Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

I love to plan, and prepare list and organize. This is nothing new to me and I find peace and sanctuary in my routines- be that a regular laundry routine, household tasks, my evening cleansing regimen before taking my bath or shower, or meal planning. 

However, the last couple of weeks I have taken advantage of a quiet home at the beginning of the week and my advanced meal planning and grocery shopping , by preparing 3 or 4 meals on a Monday to see me though the busiest part of the week- evenings racing to and from ballet classes, basketball matches or various appointments or parent teacher interviews.

 The feeling of being completely prepared and of gaining the time back has been so very lovely. None of the dishes prepared were complex or particularly sophisticated, just family favorites or crowd pleasers, but the feeling of gaining back the time and  enjoying the simplicity of taking the next whatever out of the fridge ready to pop in the oven, and then getting on with another task or freeing up 20 minutes to write, read, fold laundry, take a longer walk, or even preparing the side dishes but with far fewer dishes at the end or cleaning up to do as the bulk is prepared. 

This week some of the meals I prepared ahead were-

Marry me chicken- a baked version so it could go straight into the oven, then I just popped rice in the rice cooker when it was time to get dinner on the go and steamed some broccoli. 

A Quiche Lorraine-  paired with a simple side salad and re hearted in the oven

A beef and mozzarella pot pie- packed full of vegetables and very hearty so just popped back in the oven to heat through

And all time family fave- Spaghetti Bolognaise, so I just re heated the meatsauce on the stove as the pasta cooked. 

I felt like Martha Stewart, the family were happy and I seemed to reclaim several hours and a good deal of peace! I highly recommend giving a bit of batch cooking a try prior to a busy week and enjoy the rewards!

On a completely different note,  Its feeling very much like the end of Autumn is fast approaching and winter is starting to get her frosty fingers though all the cracks and blowing off the last of the autumn leaves.  

Yesterday was the most spectacular display of mist and early sun, and it was so good to feel the warm sun on my skin and get the laundry dry on the line again. 

We took a drive out to a local beach which was initially completely cut off by the vicious January storms and floods and then only accessible to residents. The land scape is forever scarred and the roads and many many homes still badly damaged or even washed away, but the beach was its usual magnificent, dramatic and majestic self.  It felt good to rug up in jeans, my trusty Hunter wellies, a trench and a woolen scarf- although after a walk though soft sand with a take away coffee it was rather too warm! 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures 

Sometimes, the simple act of donning my pinny, getting out my Kitchen aid, and switching on the oven to heat up, is the most calming, grounding and pleasurable way to bring myself back to the present, slow down and de stress. 

Baking on the fly, in a hurry, when you're too tired to re clean the kitchen again- or when you suddenly have to for a forgotten morning tea, bake sale or what have you, isn't relaxing whatso ever I find. 

But on a day when I have time, I enjoy the very process and find it immensely calming and satisfying.

 An early bright summery weekend morning, with my mason cash mixing bowl and a favorite sturdy whisk with its tactile wooden handle for a batch of waffles or pancakes, a rainy wintry afternoon with a warm spiced apple cake in anticipation of enjoying it after a blustery cold walk with a favorite pot of tea, a citrussy tart for an after dinner decadent treat with guests, or a tray of gooey, fudgy brownies ready for lunch boxes that I know will be appreciated and enjoyed beyond all else!

Its all about the mind set. Sometimes it can restore me but more often than not its the process itself that brings such calm satisfaction that the more I engage and focus the more I enjoy and the more love- literally and figuratively, is poured into the baking. You can taste the difference. It has its own energy!

It is a different emotion to that of preparing a meal, which is more about nourishment, and nutrients and full tummy's and healthy bodies. And I LOVE to cook. I love to plan, prepare, shop for and produce seasonal balanced meals for my family. 

Baking is almost always exclusively indulgent, a treat, a pocket of warm love and abundance. 

Especially paired with a cup of tea.

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

I have several friends who thrive on being busy and jam packed all the time. Every evening has an activity, a meeting, a guest a dinner- something, and weekends are scheduled start to finish - even though much is fun and pleasurable it allows very little, if any, time to actually relax and just be. And more often that not in adequate sleep too. 

Having said that, while I have come to realize how vital "down time" is for me, "down time" is mainly productive for me, but in a gentle way. Another friend observed recently that I'm an Active relaxer, and I think that's spot on. I like to be home, to bake, read, write, tick off my housework list, meal plan, tidy, take walks, and allow quiet moments to savor the weather -calming rain, or a blue bird day. 

