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There are moments in our life when we feel truly inspired; following a challenging yoga session, after finishing reality TV shows like the X-Factor or The Renovators (as we start shifting our furniture whilst belting out Adele songs), when we receive genuine, full-face-smile inducing compliments or for some, simply after we finish a very strong coffee resulting in creativity and inspiration literally buzzing through our veins. Eating at Samudra; an organic, sustainable and vegetarian café nestled in the heart of Dunsborough, is now listed as one of my inspiring moments.

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The moment my Tony Bianco boots crunched the gravel path and I breathed in the fresh sea-breeze all thoughts of university essays and the Samantha Wills necklace I’d just lusted after in a shop window peacefully retreated from my brain. I was ready to convert to a Birkinstock wearing, yoga practicing, hippie vegetarian. Accompanied by my lamb-loving fiancé, we weaved through the mass of large, natural wood tables and settled at a table perched on the grass, soaking up some indecisive September sun.

The inspiration began to emerge as my eyes flittered across the pages of the menu in excitement, lamb-lover not quite as enticed, pointing to the safest option Superhero Avo Sandwich- Yallingup Woodfired Sourdough topped w/ cashew cheese, tomato, avocado & alfalfa sprouts. I added to the order the Kombi Breakdown, gluten free – A flavour explosion of cumin, coriander, cardamon, clove and one of our favourite superfoods – tumeric, served w/ quinoa and the Feel-good falafels- raw- gluten free- Delicious Egyptian-style falafel balls made with carrots, sunflower seeds & aromatic spices, cumin & caraway seed, served w/ handcrafted sunflower seed aioli and couldn’t resist the Super Green Smoothie- Pear, apple, lemon, orange & kale.

Inside Samudra ♥

Gazing around the Samudra landscape, from the organic eco garden where the chefs source the majority of their produce to the timber decked café area, I realized I could keep my boots on as you did not need to have dreadlocks or favor hemp t-shirts to eat here (my apologies for the stereotyping, although a woman who obviously forgot to wear shoes or brush her hair resulting in long dreadlocks was purchasing an organic chocolate macaroon when I was paying at the end…. just saying!). There was a unique display of customers; from the tourists flaunting jeans with sport shoes (true tourist attire) looking slightly anxious reading the menu, to the couple sitting behind us loudly debating spirituality and money. Whether they came to The Kombi café for it’s genuine passion to inspire and nurture their guests by providing sustainable, organic, biodynamic meals or if they were there just because the line at the local Dome was hideously long, the air thick with relaxation and serenity was beginning to work it’s magic on their minds and stomachs!

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As our order was placed on the table my inspiration levels heightened yet again. The smell, the colours and the delicate plating was enough to demand any carnivores attention (bringing their thoughts back from daydreams about sausage rolls and meat pies from the local bakery). The simple but favourite combination of tomato, avocado and ‘cheese’ (a cashew cheese alternative) was not a let down and the toasted sourdough provided the perfect foundation for these tasty flavors.

The falafel are one of the best I’ve tried, the dense balls just oozing good-for-you-ness, full of spices and nuts and resting on top of a sunflower seed aioli. The dhal with vegetables was served with quinoa was creamy with a noticeable heat hit and very very moreish. I would be a happy woman if I could eat a bowl of their Dhal each week night whilst catching up on Kids Masterchef, perhaps with a sneaky red wine which I’m not sure would be Samudra approved. My smoothie was a vibrant green colour and it was difficult to refrain from drinking as my fiancé tried to capture the perfect picture of it, however in the end I gave in and gulped down the thick and delicious concotion. Just like the rest of Samudra’s delights it tasted like wellness and health, delectable.

Empty plates!

