The Wednesday Hodgepodge #38

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! It's been a while since I last joined in and I have missed it! Each week there are 6 questions, we answer and then link up. Simple!

1. What kind of winter person are you-snow lover, fireplace snuggler, winter adventurer, or indoor hibernator? Elaborate.

I’m 100% an indoor hibernator! Winter is something I like to admire from a safe distance, preferably through a window with the heating on and a hot drink in my hand! I love how winter looks, it's pretty with the snow falling and icy mornings but I am that person who refuses to step outside unless I really have to because it’s just too cold! Being a hibernator isn’t lazy, it’s smart. I’m conserving energy and mentally preparing myself for spring when suddenly I’ll feel the urge to clean everything, go outside and pretend I’m an outdoorsy person again but for now I will stay inside where my blanket is!

2. The Pantone color of the year is cloud dancer, described as a gentle, billowy off white shade. The color symbolizes 'peace, clarity, quiet reflection, renewal, and a soft reset'. Of the terms just listed which do you need most in your life this winter?

Peace. Definitely peace! I am not even after the unrealistic kind where nothing goes wrong and everyone behaves perfectly but the calm, everyday peace that makes life feel a bit easier. I want peace in my head most of all. Less overthinking, fewer spirals that start with one tiny thought and somehow end up with me questioning my entire life. I also need to stop carrying everyone else’s worries around like they’re mine to sort out. Somewhere along the way I seem to have picked up the role of emotional storage unit and I’m done with that now. Other people are allowed to have problems that don’t require my attention. I need to accept that not everything needs fixing right now. Some things can wait, some things will work themselves out and some things are simply not my responsibility.

3. Every cloud has a silver lining, on cloud nine, head in the clouds, storm clouds gathering, or cloud of suspicion...which 'cloud' idiom do you most relate to currently? Explain.

I would choose Every cloud has a silver lining. Not because everything is amazing all the time, far from it but because I’ve got better at spotting the good bits hiding in the annoying, not so great moments. Like last week, we got a bus and it turns out it went the long way around which I was annoyed with at first but the silver lining was that we weren't sat in the cold bus station waiting for a later bus which was quicker and we got to where we were going at the perfect time instead of being too early. Even in the smaller, everyday stuff I find silver linings. It's freezing out which isn't fun but the silver lining is that no one judges anyone for staying inside where it's warm.

4. Coconut, cauliflower, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, onions, ranch dressing...of the white foods listed, which would be the hardest for you to give up? Do you like all or any of the foods on the list?

I think the ones I’d really struggle to give up would be mayonnaise or onions. Mayonnaise is just one of those things that sneaks into meals and makes it better. Sandwiches feel naked without it, wraps taste dry and it makes salads enjoyable. I eat a lot of onions and they might seem basic but they add so much flavour to everything. In soups, casseroles, on burgers, in stir fries, salads or even raw in sandwiches. Giving them up would make my cooking feel boring!

I’d be okay without coconut, cauliflower, cottage cheese and ranch dressing. Coconut is lovely in desserts or a curry but it’s not something I eat a lot of. I don't like cauliflower at all and only eat cottage cheese with pineapple in it. I don’t really eat ranch dressing because it’s not a big thing over here in the UK. You rarely see it stocked in shops and it’s definitely not a go-to like mayo or salad cream.

5. Thomas Wentworth Higginson is credited with this quote -

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year."

Agree or disagree? Tell us why.

I agree with this one. Winter makes me notice things I'd normally ignore, like the way the sun glints on frosty grass or how amazing a hot drink tastes when I'm freezing. It’s like, without winter we’d just take all the nice, cosy stuff for granted. It can be grim sometimes with dark mornings, frozen toes and all that but that’s what makes the good bits feel so much better. Spring and summer would be boring without winter making us appreciate them so much.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

It is Sunday morning and I had hoped to have a long lie-in but it didn't happen. I was up just after 9am which might seem late to some but I was aiming for at least half past ten! I'm not even sorry, we had no plans for the day and it's raining outside. I remember in my younger years, before my girls were born I could quite easily sleep until lunchtime, having a full 12 hours or even more but as I have got older I find myself sleeping less. I suppose it is a good thing, I can fit more into my day like writing this blog post and for the rest of the day I have nothing planned apart from seeing how many of the Twilight movies I can watch. Hehehe

Share our Lives - Ways to stay warm in Winter!

One of my favourite times of the month is linking up with the Share our Lives bloggers. A new year means a whole new set of prompts which I am very excited about. I think I have some ideas for all of the topics!

Anyway, January's prompt is: Ways to Stay Warm in Winter! I feel like this has came at the perfect time with the freezing temperatures that we have been having here. I am looking forward to reading what all the other bloggers share because I hate the cold, I turn into such a grump when I am cold and it will be nice to get some more ideas on how to stay warm.

Layer like you’re about to trek the Arctic!

