At almost 72 I'm probably your oldest viewer 🤣 I learned a long time ago that there's more to life than just work and being productive. Even if you're working on a hobby you are being productive. I worked in my 20's and I would sit there at that desk and think of all the things I could be doing if I was at home, rather than what the boss told me to do! Luckily my husband and I were financially in a place where I could quit work and stay at home for two years before becoming a stay at home mom (then a babysitter of our grandsons). I sew, knit, cross stitch, garden, take walks and ride my bicycle and I've never had a boring day in my life. Life's too short!!
I reframed gardening from 'getting it done' (because as you said, it's never done) to the equivalent of having a pet. When you have a dog you're never 'done' walking them or feeding them or caring for them, that's part of the experience of having a dog and some of it is work and some of it is joy. Thinking of my garden this way, as something I have a relationship with, has helped me.
I love your vlogs so much! Your authenticity, the reno projects and the delicious food are a perfect mix. I’m especially excited for your gardening projects since I have a garden I want to makeover this year too. Lots of love from Germany! 🧡
I mentioned this in a previous comment a while ago, I feel that gardening is great for your mental health. It was something I used to help my mum with when I was a child. After losing her, my garden helped me so much. It gave me calm while I was going through so much grief and anxiety.
It was a Saturday for goodness sake lovely! My advice for what it’s worth would be to try to have two days off a week that you don’t work or Vlog at all (not that you can’t if you feel like it ) but just make it known to everyone you work with that you’re not working on those two days. Even if you get anxiety during work days you soon get used to your precious days off then you might start to feel more free! Even if you just go to the beach, shopping, meet friends or craft or lay on the sofa, it’s your time and you look at your phone less eventually. I worked from home for years and it does make you feel guilty sometimes but then you do benefit eventually from a more structured schedule! Try to go to your office to work rather than working in the house! And get a gardener one day a week and just do the nice bits when you feel like it, like watering and picking the produce! Love your videos what ever they are like, I’m much older than you but you inspire me every time I watch. Bought your cook book for my son for Christmas and made some of your books very visible when I was in Waterstones the other day!!! I don’t think many of us care when you Vlog as long as we can still see or hear what your up to from time to time! 🥰🥰🥰
Winters are generally harder for me - winter depression and illness season. I appreciate you sharing your garden beds and that you aren’t having a good day. I go through the same, while it sucks, it’s nice to know I’m not the only one and we can keep on trudging through! ❤
I started gardening last summer. Just plants and flowers. I just loved sitting outside weeding and messing about. It was so soothing to just zone out and relax. That's all it should be about. Stress free.
Re garden buy seedlings /starter plants a little bit later in the spring so you don’t have to do the seed growing and pricking in and planting out stuff! Ie if you buy a tray of lettuce seedlings plant them in the garden then you don’t have to do anything else until you’re ready to eat them! Less work more time to sit and look at it! Winner 😘😘😘😘
The square nail shape is so elegant! Your vegetables look so good. I found a vintage kimchi pot at the thrift store. It is so pretty, it has blue scenery hand painted on it. It is a treasured piece.
You’re not alone ❤ If I have a day of not doing anything. Just lounging around etc I end up in the worst mood by the evening. I feel anxious, emotional and annoyed that I’ve done that. And then over compensate the following weekend by planning too much to do and to tick off the ‘to do’ list!
I get anxiety about sleeping in on my days off. I used to sleep well past noon constantly up into my mid thirties. I have an office job now and actually love getting up early. But when I'm off my body gets me up around the same time I'd have to go to work, part of me loves it and the other part is terrified of becoming that lazy person again. So even if I have nothing to do, I still get up early. It's a blessing and a curse I guess. I understand how it feels to feel like you should be doing something. Then I sit and overthink everything I should do or need to do, get overwhelmed, and do nothing. Thanks for the great video!
Thank you for naming that anxiety feeling. I always feel so frozen when that happens and had a day like that today. Super high anxiety and overwhelm with what I “should” do. I always appreciate your candid thoughts and experiences with mental health. It makes me feel less alone. ❤
I have been trying to get ahead with my allotment this year, had a sht year in 2023 so avoided it as it reminds me of her, but this year I don’t want to let it get into a state when it’s overwhelming. It’s been so nice and warm the last couple of weeks so weekends have been for weeding and getting beds ready 😊 I’m looking forward to seeing your garden again this year ❤
I'm turning 60 this year and have worked hard all my life starting at age 12. I, too, feel guilty if I'm not producing something every day--but, there is a cost to that. Learn now at your age that the more you do the more you'll find to do. Where does it stop and when do you rest? I've never listened to what others say as it's terribly difficult and nearly impossible to please everyone at the same time. Look to your garden as a way to relax, wind down, and reset yourself vs. production. You've done the hard bits with the beds and the composting. Grow or buy hardy plants, water, protect some against bugs/rodents, and weed after it rains and you will be blessed with abundance. You are amazing Maddie and right where you are supposed to be. Thanks for sharing a bit of yourself with us.
From a 6ft girl who sews as her chill hobby. Do it!!! It feels amazing to be wearing clothes that actually fit. I’m watching your video whilst working on a thrifted coat to lengthen the sleeves.
Have you considered medication for your anxiety? I fought it for years, and when I finally started meds it was such an unexpected relief. It felt like I could finally take off a 23kg backpack that I never knew I was carrying. Sending you care.
Another awesome vlog Madeleine even though because it is almost an hour long I struggle to watch anything on UA-cam that is longer than 30 minutes without some kind of distraction. 😋 Food and a beautiful garden. Love 🥰 the vlog and love 💕 Madeleine &❤ Alex.
