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While it's perfectly possible to dine out on a gluten and dairy free diet, it does get a bit tedious having to ask wait staff endless questions and sometimes having to compromise on what you really fancy. In spite of this hassle, I've persevered over the years because whilst I love to cook, I also relish the social side of eating out and don't want to isolate myself because of my dietary issues.

So when a gluten and dairy free restaurant recently opened up on my doorstep it was time for celebration! Solomon's is the brainchild of Paul Ridge aka rapper Drapht. Having experienced his own health challenges and dietary limitations, Paul was determined to create a quality health-focussed outlet in his neighbourhood, giving the food-challenged consumer more choices. Nothing inspires me more than when people turn personal adversity into a gift that helps others. Bravo Paul.

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To say I was keen to sample the goods is a huge understatement! A lunch date was quickly arranged and giddy with excitement I was soon devouring the menu, feeling like a kid in a lolly shop knowing that nothing was off limits. The menu includes raw, vegan, fish and meat based options – great variety to suit all appetites and a range of prices to suit different budgets. But how to choose? A dilemma I haven't faced in a long time. It all sounded so amazing. From the sweet potato gnocchi with citrus and coriander pesto, to the purple carrot and black bean sliders on homemade quinoa bread. Heaven! Orders finally placed and fingers tightly crossed that my expectations would be met, we settled in with a vegan mango lassi and enormous pot of rooibos tea.

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I wasn't disappointed. A combination of organic chicken, brown rice and broccoli salad with Asian herbs and spices, and raw falafels with coconut yoghurt was a winner. Great flavours, fresh ingredients and filling, but not heavy. A large side of kale chips served with pink salt and fresh orange wedges completed our entree.

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The raw goji berry cheesecake proved impossible to resist – refined sugar free of course – and was so delicious that a small amount leftover was quickly wrapped to take home.

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As well as serving up tasty, healthy food Solomon's has a relaxed friendly vibe, a cool urban interior and open air dining at the back of the restaurant. Paul was a fantastic host, generously sharing information about his naturopath and other health tips alongside the lovely food. Two very happy and loyal local customers achieved!

Solomon's, 487 Beaufort Street, Highgate
08 9328 7995
http://www.facebook.com/SolomonsSoulFood

Have you been to Solomon's yet? How do you handle eating out with dietary limitations? Any go-to places in Perth that I should know about?!

Article by Karen, holistic health coach and owner of Conscious Cravings whose mission is to inspire people be more nourished with food, life and love. Find her on Facebook!

Be well,

xoxo

glasses frames online

♥ – Photography by Luke Thompson

♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!

I am a lover of Yoga and through my business Sukha Yoga I am able to share my passion for the Yoga teachings. I have always had an interest in wellness and originally completed my degree in Naturopathy. I worked as a Naturopath in Perth and eventually in a Holistic Chemist in New York City. It was while I was living in NYC I discovered my Yoga home, Laughing Lotus. Since that fateful first discovery I have now undertaken 500 hours of training at the studio with Dana Trixie Flynn and her fabulous teaching faculty. Forever grateful for my teacher’s blessings I now share Lotus Flow Yoga here in Perth.

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My classes incorporate Vinyasa Flow to music and I draw on poetry, stories from ancient texts and scriptures that inspire me to thread through classes. I feel very lucky to have met so many great people through teaching Yoga and have made many friends that have simply started with them unrolling their mat in class. I am an ambassador for lululemon athletica and am proud to represent such a innovative and grass roots based company.

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When I am not sharing Yoga I offer a wellness consultancy service where I aim to empower people to restore wellness through diet and lifestyle modifications. I love to travel, observing and appreciating life all over the world. I recently married my wonderful husband Craig and have special family and friends who mean the world to me.

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I use Pangea Organics Australia Wild Plum and Willow Facial Cleanser. Pangea Organics is a company based in Colorado USA and offers lovely plant based skin care, which are free from GMOs, Artificial Colors or Fragrances, Synthetic Preservatives, Petroleum and Sulfates or Detergents. You can find their range here. I also have been a long time fan of Aesop products (their hand and body lotions smell amazing) and am using their Fabulous Face Oil as we head into the cooler months to keep my skin hydrated and happy.

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♥ What's the one beauty treatment you can't live without? And your favourite place to have it done?

