EPIC NATURE ART : MURIWAI BEACH

If you love art, and you love nature, you are sure to be amazed by the talent of international nature artist Simon Beck. Using not much more than a compass, grid paper, and either his feet or a rake - Simon makes amazing geometric art formations in the snow or sand. Some patterns take him up to ten hours of walking, and his beautiful creations last until the next snow fall or the turning of the tide.

5 hrs ...

5 hrs ...

Kirsty had the great honour of meeting Simon and watching two of his beautiful artworks be created on Muriwai Beach. Spanning the entire width of the beach at low tide these artworks made for magestic and awe-inspiring moments, where crowds gathered to sit and enjoy the sunshine and artist at work. To allow these artworks to continue beyond the sand, the team at Icebreaker have applied some of Simon's designs to gorgeous merino clothing - well worth checking out if mandala art and super soft merino is your thing.

So ... if you're heading to the beach - grab a stick or a rake, pack a compass - and send us any photo's of nature artworks this blog may have inspired. Kirsty joked with friends that we should start a roster - and take turns sitting on the hillside enjoying sunshine, smiles and stunning designs ; ) 

Namaste x ~

TEST DESIGN ~ DAY 1...

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BYRON BAY ~ GOAL SETTING AMBASSADOR SUMMIT

It's not everyday you get treated by lululemon athletica to a four day Byron Bay retreat, goal-setting and leadership summit - but for Erin O'Hara that is exactly what happened recently.  

Erin was amazed just how much inspiration, learning, smiles and new friendships you can pack into four days... read on for her highlights and inspirational tips:

FAVOURITE MOMENT

My favorite moment was probably day one, as we came together and worked on positive empowerment.  I always find it super inspiring to work on where you want to head in life. I’m a big believer in the power of manifestation - and that you actually need to know what you want to create, and where you want to head in life to bring it together.  So this day was all about working out what you want, what you don’t want, and then visualizing your dreams and goals for the next ten years. It was so inspiring as we shared and worked together about where we each wanted to head in life. 

SUNNY FUN...

On day two we spent the second half of the day enjoying an incredible walk in the sun. We walked up to the iconic Byron Bay lighthouse that stands tall over the ocean. It was a nice to chance to walk and talk with new friends, watch the whales, and the dolphins frolic out in the ocean. We also headed down to a gorgeous bay with golden sand, soaking up fresh air and nature. It was bliss!

BEAUTIFUL BYRON BAY...

Byron Bay holds a really sacred energy. It has a very hip yet magical energy, as well as providing a chance to get out in nature and enjoy surfing and being on the beach. It has that nice balance if you’re looking to enjoy both growth and spirituality, as well as have a holiday escape. Whether it’s getting out and being in nature, or doing meditation or yoga - it’s got a bit of everything – including some incredible little shops. It really is the perfect escape to meet upbeat and inspiring people, while still taking a moment to connect within and enjoy the laid-back vibe and culture.

BEST GOAL SETTING TIP:

Actually work out WHAT YOU WANT. What do you want to achieve in life? And put that into a visual action plan. If you don’t visualize it, it will be very hard to manifest it. So use the power of the mind to imagine what you want. Visualization is the most powerful tool.

MOST INSPIRATIONAL TIP:

Know what you want in life, and what you don’t want in life. Most people spend so much of their time focusing and working on what they don’t want to create in their life. Let’s all spend more time focusing on what we DO want to create as a part of our life.  That is the most powerful and inspirational place to come from – working out what you want, and follow it. And then when you are creating it - know that we are limitless.  As soon as you know you are limitless you can create anything that you want in your life, by just listening and following your dreams and your heart.

If you feel inspired to head to an inspirational retreat, we would love to hear all about your trip and the doors that open for you as a result...

Sat Nam x ~

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DIVINE GEM RAW TRUFFLES

INGREDIENTS

3/4 Cup Raw Almonds

1/4 Cup LSA

1/2 Cup Raisins

1/3 Cup Raw Cacao Powder

3 tbsp Coconut Oil (cold-pressed)

1 tbsp Tahini

1 tsp Honey

1/8 tsp Sea Salt

1-2 tbsp Water

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METHOD

1) Put Almonds in the food processor, and blend well until finely ground.

2) Tip Almonds into a separate bowl, and add the other dry ingredients.

