Meditation, migraine & munchies

 

Musings...
Seven days in to the daily meditations& lets just say the week started well. I was powering along feeling well & happy. But... As the week drew to a close fatigue ensued & the tiredness prevented the early morning meditation so I was fitting the meditations in ad hoc & my mind was less steady... Then the headaches hit.. 3 days.. Low pressure, stormy... Issues with the family, worries .. But on the bright side, I've still meditated every day; I've still done 3 sessions of yoga including my teaching lesson & ive found some time to be still & mindful.
Munchies...Welcome the salted caramel popcorn slice: I made this vegan version this morning adding a few changes & it looks & tastes delicious there is a vegan version & a honey version:

Ingredients:

3 cups of salted popcorn ( I popped my own on the stove top using coconut oil) I sprinkled masal sea salt on top

2 cups of chopped nuts of choice( I used peanuts, almonds & macadamias) you can used salted nuts

A handful of coconut slivers shaved 

2 tablespoons Nutelex(or dairy free spread)

2 -3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup or 1/2 & 1/2

2 tablespoon crunchy peanut butter

Method:

1. Prepare the popcorn & place in a large mixing bowl

2. Chop nuts & add

3. Add shaved coconut ( or use to sprinkle on top)

4. In a saucepan add Nutelex ; honey/maple syrup & peanut butter. Bring to slow boil

5. Once it is boiling & before it caramelises too much pour it over the dry ingredients

6. Thoroughly combine

7. Place in a flat tray or slice tin spread evenly

8. Cover with baking paper & use rolling pin or flat object to press the mix down firmly so it is flat

9. Set it in the fridge & then cut in to squares

Enjoy! DW

Forty morning meditations a gift to myself

Back from Melbourne and into life's usual whirlwind work, marking, catch ups ups and downs with kids and my own health. Poor blog very neglected 😔...

This weekend a delightful return to some laziness and sleep ins a movie and dinner out. Thinking time...

So here's the thing. A couple of Sunday's ago I had a great vegan breakfast at Chinta Designs on Scarborough beach Road Doubleview. In the living gift section I purchased two gifts. One the Dalai Lama's Cat by David Michie for my friend Lou' the other a gift for myself.. Still in its beautiful wrapping.

So why does it remain wrapped you might ask? Well funny you should... But here's the rub. It's a goal setting book for the next five years!

Despite the fact I have some goals wishes and dreams, I barely speak of them, let alone writing them down. As the scripting of them adds the air of commitment to them, of possibility of actually and the necessity to be accountable and live in to the accomplishment of them! So not to be taken lightly I say.

Returning to the point of this post... 40 days of meditation... The preface before the commitment commitment. The object of the exercise is to set the alarm 20 mins early for 40 mornings to meditate. That's it clear mind, notice thoughts, letting them go focus on the breath. I will diarise how these meditations shape my days and my weeks and at the end I will embark on my little gift my forward thinking project.

This comes also on the back of a Mindlefulness MOOC I've just finished through Monash university, which I would recommend.

See # FutureLearn@FutureLearn

Happy Week!  

Getting the groove on

The Brunswick street in Fitzroy I remember from the 90s is all but gone & the edgy inner Melbourne suburb is  now cool & classy. I met my friend after work for a drink at the Black Cat been there for years but so Melbourne & buzzing with the young & trendy. After a wine we sauntered back to the Vegan restaurant of choice for the evening. Smith & Daughters

 Smith & Daughters is vegan yum. We went for three shares:con queso dip; champignons that tasted like a rich  beef burgundy & a chickpea & rocket salad. It was tasty & so filling I couldn't fit in dessert. I washed it down with a coconut water with lime, mint & fresh pineapple. We need a place like this on the West coast. If you're visiting I suggest you book it was very busy that we only just jagged a window seat!  

Melbourne Love

The love of a good coffee

The love of the laneways

The love of the street musicians

The love of the Art Gallery 

Melbourne love...

Day two & I'm swanning about in the CBD...First stop National Gallery to see  Masterpieces from the hermitage: the Legacy of Catherine the Great..A splendid acquisition from the 34 years of her Russian reign.

Then it's off to coffee at JungleJuice bar in centre place CBD followed by lunch @ Shebeen in Manchester Lane meow@shebeen.com.au 100% of their profits go to the developing world. 

