Carrot, Lime and Coconut Slaw

Olivia Scott from Love By Olivia shares her recipe for this delicious Carrot, Lime and Coconut Slaw.

INGREDIENTS

10 carrots, peeled and grated
1⁄2 cup (13g/0.5oz) mint leaves
1⁄2 cup (13g/0.5oz) coriander leaves
1⁄2 cup (50g/1.8oz) dried coconut chips, plus extra to garnish
1⁄2 cup (85g/3oz) currants

DRESSING
1⁄2 cup (125ml) coconut aminos juice of 2 limes
1⁄4 cup (65ml) extra virgin olive oil
juice and rind of 1 orange
1⁄2 cup (125ml) coconut milk
1⁄4 cup (50g/1.8oz) coconut sugar 1 thumb fresh ginger
1 clove garlic
1 tsp Himalayan sea salt

Method

In a bowl, combine carrot with mint, coriander, coconut chips and currants and set aside.

To make the dressing, place all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly. Serve in bowls and garnish with some extra coconut chip.

Serves 4

Mango & Pineapple Chia Pudding

Recipe by Olivia Scott

Tropical Chia Pudding

INGREDIENTS

1 cup (250ml) coconut milk
1 cup (160g/5.6oz) chopped pineapple, plus extra to garnish flesh of 1 mango, plus extra to garnish
1⁄2 cup (125ml) filtered water
1⁄3 cup (100g/3.5oz) rice malt syrup
pinch of vanilla bean powder
1⁄3 cup (55g/1.9oz) chia seeds

METHOD

Place coconut milk, pineapple, mango, filtered water, rice malt syrup and vanilla bean powder in a high-speed blender, and blend on high until smooth.

Place chia seeds in a jar. Pour the blended liquid into the jar over the chia seeds and stir. Make sure there are no lumps of chia seeds at the bottom.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

To serve, garnish with extra pineapple or mango.

Serves 2

Recipe by Olivia Scott from Love By Olivia

Personal Assistant Role Available

We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join the Golden Yogi team. The role available is a personal assistant to Erin, the owner of Golden Yogi, working at the desk in our Takapuna location.

The role is about 20 hours per week.

Applicants must have the following skills;

• Must love customer service and providing an exceptional experience

• Attention to detail, organised, maintain a systemised approach to assistant work

• Experienced computer skills; MS office, email, typing and grammar.

• Experienced email and phone etiquette

• Perform full range of secretarial services in a professional manner       

• Be familiar with the Yoga and Wellness industry

• Have experience in the coordination, planning, implementation of workshops and events.

• Excellent self-management skills, including working effectively without direct supervision       

• Great time management and organisation skills

• Must have a willingness to learn, work as a team and task manager

• Must be an excellent communicator and problem solver

Applicants must be available for interviews over the next 2 weeks. Due to the large amount of applications, we will not be able to reply to everyone but we will be in touch if you are shortlisted for an interview.

Please email your CV and cover letter to info@goldenyogi.co.nz

12 Happiness Hacks

Hannah Crerar

Hannah Crerar is a yoga teacher at Golden Yogi studio and shares with us from her blog Hannah Yoga and Soul

DELUSIONAL THINKING

Picture this: You are so dehydrated in the desert. And then you see it – water appears in the distance. This excites you. You keep your eye on the prize… You walk and walk, getting more and more exhausted. Despite the lengths you travel, the destination is always just out of reach. That is the teasing nature of a mirage.

I was deep in thought about us humans and how we are programmed when this image of a mirage in the desert came to mind.

Money, power and status are like the mirage. These “destinations” or “objects of desire” give the illusion that they will fulfil you. But when we desire more, bigger, and better – we are in a constant unfulfilled state, as when we get the pay rise/new car/thousands of likes on instagram – we often end up wanting even MORE, even BIGGER and even BETTER. So we think we have to walk further. Newsflash: it’s an illusion.

What if you just stopped walking towards the mirage? What if you decided to stop where you are? What if you started digging? If you dug deep enough into the earth you would find the satisfaction you were searching for all along! The water lives beneath the surface. And it’s the same with us – everything we are searching for lies within. Of course we know instinctively, water doesn’t float above the ground. It is the same in life – the things we desire most, often cannot be seen. All the goodness we need is WITHIN.

When we realise this, it’s so freeing. The enjoyment we seek in life is far less limited by our circumstance…

HAPPY DAYS

Positive psychology has discovered that the happiest lives are a product of happy DAYS. Unfortunately studies show only a fraction of the population think about happiness as a DAILY requirement. Cliché, but every moment counts.