I don’t have a beauty treatment I can’t live without although my body enjoys a bit of acupuncture and a visit to my excellent Physiotherapist Mr Trevor Aung Than if I have been overdoing the Yoga arm balances or cycling.

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♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?

Shane Dias in Claremont has a his own salon which he has built from his excellent reputation. He’s very skilled and has traveled the world mastering his craft, and is genuinely such a lovely guy to chat to.

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

I find a swim in the ocean does wonders for my skin, and I always feel great being immersed in the beautiful salty sea.

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♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

Whenever I am traveling I like to pack light and the following trio works for me. A nice bottle of perfume like, Diptyque Ofresia to spray and feel fresh (especially appreciated after long journeys if you don’t feel it), Lucas Paw Paw ointments for dry lips, bites, rashes and dry shampoo is excellent stretching out the need to wash hair.

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♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?

Practicing Yoga and sharing Yoga feeds my soul and keeps me feeling bright. A mostly plant based diet keeps my insides happy and I love to move and will try any activity. I think I have inherited pretty good genes as my pop is 94 and is still going strong. One of his secrets to longevity is “eat your vegetables”.

♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven't yet?

I would love to enroll in an Ayurvedic Panchakarma program one day. Perhaps somewhere in Kerala where there is daily Yoga Asana and massage prescribed to my Dosha along with cleansing ocean swims and palm trees to lie under…

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I’ve been Vegetarian for the past 9 years and I practice wholefood cooking to keep me feeling optimal. Wholefood cooking means to consume foods closest to it’s natural state, preparing meals using fresh unprocessed ingredients. Breakfast is varied but usually involves some Chia seeds thrown into Yoghurt with nuts and seeds or may be some toast with almond butter or avocado or an egg.

Lunch lately is green soup – a whole lot of green veggies pureed together (with some Kale and herbs from my veggie patch) and dinner could be anything from tofu or tempeh stir fry, soup with legumes or lentils, salads, curry and or may be a raw food creation like zucchini pasta. I snack on raw veggies, a nut/seed/raw cacao/goji berry mix and really enjoy a Soy Long Macchiato mid morning.

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I practice Yoga most days. I love to cycle and commute on my single speed to classes in the city. I also ride for longer distances on a road bike and I mountain bike in the hills or down south on weekends. I love to surf and am the eternal beginner, I enjoy being tossed around and the thrill of jumping up – even if the wave has broken and I’m on the white wash with all the other kids. I belong to a Capoeira group and have recently gotten into triathlons so swimming and running training are also added in. Love to move : )

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♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.

Being a Naturopath I do believe supplementation can be of benefit when necessary. Over the Winter months I like to take New Chapter Life Shield Immunity which is a fortified mushroom mix for additional immune support (available on iherb.com). I add in some vitamin C and Echinacea if I feel a cold coming on. I also take a good quality magnesium diglycinate to support musculoskeletal health.

♥ How many hours sleep do you usually get each night? Do you have any bedtime rituals or tips to help you get a great nights sleep?

I aim to get 7 hours of sleep. I generally don’t have any trouble falling off to sleep but I have found an evening practice of Yin Yoga can really contribute to a lovely night’s rest.

♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?

I love Yin Yoga for restoring my energy and for winding down. Yin encourages a practice of patience and really allowing time for the body to receive the poses, which is deeply nourishing for the nervous and adrenal system. I love reading literature. I enjoy spending time with my husband, family and friends whether it be over a shared meal, outside in our beautiful natural surrounds of WA or in the ocean rolling amongst a few waves. Bliss.

Thank you Lara for sharing your beautiful routine with us 🙂

If there are any questions or comments for Lara, please leave them below!

Be well,

xoxo

order glasses online

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Whole grains are not only delicious, but also nutritious and versatile. Packed with vitamins, minerals and fibre, as a slow release complex carbohydrate they provide a sustained energy source. Whole grains are a settling and calming food, aiding the release of serotonin, our happy hormone. They're also all-round cooking superstars, providing a nourishing accompaniment to main dishes, a base for yummy salads, warming porridges and baked goods.

