Hobbies often serve as our personal moments of joy, creativity, and relaxation, which are weaved into our daily routines. Some are content with just one pastime, but I have quite a lot, and I couldn’t be happier.
REDISCOVERING CROCHETING
One of my recent passions is crocheting. I rekindled this craft after an unsuccessful attempt a few years ago, sparked by an encounter at a Philippine Food Festival last July. There, a talented lady sold charming handcrafted crocheted toys. However, their handmade nature came at a steep price. My daughters wanted them desperately, but I decided to learn how to crochet once more, refusing to pay CHF30 (about PhP 1,950) for a 3-inch tall cat.
Starting with simple projects like small bags and baskets for my girls, I eventually ventured into crocheting small amigurumi animals. My ever-supportive husband even gifted me a book on amigurumi animals, written entirely in German. That’s right; I added reading German crochet patterns to my growing list of skills.
As I dabble in this craft, I’m gradually amassing an array of vibrant yarns, pondering where to store them all.
THE ART OF DECLUTTERING
In my quest for organization and to accommodate my expanding yarn collection, I stumbled upon the Spotify podcast “A Slob Comes Clean,” hosted by Dana White. To my delight, I discovered that Dana had authored books on decluttering, including one titled “Decluttering at the Speed of Life,” available on my Kindle Unlimited subscription. I eagerly downloaded it and uncovered Dana’s invaluable decluttering Visibility Rule (start decluttering in places you see the most) and five key steps. Even investing a mere five minutes at a time can yield substantial progress.
Here’s a quick rundown of Dana’s decluttering steps:
1. Trash: Start by eliminating all the trash from your chosen area. This small act alone can make a noticeable difference.
2. Easy Stuff: Return items to their rightful places.
3. Duh Donate: Identify items that make you wonder why you have them. If you don’t need them and someone else can, donate them.
4. Ask the 2 Decluttering Questions:
Question #1: Where would I look for this item first if I needed it? Place it there now.
Question #2: Would I ever think I already have one of these if I needed it? If yes, put it where you’d look first. If no, donate it.
Make it Fit: Adhere to the Container Concept; only keep what you have space for.
As someone who’s grappled with clutter, these steps provide a solid starting point. While my surroundings still appear chaotic, I understand that decluttering is a lifelong journey, and I’ll tackle it one item at a time.
BACK TO SCHOOL
In other news, school is back in session! Rebecca, my eldest, has begun 3rd grade, while Sarah has embarked on her kindergarten adventure. Fortunately, the first week went off without a hitch, with no tears in sight. Sarah is relishing her time in kindergarten, making new friends and settling in seamlessly. Rebecca, on the other hand, is ecstatic to reunite with her friends.
Now that school is back in full swing, I am striving to improve my meal planning skills and seek out easy, delicious recipes. One dish that’s a shoo-in for my meal plan is the versatile Dutch Baby.
A DUTCH BABY FOR ALL OCCASIONS
This Dutch Baby recipe is a lifesaver, as it can be served as either a savory or sweet dish, making it suitable for any meal of the day. For 4 servings, all you need is a 12-inch oven-proof skillet or cake pan.
Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1 cup milk
4 eggs
4 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp sugar
Pinch of salt
Extra 1 tbsp butter for the pan.
Instructions:
Preheat the skillet in the oven at 210°C/410°F for at least 10 minutes.
Whisk or blend all the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth.
Add the extra tablespoon of butter to the preheated pan and pour in the batter. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the Dutch Baby is puffed and golden. This Dutch Baby is quick and versatile, accommodating your cravings with ease. Top it with savory ingredients like cheese, ham, and herbs for a delightful brunch, or opt for a sweet treat with powdered sugar and berries for dessert.*
