Weekly Wisdom

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The Saturday Update

This week saw a bit of change around here:

The end of the summer holidays means Nico is back at work and Isabella and I are finding our feet as two during the day.

Isabella outgrew the crib and is now in her cot in her own room. We're trying to get her into a routine with it.

We're both feeling great as I am better healthwise and we're becoming morning people and trying some natural remedies - more to come on that.

Creativity is slowly working it's way back to us with new recipes and sewing projects on the horizon.

Things are just generally feeling good and getting back on an even keel around here - long may it continue!

Project Life - July

Clearly, I was a little behind on this project and have been playing catch up this month but I am still really pleased with the results.

July was a quiet month so there isn't too much going on but I did manage to get a nice mix of photos and journalling in there.

New this month and next is the seafoam Project Life kit which I finally managed to get my hands on (it had sold out when I started this album). I love the colours.

July was mainly our early adventures with Isabella, getting back to crafts, and Mum's flying visit.

30 things - Go on a picnic

 It may seem like something simple but it took us over two years to finally crack out the picnic set. We finally dug it out and packed up some sandwiches, nibbles and homemade chutney to head out to Worpswede and celebrate my mum's birthday. 

We found a lovely spot near the main gallery, surrounded by sculptures and the weather was kind, staying fine for us.

It's something I hope we'll do more often. Especially next Spring and Summer when Isabella can appreciate it more too.

Book Review

The holidays were a great opportunity to get caught up on some reading so lots to report on. Here's a round-up of some non-fiction reading I did this summer.

The Creative Habit - Twyla Tharp

I heard about this one on Elise's blog. I'm making a conscious effort to work on my creativity and thought this may help me. It took me a while to get into this one but it was an interesting read. I don't know how practical it was for me but I would recommend it to someone exploring a creative career.

The Happiness Project - Gretchen Rubin

This book came from an amazon recommendation. Gretchen spent a year identifying and achieving various goals in order to be happier. I really enjoyed reading about her success and found it easy to apply some of her ideas to my life. Usually, this kind of project would be right up my type- A alley with reward charts and everything but it's too big for me to take on right now. Highly recommended read.

Awareness - Anthony de Mello

This book was a gift. It really reminded me of 'The Power of Now', which I read last year. Many of the ideas made a lot of sense but the language was a little long-winded sometimes. I was told not to read it cover to cover but did it anyway which probably didn't help. I plan to read it again, bit by bit, in a few months, giving my mind more time to digest the ideas.

September Goals

August was a slight wash out as far as goals are concerned. I was quite poorly and am just now feeling back to my normal self so I am carrying last months goals over. As a reminder, they were:

• Complete July's (and now August's) Project Life
• 3 of my 30 things list - actually managed one in August but still want to do three this month
• Complete a baby sewing project
• Take some family time out - did this. This month I need to plan a christening.
• Build back up to 10,000 steps on the pedometer

Here's to a more productive, successful and healthy month!

Recipe: Pizza Toast

Ingredients:

• 1 green pepper
• Cooked ham
• Creme fraiche
• Tomato purree
• Salt, pepper, oregano
• Gouda
• Sliced bread

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients except the bread in a bowl.
2. Spread the mixture on the toast and grill until brown on top.

Tip: change up the toppings for some of your favourites.