august
life moves pretty fast
And just like that it’s the last few weeks of summer. July was yet another haze filled with bustling activity and the busyness of long days.
I hosted my first retreat day at the end of July in collaboration with yoga teacher (plus many other things) 'Moving with Meg’ and florist ‘Leigh Chappell’, we were blessed with glorious sunshine and the bluest of skies. The retreat was called ‘movement in stillness’, where we played with the concept of being still in the body but feeling movement and vice versa; through yoga, the menu and ikebana. It was wonderful connect with so many beautiful souls that day.
It is so easy to get swept up in the rush of summer. The long days encouraging us to make the most of them, and so we end up squeezing productivity out of each sun-filled day. But this rush, this feeling that we have to be productive, this constant fleeting from one thing to another means that we are never fully present in that moment.
I’m reminded of one of my favourite films here: ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’. If you haven’t watched it then I would highly recommend it. It’s an 80s classic, fun and light-hearted but with some deep messages. The standout quote from the film is:
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
It’s so important to find balance during summer. The days are long which means you are able to do more, however this IS the time for movement and productivity (versus resting in the winter). But want you want to be feeling is: grounded but light, calm but invigorated for movement. Cool but driven and optimistic. Passionate, but taking breaks rather than pushing through. Productive but hydrated and nourished.
Make time to stop and look around, pause and be present. Take that extra ten minutes, and maybe put off to tomorrow what could be done today. I know this is hard, when we live in a society that demands us to be more productive, consume more, do more and be busy; but just by bringing awareness to your constant movement you can start to challenge whether it’s really want you want or need. Maybe you could try and find more stillness?
You can also try using food and herbs to calm the nervous system and energise the body:
Think about incorporating more: raw, light, bitter, cooling foods
Adding cooling and soothing herbs like: mint, hibiscus, lemon balm, lemon, parsley, basil
Hydrating and sweet foods: fruit, grains, root vegetables, beans
Cooling herbs like: caraway, cumin, fennel, turmeric, dill, fennel
Calming nervines like: chamomile, lavender, skullcap, oats, passionflower
I’m loving making cold brew herbal teas to bring extra hydration and calm at the moment. Having a big jug available encourages me to drink more thought the day and then I get the added benefits of the herbs too. I’m currently drinking: hibiscus, rose, cinnamon and skullcap. Recipe: get a 1.5L jug or jar, add half a cup of your chosen dried herbs, top up with filtered water + stir, cover and pop in the fridge overnight, then in the morning strain, (optional: add honey and citrus to taste) and enjoy!
I’d love to know what cold brews you make. Reply to this email if you give it a go or want any other flavour combinations to try.
in season
local | cavolo nero // cucumber // courgette // tomatoes // peas // beetroot // fennel // cherries // raspberries
wyld | meadowsweet // rosebay willow herb flowers // japanese rosehips // rowan berries // fig // nettle seeds // himalayan balsam
new moon | 04.08
full moon | 19.08 | sturgeon moon
wyld brunch
Join us for brunch next Saturday 10th August (limited spaces) and Sunday 29th September at Little Bryn Gwyn.
The brunch menu will feature sweet and savoury dishes created using locally sourced, seasonal produce. It’s a relaxed event where you can graze and chat, make connections and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Here’s the menu for August (all included):
unlimited teas + coffees
seasonal probiotic smoothie
confit tomato + fennel beans on toast + dukkah
bircher muesli + fresh fruit + spiced sprinkle
waffles with hemp cream + compote + candied seeds
seasonal store cupboard course // autumn
This is something you’ve been requesting for ages and it’s been a long time in the making. My first day course! (Eep!)
Learn how to maximise the flavour and potency of your autumn meals using seasonal ingredients and fill your store cupboard. Discover the art fermenting for enhanced digestibility and nutritional benefits.
Be inspired to get your 30 different plants a week through delicious and wholesome dishes. Delight your taste buds with nourishing sweet treats crafted without refined sugar.
Key learning points on the course:
How to use fermented foods to maximise the gut health benefits
How to reduce inflammation and boost energy and mood
Wild food uses and benefits
Stocking your store cupboard with nourishing ferments, granola, digestive sprinkles and treats
How to make energising broths and seasonal soups
The benefits and uses of medicinal mushrooms and herbs
How to make your own tea blends for the season
Delicious inspiration for breakfast, lunch, dinner + treats
Date: 12th October, 10:00 to 17:30
Address: Down to Earth, Little Bryn Gwyn, Cilibion, Swansea SA3 1BG
Price: £150 pp (limited to 12 spaces)
Use the early bird discount for £20 off (valid until 19th August): FILLMYCUPBOARD
foraging clwb
After a little summer break we are down to the last two sessions of the year. Where has the time gone?? As always, this is in collaboration with Stacey of We Are Woven.
25th August limited spaces (either Parkmill or Rhossili)
21st September newly released (Rhossili focussing on coastal hedgerows)
Biggest cwtch to you all and I hope to see you soon!
Much love,
Jasmin xx
