As the days get shorter and the weather changes, I’ve noticed my SAD creeping back in. In today's video, daily routines and self-care tips that help boost my mood. 🌻 But I need YOUR help for a new Autumn (Fall) Challenge! The recipe I made for Bluetits on Saturday is here! www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/microwave-coffee-walnut-cake
The Big Dark, as we call it here in Seattle, hasn’t hit us yet, as we’re eight degrees of latitude below you, but it’s surely on the way! When I’m deep in a hole with SAD, I can get myself moving forward by setting my timer for ONE minute. It’s amazing how much I can accomplish in one minute. Then a cup of coffee, and then one more minute. Soon I’m up and moving. As my mother used to say, “You can get a lot done by just lowering your standards!”
Impressive! You seem very wise, as does your dear mother. Thanks for the tip. I used to do something like that for two minutes, but things are tough for me right now and I did not realize that even one minute is so valuable. Please accept my best wishes for brighter things in future!
Cinnamon Loaf - Preheat oven to 350°, use a 9"5"3" greased loaf pan Ingredients * 2 1/4 cups flour * 1/4 tsp salt * 1/4 cup butter * 1 cup white sugar * 1 tsp baking powder * 1/2 tsp baking soda * 1 cup milk * 2 eggs * 2 tsp vanilla (for the topping use * 3 tbsp brown sugar * 1 tbsp cinnamon) Directions 1) mix butter, sugar, eggs 2) mix dry ingredients (do not include the topping ingredients) 3) Add milk, vanilla 4) Pour half the batter in a greased loaf pan 5) Sprinkle generously with half of the brown sugar & cinnamon 6) Pour the remainder of the batter and then sprinkle the rest of the brown sugar & cinnamon 7) Bake at 350° for 1 hour
Your channel is always a bright spot on RU-vid. Please be gentle with yourself. I can only imagine that the grief of losing your dear mum is a factor in SAD hitting a little harder this autumn. It sounds like you have good fun plans ahead to bolster your spirits. A favorite soup that is fairly economical is Frugal Fit Mom’s baked potato soup. I add an onion and substitute ham for the bacon called for to stretch it a bit further.
Hi Diane: Very sorry to hear of the loss of your Mum. For me, it was my husband. His favorite soup was lentil soup: sauté an onion in EVOO, add some minced garlic - a few cloves, sauté a few more minutes, add 1 cup lentils of your choice - he loved brown, I love green, cover with water by an inch or so, add a heaping teaspoon of sea salt , grind in some fresh black pepper, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of cumin, and gently boil 20-25 minutes, add a package of fresh or frozen spinach and maybe a bit more water if needed, let boil gently another 10 minutes, add juice of half a lemon even the zest if you wish, then ready in 5 minutes. Full of protein and fiber, Vitamin C, and delicious. But NEVER add potatoes or he won't rest easy in his afterlife. Cheers from the Silver Watch Soup Cafe! Jo
Hi Diane, about five years ago my doctor did lab work that showed I was deficient in vitamin D. I took a prescription of vit D for one year. It has helped my SAD so much.
Thank you so much, Diane, and here's a super easy, forgiving recipe which I developed years ago: Vegan or Vegetarian Pumpkin Coconut Soup: One can of plain unsweetened pumpkin puree'. 1 can of either regular or condensed coconut milk. If the milk is sweetened, hold the brown sugar, otherwise, add brown sugar to taste. You can also add maple syrup, if you like. Pinch of salt and pepper, and use enough milk to reach desired soup consistency. You heat it up in moderate heat, and at the end add pumpkin pie spices or other Autumnal spices. You can garnish with pumpkin seeds, if you like, salted or unsalted as well as shredded coconut. The most important thing is to taste the soup at various stages and add extra brown sugar or maple syrup if you prefer. Basically don't stop until the soup tastes as you would like it to. It takes less than 15 minutes to make and it's very cozy and kind of festive.
