Blood orange super smoothie for these crazy and brilliant times

It's FINALLY spring here in Melbourne!!! OMG yay- I am actually relieved.
My body has been craving tangelo's, oranges, berries, smoothies, fresh fresh fresh things!!
This was an AMAZING breakfast smoothie that filled me up, kept me feeling light and kept me going till lunch (well SUPER late lunch because I was filming!!).
If you have small kids- this is a GREAT smoothie that they will LOVE! It's packed with antioxidants, vitamin c, protein, potassium etc etc it's just super great and will leave you feeling amazing!

I've been SUPER DUPER busy with life and filming etc.... as we all are. It always feels like around this time of year, everything goes into super charge, with so much more to do and accomplish...
Make sure you don't burn yourself out during these crazy and brilliant times ahead (plus the planets are doing some freaky deaky shit, which is giving the lovely life on Earth a massive shake up!!! GO WITH IT! change is here, with more to come-- struggle is futile!!  anyway, that's a whole other blog right there!!!)

Best thing to do is meditate, love, move your body and feed yourself with clean wholesome foods!!!  I must admit, lately, I've been consuming 1-3 smoothies a day to help me cope with non stop doing-- THIS IS WHAT MY BODY HAS BEEN ASKING FOR!!! Don't worry, I have been eating other things too!!! My body just works a heap better when I'm out and about, chugging down a smoothie from my jar.
It's important to mix up the ingredients of your smoothies it your eating a lot of them.... it's all about nutrients and variety!
I then come home and enjoy a really nice cooked meal, think green veggies, dark wild rice, seaweed, coconut oil, tammari, avo etc etc or a simple pasta with HEAPS of herbs, tomato paste and coconut oil mmmmmmmm- these dishes are SUPER QUICK TOO!!    

Anyway, I wanted to share this particular smoothie recipe with you because I felt so good after it and the taste made do a little dance while I was eating it!!

WHAT YOU NEED
1 cup mixed frozen berries
1/2 frozen banana
1 small orange
1 cup liquid (I used 1/2 coconut water,  homemade 1/2 almond milk)
1 blood orange
1 tblsp hemp seeds
1 tblsp chia seeds
handful of any greens (I used rocket/arugula)
fresh herbs to garnish (I used apple mint)

WHAT YOU DO
Wash fruit and veg, peel orange peel and chuck everything excluding blood orange and herbs into a blender- blitz, serve then garnish!!
*Feel free to add ANY other fruit or veg... it will all be good!

X

Introducing... SOAP NUTS! Yes, Mother Earth's soap that GROWS ON TREES!

AWESOME NEW DISCOVERY!!!

Yep, Mother Earth thought of EVERYTHING when she was getting ready to sustain herself solo. Not only did she create an air filtration system and spounge for pollution (thankyou trees and HUMUS- incredible compost), give us plant foods, water and medicinal weeds, BUT she ALSO made us SOAP!!! yes- soap! And it literally grows on trees!!!

Welcome Soap Nut!

Soap Nuts can be used in both top and bottom loader washing machines for your clothes, they can be used in your dishwasher, or if old fashioned- in the sink for your dishes, AND you can also create liquid soap from the nuts as a general house cleaner, glass cleaner, shampoo, body wash, pest repellant or car wash!!! WWHHHHHHAAATT!!!! Amazing!
Each nut can be re used up to about 6 times, then when they're done- YOU CAN COMPOST THEM!!! Holy shit balls!!

So to recap:
Detergent that grows on trees.
All natural.
Self lathering.
Reusable.
Cheap.
Effective cleansing properties.
Safe & gentle.
Compostable at the end of a long and productive life.
Awesome!

I ordered mine online from www.soapnuts.co.nz - Then I recieved a cutie 50gm pouch of SOAPBERRIES, also known as Washing Nut or Wash Berry, arrives in the letterbox!!

Soap Nuts have a slightly tacky surface due to the natural saponin that coats them. Once they come into contact with water, they create mild suds similar to soap. This soapy substance has remarkable detergent properties, removing dirt and dissolving oils from clothes and other surfaces as good as any supermarket cleaner.

