5 WAYS TO NOT GO INSANE

So, being long term sick is NOT what I had planned for the beginning of Summer 2017, let me tell you that much. I was talking to my dad the other day about my blog and how I've been brain storming ideas to blog about/topics to talk about, etc. He said 'why don't you write about things to do while you're ill?', which got me thinking. I am sick at the minute, which means I physically can't go to work with the job I do, but that doesn't mean my brain or legs don't work, yano? 

Its hard to not feel like you should be cooped up in the house all day, or do nothing but stay in bed. Don't get me wrong, with how I'm feeling at the minute, thats what I do spend a lot of my time doing. However, I thought I'd write about a few things that make me feel a little less house bound and stop me from going bloody stir crazy over here! 

TEA & CAKE WITH FRIENDS - Maybe my favourite thing to do. I have a very close knit of friends that have seen me at my very worst, which means I'm not afraid or embarrassed to be in front of them in slouchy clothing and no makeup, feeling like a piece of poo. Nothing beats laughing until your tummy hurts and reminding yourself that you WILL be back to normality again soon enough, this isn't forever. This photo was taken at Boston Tea Party, I honestly didn't realise they made their cakes on site, and even include more than one Vegan option! 

FIND BEAUTY IN EVERYTHING - I'm pretty good at this on any day of the year. I'm very observant to my surroundings, whether that be what the sunset looks like, the intricate details of a restaurant or naturally memorising peoples outfits or lipstick colours on a night out. (One of my favourite morning after quiz's). I'm constantly taking photos of the sky, certain lighting, flowers, trees, animals & general picturesque scenery. I think it's important to focus your mind on beautiful, positive things, when you're sick, I find it really helps to take my mind off any pain/upset or frustration I'm suffering from. 

KEEP YOUR MIND MOVING - Try and do things that keep your mind moving. Whether that be reading, visiting new places, surrounding yourself with countryside or creating new and tasty recipes. (All of my favourite things to do). Some days I find it hard to get out of bed because I know as soon as I even sit up I'll be in pain. However, once I've forced myself to get up and out, I find great inspiration and joy in getting fresh air and exploring places I've never been before. 

FUEL YOURSELF WELL - I love food. Fact. Theres not many foods I dislike and I'm always up for trying something new. Whether it be green, smelly, a weird texture - I'll always try something once. Try making a new recipe including some of your favourite ingredients. I find it fun to attempt dairy free/gluten free recipes, as I find them quite a challenge (for example, will the cake rise with an egg substitute, or will it resemble a shit pancake?). Creating new recipes is also really rewarding, especially when the result is tasty and other people approve. 

GET FRESH AIR DAILY -  Admittedly, this is sometimes one of my biggest downfalls. Most days when I'm unwell, I wake up in such a bad mood, I just don't even want to get out of bed to wee, let alone go outside. Once I have made the move out of my front/back door, I do feel 10x more productive and positive about everything. I suggest going outside at least once a day. Even if its just to eat your breakfast, or stand with your face to the sun and inhale the morning breeze for 20 minutes.

Thanks for reading, as always

I hope you get well soon if you're currently sick too! 

Madi x

SOUP FOR THE WEEKEND

When I'm feeling down, I find creating a new recipe or making myself something healthy and tasty to eat, always motivates me and inspires me, not to mention makes me happier, (as most that will know me will know, I love my food). Despite not having the best utensils/cooking equipment, I decided to attempt to make a pretty simple, Roasted Butternut Squash, soup. (Baring in mind, I don't have a fancy soup maker/blender, merely a very basic blender, I usually only use to make quick and easy smoothies), but I thought 'fuck it, how hard can it be? I'm sure I can make use of what I have'. 

VEGAN ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

YOU WILL NEED:

1 Butternut Squash

3 Garlic cloves (I used a little extra cause' I love it)

2 Small Shallots

1 Tablesppon of Coconut oil

1/2 Teaspoon of Himalayan salt 

500ml Yeast/Gluten free Vegetable stock

1. Peel, seed & cube the Butternut Squash

2. Peel the Garlic cloves

3. Peel and half the Shallots

4.  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees

5. Coat the Butternut Squash, Garlic & Shallots in Coconut oil 

6. Place the Vegetables into a roasting trey and roast until soft, NOT ACTUALLY ROASTED. (My oven is CRAP so it took about 15-20 minutes for me)

7. Mix one Vegetable stock cube with 500ml of water

8. Blend the mixture of Vegetables in a food blender, (or smoothie maker.. w/e), until creamy. 

9. Add the creamy mixture to the Vegetable stock, add salt/any other seasoning you fancy, (considering this was my first time, I didn't go too crazy with adding more to the mix, next time I would maybe add paprika for a kick). 

10. Put the mixture on a medium heat until cooked/heated through. 

ENJOY xoxo

I just put a little pepper on the top of mine, however you could season it with seeds, herbs, spices, rosemary leaves, coriander or thyme - all of which I can imagine would work nicely, and of COURSE you could put a slice of chunky bread on the side.  

To be fair to myself, I can't actually believe I succeeded in doing this?! I know its extremely simple, but I've always thought making a soup from scratch would be difficult, (for some unknown reason). Another little recipe I've made which is actually edible. #adultwin. 

If you do decide to make this, let me know & I hope you enjoy and have an awesome weekend!

Thanks for reading,

Madi x