Happyberry pie

Gimme a savoury recipe, and as long as it's not 25 pages long, I can probably make it tasty. But sweet, cakey things? I fail. Regularly. This year I've made flop after flop... cakes really aren't my thing. So I ditched the notion of getting just one damn cake right... and made a pie. Oh hello joyous moment! It was simply frankielicious. It's a twist on one of Jamie Oliver's desserts from his brilliant book Jamie's America. Here's my version of his AppleBerry Pie:

First, make your pastry dough. In a food processor, pulse 500g plain flour, 100g icing sugar, pinch of sea salt, 250g unsalted butter, 2 large eggs and a splash of milk. Take it out of processor when it starts to come together but don't work it too much, just until it forms a nice dough. Sprinkle with a little flour, wrap it in clingy wrap and throw it into the fridge for at least half an hour.

Meanwhile, put 10 peeled, cored and sliced granny smith apples into a large pot with zest and juice of one orange, splash of water and five tbsps caster sugar. Simmer for ten minutes, transfer to bowl to cool, add 400g berries (fresh or frozen), 2 tbsps caster sugar and 1 tbsp flour.

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Remove your pastry from the fridge and let it come to room temp. Dust your work surface with flour and, using a floured rolling pin, roll two-thirds of the dough out into a circle until it’s about 0.5cm thick, dusting with flour as you go. Line a shallow 26-28cm pie dish with the pastry, pushing into the sides. Strain fruit and add to pie. Roll out the rest of the pastry and pop on top. Trim the edges and crimp them together with your fingers. Brush the top of the pie with a beaten egg, sprinkle with raw sugar and cinnamon, and slash a small cross in the top of the pastry.

Place the pie on the bottom of the oven for 45 to 55 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Serve with a hefty dollop of custard, ice-cream or cream. LOVE!

Sambo heaven

Just had the yummiest lunch! Sometimes the best food is just simple, good-quality stuff. Take a fresh loaf of Sonoma sourdough, toast it (not the whole thing but go with it if that's what you need), butter and mustard it, then layer with home-grown rocket, manchego cheese and heirloom tomatoes. Drizzle with evo and seasoning, and munch away. Happy days peeps.

It was obviously a lucky sambo, because as I was making a mess I discovered the Martha Stewart show. How have I not know it's on at lunch time? Bring on maternity leave, Martha and I have a lot to catch up on...

Nesting girl

I've been ignoring you fans, readers, amigos. And I'm sorry. Things have been busy, it's a good thing I love my job! When I'm not working I'm prancing around the nursery and eBay, sourcing, nesting, preparing for this little bubba. I've got a month of work left before I relax into mumma mode, then I have a whole month (if wee one's on time) of movies, books, milkshakes and serendipity. Ahhhhh...

I'll try and be here more in the next two months, I've got some great recipes to share. Have a brill weekend and see you next week for frankie fun xxx

Crack the code

There I was yesterday arvo, happy as anything, curled up on the couch with a magazine and a plate of snacks. Once I'd devoured my cheese, rye bickies, pickles and olives, I started to feel a bit edgy. I couldn't sit still, my mouth was dry and I found myself in one helluva bad mood. I couldn't concentrate on the mag in hand so I turned the TV on and distracted myself with those curious Desperate Housewives. Later, when making dinner, I snuck a peek at the olive jar... sure enough, there it was, loud and clear... 621.

I just learned last week that Twisties have MSG/621 in their ingredients, for real, but Always Fresh green olives stuffed with anchovies? Really? WHY? No wonder my lips were numb and my headache was a tingly, horrid mess. Yuck.

Monosodium glutamate is a chemical additive, otherwise known as a flavour enhancer, that doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon. Scientists and food authorities (in all their wisdom) might be approving its use all over the world as they claim there's no solid link with ill health, but I'm not convinced. No way.

MSG side effects include rashes, itching, burning, numbness, chest tightness, heart palpitations, heart arrhythmia, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, sleep disturbance, seizures, brain cell and damage, allergies, asthma attacks, headaches, migrains and possibly brain tumours.

So keep your eyes out peepsies, and not just for 621. Definitely avoid anything in the 600s, but preferably stay away from all numbers, flavours, colouring and preservatives. If you don't know what it is, someone made it up. If someone made it up, they probably messed with nature. Do not want.

Zesty festival

There are some dishes which simply cannot live up to their potential without a good fix of lemon zest. Spaghetti with cherry tomatoes and chilli would be dull without it, as would pea soup, risottos, roast chicken, seafood, frittatas, potato salad and many types of cakes and muffins. Lemons are easy, readily available and delicious, plus they're crazy good for you. In a big way...

* Antioxidants protect our DNA from cancer-causing damage, and citrus fruits contain high concentrations of flavonoid antioxidants as well as a number of other potent antioxidant compounds. One of these - lycopene, found in large quantities in citrus fruits - has been shown to protect against prostate and other cancers.

* The antioxidant naringenin not only helps prevent DNA damage, but also enhances DNA repair thereby reducing the chances of cancer development.

* The phytochemicals in citrus are at their most potent in the skin/zest. Nobilitin, in particular, does amazing work to kill cancer cells directly as well as indirectly, by interfering with the cell cycles involved in certain types of cancer. It has also been shown to be effective in preventing the onset of cancers of the colon, breast and some leukaemias.

Just make sure you wash your lemons well before you cut or zest them, especially if they're not organic, many dangerous pesticides are found on the skin of conventional citrus fruits. Need proof? Read this.

Friends with benefits

I've been on two walkies today with my dog. To me, that's a sign of a happy, stress-free day. When I'm with Scout I smile just because she makes me smile, I don't worry about things because I'm too busy looking for a stick or laughing at her antics and I am approached by a lot more strangers just wanting to give her a scratch and tell me how cute she is. I know.

The BBC reported a couple of years back on how healthy it is to own a dog. They spoke to psychologist Dr Deborah Wells from Queen's University, Belfast, who said that dog owners often had lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Yays! She has reviewed dozens of research papers which looked at the health benefits of pet ownership and saw that dog owners suffered fewer minor ailments and serious medical problems than the general population. Plus, dogs may aid recovery from serious illnesses such as heart attacks.

Dr Wells said "The ownership of a dog can also lead to increases in physical activity and facilitate the development of social contacts, which may enhance both physiological and psychological human health in a more indirect manner."

A beautiful creature that makes you smile and play and gets you out into grassy fields and fresh air? That's my girl...

