Sunny with a chance of opinionatedness

I love how I respond differently to colours as I grow up. At the moment I'm in love with lemon yellow and jacaranda purple... in small doses. Bright colours don't interest me much and I hardly wear all black like I used to in my emo 20's. Now I'm wondering if that means something deep and interesting or if it simply means I like a bit of yellow here and there. Well my amigos, look in your wardrobe, paintbox and eyeshadow quads, for this is what's doing with your fave colours...

Red is all about the love... and stress. It's associated with power, passion, energy, vitality, aggression, courage and impulsiveness. It can help heal depression, fear, lack of confidence and poor circulation.

Orange is warm... and brings joy, wisdom, spontaneity, sensuality, humour and possibly superficiality. It alleviates sadness, boredom, low vitality, indigestion and joint pains.

Yellow is cheery... it's intelligent, innovative (well looky here how clever I am), sociable, lighthearted (check!), opinionated (erm...), evasive (really?) and critical (oh). It promotes mental stimulation, clears a foggy head, improves skin and helps with writer's block (AHA!).

Green is a bit jealous... but also wealthy, compassionate, balancing and refreshes the spirit. It can be jaded (get it?), envious and bitter, but helps with headaches, flu, claustrophobia and spite.

Blue is cool as... and calming, loyal, sincere, harmonious and responsible but also cold, manipulative and withdrawn. It soothes high blood pressure, cuts, burns, timidity and distrust.

Indigo is truthful... wise, inspired and will heal, connect you with the spirit and your intuition (same same). It's also arrogant, deluded and isolated. It'll ease insomnia, nerves, paranoia and obsession.

Violet is serene... artistic, spiritual, independent, perfectionist, self-destructive and a bit fanatical. It calms the mind and nerves, improves faith, relieves headaches, despair and loss of self-respect.

Colour me happy...

Salty, sandy and delirious

There's literally nothing on earth like a swim in the ocean. It blows away the cobwebs, refreshing the mind, body and soul. So why do we feel so freaking fabulous after a plunge in nature's party pool?..

* seawater, like the unrefined salt we make from it, contains all 84 known elements found in the body (refined or table salt contains 2 or 3 and it's hideously bad for you)
* the skin is our largest organ and loves an all-over wash: the ocean acts like an antiseptic and reduces inflammation and itching
* negative ions from the ocean strengthen the body's immune system, reinforce collagen and improve metabolism. They work their way into the bloodstream and end up where they're needed: calcium ions in the bones and potassium ions in muscles.
* breathing in the negative ions - from sea mist - has shown to alleviate depression and stress (Niagara Falls, the highest natural producer of negative ions, is one of the healthiest places on earth)
* seawater draws out toxins from the entire body
* it improves circulation and relieves aches and pains
* the magnesium content and sound of rhythmic waves is intensely calming, (don't you just sleep like a dream after a day at the beach?)
* we evolved from the sea, so a part of us feels like it's going home

Bikini? Check. Sarong? Check.
Laters.

Season of serendipity

There's an art to giving and receiving that might slip our hurried minds in the summer work-drinks-dinner-party-family-holiday-stressout extravaganza. At the heart of it is gratitude. Not for the pressies and champagne and smoked salmon blinis we're about to receive and not for the number of invites on the fridge.

Gratitude for all that we have, right now, everything as it is, is the best place to start. When you're out shopping for friends and family, imagine you'll be receiving nothing in return. Have no expectations over the next month and every little gesture will make you smile. Expectations blind us to the little things, setting our sights on parties and free gift wrapping and new shoes instead of family and love and mistletoe. Not to say presents are bad, hell no they're brilliant, but only if our attitude is humbled, just a little.

Happiness will hang around your 'hood and a sense of calm will ease the crazy season if you take this approach. I personally don't care much for the idea of having to do one act of kindness everyday, that doesn't bring happiness or a better world. That creates more rules where serendipity should reign. I think we have enough rules, bring back the art. Much more graceful.