For a long time my whole grain repertoire consisted of pasta and rice, rotated on an almost daily basis, with some oat porridge thrown in for good measure. My experimentation was limited to trying spelt pasta, but generally I was stuck in a fairly major food groove. Things couldn't be more different today – I'm happy to say that I've embraced the full range of whole grains in all their glory. My top three gorgeous gluten free grains at the moment are:

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– Quinoa: currently very popular, this South American seed-like grain is the most nutritious of the bunch and also cooks very quickly making it a boon for busy people. It contains all eight amino acids, is high in protein, B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, zinc, potassium and calcium. Easily digested, quinoa makes a delicious side dish, salad base or porridge (use rolled or flaked quinoa for best results). I also add cooked quinoa to soups – it makes its way into my belly most days in some shape or form!

Quinoa must be rinsed before cooking to remove the saponin, its natural bitter coating. Cook one part quinoa to two parts water, covered, for 15 minutes (rolled or flaked version cooks much quicker). Try red quinoa for a very pretty addition to a meal.

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– Millet: I've recently discovered this tasty grain which is high in protein, iron, magnesium and potassium. It also contains silica which helps keep bones flexible, has anti-fungal properties, soothes indigestion and morning sickness, nourishes the stomach and kidneys, and is a 'warming' food, making it a great winter option. It can be used in porridges and to make breads, but I like it best as a side dish to a slow cooked stew or curry. Again, cook one part millet to two parts water, covered, with cooking time approximately 30 minutes.

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– Amaranth: another seed-like grain, the Aztecs and Incas loved amaranth and I can see why – I'm in love with my warming bowl of rolled amaranth porridge at the moment! I've also been using amaranth flour in baked goods with some good results. High in protein, amaranth also contains iron, phosphorus, calcium, copper and manganese and the amino acids methionine and lysine which are rare in grains. Cook one cup of the standard grain with three cups water for 25-30 minutes, covered (rolled amaranth cooks very quickly).

Some simple ideas for wholesome whole grain meals:

♥ Rolled amaranth or quinoa porridge cooked with your choice of milk – check the pack for recommended cooking times, mine takes 1-2 minutes. I sometimes add a scoop of vanilla pea protein powder during cooking, with a bit more water. Top with your favourite fruit, nuts, cinnamon, a drizzle of brown rice syrup etc.

♥ Cook extra grain with dinner and use as a base for a filling salad the next day. Add sliced avo, cherry tomatoes, roasted veg, lentils, chick peas, boiled egg, tuna etc., a dash of olive oil, lemon juice and and some black pepper.

♥ Make a pilaf. Cook the grain and whilst cooking stir fry an onion, a clove or two of garlic and some chopped mixed veggies such as leeks, zucchini, capsicum and broccoli. When the grain is ready, add it to the veggies and stir through. Lovely with a drizzle of tahini, a squeeze of lemon juice and some chopped fresh herbs. Serve on its own or with grilled chicken or fish.

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♥ Rolled quinoa can replace rolled oats to create gluten free baked goods – for example this delicious Apple & Cinnamon Breakfast Cookie!

For ultimate nutrition and digestibility, it's advisable to soak grains in water prior to cooking. Soaking softens grains and removes phytic acid which keeps some of the nutrients 'locked away'. Soak for 1-8 hours, drain and discard the soaking water. Also organic grains wherever you can – you can buy in bulk at some health food stores and markets.

What is your favourite whole grain? Be sure to share in the comments below, and if you have a favourite recipe I'd love to hear it! 🙂

Article by Karen, trainee health coach and avid blogger about experiencing true wellness by living your most authentic life. You can find her at www.consciouscravings.com.au and over on Facebook!

Be well,

xoxo

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Having done IPL before (bikini line), I had a sense of what to expect with the Philips Lumea Precision Plus system (RRP $1,299.95). I assumed it’d be a gentler process purely because the people using it don’t need a course and a qualification to use it.

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The set consists of the handset, two interchangeable heads of differing sizes, a charger and a bag. The head is much heavier than the handle and some care needs to be taken since your hand is sitting very close to the power button. Because I was always using the Lumea after a shower, I’d be lightly steaming, which didn’t help. I ended up wiping off the handset after every second pass or so to make sure I didn’t slip around and accidently switch it off.

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The light is a very bright red, as opposed to the white light of the salon IPL systems. While the flash is bright, it also doesn’t “imprint” on your field of vision. My cat scuttled out of the room two flashes in.

