I have been away from here for such a long time that I am only just getting round to the 'resolution' post but at least I can provide a simultaneous review.
Not being one for New Years' resolutions, preferring to take life as it comes, I tend to adhere to a few loose principles which for the month of January included water, culture, and fun.
My water intake is up to at least two pints a day, easily achieved at work as a sort of ritual screen break. Culture includes seeing a film a month, January's offering was American Hustle, absolutely brilliant although I think I might now have a crush on Christian Bale, his acting talents of course. My book intake has also increased to include The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt - I can't recommend it enough, so much so that I have also nearly finished The Secret History by the same author. A small Christmas gift to myself included the Luminaries, which I had already loaned from the local library but with the three weeks over Christmas being so busy with little time for intensive reading and the book being so good I just had to break my 'I don't buy books' rule.
Fun has included trying new recipes and for January this included; in honour of Chinese new year, Chicken Meatballs in Hoisin Sauce. I have included the recipe just in case you might like to try these yourself.
1tsp butter, 1tsp ginger, 1 onion diced, 200g minced chicken, 1tbsp hoisin sauce, 1tbsp oyster sauce & breadcrumbs (the recipe didn't state how much, so I added half a bag of ready made - I know, I know, not terribly frugal but needs must).
Fry the onion in butter until just softened, then combine with the other ingredients. Shape into medium sized balls and either deep fry or cook in a hot oven. Really delicious with stir-fried veg and chilli sauce.
We also spent a lovely weekend visiting family, with a trip to the V&A thrown in. I had completed forgotten how much I love this museum and despite having visited many times during childhood I am still blown away by its scale.
The weekend was topped off with a lovely Sunday lunch at the the canbury arms in Kingston great food, atmosphere and service.
Generous portions too!
Here's hoping February will be as good.
I love the v & a too. I've been a few times now but have hardly scratched the surface yet. I'm not complaining though as it means there's plenty to go back for. I also love the shop and the cafe there to I'm afraid which isn't always good for my bank balance.
ReplyDeleteI agree there is still loads more for us to see on subsequent visits. I just never appreciated what was on my doorstep when I lived in London.
DeleteI loved The Luminaries!
ReplyDeleteTrying out new recipes is always good fun; sounds like you're in for an exciting new year! XXX
I tried a few more recipes besides that one, it's good not to get into a rut where meals are concerned.
DeleteI've never been to the V&A although I have always wanted to visit. We are planning a trip to London later on this year so I shall make sure I fit it in.
ReplyDeletePlease do, it is really beautiful.
DeleteOh I love the V&A!
ReplyDeleteIt is absolutely beautiful, and what a legacy.
DeleteSounds like you made the most of January. I tried but it was still fairly grim. To my shame, despite living in London for quite some time in my twenties, I never made it to the V&A. Must try to remedy this. Thanks for book suggestions. Lots of people seem to be reading 'The Goldfinch'.
ReplyDeleteIt's good as well as my CB crush, I am quite mad about one of the characters in the Goldfinch, imagination is a wonderful thing!
DeleteI would love to visit the V&A Museum - it's on my To Do list (should we ever get to London again)...
ReplyDeleteI agree, The Goldfinch seems to be THE book of choice. I'll see if they're getting it at my local library and get my name on the waiting list!
Very impressed with the water consumption too. Sounds like you've got yourself into a healthy habit :)
Yes but I didn't mention the four chocolate digestives I ate today!
DeleteLove the look of that perfectly balanced yorkshire!
ReplyDeleteReally good idea to make sure you keep up on the water intake, I bet your skin looks different.
Hope the reading year continues as well as it seems to have started.
Lisa x
I have visions of yorkshires rolling all over the restaurant now!
DeleteWhat a great start to the year - I admit I feel rather envious as ours has not been quite so fulfilling or exciting...hope we make up for that in February.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. Keep doing it all!
Axxx
I am usually such a home to work, work to home person that I have made a pledge to have a little fun this year.
DeleteHow uplifting to read about some joy in January. It seemed to go very quickly, don't you think? Still, have a to say I'm glad that February has brought us a little bit closer to spring - hope there's lots more jollity waiting for you.
ReplyDeleteI am planning a little fun for each month this year otherwise I just turn around and the year is gone and life has passed me by.
DeleteSounds like you've made an excellent start to 2014. The V&A is somewhere I'd love to go. My best friends and I are contemplating a London trip this year so hopefully I'll get to see it.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I have a rather massive crush on Christian Bale too. For his acting talents of course ;)
Love the ps, I nearly said hands off he's mine then I checked out his age!!
DeleteI adore the V&A ... one of my favourite places to spend time, especially if I have a sketchbook and pencils with me.
ReplyDeleteAne you've another huge Christian Bale fan here :D
Love the simplicity of water, culture and fun!
ReplyDeleteReading for pleasure, visiting favourite places and eating are all fun in my opinion.
Hope your February is great too xo