As promised in the last post – here are a few easy, accessible things we can do to fuel the soul with it’s daily dose of happiness and it all starts withIN:

1 POSTURE = a straight spine creates instant mental clarity, free flow of breath and energy. It provides a feeling of strength, power and centered-ness.

2 SMILING = this little trick causes a release of neuropeptides, dopamine, endorphins and serotonin which work to fight off stress and make you feel good (no need for a prescription or a trip to the pharmacy). BONUS: smiling is attractive AND contagious.

3 DEEP BREATHING = deep belly breathing calms us and activates the parasympathetic nervous system so we are better able to rest, digest and reproduce. Calm energy is good energy to be around. When the body is calm it can do all the healing it needs to do.

4 MOVEMENT = to shift something mentally, a physical shift is very useful. Conscious movement allows stagnant energy in the body to free itself. We live in this body so we may as well move it in ways that feel good. Stretching, running, swimming, jumping – just let the body talk.

5 THE SENSES = one of the quickest ways to get PRESENT is to tune into the 5 senses. Right now, notice what you can see, feel, taste, smell and hear. Being present with your sensations will draw you INTO the moment and out of any future worrying or past dwelling. Make time in your day to delight the senses. This may be through a hot bath, a good song, an ocean view or a hot drink. There is an abundance of ways to consciously connect the outer world with the inner world.

6 CONNECTION = We are hardwired to connect – to see and be seen, to listen and be heard, to feel and be felt. Connection with others is so important and the more personal contact, the better.

7 GRATITUDE = The conscious mind can only hold one thought at a time. An attitude of gratitude will automatically give you something to feel joyful about – no matter how small. Remember success and joy aren’t a simutaneous occurrence, you’ve got to choose to see the positive.

8 AFFIRMATIONS = More powerful than our thoughts are our belief systems – and these lurk well below the surface. Repetition of positive statements and thoughts help to train our brain and reprogramme our belief systems. Louise Hay suggests repeating the thought “I approve of myself” over and over throughout the day. (I can personally vouch for how powerful this can be). Remember you are worthy and loveable so why think otherwise. Read more about how words can rock your life here.

9 GIVING = Deepak Chopra revealed that the quickest way to be happy is to make someone else happy. When we are of service, we feel a sense of purpose. The recipent is happy and we recognise that we have something to offer. Giving is certainly not limited to money and material objects. Give your time, your concern and your stories. There are people out there who need exactly what you have to offer.

10 RECEIVING = Sometimes this can be tricky, particularly if you have grown up learning to block complements, or praise or help from others. When you recognise you are worthy of receiving what you desire, you are opening yourself up to far greater possibilities – when you show the universe you have increased your self worth, it will open the floodgates so that more opportunities roll in. Another plus is that when you receive you are allowing the giver to feel he/she has fulfilled a purpose.

11 MEDITATION/ CREATION/ FLOW STATE = Getting centred or into a meditative/flow state is incredibly healing. There is the traditional seated version of meditation but there are many other ways to tap into this flow state. Whether through painting, singing, cleaning, playing an instrument, playing a game, drinking, joking, dancing, running, writing, cooking or travelling – if you can find some creative outlet in which you can become SO involved – you will find that the outside noise and the ego falls away, and you are able to touch base with the most authentic part of yourself. We are all innately creative and there are a million and one outlets – use them all and have fun!

12 REFLECTION: Take time to focus on how you have evolved overtime. Recognise your likes, dislikes, patterns, behaviour, thoughts and beliefs. Sometimes we have to pause and take stock of everything to get clear on HOW to show up in the next phase of our life.

YOUR TURN

Ask yourself now…What do I DO? What do I LIKE doing? Remember happy lives are a result of happy DAYS so please make the conscious choice to do a little more of what you like and what fills you up from withIN. You are so worth it!!

Hannah Yoga and Soul

Coconut & Raspberry Bliss Balss

INGREDIENTS

1 cup (140g/4.9oz) sunflower seeds
1 cup (100g/3.5oz) desiccated coconut
1⁄3 cup (50g/1.7oz) chopped beetroot
1⁄3 cup (8g/0.3oz) freeze-dried raspberries
1⁄2 tsp Himalayan sea salt
1⁄2 tsp vanilla bean powder
3 Tbsp coconut oil
2 cups (320g/11.2oz) dates, soaked for 4 hours

COATING
1 cup (100g/3.5oz) desiccated coconut
1⁄4 cup (6g/0.2oz) freeze-dried raspberries

METHOD

Place the sunflower seeds, desiccated coconut, beetroot, freeze-dried raspberries, sea salt and vanilla bean powder and blend until fine. Add the coconut oil and blend until well mixed. Add the dates and blend on low until well combined. Pour mixture into a bowl and set aside.

