Guest interview and free recipe - Karen from "FoodGloriousFriendlyFood"

Good Morning! I hope this finds you well and having a great week so far! I am thrilled to be able to bring you another guest interview and scrumptious recipe from another Facebook friend of mine who I had the pleasure of meeting not long ago when I had a coffee date to meet some ‘like minded supporters’ with my friend Tanya from Additive Free Pantry and she turned up!  

A massive HI and WELCOME to KAREN from FOOD GLORIOUS FRIENDLY FOOD 

Tell us a little bit about you and your family …

On my blog I describe myself as a Foodie with food intolerances, and a Mum of kids with food intolerances. I’m 37 and feel like I’m the healthiest I’ve been in my whole life, mainly thanks to the dietary changes our whole family made over 5 years ago. My biggest passion is finding beauty in life, which seems to find outlets in photography, food, travel, home decorating, and investing my time in family and friends. I have moved homes 21 times in my life, I’ve been to 29 different countries, including spending 8 years of my childhood in Papua New Guinea, and I regularly get the itch to travel. Thankfully my husband gets the itch too! I’ve been married to my amazing husband for 16 years (yes, I got married that young, with no regrets!), and we have 2 boys, aged 10 and 8. We live outside of Newcastle, NSW, on a tranquil 4 acre property with our dog, Cockatiel, two goats and a sheep (my animal loving 8 year old always insists the animals be listed as family members!). We’ve been here 3 years and have planted a small vege garden and a row of fruit and berry trees. It’s been exciting to have a decent crop of fruit this year. Hubby is also a keen cook. We have a huge dining table and love entertaining large groups!

Please tell us more about your business and what a typical workday looks like for you? 

My main business is actually as a photographer. My business is Photography By Karen Stevenson. It stills feel strange saying that, as I previously was an Occupational Therapist, but 2 years ago decided to pursue a job that I am truly passionate about. I studied for a year and have been setting up my business since. I offer family portraits, newborn and maternity shoots, and food photography for cafes and restaurants. At the same time as launching my business, I began my food blog, Food Glorious Friendly Food (www.foodgloriousfriendlyfood.com), which has been a natural combination of my love for food photography and my passion for making intolerance-friendly food REALLY good!

I dedicate two days a week as ‘work’ days, and also do some photography jobs on weekends and spend a few evenings a week doing work-related tasks on my computer. When I started this new career, it was under the self-imposed condition that my family would still come first, so I take the kids to and from school and try to ‘be there’ for them -physically and mentally- when they’re home.

It is a rare day that I’m not in the kitchen, cooking something. I love trawling cook books and the internet for new recipe inspirations. I spend a lot of time on Facebook, following other bloggers with like-minded food philosophies, sharing ideas and answering questions. I try to post a new recipe to my blog at least once a week. I’m slowly but surely developing recipes for a cookbook- it’s good to have long term goals!

For my photography business, I’m often editing photos (a process that takes much longer than the photo shoot itself!), and have just finished developing my website:www.PhotographyByKarenStevenson.com.au. This year, I’m also undertaking a personal photography project called 365 Gifts. I post a photo each day on my facebook page which represents something I’m grateful for each day- a gift in my day. It’s helping me to take notice of all the amazing gifts in my life- big and small- and I get great feedback from my ‘followers’ about how much they enjoy it too.

 How big a part does food play in your overall daily health?

Food is probably the most significant part of my overall daily health. I believe that if we would view food as medicine, we would need a lot less of conventional medicine. I wish I was motivated to exercise more, but truthfully, it’s rare. I do make sure I get at least 8 hours sleep a night (harder during different phases of life, but I have found it to be SO important). Time for me, to refresh my soul and connect with God is really important, and time connecting with my family every day keeps me grounded and is great for my mental health.