Hugs to you, Diane! SAD is rough! I love that you are sharing this openly and talking about the ways in which you are coping. This can help so many others just knowing they are not alone. ❤️💕✨✨✨
I am overwhelmed by the decluttering that my family and I are doing and change of seasons, so I am pretending that i have just moved 😂to help cope. Thanks for being there with us all Diane🎉
I also suffer from SAD. I am worse in the winter but I start using a lumie lamp from around about now (UK). This year i am setting myself some little goals for the season. I want to lean into sourdough baking and cooking meals from scratch. We also set up some family traditions that are special for this time of year, candles at the dinner table, swapping out some decor pieces (my young daughter loves this), we make lanterns and do walks in the dark with the kids, and i get my crochet hook back out. I've been making the same jumper for 6 years but who cares 😂😂
Hi Diane. I feel your pain!...I'm in the North of England and I detest the time when the clocks go backwards and forwards -it really messes up my body clock. I do "Carrot, Ginger and Lime Soup". It is warming, tasty and fairly easy and straightforward to make. Ingredients; 1 tablespoon of oil ( either coconut/ Olive /rapeseed/ your preferred one). 1 largish onion, peeled and chopped. 1 thumb sized piece of ginger, peeled and cut into small chunks. 600g carrots, peeled and cut into small chunks. juice of 1 lime. 600mls stock (either chicken or vegetable). 1 400ml tin of coconut milk. salt and freshly ground black pepper. Method; Heat the oil in a pan over a medium heat and gently saute the onion for about 5 minutes or until translucent. Add the ginger and carrot to the pan and saute for a further 5 minutes. Add the stock and brin g to the boil then turn down the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and blend until smooth ( I use a stick blender). Add the coconut milk and lime juice. Add salt and pepper to your own taste. Gently reheat and tweak the seasoning if required. Recipe serves 4 generous portions. Keep shaking those Autumn pom-poms! x
January to February are hard for me. It is dark and cold, but not as cold and dark in Denmark. My goal is to make myself go for walks in the winter. I love all of the friends and activities you enjoy.
Super easy Apple Loaf Cake which tastes great the next day and can be frozen too. The recipe came from a co-worker over 25 years ago and it's a hit every time. It's very forgiving too, I've used unbleached flour and added more apples as unbleached flour tends to be drier or if I had an extra apple to get rid of then I used more than the recipe requested. I find nuts can be expensive so I've omitting using any nuts in the recipe. Ingredients * 1/2 cup margarine or butter * 1 cup sugar (I use only 1/2 cup for preference) * 2 eggs * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract * 1 cup apples, peeled, cored and grated * 2 cups all purpose flour * 1 teaspoon baking powder * 1/2 teaspoon baking soda * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (if using) Directions 1) Preheat oven to (350°F or 175°C), Grease one 9"x5"x3" loaf pan 2) Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nuts 3) In large bowl beat butter or margarine, sugar and 1 egg until smoot. Add second egg and best well. Stir in vanilla. Stir in grated apples. Pour flour mixture into batter. Stir only until moistened. Pout into greased loaf pan. 4) Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and place on a rack to cool.
Diane, the dark days are especially hard for me now that I am older. I can no longer drive at night which contributes to my seasonal sadness. I try to identify 4 PM as "Cozy time" a time to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea. 🦋🦋🦋
My youngest grandchild who is autistic just started at University at the weekend, living in Halls of Residence. I told them to dress to shoes and do a 10 minute PUPA every day! Simple ❤
I'm nearly 50 with teens who don't need me as much and short nights approaching and at random times of day I have tears rolling down my face. I love to plan fun stuff, little trips & holidays but it's a little harder at this season of life. Normally I can be patient but the change to Autumn seems to have triggered me too. Enjoying as much of the late sunshine as I can. You help me to stay positive Diane, bless you 😘
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cake (our favorite) 1 cup quick oats 1 3/4 cup boiling water 1 stick butter 1 cup sugar 1 cup brown sugar 2 large eggs 1 3/4 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder 1 (12 oz.) bag chocolate chips 3/4 cup chopped nuts, optional Pour boiling water over oats and let sit 5 minutes. Cut butter into chunks and stir into oats and let sit another 5 minutes. Stir in both sugars. Add eggs and mix well. Mix together dry ingredients and add to wet ingredients. Stir in half of chocolate chips. Pour into a greased 9 inch x 13 inch pan. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips and nuts on top. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-40 minutes or till pick inserted in center comes out clean.