Place the desiccated coconut and freeze-dried raspberries in a small bowl and mix with your hands, rubbing to combine the raspberry colour with the coconut. Take two tablespoons of the mixture and roll into a ball. Place in the raspberry coconut mixture and roll around to coat completely. Continue to do this until you have used up all the mixture. Store, refrigerated, in an airtight container for up to three weeks.

Makes 12

Creamy Corn, Coconut & Hazelnut Soup

Creamy Corn, Coconut & Hazelnut Soup

INGREDIENTS

2 cups (500ml) coconut milk
1 cup (250ml) filtered water
2 cups (400g/14oz) fresh corn kernels
1⁄3 cup (40g/1.5oz) hazelnuts, plus extra to serve
1 tsp dried turmeric
1 Tbsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1
4 sprigs of fresh dill, to serve

METHOD

Place all ingredients except dill in a high-speed blender and blend on medium for 2 minutes. Taste and add salt and pepper to your preference. To warm the soup, pour into a saucepan until simmering.. Pour into bowls and serve with some fresh dill and chopped hazelnuts on top.

Serves 4

Recipe from Love, By Olivia

Why Yoga practice is On and Off the Mat

As a yoga teacher, my hope is that you never feel guilty about not getting to yoga. Yoga has been defined in many ways, by many people over so many years. To me, the heart of yoga is that it helps people to feel better. Maybe it helps the mind, the body, the soul… eventually we see there is no separation, just the feeling of better. Sometimes “better” means elation, sometimes “better” means tears, a revelation, a sense of connection, of peace, of harmony, perhaps anger, clarity, release…. Whatever comes up for us on the mat, eventually leads us to better. To feeling more like ourselves, more connected to who we are, our truth and our path. Lighter in mind and body, unburdened for a moment from the stresses of life.

To me yoga is the most beautiful, nourishing and complete form of self care. Would you feel guilty for not taking a bubble bath? Would you feel guilty for not getting a massage? Please don’t feel guilty or bad for not getting to yoga.

Instead, for a moment, pause, breathe, say something kind to yourself. Maybe there is time to get to a class, maybe in that small pause you find a little more space for you. And maybe not. Maybe at this moment in time your children need you, a loved one needs you, you’ve started a new job…. the reasons are diverse and many.

In that case, keep taking little pauses to breathe deeply and fully. For now, perhaps your yoga practice is to lie down on the floor with your legs up the wall, eyes closed, breathing, resting. When it’s right, when it’s time, with love, acceptance and compassion for yourself, you will make it back.

Yoga is on and off the mat.

Liz Hoare, teacher at Golden Yogi

Liz

Bio

Originally from Canada, I planted roots in New Zealand 16 years ago. When I’m not teaching yoga, chances are I’m running after my 3 beautiful, messy, crazy, amazing boys!

Teaching yoga was a long time dream that became a reality a few years ago. I am a qualified RYT500HR yoga teacher and I enjoy continuing my education and fuelling my yoga passion through ongoing training and workshops.

Yoga helps to bring balance into my life, it nurtures my mind body and spirit. Practicing yoga gives me ease and lightness in my body. Yoga helps me to clear and calm my mind, and find gratitude and perspective in this busy life.

Yoga has also opened up a spiritual journey for me that truly resonates with my beliefs and values. Yoga has also helped me through some of the most difficult times of my life, by giving me permission to simply be with myself and to find space to heal.

My hope is to create a sacred space of allowing, self-acceptance and inquiry. I will offer options and permission to practice yoga that feels right for your body, mind, and energy on the night. Encourage you to meet yourself just as you are, as we practice shapes, find flow, meditate and practice pranayama.

My goal is that you will feel better body, mind and soul after your yoga practice. My hope is that the practices we share on the mat will help you feel happier, more at ease and present in your life off the mat.

July New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Cancer

Cancer New Moon

We’re now approaching the new moon solar eclipse in Cancer. This potential big shake-up on the home front may already be felt as we draw closer…and start of eclipse season, a window of 3 eclipses over three consecutive new and full moon creating a prolonged window of accelerated growth if we embrace the lessons. 

