Happy October!

How are things in your corner of the world?

Recently I have been thinking a lot about how little changes can make a big difference. It's not just about being healthy (although of course that is important), it's also about helping ourselves to feel nurtured and cared for so we can live in an atmosphere of growth and make the most of every day.

Whether it’s finding delicious ways to make the most of what’s already in our fridge, adding more variety to the meals we cook, choosing clothes that make us feel confident and comfortable, or making time to do something we really enjoy, these little decisions all add up.

Today, I’m exploring some of my favourite ways to eat well and feel good with simple kitchen tips and recipes, ideas to inspire you, a little wardrobe refresh, and a few surprises too.

Behind the Scenes

It has been a real season of growth here and I'm super excited for what is to come. I spent a couple of days with my lovely friend and stylist, Sarah van Dort, both refreshing my wardrobe and working on creating some content to share with you (top left). As you can see, I will go to great lengths to get a good photograph!

Then there was a fascinating day at Amazon Studios in London (middle and top right) learning more about ways to share my favourite products with you in my online shop and on social media.

Finally, my family and I escaped for a weekend at Hambleton Hall in Rutland, one of our favourite places to unwind.

A Little Wardrobe Refresh

Sarah, my stylist, and I went shopping and together we chose a few pieces to refresh my wardrobe for fall.

Burgundy and red are having a real moment. Whether you choose a burgundy dress or skirt (I'm loving the pleated styles this season), a red blouse, or go with an accent piece like burgundy boots or a belt, both colours are surprisingly easy to weave into what you already own. Not sure about red or burgundy? Brown, camel and cream are definitely having a moment as well, as is my favourite blue.

Inspired by the Princess of Wales, I've invested in a classic check houndstooth suit. The blazer and trousers are easy to mix and match with other suits and separates in my wardrobe. This is a great season to invest in a classic trouser suit - the key is to make both pieces work hard separately as well as together. I love this jacket with jeans too - and the trousers are perfect with my suede bomber jacket or my camel leather jacket. I'm sharing some simple tips on how to refresh your wardrobe for the new season on the blog now.

Remember, you don't have to buy a lot. Little updates, like accessories, or a new skirt or blouse can make a big difference to how you feel. I have discovered this is true in the kitchen too...

How To Eat 30 Plants a Week

You may have seen the headlines about the benefits of eating 30 different plants a week. Research shows it can benefit gut health, boost your immune system, and reduce the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

I decided to dive deeper into this, and after a couple of weeks of tracking what I ate, I found I was already eating this way. That said, it has encouraged me to add even more variety to my diet. I’ve shared my best tips and recipes to help you reach the goal of 30 plants a week deliciously and (almost) effortlessly in my latest post.

The best news is that coffee and dark chocolate both count!

Delicious Ways to Love Your Leftovers

Sometimes we think of leftovers as second best. However in reality, they can help you save time, money and add delicious variety to your meals. My current favourite recipes using leftovers include:-

Coronation Chicken This flavourful salad, made with leftover cold chicken, has a royal history. It's flavourful, nutritious, and works as a sandwich filling too! Try the recipe

Chicken Noodle Soup This delicious homemade recipe is also made with leftover cooked chicken - and it's ready in under 30 minutes! Get the recipe

My Mom's Potato Salad Leftover baby potatoes are marinated overnight in a delicious vinaigrette and are then used to make what I have been told is the best potato salad ever. Here is the recipe

Leftover Roast Veg Ideas and easy, delicious recipes to help you use up leftover roast vegetables - so good you may roast extra just so you can make them! Get the ideas & recipes!

Butternut Pecan Loaf This versatile loaf is the perfect way to use up leftover butternut squash — although I love it so much I often roast a squash just to make it! Don't miss this recipe!

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This week I'm...

Reading - Around The Table - 52 Essays on Food and Life* by Diana Henry (affiliate link)

Watching - Season 3 of The Reluctant Traveler starring Eugene Levy on Apple TV. The London episode is my favourite this season, but I have enjoyed them all.

Listening to -The Big Leap by Gaye Hendricks on Audible* (affiliate link).

Starting to Think About - making my Christmas cake - because the longer it has to mature and be 'fed' the richer and more delicious it gets! (I have a gluten-free recipe too if you prefer.)

Getting ready for - a visit to Cliveden House Hotel tomorrow.

I hope this week brings you lots of inspiring moments, fun, delicious meals and plenty of little things to look forward to.