3) Add all remaining ingredients to the food processor, and blend to form a paste.

4) Add the bowl of dry ingredients to the paste in the food processor, and blend until it forms a bliss ball texture.

5) Roll small spoonfuls of mixture into balls with the palms of your hands.

6) Place truffles in the fridge or freezer to set.

Enjoy!

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LEMON & COCONUT COOKIES

INGREDIENTS

2 Cup Coconut

1/4 cup Lemon juice

1/4 cup Coconut Oil (melted)

1 x Lemon zest

1 tsp Natural Organic Vanilla Essence

3 x Fresh dates

METHOD

1.  Add dates, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla essence, and coconut oil to food processor and process until it forms a thick paste.
2.  Add coconut to food processor and mix until all ingredients are combined. 
3. Press into small silicon muffin trays and store in the fridge until serving.

Enjoy!

Servings: 12-15 cookies

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ORANGE & FIG BLISS BALLS

INGREDIENTS

6 Figs (soaked)

4 Fresh dates (soaked)

1 Cup Almonds

1/2 cup Sunflower seeds

1/2 cup Coconut

1 x Orange zest

3 Tbsp Coconut Oil (melted)

2 Tbsp Orange juice

1/8 tsp Sea Salt

 

METHOD

1. Grind up almonds and sunflower seeds in the food processor, then transfer to a bowl.
2.  Add figs, dates, orange zest, orange juice, and coconut oil to food processor and process until it forms a thick paste.
3.  Add to food processor the ground almonds and sunflower seeds, coconut, and sea salt. Process all ingredients together for a few minutes until the mixture forms a dough.
4. Shape into balls and store in the fridge until serving.

Serves 15 - 20 bliss balls (remember to eat in moderation).

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RAW GINGER SLICE

BASE

INGREDIENTS

2 cup Cashew nuts

1 cup Coconut

8 x Fresh Dates

2 Tbsp Coconut Oil (melted)

1 tsp ground Ginger

1/8 tsp Sea Salt

CRUNCH TOPPING

INGREDIENTS

4 Tbsp Coconut Oil (melted)

2 tsp Ground Ginger

1 Tbsp Liquid Honey

METHOD

1. Grind up cashew nuts in the food processor, then transfer to a bowl.

2.  Add dates and coconut oil to food processor and process until it forms a thick paste.

3.  Add to food processor the ground cashew nuts, coconut, ground ginger, and sea salt. Process all ingredients together for a few minutes until the mixture forms a dough.

4.  Press into a slice tin (lined with paper).

5.  Make crunch topping by adding melted coconut oil, warm honey, and ground ginger powder into a small bowl.  Stir until all ingredients are combined.  Pour over the base.

6.  Place in fridge until ready to serve.

Enjoy! 

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LOVIN' LEMON RAW PIE

Crust

INGREDIENTS

1 cup Almonds

1 cup Coconut

8 fresh Dates

2 Tbsp Coconut Oil (melted)

1/2 tsp Natural Vanilla Essence

1/8 tsp Salt

METHOD

Combine all ingredient in Food Processor.  Press into round cake tin (with removable base) that is lightly greased with coconut oil or lined with baking paper.

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Lemon Filling

INGREDIENTS

3 cups Cashew Nuts (soaked)

1 1/4 cup Almond Milk (see recipe below)

1 cup Lemon juice

1/2 cup Honey

1 tsp Natural Vanilla Essence

3 Tbsp Lecithin

3/4 cup Coconut Oil (melted)

METHOD

1.  Place jar of coconut oil into a bowl of warm water to melt the oil into a liquid.

2.  Add to blender all ingredients except the coconut oil and lecithin.  Blend until smooth and creamy.

3.  Add melted coconut oil and lecithin to blender.  Resume blending until smooth and creamy.

4.  Pour the filling into the crust and place in fridge to set.

The pie will keep for at least 4 days.  Store covered in the fridge.

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*Raw Almond Milk

INGREDIENTS

1 C Raw Almonds

3 C Water

METHOD

Soak almonds overnight.  Blend ingredients together 2-3 minutes.

Pour into straining bag and squeeze out the milk.