Soap Nuts have been used in India and Nepal for hundreds of years. A lot of people that swear by them, particularly those with sensitive skin, eczema and contact dermatitis from household products!
Plus, they're cheaper than toxic comercial detergents.
At $5.50 for a bag that will last up to 20 wash cycles. 1kg of soapnuts shells can be used for up to 365 loads of laundry - if you do 1 load a day that's 12 cents per load, and cheaper than most other detergents. 

HELLO!!!

Get on board and grab yourself some SOAPBERRIES

yyaaaaayy

X

Ideas for using up a glut of fruit x

When shop, I'm always looking for amazing organic food- and a bargain. This can somethimes be a very hard thing, but I do it!
My organic grocer- and most grocers I've been to, usually bag up a heap of fruit and veg just before it's about to spoil- even as it's spoiling, and they sell it for SUPER cheap! YAAY!!

BUT, then you're stuck with a HEAP of fruit and veg that's about to go off........... like in the next day or two.. WHAT TO DO!?

VEG:
* make MEGA veg juices and top up your body for the day
* chuck into your blender with a few herbs and a bit of coconut water, or nut milk, blend then pour into a ice cube tray and freeze for the moments when you've run out of greens for a smoothie.
* you could even juice and freeze in an ice block tray for the same occasions, or if it's hot and you want a take away juice for the day..... it's will be chilled and ready to drink when you're ready to drink!
* make some awesome, weird and experimental cocktails or mocktails!!

FRUIT:
* Pretty everything I just wrote for the veggies.
* chuck the fruit in whole or chopped for future snacks, ice'cream' and smoothies. (for example, at this point in time, I have a massive bag of kiwi fruit, bananas and some mixed berries hanging out in my freezer! mmmmm Mangoes are another goodie!

USE EVERYTHING! NO WASTE
And if the produce is actually rotten..... COMPOST!!!!! yay to the planet!

Here's a bit of inspiration for using up a HEAP of apples....

I choped up half the apples and popped into my blender with a HEAP of fresh mint, then I juiced the remaining apples with some ginger and a tangello! YUM
Then I poured the juice into the blender and blitzed.
After pouring mix into ice cube trays, I studded them with frozen mixed berries!

FREEZE then eat as icy poles, chuck in smoothies, plop on top of muesli or use as iceblocks for a veggie juice, cocktail/mocktail etc.  

YAY and YUM!

X

saving the world with compost!!!!! hello HUMUS

When I was a kid, I watched Captian Planet....... Who else wanted to be a planeteer? I know I did!!  Still do really...... how cool would it be, to be a real super hero/human!  Did you know... YOU CAN!!!
I'm so getting my super hero planeteer boots on, getting my earth, fire, heart, air and water rings, chucking them together to create--- not captian planet, but a super cool composting business!!!!

Yep, you heard right! might soud lameo- BUT WE CAN SAVE THE PLANET WITH COMPOST!!! think worms, food scraps, paper, hair, garden scraps.......... we can be the real captian planet in the name of HUMUS. (hu-mus)

WHAT IS HUMUS?
Well, Humus is a brown or black organic substance consisting of partially or wholly decayed vegetable or animal matter that provides nutrients for plants and increases the ability of soil to retain water. AKA- super duper compost!

Composting has huge benefits for the earth and us humans.

WHERE EARTH IS TODAY:
Through chemical agriculture, humans have been rapidly depleting our mamma earths soil. Humus (the top layer of dark nutrient rich soil) has been depleted by almost 2/3 across the globe. Most of us are unaware that the Humus layer (soil) is the largest “sink” for carbon storage. Because we have depleted the humus layer, the carbon that was once there has been forced into the atmosphere and is causing the greenhouse effect and being absorbed by the oceans (causing massive acidification of the oceans).

WHAT THE PLANETEERS CAN DO:
By composting, we are directly affecting this process, every bit of compost that returns to the soil helps jumpstart the living matrix the Humus layer is supposed to be!!!! As the humus layer grows, the carbon is brought back into the soil (Carbon sequestering).  One step closer to reversing the terrible state we have the planet in right now! SO IMPORTANT AND EASY!!!