I have found that a diet of minimal processed foods, and as little wheat, dairy and refined sugar as possible, is what makes my body healthiest. I have no actual food allergies as such, so I don’t have to be super strict, and sometimes I enjoy a little break out. My weaknesses are fresh cream, pastry, and vintage cheddar cheese! As long as I don’t do this daily, or in large quantities, I find I’m ok. Having said that, I certainly have no difficulties finding scrumptious treats within my dietary guidelines and I regularly have them on hand and love blogging about them! At the moment (and it seems to change in cycles) I’m addicted to avocado mousse for breakfast (so healthy- avocado, dates, raw cashews, cocoa, vanilla), with a heap of fruit. Lunch is often left overs from previous dinners, or a big salad with nuts and seeds, or some home made soup, frozen in lunch sized portions. Dinner consists of small portions of meat and lots of veges. I try to eat meatless twice a week- both for our health and the environment. I always have healthy snacks in the pantry or fridge for when I get the munchies.

What inspires you? 

I am inspired by beauty- both natural and man-made. I am often in awe of the creativity of others as they follow their passions- be in in art, architecture, home decoration, food creation and styling, photography, live entertainment, teaching, and even extreme sports! Our property inspires me- with all it’s unique flora and fauna- I love capturing little moments from different angles through the lens.

I am also inspired by people who have done it really tough, but don’t give up and keep pushing through to thrive again. I am inspired by people who give of themselves sacrificially to help others have a better go in life. I am inspired by other mums who I see juggling keeping their families as priorities, but also pursuing their own passions.

 What is one piece of advice you could pass on to other Mums?

You are the greatest influence on your kids lives. Make sure you’re thoughtful and deliberate about the kind of environment you make for them and the values you pass onto them- if you’re not, they’ll end up picking up your bad habits and attitudes too!

 If you could have dinner with any 3 people in the world who would it be and why?

My two friends from high school who I’m still so close to but live miles apart- Jessica and Cath. I’m so grateful for the many visits we have had over the last 20 years of separation, but I wish they lived around the corner. (Does that count as one person or two??… I’ll do two more!)

I know she’s no longer with us (and it’s rather cliche), but I would have loved to have spent time with Mother Teresa, or any other woman who constantly gives of themselves selflessly for others. I want to hear the truth about the difficulties as well as the rewards.

Bono (from U2). He fascinates me. I’d love to get a sense of how he’s remained so grounded in his fame. And I’m a sucker for an Irish accent.

Please tell us 3 fun facts about yourself. 

I hate coffee. In any state, in any food. I hate it’s smell. Please don’t hate me for it

I own over 60 necklaces and even more pairs of earrings. It’s a weakness of mine. I probably need to attend over-accessorisers annonymous.

I love buying and giving gifts. Sometimes I buy a gift for someone, forgetting I already have one sitting in the cupboard for them!

COCONUT VANILLA CUSTARD (Dairy free)

This is a little recipe I came up with to use up some egg yolks. Other, more traditional, custard I have made uses up to 6 egg yolks, but I didn’t want to use that many. So, I’ve compromised by using a little thickening starch. This custard is also a little darker than traditional custard as I use rapadura sugar. I love this combination of ingredients. It makes a thick, creamy custard- just the way I like it. As a little bonus, there is an extra recipe at the end for really simple caramalised bananas which go perfectly with this custard. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond or rice or soy milk (I prefer almond)

• 1 cup coconut cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or 1 vanilla pod

• 3 egg yolks

• 3 tablespoons starch-  tapioca, arrowroot or corn

• 1/4 cup rapadura sugar (or castor if you prefer)

Method

• In a large, heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks, starch, vanilla paste (if using), and sugar until well combined and smooth. Set aside.

• If using a vanilla pod, cut it longways straight down the middle, and scrape out the seeds. Place the seeds and the whole pod into the milk in the next step.

• Place the almond (or rice) milk and coconut cream into a medium saucepan and place over medium heat. Stirring constantly, cook until hot but not boiling.

• Remove milk mixture from heat. Remove vanilla pod if using. Slowly pour milk into egg mixture, whisking vigorously as they combine.

