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I’ve been experimenting a bit with smoothies lately, which is loads of fun! Tonight I came across one that is incredible and that I think I’ll stick with for quite some time.

My naturopath recently told me that eating more protein rich foods is excellent for the skin and that consuming more avocados and quinoa (along with some other dietary swaps) will go a long way in clearing up some of the stubborn blemishes that just wont seem to leave me alone!

But how to get more avos in the diet? Answer: SMOOTHIES!

While it may sound ridiculous to the uninitiated, and even I of spinach smoothie raving background was sceptical, the creaminess and mild taste that avocados are famous for go exceptionally well in smoothies.

Here’s my current favourite recipe, if you have one please share it with me!

Avocado, Apple & Berry Smoothie

1.5 x cups of water
1/4-1/2 x avocado
1 x small apple
1 x cup of frozen berries (I used mixed)
1 x tsp of flaxseed oil
1/2 x tsp Super Sprout 100% Strawberry Powder (I was sent this for review, so am currently trying it in all sorts of ways!)

Blend on high for about a minute, or until everything has been processed.

The result is a gorgeously creamy, healthy and delicious smoothie. I just got to the bottom of my cup and am peering sadly into it wishing for more!

It is quite filling on account of the good fats in the avocado and flaxseed oil, so would be perfect for an energising breakfast or post-workout recovery drink.

Love to hear your thoughts!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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While in Melbourne recently I attended the Mind Body Spirit Expo and was soon negotiating my way round the usual maze of crystals, lotions and psychics. About half way through, just as my feet were threatening divorce from my body, I stumbled across a stand for the Farmers Market at the Melbourne Showground. Okay, I’ll admit the initial attraction had nothing to do with the fresh produce, impressive though it was, no my attraction was the small group of empty plastic chairs in front of the display.

Slumping into the end seat, I closed my eyes and was only vaguely aware of the demonstration taking place. But then I heard the phrase, ‘Fruitballs’ and visions of old Carry on Camping movies morphed with the South Park chef in my brain. Opening my eyes I saw a reasonably sane middle aged woman in a deep state of rapture about her vegan fruity balls. Health treats, hmmm, I wasn’t convinced. More like sawdust balls I thought, as I watched her roll the mixture into shape, place them on a tasting tray and send the tray off into the audience.

With only six of us in the audience and thirty balls on the plate there was nowhere to hide. So when the tray came round I reluctantly popped a fruity ball into my mouth. It was delicious and the perfect sweet injection to help me continue round the rest of the show. I thought I’d bring the recipe home to WA. It’s only fair if the other states take our sporting events, I’ll take their fruity balls.

♥ ½ cup of walnuts
♥ ½ cup of dates
♥ ½ cup of seeds (pumpkin, sunflower or mixed)
♥ 2 tablespoons of carob powder or cocoa powder
♥ 2 tablespoons of honey (or vegan alternative, eg. agave)
♥ Shredded coconut

Raisins can be substituted for the dates, but not sultanas as they are too small. I thought I’d add in some dried apricots. Place all the ingredients in a food processor and whizz it up until it is a good texture, i.e. a crummy, sticky mixture that holds together. Take bites size pieces and roll them in the palm of your hand into a ball. Then roll and push the coconut onto the ball. The big challenge is to stop at one. Enjoy the guilt-free sweetness.

Review by Glennys Marsdon – author, blogger, consumer behaviourist who’s spent a lifetime researching why we do what we do, but still hasn’t worked out Hollywood tap.

Be well,

xoxo

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A Sunday must!

There’s something I do almost every Sunday morning that makes my heart sing and puts a spring in my step. I visit the amazing Growers Green Community Market at South Fremantle Senior High School and my week ahead is always better for it.

Here everyone is invited, all ages and their dogs are welcomed with open arms! While freshly face painted children climb the trees or dance to the band and the dogs wag their tails at each other, you will be amazed at what you can find.

My first stop was Miss Bolly’s Adventures in Spice where you can slurp on chai, fresh lemonade or a spicy ginger and lime soda. Next as I wandered past the delightful selection of breads and pastries I tried a scrumptious garlic prawn from Fremantle Market Seafood.

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Next I stumbled upon Kara Orchard from Karagullen that thanks to its huge selection of fruit and veg, always does a roaring trade. Then on to ‘RAW Juice’ where Rene will happily let you taste test. Whilst the juice with kale and lemon didn’t tickle my tastebuds the organic ‘Tiger’ with carrot, ginger and cinnamon did, so too the watermelon, strawberry and apple. Mmmmmmm!

However if you just want a cuppa then help yourself to a communal coffee cup and just wash it up when you are finished, this really sums up the vibe of the market.

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There are foods from almost every corner of the world. Mother and daughter team Anna & Iliana hand make Salvadorian Pupases with cheese and red kidney beans, or tamales with chicken, potato and olives wrapped in a banana leaf – exotic! Elsewhere there are Portuguese Empada’s and Tucha, Turkish & Greek delights, crepes and so very much more. One of my new favourites is from ‘Heritage Hogs’ in Brookton who serve free range pork and goat burgers with homemade tomato salsa or apple and ginger sauce – delicious!

P&G Burger.

Also, totally inspired, I purchased 5 plants for $15 from ‘Herbs are Us’. Now my garden is stocked with kale, lemongrass, thyme, oregano and basil and all the advice I needed.

Thank you Growers Green Farmers Market you really are the highlight of my week that is why I keep coming back again and again I think readers should too!

Growers Green Community Market
South Fremantle High School, Lefroy rd, South Fremantle.

