It's a dawg's life

Things I've learned from my dog Scout, the bestest friend ever:

+ Food makes an excellent bribe for all walks of life
+ + Fresh food is best. Fresh as in raw
+ It's not the number of toys you have that counts, but rather the squeak in your toy
+ + Cats are strange and should not be trusted
+ Lying in the sun for a few minutes should be a daily ritual
+ + Couches are nice but sheepskin on the couch is much better
+ Scratches and massages are entirely underrated
+ + Running as fast as you can every morning is a great way to start the day
+ Dogs are more sensitive than most people expect and should be treated accordingly
+ + + Having someone love you is the greatest thing in the world

The vegies of my labour

After a long, busy day in front of le laptop, this afternoon I gave myself an early mark (I'm good like that) and headed for the garden. Hubby and I are rookies when it comes to most things leafy and green, so now that we're establishing a vegie garden, the chaos is mounting.

But chaos at work and chaos alfresco are so different. The hour I spent re-potting tomatoes and chillies, making a home for capsicum seedlings in the veg box, helping the snow peas find their way up their bit of string, having a chat with the yellow beans, tasting the rocket, trimming the sage and weeding out unwanted visitors was the most relaxing hour I could have ever treated myself with.

And hopefully soon they'll be treating us with fruits (and vegies) of our labour.
I can hardly wait.

Stop and smell the waffles

My bro and sis-in-law have one of the most stunning rose gardens. They have all shades of creams, pinks and reds, plus lilac, sunshine yellow and in-between shades photoshop couldn't even dream of. I was wandering through it the other day smelling each of them, getting dizzy with it. There were heady, sweet, delicate, meh and a few omg among them. There's nothing quite like it. Literally. Synthetic try-hards give me a headache, it's such a notable difference ~ not sure why peeps even bother concocting smells when nature has them all on a platter.

Our nose is fascinating. I guess it's in the centre of our face for a reason or 700. Did you know, by breathing through our nose we're calming our entire nervous system? Chillaxing you might say. We're also purifying and dehumidifying the air. Smells are also the main determinant of a food's flavour... more than taste. Yes! Crazy! While taste is limited to sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami (love that word), smells are unlimited.

We humans can distinguish about 10,000 aromas, from fresh coffee to the beach, apple pie and freesias. So clever. And these scents do more than make us happy (or nauseous, depending on what's under your shoe). Once we get a whiff of something, the olfactory sensors help us work out what it is and then send the info to the limbic system in the brain, among other areas. A part of the limbic system is an area that controls emotions, long-term memory and behaviour, which is why smells can instantly trigger memories or make you feel happy, lousy, in love, sleepy or energized.

So try and be a bit more mindful of your nose. Breathe slowly in and out of it (unless you're exercising). Use aromatherapy to wake you up or calm you down. Let your nose linger over a glass of wine long before you take a sip. Dot perfume on your wrist instead of your neck so you can experience it all day. Place some handpicked flowers next to your desk and relish their sweet bouquet. And stop and smell the waffles. You know you want to.

Roast me happy

Throwing a dish in the oven is possibly the easiest route to an amazing (and easy to clean up after) dinner. Almost any conceivable combination somehow works with the magic of a simple cooking device that hasn't fundamentally changed since forever ago. Here are a few faves to try... I saved the best for last...

* Mediterranean frankie. Throw a punnet of whole cherry tomatoes, some lightly flavoured herbs (parsley, coriander, chives), cubes of bread and your favourite olives (mine are Sicilian) in a shallow baking dish. Mix with a splash of evo, few drops of balsamic and sea salt. Cook it for 10 minutes in a medium oven, then toss ingredients. Get it back in there for another 10 minutes. Add some bocconcini, cracked pepper, cook for another 2 and serve.

* Fennel chicken frankilicious. Slice fennel, brown onion and garlic, mix together with a bit of dill, lemon zest, seasoning and olive oil and place in a medium baking dish. Top with a few chicken drumsticks that have been coated in seasoning and olive oil. Cook for 20 minutes on 180, turn drummies and cook another 20-30 minnies or until juice runs clear.

