tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68545077108642819182024-03-14T01:34:51.431+11:00the spaces betweenMy little corner to express and nurture my creative soul. I create, explore and write about slowing down, eating and living naturally, whole foods, new recipes, daily inspiration and adventures in living a simple life where less is more. nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-44086687092302002702014-04-23T20:58:00.001+10:002014-05-02T22:06:19.653+10:0052 Weeks of Gratitude: a wrap up for 2013, so very late! and those missing weeks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Step away from something just that bit too long and it's hard to go back, right? Finally I'm taking a plunge back to move forwards and wrapping up my 52 Weeks of Gratitude adventure for 2013 (I know we are a good 4 months into 2014!!).<br />
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It does seem an age ago since my first ever blog post back in 2012, and to my first gratitude post back in September 2012 when my family was in the midst of very difficult times, my dad's health was at it's worst, and I wanted to find a way to find joy and hope in each day. I needed to find a way to stay grounded and connected to life, to recognise and appreciate the ordinary moments that make our lives extraordinary (a much used expression I heard again today in the heart-warming movie about time).<br />
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My gratitude jar next to my bed holds a smidgen of a whole years worth of wonderful moments captured in images and treasured scrawled notes stuffed tightly in. A jar bursting with gratitude that guarantees a smile whenever I close my eyes and dig deep to find a small moment from my life.<br />
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I made a commitment to a year of gratitude because I wanted to give myself that extra push to stick with something that made a lot of sense to me, and that I thought was really something quite powerful. And it has made a big difference (in a subtle way!). What I've also come to realise was that the point wasn't to complete something at the cost of everything, and whilst I had set myself a goal of one post per week, as the end of 2013 neared life got busy, I was spending many hours in front of the computer for work, and more time hanging out with friends in real life. And thus I found I had less desire to update my blog.<br />
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But the point was in life away from the blog I was continuing to practice gratitude, noticing moments, looking around me and capturing beauty with my camera and remembering words spoken by others and taking life in with an open heart.<br />
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It is with this open heart that I say thank you all for reading and being part of the ride. It has been a huge pleasure.<br />
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What this space will be from here, I'm not sure. Random posts from time to time I imagine as I continue balance the time to write and document life whilst living it.<br />
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Love natalie x<br />
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<i>images: scouting for leftovers, botanical gardens, wellington, nz / farm details, murwillimbah / cycling in martinborough, nz / surry hills, sydney / hand dipped beeswax candles made by me / exploring waterloo, sydney / barracuda, christos triolkas, red wine and calamari, inner-city cafe, wellington, nz. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-66976967003020661442014-02-06T23:19:00.002+11:002014-02-06T23:19:40.926+11:00Seasonal fruit tart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Isn't this the sweetest fruit tart you ever did see. A delightful market find on a road trip around the North Island, New Zealand, Dec 2013.</div>
<br />nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-40037495931853961132013-11-14T23:46:00.004+11:002014-01-27T18:06:02.014+11:00An island holiday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few months ago, at the tail end of Winter I went on a spontaneous holiday to Great Keppel Island with friends from down south in chilly Melbourne. I've had the photos for this post ready for ages, but no words, so I kept waiting for a moment that felt right to write so I could hit publish. On this rainy night at home and in a week where words aren't flowing about the present moment, it felt like a good time to look back over happy holidays snaps, write something and share them with you. </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KAbA6BD5qM/Ui8KpiNJ0WI/AAAAAAAADSQ/Lv6-VNldLEA/s1600/GKI+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KAbA6BD5qM/Ui8KpiNJ0WI/AAAAAAAADSQ/Lv6-VNldLEA/s640/GKI+2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">We spent four days tucked away on our island holiday and spent our days walking barefoot on sand, swimming and snorkelling in crystal clear water, making sandcastles and exploring different parts of the island. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nothing to achieve, nothing to rush towards, just the simple pleasure of living in the moment. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was so nice to spend such quality time with Emma, Matt and Finn again. Living miles away from each other we don't get to catch up that often and when we do it's usually only for a few hours or a day at the most. It was delightful to have days instead of hours together. We didn't have to rush to madly catch up on all the news, instead there was more time to play, and be and laugh whilst conversation flowed.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">And of course we spent a great deal of time eating, reading and sleeping. We made simple meals of e</span>ggs, fish, tomatoes, leafy greens, rock melon and papaya. <span class="Apple-style-span">It's amazing how good simple, wholesome food is when you slow down to really experience each mouthful. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each night after a cup of tea and a few squares of chocolate I curled up in my large tent on a wooden platform with my book and read until the generator was switched off precisely at 10pm and all was dark and quiet again on the island. Bliss!</span><br />
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nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-50024538117181700512013-11-06T22:38:00.000+11:002013-11-06T22:38:02.386+11:0044 Weeks of Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>52 Weeks of More gratitude. More hope. More love.</i> </div>
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A few simple things I'm grateful for that made a week of mostly being stuck in my head, that bit lighter. </div>
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A classic drink on warm days, water, a good squeeze of lemon and a few sprigs of mint. </div>
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Girls, Season 2 watched, or more accurately, inhaled, over a very short duration of time. </div>
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Morning sunshine on our front verandah. I love sitting at the front door, sun creeping higher in the sky, birds flying from palm to palm, slowly waking to the day.</div>
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Waking on Sunday morning to hear the news that there was a new baby in the world, and he was 8 pounds 8 ounces and named Ruben. Congrats to my beautiful friends Emma p and Matt! And of course to Finn, as he is officially now a big brother. </div>
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A visit to West End markets in Brisbane. What an awesome local market. Stall after stall of good looking fruit and veg, fresh juices, and other foodie delights. It had a real community buzz, people taking time to stop and chat, to smile and draw you in to being a part of the market community. </div>
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And under the shade of a gorgeous fig tree live music played whilst people enjoyed what I hear is seriously good coffee!</div>
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And for my mama and papa and big sister.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">52 Weeks of Grateful linking up with Kylie at<a href="http://octaviaandvicky.com/home-and-family/grateful/flannel-sheets-and-micro-sleeps" style="color: #564b36; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://octaviaandvicky.com/home-and-family/grateful/this-moment" target="_blank">Octavia and Vicky.</a></span></i></span></i></span></div>
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nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-51245714291264065032013-10-30T22:59:00.001+11:002013-10-30T22:59:28.623+11:0042 and 43 Weeks of Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>52 Weeks of More gratitude. More hope. More love.</i> </div>
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Serenity and peace in the small town of Mullumbimby. My sister and I took a quick trip to visit friends on the coast and spend a night in a peaceful abode in nature. <br />
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Mullumbimby continues to grow on me each time I visit. It's a beautiful town, but given the choice I've often opted to head to the coast around Byron Bay. Slowly this is changing. I'm noticing the energy and beauty of the surrounding hills and space around Mullumbimby and dig the feeling of the place. Heck, there aren't that many places where you have a Day Spa right in the middle of town that feels like your far away in a tropical rainforest. The massage was bliss. If you're in the area I suggest you spend a few hours relaxing at <a href="http://www.thekivaspa.com/" target="_blank">The Kiva Spa</a>.<br />
