Seasonal Living

  • Simple Living

    How to Unsubscribe from Busy

    From tranquil escape to relentless scramble, weekends have morphed into a battlefield. Gone are the days of blissful leisure; Saturdays vanish in a flurry of neglected tasks, leaving Sundays heavy with the dread of the approaching week. My once-organized calendar now resembles a warzone, appointments and obligations fiercely competing for the slivers of my personal time. This relentless whirl of activity feels like an endless loop on a hamster wheel, leaving me drained and questioning: is this the life I envisioned for myself?

    If you can relate in anyway, fear not. There’s a liberating concept I want to bring to you: unsubscribing from busyness. Imagine hitting unsubscribe on that overflowing inbox of obligations, clearing space for what truly matters. This isn’t about slacking off; it’s about reclaiming your time and energy and saying no to busy. It’s about saying “no” to the unnecessary and “yes” to experiences that resonate with your values and bring you joy.

    But simply hitting “unsubscribe” isn’t enough. We need to become intentional curators of our lives. Instead of letting external pressures dictate our days, we make our own decisions to shape our lives. It’s about filling our lives with moments that contribute to our wellbeing, growth, and happiness, creating a story that feels good, to us.

    Are you ready to unsubscribe and curate a life full of joy? Join me on this journey, and let’s rewrite the busy narrative together.

    The Busyness Trap: When Hustle Becomes Harmful

    Busyness, once a badge of honor, has become a societal epidemic. It’s defined by a relentless pursuit of productivity, a constant feeling of being “on,” and a jam-packed schedule that leaves no room for rest or reflection. We wear our exhaustion as a badge of honor, bragging about our overflowing calendars and sleep deprevation. But beneath this facade lies a hidden truth: busyness is harming our physical and mental wellbeing. And we need to find a way to break up with it.

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    The constant pressure to “do more” triggers a cascade of negative effects. Chronic stress, fueled by our ever-present to-do list, weakens our immune system and increases our risk of chronic illnesses. Anxiety and depression become our frequent friends, fueled by the fear of falling behind and the relentless pursuit of external validation. Burnout, once reserved for high-pressure jobs, is now a widespread phenomenon, leaving individuals feeling emotionally drained.

    The statistics are alarming. A 2022 study by the American Psychological Association found that 83% of Americans feel stressed, with 32% reporting symptoms consistent with anxiety disorders. Another study by the World Health Organization linked burnout to a 23% increased risk of coronary heart disease and a 17% increased risk of stroke. These numbers paint a stark picture: the constant “busyness” we normalise is not just tiring, it’s detrimental to our health.

    It’s time to rethink our relationship with busyness. We must recognise it for what it is – a self-inflicted trap that hinders our ability to thrive.

    Unlike the constant frenzy of busyness, intentional living involves prioritising your values, setting boundaries, and filling your days with activities that spark joy and ignite your soul. Imagine saying “no” to draining obligations and “yes” to nourishing hobbies, nurturing relationships, and adventures that make your heart sing. This shift from frantic “doing” to mindful “being” unlocks a world of fulfillment.

    busy

    Hitting Unsubscribe: Practical Steps to Escape the Busyness Trap

    Unsubscribing from being busy isn’t a one-time action; it’s a journey of reclaiming your time and energy. Here are some practical tips to get you started:

    1. Declutter your environment: Both physical and digital clutter contribute to mental noise. Tidy your living space, organize your computer files, and unsubscribe from unnecessary emails and notifications. Less visual and informational overload frees up mental space for intentionality.
    2. Be mindful of technology: While technology can be helpful, constant connectivity can fuel the feeling of needing to be “on” all the time. Schedule tech-free zones, silence notifications during certain hours, and consider digital detox periods to rediscover the joy of unplugged presence.
    3. Craft routines and rituals: Routines provide structure and stability, while rituals add meaning and intention to your day. Start your morning with a mindful practice like meditation or journaling, establish a regular bedtime, and create relaxing evening rituals like reading or spending time with loved ones.
    4. Prioritise self-care: Nourishing your mind, body, and soul is crucial for sustainable well-being. Schedule activities you enjoy, whether it’s exercise, spending time in nature, or indulging in a relaxing bath. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential for showing up as your best self.
    5. Rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Prioritise quality sleep by creating a relaxing bedtime routine and setting consistent sleep and wake times. Additionally, schedule breaks throughout your day to recharge and avoid burnout. Remember, saying “no” to some commitments allows you to say “yes” to true rest and rejuvenation.