• Return all of this new mixture back into the saucepan and place over a very low heat. Stir constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Do not allow it to boil. This will probably take at least 3-4 minutes.

• Serve immediately, or cool in the fridge if you prefer it cold (which I do!!).

 

SUPER SIMPLE CARAMALISED BANANAS

Ingredients:

• 2 bananas, sliced about 1 cm (1/2 inch) thick (this should do 4 people when served with custard)

• 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil (or organic butter)

• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

• custard or chocolate for serving

Method:

• Melt oil in a pan over medium heat. Add maple syrup and stir briefly until combined.

• Add the bananas and toss for 30 seconds to one minute- they don’t need long or they’ll go too soft.

• Serve with coconut custard, OR, forget the custard and drizzle some melted 70% cocoa dark chocolate over the top…. and sprinkle some organic dessicated coconut over them! Yum!!

  Here are Karens details so you can stay in touch with her and her yummy recipes! Don’t forget to pop by and say HI to her!

  Website: http://www.foodgloriousfriendlyfood.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoodGloriousFriendlyFood

I hope you have enjoyed reading this and I wish you a wonderful week ahead! Be sure to register on the home page of my website here to automatically get my blogs sent to your email address….another exciting giveaway is coming soon…..so stay tuned!

Take Care of You,

Collette x

Guest interview and free recipe - Karen from "FoodGloriousFriendlyFood"

Guest interview and free recipe - Karen from "FoodGloriousFriendlyFood"

Good Morning! I hope this finds you well and having a great week so far! I am thrilled to be able to bring you another guest interview and scrumptious recipe from another Facebook friend of mine who I had the pleasure of meeting not long ago when I had a coffee date to meet some ‘like minded supporters’ with my friend Tanya from Additive Free Pantry and she turned up!  

A massive HI and WELCOME to KAREN from FOOD GLORIOUS FRIENDLY FOOD 

Tell us a little bit about you and your family …

On my blog I describe myself as a Foodie with food intolerances, and a Mum of kids with food intolerances. I’m 37 and feel like I’m the healthiest I’ve been in my whole life, mainly thanks to the dietary changes our whole family made over 5 years ago. My biggest passion is finding beauty in life, which seems to find outlets in photography, food, travel, home decorating, and investing my time in family and friends. I have moved homes 21 times in my life, I’ve been to 29 different countries, including spending 8 years of my childhood in Papua New Guinea, and I regularly get the itch to travel. Thankfully my husband gets the itch too! I’ve been married to my amazing husband for 16 years (yes, I got married that young, with no regrets!), and we have 2 boys, aged 10 and 8. We live outside of Newcastle, NSW, on a tranquil 4 acre property with our dog, Cockatiel, two goats and a sheep (my animal loving 8 year old always insists the animals be listed as family members!). We’ve been here 3 years and have planted a small vege garden and a row of fruit and berry trees. It’s been exciting to have a decent crop of fruit this year. Hubby is also a keen cook. We have a huge dining table and love entertaining large groups!

Please tell us more about your business and what a typical workday looks like for you? 

My main business is actually as a photographer. My business is Photography By Karen Stevenson. It stills feel strange saying that, as I previously was an Occupational Therapist, but 2 years ago decided to pursue a job that I am truly passionate about. I studied for a year and have been setting up my business since. I offer family portraits, newborn and maternity shoots, and food photography for cafes and restaurants. At the same time as launching my business, I began my food blog, Food Glorious Friendly Food (www.foodgloriousfriendlyfood.com), which has been a natural combination of my love for food photography and my passion for making intolerance-friendly food REALLY good!

I dedicate two days a week as ‘work’ days, and also do some photography jobs on weekends and spend a few evenings a week doing work-related tasks on my computer. When I started this new career, it was under the self-imposed condition that my family would still come first, so I take the kids to and from school and try to ‘be there’ for them -physically and mentally- when they’re home.

