I’ve not been feeling 100% the past few days – a bit under the weather with a sore throat and what can only be described as a ‘fuzzy head’. To be honest, I think I have been running on adrenaline for too long, and now my body has said ‘stop’, loud and clear. Still, the weather has been good (the featured image was taken on Sunday morning), and I am enjoying being in the new house. Karl has been in Europe, and I am sure once he gets back we can get a bit more done in the house, like order a sofa.
In the meantime, I am enjoying being in the new kitchen. It is a good space to work in and there is loads of storage and I can actually see clearly what is in the pantry, so no more buying things that I have lots of already! I made a batch of granola, using dried apple and prunes for the fruit elements along with the oats and puffed amaranth. I discovered I needed sunflower seeds and a few other things, so on Wednesday I headed over to GoodFor to stock up on nuts, sunflower seeds, dried apricots and cranberries.
It is always hard to call in here as I want to buy so many things as well as what is on my list. It all just look so tempting, with bins full of dried fruit, lentils and other good looking things. There are other temptations across the road in Good Books of course, and yes I did go in and yes I did buy a book, even though I am seriously trying to get rid of books as I unpack, but the new Zadie Smith has just arrived…..
After lunch, a long nap and time sitting in the sun on the balcony, it was down to the serious business of ironing with my new iron, which I have to say is wonderful. I am no big fan of ironing, but seeing a fresh pile of things at the end makes it somehow worth it, and at least I can watch cooking shows on YouTube at the same time.
I used up the broccoli I bought at the market on Sunday in a salad with cranberries, sunflower seeds, flaked almonds and feta, and topped the whole thing with this microgreen/flower petal mix that was a bit pricey but looked so pretty. In case you are wondering why I am holding things to take pictures, I am still trying to find the best spot lighting wise, and as the evening draws in, that means the living room side of our main downstairs room. This is a work in progress!
Karl gets home tomorrow, and I hope he has enough appetite for one of his favourites for dinner, sausages and mash. In the meantime, I’m going to make myself a cup of tea and settle down for the evening.
Also enterd in Wednesday Words and Pictures hosted by Denyse.
Thistles and Kiwis is a Wellington, New Zealand based blog written by Barbara, who likes cats, summer, good food and pretends to garden.
You can find Thistles and Kiwis on Facebook, and also on Instagram @thistlesandkiwis. If you want to get in touch, email me on thistlesandkiwis@gmail.com or lofgren@thistlesandkiwis.com
Thistles and Kiwis 
Glad to hear you’re settling in OK! 🙂
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Thanks! Bit by bit….
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Sorry to hear you’re feeling rough. I think after all the upheaval of the last few months it’s inevitable that you have run out of steam. There’s no rush to get the new place sorted, take it slowly. We lived with a box mountain for weeks, before deciding where things should go. One thing we found out was that our house does not have enough storage.
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Our house doesn’t have enough storage either…except for a garage…..
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I hope you start to feel better soon, it is such a big thing moving into a new home.
I loved your first photo, reminded me of what a lovely place Wellington is, very pretty all along the harbour.
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It does take time to settle you are right. Yes Wellington is a pretty place!
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All those healthy veggies will certainly put you on the path to feeling better!
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Take some time to let your body recover. Hope you feel better soon. That broccoli salad looks 👌
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Thank you!
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Hi, Barbara – I agree that your body is asking you to slow down and rest. I am glad that you are taking its advice. Sending you warm wishes to get well soon.
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We have a long weekend break planned in November just over in Martinborough, but will see what we can do next month at the Labour Day weekend holiday. Thanks for your warm wishes!
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Slow down … read … enjoy the sun …. and keep on making delicious looking salads such as the one you have featured here. I enjoy salads in the warming weather.
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Yes I need to slow down a bit! We have booked a nice lunch for Sunday and I have a good book to get into too.
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I have been very struck by your recent levels of activity while coping with moving house and crossing the world so I am sure that you are right about the need for a rest.
I would give a lot to have a shop like GoodFor near at hand.
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The weekend approaches…. GoodFor is a great place and so tempting too.
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I am glad you are finding your way in the new house and things look great. Enjoy having Karl back home. It was great to see your blog post this week at Denyse’s Words and Pics for #WWandPics. Thank you for being part of the community. Warm wishes and appreciation from Denyse.
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All sounds good Barbara apart from you feeling a bit under the weather, hope that’s now sorted. I only enjoy ironing if I’m listening to an audiobook as I do so, the fresh pile of ironed things is a good feeling!
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