Golden girl of the tropics

I think my tastebuds went on a long holiday and a whole set of new ones set up camp. Some foods that I used to detest - macadamia nuts (don't ask), brussel sprouts and paw paw - I now relish anew. I buy raw macadamia nuts from the markets and roast in a low oven for an hour. Oh lawdy they're good. Brussel sprouts taste amazing finely sliced and pan fried with bacon and pine nuts and drizzled with almond oil. Yeah they do.

As for paw paw, well, it's just perfect on a hot afternoon with a squeeze of lime juice. I also like to blend it up with some lychees, kaffir lime leaf and ice... or serve with lemon sorbet and raspberries. Here's why I'll keep on keeping on with the paw...

* packed with vit C, magnesium, iron, manganese, dietary fibre, folate, riboflavin, calcium and zinc
* the papain in the fruit helps the digestive system, so a bite for dessert will ease discomfort... and is especially good for people finishing a course of antibiotics as it restores good bacteria to the gut
* the anti-inflammatory nature eases muscle injuries and arthritis
* brilliant antioxidants help prevent strokes, heart attacks and diabetic heart disease
* strengthens the immune system and wards off colds and flus
* fresh slices on skin can ease eczema. Creams made from paw paw are also good, but be careful of the other ingredients in the tube, such as petroleum or other nasties you do not want on your skin

Shiny, happy peepsies

Up until a few years ago when I started writing beauty for magazines, I had been a bit of a lazy daisy when it came to skincare. Once I was inundated with information and products, I really had no choice but to step it up and show the epidermis some love. My skin is combination (oily t-zone) and after getting into morning and evening routines, I've noticed a real difference in tone and lack of breakouts. I've learned to always, always, clean and moisturise before bed, have regular facials (especially if you've got a million blackheads vying for your attention as I do) and apply eye cream around the eyes (along the ridge of the bone, no closer) and lips (dab around corners and along the top) every day.

One product that stood out amongst all the gems and crap that landed on my desk was Jojoba oil. There's nothing this baby can't do....

* the oils' properties are similar to human sebum, so it aids the healing process of bumps and scrapes (I witnessed this first hand on hubby's knee after he stacked in on a jog. After the scab came off *ewwwww* I made him put a few drops all over every day. It's amazing how fast it healed)
* it's the ultimate moisturiser, bringing back skin's natural elasticity and suppleness
* the anti-inflammatory nature of the oil means sweet relief for eczema, psoriasis and dandruff (I rub a little in flaky scalp areas at night before bed and gently wash in the morning, too easy)
* helps to heal stretched earlobes
* it's cheap (yes it comes in itty bitty bottles, but remember you're only using a few drops at a time) and odourless

And here's a good organic one... by Perfect Potion.

Run baby run

Too busy to chill out? Diary a bit too packed? Book yourself in for a massage (mobile OFF thank you) and you'll be better in the short and long term. Add a bit of exercise and you've got a good thing going on, busy or not, there's no excuse peepsies. Stress has been linked to just about every disease, disorder and bug because it reduces the immune system to function at its best, so now doctors have even been known to recommend meditation. Gasp! (In fact my excellent doc I had a few years ago did such a thing and I've been practicing ever since.)

Scientists at Princeton University recently discovered rats in the lab develop calm brain cells while running. For real! I find this so interesting because we know that exercise improves our mood, but now we're beginning to see that a jog or swim can create calm as well as happy hormones. Sounds like a win-win to me.

Heaven on a plate

My last meal would a delectable antipasti platter: French fromage (Saint Agur, Buche d'Affinois, Ossau Iraty and Chabichou), Italian cured meats (as much Jamon Iberico as I could carry), Sicilian olives, sourdough bread, rosemary grissini, glace figs, fresh pears and a log of black label foie gras. And a case of Veuve while I'm dreaming.

Until then, I'll be eating the above in small quantities. As in my pic from lunch the other day: delish proscuitto (make sure it's thinly sliced and at room temp before eating), sourdough bread, olives, sprouts, ripe red tomatoes (never store in the fridge) organic eggs and a local goats cheese. Heaven.

