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Search Results for: cake

Healthy Unicorn Food

May 1, 2017 · 5 Comments

 

So the latest fad is unicorn food. But instead of all that artificial colouring, flavourings, sugar and weird stuff, you can actually make unicorn food that is healthy!

I reckon these recipes would be awesome for a kids’ party or to get the kids excited about cooking at home. Who doesn’t love a little sparkle and magic in their life?

Check out these awesome recipes to get your creative juices flowing.

PS No unicorns were harmed in the making of this unicorn food.

Healthy Unicorn Food

Unicorn Smoothy

I have to say, this smoothy using dragonfruit and spirulina looks so much more appealing than the Starbucks version.

 

Unicorn Nice-Cream

This looks amazing! The nice-cream uses whipped coconut cream and fruit but you could use frozen banana for the base as well.

 

Unicorn Cashew Coconut Dream Bars

A little more subtle but still so pretty, these vegan bars use edible flowers and blue algae powder!

 

Unicorn Yoghurt Bark

So easy to make, just add fruit to yoghurt. For your sprinkles, choose a natural brand like Hoppers to add sparkly fun without the nasty additives.

Unicorn Noodles

Despite these noodles looking like they are coloured with something fake, it’s actually just cabbage and lemon juice. Cool!

Unicorn Dip

A sweet dip for fruit, this dip is based on cream cheese and yoghurt with some healthy additions.

Unicorn Latte

Not a drop of coffee in sight, these unicorn lattes are based on cashews!

 

Unicorn Cheesecake

Using yoghurt, cream cheese and natural colourings, this cheesecake is actually quite easy to make.

 

Unicorn Donut

These gluten free, vegan donuts are baked in the oven and topped with naturally coloured whipped coconut cream. Delicious!

 

Paleo Unicorn Cake

How gorgeous is this paleo unicorn cake from The Cosmopolitan Hippy? It’s got different coloured layers and a healthier marshmallow icing.

Gluten-Free Unicorn Cake!

Lisa from Mummy Made It has this gorgeous recipe featuring vanilla cake and fruit curds with a whipped coconut icing. Yum.

 

Raw and Vegan Unicorn Cake

Look at this stunning cake!! I can’t believe it’s all natural. Find the recipe here.

 

Get Creative

Try making your own healthy unicorn food! Here are some things that can help add that magical sparkle to your creations.

Mermaids Latte (pictured above) or Beetroot Latte Powders

Hoppers Natural Food Colourings and Sprinkles
Spirulina or Chlorella Powder
Acai Berry Powder
Beetroot Powder or Kale Powder
Turmeric Latte Powder
Matcha Green Tea Powder
Edible flowers

 

Would you try any of these healthy unicorn food recipes? Or is it all too much?? 😀

 

Kitchen Warehouse Australia Kitchenware Save

Filed In: FOOD / Tagged: healthy party food, healthy unicorn food, party food, unicorn, unicorn food, unicorn food recipe, unicorn party, unicorn recipe

Chocolate Cherry Tart (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)

December 8, 2016 · 6 Comments

Chocolate Cherry Tart - gluten free, grain free, dairy free, vegan, raw

 

We don’t eat a lot of desserts or sweets but every year for Christmas Eve, I make up something special for dinner.

This year I was thinking about chocolate and cherries because, you know …… yum!

Mandy from Crio Bru Australia kindly sent me some Vega Real flavour and I turbo-chocolated this tart with it.

 

Without sounding too food-wanky, the Crio Bru gives it a whole new delicious depth of chocolatey flavour.  Vega Real is my favourite flavour but you could use any of the blends (probably not Mint or Mojito though).

What is Crio Bru? It’s ground cocoa beans that you can use in cooking or brew up to make a delicious hot or cold drink. It has loads of health benefits and the perfect substitute for coffee!

You only need a small piece of this tart – it’s rich and filling but I haven’t made it overly sweet. The best thing is you don’t even need to turn on the oven.

I really hope you enjoy it. If you make it for Christmas or any time, send me a photo!

 

Chocolate Cherry Tart

(Gluten Free, Dairy Free)

 

Vital Stats: gluten free, grain free, dairy free, vegan, raw

This is what you need:

Base:

1 cup almonds, soaked

1 tablespoon cacao

1/2 cup medjool dates

1/4 cup Crio Bru

Filling:

2 cups cashews, soaked

1 cup medjool dates

1 cup coconut cream (get one in a BPA free can)

2 tablespoons Crio Bru

1/2 cup cacao

1/2 cup coconut oil

1/2 teaspoon Himalayan salt

2 scraped vanilla pods or 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

200g fresh cherries

Garnish:

Extra Crio Bru
Extra cherries

 

This is how you do it:

Soak the almonds and cashews for a few hours or overnight. This just softens them down and makes them easier to work with and digest.

Process the base ingredients until smooth.

Press into a 20cm baking paper lined flan dish or springform pan. I use the back of a soup spoon to get it nice and smooth.

Place in the freezer until firm.

