Book Review: Good Together

When I ask a friend how they are, they’ll inevitably reply: ‘Busy.’ I’m guilty of it too – it’s a symptom of the modern world. But it only confirms the need for quality time spent with the people you love. The more you do it, the more you understand it’s what really matters – good times with friends and family are the most effective panacea for a busy week/month/year.

Ryan Chetiyawardana, a.k.a. Mr. Lyan

Now that’s a great introduction to a book, isn’t it? Meeting the people who matter most in my life over good food and drink is certainly one of my preferred ways to slow down. I believe that in life we need just a few dear friends, and having a good chat over a relaxing lunch is one of the most uplifting things ever.

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Book Review: Cleanse, Nurture, Restore with Herbal Tea

It’s always fun to get something new in the post. This month the people at Quarto sent me not one, but two very interesting books that I thought deserved a special mention. I’ll start with one called Cleanse, Nurture, Restore with Herbal Tea written by Sebastian Pole, co-founder of Pukka Herbs in 2001, which is of course the same company that makes the very well-known Pukka teas.

My Christmas Recipe List

Hey everyone! I hope you’ve been having a good few weeks. I have been out of sorts lately. December is not my month – I’m not too big on Christmas. I do the usual stuff and J and I have our family over for lunch which proceeds into afternoon tea and evening drinks. We don’t mind at all, but I cannot deny that by the end of the day I’ll be totally zonked out. It is a quiet day, and I make sure to plan ahead. This year I’m still going through lists and things, and year after year I feel like I’m falling behind. However it all turns out all right in the end so I’m not going to worry. I decided it’s just not worth it.

Cosmopolitan Cocktail and this blog’s 5 Year Anniversary

Just for curiosity’s sake I decided to go through C&T‘s archive and verify the date of my first post. I smiled when I did because coincidentally it was the 6th of January, 2011. I can’t believe I have been doing this for five years. What started as a hobby is now what I love to do best. It all started from simply posting my bakes of the week on Facebook to having a nameless and structureless little blog, to what Chorizo & Thyme has become today. I thank everyone for being here with me, reading my thoughts and recipes, and commenting. Reading your comments and your messages is so uplifting.

Fried Courgette recipe and a Life Update

Not writing anything on C&T for these past two weeks has been a strange experience. Last year I took a month-long break during all of August to focus on moving and trying to settle back in after the UK. This time things are very different and difficult. To say that these past few days have been tough doesn’t even begin to describe it. My maternal grandmother passed away early Sunday morning. Her funeral was held last Monday, giving us almost no time to process this loss. My grandma had been sick for 13 years – in fact, the last time I remember her being ok was at my wedding. I remember my mum asking me to go hug her before my going away. For some reason that comes to mind every time I think of her. Somehow I managed a reading during the funeral service and kept calm, but I couldn’t help feeling upset by the end of it. What I can say for sure is that I feel deeply thankful for being able to be there during her last days with us. She is now at peace.