Little Moments of Joy

April 20, 2013 by Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

♥ Making kale chips with my lovely neighbour Liz ♥

We sat in her airy, light-filled kitchen, stripping kale and tossing it in oil and salt prior to baking. All while her incredibly gorgeous one-month old slept nearby…

. . . . .

♥ Eating homemade ful medames for breakfast ♥

After soaking the fava beans overnight, they then needed nearly an hour in the pressure cooker to soften up. Here’s the recipe I adapted my version from. And it’s aptly named, because it kept me full until lunch…

. . . . .

♥ An sms conversation with our forever friend PeteA ♥

There was so much gentle affection in this exchange that I thought I’d share it with you (my replies are in blue) – it’s a reflection of decades of close friendship…

. . . . .

♥ My very first pedicure, with Tiny Terri ♥

I was quite nervous, but she sat next to me and held my hand…

. . . . .

Little moments of joy like these punctuate our days – they’re the commas, fullstops and exclamation marks that allow us to pause, breathe and continue on with fresh eyes and a rejuvenated spirit.

Wishing you all a very happy weekend, filled with many little moments of joy! ♥

Posted in Musings | 88 Comments

88 Responses

on April 20, 2013 at 12:05 am Glenda

So … What type of rice cooker was it? :)
- on April 20, 2013 at 6:17 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Here you go, Glenda.. :)
on April 20, 2013 at 12:07 am sallybr

Loved it all, particularly the pedicure, which unfortunately I cannot quite do. My nails have a strange reaction to nail polish. I’ve been searching for alternatives, I heard of a gel polish but was never able to find a place that has it.

lovely post, Celia…
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:27 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Thanks Sally! I’ve never heard of a gel polish, that sounds intriguing!
on April 20, 2013 at 12:28 am Debra Kolkka

We do need little moments of joy in our lives…you provide quite a few.
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:27 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  You’re so nice Deb, thanks for saying that! :) xx
on April 20, 2013 at 12:28 am Lisa the Gourmet Wog

You made Ful!! It’s wonderful isn’t it?! I do love you pedicure colour too, tres chic x
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:28 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Lisa, thank you for the inspiration!! I was going to try your recipe, but the only beans I had were dried ones. I’ve frozen most of it, and just defrosted some for breakfast! :)
on April 20, 2013 at 12:30 am Danielle

What a lovely, uplifting post to start off the weekend. The pedi looks well worth it: you have beautiful feet! Best wishes for a wonderful weekend.
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:29 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Thanks Danielle, hope you’re having a great weekend too! And thank you for saying that about my feet – when we were teenagers, my sister told me I had the feet of a hobbit, and I never wore sandals again! :)
on April 20, 2013 at 12:36 am athursdayschild has a long way to go and much to be thankful for.

I love kale chips. I also use nutritional yeast on them before baking. I was thinking the other day about my rice cooker. I went back to just using the stove top. I so need a pedicure but just dread the smells while getting one.
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:31 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  The kale chips were delicious, and we could ignore the oil and salt and pretend they were good for us! ;-)
on April 20, 2013 at 12:37 am Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen

I love that line.. the commas, fullstops and exclamation points.. This is what makes our lives so meaningful! xx
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:32 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Barb, sometimes we just need a little happy blip to interrupt all the stress and other stuff happening – it kind of resets us, if that makes sense. :) xx
on April 20, 2013 at 1:25 am niasunset

Thank you dear Celia, I loved the colours of pedi, have a nice weekend, love, nia
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:33 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Nia, thank you! We couldn’t tell what the colour was, as it had rubbed off the label, so I guess it’s a one-off! :)
on April 20, 2013 at 1:36 am lindasgarden

awesome post as always Celia
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:33 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Thanks Linda! :)
on April 20, 2013 at 2:20 am cravesadventure

Nothing better than hanging out with a friend or pampering yourself! Happy Weekend:)
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:33 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Renee, we’re going to do it every couple of months – it costs the same as going out to lunch AND we get pretty toes in the process!
on April 20, 2013 at 3:50 am heidiannie

Moments of joy accent my days, too!
When I can’t find a joyful moment I will be lost!
Your final sentence is one of those moments for me, Celia-
“Little moments of joy like these punctuate our days – they’re the commas, fullstops and exclamation marks that allow us to pause, breathe and continue on with fresh eyes and a rejuvenated spirit.”
Thank you- I love this post- and you!
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:34 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Love you too, dearheart! I hope you find many little moments of joy this weekend! xx
on April 20, 2013 at 4:52 am chocolates1974