During a solar eclipse the moon moves in front of the sun obscuring the light of the sun. What does that mean? Unexpressed emotions will be felt and expressed catalysing shifts based on the truth of our deepest feelings. And Kali Ma, the Dark Mother will surface calling out unconscious patterns of behaviour…coming ready or not!

This first eclipse in the sign of Cancer is likely to highlight situations that are not honouring of our emotional body. i.e. relationships where we feel emotionally unloved, unsupported or unwelcome since Cancer highlights our core need to belong.

This eclipse may evoke mother issues that are impacting your ability to form emotional attachments and risk emotional intimacy and resentments if you feel like you’re not receiving the same level of nurturance and support you give to others.

And for those of you with planets near 10.37 (round it up to 11) degrees Cancer get ready for big life changes, particularly to do with home, family and community! 
 
So whilst new moon in Cancer may see us wanting to snuggle on the couch with movies & comfort food in response to this intensity, it’s helpful to remember ‘in-tense’ encounters are an opportunity to accelerate our transformation.

So long as we stay in the present tense & feel what’s surfacing. The more present we are, the more available we are to take responsibility & process anything that’s being triggered.

Excerpt from The Moon Woman

Ginger and Goji Granola

Ginger and Goji Granola

Recipe from LOVE, By Olivia

INGREDIENTS

2 cups (330g/11.8oz) buckwheat, soaked (see page 11)
4 Tbsp maple syrup
2 tsp ground ginger
1 cup (140g/4.9oz) pumpkin seeds
1 cup (140g/4.9oz) sunflower seeds
1/2 cup (120g/4.2oz) goji berries
1 Tbsp white sesame seeds
1 Tbsp black sesame seeds

TO SERVE
2 Tbsp yoghurt of your choice

1 cup (250ml) Almond Mylk

Method

Strain the soaked buckwheat and rinse under clean, running water (until water runs clear). Place in a bowl, and mix with maple syrup, ground ginger, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, goji berries, and white and black sesame seeds.

When the muesli is mixed thoroughly together, place on dehydrator trays that have been lined with baking paper and dehydrate for 12 hours, or until it has reached your preferred crunchiness. Store in a large airtight jar or container.

To serve, place 2⁄3 cup of muesli in each bowl and serve with yoghurt and Almond Mylk.

Makes 6 serves

The down low on Kundalini

KUNDALINI YOGA ~ The Yoga of Awareness

How does Kundalini differ to other more known/popular forms of yoga?

Kundalini Yoga is an ancient style of yoga but is relatively new to the Western culture.  Kundalini Yoga is known as "the yoga of awareness," to opens your heart, builds strength and releases the energy located at the base of your spine. Kundalini is without a doubt one of the more spiritual styles of yoga. Kundalini Yoga focuses on breath and movement and challenges it students both physically and mentally.

Vinyasa is still undeniably the king of western yoga, but Kundalini tends to appeal to people who want to delve into a deep meditative practice to raise consciousness.  In Kundalini Yoga, you won’t flow through sun salutations. Instead, it combines movement, breathing exercises, chanting (yes, actual singing), meditation, and physical sequences called kriyas. Teachers sit at the front of the room throughout, wearing white to expand their auras, and with their heads covered to protect the crown chakra at the head to harness the Kundalini energy.

Kundalini yoga is a quick and powerful system to cause changes you want in your life to happen much quicker than other styles of yoga. In Kundalini Yoga, there is no need to take oneself away from the distractions of the world – it is designed for the active householder with family, school and work responsibilities.  It is a safe way to stimulate the body’s natural resources and energy to bring the body, mind and spirit into alignment.  It is a proven path to connect with the Self and the Soul to experience your highest destiny.

Where did Kundalini Yoga originate from? 

Kundalini is one of the oldest forms of yoga – it has been practiced by the Upanishads in India since 500 B.C. Mastering the practice at sixteen, Yogi Bhajan brought Kundalini to the West in 1969.  Initially, Kundalini Yoga was carefully handed down from master to disciple for centuries and was kept very secret. It was never taught publicly until Yogi Bhajan challenged its secrecy and taught Kundalini openly to the public in 1969. Through his knowledge, wisdom and service he left us a timeless legacy of teachings to live healthy and happily, and consequently established the 3HO, which stands for "Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization."

What is Kundalini?

