March heralds the start of Spring, and that means fresh new shoots and green vegetables emerging from the soil. But we are also still in the depths of the 'hungry gap', where the veg plot has little to offer that can appear on our plates. It is instead a time for waiting, nurturing and patience. With that in mind, a lot of what is seasonal at this time of year is either forced (rhubarb) or stored from the winter months.

If you can hunt out some early Spring greens, try them sautéed with bacon and mustard seeds - head over here for a recipe. Wild garlic should also start to surface soon - difficult to buy in the shops but available from organic veg schemes such as Riverford, it has a subtle flavour and is perfect in homemade pesto and pasta sauces. In fact, anything green and leafy is good at this time of the year; as the winter months come to a close and the stodgy puddings and hearty casseroles are left behind for another year, it is only natural to start craving nutritious, healthy foods.

Salads are sneaking back into our kitchens in many forms - add olive oil, mozzarella and a few nuts or sultanas to mizuna or rocket leaves and you've got yourself a nutritious side dish. I've been adding leftover grains from chillis and risottos to make a more substantial lunch.

Finally, if you're looking for ideas for a Spring feast, you can't go wrong with hogget. Not as well known or as popular as lamb, it is actually far tastier as the sheep is slaughtered somewhere around a year old and as a result the flavour and tenderness are much improved. Find cuts in good butchers or local farm shops (you won't find them in supermarkets!), roast and serve with fluffy roast potatoes.

The Lovely List is back under a new guise! I wanted to go one step further and group together the lovely links I like to share with you all, and the new name seemed a natural progression of this thought process. So without further ado...

Read

This post from Nicola on how to make frugal the new normal is enlightening, particularly if you worry about your frugal tendencies and how others may respond.

Using images and objects to reflect on the week gone by is such a lovely way to document life. See what Erin's week looked like over here.

I love finding new blogs to follow, and this week I discovered The Owl and the Accordion, a lovely space created by blogger and freelance writer Vicky. This post on inner calm and how to beat anxiety really hit home for me and is so useful if you find yourself struggling. I'm working on tip number 9 right now.

Eat

If you follow me over on Twitter, you'll know that I've been inspired by Deliciously Ella in my quest to eat better over the past few weeks. All of the recipes I have tried are delicious, and these granola bars are next on my list.

Something warm and hearty for those blustery Spring days.

Cake is remarkable, in whatever form it comes in. Make sure you always have some in the house by trying this easy recipe for orange tea bread.

Do

As part of my acts of kindness series, I'll be thinking about sending some blooms to loved ones - not for any particular reason, just to remind them that I care. Make it easy for yourself and send some via post through Bloom and Wild.

Want to save a heritage variety of peas or a rare kale variety? Head over here and adopt a veg.

Re-use your green tea bags - head over here for six great ideas.

Today is International Women's Day. For 10 ways to celebrate, visit Seeds and Stitches.

Wishing you a wonderful Sunday!

What happened to the carefree days when laughter, fun and making memories were the only important things? When did life become something to get through in order to reach the end of the day, the week, or the season? I'm as guilty as anyone at wishing away those tough times, hoping that what comes next will be so much better. But what if we saw each trial and tribulation not as something to overcome, rather as an experience that forms and shapes who we are as people?

Admittedly, it often seems impossible to switch off the stresses of everyday life. Work, money, health, family - life can be demanding and we inevitably prioritise the things that seem to require our immediate attention and the things that appear to be going wrong. So what's the solution?

It's time for a shift in focus, a change of outlook and a re-focus on making memories. Life will be difficult - that's not going to alter - but what we can do is look to cherish those happy moments rather than letting them pass us by in a haze of disappointment and stress that has the ability to diminish everything other. Really, that's what starting this blog was all about, and I want to actively create the opportunity to notice the memories that we do make. Happiness comes not only from the moment, but also later as a memory, and can be utilised as a coping mechanism to turn to when you have a bad day, week or even month. With this in mind, I'll be documenting more memories on here, starting with what's been happening this week...

Looking out of the back bedroom window to see the sunrise bleeding into the pale blue sky has been a spectacle this week. The mornings have been crisp; the sort that make you feel like sticking your head out of the back door and breathing in deeply just to fill your lungs.

Bella has been very needy these past few days, wanting to hop on my lap for cuddles every five minutes, and despite being busy in the evenings with work I have loved the attention.

Last Saturday we had friends round for dinner and I experimented with some new recipes: a buckwheat focaccia to go with pesto and pine nut tagliatelle and some homemade lemon meringue ice cream alongside raw brownies. The focaccia left a lot to be desired, but the dessert was a hit! The wine flowed, we laughed and caught up, and everyone fussed over Bella. A wonderful way to spend a weekend evening.

What memories have you made this week?