If you are ever in Dunsborough and have worked up an appetite perusing the streets (in the process realizing you desperately needed several new scented candles, new bathers and of course you needed another decorative elephant statue) I would definitely recommend relaxing and filling your stomach at Samudra. You know they have your health and wellbeing at heart, their recipes are constructed with passion and knowledge with ingredients sourced from the garden, available also for your exploring pleasure. As my boots crunched the gravel during my (reluctant) exit from Samudra, my body and mind healthy and light, I felt inspired to recreate my meals with similar ingredients and love. When we know how beneficial the ingredients that go into your meals are for our mind, body and spirit it’s easy to devour everything on your plate (and still purchase a goji berry bliss ball for the road). So how would I describe my experience at Samudra overall? Well it was absolutely dhal-icious 🙂

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Address:

226 Naturaliste Terrace
Dunsborough WA 6281

Web: http://www.samudra.com.au

Article by Jade Jurewicz, inspiration by Samudra. You can find Jade’s blog over @ http://jadescinnamon.tumblr.com

Be well,

xoxo

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Do you know that eating far more fresh fruits and vegetables daily than the government recommendation of two fruit and five veg can completely change your health, your body and your life experience for the better?
In fact, eating a mostly vegetable based diet can propel your health to heights you can’t even imagine. They alkalise your blood, help to balance your body (and your moods!), allow better digestion and detoxification to occur and improve your chances of healing everything from acne to cancer.

Take my experience for example. I was reliant on daily steroid use to manage debilitating top to toe eczema for almost 25 years of my life. I was very frequently sick with the flu, colds and infections, plus I always battled with my weight. For ten years I tried every medical and natural route to heal my body of the symptoms and pain I lived with to no avail. That is, until I started downing green vegetable juice every day, eating a plant based diet of mostly vegetables, particularly leafy greens, adding in therapeutic natural foods and getting my colon cleansed. Yes, you read that last bit right.

This powerful combination transformed my health, body, energy, happiness and even my career and whole life experience in a way I never thought possible. This is the power of a clean, alkalising, plant based diet to start a revolution inside your own body. Of course, don’t forget your mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing too! Below is a look into a typical day for me, which keeps me feeling consistently wonderful. Please use this to inspire, not mimick. You and I are different and have different needs. That is why I coach clients to find their own perfect balance, but everyone can benefit from seriously upping their veggie intake.

7 AM: I wake up and immediately get my meditation on. I listen to a guided mediation, my much loved Blissitations or practice mindfulness meditation.

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7.20 AM: I drink lots of spring water and then shake my booty for anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes. I am currently running a free Strong Is Sexy Fitness Challenge on my website which is great fun!
8.15 AM: Shower time! I brush my body in long strokes towards the heart with my natural bristly dry body brush to stimulate my lymphatic system. I shower and moisturise with organic, pure products and oils.
8.30 to 11.30 AM: I grab a litre of pure water with lemon juice and stevia and some Tulsi tea and head to my office to get started on my work day.
11.30 AM: I venture on to my back patio to catch some sunlight and breathe deeply.
11.45AML More clients, writing articles, blog posts, and other work. I feel so blessed to do the work I do.

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1 PM: I make a full litre of green vegetable juice. Some combination of cucumber, celery, zucchini, silverbeet, chard, parsley, mint, kale, cos lettuce with lemon and ginger. I drink more herbal tea and pure water throughout the day.

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3 PM: A snack of a smoothie made from spinach, avocado, blueberries, vanilla stevia, carob powder, cinnamon, water and ice fills me up while leaving me feeling light and energetic (similar to this recipe).
6PM: After finishing up my main projects and tasks for the day, I create an incredible salad of baby lettuces, carrot, beetroot, chopped garlic and ginger and cubed avocado topped with this winning Raw Japanese Caesar Dressing. I follow my salad with steamed cauliflower sprinkled with nutritional yeast, sea salt and dill. While making dinner, I listen to inspiring audios and dance to great music.

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8 PM: After some final work, scheduling, emails, chores and often a class, client or teleclass, I relax for the night with a hot carob “milk” made with fresh almond milk. I spend quality time with my man, read, watch a film, do some stretches, go for a walk or just lay quietly until I go to bed. Every night I go to sleep listening to more Blissitations and smiling into my pillow, grateful that I’m alive.

Casey Thomas, certified Detox, Health and Life Coach, shows you how to get radiant health and energy, lose weight and heal naturally so that you can live the life you want in a body you love. Casey is based in Perth Australia and conducts phone consultations internationally. If you’re ready to ditch the frumpy feeling and start looking and feeling fantastic in 7 steps, get your FREE report, tips and guidance now at http://www.CaseyLorraine.com

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1. Retreat for One

I’d previously experienced the Bodhi J Retreat for One and been pretty enamoured with it, so much that it has become my ‘go to’ for when I want to reward myself, which I did last week. At $125 for a half hour mud spa bath with champagne, fruit & mini choc, then a full body aromatherapy massage finished with herbal tea and more fruit, it’s an indulgence that I keep coming back to again and again!