If you live in Sydney, do yourself a tasty favour and head down to my dear friend's new restaurant in Newtown called 2042 Cafe and Deli at 403 King Street. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sundays, it serves a lush a la carte menu as well as a stacked deli counter with the world's most exquisite cheeses, cured meats, foie gras, fresh breads, jams, marmalades, coffee, tea and soooo much more. Plus they're licensed and BYO, and so very lovely x

Chuckleberry and the laffalots

Most of us have days when smiling and optimism come easy, but at any given moment each of us also has 100 reasons to be stressed, anxious or upset. Sometimes we live in this distress, becoming victims of our own misery and rolling in it like a dog in a paddock. It's a boring old cycle that we need to break often, giving ourselves the chance to be happy. But happiness isn't as hard as you might think. It's not something that takes years to achieve, it's something you can have right now. It's within your grasp every second of the day... and it's called laughter. Ha!

So laugh. Laugh when you're upset at your boss (not to your boss), laugh when dinner burns (again), laugh when someone cuts you off on the highway and laugh when you forget your umbrella and it pours while you're out. While you're at it, go see a comedy at the movies, call an optimistic, laugh-a-minute friend for a chat or read a book/mag sure to make you giggle. Why for laugh?

* It's the fastest way to snap out of a bad mood
* Tension and stress are released throughout your body
* Your immune system is strengthened
* Pain is relieved
* Energy gets a boost
* You'll look more attractive than a grouch
* Endorphins are released, making you feel good
* Blood flow is increased and the heart protected
* It diffuses conflict

Sometimes spontaneity needs a bit of planning, especially if it's not a part of your usual repertoire. Try smiling more, tell bad jokes, be grateful of all the positive things in your life and do silly things to make others laugh. Just try not to make fun of others as a means of getting a belly laugh, otherwise, the jokes on you. ROFL x

Lily of the crazy

Unexpected acts of kindness are the pinnacle of serendipity to me. Even a simple smile from a stranger can snap me out of a sulky mood. Flowers are the ultimate, especially the ones for no reason at all. But if it's reason you're after, dear readers, it's reason I'll give you. In Elspeth Thompson's The Wonderful Weekend Book she lists a few dozen flowers and the meaning behind them. Here are my faves:

Sweet pea: gratitude
White roses: you're divine
Peony: bashfulness
Dahlia: you are indifferent
Hyacinth: please forgive me
Orchid: you have cast a spell over me
Magnolia: have courage
Camelia: I am longing for you
Narcissus: you are selfish

Who knew flowers could be so brusque? Anyhoo, I'll be heading to the markets this Sunday to pick up a bunch of bright blooms to liven up my home (and someone else's) with their heady scents and crazy personalities. I recommend you do the same, and grab an extra bunch for your mum, a friend or lover... just because.

The mozzie manual

Balmy nights, burnt prawns, slouchy picnics and mosquitoes. Summer must be here! I've already experienced a few nights of mozzie mania, trying to sleep with their bastardy little squeal lurking annoying close and waking up with legs covered in bites. I can't imagine anything worse than spraying chemicals in the bedroom (or anywhere else) while we're sleeping (or any other time), so I'm declaring a different kind of war. A peaceful one. Here's how I'm going to do it:

1. Buy
A study by the US Department of Agriculture few years ago compared four synthetic and eight natural mosquito repellents and found Repel Lemon Eucalyptus was the most effective of them all. The little buggers are clearly not fans. Hoorah for natural ingredients! The Aussie version is Mosi-guard. And I want it.

2. Plant
I've been researching garden books to make sure I'm doing the right thing in my new vegie garden (I'm not). They suggest planting Marigolds near the vegies as a natural pest deterrent, but I only discovered this morning that one of these pests is the mozzie. I'm also going to plant some rosemary - they hate the oils - in a little pot and keep it in the bedroom and office (it's good for memory too).

3. Burn
Citronella candles work - but might not be enough for total annihilation. Light them before you sit down for dinner alfresco (and perhaps tie some rosemary around your ankles).