Composting to rebuild the humus layer in our veggie patches makes our food much more nutrient dense, therefore we have better health! This explains why an organic strawberry tastes better then a conventional one. Because of the soil the food was grown in is filled with nutrients and the other is mostly water and a bit of chemical fertilizers.
Soil health = Planet health and Human health.
Makes a lot of sense..... start composting lovers!
For those who have no idea how to compost, or dont have a garden- this is where I step in to help with my awesome up and coming super hero composting business!!!
If you live in Melbourne, all you'll need to do is collect food scrpas, then I'll take it and compost it!!
Pretty cool hey!
That's just the beginning too!
I'll have a HEAP of other wonderful earth saving things availible when my business begins- but more of that later!!!

WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW?
Buy a plastic compost bin and place it in an outside area that is close to a garden that will need nutrient rich soil (herb/veggie patch/flower bed or even your front lawn!)
Collect your vegetable, fruit, bread and grains scraps during the week. As well as your yard waste (sticks/twigs/grass clippings/debris) and place them in layered fashion (begin with some garden waste then layer with food waste then garden over the top as so on. This keeps the smell clean and almost non-existent and allows a good composition for the compost to breakdown. Turn your compost ever few weeks.
Use this nutrient rich soil in your garden once it has broken down.  
If you dont have a garden- get in contact with family and friends and get them involved too- share the love, compost and food scraps all in the name of planet earth!!

Here's an AWESOME TED talk all about Humus. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q1VnwcpW7E

Watch and SHARE the love xxxxx

My super Heart Chakra GREEN smoothie x

I've been doing an online course over the past couple of months which is all about chakric health, mindfulness and white light healthing- It's been SUPER AWESOME and so incredible educational and beneficial in helping me in my journey and connecting in with myself and my energy centres- FASCINATING!!!

Today is the first day of two weeks, working on focusing on the heart chakra!
"love is a many splender thing"
"love lifts us up where we belong"
"all you need is love"

OH YEAH

At yoga on Sunday, the gorgeous instructor told us about love and connecting in- it's the theme we're focusing in on this month- convienient!!!
Plus I've got a few super love projects going on in my life at the moment!!
I've been reading a heap of wonderful things all related to love- self love- gratitude- we are love- ETC!!!
(if you want a great and far out read- get your hands on Shealla Dreaming writen by Simone M. Matthews)

After todays lecture on the heart chakra, I was filled with inspiration! I wanted to buy beautiful healers chocolate immediately- just for love!!
I was also inspired to create a mega green smoothie, dedicated to the heart chakra.
The heart chakra vibrates at the color green- what better way to celebrate it's beauty than a green smoothie!! I wanted ALL ingredients to be green- although a few sneeky inca berries and walnuts made it in! *plus some additional raw vegan choc to garnish- after I took the photo!! All in the name of love!!

MY SUPER HEART CHAKRA GREEN SMOOTHIE

WHAT YOU NEED
2-3 green apples (I used 3 small ones)
1 lime
1-2 cups mixed greens (I used kale, parsley and silverbeet)
1/4 cup inca berries
1 cup coconut water
*topping: hemp seeds, mixed herbs, walnuts and chocolate!!!

WHAT YOU DO
Wash and chop fruit and veg. Pop evrything into into the blender and blitz.
Pour into a bowl and scatter with your topping!

EAT AND LOVE LOVE LOVE.

X

Incredible health benefits of Passion Fruit x

Last Friday I was heading to rehearsal of a short film I'll be filming very soon. On my way- of coarse I had to stop into Terra Madre (a.k.a The Fruit Peddlers- my local organic food store). I just needed a couple of things, but as always I bought a bag of things- One of which was a jumbo bright yellow passion fruit! Since I'd never seen one before and of course because I love passion fruit SO much- I grabbed it straight away! I'd heard of Panama passion fruit before- and jave enjoyed eating them- but the GOLD Panama Passion Fruit was a new descovery for me! FUN!!

Whats so good about Passion fruit you might ask? LISTEN UP!

Passion fruit is high in soluble fiber:   

Not only does fiber help in weight-loss but it also helps ward off the potential threat of many diseases. The fiber found in fruits also helps to slow the entrance of glucose in the bloodstream and also helps to further lower cholesterol levels.

Passion Fruit is high in Vitamins: Passion fruit is especially high vitamin A, C, B2, B3, B6 and folate. Passion fruit is particularly high in vitamin A, very important in helping you maintain a healthy immune system, healthy eyes, skin, teeth and bones.

