Hello from sunny Sydney! (Big warm welcome to the new people this week…thanks for joining me. You’ve signed up for my weekly newsletter, and I’m Catherine Greer…mum of two sons, wife of an ex-naval officer, author of several books and compulsive baker!)
In Australia, it’s Higher School Certificate time, and at my kitchen table you’ll often find a girlfriend plus other teens studying for exams. As an ex-English teacher, I’m on duty with essays and my husband covers the Maths.
So today, for all those exam mums who follow along, I’m giving you my favourite 6 quick pick-me-ups.
Sunday dessert.
When teens are here and certainly every Sunday, I make a family dessert. Last weekend it was the delicious Lemon Blueberry Soufra from a couple of newsletters ago, and let me tell you this: it is worth it.
Easy to make and completely delicious. So good, in fact, that I’m going to buy a proper 30-inch for baking mine. Mine was a little too small, hence the overcooking, but still: total perfection if you love dessert.
2. Bare feet on grass.
It’s surprising how easy it is to overlook this tiny joy. Bare feet, warm grass. The temps in Sydney were high yesterday, and I stood on the lawn while our new puppy, Evie, slept. It reminded me of being a kid: relaxed, happy, soaking in the day.
3. Walking.
I’ve written about the Latin phrase“Solvitur ambulando” about a year ago and to me it’s true: “It is solved by walking.” Whatever the problem is: worry, kids, work, life, imbalance, fear…walking always helps.
4. A fun Sunday afternoon kind of dress.
Do you like to throw on a cute, fun dress with sneakers and zip around your house? I do. I know many of you are on a budget — thanks for sharing with me and I know life can be tricky — so I found this one this week and it’s cute and floaty. (Way cuter in person than in this photo!) Size up because comfort is key here and it will be long enough if you’re 5’7” or shorter. Pair with cute white sneakers and you’re all set. If you like more of a shirt-dress, try this one.
5. A sandal splurge for summer for my overseas friends.
Everyone’s talking about these comfy sandals…wear them at the beach or on the rocks, and cute for out to dinner, too. Pricey for the original, but the dupes are here. Hopefully they’re back in stock soon.
6. A reminder: love all the people you’ve been given to love.
Reach out with whatever you’ve got in your own two hands: knowledge about how to write an essay, a slice of cake, a warm hug, a safe home, friendship. Listen to someone who’s struggling, err on the side of being generous, celebrate your life. Today — make it a mission to love all your people, and let them know it.
I hope you have a wonderful Sunday.
Love Catherine x
P.S. The fun stuff!
The Lemon Blueberry Soufra recipe is here — try it! Love!
Liz Fair is a poet and her work is gorgeous. Find her here.
Oh, these easy corn fritters. Wow! Love the look of them.
Such a great song for you, in honour of all your friends…time for a kitchen dance.
My Aussie friend has a new historical novel out this week: A Curious Daughter. If you love the 80s, you’ll love this one. You can find it here!