4. Rub
Mosquitoes abhor citrus oils, found in the outer peel of citrus fruits. So the next time I have a BBQ I'm going to squeeze lemon juice all over my calamari and barramundi, then turn it around and rub the skin on my arms, legs and neck. It's ok, my friends already think I'm weird. If they're smart, they'll follow suit.

Sweet potato and sourdough

It's taken me a year of gastronomic introspection, but I now know exactly what irks my stomach. I rarely touch brown rice, white bread, potatoes, normal pasta and processed/packaged goods. These foods don't make me feel my best, and I believe we should only eat what makes us feel as good as we possibly can. That's what food is for, oui? While food allergies are thankfully rare, wheat intolerance affects about one in seven peeps, dairy intolerance affects three in four and sugar sensitivity affects one in three. Yikes!

Sourdough bread, spelt pasta, sweet potato, longrain rice and green lentils are my favourites. I stick to small amounts of dairy (organic full-fat milk and natural yoghurt) and tiny amounts of sugar (in my tea and my dark chocolate bars). But what works for moi rarely works for the next. So the next time you feel bloated, fatigued, in pain or otherwise unwell following a meal, ask yourself what the cause might have been. The bread? Pasta? Dairy? MSG or artificial flavours? Sugar? Keep a diary and the pieces will usually fall into place.

For those who are really unsure, I'd suggest seeing a holistic Naturopath to get some help. Check out the Natural Therapy Pages for a practitioner in your area. If you live in sunny Sydney, I'd highly recommend popping along to the Irresistible Gluten Free Food Show this weekend. I'm looking forward to the show and learning more about wheat sensitivities and how it affects people so differently. Information is key to understanding your body and living the happiest, most energetic life you can. See you there ravers x

Bring back the five second rule

People rarely bore me, I learnt early on that just about everyone has something to teach you if you let them. That's probably a good trait for a journo, as I imagine falling asleep during an interview isn't how one gets ahead... if you get me. One day a few moons ago I was interviewing a cleaner for an eco-home story. She scared the living cripes out of me when she told me how quickly our feet absorb chemicals used around the home. I tentatively asked her about a certain powder cleaner I used on my floors (blue and white and popular all over), she said it was one of the worst brands to clean with. Sheesh.

The following weekend I had a clean out of the cleaning cupboard. I rid the house of most of its chemicals in one swoop and then searched for the best possible eco, human and pet-friendly products. Thinking about doing the same? Here's a few reasons why it's worth it:

* Pets and children lick floors. Fact. Whatever you clean your floors with WILL end up in their stomachs no matter how thoroughly you rinse or wipe after.
* The warm water in your shower open the pores in your feet, face and everywhere else. It also picks up the chemicals you cleaned your shower with a delivers them straight into these pores and then into your bloodstream. Nasty much?
* The earth deserves better.
* Bleach colours dirt, it doesn't clean it. Also, the particles in bleach can cause reproductive, endocrine and immune system disorders.
* Allergies and skin conditions are caused or aggravated by being in constant contact with chemicals.
* Baking soda, white vinegar and lemons can clean almost every surface in your home. And they're so cheap they offset all the other fancy eco stuff you buy.

Shopping here is more fun than making your family sick, non?
Murchison-Hume, B_E_E & Eco Store

Just remember chemical cleaners don't do good things at landfill, so contact your local council for their recommendations on disposal.

Hey hot stuff

Recently while studying the intricacies of the human body and how it restores balance (i.e., doing my job), I came across some interesting info on yin and yang. Yin, the feminine, creative, quiet side of all of us, and yang, the masculine, logical, intense part, cannot be without each other, and we're constantly balancing the two (whether we know it or not).

Today's peep-talk is on yang. I have a friend who is hot, (and he's not Clive Owen). My friend, let's call him Gerario, is warmer than he should be and I'm concerned if this goes on forever it could make him unwell. Excess yang shows up in many ways, such as restlessness, lack of sleep, constipation, sweating, red face, hot body, dry throat and constant thirst. It can be due to a stressful situation (chronic or momentary), overthinking, too much alcohol and spicy food. The result is no fun at all and can lead to problems with the stomach, kidneys, liver, heart and lungs.