Stopping right at the beginning to comment - oh my gosh, YES! When I have a day without any goals and I'm not hanging out with my family or my partner, it triggers either my anxiety or depression. It's so annoying because I want to do the stuff I enjoy doing but instead I easily rot away in bed for the whole day. So even on my days off, I have to set myself up some goals - to do a thing I enjoy, to bake something, to go for a walk. I don't see those as chores but I definitely need to be aware of them in advance because if I leave my free time without any management, I will not function, I will be miserable and it won't be relaxing, annoyingly.
i'm so similar to you in so many ways maddie... when you spoke about having a day where you don't do anything on your to do lists or productive things, it made me feel so uneasy as i can't remember the last time i tried to do that. even on 'relaxed' days i'm so fixed on getting things done and even making things i enjoy into chores, such as 'let's read to relax' can become 'i need to read 50 pages today.' thank you for sharing how you feel so similarly, it really makes me feel much less of a strange bean. here's to changing the way we think, and trying not to punish ourselves so much, little by little 💗
Keeping being you. Don't feel you have to explain everything. That's the best paste I've been using for years. It's authentic and tastes like the one i had in Thailand ❤🎉😊❤
Love your videos, love your chats because they're real. But omg I feel like we're the same person. I was exactly the same last Sunday. I was purposely not doing anything and I felt so sad and deflated and anxious because I didn't do anything productive. I'm on this journey with you, and looking forward to getting to a place where we can enjoy a slow life full of joyful relaxation ❤️
I have been having some worrying symptoms for a few months which has triggered real bad health anxiety which has been quite debilitating. Have been to multiple doctors and tests and have one in a months time. Have been really low and your vlogs do help me calm down a bit so thank you❤
Keep going! You’ve got this! Make sure you’re speaking with someone if you’re worrying and not dealing with this alone. I truly understand how absolutely terrifying and debilitating this feeling is. It will get better xxx
I love the idea to grow more flowers. I’d also recommend growing medicinal herbs like lemon balm, anise hyssop, and lavender that will also attract bees and can be dried for tisanes and tinctures. I’ve found it so much more enjoyable when I don’t feel pressure to pick and eat everything I grow. Some of it can just be enjoyed as it grows!
Hi, thank you for another lovely vlog! For gardening I would recommend listening to Sarah Raven's podcast, lots of tips and advice for growing both flowers and veg. And next time you come to Belgium, make sure to visit the vintage second hand shop Think Twice (you can find them in Antwerp, Gent, maybe in Brussels as well), they have lots of cosy knitted jumpers (in big sizes as as well!). Hope you have a sunny rest of the week!
I loved the vlog. I wantedto say that I made your dirty fries yesterday and they were actually so so good I will be making them again and again. My partner loved them as well as he kept going back for more. They were so easy to make. Thank you xx
raspberry leaf is amazing for PMS symptoms!! Literally the leaves off raspberry canes, dried, stick in a tea - it's excellent! Mint is also a great plant for filling out spaces in a garden quickly - though put it in pots and not in your beds because it will just take over the whole place and you'll never fully get it out! loved this video, thanks for all your sharing xx
Just try and take a day as it comes I crochet and that helps talk to good friends and family it’s good to know that we sometimes need help in our life’s 🐝🐝
Rest is so important and yet it feels hard to prioritise it, especially when life gets busy! Really relate and trying to make sure I slow down when I need to and listen to my body/ how I’m feeling but it’s definitely a work in progress. Maybe my 30s will be my decade to I learn to slow down and relax without feeling guilty about being productive. Thank you for your honesty 🙏 P.S if you want non-intimidating but inspiring gardening content I highly recommend Emma’s Allotment Diaries here on UA-cam!
You could do a video about seasonal veg, trying out the veg box for a week and showing how you brainstorm recipes, adapt to seasons etc. I would be very interested in this!!
Don't be ashamed Maddie, I'm the same! I've found that I get far more anxiety at the weekends bizarrely! I've tried to combat this by having a schedule but treating my 'leisure' (like reading or painting) like I would work and giving them time blocks. Even if I don't stick to them it makes me feel calmer. I also try not to do all my hobbies at the weekend, and pick one I mostly want to focus on, and allow myself some work planning on a Sunday as they makes me feel calmer for the week ahead. Its made me feel a whole lot better 😊
I will follow every single one of your experiences on the flower beds if you go for it! Flowers are also fun, are a source of well being/selfcare and provide endless learning!❤
Spend 10 minutes a day in the garden even if all you do is walk around, you'll find you start pulling a few weeds when you are out there or grabbing a few of whatever is ready to eat making it more fun and less daunting.
Me and my fam have been sick with various ailments for the last two weeks. My productivity is obviously way down and its causing me so much anxiety. I should be resting and recovering but all i can think of is what I'm not doing. Also, super envious of your February weather and ability to work in the garden. My veg patch is under 2-3ft of snow😢
I have to have a To Do List every day or I can't function (OCD)? Even at the weekend's I need to do a few chores even if it's just washing the cars. If I don't do stuff it just gets too much and it weighs me down so I feel guilty. We try and go for a walk at a nearby National Trust place most Sundays. ❤
You should try the winter sowing method for your veggies and flowers. You basically sow the seeds in winter into milk jugs that have been prepared. And then sit them out and nature will take care of them. No greenhouse needed! Then in the spring you have lots of hardy seedlings to plant out. It’s a very cost-effective and fun way to build your garden. You should look up more specifics.❤
Interesting what you started off the video with and I have the same reaction of guilt if I take time for myself. I am watching this on Saturday, and I got up early as usual but thought no make a cup of tea and take it back to bed. Whilst I was waiting for our kettle to boil, I emptied the dishwasher, tided the kitchen and took the dry clothes out of the tumble dryer to fold them. Our kettle boils on the stove so takes a while but I couldn’t just stand around and wait for it to boil, I had to make use of the time. It’s like it’s engrained in us to find things to do all the time. 😞
I feel you! Maybe you could start by scheduling in time each week to do absolutely nothing, no obligations, and work your way from there! Even if it’s just an hour on a Saturday!
