reassessed and framed this process as “creating stations”, it really simplified everything and made it easier to organise.
The serving dishes, herbs and cooking ingredients are now in a cupboard next to the cooker. So simple, yet effective!
Remove the emotion from decluttering your items.
How many of us keep items because they have sentimental value or because they were expensive? You may remember in last weeks blog, I shared a game our family started “yes, no, go” last year. It really helps to make a quick decision about what stays and what goes. Having a Kitchen and pantry refresh means you can get radical.
Those plates that are chipped and you no longer use? They go!
Electrical items that no longer work? Get them fixed or they go!
Children’s cups and plates they used when they were toddlers but they’re now married and no longer live at home? If you can’t bare to get rid of them, pop them in a box (labelled obviously) and store in the attic. You get the idea!
What to do about remembering expiry dates?
Now you’ve removed all the unsightly packaging, how are you going to remember what expires and when? What if you have family member with allergies and need to know the ingredients on the items you’ve now lovingly stored in jars? I cut the expiry dates off the packaging and taped them to the bottom of the lid of the jar or under the jar depending on where the jar was in the cupboard. I didn’t want to see the tape!
Little touches, make the biggest impact!
I can honestly say that the Little Mission – The Pantry Makeover And Organisation has made a huge difference. The cupboards and pantry certainly “Spark Joy” and life is even more efficient. I was asked last week, how did you get the time to do this? I simply blocked an hour at a time. worked on a cupboard at at time. You know I’m a big fan of my #powerofanhour and blocking out time. In the long run you’ll save time and had a huge sense of satisfaction. A big win all round don’t you think?
Print Tailor
Finally
Forgive me if you’ve read this blog and thought “I can’t believe she’s sharing this, it’s obvious!” You wouldn’t be wrong! I have to say, we all lead busy lives and sometimes the simplest of things such as having your mugs next to your coffee can get over looked. Priorities take over.
I hope that a step by step walk through of what worked for me, might be useful for you and your pantry makeover and organisation too.
Let me know if this has inspired you to take a look at how your kitchen space works. I’d love to know what habits you got into that changed when you had a lightbulb moment, much like my having to jump on the worktop to reach the flour!! Tell me it’s not just me!
I love to be organised and find lots of inspiration from Instagram and books. This blog shares with you my top 5 books for home organisation.
During the Pandemic, sales online in garden centres, DIY stores, supermarkets ( including wine!) have soared as many of us have used the Lockdown Year to redecorate and use the space in our homes more effectively. Dining rooms have turned into classrooms, kitchen tables have turned into offices, gardens (and parks when we were allowed) turned into mini holiday venues, if only for an hour or two!
Lockdown 1.0
One of the first things I did during Lockdown 1.0 was declutter every cupboard in my kitchen – rock and roll, I know!! It sounds crazy, but actually having a little headspace and time to think “that really doesn’t work there and I have a solution” as opposed to “that doesn’t work there but I don’t have the time or the inclination now to figure it out” I hope I’m not alone!
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen the progress I made – a year on and thanks to a busy household, a new declutter and reorganisation was required as we evolved as a family. More on that next week!
Remove the packaging and using jars to store your products. These jars are from The White Company
Clear the clutter so you have room to see the potential in front of you.
Syd and Shea McGee
The Pandemic increased our need for Netflix and neat homes!
I wonder what you’ll remember most about the Covid years as we look back in 3 or maybe even in 10 years’ time?
During the summer months, my decluttering turned to makeover projects, and we also discovered Netflix – please don’t judge, hehe! Pre-COVID, I spent every evening driving to and from Swim training with my children – if you are a swimmer or swim parent, you’ll totally understand that watching any television is an absolute luxury! Netflix pre-COVID was something that sounded great, but again, no headspace to think about organising or when we would watch it – oh how times have changed – for now!
Lots of DIY projects, general faffing and giving the rooms a little refresh each season certainly helped over the summer during Lockdown!
With Netflix and more time on our hands came the discovery of programmes that were just up my street – organisation and decluttering your home. Wow, has this craze really taken off! I’m always having a little faff at home with my husband asking, “OK, I give up, where have you hidden….?”
Or, “That’s nice, is it new?” No, I’ve simply moved said item from another room!
My top 5 books you’ll need for creating a beautifully organised home.