Meanwhile, infuse the coconut cream with the Crio Bru in a saucepan on a low heat for ten to fifteen minutes. Let cool completely, don’t strain. The whole lot will go into the filling.

Whizz up all the filling ingredients except the cherries. Keep going until it’s nice and smooth.

I like to test it now to check the flavour. If you like really sweet things you may need to add in a drizzle of maple syrup or if you want it really dark and chocolatey, go another tablespoon of cacao.

Pit the cherries (I got a kid to do this!! but you can buy cherry pitters)  and place cut side down on the base.

Whack in the filling and smooth the top out.

Cover and refrigerate until set.

Decorate with fresh cherries and sprinkle over some more Crio Bru. 

Store in the fridge and bring out just before serving.

You could also use frozen cherries or fresh or frozen raspberries.

 

Want some more Crio Bru recipes?

 

Choc Hazel Bliss Balls

Crio Bru Christmas Cake

Crio Mac

Double Chocolate and Berry Biscuits

Homemade Chocolate Chai Syrup

 

 


(this post is sponsored)

Filed In: FOOD / Tagged: cheesecake, cherry, chocolate, chocolate tart, christmas dessert, raw cheesecake, raw dessert, tart

Kind Every Day

August 10, 2016 · 8 Comments

kind every day

Kind Every Day

Could you be Kind Every Day for a month?

There is a lot of negativity and hurting in our world right now. I try to shield myself from it as much as I can, but stuff still filters through. Some of us find it really hard to comprehend or to know what to do about it. It can be so depressing and debilitating.

Without wanting to sound too woo, I often get what I feel are messages that just won’t leave me alone. So, I have to act upon them!! This one is just so simple but so incredibly powerful.

Be kind.

I thought it would be fun to do this project with all of you. At first I was like, yeah, let’s do this for a whole year and then my adrenals reminded me to whoaaaaa nelly. How about a month first and see how you go, yeah?

 

So, anyway, if you are up for the challenge, join me. 

 

Let’s do at least one kind thing every day for the month of September.

It can be a big thing, a little thing, in person, digital, random or not so random. It’s entirely up to you.

I will be posting every day (well I will try) on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #kindeverday and would love you to do the same.

Also join us on the Kind Everyday Facebook Event page here.

I am going to share resources, inspiring quotes and have random giveaways and fun stuff happening too.

You don’t have to take a photo of everything you do (use my photo up there if you like or any photo) but just a quick sentence or so about what you did with the hashtag. If you would like your kind acts to be more private, you can join us in the secret Facebook Natural New Age Mum Group and share there! (email me sonia@naturalnewagemum.com to join)

 

Sound good??

 

The purpose is definitely not to show off (I was worried it might come across like that!!) but to share your ideas of kindness, spread happiness and positivity and create a ripple effect in your community.

I also believe that when you think about other people and how you can show kindness, it gets you out of your own head, away from your own problems. But, this project is not limited to being kind to other people. It’s also so important to be kind to yourself, so that totally counts! Maybe you want to do two acts of kindness every day – one for yourself and one for someone else.

Of course, we are not limited to September, feel free to be kind all the time! Keep using the hashtag as much as you want.

 

 

Okay, so what about some inspiration?? 

 

Here are some things you might like to do. Feel free to add to my list in the comments!

 

♥ Pay someone a compliment.

♥ Offer to collect your neighbour’s mail when they go on holidays.

♥ Leave a note on someone’s car or desk saying “you are beautiful”

♥ Love Bomb! Send someone a message on Facebook or write them a letter telling them all the things you admire and love about them.

♥ Pay for the coffee of the person behind you at the cafe.

♥ Make up some envelopes of cash and tuck them randomly into people’s bags at the shops.

♥ Offer to do some cleaning or ironing for a tired new mum.

♥ Give your partner a back massage.

♥ If you have kids, write them a love note for their lunchbox.

♥ Bake a cake and take it in for the teachers at your child’s school.

♥ Give someone a massive smile.

♥ When you are getting out a trolley at the supermarket, pass one to the person behind you.

♥ Check in with someone you know is going through a hard time. Shoot them a text with a message of support.

♥ Hop online and see if you can volunteer in your local area.

♥ Help a mum or an elderly person struggling with their groceries.

♥ If someone lets you into the traffic, give them a friendly wave.

♥ Show appreciation for people. Whether it’s someone on the phone who has helped you sort out a bill or a friendly sales assistant or the lolly pop lady. Let them know they are doing a great job.

♥ Drop some cans of dog and cat food in at your local animal rescue shelter.

♥ Offer to drive someone to the airport.

♥ Create a love bomb book! Get crafty and decorate and write a book listing the reasons you love someone.

♥ Make someone a cup of tea or coffee.

♥ Tuck in tags! I always do this. You know when someone is wandering around with their tags out of their shirt? I always tuck it back in and say something funny.

♥ Give away things you don’t need to help someone else in need.

♥ Support your friends’ businesses and projects by buying and spreading the word.

♥ Fill up the parking meter before you leave it.

