16 February 2013 - A coffee a day...?

Last year while I was having some problems with my health I had to give up one of the great loves of my life - drinking coffee. Maybe it's that I'm subconsciously making up for the period of deprivation but I've since returned to coffee drinking with a vengeance and whether its a home brewed plunger coffee with my breakfast or a perfectly steamed soy flat white from a swanky cafe I haven't gone a day this year without my daily fix. (In fact I'm drinking coffee right now!)

There are arguments on both sides of the debate over whether or not a coffee habit is positive or negative for your health and I've read some research on both of them. 

In the end I've decided that as long as I'm not drinking it late at night to the detriment sleep, dissolving into junkie-like shakes of withdrawal without it, converting to coffees evil twin in the form of 'energy' drinks or seeing any negative health effects I'm going to enjoy the positive effects of this addiction. 

So what are some of the positives when it comes to the consumption of this legal and oh-so-tasty drug? Research has shown links between daily coffee drinking and a lowered risk of diabetes, several types of cancer, a delayed onset of Alzheimer's disease, decreased risk of stroke, and a decreased heart failure risk. 

Sounds good to me! 

My favourite link that research has made, perhaps, is that coffee drinkers have a lower risk or incidences of depression. 

I'll have a soy latte with a side of happiness please. 

15 February 2013 - Au Naturel

Au Naturel: ‘according to nature, in a natural state, not artificial.’

When I first started wearing make up I was only in my early teens. I would use a thick layer of a nasty "As Seen on TV" bronzing product called Natural Glow every morning in excess to camouflage my freckles, which I didn't like, and because I'd come to the belief that the more bronzed your skin was the more beautiful it was.

Then one day, after an emotionally turbulent morning being fed up with the mask I felt I was putting on daily (not to mention the shameful make up stains around the collars of my white school shirts) I just stopped. It took some time but I came to realize that I could not only feel good about myself and my appearance in my natural state; but I could actually feel more beautiful that way than ever before. 

It's difficult for women in a day and age where a certain image of beauty is held up as what looks good and can be attainable to us if we just try hard enough. We're encouraged to use Spray tans, Fake eyelashes, Hair Extensions, Breast Enlargements, Cosmetic Tattooing and our Make up kits in order to 'enhance our appearance' (and to resemble a Barbie doll?!) instead of being encouraged to embrace and celebrate our unique looks and bodies just as they are.

Ironically the ideals we strive for are often based on the desire to attain that which is most unnatural to us. Filipino women, for example, purchase beauty products that promise the lightening or bleaching of their naturally darker skin tone which probably seems as ludicrous to us as our obsession with fake tanning does to them (you mean to say you apply a cream to your skin to dye it darker?! Why? You already naturally have the lighter skin that we are striving for!)

Well I'm over it. I'm never going to look like a barbie. And who would want to anyway? If a person of her proportions existed she wouldn't be able to walk. And I like walking. And I like my face and body just the way they are thank you very much. 

I recently realized after over ten years of colouring my hair nearly every shade possible that there is one colour that seems to really suit me and I've been striving to match the natural shade of my re-growth ever since. I think the hair colour I was born with really brings out the colour of my eyes. And the beautiful freckles I was lucky enough to be born with too. And I owe my freckles their day in the sun and an apology for ever feeling as though they needed covering up in my younger years. 

I love the way these high school students came together to support each other and to speak out about what beauty means to them by holding a "No Make Up Day" at their school. Maybe this day should become a worldwide thing? Who's with me?

14 February 2013 - Valentines Day

A beautiful song about love to commemorate this years valentines day.

13 February 2013 - Magazines

I have enjoyed magazines for a long time. I remember decorating my room with posters of Dean Cain (yes, that was Superman on Lois and Clark) pulled from an issue of TV Hits many years ago and I remember my excitement as a tween when a new issue of  Dolly or Girlfriend hit the stands with their promises of insight into navigating life as a growing girl.

Then I remember buying magazines as a source of comfort during the long rail commute home from work a few years ago and it was then that I realized how stupid so many magazines are today. I would buy an issue of Cosmopolitan or Cleo only to find myself flicking through more than half the vapid material, closing the issue within 10 minutes and sitting in frustration for the rest of the journey home.

It was then that I discovered Mindfood (which I wrote a little about yesterday). A magazine with content that challenged me, inspired me, and lasted me much longer than the train ride home. Since then I have had the pleasure of discovering two more magazines that I respect and enjoy and are worth looking beyond the glossies for.


Peppermint
A quarterly publication with a serious emphasis on living a green and sustainable lifestyle - in style. They practice what they're preaching too by having each issue printed using an FSC-certified printing press on carbon neutral 100% post-consumer recycled paper. A subscription for the year can be ordered online and costs $44 in Australia for it's four yearly issues. Otherwise I have also found these available for purchase at most local newsagents.

Frankie
Frankie arrives on the shelves every two months at newsagents and most supermarkets. It can also be ordered through their website as either a digital or printed subscription for just $59.70 in Australia.  The writing style of the journalists has caused me to simultaneously erupt into a display of public laughter and give a serious issue some deeper thought - that's no mean feat! A highlight of the issue is also their artsy pull out poster or sheet of wrapping paper made from recycled material (as is the magazine's pages).


So next time you need some entertainment for a long commute, or just something to look at over a cuppa I'd encourage you to check one of these out and make it an indulgence worth your while!