Finally a shop at Gorman not known to Perthites....

Time for a cup of tea! 

Wandering in Williamstown

Flew in to Melbourne last night hot on the coat tail of the Brownlow medal awards to see the boy from Lake Grace win the coveted prize! (We love you Fyfy).

So my team didn't make the grand final but I'm here for the week in the city of football making the most of Melbourne life & trying to have a cultural, social & dining experience. Being back with my old flat mate is a time to reminisce & enjoy some further to be shared good times. 

I wondered in to Williamstown central a la pied after a considerable lie in and late brekky. Had a good coffee from Mez Mez in the Main Street & sauntered along taking in the local vibe. I must say it was a quiet little hub generally speaking but pleasant enough. Took a few pics of the bay with its boats & battleships. A few locals were out & about & picnicking on fish n chips with the kids as its holiday time for them too! On the way back from town I was aggressively barked at by 3 territorial standard poodles: three shades black, white & creme. Very decorative indeed. 

Being Present

I've been reading a lot lately about being present to what you have, feeling grateful and being in the moment of your life; rather than living in past regrets or worrying about future outcomes. Loving yourself and loving the body that you are in and being the best person you can be, despite the obstacles. Choosing to be kind. A year or so ago I completed a Happiness project at my work place and whilst I was doing that I started trying to connect more with the here and now. The first thing I tried was to walk from my car to my office, engaging my my senses, to notice what  was going on around me; rather than thinking about the to do list,  the domestic environment I had come from,  the drive or even something just heard on the radio.

In the space of a quieter mind I actually became aware of the birds singing in the trees around me and the feeling of the wind on my cheeks. I noticed the smell of the pines and the sights of the garden. I climbed the steps with purpose and I acknowledged the people I passed. 

We do have a choice. We can quiet the troubled mind. We can be present to and accepting of the heartbreaks, the body aches, the sadness and the joy. In the world where everything is moving faster, where we find ourselves multitasking and not doing anything with a lot of intention; where we are swamped by emails, social media and advertising; there is relief in the silence. Quietness and meditation, presence and purpose.
  There is a Zen saying, "Before Enlightenment chop wood carry water, after Enlightenment, chop wood carry water."
 Continue to do exactly what you are doing just be there.   
outdoormindedmag.com  http://tulsagirlsfood.blogspot.com.au/ 

Cosy up at the Little Stove

When your bestie comes to town for a short catch up it's great to go for brekky or brunch.  The Little Stove had been on my list of go tos for a while so having it be about 1/2 way between our houses it seemed like the place to meet. I was really surprised at the quirkiness and the friendliness of the cafe. I loved my meal and was heartened to see they had such good business. I'd really love to recommend it to my fellow vegans as they really went out of their way to accommodate my food requirements and they let us split the bill!! Go to for the soy chai infused pot of tea...

Stunning Cake cabinet 

Mum gets brekky on fathers' day

Today was fathers' day and guess what? Well mum got a treat as father was too far. My daughter has a healthy living passion and has started to capture some of her images on instagram.  So I got a healthy delicious and pretty little breakfast and after a break due to a couple of health issues it reminded me that I'm here to blog..so I'll be out to sample some new vegan friendly bites around Perth soon.
In the mix here is a new discovery; COYO its a vegan yogurt smooth, creamy and yum! You can pick it up at Farmer Jacks in Subiaco. But hide it if there are others in the house ;)

New Look Yogaveda

Yogaveda has recently moved premises from Fremantle to North Coogee. Nikki Leaf and her team of teachers are very welcoming and settling in to the new place. I attended my usual Saturday class 12:20-1:50pm a restorative class suited specifically for women and pregnant women. The studio runs classes through the week and you can pick a class that fits from complete beginner to open.
The studio has opened a couple of new timeslots including 5:00pm-6.30pm Sunday which will be a one off half price session tomorrow Sunday 23rd August. I look forward to seeing you there.
Please follow the link to the Vogaveda Webpage and Facebook Page
There is a real treat when you come in to the studio and look up; very relaxing!
Namaste
Dimity