Stores in fridge for up to 5 days

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BANANA CHOCOLATE RAW PIE

Base

INGREDIENTS

2 C Walnuts

3 Tbsp Raw Cacao powder

5 Fresh Dates

1/8 tsp Sea salt

METHOD

Combine all ingredients in food processor.  Press into a round cake tin (with a removable base) that is lightly greased with coconut oil or lined with baking paper.

Pie Filling

INGREDIENTS

2 cups soaked Cashew nuts

3 ripe Bananas

2 Tbsp Lemon Juice

1/2 C Honey

1 tsp Natural Vanilla Essence 

1/8 tsp Sea salt

1 Cup Raw Almond Milk* (see recipe below)

3 Tbsp Lecithin

1 C Virgin Cold Pressed Coconut Oil

METHOD

1.  Place the jar of coconut oil into a bowl of warm water to melt the oil into a liquid.

2.  Add to blender all ingredients except the coconut oil and lecithin.  Blend until smooth and creamy.

3.  Add melted coconut oil and lecithin to blender.  Resume blending until smooth and creamy.

4.  Pour half of the filling into the crust

5.  To the remaining half of the filling in blender add 2 Tbsp Raw Cacao powder and blend until smooth.

6.  Add to top of banana layer of filling (2 layers) or swirl together to get a marble swirling look.

Eat, share & enjoy with friends and family!

The pie will keep for at least 4 days.  Store covered in the fridge.

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*RECIPE : Raw Almond Milk

INGREDIENTS

1 C Raw Almonds

3 C Water 

METHOD

Soak almonds overnight.  Blend ingredients together 2-3 minutes.

Pour into straining bag and squeeze out the milk

Stores in fridge for up to 5 days

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LIME & PISTACHIO BLISS BALLS + HEALTHY CHOCOLATE DIPPING SAUCE

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INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup raw Brazil nuts

1/2 cup raw Pistachio nuts

2 1/2 Cups Coconut 

8 dates

3 Tbsp Lime Juice

1 Tbsp Lime Zest 

5 Tbsp Coconut Oil

Pinch of Sea Salt

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METHOD

1. Add all ingredients except the coconut to your food processor and process until well combined. After a couple minutes, the mixture should form a sticky dough.
2.  Put all the ingredients into bowl and stir in the coconut   (if your mixture is not wet enough, add an extra tablespoon or two of water or lime juice).
2. Shape into balls and roll in crushed pistachio nuts
3. Half dip in raw chocolate dipping sauce (see directions below)
4.  Store in the fridge until serving.

Servings: 15 - 20 bliss balls

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HEALTHY CHOCOLATE DIPPING SAUCE

1/4 Cup Raw Cacao powder
1/4 Cup Melted Virgin Coconut Oil
2 Tbsp Liquid Honey
Pinch Sea Salt

Mix together to form a liquid dipping sauce.

Best shared with friends and family. Remember to eat in moderation. And enjoy x ~

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WINTER WELLNESS IS GOLD

~ 1 ~ Nourish your body

Eat plenty of whole foods packed with vitamins and minerals.  Nutrient dense homemade soups are great to boost your intake of vegetables, plant based protein from lentils or beans, and spices that can assist fighting colds and flu’s.  Soups are quick to prepare and help to warm the body from the inside out.  Try to use fruit and vegetables that are seasonal and local so they are packed full of nutrients.  Smoothies and juices are also great to boost your energy and increase your vitamins and minerals.

~ 2 ~ Stay hydrated  

During the winter months we generally do not drink as much water as in the summer months.  Herbal teas or warm water with lemon are great options to boost your fluid intake and keep the body warm.

~ 3 ~ Exercise daily

When we move our bodies it helps to cleanse the lymphatic systems and flush the toxins out of the body.  Aim for 30 minutes of exercise everyday to boost the immune system.  It is best to choose low impact exercises like yoga, walking, swimming, cycling that will get your body moving but will not stress the body.  Exercise that is pushing your body to extreme levels actually lowers you immune function as the body moves into 'fight or flight' mode and the cortisol levels will rise in the body.  Exercise daily will help you to fight off nasty bugs and protect you from winter blues so you feel happy and positive.

~ 4 ~ Beat Winter Blues and Slow down

Quieten your mind and take at least 20 minutes every day to slow down.  Focus on your breath rhythm or repeat a phrase of words (mantra) to bring calmness to your mind and allow you to feel connected to live consciously conscious.