Instagram and Pinterest have been invaluable for inspiration and clever storage ideas, as have the following 5 books, that have inspired me to make our space more effective and, as Marie Kondo would say, “Spark Joy!”
“To truly cherish the things that are important to you, you must first discard those that have outlived their purpose. To throw away what you no longer need is neither wasteful nor shameful.”
Spark Joy was the first book about tidying I’d ever bought, years ago. It seemed a little odd, we all know how to tidy, yet the cover first drew my attention, then flicking through the pages. I knew it would be useful.
Marie has introduced us to her now world renown KonMari tidying method, which is to focus on what you want to keep, not what you want to get rid of.
This book covers every room in the house as well as a wide range of items, including photographs, cutlery and valuables. The book is one of a kind. It inspired a family game we lovingly call “yes, no, go!” when I was helping the children declutter their rooms when they were much younger.
Ask yourself if something ‘sparks joy’ and suddenly it becomes so much easier to understand if you really need it in your home and your life. When you surround yourself with things you love, you will find that your whole life begins to change.
I bought this book literally two weeks before we went into Lockdown last March, not only does it look beautiful on the coffee table, but Nikki has shares her wealth of experience and best advice for how to create an organised, beautiful and welcoming home. Nikki developed and honed her five essential steps to an organised home through her experience working as a professional organiser. In her book, Nikki teaches you to: assess your home to transform the spaces within to enhance your lifestyle; declutter and curate your possessions to keep what is useful and meaningful; clean with efficiency, adding an element of pleasure to everyday tasks; organise so you can find what you need, when you need it; and beautify and decorate to create a welcoming atmosphere for family and friends. (Imagine when we can finally welcome family and friends to our homes again!)
If there is anyone that I would love to come and spend a few days at my home to help me style and, yes, OK adopt as a friend, it would be Shea. Her style and flair for knowing what looks amazing where and how to turn an interior vision into a reality is second to none. Having watched the Dream Home Makeover series on Netflix, practically back to back, whilst decluttering my home office, I can honestly say that I loved every single makeover and home Shea and her team created for their clients.
Make Life Beautiful is a real behind the scenes account of how this powerhouse of a couple first met and turned their dreams into a reality.
Sharing golden nuggets of how they prioritised their values, defined their goals and put their dreams into action, going from not having a penny to their name to becoming interior design superstars, all while following their motto to “make life beautiful.”
I love this book, the backstory of how the McGees met and how they built such a successful company but also be inspired to build an authentic life by applying design principles such as embracing the process and finding the balance.
If you have a love of Interior Design and loved the Dream Makeover, I think you’ll love this too!
Regardless of where you are in your journey, it’s not about having all the answers – it’s about seeing the potential.
Clea and Joanna are literally girls after my own heart! I only found out about The Home Edit within the last 6 months care of Netflix, and I’m kind of obsessed! Yes, I’m the one who, when I’ve completed a project, even if it’s a cupboard and no one can actually see it, I feel the need to share with the family, oh and maybe Instagram!! The Home Edit certainly Sparks Joy!
Again, like all the books I’m sharing with you, it’s a beautifully photographed book. The Home Edit divided into three simple sections:
The Edit, The Assembly and the Upkeep.
They are quoted as saying “if we can do it, so can you” and with this very handy guide, it’s certainly true. No, you don’t need to go and buy zillions of jars, labels etc (and yes of course they have their own products, which are stunning!) but they key is having a system in place, bringing everything together, keeping things simply that can help you “conquer the clutter with style.” This book actually has a starter set of labels to help you create the look below in your fridge. Fabulous!
This book is basically part two to The Home Edit. Now you have the basic systems in place, Clea and Joanna talk you through how to harness these systems to all aspects of your life, not just your fridge and pantry!
Having used these systems for a number of months now (and I thought I was organised!) I can safely say that The Home Edit has made life simpler, less cluttered, and it’s a joy to open any cupboard now. Well, mostly, I still have a few to go, but I’m certainly in a more systemised place than this time last year. It’s the little things that make the big things come together!
Scandi Rustic – creating a cosy and happy home – Rebecca Lawson and Reena Simon
I first discovered Becca and Reena, who you may know as Malmo and Moss and Hygge for Home, through Instagram and their beautifully curated feed of images of their cosy, Scandinavian style homes. Scandi Rustic is their first book, and they reveal how to create a home that takes elements of Scandinavian design and introduces rustic natural materials and textures to create a Scandi-inspired interior that is cosy, relaxed and inviting.
