Nourishment 4

nicolameirholistic
6 days ago
4 min read

If this is the first instalment of 'Nourishment' you have read, this is where I share things I have been enjoying. So here's what I've been loving over the last few months:

Food

Feta nut roast

This has been my first attempt at making a version of a nut roast and I must say it was so easy to make and delicious. An Amy Sheppard (@amysheppardfood) recipe, I first made this on Christmas Day, using the left overs on Boxing Day. I've made it several times since as it lends itself to any time of year and can be eaten hot or cold.

Feeds 4 (although I think it can feed up to 8)

Ingredients:

Oil for frying

1 onion finely chopped

150g fresh breadcrumbs

2 x 200g feta cheese finely crumbled

150g chopped mixed nuts (unsalted)

50ml single cream

3 x beaten eggs

21 tbsp dried mixed herbs

Salt and ground black pepper

Method:

Heat a drizzle of oil in a non stick pan. Add the onion and fry on a medium heat for 5 minutes or until soft.

Heat the oven to 200C fan.

In a large mixing bowl add the breadcrumbs, crumbled feta, chopped nuts, single cream, beaten eggs, mixed herbs and fried onions. Season with salt and pepper.

Use a wooden spoon to work the ingredients together until they're combined and the breadcrumbs have been absorbed into the mixture.

Line a baking dish approximately 22cm wide. Tip the mixture in and press it down firmly with a spoon, especially around the edges.

Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven halfway through baking and brush the top with olive oil to give it a lovely golden crust.

Leave to cool and firm up for 3-4 minutes before lifting it out of the dish and cutting it into wedges.

Skincare

Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil

I'd be lying if I said that this was a new discovery for me. It isn't. I've used it for decades and will continue to use it for years to come. It's an absolute iconic facial oil. Designed for dehydrated skin, it's a luxurious oil that smells divine and is a real pleasure to use. Facial oils, in general, are a quick way to give your skin glow and vibrance, whilst deeply nourishing and hydrating the skin. Made from 100% pure plant extracts the blue orchid revitalises and tones skin, whilst hazel protects against dehydration. It feels like a luxurious blanket that envelopes the skin in a nourishing veil. At £45 it is extrememly well priced compared to other facial oils of the same calibre and bottle size. It's rich texture means a little goes a long way so you will find that one bottle lasts several months if used every night.

I tend to use it in the evening where I apply it to cleansed and toned skin that is still damp to touch. I spend time massaging the oil into my face, neck and decollete. I love this time in the evening. It is a ritual where I take time to connect with how I am feeling and review the day that's been. It's worth noting that using a facial oil will not make the skin oily. This is also the case if you have naturally oily skin. Firstly lucky you! Secondly it will help to regulate oil production, therefore it won't make the skin even oilier. Clarins do oils so well and in my work as a Facialist I recommend this time and time again.

TV show

Big Boys - Channel 4

This is the best thing I have watched in months. Created by Jack Rooke, a British Comedian, writer and the narrator of this semi autobiographical show. It follows the lives of Jack and Danny, two students embarking on their journey through university and how their deep friendship blossoms. It starts in the year 2013 and documents each of the three years at uni (this is reflected in the three seasons/18 episodes). Grief, sexuality, mental health and the general ups and downs of student life are explored brilliantly. If I tell you I was howling with laughter one minute and sobbing the next I wouldn't be lying. It is a genuine masterpiece (100% rotten tomatoes critic score) and has been nominated for several BAFTAs over the last three years. It also won a BAFTA Craft Award (Writer:Comedy) for Jack Rooke in 2024 and has at least three nominations at this years award ceremony. I hope it wins!!

Book

101Essays That Will Change the Way You Think by Brianna Wiest

This is a collection of short, reflective essays which focus on personal growth, emotional intelligence, self awareness, habits and mindset. It's the perfect 'pick up, put down' book as each essay is only a few pages long and the whole book is designed to be dipped into and not read in order. I think you'd like this if you enjoy journalling, are self reflective, like thought provoking ideas and just want a book you can read in small chunks.

Sitting outside first thing

A mindful cuppa

As the weather has been getting slightly warmer and sunnier each morning I have been trying to enjoy a drink outside. Just a calm, quiet, mindful moment (often in my dressing gown and slippers!) It's a chance to start the day at a slower pace, even if it's only for ten minutes. It's said to have a meditative effect, reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and boosting mood. I can gather my thoughts and think about the day ahead in a relaxed and considered manner. I listen to the birds (and the traffic!) and really enjoy my coffee before thinking about the day ahead. I would highly recommend it.

That's all from me for now. Thanks for taking the time to read my musings.