Smythson Antonia Wine Tote

I'm just kidding, I don't think Smythson really designed the Antonia bag to tote a bottle of wine, but yet it does.  Isn't this a good feature of a handbag?  I am often on foot and I don't really want people to remember me as the lady with the booze tucked under her arm... a handbag must have the capability to hold a bottle of wine.
This past week I brought this bottle of Pinot Grigio to the little spa I go to for my facials, as a bit of an apology.  I missed my last appointment which is something I never do, in a fog of headaches for a good part of January I've been completely off my game.
As anyone will tell you Health Is Everything, so I've been focussed on wellness in a much more serious way (as opposed to my usual slapdash style).  This means lots of sleep, some exercise but not too much, regular balanced meals (never any sugar) and zero glasses of wine, but plenty of water and herbal tea.
I went to Gentle Yoga yesterday with Laura and even that I managed to overdo, I've strained my neck and woken up with a headache... fortunately the coffee is easing that a bit.  In all things, sometimes we just need to Calm Down!
Speaking of calm, here we are at Friday, any plans out of the ordinary?  I have a Graston Technique massage today for my neck and you'd think it was Christmas I'm so excited.  My Lil' Rascal has a medical appointment today too so there will be driving around.  The cold snap is back which will make Scout the Fur Pony very excited to go on a walk, who knew a dog could love cold weather so much?
I hope your Friday is calm if that is what you need today, or full of beans if it's not!
Have a good one,
xoxDani

Tea and Cognac

 I like this nice little evening drink that is very warm and soothing, and good for calming the mind before bed: some sleepy-time tea (with chamomile and valerian) with a splash of cognac.
I'm a little frightened of cognac because I like it a bit too much, but I made this drink for my hubs the other evening and he loved it.
I am not opposed to a little self-medicating with soothing drinks, don't get me wrong.  Last night I had two giant glasses of wine, one before dinner and one after... it was anaesthetic really and it did the trick.  I had absolutely ruined my shoulders doing a crazy yoga class on Tuesday that was basically an hour of planks, downward dogs and side planks.  Yesterday I couldn't move my arms above my shoulders, so I lost a day of doing housework and prepping for my block party on Saturday.  So frustrating!  Must remember I'm not 30 anymore, I have to treat my poor bones, joints and muscles with respect.

I did figure something out in my kitchen yesterday that's been nagging at me.

 I make almond milk in my Vitamix  and it is so delicious (here's the recipe).  It is the perfect thing to have in your morning coffee if you're on a plant-based diet.  It's a completely different product from the stuff you can buy in the cartons, it's full of fat and creamy.

 The process requires a bit of patience: the soaking of the almonds, the whirring up, then the mixture goes into a muslin bag to be slowly squeezed out.

The problem is there is so much almond pulp leftover and it seems a real waste to throw it away!  I end up making almond milk about every third day so there is a lot of almond pulp remaining.
Yesterday I baked some muffins using the pulp (along with flax, whole wheat flour, a little baking powder, water, apples, dates and cinnamon).  They were delicious, not fancy but good for a snack or elevenses.
I found an article detailing many uses for almond pulp (including baking muffins) here.

I have a list as long as one of my sore arms to get through so I'd better get cracking.  Lots of errands and housework today, there's nothing better than getting ready for a party.
Have a super day,
xoxDani