    These are just a few starting points. Remember, unsubscribing from being busy is a personal journey. Experiment, find what works for you, and most importantly, be kind to yourself as you step off the busyness treadmill and onto the path towards a more intentional and fulfilling life.

    Unsubscribe & Unwind: Embracing a Life Curated for You

    Need a place to start? Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Introducing “The Imperfect Simple Living Guide” – your ultimate resource for finding beauty in living slow and simply. This transformative guide is designed to help you embrace a more intentional and minimalist lifestyle, allowing you to create life and a space that reflects your values and brings you joy.

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    Have you been feeling overwhelmed by constant busyness? I promise you, you are not alone. Our culture glorifies being “busy” and “doing,” often at the expense of our wellbeing. Take a deep breath. You don’t have to stay trapped on the busyness treadmill. Start small. Declutter a corner of your desk, say “no” to one extra commitment, or schedule a mindful walk in nature. Every step towards intentionality is a step towards a life that truly shines.

    What are your biggest challenges with busyness? What steps will you take to unsubscribe and curate a life you love? Together, let’s rewrite the narrative and reclaim our time, energy, and joy. The unsubscribe button is waiting, and the path to a fulfilling life awaits. Are you ready to hit it?

  • Simple Living

    Jumpstart Your Simple Living Journey with These Easy Tips

    Have you heard about living more simply and been intrigued? Has slowing down your life been on your radar but you just don’t know where to begin? Don’t worry – I’ve got you because I have been there too. Life in this modern world is busy, it’s bright, it’s always on, and sometimes we don’t necessarily know how to begin to slow our lives down. 

    A common question, or statement, I hear when I talk about slow and simple living is that people feel they can’t do it because they have a 9-5 job or they live what they consider to be a busy life. They have this idea of what it is ‘supposed’ to look like and feel like it’s completely unattainable for them.  Slow and simple living isn’t about never being busy, or not having those demands that sometimes seem like a lot. Instead, it is about finding ways in our already established lives to create slow and simple rhythms that help us create a more intentional life for ourselves. 

    What if I told you that whatever your life looks like there are things you can do to start to put slow and simple living in motion? These go-to slow and simple living tips will help you re-evaluate what busy means to you and help you implement areas of slowing down and simplicity in your life. Whatever that looks like in your life, these tips will help you live more intentionally, starting today.

    Leave hustle culture behind

    Leaving a multi-level marketing company and the onset of the global pandemic provided the perfect opportunity for me to reassess my life and fully embrace the art of slowing down. While the pandemic brought about immense challenges, it also granted our family the chance to reconsider our priorities and the way we choose to live. It was during those initial lockdown days that I first delved into the world of slow living. As we adapted to a life where work took place within the comforting confines of our home, I often found myself standing on my balcony, gazing out at a world in turmoil, and pondering the mysteries of the outside world. This practice still resonates with me today.

    Many aspects of slow living had already found their way into our lives, but this period marked the beginning of a profound transformation. As the world gradually reopened, I realised that I was in no rush to return to the fast-paced routines of the past. The significance of many things had shifted in my perspective, and I found solace in embracing a simpler, more intentional way of life.

    When you finally feel ready to leave hustle culture behind and embrace a slower, more intentional way of living, you can start by identifying your why. Ask yourself why you want to make this change and what truly matters to you. Is it more time with your family? Do you want to pursue a passion? Or do you just want to create a better balance in your life? When you start to pinpoint your motivations you will have a better idea of how to make decisions that align with your values. Your why will then become your anchor in this busy world, constantly reminding you of the path you want to take toward a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

    Declutter your space and mind

    When we think about decluttering we often think about tidying up and minimising our physical surroundings, but it is also a powerful practice that can extend to your mental landscape too. When you clear out the excess of the physical possessions that no longer serve you, you create room for mental clarity and peace. The act of decluttering becomes a metaphor for letting go of mental burdens, unnecessary worries, and distractions. As you simplify your physical space, you’ll often find that your mind follows suit, becoming less cluttered and more focused. It’s a beautiful synergy between our external environment and internal wellbeing, where the art of decluttering paves the way for a simpler, more intentional way of living.

