The ramblings, happenings and meanderings of Ratty Golightly.
Hello Friend
Thank you for joining me. Grab a cup of something warm to hug, find the comfiest of seats and spend a few mins with the thoughts of the Rat.
Writing this has been a little tricky, the last month has whizzed by and the pause to pay respects to Her Majesty completely through me off my rhythm and into a fog of contemplation. Work has been exciting and busy which is the best thing ever, the only downside of this (other than the slight increase of thrown together meals) has been less time to pause and think. In hindsight I realise how important that time in and I shall guard it fiercely as we move into Autumn.
How about you? I do love to hear your thoughts and the comments you send back are so uplifting. It reminds me that this whole Golightly adventure is so much about the community and that people actually read this.
Today, in order to find that essential 'pause', I'm contemplating things that slow us down and are really good for the senses. Join me to consider the benefits of simple chores, something calming to listen to, a really useful book and a tasty (almost free to make) pudding.
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Read on to discover 5 great things for slowing down and enjoying a moment plus have you thought about 'you know what yet'? See below for this week's Social Survey results about who is thinking about Christmas already.
The Rat’s 5 great things to take a moment with…
1) Sort out your cupboards and drawers.
The perfect yet practical excuse to stop and slow down. Who doesn't love turning out a drawer or cupboard and only putting back tidy little collections of things that actually belong in there?
With the festive season on the horizon, now is the time to get things in good order. When was the last time you moved those stained tea towels into the rag-bag and bought some shiny new ones?
Ratty Golightly tea towels are printed in small batches in Suffolk, luxuriously large and just perfect for making glassware really shiny for those
occasions of hosting. The other brilliant thing about having a sort out now is you might find all the hidden gifts you lost last year and can save yourself precious pennies and brow-furrowing by gifting them this year (just make a note of the new hiding place).
2) Light a candle
One of the best things about the nights drawing in (and it shocks us every year doesn't it?), is the lighting of candles.
I'm giving a shout out to Suffolk/Cornish brand, Join Handcrafted. They make the most gorgeous candles and gifts and have a beautiful little shop conveniently located near one of my school runs.
Join have just celebrated their 5th year in business - Happy Birthday and hurrah for small business.
3) A treat for the ears
Have you read Katherine May's The Wintering? I highly recommend it for anyone who sometimes has down days and moments.
Her accompanying podcast - The Wintering Sessions - features interviews with people who discuss their own personal journeys. Katherine's voice over the opening theme will instantly flip you into relax mode. Try it for yourself!
4) Walk and forage
It's no secret that walking and time in nature keep us in better spirits. This is the most wonderful time to do so. It's the season of warm socks, cosy knits and....foraging! The hedgerows are laden with things to gather from hips and berries to enormous pears.
However, it can sometimes be a little mind-muddling to know what to pick and then, what to do with the pickings.
I love this book that I picked up many moons ago. The Hedgerow Handbook by Adele Nozedar is well worth tucking into your pocket when you next venture out.
5) Get baking - Foraged Apple and Pear Pie
Ingredients:
175g plain flour
a pinch of salt
2 tbsp caster sugar
110g butter (chilled and diced)
1 medium free-range egg yolk mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
1 large pear
2-3 Bramley apples
Lemon juice
Cinnamon
Method:
Sift the flour, salt and sugar into a mixing bowl. Add the diced butter and rub in using your fingertips until it resembles fine crumbs. Use a round bladed knife to mix in the egg/water until it makes a firm dough. Wrap the dough and place in the fridge for about 20 mins. Preheat your oven to 190c. Then peel, core and slice up the fruit into small chunks. Toss with the lemon juice to prevent it discolouring and then place in your oven proof dish. Sprinkle over a dusting of cinnamon. Roll out the pastry until it will cover the dish and place on top of the pie. Sprinkle with a little sugar and pop into the over for about 25 mins until it is bubbling and golden. Enjoy!
The results of this week's social survey:
“Have you thoughts about Christmas yet?”
The Ratty Golightly insta community is starting to think about incoming festivities - it's the perfect time to peruse the Ratty Golightly Christmas pickings!
To take part in future Ratty Golightly Social Surveys join me on Instagram
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Thank you for reading, see you next time.
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