Snapshots of Slow Country Living: Garden Updates, Book Rant & Everyday Moments

One of the things I love about the wide world web in 2025 is how much we’re going back to photos. Not perfectly curated setups, but everyday, unposed snaps: of our kids, a pretty farm shop display or a wildflower that caught our eye. I’ve definitely been taking more photos in recent months than I have in years. I think part of it is the oversaturation of fast-paced content that somehow sucks us into a scrolling black hole, wasting time and brain power. Photos feel good and ... slow?

I like to think of you as my friend. I’m pretty much certain that anyone who chooses to read or watch my content likely shares similar values, a sense of humour and a worldview. You must kind of like me if you put up with my accent, haha! So of course, I believe we’d get along in real life! And just like with a friend, I always have so much more to share. Failed bakes. Books I’m currently reading (or abandoning). Walks in pretty places. Things that don’t make it into my YouTube videos. I thought perhaps I should start sharing it all here on the blog through pictures.

So here are a few snaps from life as I know it: my little, cosy, country life that I’m so grateful for. And I’m grateful for you, too x

Watch My Most recent Vlog - Seasonal slow living, cosy homemaking & baking from the English countryside

|1. Failed Muffins
Yup, as you can see: not-so-perfect Adriana the Baker :) I used my trusted basic muffin recipe. It’s on the drier side, but thanks to the thick batter, the chocolate chips don’t sink in. Well, this time I decided to skip the chips and instead spoon a bit of jam on top of the batter, swirling it slightly with a toothpick. The result… as pictured. They actually tasted okay, just looked terrible!

(Funny thing is, this isn’t even the first time I’ve tried it and yet I was still surprised it didn’t work, lol!)

2. Montacute House
Montacute House is one of the closest National Trust stately homes to where we live, so we visit regularly and I never get tired of it. This Summer day, the atmosphere was perfect: sunshine, pretty clouds and gardens in full bloom. Just gorgeous.

The average visitor age was about 60+, which somehow felt more peaceful than during school holidays, when the grounds are filled with wild children running around (including our own offspring - haha!)

A photo of your favourite candle maker and his goose. Sorry, I mean, his muse! 😂

Garden
My garden is behind, due to how late I managed to plant my veggies (if you’re new here, we only just bought this house), but that’s OK! This year, I’m not hoping for a big harvest. I simply want to get the feel of the garden, see where things grow best, etc.

And to be honest - things are great! My courgettes are growing, I spotted the first tiny pumpkin on the vine, but I’m most excited about the tomatoes. It’s my first time ever growing them and I genuinely spend way too much time just staring at them, lol!

More tomatoes 🍅❤️

Currently reading...
...Toll House by Carly Reagon. I’m about 11% in right now, and if you enjoy chilling tales set in the English countryside, I do recommend this book. I got it a couple of days ago on Kindle for only £0.99 - I'm not sure if the offer is still on, but worth checking!

I can’t say I’ve warmed to the main character, but the book is interesting and as soon as I finish writing to you, I’m going back to reading. I don’t want to give spoilers, so stop reading now if you’re planning to pick it up but I have to highlight two things that bother me about her:

1. Her work ethic is appalling, sorry, lol! Considering she’s a single mother who isn’t exactly rolling in money, you’d think she’d be dotting over her work. At least I know I would be if the roof over my child’s head depended on it.

2. Her constant moaning about the Toll House, the surrounding countryside and the woodland goes against my core being! I get that eventually she realises the house is haunted, but at the time of purchase, she couldn't know. I just sit here thinking: how many of us DREAM about owning a historic house with original features, away from town and the main road, surrounded by countryside and woods on one side?! Is the author trolling me personally? lol!

OK, rant over - but I am actually enjoying the book. I’ve been surprised by the events so far and I’m really looking forward to reading more.

Home Update
Lastly, a little peek at the pantry. Tomorrow (3/07/2025) the builders are going to be laying the floor. It’s all coming together ❤️

I hope you enjoyed these little snapshots of my life lately. I’ll be back with another lot soon!

Much love,
Adriana x