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And on to the peaceful abode. Simon and his wife, Susan (who was away in Bali) have a beautiful property with self contained accommodation next to the main house. Simon was welcoming and warm, the place, beautiful and serene and exquisitely decorated.<br />
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Simon shared his intentions of the space as a retreat for people to reconnect with themselves and the earth; his love of the natural world; the garden he has spent hours planting and caring for; the kookaburra's and his work as an astrologer.<br />
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We drank cups of tea on the verandah, read, ate and crawled into bed. The sound and smell of rain was my companion as I drifted off to sleep.<br />
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Before we left Simon shared an image he'd sensed when he first met me. I'm not going to share the exact details (sorry folks!) but it linked in with the incredibly strong feeling I'd had the night before pottering around the kitchen. A feeling of being incredibly grounded and a sense of coming home to myself.<br />
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A weekend of people, places and experiences I am very grateful for.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">52 Weeks of Grateful linking up with Kylie at<a href="http://octaviaandvicky.com/home-and-family/grateful/flannel-sheets-and-micro-sleeps" style="color: #564b36; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://octaviaandvicky.com/home-and-family/grateful/grief-guilt-and-gratitude" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Octavia and Vicky</a>. </span></i></span></i></span></div>
nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-66710115157227888452013-10-25T17:51:00.001+11:002013-10-25T17:51:20.057+11:0040 and 41 Weeks of Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>52 Weeks of More gratitude. More hope. More love.</i> </div>
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Step inside the Happy Cabin. It's warm, cosy and a place where magic happens. October arrived and it really has been a magical month. Queensland at this time of year is divine. Days are warm and nights are balmy, jasmine is in the air and there's a relaxed vibe on the streets.<br />
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October is also my birthday month. I'm not really a let's make a big fuss over me kind of girl and happy to celebrate in low key style - some good food with good company. Saying this I do also like a party and this year I got the best of both- low key celebrations and a party (that wasn't mine).<br />
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Birthday celebrations started on the night before my birthday. A Greek banquet dinner with my mum and sister at a restaurant that has a good reputation and feels more like you're in Melbourne than the Coast. If you've ever eaten good Greek food or been fed by a Greek family you'll know that they don't skimp on quantity or quality. Feast highlights were melt in your mouth whole lemon snapper, Saganaki cheese, slow cooked lamb and a perfectly simple Greek salad with a whole piece of the creamiest fetta cheese placed on top.<br />
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Saturday, the day of my birthday, was a traditional family birthday celebration, a few presents and a cake with a single candle to make a wish. Oh happy days and nights. That evening a friend was having an 'Around the World' themed party, so I got to dress up, dance, eat and laugh but didn't have the fuss or pressure of it being my party!<br />
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The party was in full swing by the time we arrived. People and music spilled out into the yard. A yard that resembles a jungle of sorts, wild and untamed. Inside the big, old Queenslander was a place of warmth and life being lived right here right now!- happy party goers, a veggie feast, live music and a room full of crazy costumes. An around the world globe leotard worn with silver and black stripped tights was my personal favourite. Though by the early hours of the morning the leotard seemed tame as costumes were swapped and two tall gents squeezed themselves into genie costumes complete with sequinned crop tops and transparent harem pants. One chose to wear matching blue underwear, the other chose to wear no underwear, and instead improvised with underwear of sorts..a saucepan lid held tightly in place with rope. I'll let you imagine how that worked.<br />
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I danced and laughed, drank a cup of bedtime tea (an unusual choice in the middle of a party!), danced some more before falling asleep as the party continued around me.<br />
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It was a beautiful birthday, thanks to my gorgeous family and friends. Thank you for making my heart swell with such joy, love and gratitude x<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">52 Weeks of Grateful linking up with Kylie at<a href="http://octaviaandvicky.com/home-and-family/grateful/flannel-sheets-and-micro-sleeps" style="color: #564b36; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://octaviaandvicky.com/home-and-family/grateful/grief-guilt-and-gratitude" target="_blank">Octavia and Vicky</a>. </span></i></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">P.s. Kylie I'm sending you lots of love. </span></i></span></i></span></div>
nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-57489748893694760402013-10-09T00:28:00.001+11:002013-10-09T10:26:31.338+11:0039 Weeks of Gratitude (Spring at Wild Mountains)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>52 Weeks of More gratitude. More hope. More love.</i> </div>
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<i>"I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery - air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, "This is what it is to be happy." Sylvia Plath</i></blockquote>
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I arrived at Wild Mountains, near Rathdowney, QLD late Friday night just as the sun was setting behind the mountains, got out of the car and took a deep breathe in and exhaled slowly. I felt the magic of the place instantly. </div>
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I was on a volunteer weekend joining a crew of about 20 others working on a range of tasks that contribute to this amazing environmental education and conservation centre. </div>
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The weekend was one of the best weekends I've had all years, and was the first time since moving to Qld I felt like I'd found a place and people I connected with. </div>
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So much to be grateful for...</div>
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communal living and a kitchen with everything you could want</div>
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the joy of the simple and meditative task of weeding to prepare for planting</div>
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shared laughter, inspiring folk and good conversation </div>
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fresh, simple, vegetarian fare</div>
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plucking edible flowers from the garden for a green lunchtime salad</div>
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curry pumpkin soup with pepita and sunflower seeds</div>
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noticing the abundance of life and beauty in a tiny space when you are really present in the moment</div>
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the crisp night air</div>
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spotting a tiny red breasted bird (a Robin perhaps) fluttering from branch to branch</div>
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the smell of earth on my hands</div>
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the star filled night and a shooting star</div>
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that sleepy feeling you get when you spend a day outdoors, getting your hands dirty </div>
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waking up to the breathtaking view, fresh air and the song of birds</div>
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going to bed in the the complete darkness of the countryside</div>
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feeling the calm of nature seeping into my soul.</div>
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I can't wait to return.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">52 Weeks of Grateful linking up with<a href="http://octaviaandvicky.com/home-and-family/grateful/flannel-sheets-and-micro-sleeps" style="color: #564b36; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://octaviaandvicky.com/home-and-family/grateful/friendship" target="_blank">Octavia and Vicky.</a></span></i></span></i></span></div>
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nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-12864295304493684382013-09-30T21:34:00.002+10:002013-09-30T22:07:32.244+10:0036, 37, 38 Weeks of Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>52 Weeks of More gratitude. More hope. More love.</i> </div>
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A few thoughts I started last Tuesday night....but didn't quite finish. I've been a bit quiet on the blog front but with the memory of dirt on my hands and wind in my hair I'm inspired to write again.</div>