Passion Fruit is high in Minerals: Including iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and copper. Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte. Potassium helps the body maintain its water and acid balance. Awesome

I AMAZINGLY saved my passion fruit for breakfast the next day! O. M. G!

SOOOOOOOOOO crazy good!

I had some mixed berries, avocado, chia seeds and of corse my passionfruit with a side of my fresh homemade almond milk!!!!! mmmmmmmmmm

GREAT start to the day, which lead to brilliant things- toiling in the veggie garden, taking a hike at the 1000 step Kakoda trail Memorial walk- then a wonderful family dinner at my folkes!! YAAY

XXXX

Tangelo's to the rescue!!

My FAV fruit (and maybe food in general) at the moment is TANGELO!!!

I love eating them on their own, in smoothies, on smoothies, frozen- like icy poles....... that's it, just the same over and over and over.

There are a lot of 'superfoods' out there these days.. which is awesome- don't get me wrong.. People who aren't health conscious are begining to hear about, then learn about superfoods, their health benefits and are changing certain lifestyle and food choices accordingly- AWESOME.

If you're like me, you're always on the lookout for a new and exciting superfood that will brighten your soul, tummy and health. Only problem is, usually these superfoods are EXPENSIVE!!!! Total bummer!!!

Most people don't realise that all wholefoods, fruit, veg, pulses etc ARE SUPERFOODS!!! And if chosen in season, they're CHEAP TOO!!!!

Take your humble Tangelo for example..... 

Tangelos contain vitamin A, vitamin B-6, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, folate and pantothenic acid, but they are a particularly excellent source of vitamin C. 

Vitamin C helps to prevent hypertension, heart disease, osteoarthritis and age-related macular degeneration.

Tangelos contain flavanones, a type of flavonoid compound. High flavonoid intake reduces the risk of asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders caused by aging. AWESOME!

They also give you potassium, calcium and magnesium. These minerals are vital for maintaining the health and strength of the bones and teeth and for regulating blood pressure. 

Potassium helps prevent strokes, and high calcium intake help lower cholesterol. 

Eating magnesium-rich foods like tangelos may decrease the risk of diabetes and depression. 

Tangelos contain only a trace amount of the mineral iron, but eating the fruit with high-iron vegetables like spinach or other dark green, leafy vegetables can increase your overall iron intake. The iron in vegetables cannot be absorbed easily by the body unless it is accompanied by a food rich in vitamin C, such as tangelos- So make a MEGA green smoothie with kale and tangelo!!! YUMMO!

(click here for this amazing smoothie recipe x http://apurplecarrot.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/the-most-amazing-smoothie-ever.html)

They also are high in soluble fiber which lowers blood cholesterol levels and regulates blood sugar levels in diabetics. A 2009 article in "Nutrition Reviews" indicates that regularly eating high-fiber foods like tangelos may help prevent hypertension, obesity, stroke, cardiovascular disease and digestive system disorders like hemorrhoids, ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux. 

SO GO BUY A TANGELO 

THEN EAT IT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!

YAAAYYYY

X

Awesome new Ecourse that will help you give yourself the love you need x

GDAY!
I'm loving Melbourne's weather at the moment! I got out of yoga this morning at 7:30am and felt like I was in LA! Driving down punt road, with all the cars and sunshine sent me straight back to my fav place ever! I wish I was there now!!!
ANYHOOOOOOO Today I really want to let you know about an awesome new e-course that start's in October, and to show you some of the delights of my up coming ebook!!

Above is a creation I made to take to my sisters for dinner on Friday night- it's a raw vegan mixed berry tart- so fresh and yummy! It will be a shining star in my book- so you'll have to wait a bit to eat it for yourself!

SO..... The E-course I have mentioned is a co creation between Cassie Mendoza-Jones- who's blog 'Elevate Vitality' http://www.elevatevitality.com.au/about I love to follow-  and her friend Clare Woodward.... here's a word from Cassie!