♥ Someone new to town, work or your school? Invite them for a cuppa.

♥ Take the neighbour’s bin in for them when you do your own.

♥ Share your books once you have finished with them.

♥ Volunteer to do a shift at the school tuckshop or your local charity store.

♥ Buy some sanitary items for the homeless. Check out the Period Project.

♥ Invite a friend over for a meal.

♥ Leave a good review for a business you love.

♥ Buy gifts from a small business or market stall.

♥ Send a little card or gift to someone you love who needs cheering up.

♥ When someone helps you, thank them and let them now how useful it was.

♥ Snip some herbs and take them over to the neighbours.

♥ Buy your dog a really big bone!

♥ Visit an aged-care facilities with some old magazines or books and stop for a chat.

♥ Help someone jump start their car.

♥ Become a mentor for someone and share your knowledge.

♥ Take your kids out on dates (separately) and do something fun.

♥ Sponsor a child in need, either overseas or at home.

♥ If someone is unwell or has a new baby, ask if you can pick up some groceries on your way over.

♥ Offer the handyman or gardener a cup of tea or a cold glass of water.

♥ Send someone a funny joke or photo.

♥ Give blood or become an organ donor.

♥ Write a lovely note and leave it in your library book for the next reader to find.

♥ Babysit for someone so they can have a date night.

♥ Shout your friend lunch, just because.

♥ Let people go ahead of you at the supermarket if they only have a few items.

♥ Give out lots of hugs.

 

I can’t wait to see what you all get up to in September. Remember to use the hashtag #kindeveryday 

 

 

 

Filed In: SELF / Tagged: acts of kindness, compassion, humanity, kindess, random acts of kindness

The Big List of Healthier Fundraisers

August 4, 2016 · 11 Comments

The Big List of Healthier Fundraisers

The Big List of Healthier Fundraisers

If you have school children you might be like me and dread those chocolate boxes coming home!

Chocolate, cakes, slices, pies, lamingtons, more chocolate.

Hands up. Who ends up eating copious amounts of crap food because you feel obliged?

Yep. Annoying. I usually just donate money and say – don’t give me the goods!

When Australia is in the grip of an obesity crisis and schools are slowly implementing healthy food policies, it seems archaic that these fundraisers are still around.

I think it’s also confusing for kids and sends mixed messages – you can’t buy chocolate in the tuckshop or bring it to school but you can take home a box and sell it!

You can imagine my horror when my daughter came home from school once with a huge box of chocolates and then left them in the car at soccer practice in 30 plus degree weather.

The chocolates weren’t they only thing having a melt down!

I couldn’t send them back now, so between her and her brother the chocolates were frozen and consumed and paid for. Yikes!

However, there are some better fundraisers around.  I have researched and asked mums for their tips and here it is.

I have tried to feature healthy, organic, sustainable, ethical or eco-friendly fundraisers (hey, this is the Natural New Age Mum website after all!)

I have also featured fundraisers that are available Australia wide instead of being limited by geography. You might also be able to find some awesome local companies that supply fresh fruit boxes or mango trays in your local area that will participate in a fundraiser.

So, here is The Big List of Healthier Fundraisers!

 

Eco Fundraiser

♥ Zero Waste Fundraising

Biome Eco Stores have two fund-raising options – a zero waste box or online shopping where your school can earn 5% of online sales with a special code.

Find out more here.

 

Healthy Fundraiser

♥ Lunchbox Recipe Book

My gorgeous friends Anita and Micheline have written this fabulous cook book, Sandwich Free, Packet Free Lunchboxes. It’s full of easy, tasty recipes and ideas for a healthy lunchbox. Earn up to $10 per book and get FREE shipping.

Find out more here.

 

soap

♥ Eco Store Soaps

The Eco Store have a fabulous fundraising program featuring their natural soaps! Get a box of two types of soap and get back $1 per bar!

Find out more.

 

4my

♥ 4 My Earth

Julia at 4 My Earth has a range of reusable wraps, food covers, food pockets and more that you can encourage your school to be litter free and raise money.

Head here to enquire.

 

fundraiser

♥ Chooktopia

Fundraise with compost bins and worm farms! Legendary.

Find out more.

 

toys

♥ Educational Toys

Educational Experience Fundraising specialize in fundraising and have a huge range of good quality, educational toys and games.

Check out the website.

 

 

gingerbread-fundraising-large
♥ Gingerbread Folk

Yummy Aussie made gingerbread that has no artificial stuff. The kids will love it. The gingerbread houses sell really well at Christmas time.

Check out more info at the website.

 

smencils

♥ Smencils

Eco-friendly pens, pencils and coloured pencils. All packed and ready to go in tubs of 50, Smencils are made from recycled materials and are non-toxic.

Find out more.

 

soap

 

♥ Fair Trade Soap Nuts

The Fair Trade Fundrasing website has a few products you can raise funds with, but I love the soap nuts!

Find out more.

 

foost

♥ Foost

Awesome kid friendly products like apple slinky machines, smoothie bike and kid safe knives.

