The Wednesday Hodgepodge #56

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. What do you make more complicated than it needs to be?

I make pretty much everything more complicated than it needs to be by overthinking things. I can turn the smallest decision into a whole drama. Deciding what jobs to do first, replying to a message, planning a day out, even choosing what to watch on TV somehow becomes a major life decision. I overthink things, thinking of every possible outcome and I usually end up confusing myself even more. Half the time, the simple answers were the ones I thought of at the start but my brain likes to add extra steps just to keep life interesting.

2. What impresses you?

People who seem to have their life together all the time! You know the ones who's houses are always spotless, their meals look like something from a cookbook and they somehow manage to make family life look easy. They’re organised, never seem rushed, always remember appointments and manage to wear the cutest outfits without them seeming to try too hard. I know social media only shows the good bits and real life can’t possibly be that perfect all of the time but I am still impressed by people who manage to juggle everything while making it all look so easy. Then there's me over here walking into rooms and forgetting why, losing my phone while it’s in my hand and repeating myself to the girls about ten times a day before anyone listens.

3. On a scale of 1-10 how picky of an eater are you? (1=extremely and 10=not at all) If you had to eat a meal made entirely of one color what color would you choose?

I’d say I’m about a 9. I will eat just about anything and try most things at least once. There’s not much that I flat out refuse to eat apart from broccoli and green leafy vegetables but sometimes I will eat them if they are hidden well in a meal.

If I had to eat food made entirely of one colour, I’d pick beige. Beige food is something special. Chips, bread, pasta, roast potatoes, chicken nuggets, crisps, pastries, toast and cake! It might not be the healthiest choice but I would definitely not go hungry. Never mind one meal, I think I could last a week just eating beige food.

4. What does balance in life mean to you? Does your life currently feel 'balanced'?

Balance in life to me means having time for the things I have to do and the things I want to do. A balanced day for me is getting all the boring jobs done like the washing, cooking and tidying up and then still having time left to sit down in front of the TV and watching whatever show I'm watching, playing games on my laptop or enjoying a nice cup of tea.

I think my life feels pretty balanced at the moment. Of course, there are days when everything feels a bit too much or the to-do list never ends but at the moment I am in a good place. I think it helps that I am realising that I don't have to be productive every second of the day, some downtime is good!

5. If you could travel the world for a year what would be your first destination?

If I could travel the world for a year, my first stop would definitely be America and I don't think I would get much further as there is so much that I want to do and see over there. It’s one of those places I feel like I already know a bit from reading blogs, watching videos and following people online but I would love to see it in real life. I’d want to visit some of the places I’ve read about, walk the streets I’ve only seen in photos and I also like the idea of meeting some of my favourite bloggers along the way. Then there are places like Disney World and Land, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, Las Vegas, New York City and of course Washington D.C.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I am writing this on Sunday afternoon after being out for lunch and what a good lunch it was! It was just Stu and I who went out and we decided to get the three courses. I had a prawn cocktail for starters, honey roast gammon and all the trimmings for my main and then Chocolate Cremeux for dessert. I had no idea what a chocolate cremeux was before Sunday, it's like a mousse but more denser. It was amazing and the butterscotch ice cream on the top was something else! We finished out afternoon out by having a few games of pool. It was just going to be one but I beat Stu on the first so it had to be best of three. He won. Hmmf. 

Little things we can do to be kinder to bees!

World Bee Day is this week, which feels like a good excuse to stop for a minute and think about the little bees. Not in a big way, I must now grow a meadow way but in a small, everyday way. Bees are getting on with a very important job and most of us are just getting on with our day without really noticing them. Being a bit kinder to bees doesn’t mean becoming a gardener, buying fancy seeds or suddenly knowing what you’re doing outside. It’s mostly about tiny changes, a bit of awareness and letting nature exist. Here are some simple ways to help the little creatures out!

Let things be a bit scruffy!

You know that tiny patch of grass or weeds that you keep meaning to sort out? Leave it! Dandelions, clover, daisies and all those things we’re taught to see as messy are bee cafes. Early spring, especially when there’s not much else about, those little yellow dandelions are like flashing neon signs saying food here. You don’t need a wild garden. You just need not to panic when something grows where you didn’t plan it.

Put water out!

This one is so simple. Bees need water. Not a deep bird bath where they’ll drown, just something shallow. A saucer, an old lid or a plant pot tray. Put some pebbles or stones in whatever you are using so the bees have got somewhere to land, add a bit of water and you’re done. You’ve just created a bee pit stop with about 30 seconds of effort, just keep topping it up with water.