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I practised yoga this evening and I've a spring in my step, my chest feels open, shoulders are rolled back and I'm holding my head high. I can literally feel energy flowing freely throughout my whole body reaching right down to my toes. I am connected to my body again and I feel so calm and present.</div>
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Recently I've noticed how much I enjoy singing on the way home after yoga. The thing is I don't sing very often. I have a rather terrible singing voice, I always have, and once I became old enough to realise I didn't really sound like the girl in the Annie musical I've too shy to really sing.</div>
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Not only have I held back the urge to sing when I'm with others but I've also held back expressing myself from time to time over the years. Our fears are strange beasts! Health practitioners have often pointed out the link between recurrent sore throats and a repression of expression and emotion. Not speaking up for myself, not expressing myself, not singing often or loud enough!</div>
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Now I'm not dreaming of having a singing career but I am making progress towards finding a way to be more comfortable with expression in many forms and I feel very grateful for the knowledge and self acceptance yoga is teaching me.</div>
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It has also been a month of ups and downs, feeling frustrated and still struggling to find a place in my new home as I previously rambled on about <a href="http://thespaces-between.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/31-and-32-weeks-of-gratitude.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Thank goodness for yoga! and beautiful words from a good friend. She wrote what I'm calling a love letter to her friends, sharing her thoughts from across the seas whilst she travels on why each friend is important to her. Her words made me laugh, smile and cry. Seeing myself through her words I felt I knew myself again.</div>
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I'm grateful for these moments and insights that have kept me feeling sane! Oh and Spring, how could I not mention the gorgeous bunches of Spring flowers that have been bringing nature into the home.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">52 Weeks of Grateful linking up with<a href="http://octaviaandvicky.com/home-and-family/grateful/flannel-sheets-and-micro-sleeps" style="color: #564b36; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://octaviaandvicky.com/home-and-family/grateful/new-adventures" target="_blank">Octavia and Vicky</a>.</span></i></span></i></span><br />
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nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-21815733713369360112013-09-09T21:46:00.001+10:002013-09-10T09:44:22.263+10:0033, 34 and 35 Weeks of Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">52 Weeks of More gratitude. More hope. More love. </span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here it is. The jumbo edition of many weeks of gratitude! Actually I'm going to keep it short and sweet.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am very grateful and feeling the love from all of you who read and responded to my <a href="http://thespaces-between.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/31-and-32-weeks-of-gratitude.html" target="_blank">last post</a>. Thanks for your support and encouraging words. I've found myself re-reading the comments over the last few weeks and loving the wise advice you shared. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These past weeks I've been continuing to take action and investing time and energy into my surroundings. I've been putting down roots and spreading my wings at the same time. On the home front I've been creating cosy little spaces and now have a few kitchen shelves just for my tea collection; burning beeswax candles at night and slowly going through my music collection. Out and about I've been exploring more and more, seeking out new places to go, experiences to have and new people to meet. I'm dreaming again and feeling hopeful. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am grateful for:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The magic of staying on an island </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with good friends where</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> days stretched out with nothing to do but relax and play. Oh the serenity!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spending Sunday with Dad on Father's Day. So whilst my first attempt at baking something from <a href="http://www.wholefoodcooking.com.au/index.html" target="_blank">Jude Blereau's </a>new cookbook didn't quite work out (my sponge came out of the oven completely flat!-I'm sure it had more to do with my inexperience than Jude's instructions. I should have known when I had to youtube the 'ribbon' method). A quick trip to the shops to buy a plain sponge cake saved my arse, and I prettied it up as planned.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mint and parsley on my little balcony herb garden. Getting ready for Summer time.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A haircut that didn't make me want to cry. I love my new hairdresser. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">52 Weeks of Grateful linking up with<a href="http://octaviaandvicky.com/home-and-family/grateful/flannel-sheets-and-micro-sleeps" style="color: #564b36; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://octaviaandvicky.com/home-and-family/grateful/unsung-heroes" target="_blank">Octavia and Vicky.</a> </span></i></span></i></span></span><br />
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nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-34995397594070602282013-08-22T23:05:00.001+10:002013-08-22T23:05:26.546+10:0031 and 32 Weeks of Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">52 Weeks of More gratitude. More hope. More love.</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crap, has it really been that long? The calendar tells no lies. I've been holidaying up and down the coast, catching up with friends and it's been so nice to spend quality time doing things I love with people I love. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the flip side it's also highlighted a few hard truths. One being, even though I've tried really hard to like the Gold Coast the fact is I don't really like it. It doesn't feel like me. I could go on about why but I won't. There is no simple fix. I've chosen to be here to be close to my family, and that hasn't changed. I love seeing my family re and I still want that. Now to just find a way to like it a bit better! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do feel a smidgen better already just by coming to the realisation that I don't like it. Sigh of relief. I can stop pretending now. I've kicked in to action mode and the first thing was to get my home life in better shape, starting with the laundry (always the laundry!) and a quick tidy up of the house this evening. My head feels clearer already with more thinking space and I got a surge of inspiration to sit down and finally share a few moments of gratitude from these past weeks.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A present from my sister. Gorgeous soap from Melbourne. The scent is divine.</span></blockquote>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you've ever found yourself living in a place that's not quite 'you' I'd love to know what you did to settle in and find your place.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">52 Weeks of Grateful linking up with<a href="http://octaviaandvicky.com/home-and-family/grateful/flannel-sheets-and-micro-sleeps" style="color: #564b36; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://octaviaandvicky.com/home-and-family/grateful/grateful-a-collection" target="_blank">Octavia and Vicky</a>. </span></i></span></i></div>
nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-66371958025626106492013-08-12T22:46:00.003+10:002013-08-12T22:48:31.917+10:00Winter giveaway: Winner(s)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apologies for the delay and general silence in these parts. Life got very busy all of sudden. Tonight though I'm home, listening to Sigur Ros, sipping herbal tea, by the beautiful light of a beeswax candle. A very cosy setting indeed to re-read the <a href="http://thespaces-between.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/a-winter-feel-good-giveaway.html" target="_blank">winter giveaway</a> entries. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks to everyone who shared their winter rituals, I've really enjoyed reading each entry. What struck me the most, and what was threaded through all of the entries, was love. And love sure makes all of us feel good! There was one entry in particular that through her words I could feel the warmth and gratitude of having someone else do something for you with love; and the beauty of being able to sit back and witness this morning ritual. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Congratulations <a href="http://aluminiumgirl.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">aluminiumgirl</a>, a beautiful parcel is heading your way. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And because I couldn't stop at one winner I've also got a little surprise (hint hint it's spicy) for <a href="https://plus.google.com/116147872270353925137/posts" target="_blank">Penny,</a> because the image of the little ones eager for their delicious, healthy breakfast was just delightful and warmed my heart.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-4936904524511996802013-08-02T19:36:00.001+10:002013-08-02T19:36:41.357+10:00Book nerding it up in Byron<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Morning sunlight with a cup of tea and one of the best editions of Dumbo Feather.</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm book nerding it up in Byron for the weekend at the Writer's Festival. I'm super excited to have a date with Peter Carey on Saturday afternoon and a night of what I hope is thigh-slapping comedy with Judith Lucy and others. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday I'm meeting up with two gorgeous women from blogland, <a href="http://nikkifisher.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Nikki</a> and <a href="http://andthetrees.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Jay</a>. I love their blogs and I'm looking forward to all those things that make it special when you're actually with people in person... voices, movement, energy, laughter. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh how I love the weekend. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy weekend to you xx.</span></div>