I have suffered with anxiety since I was a child. I used to feel so anxious when I woke up at the weekend and I realised that because I don’t have the structure of a weekday , ie Get up, Get kids up, School run, Nursery run etc etc, I feel a bit lost. I would love to be someone that just relaxes and enjoys nothing at the weekend but it literally makes me feel strange. Now I have to have something planned just to feel “normal”. I have always struggled with “doing nothing” x
I love your vlogs so much and your authenticity. Re the gardening just because you have 8 beds doesn't mean you have to fill all 8, you could let a few rest either with some weed covering/cardboard and possibly gravel on top until you feel more able to cope with all 8 xxx
What you could do with your veg beds if you're not using them over winter is mulch them with cardboard to surpress the weeds ... then cover them with fresh compost in the spring and plant away it saves time and means you dont disturb the ground too much and the healthy mictobes in the beds 🙂
I dont think you should feel bad about the state of your garden...it's huge! Its a lot for anyone to handle and you're still learning what works for you two! Plus you did get quite a bit of food from it on your first try! I have basically one of those beds and have a hard time some years! You got this!
I’m 6’ 3” so I feel your pain about the overalls 😂 I’m so excited about your garden! We’re weirdly on a similar path haha I started my garden 2 years ago, took it more seriously last year but made it too big to keep up with. This year I’m planning to do flowers too! I’ve been trying to figure out what’s native to my area and medicinal. I’m excited to see how it goes for you! Super random question- what brand are your pans? I’m having a heck of a time with pans and cooking tofu right now.
Thoroughly enjoyable vlog as always. Going to try your tofu sandwich idea tomorrow. I really rate The Bold Bean Company beans and would recommend you try their Queen Butterbeans, they are so large and creamy and turn me into a selfish cook as I don't want to share anything I make with them!
So many of my clients (and myself) use being busy as a coping/avoidance strategy. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it's a way to avoid difficult feelings ❤xx
Bold Bean Co beans are 100% the best. Another level. They also do red beans, black beans, carlin peas, butter beans and white beans. Waitrose sell them all and M&S sell the chickpeas and butter beans. You can also buy direct from them. I sprout my own seeds and it's super simple. I buy seeds from Sky Sprouts who supply Riverford or seeds from Premier Seeds. So much cheaper than buying the pre sprouted ones and no plastic packaging. You can buy sprouting jars with lids or just buy lids to use on mason jars.
Roxy is just the sweetest..."don't forget me when that cat is around". Wish I had the food items here in the states that you guys have. Have you used the chickpea liquid for baking.? Before I left Fb in '15, I followed a pg that people shared what they made, it was quite interesting & amazing.
Roxie is the cutest, although with her long hair and fluffy ears she did remind of rufus scrimgeour at about 12:35 😅 Im loving your vlogs and chats about slowing down, its definitely something that I struggle with! I end up stressing during my "relaxation" time, making it not very relaxing after all!
I love your vlogs however they come! Can I suggest that you place some weed suppresant on the paths between your raised beds and put bark chippings down. This will really save you a lot of time and help to stop things creeping into the beds. It will compost as well when it's broken down!
I don’t know how to rest… It makes me anxious and feeling useless. But I think that we shouldn’t force ourselfs to be someone who we’re not. If making a To Do List makes me happy, than good for me ! (Or you!) 😊 Hugs from France ❤
Hi maddie, I completely understand what you mean when talking about how changing your habits like more leasure time is giving you anxiety. my partner and i have recently started to do no screen time after dinner, or at least ´ trying to´., because we have been aware of how much we mindlessly watch screens sometimes. But let me tell you....even though we are nowhere near as bad as rest of society with screen time, i'm going through withdrawls. its crazy but i guess so normal when your nervous system has been whired a certain way for a long time. i try not to be to strict with it because you know.. life is just life but is is very interesting experiencing these kinds of things. also, i have noticed you talk about your hormones these last months. it´s so great to see woman learning more about there own cycles and when to give the female body grace. i dont want to assume anything uffcourse but it sounds like you are struggeling with pms symptomes? and maybe other hormonal things? something that has really helped me is when i found out about estrogen dominance and how some things we use and food we eat are extemly estrogenic. wich can contribute to significant hormal imballances. things like make up, parfume and also soy and tofu are extreme estrogen carriers. Absolutely not trying to scare offcourse. but being aware of it has helped me and my hormones tremendously. i just wanted to share that with you incase it could be helpfull. i really enjoy your long video's en love to see your journey in mindfullness. be proud of yourself your doing so good even though it doesnt feel like it sometimes xxx
Omg we need to give no screen time post dinner a try! I end up scrolling sometimes and it makes me go to bed later and feel crap! I definitely do struggle with PMS symptoms, and I always have. As I’m 32 now I know what helps for me personally. When I went vegan they reduced significantly - like overnight. And now the kicker is stress. Soy and tofu have PHYTOestrogens so they’re completely different to estrogen in our bodies. I’m assuming the reason why when I went vegan my symptoms reduced was the estrogen from animal products. I also have changed over the vast majority of my skincare and makeup to be from natural and clean brands too! But thank you for the tips!
