Hello! It's me, Kai!
I don't know about you, but one thing I bloody j'adore (incorrect use of the term but, if you know me you'll know I can't stop saying it) is creating an ambient, calm and cosy space at home. After busy days in the studio, running from site visit to zoom call I like to style my space to give a sense of calm. As the days are getting darker (boo), and the temperatures are dropping - here are three things I do when Autumn (or Fall as my boyfriend likes to call it) comes knocking on your door.
1. Candles. My favourite scent is the St John's Cemetery candle by Haeckles. I've almost run out, so will need to stock up again soon. I also like to find taper candles to add to my dinner set up, and pillar candles to make little nooks, where, by dusk i've lit the space and it feels incredibly cosy. Sue me, sometimes I even light a candle by OHROS for my morning coffee. It's a lifestyle.
2. Pumpkin soup: now this one reminds me of my mum. I'd much rather cook my pumpkin than carve it, but that's likely as i'm always hungry. Mum used to lovingly make pumpkin soup in the cooler months and serve with lashings of sour cream and nutmeg. Her recipe is here. Comforting, and warm - a hug in a bowl, perfect for that cosy feeling in autumn.
The "how to" was voiced by none other than my mother herself, on face time this morning - direct quotes here.
"Cube that pumpkin and cook on a low heat, in lots of butter (of course) until soft. Add in your onions and garlic. Probably should do this in a pot. Cover with vegetable stock. Add 2 potatoes if you want. Bring to boil then simmer for 30-4-min. Season with S+P. Blend or blitz however you can. Server with Sour cream and nutmeg"
- 1kg Pumpkin
- Butter, 1/2 block
- 2 potatoes, peeled
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves
- 750ml vegetable stock
- 1 cup (250 ml) water
- Salt and pepper
- Sour Cream, as much as you desire
- Nutmeg to serve
Big love, enjoy the wind-down, glorious Autumn energy.
Kai x