Nectar of the queens

I love honey. You could take away all the other sugars in the world, but leave me just honey and I'd be happy. I have it on toast, in tea, with yoghurt and fruit, in smoothies and every which way in desserts. My local grocer had zero organic produce when we moved here four years ago, but now it's stepping up with a few and I was bowled over to find a huge jar of Eco Organic Honey. It is so delicious I can't keep my paws away. But why organic? Haven't I harped on enough about organic? Never. Listen here peeps, there's a lot less happening in a jar of conventional honey than this one in my pantry.

Firstly, you'll only get the goodness of honey - mainly its anti-bacterial properties - from raw honey. 'Pure' honey isn't the same, nor is '100%' honey or 'Australian' honey. They're just good marketing ploys. Raw is key, and when it's organic, you can be assured it hasn't been chemically treated or over-heated, two steps that take away most of the flavour and health properties. This particular organic honey of mine is from the Aussie bush and tastes so full of flavour, you only need a little.

For more info go to WHFoods... very interesting foodie site.

Chookie cure all

It's getting cold. And people are getting sick. Not a fun time of year if you're in bed or just bunged up. Hubby hasn't been well since Sunday, so I did the only thing I know how to do. I didn't fetch antibiotics, or a spray, or pills because I don't think they're necessary much. But I did fetch a chicken. And noodles. And I put some things together and made a heavenly chicken noodle soup. Cures all.

In a big pot, fry up plenty of garlic and onion in oil until transparent. Chuck in diced carrot, thyme, two big chunks of lemon zest, a bay leaf and seasoning. After a few minutes pop in your whole organic chook, brown just a little top and bottom, then fill pot with water until chook is covered. Bring to boil then reduce to simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until chook is cooked. Remove chicken, shred meat into small pieces, discard bones. Strain broth, discard carrots and friends, pop broth back on a simmer, add noodles, when they're almost cooked add chicken meat. Season if it needs it, serve with fresh parsley.

Sweet 'n' spicy

Hope you've all had a legendary long weekend. I have. Thanks for asking. Just topped of my day with a sensational banana milkshake. Normally I would make it with banana, milk and yoghurt, but today was a freaky day where yoghurt was missing and ice-cream was sitting pretty in the freezer. What's a (pregnant) gal to do? On top of that good stuff, I added a sprinkle of Herbie's Fragrant Sweet Spices, a little magic ingredient I'm beginning to crave. It contains Coriander Seed, Cassia, Cinnamon Quills, Nutmeg, Allspice, Ginger, Poppy seeds, Cloves, Cardamom and Rose Petals. Oh so lovely and delicious on porridge with apple and/or banana, in milkshakes, in cakes, with fruit and yoghurt for dessert or a snack, on toast with butter and a little brown sugar and all over ice cream. YUM.

Thirteen ideas for three days

Who's excited?? A lush, long weekend to devour is coming right up. I'm sure you've all got a million people to see, things to do, stuff to BBQ... but just in case you need more, here's 13 things to do betwixt here and Monday.

* Go to your favourite cafe, wait ages for a table and order too much food and a bowl of coffee with newspapers and magazines. It's always worth the wait when you know the food rocks.
* Take your camera out somewhere lovely and snap off a bunch of random pics. Just because.
* Start a blog. If you don't like it in two months you can forget about it or start another, at least you gave it a shot and fired up your imagination.
* Forget the snags and cook something delicious and good for you - like an organic duck or chicken, covered with spices and served with a green salad, sourdough bread and homemade aioli. (Need help? Go to Gourmet Traveller)
* Strap your trampers on and get some fresh air. There's no better time of year for a bushwalk. Head here first.
* Clean the windows of your house. Just kidding, that can totally wait.
* Join your local library and borrow a pile of books. It's free (or extremely cheap) and a great distraction from the tube.
* Head to the fish markets, stock up on your fave, fresh amigos of the sea and make something special. Like a pot of spaghetti with chilli, basil, lemon, olives, fish, mussels, prawns... I'm so there.
* Splash out on an extraordinary bottle of red. You'll savour every single sip and (probably) won't want to get trashy and ruin the vibe.
* Find a hidden gallery or four and mooch about.
* Make pancakes. Smother with banana and maple syrup. Polish off while making a mess. Repeat.
* Hire a few DVD classics like Casablanca, Breakfast at Tiffany's and Kill Bill. Classics.
* Head to the country for markets, scones, tea and a reminder of what real hospitality looks like.

I'm not sorry

Someone once wrote a song about how hard it was for them to say sorry... sorry, for them, seemed to be the hardest word. HA! I wish! I use the word waaaaay to frequently and I've decided it's time to take action. It's now banished from my vocab until such time as it is necessary to use it.

Take last week... I went to the hairdresser and apologised for the state of my hair. Why? I'm thinking it's their job to turn my lifeless locks into shiny gorgeous waves of light. Next day I went for a massage (sounds a bit spoilt but this wasn't my average week amigos) and apologised for the mess my back was in. WHY? Aren't they pro's trained in the art of undoing a knotted back?

So I'm taking leave from the word, and will only use it if I upset someone. Like if I steal their donut. Mmm donuts.

Magnolia mooching

I love cool ideas for winter weekends... and considering this weekend looks hideously boring and wet, here is the bestest idea yet! It's retail therapy, it's quality local goods and it's a little crafty. It's called Magnolia Square, showcasing new artists, designers, stylists, and craftspeople. Sydney peeps, head to the Oaks Lawn Marquee at Randwick Racecourse and pick up something terribly gorgeous from the range of homewares, jewellery, clothing & accessories, textiles, furnishings, stationery and gourmet food. I'm pretty excited the entry fee - $8 - includes a donation to Beyond Blue, helping amigos with depression. Sweet.

It's open today til 5pm, tomoz 10am – 5pm and sundee 10am – 4pm... yay hooray see you there x

Share the love

Feel like doing something great for the less fortunate of this gorgeous city but don't have much time? Well my amigos, it's Feed Sydney Month, bringing much-needed meals to about 250,000 people this winter. It's a collaboration between OzHarvest and Do Something and all you have to do is add a few (or more) casholas onto your next Woolworths bill or go to feedsydney.com.au and donate away. A $1 donation equals one meal for someone who seriously needs it.

You can also book yourself in at Arras, Sean's Panaroma, Rockpool Bar & Grill, Aria, Lucio's or the Sydney Park Hyatt for dinner on June 16th and a percentage will go to Feed Sydney. Nice one foodies.

Winter wondersoup

I heart pumpkin soup. It's the gastronomic equivalent of hugging someone sexy in cashmere. Besides the major wrist action involved in peeling and chopping, it's actually too easy to make. A friend gave me a couple of pumpkins last week (long story involving a puppy, a tropical island and a wedding) and I've made soup galore since.