It is a rare day that I’m not in the kitchen, cooking something. I love trawling cook books and the internet for new recipe inspirations. I spend a lot of time on Facebook, following other bloggers with like-minded food philosophies, sharing ideas and answering questions. I try to post a new recipe to my blog at least once a week. I’m slowly but surely developing recipes for a cookbook- it’s good to have long term goals!

For my photography business, I’m often editing photos (a process that takes much longer than the photo shoot itself!), and have just finished developing my website:www.PhotographyByKarenStevenson.com.au. This year, I’m also undertaking a personal photography project called 365 Gifts. I post a photo each day on my facebook page which represents something I’m grateful for each day- a gift in my day. It’s helping me to take notice of all the amazing gifts in my life- big and small- and I get great feedback from my ‘followers’ about how much they enjoy it too.

 How big a part does food play in your overall daily health?

Food is probably the most significant part of my overall daily health. I believe that if we would view food as medicine, we would need a lot less of conventional medicine. I wish I was motivated to exercise more, but truthfully, it’s rare. I do make sure I get at least 8 hours sleep a night (harder during different phases of life, but I have found it to be SO important). Time for me, to refresh my soul and connect with God is really important, and time connecting with my family every day keeps me grounded and is great for my mental health.

I have found that a diet of minimal processed foods, and as little wheat, dairy and refined sugar as possible, is what makes my body healthiest. I have no actual food allergies as such, so I don’t have to be super strict, and sometimes I enjoy a little break out. My weaknesses are fresh cream, pastry, and vintage cheddar cheese! As long as I don’t do this daily, or in large quantities, I find I’m ok. Having said that, I certainly have no difficulties finding scrumptious treats within my dietary guidelines and I regularly have them on hand and love blogging about them! At the moment (and it seems to change in cycles) I’m addicted to avocado mousse for breakfast (so healthy- avocado, dates, raw cashews, cocoa, vanilla), with a heap of fruit. Lunch is often left overs from previous dinners, or a big salad with nuts and seeds, or some home made soup, frozen in lunch sized portions. Dinner consists of small portions of meat and lots of veges. I try to eat meatless twice a week- both for our health and the environment. I always have healthy snacks in the pantry or fridge for when I get the munchies.

What inspires you? 

I am inspired by beauty- both natural and man-made. I am often in awe of the creativity of others as they follow their passions- be in in art, architecture, home decoration, food creation and styling, photography, live entertainment, teaching, and even extreme sports! Our property inspires me- with all it’s unique flora and fauna- I love capturing little moments from different angles through the lens.

I am also inspired by people who have done it really tough, but don’t give up and keep pushing through to thrive again. I am inspired by people who give of themselves sacrificially to help others have a better go in life. I am inspired by other mums who I see juggling keeping their families as priorities, but also pursuing their own passions.

 What is one piece of advice you could pass on to other Mums?

You are the greatest influence on your kids lives. Make sure you’re thoughtful and deliberate about the kind of environment you make for them and the values you pass onto them- if you’re not, they’ll end up picking up your bad habits and attitudes too!

 If you could have dinner with any 3 people in the world who would it be and why?

My two friends from high school who I’m still so close to but live miles apart- Jessica and Cath. I’m so grateful for the many visits we have had over the last 20 years of separation, but I wish they lived around the corner. (Does that count as one person or two??… I’ll do two more!)

I know she’s no longer with us (and it’s rather cliche), but I would have loved to have spent time with Mother Teresa, or any other woman who constantly gives of themselves selflessly for others. I want to hear the truth about the difficulties as well as the rewards.

Bono (from U2). He fascinates me. I’d love to get a sense of how he’s remained so grounded in his fame. And I’m a sucker for an Irish accent.

Please tell us 3 fun facts about yourself. 

I hate coffee. In any state, in any food. I hate it’s smell. Please don’t hate me for it

I own over 60 necklaces and even more pairs of earrings. It’s a weakness of mine. I probably need to attend over-accessorisers annonymous.

