Blogging and Inspiration

Ahh... new inspiration for both my home and wardrobe. 

This week a lovely reader, Anu from Finland, left me a wonderful comment and a great blog recommendation MuotiMielessa. One little peek and I was smitten. Anne Malia has serious grown up style both in her home and wardrobe - simple, sleek and stylish.

Blogging is very much a two way process. I feel flattered when I receive comments saying that I inspire others but quite honestly the comments that you leave me here inspire me beyond words. Via my little blog I have connected with many like minded people and bloggers here in the UK and around the world. And a recommendation like this makes my day. 

Thank you - you inspire me xo

Minimalist Monday: My Minimalist Wardrobe Lessons

With the weather changing and the chances of warm summer clothes wearing days diminishing it's time for an autumn/winter wardrobe rethink. 

Project 333 has taught me that my wardrobe predictions are often wildly wrong. When planning a capsule wardrobe you can't predict the weather, every social occasion and your every fashion whim for the next three months. My summer minimalist wardrobe successes were my linen trousers, two dresses and wrap cardigans. The heat and a few extra pounds gained on holiday meant loose and floaty items were more favoured than tight garments like jeans (especially skinny jeans). I've learnt that I wear jeans a lot in autumn and winter - usually with tunic dresses and ankle boots- but never on my summer holidays. 

An unexpectedly warm summer means that some of my wardrobe staples have had a rest. Rather than dreaming of new purchases I'm keen to get back into wearing jeans, knitted tunics and chunkier cardigans - items that have lain dormant for the last three months. 

Last year's winter minimalist wardrobe list will be re-written - some items will remain, others sold, and a few given another chance. All my clothes have plenty of life left in them but if I were to choose anything new it would be a versatile dress - something that could be worn casually with thick tights, a cardigan and boots but with the potential to be glammed up with heels. But this is a want not a need and for the moment I'm hoping I can get my fashion kicks from re-working what I've currently got.

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Irresistably Easy Tarka Dhal

Here is my recipe for tarka dhal - requested by Saving For Travel. I enjoy Indian side dishes even more than main courses but have always bought them as ready meals before. Tarka dhal is quite cheap as a ready meal but even cheaper if you make it yourself (and makes about 4 times the quantity). If you have the spices in your stock cupboard then this is an incredibly cheap and nutritious meal - you'd be daft not to have a go at cooking it yourself.

I've made my tarka dhal quicker, easier and healthier than some versions (I use less oil). The longest part of the preparation process is cooking the peas but otherwise it's quick to prepare. It can be made without a food processor and the only essential fresh ingredient needed is an onion. I've recently been using ginger preserved in white wine vinegar (I use Very Lazy Ginger - £1.50 for a 115g jar). As it's already peeled and sliced it's a great time saver. We have a stir fry most weeks and my jar lasts longer than a month. You could try using your own preserved ginger - something I may have a go at sometime (I've heard vodka is a good preservative!) 

So here's my tarka dhal. Creamy, comforting - a cheap and nutritious meal to revel in. I hope you enjoy it.

You will need

250g dried yellow split peas 
I litre water
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped as finely as you can
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp dried chilli flakes (adjust according to taste)
1- 2 tsp of ginger chopped (I use Very Lazy Ginger)
400g carton chopped tomatoes  
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp garam masala
1 ½ tsp ground coriander

Method

Rinse the split peas in running cold water (no need to pre-soak). In a pan add the peas to the water and bring to the boil. As the water boils, skim off the froth that forms. Reduce the heat, add a lid to the pan and simmer the lentils for approximately 35 minutes or until the peas are mushy and nearly all the water has been absorbed. Once cooked mash the lentils with a fork or whisk and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat the oil and add the cumin seeds for a few seconds until they sizzle and release their wonderful aroma. Add the onion, ginger and chilli flakes and cook until the onions begin to brown. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and add the remaining spices. Cook for 10-15 minutes and then add the cooked lentils. Add extra water if the mixture becomes too thick or begins to stick (a loose consistency is ideal as this dish thickens quickly once cooked).

For extra pizzazz stir through chopped coriander and a good squeeze of lemon juice.

Serves 4 as a main dish. Eat with bread, rice and salad or as a side dish with other curries.