~ 5 ~ Maintain good hygiene

One of the best preventative measures to keep you healthy during the cold / flu season is to keep up good hygiene habits to reduce bugs from spreading.  Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, after being in contact with someone showing symptoms, or before preparing food. When you are in contact with anyone with cold or flu symptoms then make sure to keep your distance and avoid sharing personal objects that could be contaminated.

~ 6 ~ Dehumidify and reduce winter dampness

Dampness is the prefect breading ground for nasty bugs, mould and mildew.  Keep your house dry and warm to reduce the incidence of Respiratory illness, asthma, and chest infections.

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Natural Remedies to fight colds & flu:

~ Vitamin C: is a potent antioxidant that is involved in hundreds of the body’s biological processes.  It supports immunity and helps maintain resistance to infection due to its involvement in the normal healthy functioning of the white blood cells and antibodies.

~ Active Elements 7.1:  A mineral therapy to relieve the congestion & fever of minor infections such as, colds, flu, upper respiratory tract and middle ear infections, tonsillitis and hay fever.

HERBAL MEDICINE

~ Echinacea root: Maintains upper respiratory tract health and supports the body's own natural immune system to bring effective relief from the symptoms of colds, flu and minor infection.

~ Astragalus: A traditional Chinese herb to enhance immune function and has a mild antiviral activity to help prevent colds.

~ Andrographis: Supports the body's immune system when dealing with cold symptoms.

~ Withania (Ashwaganda): Enhances immune function and is a natural antioxidant.

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YOGI TEA

Yogi tea will give you a natural “high” while your feet stay firmly grounded.  It is a tonic for the nervous system, improves memory, gives you energy, prevents colds and flu, and naturally warms the body.

Ingredients

4 Cups Water

12 Cloves

16 Green Cardamon pods

16 Whole Black Peppercorns

2 Cinnamon Sticks

4 Big Slices of fresh ginger root

1 tsp Black tea (optional - we make it caffeine free at the studio)

2 Cups milk (optional) - cow, rice, almond, or soy of your choice)

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Method

Boil spices for 10-15 minutes. Add black tea and steep for 2 minutes.  Add milk, then reheat to boiling point. Remove from heat and strain.  Add honey or raw sugar to taste.  Makes about 4 cups. 

HEALTH BENEFITS

~  Black Pepper:  to purify blood

~ Cardamon: for colon

~ Cinnamon: for bones

~ Ginger: strengthens nervous system and prevents colds / flu

~ Milk: aids in assimilation of spices and avoids irritation to colon and stomach.

~ Black tea: acts as a catylst for other ingredients

Ref: Foods for Health & Healing Remedies and Recipes, by Yogi Bhajan

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WANDER-FUL WANDERLUST

On March 23rd over 3500 New Zealanders enjoyed an array of yoga and healthy fun at Western Springs Park in Auckland. Erin was incredibly grateful to teach alongside a team of inspiring and world class international teachers. For those of you that were there, you will agree that Erin's Kundalini class was pure magic - with everyone coming together for the 'Elevate your Energy' class. With yoga, meditation, hula hooping, music, dancing, organic treats and more - there really was something for everyone. To Jacque and Jonnie Halstead, and their amazing team - thank you for inviting us to be a part of the festival fun! It really was amazing! We can't wait to share even more yoga fun at Wanderlust Great Lake Taupo 2015. 

" This was the best class of the day for me - beautiful Kundalini, big breaths, only just coming down from the energy high now! " 

~ Astrid Schirnack ~

ERIN'S WANDERLUST HIGHLIGHTS

~ Sunrise meditation with Duncan Peak was pure bliss. Feeling the warm sun shining on your face while connecting with breath and chanting some mantra was a great start to the day.

~  The Lululemon tent fun:  face painting, beautiful hair braiding, henna tattoos, and special edition Wanderlust clothing ... a fun place to hang out and get beautified!!

~  Teaching on the main stage at the Festival. It was awesome to share my love for Kundalini Yoga and see hundreds of people embracing the practice and coming together to raise consciousness.

~  Seeing the Auckland Community come together to share a special day embracing all styles of yoga, healthy conscious living, and connecting with liked minded beautiful people!