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nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-66691116063471089182013-07-31T23:04:00.000+10:002013-08-01T09:04:11.313+10:0030/52 Weeks of Gratitude<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i>52 Weeks of More Gratitude. More hope. More love.</i></div>
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<i>"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." Marcel Proust.</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good friends you've known for years. The kind that still send you mail in the post old school style. That know that a book, a recipe and Peace tea with the tag 'drink tea and help Tibet' are the best kind of parcels. Good friends, you can't beat 'em.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Especially when you're down.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were a lot of shitty days last week. Mostly small shitty. Though there was the day spent at emergency in intense pain. That was big shitty. (Thankfully it turned out to be a minor problem in the end, phew!)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the midst of the big shitty day, my sister by my side, I received a beautiful long email from a friend in France. It was so good I forgot about the pain for a while. How could I not be happy when there was talk of chickens in the French countryside and working up the road in Claude Monet's garden.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few days later at the end of another long day, and yep you guessed it, I was feeling shitty, an unexpected parcel arrived in the mail from a friend who writes beautiful handwritten letters I long treasure. Shitty mood gone, and in it's place a happy me sipping tea knowing that even from afar, good old friends are always close. xxx</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Weeks of Grateful linking up with<a href="http://octaviaandvicky.com/home-and-family/grateful/flannel-sheets-and-micro-sleeps" style="color: #564b36; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> </a></span><a href="http://octaviaandvicky.com/home-and-family/grateful/wise-words" target="_blank">Octavia and Vicky<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></a> </i></span></span></div>
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nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-78313934255896486532013-07-30T13:21:00.003+10:002013-08-12T22:54:36.910+10:00A Winter feel good giveaway! <div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each year as the weather turns cold my thoughts wander to an image of a cosy bookstore cafe (think <a href="http://berkelouw.com.au/stores/paddington" target="_blank">Berkelouw</a> or <a href="http://avidreader.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=20&Itemid=193" target="_blank">Avid Reader</a>) hands wrapped around a cup of warm tea, with good company surrounded by rows of new and old books. It's one of my favourite 'feel-good' winter rituals that I will never tire of and one I look forward to as the days turn cooler. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To spread a little Winter goodness around I'm chuffed to share a first giveaway for me; a collection of wintery goodness to add a little extra warmth and spice to your days! A big thanks to contributors, I love that by sharing what I love doing on this blog connections are made. And a big thanks to you, the reader, for joining in, and making it such a lovely community.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Winter Feel Good Giveaway.</b></span></div>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The winner of this give-away will receive:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>A jar of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StickyChai?fref=ts" target="_blank">Sticky Chai</a> 200g</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">. I discovered these 2 lads via the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ieatrealfood" target="_blank">Real Food Projects</a> and loved their story. In their words..handmade by a couple of tea-lovin' dudes who split their time between blending top notch things to steep and brew and planning excursions on long open roads to far away places with wood-fired ovens. We passionately blend luxurious tea, loads of spice and raw honey, so you get all natural, and no funny business!</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <b style="color: #444444;">2 x <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BrothofLife" target="_blank">Broth of Life</a> jars (1 Beef Bone Broth from grass fed beef & 1 Chicken Broth from free range chicken frames). </b><span style="color: #444444;"> Dehydrated broth from Tassie! Well I never! I drink it straight, love it in soup (Healing Chicken and Shitake is good!). If you're new to the benefits of broth it's a long list. Here's a few: rich in vitamins and minerals, heals the gut, builds immunity and easy to digest.</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>A <a href="http://www.bloomcambodia.com/" target="_blank">Bloom Cambodia</a> recycled rice bag of your choice</b> (image an idea of one bag style, lots more to choose from).</span><span style="color: #444444;"> I lived in Cambodia, almost a decade ago. It's a place I feel in love with. I wanted to continue to support once I left- the poverty is unbelievable One thing led to another and I found Diana's social enterprise, beautiful recycled bags with good principles. They provide people with skills, training, a fair and decent wage and good working condition ( a rarity in the garment industry in developing countries). </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I purchased a stack of bags and sold them in Sydney markets for a year until life got a bit busy and I had to put that aside. (P.s Diana also runs <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bloom-Garden-Guesthouse/154186371275692" target="_blank">Bloom Garden Guest House</a>, definitely worth checking out if Cambodia is in your sights).</span></span></blockquote>
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</span><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">To enter simply answer this question in the comments below </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">(and your name if you don't have a profile)</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"> telling us:</span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><b>What is your favourite Winter 'feel good' ritual.</b></span></div>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">The winner will be chosen based on the comment that best inspires and warms my heart. <b>Entries close midnight Tuesday 6th August, AEST</b>. The winner will be announced shortly after on the blog. Open to Australian and NZ readers. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">I would love it if you shared this giveaway with your friends on facebook/your blog. Join me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Spaces-Between/190974137733112?ref=stream&hc_location=stream" target="_blank">Facebook </a>for inspiration, whole food goodness and updates. If you're new here, welcome! you can follow me </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4251567/the-spaces-between" target="_blank">bloglovin</a>' or</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"> subscribe via email (over there on the right). </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Congratulations to <a href="http://aluminiumgirl.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">aluminium girl </a>- through your words I c<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">ould feel the warmth and gratitude of having someone else do something for you with love; and the beauty of being able to sit back and witness this morning ritu</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">al.</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />And because I couldn't stop at one winner I've also got a little surprise (hint hint it's spicy) for <a href="https://plus.google.com/116147872270353925137/posts" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Penny,</a> because the image of the little ones eager for their delicious, healthy breakfast was just delightful and warmed my heart.</b></span></span><br />