Kundalini is the creative energy within all of us, the energy of consciousness in each person and beyond.  The Kundalini energy is “coiled” at the bottom of the spine, and practicing Kundalini yoga, is said to bring that energy to life in the body.

What to expect in a Kundalini Yoga class?

Kundalini yoga varies from practice to practice. All classes will begin with an opening chant “Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo” to connect with your inner self, a yoga kriya (set), and expect to finish with deep meditation, and a closing chant. During the class you can expect to focus on your breath (specifically "breath of fire", a rapid rhythmical breath through the nose) and to move your body. Within a class or practice, you will find asana (body postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), mudra (hand positions), bandha (body locks), drishti (eye focus) and mantra (sound currents).  They are combined together in sequences called kriya (complete actions).  Kundalini Yoga has the power to unleash your true potential, and unlock barriers within ourselves.

What are the benefits of Kundalini? 

KUNDALINI YOGA is a sacred science. The comprehensive technology is thousands of years old and ideally suited to people who lead active lives in today's world.  The focus is on balancing the glandular system, strengthening the 72,000 nerves of the body, and bringing the body, mind and soul into balance.

• Balance nervous, glandular, and immune systems

• Develop the neutral mind to cope with stress and change

• Self-awareness to enhance peace of mind, concentration, and self-confidence

• Rejuvenation and healing

• Improve flexibility, stamina, and strength

• Experience your highest consciousness

• Remain calm, centered, and clear through life’s challenges

• Energising your magnetic field

Kundalini Yoga is highly transformative and releases deeply held issues whether body or mind.  It cannot really be practiced as a purely physical exercise, although it is physically challenging in quite a different way focusing on mental endurance and stamina.

Erin O’Hara

Carrot, Cumin & Coriander Soup

Recipe from The Raw Kitchen Cookbook

INGREDIENTS

8 carrots, chopped
3 cups (750ml) coconut milk
3 tomatoes
1/4 Tbsp ground cumin
2 Tbsp coriander seeds
3 Tbsp miso paste
1 tsp salt
2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 2 Tbsp yoghurt, to serve
3⁄4 cup (21g/0.9oz) coriander leaves, plus extra to garnish

Method

Peel carrots and trim off the tops and bottoms. Chop into 2cm pieces and place in the high-speed blender. Add the rest of the ingredients to the blender. Blend on medium for 1–2 minutes or until preferred consistency is reached. Warm on stove top until slowly bubbling, stirring so that bottom doesn’t catch. Serve in bowls with a dollop of yoghurt and a sprig of coriander on top.

Serves 4

Recipe from Love By Olivia

4 uses for Selenite Crystal for Healing

Selenite Wand

All crystals have different properties and are formed naturally to give and recieve specific energy frequencies. Our bodies and crystals both have energetic vibrations, which means our bodies are receptive to the frequency of aligning our vibration with crystals. Our bodies have free-flowing energy, so the crystals can be used accordingly to re-align, unblock and re-charge areas of our body.

Crystals are a tool to help align the energy of our conscious manifestations to our body. They can be powerful when used to realign our thoughts with our energy field i.e. when using affirmations or intentions. Thoughts can be powerful because they also have energetic frequencies. Crystals can help magnify and transmute those thoughts.

In my Reiki practice, I use Selenite on almost every client. I find it incredibly powerful in clearing energy, cleansing chakras, and helping unlock blockages. It also brings high vibration to an area of that body that could have slow or low energy vibration.

You can use your Selenite Crystals to:

• Absorbs stagnant energy. It is especially beneficial

• Clears blockages. Selenite is also known as ‘liquid light’ and is used for cleansing and for light protection

• Can be used to clear spaces in homes. Keep Selenite (or a Selenite lamp) next to your bed to help clear unwanted energy while you sleep

• Helps to connect with third eye and crown chakra. Helps to increase purity and positive energy

You can purchase Selenite and lamps online and in most crystal shops.

Love, By Olivia

Choc & Orange Mousse with Poached Pear

Rec

Poached Pear
1 pear
3 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp maple syrup

Mousse
Flesh of 1 avocado (or flesh of 1 mango)
2 bananas
1 cup Almond Mylk
2 Tbsp cacao powder
1 Tbsp coconut sugar
1 Tbsp coconut oil
pinch of vanilla bean powder
pinch of himalayan sea salt

Garnish
2 Tbsp pistachios
chopped 1 Tbsp orange zest

Method

To make the poached pear, place lemon juice and maple syrup in a bowl or glass that will also fit the pear. Peel then halve the pear and slice off the bottom. Place in the glass and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to marinate. ensure the pear is fully immersed in the liquid; if it isn’t, add more lemon juice or water.

