Downtime and my veggie planter

I was going to start this post talking about the wet weather but I’m determined not to get drawn into moaning about the weather 🙂

I had to take some time out! The kids had broken up and we had had a great Easter together. On the Tuesday after Easter I sat at my desk and felt blank.
I had no creativity, I didn’t know where to start on my list of things to do and I felt overwhelmed. I’m sure I’m not alone right?

It was quite interesting as the ‘old me’ would’ve sat at my desk and half heartedly attempted to ‘work’. This means looked at facebook, checked some emails and had a surf about.

What I did was choose to walk away ( the benefits of being self employed!). I spent time with the kids and didn’t worry about it. I knew there wasn’t anything urgent and a few days out would be fine. I didn’t feel guilty, I knew I had to take some time out to re-charge. I have a tendency to take on too much, I want to do everything. Now looking after me is something I am really working on. I spent most of last year working way too much and not having enough fun. No fun = miserable Tanith!! This year is different! Yes I want to be successful, by my own definition. To me success means running a business that works with spending enough time with loved ones.  Slogging away all the time is counter productive because eventually something will give. I’m now learning (slowly) to listen to myself.

So the next day we all cleared out the loft. Now this may sound boring to you but it’s one of those jobs that needed doing and the sense of achievement was great!! Between you and me I actually have the odd peak in the loft because it looks so great.

The following day I cleaned all day and LOVED it. Am I mad? probably lol. When i have the time I find it relaxing and satisfying. I sorted out cupboards and went to the dump and charity shops.

Spring is definitely in the air for me!! I need to have a good clear out and I feel much lighter in myself. I have cleansed my soul ha ha!

I also spent time in the garden, sorting out plants and tidying up.

At 2.30pm on the Friday afternoon I had a truck of top soil delivered for the vegetable planter. Very exciting!!! Myself and the kids spent a couple of hours moving the soil into the planter. They were such a great help and really worked hard with me.

It was hard, physical work and I used muscles that haven’t been used for a while. I can’t tell you how invigorating it was. The sun was shining, there was a nip in the air and I was hot and out of breath while digging the soil (which smelt amazing).

Finally this week I have been able to plant some seeds. So far we have planted herbs (coriander, parsley, basil) radishes, pak choy, mixed salad leaves, rocket, carrots, spring onion.

I’m going to plant perpetual spinach and beetroot this weekend. Once the weather warms up in goes, beans, cucumber, peas, chillis, tomatoes, squash and what else I discover along the way.

I didn’t have a hobby until I had the idea about the planter. I have wanted to do it for a while but it was my work with Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution that has really spurred me on. The great thing is it has spurred others on too.

Check out this butternut squash recipe and  my son’s kids cooking blog