This is the most obvious one, wear layers! It is the easiest and most effective way to stay warm. A simple t-shirt, a long sleeve top, a warm jumper and maybe even a cardigan underneath your coat, it all adds up. You stay warmer and you can peel a layer off if you start to get too warm indoors. It’s practical and it works every time! I am sat here today with a vest top, long sleeved top and a sweater. If I get colder I will add my snuddie and then I will probably end up sweating.

Create a warm morning routine!

Have your slippers right by the bed, warm a towel on the radiator and have a cup of tea ready to go. If your mornings feel warm it sets the tone for the whole day. It’s less about temperature and more about slowing down and easing into the day.

Heated blankets!

If you’ve never used an electric blanket just know you’re missing out on a level of comfort that feels illegal. It makes bedtime so much more appealing and it stops that cold shock you get when you first slide under the covers. If you have it say on the sofa it feels like such a luxury, I have a heated blanket which is powered by a USB and costs practically nothing to run.

Hot drinks on repeat!

Tea, hot chocolate, coffee, even soup. Anything warm is good and isn’t just for warming your hands, it warms you from the inside too. It gives you a moment to slow down and relax which is always welcome in the darker months! I have been enjoying soups over the past week or so for my lunch. I've been drinking it out of a mug and I also have a mug of tea on the go so I feel like I am doubling up on the heat!

Wear a scarf indoors!

This sounds odd but it seriously makes a difference. Your neck holds a lot of heat and keeping it warm helps your whole body warm up faster.

Blankets everywhere!

Having blankets dotted around the house is such a simple but lovely way to stay warm. On the sofa, on your bed even draped over your shoulders when you’re pottering about, they add instant comfort.

Thick socks!

Warm feet make such a difference to how warm you feel overall. A good pair of thick socks, the fluffy kind that feel soft and cosy is a winter must have. They’re perfect for cold floors, chilly evenings and days where you just want to feel a little more snug. I have so many pairs of thick socks and I love them.

Using the heating in short bursts!

With heating bills being what they are most of us are trying to be mindful but sometimes you really do need a warm up. Even popping the heating on for an hour can take the edge off, especially in the morning or late evening. It makes the whole house feel more cosy.

Wear fingerless gloves indoors!

If you’re working, typing or doing anything fiddly fingerless gloves keep your hands warm without making you feel clumsy. They’re cosy, practical and surprisingly helpful on long winter days.

Warm meals and baking!

Cooking warm meals or baking yummy is a great way to heat the kitchen while feeding yourself something good. Stews, pasta bakes, roasted vegetables anything that takes a while in the oven brings a little warmth into the room and the meal itself warms you up as well.

Draught stoppers!

Draughts can make a house feel much colder than it actually is. Using draught stoppers on doors can keep the warm air inside and the cold air out which makes a surprising difference. They’re simple, inexpensive and are really effective.

Use the closed door rule!

If a room isn’t in use, shut the door! It helps trap heat where you actually are instead of letting it drift away into the hall or other empty rooms.

Use soft lighting!

Warm lighting makes a room feel cosier. Lamps, fairy lights or even a couple of candles can change the whole atmosphere. It doesn’t technically warm the room but it makes it feel more inviting which counts for a lot during the darker months.

Use a slow cooker as a mini radiator!

If you’re cooking something in a slow cooker leave the lid off for the last half hour. It gently warms the kitchen, smells amazing and feels lovely on a cold day.

So that’s my collection of ways to stay warm without losing your mind to the cold. Winter can be tough but it also gives us permission to slow down, wrap up and find joy in the small cosy things.

How do you stay warm in the winter?

I am linking up with:

Adrienne from Mom Life with Adrienne.

Dara from Not In Jersey.

Jen from Show me & Sweet tea.

Joanne from Slices of Life.

Our weekly meal plan! 12th - 18th January! #MealPlanningMonday

Last week seemed like it really dragged but at the same time it flew over! I spent a lot of it stressing about things that really weren't worth my time and energy, like the buses running late because of the icy roads, Ellie's heart check-up which went well and they will see her again in two years and then I spent a night listening to the wind worrying about the damage it was causing, there was none! This week is a new week and so far I can't think of anything that needs worrying about and it's going to be a fully back to normal week with everyone where they should be.

Last weeks meal plan went really well. We ate everything apart from the fish fingers on Friday. I had been out at my dad's for most of the day, a lot longer than I had planned and it was lovely. He showed me the work he had been doing on his vintage car, his workshop which is getting a makeover and his new tractor thing which he is very proud of. He's still very busy considering he was retiring about 3 years ago. lol By the time I had got home and warmed up, I didn't feel like cooking so we got a takeaway. So much for not getting takeaways but it felt needed and in our defence, we didn't eat out on Thursday so it felt like a bit of girl math. Not spending money on eating out means we could get the takeaway.

On the menu this week we have:

Monday - Gousto Meal - Marmite Beef & Onion Pastry Pie With Peas!

A nice, hearty meal which seemed perfect for the weather we've been having but today is supposed to be a lot warmer. If the weather forecast is to believed it's going to be around 10°C, that's practically spring weather! This beef and onion pie is slow cooked in Marmite enriched gravy. Marmite is something we don't usually love but I've used it in a few Gousto recipes and it has have always gone down well.