In October, my friend Clare Woodward and I are launching the first round of our shiny new e-course called Self Love & Nourishment. We know this course will change how you view yourself, how you treat yourself, love yourself, nurture and nourish yourself, and in turn it’ll change the way you interact with your family, friends and colleagues. All too often I see clients who feel ‘stuck’ in something they don’t like, be it a work situation, an incident involving other people or even just upset at themselves for seemingly being unable to progress. change, reach a goal or move forwards. We are known to self-sabotage ourselves. Many of us probably self-sabotage on a daily basis, without even being aware of it. The SL&N course will open your eyes to ways in which you can learn to start loving and nourishing yourself in beautiful ways. The advice in this post can be used as baby steps to help get you there… and don’t worry, this content won’t be repeated in the course, it’s fresh and just for the EV blog, so if you’d like to jump on board with Clare, myself and everyone else who’s already secured their spot in the course, rest assured you’ll be signing up for so much more juicy inspiration, education and coaching. It’s going to be AMAZING!

BACK TO ME NOW.... (Tegan)
I'm doing a few e-courses at the moment- They're great!! As you may or may not have noticed, I do many things and are always busy with SOMETHING! I can ALWAYS keep up to date with my coureses, they fit into my schedule- which I make up and is different EVERYDAY, plus, the e-courses I'm plugged into at the moment are all for my self growth and self love! It's an awesome thing to do for yourself! The busier you are- probably the more important it is to do a self love course like this.

JUMP ON BOARD!!!

If you wanna learn more about the course, and/or Cassie, click the link below and head on over to Elevate Vitality- It's a great blog to follow!

Click here for the Self Love & Nourishment e-course!

 XXXXXX

New Superfood (new to me anyway!)

Hi lovely lovelies!

Today I made a really yum and SUPER energizing and healing smoothie with a newly found super food blend!
I'm gonna keep the recipe to this gorgeous smoothie wrapped up so I can publish it in my ebook- so please forgive me! So today instead I wanna share my new discovery with you (I used some of this in my awesome purple kale super smoothie pictured above!)

Please, allow me to introduce Loving Earth's 'Rainbow' raw superfood blend. It contains raw organic maqui, raw organic acai, wildcrafted gubinge, raw organic camu camu and raw organic AFA blue green algae. WOAH!

BUT.... What does this all mean Tegan???!!!

Listen up!

MAQUI
Maqui is a deep purple berry wild harvested in South America that is considered to be the highest antioxidant fruit on the planet! Maqui berries has been traditionally used by the Mapache Indians for sore throat, diarrhea, ulcers, haemorrhoids, birth-delivery, fever, tumours and other ailments.

ACAI
Acai fruit is great for cardiovascular health and are loaded with antioxidants which keep your heart healthy and lower cholesterol. Antioxidants safeguard the body against day-to-day wear and tear elements such as pollution, foods, weather, and age.

WILD CRAFTED GUBINGE
Gubinge is a really powerful indigenous Australian superfood. It's the highest natural source of Vitamin C on the planet, 

CAMU CAMU
Camu Camu powder comes from a berry grown in Peru. Traditionally, Camu Camu is made into a juice by people of the rainforest to support the immune system, ward off viral infections, and help maintain optimal health, especially under conditions of stress and anxiety, which tend to deplete the immune system.

AFA BLUE GREEN ALGAE
AFA is a raw fresh water algae, known as Aphanizomenon flos-aquae. This truly is an ancient superfood in fact it is known as Earth's first living food.  It is wild-harvested from only one place on earth, Upper Klamath Lake in Oregon, USA. AFA boasts the highest protein and trace mineral concentration of any natural food.  It provides over 64 easily absorbed vitamins, minerals, micronutrients and enzymes and AFA has more bio-available chlorophyll than any other food.

That's why WOAH!!!

Chuck it in your smoothie and be happy!!

X

KOHLRHABI love and My first Young and Raw post! X

I've been doing some research on my new found friend, Kohl rhabi..... I think I'm in love!
Kohl rhabi is very beautiful for starters, this is what first caught my eye and attracted me in the first place... It's a very beautiful purple color, with little edible purple stems and green leaves. It's a very close relation to cabbage, kale, brussle sprouts, broccoli etc- some of my very favourite vegetables!
You can cook this veg, although it prefers to be eaten raw or very lightly cooked- which works better for your body any way!