ah yes i understand what you mean . it's so interesting how different things can work for different bodies. because for me some small amounts high quality and ethical animal products has helped me alot and also on a holistic level. i think its great that there are different paths to personal success. yes to limit screen time is a good one right? but don't put it on you to do list ey ;) youre allready doing alot to be mindfull. afterall cheancing your habbits is hard work for your brain and nervous system so be gentle on it ( talking to myself here actually) haha. kind wishes x@@MadeleineOlivia
MADI! I can not tell you how much this resonates with me. The anxiety we feel from having free time, or (trying to) relax is real. I do not understand it. So many of the feelings you have are the same as mine. Why?! ❤ We work at it right? 😅
🌱 🪴 🌿 I wonder if gardening 👩🌾 would be easier if the beds were closer to the house. They are kind of tucked away.I worked outside today also. I just set the timer for one hour and got more done than I anticipated . So far I have made one recipe from your cookbook and I loved it. I am not vegan but do enjoy trying new foods.
Omg yeah they’re so far away haha! I want to remove the trellis to make the visual feeling of how far they are better! Setting a timer is a great idea! And this makes me so happy!!
I tried to make the orange chocolate shortbread from your book but it just stayed as a crumble and wouldn't form into a dough type crumble😅 I'm not sure what I've done wrong, I followed the recipe to a T! I also made the chocolate cake and I must say that's absolutely scrumptious😍😍
@@MadeleineOlivia I used Tesco's own baking block - should I have melted it? I've still got it in the fridge so I will try to work it together some more☺️
Don't feel embarrassed about the beds in the state they're in. A lot of casual or non-professionals garden the same way. Full force, then complete drop off. I have dead beans and suffering cabbages in my beds now. 😅 Gardens aren't for perfection. They're an exercise for your mind and patience. Keep going!
You don't need to feel ashamed about your garden at all !! It's how gardening goes... you work on a bed untill it looks nice so you move onto the next bed and the next... by the time you get to the other half of the garden the first bit you started with is started to look disheveled again 😂. It's the cycle, it's normal so don't stress yourself out about it. Especially in winter, nothing wrong at all with it looking overgrown.
No dig only needs cardboard the first year to suppress weeds. A good layer of compost is fine after that. Also, unless you're a pensioner with loads of free time or 'celebrity' gardener, most peoples gardens rest in winter and get a bit weedy. Its just that noone shows it when its weedy!
Me! I get anxious (im 37,I'll be 38 this may) when I've taken a day to chill out as I've spent 6 out of 7 working my job tgen coming home to walk/play with our dog and house work, I take one day off and I feel guilty 😔
If you love spicy food and spicy sauce. You need to check out dark fire hot sauce. Thier a small Birmingham based company, totally vegan and even do a Kimchi hot sauce 💚
I started watching your channel because I love Cornwall and can only get down there once a year. However over the last couple of years I’ve virtually stopped eating meat and having now bought your cookbook, which is brilliant, I have now moved to being vegetarian. Can’t give up cheese so not a vegan yet❣️
I dye my hair but it is very similar to my natural colour! I dye the greys! This is my natural colour: ua-cam.com/video/GT21Zss0Vac/v-deo.htmlsi=HkdGbH994eYTO-FL
At almost 72 I'm probably your oldest viewer 🤣 I learned a long time ago that there's more to life than just work and being productive. Even if you're working on a hobby you are being productive. I worked in my 20's and I would sit there at that desk and think of all the things I could be doing if I was at home, rather than what the boss told me to do! Luckily my husband and I were financially in a place where I could quit work and stay at home for two years before becoming a stay at home mom (then a babysitter of our grandsons). I sew, knit, cross stitch, garden, take walks and ride my bicycle and I've never had a boring day in my life. Life's too short!!
Beat you I am 75 76 in May😂
I reframed gardening from 'getting it done' (because as you said, it's never done) to the equivalent of having a pet. When you have a dog you're never 'done' walking them or feeding them or caring for them, that's part of the experience of having a dog and some of it is work and some of it is joy. Thinking of my garden this way, as something I have a relationship with, has helped me.
I'm the opposite.... If I have a day with nothing on my calendar, I feel elated and free. My anxiety goes way down.
That’s so great I wanna be like this! I hope to be one day!
@@MadeleineOlivia Please turn to Jesus he loves you so much and died on the cross for your family and friends
I love your vlogs so much! Your authenticity, the reno projects and the delicious food are a perfect mix. I’m especially excited for your gardening projects since I have a garden I want to makeover this year too. Lots of love from Germany! 🧡
Maddie, that red top and hair band around 28 minutes is just so flattering on you. The color is just wonderful with your skin ❤
Thank you so much this is so kind!
I mentioned this in a previous comment a while ago, I feel that gardening is great for your mental health. It was something I used to help my mum with when I was a child. After losing her, my garden helped me so much. It gave me calm while I was going through so much grief and anxiety.