Becca and Reena showcase the very best in Scandi Rustic homes, so whether you live in an urban apartment, a country cottage or a blank canvas new-build, this relaxed, sustainable, modern rustic style will work perfectly for your home. if you love this style, you’ll love this book!
Scandi Rustic – creating a cosy and happy home – Rebecca Lawson and Reena Simon
“Now imagine yourself living in a space that contains only things that spark joy. Isn’t this the lifestyle you dream of?”
I really hope you enjoy these books as much as I have. It really does make a huge difference having an organised home, whether it be your linen cupboard, kitchen, or the drawer in your console table in your hallway, not just because everything is in it’s place and easily found but I find having a clear decluttered space, I can work more effectively too, my brain is a little less muddled too! I have loved reading all the tips from each book and have adapted them to fit my home and lifestyle. Each book would make a fantastic present, without breaking the bank, for you or someone you know who loves feeling organised and having a practical yet stylish home.
Let me know which of these books is your favourite or perhaps you can recommend a book I haven’t yet discovered?
What’s next on the blog?
Over the next couple of weeks on the Blog, I’ll be sharing with you my kitchen pantry makeover, together with ideas to spring clean your home and garden ready to welcome your special guests back into your home post lockdown (fingers crossed!) I also have a couple of exciting giveaways to help you and am so excited to share with you on my instagram so do head over and join in the conversation! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a Blog post – it’ll arrive straight to your inbox and I promise, no spam!
Welcome back to the Blog. In this edit, I’m sharing with you 5 reasons it’s vital to have a healthy breakfast which will help you maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle. I’ll be sharing my top tips and recipes so grab a cuppa and get comfy!
First things first..
What is your breakfast routine ..?
Do you wake up too bleary eyed in the morning to think about having a healthy breakfast? Or even an easy breakfast?
With lockdown here in the UK beginning to ease and the children heading back to school tomorrow, I wonder how you are feeling…?
I know for my two, a positive has certainly been enjoying a little more snooze in the mornings and wearing comfy clothes for the school day. It’ll be a little strange I’m sure putting a tie on again! I think it might be a little hectic but I have a plan!
“Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dine like a pauper!”
Old Proverb
The truth is however that most people don’t eat a substantial breakfast, or even have breakfast at all, never mind eating “like a king!”
Breakfast literally means “breaking the fast,” and it helps us to ‘restock’ or ‘refuel’ our energy stores, which have been depleting during the overnight fast, giving us energy for the day’s activities.
We live in a very hectic world today where many are focused on building a successful career, raising a happy family and often place our health on the backburner, thinking that we can exercise and eat right later on, when the “to do” list is done.
Add a global pandemic in, job stress and everything that has happened in the last year, it’s easy to procrastinate, waiting until you’re successful or have time to spare, opting instead for quick, unhealthy meals because you have no time to prepare well-balanced meals.
Does this sound familiar?
You might’ve heard the saying:
“If you don’t make time for your health, you must make time for illness.”
Making small changes to your health, drinking more water, less caffeine, adding more greens can make a huge difference to not only your long term health but how you feel..
I promise I’m not teaching you to suck eggs here, pardon the pun, but you know when you’re stuck in a rut, sometimes fresh ideas or even reminders of what you used to love, I hope, are a little helpful.
We’re told to eat when we are hungry, however this may not be when you first wake up or at traditional “breakfast” time! That’s totally OK, planning in advance a few things you might fancy so if eggs are your ” go to” breakfast – you have some ready to go!
So, what should a healthy breakfast consist of?
In an ideal world, for optimal health, you are aiming for a breakfast of eggs, meat or fish… I know it sounds crazy but it’ll fill you up more than toast ands cereals any day..
When most people think of breakfast, a small handful of choices (often the same day after day) come to mind, but it really doesn’t have to be boring at all. Mix it up!
There are heaps of easy breakfast ideas that don’t take up half your morning preparing them, but it’s really important that you have something nutritious, for a number of reasons…
5 REASONS IT’S VITAL TO HAVE A HEALTHY BREAKFAST…
To kick start your metabolism – speeding it up, and therefore burning calories rather than storing them.
It boosts our nutrient intake – breakfast eaters have a lower fat intake, a higher fibre intake, and significantly higher intakes of vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, iron and magnesium.
A healthy breakfast helps prevent binge eating – hunger will be better regulated and therefore less calories are consumed from unhealthy foods.