1. Have a picnic at the beach (even if the weather is bracing).
2. Visit somewhere new, perhaps somewhere you only normally visit in the summer.
3. Make your own pesto – you could use wild garlic, nettles or spinach.
4. Go for late evening walks with a flask of something hot and enjoy the starry night sky.
5. Spring clean using natural products. You only need lemon juice, bicarbonate of soda, distilled white vinegar and a bit of beeswax.
6. Buy a bunch of seasonal British blooms: look out for daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and irises.
7. Plant seeds in the garden for flowers and vegetables. Even a tiny plot can yield plenty of salad for the summer months.
8. Make a spring wreath.
9. Challenge yourself to get outside for at least 30 minutes a day.
10. Keep a nature diary of everything you see in your garden, or when walking.

March is all about… buds unfurling, dancing daffodils, hanging washing out on a bright and sunny afternoon, spring cleaning and lighter evenings.

Something to eat: For those of you trying to stick with your healthy eating resolutions made in January, or if you simply want a bit more energy to wake you from those afternoon slumps, try these almond and chia energy balls from Ella.

Something to visit: If you're in or around Lincolnshire on the 29th of March head to Countryside Lincs, a family day out with local producers, crafters, farmers and businesses all in one place. You can try your hand at sausage making, meet Lincoln Longwool sheep or be entertained by falconry demonstrations. Tickets are on sale now here, or you can purchase them on the gate on the day.

Something to make: Your own tea! We consume so many cups of the stuff every day, why not try your own herbal variety? For a huge list of links to recipes head over here, or if you want something very simple try this ginger tea recipe here.

Something to celebrate: The Spring equinox falls this year on March 20th, and is widely heralded as a time of rebirth. Why not revisit your resolutions and think about what you want to achieve as the spring and summer months arrive? I'll be planning out the garden and veg patch and can't wait to get started planting seeds in our polytunnel.

Something a bit different: Learn the essentials of bread making and you'll be set for life. There are so many courses available, but if you're in Lincolnshire try Manor House Stables where you'll learn how to make loaves and rolls, as well as pizza that you'll eat for lunch!

I can't quite believe it has been a year since my first post went live and I started writing for Creative Countryside (despite being a little late to the blogging party!). An image of wonderfully yellow daffodils for St David's Day heralded the start of a year long quest to keep a record of my life in the Lincolnshire countryside.

The blog underwent a number of design revamps in the first few months, and I could never quite find my niche until I dedicated time and energy to what I really wanted it to represent and why I wanted to write a blog in the first place. Creative Countryside evolved into what I hope is an inspirational fusion of rural life with creative pursuits. Living the simple life is a thread that weaves through all posts and allows the writing and images to focus on the positives that calling the countryside ‘home’ can offer; from picking fresh produce to baking up a storm.

I want to take this moment to thank each and every one of you lovely people reading this, whether you are a regular reader or a new visitor, I am so grateful for you taking the time to stay a little while. Birthdays and anniversaries often provoke us to look forward to the future and consider what we would like to achieve, so with that in mind I am looking for your help and feedback: what do you want to see on these pages? Creative Countryside is a personal blog and as such I only write posts because I feel passionate about the subject, or want to record a specific memory,  but I'd be lying if I said it wouldn't be wonderful to have a few more readers.

I'd love for you to let me know what kind of posts you prefer (visits? books? recipes? lists? crafts? gardening?) and if there's anything else you'd like to see here that would fit with the blog's ethos and focus on creativity and living in the countryside. Any suggestions and/or comments would be very gratefully received! In the mean time, I'm going to get on with a little baking, for what's a birthday without cake?!

There have been a few changes afoot in the CC household over the past few weeks. We were entering a sluggish rut after Christmas and the usual January health kick wasn't working: change just didn't seem achievable. Work was getting busier every day and we barely had time for each other, never mind time to spend thinking about eating well and exercising. Luckily for Mr CC, his job is physical and so he exercises everyday, but despite standing for a long periods of time in my job, I am not so fortunate - exercise is something I have to find the time for. With a wedding dress fitting scheduled for Easter, summer on the horizon, and a general feeling of continuing lethargy, it was time to take action. Here's what we've decided...

1. Eat more grains. Pearl barley, buckwheat, quinoa; you name it, it's healthy and cheap, and anything that reduces our monthly spend is good news in my book. Hopefully choosing grains will reduce our reliance on white pasta and rice which currently permeate much of our diet.
2. Choose organic fruit and vegetables wherever possible. This has been something we have been striving to achieve for a while, but now our conscious efforts are transforming into firmer decisions. More on our reasoning for this later in the month.
3. Plan ahead and make energy boosting snacks to prevent 3pm hunger strikes and biscuit cravings. Not eating in order to lose weight is no fun at all; we want to use food as a fuel, just as nature intended, and this means eating the right sort of snacks (seeds, nuts, dried fruit) rather than avoiding them entirely.
4. Eat less red meat. We've never been averse to eating vegetarian foods and choosing fish instead of meat, but we're now saving red meat for special occasions rather than eating it regularly. This should also have a positive effect on our bank balance!
5. Use honey as a sweetener instead of sugar. Mr CC's experience as a beekeeper has been a contributing factor to this decision, but health has also dictated the change, as we are trying to eat more natural products rather than refined sugars.
6. Use extra virgin olive oil more in cooking and on salads. Mr CC informs me that olive oil can actually reduce cholesterol and is full of good fats; I'm sold!

