3. My Aunt and Uncle’s Red Little Handbag

Aunt and Uncle’s little red handbag is more than just an accessory; it’s a cherished piece that will become family history. 

The vibrant red colour makes it a striking statement piece, perfect for adding a pop of colour to any outfit. Whether for special occasions or everyday outings, the handbag is a versatile companion that can elevate any look. It doubles as your wallet and there is enough space to put a lipstick and your cell phone too. 

“Spare” is the memoir of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, published in January 2023. The book provides an intimate and candid look at his life, experiences, and the challenges he faced as a member of the British Royal family. Here’s a review of the book.

Overview:
“Spare” delves into Prince Harry’s life from his childhood, the trauma of losing his mother, Princess Diana, to his experiences in the military, his marriage to Meghan Markle, and the couple’s decision to step back from royal duties. The title itself, “Spare,” refers to Harry’s position as the younger son of Prince Charles, often seen as the “spare” to the heir, which he explores throughout the narrative.

Themes:
1. Identity and Belonging: Harry grapples with his identity within the royal family and the public eye. He reflects on the pressures of being a royal and the feeling of being an outsider.

2. Grief and Loss: The impact of his mother’s death is a recurring theme, shaping his life choices and emotional landscape. Harry discusses how this loss influenced his mental health and relationships.

3. Mental Health: The memoir is notable for its candid discussion of mental health struggles, including anxiety and depression. Harry emphasises the importance of seeking help and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

4. Love and Family: Harry shares his deep love for his wife, Meghan, and their family, contrasting it with the challenges they faced from the media and royal family dynamics.

5. Media Intrusion: The book addresses the media’s relentless scrutiny and its impact on his life, particularly regarding his relationship with Meghan and their decision to step back from royal duties.

Strengths:
– Honesty and Vulnerability: Harry’s willingness to share personal stories and emotions makes the memoir relatable and engaging. His openness about mental health is particularly impactful.

– Insight into Royal Life: The book provides a unique perspective on the inner workings of the royal family, shedding light on traditions, expectations, and the challenges of royal life.

– Narrative Style: Harry’s storytelling is compelling, blending humor, poignancy, and reflection, which keeps readers engaged throughout.

I enjoyed this read very much.

Onto the next book…

Understanding the categories of processed and ultra-processed foods is a powerful tool to better understand what you put in your body. It empowers you to make informed dietary choices, leading to better health and well-being.

Processed Foods

Processed foods are those that have been altered from their original form through methods such as canning, freezing, refrigeration, dehydration, or baking. This category includes foods that may have added ingredients like salt, sugar, or preservatives but still retain a significant amount of their original nutritional value. Examples include:

– Canned vegetables (with added salt)
– Frozen fruits and vegetables (without added sugars or syrups)
– Whole grain bread
– Cheese
– Yogurt (with or without added sugars)

Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods have undergone extensive industrial processing and typically contain ingredients you wouldn’t find in a home kitchen. These foods often include additives such as artificial flavours, colours, preservatives, sweeteners, and emulsifiers. They are usually designed to be convenient, palatable, and shelf-stable, but they often have low nutritional value and high levels of sugar, unhealthy fats, and salt. Examples include:

– Sugary beverages (sodas, energy drinks)
– Snack foods (chips, cookies, candy)
– Instant noodles and soups
– Processed meats (hot dogs, deli meats)
– Frozen meals and pizzas
– Breakfast cereals with high sugar content

Research suggests that high consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with various health issues, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. This is often due to their high-calorie density, low nutritional quality, and the presence of unhealthy additives.

Making Healthier Choices

To promote better health, it is generally recommended to:

– Focus on whole, minimally processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

– Limit the intake of ultra-processed foods, opting for homemade or less processed alternatives when possible.

– Read food labels to be aware of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients.

By being mindful of the types of foods you consume, you can improve your overall diet and health.

