Who doesn’t like a new year?  It’s like beginning a novel or flicking through a new foodie book and trying out a new recipe.  I got the Hand and Flowers Cookbook from my husband this year – pure indulgence.  And who doesn’t recognise Tom’s passion for what he does?  My own expectations of Christmas as a small child have been replaced with the excitement of a new year to reimagine as a grown-up.  It’s like turning the page and beginning a new “to do” list or taking a new Moleskine from its wrapper and writing on the first page – absolute pleasure.

It’s curious but my thoughts are often guided by what’s happening in the garden, my wardrobe or the fridge at this time of year.  No birds in the garden to keep me amused today and no quick fixes for my ever-diminishing wardrobe, although the hellebores have woken up to 2022.  Their pale buds bursting with pride, they’re heralding a new year for the garden, as well as the gardeners.  I’m up for the challenge as always, but my mind was on other things today.

I’ve shaken off the remnants of 2021 (some things simply had to go) along with the leftovers of festive indulgence.  The food delivery was on its way.  I hovered over the remains of the cheese board and reminded myself that Nigel Slater often adds the rind to soups.  With the freezer already packed with turkey-based soups, I’ll leave you to guess the fate of the cheese.  The last few sprouts, the dregs of piccalilli and the sticky cranberry jar had all lost their appeal.

There’s nothing more satisfying that being the first to open a jar of pungent relish or sweet preserve, but I don’t enjoy being the last.  No amount of prodding or scraping secures those jewel-like fruits which smile through the glass yet won’t be caught.  I’ve a good-sized collection of clean glass jars in the garage from the first lockdown.  Perhaps it’s time to liberate them once again?

The jars provided the inspiration.  It’s time to make some marmalade.  With such a short season for Seville oranges (just January and February) it’s the perfect time to create some magic.  If you haven’t made marmalade before, I’d recommend patience and a good quality sharp knife or peeler to detach the fragrant golden rind from the unpleasant white pith (oops, that’s a bit Nigella).  Good luck and let me know how you get on.  If you get hooked, you can buy more oranges and freeze them (remember to wrap each one individually).

I’m not a fan of online shopping although I support ecommerce wholeheartedly and I know it’s the future.  It’s just that for me, shopping (like a trip to the hairdresser or a brilliant restaurant) should be an experience.  It’s smelling the fragrance, trying the lipstick and feeling the fabric that gets my vote every time.  The Designers Guild fabric sample service is great by the way, cue the headboard story, although my clothes have needed to multi-task more than ever before.  I’ve taken reuse, repurpose and recycle to another level because I’m just not ready for those Post Office return queues.

I like to begin each year with a plan (well, it’s usually a glorified “to do” list) and a vision.  I don’t create a vision board – that’s far too self-indulgent for me.  You may remember I’ve written quite a lot about being true to ourselves.  At the beginning of last year, I coined the phrase, at the same time bright.  Right now, I’m adding “remember to learn as you go”.  This year I’m encouraging us all to avoid negativity and try new things.  It’s time to swap, “I can’t” for, “let’s see how I get on”.  Trust me, you’ll be amazed by what you learn.  If you try marmalade, I’ll give dressmaking another go!

Here’s to an exciting year ahead for us all.  I’ll continue to support individuals in their quest to be the best candidate they know how to be, and I’ve heard there’s some interesting new work on the horizon.  I’ve great plans for my writing.  Thanks for your encouraging feedback and for supporting my stories.  So, here’s to a pinch of positivity and a sprinkle of magic dust to get your new year off to a great start and this year, remember to learn as you go.  Let’s talk about how I can help you.