* Frankie says potato. Peel and slice two large potatoes and two large sweet potatoes into wedges. Coat in rosemary, sea salt and olive oil. Roast for 40 ish minutes on 180. Eat with smoked trout, baby spinach and a dollop of creme fraiche.

* Barrafrankie pies. Wrap barramundi fillets in foil with a squeeze of lemon and whack in a 200 degree oven for five minutes. Saute a diced onion, diced leek and thyme in oil and butter in a large fry pan until soft. Add 4 tablespoons of flour, stir well. Add 250ml vegie stock, cook 5 mins, then add 150ml milk, cook 2 minutes. Season, add parsley, remove from heat. Line 4 buttered ramekins with puff pastry, bake for 3 minutes. Flake fish flesh into the insanely delicious smelling goodness in the fry pan. Slice four medium mushrooms and add to the mix. Throw into lightly golden pastrified ramekins, place lids on each with a wee hole in the top, brush with a beaten egg and bake 10 mins. Turn heat down to 180 and leave for another 20 mins. Amazing.

Life in technicolour

This morning while doing my lazy rounds at the shops - chai latte, park with dog, people watching, hoping the busker would be back (he sings and strums real nice) - I noticed that some of the mail boxes at the post office had been vandalized *shock* with green glitter glue. Unbelievable.

To think that someone would be creative and strange enough to dot glitter glue on public property. Perhaps we should stage a lock-down at all the local child cares and schools and search bags for matching glitter.

Personally I love graffiti/street art. Walking around our neighbourhood we see it everywhere, and it's usually quite clever and always loud. The other morning I saw it in pastels along a 10m long wall... as a part of a spruced-up kiddie park. And now I wonder, was this a good idea? Or will it simply encourage other youngsters to graduate from the sustainably-built swings to random acts of glitterati?..

Meditation miracles

I don't know what I would do without meditation. Ok, that's a lie. I know exactly what I'd do! Stress, stress, stress. Some days anxiety arrives unannounced and stays a while, and usually a bit of ommming clears it right out. The meditations I do (almost) each morning are quite simple: sit cross-legged somewhere comfy (not too comfy) and clear the mind with each breath. Sounds simple, is tough in practice, but worth every minute - for the rest of the day I feel calm and clear-headed.

Last night I started a new yoga class and we were guided through a meditation at the beginning and end of the class. It was so relaxing and relatively easy to follow... shame the yoga poses weren't as simple but hey, these legs need some tough love.

Meditation has many scientifically proven health benefits. Reduction in anxiety, stress and depression, boosted immune function, reduced blood pressure, better sleep, helps with management of chronic pain, improved performance and concentration and can be used to treat nasty habits. And there are many more benefits you'll discover when you start.

Try it out for the next week. Just five minutes a day, because you're worth it.

Sweet taste of freedom

There's something about someone else's hardship that makes me look at my own life with refreshed eyes. Currently I'm reading Nelson Mandela's Long Walk to Freedom and I am quite literally blown away by that great man's life. The overwhelming struggle, oppression and ridicule he fought for his entire life is beyond inspirational.

I also recently saw a brilliant movie called Mao's Last Dancer, directed by Bruce Beresford, based on the autobiography by Li Cunxin. The book, as they so often do, delves into much more detail than the movie ever could, and delivers a beautiful rag-to-riches story of a Chinese boy with extreme determination and a grateful heart.

There are lessons at ever turn in these books, so I drink them slowly like a dusty bottle of red wine. Handed life in its harshest of guises, these men never complain and don't give up for a second. Forget celebrities, these are my heroes.

Queen of hearts

Most of us never really lose our love of dressing up, do we? I love it, especially random, fun, fancy dress theme parties. A friend Andrew had his birthday party on Saturday night and themed it Las Vegas style, which was such a hilarious idea. My friend Claire (in pic above) and I went as Cigarette Girls (with trays full of candy), my hubby went as Evil Knievel (costume from here), there were showgirls, play bunnies, homies, card sharks, brides, grooms, an Elvis, Siegfried and Roy... and a burlesque show.

