Monday recap #5
A few tears, lots of cooking, spicy sweats and time with friends...not a bad week
How is it the last week of April already?! And yet it’s still so cold…I still really miss the California sun. I had no idea my skin could be this light until I moved to the UK. For most of my life, I was always a lovely olive/bronzy skin tone and now I sometimes have to rub on some self-tanning cream just to feel a bit better about my pale ass legs…
I spent the beginning of the week recovering from my crazy shenanigans in Paris. Took 2 full days mind you…because apparently this is just what happens when you’re older. Everything takes longer and yet the weeks feel shorter. I didn’t go out very much for two reasons: I had brief moments of anger and sadness, especially when I saw The Ex in the garden playing with the kids. I actually filmed a short video of me describing what I was feeling. I thought about sharing it but then I would become one of those people who cry on their social media accounts and let’s be honest…we all judge those people and think, ‘why the hell are you sharing this?!’ and ‘you know, you’re not very pretty when you cry…’. And if you say ‘no I don’t’, you lie…
So I put that video into the vault and it shall never see the light of day. Well, except my friend E who edits most things I post publicly these days. Everyone needs a friend like E who would tell me the truth about my hair, clothes, face and even my bowel activities. Be more like E.
So let’s get into it, I’m mostly going to show you who fed me, who made me smile and what made me curse at the Gods...Let’s go!
Monday - Thursday
Cried a lot. Screamed a lot. Threw a few things around and made a dent on the wall. Saw the night stand I bought The Ex last year which then sent me spiraling down misery lane. I texted friends, I punched my pillows a few times, I took a long hot shower and then took out the weighted blanket. I hid under the duvet, decided to just lean into the sadness and cried a bit more. But then, I stopped and told myself that when I wake up the next morning, I need to put this shit on check and focus on the good stuff coming on the weekend.
Friday
I spent the entire day filming four videos for BBC Good Food. It was the most videos I’ve done in a day on my own. I organized the bejesus out of the prep and for a moment, it was touch and go…but I am really enjoying making these videos. I’ve changed my mindset and told myself to treat my kitchen like a studio and just get to work. I did curse a bit…or a lot because I had issues with some of the recipes but it all worked out! To check them out, be sure to follow Good Food on Tiktok!
In the evening, I went to dinner at one of my favorite Thai restaurants in London. By now, most people know of Singburi in Leytonstone. It’s where you can taste some of the most authentic Thai cuisine (I’ve been told) outside of Thailand! It’s also where you will sweat from every pore on your body, the hairs on your body will stand and do a little dance and your tongue will wake up from its long slumber and scream at you asking why are you doing this to them…but in a good way!
The game here is to order from the famous blackboard. It changes weekly (if not daily) and is always full of surprises. Some of the staples are the moo krob (crispy pork belly, you should always order at least 2 portions, even if you’re dining solo…), clams and the salted fish rice. This week we also tried the chilli ribs (spicy AF), smoked duck pastrami ho fun, curry red mullet (so good but also spicy AF…) and the Thai style beef galbi. It was wonderful to spend time with friends and sweat our asses off together. Friends that sweat together are for life.
Saturday
I taught a lovely group of people some Japanese comfort food. I’ve been teaching at The Kitchen Range in West Wickham for a bit now and have really enjoyed it. I have another Taiwanese course coming up and can’t wait to plan a few more in the future! So check it out and come along!
Sunday
The lunch of all lunches! I was so happy to be invited to a luncheon at M’s house. She is THE QUEEN of BBQs! She owns more BBQs than anyone I’ve ever known and is such a boss at it. We feasted on jerk pork, curry chicken shawarma, roasted vegetables with a moreish mascarpone and ricotta dip (must ask her for the recipe), some great salads like butternut squash and feta. Honestly, I was so spoiled I thought I’d never leave. I do love cooking but I love nothing more than to be fed by good people. M also published a book last year called “Motherland: A Jamaican Cookbook” where she shares lovely stories of Jamaica and some amazing recipes so check it out!
That’s all folks!
I just wanted to thank you again for subscribing and reading my words. It means so much to me that you want me to thrive and think I’m a good writer! And I love all the messages and comments you send. Not gonna lie, I am struggling a bit to write twice a week. I thought I could do it but so many activities are popping up and I need to understand my limits…so not sure if I can keep this frequency up all the time but I will do my best!
I will be sharing a recipe this Thursday but it is for paid subscribers only. I share a recipe once a month and this one will all be about spiteful cooking…cuz I was kind of angry when I did it…
Tell me one thing that made you smile last week. Could be a joke, could be witnessing someone almost tripping, don’t care, make me smile cuz I need it =)
Till next time,
Tiff
Weighted blanket cures everything 🛌 ❤️. Many things made me smile. Returning to the stage to play music with people I love had me smiling non-stop 😌
Keep up your writing, I’ve enjoyed reading every post you’ve published! Glad you ended the week on a high with lots of good food. Have been watching @richardfrankscomedy on IG and he’s got some hilarious mum videos, go watch some please!