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nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-42023344786012243992013-07-26T13:13:00.001+10:002013-07-26T13:13:04.245+10:00Favourites (26.7.13)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been way too long since I've shared a list of my favourite reads and discoveries here. It kind of just dropped off without me realising it. But lately I've read too many awesome articles, recipes and all kinds of posts to ignore sharing the love. I hope you enjoy these gems x</span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.courageousyogi.com/where-the-f-does-confidence-come-from-anyway/" target="_blank">Where the f does confidence come from anyway? </a> No further introduction needed.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://blogs.kidspot.com.au/villagevoices/blog-school-printable-editorial-calendar/?utm_source=buffer&utm_campaign=Buffer&utm_content=buffer7a5d2&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">Blog planning</a> Meet Me at Mikes style.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Petite kitchen's <a href="http://www.petite-kitchen.com/2013/04/white-chocolate-and-raspberry-almond.html" target="_blank">White Chocolate and Raspberry Almond muffins</a>. I've baked these goodies a few times now (pictured) with butter instead of cacao butter, but I've got cacao butter in the pantry for next baking urge.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Save this one! A quick go to guide on using whole food flours and sweeteners. Jude Blereau's <a href="http://www.sydneyessential.com.au/essential-blog/food/baking-with-wholefoods-sweeteners-flour/" target="_blank">Baking with Wholefoods: Sweeteners and Flour</a>.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best in farm to plate, local, ethical and story behind the food innovative ideas to look out for <a href="http://www.realfoodprojects.com/" target="_blank">Real Food Projects</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thebreadandbutterproject" target="_blank">The Bread and Butter Project</a>, <a href="http://thelocalharvestcollective.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">The Local Harvest Collective</a> and <a href="http://www.arthurstreetkitchen.com/" target="_blank">Arthur Street Kitchen</a>.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Favourite winter staple <a href="http://nikkifisher.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/time-to-cook-dahl.html" target="_blank">Dahl recipe</a>. I used chana dal instead of split red lentils.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fascinating <a href="http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2013/07/15/time-warped-claudia-hammond/" target="_blank">article </a>on Why Time Slows Down When We're Afraid, Speeds Up As We Age, and Gets Warped on Vacation.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Kale and pumpkin love continues <a href="http://blackbirdgem.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/make-it-with-foodbox.html" target="_blank">Quinoa and kale salad recipe</a>. </span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Image by <a href="http://thelocalharvestcollective.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">The Local Harvest Collective</a></i></span></div>
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nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-24798093198732278322013-07-23T15:04:00.000+10:002013-07-23T15:10:24.143+10:0029/52 Weeks of Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>52 Weeks of More gratitude. More hope. More love.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude." A.A Milne, Winnie the Pooh</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a tough week and to be honest I'm just so happy that we got through it and that we could still find moments to laugh about. Even in tough times there is still so much to feel lucky for. I'm beginning to notice the gradual changes in myself seven months into a regular gratitude practice. It's simple really. Instead of focusing on what I don't have I'm focusing more and more on what I do have. The more I focus on what I do have the bigger it grows. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made a commitment to a daily practice of gratitude because it seemed a simple way (I could do it anywhere anytime without any fuss) to enhance my life. I wanted to feel more like I was really living and appreciating my life every day. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's been much written on the benefits of gratitude and studies show people that are consistently grateful are happier. And it's true, I do feel happier and more content. And by happier I don't mean an unrealistic permanent state of bliss! I'm finding that even in challenging times it's important to be grateful, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and by being grateful for the challenges it's easier to acknowledge emotions, feel acceptance and find healthier ways to move through challenges. And so it was a week of challenges that I also feel grateful for. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A week of gratitude for:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - being close to my family and for being able to rely on each other.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- my dad having his shortest stint in hospital for a very long time. in one day and out the next. hoorah! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- ABC radio in the car. I've listened to some great interviews whilst on the highway for work these past few months.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- unpacking more boxes and slowly starting to make my new place a home. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- the warming winter flavours of onion, garlic and ginger. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- my joggers. I love the bouncy feel, the extra spring in my step. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- evening walks along the beach in above mentioned joggers.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- taking my joggers off and feeling the sand beneath my feet. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <a href="http://www.houseofhumble.com/2013/07/gratitude/" target="_blank">this post</a> from <a href="http://www.houseofhumble.com/" target="_blank">House of Humble </a>on gratitude. A new blog find I'm loving.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Friday fish and chip night. A treat at the end of a long week. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- after almost a year untouched, the family Scrabble board came out and we dusted off our tactics and skill of trying for more than a 4-letter word. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Weeks of Grateful linking up with<a href="http://octaviaandvicky.com/home-and-family/grateful/flannel-sheets-and-micro-sleeps" style="color: #564b36; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> </a></span><a href="http://octaviaandvicky.com/home-and-family/grateful/dream-big" target="_blank">Octavia and Vicky<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></a> Kylie is grateful for dreaming big this week.</i></span></span></div>
nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-13961437755903572602013-07-18T20:12:00.001+10:002013-07-19T16:38:05.349+10:0028/52 Weeks of Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5v0VrOv2SU4/Uee2RYc5TPI/AAAAAAAADIA/dEfBUIw84I8/s1600/surf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5v0VrOv2SU4/Uee2RYc5TPI/AAAAAAAADIA/dEfBUIw84I8/s640/surf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">52 Weeks of More gratitude. More hope. More love.</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a teenager I grew up in a mid sized coastal town, and being swept up in surf culture was an inevitable part of life. Hours spent at the beach, swimming, watching the surf (and surfers) and sun-baking (back then I wasn't so big on slip, slop, slap). I never grew out of my love for the ocean (I was happy to leave surf culture behind!) but in recent years I've had a renewed love for watching the surf. The swell and sound of crashing waves. The expansiveness of the ocean. The wild nature that can never be tamed. I walked to the top of South Nobby Headland for the first time on Saturday and the salty breeze and views were magnificent. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A week of gratidue for:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- the ocean</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- sun after the rain</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- dancing and feeling energy flowing through my body again ( <a href="http://www.gabrielleroth.com/" target="_blank">5 rhythms </a>- it really is amazing, it shifted my tiredness and my headache vanished).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- an insightful post at <a href="http://52weeksofnow.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/week-28-update-grateful-for-gratitude.html" target="_blank">52 weeks of now</a> on practicing gratitude "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">To be able to stop, notice and appreciate what we're grateful for at any given moment, we have to be present, we have to be mindful."</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">- being reminded of long summer days via <a href="http://pomegranateandseeds.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/well-hello-july.html" target="_blank">pomegranate and seeds</a>. Rebecca's blog is gorgeous and she writes dreamy poetry.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Weeks of Grateful link up has a new home at<a href="http://octaviaandvicky.com/home-and-family/grateful/flannel-sheets-and-micro-sleeps" target="_blank"> </a></span><a href="http://octaviaandvicky.com/home-and-family/grateful/flannel-sheets-and-micro-sleeps" target="_blank">Octavia and Vicky<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></a></i></span></span></div>
nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-79590077833048734772013-07-12T09:53:00.000+10:002013-07-12T09:57:02.793+10:00Farmers Market to Table: Vanilla Spiced Baked Rhubarb & Mandarin + A Winter Sandwich<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>When eating fruit, remember who planted the tree; when drinking water, remember who dug the well. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Vietnamese proverb</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The weekly visit to my local farmers market is one of my most cherished weekly routines. Produce is fresh, seasonal, organic and limited. I like that there isn't an endless amount of choice. It's easier to stay connected with seasonal rhythms this way, to live a little more connected to mother earth. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wandering around each stall I don't have a list to get through, or planned meals I want to make. I'm lead by the colours, smells and the abundance of what's in season. As I wander </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">flavours and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">dishes start to emerge in my mind. Roasted fennel with garlic; a fresh salad of rocket; kale with olive oil, garlic and lemon and it goes on as my excitement increases. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lately my basket has been filled with an abundance of leafy greens, grounding root veges and zingy citrus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The mandarin</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> season is mighty fine this year and I was curious to see how I could make the most of the mandarin season. Everyone loves stewed and baked fruit in winter so I decided to make a twist on baked </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">rhubarb with orange and use mandarins instead. The result- yum! It adds a nice sweetness to the rhubarbs and goes well with the warming spices.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another simple but oh so satisfying combination I've been eating a lot of has been this winter sandwich combination. Something about the taste and texture of warming toast topped with the strong and salty taste of anchovies and finished off with crisp greens, makes it melt and zing in your mouth all at once.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both recipes are great anytime of the day to satisfy winter cravings for warm and comforting food. Enjoy x </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>(p.s you may have noticed a few new buttons on the side. You can now follow me on <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4251567/the-spaces-between" target="_blank">bloglovin'</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Spaces-Between/190974137733112?ref=hl" target="_blank">facebook</a>).</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Winter Sandwich</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">good quality sourdough bread (I love Sol Bread's pumpkin and rice gluten free)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">avocado, smashed</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">anchovies (from a jar)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">tomatoes, sliced (small variety, tomatoes not quite seasonal but a local farmer had managed to harvest some!)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">rocket, baby spinach, parsley</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">directions: toast bread and pile ingredients on toast, drizzle with olive oil. season with salt and pepper. yum. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vanilla Spiced Baked Rhubarb and Mandarin</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3-4 stalks of rhubarb</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 mandarin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">juice of 1 mandarin (you could substitute with oranges or lemons)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">zest of 1/4 lemon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon mixed spice (or cinnamon, star anise and cardamom)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 inch piece of split and scraped vanilla bean</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat the oven to 160C. Trim the rhubarb and cut it into short pieces. Place the rhubarb and mandarin into a baking dish in a single layer. Juice the mandarin, I used my hands and squeezed each segment over the mandarin and rhubarb. Add zest, mixed spice and vanilla. Drizzle over the rice malt syrup. Cover with enough water to almost cover the mandarin and rhubarb. Bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes until the rhubarb is soft but still keeps its shape. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Serve with goat's milk yoghurt, or your favourite yoghurt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Serves 2-3</span></div>
nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-29864349107118252202013-07-09T09:38:00.004+10:002013-07-09T09:38:59.211+10:0027/52 Weeks of Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDCUUwtsedo/UdqoY4EDI1I/AAAAAAAADHg/QoV8z4EIpbQ/s1600/flora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDCUUwtsedo/UdqoY4EDI1I/AAAAAAAADHg/QoV8z4EIpbQ/s640/flora.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>52 Weeks of More gratitude. More hope. More love. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A week of gratitude for:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- a room of my own.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- waking to the sound of the ocean.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- morning light lightly caressing my face as I wrap fingers around a cup of tea gazing out the window.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- finding my way home from the city after getting terribly lost on my way there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- catching up with friends and one super cute toddler.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- staying up late, drinking wine and being fine the next day. When you have ongoing fatigue it's really easy to forget to lighten up and have fun. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- the new energy I have for life. The move across the road has been very good for me. I feel light and playful. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the way things keep falling into place and making sense. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- not forgetting entirely how to read music and letting my fingers find the keys to play the beginning of f</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e2233; font-family: 'Open Sans', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;">ür </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">elise.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- winter sunny days. they are the best. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- sunday afternoon baking. almond, coconut and raspberry muffins.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>What's been happening in your world folks? What small and big moments are you grateful for? </i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">52 Weeks of Grateful link up has a new home at </span><a href="http://octaviaandvicky.com/home-and-family/grateful/the-passing-of-the-torch" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Octavia and Vicky</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Thanks </span><a href="http://blogs.kidspot.com.au/villagevoices/category/52weeksofgrateful/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Maxabella </a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for hosting at Village Voice for 79 weeks!</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>P.S I've created a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Spaces-Between/190974137733112" target="_blank">Facebook </a>page for the spaces between (and in the process learnt about social media icons-I had no idea those little buttons had a name). Join me there for daily bits and pieces.</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></span></div>
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nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-19839402606951587062013-07-01T00:05:00.001+10:002013-07-01T17:07:34.479+10:0026/52 Weeks of Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">52 Weeks of More gratitude. More hope. More love.</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My kinesiologist is always telling me to connect more with my heart and so I keep trying to listen and to learn to trust my instinct. After many weeks of stewing over issues, listening to my heart and trying to trust my instinct, my efforts have paid off and everything fell into place this week. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lately I've been really tired; not managing my fatigue well at all. Most mornings I've had to drag myself out of bed Dolly Parton 9 to 5 style...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tumble outta bed</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And stumble to the kitchen</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pour myself a cup of ambition</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yawnin, stretchin, try to come to life... (9 to 5, by Dolly Parton)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My heart was telling me to change this, and to do something about my rising stress levels at work and to sort out my growing issue of living with my parents in a lovely, but smallish unit, where I couldn't get enough space. My heart and I found each other and everything fell into place like this: </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday. I saw an ad for a room to rent, walked across the road and up a flight of stairs, and found a new place to live. It all happened so quickly and I still can't believe it met my rather unique criteria, namely having space of my own whilst being as close as possible to my parents without actually living with them.