Summer Manifesto #3 Part 3

Last night we enjoyed our latest mocktail by candle light on the terrace.

I used this recipe and it was a little sour but nice. Mojitos have long been my go to cocktail and a key summer drink for me so this one was especially nice.

We also got to use fresh mint from the garden which I always love.

Art Therapy

An old school friend was raving about her new hobby a few months ago and how relaxing it was. Until then, I'd never heard of colouring books for adults but now I'm a fellow devotee. 

I don't get round to it very often but it's something where you can really switch off and relax but have something nice to show at the end of it. I'd really recommend getting into this.

Cycling

The first thing we did in the holidays was buy Isabella her first cycling helmet and fit her new seat to Nico's bike so we can get out and about.

Since I'm not the strongest cyclist, I wasn't really comfortable having Isabella's seat on my bike and the problem with men's bikes is that a seat on the back makes it very difficult to get on and off the bike. Nico did some research and bought a seat for the front of his bike. There's a lot of debate about this but we see no disadvantage to having her up front. In fact it's nicer to be able to talk to her and for her to be able to see.

She was a little unsure at first but she soon got into cycling. She loved watching animals out and about and only got grumpy when we stopped moving for too long.

We cycled to the Weser and back in a little circuit and stopped at a playground on the way. We took a picnic but ate it when we got back while Isabella splashed in the paddling pool.

It was great to be back on the bikes again and we even cycled to nursery last week too. I'm looking forward to lots more bike trips while the weather holds out.

Recipe: Mokka Chocolate Cookies

One of the tough things with any diet is finding healthy snacks. That's one of the great things about Paleo 360 - so many recipes at your fingertips. Plus this one is really easy and tasty.

We adapted the website recipe because Isabella loves them and we don't want her having coffee.

It takes less than half an hour - just mix the ground almonds, baking powder, chocolate chips, walnuts, salt, honey, coconut oil, egg and vanilla powder and bake for ten minutes on 180.

Make It Monday - Denim Dress

After six months on my to do list, I finally finished this Wiksten dress this week.

I purposely made it quite plain because I still see myself as a beginner - especially when it comes to clothes - and I didn't trust myself to use anything with a strong pattern. I also made it in the largest size so it's a little baggy but warm, and perfect for autumn and winter. I plan to dress it up with some bright accessories and that's why denim is so good - it goes with any colour.

There were lots of new techniques involved - basting stitches (by hand and machine), setting sleeves and adding the collar. It's not perfect but for a first dress it went way better than I thought.

The pattern is really well explained and easy to follow despite the new techniques and I would definitely order there again.

For now I have a couple of easier projects lined up before another new dress.

Weekly Wisdom

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The Saturday Update

We've had a lovely relaxing week. At the same time, we've gotten lots done.

The dress is finally finished!! Look out for an update on Monday.

We're still on the Paleo kick and although I haven't lost weight this week, I am feeling really good. It's also nice to try lots of new recipes while we have time. The next step is making big batches so we have lots of back ups for September.

We had our one to one with Isabella's new nursery teacher. We couldn't feel better about her going there in September. We got lots of homework - half of which is done already. Her bag is also packed.

I've been knitting again.

Running is still going well. Plus we've had two cycle trips. On Sunday we cycled to the Weser with Isbella. She took a while to get used to it but as long as we are on the move, she loves it and it felt great being on the bikes again.

We finally got pictures on our walls and started updating them. It's amazing the difference it makes. Bit by bit, this house is becoming a real home.

More of the same next week plus mum arrives on Wednesday for a week. Looking forward to it!