Enjoying and savoring the simplest of daily tasks and rituals; that first sip of coffee, putting the last of the laundry away, walking in to a fresh bedroom with the bed neatly made, smelling a bloom from the garden, petting my cats in the morning while they eagerly await their breakfast. 

One of of my most treasured moments in my week is waking up on a Saturday morning. I don't like to wake late (any time after 6.45am is getting on in my book)  but I like to wake naturally, allow myself time to fully come round and most of all to lie in bed- just for a few minutes, listening to the bird song, maybe the rain, and watch the trees moving in the breeze- or gale, or whatever mother nature has in store that day! I gather my thoughts, loosely map out the day and feel deep gratitude for all I have in my life and all there is to come. My husband and I usually then throw the bed covers back, the windows open and head down stairs for coffee and to feed the cats and have a chat before we start our respective morning fitness regimens. The girls are usually asleep and we can digest the week that was, and plan the weekend ahead. 

Other rituals I look forward to are my Friday evening bath, where once dinner is finished and cleared away and the kitchen is tidy and clean for the next day, I go up stairs, usually do a little yoga or stretching, while my bath runs, then sink into a hot deep bath with whatever salts, soaps, oils I feel like that evening, and either enjoy silence, my book, or a podcast. It seals and rewards the end of a busy week for me and shifts my mind set to weekend mode.

On a busier weekend I find I need to actively schedule in quieter moment's in order to cope and enjoy the more social or hectic elements. A full day celebrating my daughters birthday with friends out side of the home meant I kept the evening very simple and the following day a peaceful catch up day mostly at home to clean, iron, read, bake, write, walk and re set for the week.  If I don't balance the more busy and stimulating times with these more tranquil restorative moments I find my anxiety climbing and my stress level rising and a familiar and unpleasant feeling of over whelm creeping in.  

It is SO important to listen to what you need. I have recently come across the term HSP (Highly sensitive person)  across several platforms. No, this does not mean someone who blubs at advertisements and is emotionally unstable. But a person who is deeply affected by physical, emotional or social stimuli. This means we need to de compress, have time alone with our thoughts or pottering, and may find social situations very draining- even if we thoroughly enjoy them at the time. I brushed the term aside initially -not dismissing anyone who did identify with being and HSP but that I wasn't one. Turns out, I pretty much tick every box. And to a degree, that's actually very comforting and reassuring as it validates my feelings and need for tranquility, time in nature, and being home. 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

For probably almost a decade now, I have been trying to curate my wardrobe with the bounds of a 10 item wardrobe, or at the very least and intentional wardrobe. My discipline and inspiration for this ebbs and flows, naturally. While I enjoy as much pleasure form a beautifully tissue wrapped new garment in a stiff branded bag with cotton handles, I also get an equal thrill and pleasure for a bargain snapped up second had of a quality item. I think its important to enjoy both, and the variety, whatever your budget. 

Some of my absolute staples were second hand but high end quality pieces- silk blouses, wool tailored blazers, Italian leather shoes (Brand new!)

I keep a note book in my walk in wardrobe to jot down items I need for the coming season, or things I'd like to find or invest in. I keep out of season clothes in fabric bins at the top of the wardrobe and switch the seasons out accordingly- editing as I go. Things that haven't stood the test of time, that don't wear as well as I'd hoped, that are uncomfortable, or are ill fitting. 

Recently, I changed over my spring /summer wardrobe to Autumn /Winter. I had a slightly unpleasant surprise when a few weeks after switching over, I dressed in a pair of pure wool, tailored Everlane navy pants. They were rather more snug than I'd have liked....  My husband kindly pointed out I have changed shape a little with participating in different fitness workouts- longer more strenuous walks and lifting light weights.  So its not weight gain per se (Hmmm) but these pants, that I ADORE were so tight and uncomfortable I ended up taking them out of circulation. Now, normally this would involve donating them, however, these are high quality pants from over seas, to make it worse I have the exact same pair in black too! So, I made an exception and have stored them away- just in case. Not forever but to give my body a chance before I make a rash decision. we'll see....

This consequently led me to re think my core style, the winter look I want to portray, and the general vibe and feel I am looking for in my wardrobe. 

For this season in particular, I am looking at classic, stylish tailoring.  (although I'm looking forward to sporting a more casual look in the warmer months of tailored linen shorts and the like too)  

I have a good selection of Blazers from over the years, most classic cut, one is more of a Chanel vibe in a boucle red black and cream and collarless. So combining those, one or two more structured skirts, well fitted denim in various hues, sweaters and cardigans in cashmere and merino, and a couple of coats for various temperatures and conditions, then accessories, footwear, belts bags etc, I'm creating my signature style. Or tweaking it. In summer I lean a little more organically- linen, natural fabrics, wrap dresses, jumpsuits, and sundresses. 

