It’s fitting that my reflection on the previous month’s joys follow a full blue moon. Inspired by Ayurveda and more holistic learnings I’ve been exposed to recently, I am very interested in how we function in tandem to nature’s cycles. From emotional states that ebb and flow with the moon to even seasonal affective disorder - there are so many ways we connect with the world around us.
Back to the full moon - this is said to be a time when you reflect on your month. Look back on what your goals were and what you will carry into the new month with a renewed spirit. I love the thought of setting my intentions at the start of the month and reevaluating them as it comes to an end. Like nature, we are constantly evolving and shifting - why not embrace that and move with it? Looking back on October, I am so grateful for the moments of joy that made it special.
My Favorite Books
Gut by Giulia Enders
Did you know our mental health can be regulated by our gut?
Our poor gut is often overlooked even when we are trying to make healthy choices! I like to think I eat well and take care of my body, but reading this and learning more about the impact our gut has on nearly every aspect of our being, I was baffled. This book is very readable for the layman and is sprinkled with humor that makes it even more captivating! I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about their body. Plus, it brings a whole new perspective to “gut feeling”.
Birds, Beasts and Relatives by Gerald Durrell
Back to my happy place - Corfu with the Durrell family! Though the first book in this series is my all time favorite pick me up book, I have never read the other two. It’s full of mesmerising descriptions of Corfu that will transport you to the island. There are new characters to love, funny family interactions and lots of wildlife. I doubt any other author can leave me excited to read about beetles!
The Life Changing Art of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
“People cannot change their habits without first changing their way of thinking.”
I actually read this book a few years ago, but a few weeks ago I watched Marie Kondo’s Netflix show and fell in love all over again! It’s an interesting way to approach your belongings and examine what you truly need. She approaches decluttering and tidying as not just a task you do to remove mess, but a movement towards a more mindful lifestyle. It’s definitely the motivation I needed to tackle some home projects I’ve put off for too long!
Recipes I Loved
Eggs in Spiced Tomato Curry by Shayma the perfect weekend brunch full of delicious spices and eggy goodness!
Easy Apple Almond Tart by Melisssa Ifemwe not only is this post an absolute visual delight, the recipe is super cosy and delicious - the best kind of autumn treat!
Lemon Cardamom Snickerdoodles by Milk&Cardamom citrus and my favorite spice come together in these magnificent cookies...so good!
Pecan Granola by Samantha Hadadi packed with all my favorites, this is so delicious and healthy - what more could you ask for!
Salted Caramel Stuffed Brownies by RecipeTin Eats salted caramel is my greatest weakness.. Pair it with some brownies and you have a match made in heaven
Rigatoni with Chicken and Spinach by Nilanjana a spicy, flavourful one pot pasta - who could resist this fantastic meal?
Toasted Sesame Honey Chocolate Chip Cookies by Stephanie the title alone made me drool! These cookies are
Learning From the Best - Workshops!
Online workshops are an exciting new space for me. I love sitting down with a cup of tea, listening to experts talk about their favorite things! I’ve actually attended sessions by the people I am going to list and highly recommend you tune into their next workshop. Each of these women have a passion for what they do, are immensely knowledgeable and just lovely people!
- Sourdough Basics with Anita (MadTeaParty) I took the quarantine sourdough plunge and Anita was there to guide me through getting started (and very patient with my incessant questions). A total guru for bread lovers! Check out her page for a range of fermentation/bread workshops.
- Gut Health Workshop by Sangeeta this has genuinely changed my approach to food. Sangeeta is extremely learned on our most neglected organ - the gut. Her workshop was an eye opener to how many everyday things we can do to improve and maintain a healthy digestive system, and how it affects not only the rest of our body but our mind.
- Basics of Ayurveda Eating by Amrita Kaur (AmritaOfLife) Amrita brings not only expertise but an infectious energy to her workshops - makes you want to jump right into a more mindful eating pattern and learn all you can about Ayurveda! I guarantee you will leave her workshop with a smile on your face and tonnes of life changing notes.
- Sourdough Workshop by Ekta (GulpFiction) Once I stumbled through my sourdough starter phase, I reached Ekta who beautifully guides you to understand the process of making a sourdough loaf! With insights into everything from temperatures to your flour, her workshop was a game changer for me.
I’m going to cut myself short on gushing about all of these women now or we’ll be here a while..check out their pages!
October Eggless Baking Spree
This month as a few family members forewent eggs for Navratri, I ended up mostly baking eggless recipes! Here are my favorites:
Plant Inspiration
You can never have too many plants! Pinterest is my favorite place to discover new planter ideas. Here are some of my favorites -
Amrita Kaur says
Hi Natasha’s thank you for your kindest words ???????????????? I attended so many classes as well and had such wonderful experience with Ekta n Sangeeta ????
Natasha Minocha says
So happy you stopped by, Amrita! It's a pleasure learning from you. Your energy is infectious! So thankful to you for sharing your knowledge. xoxo