It improves our memory and concentration – people who eat a healthy breakfast concentrate better, are more efficient and have improved mood, in comparison to those who skip breakfast.
Weight maintenance – those who eat breakfast are more likely to maintain a healthy weight.
I know some of you have been struggling to come up with meal ideas especially for breakfast and lunch, so I thought I would give you a few ideas. I’ve shared some healthy lunch “on the go” ideas on a previous blog here.
Scrambled eggs and Smoked Salmon – I know it sounds extravagant, especially regarding your time, but scrambled eggs take seconds to make and the salmon is ready to go! (For omelette and scrambled egg recipes – use 3 or 4 eggs!)
Banana and berry Pancakes Ingredients: 1tbsp coconut oil 1 handful of fresh (or frozen berries) I love raspberries on their own but anything will do 1 tsp cinnamon ¼ cup ground almonds ½ banana 1 egg Natural yogurt
Method Melt the coconut oil on a low heat in a flat pan. Beat your egg together with the ground almonds and banana.
Add the a spoonful of egg mixture to the pan in and allow to set, flipping once. They will look a little like scotch pancakes.
Once cooked, serve with berries, natural yogurt and a dash of cinnamon – (great to settle any cravings) Be ready to make plenty more!
Omelettes – so many variations: mushroom, cheese and tomato, tomato and feta cheese – the list is endless! Quick to make and super filling and delicious.
Mashed Avocado with poached eggs on rye bread or sour dough. Simply delicious. Add chilli flakes and freshly ground black pepper for extra zing!
Reasons not to love mashed avocado and poached eggs on sour dough?
Smoothies and juices – so super easy and quick to make and they can be prepared in advance and drunk on the move! Chop the vegetables and fruit in advance and store in there fridge or freezer.
Green smoothies are a massive shortcut to excellent health & vitality. This is why I’ve written my latest book: Green Smoothie Lifestyle; my favourite collection of green smoothies. It’s a simple to use, together with a shopping list – it’s design to take away overwhelm, rather than adding to it, should you need inspiration with recipes!
Green Smoothie Lifestyle
Poached eggs with undyed, smoked haddock (bake the smoked haddock in advance or pop in the oven in tin foil whilst you shower, by the time you’re done, so will your fish!
Healthy Full English! – poached eggs, grilled tomatoes, grilled mushrooms, grilled fish (same idea as above, bake or grill the ingredients whilst you’re in the shower and poach the eggs when you’re ready..
Kedgeree (serves 2)
Ingredients
large portions or 3 smaller ones!) 450g /1lb smoked haddock fillets 3 hard boiled eggs.
75ml rice milk
2tbsp fr. Parsley 150g/5oz (raw) brown rice
2oz butter
Place fish in a large frying pan, cover with water and allow to simmer for 10-12 minutes until fish is tender. Meanwhile cooked the rice in a separate saucepan.
Drain fish, remove and discard skin and bones. Flake the flesh. Chop 2 eggs. Reserve the third to garnish. Mix together the fish, rice, chopped eggs, parsley and rice milk in a large saucepan. Cook, stirring, until heated through. Serve garnished with parsley and slices of egg.
Fruit Kebabs
A combination of anything mango, peaches, apples,”grapes, pears, strawberries, banana, literally any fruit, preferably in season. Cut up into squares and feed onto kebab sticks. Prepare the night before and keep in a container in the fridge for breakfast, mid afternoon snack or anytime!
“When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,” said Piglet at last, “what’s the first thing you say to yourself?”
“What’s for breakfast?” said Pooh. “What do you say, Piglet?”
“I say, I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” said Piglet.
Pooh nodded thoughtfully. “It’s the same thing,” he said.”
A.A. Milne
Imagine having breakfast here in the warm Australian sunshine! Threebirdsrenovations
I love the renovations Threebirdrenovations, three best friends based in Australia, who are focused on inspiring and empowering women, anywhere in the world, to turn THEIR renovating dreams into REALITY. I’m hooked! I’m sure breakfast here would be a dream, don’t you think?!
I’m hoping these recipes and ideas to inspire you at breakfast time this week and beyond! Let me know which is your favourite breakfast.
As always, I love to hear your thoughts and comments, I promise I read everyone.
