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.

Dear you,

It's been a while since you've written a letter. It's been even longer since you've received one. Letters are powerful things; they make your heart soar as they flop through the letterbox, wondering who could be sending you something that isn't a bill, an advertising leaflet, or a frustrating 'Sorry We Missed You' card. It's heart-warming to realise that someone cares enough, in this technologically-focused society, to put pen to paper and pour their thoughts, feelings, ideas and musings out before you with openness and honesty.

You tried, a few times, to recapture the art of letter-writing. You even sent a few out once. But the effort, the very act of setting aside time for others - even with the kindest of folk - can sometimes be a struggle. Life gets in the way. Emails marked 'High Importance' need responding to within moments, dirty crockery that has graced your work surfaces for longer than it should have needs washing, clothes need putting away, the bills need paying... and so it goes on. There will always be an excuse. There will always be something you should be doing.

So it's time to stop. Stop trying to please everyone all the time. Stop trying to be the best at everything and instead focus on doing the best you can do with the time and tools available. Stop making excuses and start prioritising. Family. Friends. Love. Laughter. Without these, what's the point? Start being kinder and make time for others without watching the minutes tick by, anxiously contemplating when your to-do list is going to diminish. You need to realise that it never will, not now, not ever.

I don't really know where all this has come from. Sometimes you sit down and the words just appear on the page without you really realising their origins. Sometimes that's the best way.

This is the first letter, but not the last. Keep going.

Love me.

Photo via Unsplash.

February is all about… the end of winter, vast numbers of pancakes, the start of lent and being thankful for love.

Something to eat: Pancakes! Every time my mum asked me what I wanted to eat as a child I would reply pancakes. They were for special occasions only, and I remember savouring every last bite and always wanting just one more. Today I eat them as I have always done with a sprinkling of sugar and far too much lemon juice. Want a fool-proof recipe? You can never go wrong with Delia.

Something to visit: For those with children or those who work in education, February means half-term. Check out fun activities or places to visit in your area with the National Trust - perfect for making the most of the great outdoors as spring unfurls.

Something to make: DIY chalkboard mugs are the perfect way to show a loved one you care, or to have a little fun with during the office tea break. Check out this easy tutorial here.

Something to celebrate: Valentine's Day. Love it or loathe it, celebrate it or boycott it, it's definitely here to stay, and it explodes onto our radar in the middle of this month. Dan and I don't usually go out for dinner or have a traditional Valentine's date as such, but we do like to try and spend it together, appreciating each other's company and taking a step back to be thankful for what we have.

Something a bit different: Start Valentine's Day as you mean to go on and give alphabet dating a try. Simply plan a date based on each letter of the alphabet - this could be bi-weekly, monthly, or however often you choose.

Purple

Green

Orange and Red Inspired by Sarah over at Mitenska, I spent a quiet evening alone this week sorting through photos that I have taken over the past year for this blog and segmenting them into colours. Colour is such a powerful influencer of mood in our lives and as reminiscing over past events, moments in time and progression in the garden can also have the same effect for me it was a lovely hour or so well spent.

Purple, green and rich burnt oranges and reds have always been among my favourites; rich earthy, jewel-like tones appear on my nails, in my home and in my flower vases. Although I can appreciate the elegance of pastels, it is the urgency and passion of these colours that really appeals.

Which colours are you drawn to?

I've never been one to shy away from early mornings. As teenagers, my sister and I would be ready to leave the house for school by 7.45am at the latest and sometimes we would rise early with my dad on a Sunday to bake bread and enjoy an early breakfast bun straight from the oven. As I've grown older and wiser, these habits have not only continued but have developed into a set routine. On a weekday, my alarm sounds at 5.50am after half an hour of my new lumie clock awakening my senses, tricking me into thinking the sun is already peeping over the horizon, and I haul myself out of bed just after 6am. Weekends can vary, but I'm usually up by 7.30am and often rise earlier. I like routine. I like the feeling of getting out of bed and realising that I'm the only one in the house on the move, but my routines are slackening.

With a puppy whining for attention and an old house without a working shower (only baths for us!) it can be very difficult to find any time at all for myself. Roll the clock back seven or eight months and I'd have time to write a blog post or two and still leave the house for work at 7.15am, but I feel like I'm losing grip of this previous, quiet time. So I've decided to reclaim my mornings; starting tomorrow I'm going to inch back the alarm until 5.20am is once again bearable. Here's why:

1. I like silence. Some people can't stand it, they need noise to feel relaxed, at ease, but for me the absence of sound is when I can truly allow my mind to rest. Before the sun rises sound is at a minimum: no whirring of the boiler; no cars rushing on the roads; no TV or radio blaring out; just the stillness of the morning.
2. Making exercise a priority is something I have put off for far too long. The problem is that once I get back from work and make dinner, any motivation to get moving again is long gone. So to solve this, I'm going to try to get moving in a morning instead.
3. I want to enjoy eating breakfast again. A rushed slice of toast as I fling open the car door, or a half eaten cereal bar once I get to work does not an exciting start to the day make. Having time to make porridge or even pancakes on those days where I need a lift is definitely something I want to focus on.

Do you have a morning routine? Do you find it easier to get things done in the quiet of the early mornings?