Reflection: Time to De-Clutter...

Clean white and crisp... Bohemian Bedrooms

White bedroom details

White Natural bedroom

White bedding with beautiful bedside table

Relaxing White bedroom

White bedroom with four poster bed

Space, Light and clutter free!

A couple of years ago if I had seen pictures of white minimal bedrooms I would have scoffed at how boring and unimaginative they were, but recently I not only appreciate their calm, relaxing beauty but actually crave the tranquility.

I have always been a hoarder. Not like the hoarders you see on T.V that collect newspapers and have created tunnels through caves of rubbish bags, I am more of a magpie. I love pretty things, and bargains! If I see something I have been looking for I am convinced that it was fate....  the universe has brought me a shiny thing, it was meant to be mine....

My boyfriend has told me countless times that I need to de-clutter and stop buying more stuff, and I have always just got annoyed at him... how dare he not appreciate my beautiful objects? I am just trying to create a beautiful home... or am I?

For the last few months I have started to realise that actually my bargain buying is out of control and just causing unnecessary stress. I actually dread the postman bringing my secret packages on days when my boyfriend is off work. I am one of the modern age 'consumers' of crap that I 'want' not 'need'.

So over the last couple of months I have started the process of de-cluttering. I have followed the advice of websites and books and found the whole experience really liberating. it is a slow process and I by no means want to live in a minimal home totally devoid of personality but a more organised one would be nice.

White bedroom, with an acceptable amount of clutter?

How about you guys? Do you have any wisdom on decluttering your home? or do you like the clutter and eclectic look?

Recipe: Minestrone Verde...

My Minestrone Verde Ingredients

I am always scouring Pinterest for Healthy recipes, and now I am on Maternity leave I have taken the opportunity to make some I have been drooling over...  A couple of days ago I made this beautiful Minestrone Verdi.... it is seriously one of the most amazing things I have ever eaten..... and I love food!!

I am going to share with you guys the recipe but all credit is due to 'The Healthy Chef' who is my new food guru!

For the Soup
1 large  leek, sliced
2 celery stalks, cut into small chunks
1 large green pepper, cut into chunks
2 Courgettes, cut into small chunks
100 g / 3  1/2 oz  kale, calvo nero or silver beet chopped
250 g / 8  3/4 oz  green peas
1 litre vegetable stock
 ( I also added Asparagus as it is in season and cheap in England at the moment)

For the Salsa Verdi
1 bunch green basil
1 bunch parsley
1 cloves fresh garlic, smashed
½  tsp sea salt
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
6 tablespoons cold pressed olive oil
(Try and get the basil and parsley from the greengrocer as supermarket packets are small, inferior and usually double the price)

Sauté the leek and celery in a large saucepan over a low heat for 2 minutes until soft.
Add the stock, Courgette, Pepper and kale or calvo nero.
Simmer over a gentle heat for 10 minutes.
Add the peas.
Simmer for another 3 minutes.
Season with freshly ground white pepper if required.
Combine salsa verde ingredients into a good high-speed blender until a gorgeous green paste forms.
Adjust consistency and taste if necessary, adding a little more cold pressed olive oil or lemon.
Ladle the green minestrone into serving bowls.
Enjoy as is or  top with a generous drizzle of salsa verde.
Serve immediately and enjoy.

 The Salsa Verde is awesome on toast with avocado too!

Recipe and Bottom Image from 'The Healthy Chef'

TW Workshops...Tracey Wilkinson Ceramics..

Sadly for me, but thankfully for my bank balance, I discovered Tracey Wilkinson's beautiful ceramics just as I found out I was pregnant, ie had to start budgeting myself! Part Potter and part Sculptress, Tracey creates these beautiful pieces that are a mix between ceramic and woven materials.... I am obsessed!!

To see more of her beautiful work visit her website here!!