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monday. Rhonda from <a href="http://down---to---earth.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Down to Earth</a> started a new series on <a href="http://down---to---earth.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/how-to-start-your-simple-life.html" target="_blank">living a simple life</a>- how to start, looking at your values and making changes around the home and in your life. The timing is perfect for me as I set myself up in my new place and put roots down in Qld. I don't have to wait until I live the dream in the country to have the 'perfect' simple and sustainable life, I can make changes now. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday. Jodi at <a href="http://cheandfidel.blogspot.com/2013/06/one-practicing-simplicity.html" target="_blank">Che and Fidel</a> led me straight to <a href="http://www.becomingminimalist.com/distraction-less/" target="_blank">this post</a> by my new blog crush <a href="http://www.becomingminimalist.com/" target="_blank">becoming minimalist</a>. Two ideas in the post I've heard many times before and feel that now is the right time to give them a serious try are: Read and answer emails only twice per day (I'm going to start with five times per day first up) and establish a healthy morning routine. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel like I'm out of wanting to change but not knowing how and I'm moving forwards again.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With a renewed zest for life I'm grateful for all the 'everything at the right time moments' this week. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And just in time to start afresh for July. Wishing you a happy week. x</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">p.s You can follow me over at bloglovin </span><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4251567/?claim=pk5adcy8hyn"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Image: From my sister's garden patch in Melbourne a few winters ago.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joining in for 52 weeks of gratitude <a href="http://blogs.kidspot.com.au/villagevoices/category/52weeksofgrateful/" style="color: #564b36; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></i></span></div>
nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-34895454561300209492013-06-29T00:35:00.002+10:002013-06-29T00:46:23.628+10:00Moving and shaking (and keeping in touch)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5CDYjkyOiS4/Uc2d1u-ur9I/AAAAAAAADBo/aKGpksSwFy0/s1600/IMG_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5CDYjkyOiS4/Uc2d1u-ur9I/AAAAAAAADBo/aKGpksSwFy0/s640/IMG_0029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things are a changing around here. Both on the blog and in my life. Outside of the blog I'm moving house. Geographically not far from where I am now but it'll make a difference. I'll share more about that soon. For the moment I'll stick to what's happening in blogland. I'm planning on having a bit of a clean up on the blog. Just a few small changes here and there I've been thinking about for a while. I imagine the changes will happen slowly slowly, so keep your eyes peeled. And whilst you're at it, keep your eyes peeled in the next month over on Facebook or Instagram. I'm not there yet, but I'm tossing up whether to grow a little sideways to one or both of these. I don't use Instagram currently but it does look fun. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Any thoughts on what you use and why? </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Along similar lines of how you find and follow blogs... Google Reader is closing in a few days (I had no idea about this until it kept coming up on blogs I read- ancient head in the sand is me!) and bloglovin is a good way to keep in touch. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To follow me on bloglovin click the link below.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4251567/?claim=pk5adcy8hyn"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can also receive emails directly in your inbox by entering your details in the box on the right. Simple. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Housework done. Happy weekend. x</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-29605044179636501162013-06-24T23:22:00.001+10:002013-06-25T09:28:21.550+10:0025/52 Weeks of Gratitude <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">52 Weeks of More gratitude. More hope. More love.</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past week felt like a good time to pair back the fancy stuff and get back to basics. I found time to embrace the simple things I love doing but that had somehow been missing recently. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Later in the week I was delighted to find that Rhonda at <a href="http://down---to---earth.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/how-to-start-your-simple-life.html" target="_blank">Down to Earth</a> was revisiting elements of simple living. I'm eagerly reading and waiting for new posts. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grateful for weekend brunch. Weekend brunch at a cafe is a little bit special don't you think? I keep going back to Vintage Espresso because they never fail to deliver and in Winter the space is filled with sunlight. The food is simple, fresh and healthy. The ladies are lovely and they've perfected the art of chai tea. I had a classic dish of poached eggs on sol pumpkin and rice bread with a side of spinach. And a pot of chai, milky but not too sweet. The bonus to having a pot of chai is </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">scooping the cinnamon sprinkled froth off the top of the brewing tea. Mmm.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grateful for a few quick rounds of Boggle after a Sunday roast. Have you played it? It's a simple word game kind of a mix between crosswords and scrabble.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grateful to Kellie at <a href="http://dear-olive.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/feeding-family.html" target="_blank">Dear Olive </a>for the inspiration I needed to get a trip to my weekly farmer's market back on the agenda. It is amazing how much of a difference to eating it's made over the last couple of weeks. With an abundance of fresh, seasonal and organic fruit and veg on hand I've been much more inspired to cook throughout the whole week and have been filling up on really good food. Less space for chocolate cravings!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grateful for being challenged in yoga. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grateful for an ordinary week that really was rather extraordinary. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I'd love to know what simple things make a big difference in your life?</b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>1/ Mmm poached eggs and chai. 2/ View from the table.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joining in for 52 weeks of gratitude <a href="http://blogs.kidspot.com.au/villagevoices/category/52weeksofgrateful/" style="color: #564b36; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></i></span><br />
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nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-81435687165907828472013-06-23T17:10:00.003+10:002013-06-23T17:10:42.884+10:0024/52 Weeks of Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oIWnEbedSTY/UcTZgGh0TAI/AAAAAAAAC_E/00JL3HEAOkk/s1600/hope+you+know.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oIWnEbedSTY/UcTZgGh0TAI/AAAAAAAAC_E/00JL3HEAOkk/s640/hope+you+know.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">52 Weeks of More gratitude. More hope. More love.</span></i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Night markets under a clear cool sky. Live music, good food and vintage finds. The <a href="http://www.miamimarketta.com/miami-marketta-arts-creative.html" target="_blank">Miami Marketta Arts Creative</a> is a regular artist run market in a newish arts precinct in Miami. I do miss the lights and character of a big city. Arts and culture, cafes, the abundance and diversity of food, historic buildings, the grittiness and the buzz of people on the streets. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There is always so much colour and life in a city. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Gold Coast is definitely not a big city, but for a few hours in a one laneway market surrounded by artist studios and a little cafe complete with red velvet chairs I felt the buzz of a place come alive that was as good as a big city has to offer. And the nachos! Healthy and delicious with beans topped with a salad of carrot and cabbage, cashew sauce jalapeños and sprinkled with pepitas. To make my first trip to the markets even more memorable I picked up a second-hand game of Boggle and had the most delicious</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> cinnamon milky fine tea experience I've had in quite some time. Mr <a href="http://www.harney.com//blog/our-tradition-of-tea" target="_blank">Harney & Sons</a> I concur, you are master blenders of fine tea. And best of all, the Hot Cinnamon Spice comes in decaffeinated and herbal blend varieties. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mid way through the evening I turned back to look at the scene behind me in the laneway and saw the shining crescent moon in the sky. At that moment I smiled and felt giddy with gratitude.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/ Writing on the wall. 2/ Vinyl. 3/ </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Joining in for 52 weeks of gratitude <a href="http://blogs.kidspot.com.au/villagevoices/category/52weeksofgrateful/" style="color: #564b36; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></span></span></div>