Find out more here.

 

♥ Life Cykel Boxes

The Life Cykel boxes offer a sustainable and educational fundraiser. You can choose from two grow your own boxes – mushroom or microgreens. Find out more here.

Sinchies Fundraising

♥ Sinchies

Sinchies are reusable pouches that save you money and save the environment! Make healthy whole food at home and pop it into a pouch. No more expensive and wasteful packaged snacks.

Check it out here.

 

 

StickyBeaks Fundraiser

 

♥ Stickybeaks

Stickybeaks have a range of products including reusable lunch ordering sacks for the tuckshop. You can make up to 77% profit!

Find out more here.

 

♥ Munchbox

Munchbox Australia have a great fundraising program where your school or group gets a commission on every lunchbox sold, plus free gifts! These lunch boxes are leaf-proof and Aussie made.

Find out more here.

 

What has your school done for fundraisers?

How do you convince people to choose an healthier option? I would love to know your thoughts.

If you have a healthy fundraiser or know of one that I haven’t listed, please email details to me: sonia (at) naturalnewagemum.com so I can add it to the list!

I hope you find The Big List of Healthier Fundraisers useful. Let me know!

 

 

Filed In: FAMILY / Tagged: eco, fundraise, fundraiser, fundraising, group fundraiser, healthy, heathy fundraiser, school fundraiser, sport fundraiser

Love List July 16

July 29, 2016 · 4 Comments

 

 

Love List July 16

 

My monthly love list is back!

I know I haven’t been writing as much as usual. It’s all part of the healing process, slowing down and spending more time with my family. I have had loads of ideas though, so once I am feeling more on top of this adrenal fatigue that keeps hanging around, I will be writing a little more regularly. I hope you have all been keeping warm and well.
Here is what I have been loving this month.

 

 

whole food from the ground up

♥ Wholefood from the Ground Up

I was lucky enough to meet the whole food goddess herself, Jude Blereau recently. Her new book is an absolute cracker with lots of wisdom around eating whole food and of course some amazing recipes. The olive oil, lemon and rosemary cake is utterly divine.

Get it here.

 

broth2

♥ Bone Broth

The awesome people at Nutra Organics just keep bringing out really good things! Their latest is beef broth powders. Now you all know I love my broth but I tend to stick with chicken as beef is a bit smelly to cook. Well, you don’t have to worry with these dehydrated versions!

Just add to some hot water to make a cup of broth or use to sprinkle in your cooking. It will boost the nutrition and give you a fabulous flavour without all the nasties in stock cube powders. The broth is made from certified organic, grass fed bones and gently dried to preserve nutrients.

Get them here.

 

Earthing sheet

♥ Earthing Sheet

So a few months ago, my hubby read the Earthing book (pictured) and promptly went and ordered an earthing sheet kit from the lovely Laura at Earthing Oz. We have previously ordered some radiation protection devices from her and love them.

I wasn’t all that keen on spending money on something I wasn’t too sure about it but he was adamant it would improve my health! Well okay hubby you were right. I love my earthing sheet!

It feels exactly like a normal fitted sheet except this one has earthing properties. You plug it into the wall, switched off to connect to the earth. I haven’t told you much about it yet because I wanted to trial it for a while. I have been sleeping a lot more deeply and restfully and I really noticed when I went away for a week and didn’t take my sheet (lesson learned) that there was a noticeable difference.

One of my readers also got herself a set and she reported back good results also! I think earthing in any form is so beneficial. I am going to write more about this on the website soon, so keep an eye out.

If you want to check out the sheets, go here.

 

Aroma Bloom diffuser

♥ Aromatherapy Oil Diffuser

So spoilt! I won this amazing Lively Living diffuser on Facebook the other week and I am officially in love. I do have five diffusers of various types already (what can I say, I am an addict that likes oils in every room!) However, I must say this surpasses them all in terms of quality and appearance. My absolute favourite.

It’s an ultrasonic cold diffuser. The ultrasonic technology utilises high frequency vibrations to atomize the liquid, meaning there is no need for heat source. Each micro sized droplet is coated with a fine layer of the essential oil. This cool mist becomes a vapour which spreads evenly throughout the room, and is easily inhaled and absorbed.
Find out more here.

 

 

Pathfinder Wolves

♥ Pathfinder Wolves Pendants

So beautiful! These gorgeous pendants are the soulful creation of Melbourne-based sisters LJ & Anna from Love is Your Compass. They are a range of hand carved wolf talismans, each with a different name and purpose, infused with reiki and love.

“We wanted to create wearable sacred tools which would energetically support the wearer to explore their inner world.”

Find out more.

 

 

Filed In: SELF / Tagged: bone broth, cookbook, love list, pathfinder wolves, recipe book, spiritual jewellery, whole food

Your complete guide to a healthy Easter

March 16, 2016 · 8 Comments

 

Your complete guide to a healthy Easter

 

Easter is early this year! 

