Tonight an electricity sales woman interrupted my dinner. I initially turned her away, but then she started tearing up and said ‘fuck it, it’s been a bad day’ and then I invited her inside. She was English. She reminded me of Martine McCutcheon’s character on Love Actually when she swore at the prime minister, then swore again for swearing. And her presence silently guilted me into tidying the kitchen while she stood at my table signing my electricity away to the unknown. She told me she thought I looked 19. Wow! She also told me she is 17, just put a deposit down on a house and is currently living in a hostel with five boys and my house was tidy in comparison. She seemed very accomplished for her age. She even works 60 hours a week.
I felt duped for inviting her in and having her sign me over to another company, but at the same time intrigued. I sort of wanted to offer her my business card and ask her to be my friend. It was like having someone from East Enders in my home for half an hour. She didn’t care I was in my pyjamas with a messy kitchen, she was happy to tell me her life story. My dinner was nothing to report on – Asian greens with blackbean sauce and lamb chops. So lucky this sales woman interrupted me.
Last night’s dessert was worth writing about. I really like fruity desserts. Last night I made rhubarb, apples and berries and served it with custard.
I know a few people who have never cooked rhubarb. It’s really easy. Make sure you chop off the leaves as they’re poisonous. Wash the rhubarb and trim the ends. Cut rhubarb into 5 cm lengths and place in a saucepan or bowl with a few tablespoons of water, about two tablespoons of sugar and some vanilla essence. I saw Faux Fuschia likes to use vanilla paste. So do I, but it’s more costly than lamb chops! I also add a chopped apple or two – peel still on – and some berries. Yesterday I used half a tin of blackberries. Sometimes I use strawberries or blueberries on their last legs.
I let this fruit mixture cook on very low heat for about an hour. It goes really soft and takes on a ruby hue.
My Penguin Mug-Jug told me he wanted to try some custard with his fishy. His fishy-wishes were granted.
Penguin Mug-Jug, meet Foster Clark.
I enjoyed the rhubarb, apples and berries with the custard. Such a nice dessert for a cold winter’s night.
Here is what I wore today. I was inspired by Kitty Cate’s outfit from yesterday. I love the bright floral skirt and wear this year round.
Coat by Target, merino jumper by Glassons, skivvy by Sussan, skirt by Jeanswest, leggings by Metallicus, boots by Rivers, brooch from Call Me Madam Boutique, hairclip by Mimco, hair swept by the wind.
It was a beautiful sunny warm day until these photos were taken. My eyes were squinty and shut because of the wind.
I am laughing so hard at your story about the electricity seller – reminds me of my brother's best friend who invited a Jehovah's witness in and listened to him talk for half an hour because he was too polite to tell him to eff off 😀
I love rhubarb so much, its the best winter food! Your combo of fruits looks amazing, will definitely have to try it out!
And your outfit today is super cute, I love that skirt! Floral skirts are the best. I'm very flattered you were inspired by my outfit yesterday xoxo
Love the outfit Carly!
I too signed with another electricity company because I felt sorry for the young Indian guy at the front door. Nothing like pity to get a sale!
you are a sweetheart, plus your outfit is cute x
Rhubarb is made of awesome and I just love the idea of mixing blackberries with it.
It must have been a day of floral skirts, because I wore one too! They make Winter seem a little brighter.
I love the penguin!!! So not a fan of Rhubarb, H said he will cook it for me so I love it though. I'm willing to give it another go.
Fortunately we don't get a lot of door to door salespeople, however sometimes if I am home during the day I get a few sales calls which aren't so bad because I usually just explain I am not the owner of the house (which is true, my dad & stepmum own the house hehe). They tend to be a little less pushy once I explain this.
Your penguin mug-jug is so cute, I want one 🙂 Don't you find it distracting when you're cooking though?
I'm a big fan of rhubarb and your rhubarb, berry & custard dessert looks amazing! I'd love to try make it and add some cinnamon. Yet again you've succeeded in making me want dessert at 6.00am 😛
Ahhh that penguin cup is the cutest thing! Your dessert looks delicious 🙂 I'm usually not a fan of rhubarb but I'm beginning to warm to it. Especially in crumble. Mmmm!
You're so sweet to let the salesperson in! That penguin cup is amazing – I really want to find one now! Where did you get it!?
I love your story about the electricity lady.
I am craving custard now. I am itching to make a pudding and custard type dessert sometime this weekend.
SSG xxx
I love rhubarb.
Did I tell you I gave you an award? It's down on my page a bit, but it's still there.
I also ended up changing electricity companies because the girl at the door was friendly…I also feel like a bit of a sucker ;P x