january, untangled | 2018
So here I am at the beginning of my rather self-indulgant journey through 2018, attempting to embrace each month as it is, accepting all and appreciating the little things.
January is great month to start this practice, the month we all love to hate. It has been grey, wet and gloomy for much of the month in England but for once I've opened my heart (and eyes) and enjoyed all the wonderful things that go on just outside of our attention.
Hellebore glory, punchy yellow gorse, the first sprinkling of snowdrop -s and a cool breeze when walking the dog. These things have made me happy this month and below is a list of everything I mention in January Reflections.
Doing
Insight Timer - such an awesome meditation app, it's kept me on track for the whole of January and can be found here: https://insighttimer.com/
Yoga with Adriene - I love her, her yoga workouts are the best on YouTube and her channel can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene/videos
Reading
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine - read this book and rejoice in all things Eleanor and perhaps be convinced to say what you really think every once in a while :)
Winter: An Anthology for the Changing Seasons - a sure-fire way to learn how to appreciate our chilly, coldest season full of beauty and grace.
The Almanac: A Seasonal Guide to 2018 - I love this book and will be buying one every year, can't seem to put it down.
Buying (well not really but you know what I mean, well you will if you watch the video)
Merkababox - just about the best holistic, mystical, magical monthly subscription box EVER! You can find them here http://www.merkababox.com/ prepare to be delighted.
Eating
My complete obsession with the humble sweet potato led me to making this soup quite a few times this month, experiment with the amount of chilli flakes you use until you reach the desired heat - you want it hot enough to feel but not have it burn like fire! You don't need to chop everything up super small or neatly as it's all going in the blender anyway, hurrah!
Quick Sweet Potato Soup
You will need:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion chopped
2 cloves of garlic sliced or crushed
2 or 3 sweet potatoes cubed
2 tsp of chilli flakes (or 1 fresh red chilli, 2 if you're feeling brave)
1 tsp of cinnamon
1 tsp paprika
1 litre of vegetable stock (I use Marigold Bouillon)
Lightly heat the onion and garlic in a pan and then add the sweet potato cubes, chilli, cinnamon and paprika. Give it a good stir round and then add the stock. Bring to a boil and then simmer for twenty minutes or so. Bung it all in a blender and give it a whizz and voila! you have amazing, creamy, super nutritious soup. I put it back in the pan to heat through and season it to taste. You can serve it with a big dollop of greek yoghurt (or vegan versions) if you like.
