Yesterday I woke to find the sky filled with clouds and the internet down. Unable to do any online work, I took a much-needed break and luxuriated in an entire day off grid.

Donning my trusty gum boots I headed outside and got my dog Luna to hang out with me. We had such a good day together. She trotted alongside as I hauled plants and seedlings, sniffed happily around the garden as I made new beds, dug in a load of goat manure, and planted silverbeet, kale, coriander, carrots, basil mint, feverfew, yarrow, red cabbage, thyme, and Brussels sprouts.

mandarin orange in blue bowl

My two favorite additions are a big strawberry bed and a rock garden with flowers. Sometimes you need to plant things for pure happiness and pleasure.

When I wasn’t gardening I was in the kitchen, baking and cooking things, tossing Luna bits to nibble on from her sun-drenched napping spot on the floor. I made sweet potatoes spiced with coriander and sesame, spelt quinoa muffins with raisins, and slow-cooked beef with roasted tomatoes and caramelized onions. It was so nice to cook for pleasure without any pressure or time limits.

Spelt Quinoa Muffins

I loved having time to read through cookbooks and watch old River Cottage episodes with Bear, to linger over coffees and indulge in vanilla ice cream topped with boozy cranberries. It was just what I needed to recharge after a busy week.

Today I’ve been making medieval remedies and photographing them, getting all the details together to complete my manuscript. I’m so excited to see these recipes I’ve carried in my head be in one collection with pictures and details so anyone can make them or be inspired to experiment on their own to find out what works for them.

lavender pot

Now I’m hunkering in for the evening with my little stash of triple-salted black licorice and nail-biting old school “24” episodes.

What simple things are bringing you pleasure this week? xo