One thing I have noticed you all chatting about is how overwhelming all the chocolate is at Easter time. Well-meaning friends and family love to spoil our kids and it can all get a little crazy. It’s worthwhile establishing some boundaries around this if you feel uncomfortable. One of our gorgeous mums made a cute graphic saying ‘thank you but no gifts for Easter’ and shared it amongst her family and friends. Great idea!

 

There is also a huge amount of horrible chocolate out there – full of nasty additives, palm oil and fillers and produced in an unethical way. My thoughts are always quality over quantity! Get some really good, quality chocolate and just have a little amount. The same goes for hot cross buns – make them yourself with high quality ingredients and you will be less inclined to eat dozens of yucky supermarket ones.

 

Here are my top picks for Easter this year…..

 

 

healthyeasterchocs

 

♥ Healthier Chocolate

If you are after healthier or allergy friendly Easter Eggs and chocolate, check out the range at Biome.

I always recommend you look out for chocolate that is fair trade and free of palm oil. Unfortunately, chocolate production comes with issues such as deforestation, environmental pollution, child slave labour and unethical payment of workers. It pays to know where your chocolate is coming from and how it is produced.

 

 

Cute Ideas for Easter Baskets

 

♥ Cute Ideas for Easter Baskets

♥ I love the chocolate gingerbread bunny biscuits from Gingerbread Folk. They are individually wrapped so perfect for the Easter Egg Hunt too.

♥ Add in a cute bunny toothbrush to help get rid of all that sugar off the teeth! Find them here.

♥ I always used to include a book at Easter time when my kids were small! Check out the beautiful selection of Easter themed books here.

Homemade Easter Treats

 

Homemade Chocolate, Buns and Bums.

 

♥ Special Easter Baking Pack. Cyndi at Changing Habits has put together an Easter baking pack filled with organic, whole foods that you can use to create your own healthy Easter Treats. She has also thrown in some freebies!! Woohoo. Check it out here.

♥ The BEST healthy hot cross bun recipes to suit any diet can be found here.

♥ Dairy Free Chocolate Cream Easter Eggs from Lisa at Happy Tummies.

♥ Paleo Creme Eggs from Hold the Grain.

♥ Bunny Butt Pancakes from Edible Life in YYC. Use a healthy pancake recipe like one of these.

♥ Sugar Free Easter Chocolates from Becomingness.

I would love to know what ideas and recipes you have lined up for a healthy Easter! Share with us! 

 

Filed In: FAMILY, HOME / Tagged: additive free, allergy friendly, easter, Easter gifts, ethical, fair trade, gifts, healthy chocolate, healthy easter, healthy Easter eggs

Tips for using up food scraps that you may not have thought of!

February 29, 2016 · 12 Comments

Tips for Using up Food Scraps that you may not have thought of. Zero Food Waste in the kitchen

Tips for using up food scraps

(that you may not have thought of!)

 

7.6 million tonnes of food is wasted or lost in Australia every year! Those statistics are frightening. 

Not only is this tough on the household budget, it’s tough on the environment. Making use of everything we have and avoiding throwing things away is a great habit to get into.

There are some pretty obvious tips on reducing food wastage like using your bones and veg scraps for bone broth, freezing bread crusts for bread crumbs, feeding dogs and chooks and composting.

But, I have a few tips for you that you may not have thought of yet.

 

♥ Leftover tea and coffee

If you make a pot of tea and coffee in the morning and it doesn’t all get consumed, you can make sure you use it in some other way! What I like to do initially is pour myself one cup and then put the rest in a thermos to keep hot and fresh until I am ready for another cup.

Any tea or coffee can also be refrigerated straight away (don’t leave it brewing as it will go nasty and bitter) for use in iced tea and coffee later on. Iced chai latte with milk is simply divine!

Cold tea bags are also fabulous for treating under eye puffiness.

 

♥ Leftover citrus

Never, ever, ever throw out your citrus peels/halves again. You can turn them into a gorgeous, fragrant and totally non-toxic cleaning spray. They are also fabulous for cleaning around the house – everything from freshening the dishwasher to cleaning chrome in the shower. Read this post for some inspiration. You can also use them to lighten the dark skin on your elbows, dry out the peel and use in cooking or add to some olive oil to make lemon flavoured oil for cooking.

 

♥ Smears in jars

You know those leftover bits clinging to the inside of the jar? Peanut butter, sauce, jam, honey, oil, kombucha juice?

Here is what you can do:

Turn them into a salad dressing, milkshake or marinade straight in the jar …… shake and eat!

Got passata or sauce that’s got a tiny bit left? Add a touch of boiling water (glass only) and shake and then use.

 

♥ Coffee grounds

There are so many things you can use leftover coffee grounds for! My favourite is to add some coconut oil and make a delicious body scrub. Cheap, easy and so effective. Now I am also wanting to make a coffee candle. Awesome!

 

♥ Egg shells

These are rich in calcium and other minerals and can make a fabulous garden fertiliser – simply crush and sprinkle. You can also use them to make homemade chalk. What a great project to do with the kids. Empty egg shells are also great seed starters.