I like your image of Foul Celia. In the middle east like every where I guess we have different versions of how a dish is cooked. I only prepare my foul with Fava beans. although the adding of lentils or even small black eye peas adds something different. I add one crushed garlic to my foul… the lemon and oil, cumin,S&P like the video for sure… and we add chopped tomatoes and onions (green onions are great with foul BTW) and hot green chllies. Thanks for reminding me of Foul :) And I am glad you had fun stuff to do like a Pedi.
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:35 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Lara, the chillies and veg sound like a wonderful addition! I didn’t put any garlic in mine – it wasn’t in the recipe and I wasn’t sure I could face garlic first thing in the morning! It’s been a treat to eat though – I made a huge batch and froze most of it in breakfast-sized portions, and have been defrosting it regularly. It’s very filling! :)
  - on April 21, 2013 at 6:22 pm chocolates1974
    
    Yes I know what you mean about the garlic… although a tiny amount like half a one.. or one if you are cooking a huge batch like yours is really nice IF you are having your foul for lunch…. The chillies are a great kick.. and freshly cut tomatoes on top….
on April 20, 2013 at 7:38 am The Life of Clare

Just lovely Celia! Sometimes we forget to stop and enjoy the awesome things. Thanks for the reminder!
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:36 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Clare, hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, despite the spilled syrup! xx
on April 20, 2013 at 7:45 am Lizzy (Good Things)

Happy weekend darling, and thank you for sharing your moments of joy xox
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:36 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Thanks love! Have a good one – and I love the new avi photo too! xx
on April 20, 2013 at 7:58 am Joanna

Twinkley toes! they look so pretty now! I passed the beauticians’ window down the high street the other day which had some terrifying photos of a peel being applied to dry feet – your experience sounds very mellow and lovely. Have a lovely weekend.
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:37 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Aren’t they shiny? I was so pleased with them, and it really was a lovely experience. Enjoy the weekend, hope the sun is out for you! xx
on April 20, 2013 at 8:44 am ChgoJohn

A great post, Celia, and wonderful advice. Stay in the Present and enjoy the little things — and then get a pedicure. ;)
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:37 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  John, trust me, your feet will thank you.. ;-)
on April 20, 2013 at 9:05 am Rose

I love this post Celia! I have the cheapest cheapest silliest rice cooker in existence so thanks for mentioning this — and for the photo you put up for Glenda. Those special little glasses are in daily use for breakfast juice — what a perfect size! We really can learn a lot from the serving size of crockery and glasses in previous generations. Have a lovely weekend.
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:38 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Rose, I’m SO happy you’re using the glasses! Hope the Gong is sunny – it’s glorious here in Sydney today!
on April 20, 2013 at 9:24 am theintolerantchef

Lovely Celia! What magical moments adding up to a delightful day and wonderful week indeed :)
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:38 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Thanks Becca! Chatting to you and the girls this week has added to the loveliness! :)
on April 20, 2013 at 9:25 am teawithhazel

your feet have travelled well celia..they’re really nice!

i think the little moments of joy are worth reflecting on too..x
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:39 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Jane, that means a lot to me – my sister always said I had the feet of a hobbit! :)
on April 20, 2013 at 10:17 am lambsearsandhoney

Love your moments of joy – this post has become one of mine for today. Thanks lovely. xxx
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:40 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Ah you’re kind Amanda, thank you! Hope the rain sticks around a while for you! x
on April 20, 2013 at 10:24 am Terri

They look fab C! Shame you didn’t take a photo of the orange thongs- they are to die for. Next visit we may go blue xx
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:40 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Tezza, I was thinking of glitter next time! xx
on April 20, 2013 at 10:24 am Eha

Love your easy ful medames recipe and smiled at the sms, but sure wish my toenails were as pretty :) ! Oh, have just drained enough cooked brown rice to last three days…in a very old saucepan which still does the trick :D !
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:41 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Eha, you’re cleverer than me, I have never managed to cook rice well on the stove. We usually do it in the microwave! x
on April 20, 2013 at 3:35 pm EllaDee

Little moments of joy make a life. Sharing those moments sends sparks that ignite joy in others :) You’re so very good at it.
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:24 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  You’re very kind, ED. I have to admit, I never thought I’d be blogging a photo of my toes! :)
  - on April 21, 2013 at 9:45 am EllaDee
    
    …at least not deliberately. I took a photo for a post over Easter that inadvertantly included mine :)
on April 20, 2013 at 3:42 pm Kari @ bite-sized thoughts

Beautiful, Celia – thanks for lifting my day.
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:23 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Kari, thank you! Hope you’re having a fabulous weekend! x
on April 20, 2013 at 4:25 pm Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella

Your toes look great! I love the colour that you chose :D
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:22 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  I didn’t choose, Terri did! I had another colour picked out, and she went first and her toes were so cute that I just asked to have the same colour. Then the woman after us did the same thing as well! :)
on April 20, 2013 at 4:42 pm Lina