Seed, peel and roughly chop a small pumpkin (or normal size butternut). Simmer in water on medium heat for about ten minutes, or until soft. Strain and set aside. In the same pot, saute garlic and onion in oil and butter (and a little more butter) until translucent. Add chopped chillies (leave the seeds in if you're brave), coriander root (slice off and discard the bottom cm of the root, and use the bottom half of the remaining stems - wash well and chop) and fresh ginger (peel and chop or grate finely). Stir and cook for two minutes, then add the pumpkin and three cups chicken stock (or 2 cups stock, 1 cup water). Simmer for five minutes, then blend with a hand blender or in batches in a blender. Taste, season if you need it and serve with a dollop of natural yoghurt and fresh coriander... with plenty of crunchy, crusty bread.

You can also add parsnip and sweet potato to the mix if you like, cook with the pumpkin as above. And if you'd rather forgo the chilli, coriander and ginger, add plenty of parsley to the bowl and top with sour cream instead of yoghurt.

Yes peeps, winter is here and it ain't half bad... if you have to eat your way through it, start with this.

Look after yourself

How scary - Australia's STD rates are going nuts. That's terrible news and I feel for anyone who is single. The STD article on smh.com.au interested me beyond the STD stats: 1000 new cases of HIV are detected every year, chlamydia cases doubled between 2004 and 2008 to 60,000, etc.

The real quote that bowled me over was by Federal parliamentary Secretary for Health Mark Butler, who said "We know that as a nation we seriously under-do prevention. Of the slightly more than $100 billion that we spend as a nation on health every year ... around two per cent is spent on stopping people getting sick in the first place."

WHAT THE? TWO PER CENT? That is so shocking I'm thinking of moving to France, they have a handle on things much better there. And better cheese. And wine. And...

If more people saw a naturopath, acupuncturist or holistic doctor every now and then we'd be a lot better off. Yes it's a simplistic view, but it's called being in tune with your own body and seeing professionals who don't reach for a prescription pad every time you sneeze or have a back ache. It also sure as hell beats giving billions of dollars every year to the pharmaceutical companies so they can produce more and more pills to numb and dumb us down.

OK. Rant over. Have an awesome weekend peeps. Drink lots of water. Go for long walks. Learn to relax and switch off without the TV. Eat well. It's called prevention and it looks like it's up to us xxx

The burgers are better

I'm a big fan of meat. Beef is a fave because it works in so many dishes: stir-fry's, meatballs, lasagna, bolognaise, stews, bbq's, fajitas, burritos, salads and more. And since discovering the incredible flavour and health benefits of organic beef over a year ago, I've been on a not-so-secret-squirrel mission to convert everyone I know to the green side. Here's a few facts that might make you think twice before buying conventional meat...

* Even if the cattle are allowed to roam, the grass they're eating may well contain pesticides (think Roundup for weeds, doesn't that seem delicious?)
* Their feed usually contains preservatives and chemicals to prolong the life of the food
* A fast cow is a money-making cow, just like conventional chickens and many other farmyard friends. So they're fed hormones to speed up the growing process. Kill 'em quick! Growth hormones are banned in the EU, so we actually make hormone-free beef just for them while we get the rubbish. Thoughtful...
* Instead of preventing their herd from disease by looking after them properly, they simply vaccinate every one of them unnecessarily with antibiotics.
* And of course you've heard about the research labelling organic food no healthier than conventional. I just wish these studies would highlight what artificial chemicals and pesticides can do to the body, and how eating another animal's pumped-up hormones messes badly with our own. We get it, we're not getting any more nutrients (supposedly) by buying organic, but what we're avoiding is poison and toxins which can only lead to illnesses...

So amigos, what'll it be? And if you're worried about the cost, then eat a little less and consider the excess a part of your health insurance.

J'adore skincare

My skin has been on a rollercoaster the last few months. I have pregnancy to blame for the most part, but then there's the change in seasons and my lack of consistency in the skincare I use. The worst moment was the morning after covering my face in rose hip oil because it felt dry. Let's just say it wasn't dry in the morning, and there were about ten new pimples to prove the point. I don't blame the oil, I should have known that I'm producing pur-lenty of oil just being pregnant!

Everything has calmed down nicely since I started my latest routine. It's natural, gentle, and has woken my skin up from it's oily nightmare. I start the morning with Natio Ageless Dual Action Cleanser and Exfoliator or Trilogy Very Gentle Cleansing Cream (I alternate between the two). Then I give myself a nice dollop of Natio Ageless Daily Moisturiser UV Protection SPF 30+ which smells and feels sublime.

During the day I'm still obsessed with JW Organics Phyto-Mineral Rose Facial Mist, as in, I can't be far from it for long! At night I cleanse with Soto Facial Cleanser, tone with Soto Clarifying Toner (I need it as I have blackheads, but it's so easy going) and moisturise with Yes To Carrots C Through The Night Moisturizing Cream.

Even after a week of the harshest cold, my skin looks and feels healthy... except for the odd breakout along my jaw, but that's all thanks to my crazy hormones! Yikes!

(All Natio products are available May 31st...)

The nut hunter

The other night, as a part of my birthday shenanigans, I had a divine dish of rabbit with pearl barley, bacon, chestnuts, sultanas and parsley. It was so deliciously balanced - the tender wabbit, salty bacon, earthy chestnuts, sweet sultanas and almost-bitter parsley. Perfection on a plate.

So I imagine the meal would be fairly easy to recreate at home, except I wouldn't know the first thing to do with a chestnut. And they're in season now, so why not make the most of them, right? Here's what I found...

* Buy fresh nuts still in their glossy shell from the markets
* Keep in a cool place and use within a week
* If you don't have a fireplace to roast them in a tray over a fire, whack them on the bbq in between downpours until the skins blacken
* No bbq? Score an X on the bottom of each shell and simmer in water for 10 minutes
* If opening them is a problem, go here for good tips
* Try them plain, or throw them around a pan with butter and a sprinkle of salt and cinnamon
* Or make them into all sorts of soups, sauces, mains, sides and desserts. Try Gourmet Traveller for amazing recipes, or Taste and Cuisine also have interesting ideas for the tasty nuts

Joyeux anniversaire

I just had a deliriously fabulous birthday weekend. Friday night with friends galore and pizza, Saturday night with hubby and a tasty rabbit followed by a self-saucing choc pudding and Sunday with the fam and a couple of roast chooks and more choc cake. I'm a lucky girl to be surrounded by so many incredible people.