    Decluttering your physical space and sometimes seem overwhelming, so start with a small, manageable area like a single drawer, shelf, or even your workspace. When you tackle a small space you start to accumulate small wins which will help your sense of accomplishment and motivate you to keep going. As you begin to declutter your physical space, pay attention to the sense of lightness and clarity it brings. This physical transformation so often leads to a mental one, which inspires you to re-evaluate clutter across your entire life. You can download my decluttering checklists from my shop here.

    Nourish your wellbeing through mindful living

    When you nourish your own wellbeing you start a holistic journey that starts with the practice of mindful living. It’s about being fully present in many of life’s moments, savouring the simplicity of lifes simple pleasure, and finding a balance in a world that can feel overwhelming as it encourages constant busyness. Mindful living isn’t a trend, it is a way to connect deeply with your inner self and the world around you. By practicing mindfulness you are better able to cultivate an awareness whereby you are better able to make conscious choices that along with your true values and desires. 

    When people hear the word Mindfulness they often think it requires sitting for hours, with a blank mind, in a meditative state, and therefore immediately dismiss it out of hand as something they don’t have time for. Incorporating mindfulness into your life doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing endeavor. Instead, you can choose just one small mindful activity that resonates with you. It could be mindful breathing, a short meditation, or enjoying a tea or coffee without interruptions: anything that feels manageable for you. When you start with one practice you can slowly ease yourself into the concept of mindfulness and how you can weave them into your daily routine. Every small step that you take will help contribute to your wellbeing and help you integrate slow and simple living into your everyday life. 

    How you can start to embrace Slow & Simple Living in your own life

    Are you yearning to hit the brakes and embrace a slower, more intentional way of living, but you’re unsure of where to begin? I’ve crafted this delightful freebie just for you, designed to kickstart your journey into the world of slow & simple living. It’s packed with practical tips to help you infuse slowness into every facet of your daily life.

    Begin your journey towards a slower, more simpler life.
    In a life that constantly feels fast-paced and on-the-go, are you longing to find the beauty in slowing down but aren’t sure how to begin?
     
    Look no further! I’ve crafted this delightful freebie to guide you in your quest to infuse slow living into every facet of your life, making the journey enjoyable and accessible.
    Thank you for subscribing!

    So there you have it! My go-to ways to help you start to embrace that slow and simple lifestyle you’ve been thinking of but haven’t had a clue where to start. Are you ready to embark on a journey of understanding what slow and simple living truly means and how to infuse it into your own life? Don’t forget to download the Slow & Simple Living Guide above. Also be sure to check out The Slow Living Collective Podcast where we unravel the essence of slow and simple living in our weekly episodes, providing practical steps and holding space for you to begin your transformative journey towards a more intentional and fulfilling life. 

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  • Simple Living

    Preparing for Seasonal Living: Five Essential Tips for Embracing Autumn

    The slow transition from the balmy days of summer to the cosy embrace of autumn isn’t just a shift in weather; it’s a call to align our lives with the rhythm of nature. As the leaves change colour and the temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time to prepare ourselves for living seasonally. Whether this is the first time you are coming across living seasonally or whether you are just ready to start aligning your life with the seasons, I want to share with you some great tips to help you get started and start where you are at. Here’s a guide on how to fully immerse yourself in the magic of autumn and harmonise with the changing seasons.

    1. Reset Your Mindset

    Autumn is a time of slowing down and coming inside. Inside your home and inside yourself, and for that it is the perfect time for reflection and gratitude. As the year begins its slow wind down, it’s an opportune moment to:

    • Journal: Set aside some time each day to jot down your thoughts, accomplishments, and aspirations. Reflect on the year that’s passed and the one that lies ahead. You don’t have to journal with any intention, but instead with just what is on your mind.
    • Meditation: As nature slows down, so can you. Incorporate daily meditation into your routine to connect with the present and prepare mentally for the cooler days. My biggest tip when starting a mindfulness practice is to find a guided practice on Youtube or by downloading an app such as Headspace or Calm. Remember, meditation isn’t about having a quiet mind, but more about acknowledging your thoughts.
    • Gratitude Practice: Embrace the season by listing things you’re thankful for. This daily practice can shift your focus from what’s lacking to the abundance around you.My favourite gratitude planner is this one.