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2. Ethically Harvested Lavender Oil

After being sent this product to try a little while ago, I haven’t been able to stop using it in my favourite way, which is to put a couple of drops onto my pillowcase about 20 minutes before I go to bed. This is probably not the best thing for my pillowcase, but it is definitely good for me! I love falling asleep surrounded by the soft scent of lavender.

And just what does ethically harvested mean?

“This denotes sustainable cultivation. An ethically harvested essential oil is derived from a herb, shrub or tree that is not harvested so aggressively that the species becomes depleted.”

I think that’s pretty cool.

♥ This is what coconut oil looks like when it’s not summer!

3. Coconut Oil

After hearing various friends raving about coconut oil, I was finally pushed over the edge by my naturopath Brooke, who said that it would be great for me and that she likes to eat it from the spoon. SOLD.

And so lately I have been including this form of virgin, unprocessed saturated fat in my diet. It has a “haunting vanilla taste” and is indeed yummy straight off the spoon. There is some debate around the health benefits of coconut oil due to it being a saturated fat, some say because it’s unprocessed it’s good for you, others are not so sure, however the research I’ve done and Brooke’s confidence is good enough for me 🙂

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3. Candlez

I’ve never been much of a candle girl, due mostly to my mothers incessant worry that I would burn down the house if any semblance of fire made its way into my perpetually messy room. A fair worry for those who’ve never seen my room.

Now that I live out of home and have control of what objects are allowed through the front door, I’ve really been getting into burning essential oils and candles for the first time and I feel like I’ve been missing out all these years!

This Fig, Cassis & Mandarin mini candle from Palm Beach Collection is a soy candle that has found itself being lit pretty frequently over the past few weeks. It imparts a beautiful smell (the mandarin is most strong for me, which I love) that lingers throughout the house that is just great because it means I don’t have to clean up as much as I probably should… just kidding… sort of. At $14.95 these candles are a cheap way to spruce up a room or set the mood. Oo la la.

Just a quick one this week, thanks for reading guys! X

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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Thoughtful birthday present definition; the act of finding the perfect balance between sentimental, exciting and budget pleasing gifts. Or an alternative definition; an extremely difficult task. However, last night I was lucky enough to bear witness to my friend Amy completing this difficult task and presenting me the perfect birthday present- an Indian cooking class at Latasha’s Kitchen.

If you are anything like me, a lover of Indian food with the desire to replicate the authentic mouth watering smells in your kitchen, yet after reading the long and intricate essay that is the recipe you decide a store bought paste isn’t really that bad…. then this cooking class is for you! Whilst the ingredient lists are on the unique, longer side and you may not have the spices waiting on your spice shelf next to the oregano and cinnamon, it’s nothing that quick trip down to Liquorice in Claremont, Kakulas Bros in Northbridge or if you’re game an Indian supermarket, can’t quickly and cheaply solve.

And believe me, using the authentic and unique ingredients makes a huge difference both to the final taste and the satisfaction you will receive when the aromas are wafting around your kitchen (and your housemate or boyfriend start to linger in the curries’ vicinity like an impatient cat waiting to be fed).

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At 6.00pm we were greeted by Latasha herself, a passionate and knowledgeable Indian woman, with a huge and contagious smile on her face (probably from eating amazing food all day!). After the five of us were led into the back kitchen the class commenced and Latasha constructed 5 delicious meals in front of our eyes. From the toasting and grinding of aromatic spices, the adding of what seemed like buckets full of vibrant (very hot) fresh chilli’s, that unmistakable smell of sautéing onion, garlic and ginger taunting our senses and being introduced to new ingredients (one of which smelt like socks worn with your oldest but most favourite boots all day) I was taught the secrets of Indian cooking.