Have a wonderful Sunday. Hope your week ahead is happy and healthy,
I’m not sure how it is in your house, but our Dining Room has become a real focal point each evening. It’s when we all gather and sit down to enjoy a family meal, we chat about the day, the good, the bad and everything in-between!
It might sound very Waltons Family (google that if you’re a little stuck, I’m showing my age!) Like breakfast times, supper time can be a stressful part of the day.. Lockdown has made us focus more on looking forward to this part of the day.
In normal life, we don’t normally all get to eat together much of the time. Having two teenage swimmers in the family means that we are usually driving to and from training and food is eaten en-route! Oh the glamour! Chilly Food Tubs have been my lifesaver during the swim runs!!
“Some of the most important conversations I’ve ever had, have occurred at my family’s dinner table.”
Bob Ehrlich.
I love to cook during the day when I’m taking a break from the desk or when the children are having their lunch break from home schooling – it makes such a difference! “Cook Now, Eat later” a motto I’ve taken on wholeheartedly from Mary Berry.
There is now no crazy supper time as I’ve cooked ahead and simply reheated or defrosted from the freezer.. What a difference it makes! I thought I’d share a few of the favourites we’ve been enjoying of the last few weeks.
Thai Pork Curry.
This is my sons current favourite, adapted from a Mary Berry recipe. I’ve added red pepper and switched in button mushrooms from chestnut mushrooms and added French fine beans.
Ingredients: 700g pork fillet, cut into fine strips 2-3 tablespoons red Thai curry paste 2 tbs oil 2 large onions thinly diced. 1 tablespoon plain flour 1 x 400ml can coconut milk 2 tabs fish sauce 200g chopped mushrooms 200g fresh fine beans 1 red pepper cut into strips juice and finely grated zest of 1/2 lime chopped fresh parsley or coriander salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method:
? Marinate the pork in 1 tbs of the curry paste for 30 mins.
? Heat the oil in a large pan, add the onions and cook gently for approx 10 minutes until they are tender. Lift the options out onto a plate.
? Increase the heat, brown the pork (this might have to be done in 2 batches) Remove the pork from the pan and return the onions with 1-2 tbs red Thai curry paste and the flour. Stirring well, add the coconut milk, fish sauce, mushrooms, pepper and beans.
? Bring to the boil, cover and cook gently for about 5 minutes, until the pork and sauce are just boiling and the beans are cooked but still crunchy.
Just before serving, add the lime juice and zest, plus lots of parsley or coriander. taste for seasoning and serve with rice.
Scampi Provencal
This recipe has been in the family for years and adapted along the way.. here’s the current adaptation.
1 red pepper
1 green pepper
1 clove of garlic
1 onion
1 tablespoon tomato puree
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tin chopped tomatoes
350g Prawns (I tend to use giant cooked prawns)
Method:
? Chop peppers, onion garlic and soften in a pan.
? Sprinkle in dried oregano, chopped basil and season with salt and pepper.
? Add the tin of tomatoes and prawns, mixing well, before adding the tomato puree.
? Pop the lid on and simmer for 10 or so minutes, until piping hot.
? Serve with rice and salad or Ciabatta bread.
The best bit – prepare ahead.
This recipe works really well hot or cold, so can be cooked ahead of time, simply reheating if required before serving. It also freezes well, so freeze once cooled and allow to defrost overnight.
Prawn Linguine – Jamie Oliver
This is a super easy supper recipe, it’s best prepared and served immediately.
350g Dried Linguine 1 Fresh red chilli (4 Anchovy Fillets – we don’t add these) 1 Good pinch of ground cinnamon 1 pinch of saffron 360 g raw peeled prawns 2 cloves of garlic 500g passata 1 Lemon 30g Parmesan Cheese A couple of sprigs of fresh basil
? Put the water for the pasta in a sauce pan on to boil.
? Finely chop the chilli and put in a deep frying pan with the anchovy (if using and some of it’s oil. Turn up the heat.
?Add the cinnamon, saffron and prawns.
? Squash in the unpeeled garlic with a garlic crusher, add the passata and bring to the boil.
? Strain the pasta when it is ready and add it to the sauce. Transfer to hot dishes to serve and add seasoning, lemon juice, grated parmesan and chopped basil leaves.
Serves it with a side salad and crusty bread. not open for the freezer but it’s super quick to make and tastes delicious..
Jools Chicken Curry – Jools Oliver
A super simple, yet delicious meal from Jools Oliver. We have cooked this again and again and has now been christened Mums Chicken Curry, sorry Jools!