Skip the chemicals!

We’re sold so many sprays for gardens. For patios, weeds, ants, moss and anything that exists outside. A lot of them are tough on bees. If you don’t need to use it, don’t!! Weeds in random places are not hurting anyone and a few bugs on plants is just nature doing its own thing. Less spraying creates a safer space for bees.

Support bee-friendly brands where you can!

It’s one of those little swaps that doesn’t feel like much but really does help. Grab your honey from local sellers, pick brands that look after pollinators or even stick a few quid towards a bee charity if you can. It all adds up more than you’d think.

Don’t panic if a bee looks a bit worn out!

They do this thing where they just run out of steam or get a bit chilly and end up sat still looking like they’re on their last legs. Most of the time they’re fine, just having a rest. If you want to help, a tiny drop of sugar water nearby (not honey) can give them a boost.

Don't panic if they come inside!

They’re not exactly thrilled to be inside either. The easiest way to help them out is turn the lights off, open the window and blinds and give them a minute. They’ll usually figure it out without any drama. There is no need to chase them around.

Talk about bees like they matter!

Especially with kids. Instead of making bees seem scary, just chat about what they do and why they matter. Point them out when you’re out and about, mention little facts here and there. The more normal it is to respect them, the better.

Being kinder to bees isn’t some big lifestyle change. It’s just noticing them, making a few small changes here and there and letting them get on with their thing without interfering all the time.

Our weekly meal plan! 18th - 24th May #MealPlanningMonday

Happy Monday! I hope you have all had a good weekend. Ours was a good one, they always are when Becky has her weekend off work and we get to have some family time. It feels like we hardly see each other properly during the week sometimes with work, college, appointments and everyone doing their own thing, so weekends like that are lovely. 

We spent Saturday evening watching the Eurovision Song Contest, which is always a lot of fun! It is one of those nights where you sit there wondering what on earth is going on half of the time but you can’t stop watching. The whole thing is madness and our song was totally crazy. The chorus went like this: Eins, zwei, drei, Darlin', I need something salty, Eins, zwei, drei, With a slice of pepperoni, I'll pay, you can owe me. That'll be a pony?? See, madness! Eurovision makes no sense but it is the best entertainment. We came last with 1 point, Bulgaria won with 516! lol

Yesterday Stu and I went out for lunch. We had planned to leave the girls at home to fend for themselves but in the end, it was only Ellie at home, as Becky got called in to do some overtime because they were short staffed at work. She wasn’t too impressed at first as she had been looking forward to a lazy Sunday but extra money is always handy. So poor Ellie had to make her own lunch while Stu and I went out and had a roast dinner cooked for us, dessert and a couple of glasses of wine at the pub. Hehehe!

Last week's meal plan went well. The only meal we didn't eat was of course yesterdays and the Peri Peri Spiced Basa Fish Cakes With Chips And Spicy Peas on Saturday. We had leftover pizza from the night before and had that with chips. This week is a big week for Ellie. She is resitting her English GCSE exam. Hopefully, this time she will get the pass that she has missed out on for the past few years. This will be her last chance, as at the end of next month she leaves education. Eek!

On the menu this week we have:

Monday - Gousto Meal - Peri Peri Spiced Basa Fish Cakes With Chips And Spicy Peas!

This is bumped from Saturday! Basa fish cakes mixed with sweet potato, coated in panko breadcrumbs and packed with peri peri spice so they come out crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. It comes with chips on the side, plus peas that aren’t just plain peas. There’s mint and a bit of chilli in there too. It all sounds so full of flavour.

Tuesday - Gousto Meal - Chinese Takeaway Style Chicken Balls With Vegetable Fried Rice!

This is one of those meals that I am really looking forward to making because it sounds just like a Chinese takeaway at home. Crispy chicken balls with a sweet and sour dip and vegetable fried rice. My family say they don’t like sweet and sour sauce but when I have made it at home in the past, they loved it! Takeaway style meals at home always feel like a treat and it saves so much money compared to ordering an actual takeaway.

Wednesday - Pork and apple sausages with potato wedges!

This is one of our own meals which we haven’t had in such a long time. It’s simple, two packs of pork and apple sausages from the supermarket and homemade potato wedges. Sometimes the simple meals are the best ones. The sausages always smell amazing when they’re cooking and the wedges always go down well with everyone.