You are wonderful. Period. You are about the only person I can just listen to talk and just love it. ❤
Just the content I need to feel a bit better. Thank you for letting us spend time with you through the highs and the lows! x
It was a Saturday for goodness sake lovely! My advice for what it’s worth would be to try to have two days off a week that you don’t work or Vlog at all (not that you can’t if you feel like it ) but just make it known to everyone you work with that you’re not working on those two days. Even if you get anxiety during work days you soon get used to your precious days off then you might start to feel more free! Even if you just go to the beach, shopping, meet friends or craft or lay on the sofa, it’s your time and you look at your phone less eventually. I worked from home for years and it does make you feel guilty sometimes but then you do benefit eventually from a more structured schedule! Try to go to your office to work rather than working in the house! And get a gardener one day a week and just do the nice bits when you feel like it, like watering and picking the produce! Love your videos what ever they are like, I’m much older than you but you inspire me every time I watch. Bought your cook book for my son for Christmas and made some of your books very visible when I was in Waterstones the other day!!! I don’t think many of us care when you Vlog as long as we can still see or hear what your up to from time to time! 🥰🥰🥰
Winters are generally harder for me - winter depression and illness season. I appreciate you sharing your garden beds and that you aren’t having a good day. I go through the same, while it sucks, it’s nice to know I’m not the only one and we can keep on trudging through! ❤
I started gardening last summer. Just plants and flowers. I just loved sitting outside weeding and messing about. It was so soothing to just zone out and relax. That's all it should be about. Stress free.
Aww I love watching your videos. Your so cute! I love watching you map out the shopping lists and pricing them all up. X
Your vlogs are always just about as long as my baby naps :) perfect!
Happy to help ❤️❤️❤️
Re garden buy seedlings /starter plants a little bit later in the spring so you don’t have to do the seed growing and pricking in and planting out stuff! Ie if you buy a tray of lettuce seedlings plant them in the garden then you don’t have to do anything else until you’re ready to eat them! Less work more time to sit and look at it! Winner 😘😘😘😘
The square nail shape is so elegant! Your vegetables look so good. I found a vintage kimchi pot at the thrift store. It is so pretty, it has blue scenery hand painted on it. It is a treasured piece.
Thank you! And How adorable!
I love the way you seamlessly combine a food shop with skincare (rosewater). 😊😊
You’re not alone ❤
If I have a day of not doing anything. Just lounging around etc I end up in the worst mood by the evening. I feel anxious, emotional and annoyed that I’ve done that. And then over compensate the following weekend by planning too much to do and to tick off the ‘to do’ list!
I get anxiety about sleeping in on my days off. I used to sleep well past noon constantly up into my mid thirties. I have an office job now and actually love getting up early. But when I'm off my body gets me up around the same time I'd have to go to work, part of me loves it and the other part is terrified of becoming that lazy person again. So even if I have nothing to do, I still get up early. It's a blessing and a curse I guess. I understand how it feels to feel like you should be doing something. Then I sit and overthink everything I should do or need to do, get overwhelmed, and do nothing. Thanks for the great video!
Thank you for naming that anxiety feeling. I always feel so frozen when that happens and had a day like that today. Super high anxiety and overwhelm with what I “should” do. I always appreciate your candid thoughts and experiences with mental health. It makes me feel less alone. ❤
Nothing ever has to be explained. Feel what you feel. If it means anything, you are inspiring!
I have been trying to get ahead with my allotment this year, had a sht year in 2023 so avoided it as it reminds me of her, but this year I don’t want to let it get into a state when it’s overwhelming. It’s been so nice and warm the last couple of weeks so weekends have been for weeding and getting beds ready 😊
I’m looking forward to seeing your garden again this year ❤
Love these longer videos. Love the format and watch them a few times throughout the week
I'm turning 60 this year and have worked hard all my life starting at age 12. I, too, feel guilty if I'm not producing something every day--but, there is a cost to that. Learn now at your age that the more you do the more you'll find to do. Where does it stop and when do you rest? I've never listened to what others say as it's terribly difficult and nearly impossible to please everyone at the same time. Look to your garden as a way to relax, wind down, and reset yourself vs. production. You've done the hard bits with the beds and the composting. Grow or buy hardy plants, water, protect some against bugs/rodents, and weed after it rains and you will be blessed with abundance. You are amazing Maddie and right where you are supposed to be. Thanks for sharing a bit of yourself with us.
From a 6ft girl who sews as her chill hobby. Do it!!! It feels amazing to be wearing clothes that actually fit. I’m watching your video whilst working on a thrifted coat to lengthen the sleeves.
This is such a good point that I could see clothes that fit me!
Have you considered medication for your anxiety? I fought it for years, and when I finally started meds it was such an unexpected relief. It felt like I could finally take off a 23kg backpack that I never knew I was carrying. Sending you care.
I have but it scares me because I have health anxiety 🥺😩
Another awesome vlog Madeleine even though because it is almost an hour long I struggle to watch anything on UA-cam that is longer than 30 minutes without some kind of distraction. 😋 Food and a beautiful garden. Love 🥰 the vlog and love 💕 Madeleine &❤ Alex.
Stopping right at the beginning to comment - oh my gosh, YES! When I have a day without any goals and I'm not hanging out with my family or my partner, it triggers either my anxiety or depression. It's so annoying because I want to do the stuff I enjoy doing but instead I easily rot away in bed for the whole day. So even on my days off, I have to set myself up some goals - to do a thing I enjoy, to bake something, to go for a walk. I don't see those as chores but I definitely need to be aware of them in advance because if I leave my free time without any management, I will not function, I will be miserable and it won't be relaxing, annoyingly.