Ful Mdemas!!! Haven’t had that since I was a young girl & living with dad! And giving those little toe nails & feet a faceover! How spoilt your toes must feel! hahaha…I’m making Falafel & packing it in bags for the freezer. A quick & easy healthy vegetarian meal for winter around the corner. Now fried Kale chips is on the agenda, soon….God bless, Celia! xx
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:22 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Lina, that all sounds wonderful! I must try making falafel one of these days! :)
on April 20, 2013 at 5:11 pm tableofcolors

kale crisps are wonderful! So nice to have discovered your blog! :)
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:20 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Thank you for stopping by! :)
on April 20, 2013 at 8:13 pm Maureen | Orgasmic Chef

My daughter-in-law has that rice cooker and she swears by it. I LOVE the toes!!
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:20 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Thanks M! Terri says we’re going blue next time! :)
on April 20, 2013 at 8:35 pm hotlyspiced

Such a saucy exchange! And I’m such a huge fan of the pedicure. You’ll find they’re very addictive – more than massages xx
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:20 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Charlie, I have very ticklish feet, so it was hard not to squeal whenever the manicurist touched my feet. :)
on April 20, 2013 at 8:44 pm Jo

How lovely to cook with your neighbour and with a sleeping baby too.
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:19 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Jo, it was so lovely and peaceful…until the bub woke up.. ;-)
on April 20, 2013 at 10:58 pm My Kitchen Stories

Yes its the little things….and I live my life by those little moments. True to get a laugh out of every spare minute. Glad you found a diamond in the hay this week. <3
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:18 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  They’re always there, aren’t they, we just have to look for them! :)
on April 21, 2013 at 12:18 am Judy @Savoring Today

Moments of joy such as these simply must be shared and savored ~ it is these moments that makes a life. Ah, a pedicure is the ceremonial beginning of sandal weather … how else would our sandals know to get ready for action?! :)
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:18 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Judy, I’m out of sync – it’s autumn here and just getting cold. Nevertheless, looking at my toes is making me happy! :D
on April 21, 2013 at 3:29 am Tandy

What a beautiful post. Hope you can wear open shoes to show off your pedicure :)
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:18 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Tandy, it’s almost a bit too cold for that – but it doesn’t matter. I’ve been sitting in bed admiring them before I go to bed.. ;-)
on April 21, 2013 at 3:42 am bakecakecrumbs

Ooh, a pedicure, how lovely! That’s one of those things I’ll eventually get round to! Have a great weekend.
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:16 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Caroline, it’s taken me 48 years to get around to mine, so no rush! Happy Sunday! :) xx
on April 21, 2013 at 9:52 am cecilia

you are wonderful and i say that emphatically! I have never had pedicure and dared my mother in law to come and have one with me just the other day.. Maybe it is not so scary after all but you see my feet are not pretty, the nail technician may run screaming from the shop! c,
- on April 21, 2013 at 9:56 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Celi, thank you! It was my first too, and my sister always told me I had the feet of a hobbit, so it took me 48 years to work up to it! :)
  - on April 21, 2013 at 10:13 am cecilia
    
    we are not terribly brave about some things are we, sisters! c
on April 21, 2013 at 2:29 pm Sally

This was a good reminder for me today Celia.
- on April 21, 2013 at 3:55 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Sounds a little ominous Sal, hope all is ok.. xx
  - on April 21, 2013 at 8:15 pm Sally
    
    Yes thanks – life can get a bit overwhelming sometimes – good to be reminded of what’s important and gain focus!
on April 21, 2013 at 4:28 pm Claire @ Claire K Creations

What a lovely post Celia! I particularly love the message exchange. Sounds similar to the text conversations I have with my friend.
- on April 21, 2013 at 4:29 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Wonderful old friends are a gift from God, aren’t they Claire! :)
on April 21, 2013 at 9:49 pm Jan

The best kind of life is surely one that is made up of such little moments – it’s the recognising of those moments and the joy in those moments that gives life texture and meaning. I’ve had such moments today – I’ve made ciabatta and soaked grain bread and pizza bases and my Pete made marmalade and we planted seedlings – and we scoffed pizza and then we “have to try the ciabatta” said my Pete, an overstuffed belly is not a thing of joy:)
- on April 22, 2013 at 7:16 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Jan, you’re on fire with the breadmaking!! It all sounds fabulous – how was the ciabatta? :)
on April 22, 2013 at 1:18 am Sophie33

What lovely moments you went through! All very nice!
- on April 22, 2013 at 7:16 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Sophie, thank you! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend too! xx
on April 22, 2013 at 6:00 am cityhippyfarmgirl

beautiful little moments Celia. xxx
- on April 22, 2013 at 7:15 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Thanks Brydie! It was a lovely weekend.. xxx
on April 23, 2013 at 12:29 am marilynscottwaters

Your toes look faboo! Glad that you had a good time. :-)
- on April 24, 2013 at 8:51 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Thanks darling.. xx
on April 23, 2013 at 10:27 am Norma Chang

Thanks for sharing your little moments of joy and a reminder to treasure all the little moments..
- on April 24, 2013 at 8:50 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
  
  Norma, thank you! Every time we go into the garden is a little moment of joy, isn’t it? :)