Ultra-processed foods often contain a variety of ingredients that are not typically found in home cooking. These ingredients are usually added to enhance flavour, texture, shelf life, and appearance. Below are some common ingredients found in ultra-processed foods:

1. Added Sugars
   – High-fructose corn syrup
   – Sucrose (table sugar)
   – Glucose syrup
   – Fructose
   – Maltodextrin

2. Refined Oils and Fats
   – Hydrogenated oils (trans fats)
   – Palm oil
   – Soybean oil
   – Canola oil

3. Preservatives
   – Sodium benzoate
   – Potassium sorbate
   – BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)
   – BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)

4. Artificial Flavours and Colours
   – Synthetic flavouring agents (e.g., vanillin, ethyl maltol)
   – Artificial colourings (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5)

5. Emulsifiers and Stabilizers
   – Lecithin
   – Mono- and diglycerides
   – Carrageenan
   – Xanthan gum

6. Thickeners and Gelling Agents
   – Guar gum
   – Agar-agar
   – Pectin

7. Flavour Enhancers
   – Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
   – Yeast extract

8. Modified Starches
   – Modified food starch
   – Corn starch

9. Dairy Substitutes
   – Non-dairy creamers
   – Processed cheese products

10. Artificial Sweeteners
    – Aspartame
    – Sucralose
    – Saccharin

11. Processed Meats
    – Nitrates and nitrites (used in curing)
    – Flavoring agents and fillers

12. Pre-packaged Ingredients
    – Instant noodles
    – Ready-to-eat meals that may contain a mix of the above ingredients

These ingredients contribute to ultra-processed foods’ palatability, convenience, and shelf stability but often come at the cost of nutritional quality. Regular consumption of such foods can lead to health issues, so it’s advisable to read labels carefully and limit intake of ultra-processed items in favour of whole, minimally processed foods.

The information in this article was compiled from various sources through research.

Sourdough and regular bread differ in several key aspects, including ingredients, fermentation processes, flavours, and textures.

Here’s a breakdown of the main differences:

Leavening Agent:

Sourdough: Uses a natural leavening agent, which is a sourdough starter made from flour and water that captures wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria from the environment. This fermentation process can take several hours to days.

Regular Bread: Typically uses commercial yeast (such as active dry yeast or instant yeast) for leavening, which works much faster, usually allowing the dough to rise in a couple of hours.

Fermentation Process:

Sourdough: The fermentation process is longer and involves both yeast and bacteria, leading to a more complex flavour profile. The slow fermentation also helps develop gluten and improves the bread’s texture.

Regular Bread: The fermentation is quicker, resulting in a simpler flavour profile. The dough is usually mixed, allowed to rise for a short period, shaped, and then baked.

Flavor:

Sourdough: Has a distinctive tangy flavour due to the lactic acid produced during fermentation. The flavour can vary based on the starter, fermentation time, and other factors.

Regular Bread: Generally has a milder flavour, with less complexity compared to sourdough. The taste is more straightforward and can be influenced by added ingredients like sugar, milk, or fats.

Texture:

Sourdough: Often has a chewy crust and an open crumb structure with larger holes. The texture can be denser due to the longer fermentation.

Regular Bread: Usually has a softer crust and a more uniform crumb structure. The texture can vary widely depending on the recipe and ingredients used.

Nutritional Aspects:

Sourdough: The longer fermentation process can make the bread easier to digest and may enhance the bioavailability of nutrients. The presence of lactic acid bacteria can also contribute to gut health.

Regular Bread: Nutritional content varies widely depending on the type of flour and other ingredients used. It may not have the same digestive benefits as sourdough.

Shelf Life:

Sourdough: Tends to have a longer shelf life due to the acidity produced during fermentation, which can inhibit mold growth.

Regular Bread: May have a shorter shelf life, especially if it contains preservatives.

Preparation Time:

Sourdough: Requires more time and patience due to the need for starter preparation and longer fermentation times.

Regular Bread: Generally quicker to prepare, making it more convenient for everyday baking.

Both sourdough and regular bread have their unique qualities and appeal. Sourdough is often favoured because of its potential health benefits. Although soughdough bread is not free from gluten, is it lower because of its fermentation process.

I was all about food this month, hey. I tried out new things and learned new ways to make meals without using crumbs and staying away from overprocessed products. Naturally, this meant I ate a lot of veggies. Below, I share with you three new products I discovered this month.