i'm so similar to you in so many ways maddie... when you spoke about having a day where you don't do anything on your to do lists or productive things, it made me feel so uneasy as i can't remember the last time i tried to do that. even on 'relaxed' days i'm so fixed on getting things done and even making things i enjoy into chores, such as 'let's read to relax' can become 'i need to read 50 pages today.' thank you for sharing how you feel so similarly, it really makes me feel much less of a strange bean. here's to changing the way we think, and trying not to punish ourselves so much, little by little 💗
Keeping being you. Don't feel you have to explain everything. That's the best paste I've been using for years. It's authentic and tastes like the one i had in Thailand ❤🎉😊❤
Love your videos, love your chats because they're real. But omg I feel like we're the same person. I was exactly the same last Sunday. I was purposely not doing anything and I felt so sad and deflated and anxious because I didn't do anything productive. I'm on this journey with you, and looking forward to getting to a place where we can enjoy a slow life full of joyful relaxation ❤️
I love your honestly , your vlogs, and keep being who you are and thank you for sharing your thoughts and life 💗💫
Love the hairband look on you with your hair and the hoops and red shirt 👌🏻👌🏻
I have been having some worrying symptoms for a few months which has triggered real bad health anxiety which has been quite debilitating. Have been to multiple doctors and tests and have one in a months time. Have been really low and your vlogs do help me calm down a bit so thank you❤
Keep going! You’ve got this! Make sure you’re speaking with someone if you’re worrying and not dealing with this alone. I truly understand how absolutely terrifying and debilitating this feeling is. It will get better xxx
I love the idea to grow more flowers. I’d also recommend growing medicinal herbs like lemon balm, anise hyssop, and lavender that will also attract bees and can be dried for tisanes and tinctures. I’ve found it so much more enjoyable when I don’t feel pressure to pick and eat everything I grow. Some of it can just be enjoyed as it grows!
Brilliant idea, do it for the bees ❤
100% on the hair situation!!! YES on the curly hair situation as well.....!!! LOL!!! xo
Wow, I have just purchased your Make it Vegan cookbook…. I’m in love with it already. Looking forward to making lots of yummy food… xx
Hi, thank you for another lovely vlog! For gardening I would recommend listening to Sarah Raven's podcast, lots of tips and advice for growing both flowers and veg. And next time you come to Belgium, make sure to visit the vintage second hand shop Think Twice (you can find them in Antwerp, Gent, maybe in Brussels as well), they have lots of cosy knitted jumpers (in big sizes as as well!). Hope you have a sunny rest of the week!
I loved the vlog. I wantedto say that I made your dirty fries yesterday and they were actually so so good I will be making them again and again. My partner loved them as well as he kept going back for more. They were so easy to make. Thank you xx
Yayyyy!! This is the best thing ever I’m so happy to hear!
raspberry leaf is amazing for PMS symptoms!! Literally the leaves off raspberry canes, dried, stick in a tea - it's excellent! Mint is also a great plant for filling out spaces in a garden quickly - though put it in pots and not in your beds because it will just take over the whole place and you'll never fully get it out! loved this video, thanks for all your sharing xx
Just try and take a day as it comes I crochet and that helps talk to good friends and family it’s good to know that we sometimes need help in our life’s 🐝🐝
I’m reading that book too, enjoying it so far 😊
I love the gardening content so much! I just have a small balcony in Berlin but you are inspiring to me to take care of it an having a slow hobby :)
loved the gardening music so much ❤
Rest is so important and yet it feels hard to prioritise it, especially when life gets busy! Really relate and trying to make sure I slow down when I need to and listen to my body/ how I’m feeling but it’s definitely a work in progress. Maybe my 30s will be my decade to I learn to slow down and relax without feeling guilty about being productive. Thank you for your honesty 🙏 P.S if you want non-intimidating but inspiring gardening content I highly recommend Emma’s Allotment Diaries here on UA-cam!
You could do a video about seasonal veg, trying out the veg box for a week and showing how you brainstorm recipes, adapt to seasons etc. I would be very interested in this!!
Great idea!
Don't be ashamed Maddie, I'm the same! I've found that I get far more anxiety at the weekends bizarrely!
I've tried to combat this by having a schedule but treating my 'leisure' (like reading or painting) like I would work and giving them time blocks.
Even if I don't stick to them it makes me feel calmer.
I also try not to do all my hobbies at the weekend, and pick one I mostly want to focus on, and allow myself some work planning on a Sunday as they makes me feel calmer for the week ahead.
Its made me feel a whole lot better 😊
I will follow every single one of your experiences on the flower beds if you go for it! Flowers are also fun, are a source of well being/selfcare and provide endless learning!❤
I don't think it's about being non-productive. It's about changing the definition of "productive".
So so true
Spend 10 minutes a day in the garden even if all you do is walk around, you'll find you start pulling a few weeds when you are out there or grabbing a few of whatever is ready to eat making it more fun and less daunting.
Hi! Look into putting cardboard on top of every raised bed. Then, wet it well. On top put a layer of compost. No dig is easier!
Me and my fam have been sick with various ailments for the last two weeks. My productivity is obviously way down and its causing me so much anxiety. I should be resting and recovering but all i can think of is what I'm not doing.
Also, super envious of your February weather and ability to work in the garden. My veg patch is under 2-3ft of snow😢
Being ill is a sign you need that rest and recovery! I hope you get well soon xxx
I never comment on your videos but I've been following you since 2018. One of the most unique content creators.😊 Greetings from Uruguay!
one day is amazing!! hope you love it
I have to have a To Do List every day or I can't function (OCD)? Even at the weekend's I need to do a few chores even if it's just washing the cars. If I don't do stuff it just gets too much and it weighs me down so I feel guilty.
We try and go for a walk at a nearby National Trust place most Sundays. ❤
I feel similarly but I’m really trying to challenge myself!
You should try the winter sowing method for your veggies and flowers. You basically sow the seeds in winter into milk jugs that have been prepared. And then sit them out and nature will take care of them. No greenhouse needed! Then in the spring you have lots of hardy seedlings to plant out. It’s a very cost-effective and fun way to build your garden. You should look up more specifics.❤
Love your vlogs, you give me lots of inspiration for my Cornish home 😊
❤️❤️❤️
Loved your red shirt and headband outfit ❤
Thank you!