And the kicks I get from inside my belly? They give me that so-happy-I-could-burst feeling. Happy gemini season everyone x

(Pic above is of my niece whizzing around her country maison... what a sweetie)

The naked cake

I'm pro-cake. I mean, what's not to love about sponge, fruit, chocolate, icing, cream and sauce? If I feel like cake, which thankfully isn't every day, I'll indulge. No guilt attached. But if I can't be bothered making it myself, I'll make sure I buy it from somewhere or someone that knows good ingredients. Natural ingredients - butter, eggs, flour, etc - make a natural cake. Unnatural ingredients - colouring, flavouring, preservatives, hydrogenated oils, etc - make a fake cake. Do not want.

I was wandering the aisles of the supermarket the other day and I saw a range of icing in a can which comes out looking like coloured whipped cream. Seems like a fun idea for kids parties. So I looked at the ingredients list and almost had a coronary: not a single natural ingredient on the list. No dairy, no eggs, just processed oils, sugar and a whole bunch of numbers. I shouldn't have been surprised, but I was. I still expect better. HOW is this stuff legal? Because people don't die immediately from the shock of eating something so industrial, it takes a few more years...?? It was a shocking reminder to stick to whole foods and ingredients, even when pigging out on a naughty something, especially where kids are concerned. Pass the brownie, baby!

Small poppet, major passion

You know, when I was 16 I didn't know about adventure. I had a few hobbies which I attempted lazily to keep going after high school, but to no avail. I had passion, but only in spurts; direction but only for a time. And although boats aren't my thing (though I love to sail... in easy waters... with a pro in yelling distance) I wish I had had half the passion and courage of Jessica Watson in my teens.

I'm still coming to terms with what this 16 year old Aussie did. She sailed solo around the world... non-stop and unassisted. That's 210 days in a tiny boat (not the one pictured, obviously) with crazy weather, no shower, no physical human contact but she did it all with such adventure, such a positive attitude and sailed home last weekend to lots of hugs and burritos. She turns 17 today and I'm so thrilled at what she's done for a generation hooked permanently up to their phones and puters and bad hair and diets. Love it.

Here's an excerpt from her blog:

Some time way back in the Atlantic, I remember I wrote about all the things I missed about home. So I thought I'd make a list of some of the things I'm going to miss out here. The first thing is pretty obvious, I'm going to miss getting up and going sailing every day! I'm going to miss being out of range of my annoying brother! I'm going to miss doing things at my own pace and singing at the top of my voice without clearing the room.

I'm going to miss the kick I get from overcoming challenges by myself, flying along in the dark. A new sunset every night and the time I always take to watch it. I'm going to miss watching the waves and sea. I know it's
been nearly 7 months and I'm still not bored by it. The tumbling white tops when it's windy and the glassy reflections when it's not. I'm going to miss seeing Albatross circle around Ella's Pink Lady and beanie days for when finding a hair brush is just too much trouble!

Stretches for slouchies

Well... I've been keeping it a bit quiet, but now that there's only four fast months to go I might as well tell you peeps I'm pregnant. A petit frankie! I can't tell you what I'm having in case Mum reads this, but we're super excited about our little spring baby.

So this morning I was in prenatal yoga - the instructor is so knowledgeable and fabulous - and I learned a tonne as usual. Here's two good tricks for those who work slumped over a puter all day...

* Every hour or so, do this stretch and your body will correct your posture. Clench your hands into fists, bring them together in front of your chest so your thumbs are underneath the rest of your hand, level with your elbows. As you breathe in lift them over your head, pressed together, then release as you breathe out and bring your arms down behind your back. So good.

* If your posture is very slumpy, stand with your back to the wall and press your shoulder blades into the wall. If only the centre of your blades touches the wall, put your arms back against the wall, as stop signals, with arms bent at right angles. Move your arms slowly up the wall, count to ten, then back down slowly. It's hard at first, but do a set of six each day and you'll be upright in no time.

Mushroom hazelnut filos

Snack of the month? Yes I think so. Oh dear these were good. I made them while we were away and they don't take long at all. I'd start with ricotta, but you can add anything you like, just make sure the flavours are balanced. Try spinach, leek, red onion, pine nuts, walnuts, parmesan, blue cheese...

Here's how I made mine: Preheat oven to 200C. Slice five medium mushrooms, 1 small brown onion, 2 cloves garlic and 1 stick celery, start with onion in a frypan of butter and oil, then add the rest. Cook until soft, but not 'cooked'. Mix in a bowl with a packet of fetta, handful of crushed hazelnuts, parsley, splash evo, pinch allspice and seasoning.

Cut thawed filo pastry into strips about 6cm wide, use two sheets together for each triangle. (Whatever filo you're not currently using, top with a damp tea towel otherwise it dries out and crumbles.) Brush sheets with melted butter, place spoonful of mixture on top corner, and fold in triangles all the way down. Brush with more melted butter to seal shape into place, put on baking tray. Bake all your yummy bites (about 20 in all) for 15 minutes until golden.

Goddesses unite

This morning I had a flip through the pics from Cannes... our Russ, our Cate and a bunch of glam peeps rocking the rouge carpet. So many plastic foreheads, as per usual, but thankfully Cate seems to have a few laugh lines. What really shocked me out of my dazy morning was the beautiful Natalie Imbruglia. I've always loved her, but to see her in a stunning dress, sweet new hair cut and plenty of laugh lines... well I'm stoked. That's not a common accessory to a main event. Love 'em. She'll look like goddess Helen Mirren when she's older, and that's definitely something to anticipate.

Holiday at home

Howdy amigos, I'm back! Sorry for the time out, I was away with hubby on holidays in the bush and it wasn't easy to get online. Anyhoo, we had such a gorgeous, refreshing, lazy holiday in the country about four hours north of Sydney. The house we rented was such a beautiful space - big kitchen, log fire, stellar views and no neighbours. Bliss!

I love winter escapes, they're usually a lot quieter than summer breaks, so the relaxation is twice as nice... and beneficial. Highly recommended! But if you can't get away in the next few months, here are some cute ways to turn your weekend into a delicious getaway.

* If you have a partner, book them out for the whole weekend... no work, no gardening, no nuthin'. If you're single, book a friend from Saturday afternoon til Sunday lunch.
* Tell your friends and family you're looking forward to a quiet weekend at home. They may or may not get the hint, but at least they'll understand when you don't answer your phone.
* Friday night, turn off all phones until Sunday night. This is absolutely essential!! Feel free to check them once or twice and return only urgent calls. No emails, no facebook, no internet whatsoever preferably.
* Work out what it is you love about holidays and get lots of it. Hire a few DVDs, borrow a good book, plan a bush walk, line up some drawings or paintings, give yourself a face mask, mani and pedi or dust off the board games.
* If you like to cook, sort out your recipes ahead of time. Pick your faves, preferably slow-roasts but nothing too tricky, and get a few treats and snacks on hand. And perhaps a bottle of two of red.
* Don't talk about work or issues with family or friends. Instead, talk about your dreams, laugh as much as possible and try to find out three new things about your lounge room vacay buddy.

