Welcome to Busy Doing Nothing.  Start here.

A food and recipe blog dedicated to embracing a slower, more intentional life with simple recipes that I use and love from my 'go-slow' era. To offer practical ways to simplify cooking, enjoy gathering with loved ones, and find joy and nourishment in everyday food and drink.

Feast. The cup-filling enjoyment of long lunches with family and friends. Shared meals are more than just a chance to eat—they’re moments to linger over food, share laughter, tell stories, and deepen connections. The table becomes a place where time slows down, worries fade, and the simple act of being together nourishes both body and soul.

Nourish. Experience preparing meals in your own kitchen, made by your hands, for yourself and those you care about. There’s a quiet satisfaction in measuring, stirring, and tasting, in transforming simple elements into something delicious. Each meal is a reflection of care and intention, turning ordinary moments into meaningful acts of nourishment and love.

Enjoy. Savour the nourishment found in simple, wholesome ingredients, making everyday eating something special. Every bite is a gentle reminder that nourishment isn’t just about feeding the body, but about honouring yourself and those you feed. It’s in these small, mindful choices that daily meals become a source of comfort, pleasure, and well-being.

When I started swapping store-bought staples for homemade ones, it became a natural shift—one that stuck. I’m not a trained chef or recipe pro, and maybe that’s what makes these recipes manageable and enjoyable for anyone.

When a recipe has been adapted from something I found, I’ll link back to the original creator or name the cookbook so you can discover the same inspiration I did along the way.

And hopefully, with Busy Doing Nothing as your guide, turn simple ingredients into an opportunity to feast abundantly, nourish deeply, and enjoy thoroughly.

Melissa

Some of My Favourites Recipes.

Let’s talk about where Busy Doing Nothing started.

A few short years ago, something changed. Suddenly, my garden with its growing fruit tree collection, my kitchen, and just being at home mattered more than anything else. Add a dog or two, and it’s nearly impossible to get me to leave.

From there, my enjoyment of cooking grew. It became more than before—a way to relax and unwind, but also to think and process after a busy week. I looked for ways to make our own food from scratch. I started with yoghurt in my ancient Thermomix, then moved on to sourdough and things like English muffins.

And on it went.

I wasn’t bored with what I was doing. I was more curious about what else was possible once I started tending to a sourdough starter. I taught myself basic pickling. Then came fermentation with a ginger bug and kombucha. I even managed to explode a bottle of fermented soda in our pantry.

And on and on it went.

I’ve always had a hefty Pinterest board full of food and recipe inspiration. It holds everything from the basics of breads and sauces to my go-to favourites for having people over. There are salads best served in giant bowls and the little something-something you pass around.

Over time, my notebook for printed recipes and notes started to fill up. It became packed with recipes I tried and enjoyed. I adjusted them as I went, making them my own. Then the idea for a new blog came to me—this blog, actually. It’s a place to store everything, a collection of recipes that form the basis of the food (and drinks) we consume.

When I started my first blog in 2009, I never thought I’d still be interested over a decade later. My interests have changed since then. Was I ever really that into clothing and fashion, though? Still, writing, taking photos, and sharing them appeals to me.

So here I am. I’m starting from scratch with a new blog in an oversaturated market. It will probably only ever be a resource for me. But if you’ve found your way here, I hope you enjoy looking around. Visit some of the original recipe creators I’ve linked to, and try the recipes I’m sharing.

Until then, you’ll find me here, Busy Doing Nothing.

Wondering what there is to see around here? View our blog categories.

  • Reliable and straightforward recipes for shareable, celebratory foods that make entertaining at home simple, enjoyable, and manageable, no matter the occasion.

  • Recipes to enjoy throughout your day, from breakfast to late-night snacks and everything in between. Often made from scratch, perfect for life in “go-slow mode”.

  • Toast those special moments with celebratory beverages, mixes, and ferments that are known to enhance your overall health and well-being.