Inspiration from unlikely sources

It sometimes saddens me that I don’t have the same allocation of time as I once did for blogging. I am woefully behind on reading all of my favourite blogs, it may be impossible to read everything ever typed. If I was perhaps more organised, I would arrange my posts at the start of the week, timing them to post every other day. But the thing is, that’s not what blogging is about for me. It reflects my life in a particular moment in time. Something may have caught my eye that I feel the need to express an opinion on. Or I’ve made something that I am keen to share. I am envious of organised bloggers who consistently write engaging posts. But alas, it’s not my way. Thank you all for sticking with me and sharing your thoughts and comments on my posts. I truly appreciate it.

My flat is pretty free from distraction. I have no internet, nor a television. The evening’s entertainment mostly consists of reading – I’m working my way through the stock at the library! For days when I’m not at work, I find it much easier to fall into my writing. I’m currently working on a teen fiction fantasy novel, which is still in the planning stages. But I have begun actual writing on another project, a non-fiction piece. And this is the book that prompted me to write it . . .

My partner bought this with a voucher and was quite pleased with his purchase. Being an inquisitive cook, I decided to take a gander at it’s pages. I found it disappointing, but my boyfriend accused me of being unfair. For a beginner’s book, it does have basic recipes regarded most suitable for students; Bolognese, omelettes and so many versions of the same mayonnaise-laden pasta salad, I lost count. Sure, it’s fine. By solely using this book, it would nourish you better than takeaways.

But the book did serve a purpose. It prompted something in me that I felt the need to respond to. And so, I’m writing my own student advice book. It’s a recipe book, a funny book, an advice book and an all-encompassing document on student life and how to deal with it. I feel qualified to write such a piece after three years at University. I’m hoping it will evolve into something quite special.

Doing it right

Today I went shopping and it was glorious. The purse strings were able to be loosened a little this morning and I had wonderful time meandering around the local charity shops. I also popped into a couple of other high street shops in search of presents in lieu of an ample amount of birthdays in the pipeline. I can’t show pictures, just in case a birthday girl catches a glimpse, but let’s just say I’m very pleased with my purchases. I did pick up one item for myself.

There is a talk of visiting this fine country in the future and what better way to begin my research than with a book about its famous food. I’m hoping it will tell me more about the varying regions and some origins of the classics.

I was also lucky enough to find reduced bread in Waitrose. I’m only buying my bread reduced now, I can’t honestly afford it full price and as long as you’re patient, you’ll normally come up with the goods. I’ve visited Waitrose three times this week in search of reduced bread, and today was my lucky day. A loaf of seeded bread and four seeded rolls for the same price as one branded loaf. That’s shopping done right.

I had a pleasant time this afternoon playing on my 3DS and baking flapjack. I tried a new recipe, using honey instead of golden syrup. It made a large dent in my rations, my jar of honey and box of oats still has to last me the month. But it did yield a good amount of golden bars. The sweet ration is running low, as you can imagine, so I need to bake to make sure I don’t polish off the eclairs!

I’m learning lessons whilst on this ration plan, and I’m going to make adaptations next month. I do think I’m going to stick with it though – my grocery bill is low, I feel healthier and I waste nothing. Not that I wasted much before, but I was guilty of having crisps for dinner or sweets for lunch on more than one occasion. My eating habits are better and I feel better because of it. Don’t fix it if it’s not broken.