 

♥ Banana Peels

The inside of a banana peel makes an awesome shoe shine, teeth whitener or wart remover. Add them to a jar of water and leave for a day to make an awesome homemade plant fertiliser!

 

♥ Pawpaw skins

These make great exfoliators due to the enzyme, papain. Simply rub it all over your face, wait a while and rinse off! Avocado skins also are great for a nourishing face mask.

 

♥ Meat fat
Our grandparents never threw away meat fat! It was always carefully strained and re-used in cooking. Roast potatoes in meat fat is simply divine and the nutrients are so good for you. Try it!

 

♥ Potato Skins

Puree up these babies and use them as a hair treatment. Leave in for 15 minutes and then wash out for strong, healthy hair. You can also toss them in oil and salt and pepper and whazz in the air fryer or oven until super crispy for potato peel chips! Yummo.

 

♥ Vanilla Pods

I am lucky enough to have loads of vanilla pods from bulk buying. After using them in a recipe, I save them in a jar and re-use them by infusing in milk to make a drink or custard, adding to a pot of tea to make a vanilla flavoured tea, adding to a jar of rapadura sugar to make vanilla sugar. Heavenly.

 

♥ Broccoli Stalks

So many people throw these out but they are fabulous sliced thinly in a stir fry, grated into bolognese or frozen to use in soup. Don’t throw away precious nutrients!

 

♥ Cauliflower Leaves

Did you know that you can eat these? Roast with some olive oil or use them in this vegetable dish.

 

♥ Apple Peels and Cores

These can be made into your own homemade apple cider vinegar. This is so much cheaper than buying ACV!

 

♥ Pineapple Skins

You can make a yummy fermented pineapple drink with the skins or boil them up with coconut sugar to make cordial.

 

♥ Watermelon Rinds

You can make these into fermented pickles. Love it.

 

♥ Carrot Tops

My friend Mich makes an amazing pesto with the green carrot tops! How cool. Get the recipe here.

 

♥ Cracker Crumbs

I make homemade seed crackers and there is usually some crumbs left at the bottom of the jar. They are so good sprinkled on salads or soup!

 

♥ Repurpose Cooking Fails

Let’s face it, this happens at times and it’s heartbreaking to waste all those expensive ingredients (not to mention your time and energy!) Get creative about how to turn them into something else. Some ideas:

  • turn failed cake into trifle, cake balls, pudding or just add a heap of icing to cover!
  • turn failed bread into breadcrumbs in a food processor
  • if you have made something too salty, throw in a raw potato to mop up the excess
  • split mayo can be rescued by remaking and using the split mixture instead of oil
  • overbeaten egg whites can be fixed by adding an extra egg white for every two
  • add overcooked rice or pasta to meatballs or meatloaf

 

I would love to hear your tips on what you use food scraps for – inspire us!

 

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A post shared by Natural New Age Mum 💟 Sonia (@natnewagemum)

 

 

Filed In: FOOD, HOME / Tagged: eco-friendly, food scraps, food wastage, reduce food wastage, reuse, war on waste, wastage

Love List ~ Oct 15

October 29, 2015 · 23 Comments

 

October – it’s well and truly lovely Spring weather now! One of my favourite months of the year.  Here are the things I have been digging this month:

 

 

Natural Pigmentation Oil

♥ Natural Pigmentation Oil

I have really bad dark under eye circles, like really bad. I know it’s mostly a genetic thing and it’s something I’ve always had. I have been using the new Natural Pigmentation Oil that The Jojoba Company sent me, for about two weeks. I was loving it anyway – my skin just drinks up jojoba oil and it has a really pleasant, slightly citrus smell.

Then the other day I was looking in the mirror and wondered what was different. It took me a while to realize that the darkness under my eyes had lightened! Holy moly, I didn’t expect that! Isn’t it amazing what Mother Nature can do – we don’t need toxic, expensive cosmetics to get results!!

So, then I was fascinated to see what was actually in this (apart from the beautiful jojoba oil base). TJC have formulated this oil to specifically target pigmentation, age spots, freckles and uneven skin tone. It contains rumex, carrot oil, absynian oil, burriti oil, vitamin c and vitamin e. I don’t know what most of those are, but they are magic! I don’t like to wear a lot of make up so this is great for giving me a smoother and softer look.

You can get it online straight from The Jojoba Company here or take a look in your local pharmacy or health food store.

 

Happy Go Paleo

♥ Happy Go Paleo 

I love Irena’s eating philosophy – mostly paleo but with a relaxed approach! So in this recipe book you will see some rice, buckwheat, quinoa and a little smattering of cheese and yoghurt. All the recipes are gluten free and refined sugar free though.  Beautifully styled and so much yumminess, this one is fast becoming a favourite in my house!

And yes, I can always use another (healthy) cookbook to add to my collection!  Get it here.

 

15-second-hand-items-that-make-great-gifts

♥ Pre-loved gift ideas.

