Yesterday I woke to find the sky filled with clouds and the internet down. Unable to do any online work, I took a much-needed break and luxuriated in an entire day off grid.
Donning my trusty gum boots I headed outside and got my dog Luna to hang out with me. We had such a good day together. She trotted alongside as I hauled plants and seedlings, sniffed happily around the garden as I made new beds, dug in a load of goat manure, and planted silverbeet, kale, coriander, carrots, basil mint, feverfew, yarrow, red cabbage, thyme, and Brussels sprouts.
My two favorite additions are a big strawberry bed and a rock garden with flowers. Sometimes you need to plant things for pure happiness and pleasure.
When I wasn’t gardening I was in the kitchen, baking and cooking things, tossing Luna bits to nibble on from her sun-drenched napping spot on the floor. I made sweet potatoes spiced with coriander and sesame, spelt quinoa muffins with raisins, and slow-cooked beef with roasted tomatoes and caramelized onions. It was so nice to cook for pleasure without any pressure or time limits.
I loved having time to read through cookbooks and watch old River Cottage episodes with Bear, to linger over coffees and indulge in vanilla ice cream topped with boozy cranberries. It was just what I needed to recharge after a busy week.
Today I’ve been making medieval remedies and photographing them, getting all the details together to complete my manuscript. I’m so excited to see these recipes I’ve carried in my head be in one collection with pictures and details so anyone can make them or be inspired to experiment on their own to find out what works for them.
Now I’m hunkering in for the evening with my little stash of triple-salted black licorice and nail-biting old school “24” episodes.
What simple things are bringing you pleasure this week? xo
Oh, what a lovely approach to a gray and what could have been, dreary day! Felt rested just reading about your fulfilling time to yourself.
Oh how I wish I enjoyed your day! Mine always feel so rushed and busy. We are in the midst of fasting for Ramadan and even with the peacefulness this month brings, I feel rushed. I would love to have some quiet to throughly enjoy this month for prayer and worship. It’s been hard with work, but I take what I can get! Simple pleasures are everywhere, you just have to seek them out! Hope you’re well, Krista xx
I would love some of your triple salted licorice! Do you have it sent over from Denmark? I grew up on it as I have some Dutch relatives who always used to send some over but I find the salt licorice we buy here just isn’t as good. How lovely to have a day off the grid and I do love the bowl that contains your mandarin xx
I love days that are simple like yours was! This weekend I will be snug as a bug under a rug on the couch, for as long as possible 🙂
I think I need that recipe for the slow cooked beef – is it on here? My folks arrive tomorrow so I am in full on clean up mode to get the apartment so Mum approves!!! And stocking up the fridge full of meat for Dad!
What a magical way to do a day. I need to remember to slow down and do days like yours too, although I am lucky I am able to relax and disappear into your world for a few moments just now. Gorgeous pics lady. Have a great weekend. xo
Reading your blog is my pleasure for the week. Thanks for sharing!
Wow Krista! You spend your days so well – simple, productive, pleasurable. What more can one ask for?!
Julie & Alesah
Gourmet Getaways xx
Our day has been gray here as well – it seems that we have had quite a bit of rain recently and I admit to being a bit weary of it! Your attitude is just right!
Hi Krista, I just love that photo of the mandarin, such a pretty vibrant bowl. Thank you for dropping by and commenting on my blog today. xox