October Favourites
October was my birthday month, can that be my first favourite?! I thought it could be fun to do a quick roundup each month letting you know a few insights- what we’ve been eating, reading, listening to etc. Enjoy.
I managed a few books this month! I devoured ‘The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry’ I wanted something light but with heart and it fitted the brief I pitched to the friend who lent it to me entirely! I hadn’t realised it was a movie and turns out lots of people are talking about it- have I been sleeping? Perfect Christmas gift for your Auntie or Mum though? Something I’m taking slower is ‘Until The Streetlights Come On’ it’s a non-fiction and I’m chewing over each paragraph. It’s written by the creator of the 1,000 Hours Outside concept and the book's tagline is: ‘How a Return to Play Brightens Our Present and Prepares Kids for an Uncertain Future.’ Some food for thought was the realisation of how neighbourhood culture is dying. In the past and even in my experience once you’re home from school you’re straight back out into the close playing with friends on your bike or playing kirby/curby? More recently we have tightened up physical boundaries, we are cautious of children climbing trees, walking home alone (understandably so) but we have become laxer on emotional boundaries- kids are unlocking an online world so early on. It makes me want to simplify everything, run to the nearest field and pitch up a tent with my besties. But seriously, there is so much to think about.
Something on my wishlist for my birthday which I was so excited about was MUD\WTR, I’d seen adverts for it, but it wasn’t until a friend offered me some at her house one morning that I was sold. I have entirely cut caffeine which has given me a lot more energy and so was looking for something alongside herbal teas that I can have on hand and enjoy. It’s super yummy, I love it with one of Plenish’s Nut Milk’s (which having nothing unnecessary added unlike other nut milks) and was given the starter pack with the blender which is such a treat for the foamy top! We kickstarted my birthday morning with a caramel freakshake from one of my favourite cookbooks- Little Green Kitchen. It’s a combination of frozen cauliflower (stay with me, stay with me) banana and avocado mixed with dates, cashew milk, and dark chocolate then topped with coconut cream and hazelnuts. So freaky, SO good. Another wishlist dream fulfilled for my birthday was this Falcon Enamel Milk Pan. With Lazarus now weaning I am warming up tiny pieces of little things all the time and didn’t want to use a microwave (in fact it finally died…hello extra worktop space) so this pan is perfect. I like enamel over many options and think it looks great.
I am really enjoying spending WAY less time on Instagram this month, A friend mentioned a fast she was starting and I felt really challenged as she was talking and felt I should see if I could take some time away from Social Media. It was towards the start of September I clocked out and my mind has felt so much free-er. I don’t think I had any idea how much I was consuming on there + how little I was achieving by being on there with a residual feeling that I should be doing more. Think of this as your sign if you’ve felt you need to step away from the app a little too! My favourite song of the month is ‘All of a Sudden’ from Elevation Worship. We have been needing LOTS of miracles over here but also choosing to believe and trust for how suddenly and quickly God could make all the wrong things right.
A few more surprising favourites have been the clock change and the incredibly early mornings (4.45am..thanks Laz) which then makes 2pm feel like 10pm. However, they’ve been mornings to cherish coming down early and getting ready for the day before it really gets going, that two breakfasts before 7am kind of feeling. I’ve also loved rubbing castor oil on my eyes every evening this month. Self-care probably isn’t at an all-time high right now but this has felt good to remember each night! Castor oil is a miracle oil but it’s thought to lengthen your lashes and reduce dark circles plus I finish with a bit in my belly button because it’s thought to help with lymphatic drainage. Am I nuts or am I nuts. Hear me out though- my eyelashes are definitely doing something!
See you for November’s Favourites!