I love buying and giving gifts. Sometimes I buy a gift for someone, forgetting I already have one sitting in the cupboard for them!

COCONUT VANILLA CUSTARD (Dairy free)

This is a little recipe I came up with to use up some egg yolks. Other, more traditional, custard I have made uses up to 6 egg yolks, but I didn’t want to use that many. So, I’ve compromised by using a little thickening starch. This custard is also a little darker than traditional custard as I use rapadura sugar. I love this combination of ingredients. It makes a thick, creamy custard- just the way I like it. As a little bonus, there is an extra recipe at the end for really simple caramalised bananas which go perfectly with this custard. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond or rice or soy milk (I prefer almond)

• 1 cup coconut cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or 1 vanilla pod

• 3 egg yolks

• 3 tablespoons starch-  tapioca, arrowroot or corn

• 1/4 cup rapadura sugar (or castor if you prefer)

Method

• In a large, heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks, starch, vanilla paste (if using), and sugar until well combined and smooth. Set aside.

• If using a vanilla pod, cut it longways straight down the middle, and scrape out the seeds. Place the seeds and the whole pod into the milk in the next step.

• Place the almond (or rice) milk and coconut cream into a medium saucepan and place over medium heat. Stirring constantly, cook until hot but not boiling.

• Remove milk mixture from heat. Remove vanilla pod if using. Slowly pour milk into egg mixture, whisking vigorously as they combine.

• Return all of this new mixture back into the saucepan and place over a very low heat. Stir constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Do not allow it to boil. This will probably take at least 3-4 minutes.

• Serve immediately, or cool in the fridge if you prefer it cold (which I do!!).

 

SUPER SIMPLE CARAMALISED BANANAS

Ingredients:

• 2 bananas, sliced about 1 cm (1/2 inch) thick (this should do 4 people when served with custard)

• 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil (or organic butter)

• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

• custard or chocolate for serving

Method:

• Melt oil in a pan over medium heat. Add maple syrup and stir briefly until combined.

• Add the bananas and toss for 30 seconds to one minute- they don’t need long or they’ll go too soft.

• Serve with coconut custard, OR, forget the custard and drizzle some melted 70% cocoa dark chocolate over the top…. and sprinkle some organic dessicated coconut over them! Yum!!

  Here are Karens details so you can stay in touch with her and her yummy recipes! Don’t forget to pop by and say HI to her!

  Website: http://www.foodgloriousfriendlyfood.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoodGloriousFriendlyFood

I hope you have enjoyed reading this and I wish you a wonderful week ahead! Be sure to register on the home page of my website here to automatically get my blogs sent to your email address….another exciting giveaway is coming soon…..so stay tuned!

Take Care of You,

Collette x

Guest interview and free recipe - Karen from "FoodGloriousFriendlyFood"

3 months RAW and still going....

Good Morning! I hope this finds you well….I thought it was about time I updated you all on my RAW diet situation….3 months ago I was put on a RAW diet for ‘at least’ 3 months…you can read more about it here….

1st August was the mark of 3 months being up….but as I can not get in to see Catherine (my Naturopath) until 21st August I am still going…. 

Being RAW has had its ups and downs and to be perfectly honest I can not decide if I enjoy it or not! Here is a run down of my thoughts…

* Positive: Easy to prepare, nutritious, fresh, tasty and oh so filling! I am so unbelievably surprised that I eat no where near what I use to eat BR (Before Raw!) …. as I am just SO FULL! I love the freshness of the food and stick to salads, juices, salads, juices, juices and salads!!!!!!! I am grateful for my  dehydrator for snacks (LOVE sweet potato chips!) 
I have lost 1 dress size. I don’t own scales  as I don’t agree with being hung up on weight and I know a lot of people with scales are…and having 3 daughters this is important to me. I feel good for losing this dress size in the sense that I feel more comfortable within myself. Its something that I don’t think I needed to do and I don’t think it would be noticeable to others but I feel less bloated all over which is nice.
My health feels AMAZING….the best it has felt in a LONG time….so that is super positive!!!!! I can’t wait to hear if Catherine agrees with me! 