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nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-83710037648443013222013-06-18T22:13:00.000+10:002013-06-26T20:42:52.629+10:00Cardamom and Rosewater Love Tarts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The first time I made these little gems it was to celebrate love. Two beautiful friends of mine were getting married in an old church and I wanted to give a gift in the form of dessert. A dessert that was a little indulgent, romantic and a delight for the senses. With a vague idea to make something with exotic flavours I narrowed it down to Indian and Persian influenced flavours and finally found the perfect 'love' dessert of Cardamom and Rosewater Tarts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Common to both Indian and Persian cooking, cardamom and rosewater have been used for centuries, and have a sweet and heavenly scent that is quite distinct. If you've ever had the pleasure of visiting an Indian Sweet cafe you'll know the warm and heavenly scent I'm talking about and the power those endless rows of soft fudge like desserts have over you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This really is a recipe to save for when you can set some time aside to lovingly prepare the tarts. The tarts are both delicate in taste and in preparation. They need your attention and patience and most importantly your love. Raw cashews are a great non dairy cream alternative. They are full of fat, have no strong taste, and thus perfect for a non dairy cream base. Use organic ingredients where possible, medjool dates (they are softer and moister that 'regular' dates), raw (not processed) honey and fresh vanilla beans.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Enjoy and share the love. x</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">updated <strike>(P.s I've <b>entered this recipe in a competition</b> at these newish night food markets. Competition closes this Friday 21st June. If you like why not head to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/miamimarketta" target="_blank">Miami Marketta's Facebook page</a>, scroll down, keep scrolling and find my picture entry of the tarts and hit like. I'd love it if you did. thanks.)</strike></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cardamom and Rosewater Love Tarts</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">for the tart base</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup raw pecans soaked, drained and rinsed or 1 cup raw dry pecan nuts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3/4 cup medjool dates</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 inch strip vanilla bean or 1/2 tsp vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp coconut oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4cm base; 2.5cm height silicone cupcake liners (optional)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">for the cashew filling</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup raw cashews soaked, drained and rinsed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 tbsp coconut oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3/4 cardamom powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 inch strip vanilla bean or 1/4 tsp vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1-2 tsp rosewater</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 tbsp raw honey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/8 cup water</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">to dress your tarts</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">handful of pistachio nuts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">cardamom pods</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">food grade dried rose petals (I used rose petals from a T2 loose tea mix I had in the cupboard)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 175C. Blend all tart base ingredients in a food processor and pulse until smooth. This next step takes practice and patience. Spoon a few tablespoons of nut mixture into silicone cupcake liners and press lightly to form a thin case. If you spread the mixture to thin it will break, the trick is to try and spread it evenly over the cups. Place on a flat tray in oven and bake for 7-10 minutes or until darkened and firm- keep an eye on them. (I burnt my first batch!) If you want to keep the recipe raw skip the oven and chill them in the fridge until firm, approx 1 hour. I'd love to hear your results with this as I tried the raw method but they didn't firm up enough for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Remove from liners, place on plate or base you are going to serve on (the less transferring from dish to dish the less chance of the base breaking- yes they are delicate!) and fill with the cashew cream.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cashew Filling</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Blend all ingredients until smooth. Spoon into cashew tart bases.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And now for the fun part. Place a few cardamom pods in the centre of each tart. Roughly chop pistachio nuts into small pieces. Loosely sprinkle pistachio and rose petals over the top.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Makes: 8 small beautiful tarts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Free of refined sugar, dairy, grain and egg (vegan if honey is replaced with agave, coconut sugar, rice malt syrup or sweetener of your choice).</span><br />
<br />nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6854507710864281918.post-79922277530831852402013-06-17T21:47:00.000+10:002013-06-17T21:47:38.835+10:0023/52 Weeks of Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>52 Weeks of More gratitude. More hope. More love.</i></div>
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I'm playing catch up again. Trying to write one post per week, and post it in the actual week it occurs, is proving to be quite the challenge. Things have been busy, and I think I fell into that place where if you put something off for a few days it kind of becomes bigger and even less manageable. <br />
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Anyway...little jolts of inspiration for writing come at random moments throughout the day, I start dreaming big of what I what I'd like to write, get excited but then don't always find the time to do the actual writing. It's all part of the process though and one of the things I love about writing and photographing for this space is the discipline it's given me (sometimes!) to do something creative. On a regular basis. I had often talked with friends about wanting to 'be more creative', but as my profession isn't creative in the traditional sense, I always struggled to find something that fit. Now that I've started this space I gotta say I love it. No hard rules, the freedom to do whatever I please. It's incredibly liberating and scary at the same time. I did set <a href="http://thespaces-between.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/twenty-thirteen-new-beginnings.html" target="_blank">the intention to be more courageous</a> this year so I'm not letting a little fear now and again stop me from doing my thing on this blog.<br />
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So gratitude. I'm grateful for all that I'm learning on writing, learning to observe more around me, the buzz I feel thinking about ideas for the blog, being able to sticky beak into other people's lives and thoughts across the world via their blogs and sharing this space with people I know in person and people I don't.<br />
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In Week 23 of 52 (a few weeks back now) I went to Bangalow and I almost cried in delight when I saw the main tree in town with its leaves turned shades of red and orange. Ah winter! how I've missed you. There aren't many signs of winter where I live. It feels too tropical. No deciduous trees, no bitter winds, no need for heavy winter coats and gloves. Most of the time I'm happy for the milder climate, but the sight and crunch underfoot of leaves fallen to the ground is a simple delight that doesn't diminish with age. It was my first time at The Channon markets and I have to say it rates in my top 3 market experiences. A super relaxed market in beautiful surroundings with good and plentiful food options, and diverse local arts and crafts. Being so close to Northern NSW is a real treat.<br />
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<i>1. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/our.corner.store" target="_blank">Our Corner Store</a>- I couldn't resist buying a new winter knit- their ethos is simple and natural. </i><br />
<i>2 and 3. <a href="http://thechannonmarket.org.au/" target="_blank">The Channon Markets. </a></i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Crimson Text'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Joining in for 52 weeks of gratitude <a href="http://blogs.kidspot.com.au/villagevoices/category/52weeksofgrateful/" style="color: #564b36; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></span></div>
nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03813097196624713074noreply@blogger.com0