On a personal level, I am also trying to introduce a more regular exercise regime at home, with a range of dance, pilates and toning DVDs / online videos.

Are you focusing on healthy living too this month? Any tips or advice?

1. Spend an hour with a loved one, even if you don't have an hour to spare.
2. Smile, even if you can't think of a reason to.
3. Be patient, even if you don't feel it.
4. Write a letter. See here for why.
5. Let the busy person with a basket go in front of you at the till.

Last month's read (The Miniaturist) was a strange one; I didn't love it, but I liked it a lot, and couldn't  put my finger on what it was that prevented me from loving it. It might have been the ending that seemed to lack closure, or it might have been the lack of focus on the title character, the miniaturist. Either way, the writing was crafted so cleverly and the central characters were so intriguing that the thrill of exploring seventeenth century Amsterdam was enough to warrant an overall positive response. In fact, I think it might be the sort of book that I'd enjoy just as much if I read it a second time, perhaps revealing hidden interpretations that I was quick to dismiss on the first read.

This month I'm running with the theme of romance (I'm ignoring the fact that Valentine's Day was a week ago...) and have decided to make my way through The Virago Book of Love Poetry. I've always loved poetry; my creative writing dissertation at university ended up consisting entirely of poems, and I loved creating something in a small space that allowed for an intense use of language that isn't always appropriate in prose. I am also pleased to select a book from Virago Press, the international publisher of books by women. Publishing authors such as Maya Angelou, Margaret Attwood and Sarah Waters, I feel in good hands when I pick up a book from this publishing house. Incidentally, a virago is often considered a courageous, confident woman of strength and spirit; something to aspire to this month as well, perhaps?

What are you planning to read this month? As always, for more recommendations or to take part in The Year in Books, head over to the link-up at Circle of Pine Trees.

This month is all about getting through the last leg of winter, keeping warm on an evening and making the most of fresh produce. I've been inspired recently by colour in food and have been searching to create a visual feast as well as a tasty meal, and in February colours can fire up every plate if you know what to look for. Why not try a carrot and red pepper soup for a vibrant red lunch or quick dinner? Purple sprouting broccoli is also in season and is so much tastier than the broccoli you usually find in supermarkets - eat it stalk, leaves and all as a side dish.

Rhubarb is just starting to appear on the shelves in its forced form and offers sweet, earthy flavours best enjoyed in a hearty crumble or as a purée served atop crunchy cereal and yoghurt at breakfast-time. Its pink tinged stalks offer further colourful delights, or for an alternative fruity start to the day blood oranges are still in season - delicious freshly-squeezed.

Other vegetables to try this month are cauliflower (creamy cauliflower cheese anyone?) and leeks. Try both alongside any cheese as a side dish or add leeks to a casserole or soup for supper on cold evenings. Leeks also work well in any pasta dish or enjoy them roasted alongside carrots and parsnips. Add a joint of meat and you're in for a happy evening; this week we're slow-cooking a leg of lamb to enjoy alongside the vegetables and apple and mint jelly  - a perfect pre-Spring treat.

It's been a little while since I've posted - things have really been hectic around here! Blogging has had to take a back seat as illnesses, job applications and life in general have all created the manic atmosphere that has been the norm over the past few weeks. Luckily, I've now got a couple of days to myself to catch up on all the wonderful posts that have only fleetingly graced my laptop screen and actually get something written down for the first time in too long.

First up is a round up of all the lovely places we visited last over the past year. Days out have always been a priority for Mr CC and I - a chance to escape the humdrum routine and explore somewhere new - but these have been few and far between recently. In an attempt to fuel our sense of adventure and desire to explore I thought it was time to look back and appreciate all those places that we've visited and loved recently...

Almost a year ago we headed for a day trip to Castle Howard. The snowdrops were delicate pin points on the lawns and the lunch was delectable - highly recommended.

Not long after we made the trip to York and explored the Museum Gardens for the first time, alongside the obligatory visit to Betty's and the minster.

A holiday with the family to Northumberland took us to Easter and we spent blustery days hiking through the countryside and across coastal footpaths. Lindisfarne Castle was a particular highlight.

Finally our travels took us further west to the Lake District and we camped right in the heart of Wasdale only moments from the lake at the base of the looming and powerful Scafell Pike.

Looking back, the one thing that all of our trips have in common is a connection with nature, heritage and the outdoors. City breaks are not something we avoid necessarily, but we do always manage to discover the quieter side of busy towns and bustling city centres, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Where are you planning to visit this year?

In the spirit of taking time for others and appreciating those around you that I've been attempting to adopt this week, it seemed only natural that my blog posts should follow suit. Inspired by The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, I've decided to take stock at the end of the week and think how I - and you, if you like - can take the time for acts of kindness in the days ahead.

1. Pay a compliment to the first 3 people you see.
2. Buy an extra drink and share with someone.
3. Donate anything old (clothes, toys, books) that you don't use any more to a local charity.
4. Send a card to a friend, just because.
5. Shop with reusable bags - avoid anything made of plastic.