My 2 1/2 year old twins love green juices as much as me!

Picking oranges at my parents….look at the size of that tree!

* Negative: Due to my intolerances I can only have limited nuts, avocado and coconut which I find is a massive part of most Raw recipes so this has limited me a lot. I think a Raw diet would be MUCH easier if I didn’t have to cut out so many things because of my intolerances.
Its cold. A big GGGRRRRR to eating salad when its cold. I would much prefer doing this in the warmer months – especially when all the stone fruit is in season!
I am bored. I think. I have lost a lot of inspiration for food or the love and passion of eating. I now eat because I ‘should’ …. not necessarily because I am even hungry and it has made me realise just how much we eat breakfast, lunch and dinner out of habit….because thats what we are told to do….not because we actually need it! 
My periods are horribly  irregular – going from a set 30 days to day 20, day 26, day 20 (for 24 hours) and day 25. I do not get the period pain I use to get or the bloating but my hormones have been evil  and exhausting (sorry hubby!)

* Interesting: I am finding myself being able to eat a little more nuts and avocado than I could before raw….but not being able to tolerate more than a mouthful or 2 of coconut. 
I am intolerant to all berries (and stupidly test this out every summer with no luck!) but I can eat the Super Reds and Greens from Nutra Organics which I shouldn’t be able to eat and I haven’t been able to before…..I have been excited about this and these energy bars have been my saviour for days out to have in my handbag in case of emergency….
These are things I don’t understand….maybe Catherine will shed some light on it! (not complaining though as a few macadamias to snack on and the bars are super yum!!!!!) 

At my girls sports carnival the other day….a thick pulpy juice and a super reds and greens bar to keep me chasing the twins!

* What I miss the most: Fish and stir fry veg! As soon as I am allowed I will be cooking a big gorgeous bit of white fish to have on the side of a mass of crunchy stir fry veg!

* What I don’t miss at all: Meat, Chicken and cakes. 

I will be sure to keep you posted with what happens at my appointment in a few weeks! 

Talk again soon, 

Take Care of You,
Collette x

PS GUESS WHAT….my next book “Cut out the Crap with Style” is at the printers!!!!!!!!!

3 months RAW and still going....

3 months RAW and still going....

Good Morning! I hope this finds you well….I thought it was about time I updated you all on my RAW diet situation….3 months ago I was put on a RAW diet for ‘at least’ 3 months…you can read more about it here….

1st August was the mark of 3 months being up….but as I can not get in to see Catherine (my Naturopath) until 21st August I am still going…. 

Being RAW has had its ups and downs and to be perfectly honest I can not decide if I enjoy it or not! Here is a run down of my thoughts…

* Positive: Easy to prepare, nutritious, fresh, tasty and oh so filling! I am so unbelievably surprised that I eat no where near what I use to eat BR (Before Raw!) …. as I am just SO FULL! I love the freshness of the food and stick to salads, juices, salads, juices, juices and salads!!!!!!! I am grateful for my  dehydrator for snacks (LOVE sweet potato chips!) 
I have lost 1 dress size. I don’t own scales  as I don’t agree with being hung up on weight and I know a lot of people with scales are…and having 3 daughters this is important to me. I feel good for losing this dress size in the sense that I feel more comfortable within myself. Its something that I don’t think I needed to do and I don’t think it would be noticeable to others but I feel less bloated all over which is nice.
My health feels AMAZING….the best it has felt in a LONG time….so that is super positive!!!!! I can’t wait to hear if Catherine agrees with me! 

My 2 1/2 year old twins love green juices as much as me!

Picking oranges at my parents….look at the size of that tree!