With plenty of outlandish threads, surreal make up and props, I realised this was such an excellent way to set up single friends or introduce new friends to older ones. So if you haven't anything planned for Halloween, or just feel like throwing a cracking party, team with a theme and you'll have an amazing night. From stuffed animals to superheroes, nursery rhymes, disco, swing or circus, you can have it as tame or eccentric as you like.

Another day in paradise

Today was one of those strangely fuzzy days. I felt like I woke up in an afro and couldn't find which way was up to escape. So I settled into the fuzz, embraced it if you will. I caught up on some tasks that didn't require much communication between the cells and gave my dog a lot of scratches. According to plenty of friends updating their status on facebook today, they too were having an average day in paradise. Ah well, it's in the stars then.

Here's how I'm going to finish off my day of lethargy: homemade noodle soup, long smelly bath, quality ice-cream and a lengthy game of scrabble. But if you're not on the wagon like moi, you might just find yourself enjoying a few tasty cold vodkas instead. Have one for me x

War and peace

I'll never forget an article by Peter Hartcher I read years ago on smh.com.au. He wrote about the wars that were raging at the time and the amount of hatred that seemed to dominate every news bulletin. He then pointed to the amount of love to be found in the world, an overwhelming tidal wave in every war zone, every city, every neighbourhood. He told stories and filled my heart.

An unwavering fact of our society is that there is always a counter-trend. Where there is war, there is hope. When email went global, creative stationery went local. Chefs pioneering molecular gastronomy were counter-balanced with heroes of slow food. Cheap, plastic goods had to contend with locally produced wooden creations that last many lifetimes.

And when materialism, the push for more, the soulless search for bigger and richer began to show cracks... what sprung from the emptiness? Garden patches. Flowers. Camping. Books. Chook pens. Closer families. Sewing. Homemade. Art galleries. Brave sole traders. Originality. Comfort. Organic. And lots of love.

So I, for one, am grateful the economy came crashing down. I know the transition was a lot harder for many than it was for myself, but I see now that the frustration has mostly abated, what is left is what matters. Hold onto it with both hands.

Baby it's warm outside

As soon as the weather pipes up a notch, crazy people start talking about Christmas. Usually I'm a little offended and totally uninterested in any form of Festive Talk until the holidays begin. However this year, I'm doing things a little differently. I'm starting early. Yes, I see how that makes me a crazy person. But when the holidays hit and you're sorted on all fronts and hammock-time stretches out all day (instead of the 3.5 minutes somewhere between shopping and cooking and wrapping and banging your head against a cool, blunt surface), you'll thank me. The crazy person.

Step 1. Shop like it's a competition. You want interesting gifts, you want them cheap (ish) and you want them delivered into your lap. The biggest waste of time in December is running around in your lunch break looking for the perfect gifts for 27 peeps. And then queuing for 45 minutes to pay for each. So get online NOW and buy a few gifts every week until you've nailed your list. These are my faves: hartandheim.com.au, milkandsugar.com.au, magshop.com.au, kitcosmetics.com.au, shop.until.com.au, dedeceplus.com, ebay.com.au, madeit.com.au, etsy.com, adorebeauty.com.au, mycatwalk.com.au, fishpond.com.au & booktopia.com.au

Step 2. Look for quirky wrapping and tagging ideas. It's been, like, forever since Christmas was red and green, so throw dated ideas out the window and look for bits around your house or in stationery shops that work. Put on your creative-coloured glasses and you'll be amazed at what you find. Thick cream paper with a pink bow is an instant card/tag, a stunning tea towel doubles as wrapping and a clever eco bag/basket becomes the base of a foodie/baby/beauty hamper.

Step 3. Fill up the pantry and the wine rack early, it'll save you SO much hassle later. I always have grissini, olives, artichokes and chick peas handy for guests... I buy them in bulkish and they never go to waste. (Why the chick peas? Good question. I whiz them into hommous with evo, lemon juice, salt, paprika and a bit of water. Such an easy fresh dip without the additives and general weirdness of supermarket brands.) Wine is always, ALWAYS, much cheaper by the case. With time on your side, you can test a few moderately priced bottles out over the next few BBQs and buy the most delish and affordable ones by the case. Win, win, win.