Winter opening hours 8:30am – 12:30pm. Big market first Sunday of every month, regular market for the rest of the month.

Review by Kristy Mollica freelance TV and radio presenter, lover of girl power, farmers markets & things that are so totally not beige!

Be well,

xoxo

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A day at a day spa… the scene was set with a perfect, blue-skied, almost winter day with a latte, Johnny Cash bellowing poetry on the speakers and my GPS pointing me in the wrong direction.

When heading out to the dreamy wonderland of Brookleigh – don’t trust your Sat Nav, people! Fortunately, I knew Brookleigh was next to Belvoir Amphitheatre and a lot closer than the GPS suggested. And it’s a problem the owners of Brookleigh have dealt with a lot, so get your directions clear before you hit the road unless you want a 45-minute detour.

So, back to the blue skies, latte and Johnny Cash… I arrived feeling pretty peaced-out and ready to relax. I met the wellness consultant and personal trainer, Rachel and owner Nikki on arrival and was impressed by how healthy they both looked. Both had glowing skin, very fit bodies and huge smiles… these were happy people and I was ready to discover the secret to their sunshine.

A Brookleigh horse

My day began with a personal training session with Rachel. We jogged past the beautiful horse stables (Brookleigh started out as an equestrian centre and still is an Olympic training venue), the chateau where the spa resides and guests stay and a “roundabout” which is a gorgeous, meditation-style garden.

Roundabout

We kept on joggin’ past all of these beauties and out the back of the property where an “obstacle course” awaits. It’s also an equestrian training area but nicely doubles as a people fitness area too. The jumps were utilised as push up, dip and sit up stations while a trotting area was used for some punishing sprints (it was here the heart rate monitor I had to wear really betrayed me, sounding like a hideous alarm going off as if warning everyone I was about to drop dead).

After the PT workout, we stretched by the small lake where Brookleigh hosts weddings every weekend throughout October to May. You can see why, with a quaint gazebo overlooking the lake which is perfect for the ceremony to take place. Huge trees, the neighing of horses and the surrounding paddocks combine to make you feel as though you are far, far from civilisation.

Next up was the spa treatment. I met with the lovely consultant, Lisa, and discussed facial options and confessed my skin woes. Breakouts in certain areas were plaguing me and I definitely needed help. I was treated to a lime sugar exfoliation to start, which sloughed off any dead skin on my legs. Despite Lisa warning me it might hurt a little as the sugar did its job, the scrubbing felt just right and my skin was glowing by the time it finished. The smell of lime was delicious. The massage was next and thankfully Lisa applied just the right pressure for the knots in my muscles to be erased while sending me into a state of utter bliss. Despite trying very hard not to, I also fell asleep in the later stages but I guess it’s a sign of ultimate relaxation so I tried not to beat myself up about it too much.

Guinot Facial @ Brookleigh.

The facial did wonders for my skin. Brookleigh has either Guinot or the local, organic range Joi Pure. Despite trialling Joi Pure previously and knowing it was delicious, my skin was in need for something a little stronger and Guinot was enlisted. I had the classic facial and Lisa used a peel around the troubled areas to break up the congestion. Despite my skin glowing afterwards, it was also a tad red and it wasn’t until a couple of days later that I really noticed the benefits. My skin really cleared up and it totally confirmed what I’d suspected all along… I need to be getting regular facials.

To complete the day spa package, I had lunch at Stewart’s Restaurant which is also a part of Brookleigh. Stewart’s is one of the best restaurants in the Swan Valley and has plenty of healthy options to complement the day spas and health retreats that are on offer. I had the salmon with roasted beetroot and pumpkin with a lemon sauce and holy yum, it was sensational. And post-meal, I felt as though my body was being further nourished rather than overly-full like you might at many of the wineries boasting first class restaurants in the area.

Urban Spoon rsetaurant rating:

Nikki and Rachel mentioned the three and five-day health retreats now on offer and I think they sound fabulous. Half a day out at Brookleigh and I felt rejuvenated and as though I’d been much further from Perth than the 45-minute drive it was.

If you’re looking for a girls’ weekend (classy hens’ weekends would be perfect there), doing something for your health or simply a getaway from the daily grind without travelling too far, Brookleigh is the place you’re looking for.

Check out their website to see enticing pics and more info, call (08) 9296 0018 or email Nikki or Rachel on info@brookleigh.com.au.

Brookleigh is located at 1235 Great Northern Highway,
 Upper Swan in the Swan Valley.

Article by Lisa O’neill, Freelance Journalist and Brookleigh’s newest devotee!

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Women spend thousands of dollars every day on beauty products, therapies and treatments to look good and feel younger, but forget about the importance of greens, which can have amazing beauty benefits.

Green smoothies are full of nutrients which when incorporated into your daily regime have amazing effects such as: brightened eyes, radiant skin, strengthened nails, healthy hair, plump and supple skin, and the body also has an increased ability to heal itself. Not to mention increased energy, motivation and assistance with being at your ideal weight!

If there was one dietary change that would make the most profound difference in your life, drinking a green smoothie a day would be it.

Recipe:
1 Pear
1 Apple
½ Avocado
1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger
2 cups of spinach
2 cups of filtered water

Method:

Chop the pear and apple into cubes and place in the blender. Add avocado and ginger then the spinach and water. Blend on high for 30 seconds. Makes 1 litre – half for now, half for later 🙂

Leave a comment if you are already on this green smoothie gravy train, have another green recipe or just cannot fathom drinking spinach in a smoothie, we’d love to hear from you!

Quick recipe by Louise Ranger, Nutritionist and owner of Healthy Eating Australia.