Khoresht-e Fesenjan is a Persian pomegranate and walnut stew that combines rich, earthy flavours with a subtle tang. For anyone exploring Persian cuisine, it is a masterclass in taste and patience. Discovering Khoresht-e Fesenjan My first encounter with Fesenjan was…
Science, sentiment and queasiness At antenatal classes today, mums-to-be learn far more than breathing and relaxation techniques. The modern syllabus covers everything from hypnobirthing playlists to placenta decisions.You can eat it, donate it, or even bury it beneath your favourite…
The supportive sweat-wiper There’s a certain confidence that comes with giving birth at 40. You tell yourself you’re emotionally seasoned, worldly-wise, and not easily flustered. You’ve written your birth plan with military precision. You’ve read every blog, asked every question,…
Cultural curves and familial flattery Pregnancy is not a gentle journey. Beyond the swollen ankles, nausea, and stretch marks, my experience over 40 introduced an entirely new set of trials. One moment I felt confident, fit, and optimistic; the next,…
Living in a time capsule From the moment we stepped into our older home, it was clear that “charming” was going to be a stretch. Leaks that could rival the Caspian Sea, floorboards threatening to collapse underfoot, and a boiler…
Facing the emotional storm Pregnancy over 40 is rarely straightforward. The conversation often begins with risk and ends with caution. My own journey was a mix of hope, fear, and determination, muddling through lots of medical advice, online information overload,…
The curveballs you can’t dodge Life, as I’ve learned over the last few decades, has a cruel sense of timing. One minute you’re mapping out your day, the next you’re staring at news you weren’t ready for. For women in…