I'm very sorry to hear about your mum. Grief can be so individual and specific in its existence, but as someone who also lost her mum, me heart to you as you recalibrate in the wake of it all. Also, I'm not even 40 yet and I always travel with my slippers. You aren't old, you're just practical and like being cosy 😉😉💜
A kindred spirit. I really struggle going into Autumn, but I do like Winter. My sister is the same. I focus on things I really do enjoy about the season.
It's so interesting how everyone reacts to seasons. Summer is hardest for me, due to temps here being often around 100 F for July and August; feel sluggish/depleted then. Cheers to you for putting those feet one in front of the other! That was a favorite expression of my mother's. Kudos for continuing to bless us with a video. 💙
@@julietannOsfan1972 There are a lot of us!! Just keep doing what you need to do. I noticed that some people with traditional, or winter SAD, treated almost like a competition! They act like their type of SAD is worse! 😊 But that is definitely not how everyone is! And I love how gracious Diane is here. She refers to us, too!! How I choose to handle this is I choose to fully embrace this season! And when my summer sad starts to kick in, I do similar things to what Diane is doing: except, instead of soup I make summer salads; instead of cakes and baked goods, I focus on fruit and cookouts! I get out my mister and fans, and I plan pool time. For me, whether or not to join the local pool is not an option! We can make it work for us as well! ❤
We are all different - I love the autumn colours and smells and look forward to the darker cosy evenings! I’ll be looking out for easy quick and cheap cake recipes in the comments. Thank you 🎉
And me. I struggle in the summer - I've no melanin so burn badly and it makes life very tricky. I love the autumn, I love fog (so atmospheric) and making soup and getting cozy. Love the dark evenings, the smoke from fires, making things like chutney and the mincemeat for crimbo....Thanks for the recipes folks....I think I'll be trying some cakes :-)
Ooo I’ve a lovely soup, done in the slow cooker!! Layer of olive oil, cover with chopped onions (I use frozen pre cut) cover with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and garlic powder, couple of cans of chopped tomatoes and then any random veg you have, I added some carrots and sweet potatoes and I’d a wee bit of celery! You can pop in sundried tomatoes or tomatoe paste too, it’s very flexible!! I sometimes add a stock cube and the water from when I rinse the tins out… very flexible, very nutritious and affordable… ish! Once cooked (high for a 3-4hours, or slow for longer?) I blend with a stick blender. It’s delicious and kids adore it!!
Zucchini & Orange Bread - Anna Olsen This is another excellent recipe and can be frozen (whole or sliced pieces for that afternoon or evening snack with a cup of tea) Ingredients 1/2 cup (115g) vegetable oil * 2 large eggs * 1 cup (200g) sugar (I use only 1/2 cup for preference) * 2 tsp (2g) finely grated orange zest * 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract * 1 1/2 cups (225g) all=purpose flour * 1 tsp (3g baking powder * 1/4 tsp (1g) salt * 1 1/2 cup (225g) loosely packed, grated zucchini * optional to add 1/2 cup (88g) either milk or dark chocolate chips or swap for walnuts or raisins Directions 1) Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-x-5-inch (2 L) and line the pan with parchment paper so that it comes up the sides. 2) Whisk the oil, eggs, sugar, zest and vanilla together in a large bowl. 3) In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in the zucchini to coat it with the flour and add this to the wet mixture, stirring until blended. Stir in the chocolate chips (if using) and scrape the batter into the prepared pan. 4) Bake the loaf for 50 to 60 minutes, until a tester inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool the cake completely in the pan until turning out to slice.
Hi Diane, I literally just chuck what I've got in a pot and hope for the best 😂. I usually like making celery soup, I can't tell you measurements but I cut celery, onion and garlic, put it in the pot with some diced potatoes - to thicken it-, salt, pepper some cumin powder and probably some dried parsley ( sometimes I add a bit of Ras El Hanout or curry 😅) add water, take it to a boil put it down and cover it. I'll let it simmer until it's all soft and depending how I'm feeling that day I might pull the blender (or the hand one) out and blend it. We love it! The only thing is you've got to taste the celery beforehand because if it's strong it's better that you put less in. I hope it helps you. Take care xxxx
I also suffer from SAD. I am originally from Ontario, Canada and had many hard years with the long, dark and grey days. I lived in Japan for 10 years and never experienced it once! It's truly the land of the rising sun! I am now living in Iowa, USA and though its not as grey here, I still experience SAD each year here. Things that have helped have been going outside even when it seems miserable and I got a table top light therapy lamp. Just 15 mins of that shining on me while I eat or read helps a lot!