While the interchangeable nozzles attach to the handset securely, you’re also required to press it firmly into the skin to attain the “airlock” that allows you to pull the trigger safely, and if you’re careless and inadvertently drag it along the skin at that kind of pressure you’ll probably knock the nozzle off. This will result in hot glass-skin contact which is unadvisable.

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After the first application, the most noticeable difference was a longer growback period, and many of the hairs when they came through came through a bit stunted – either doubled over, or oddly curled. I have strong, straight leg hair, so this was very noticeable on me.

The regrowth slowdown and cessation seems to happen on an individual hair by hair basis – some follicles immediately shut down, some grow oddly, some are determinedly still growing as they always have. I have big channels on my legs where hair has completely disappeared next to unconcerned normal growth. But as each application comes around, the normal hairs are shriveling up and eventually give up and don’t grow at all. There’s a perverse kind of enjoyment in this.

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Meanwhile on my belly it only took two zaps for this finer hair to disappear, and in my underarms there seems to be the same amount of hair, but the hairs are thinner and finer. But even if I’m still shaving, shaving is a good deal easier and I do not need to do it as often. I’m confident that with repeated applications this lot will slow down and cease as well.

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I’ve used this machine six times and the results have varied depending on where I’m applying. Stomach has been perfect, underarms have been encouraging and a lot more manageable, my legs have been patchy but steadily progressing. I should stress again that my leg hair is monstrous and will almost certainly put up more of a fight than yours.
I’ve done full, 12-session courses of salon IPL, which cost me far more than I’m willing to think about.

The Lumea system is admittedly expensive, but less so than doing it through a salon and it gives you the option of topping up your applications on a whim. All up, you will likely need to use the Lumea more often to get the results of the salon IPL, but salon IPL is also something of a trauma for your skin – it’s a good deal more powerful and the tradeoff is tender, red skin for a while afterwards. The Lumea did not irritate me at all. There wasn’t even any pinkness. I could slather on moisturizer directly afterwards and nothing bad happened. I’m really impressed by this system – would recommend it for those considering IPL through the more traditional means.

Find out more about it on the Philips website!

Product supplied for consideration.

Have you tried IPL in salon or at home before? Leave a comment below with your experiences!

Review by Suzanne, who also blogs over at Don’t They Know Who I Am?

Be well,

xox

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Simple Nosh is a cosy family run café serving up fresh, healthy and deeelicious food (with loads of vegetarian options!). Fremantle is a healthy foodie hotspot, and this cute little café is tucked away on a quiet street just off the main strip.

We opted for a sunny spot on the outside verandah (YAY for Perth’s warm winter weather!) and scanned over the breakfast menu.

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It really excites me when I see green smoothies on café menus and although this one sounded great (spinach, apple, kiwi, banana, lemon), I opted for a freshly squeezed carrot and ginger juice instead. This one was awesome and really hit the spot.

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For breakfast I ordered the scrambled eggs on GF toast with a side of house made beans. After some recent terrible experiences (since when were baked beans and four bean mix considered house made beans!?), I’ve been on a mission to find the best beans in Perth. I’m pleased to report the beans here were VERY good! A huge portion of plump beans in the most delicious tomato sauce, the flavours were just right and tasted great with the eggs, YUM!

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My dining partner opted for the breakfast roll. The huge roll was STUFFED full of spinach, mushroom, feta, smoked salmon, basil pesto and topped with 2 poached eggs. The eggs were cooked perfectly and the salmon was so fresh. Needless to say we were both extremely satisfied with our meals : )

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Leah and her mum Irene have got a good thing going on. All ingredients are locally sourced (just what I like!), the vibe is welcoming and relaxed and they’re both are so friendly. The sofas inside looked rather comfy and would be perfect to snuggle into come winter!

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I’ll be back soon, if anything to try a slice of one of their delicious looking homemade cakes 😉 Make sure you leave room!

Simple Nosh is open 6 days a week, Mon-Sat for breakfast and lunch. 14 Norfolk Street Fremantle.

Have you been to Simple Nosh before? What's your favourite place to eat brekky in Fremantle?

Review by Kavisha, breakfast eating connoisseur.

Kavisha was a guest of Simple Nosh, opinions & thoughts in no way influenced by this! 🙂

Be well,

xoxo