To make the mousse, place avocado, bananas, Almond Mylk, cacao powder, coconut sugar, coconut oil, vanilla bean powder and sea salt in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into two small bowls and place pear halves on top. Garnish with a sprinkle of pistachios and/or orange zest.

Serves 2

Recipe from Love By Olivia

Rhubarb, Rosemary & Vanilla Mascarpone Tarts

Rhubarb, Rosemary and Vanilla Mascarpone Tarts

Makes 3 tarts

GF, DF, RSF, Vegan 

Equipment:

3 mini tart tins – between 10-12cm diameter, lined with baking paper

High Speed Blender

Dehydrator (alternatively, you may use your oven at a low temperature)

Garnish:

2 stalks rhubarb (if out of season, you may substitute for strawberries or stone fruit)

3 tbsp coconut sugar

3 lemons

3 twigs rosemary

Base:

1.5 cups gluten free oats

1.5 cups cashews

3 tbsp water

3 tbsp rice malt syrup (may substitute this for honey or agave nectar)

½ tsp vanilla

Pinch salt

Filling:

2 cups coconut flesh (alternatively you may use 1.5 cup soaked cashews)

1 cup coconut water

1 cup cacao powder

½ cup coconut oil

¾ cup rice malt syrup

½ cup water

2 tbsp lucuma powder

1 tbsp psyllium husk

1 tsp vanilla

½ tsp salt

Method

Garnish:

In a small bowl combine 3 tbsp coconut sugar and the juice of three lemons. Wash your rhubarb, and cut into 3cm strips. Marinate the rhubarb by placing the pieces in a shallow bowl and mixing with the sauce. Leave for 45 minutes. Place into your dehydrator (or oven), and leave until the rhubarb has softened. You may sprinkle extra cococnut sugar on top to slowly caramelise the surface.

Crust:

In your high speed blender, pulse the gluten free oats until fine and place into a medium sized bowl. Add your cashews to the blender, pulse until fine and add to the bowl. Add 3 tbsp water, and use your hands to knead until dough forms. Add rice malt syrup, vanilla and salt and knead further. In your lined tart pans, fill in each with your dough and spread mixture evenly using your fingers, the tart cases should be 0.5cm in height.

Place in your dehydrator for 4 hours, or your oven until dough is crispy.

Filling

In your high speed blender, combine coconut flesh, coconut water, cacao powder, coconut oil, rice malt syrup, water, lucuma, vanilla and salt. Blend on high for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Add your psyllium husk last and pour into each tart case. It is important to work quickly as the psyllium husk will begin to set as soon as it meets the moisture. Spread the filling flat on each tart with the back of a spoon. Place these into the fridge for 30 minutes.

Garnish

Decorate your tarts with the rhubarb. Sprinkle rosemary over the tarts to finish. Store your tarts in the fridge and serve with a dollop of coconut yoghurt.

Note: If you have any filling left, you can save this by putting into a small air tight container and having for dessert with some cacao nibs on top.

Recipe from Love By Olivia

Recipe: Roast Cauliflower, Beetroot & Mint Salad with lemon miso dressing

You know when you just really want something crunchy and fresh, but with all the goodness of healthy fats, creamy roasted cauliflower and zesty flavour? This salad, whilst supplying a huge range of live enzymes, vitamins and minerals also holds such a delicious combination of flavours. The slightly bitter radish, with the sweet snow peas, earthy beetroot, and savoury miso combined with the sharp apple cider vinegar and lemon. Quick, easy, healthy and delicious.

Ingredients

1 purple cauliflower (or 1/2 head of one white cauliflower)
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp sea salt
2 beetroots, peeled
2 cups snowpeas, ends trimmed
1 avocado, sliced
5 radishes, sliced (mandolin or sharp knife)
2 cups kale
Juice of 2 lemons
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup alfalfa sprouts
Crushed mint leaves to garnish

Dressing

3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp miso

Method

Line a baking tray with and set oven to 200 degrees celsius.

Break cauliflower into florets and slice into bite size pieces. Place onto baking tray and drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and sea salt. Add roughly chopped beetroot and roast in oven for 30 minutes or until soft.

Meanwhile, roughly chop the cabbage and place in a bowl. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil and the lemon juice and using your hands, massage the kale until it is well broken down and shrunk in size to about 1/3rd smaller than what you started with. Mix in baby spinach, and arrange on platter.

