Showing posts with label Five on Friday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Five on Friday. Show all posts

Friday, 24 April 2015

Five on Friday - Simple Pleasures






I am stupidly busy with work and home at the moment and feeling like I'm swimming like mad and getting nowhere.   I wanted to share my Five on Friday along with Amy at Love made my home.   It's such a good way to look back on my week and get some perspective on what I have actually been up to, what I have achieved and what has brought me joy.  Looking back on them, perhaps I won't be so hard on myself and not feel like a week has gone by with nothing done.




Cook



I love creating simple food in my kitchen, feeding the soul and the body.





I saw this recipe posted by one of my friends on Facebook so gave it a go

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

1 cup of cauliflower florets
3 cups mozzarella grated
1 tsp dried oregano
1 crushed clove of garlic
1 tsp salt
1 Egg

Topping of your choice

Place the cauliflower in a food processor until chopped into tiny bits (like cauliflower rice)
Microwave the cauliflower for 8 minutes
Mix in the egg and seasoning and 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella
Spray oil onto an oven tray, then tip mixture onto it and make into a pizza base shape
Brush top with oil
Place in oven 200 fan oven for 15 mins
Remove from the oven and cover with the rest of the cheese and the topping (I pre grilled mushrooms and peppers)
Place under the grill for 2 - 3 mins.


No carbs, but LOTS of cheese which I will cut back on the next time I cook it.  I don't eat a lot of dairy so will experiment with the recipe to suit me.  A good gluten free option.





Sew


Making something for my family brings me great joy.





I have been working on our new grandsons quilt over the last couple of days, I need to finish it before he grows up and leaves home!




Listen

A good book


Reading Christina's Blog A Colourful Life, a few weeks ago, she was discussing the books she had 'listened' to.  In the past I had bought a few books on tapes to listen to on long car journeys, but never thought about listening to books any other time even though I enjoy listening to them on the radio.  Having already dipped my foot into alternative ways to read 'books' on the iPad, I thought 'what the hell, be adventurous and downloaded one. It was so easy!  I could even listen to it on my phone as I moved around the house and garden. Of course it will never replace sitting down with a good book, but I will be getting through a lot more books I had been meaning to read.  Have you joined the book listening revolution or are you firmly a traditional book reading person?  This is the book I listened to, So You've Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson. It is a very thought provoking and in places a shocking look at how your life can been ruined by making one stupid remark and photo.  Social media at its worst.  I've also just downloaded a book by David Sedaris, I needed something light and fun and David Sedaris always makes me laugh.   Now at least I can 'read' some books while still working.




Grow

Growing and eating my own produce.






It is lovely to see my little veg patch springing to life, I'm looking forward to the new potatoes, freshly picked spinach and kale, and tomatoes that actually smell and taste like tomatoes.  How does your garden grow?




Sleep





Shhhh I don't want to jinx it, but for the last couple of weeks my sleep patterns have improved.  Now I only wake up a couple of times a night.  I can live with that.  I'm sure my insomnia will return but I will enjoy the sleep while I can.

I hope your week has been kind to you,

Chickpea xx








Friday, 17 April 2015

Five on Friday

 Joining up with the lovely Amy for Five on Friday.


Rise

When I wake on beautiful sunny days I like to take a walk around the garden to say good morning to the plants and creatures.  They wake with me, seeking out the sun, I love how their petals open when the sun is out, and then close as the sun goes down.  Ziggy Stardust comes out with me for a stretch.















Eat



I love simple food I can just throw together.  What could be simpler than this.


Chickpeas Houmous

1 tin of chickpeas drained
3 tbsp tahini
juice of half a lemon
handful of fresh coriander 
flesh of 1 small cooked sweet potato 
1/2 tsp of smoked paprika
1 tbsp olive oil

Throw in a food processor and blend


Quilt







The beautiful colours that are used in aboriginal art reflect the colours of their homeland. The yellow for the sun,  brown for the earth,  red for the desert sand, white for the clouds, each piece of art telling a story.  This quilt will remind me of our visit to their beautiful land.



Read






I have just finished reading the Yorkshire Shepherdess by Amanda  Owen     It is about her life at Ravenseat raising her 'free range' children.  What a wonderful way of life.  I will not be moving so far away from civilisation but dream of having space around me and 'free range' grandchildren.

This is her beautiful home Ravenseat

Play





The first gig of the season will soon be upon us so lots and lots of practice is required. Bring on the Samba!!


Have a good weekend everyone,

Chickpea xx









Thursday, 9 April 2015

Five on Friday








For this post I am linking up with Amy on her lovely blog Love Made My Home for Five on Friday.  She has made a logo to add to your blog if you join in, unfortunately due to my lack of computer skills I haven't been able to add it.  But do pop over to her blog and have a look, even better join in, I'm sure you will have more success than me adding the logo.

This is my first Five on Friday, where do I begin?




1.  On a dark, dark hill







Having grandchildren has given me the excuse to dig out the children's books from the loft.  Funny bones  by the wonderful Janet and Allan Ahlberg was one of their favourites, and is now a favourite of our grandchildren.  On a dark, dark hill there was a dark, dark town.......  What is/was your children's favourite?


2. Muggles Alley







 I love the scene in Harry Potter where they go to Diagon Alley hidden away from muggles. 
  On our recent visit to London Anna recommended going to Neal's Yard, it felt like a muggles secret Diagon Alley.  Lovely shops hidden away in an alleyway full of colour.



3.  Liberty Love








Planning a new quilt with lovely Liberty fabric gathered over the last five years.  Watch this space!


4. Three ingredients






Cauliflower, Cumin, Olive Oil....... Roast.


5. Yellow Weeds







The joy of my wild garden where the grass doesn't get cut and yellow weeds grow.

Chickpea xx