Pumpkin soup, romance and rugby madness

Hello friends!

I’m the first to admit that I am a hopeless romantic. It’s pretty obvious considering that my favourite movie is Pride and Prejudice (and not just the inauthentic Hollywood version either…I’m talking the extended BBC classic one.) So you would think that having watched a few too many rom-coms I would be fully apt in dating and other such flirtatious shenanigans. Wrong. I’m not sure if it is my lack of a love-life, or my natural awkwardness that makes the whole dating scene a complete and utter nightmare….

So here is my dilemma…I’m constantly torn between the panicked oh-crap-he’s-definitely-hitting-on-me-how-do-I-leave? situation, and the… oh, they’re just being nice one.

And nowadays with the internet it’s even more confusing. (Don’t I sound like my 80-year old Grandmother?) But it’s true…it’s almost impossible to tell the way someone is feeling without seeing them face to face. Unfortunately, cute as they may be, emojis just aren’t enough. And you feel like a rambling idiot or slightly manic if you keep saying ‘haha’ or ‘lol’ after every comment.   

One thing I will never understand is dating apps.

Especially the girls who go through guys faster than pairs of socks. Personally, (as I have absolutely no experience my opinion is totally valid here) I think the best part about dating someone is when you get to the point where you are totally comfortable around each other. You know, when you can eat Spaghetti Bolognese in front of them without fear- because that’s pretty much me at my worst. So, why would you want to have first dates over and over again? Effectively prolonging the most cringey, uncomfortable part of the relationship.

Eh well, to each his own.

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In other news, if you are an avid rubgy fan then you will be fully aware that the World Cup is currently occurring. It’s funny how sporting events bring out the competitive side in all of us. People who couldn’t care less about sport are giving constant commentary on facebook or driving around with little flags of support on their cars.

New Zealand is a rugby-crazed nation. I guess it might have something to do with the fact that it is the one sport we are actually good at (sorry, sheep shearing is not a sport.) So anyway, it was a very big match on Sunday morning, South Africa vs NZ. I had to stay true to my roots and support the Springboks.

If you didn’t see the match…SPOILER ALERT: NZ won. So I wore my SA jersey, like a good sport. Unfortunately the All Blacks fans in town didn’t think so. Would you believe…I got scoffed and yelled at?!

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So, if you’ve got relationship troubles, your favourite team just lost or you are just feeling a little bit chilly. I have a recipe that will warm the cockles of your heart (I’ve always loved that phrase.)

Creamy Pumpkin soup:

• 1Tbsp oil
• 1 red onion
• 2 tsps curry powder
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp fresh crushed ginger
• 3 cups peeled pumpkin
• 4 Tbsps tomato paste
• 2 cups water
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Chop the onion into wedges and fry in the oil until it softens. Add the spices and tomato paste, mix well. Next, add in the water and stir for one minute. Dice the pumpkin and add it to the saucepan, bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 20 minutes. or until the pumpkin is soft. Use a stick blender to blend the mixture until it is smooth. Stir in the chickpeas and let them heat for a couple of minutes. Serve warm.

Enjoy!

Lastly, do not fear being single because as the great Amy Poehler once said…

“Don’t worry about finding love. You will always find love. Every pot has its lid.”

Now go forth wonderful friends and spread warm, pumpkin-spiced joy wherever you go.

M x