Add snow peas, radish and avocado, and toss around. Place broccoli and beetroot on top.

Crack some salt and pepper on top and garnish with alfalfa.

Dressing

Place all ingredients into blender, and blend until smooth. Drizzle over salad to serve.

Hope you enjoy x

Olivia from Love By Olivia

5 ways to harness the energy of the new moon

Think of a new moon like a blank canvas, a fresh start. New Moons are the best time to wipe the slate clean and get clear on what you would like to invite into your life. Think big, don’t be afraid to really be bold and use the energy to your advantage. Ever since Ancient Shamanic times, the new moons have always been marked as the time to ‘begin’ the harvest, the build, the project - physical, mental or emotional.

1. Write your intentions down. Get clear and journal out what you are calling in. When you are finished, release it to the moon and let the magic unfold. Use guidance cards to ask your guides/higher self questions you would like the answers to. Use crystals to amplify energy of your intentions.

2. Use the energy to do a fast. It can also be a time to reset the body, purge or detox. Drink plenty of herbal tea and water to help eliminate as many toxins as possible. Perhaps have a break from coffee, or another type of stimulant you usually consume.

3. Physically release. Go to a sauna, steam room, have a bath, have a massage, or do something with your body that helps you to physically or emotionally release, or ‘let go’.

4. Rest. Use the energy of the moon to do a longer meditation, move slowly, go for a nature walk and ponder the stillness.

5. Plant crops, herbs or decorative plants. Greens with lots leaves grow better when planted on a new moon. The energy of the water starts to be pulled upwards and therefore into the greens.

Olivia from Love By Olivia x

Recipe: Raw White Chocolate & Rhubarb Cake

Rhubarb season is here! Catch it while its around.

You will need:

Base:

• 1 cup almonds

• 1 cup desiccated coconut

• 2 tbsp coconut oil (soft or liquid)

• 1 cup soaked dates

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla

• ½ cup of freeze-dried or frozen raspberries

Filling:

• 4 cups cashews (soaked for 4 hours)

• ½ cup coconut oil (soft or liquid)

• 1 cup coconut milk

• ½ cup water

• ½ cup cacao butter

• 1 tbsp vanilla or 1 vanilla pod

• 1 tbsp salt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Garnish:

• Dehydrated rhubarb (8 stalks)

• ½ cup roughly chopped pistachio nuts

Directions:

Base:

• Blend in your food processor almonds, coconut, salt and vanilla until fine powder forms (usually after about 3 minutes).

• Add your coconut oil and blend further until coconut oil gives a gloss to the mixture.

• Now add your soaked dates and blend further until it is well mixed through the bowl.

• Press this into a 22cm springform cake pan.

• Use your freeze dried berries here and sprinkle them on top of your base. Place into the fridge to set while you are making the filling.

Filling:

• Blend in your blender all ingredients for the filling until smooth and creamy. You may like to add extra flavours if you desire, such as vanilla, salt or lemon. Pour this on top of your base and smooth down top with a spoon.

• Now the fun part – garnish your cake with dehydrated rhubarb, pistachios and any left over raspberries.

Place in the freezer overnight to set. After 8 hours, clip off sides of the springform pan, and leave for 45 minutes before serving. You can keep your cake in the fridge for up to a week, or the freezer for up to 3 months.

Recipe by Olivia Scott from Love By Olivia

Why does the moon effect us?

Full Moon

The moon can affect the gravitational pull of the tides over the course of the month. Ever heard of the ‘king’ tide, correlating to the ‘supermoons’ we have? The same goes for the moon and our body.

The connection made between the moon and its effects on human and animal behavior, has been coined with the term the “lunar effect”. While it is a subject which has remained relatively unstudied, it is something there is no denying is significant to us. There are numerous articles out there which detail how the moon effects certain animals and insects; however, with regards to human behavior it is really something science is only just starting to scratch the surface of; with that being said, there are countless police stations and emergency departments who all seem to vouch for some particularly odd behavior around a full moon, hence the term ‘lunatic’ which was derived from the latin word lunar, meaning moon.

The

If the phases of the moon are not something you’re about to bury your head in a book and read about, then there are at least two moon phases that are worth acknowledging; the new moon and of course the full moon. As we peer into the depth of the night sky, we see the moon overhead; you may look above and only see a sliver of a shimmer or a big beaming beacon, both of which are just different phases that you have caught the moon in.