* Negative: Due to my intolerances I can only have limited nuts, avocado and coconut which I find is a massive part of most Raw recipes so this has limited me a lot. I think a Raw diet would be MUCH easier if I didn’t have to cut out so many things because of my intolerances.
Its cold. A big GGGRRRRR to eating salad when its cold. I would much prefer doing this in the warmer months – especially when all the stone fruit is in season!
I am bored. I think. I have lost a lot of inspiration for food or the love and passion of eating. I now eat because I ‘should’ …. not necessarily because I am even hungry and it has made me realise just how much we eat breakfast, lunch and dinner out of habit….because thats what we are told to do….not because we actually need it! 
My periods are horribly  irregular – going from a set 30 days to day 20, day 26, day 20 (for 24 hours) and day 25. I do not get the period pain I use to get or the bloating but my hormones have been evil  and exhausting (sorry hubby!)

* Interesting: I am finding myself being able to eat a little more nuts and avocado than I could before raw….but not being able to tolerate more than a mouthful or 2 of coconut. 
I am intolerant to all berries (and stupidly test this out every summer with no luck!) but I can eat the Super Reds and Greens from Nutra Organics which I shouldn’t be able to eat and I haven’t been able to before…..I have been excited about this and these energy bars have been my saviour for days out to have in my handbag in case of emergency….
These are things I don’t understand….maybe Catherine will shed some light on it! (not complaining though as a few macadamias to snack on and the bars are super yum!!!!!) 

At my girls sports carnival the other day….a thick pulpy juice and a super reds and greens bar to keep me chasing the twins!

* What I miss the most: Fish and stir fry veg! As soon as I am allowed I will be cooking a big gorgeous bit of white fish to have on the side of a mass of crunchy stir fry veg!

* What I don’t miss at all: Meat, Chicken and cakes. 

I will be sure to keep you posted with what happens at my appointment in a few weeks! 

Talk again soon, 

Take Care of You,
Collette x

PS GUESS WHAT….my next book “Cut out the Crap with Style” is at the printers!!!!!!!!!

3 months RAW and still going....

And the winner of the Lhami give-away is....

A huge Congrats to Meredith who wrote this: (7week boy = he makes me smile with his smiles, and his ability to poo his nappy right after have changed it.
2.5yo girl = her sense of humour (like her dad’s) and the love in her eyes when she cuddles her brother)
YOU are the lucky winner of the Lhami give-away!

Please email at info@cutoutthecrap.com.au with your postal address.

A MASSIVE THANK YOU to everyone who entered this comp…I did post this random winner last night but for some reason it didn’t post? Computers hey

I hope you are all having a great week so far….will be in touch again soon with an update on how my RAW diet it going.

Take Care of You
Collette x

And the winner of the Lhami give-away is....

And the winner of the Lhami give-away is....

A huge Congrats to Meredith who wrote this: (7week boy = he makes me smile with his smiles, and his ability to poo his nappy right after have changed it.
2.5yo girl = her sense of humour (like her dad’s) and the love in her eyes when she cuddles her brother)
YOU are the lucky winner of the Lhami give-away!

Please email at info@cutoutthecrap.com.au with your postal address.

A MASSIVE THANK YOU to everyone who entered this comp…I did post this random winner last night but for some reason it didn’t post? Computers hey

I hope you are all having a great week so far….will be in touch again soon with an update on how my RAW diet it going.

Take Care of You
Collette x

And the winner of the Lhami give-away is....

Guest blog and recipe from Kristin - MAMACINO!

Good afternoon! I hope this finds you all well and that you had a beautiful weekend!

I am thrilled to be able to bring to you another guest blog and free recipe from a gorgeous Facebook friend of mine, this lady is funny, smart, obviously gorgeous and has a beautiful blog that I just love following…..I hope you enjoy reading her story as much as I have and I am sure you will LOVE keeping up with her wonderful blogs too!

Kristin from ‘MAMACINO‘

 

Tell us a little about yourself and your Family…

I’m Kristin.  I am a mother to three gorgeous children who are 9, 6 and 2.  My husband works away from home about six months of the year so I’m a sole parent a lot of the time.  We live at the beach which we love and enjoy an outdoors kind of lifestyle.  My daughter has a condition called Pyroluria which means we need to take a lot of care with what we eat.  I am really passionate about organic, whole food eating and I love to cook and share food with friends and family.