Step 4. Don't spend beyond your means and have a super relaxing, hammock-swinging enjoyable Christmas.

Deliciously good news

I love fat. I only every have full-fat milk, yoghurt, cheese and meat in my fridge (yes I trim the meat, thanks for asking) and I drizzle extra virgin olive oil all over my meals with real sea salt and I'm no stranger to real butter. Not only does food taste better that way, it's better for me. For my bones, organs, blood vessels, brain, muscles, skin, hair, nails and even my memory and mood. Oh and since I cut out processed crap, booze and sugar a few months ago I've lost 7kg... that's right, good fat doesn't make you fat.

The University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain, has been keeping an eye on more than 10,000 Spanish peeps over the last four years to see how their diet affects levels of depression. They don't tell anyone what to eat, they simply have them fill in a questionnaire and score them accordingly. Those who eat a mostly Mediterranean diet (chockas full of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, olive oil and fish) rate highly, while those on the lower end stick to an Americano diet (I made up that name but you get the drift - nasty fats and not so many vegies). Over time, those with consistently high scores have a much less chance of experiencing depression, specifically, 42-51% less. And that's a big deal.

Some people steer clear of fat altogether, but the right fat is absolutely necessary for a healthy mind and body. The 70 trillion cells in your body would agree - each of them are surrounded by good fats, necessary for sending nerve signals and defending you from disease. Good fats include organic butter, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, unprocessed nut oils, extra virgin coconut oil and fish. Sift through the facts from the clever marketing on the internet and you'll see these fats are literally life savers.

Now go forth and fatten up x

Are we there yet?

Well amigos, here we are at the end of another mayhemic Monday. Today flew past like a mad bird heading for the sun. But when it comes to Mondays, I like 'em busy. I line up interviews, lunches and promises thick and fast, so before I know it, the time for making dinner and flipping through a magazine has come. Here's how to make yours fast and fabulous:

1. Book a manicure or massage for lunch time.
2. Light an energising candle on your desk. If you work in an office and flames aren't exactly encouraged, spray a room fragrance on a piece of material or tissue and leave on top of your 'puter... the heat will release the fragrance all day.
3. Line up a few meetings. Sure you'll be running around, but the last thing you want is to sit at your desk, eyes glazed, staring at an unmoving clock.
4. More tea, less coffee = sustained alertness.
5. Make sure you have something amazing lined up for dinner.
6. Work towards getting a job that you adore. You'll have so much fun, every day will pass in a snap.

Relishing the rain

The weather in Sydney is so cold and unpredictable today, I feel like wrapping myself in my Grandma's blanket and not going out until the sun gets cranking again. But that would be boring and as a freelancer who works from home, cabin fever comes way too easily. So here are my fave things to do on a cold, wet weekend.

1. Go to the pub. Even if you don't drink (or are taking a break from alco like moi), pubs are lively hubs often serving awesome, affordable food. Take a dominoes set or pack of cards and stay a while.

2. Be a foodie. Head to a Simon Johnson, Fratelli Fresh, About Life or David Jones, stock up on a few delicious bites (cheese, stuffed olives, fresh sourdough, cured meats and a dessert treat) and make yourself a carpet picnic in your living room. Fill up the teapot or pop the cork on a fruity red and dive in.

3. Hit the culture trail. Art Galleries, big and small, abound these days in most capital cities - make the most of them!

4. Get away. Book a great hotel for a bargain at wotif, pack your bags and head into or out of town for the night. Linger over dinner somewhere gorgeous, enjoy the hotel facilities (late night jacuzzi or morning swim), sleep in and grab breakfast somewhere new. And don't rush home...