So, here's the part where I give you my AMAZING new recipe and tell you my findings on the nutritional benefits of this beautiful bulb.
Here's also the part where I announce this as being my first guest post for Young and Raw!!! YAAAY! So, over you go to their incredible site and check out my blog there!!

http://www.youngandraw.com/fall-in-love-with-purple-kohlrabi-salad/

WAHHOOOOOOOO

X

My saviors on set

So... I have been working on a few sets the past couple of months- both acting and art directing are physically and mentally draining (but super fun) and the days are super long- lunch break is usually 10hrs after breakfast- then same again for dinner, early mornings and super late nights... so, to stop our boddies breaking down (which mine did to start with, because I'd gotten lazy with my self care- thankfully my body and mind reminded me pretty quickly!!) we need to make sure we take super care of ourselves... meditate on set while you're wainting for set up or a take, drink lots lof water and bring healthy snacks- this is what saved me.

MY SNACKS
I made sure I had a big bottle of coconut water- amazing for rehydration and gives amazing energy. No matter how much water I drink on set, I seem to get bad headaches quite often, solution= coconut water.
I also made myself epic green smoothies to take with me on set, so if I was starving at 11am and lunch wasn't for another few hours, my smoothis filled me up, gave me an amazing energy boost and stopped my body and mind from being stressed.
I brought my own tea bags, organic green and other herbal teas. People on set gorge themselves on sugar and coffee to 'keep them going', which is totaly fine for them- this for me is like suicide- epic, I know but it's true :)
Just remember to keep calm and breathe. Sounds easy, but it's actually one of the hardest things for people to do on set. High stakes and high tension.
Breathe my sweets, breathe and enjoy what you're doing!!!

P.s- I also have my amazing grounding and calming stones with me on set- totally not for everyone- most people for that matter, but I love them so much!!!

X

Amazing online courses, One of which I am now an Affiliate! Awesome

I am computer illiterate...... Although I am getting much much much MUCH better!
Whenever I had to do anything on the computer it would result in me literally crying, then getting my boyfriend to do it for me. Phone gadgets are a no go..... (getting better) and I was probably the most un Gen Y, Gen Y person ever- I only just learnt what a meme was....

But, here I am.
Blogging up a storm with a Facebook page, Twitter account and Instagram accounts for A Purple Carrot! Plus I have recently enrolled myself in TWO online schools! TWO!!!
This would have terrified me a few years ago- no- a few months ago!!

I'm pretty excited about the new schools I'm hanging out in, in the cyber web world- they're both awesomely giving me a better life, with incredible knowledge and support- plus they're BOTH hippie dippie!!

The first is Belinda Davidson's  School for the Modern Mystic and the second, which I am now an affiliate!!!! (OMG) is Leonie Dawson's Amazing Life and Biz Academy.
Both have heaps of free goodness, and both have a heap of inspiration and wise guidence- some of which you can buy, or, you can get into each of their blogs!

Click here:  http://tinyurl.com/plcf69g to get to the Amazing Biz and Life Academy
and here:http://www.belindadavidson.com/ for the Modern Mystic!

So easy and inspiring- look at me go!!!

With all this new found knowledge and inspiration, I'm know guest blogging for Young and Raw!!! AMAZEBALLS!!! I'll let you know when my first guest post has been published with a link and my excitement!!!!

Yay to the future!!!

YOU CAN DO AND ACHIEVE ANYTHING YOU DREAM OF

XXXXXX

My juice cleanse spew!

I am a VERY sensitive person! so very very sensitive....... (but as we know this is awesome, otherwise I may have never created A Purple Carrot and I'd be lost!)

It's pretty funny actually, just after I posted my blog yesterday talking about how great the cleanse is going and saying I haven't been feeling sick..... BOOOM!
It's my fault actually. I honesly WAS feeling good, but I have a very sensitive tummy and since I have Hypothyroidism (under active thyroid), ever since I was little, I have needed something solid in my tummy if I ever have too much water (or liquid)... ooops, during my spew I realized that past cleases I have done, have also included smoothies and soup..... and dessert!!!
I seriously did think I'd be fine this time, but this has been an awesome lesson in tailoring things other people do to fit ME! and only me- so If you want to do a juice cleanse for a month and have 20 juices a day- go for it!! I wish I could too- but I also do love taking it easy on myself when I cleanse and tend to myself like I do with my baby nephews and neice.