    2. Revamp Your Diet with Seasonal food

    One of the purest joys of autumn is the bounty of produce it offers. Embrace the season by:

    • Exploring Farm shops: Get a taste of autumn with squashes, apples, beetroot, leek, and more. Support local farmers and enjoy fresh, organic produce.
    • Trying New Recipes: Dust off that cookbook, ask Chat GPT or search Pinterest and dive into recipes featuring autumnal produce. Think pumpkin soups, apple pies, roasted root vegetables, and warming spiced drinks.
    • Preserving: Prepare for the colder months by pickling, fermenting, or jam-making to ensure you’ve got a touch of autumn in your pantry all year round.

    3. Reorganise and Declutter

    Much like spring, autumn is an ideal time for decluttering and organising your home. For me, living in a small home means I enjoy these between seasons (spring and autumn) as a time to re-evaluate the things around our home.

    • Wardrobe Transition: Store away your summer clothes and pull out those cosy autumn clothes such as jumpers and hoodies, scarves, and boots. It’s also an excellent opportunity to donate items you no longer wear. I do this for myself and both children.
    • Home Décor: I am the person who enjoys decorating our home for the season and autumn is my favourite season to decorate for. If you are interested in decorating for autumn you can go far beyond seasonal nature decor and pumpkins. Introduce warmer colours and textures to your home, add cushions and some warmer toned throws, and seasonal inspired decorations.
    • Digital Declutter: Clean up your devices by organising files, reading all your emails, deleting unnecessary items, and updating software.

    4. Connect with Nature

    Even as the weather grows cooler you can still make an effort to stay connected with nature and get outside, if that is a possibility for you.

    • Nature Walks: Revel in the beauty of the changing landscape. Regular walks can also help combat the early onset of seasonal affective disorder that some people experience. Getting outside in the sunshine and daylight is so important for your physical and mental health – if you can get out for at least half an hour before 10am.
    • Gardening: Prepare your garden for the colder months. Plant bulbs for spring, clear out spent summer crops, and mulch your beds. I also like to bed down my allotment and balcony for winter which includes covering the beds so I don’t have too much work the otherside of winter.
    • Nature Crafts: Collect fallen leaves, pine cones, and acorns for DIY autumnal crafts. It’s a fantastic activity for kids and adults alike.

    5. Prioritise Self-care and Wellness

    Autumn can bring with it a shift in energy as the days get shorter with less sunlight, which may require additional self-care:

    • Skincare: The colder air can be drying. Introduce natural skincare options such as tallow.
    • Stay Active: While you might be tempted to stay in, ensure you have an indoor exercise routine ready for those rainy days.
    • Mental Health: With shorter days and less sunlight, be conscious of your mental well-being. Seek professional help if needed and consider investing in a light therapy lamp if you’re prone to seasonal mood shifts. Getting out into the sunshine/daylight can really help.

    Embracing Autumn Wholeheartedly

    Living seasonally through autumn is about more than just adjusting to the cooler temperatures; it’s about aligning our habits, routines, and mindset with the natural ebb and flow of the earth’s rhythms. By immersing ourselves in the spirit of the season, we can find greater joy, appreciation, and balance in our daily lives. So, let’s welcome autumn with open arms and warm hearts.

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  • Food, Simple Living

    Seasonal Eating: The Transformative Switches We Made in Our Kitchen

    A blog post about the changes we have made in our urban homestead kitchen to embrace seasonal eating.

    With supermarket shelves brimming with a vast variety of fruits and vegetables all year round, it’s easy to forget that many of these foods have a specific growing season. But just because we can eat strawberries in December doesn’t mean we should. Seasonal foods are ready to be harvested at just the right time when they are at their nutritional best and are best for our bodies too.

    Inspired by the natural rhythms of the earth and a desire to live more seasonally and sustainably, my family decided to shift to seasonal eating. It was first born out of the desire to live more simply, which lead me towards slowing down and rejecting hustle culture, which then led me to living more in alignment with the seasons. Out of this seasonal eating began.

    Here’s an insight into the transformative switches we made in our kitchen and the joys we’ve discovered along the way.

    The Farm Shop & Veg Boxes Became Our Go-To

    Rather than the local supermarket, we started spending more time at our local farm shops and ordering our seasonal produce from Riverford. Not only do both of these offer fresh, local produce, but they also naturally align with the seasons.

    Goodbye Exotic, Hello Local

    Instead of mangoes from South America or avocados from far-flung regions, we began to prioritise foods grown closer to home. Not only did this reduce our carbon footprint, but we also discovered an array of local foods that we’d previously overlooked. I know UK produce might not be as exciting as a mango or an avocado, but the taste of locally grown produce is second to none, and knowing how good it is for us is the icing on the cake.