Have a brill weekend peeps x

Sweet dreams, babycakes

I've never had full-blown insomnia, only mini versions. It's a horrid vicious cycle: you're restless one night, so you think the next will, must!, be solid and dreamy. But no, the yearning for the deep sleep keeps you up. Ironic and completely insane. And no amount of concealer makes me look fresh after two nights of hell.

Most of the time, however, I fall into a long, lush sleep. I owe this to the clever experts I've chatted to while researching for sleep articles, their genius ideas have helped enormously. Here are my fave three.

1. Keep mobile phones, computers and televisions out of the room, and turn everything else off at the power point when not in use. If your alarm is electric, keep it a few feet away from your head and turn the display away so you don't see ghastly red numbers all night. Sound paranoid? A hassle? Whether you feel it or not, electrical currents are disturbing your sleep. Just say no.

2. Zone out just before you get into bed. Have a quick bath or shower, get your partner or cat to give you a shoulder rub, sip a small glass of warm organic milk, read something cheesy with little substance (a book is preferable to a blog), meditate or write about your day in a journal. Let your mind go some place where nothing really matters. This is not the time to decide how to confront your boss or why your can't wear purple. Just chill and breathe.

3. Do something big during the day. Go for a long run in the morning, complete a task that's been sitting on your to-do list for seventeen months, tell a friend how much they mean to you, cook something fiercely tricky or spring clean the house. Fulfillment and satisfaction are quick routes to deep sleep.

Stretch me happy

As a little pig-tailed Frankie, I was never a fan of brussel sprouts. Oh noes. Bet you're hardly surprised. One day a few years ago, after much encouragement from a foodie friend, I sliced a few in half and pan fried them with pancetta and pine nuts, served with a drizzle of almond oil. Now I'm head of the fan club.

The fitness equivalent for me is squats. The thought of doing a few lunges and squats as a part of my 'fitness routine' (aka 'walking the dog') sent a cold chill through me. But then someone taught me how to do them perfectly (Nick at the-sanctuary.com.au) and now I luurve them. Oh yes. And the benefits are huge: they work all the major muscle groups, burn calories, tone the bum, relieve pain and strengthen the back, look after the heart and lungs and improve circulation. Cranking up your circulation is so important to get rid of toxins and bloating, plus it clears a muddy head (and the rest).

Try 10-20 breathing squats and see the difference in how you feel (you shouldn't feel any pain but if you do, stop and see a pro who can show you how they're done). You don't need weights, just breathe out as you squat down and in as you stand back up. Don't pause in between, just let them flow into each other. Keep your back slightly rounded (not hunched), eyes straight ahead and make sure your knees don't go any further forward than your toes. And please, go easy on the pancetta...

Love the one you're with

I'm good at rambling on, actually I'm freakishly talented. I've also got a real knack for talking in my sleep, but it's not in English so that's a complete mystery. And like most women, I talk way too much in my head, and it's not always good. Mostly rubbish to be fair.

So I've tried something new. Every time I bag myself out, I turn it into a compliment and I accept it gracefully. "I hate my thighs" becomes "My legs are fitter than ever." Eventually I get sick of going round in circles so I just pay myself more compliments and I feel better for it. Much. It now goes "My nose is scarily... umm... symmetrical, yes!, just like Scar-Jo's." The knock-on effect is that I'm less judgmental towards others. I'm not saying I've completely eradicated negative thoughts - psssh hello - but I'm choosy about the ones I harbour. And even then, it's not for long.

Kickstart your week

Mondays can be pretty tough to take. For some it's a miracle if they make it to work with matching shoes and a toothpaste-free outfit. For others, it's just a drag to be endured. Want an easier way? I thought so...

It's tempting to sleep in, grab a quick and nasty brekkie and stock up on coffee to get through the morning. But next time, try munching on a couple of boiled or poached eggs with a piece of sourdough toast, butter and a pinch of sea salt. The protein in the eggs will give you long-lasting energy so you won't be head-first in a latte come your 11am meeting. The sea salt will give you an epic mineral hit and actually make thinking easier... something to do with electrolytes and whatever. And before you grab your morning coffee, make sure you've downed a tall glass of water. Your body (and buzz-bound mind) will thank you later.