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It is now safe to say I will never purchase a store bought curry paste again (unless it’s a freshly made one that can be purchased in store at Latasha’s Kitchen of course). There was so much love that went into Latasha’s family, home-style recipes and the demonstration flew by as she made us laugh with her stories from her younger days in India. At the end of the class we sat down, now sporting Latasha’s huge smile on our faces, with our thali of curries, saffron rice and eggplant pickle. The curries were spicy, rich and delicious and I was surprised at how healthy the cooking methods and ingredients were, no greasy, oil laden curries here!

I would highly recommend the vegetarian cooking class at Latasha’s kitchen, I left with an impressive amount of Indian cuisine knowledge and a very full stomach! However I must unfortunately highlight two downsides. Firstly all friends and family have begun requesting that I replicate the delicious meals Latasha created and inviting themselves to dinner and secondly you must wait for 3 hours in the mouth-watering smelling kitchen as the food cooks before you get to taste the food, but believe me it is well worth the wait.

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(Left to right: South Indian Sambhar, Eggplant Kasaundi, Butternut Pumpkin Masala, Mix Vegetable Pal Khari and Saffron Rice)

Where: Latashas Kitchen, 745 Newcastle St Leederville
What: Vegetarian Indian cooking class
How much: $130 for a night of learning to prepare (then devour) a vegetarian feast!
More details: http://www.latashaskitchen.com.au/

Review by future Indian dinner-party queen, Jade Jurewicz (http://jadescinnamon.tumblr.com

♥ Keeen-Waaah! AKA Quinoa

Perfect for the gluten intolerant, vegetarian or just plain health conscious. Quinoa is a must try!

10 fast facts you need to know about Quinoa:

♥ The seed/grain-like protein, pronounced keen-wah, was originally grown in the Andes mountain range in South America and was a staple food of the Incas
♥ It is a pseudocereal & is closely related to beets & spinach
♥ Known as quinoa in English, the spelling and pronunciation differs depending on the region in South America.  In some parts it is known as ‘kinwa’ or ‘keen-wah’ or ‘kwi-NOH-a’
♥ Quinoa is a complete protein source for vegetarians which means no food combining! It is also high in iron and dietary fibre, it is used in place of grains in the same way as rice and couscous & can be used for both savoury & sweet dishes
♥ It has a delicate, nutty flavour all of its own
♥ Texture wise think somewhere between barley & cous cous
♥ It has a low Glycemic Index (35)
♥ It is completely Gluten free
♥ It comes in white, red and black varieties
♥ It can be bought puffed, flaked or whole.

As a breakfast porridge ♥

Quinoa can be substituted for just about any grain in any recipe and is a healthy alternative to rice and cous cous. I use it instead of rice with stir fries, instead of oats in porridge and instead of burghul in tabouli. You could also use it instead of barley in soups. What a versatile little seed indeed!

What does it look like?

Raw

Cooked

Where can I find it?

In the health food aisles Woolworths and Coles or any health food store.

How much does it cost?

Between $6 -$10 for a 500g packet.

How do I prepare it?

Quinoa is ridiculously easy to prepare. Just make sure you rinse*!, boil 1 part quinoa, 2 parts water and simmer for 10-12 mins or until or all the liquid is absorbed. Alternatively Fluff with a fork & voila!
*Before cooking Quinoa must be rinsed to remove the toxic (but naturally occurring) bitter coating, called Saponins.

A personal favourite recipe of mine adapted from Michelle Bridges’ version.

Quinoa Porridge with Cranberries and Raisins (I swap the raisins for dates!)

3/4 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
500ml water
375ml low fat milk/soy milk/extra water
1/3 cup dried cranberries and 2 tablespoons raisins or chopped dates
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Combine the quinoa and water in saucepan and bring to the boil.  Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, covered for 10 minutes.  Stir in 1 cup of the milk and the dried fruit and nuts.  Cook, covered, for another for another 10 minutes and then stir in the remaining milk.
Add grated apple, fresh or frozen berries & top with cinnamon &/or honey to taste for additional yum factor!

Link love for oodles of inspiring recipe ideas for you to try!

♥ http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/collections/quinoa+recipes
♥ http://www.cookingquinoa.net
♥ http://www.101cookbooks.com/ingredient/quinoa

Bon appetit!

Are you a quinoa lover? Been pronouncing it wrong? Looking to get some into your life… lets talk about this below!

Article by Jasmin Chipper, quinoa advocate!

Be well,

xoxo