Food labelling

I don't mind the occasional takeaway, but sometimes when I peel back that plastic lid, I wonder what I've gotten myself in for. Yes there are regulations as to what can and can't be included in food, but honestly, the number of colourings, flavourings, preservatives and nasty oils that must be thrown in to boost the longevity and 'flavour' sometimes scare me.

So I'm loving the major food labelling review being undertaken by the government at the mo. Go Kevin 07! They're looking at actually labelling ingredients and nutritional information on all restaurant and take-away foods. Information is key to health, so I can only imagine the incredible impact this will have... not only on what's added to food, but how conscious consumers then shop. They're also considering labelling all GM foods and country of origin on packaged/tinned food. Aren't we sick of "Australian owned" labelling where half the ingredients are imported from who-knows-where? Fingers crossed they make the smart choices so we can be informed on all accounts.

Truth, however disenchanting, is better than falsehood, however comforting. Schweitzer

Smashing launch

Last week I had the great pleasure of meeting the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Smashbox Cosmetics, Davis Factor. All round incredible guy, supremely talented photographer and visionary, it was such a treat spending time with him and hearing all about the creation of Smashbox Cosmetics. I've been reading about Smashbox for years in US beauty mags, but finally I've been able to try it for myself - it's available locally at Kit Cosmetics.

David and his brother Dean are great-grandsons of the legendary Max Factor, so they know a thing or five hundred about cosmetics. In the early 90s Dean was flying out to New York to shoot celebs in studios, as LA didn't have any (it was the city everyone flew to for outdoor photoshoots). Because he's so clever, he and his bro decided to set up Smashbox Studios in LA, where celebs and their make-up artists flocked to for shoots. Celebs (think Angelina, Madonna, Drew, Gisele) were having cosmetics constantly created for them, so after endless requests for particular colours, the Factor brothers launched Smashbox Cosmetics in 1996.

Today it's adored for its primers, foundations, powders, mascaras and general ability to make women look flawless. Seriously. One of their most unique line of products is the intuitive bronzer, lip and cheek colours. Genius. I've been using them and even my hubby stands back with a "oh wow" look on his face. Hooray for Smashbox, we're so glad you could make it!

Comfort chicken

Roast chicken with rice or potatoes is a favourite comfort food of mine. During summer I have it with an avocado, tomato and fetta salad, but I like a bit of carbs when the nights chill out. And man are they getting chilly!

Sunday night I made a roast chicken that turned out real nice. It went something like this: clean one organic chicken, place in roasting dish. Rub in mix of finely chopped half brown onion, five garlic cloves, one chilli, small knob of ginger and lime zest. Pour in a good splash of vegetable stock, drizzle with fish sauce, tamari and sesame oil. Pop in a 200C oven for two hours with a lid, remove lid half an hour before taking out of oven. Twas lovely with rice and green beans.

Roast chicken has the greatest leftover potential of any cooked meat. So last night I made a soup and threw the chicken and juices in. Just make sure you scrape and discard the fat off the top off the leftover juices before you eat. I sauteed a chopped leek with some garlic in butter and oil, added frozen peas and lemon zest. When leek was soft and peas were bright green, I added the chicken juice/jelly, a cup of vegie stock (also leftover from the night before) and a cup of water. Simmer for ten minutes, then throw in a bit of fresh parsley. Mix with a hand blender and taste - add salt and pepper accordingly (with a good vegie stock you shouldn't need much). Throw in shredded leftover chicken, simmer a further two minutes and serve with a drizzle of evo.

Long weekend, longer legacy

Happy long weekend peeps! Enjoy Anzac Day, and in case you didn't know much about our great day, here's what it's all about...

* Anzac day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

* In 1915, the soldiers set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula so as to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. They landed on April 25th, meeting major resistance from Turkish defenders. It was meant to be a bold strike to knock Turkey out of the war, but the tough campaign dragged on for eight months. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed.

* Although the Gallipoli campaign wasn't a success, the Aussie and Kiwi fighters and heroes left an important legacy that should be remembered every year.

* Since that time, the meaning of the day has been further broadened to include Australians killed in all the military operations in which we've been involved.

* Lest we forget.

(All info is from awm.gov.au)

Munch me happy

Too many people suffer from depression, especially during winter. And while the woolly months feel like the perfect time to indulge in not-so-great comfort food and vino rosso, you're more likely to smile your way through the grey days if you make whole foods your friends. They can be superbly comforting too. And, of course, a glass of vino on the side won't hurt... (but a bottle might).

* A sizeable five year study in the UK looked at 3,500 people and found that those with a diet high in processed meat, fried foods, sweet desserts and refined grains (white bread, sugar-packed cereals, etc) had a substantial 58% greater risk of depression.

* On the other hand, people who ate plenty of whole foods - especially vegetables, fruits and fish - had a 26% lower risk of developing depression.

Look after your brain, strengthen your muscles, keep your skin looking younger, your weight under control and brighten your bushy tail by cooking most of your own food at home with whole, fresh ingredients... it's worth it in the short and long run.

Holidays forever

I know a few people who rarely take holidays, preferring to save up their annual leave for a few hard-working years and then letting it rip with two months overseas. This is not my style, but I do understand how easy it is to work crazy hours for nine or 29 months and then realize you seriously need a break. But by then stress may have become chronic, the cold a common occurrence or you're so wound up that the first three days are spent in bed. Not so fun.

So while you're enjoying this long weekend coming up, take a minute to plan something with your partner or a friend. Spain in Spring? New York for New Years? Or perhaps a week of back-to-nature camping in the mild QLD winter. Besides a week away, try and be open to last-minute long weekends with someone who makes you laugh and isn't afraid to play board games. Your mental and physical health (not to mention relationships) will benefit beyond your wildest dreams.

Just make sure your vacay isn't as busy as the job you're leaving behind. Turn on your phone only occasionally, leave the laptop at home and scrap the to-do list. Life's for living, not for working.

Light my fire

Candles are amazing - they can set a mood, completely relax and bring the nicest ambiance to any room. But unfortunately many candles are toxic, and when you've got a few burning for hours at a time, that's not so sexy. Here's what you need to know...

