November 2018: Gratitude

I forgot to breathe in October… something about being away all summer, then literally just playing catch up all September and October. No breathing, just drowning, racing, gasping for air – and then I stopped for coffee and it was all good again. But that was last month… I shall, however, embrace November and GRATITUDE.

Here’s how I am planning to do November…if anyone is interested at all.

Set aside an hour to read

Every night, I fall fast asleep a few pages into my Kindle. Despite my best efforts. I spend the next night re-reading the same pages. I don’t know how I ever actually complete a whole book! I don’t mean to sit down for a solid hour to read each day – I am not sure I can. I like to procrastinate about the many other things I need to get done – so, if I do a solid 20min read, I would be quite thankful!

I just-started Gallipoli by Peter Fitzsimmons, after 6 months. Of course, I can’t remember what I read 6 months ago, so I’ve had to restart. It’s not on the Kindle, it is a mammoth book I can barely hold in one hand… so, it’s not just a mental effort, it’s a physical effort to read!

I am thankful I actually do have time to read.

Sort out my winter wardrobe

It’s been a rather warm October. I’ve literally packed my shorts away, only to retrieve it the following day. Pull out the thermals, put them away and then out again only to wear them the next week. But winter is definitely around the corner, and skiing season is upon us – oh joy! I need to re-jig the light layers I wear and pull out the heavy duty coats, sweaters and 200g merino thermals. Oh and the thermal fleece-lined work-out leggings!

I still have buttons floating in the drawer somewhere. From last year when they fell off a coat. This is probably a good time to sew those stray buttons back on!

Are there any clothes in the back of my cupboard that have just sat there for the last three years? Can I donate any? Because let’s face it, those kids aren’t going to grow into it. I think we’ve surpassed that!

Let’s do a charity run in November, and be grateful that I am warm.

Be social and dare to entertain

Must do it now! Being so close to December (that crazy, party, festive season)! I need to just get on with it and sort something out with friends. Last year, we did manage to pull off a successful bonfire night (and within a week’s notice too)! This is quite unlike me. I am a procrastinator – whom should we have over, will they all gel, what should we cook. OMG what if every plate we bring out is a disaster? How do we coordinate bringing out all the dishes together and keeping them hot, edible and complementary? And then it falls in the oh-it’s-all-too-hard basket, let’s just go out instead! Hence, the DO IT NOW.

But how do I just do it now and actually pull it off well? I think we’ll need to keep it simple, maybe just lunch. Something simple, don’t overthink… Yes, easier said than done. But friends really don’t mind, it’s just the company. And that’s what I need to keep in mind. Maybe I should do a bring-a-plate lunch… but I do love Vanilla Beige’s (I think rather extravagant) Cookbook Club dinner parties.

I’m grateful for friends. Thank you for understanding me, helping me settle into London, listening to my anxieties and for big hugs when I need – or even when I don’t. You know who you are!

This is my favourite cold weather easy entertaining recipe from chowhound.com. An Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork… Maybe i’ll serve this.

Advent Calendar

Yes! It’s that time of the year again. I reiterate. Crazy. Party. Festive season. Which means it’s also time to do my DIY Advent Calendar.

No, I still have not made little canvas bags to re-use each year. No, I still have not got my sewing machine fixed. I am utterly useless. I love this project, though it drives me completely insane and I often wonder why I do it when halfway through the process. But I love the joy and anticipation on my daughters’ faces when they see the little parcels hung on our bannister and they read what they have to do each day.

I am thankful for having a beautiful, slightly mad, slightly quirky and totally caring and loving family.

DOWNLOAD CALENDAR FOR NOVEMBER 2018: GRATITUDE

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