The Wednesday Hodgepodge #40

I hope you are all having a good week? It's Wednesday which means it's time to join in with the Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce who blogs at From This Side of the Pond! Each week there are 6 questions, we answer and then link up. Simple!

1. I live in the south so we're pretty much only talking about the weather right now. Give us a weather report from where you live. Does the kind of weather you're having today affect your mood in some way?

Right now, here in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, the weather is doing that very British thing where it can’t quite decide what it wants to be. I’m writing this on Sunday afternoon and we’re looking at a couple of grey, gloomy, damp days. The temperature is hovering around 5C (42F) which is cold enough to make you sigh when you step outside. Wednesday is apparently going to be sunny, dry and bright with temperatures reaching a thrilling 8C (47F). I know that doesn’t sound impressive but at this time of year I will take what I can get. The rest of the week is wet and grey! Ugh!

When it’s wet and grey out, I just feel a bit flat from the moment I look outside. My motivation disappears. I don’t want to start anything, I don’t want to finish anything and I definitely don’t want to be enthusiastic about laundry or housework but then when there is a bright day, like midweek, I will get a boost of motivation and I feel like I can take on the world which will hopefully see me through to the weekend when I don't mind it being grey and wet because weekends are meant for Pjs and cosy days at home.

2. Avocados, kale, cauliflower and cottage cheese have all had their time to shine. 2026 brings us the year of the cabbage. Is this a vegetable you like? If so, what are some of your favorite dishes that call for cabbage?

If you’d asked me this a year ago, I would have said absolutely not. I hated cabbage unless it was shredded into coleslaw. Then last year we were out for Sunday lunch at a pub and cabbage came with my roast dinner. Normally, I’d push it to the side of the plate and pretend it wasn’t there but for some reason I tried it and I loved it. It was green cabbage with bits of bacon and full of flavour, nothing like the cabbage I remembered from my childhood. The following week it was red cabbage and again I loved it too. I’ve tried making it at home since and it’s just not the same. I don’t know what pubs do with cabbage but whatever it is, my version is never quite the same.

3. Was a Cabbage Patch Doll a part of your childhood? Or maybe your children's childhood? What's a toy trend from your childhood you remember wanting for your own?

I remember being at primary school and someone brought a doll in to play Jesus in the school nativity and it was a Cabbage Patch Doll! I fell in love with it instantly. They were the ugliest looking things but all my friends seemed to have one but I never got one. Hmmf.

The toy I asked for every single Christmas and never got was Mr Frosty. If you grew up in the UK, you know, that little fella promised endless slush puppy drinks and endless joy. Looking back, my mum was probably imagining the mess and she was right. In a moment of madness I bought Ellie one about 10 years ago, the Frozen Olaf slush maker which was basically Mr Frosty in a different outfit. It was useless. It didn’t crush the ice, it didn’t make proper slush and it just made a mess! My mum was right!

4. Something you've spent a lot of time doing lately?

I’ve spent a lot of time decluttering lately and it’s one of those things that starts off small and suddenly takes over your life. I’ll go in to sort one cupboard and come out with three bags and a pile of "why do we even own this" items. I’m trying to take it slowly this time. I’ve learned that if I go too hard too fast I get fed up with it and want to avoid it altogether. So I’m doing bits here and there, stopping before I hit that wall and reminding myself that it doesn’t all need doing at once.

5. Somehow it's the last week of January...sum up your month in just three sentences.

January flew by instead of dragging, which feels like a small miracle. I started the month full of cold but now I feel better than I have in ages. It actually feels like I’ve got loads done, which is not the usual January I am used to.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Question number 2 has really got me thinking, mainly about how pubs and restaurants have some sort of secret power when it comes to food, especially vegetables. Things I would normally not eat at home taste amazing when I am out. Cabbage is a prime example. I am thinking when someone else has cooked it, served it to you and will handle all the washing up afterwards, it just tastes better. I feel the exact same way at home when Stu cooks. Even if he follows the exact same recipe I would, it somehow ends up tasting nicer and I find myself appreciating every bite. When I cook, I’m thinking about the mess, the timing, what still needs doing afterwards and whether I can be bothered to wash that pan straight away or leave it to soak. When he cooks, I just turn up and eat and there's no thinking involved. I think pubs do have a magic touch but I’m fairly sure the real ingredient to enjoying a meal fully is not having to be involved.

My favourite spot in my house: My armchair!