Yogaveda Massage for body and soul

Monday a couple of week's back I treated myself to a massage. As a busy mum I would not normally place such indulgence so highly on my list of what I need to do. However, here I am trying to be well; to live a life of self nurture and self compassion. Thus this massage provided some comforting medicine to enhance my own self care.
Without doubt Leah Albrecht has a gift. She is beautiful in body, mind and spirit. The ambiance and atmosphere of the space is relaxing and inviting and  this massage is indulgent and hearty. It is a cosy up in the winter or a cool  breeze in summer. It is made to measure and so so relaxing. After the treatment,  I spent the rest of the  day embalmed in the warm oils (so conditioning for my dry winter skin.)
You can contact Leah through the Yogaveda website:
www.yogavedawellness.com.ayuveda/treatments/

Good coffee quick brekky at Sprolo

I left early for work car pooling with my daughter. She's recently had a great Breakfast at Sprolo on Canning Highway in South Perth, so we decided that it would be a great place to eat and run and enjoy a great morning coffee. On arrival I noted that it was indeed the place for a takeaway coffee and a pastry as there was a steady stream of peeps with that very idea in mind. We dined in after the pretty usual order at the counter. I was buoyed to see that there was a pretty fine vegan option on offer, quite a detour from the usual with a black rice with coconut and mango. It sounded delicious so I went there.
The dish came with a little jug of heated coconut milk and it looked so fine. The taste overall was pretty good too. It did have one downside and that was the frozen mango. It clashed a little with the warm milk. My suggestion might be that they change up to a fruit in season when the mangos aren't available fresh. I do get the mango and coconut combo and that's fine but for a cold wintry morning some warmed stewed fruit may have gone down better ,or even a slice or two of banana. to keep with the tropical theme.

All in all thought the experience was fine. My daughter enjoyed her waffles and I had a lovely soy flat white with the good coffee roasted  in a building at the back so I'm told, nice and close to home.
 I will return even if to grab a coffee work-wards...

Vegan Grill'd

The burger and the vegan are normally two concepts you would not necessarily, or even usually, put in the same sentence. Trust me, tonight it had to be and was done with a spontaneous visit to Grill'd in Cottesloe for two hungry working people.
The thing that did impress me about Grill'd in addition to my tasty made to order Vegan burger was the chance for the local community to benefit from our patronage. So it works a bit like the diner gets to vote for which local community group gets the monthly $500 donation by way of putting a bottle cap in to a jar. For us it was a no brainer, Mosman Park Primary, the local school got our vote. You can read more when you get there. Very cool concept, good value and yum  http://www.grilld.com.au/

 My daughter devoured the not so vegan burger in the foreground.

#Coffee has come to Mosman Park

On my way to volunteer at the Curtin open day I paused to sample the new coffee where Muzz Buzz used to be on Stirling Highway Mosman Park. I got a small soy flat for $3.50 which is a great price. Next time I will get a double shot! The coffee was smooth and creamy and the service was fine, like really friendly and bright and breezy for a Sunday. They use the lovely and local Yahava KoffeeWorks  coffee another good reason to  pull in to #Coffee.

www.yahava.com.au

Sharing bread,wine and Art

On Friday night,along with several others, I ventured to Bread in Common in Fremantle after an Art opening where my friend had successfully sold a piece. It was getting late and we were hungry so we sat cosily up at the bar with a drink while we waited for a table. It wasn't long and we were led to a nice one by the window.
The wine sharing had begun and our artist had savoured an exquisite espresso martini so it was now down to perusing the menu. Well the bread features highly here and I would go out on a limb to say the sourdough was  indeed to die for, married with delicious olive oil and a fabulous hazel nutty, sesame and pepita dukka..well you could dine out on that alone. However, I also shared some pumpkin and lentils with a curry flavour that was so easy to devour. There were actually a good number of vegetable choices to share or covet. Of course a lot of variety for the carnivores amongst us, mainly made for sharing..oh and did I mention the bread. This is a popular and busy place which speaks for itself but I love it so I'm giving it a plug!

http://www.breadincommon.com.au/

Brunching in the Hood

The Gill St Cafe & Deli was buzzing when I ventured in there for brunch this morning. I'm new to this neighbourhood and was with a friend who hadn't ever ventured over this way. The blackboard menu was brimming with delicious choices...I wondered about vegan options..although this wasn't for long.The friendly girl at the counter was quick to point out some substitutions which soon had me content with a delicious serve of wholegrain toast topped with tomato and avocado and a serve of beans (and I don't mean the heinz baked variety)!