Tuesday - Gousto Meal - Southern Thai-Style Chicken Panang Curry!

This is a new recipe to us and it sounds interesting. A fragrant curry inspired by Southern Thai cuisine. With a punchy panang-style sauce with chicken, peanut butter, coconut and red curry paste served with rice and crispy onions.

Wednesday - Gousto Meal - Smoky Hunters Chicken With Sweet Potato Mash & Greens!

Another new recipe for us. Chicken smothered in a smoky BBQ sauce with plenty of cheese. Served with sweet potato mash and garlicky greens.

Thursday - Omelette!

Hopefully I am back on track with getting the grocery delivery delivered on Friday so Thursday will be about using up leftovers out of the fridge and popping them into an omelette.

Friday - Fish fingers, chips and baked beans!

We'll try this meal again. Fish fingers out of the freezer, homemade chips and tinned baked beans.

Saturday - Gousto meal - Creamy Sausage & Red Onion Tart!

Flaky puff pastry topped with soft cheese, caramelised red onions and sausage! We have had this meal before and we really do enjoy it.

Sunday - Sausages, mashed potatoes and vegetables!

Easy and filling. A perfect way to end the week.

What are you eating this week?

A photo every day for a year! 4th - 10th January! Week 2 of #Project365

As this post goes live, I will 100% still be in bed with no intention of getting out of it because I feel like I have deserved a long lie in. lol The first week back to normality after Christmas is always the hardest, plus I didn't sleep well on Wednesday night because my brain decided it was the perfect time to catastrophise about Ellie’s routine heart check-up and all the things the doctor might say. It was a waste of my energy because the news was OK. Her valves are leaking more than they were, which sounds scary written down but the big thing is she doesn’t need to go back for another two years. I’ll take that win!

Since just before Christmas it feels like my family and I have all been sharing one long, stubborn cold. None of us have had a full-blown cold where you can justify lying on the sofa feeling sorry for yourself. We’ve had an annoying version where we get one symptom each. I started with a tickly cough. Becky had a chesty one. Ellie had a permanently snotty nose. Stu’s nose was blocked with bonus sinus pressure for extra fun. Just as one of us started to feel better, the symptoms shuffled around. Now I’ve got a chesty cough, Becky’s mostly better apart from a tickly cough, Stu’s blocked nose has turned into a tap and Ellie’s back to being blocked up. It’s exhausting and boring, January germs can just get in the bin! lol

Now for a photo every day!

4/365 - 4th January!

I finally got around to watching Wicked: For Good and I really enjoyed it. I’m still annoyed at myself for not seeing it at the cinema but life got busy. Watching it at home was still lovely and renting it for one watch was probably cheaper than cinema tickets, snacks and a drink. I watched it curled up, under a blanket with no one kicking my seat and I could pause it if I needed a bathroom break or drink.

5/365 - 5th January!

This photo is my official reminder to always, always check supermarket offers. You know the ones that look like a bargain but really aren’t. A pack of 80 teabags for £3.74 or two packs of 40 for £4. Same amount of tea. Different price. I know it’s only 26p, but those little amounts add up if you’re caught out on a few items every week. Over a year, that’s real money! Enough for a few treats or at least some decent biscuits. I felt very smug spotting this.

6/365 - 6th January!

The decluttering officially began. I started with my wardrobes and cupboards and wow! The amount of clothes I haven’t worn in years is embarrassing. I filled bags with clothes and other bits that are now being picked up to donate on Monday. It felt so good.

7/365 - 7th January!

Wednesday was all about rearranging and sorting what was left in my wardrobe. Once everything was out and back in properly, I made a discovery: I own more pyjamas than actual everyday clothes and I stand by that choice. Pyjamas are a joy, comfortable and the outfit of champions when the day is done. I regret nothing!

8/365 - 8th January!

This was the only photo I took on Thursday. We stopped off at McDonalds for lunch before having the longest bus ride to the hospital. I'm not being dramatic. An hour and fifteen minutes! The bus went through every village, town, side street and possibly someone’s driveway before we finally got there. On the way back, it took 35 minutes!! Still we got there, we got home and that’s what mattered.

9/365 - 9th January!

The WWE is touring Europe so it means I get to watch the live shows at a sensible time for the next couple of weeks instead of them starting at 1am and me watching them the next day. What a treat! This guy is my favourite at the moment. Drew McIntyre! I am listening to his audiobook and I am really enjoying it, it seems perfect timing that I'm hearing about his history when he's making it by beating one of the top guys in the company for the title!

10/365 - 10th January!

This is all the snow we have had. When I went to bed on Friday night it was starting to snow, tiny flakes and I had high hopes of a wintery weekend but now I am not even convinced it is snow. It could just be a thick frost as I was awake so early. After being up each day this week at a sensible time my brain was shouting wake up to me just before 8am. Ugh!

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