Don’t cry because it’s over.
Be happy that it happened. Yes, I’m talking about summer.
Ok, it was hot as hell and there will be a hosepipe ban until 2056, but we’re about to step into the Dark Ages for about 7 months so let’s stay positive?
“My spirit animal, my culinary Queen, Nigella is stepping into the Bake Off tent. NEWgella, if you will.”
But what have we got to be positive about, you ask? Staying in, that’s what. And the TV is your friend as we leap into another season.
Bake Off
There’s exhibit A: my spirit animal, my culinary Queen, Nigella is stepping into the tent. NEWgella, if you will.
And it’s not just any tent. It’s the Bake Off tent.
She knows her way around a whisk. She has power over flour.
Oh yes, we’ve seen the saucy vibes she brings to any sideboard she rubs up against.
Having the nation’s Real Mum beamed into our front rooms over the next few months is just sensational news. She joins a show that has warmed the oven dishes of an (often) drenched and fed-up country for what feels like years now.
And you know what? She’ll make us all better bakers.
Maybe.
Strictly
And there’s exhibit B, my square-eyed companions. Because no sooner have we had our fill of Paul Hollywood and the gang, than we pop our dancing shoes and salsa over for a sparkling new season of Strictly.
Nothing sweeps away the summer cobwebs like this show. Pure good times.
Seeing as Strictly is often a family affair in our house, here’s some pointers to help you get the best out of an hour of the finest tele around:
Scoring
If you’re scoring from the living room, you can’t just dish out 10s because you like the sequins on a dress or someone tried hard. This is art. Craft. Sacrifice. Be tough, armchair judges.
Your own dancing
“Come on we’ll just move the table out of the way!”.
Never a good idea.
Snacks
An essential part of any viewing experience: the fuel of the fun.
And you know what I’d recommend? Well, something from the Taste Original cupboard, of course. Get stuck in:
But you know what? If you’re not a TV kinda person, but you’re still up for turbo-charging your soul after the summer shutdown, I’ve got you covered. Here’s my mini-hacks to getting some pep back in your step:
Do something a little different
Could be a pilates class. Could be some work training. A book club. Just move your own mental furniture around a little. You’ll feel fresh, renewed and back in charge of your destiny.
Phone a friend
I used to call my old work mate Melissa at 9.35am sometimes. Would drive her mad. I loved it. She loved it, too. Go on, call someone. A natter really matters.
Learn the art of saying “no”
It is absolutely fine to sit on the sofa, slippers on, cuppa in hand. You don’t have to go to “that thing”.
Right, that’s me done. I’m off to destroy my kitchen in the quest for the perfect bake. After all, I’ve seen them do it on the tele?