There's a quiet little heated deck out the back if you prefer not to be  inside amongst it all. Finally, I must  mention the coffee ..it was just to my taste..
Nice to know it's a 15 minute walk to go back.

Bountiful Harvest in the Western Suburbs

Looking for Vegan fare yonder of Freo? Look no further than Nature's Harvest 20 Napolean Street, Cottesloe
http://www.naturesharvest.com.au/
It's  been a long time since I've visited Nature's harvest one of the earliest health food places in this neck of the woods. They've expanded over the years and you can now dine in on a spread of warm and/ cooling delights such as daal and stir fried tofu with veges. They juice or smoothy loads and the sweets cabinet will put you in to vegan dessert overdrive.
 The staff were extremely attentive even when they got quite busy.  This is no secret to the locals but for anyone from another part of town wanting to visit Cott or just pass through; this is a health foodie treat. Our waitress Gabrielle was most pleasant ,she even retrieved my phone for me when I absentmindedly left without it.
Last but not least amazing coffee, amazing, my first for the day and well worth the wait!

Fruity Vegan Bliss Balls

I've been experimenting with some little sweet vegan treats. These are simple to prepare and provide a quick and satisfying mid morning or afternoon snack.  The flavour is mild and they are less dense that your usual raw bliss balls.
You will need:

•  1 1/2 cups of  Medjoul dates ( de-seeded)
•  3/4 cup almond milk
•  3/4 cup nuts ( I used a combination of almonds and cashews) blitzed
• 1 cup of quick oats
• 1 dessertspoon of coconut oil
• Cacao to roll balls in  (sifted)
• Toasted coconut or toasted sesame seeds

Method:
1. Boil the dates up on the stove with the almond milk. You want them to be smooth and squishy. Don't be afraid to add more almond milk.
2. When the dates are soft  blitz the nuts in a food processor or juice blender you can leave some chunky bits.
3.  Add the coconut oil and melt in to the warm date mixture.
4. Combine the oats in to the mixture and add more liquid if necessary. The mixture will be tacky but once you roll it in the cacao it will be more manageable.
5. Prepare the coconut and the sesame seeds. I toasted mine for 30 seconds in the microwave but feel free to leave them raw.
 6. Roll the mixture in to balls and gently coat in the cacao.
7. Roll each one in to the coconut or sesame seeds.
8. Leave in the fridge to firm up.

Divine Dawn

Creativity keeps me healthy and focused. Last night I returned to participate in an Art Class facilitated by my lovely friend Dawn Meader.  http://www.dawnmeader.com/
 It seemed like ages and I will admit the last time I picked up a pastel was in one of these wonderful gatherings.

Dawn has other delicious activities in her repertoire including retreats to Bali.
Here are some images capturing my clouds inspired by the work of W.H. Turner (1789-1862). Drawing and painting has a meditative quality; you need to remain in the moment and much introspection is required.
I will be returning next week.

Manna from heaven

 I Slipped in to Manna Wholefoods for lunch. It's hard to resist anything here and you are never disappointed with the quality nor the quantity. I bumped in to a treasured girlfriend which is always a treat. So I had the gluten free ,vegan Vegetable stack and took home something chocolatey and raw for home time.

The shelves are filled with luxury goods made with due care and doing no harm. So eat, drink and savour the ambiance and share the secrets the locals have been in on for eons. Oh and the coffee was good!

Vans on track for vegan diners

Catching up with an old friend I had fond memories of Vans. Last time I was here hosting a vegan & tonight, I'm the vegan go figure? They couldn't have done enough for me. I settled on the Mee Goreng, with a few alterations like no egg & rice noodles it was delicious!! I'm living nearby so I will be here again!

Way to work fuel at Coffea Fine Espresso

I found this little nook in Applecross as I deviated from the highway to do a rat run to work via the river. This leafy suburb of large houses and Range Rovers has a quaint village in the centre. I happened across a neat little  cafe which has now become my go to for coffee before work. It has a buzz and yet a relaxed feel and the staff are lovely and friendly. No arrogant baristas here; just a great coffee, to take on the road or to savour amongst the locals and the trees.