Cooling foods to help ease the yang include apple, apricot, bok choy, broccoli, carrot, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, eggplant, melons, pearl barley, spinach and watercress. Include these in your diet regularly, but don't base all your meals on these foods. Be sure to eat plenty of raw vegies as well as steamed or baked. And see a Chinese herbalist for some magic potions that are sure to help.

Lifestyle changes you can make to chill yourself out include reading and shushing the mind every day. Add a bit more blue and green into your wardrobe or surrounds, don't spend all day in the sun (if your house is big-time sunny, get some thick curtains to block the afternoon sun) and keep your home as relaxing as possible (leave the TV off most of the time, especially while you eat. Classical music is your friend). Sitting in a pool eating ice-cream doesn't count.

Candy for your skin

Gorgeous skin glows. There are many things you can do to achieve dewy, youthful cheeks - good diet, regular exfoliation, the perfect moisturiser - but my new favourite trick is the easiest of them all: the face mist. Some contain essential oils to perk you up or chill you out, a few are more hydrating that others, but all in all a face mist is a portable bottle of skin love every gal should have with her. I have one in the bathroom and one on my desk to spritz as regularly as a perfume pusher in a department store.

Be Genki is the range I heart the most - for lip balms, creams, and most defo the mist. Sam, the gorgeous owner of the company, is zen personified. She has four mists for $24 each: Sensuality, Serenity, Tranquility and Vitality. I also adore the new JW Organics range by Judith White. The Phyto-Mineral Rose Facial Mist smells like a bunch of roses - not a fake wannabe - and makes my skin feel delish. I'm also a fan of the Ole Henriksen range, especially the Balancing Cucumber Face Mist. There are so many good things in there and the smell is beyond perfect for the summer months.

Today I'm giving myself an early mark, we're heading south to stay with friends at their beach house. I can't wait to soak up the sea spray: the best face mist of them all! Happy weekend xx

Frankie says chillax

I used to worry and stress. A lot. I was overly fraught with such anxiety that I had digestive problems, skin breakouts and troubled sleep. I kept myself so freakishly busy, a poor attempt at distracting myself from the realities of my job. But the anxiety never went away, I hadn't learnt to deal with it, so I covered it up. The crazy thing is that I loved my job. Loved! I worked with talented, beautiful people and day to day I had a wonderful job. It just wasn't right.

Then I was retrenched. That night I couldn't sleep very well... I was too excited. The weight had been lifted, the gates had been opened, the payout was coming and I was on my own. I finally had a chance to do what I've always wanted - be a freelance writer from home - and I took it by the horns. It's been six months since that day and I haven't stressed for a second. Some weeks I work a helluva lot more than I used to, but there's no angst, just more tea and late nights doing what I love on the laptop.

So if you're stressed because of your job - love it or hate it - here's a few suggestions.

* Get a new job. It might take a few months, but if you truly hate your job, or the industry you're in, move on! Write down everything you're good at in one column, in another write everything you love in life. In the middle is a job that suits you perfectly. Tell friends you're looking for a new job, word of mouth is a powerful thing.

* Start a new exercise routine. If you're doing nothing, start today with something small. I promise it'll help. Walk a lot, even in the rain, go for a swim on the weekend or join a yoga class. If you already have a routine, mix it up a bit. Focus only on exercises that stretch you physically but calm you mentally, maybe join a team to meet new peeps.

* Stop smoking and give coffee and alcohol a break. You may think the cigarette soothes your nerves, the coffee gets you in the zone or the alcohol helps you cope, but the complete opposite is true. Smoking messes up your body, making it more sensitive to stress and emotions, alcohol doesn't solve anything and coffee winds anxiety up to new levels. Trust me amigos, I've been there.

* Find a hobby. No I don't mean knitting or stamp collecting, hobbies can include fashion design, stationery printing, photography, writing, illustrating, salami making, gardening or volunteering. Having something to delve into that you absolutely adore makes life worth living some days. And it might even lead to a new, fabulous career.