Every house has that spot, the place you automatically head to without thinking, the place your body just knows is home and for me, it isn’t my bed although that is tempting, it isn’t the kitchen as there's too much responsibility there and it definitely isn’t anywhere involving laundry. It’s my armchair! My chair, my spot, the throne. Hehehe

It’s not fancy, it doesn’t recline at the touch of a button or look like something out of a show home but it fits me. It was actually 2nd hand when we got it along with the sofa but it was like brand new. I've been sitting in it for seven years so I think it is holding up well. The cushions are perfectly squished, the arms are at just the right height and there’s a very specific dip where I sit that no one else is allowed to comment on. Everyone in the house knows it’s mine. They can sit in it but they know they shouldn’t and if they do, they’ll get the look.

It’s where I blog from most days with my laptop balanced on my knees and a blanket thrown over my legs even in summer, I think it is a comfort thing. This chair has supported hundreds of blog posts, half finished drafts and those moments where I stare into space wondering how on earth to word what’s in my head. All of my favourite posts started right here. No desk, no fancy setup, just me, my thoughts and my chair. There’s something about sitting here that makes the words come out easier, maybe because I’m relaxed or because I’m surrounded by the normal noise of home. This chair is my writing place!

It’s also my TV watching spot. Whether it’s rubbish daytime telly, something I’ve seen a thousand times or something dramatic that has me shouting at the screen like the characters can hear me. This chair has held me through laugh out loud moments and emotional ones where I pretend I’m fine while reaching for a tissue. 

It’s where I’ve had some of the biggest conversations with my girls. Now that they’re grown our chats are different. Sometimes more serious than I ever expected when they were little. This chair has been the backdrop for talks about life, relationships, worries, plans, mistakes and everything in between. Some conversations start casually. Me sat here, one of them perched on the sofa and suddenly we’re talking about something important without meaning to. Other times one of them will come and sit on the arm of the chair or on the floor nearby and I know it’s about to be one of those chats. It’s where I’ve learned to listen more and to talk with them instead of at them. I've laughed here. Proper belly laughs and I've also cried here, quiet tears, angry tears. This chair has held me while I’ve been strong for my family and then broke down when I am all alone.

When I feel like I’ve done enough for one day, I come here, sit down and breath. Sometimes I scroll mindlessly, sometimes I plan things and sometimes I do absolutely nothing. It’s where I sit with a hot drink and let it go cold because I forgot it was there, where I snack and where I tell myself I’ll get up in a minute and then don’t.

There’s something nice about having a place that doesn’t expect anything from you. I can just sit here and be. This armchair has seen every version of me. Tired me, motivated me, emotional me, happy me and overthinking me at 11pm when the house is quiet and my brain goes into overdrive. I think that’s why it’s my favourite spot, not because it’s the nicest piece of furniture but because it’s part of my life.

It might be just an armchair but it’s also my creative space, my comfort zone, my front row seat to family life and my little bit of calm in a busy house and if you’re wondering no, you still can’t sit in it.

What or where is your happy place in your home?

Our weekly meal plan! 26th Jan - 1st Feb! #MealPlanningMonday

Hello and happy Monday! Writing the title for this blog post did make me smile, at the end of this week we're into February and one step closer to lighter nights and warmer weather. I feel like I should complain about the weather. For once it hasn't been that cold here but it has been wet. I caught something on the news the other day saying we'd had a months rain fall in just a few days. Eek!

We had a really good weekend which always helps me head into a new week in a better mood. We were all home, which doesn’t happen that often anymore and I love it when it does. Saturday evening was simple, we all ate together and then we settled down in front of the TV. Sunday followed the same theme: very little effort, lots of movies and a fair amount of eating. Sometimes those are the best days, especially when the weather outside isn't great!

Last weeks meal plan went great! All the Gousto meals were of course fantastic but we did end up pushing everything back by a day as Stu and I ate out on Monday. The only meal we skipped was the pork stir fry which was no great loss as everything was coming out of the freezer and cupboards. I felt like I had won the lottery on Thursday when the food shop was delivered, there were no substitutions and unavailable items. It's the first time that has happened in about 6 months. What a treat!

I don't have any massive plans for this week. I have a little craft project to get on with, I started last week building the pieces I needed from Plaster of Paris. I’ll of course share it when it’s finished, assuming it all works out and doesn’t collapse in a pile. Fingers crossed. lol

On the menu this week we have:

Monday - A surprise!

Stu is on cooking duty tonight which means I get the evening off. I have no idea what we’re having which makes it even better. It could be something dug out of the freezer, it could be something he’s decided to make from scratch or it could be a combination of both. I love not having to think about it.