    Kitchen Storage Upgrades for Seasonal Eating

    To make the most of seasonal bounty, we learned the art of preserving. This led to an array of glass jars filled with pickles, preserves, dried herbs, and more. Our second freezer (yes, we bought a second one two years ago) is now packed with portions of fruit compotes, vegetable mixes, and sauces ready to be used.

    Menu Planning Became More Creative

    Seasonal eating definitely challenged our culinary skills but it also helped us be more creative in the kitchen. Rather than sticking to old favorites, we started experimenting. Winter saw us making root vegetable soups and casseroles, while during the summer we embrace fresh salads, berries, and chilled soups. So much of our summer and autumn veg is homegrown on our own allotment too. Something else we recently tried for some fun was asking Chat GPT to create us a seasonal menu, prioritising meat protein and using the seasonal produce we got in our Riverford box. It was incredible and helped us find some new meals that we absolutely love.

    We Began Growing Our Own

    With our increasing appreciation for seasonal foods, we also dipped our toes into growing our own vegetables and herbs. At first, even with a small balcony garden, we were thrilled to harvest our own tomatoes, basil, and peppers. Two years ago we got our own allotment plot and have really levelled up our growing game.

    Embracing the Natural Nutrients

    Eating foods in their prime means we’re getting the best nutritional value. Strawberries in summer are not just juicier, but they’re also packed with more vitamins. There is something special about knowing that you are doing the best by your body and enhancing your health and wellbeing.

    The Joys of Seasonal Eating

    Switching to seasonal eating wasn’t just about the food. It was about connecting to nature’s rhythm, supporting our local community and farmers, as well as making environmentally-conscious decisions.

    Each season now feels like an unfolding culinary adventure. There’s the anticipation for the first asparagus shoots in spring, the juicy tomatoes of summer, the hearty pumpkins in autumn, and the comforting root vegetables of winter.

    The switch to seasonal eating has been a journey of discovery, a celebration of nature’s bounty, and a testament to the simple pleasures that come from aligning our habits with the natural world. If you’ve been contemplating a shift in your eating habits, there’s no better time to start than now. Embrace the seasons, one plate at a time.

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  • Dessert

    Gluten Free Apple Cake Recipe

    Here I am, right out the starting blocks for September with a seasonal gluten free apple cake recipe you will love. If you’re new around here then be sure to check out my seasonal apple & pear cake recipe – you won’t be disappointed.

    Autumn is my favourite time of year, and while after the summer we’ve had in the UK this year I am tightly clinging onto all and any of the last days of summer, I am secretly getting myself ready for embracing my favourite seasonal of all.

    But truth be told, these cakes (the one I shared above and this one) are perfect all year round, but if you’re into seasonal eating as much as I am then you will be as thrilled as I am to use your recently foraged apples to create a delicious treat this autumn.

    When we started making our favourite apple cake I was well aware that my mum was missing out. She has a gluten sensitivity and isn’t able to consume any gluten at all. So the search was on for a gluten free cake that we could make our own. I’m less confident in making the switch between gluten free and regular flour, and how it all binds together, so was definitely after a little guidance and of course the internet delivered. We’ve been making this cake for a couple of years now and have played around with elements of it so it is just to our liking.

    Gluten free bakes can tend to be a little dryer than their gluten heavy counterparts but this cake it divine. If I didn’t know it was gluten free I would really have no idea, it’s that good.

    The apple cake recipe

    Autumn’s crisp air and the smell of fallen leaves often evoke a longing for warm, homey desserts. What could be more fitting than a soft, aromatic apple cake that’s also gluten-free? Rich with the flavor of fresh apples and warm spices, this cake provides both comfort and a delectable taste. Here’s how to whip up this seasonal favourite:

    Gluten Free Seasonal Apple Cake

    Gluten Free Seasonal Apple Cake

    Ingredients

    • 3 large baking apples such as Gala, and Granny Smith, cored, and cut into chunks.
    • 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
    • 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
    • 160g plain gluten-free flour (I recommend Doves Farm Freee brand)
    • ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum (essential for gluten-free baking to mimic the binding property of gluten)
    • 1 teaspoon of gluten free baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon of himalayan pink salt
    • 140g of room-temperature grass fed butter
    • 200g of granulated sugar
    • 2 room-temperature eggs, whisked
    • 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla bean paste

