A simple Summer recipe

Cherry, Chocolate, Peanut Butter Sundae

There is something about ice cream, particularly one that is called a sundae, that seems particularly special. They take me back to pub meals out as a kid. Special occasions. They feel fun. They are yum!

This is a super quick pud, that anyone can make, and everyone seems to love. You can service in tall sundae glasses should you have them, but also in any glass or bowl is absolutely fine too.

Tip: Keep a bag of frozen cherries in the freezer and you can whip up with ease (also much cheaper).

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 400 g frozen (or fresh) cherries

• 3 tablespoons maple or agave syrup

• 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter

• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

• a big pinch of flaky sea salt

• 8 scoops vanilla ice cream or frozen yoghurt about 1 x 400ml tub (vegan if required)

Instructions

• If using frozen cherries, put them into a small saucepan with 1 tablespoon maple syrup and cook on a medium­ low heat until they are warm and soft, still with a little liquid. The liquid will thicken as they cool. If you have 400g fresh cherries, then stone and halve them and set aside.

• Make the peanut-chocolate sauce: In a bowl whisk together 2 table­ spoons smooth peanut butter with 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or 3 tablespoons if using fresh cherries), 1 tablespoon cocoa powder and a big pinch of flaky sea salt. You might need to add a little water here if your peanut butter is thick.

• Assemble: Get yourself 4 glasses or bowls, scoop some cherries into the bottom of each glass/bowl, then add a scoop of ice cream, then the peanut chocolate sauce, more cherries, another scoop of ice cream and the rest of the cherries and chocolate sauce. Voila!

Any unused chocolate sauce keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated at a moment’s notice (or eaten cold by the spoonful).

Some things I’m loving right now & you might like too…

This month my inspiration to click on, I hope you enjoy them too.

• A podcast telling the story of a child from fertilisation to first birthday through the lens of society, history, and science.

• A book by an inspiring woman that will change the way you think about women and work.

• An Instagram account to follow (that will make you both laugh and think).

• Is your mind being fracked?

• Summer holidays are here - so here’s a guide to Yorkshire beaches for families.

• A TedTalk for the introverts among us - it’s our superpower.

• An utterly beautiful song I am addicted to right now (and indeed to this amazing woman).

• You’ve got until 8th September to see Monet in York and check out the wildflower meadow in the York Art Gallery garden too, it’s gorgeous!

2 minute self-care.

grounding with bare foot walking

This is a super simple health hack, that harnesses the power of nature to support your wellbeing, and it’s perfect for Summer.

Try ditching your shoes and walking barefoot. Scientific research has revealed a surprisingly positive and overlooked environmental factor on your health by getting your feet on the ground.

Traditionally, humans walked barefoot and slept on the ground, allowing electrons from the Earth to enter the body. Modern lifestyles limit this contact. The Earth's surface has a negative electrical potential, and grounding allows electrons from the Earth to neutralise free radicals in the body.

Studies suggest grounding may improve sleep, reduce pain, lessen inflammation, and promote overall well-being.

 Here are some tips to start grounding:

• Start Slow: Don't go from pavements to rocky trails overnight. Begin on soft surfaces like grass or sand and gradually increase the duration and terrain. Start with a 2 minute walk around your garden.

• Safety First: Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid areas with broken glass, thorns, or extreme temperatures.

• Listen to Your Body: If you experience any pain, stop and consult a podiatrist before continuing.

Barefoot walking is a great addition to your wellness routine, but it shouldn't replace your shoes entirely. Have a go and see how you find it, it’s the perfect time of year.

A poem

Words can be powerful and inspiring, and help you feel less alone.

This one is a little reminder that no-one is as bothered about how you look as you are. By Hollie McNish from her book Lobster (she’s also my Instagram recommendation above too #girlcrush)

pass times

whilst worrying about my thighs a nightingale flew past

- i didn't see it

prodding at my skin a book fell from the shelf

- i didn't read it

sweating about my scent a lover lapped me up

- i didn't feel it

frowning in the mirror friends told me lovely things

- i didn't hear it

Women In Music mixtape

I LOVE creating mixtapes, and I’d love you to collaborate on my new ‘Women In Music’ mixtape.

Take a listen and please add more songs to it, anything by a woman artist who you find inspiring.

Lets go!

nature

seeking out nature

The Japanese have some beautiful concepts and words to do with nature. I heard about this word on the radio last week and loved it. Komorebi { 木漏れ日 } is the Japanese word for sunlight which is filtered through the leaves of the trees, and in particular it means the visible shards or rays of light. How beautiful - why don’t we have an equivalent words in English I wonder?

A little challege for you - could you seek out Komorebi over the Summer?

Sweeping The MIND

A breathing focussed meditation to cleanse and let go of the busy thoughts we all have.

A SUMMER flower RITUAL

Go for a gratitude walk, alone or with loved ones, and as you go pick a small bunch of wildflowers.

Have fun. Savour the scent. Enjoy the feel of the green stems. Notice the colours, the bees, the birds, the breeze, the warm or cool air, the hunt for the colourful beautiful treasures.

You could make a daisy chain and wear it as a crown or bracelet or necklace. When you get home, you can put the flowers somewhere you can see them each day. Let each stem represent something or someone for whom you are grateful.

You could also share a photo of the flower with whoever it represents and let them know that you are grateful for them.

A Summer guided relaxation

Books to read…

Lets Come Together…

My online programs & courses

Did you know I have a whole range of online courses and programs you can access from the comfort of you own home, or anywhere in the world! I have all of this I have created for you …

~ The Online Pregnancy Yoga Program™

~ The Truth About Early Motherhood

~ Calm & Empowered Motherhood. A complete Mothers self-care toolkit to help you find calmness and strength, as you traverse the ups and downs of motherhood. Yoga, meditation, guided relaxations and more

~ What Nobody Tells You About Your Pelvic Floor

~ Meditation for Modern Life

~ ‘Blank Page’ - Journalling For Wellbeing Course. 12 different types of journalling to explore.

See them all and purchase here.

Have a brilliant, brilliant Summer. And hope to see you in September at a class or workshop.

Susan x

PS Do drop me an email with any feedback on this new Newsletter, or any suggestions. It’s always lovely to hear from you.

Other things you might find supportive…

For Modern Mothers Podcast

You can also now listen to my podcast. This is a podcast to help mothers and mothers-to-be you thrive physically, mentally and emotionally in the modern world.

You’ll find no BS talks about all aspects of modern motherhood & wellbeing - physical, mental and emotional health, self-care, mindset, pregnancy, work, relationships, birth, cyclical living. This is a podcast to support, inform and empower you to find your own unique way through motherhood. Episodes include:

~ The Truth About Baby Sleep

~ Postnatal Bodies

~ Breastfeeding Myths

~ Self-Care For Mothers

~ Reconnecting with your Menstrual Cycle

Plus there are some guided meditations on there too. Use the link below or simply search for 'for modern mothers' on your preferred podcast platform (Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Google, Spotify, Stitcher etc). ttps://www.formodernmothers.com/podcast

For Modern Mothers blog

Over 75 no-BS, evidence based articles on pregnancy, birth, babies and motherhood. You can read the articles I’ve written here on my website

Join me on instagram…