how to bbq when feeling low
yesterday, as my big girl turned 20, we had a bbq (no guests, only us three, don’t panic)
now this may sound like a “so what?” type of thing and i understand why you may think that. but it is a bit deal for me.
if i manage to do one bbq a year by the end of summer that is astounding, but to do one in the months of April?? unheard of. maybe it is because i have more space here in my new house and garden, maybe it is because i have a dishwasher now to help with any dishes, maybe it is the medication, but i have really struggled with bbqs each year for various reasons.
- not liking the sun (yip, i am the only person i know on the planet who loves autumn, winter too, and who stays in the shade as getting hot flares up my skin)
- depression, see number one, maybe lack of vitamin D but i have started taking that each day since november so maybe its helping. bbq seemed to be what happy, healthy people did and i did not want to fake it.
- fear of something breaking… i still do not have any picnic wear, but if you are prone to anxiety i definitely recommend getting some to take away this worry. i would literally shake at the thought of it. this removes any joy.
- bbqs can make me feel lonely. see number 2.
- all the preparation, the fear of making a mess, hence the “dishwasher effect” which may actually be a thing
so i have decided to do this easy bbq guide in case you are understanding me and feel that doing a bbq is out of your comfort zone, and brings on your mental distress instead of being fun.
the essentials
first of all, buy a bbq you love to look at and so want to take care of. i know this sounds a bit silly but it is true, if you love it you will want to use it. waitrose do a great portable bbq each year, and at their end of season sale they sell it half price for around £20. Weber also great bbq, costly at first but they don’t really go rusty, which will make you love it longer. get easy to light charcoal, you just have to light the bag, but also get some bbq fluid as sometimes they don’t light well and this takes away the lighting stage stress. also, get a long handled lighter, long handled tools, apron, gloves.
have enough tables… not having enough table space creates so much stress so get a folding table where you can place all the salads and sauces etc. I got this super garden table set beer-keller style off eBay, two long benches and one long table, only about £50 and they fold down which is such a help in winter. and best of all they look great as they age.
put some bunting up and fairy lights if you are bbqing into the dark hours. i am planning to make some bunting in this lockdown with some fabulous vintage fabric i have been collecting. i got the idea after buying some amazing vintage style bunting at the exeter flea market (see previous blog).
buy a bluetooth speaker to play your tunes, i got one from online for about £25, an anker speaker. make a playlist of tunes that help you feel good, help you feel connected, remind you to have fun.
get plastic serving dishes, plates, cups and a jug (all reusable please).
the food
our family is now vegan-ish, so here are some easy ideas for simple bbq salads
2 packets of flavoured rice from Aldi 29p
2 packets of flavoured cous cous, also Aldi 35p
make your own coleslaw by shredding four peeled carrots and some cabbage, mixed together with mayo
potato salad by boiling both sweet and white including skins and part mashing with chopped onion, mayo, a tiny bit of mustard, and olives. black olives are best
you can also make the amazing tomato salsa with fresh tomatoes, onion and a little bit of mint sauce.
a packet of ready to eat salad leaves
a plate of chopped peppers, tomatoes, cucumber
then your bbq stuff, veggie burgers, veggie sausages, there really is some amazing vegan food out there now.
make colourful screwers with mushrooms, onion and peppers
i have yet to find a good vegan cheese…
Drink
If you drink alcohol it is still nice to make a jug, an unbreakable jug, of red wine and lemonade (i believe the spanish call this tinto de verano). add orange juice to make a kind of sangria. Or make pimms, or white wine and lemonade. if you don’t drink alcohol then lime and soda is delicious, or simple orange and lemonade. or push the boat out and treat yourself to some elderflower.
put on some your positive playlist. try to mindfully enjoy it all, be IN JOY. having fun and feeling joy is essential for the law of attraction to give you things you desire. if you love life, life loves you back. Let me know what you think in the comments, or any other bbq tips you have.
jen x