    Instructions

    1. Setup: Begin by warming up your oven to 200°C. Thoroughly grease a square cake or loaf tin and place it to the side.
    2. Apple Mixture: Take a spacious bowl and combine the diced apples with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and the splash of lemon juice. After tossing, let it sit.
    3. Dry Mix: In another bowl, incorporate the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, and salt. Whisk it together and keep it nearby.
    4. Creaming: Using a large bowl (hand mixer-friendly) or your stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until it achieves a light, airy consistency (around 2 minutes). Gradually blend in the sugar, followed by the eggs and a touch of vanilla, ensuring a smooth mix after each addition.
    5. Mixing Dry and Wet: Time to introduce the dry ingredients to the creamy mixture. Mix until it's harmoniously combined, with a thick yet fluffy texture.
    6. Apple Fusion: With around two-thirds of your cake batter, merge it with the apple mixture, ensuring the apples are generously coated, resulting in a chunky consistency.
    7. Layering: Transfer the reserved one-third of the cake batter to your prepped pan, spreading it out evenly. Over this base, lay the apple-infused batter, leveling it out for uniform baking.
    8. Initial Baking: To trap the moisture and ensure even cooking, cover the pan securely with aluminum foil. Bake in the oven's heart for about 20 minutes.
    9. Final Baking: Post the initial baking, remove the foil and place the cake back in for an additional 40 minutes. A toothpick should emerge with only a few moist crumbs when it's ready.
    10. Cooling and Serving: Let the cake take a breather in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. With the edges slightly detached from the pan, utilise a thin spatula for a clean edge. Transfer to a wire rack, giving it another quarter-hour to cool. Slice while it's warm for the best experience.

    Savouring the Season

    There’s something profoundly comforting about enjoying seasonal delights. This gluten-free apple cake not only pays homage to the apples at their peak but also offers a wholesome treat for those seeking a gluten-free option. Whether paired with a warm mug of cinnamon-spiced tea or enjoyed as a dessert after a hearty meal, this cake is a testament to the joys of seasonal eating. It’s perfect with a cup of tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

    In every bite, you can taste the warmth of the spices, the sweet and tart notes of the apples, and the soft crumb that gluten-free baking can achieve. It’s a of pure joy. So the next time you find yourself with a basket of fresh-picked apples, remember this recipe.

  • Food, Simple Living

    The Rhythms of Nature: Embracing Seasonal Eating for Body and Wellbeing

    If there is something I can wax lyrical on it’s living seasonally and embracing seasonal eating. Two things that I feel are the most important when it comes to slowing down and living a more simple way of life. Nature, in its infinite wisdom, has always followed a rhythm. The ebb and flow of tides, the blooming of flowers, and the migration of birds are all testament to the world’s cycles that continue on, whether we pay attention to them or not.

    One such rhythm, deeply interwoven with our lives, is the seasonality of food. The modern world, combined with globalisation has pulled us further away from our roots, making it the norm for us to be able to eat strawberries in the depths of winter, of eating asparagus in the autumn. But just because we can, does this mean we should? My answer to that would be no, and if you’re intent on living a life that aligns with the seasons, you might want to give that a try too. I want to explore, with you, the significance of seasonal eating, its impact on our body and wellbeing, and how you can re-programme yourself to make the shift.

    Why Eat Seasonally?

    Peak Nutrition: Seasonal foods are harvested at the pinnacle of their ripeness, which means they’re densely packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Off-season produce, often harvested prematurely, might not reach the same nutrient density. Why is this important? Well, foods are ready to be harvested at the right time, when their nutritional denisity is just right for the season we are in. Essentially, season produce has all the right vitamins and minierals to help our bodies through the season we are currently in. Pretty magical eh?

    Enhanced Flavour: Anyone who’s bitten into a summer-ripe tomato or a fresh springtime strawberry knows the unparalleled taste of in-season produce. This superior taste can make meals more enjoyable and can enhance our overall eating experience. I know, for me there is nothing better than a summer british strawberry, or a freshly picked, homegrown tomato.

    Environmental Benefits: Seasonal foods usually have a smaller carbon footprint. When produce is consumed close to where it’s grown, it reduces the need for long-haul transportation and the associated emissions. When we eat in season we are reducing our food miles, but when we eat out of season, not only are we consuming things at the wrong time but we’re also contributing to additional food miles to get it to our plate. Not to mention, when things need to be transported across the globe they will be further from the time they are picked, meaning they are losing their nutritional density all the time.