* Parrafin candles, the most common form, are made from a by-product of petrol. Mmm. Lovely. They're apparently as bad for you as second-hand smoke. Ditch.
* A study in the US found that frequently lighting parrafin candles in an unventilated space could lead to health problems, including asthma, allergy-like symptoms and an irritated respiratory tract.
* Some cheap candles still use lead in their wicks. And then we burn them. And inhale. Eww. Make sure there's no wire in the middle of the wick before you buy.
* Soy candles are a better idea, but where are the soy, palm or coconut oils coming from? If the crop isn't ripping apart a country's resources, then these are definitely a good idea.
* Fragrances aren't good for you, no matter what they're called or where they're found. If you want a scented candle, find one with pure essential oils.
* Beeswax candles are the absolute best choice for your homey. They are made from a renewable resource - a by-product from honey - last up to three times longer than parrafin, twice as long as soy, they're hypo-allergenic, they clean the air (they release negative ions) and are a beauty to behold. Just make sure you only buy 100% beeswax, nothing less.

There's something in the water

Last night as I flipped through my latest delivery of mags, I saw an ad in Vanity Fair for a new drink called VitaminWater Zero. Hmm. So I got online and did some snooping and I'm less than impressed. As one might expect, I have a few serious issues with this and I'm going to lay them all out here. Right, so..

* They're owned by Coca-Cola. There's a big clue peeps!

* It's cordial. Water with colouring, flavouring and sugar is cordial. Yes they managed to get some teeny tiny amounts of vitamins in there, but honestly, your body will not benefit in any way from them because it won't know what on earth to do with them! Try eating fruits and vegetables instead, tonnes more vitamins there.

* They're harping on about their stevia extract because it's a natural source of sweetener and it's been approved by the big guns (FDA, WHO), but the results are still inconclusive. In fact, about 20 years ago stevia was linked to cancer and infertility in rats. Oh and they don't mention the fructose you can see in the ingredients below. Interesting. If you need sugar, have it in its raw form: maple syrup, rapadura sugar or fruit. But don't go for the latest marketing fad thinking you can eat and drink all the sweetness you want because they promise you won't gain weight or experience any adverse affects. Puh-leese. Everything you put in your body has an effect whether Coco-Cola say so or not. They. Just. Want. To. Make. $quillions.

* This is the full, scary list of ingredients:
Reverse Osmosis Water, Less than 1% of: Rebiana (Stevia Extract) and Crystalline Fructose and Erythritol (Natural Sweeteners), Calcium Lactate and Potassium Phosphate and Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Lactate (Electrolyte Sources), Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Gum Acacia, Beta-Carotene, Sorbitol, Modified/Food Starch, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate), Vitamin B5 (Calcium Pantothenate), Glyceryl Ester of Rosin, Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Vitamin B12.

* Drink filtered water instead (buy a water filter and a SIGG bottle or two and you'll save a fortune in the long run). If you're hooked on bottled juices and bright-coloured waters and way-too-sweet iced teas, it might take you a few weeks of major self-control to make it happen. But your taste buds will come back to life when you've ditched all that excess sugar. Plus, you won't crave that afternoon chockie bar as much.

Freshly squeezed

I love fresh juices and smoothies, they're often my afternoon 'snack' of choice. As we all know too much fruit = too much fructose, so it's best to mix up the fruit with either dairy (organic please peeps) or vegies. If you can, try avoiding 'fresh' or re-constituted juices in a bottle. There's waaaay too much sugar and little or no nutrients (they left the building a long time ago). If you can't get to a juice bar, look for frozen fruit with no additives and find a good blender or juicer on eBay. I only ever order or make a small size. Here are a few of my favourite mixes...

* mandarin and beetroot
* apple, mint and celery heart (I only use the young, yellow-ish stalks, they're sweeter)
* watermelon, strawberries and basil
(tis only fruit so make it a super small one... and add some vodka at happy hour!)
* frozen berries, whole milk, creamy yoghurt and a touch of maple syrup
* bananas, vanilla ice cream, milk and five spice powder
* pineapple, lychee, coconut milk, palm sugar and lime

Pancakes and coldplay

Fridays are a great day to look back on what you learned during the week, take the lessons and go into the weekend with a fresh start. So if you're interested, here are some lessons I learned this week...

* 6.30 is an amazing time to go for a walk. It's worth the getting-up pain times a thousand.
* Some people are as stubborn as I am, and dealing with them is like swallowing a very large pill. But it's taught me to listen more and realize that I am not right. Nor are they. And that being right isn't the way forward. Being open is.
* Classical music is the best thing to work to. Coldplay in the morning, Vivaldi/Beethie/Purcell the rest of the day.
* I'm happiest when I'm making other people happy. How corny is that! But I think it's natural for us to be self-centred, as soon as you step out of that, real happiness slaps you in the face like a pancake.
* I love pancakes made by friends at cafe 2042.
* The biggest challenges provide the greatest rewards. Aim high, mon amigos, aim high.

Mastering the art

I recently watched Julie and Julia, starring the inimitable Meryl Streep and wonderful Amy Adams. I thought I'd enjoy it - yeah hello, it's about food - but I didn't think I'd adore it! It delves into much more than de-boning ducks and sauteing mushrooms, it's about love, relationships, purpose, career, and so much more. It's funny, touching and really witty. Here are some fab facts about Julia Child...

* Julia was born on the same day as my Mum (August 15, a LEO, no wonder!) and lived until two days before her 92nd birthday. A long life with so much butter... I think there's a lesson right there peepsies.
* She was a spy (I say, watch those Leo's) and worked for the precursor to the CIA before she found French food.
* In 1966 she won an Emmy for her TV show The French Chef. She once explained her popularity in an interview: ''I fell in love with the public, the public fell in love with me, and I tried to keep it that way.''
* Mastering the Art of French Cooking is now in its 49th printing. Sheesh.
* As the New York Times so brilliantly phrases her influence: "She brought cassoulet to a casserole culture."

Thanks Julia.

Bliss on a bun

I'm feeling fresh today, and I like it. Routine is something that sinks in to your surrounds quite easily when you work from home, but I've discovered ways to make the days feel alive, recharging my brain...

I firstly have a four day weekend and a visit from a gorgeous friend from Germany to thank. Nothing like sunny picnics with hubby, long lunches with family and big girlie catch-ups over pancakes with an amazing friend to awaken the spirit. I've also re-arranged my office, something that I cannot possibly do without clearing out every nook and cranny. The rubbish and recycling bins were very full last week! So my desk is closer to the window (which I can't do in summer, natch) and my magazines, books and thousands of note pads are so delightfully neat. Mmmm. Soothing.

I've also bought new books to read (am so far in love with Mama Mia), tried new recipes (I even made hot cross buns! Check me out!) and booked a week away in the country with hubby. Bliss.

