July 2014
{Nourish} The bitter cold of winter hit hard this month and so it was out of necessity to stay warm, well fueled and nourished that I focused on soup after soup after soup. I have my old favourites that I often return to and find these the most comforting to dish up throughout these cold times. I am sure there is also something to be said for using bone broth as the basis for soups - it just feels good for the body and I'm not sure if it's psychological or not, but I really think it is boosting my immunity - so far no dreadful colds here..touch wood. A good standby, lentil soup was also revisited this month, which is great when veggie supplies are running low and one turns to the pantry for supplies.
Elsewhere, I revisited some sourdough baking, as it had been a long, long break between loaves and a friend had kindly gifted me some of her starter to save me the trouble of starting up my own again (after hubby emptied the fridge and my robust starter along with it!). Still wary of foods high in gluten, I have tried a few loaves with rye, buckwheat and spelt as the flour content. Although still containing gluten, these loaves I am finding are a lot less 'bloaty' than the full wheat loaves I used to bake..(and love so much!)..
Spelt sourdough made with rye starter. Sunflower seeds added to the dough.
{Prepare} Yep, soups again. So much soup. Soup for today, tomorrow, the rest of the week and the freezer. Where on earth would we be without soup?
{Reduce} I have been making more of an effort to batch cook this month (due to necessity and time constraints more than anything else). Baking school (and work!) snacks while dinner is in the oven is my favorite way - it's amazing how much a person can cram in the oven when they really try!
Thinking craftyness, it was good to dive into the stash this month to finish of a vest when I ran out of the main color on the home stretch. There is definitely something to be said for a well stocked stash. Looking forward to wearing this number..
{Green} Not so much what I have done this month, but what I really need to do - skin care is top of my list at the moment. Through my current workplacement I am finding myself in a situation where I am frequently washing my hands and they are becoming incredibly dry, sore and even cracked from the harsh soaps and alcohol based sanitiser. I simply must get around to making some more calendula salve and also some soap - I am inspired to revisit goat's milk soap, even though it means buying the milk. I don't know anyone locally who milks goats!
{Grow} Slow times here in the garden this month. A little fruit tree pruning took place and some harvesting of herbs - rosemary, parsley and perennial leeks which always seem to be in abundance. While tending to a neighbour's chooks for a few days, I noticed the most glorious cumquat tree, and was pleased to bring some home, as they were just falling to waste on the ground, after providing their magnificent display. Hoping to tackle a marmalade soon..
{Create} I enjoyed spinning up a quick 100g of woolly fiber this month and crocheting it into my favorite hat pattern. There's nothing like a new hat to make a person feel smart while out and about. And sometimes quick and easy really hits the spot!
{Enhance} July was a month of sadness in my circle as a dear friend traveled through the toughest of times. I hope that the small gestures I put out bring some comfort and a feeling of support for her. It is so very difficult to see someone you care for in such a painful place, without being able to do anything to change it. I hope she knows how much support she has around her. x
{Discover} July was huge in discoveries for me. I am entering my fourth week of a work placement as part of my studies in aged care. While initially confronting (there is only so much a person can get out of books), I have since found myself feeling that this is exactly what I am meant to be doing and all the new challenges that come along are details that can be learned, discussed and added to my range of skills. I love the interactions with the residents, and the feeling that I am in some small way bringing something of value to them or providing a space where dignity can be maintained and small pleasures of life still enjoyed. It's enormously heart warming.
{Enjoy} See above. As a bonus we also received a lovely surprise snow fall, which makes everyone feel cheery, even in the dark times of winter. Having our neighbourhood turn into a winter wonderland was completely magical and exciting all at once!
Thanks so much to Linda for hosting this link-up. Do pop on over if you wish to join in or read what others have been up to!
