There's no getting away from it, this February the UK has been very, very wet. In my old life I'd jet away to Cape Town at this time of year and come back refuelled and ready for Spring. Now, life and children mean that escaping to the sun for a month is no longer an option and we've got to find a way to get through this short but somewhat challenging month on (damp) British soil. So we have been finding joy in the rare ray of sunshine, slow self care routines, spring bulbs, a birthday celebration, beach walks, delicious food, pancakes on pancake day and progress on our house projects. Here's a little round up...
RITUALS
Early morning baths while the house still sleeps and when we 'eat the frog' - meaning we tackle the most challenging or important tasks—the 'frog'—first thing in the morning. The idea is that you deal with the tricky things before the day begins and by doing so you overcome procrastination, reduce anxiety and increase productivity for the rest of the day. Apparently, it comes from Mark Twain who wrote, "Eat a live toad the first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day." And you know what, it totally works.
We follow this with a plethora of supplements, the new non negotiable being Wild Nutrition Collagen 500 and then Ankhway Mushroom Gummies, because Instagram told us to. I also swear by Symprove probiotics which has been a staple for a few years now.
NATURE
Making the most of a rare glimmer of sunshine and heading to the nature reserve in Rye. Big skies and the sun shining on the sea is life affirming, and a glimpse of Norton’s Cabin, sometimes known as “Uncle’s Shed", the red roofed hut that gives Wes Anderson vibes is aways on the agenda.
Norton's Cabin. Image: SecretMoona
ESCAPE
More restorative time in nature and a stay at The Little Mill in Abergavenny, helped fill some half term days with slow, nostalgic childhood memories. The sun came out, so we visited an ancient chapel followed by a mooch around Baileys Store for some epic curation inspiration
The Little Mill, Abergavenny
GOOD FOOD
Highlights have been the new Maiz in Peckham Rye where the spicy margs are as good as the tacos, just as Jimi Famurewa says in his review of newly named 'Pexico'. We've also had an excellent fish supper at Rock a Nore Kitchen in Hastings where the whitebait was some of the best we've ever eaten and the plaice with samphire and burnt butter was outrageous in its fishy buttery-ness. At home we have been living off a heady iron rich green pasta with cavolo nero, which feels like it will keep help any winter colds at bay - Alexandra Dudley has a great recipe that we have on repeat (along with pretty much everything she makes - and spoiler alert - she has a new book out and will be in store to sign copies soon - which is SO exciting!)
Maiz, Peckham
HOME
We've got doors going in in Hastings and planning submitted in Peckham... which feels like quite an achievement even though the road for these projects feels soooo very long....
Peckham & Hastings House Plans