I have the best apple cake recipe and it’s super easy!!! 225g SR flour 200g butter or margarine 200g sugar 4 eggs Tsp vanilla Put all of this in a food processor and blitz until smooth. Cut and peel 2-3 apples (any type) I do slices. Put batter into a round pan with high sides. A spring form pan works well. Spread out so it’s even and then push the apple slices in randomly. Bake in 180° oven for about 30-40 minutes until cake skewer comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for ten minutes. Remove the outside and enjoy. I use a liner in mine to help with cleaning but it works without one too! 🍎 🍏 ❤ Sending hugs xx
Hi, Diane, really looking forward to read all the comments with nice autumnly recipes…CAKE: I use to bring apple crumble or berry crumble with cream , everybody likes it… make 250 g flour (or half flor half grounded nuts) , 125 g butter, 100 g sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon to crumbles and pour over about 5 nicely cut apples (or a box of fresh or a bag of frozen berries ~500g ) in a tarte form. Bake at 190° about 30-35 minutes. SOUP 1: Midnight Chili soup for 4 : 1 onion, 1 carrot, one garlic, 2 cans of beans (kidney or giant white ones), 1 can crossed tomatoes, 1 table spoon soy sauce, herbes de Provence, Paprika, ginger, Cayennepepper (optional), 1 tea spoon sugar or honey, 250 g fresh champignons, sliced. Mix well and boil for 15 minutes, top with sliced spring onions and serve with plain Greek yogurt. SOUP 2: Pumpkin soup for 4 : Boil 750g cut pumpkin, 500 g potatoes in cubes and 250 g leek in rings in vegetable broth, mix after about 20 minutes a bit or totally, add 200 g crème fraîche, stir and enjoy. Enjoy your time with all of your wonderful groups. I always need a alone day between 2 meetings, though I really love company. Books, bath, candles and tea… you know all the tricks. If I can’t lift myself up, I paint mandalas, very simple, wonderful distraction with all the colors I like. Pink and royal blue… although I love autumn, I don’t like these colors on me… my younger sister looks wonderful in them and she prefers them. 🩷💙🤍❤let your true colors shine through, love, Monika❣
Blueberry Bread - Plated Cravings ok last loaf recipe from me 😀 I tend to use this recipe when I want to use up some frozen blueberries * freezes well too Ingredients * 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour * 1/2 cup sugar * 2 tsp baking powder * 1/2 tsp salt * 1/2 cup milk * 1/4 cup vegetable oil * 1 large egg * 1/2 tsp vanilla extract * 1 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries * for the topping 1 tbsp sugar Directions 1) Preheat oven to 350° (175°C), grease and flour 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" loaf pan (use what you have i.e. 9"x5" 2) mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Stir milk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract into flour mixture until batter is just blended 3) combine blueberries with 1 tsp flout and gently fold them into the batter. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the batter. 4) Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean approx. 60 to 70 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 15 mins, then transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completely.
Thanks Diane. I have one of those SAD lamps for winter. But for me, cozy with knitting project like a fair isle, icelandic or Scandinavian pattern is hygge. I know several recipes we bring to potlucks but involve Jello or pudding which you do not have there. Any box cake mix in a 9”x13” bakes in 25 minutes then frost. Or brownies are super easy with or without nuts or frosting. That is easy. Choc chip cookies but done in the 9”x13” pan makes cookie bars. Lemon bars also are done in a pan. Oatmeal laces are easy and yummy cookies but without much flour. We made no bake choc peanut butter (for the fat) and oatmeal ‘peanut butter delight”. Made in a pot on the stove then spread on a wax lined pan to be bars. For soup… having lived in Russia, I like borsch for hygge. Any squash boiled then purree with nutmeg and salt. Split pea soup with a hint of smoked ham hock. Any of these?