Tuesday - Gousto Meal - Oven Baked Pork Belly & Winter Veg Pot Roast!

This is proper comfort food. It says to cook it in a pan but I ignore that and throw everything into the slow cooker because I like to make life easier where I can. Pork belly, carrots and parsnips in a herby gravy, served with roast potatoes. Ellie usually turns her nose up at anything that comes out of the slow cooker but this is the one exception. She actually asks for it at least once a month which says a lot.

Wednesday - Gousto Meal - One Pot Baked Mushroom Stroganoff Tortiglioni!

This is one of our favourites which still surprises me a bit considering we’re a fairly meat-loving household. Mushrooms, onion and garlic cooked until everything is golden and smells amazing, then mixed with pasta and stock and baked together. It’s topped with soured cream and a sprinkle of paprika.

Thursday - Gousto Meal - Gochujang Beef Udon Noodles!

Gochujang is a thick Korean chilli paste made from red chilli peppers, fermented soybeans, rice and salt and it’s sweet, spicy and a bit savoury all at once. This dish is stir-fried minced beef with sliced carrot and udon noodles, all coated in a glossy sauce that clings to everything in the best way. It’s finished off with toasted sesame seeds which always makes a meal feel fancier than it really is.

Friday - Chippy tea!

We’ll order from the local fish and chip shop everyone will get what they fancy! I know my youngest will get a chicken wrap and fries, Becky will either get spam fritter and chips or a doner kebab and myself and Stu will stick with the classic fish and chips!

Saturday - Gousto Meal - Hot Honey Bacon & Fried Egg Pancakes!

Fluffy buttermilk pancakes with crispy bacon, a fried egg and lashings of hot honey butter for an extra kick. We've had this plenty of times before and really enjoy it!

Sunday - Toad in the Hole, mash and veg!

I’m planning on toad in the hole with mashed potato and veg. It’s easy, filling and doesn’t require much effort, which is exactly what I want on a Sunday evening.

What are you eating this week?

A photo every day for a year! 18th - 24th January! Week 4 of #Project365

I've had a good week. I've not really been up to much but at the same time I've been quite busy. I didn't even have enough to write about for my Word of the Week as it was such a normal, uneventful week, so I jumped on the 2016 trend, sharing some photos and what we were up to 10 years ago.

I was with my dad for two days this week, which was nice. I was helping him out with computer things one day and on Friday I went for my usual catchup but he was called off for a job, so I spent a couple of hours with my brother's partner and son and it was lovely! I always forget how loud and chaotic 5 year olds can be but he's a sweetheart and absolutely adores Ellie. When he wasn't trying to feed us play-dough, he was sitting up on Ellie's knee. Bless him. Hopefully my good week will finish off with a nice weekend because we are all home, well from last night we were. Yesterday, Becky was sleeping off a night shift, Ellie was busy and Stu was at work and by 7pm we were all sat in front of the TV ready to spend some family time together.

Now for a photo every day!

18/365 - 18th January!

The daffodils bloomed and I love them. I bought them over a week ago and they're still going strong. They are a reminder that brighter days are on their way, even if the weather hasn’t quite got the memo yet!

19/365 - 19th January!

Stu and I let the girls fend for themselves and we had a meal out. It was only at Wetherspoons which is cheap and cheerful. It was lovely. Sometimes it’s not about where you go, it’s about who you’re with and the fact you don’t have to cook or wash up afterwards.

20/365 - 20th January!

Hot cross buns! I know some people wait until Easter but Iike them the as soon as they appear on the shelves in the supermarket. Warm, toasted, lots of butter melting into them! Yum!

21/365 - 21th January!

I started a little craft project and was all gung-ho expecting to get it done in one day but no, I had things to build using Plaster of Paris and had to wait for them to set. Patience is not my strong point so this was slightly irritating. At least I have something to keep me busy next week.

22/365 - 22th January!

It rained all day. Miserable, grey, never-ending rain. It was the kind that made me so glad that I didn't have to go anywhere. I stayed inside, pottered about and enjoyed being dry and warm while the weather did its thing outside.

23/365 - 23th January!

The Traitors final. What a series! I was completely hooked right until the very end. The twists, the drama and the stress of it all. I don’t think there was a single episode where I wasn’t shouting at the TV. It’s one of those shows that gets everyone talking and I love that. I was so sure the Traitors would turn on each other so it made a very tense ending. 

24/365 - 24th January!

I chuckle every time I put this T-shirt on. Hehehe

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