So- what happened!? you ask.... Just after I posted my blog I ran a delicious big bath with a cup of bicarb (this was prescribed to me from my shiatsu practitioner, it's super duper alkaline, detoxifying and super good for skin- this was when my excema was extreamely bad). I guess the bicarb was too full on for my body during the clease, I couldn't see properly when I got out- this lasted for almost an hour or more and I started getting a bad headache, but not a migrane thank god! I drank a litre of water, then after a while I felt sick and needed food, so silly me had a massive juice- which was yum and kinda helped, but there was too much liquid in my tummy. after a while I had a small bowl of the soup I made Brett........ TOO MUCH LIQUID IN MY TUMMY!!! Headache got worse, I rested, rested, rested, SPEWED!!! a good 5 times in a row! OOOOPPPPSSSS!!! I haven't spewed in a very long time, but did feel instantly better! After a little while I slowly drank two bowls of miso to get my salt and water up (feeling dehydrated) and also nibbled on some yummy cookies I made from my almond milk pulp. Then I went to sleep!

I feel much better today- although I'm gonna take it easy and also have a small amount of solids through the day. It's important to ease into solid foods after any sickness or cleanse- and on the bright side, I think I've really gotten rid of my cold, which is what I wanted to do in the first place. I think I might try having 3-4 big juices so I'm still getting a bucket load of nutrients injected straight into my blood stream.

Take care if you join the 'cleanse' and tailor it to you.

If you dont quite know where to start, a great and gentle cleanse I've done a couple of times in the past is a 48hr liquid clease that has juices, smoothies, salads and soup. Check it out here: http://www.thewellnesswarrior.com.au/2012/06/my-48-hour-liquid-fast/

I enjoyed this, but you'd need a couple of days off to do it... you consume a lot!!

Love you! x

My Juice Cleanse

Hi lovely ones!
I've decided to give myself a 3 day juice cleanse. I've been a bit sick over the last few days and want to give myself a good clean out and really top up my vitamins, minerals, protien, iron, fibre, everything- best thing to do... JUICE CLEANSE!!
I randomly chose to do 3 days, so I'll see how I go and wont be too strict on myself, might only be two days- or five!! I'll see how I feel each day, it's basically to reboost my body and immune system. Also, I've been feel a bight heavy this week due to lot's of rest and no excercize and I comforeted myself with lots of bread- so, it's gonna be a good pick me up!

I'm not following any particular cleanse or detox, I'm creating each juice in accordence  to how I feel at the time, I'm having approx 6 big juices a day- but that's depending on how I feel and when I need a top up/flush out, so it's also a great excercize in tuning in to what my body needs.

I'm also drinking a lot of water (do different to my usual intake 2-3litres a day) and having as much herbal tea as I feel like- plus I also made some fresh almon milk this morning, so I'm gonna drink that up too!!!

If you want to join in, please don't feel like you're 'on a diet', it's great reboost like I said- also feel free to fave soup, salad or smoothie's if you're especially hungry- it's not about starving yourself!!

I might even partake in a smoothie if I get super hungry, but to be honest, I haven't once been hungry, this will prbably change as the days go on, but I'll assess that as I go!

I'll give you updates on recepies and how I feel etc.

Feel free to join me! I'll be posting my juices on my Facebook page, respond and tell me what juices and smoothies you're loving at the moment!!
If you join in and start expreriencing detox symptoms, you can help your bidy by dry body brushing, having a bath with epsom salts, apple cider vinegar and/or bicarb soda (about a cup of each)-  you can put them all together or choose just one, they will all aid in detoxing your body! Also, if you're feeling really game and have one... coffee enemas are said to greatly aid in detoxing the body and loving the liver- super safe and easy.... I really want to try this, just need to build the nerve to go and buy one!! (internet shopping here I come!) Each to there own!!!

Since I've already done some seroius detoxing over the past few months, I'm feeling mighty fine! no detox symptoms, just a much lighter feeling- I will still probably bath it up though!!!
SELF LOVE ROCKS!!!!!

YAY to health and loving your bodies!!!

Sprouted lentil salad

After my amazing week away, I felt so good. Relaxed, my skin was looking good (I've had extreamly bad ezcema over my body), my digestion was really good. Then I came back... real life, my birthday, mums birthday- all really great, but lot's of over eating, bad digestion, which lead to skin breakouts, which lead to stress, holding my breath, not doing my daily charkra medition and cleanse, no money, bills pilling up, which worsens bad digestion, skin, stress etc.