Really appreciate your video as always Diane. Your sessions at the get organized HQ were awesome!! My mum loves fall but not the coming darkness. She switches up hot tea time to later in the afternoon and keeps the oranges and fruit bowl handy. She looks forward to the winter equinox of adding a minute! I worked in windowless rooms for years and finally got a 'happy light' to sit on the corner of my desk. 3 times a day for 10 minutes while I was working. Pumpkin spice muffins; a boxed spice cake mix, stir in a can of pumpkin. Just those two things. Spoon in a greased muffin tin or spoon into muffin papers and bake per box directions. You can experiment with add ins or add ons. A soup thats more of a meal many enjoy here is boiled fresh green beans with bacon and potatoes. Chop not too small, cover with water and boil till fork tender. Some add ham instead of bacon. Be kind to yourself no matter what. We lost our Dad in the winter and the dark doesn't help. When the sun does peak out-go outside!! Thank you for all your effort for all of us!
During a meeting I was going through my pens and decluttered many that were not writing any more, was decluttering some manicure stuff, decluttered table clothes and wool again 🎉🎉🎉 additionally I looked through our kitchen cabinets to see what is on stock and has to go. Fly lady zone cleaning: wiping down the walls in the bathroom. Lasagne is in the oven 😊 ready for evening relax ❤ I love pumpkin soup ❤
Hey Diane, what you're feeling in the autumn, ifeel in January and February. My focus in the autumn is on warm and cosy ande the changing nature. I love my blanket and my woolly socks while reading or watching a movie. I love drinking my cinnamon tea with a little bit of oatmilk. I love my warm and soft clothes. I love it in the early morning when the sun rises and there is a little bit off damp rising up from the fields, it looks magical. I love the changing colours in nature. I love how I can see the light of my candles better now that it's getting more cloudy or when it's getting dark in the evening. I love taking a bath while reading a book in autumn and winter. Hope you or someone reading this feel a little bit better when reading al these things you could focus on. 🍂 🎉❤.
Pineapple cake is the easiest thing. Follow the golden cake box recipe except the water is substituted with a can of minced pineapple liquid and all. Serve with whip cream and it’s so yummy! I call it a sunshine cake🍍
Diane, these Pumpkin muffins are quite easy and tasty. Mix a box of spice cake mix and a can of pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix). Add a bag of chocolate chips. I put the mix into mini muffin tins (makes about 48) and bake at 350 F for 12 minutes. Everyone loves them!
My go-to cake for a crowd is the chocolate depression cake! It originated in the Depression era so its cheap to make! A quick search on YT will provide the recipe. Thank you Diane for always encouraging us! ❤
Hello Diane, I want to share my favorite pumpkin cream soup recipe. Dice 1 butternut sqash, as well as 2 potatoes, braise in a pot, then add water until everything is covered. Season with soy sauce, vegetable broth, pepper and curry powder and simmer for about 20 minutes, add cream cheese and puree, season to taste and you're done. Greetings from cologne Andy
Presto Chocolate Cake Set oven to 350 F Mix the following in a medium bowl: 1 cup cake & pastry flour 1/3 cup cocoa 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt Cream the following in a large bowl: 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter Add in: 2 eggs, one at a time Combine: 3/4 cup milk (or water) and 1 tsp vanilla Add milk mixture by thirds to the creamed butter, alternating with the flour mixture and beating after each addition. Pour into a prepared 8 or 9 inch square pan. Bake at 350 F for 45 min. or until a toothpick comes out clean from centre of cake. Wait for cake to cool a bit before putting on the glaze. Glaze; mix the following and melt in a microwave for about 60 seconds 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/3 cup fruit jam - raspberry, blackcurrant… 2 Tbsp milk - (water works fine too)
Good morning Diane! I have a few recipes for you to think about. Two are from Natasha's Kitchen, she has a RU-vid channel and a website so you can print off if you like. First is Chicken Pot Pie Soup and second is Apple Crisp. You have many apples and we absolutely love this recipe! Third would be Banana Nut Muffins from Tyler Florence on Food Network. I have been making these for years and they never disappoint! You are a wonderful encourager, Diane, and I appreciate you so much! Hugs from Texas, USA! Have a lovely day! ~Angel
I absolutely love your videos. For soup, I have a regular on repeat which my friends and I call Orange soup. It is whatever orange veggies you have so carrots, sweet potatoes, orange or yellow squash, orange or yellow peppers, and then an onion. Cut those all small, toss with olive oil and put them on a cookie sheet. Roast in the oven until they are tender and a little charred. Put all of the veggies in a blender or use a stick blender and blend it up. Keep adding chicken broth or veggie broth until you get the consistency you like. You can eat it like that or put it in the freezer. When you heat it up you can add spices to make it different flavors like curry or hot sauce to coconut milk or whatever. It’s very versatile.
