RECIPE: Comforting Pumpkin and Apple Soup

Pumpkins are in excess this time of year, especially if you've embarked on the annual event of pumpkin picking. I've already published a recipe for Pumpkin and Chicken Pie with a Halloween Twist, which you can read here, so today I thought I'd bring you one of my favourite pumpkin soup recipes. It's comforting, warm and perfect for these cooler autumnal days. I've packed it full of goodness with loads of vegetables and the addition of apple makes this soup slighter sweeter. I love picking apples from our garden and visiting a pumpkin patch for the pumpkin; you don't get much fresher ingredients than that. It is also the perfect opportunity to discuss where the ingredients come from with Isabella, which she finds so interesting. 

LUNCH INSPIRATION: Pea and Mint Soup Recipe

Lunch can be one of my favourite meals of the day, but getting stuck in a sandwich rut can be so boring. While I was at work I would have the same sandwich every single day, not exactly an exciting varied diet. So when I headed off on maternity leave I made it my mission to make lunch time more interesting, not just for me but for Isabella too. I know we're in summer, but I'm more of a soup than salad fan so have been making a whole bunch of different soups. Pea and Mint is not only a classic, but also perfect for summer because it is refreshing and light. My version is nothing ground breaking, just a quick flavourful recipe that can be made in a big batch to freeze or enjoyed straight away. I made a big batch to pop in the freezer prior to giving birth, so I knew that Isabella and I had a healthy homemade lunch option for when little one arrived.

#LITTLELOVES: 13 Reasons Why, Desk Organisation and Homemade Soup

This was my last full working week, thanks to the bank holiday next week, prior to maternity leave. I seriously can't believe I'm almost starting my second maternity leave, in some ways it feels like last time yet in others it couldn't be more different. I'm certainly a lot less prepared this time, as soon as I properly start my first job is to shop for and pack my hospital bag! Time is ticking and it would truly be a panic if I don't have it ready in time. I'm also excited to start booking in for a couple of pampering treatments and getting my hair cut - that's the hope anyway :)

RECIPE: Sweet Potato and Red Lentil Soup

Firstly, I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who sent a heart-warming message following my last blog post. It really has meant so much and made a difficult time a little bit easier.
Soup is so perfect in autumn, it's warming, comforting and really good for you too! Isabella and I love cooking up soup together on my days off work, but only if it's orange. I've made endless green soups (with ingredients like broccoli or spinach) and been faced with a turned up nose from Isabella. She's not a fan, so I like to mix up orange coloured ingredients to make tasty soups for us both. This Sweet Potato and Red Lentil Soup is sweet, creamy and went down a hit with Isabella!