CREATIVE EVERYDAY INSPIRATION - EMBRACING THE JOURNEY

By Nicky Bourke

Nicky's Blog Space

Blog 2 'Creative Everyday Inspiration'

Letting the Words Flow – From My First Blog Journey

“The first step in creativity is setting your thoughts free”.

Starting this blog wasn’t the hard part. My mind had been swirling with ideas for years, and never really having the time to  finally put them into words was a rush of pure freedom. The real challenge has been shaping those thoughts into something meaningful to share.

Now I’m considering redesigning that first post – the font feels off, the background image is frustratingly wrong, and honestly, I have no clue how to fix it. Yikes! Time to learn, grow, and embrace the journey.  Bear with me - technology and me are another challenge altogether.

Here’s the thing: I’m not going to go back to change it. That first post captured a moment of pure elation – the joy of finally letting the trapped words pour out. This blog is about discovery and growth, and I want you to see the evolution, mistakes and all.

 I’ll share real life – my  stories, my home projects, my recipes, my art, my how-to guides, and inspirational thoughts that pop up in my head. It’s a space for creativity, connection, and a celebration of everyday moments. My mind is buzzing with ideas, determined to create, connect, and inspire.  I’m so happy to be able to use this platform to potentially reach others and spark their own creativity in all forms.  “It can be as simple as “picking  flowers’ from your garden today and placing it in a vase to brighten the room” 

My vase of  flowers below - White Camelia’s.

Accepting Our Past and Embracing Who We Are Today

Your past doesn’t define you – your journey does.

Do you like who you are today?

This post is about embracing who we were, who we are, and who we’re becoming. It’s about moving forward with compassion and courage, accepting that we’re all beautifully imperfect and constantly evolving.

So let’s walk this journey together. Let’s be kinder to ourselves and others. Let’s find strength in the messy middle and create something good to reflect on everyday.

Many of us feel we aren’t creative, but I don’t believe that’s true. Each day, whether for ourselves or others, we do something creative - it’s part of who we are, every day.

And because Food Is love, let’s nourish the creative soul! 

Here’s a FREE week night, budget-friendly family recipe   –  Under $30.00 NZD  

Sausage Pasta – Make, Bake, and Take!  (it's a creation) - made up by ME.

Budget-Friendly Sausage Pasta Bake

 Make, bake, and take! Enjoy.


Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 6–8 beef or chicken  sausages – approx. $8.00  (you can use any sausage flavour)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – pantry staple
- 1 medium onion (or onion powder) – pantry staple
- 2 cloves garlic (or garlic dried, minced, powder) – pantry staple

- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes – approx. $1.50
- 1 can of  coconut milk – approx. $4.00
- 1 packet of recipe base mild curry sausages – approx. $4.00
- 1 tablespoon dried mixed italian  herbs (or fresh - chopped basil) – pantry staple
- 2 cups  diamond pasta spirals  – approx. $4..00
- 2 cups baby spinach (or mixed veggies/beans) – approx. $2.00
- 1 cup grated carrot – approx. $1.00
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese – approx. $2.50


Estimated Total Cost: Under $30.00 NZD  (prices may vary based on local store pricing)

Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot/pan  over medium heat. Cook the sausages whole (care not to burn them - turn often) -  then set aside - when cool,  cut into bite-sized pieces.  


2. In the same large pot/pan  add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.


3. Then in the same large pot/pan stir in the chopped tomatoes, coconut milk, packet curry sausage mix,  dried herbs, and just bring to a simmer.   You can add the Pasta (make sure its submerged) and simmer for approx 5 mins.  Check, Mix and  Stir Turn Off Heat when you feel its combined and pasta is soft.

4. Grease the base of an ovenproof dish.  Then transfer the pasta mixture  to the oven dish (pour in) and spread evenly.  Then get the chopped sausages and add to the mix and evenly distribute into it.  

5. Stir in the baby spinach and grated carrot again, distributing evenly in the oven proof dish mixture.

6. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese (or whatever you have on hand)  over the top. Then place the oven-proof dish uncovered into the oven at 180 degrees for approx 10-15 mins.  Turn the oven off and let sit for a further 5 mins.

7. Remove from the oven. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezer-Friendly: Cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Vegetable Variations: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, beans, peas based on availability.

Next time … Let’s Go A Letter Further Into  Life’s Messy Middle – celebrated in words, art, and food. 

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog! I’d love to hear how the recipe turns out for you creative souls out there.  Would also love to see the flowers in your vase and from where you are reading this blog?  What Country for example?

Next time my thoughts are swirling into ‘life’s messy middle’.

Add more colour to your life by visiting my online store - ‘ThePaperCraftStudio’ (Waikanae Paper Artist).  Link below.

 I’d love it if you could ‘Follow Me’ and  share my Shop with friends/family  OR even ‘Buy Something’ I made/created!     It all helps my new business -  keeping me inspired to continue going.  Thanks so much for supporting my dreams and hopefully helping you discover your own.

https://www.zazzle.co.nz/store/thepapercraftstudio

We’re approaching winter here in New Zealand, so keep safe and warm. 

Until next time - Warmest regards.

Nicky Bourke

#createeveryday #creativelife #artfulLiving
Location: New Zealand

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