Variations
Fresh chopped tomatoes, ginger and chilli (red look wonderful against the golden dhal) can be used, but will add to the preparation time. Other spices such as cardamon pods, cloves and asafoetida can be used in addition to ring the changes. I have omitted garlic as a personal preference (because there are so many layers of flavour I don't think this dish needs a garlic kick). Chilli powder could also be used instead of chilli flakes or in addition.

Autumn's Realm

Early this morning I had my first autumn moment. Hooked on summer I'd forgotten how beautiful autumn can be. Here are my words.

Through morning mist

a spider's web

traps

last night's raindrops. 

A leaf falls

and lost in the moment

I step onto a jewelled carpet

into autumn's realm.

Time layers nature's beauty.

So darkness creeps

as summer falters

and autumn takes the crown.

Minimalist Monday: Say Yes to Less

When I look back at my overspending past and relive the feelings of those times I know I'm in a happier place these days. 

The adrenalin rush of a new purchase, the acclaim received from sharing my new wares with friends, the pride as I gloated in my good taste and trend spotting skills were all short lived. It must have been, because each new purchase was never enough; my wardrobe was never complete, my house never quite finished and I never did outwit those trend setters. The guilt of overspending and the inevitable chaos of managing those multiplying possessions continually overwhelmed me.

Mending my spendthrift ways was hard - dealing with the physical clutter was emotionally draining and adjusting to a lower income was a challenge. 

A smaller house, fewer belongings and less commitments can feel restrictive. There are times I wish I had a bigger house, more kitchen gadgets or a certain item of clothing but I've learnt to manage and have used creativity and flexibility to make less work. I've developed discipline and non-attachment to material gains and my happiness now comes from simple pleasures that cost little or nothing. I still buy new things and enjoy treating myself occasionally but my spending is now mindful rather than careless. And I'm no longer in a rush to have it all.

If you believe in less you can make less work. Your life will not be perfect but it would not have been anyway. Your home and wardrobe will never be complete even if you chase perfection. 

Nearly three years later after reading about the cult of less and beginning my journey of decuttering and downsizing I feel my life is richer despite being simpler. 

Deciding that I had enough and a curiosity to see if less could make me happier was the start. 

I'm not done yet but I'm glad I said yes to less.

52 Weeks of Happy (47/52)

Hi there and hello September! This week it's been all about changing gear and seasons as we settle into work/school/ uni-preparation mode. The thought of it all was unsettling but the reality has actually been quite exciting. I feel a new buzz of energy and determination to savour my happy moments especially as my eldest has two weeks left at home before uni. An eighteen year old can be good company and very useful too as he hones his cooking skills, offers us lifts and even empties the ironing basket. 

Joining in with the lovely Jen from Little Birdie, here's my dose of joy from the past week.

♥ These lilies. A gorgeous gift from my parents-in-law when they visited after their return from France. A week later they are gorgeous, strong and heavily scented. Such a treat, thank you.
♥ September weather. OK, we've had torrential rain this week but also a mini heatwave and an amazing sunset on Thursday. We've been spoilt this summer in the UK and I've enjoyed every dry, sunny moment. 
♥ Food. Every week has its happy foodie moments. Last weekend we visited our local food festival and came away with these Packington Free Range pasties. Mouth wateringly yummy. 
♥ My new glasses. No photo - as yet - but I'm pleased that I've overcome my fear of glasses and been brave enough to settle for some signature jade coloured specs. Another change. And hey, I have better vision and a whole new look.

Wishing you a very good weekend and great week.

Be happy xo

September Goals: Back to School

September. A clean page, a fresh start and a great time to set some new goals. After the freedom of summer, routine, rules and rigour are what I need. Here are my September goals:

Reading – I hope to keep my summer reading momentum going. There are so many books I'd like to read but I need to plan in more time for this. I've also finally got round to ordering some new glasses which I'm now looking forward to wearing.
Writing – after doing some freelance writing this summer I'm keen to do more (paid or voluntary).
Maths – I need to stick to a budget and keep tight reins on my spending. I'm keeping a spending diary and a list of the comparative cost of items to keep me in check. Menu planning and researching new recipes is time consuming but essential to eating well on a budget.
Creativity – I'd like to experiment with new recipes and also a few house projects too.
Playtime – life can be too scheduled and too much like a perpetual to-do list. Each week I plan to make time for some fun. Low-cost regular treats, outings, getting outside and seeing friends and family will brighten my autumn days. 
Uniform – I'm quite excited about the arrival of autumn and the opportunity to layer. I will be creating a minimalist autumn wardrobe from my existing clothes with no new purchases planned. 