12 Febuary 2013 - Dinner tonight, lunch tomorrow

One of my favourite magazines is New Zealand's publication for Women - Mindfood. One of the many treasures each issue contains is a section of their recipe's entitled "Dinner tonight, lunch tomorrow" which gives the reader a creative way of using their leftovers from the night before for the following day's lunch.

I hate waste in the form of leftovers so I'm all for finding great ways to use them up. I wanted to share my own "Dinner tonight, lunch tomorrow" creation that was very tasty and quick to prepare (both times!).

 Dinner:

Prepared 500grams of firm tofu - fried in 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of Hungarian spice blend (from the markets, so good!).

Served with a salsa salad (diced spanish onion, tomato and red capsicum) and some steamed vegetables - cauliflower and peas.

Lunch:

Using the George Foreman grill folded and pressed one whole wheat mountain bread wrap in half with leftover tofu, salsa salad, some mushrooms and a sprinkle of light cheese inside.

Served with diced celery sticks and choko pickle (also from the markets and also so good!).

Two nutritious meals from the same basic ingredients; and I didn't have to waste any leftovers.

Mindfood's recipes are a lot more complex, but I'd love to give them a try. The magazine is truly a breath of fresh in air in today's culture of women's magazines and is full of intelligent articles, ideas and inspiration.

Check out their website here.

11 February 2013 - Country running

While completing my weekly long length run around our home in the country I often encounter a scene that takes my breath away. The rolling scenery. The sunset. The Australian wildlife (kangaroos, tropical birds and even wild dingoes!). I've often wished in those moments that I had a camera to capture it.

So before embarking on my 14km run tonight I decided to imitate those who participate in Zooey Deschanel's character's class in the movie Yes Man and enjoy both running outdoors and the art of photography. At the same time. If you haven't seen the movie you should because it is fantastic; the scene I am referring to is below.



Did I feel a little foolish taking happy snaps as I ran? Yes. Did some turn out a little blurry? Yes. Did the attempted selfies show me in a flattering light? NOT AT ALL. But I also had a lot of fun. These are some of the results.

10 February 2013 - Free Range Frittata

We are lucky enough to have our own chicken coop and four gorgeous chickens who provide us with eggs that I know have been produced by happy, healthy (maybe even slightly spoiled!) hens.

Sometimes we have more eggs than we know what to do with.

I decided it was time to branch out from my regular egg white scrambles and find another way to use up our abundant supply. I don't really know a lot of recipes that call for the use of lots of eggs but then I remembered my friend Sarah talking about how she was disappointed that frittata's are often the only vegetarian option available at Australian cafes and I decided that its time I gave baking my own bland vegetarian option a try.

The result? A vegetarian frittata that I would buy from a cafe menu any day of the week (and I reckon Sarah would too!) It's actually pretty healthy too. I loved it so much I though it would be worth sharing the recipe I used.

Leftover Free Range Egg Frittata

Ingredients:
4 whole eggs
3 egg whites
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (I used organic)
800grams butternut pumpkin
1 Zuchinni
1 small spanish onion
2 tablespoons of chopped Basil leaves (I used the squeezy tube stuff as I didn't have any fresh)
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

Method:
1.Preheat Oven to 180 degrees
2. Cut pumpkin into small cubes and boil for 8-10 minutes (until soft) Drain water and set aside
3. Use a frying pan to prepare the onion with the oil. Add Zuchinni then basil and cook through.
4. Whisk eggs and egg whites in a large bowl, add crumbled feta then pumpkin and Zuchinni mix. Stir well to combine and season to taste.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased or lined baking pan.
6. Bake at 180 degrees for approximately 30mins or until lightly brown.

Slice into about six servings. Can be enjoyed hot or cold. I like to warm mine and serve with a teaspoon of tomato relish and a green salad on the side. YUM.

9 February 2013 - Thrift shop finds

At least once per week since the year began I have been visiting different op shops in my area, I do so to satisfy my urge to invest in fashion without going back on my goal for 2013 - to only buy second hand clothing for the year. 

I've found some fantastic pieces and am even managing to stay on trend while op-shopping. My two latest clothing purchases are these two different brightly patterned playsuits. The strapless one is actually by the brand "Mooloola" which is sold in surf stores around Queensland, and would have costs a hell of a lot more new than the $3.50 I paid for it!

My husband has dutifully tagged along with me on some of these excursions and despite my ability to locate a great item of clothing on the racks it is him that discovered the greatest thrift shop bargain of the year so far. Nestled in amongst the furniture at the back of a Lifelife superstore was a perfect wooden bar. 

When we moved into our country home over one year ago we excitedly planned many different renovations, the first of which was a transformation of the existing outdoor bar area. In the time since all we have really managed to achieve is ripping down some spider infested tiki bar style fencing. But with the purchase of this bar my enthusiasm for the project has re-ignited with a BANG. 

The full set (bar and three stools) only set us back $89 which is an incredible bargain, considering it's condition. And discovering it has led me into a whole new arena when it comes to the thrift store. Furniture. Decor. Renovations. I hadn't considered how far our dollar can really go when it's used in this way and have been putting doing up our home on a "we need more money first" back burner. Well no longer. 

Next time I'm down at the op-shop I will not just be looking for fashion savvy playsuits. I'll be carefully browsing every inch of the store. Because you never know what you will find.