Paper Bags, Green Shoots and Oranges

It's been so cold here this last week, real mid-winter weather with frost covered mornings and bitter evenings where we've needed to light the wood burner. I love these cold, bright days, but found I could no longer resist the allure of a few potted tete-a-tete bulbs in the supermarket last week. I haven't bought myself any cut flowers for absolutely months and these little green shoots just needed to come home with me to brighten up the house a little. 

Marmalade fever continues here. The dark, thick-cut version I made with muscovado sugar is a-mazing. I think it's the nicest marmalade I've ever made, and the five jars will be gone in no time, I know. We are marmalade fiends here in this house. I am already wondering if I have time to make another batch while Seville oranges are in season. 

The orange and lemon version I made is lighter and fresher with a slightly softer set, and just as glorious. I used some in Nigel Slater's Frosted Marmalade Cake which I've just taken out of the oven.

I went to boot camp* again this morning. It was the hardest yet, and I know that everything will ache tomorrow, but I am enjoying it, in a begrudging sort of way, and will be sorry when it ends next week. Despite having a job where I am on my feet and moving around pretty much all day, I know that I do not do enough exercise that gets my heart rate up. Brisk dog walks are great, but I miss running. It's that lame old excuse though, isn't it: I'm just really busy. And exercise and sleep are the two things I cut back on when there aren't enough hours in the day which is pretty stupid when you think about it, from a self-care point of view. Is it the same for you? Anyway, I ate this for a late breakfast after boot camp this morning and it was perfect. 

 I've been faffing with pictures in the house lately, rearranging displays and trying old prints in new places. The result was an unintentional mountain theme on the picture ledge above our bed. 

I like it. Those peaked ridges combined with the wool granny square blanket underneath make me wish for snow. I am always wishing for snow, truth be told. Just one snow fall this winter would be lovely (especially if school closes and we all get a bonus day off!).

My indoor houseplant collection is ever growing and recently I have really struggled to find nice, water tight, indoor plants pots which aren't expensive. Once your plant gets to a certain size (ie. quite big) it's hard to fit them in a little basket. After a lot of research I finally stumbled upon these heavy duty, washable paper bags. They come in all different colours, sizes and patterns and are brilliant not just for plants but toys, recycling, yarn, whatever. 

I got mine from this Etsy shop as they seemed to have more of the really big ones than other places, and the dispatch and delivery was really quick too.

I also bought this paper bag below to hold our all reusable shopping bags. We must have about twenty but I never seem to have one with me when I need one, so am always cramming a basket's worth of food shopping into my poor, groaning, battered old handbag. This is helping me remember to actually take one with me when I go out. 

I should keep a few in my handbag too, I know that. I just forget. My head can only hold so much information and sometimes it feels like it's a one in, one out situation up there. More sleep and exercise would probably help with that but for now a cup of tea and slice of cake will have to suffice.

Happy weekend friends.

* Boot camp is an exercise and training programme, usually outdoors somewhere like a park, often using body weight exercise with running etc and quite high intensity. I am guessing the name comes from the US military style training programmes.