Activate your Autumn
Autumn is now in full swing, and what better time to start new things to get yourself ready for winter and learn some new skills?
For many of us, the past few months have been a period of massive change. We’ve learned how to manage in isolation, how to fill our time at home, and how best to keep our spirits up during these difficult times. Let’s look at a few things you can do whilst still at home, that will get you ready for the coming weeks and months.
Halloween is almost here!
Are you sick of looking at the same four walls? Why not add a little spooky colour to your home by making some Halloween or Autumn decorations? Stick to the theme colours of orange and black, and let your imagination run wild.
We love this table set – easily whipped up with a houseplant and a couple of pumpkins (ideal for those who aren’t as confident with carving a pumpkin themselves). Instant glam for your home!
Or why not make some simple pom-pom bats or spiders to dangle about? Make a simple small black pom pom and glue or sew some googly eyes, legs, wings or ears on – these make great gifts for the little ones in your life, that can be hung in their homes, stuck on the tops as pencils, or even made into badges.
Winter Wardrobe – de-clutter and reorganize
Now that the warmer months are behind us, it’s time to get to grips with your wardrobe. Grab all your summer gear and box it away for next year. Embrace the wool and dig out all those winter woollies, organise by colour in your wardrobe, and you’ll have something snug and cosy within hands’ reach ready for those chilly days. Team comforting muted colours with a splash of bold colour to really stand out from the crowd
This is also a great time to have a proper purge of your clothing. That “top” you bought as a bargain five years ago but have never worn? Consider donating it to a homeless charity or similar and let someone else give it the love it truly deserves. Perhaps you’ve just bought a new hat/scarf/gloves set? Consider donating your old set to someone who really needs it. Are there homeless people living in your town or city? We’re sure that they’ll benefit from the extra layers you may be able to provide them with.
Autumn Warmers
At this time of year, it’s permitted to pack in a few extra calories to your food and drink. Warming soups and stews, steaming mugs of hot chocolate, comforting spices… nobody will see the slight thickening of your waistline under those chunky jumpers, and it will help keep you warm on those frosty mornings that will soon be upon us.
Porra recipe
“Porra” is a Spanish soup that is usually served chilled (much like gazpacho). However, when warmed through and served with some crusty bread, it’s comfort food at its best! Thanks to Elle Draper of Spain Buddy (one of the Jackie Lee: Your Fairy Godmother subscribers) for donating this recipe to us.
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 500 grams of tomatoes
- 250 grams of white bread (a day or two old is great)
- 100 millilitres of water
- 2 garlic cloves
- 50 to 100 grams of roasted red peppers (to taste)
- About a quarter of a green pepper (capsicum)
- 2 or 3 tablespoons of sherry vinegar (to taste)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- 3 hard boiled eggs
- A fistful of finely chopped jamón
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 8 anchovy fillets (2 per person)
Method
- First, soak the dice the bread or tear into small pieces
- Place into a bowl and sprinkle the water on top
- Peel and quarter the tomatoes. Roughly chop the green pepper, garlic, the roasted red peppers and two of the eggs
- Throw all of that into a blender along with a good glug of olive oil and whizz until smooth
- Add the sherry vinegar plus salt and pepper to taste
- Warm it through on the stove over a medium heat.
- Finely dice the last hard boiled egg
- Serve the soup in bowls with a sprinkle of the egg and jamón on top for decoration
- Drape a couple of anchovy fillets on top (optional)
Extra tips
- You can use whatever toppings you like. Try it with some flaked tuna (pictured) or diced olives
- Or some croutons (toast some diced bread in a hot pan that has had a bottle of olive oil shown at it briefly
- Or some crispy fried onions?
- Or how about some asparagus spears?
- We love it with mackerel fillets on top – it’s a gentler fishy taste than the anchovies
- The key to this recipe lies in the quality of ingredients. The better quality, the better the soup.
But wait… there’s more!
These are only a small selection of tips to see you into Autumn. Members of the Jackie Lee private members’ group share many more tips and advice with each other, as well as enjoying regular “live video” chats. It is a supportive and nurturing group – so don’t hesitate. Join today for the fabulous subscription of only €10 per month. Click HERE and join today. You’ll be glad you did!
Just this week, Jackie Lee Group subscribers have also enjoyed…
How to make pizza dough spiders plus a super orange Aero cheesecake recipe from Kim B.
Yoga for your shoulders from Kay H.
Handmade Xmas gift ideas from Lucy S.
Mid month goals from Jackie Lee.
Kinesiology from Amanda S.
And much more besides!
If you’re not a member yet… you’re really missing out!
For our existing members…
For our existing members…We now have Gift Vouchers available for you to purchase for your favourite ladies!
This is a fantastic way for them to enjoy the benefits of the membership that you all love so much!
Click HERE to find out more!