Melissa from Frugal and Thriving wrote this great article with 15 second-hand items that make great gifts. I know a few of my friends that love a good op shop find as a gift! You could decide to do a ‘buy nothing new Christmas’ if you wanted to really get into the spirit of sustainability.

Read the article here.

 

Pear and Cardamom Cake

♥ Pear and Cardamom Cake.

I don’t actually cook loads of cakes and treats but when I have someone coming over for dinner, I do like to make something yummy but still healthy for dessert. Well, I have had Brenda Janschek’s Cardamom Cake on my to-make list for a few weeks so I thought I would try it out.

I had to make it dairy free for my friend so I used coconut oil and coconut milk instead of butter and milk. I also added some thinly sliced pear to the top (as I had one that needed using up) and I didn’t use the cloves (because I hate them!) It was soooo divine. The texture is so light and fluffy and the spices mingled beautifully with the pear. It’s also super easy to make. Thanks Bren, it’s a winner.

Get the recipe here.

 

Glasslock-Oven-Safe-9pc_large

♥ Glass Lock Food Storage

Hubby asked me what I wanted for Christmas this year (he’s a gem isn’t he?). Is it a bit nerdy that I thought of this Glass Lock set??? I have been using Pyrex glass containers but the lids end up warping after a while and they are not leak-proof or air-tight.

I have heard a few people say how good these are so I am keen to try it out. I love the little locks on the side to seal it up, that the lid is BPA free and you can use them in the oven as well. I do this a lot – bake something and then the leftovers go in the fridge with the lid on – easy.

Andddd hubby if you are reading, they are on sale right now!! If you want to check them out, go here.

 

149

♥ Upcycled Jumper Dog Bed

I love this idea! So easy to make a little bed for your dog or cat. Just use an old jumper or go and find a funky one at the op shop, a little bit of stitching, filling and you are done!

Details here.

 

FREE eBOOK! Have you got your copy of my new eBook, How to Eat Healthy Wholefood on a Budget? Sign up to my monthly newsletter here and it’s all yours!

 

 

Okay that’s my monthly round up of awesomeness. What have you been loving?

 

 

Filed In: SELF / Tagged: cardamom cake, glass lock, jojoba oil, Oxfam, pear, pre-loved, second hand

5 Health Benefits of Cinnamon

October 26, 2015 · 5 Comments

5 Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a beautiful spice – it’s heady aroma is a favourite in all sorts of cooking and it’s been used in ayuverdic medicine for years.

It’s my favourite spice and I add it to lots of my daily food. The natural sweetness that cinnamon brings to dishes can help you reduce the sugar content of food as well.

Did you know that it also has a lot of health benefits? Here are 5 reasons to include cinnamon in your diet.

 

1. It’s high in antioxidants. Cinnamon contains high levels of polyphenols which help protect the body from aging and diseases caused by free radicals and oxidation.

 

2. It lowers blood sugar. Cinnamon works by helping with lowering blood sugar and helping insulin resistance.

 

3. It’s anti-microbial. The oil in cinnamon helps inhibit the growth of pathogens.

 

4. It’s anti-inflammatory. This means that it helps fight inflammation in the body and prevent disease.

 

5. It may help neurological disorders. Problems  like Parkinsons and Alzehimers can be improved and prevented with cinnamon.

 

Want to read more of the science? Check out this pub-med article.

 

Cinnamon_comparison_web

 

What about the quality?

So, we know cinnamon is awesome, but it’s really important you get use a good quality, true cinnamon to get the best benefits. There are two types of cinnamon – Ceylon and Cassia. Cinnamon Cassia is the one most commonly found in the supermarket. It contains a higher level of coumarin, a naturally occurring compound that can cause liver damage in high levels. For the best health benefits, source a Ceylon Cinnamon (or true cinnamon).

Did you know that supermarket cinnamon undergo radiation before selling? It’s a process to kill bacteria and increase the shelf life of food. Unfortunately, it can also damage the nutrients as well.

Some cinnamon can contain additives and fillers and it’s source can be questionable in regards to growing conditions, pesticides and ethics of the workers.

You all know I am a huge fan of Cyndi O’Meara from Changing Habits and I am an affiliate partner. Well I was pretty excited when she announced at her seminar that she was bringing out an organic Ceylon Cinnamon to her range. As usual, she has researched tirelessly to stock a quality product – she often says that her motives are somewhat selfish in that she wants the quality products to stock her own pantry and feed her family!!

The Changing Habits Organic Ceylon Cinnamon is sourced from Sri Lanka. It’s organically grown and non-irradiated without any fillers, additives or preservatives. It’s also naturally sun-dried and freshly ground and packed immediately to maintain the natural oils. It’s beautiful – the flavour is intense and the it smells amazing! You can read more about it and buy online here.

 

How do you add it to your diet? Here are some ideas for you:

 

♥ Add a dash to your morning porridge, muesli or bircher muesli. When I make my home-made muesli, I add several tablespoons of cinnamon.

 

♥ Add to your smoothies! It works well with any flavours, but particularly good in this banana protein smoothie.