Yearning over a new leaf

I'm ever so slightly obsessed with tea. I can't work without it, literally cannot start my day if I don't have my sleepy little fingers wrapped around a warm mug. As I mentioned in a previous post (sorry to repeat) I'm off coffee, alcohol and sugary drinks (that would be almost everything else except water and tea) for a little while. So the zest which I used to reserve for discussing NZ Sauv Blancs, Mornington Pinot's and Hunter Chardonnay's has now gone into all things hot and leafy. Earl Grey for the early morning, Chai or white tea for late morning and green or dandelion for the afternoon.

I first delved into tea when I worked at Simon Johnson many moons ago. He stocks a wide range of Mariage Freres teas imported from France, and my goodness they're the most exceptional tea you've ever smelt or supped.

Tea, my dear...
* contains antioxidants called polyphenols which fight disease and keep you looking younger for longer
* lowers total cholesterol and raises good cholesterol
* keeps memory sharp as a tack
* has an effect on stress hormone levels in the body to help you relax
* releases caffeine slower than coffee thereby keeping you alert for longer without the crash

Try: making your own iced tea by infusing a teapot with a strong brew - dandelion and white are perfect - wait ten minutes, strain into a glass bottle and add some lemon and honey. When the bottle cools, keep it in the fridge for a balmy day chillout.

Buy: loose leaf tea and use teapots or individual strainers - and don't use more than a pinch. The best quality tea always goes into the tins of loose leaf while the dodgy small bits are sent straight to the tea-bagging factory. Plus, think of the landfill. (I know, I know, it's a tea bag. But they add up my peeps.)

Easy as apple cake

Cake is good. Cake with berries and ice-cream is even better. A cake that's good for you with local berries and organic ice-cream makes my heart just sing! So here's how you make the divine-alicious apple cake above. (Recipe adapted from Wholefood by the amazing Jude Blereau.)

Pre-heat oven to 160 degrees. Core, peel and finely slice 5 organic Granny Smith apples, toss in a bowl with zest and juice of one lemon. In another bowl, combine 85g oatmeal, 85g wholemeal spelt flour and 2 tspns baking powder. In another bowl (preferably attached to a KitchenAid, otherwise use electric beaters), whisk 200g raw or rapadura sugar and 3 eggs until creamy and thick. Slowly pour in 120g melted butter and flour mixture, beat gently until flour is incorporated and set aside for 5 minutes. Add 100ml organic milk (or less if the mixture gets too thin) and 1 tspn natural vanilla extract.

Discard juice from apples. Place 1/3 of cake mix into baking paper-lined 24cm cake tin, top with 1/3 of apples and continue until mix and apples are all in. Make a pretty pattern with the apples on top if you wish. Top with a small handful of crushed walnuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Bake for 1hr, 20 mins, remove when knife in centre comes out clean. Let it cool on a wire rack, invite friends around if they're really worth it (or they have a good sticky) and enjoy amigos!

See you at the beach

I love Summer. I love getting sandy and salty at the beach, feral at a picnic or indulgent at a long BBQ lunch. Rolling home in a sunny daze I'll jump in the shower, cover myself in rich body lotion, change into the comfiest thing within my lazy reach and curl up with a magazine or book. That feeling right there is the best. It's like I've been bear-hugged by Mother Nature and everything is right again in the world.

A part of that feeling is, controversially, being kissed by the sun. I understand Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world - we need to wear sunscreen every day and not pursue a tan at a risk to our health. But I also think the sun's rays are vital to our wellbeing and shouldn't be shunned altogether. Here's why:

* Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helps regulate cell growth, boosts fertility, relieves PMS, assists with weight loss, reduces asthma symptoms and protects against radiation.
* Vitamin D may also prevent cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, arthritis, hypertension, heart failure, TB, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Crohn's and Alzheimer's.
* Studies have shown that vitamin D actually protects the skin against UV damage, reducing the amount of DNA damage caused and the number of sunburnt cells.

My advice? Strip off (just a little) and get ten minutes of blissful sunshine - without sunscreen - every day. There are plenty of food products in the supermarket fortified with vitamin D but they come nowhere near close to nature's perfect dose. See you at the beach.