The new moon comes around every 29 days and occurs when the earth comes between the moon and the sun creating a shadow; you can expect to see a very delicate cresent floating amongst the stars at this time. Traditionally, a new moon signifies new beginnings and emotionally you will generally feel more uplifted and motivated; therefore, it’s the perfect time to start planting seeds for a new project, idea, or vision. It is a time where you should stop and take a moment to consider your wants and your needs and to harvest that extra motivation to get things started.

While the focus of a new moon generally revolves around outward development, the focus of a full moon is usually more introspective, emotional, and personal. The full moon appears two weeks following the new moon and is in the opposite point of its orbit; hence, here on earth we get to see her beautiful face fully lit up. It is a time when you can expect to see all the ideas and visions you created around the time of the new moon, begin to blossom and flourish. Emotions around the full moon can frequently feel more exaggerated and overwhelming, this can be due to the sense of wrapping up of events that comes with a full moon. With every end there is an opportunity for a new beginning, so take time to compare what you consciously and subconsciously yearn for. Instead of letting yourself get too caught up in this transition, just allow yourself to flow with it and use this time to set new intentions that are on a more intimate level.

You possibly don’t believe the moon has any effect whatsoever on us earthlings, yet still regardless it can be a really nice reminder to acknowledge what it is we do want, on both a superficial and a personal level. Studying how the moon effects human behavior can be tricky with so many variables coming into play but it can be interesting to observe for yourself any common patterns that arise around these times.

All in all, it is hard to believe that something as great as the moon, which controls the tides of the ocean, doesn’t have something to do with our emotions.

Nicole Ander

The benefits of coconut yoghurt + recipe

Yoghurt is a traditional food in many cultures and is used as a probiotic for an abundance of beneficial bacteria, vitamins and minerals. Coconut yoghurt is a dairy alternative to traditional yoghurt (made from cows milk) and is made by culturing coconut milk (or flesh).

Coconut yoghurt is not only delicious, it is incredibly beneficial for our adding the right bacteria to our gut. In turn this strengthens our immune system, builds our bacterial communities and creates a more efficient bowel process. It helps us to breakdown food, absorb nutrients and eliminate waste.

RECIPE

Coconut yoghurt
Ingredients

1 can organic coconut milk (or flesh and water from 1 young thai coconut blended until smooth)
3 tbsp honey (or preferred sweetener)
2 probiotic capsules

Method

You will need either a dehydrator, hot water cupboard or warm environment to ensure your yoghurt will culture.

Pour your coconut milk into a jar, and empty the contents of the probiotic capsules into the jar and mix well. Place a clean tea towel over the top of the jar, and secure in place by tying string around the mouth of the jar.

Store the jar for 24 hours in a warm place. After 24 hours, check the yoghurt and stir further. Taste the yoghurt and check that it has started to culture – if you prefer a slight tangy taste – fasten lid on the jar and store in the fridge. Continue to culture yoghurt if you would prefer a stronger flavour. I usually find 24 hours is enough for me.

The yoghurt will store in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Breakfast Bowl

Serves 2

1 cup coconut yoghurt
6 tbsp honey or rice malt syrup (you may also sweeten with stevia if preferred)
2 tbsp pupmkin seeds
2 tbsp goji berries
4 tbsp boysenberry
Edible flowers to garnish
1 tbsp freeze dried raspberry (optional)

Olivia Scott from The Raw Kitchen

Almond Butter Acai Bowl

Olivia from The Raw Kitchen share her recipe for a delicious and healthy breakfast.

Acai Bowl

A simple twist on a popular classic! The almond butter creates a beautiful nutty, velvety texture and adds an element of indulgence. A great energy boosting breakfast, and with the addition of nut butter helps keep you satisfied for longer. If you don’t have almond butter, you could try peanut butter, cashew butter, or even coconut oil. 

Ingredients
Acai bowl
1 acai tube
1 banana
4 tbsp almond milk
1 tbsp almond butter

Garnish
3 tbsp coconut chips (lightly toasted in 1 tsp coconut oil)
1 tsp goji berries
1 tsp chia seeds
1 fig (or any seasonal fruit you have on hand)
2 tbsp grain free granola (any you have on hand)

Method
Lighly toast coconut chips and set aside. In a blender, blend all ingredients for Acai Bowl until smooth. Pour into a bowl and add garnishes, including toasted coconut chips.

Enjoy.

Olivia from The Raw Kitchen x