Good morning muesli

A gorgeous friend of mine is a real market shopper, she only ever hits the supermarkets when she needs a new broom. The other day she mentioned she makes her own muesli, and oh I heart homemade muesli so much. She's shared the recipe with me and it's a really unique brekkie - no grains and a bit of coconut milk. I can't wait to try it!!!

Apple and cinnamon muesli

Ingredients:
1/4 cup Flax seed meal
3/4 cup Almond meal
1/2 cup Sunflower seeds
1/4 cup Unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup Chopped pecans
1/4 cup Chopped walnuts
1/2 cup Dried apple
2 tsp Cinnamon
2 tsp Vanilla essence
Stevia to sweeten (if desired)
(use Bio-dynamic or Organic where possible)

Method:
• Mix all ingredients together in large bowl.
• To serve measure 1 cup of mixture into bowl and serve with goats milk or organic yogurt or drinking coconut juice. Add berries if desired.
• For Bircher style muesli soak mixture in 1 small can coconut milk and 1/2 cup water (if needed), leave overnight in fridge.

• To make even healthier, pre-soak all nuts and seeds in filtered water for 8hrs. Rinse, then process lightly with other ingredients. Keep in fridge.

You can go your own way

I love hamburgers and pizza, but I don't really digest them so well. Bloated is not my friend. I feel better if I make my own version of the stuff you get from a classic American diner. And when you cook it yourself, you tend to eat slower, enjoy the whole experience more. Here are a few ideas for DIY double-cheese delish...

* In a casserole dish, place chopped up organic Italian sausages, (or pork and fennel), a tin of diced tomatoes, wedges of yellow capsicum, plenty of olives, herbs and seasoning. Bake in the oven for about 40 mins on 180C, or until sausages are cooked all the way through. Meanwhile, toast slices of baguette under the grill with raclette, tilsit or parmesan cheese and serve with hot mustard.

* Make hamburger patties from organic beef, a raw organic egg, sourdough bread crumbs, loads of parsley, a tspn of Dijon mustard and seasoning. Brush with oil and chuck on a grill pan until cooked through. Meanwhile, saute sliced mushrooms and red onion in butter until soft, crack open a can of sliced beetroot, thinly slice a tomato and get out the good cheese. Whack it all on a thick slice of toasted sourdough and hello open-burger heaven.

* Grab your fave pizza toppings - tomato paste, ham, proscuitto, bocconcini, olives and basil are a good start - load them up on some Lebanese bread and pop in the oven until cheese is melted and base is crisp, about 5 - 10 mins. Eat them, make a mess, go back for more.

Pic is of my niece with a hotdog at her school fete. Start 'em young amigos.

Some say love

I say pig. I love pork. We went to our friend's place on Saturday night and they had some pig on a spit with roasted potatoes and a rocket parmesan salad. SO much to love about that. When I checked the fridge yesterday I found two pork chops that I'd been defrosting... ooops. Or oink. Anyway, we had them last night and they were fabulous too.

I used to be afraid of cooking pork because I always dried the suckers out. But now I have one sure way of making sure they're delightfully moist and delish. I use a baking dish (with a lid) and throw in a handful of chopped up potatoes, garlic, onion, green apple, seasoning and oil. Top with pork chops, sprinkle with olive oil, balsamic glaze and plenty of seasoning. Cook for one hour on 180C. YUM. Serve with a light salad, a glass of verdehlo and a good game of scrabble.

Ridiculously tasty

I have a few friends who have recently discovered they can cook... this is very exciting stuff. Anyway, they've asked me to post more food ideas, so here are a few delicious and healthy ideas just in time for the weekend.

* Tahini. I prefer the hulled variety, and I love it on buttered toast with thin slices of cucumber and a pinch of sea salt. Try mashing it with avocado or mixed with olive oil and poured over warm broccoli, bok choy or beans with a squeeze of lemon. Sensational.
* Lentils. All lentils and dried beans are easier to cook and better for digestion when soaked overnight. Just pop a cup's worth in a bowl, cover with water and glad wrap and leave on the counter until you need - drain, rinse and they're ready. My fave recipe starts with Italian sausage - slice into chunks, brown in a medium size pot with a little oil, garlic and onion. Throw in a can of chopped tomatoes, the lentils, a splash of red wine, thyme, olives and seasoning. Simmer with lid on for about half an hour - the lentils should be soft and sausages cooked right through. Top with parsley and a splash of evo. Dig in.
* You can also make a warm lentil salad by simmering them in stock for half an hour, draining and mixing them up with some cherry tomatoes, capsicum, baby spinach, parsley and evo.
* Seaweed. Yes, seaweed. It's yummers and so good for you. You can buy nori sheets and snack on them with rice and seafood if you can't be bothered rolling them into sushi rolls. Or you can get wakame, it's usually dried and in a packet. Soak it in water for 15 minutes, then mix into a salad - see how easy that was peeps? I suggest cucumber, bean sprouts, carrot and smoked salmon or trout. Top with a dressing of rice vinegar, tamari, chilli sauce and a pinch of sugar. You'll love it.

A passionate breakfast

I had such a magical morning at one of the most inspiring beauty events ever. Over a cup of tea and a lush danish, I met the founder of Dermalogica, Jane Wurwand, an absolutely heavenly creature with a serious drive and two feet firmly on the ground. I sat across from her and straight away learned how funny she was, but it wasn't until she got up to speak that I was blown away. Here's what she had to say...

* Dig in, get smart, stay standing. Her mum did it extremely tough bringing up four girls on her own (Jane was two when her dad passed), and she learned that it's not about balance, it's about resilience. Her mum also instilled in her the importance of having a job with skills that you can use anywhere.
* See it, believe it, become it. Jane worked in a beauty salon from the age of 13 where she saw people of all walks of life and hair colour accepted in a dynamic industry that employs and trains a lot of women. At 15 she became shampoo girl and after high school she went to beauty school. She discovered that if you know what it is you want, and you pay attention, you'll see the opportunities. If your vision isn't specific, they'll pass you by.
* Health and wellness, not beauty and pampering. Jane knows that consumers are time-poor, they want to be educated and they want results. Dermalogica is all about hard-working products that are easy to use and help men and women achieve amazing skin at home. She saw the need for fast treatments, especially during the economic slump - hence her uber popular 5 minute skin mapping and 20 minute skin treatments. Genius!
* Jane owns and runs the #1 professional skin therapy line worldwide... but she's never taken a loan, owns 100% of the business with her husband and focuses on growing the beauty businesses of women in 48 countries. Plus, they don't use Mineral Oil, Lanolin, artificial colors and fragrances or other cheap fillers. Yays!

Go here dermalogica.com/au for info on skincare, the products, the new (and free) iPhone app and a therapist nearby. Love love love!!!

