thought twentysix: It's been a while.

Wow. I'm back. When did I last write on here? 

I found an old post asking some big life questions. I thought it would be fun to revisit them and see how much things have changed...

 

When was the last time you tried something new?
I've recently started Bible Journaling. I am in to it in a MASSIVE way. Who knew that opening the Bible could be so ridiculously creative and fun!

Who do you sometimes compare yourself to?
Other Mums. Being a first time/new time mummy is really tough. I find myself thinking "Am I feeding him the right things?" "Is he not walking because I'm not trying hard enough?" "Does he watch too much TV?" "Oh, look at that mum, she's just had a baby and is thinner than me!" Such a bad habit. 

What gets you excited about life?

Travel. New foods. New cafes and cute little places. Being creative. Splashing a white sheet with colour and turning it into something pretty.

What life lesson did you learn the hard way?

Patience. The first three months of Alex's life (my one year old son) were a test of patience, determination and love through sleep deprivation.  

What can you do today that you were not capable of a year ago?

Making a cup of tea whilst holding a baby. That is a definite skill I have mastered over this year. 

What makes you smile?

Alex. Gosh he's hilarious. He doesn't crawl he butt-shuffles very quickly. He pulls a face showing his teeth when he gets excited about something. He wiggles his arms like Wallace from 'Wallace and Grommit' when he's watching Peppa Pig. He just makes me happy.
If the average human lifespan was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?

I would worry a lot less and live a lot more. Life's too short for stress. 

Loving the world of Bible Journaling.

thought twentyfive: I Quit Sugar.

I am about to quit sugar. Starting Saturday. No more.

Am I crazy? Probably. Sugar is in absolutely everything, so how can you quit it and not die? Apparently, according to Sarah Wilson in her book "I Quit Sugar", it's possible.

Today I went to the local health food shop and bought all kinds of crazy things I have never heard of before. Chia seeds. Flaxseeds. Quinoa. All in the attempt of saying goodbye to my squishy belly and muffin top.

Will I make it through the 8-week challenge? I have no idea. I have psyched myself up, readied myself for the challenge and cleared my cupboards of anything resembling temptation.

Ready. Set. Arghhhhh!

thought twentyfour: just thinking

I'm in a time of life where things are moving and changing. This means that my mind is reflecting and looking at where my life is headed. I thought I would answer some questions that would maybe help unravel my mind and show me what I think is important.

When was the last time you tried something new?
Yesterday I registered to start a new university course. I'm going to be doing my Post Graduate Certificate of Education in Secondary School. Pretty scary but definitely something new.

Who do you sometimes compare yourself to?
I'm not sure I compare myself to anyone in particular. I guess I have to admit that every time I see another girl walk down the street and she is wearing something amazing, I compare what I am wearing to her to see if what I have is as nice. Not a good comparison, but that's probably when I compare the most.

What gets you excited about life?

The fact that I have a Lord Jesus who loves me more than anything. The fact that God himself stepped out of heaven to become a man just so I could have life with Him. I know they are all cliche words, but it really does get me so excited about life! It gives me purpose and hope in the future, I don't need to worry about anything because I always have someone looking after me.

What life lesson did you learn the hard way?

I learnt independence in such a hard way. My parents live in Australia and I live in the UK. I have learnt how to just get on as a married woman in life, pursuing my career, hopes and dreams without my Mum and Dad being around the corner.

What can you do today that you were not capable of a year ago?

I can sew! I was totally not capable of that until April this year when I was given my first ever machine! I love it now and would never turn back.

What is the difference between living and existing?

Living is making the most of every opportunity this world throws at you. Get up off the couch (funny I should say that, I'm sitting on the couch) and grab life and see where it drags you. Eat things, smell things, experience culture and see things you never have before. Listen to languages, learn from children, study something, learn something new. Existing is just staying still, not moving forward. Having no ambition or dreams. Life is to be experienced, living is to get out there and just do it. I hope that's what I'm doing. I'd love to travel more, I'd love to see more of Asia. 

What makes you smile?

Markus, my husband. He makes me smile all the time. There is a face he pulls at night time, when we're getting ready for bed, he has taken off his glasses but still needs to set his alarm on his phone. He scrunches up his whole face- eyes, nose, mouth - and holds the phone really close. It makes me giggle all the time. 

If the average human lifespan was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?

I would be living in Australia making the most of the time I have with my family. I would be taking in all I can from the world around me. I would travel a lot but also want to spend a lot of time just being with the people I love. I think I would be a lot more passionate about the things I believe in. I think things would seem a lot more urgent. 

thought twentythree: French Breakfast Muffins

French Breakfast Muffins
Perfect for Brunch with good friends and a warm cup of coffee.

Ingredients:
1/3 cup melted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg (preferably room temperature)
1 1/2 cup plain flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla essence

Topping:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1 tsp cinnamon

Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180C.
2. In a large bowl sift the dry ingredients. Then add the wet ingredients stirring well to combine but don't over do it.
3. Line a muffin tin with cases or just spray with oil so they don't stick. Scoop the mixture in about half full.
4. Bake for 20-25mins or until the edges are golden brown.
5. For the topping: dip the muffin, whilst hot, in the melted butter and roll in the sugar/cinnamon mixture.

thought twentytwo: perfect gift

So this is pretty much exactly the same as thought twenty but I thought I would share it anyway because I liked making it!

So my friend is off to Uni in September and I wanted to give her a little gift that would make her think of me. What better than a handmade teacup!

Here is how it went.
I wrote Matthew 5:14-16 around the edge of a teacup and saucer. Let me know what you think!

Thought twentyone: lemon and raspberry treats

Here is a recipe I created from things I love. The idea for the cookie cup came from Pinterest (if you press the centre of the cookie whilst still warm and soft, in the tin, it will create the perfect cup).

250 grams Mascarpone (or however much to fill the cookies, the measuring is rough)

4 tbsp Lemon Curd

1 tsp Lemon Juice (check the taste and make it as lemony as you want!)

Normal cookie dough (mine was ready bought. Just roll the dough into walnut sized balls and place in muffin tin, bake 10-15mins at 180)

Sorry this is so rough, it changes each time I make them!

thought twenty: mug makeover

This is a quick thought because it's totally time for me to be in bed saying hello to my pillow.

Get this. You can take a cheap mug from the store (mine was 65p). Create a masterpiece with permanent marker. Place your creation in a preheated oven at 180C for 30mins and hey presto! Magic mug washable, drinkable and everything!

Check out the ones I made with my little brother.

Tim's mug on a mug.

Just using a Sharpie.

Baked to perfection.