Ingredients
1 onion
4cm piece of ginger
2 cloves of garlic
olive oil
2 tablespoons tikka masala paste
3 tablespoons natural yoghurt
2 tablespoons tomato purée
8 skinless free-range chicken thighs
1 x 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes
1 x 400 g tin of green lentils
1 x 400 g tin of light coconut milk
2 handfuls of baby spinach , optional
2 tablespoons quality mango chutney
Method
? Peel and slice the onion. Peel the ginger and garlic, then finely chop or grate them on a microplane.
? Heat a lug of oil in a large pan over a medium heat, add the onions and cook for around 8 minutes, or until softened and slightly golden, stirring regularly. Add the ginger and garlic cook for a further 2 minutes.
? Meanwhile, mix the tikka masala paste, yoghurt and tomato purée together in a bowl. Halve and add the chicken thighs to the bowl. Stir everything together and get all the chicken covered in the paste mixture.
? Scrape everything into the pan, making sure you get all the paste mixture in there. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes or so, or until you see it start to colour.
?Add the tinned tomatoes, drained lentils and coconut milk. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add splashes of water to loosen, if needed.
? When the time’s up, stir in the spinach (if using) and allow it to wilt. Next add the mango chutney and taste for seasoning.
? Pull the chicken apart with forks and stir it through. Serve with wholemeal basmati rice and yoghurt on the side, if you like.
Tips
For babies and toddlers, leave out the seasoning. Allow to cool, then chop and/or mash to the desired consistency.
Italian Chicken – Mary Berry
A super simple, supper dish and yes.. it’s an adapted Mary Berry recipe and yes you can make in advance and freeze too!!
Ingredients:
123 chicken thighs, skin removed, bone in.
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, roughly chopped
2 large garlic cloves, crushed
2 tablespoons plain flour
300ml (1/2 pint) chicken stock
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
190g olive and tomato sauce (such as Scala Olive & Tomato.
Freshly chopped parsley, lots!
Method:
? Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
? Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the onions and garlic for a few minutes. cover with a lid and cook gently for about 20 minutes until the onions are tender.
? Sprinkle in the flour and mix well. Draw to one side and add the stock, stirring. Return to the heat and bring to the boil. Allow to thicken, adding the white wine vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.
? Add the chicken to the pan and bring back to the boil. Cover the pan and cook over a gentle heat for 20-30 minutes (turning the chicken once) until the chicken is tender. Cut into a thigh with a sharp knife to ensure juices run clear. If still bloody, continue to cook until juices run clear.
? Stir in the whole jar of the olive and tomato sauce and heat until piping hot. Check the seasoning. If the sauce is a little thick, add a little more stock or water.
? Scatter with fresh parsley and serve with basmati and wild rice or tagliatelle and a green salad.
The best bit – to Prepare ahead: Complete to the end of step 5,24 hours ahead. Cool quickly, cover and refrigerate. Reheat carefully, gently stirring, in a pan on the hob until piping hot. Or reheat in the oven preheated to 200C/ 400F / gasn6 for about 30 minutes. Add a little stock or water if the sauce is thick.
To freeze: Freezes well. Cool the cooked chicken quickly and freeze in a freezer container for up to 3 months. Thaw for about 6 hours at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
To cook in the Aga: Cook the onions, covered, in the Simmering Oven for about 20-30 mins until tender. Use the boiling plate for stage 3. For stage 4, use the roasting oven for about 10 minutes, and then to the simmering oven for a further 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked.
“If you have a family that loves you, a few good friends, food on your table and a roof over your head – you’re richer than you think.”
Mary Berry Cook Now, Eat Later – one of the first books I bought as a new Mum, closely followed by Real Food – Fast! I know we’ve only just packed away the Christmas Decorations, but in our house Christmas isn’t Christmas until Mary’s Christmas Collection makes an appearance! There are also some fabulous meals for that little extra special occasion too.
All these meals have all been big hit in our house and I really hope they’ll be a big success in your home too. Let me know which ones you try and which you”l be adding to your regular menu…
I’m the creator of Woman on a Mission, a lifestyle space dedicated to helping women bring more calm, confidence and balance into everyday life. Born from my own journey to slow down and live with greater intention, it offers inspiration around wellbeing, organisation, home and mindset, one meaningful mission at a time
5 Books to help your home become beautifully organised.