Hi Diane! I have been away visiting family, but I have caught up on the videos! My favorite soup to make in the autumn is Broccoli and cheddar soup! I am sending you an extra hug today!❤
Aw bless you diane. Sending a hug back! I'm the opposite. I adore autumn and get a real rush of energy. Diggerent people I guess. Thanks for sharing your positivity as always. You make such a difference to us all xx
Sending a sunny hug your way. 93° in the central US. We are looking forward to fall here this year, but struggle with SAD too by February. Your presence in my day is sunshine for the soul.
A favorite recipe I will share is a cobbler rather than a cake. It makes a 9” square cobbler but can easily be doubled and cooked in a 9x13” dish. Slice (peeling is optional) 3 cups of fresh apples and place in bottom of dish. (If tart, sprinkle with 1/4 cup granulated sugar.) and sprinkle with cinnamon. In bowl, combine 1 cup flour (all purpose or self-rising), 1 egg, and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until crumbly and then place over the apples. Top with 6 tablespoons of melted butter and another good sprinkle of cinnamon. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly. (Peaches or pears can be used in place of apples and canned fruit can be used instead of fresh, if drained.) We love this recipe year round. Best when fresh out of oven but good anytime. You can choose to top with Cool Whip or Ice cream if desired, too.
We don't have the dark yet but when we go back to standard time from daylight savings time that's when I start feeling sluggish. Your tips can really help me. Thanks for your videos. I'm cheering you on!😁
I have seen the light therapy lamps at Costco and they are supposed to be quite effective for S.A.D. Minestrone soup or chili in the instant Pot is quick and easy with cornbread or muffins and they can be adjusted to whatever you have on hand. I usually make them vegan for my daughter-in-law. Love the tea cosy, so pretty.
Hi, Diane! I'm back for a brush up after a long recovery from medical stuff. You just made me realize my sad season is the high heat and humidity of summer. So, thanks for that! Getting back into routines one day at a time.❤🎉🎉🎉
A slow cooker cake for fall. Use 2, 20 oz apple filling One spice cake mix and 1/2 cup butter Put pie filling in the bottom of a 6 quart slow cooker. Sprinkle cake mix over the top of the pie filling. Cut butter into pats and place around the edges of the cake mix. Optional sprinke the top with cinnamon or oatmeal. Cook on high 3 to 3.5 hours. Some people put a paper towel under the lid while it cooks.
Thank you Diane, always a joy to see you. Sorry I missed you yesterday. Watching from catch up. Needed some motivation as I'm quite tired this week, but your encouragement keeps me going. ❤🎉🎉🎉🎉
Hi Diane - one of my favorite soups is garbanzo/chickpeas with orzo and lemon. I start with an onion, celery, carrot base, add smoky paprika, rosemary, thyme and throw in spinach at the end.