Interesting what you started off the video with and I have the same reaction of guilt if I take time for myself. I am watching this on Saturday, and I got up early as usual but thought no make a cup of tea and take it back to bed. Whilst I was waiting for our kettle to boil, I emptied the dishwasher, tided the kitchen and took the dry clothes out of the tumble dryer to fold them. Our kettle boils on the stove so takes a while but I couldn’t just stand around and wait for it to boil, I had to make use of the time. It’s like it’s engrained in us to find things to do all the time. 😞
I feel you! Maybe you could start by scheduling in time each week to do absolutely nothing, no obligations, and work your way from there! Even if it’s just an hour on a Saturday!
I have suffered with anxiety since I was a child. I used to feel so anxious when I woke up at the weekend and I realised that because I don’t have the structure of a weekday , ie Get up, Get kids up, School run, Nursery run etc etc, I feel a bit lost. I would love to be someone that just relaxes and enjoys nothing at the weekend but it literally makes me feel strange. Now I have to have something planned just to feel “normal”. I have always struggled with “doing nothing” x
I love your vlogs so much and your authenticity. Re the gardening just because you have 8 beds doesn't mean you have to fill all 8, you could let a few rest either with some weed covering/cardboard and possibly gravel on top until you feel more able to cope with all 8 xxx
We have 16 beds 😅
What you could do with your veg beds if you're not using them over winter is mulch them with cardboard to surpress the weeds ... then cover them with fresh compost in the spring and plant away it saves time and means you dont disturb the ground too much and the healthy mictobes in the beds 🙂
I dont think you should feel bad about the state of your garden...it's huge! Its a lot for anyone to handle and you're still learning what works for you two! Plus you did get quite a bit of food from it on your first try! I have basically one of those beds and have a hard time some years! You got this!
Thank you for this reminder!!
I’m 6’ 3” so I feel your pain about the overalls 😂
I’m so excited about your garden! We’re weirdly on a similar path haha I started my garden 2 years ago, took it more seriously last year but made it too big to keep up with. This year I’m planning to do flowers too! I’ve been trying to figure out what’s native to my area and medicinal. I’m excited to see how it goes for you!
Super random question- what brand are your pans? I’m having a heck of a time with pans and cooking tofu right now.
One of your beds could be a tea garden! So herbs and flowers that you can dry and turn into tea 💚
Thoroughly enjoyable vlog as always. Going to try your tofu sandwich idea tomorrow. I really rate The Bold Bean Company beans and would recommend you try their Queen Butterbeans, they are so large and creamy and turn me into a selfish cook as I don't want to share anything I make with them!
Omg I will be getting those next!!!
So many of my clients (and myself) use being busy as a coping/avoidance strategy. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it's a way to avoid difficult feelings ❤xx
Bold Bean Co beans are 100% the best. Another level. They also do red beans, black beans, carlin peas, butter beans and white beans. Waitrose sell them all and M&S sell the chickpeas and butter beans. You can also buy direct from them.
I sprout my own seeds and it's super simple. I buy seeds from Sky Sprouts who supply Riverford or seeds from Premier Seeds. So much cheaper than buying the pre sprouted ones and no plastic packaging. You can buy sprouting jars with lids or just buy lids to use on mason jars.
Mae Ploy Thai curry paste is the best ! nothing else comes close
Roxy is just the sweetest..."don't forget me when that cat is around". Wish I had the food items here in the states that you guys have. Have you used the chickpea liquid for baking.? Before I left Fb in '15, I followed a pg that people shared what they made, it was quite interesting & amazing.
Roxie is the cutest, although with her long hair and fluffy ears she did remind of rufus scrimgeour at about 12:35 😅 Im loving your vlogs and chats about slowing down, its definitely something that I struggle with! I end up stressing during my "relaxation" time, making it not very relaxing after all!
I love your vlogs however they come! Can I suggest that you place some weed suppresant on the paths between your raised beds and put bark chippings down. This will really save you a lot of time and help to stop things creeping into the beds. It will compost as well when it's broken down!
When I have to do gardening tasks I look at it as a workout lol, because I'm always sore the next day. 😂
I love hearing you talk 😅
Girl you LOVE chatting about your hair 😂♥️ I’m the same x
I don’t know how to rest… It makes me anxious and feeling useless. But I think that we shouldn’t force ourselfs to be someone who we’re not. If making a To Do List makes me happy, than good for me ! (Or you!) 😊
Hugs from France ❤
100%!! Keep doing what makes you happy!
Loved this video thanks for sharing xx
Hi maddie, I completely understand what you mean when talking about how changing your habits like more leasure time is giving you anxiety. my partner and i have recently started to do no screen time after dinner, or at least ´ trying to´., because we have been aware of how much we mindlessly watch screens sometimes. But let me tell you....even though we are nowhere near as bad as rest of society with screen time, i'm going through withdrawls. its crazy but i guess so normal when your nervous system has been whired a certain way for a long time. i try not to be to strict with it because you know.. life is just life but is is very interesting experiencing these kinds of things.
also, i have noticed you talk about your hormones these last months. it´s so great to see woman learning more about there own cycles and when to give the female body grace. i dont want to assume anything uffcourse but it sounds like you are struggeling with pms symptomes? and maybe other hormonal things? something that has really helped me is when i found out about estrogen dominance and how some things we use and food we eat are extemly estrogenic. wich can contribute to significant hormal imballances. things like make up, parfume and also soy and tofu are extreme estrogen carriers. Absolutely not trying to scare offcourse. but being aware of it has helped me and my hormones tremendously. i just wanted to share that with you incase it could be helpfull. i really enjoy your long video's en love to see your journey in mindfullness. be proud of yourself your doing so good even though it doesnt feel like it sometimes xxx
Omg we need to give no screen time post dinner a try! I end up scrolling sometimes and it makes me go to bed later and feel crap!