So, as much as for my own benefit as for your interest and perusal: here is my list of essential winter wardrobe items- which I will then spend tomorrow editing and curating to align with my ideals and thin out the extra or unwanted or unsuitable pieces- anything that doesn't sing to my signature style. Making dressing a breeze for work, casual, or special dinner. I'll know exactly what I have and which pieces work together. 

Lets go top to bottom:

Decide on the colour scheme and vibe that best suits you and what you wish to portray. 

1. Never forget quality well fitted, supportive and most importantly comfortable, undergarments' Nude, skin tone, black and white- then you can get more adventurous.

2. Camisoles- Silk or merino, or a non static fabric to provide both modesty and warmth. Black white and Neutral at least the you can add navy, plum- wat ever works with your color scheme. 

3. A variety of blouses and shirts with different neck lines and sleeves.  You cant go wrong with a Tailored fitted crisp white shirt, and maybe some softer flowy silkier blouses. remembering to keep them along the same lines of the colour scheme you've chosen but you can add a pop of colour with a blouse- for example, dark denim skinny jeans, a navy blazer and a hot pink or jade blouse.

4. Quality, well fitted denim. Whatever style you prefer and that suits you- skinny, boyfriend, bootleg. In a dark wash and a lighter one. I also have an olive green jean and a mid gray, which just elevate them enough above the standard denim for some occasions. (And white and cream for summer) 

5. Trousers/pants and skirts- I have a handful of pencil skirts for work, Navy, black, tan a hound's-tooth check and a floral.  Pants in dark colors mainly - Navy and Black. I also have 2 pairs of silk trousers , in navy and one black which are so versatile and can be dressed up for evening and paired with heels, flats, loafers or even elegant sandals. And a pair of culottes in Leopard. My favorite "neutral"!

6. Dresses. Ahhh, dresses. I had a fairly lengthy phase where I wore almost exclusively dresses no matter the weather or season. But for this winter wardrobe I have the following-

 A cashmere/ wool belted sweater dress in light tan

A navy and white long sleeve wrap dress

An emerald green silk shirt dress and a cream cord shirt dress

A " Boho" bell sleeve long ditzy floral dress in predominantly tan 

7. Sweaters and cardigans- I have longline chunky cardigans/coatigans for more casual days, cashmere more formal button up ones, a few cosy sweaters in mostly olives and creams and tans. And cashmere staples in tan, cream, black and grey. Also thin layering pieces - merino is perfect, that can be stand alone, under a blazer, a cardigan or even a dress. 

8. Outerwear- a classic trench in putty, a classic trench in black,  a long navy woolen double breasted and belted, and tan long length wool double breasted and belted, a long olive full length waterproof, denim jacket, black down puffa.

9. Footwear- this is so very personal and lifestyle dependent. We have very wet winters and I walk to work, so my shoe choices will be very different to yours maybe. 

Flats- pointed toe or classic round ballet flats. Navy, Black, Neutral/Tan, Leopard (Of course)

Ankle boots/ Booties, Black with heel (for evening wear), navy, classic tan Chelsea, olive green, 

 Long, knee high black, tan/ brown.

10. Scarves- oh so many! But keep in the color palette and have some for very cold days that are large and more wrap style, and some in silk to tie and outfit together, some as statement pieces that can be more whimsical and fun. 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

I have had several days away from my work due to being unwell, the weekend and my work schedule. During this time I have mostly been at home punctuated by plenty of wet walks and fresh air. 

We are creatures of habit and on many occasions either on my morning walks or whilst walking to work I have passed the same elderly gentleman. Evidently he takes a walk (A fairly lengthy one I gather, too) pretty much every day, at around the same time, regardless of the weather. 

On this particular morning I was taking my walk in the opposite direction, so rather than passing him, we were walking in the same direction. I greeted him good morning as I approached to pass him and for the first time we exchanged more than the usual pleasantries- Good morning, Beautiful day, enjoy your walk etc.  We commented on how mild the weather has been and I mentioned we'd not yet lit our fire which is very unusual for this time of year. He replied that they'd been lighting there's for about a month already and we probably didn't feel it as we were young. Then he said ;

" Hold onto it for as long as you possibly can"

Wise words indeed. Its all too easy to become complacent about daily life and perceived drudgery when in fact, if we don't see every day, every moment for the preciousness it offers- all too quickly its not within our grasp anymore. 