Good morning Diane from Australia. I see all these lovely recipes in the comments and I hope that they can help you with your SAD. In Australia, where I live, we have sunset in summer around 7:30 pm at the very latest as we don’t have daylight savings in our state. and it is dark by 5 pm in Winter. When I lived in the northern hemisphere it was lovely to have those long summer days but yes, the short winter days were a real challenge. I know that you will absolutely shine throughout the autumn as you always do. I know you are not ready but I’m really looking forward to you decluttering sentimental and emotional treasures from your mum‘s and your houses. 😊
I bought a Seasonal affective disorder light that I can set the time and the brightness of the light. I bought it on amazon. It has helped me a lot! I plug it in the morning in the bathroom when I get ready. I also do candles. I live in Oregon and it is so depressing because it rains endlessly. I am so sorry about your mother's passing. I just had the one-year anniversary of my dad's passing. It is so sad. I wish you the best Diane! xx
The kids and I accidentally made 'rice crispie cakes' but we didn't have rice crispies, or cornflakes 😂 so we ended up using salted popcorn instead! And they were delicious!! I'm sure it's probably been done before, but they like to think we invented something new! 😂 My husband said some broken up pretzels inside would also be nice, i wondered about mini marshmallows. Oh the possibilities! 😅
I remember, years ago, being worried for myself at how “blue” I felt at times. One year Spring came and I felt so much better (more light). Once I had a clue it might be a “winter thing” I researched and discovered SAD. What an AHAA moment! Getting outside definitely helps - and Vitamin B and D. We have the same teapot! 💕
This has been one of my family's favourite autumn soups for years! My lazy version of the Moosewood Cookbook's Ever-So-Delicious Gypsy Soup 3 tablespoons (or so) olive oil 1 cup chopped onion 2 tsp chopped garlic in oil 2 cups sweet potatoes- peeled and chopped 1 cup fozen peas 1 can chickpeas- drained and rinsed 3 cups vegetable broth 2 teaspoons paprika 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon basil dash cinnamon 1 bay leaf 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce 1/2 can tomato paste In a large saucepan, sauté onions, garlic, and sweet potatoes in olive oil for about five minutes. Add seasonings (except soy sauce) and the broth. Simmer, covered, fifteen minutes. Add remaining vegetables, chickpeas, tamari and tomato paste. Simmer another 10 minutes or so - until all the vegetables are as tender as you like them.
I can’t tell you how excited I am for your next phase of life in a new apartment! I love to move house so will live vicariously through your adventure! Thanks for taking me along.
Thanks for your company Diane, I suffer from SAD too & really need to work on some strategies to deal with feeling 😔 & stop it from getting too overwhelming as it gets darker earlier.
🙋🇳🇱 I think we just have a sparkle of light more in the Netherlands. But I just love the change of the seasons. Looking forward to cocooning in the house. Although I really enjoy all your tips for going out too. My pitfall is not planning on going out. A warm virtual hugh for everyone who is feeling SAD. 💐🧦☕🥧🕯️🧣
I try to get a bit of a walk in regardless of the weather, unless it looks like sheets of ice are lining the streets or sidewalks. Candles are wonderful, too. Hugs ❤❤❤
My Scandinavian friends have all mentioned how hard the darkness is. I have only been there in the summer time with all the light. My Danes are coming to me in Michigan this May.
I also suffer from SAD and last fall I bought a light-therapy lamp. It made a world of difference in my energy level and mood. I still have very low energy due to chronic illness but it was definitely better. I like the idea of your challenge of trying new cakes and soups each week and I look forward to reading the recipes, too.
Thank you Diane for another catch-up. I fully understand your dislike of Autumn. I live for Autumn, my absolute favourite season - colours/smells/fresh air/nature at its best. However I LOATHE Summer. It makes me feel so low but as each day goes by, we are one step closer to the next Season. Look forward to your next video - the pink jacket looks fabulous on you. x Thank you
I don't have any recipes to share but I am sending you a gentle, warm hug. Thank you for sharing your tips on getting through SAD, and difficult days. As you suggested, I am setting up future things to do so I have something to look forward to. I've also heard using a SAD Light Therapy Box 20-30 minutes a day helps. I was going to try it this winter.
Hi Diane, yesterday I made a simple soup in the pressure cooker with leek, potatoes , carrots roughly chopped adding coconutmilk , vegetable broth ,some parsley and kurkuma. The extra add was some quinoa I had , closed the pot and let it cook….. tadaaaa finished up on the plate with some soy sauce. We loved it!🎉
Thanjs Diane as always for your honesty! I am often affected by the change in weather and for me the start of the darkness closing in as summer draws to a close here in the UK. I loved your top of the hour method at the GOHQ 2024 so that is really helping and I had to start s bit smaller with my rouitnes but have managed to stick to them for 2 weeks so far. Really has helped me!!
Pumpkin Coconut and Ginger soup. 1/2 a medium pumpkin, 1 can of coconut milk, and a good thumb piece of fresh ginger or more. Cook pumpkin in coconut milk add ginger blits when tender. Simple but yum and warming.