I definitely do struggle with PMS symptoms, and I always have. As I’m 32 now I know what helps for me personally. When I went vegan they reduced significantly - like overnight. And now the kicker is stress. Soy and tofu have PHYTOestrogens so they’re completely different to estrogen in our bodies. I’m assuming the reason why when I went vegan my symptoms reduced was the estrogen from animal products. I also have changed over the vast majority of my skincare and makeup to be from natural and clean brands too! But thank you for the tips!
ah yes i understand what you mean . it's so interesting how different things can work for different bodies. because for me some small amounts high quality and ethical animal products has helped me alot and also on a holistic level. i think its great that there are different paths to personal success.
yes to limit screen time is a good one right? but don't put it on you to do list ey ;) youre allready doing alot to be mindfull. afterall cheancing your habbits is hard work for your brain and nervous system so be gentle on it ( talking to myself here actually) haha. kind wishes x@@MadeleineOlivia
OMG Roxy’s fringe!!! 🥰🥰🥰
Hehe it’s gotten so long!
MADI! I can not tell you how much this resonates with me. The anxiety we feel from having free time, or (trying to) relax is real. I do not understand it. So many of the feelings you have are the same as mine. Why?! ❤ We work at it right? 😅
Yes we work at it! And also read Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman! Changed my world!
her face at 12:26 I cant🤗
Hi please would you mind sharing Alex’s bread recipe it looks absolutely gorgeous. Thanks 🙏🏻
It’s in my cookbook!
That's why I usually only wear hair clips (loosely, not tight gripped), they don't totally mess with your hairstyle 😁
🌱 🪴 🌿 I wonder if gardening 👩🌾 would be easier if the beds were closer to the house. They are kind of tucked away.I worked outside today also. I just set the timer for one hour and got more done than I anticipated . So far I have made one recipe from your cookbook and I loved it. I am not vegan but do enjoy trying new foods.
Omg yeah they’re so far away haha! I want to remove the trellis to make the visual feeling of how far they are better! Setting a timer is a great idea! And this makes me so happy!!
I tried to make the orange chocolate shortbread from your book but it just stayed as a crumble and wouldn't form into a dough type crumble😅 I'm not sure what I've done wrong, I followed the recipe to a T! I also made the chocolate cake and I must say that's absolutely scrumptious😍😍
Oh no! You have to keep forming the dough together until it doesn’t crumble! What margarine did you use? I recommend Stork!
@@MadeleineOlivia I used Tesco's own baking block - should I have melted it? I've still got it in the fridge so I will try to work it together some more☺️
Don't feel embarrassed about the beds in the state they're in. A lot of casual or non-professionals garden the same way. Full force, then complete drop off. I have dead beans and suffering cabbages in my beds now. 😅 Gardens aren't for perfection. They're an exercise for your mind and patience. Keep going!
You don't need to feel ashamed about your garden at all !! It's how gardening goes... you work on a bed untill it looks nice so you move onto the next bed and the next... by the time you get to the other half of the garden the first bit you started with is started to look disheveled again 😂. It's the cycle, it's normal so don't stress yourself out about it. Especially in winter, nothing wrong at all with it looking overgrown.
Hahaha so so true!
No dig only needs cardboard the first year to suppress weeds. A good layer of compost is fine after that.
Also, unless you're a pensioner with loads of free time or 'celebrity' gardener, most peoples gardens rest in winter and get a bit weedy. Its just that noone shows it when its weedy!
Me! I get anxious (im 37,I'll be 38 this may) when I've taken a day to chill out as I've spent 6 out of 7 working my job tgen coming home to walk/play with our dog and house work, I take one day off and I feel guilty 😔
Awww Roxie 🥰😍🥰
If you love spicy food and spicy sauce. You need to check out dark fire hot sauce. Thier a small Birmingham based company, totally vegan and even do a Kimchi hot sauce 💚
I started watching your channel because I love Cornwall and can only get down there once a year. However over the last couple of years I’ve virtually stopped eating meat and having now bought your cookbook, which is brilliant, I have now moved to being vegetarian. Can’t give up cheese so not a vegan yet❣️
This honestly makes me unbelievably happy!!!
Do you take any supplement. Wonder if you can recommend any please. Love your book and videos ❤
I take vitamin B12 or vitamin D in the height of winter. I also use form nutrition protein powder!
Thank you so much. ❤
Maddy, what lip color and brand are you wearing on your Tuesday morning clip? It’s beautiful.
It really is beautiful! I wanted to ask if it was one of the Typology colors. Maybe she'll let us know!
It’ll probably be a tinted typology lip oil as I had no other makeup on pre-gym! Thank you!
Thank you! ❤
Try smoke tofu and kimchi sandwich! So delicious 😋
Madeleine do you have your Vinted link that you mentioned, please 🙏 ❤
At times you remind me of Rosalia 😳 I love your channel 🫶
I’ve got that before! Thank you xx
Did you make tea with hot water from the tap?!
Yeah it’s a quooker hot water tap!
I love those days when I have nothing to do and I can relax and don't do anything 😅
I think you forgot to link your Vinted!
Lovely video Madeleine ❤ Do you dye your hair or is it your natural colour?
I dye my hair but it is very similar to my natural colour! I dye the greys! This is my natural colour: ua-cam.com/video/GT21Zss0Vac/v-deo.htmlsi=HkdGbH994eYTO-FL