Setting the mood for noms

I'll be sorry to see the sunny nights go. I'm looking forward to winter for so many reasons, but I don't like the sun going down on me before 6. Sigh. One big reason I love a sunlit evening is because hubby and I really enjoy eating dinner in the backyard. Last night we had BBQ red snapper with a warm mushroom and tomato salsa, the light was fading but we were blissed out by our little garden, the crazy birds and the chance spotting of a dragonfly or two.

Sitting still while you eat - without a TV, computer or mobile phone to be seen - does amazing things for your digestive system. You appreciate and savour the food much more, you breathe slower, chew slower, and once you've eaten, you tend to sit and contemplate, which gives your insides time to process your meal in peace.

Other great ways to enjoy what you eat and boost your digestive health are to eat when you're hungry, scale back on the meat you eat each day (unless your portions are already too low), steam your vegies (it really is the best way) and eat a mini dessert after lunch, not dinner. The sugar rush from ice-cream and other sweets can easily interfere with the amount of sleep you get and the quality of that sleep.

Eat fresh, sleep well, and your energy levels will positively soar!

The beauty of bliss

We all know by now that I love meditation, exercise (well not all of it) and eating well. These days I see a lot less stress than a few years ago, which I've worked hard to achieve. From a beauty writer's perspective, there are some very good reasons to keep stress at bay. Such as...

* Stress can literally make your hair fall out, especially if you're inclined to play/twist/pull sections as a habit.
* These bald areas might even grow back as gray hair. Pretty.
* When your body is under stress it releases a hormone called cortisol which then increases oil production, leading to potential acne breakouts.
* Some people will pick at their nail without thinking about it, either wreaking havoc with their cuticles or damaging the growth plate of the nail. And then there's the nail-biters, again, not pretty. (Tip for nail biters: paint your nails in really bright colours, some say it helps them stop biting).
* Anxiety can cause you to lose sleep, and when you do get a bit of shut eye, you might be grinding your teeth.

Doesn't that make you want to get more omm in your life?

Happy days

I recently found the perfect birthday present for a good friend of mine - it's a 60s suitcase that was made for picnics, don't you love that idea? It has leather straps on the inside of the lid for plates and cutlery and the rest is a tough shell with leather corners and a cute blue, cream and brown pattern. It's a bit rusty and there's a few stains, but I kinda like that. Anyway, I'm not expecting her to eat her olives or toffee off of the interior.

I love to buy brooches for birthdays - they're so cute, soooo handy and you find such a great assortment these days, from carved wooden ones to laser-cut plastic or the traditional bling variety. You also can't go past a really good pen, who doesn't love swivelling a Tiffany & Co. pen in their hands as they daydream? Silk scarves are also a brilliant idea, if you know the person's style well enough. They can tie it in their hair, around their neck or on a bag, love 'em!

For guys, a super quirky or random t-shirt is the best way to say happy birthday. I love the guys at Blue Dog Posters for their t-shirts, really off-beat and fun. They'll even print ones with your own design. (The website isn't as good as the shop, you really have to venture in to appreciate it.)

For loads of inspiration, try MadeIt, Until and Tesora.

Peace out peeps

The other night I saw A Serious Man by the Coen brothers... we went to Moonlight Cinema in the park, it was such a great night for a fabulous movie. It's based on the mid-life crisis of a Jewish man, it covers some major issues but it's hilarious, beautifully shot and leaves you with lots to think about. I like that in a movie.

It opens with a quote from Rashi (a medieval French rabbi): Receive with simplicity everything that happens to you. I've actually been thinking about that quote ever since, it's quite Buddhist don't you think? It reminds me of a fable I read once where a monk is thought to have fathered a child with a single woman, so he's given the child to look after. He doesn't make a fuss either way and takes care of the child. Years later the parents of the mother discover she lied about the father and go back to the monk to retrieve the child. Again, he makes no fuss and hands the child back. In everything he does he's at peace, calm, unswayed. It doesn't mean he has no feelings, he simply knows life is infinitely better without the crazy highs and lows. To learn from this doesn't mean wiping out pure joy and sorrow, but keeping a level, grounded perspective in what happens to you is key to a more peaceful life. In short, to receive everything with simplicity...

The big lesson for me is to stop reading into things so much! OH! It is what it is. Live in the moment. All that. I'll tell you how I go peace-bean amigos...

Food worth splurging on

We all know I'm a huge fan of organic meat, fruit and vegies, but if you can't afford organic your best bet is to buy meat from a farmer's market. Ask the grower/farmer what they feed the animals, how much space they have to roam and if any pesticides, hormones or chemicals are used in any way. As for fruit and vege, I don't mind buying ones with skins from a local shop (not supermarket), but most others I buy from an organic delivery service or market. You'll find when you spend more on food you cook simpler - it brings out the best flavours of your incredible produce.

Besides the above, there are some pantry and fridge staples you simply cannot scrimp on, in my books. They are:
* extra virgin olive oil... never used for cooking, only for finishing off salads, soups, meats and vegies. Or toast. Or whatever... just don't buy a cheap one. You need a cold-pressed evo. Australia makes some brilliant evo's, if you don't like forking out for an Italian or Spanish one. And if you want to buy in bulk you'll need to be super careful with your tin, make sure it's kept in a cool, dark place and doesn't get any dust inside.
* balsamic vinegar... the cheap stuff isn't even worth buying, and the $20 bottle will last you a very long time. It's so dense and sweet and you'll only need a few drops to get the full effect.
* chocolate... this comes down to personal taste, but if you manage to rid your diet of most sugars, you'll find regular chocolate waaaay too sweet. That's because it is! Good quality dark choc is the way to go, but if it's too bitter for you then at least get the good milk stuff. And savour it in small quanities... better for your tastebuds and health.
* ice cream... I'm a huge fan, but I only indulge once a week. I buy the small pots of Serendipity and enjoy every single, tiny spoonful. It's hard to practice moderation when you've got a massive bucket of the cheapo variety, and again the sugar content (not to mention the articifial colouring and flavouring, preservatives, additives, etc) is off the scale.
* cereal... this is a tough one for me because a bowl of frosty yumminess reminds me of being a very happy child. However, for the last two years-ish I've stuck to only muesli and porridge. It's so satisfying, raw and delicious. And when you consider that anything that looks like a 'flake' on a cereal package is not a 'rolled oat/wheat/kernel' but rather a shape made in a machine from a gruel of processed grains (they lost their health properties a long time before they were poured into a box) and a mind-boggling amount of sugar, etc, it really makes you think twice about where that 'crunch' came from. Hideously bad for you processed vegetable oils? Probably. Why not make your own muesli for a week and see how much better you feel?