Slow living during May .............

I have tried hard to keep in the back of my mind the slow living concepts as described by Christine and have given the nine headings lots of thought. Its easy to think that we don't do anything to help the environment, reduce waste, preserve, reduce etc but I have been surprised at how many little things I can do which collectively begin to make a difference.

May hasn't been a typical month as we have celebrated Laura's wedding, Noah and Finn have had birthdays and I have been on holiday but when I have had time I've noted things down that fit under the headings

NOURISH: 

I have been busy baking this month and all from scratch I have made birthday cakes for my grandsons and also helped a friend out and baked for a birthday celebration she was arranging.

PREPARE:

I have done a lot of batch cooking, which saves on cooking costs and also saves time - its so great to have meals in the freezer. I have also been buying some foods in bulk - my local supermarket had 3 for 2 offers on baking goods such as sugar and flour - which has saved quite a lot of money. I've been collecting
jars ready to do some jam making.

REDUCE:

I am also collecting tins and jars to use as flower vases as we have another wedding coming up later in
the year ......my daughter Kate wants to have knitted jam jar covers in soft peaches and greens to compliment her natural wedding theme.I have been using old jumpers for felting - which I am still trying to master the art of. I am trying hard to reduce food waste by making lots of soup - when the fridge begins to look bare its amazing what tasty soup you can make from a few sad looking vegetables.

GREEN: 

Where possible I use environmentally friendly detergents and cleaners I never use aerosols and have recently found out about the cleaning merits of bicarbonate of soda.

GROW: 

I've got herbs growing on my kitchen windowsill and my new bay tree is looking healthy in the garden. We have some unexpected blossom on the apple tree that was only recently planted and I have got some strawberry plants which I am going to plant in a hanging basket.

CREATE: 

I have had two knitting commissions this month and have also been part of a pincushion swap --- I have just put mine in the post so really looking forward to receiving my swap.

DISCOVER: 

I have been very lucky this month and had the opportunity to discover how beautiful Croatia is ............ I enjoyed my holiday so much. I didn't do very much research before my trip but since getting home I have started to read about the history of the country - its fascinating.

ENHANCE: 

I am enjoying writing my blog but feel I have lots to learn so I have just signed up for an e-course which is run by Holly Becker who writes the amazing Decor 8 blog. I hope you will see some improvement over the next few months.

ENJOY: 

I feel I have enjoyed and embraced my life fully this month - I have witnessed the marriage of my daughter - seeing Laura so grown up and beautiful on her wedding day was a very special moment. Two of my grandsons have celebrated birthdays and seeing them grow up into such amazing little boys gives me great joy. I have shared a holiday with two wonderful women friends who I have known for many years and
we had such a fun time together.

What a wonderful month I have had - I feel very lucky ............ 

talk soon Sue x