Thursday - Gousto Meal - Classic Creamy Chicken Thigh Pie With Mash & Roast Carrots!

This is a one for Ellie. She loves any type of chicken pie! Tender chicken and sweet leeks in a golden pastry. Served with a hearty helping of roasted carrots and creamy mash. I’m really looking forward to this one as you can’t go wrong with creamy chicken and mash together.

Friday - A takeaway of some sort!

Friday night is an easy night for me. I don't cook and we order takeaway. Last week we had pizza from the pizza shop which was so good and there were leftovers for Saturday lunchtime too. Who knows what we will have this week? I am thinking fish shop as it's been a few weeks since we last had that.

Saturday - Gousto Meal - Fried Egg, Bacon, Tomato & Garlic Mushroom Breakfast Baguette!

This sounds like the ultimate weekend breakfast or lazy brunch sort of meal but we're having it for tea. A crusty baguette filled with bacon, fried egg, juicy tomatoes and garlicky mushrooms! It feels like it's going to be a messy one but very tasty!

Sunday - Something with mash & gravy!

As much as I want to go out to eat again for a Sunday roast, we have to be sensible. I am thinking we will have something with mashed potato and gravy. Maybe sausages or chicken?

What are you eating this week?

A photo every day for a year! 10th - 16th May! Week 20 of #Project365

Happy Sunday!! I hope you are all having a good weekend. I've had a good week and weekend so far! I went to my dad's on Friday and had a good catch up with him. I mentioned in my Word of the Week post yesterday that he said he had something nice for lunch and he didn't disappoint. Bacon, mushrooms and black pudding in a panini rolls. They were so good and I even got dessert too. Rhubarb and strawberry crumble. I told him he'd started something now. Two weeks on the trot I've had dessert. He said nope, nothing was getting started. Next week I can make do with a biscuit or two after my lunch. lol

Yesterday was all about catching up on some blogging and doing my usual Saturday jobs. Jobs like changing the beds, doing the washing and cleaning. I actually like doing the housework on a Saturday. I think it's because I know I can stay in my pjs, blast the music and not have to rush to do anything. Last night we of course watched the Eurovision Song Contest and today Stu and I have plans which I am looking forward to, I will write more about what we've been up to tomorrow.

Now for a photo every day!

130/365 10th May

If you haven't seen Remarkably Bright Creatures yet, watch it!!! It is such a lovely movie. I watched it on Sunday and laughed and cried my way through it. I wasn't really sure what to expect from it before watching but within minutes of watching I knew I was going to love it.

131/365 11th May

Just me! I was on my day out for a day of shopping with Stu. It was one of those days where I didn't know what to wear. One minute it was bright and sunny, the next it was looking like rain and chilly. I went with jeans, a tunic top, my boots and a light, waterproof jacket, knowing I would be in and out of shops so I didn't want anything too heavy and warm.

132/365 12th May

The One Pan Alpine-Style Sausage & Waxy Potato Hash meal from Gousto is one of our favourite meals. We've only had it a couple of times but there are so many flavours in it. The mustard dressing is so good and so simple to make: red wine vinegar, wholegrain mustard, a spoonful of sugar and a drizzle of olive oil! The potatoes are delicious with the roasted garlic paste in and I need to buy some so I can add it to potato which isn't part of a Gousto meal!

133/365 13th May

It was such a grey and gloomy day on Wednesday! I had to take a photo of the moody looking sky. I was expecting it to rain but when I was sitting in the living room, I started to hear tapping. I got up and it was hailstones battering the kitchen window! They lasted a good while and it seems like crazy weather for May! Where's the sunshine and warm weather!

134/365 14th May

Can you believe these flowers were a week old when I took this photo! I got them with the food shop the previous Thursday. Some people don't rate supermarket flowers but I seem to always get a good bunch!

135/365 15th May

My dad has done all the important stuff with his vintage truck, like getting the engine, brakes and gears going and now he's on to making it pretty, doing the painting. He is painting it black and white. It is already looking way better than it was and he is hoping to have it finished by the end of June as at the start of July he is hoping to take it to a vintage car show. I love how much he loves working on it, he gets so passionate and excited about showing me the progress that he's made each week.

136/365 16th May

A cup of coffee in one of my new mugs. I love to sit outside on a morning and have a few minutes to wake up and think about what I have planned for the day.

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