A past neighbor of ours once commented on our energy as a young family and when it came to throwing dinner parties, as we did frequently, that she used to do it "Standing on her head" and now it takes it out of her: The planning, the preparation, the cooking, the cleaning up , the late night-  admittedly off set by a wonderful evening among friends but leaving her to recover somewhat, not bounce straight into the next day. 

Our boundless energy doesn't actually last forever but we can implement things to help draw it out into a later years for as long as we possibly can. 

This is what I've been reflecting on over the past few days. How to cherish and be grateful for what I'm capable of NOW, in this present moment, and how to best insure myself and my body for the future. A building term bandied around here a decade or so ago was " Future proofing" Its just that!

Nurture and nourish the body you have been blessed with- forgive it its lumps and bumps and imperfections and delight in how amazingly it all works- and your mind! Fuel it with good food, hydrate, sleep, stretch, MOVE. Or all too soon you may find it creeps up on you and you realize these simple things you took for granted are no longer so simple, or they ache, or are stiff and sore and maybe no longer achievable. 

NO need to be super strict or forbid your self from things- life is absolutely for living and for enjoying and having fun! But moderation is key, and using your body each and every day- yoga, walks, swimming- whatever it is. Keep exercising your mind too, don't stop being inquisitive, reading, trying new things, leaning something new, exploring. 

I am going to re instate my (mostly) daily gratitude journal - it helps quiet the mind and focus on the good. It also is a nice feeling to sit and reflect on all the positives in your life, even on more turbulent days. I am going to extend the journal by making it more of a "Commonplace book"  a term relatively new to me but a wonderful idea of keeping all these thoughts- notes on inspiration, gratitude, recipes, what your reading, watching, walks, weather- whatever you wish to include. what a joy to have it all in one place and to reflect upon in later years. I have a beautiful pearlescent leather note book that was a gift from my girls I'd been using so its sitting beside me now with a lovely ink pen and the minute I finish typing I fill a page or two before starting on dinner. 

 (n) A lover of rain: someone who finds joy and peace of mind on rainy days

Savoring simple daily pleasures

Its fortunate that I have recently diagnosed myself as a pluviophile- as the rain has fallen steadily here for days and days and there is no break on the horizon in the coming week. Still I see the incredible beauty in it. The layers of the landscape in similar hues and the droplets on the branches and leaves like little lights. I really quite like walking in the rain, I find the sound of gentle rain soothing and of downpours exhilarating. I don't enjoy staying in wet clothing, but as soon as I'm home and changed and my shoes are stuffed with paper and rain jacket hung to drip dry theres a contented glow which settles after a wet walk in any season. 

It is less fortunate that I have picked up a rather unpleasant head cold along with sore throat and a cough that disrupts my sleep terribly. Less fortunate still that we have had to cancel a much anticipated evening at a wonderful restaurant with dear friends because of it. 

However, I am grateful that my body has asked my to slow down, pause, recover, restore and allow my self not only to be unwell but to heal. Its nothing serious, just a bit frustrating- I don't like having to change plans and I don't run well on little sleep. BUT; this is perfect weather for it. It asks you to be home and potter at a slower pace. These days its even less acceptable to just battle on through and go to work or where ever when you are sick- quite rightly. I never wanted to pick up anyone's bugs before Covid. (This little beauty was a gift from my husband i believe whos spent two weeks feeling pretty awful sadly. ) So I stayed home from my work yesterday, took a gentle walk, and savored sitting with the French doors open, curled up on the sofa with a warm drink and my cats as the rain fell and the clock ticked and I just was. 

I equally love the gloriousness of a bright sunny day with my linens drying on the line and the sound of distant lawn mowers, but each day, each type of weather, of season, brings its own joys to savor and appreciate. I'm not just a fair weather girl. 

I have just returned from an afternoon loop to the beach and back in the gently falling rain, now sitting at the kitchen table with a pot of Lapsang soushong tea, the comforting noises of a wet cosy Saturday with the family home, and the anticipation of a delicious dinner and the Coronation of King Charles 3rd televised this evening. 

Its still making a good effort to try be Autumn here, with roses still in bloom, cicadas and crickets not yet silenced for the season and temperatures in the high teen and low twenties still. Usually by May we are starting to regularly light our open fire and log burner. 

Despite the warm evening, the sun sets earlier and earlier, and its dark around 6pm, so once I've got the kitchen in order after a days hungry family foraging and teenage baking ( Caramel slice to die for...and change waist bands for!) Ill make a warm comforting and decadent meal, take a hot bath, watch the Coronation and snuggle into bed dosed up in the hope I sleep and can recuperate a little ready for a simple, rainy, and contented Sunday.