    Economic Benefits: Supporting local farmers and markets that offer seasonal produce ensures the money spent goes directly into the community. Moreover, in-season foods often cost less due to the reduced transportation and storage costs.

    Seasonal Eating and Wellbeing

    Alignment with Nature: By eating foods when they naturally appear, we align our diets with the rhythms of the natural world, fostering a connection with nature’s cycles, as well as consuming foods when they are supposed to be consumed within our locale.

    Diverse Microbiome: Each season offers a unique variety of foods, ensuring a diverse range of nutrients that can lead to a healthier gut microbiome. Isn’t that just fab? We can literally heal our guts through eating seasonally. (Stay tuned because we have a fab blog post coming soon all this in much more detail).

    Supporting Natural Detoxification: Foods available in spring, like leafy greens and citrus fruits, are detoxifying. This is in sync with our body’s natural inclination to detoxify and renew during this season. Yet more evidence that food is ready for harvest in our locale right when we need it. Isn’t nature magical?

    Body Nourishment: Winter’s root vegetables offer sustenance and warmth, while summer’s fruits provide hydration and electrolytes. Eating seasonally literally helps us get what we need when our bodies need it most.

    Embarking on the Seasonal Journey: Getting Started

    I know where you’re at, this all makes so much sense that you can’t believe you didn’t think of it before? Bingo. We’ve all been there, it’s like genetically we know all of this, it is, afterall, in our make up. It is how we would have always lived and it’s no suprise to us really that is what is optimal for our bodies. But that modern world has got in the way, convinced us everything humans did for thousands of years was wrong and to do it a different way. Wild eh?

    So how can you make that shift and run back to your roots? How can you start living in alignment with the seasons again and prioritising seasonal produce.

    First things first: Be easy on yourself. You can’t make all these massive changes overnight, because we’re used to living and purchasing our foot in a certain way. The good news is the change is easy, and once you start you won’t want to go back.

    Visit local farms and/or farmer markets because this is a great way to access fresh, seasonal produce and often get it straight from the source. If you are unable to get access to something like this you might want to consider ordering your seasonal produce from somewhere like Riverford. Riverford provide seasonal organic boxes of produce to suit your needs. If you use my link you can get a whopping £15 off your second order (and I will get £15 off my order too). The great thing about local farms, farmers markets or indeed Riverford is that you are able to access seasonal produce, at the right time, and also get help with seasonal recipes to make the most of your produce.

    You might also want to grab yourself a seasonal food chart for your region. Remember, none of us live in the same place so search for one that works best for your country/area/region. If you are shopping at the supermarket it can be a handy reference for you to know what is currently in season, as supermarkets tend to have out-of-season produce on sale too.

    Don’t forget to preserve your bounty, whether you are growing your own or buying it in. Embrace canning, freezing, and fermenting to enjoy seasonal flavours throughout the year. Winter can be brightened with summer berry jams, and spring salads can be enlivened with autumn-pickled veggies. We love to make our favourite strawberry jam all year round because we freeze our strawberries throughout the summer months.

    Something we do is planning a seasonal menu. When you are growing your own or paying out for fresh produce from a farm or organic supplier you will want to make sure you are eating up every bit of produce. You can start by basing your weekly meals on what is in season and on seasonal eating, is abundant and fresh. Just to create the perfect blend of old and modern, I recently asked Chat GPT to create me a weekly meal plan, for a meat eater, prioritsing meat protein and including the seasonal vegetables I was getting in our Riverford veg box.

    If you haven’t tried it already, try growing your own. Even if it’s just a small balcony garden, cultivating your own herbs or veggies instills a deeper appreciation for seasonality.

    Seasonal eating is more than a dietary choice; it’s a lifestyle, a return to our roots and embraces nature’s wisdom. It encourages a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, intertwining our lives with the natural world’s ebb and flow. We are reminded of the simple pleasures of life and the nourishment nature generously provides. By choosing to eat seasonally, we aren’t just nurturing our bodies; we’re nourishing our souls and the very earth that sustains us. And that’s beautiful.