I am mostly a stay at home mum but by trade I am a teacher and still make guest appearances at my kid’s school as an Emergency Teacher.  Most days for me involve cooking, transporting children around, getting organised and writing for my blog, Mamacino.

How big a part does food play in your overall daily health?

Food plays a really big part in my family’s health, in fact, I would say it’s the most important factor.  We try to stick to real, whole foods and have a mainly gluten free and dairy free diet.  My mother’s family is Italian and so I have inherited the need to feed! It makes me feel great when I know my family are getting as many nourishing and nutritious meals and snacks as possible.  Some may say I am even a little food obsessed!

What inspires you?

When I look around and see some of the amazing things other Mums like me are doing for health and well being I get incredibly inspired.  I’m also a very visual person so anything that is presented beautifully, from a gorgeous recipe on a favourite blog to a big display or organic fruits and vegetables at the Farmer’s Market inspires me and gets the creative juices flowing!

What is one piece of advice you could pass on to other Mums?

Appreciate every effort that you make to secure the health and happiness of your family and yourself.  I have been known to be a bit of a perfectionist, but this doesn’t serve me well.  Aim to do better.  Every small step that is taken in the right direction a better life should be celebrated and even if things go a little awry, don’t worry about it…tomorrow is a whole new day.

If you could have dinner with any three people in the world, who would it be and why?

This question has really got me thinking…just three people?  I’ll keep it food related.  Firstly, I think I would invite my Italian Great Grand Mother so I could ask her lots of questions about traditional Sicilian cooking and hopefully get her to teach me how to make her famous ravioli.  I think Gwyneth Paltrow – seems like a funny choice but I really relate to her and we have shared a very similar path health wise (not so much the movie star, famous millionaire side!).  She seems down to earth and has an equal passion for health and wine!  It would be great to chat about motherhood with her.  And finally…maybe the Olivers.  I love Jamie and Jools and would love to have their entire brood around for a big rowdy fun filled feast and chat about how real food is making a come back!

Please tell us three fun facts about yourself.

I have a passion for nineties rap music and do a mean Ice T impersonation…but only after several champagnes.

I am the world’s worst disco dancer, despite studying dance fairly seriously until I was eighteen.

My secret dream is to travel the world learning about food and different cultures and then to write a book about it…despite being happily married, I AM Liz Gilbert and that was my book, she just wrote it before I could get to it!

QUINOA AND VEGETABLE SURPRISE

This recipe is so versatile; it’s not really even a recipe!  This is how I made it but you could really use whatever you have in the fridge.

Makes 4 large or 12 small slices

 

Ingredients:

2 carrots, grated

Small piece of pumpkin, grated

Kernels from one cob of corn

A handful of parsley, chopped

1 cup of cooked quinoa

4 eggs, free range or organic

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to season

A handful of grated parmesan to top with, if you like – optional

What to do:

Mix all ingredients in a bowl (except parmesan which you will sprinkle on top before cooking) and pour into a lined 20cm, square cake tin.

Bake for 30 minutes at 180C or until brown and set firm.

Allow to cool a little before slicing.  Serve hot or cold with a favorite sauce.

Options:

• Add some chopped cooked chicken or a can of drained tuna.
• Substitute the quinoa for cooked brown rice.
• Add chopped tomatoes and basil for an Italian twist or spinach and feta if you prefer Greek.
• Use other vegetables such as zucchini, potato, capsicum, peas, asparagus (risky, but some kids like it…don’t they?).
• Put slices in a whole grain roll with lettuce and good quality tomato sauce to make a veggie burger.

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A MASSIVE Thank you to Kristin for taking the time out to do this interview!

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead….chat again soon!

Take Care of You,

Collette x

Guest blog and recipe from Kristin - MAMACINO!