Heartmade Project ~ Make a Plan
It’s very easy, with all we have to do in the run up to Christmas, to forget something important. Make yourself a plan, with all the essential jobs and when they need doing. (Don’t forget that some pamper time is essential too!)
You might like to make yourself a mind map, a great way to make sure you have thought of everything, plus a finished mind map will have all similar things linked together.
Work your way back from Christmas Day, spreading out all the things you have to do. Don’t overload your plan, leave some flexibility and some space to breathe.
Heartmade Recipe ~ Make Flapjack
So simple. So delicious. Make some of this as a high energy snack or treat for yourself, or wrap it and give as a gift.
Ingredients:
3oz butter / 3 tablespoons soft brown sugar / 3 tablespoons golden syrup / 12oz oats
You can play around with this recipe a bit; I like to use honey instead of syrup and add a mashed banana or grated apple and cinnamon.
Method:
Melt butter, sugar and syrup in a pan and stir in the oats.
Press into a greased baking tray and bake in a moderate oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Take out of the oven while still soft to the touch and cut into whatever shape you like, with a sharp knife or cookie cutters. Leave until cool and firm (if you can wait that long!)
You could make your flapjack Christmassy by adding some mincemeat of a handful of fruit and nuts, like Hugh from River Cottage Farm.
If you’re giving as gifts, cut your flapjack into small squares and stack three or four, wrapping in cellophane and a ribbon (or strip of fabric) and gift tag.
Heartmade Tip ~ Make for the Hills!
Or the woods. Or even the garden. Rushing about at this time of year, means we get plenty of exercise, but it’s important that we try and set aside some time every day, specifically for exercise. Any exercise you like is fine; it’s the focus on the exercise that’s important.
When we are busy and maybe feeling under pressure, we tense up muscles without realising; though we may be walking 10,000 steps a day, they are likely to be less effective than if we take a half hour walk in the fresh air. Plus there are benefits to the mind when we focus on our movements.
You don’t have to go walking, running, cycling, etc. (although the fresh air will also do you a world of good), you could just spend ten minutes gently stretching.
Stay healthy and happy this advent! :O)