  • Dinner

    Rich & Tasty Homemade Pesto recipe

    When it comes to using our seasonal produce that we harvest straight from our allotment or balcony garden, nothing gives me more of a buzz than harvesting herbs, I think it’s their aromatic smell that makes me feel oh so proud of the garden I am growing and today I want to share with you my favourite pesto recipe.

    This year has been a funny old year on the plot, between the long winter, a cold spring and a rainy summer, it’s been difficult conditions for growers, so if you’re feeling downhearted about this growing season don’t, there is always next year.

    Growing Herbs

    When it comes to growing on both my balcony and also on my allotment plot one thing is for certain: I love growing herbs that I can use in salves, balms, tinctures, sauces and tea’s. It’s something that I have found a pleasure, even as a new gardener and is the perfect accompaniment to a kitchen garden. For me, a balcony gardener soley for 5 years before I got my allotment plot too, there was something wonderful about growing these wonderful smelling herbs that I could bring from pot to pan within minutes.

    One of the best things about herbs, along with seasonal food in general, is that it is its most potent in terms of health, vitamins, minerals and bioavailability right after it is picked. Meaning that the quicker the time between you picking it and popping it into a recipe the better nutrients you will get from it. The same goes for seasonal food; picking it at the right time, in the right season and consuming it it shortly after is the best for your body and is giving it the right nutrients, at the right time, in the season that it needs it most. It’s not just magic that these things come to harvest when they do, in fact it is written in the stars.

    Herbs have been an indispensable part of human civilisation for millennia. Their uses range from culinary to medicinal, from spicing up a simple dish to potentially healing ailments. Growing them is a rewarding endeavor even for beginner gardeners. They are hardy, require minimal space, and can even thrive indoors on a sunny window ledge too.

    Find the right spot: Most herbs adore the sun. A spot that receives 6-8 hours of sunlight would be ideal.

    Soil Matters: A well-draining soil is key. If planting in pots, consider a potting mix specifically designed for herbs.

    Watering Wisely: Herbs, unlike other plants, prefer to stay on the dry side. It’s crucial to water only when the soil feels dry to touch.

    Harvesting: Regularly pinch leaves and stems to encourage bushier growth. Remember, the more you harvest, the more they grow!

    Fresh Basil Pesto

    Is there anything better than the smell of fresh basil (other than Rosemary maybe?), for me it is the epitome of summer. Those beautiful green hues and the beautiful aroma when I open my greenhouse, I have been waiting to make myself a fresh pesto all summer long. Whether you grow your own or buy your basil, the taste is undoubtedly out of this world. When we aren’t growing our own our go to is always Riverford Organic. If you’re interested in fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs right to your door you can grab £15 off your second order when you order through my link. (Just for transparency, I also receive £15 off after your first order too)

    At its heart, pesto is a simple sauce – a blend of fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, cheese, and olive oil. Yet, the burst of flavours it imparts is nothing short of spectacular.

    Fresh Basil Pesto

    Fresh Basil Pesto

    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Additional Time: 1 minute
    Total Time: 1 minute

    Whisk together the aromatic allure of fresh basil leaves with the rich, nutty essence of pine nuts, and you have a classic basil pesto. Enhanced with the sharp bite of garlic, the creamy texture of freshly grated cheese, and bound together with a generous drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, this sauce is a simple yet sophisticated treat for the palate. Perfect for pastas or drizzled on pizzas.

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups of fresh basil leaves
    • 50g of pine nuts (toasted)
    • 150g Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
    • 2 tsp of garlic granules
    • 2 tsp of raw honey

    Instructions

    1. Add pine nuts to a frying pan and lightly toast until golden.
    2. In a food processor, combine the basil, garlic, pine nuts and Olive oil.
    3. Add in the cheese and blend until creamy.
    4. Add in some honey to remove any bitterness that can occur.
    5. Store in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to preserve freshness.
    6. To store for longer, add the pesto to ice cube trays, freeze and then decant into a freezer bag. Use when needed.

    The beauty of pesto lies in its versatility. While basil pesto remains a classic, don’t hesitate to experiment. Swap basil for parsley, arugula, or even cilantro. Use walnuts or almonds instead of pine nuts. Change up the cheese you use to make it vegetarian or vegan friendly, or even to change the texture. The combinations are endless, each offering a unique flavour.

    Whether you grow herbs for your kitchen, delve deep into the world of herbalism, or simply wish to taste the magic of homemade pesto, herbs promise a journey that’s both enriching and enlightening.