Hi Diane, my go to recipe is a Spicy Carrot soup with Harissa which serves 4 /5 people but is easily eyeballed to make for more people. 5 large carrots 1 large onion Garlic ( optional) 1 teaspoon of Harissa 2 / 3 medium or large potatoes 1 liter of stock ( chicken or vegetable) Chop your vegetables into chunks of the same size. Fry the carrots, potatoes for 10 minutes. Add the onion and Garlic and fry until soft. Add Harissa paste. Add a liter of boiling water/ stock and bring to the boil and the simmer until the vegetables are cooked. When cooled use a stick blender to purée the soup, the potatoes will release their starch and thicken the soup. I’ve added coconut milk to mine on a more fancy occasion and when making the plain version I’ve added vegan cream to give it that silky appearance…. All of the above work well, I hope you enjoy it xx.
🏴Good old Leek and Potato Soup, Diane! This recipe can easily be doubled. Serves 6. Heat 1 tbsp veg oil in large pan. Add 1 sliced onion, 225gr cubed potatoes and 2 medium sliced leeks and cook for 3-4 mins until soft. Add 1.2 ltr vegetable stock and bring to boil. Season with salt and pepper then simmer for 10 mins. Whizz with a hand blender, then reheat and add 150 mls double cream or crème fraiche. Delicious 😋 ❤
I love the fall and find I get the blues after Christmas during January and February. Baking with pumpkin or apples makes for cozy smells and I like to scour the internet for new recipes to try. I like soups too but the rest of my family isn't so keen. I like starting with onions, garlic, canned tomatoes and cabbage, add some sausage, potatoes and then whatever vegetables are hanging around. It's a bit different each time I make it!
I love the autumn, looking forward to packing away my summer clothes. We have started on the soups already with veg from the allotment, i add red lentils for protien and some buoillon powder, leek and potato my fav but whatever is available! Lucky to be retired so make the most of the daylight, volunteer on the bird reserve will be cutting back blackthorne and brambles and enjoying picnic lunch or maybe a jacket potato on 😮 our bonfires. I always make Yorkshire Parkin near Bonfire night. Enjoy changing things up with the seasons, will be getting the slow cooker out this weekend.
I’ve got SAD as well, but mine comes during January-March/April. I actually like the autumn, but those dreary winter months are awful. I try to get out and have a daytime forest walk each day and take vitamin D, but it’s never enough. I get joint pain in the cold which adds to the feeling of hopelessness. I have a big and exciting life change coming up in January - maybe that’ll keep the gloom at bay this time! I love soups. A really hardy, tasty and easy one that my whole family love is my simple goulash: A couple of red onions Three or four cloves of garlic A red bell pepper A green bell pepper Two big carrots 6-8 potatoes 500 gr of minced meat A healthy dose of caraway, don’t skimp! A couple of things of diced tomatoes A bouillon cube Salt, pepper, a pinch of sugar Frozen parsley Dice all veggies, sweat onions, add garlic, caraway and meat. Cook until meat’s brown. Add tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, bouillon cube and a good splash of water. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are done. Season to taste. Top off with parsley. I usually serve this with some crème fraiche and bread, but it’ll be lovely either way. It’s even better the day after. This recipe makes about 5 litres of soup.
Homemade plum jam is my favourite! Our apricot tree has not done well this year, so there will be no bottled apricots and no apricot jam here this year. Summer is my blah season. Thank you for your constant encouragement, Diane. I cleaned out 2 grandparents' houses and have been doing heaps of decluttering here, too, the past couple of weeks. I am only a few years younger than you. Hugs. 🌻
Summer is my blah season, too, mainly because it's so hot and muggy here, and the biting midges and mosquitoes make it miserable to be outside any time of day. I look forward to fall every year. It's my favorite time to cuddle up with the Hobbit, Jane Eyre, When Michael Calls, Screwtape Letters, and on and on.
Sorry you are affected by SAD. Hugs. In Australia we are experiencing spring in the southern states and some hot weather in our interior. Going into summer - I must plant some sunflowers 🌻🌻🌻Thinking of you and those in Ukraine 💛💙
