Creative Input
The winter months bring different kinds of creativity into my life, and this year I am trying to lean in to that more. In past years I would be pining away for the arrival of spring, but this year I am making more of an effort to emphasize ways that I can create on a daily basis within my home without being out in the garden. Completing handcrafts that have been on my to-do list for months, trialing new recipes, and enjoying books filled with beautiful pictures have all been filling my cup. I’m thinking of all these winter activities as creative input, exercising the creativity muscle and gathering ideas that will guide what I create during the 2025 season.
Today I wanted to share a few books that I’m enjoying in the hope that maybe you, too, will be inspired!
The Complete Gardener by Monty Don, 2nd Edition. The wonderful thing about this book is that it holds a wealth of knowledge gathered by Monty Dawn after working in his garden 30 years. He details mistakes he made, how he fixed them, things he wishes he had done differently, and how his garden evolved over the decades. This book is really a treat for any aspiring gardener.
English Houses or English Decoration by Ben Pentreath. I feel so inspired when looking through any of Ben Pentreath’s books. The English have a way of decorating that is cosy and unique. I love seeing how each home owner uses color and patterns within their space.
Bake by Paul Hollywood. This is the year I learn to make bread. I’ve been saying I would do this for years, so now I am finally doing it. This cookbook has very accessible bread recipes for beginner bakers along with dozens of other recipes for sweet treats. Do you have any favorite bread cookbooks? If so, I am all ears.
Simple Feel Good Food by Jeanine Donofrio. It has been a long time (if ever?) that I’ve opened a cookbook and wanted to make the majority of the recipes. Filled with tasty and simple meals that have all been a hit so far.