Enjoy,

Gluten-Free Spaghetti

Generally, gluten-free products are expensive, but I discovered the Simply Truth brand at Checkers. A 500g packet of spaghetti is 22.00. Yes, you heard me right. The gluten-free pasta from Woolies is almost N$100 for 250g. I am also very cognizant of the gluten-free products’ contents. I check for the ingredients and make sure I recognise all the ingredients. The less the better. They also say that if you don’t have these items in your kitchen individually, then the product is ultra-processed. So, this spaghetti is only made from corn and water. What a winner, hey.

Squash

I have been obsessed with squash for some time now. And like a true colour, I add sweet corn and cheese. Yum yum yum.
I first steam them until they are soft but still firm, then transfer them to a large enough oven dish, put a tiny bit of butter on it, and sprinkle a little sugar on it, as in a tiny, tiny bit. Then I fill them up with sweetcorn and put cheese on top.
They go into the oven only until the cheese is melted.

Sourdough pizza

My friend generously gave me three sourdough pizza bases, complete with tomato sauce and pre-baked. I used them on Friday nights for our family pizza night. For my pizza, I topped it with mushrooms, onions, garlic, feta, and lactose-free cheese. After baking it in the oven, I added some rocket on top. It turned out just as delicious, if not better than the pizzas you’d get from a restaurant!

Book Review: Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing

I loved this book. It is candid, engaging, interesting, and honest and offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a legend. Mathew Perry is best known as Chandler Bing in the iconic sitcom Friends. The book tells the story of his childhood, where he grew up, how his addiction started and all the ups and downs of his life. He talks about the women he’s dated; surprisingly, I never knew about some of them. You find yourself rooting for Perry as he navigates the ups and downs of recovery, illustrating the importance of resilience and the ongoing journey towards healing.
Knowing how his story ends, you cannot help but feel sad at the end of the book. It was published about a year before his death.

If you were not a Friends watcher, boy, is there a gap in your education! Even today, we still watch Friends. RIP Mathew Perry.

Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing is an easy read, and I found it very hard to put down.

A charcuterie board is of French origin and typically served as an appetizer on a wooden board or stone slab, either eaten straight from the board itself or portioned onto tableware. It features a selection of preserved foods, especially cured meats or pâtés, as well as cheeses and crackers or bread. Wikipedia

Oh, nothing is prettier than gorgeously stacked food on a wooden board! Do you agree with me? It is simple to make and you can impress your friends in no time.

What you are going to need:

• A wooden board big enough for a variety of food.
• Jams and Pate
• A French loaf and a variety of crackers
• Cured Meats like salami, pepperoni, prosciutto,
• Nuts and Seeds
• Cheese like Gouda, Goat cheese, brie, camembert with some fig jam
• Herbs for garnish, like rill and rosemary
• Fruit like grapes, strawberries, kiwi, whatever is in season. Even dry fruits make a lovely addition.

I like to put my jams and pate’s in small bowls to create some height.

If you have time, I like to make some pastries, like ham and cheese wheels or meat pies. It adds more weight to your display of food.

When you have all your goodies together, you just stack them on. There really is no right or wrong way. Enjoy doing it!

Are you and your man regular date night people?

Here are some ideas for you.

1. Couples massages and dinner afterwards. How romantic!
2. You can picnic in your garden at home, do the sunset thing on the dunes, or at the beach. You can either make your picnic basket or buy a charcuterie board. Please take a look at the article on making your own.
3. Stroll through town, eating ice cream on a lovely summer evening.
4. Something my husband would like is cycling together. You could do a bike tour or take your bikes out for a spin, and have a picnic while you’re at it.
5. I still want to do a wine-tasting experience with my husband. Atlantic Villa in Swakopmund regularly offers wine tastings and pairings. We also have Gellert wines; you can book a tasting with them at any time.

Are you and your man regular date night people?

Here are some ideas for you.

1. Couples massages and dinner afterwards. How romantic!
2. You can picnic in your garden at home, do the sunset thing on the dunes, or at the beach. You can either make your picnic basket or buy a charcuterie board. Please take a look at the article on making your own.
3. Stroll through town, eating ice cream on a lovely summer evening.
4. Something my husband would like is cycling together. You could do a bike tour or take your bikes out for a spin, and have a picnic while you’re at it.
5. I still want to do a wine-tasting experience with my husband. Atlantic Villa in Swakopmund regularly offers wine tastings and pairings. We also have Gellert wines; you can book a tasting with them at any time.