Link Round Up

Some of the sites catching my attention lately:

Planning to make these soon.

Brought a tear to my eye.

Something to make me pick up my needles again.

Still loving these essays.

Future sewing project...and this.

Constantly finding life inspiration here.

How many of these have you read?

Started the Christmas shopping this week.

Clearing Out

source

While I wish I had Carrie Bradshaw's wardrobe, I don't have the space or the finances. I cleared out my wardrobe last year but have been thinking about doing it again for a long time.

I finally got around to it this week and probably got rid of about a quarter of it. Despite several previous attempts, there were things in there that I wore aged 18, and probably never again since. There were also plenty of things that didn't fit.

I tried to follow a few rules:

• out goes anything that doesn't fit.
• out goes anything to grubby/overwashed to wear any more.
• out goes anything I wouldn't wear any more

I have been on a spending diet when it comes to clothes ever since I moved to Germany so many of the clothes are older and I often forget what's in there. While I'm still a way off, I plan to keep cutting down until I can wear anything I put my hand on.  

Apart from the obvious space saving and time saving, there is something very therapeutic about a clearout. I am looking forward to much more clearing out.

Currently...

...dreaming about the near future.
...filling boxes.
...enjoying baby giggles.
...feeling refreshed.
...watching birds on the balcony.
...socialising with other mummies.
...preparing for some fun family events.
...clearing out my closet.
...eating healthily again.
...cosying up on these dark nights.
...making plans for a quieter but fun 2015!

Baby Gym

This morning, Isabella and I went to our first baby gym! I wasn't at all sure what to expect but it was really good. It was more of a play group in that we started and finished with songs - I sang in public for the first time ever...and in German!

We had an introduction round and the leader explained about baby development. There was also time for questions and answers. 

There were seven babies there, all at a very similar age and development. Isabella was curious as ever and there were some sympathy tears again - as with baby massage. There were giggles too though when we were doing the actions to some of the songs.

I can't wait to see how the group develops and how it helps Isabella. It was really great to mix with other parents and babies - something we should do more of.

We're already looking forward to next week!

Recipe: Stuffed Pumpkin

Ingredients:

• 1 pumpkin
• Olive oil
• 250g mince
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3tbsp tomato purree
• 1 red pepper
• Salt, pepper, chilli, coriander, parsley

Instructions:

1. Cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and place face up in a baking dish in the oven at 200℃ for 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, brown the mince, add the onion and garlic for five minutes before adding the tomato puree, red pepper and spices.
3. Remove the pumpkin from the oven and fill both halves with the mince mixture before returning it to the oven for half an hour.

Weekly Wisdom

The Saturday Update

Not a lot to report here. We had a nice quiet week, getting lots done around the flat and binge watching Boston Legal.

Last night we had a lovely meal with friends in their lovely new flat in Bremen. It was lovely to see them again and have an evening out with Isabella.

Next week Nico is back at work and Isabella and I will be attending baby gym. I'll be continuing work on this month's goals and seeing more friends.