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CHOCOLATE MACAROONS

Chocolate is one of most peoples favourite sweet treats.  These live chocolate macaroons are a perfect healthy alternative to the usual highly refined sugar treats. This recipe is so simple to make and is one of the healthiest treats for people with a sweet tooth.  They not only taste great but also nourish the body with iron, magnesium, essential fats, and antioxidants.

Free from refined sugar, gluten, egg, and dairy - makes raw macaroons allergy friendly and a perfect sweet treat that is guilt free. If you are trying to cut out sugar from your diet, then these are your answer to satisfy cravings for chocolate. 

INGREDIENTS

2.5 cups      Fine or medium shredded coconut

¾ cup         Raw Cacoa powder (unsweetened)

½ cup          Honey – manuka or pure liquid honey

½ tsp           Vanilla extract (natural, alcohol free)

4 Tbsp         Coconut Oil

 ¼ tsp          Himalayan salt

Method

In a large bowl combine all the ingredients and stir well.  To shape the macaroons use a tablespoon, scoop, and roll with damps hands, then place in a container (single layer).  If you want perfect shapes press into a silicon muffin tray and then pop out when set. Refrigerate for at least two hours. 

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Please note even though these are raw and contain no sugar, gluten, dairy, or egg they are still a “sometimes” food - best served as a sweet treat and not to be eating in large quantities or everyday - all in moderation!  

Enjoy and Live Lightly! x

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LOVE THE ZING OF WARMING GINGER

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One of my favourite ingredients to add to teas, fresh juices, and soups is ginger. There are many reasons to like ginger, other than just the fact it adds wonderful zinginess to food and drinks. Ginger is known botanically as Zingiber officinale, which derives from its Sanskrit name singabera meaning "horn shaped".  Ginger has many health benefits to boost your general health and wellbeing.

HEALING BENEFITS OF GINGER

~ Digestive Function: The carminative and spasmolytic actions of ginger help to relax and soothe the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract to prevent gas and bloating.

~ Anti-Nausea: Scientific studies show ginger may temporarily alleviate nausea and vomiting from pregnancy, after surgery, during chemotherapy, and motion sickness.

~ Anti-inflammatory. A folk remedy for the treatment of arthritis. The gingerol compounds have very potent anti-inflammatory actions that explain why studies show ginger relieves pain in people with osteo and rheumatoid arthritis.

~ Reducing Pain: The gingerol compounds have a similar action to NSAID but without the negative effects.  These compounds inhibit the formation of inflammatory cytokines chemical messengers of the immune system.

~ Anti-cancer: Research shows that ginger reduces certain cancers such as colorectal, ovarian, pancreatic, kidney and lung, by inhibiting the growth and production of cancer cells.

~ Immune Boosting: During flu season, stock up on your ginger because it boosts your immune system by inducing sweating, warming you from the inside, and allowing the body to fight infection. German researchers have recently found that sweat contains a potent germ-fighting agent that may help fight off infections.

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ADD GINGER ZING TO YOUR FOOD

~ Ginger tea: Great to drink when you feel a cold coming on. Crush 1 inch slice of ginger and add to ½ lemon juice squeezed and 1 cup boiling water.  Let ginger steep into hot water for several minutes before drinking.

~ Juice: Add to freshly squeezed juices.  Especially good with carrot, apple, celery, and beetroot. YUM!

~ Yogi tea: click here to enjoy our delicious yogi tea recipe.

~ Soups: Add 1 tsp grated fresh ginger to vegetable soups and stir-fry’s while cooking to give a zing of flavour and warmth. 

References: available on request

NUTRIENTS IN GINGER

- High in potassium to lower blood pressure and balance kidney function.

- Manganese to help to balance blood sugar levels, thyroid function, and synthesize fatty acids and cholesterol for healthy heart function.

- Also a source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, and phosphorus.

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YIPPEE ~ 4 DAYS TILL GOLDEN FUN BEGINS!

It's all very exciting as the countdown till launch day amps up, and the to-do list gets ticked! Tomorrow our signage goes up, painters finish final tidbits, brochures come back from the printers, and the same on Thursday. As for our photoshoot last Sunday - what a wonderful way to have warmed the space and spent time as a team - we can't wait to introduce you to the wonderful, inspiring, calm and passionate teachers that are going to add to the Golden Yogi Studio hum! They are in a word ~ GOLDEN!

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