Quite a challenge but you've got to aim high, haven't you?

Do you have any goals for September?

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Austerity Angst

Leftovers - tomatoes, bread, red onion, mozzarella and home grown herbs

There is no doubt about it we are living in more austere times than many of us have known in our lifetimes.

In the UK this week there has been much furore over Jamie Oliver's comments on the shopping habits of those on lower incomes. With his new book to promote, Save with Jamie, Oliver has been speaking out about the spending choices of the poorest families, commenting on their purchases of large TVs, takeaways in styrofoam trays and reliance on supermarkets for shopping. 

I'm not surprised that Oliver has riled both the public and the press with these comments but this is nothing new from the Minister of Food. At least he is is consistent in his courting of controversy and with a new book to promote we all know that there is no such thing as bad publicity. He also received much criticism for championing local markets over supermarkets, and, since he earned a lot of money by working for Sainsbury's supermarket, who can blame his critics? 

If you gloss over Oliver's often naive 'non-judgmental' comments in this week's Radio Times some good points are made by both Oliver and Martin Lewis (MoneySavingExpert).

• Food spending is a big part of most people's budgets – second only to mortgage/rent fees for most.
• Many of us waste food – 40% on average per family according to Oliver.
• Culturally, home cooking is not as valued as convenience in the UK.
• Bulk-buying, batch freezing, shopping with a list and using food beyond its “sell-by” date will save you money.
• It costs more money to be poor (pre-paid gas and electric meters for example).

I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking of many more ways of saving money on food than those mentioned by Oliver and Lewis. 

• Don't be brand loyal to food products - most budget brands are fine.
• Shop around and don't be loyal to supermarkets (if you have a break from shopping at a supermarket they often lure you back with offers, especially if you shop online).
• Use comparison food sites.
• Buy reduced food in supermarkets (usually late evening onward) but only if you like the item.
• Buy from German supermarkets.
• Use Approved Food for luxury items that are heavily discounted.
• Grow your own veg and herbs however small your home (I've seen lettuce growing on top of canal boats).
• Buy seasonal veg.
• Buy frozen veg.
• Eat more meat free meals.
• Adapt recipes – use dried herbs instead of fresh, substitute ingredients or leave them out if they're not essential to the cooking process or flavour.
• Cooking from scratch will save you money.
• Menu plan for a week or longer.
• Keep a spending log.
• Experiment with paying with cash when shopping to stop impulse buying..
• Freeze leftovers however small.
• Regularly stock take your cupboards, fridge and freezer.
• You don't need expensive equipment to produce good food but preparation may take longer.
• Share the cost of buy one get one free (especially if bulky) with a friend or nearby family member.
• Read frugal living blogs for new recipes and ideas (many now itemise ingredient costs and give other helpful hints).
• Borrow recipe books from friends or the library - Jamie has donated thousands of his current book free to many libraries in the UK.
• Encourage everyone in your house to cook, then you all benefit. 
• Don't see cooking as a chore - it has multiple benefits and research suggests that it is helpful for depression.
• If you want to treat yourself support local food producers rather than buying goods from celebrity chefs - check out your local farmer's market.
• Give home cooked gifts as presents.
• Don't shop when you're hungry.

This week (on BBC 4's Woman's Hour) Oliver admitted that some of his remarks shouldn't have been made and he also pointed out that his recipes aren't really aimed at those living on or below the line. This was clear from the first episode of his new series last night. Although he offered some good recipe ideas they did require an extensively stocked store cupboard and a food processor - there wasn't a battered old frying pan or casserole dish in sight. And there was some obvious product placement in there of both Uncle Ben's rice and Oliver's own kitchen products.

What do you think of the debate? Did you watch this new series? Have you any more tips for saving money on food?