 

♥ Add it to your bliss balls!

 

♥ Add it to cakes and biscuits. My Fig, Cinnamon and Pecan Biccies are delish!

 

♥ Chai has many gorgeous spices, but cinnamon is a huge part of the flavour. Try my Choc Chai Syrup. 

 

♥ Cinnamon also works well in savoury dishes. Add to curries, sprinkle on roast pumpkin, use it to put a yummy crust on meat!

 

♥ For daily benefits, you can just add it to your cup of tea, coffee or cocoa. Sometimes I just like it with a warm milk and a dash of vanilla paste. Mmm!

 

Don’t be afraid to be liberal with it – it’s not an overpowering spice. What is your favourite way to use cinammon? 

 

 

Changing Habits Ceylon Cinnamon

Filed In: FOOD, HEALTH / Tagged: cassia cinnamon, ceylon cinnamon, cinnamon, cinnamon benefits, health benefits of cinnamon, properties of cinnamon

6 Recipes for Make Ahead Healthy Breakfasts

October 22, 2015 · 5 Comments

 

We all have those days. 

You’ve slept through the alarm (or forgotten to turn it on), a child has to be at school at an ungodly hour for some sort of rehearsal or training or you just are so darn tired you can’t be stuffed.

Well you can still have a real food breakfast ready for the whole family. It just takes a little forward planning. Have a few options in the freezer or get busy the night before and you are set!

I have six ideas for you that can be done in advance and eaten on the run, in the car or when you get to work or school. No need for drive-through Maccas (although nobody will judge you if you do!)

 

 

Well Nourished

 

6 Recipes for Make Ahead Healthy Breakfasts:

 

1.   Bircher Muesli

So yum and seriously so easy. It’s like the summer version of porridge.

All you do is throw 2 cups of organic rolled oats into a container with 1 cup of the milk of your choice and 1 cup of yoghurt. You can add whatever flavourings you like – cinnamon, dried fruit, frozen blueberries, honey. Throw it in the fridge and eat the next day.

I always add seeds and nuts just before serving as I have found soaking them overnight can leave your bircher bitter. Also fresh fruit like apple and banana is usually best added the next day too. If it’s a bit too sticky, just add more milk until it gets to the texture you like.

If you want to eat on the run, make individual serves in glass jars. It will last three days in the fridge. We often eat it for snacks or for lunch too!  PS you will quite often see bircher muesli also called overnight oats!

 

2.   Chia Pudding

Chia puddings are similar to bircher muesli but perfect if you are gluten-free or paleo and can’t have oats!

A basic chia porridge or pudding is so simple to make – just add liquid (I prefer coconut milk) to chia seeds until they are covered and a bit over and leave to thicken (40 mins at least or overnight). Add lots of yummy things. One of our favourite versions is organic coconut milk and Nutraorganics Acai-Berry superfood powder, topped with bananas and blueberries. You can also add nuts, other seeds and a good slurp of coconut oil.

Store in a covered container overnight or in individual containers or jars.

 

3.   Blueberry Breakfast Slice

Seriously, the best thing since sliced bread (well in our house, anyway!) With no added sugar or weird stuff – this is like porridge and fruit in a slice. The eggs and chia seeds add extra protein to keep you full.

We make up a huge batch and freeze in portions or store in the fridge for three days. Either grab a piece out for brekky and wait a little for it to defrost or take out a couple the night before. It’s delicious warm with yoghurt on top.

Find the recipe here.

 

 4.   Egg Thingys

These yummy little egg muffins are so easy to make and they freeze well. Stock up your freezer so you can pull them out for a quick brekky.  They are also a great way to use up leftover veges or meat and they taste so good, even the fussiest kids will be tempted by an eggy cupcake! You can eat them hot or cold.

Find the recipe here.

 

5.   Breakfast Biscuit

These biccies are particularly great for brekky because there is no added sugar – just banana and oats! However if you want to make them a bit more filling for breakfast you can add in any extra protein you like – seeds, nuts or even some protein powder or nut butter.

Toddlers love this for brekky – perfect finger food for them to nibble on in the car as you head out for the day. Find the recipe here.

 

6.   Tania Bread

Tania Bread is our nickname for Tania Hubbard’s amazing Almond and Chia Bread. We have it made up and frozen in slices. It’s so easy to grab a slice in the morning, smoosh on some avo and fling on some tomato slices or throw on some peanut butter and banana.

If you have more time, you might like to toast the bread! It’s full of almond meal and chia for protein and I always add lots of seeds so it’s a very filling brekky. .

 

Want more?
Check out my bumper list of Healthy Breakfast Ideas.

 

Do you have any make ahead brekky ideas? Share with us!

 

Well Nourished

Filed In: FOOD / Tagged: bircher muesli, breakfast, breakfast on the go, breakfast slice, chia porridge, chia pudding, dairy-free, egg muffin, eggs, gluten-free, grain free, make ahead breakfast, paleo, quick breakfast, vegetarian

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