Some things that I have enjoyed in January

Hooray, we have made it through the darkest 6 weeks of the year. On the occasions I managed to crawl out of my duvet cocoon, I have enjoyed some great telly, films, walks, food, podcasts and radio programmes. Motivation has been at an all time low in this house, but I have found fun, comfort, and interest in the following :

8 am dog walks and owls

Sunrise has conveniently coincided with my early morning dog walks. Some sunrises have been more dramatic than others but the silhouettes of skeletal trees enable clear viewing of some whopping birds of prey. Owls with their funny, tufty ears ready to go to bed and motionless buzzards waiting to swoop. It’s a lovely way to start the day.

Gumbo

Gumbo has been a popular feature on the family menu and I can highly recommend this recipe from Felicity Cloake. Sitting somewhere between hearty stew and soup, Gumbo has a fabulous cajun kick. From the cuisine of Louisiana, it feels more fun and interesting to eat than standard English winter fare and you can create your own hybrid with whatever you have in the fridge.

Streaming

Am I the only person in the country not watching Traitors? Love all the Highland styling but I haven’t got the attention span for protracted reality TV. We were all glued to Playing Nice on ITV despite the improbable plot twists. Set on rugged stretches of coast in Cornwall, it made us think about what we’d do in the event that one of our babies had been swapped…

During ‘Born in the Limelight: Nepo Babies UNTOLD’ , Phoenix Brown (daughter of Spice Girl Mel B) explores how society views those born to the rich and famous. During the one hour documentary, Pheonix attempts to make it as an artist using her mothers name and her crude smiley faces canvases are well received. She is acutely aware of her privilege but explores whether nepo babies are being blamed for society’s inequalities and if constantly bating them is necessary or helpful.

Top of the Popes

Top of the Popes, Ralph Fiennes is excellent in Conclave and I thoroughly enjoyed the insight into the papal election behind the closed doors of the Vatican City. The Cardinal who matched his vape to his crimson robes was a real highlight.

Mr Chalamet’s sanitised version of Bob Dylan is far more pleasing than the real deal in ‘A Complete Unknown.’ I adored the images of 1960’s Greenwich Village and the Dylan bangers were fantastic.

Listening

Louis Theroux’s interview with Jade Thirlwall (ex Little Mix) links neatly to his recent documentary ‘Boy Band Forever.’ Thirle talks about her love/hate relationship to fame through X Factor. Highlights include Jade’s early-days relationship with Harry Styles and getting blasted by the Gallaghers.

I have also been enjoyed the back catalogue of the podcast ‘Unreality.’ Talia Augustidis guides us through short stories that make the listener look at the narrow margins between the imagined and the truth. I particularly enjoyed the episode ‘Sound Collector’ which discusses memory.

There are plenty of things to look forward to in February including Amandaland (the spin off from Motherland), spring bulbs popping up and longer days.. hooray!

Storm Eowyn is really kicking off here in Cornwall. I hope that wherever you are reading this, you are safe, warm and have access to some good snacks.

Sophie

Still some good stuff in the Poppy and Honesty Sale including this valance and pillowcase in Florence.