So I've had a full week of being back, gone through a body shut down, know it's time to bring back the healing environment I set up for myself when away.
Im eating my raw foods, only eating what I need, I'm bring back my mindful slow eating- it's incredible how fast this practice left me when I came back to Melbs- but even more incredible how quickly my body broke down. Daily meditaion is back, yoga, walking, water etc. Also no booze! Since i've been working on healing my liver and kidneys over the past few months, obviously I obstained from drinking- also I honestly didn't feel like it. Over my birthday week, I had only 2 drinks- on different days, I felt awful the next day and really craved junky foods because of it- not good!

So, here's a recepie to help us all recconnect to delicious, simple, raw food. It also features my sprouted lentils!

WHAT YOU NEED
small bundle of boc choy chopped
small hadfull of grated cauilflower
1 small turnip grated
half lemon
drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
half green apple grated
as many sprouted lentils as you want

WHAT YOU DO
Pre sprout your lentils. *instructions here: http://apurplecarrot.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/health-benefits-of-sprouting.html
Then all you need to do is grate and chop, squeeze and drizzle, stir, season the EAT!

Super good for your and SO refreshing!

X

Soul time

If you read my 'rant' (http://apurplecarrot.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/my-rant-and-friday-re-cap.html) last week, you may well be expecting me to run away and really rest myself....

Well, whether you felt it or not- IM GOING AWAY!

I've really been taking time to noursh and care for myself, but I feel I need a real escape and recharge. I have a tiny window of no work, which I had to organise, I have very little money- but I am going to honor myself and dissapear for a week, ready to take on the world and get busy again!

You can do it too! even if it's a day, weekend, afternoon off. Make sure you nurture your busy selves!

I'm heading to the coast to shack up in a converted shipping container on top of a hill- Paradise. I will be alone, no power, technology or toilet... sound scary, I can't wait!! My lovely Brett will join me on the weekend, But for the most part, I will really be able to connect to myself and nature. YES!

As you may have guessed, I'm not gonna blog over this period, I will though take a few nice photo's and post them on A Purple Carrot's facebook page.
So stay tuned and be inspired to recharge too!

It's gonna be amazing.

X

My rant and Friday re-cap

It's Friday!
People get so excited by this, to me it's another day- everyday is a 'normal' (where I usually end up doing something creative and weird in the eyes of others.... Today I got up at 5:45, went to hot yoga, did an amazing made up moon series to pay homage to the amazing moon and winter solstice, sweated a lot, dried myself of, was wearing nothing but a towel, my puffer jacket and sandels... got home chatted to my beautiful housemate in my ridiculous attire, then got ready for the day- I need to mention that I went into a store dressed this way to buy coconut water..) ANYWAY, yes Friday. A week has ended, full moons a coming, it's winter solstice, there's gonna be some craziness going on, on the longest night of the year!

The last few weeks, months, while have been a huge rollercoaster for me and for a lot- no everyone around me.
Since returning from LA in April, I let my health and self care slip. I was so inspired, refreshed and healthy from being in LA, that when I got home, one, it was easter- hello cadbury's chocolate- something which I never eat, but ate HEAPS of...... this spiraled out of control, I was super depressed, unmotivated, I hated going to work (in a cafe) and was so frustrated that I simply couldn't move over to LA and be happy.... rules and regulations are dumb!
Anyway, needless to say, my physical and mental health took an enormous dive... I'm still detoxing all the negative thoughts, patterns and moods I took on during that time.
My skin is a mess and sore- I have terrible ezcema.....

But do you know what?
It's OK! I'm grateful that I have a super sensitive body and mind that let's me know when I'm not on track. I'm one of those people who needs to really look after themselves, to the extreame to function 'normally'.
I say YAY to that!!!! It makes me far more connected to myself, my body, my path and the universe that surrounds me.

I've gone from a 'relaxed vegan' (sometimes eats icecream, the occassional cheese etc), drinking almost everynight, downing coffee every morning, to a clean healthy VEGAN who's happy, shines bright, get's shiatsu massage as treatment, meditates daily, excercizes almost daily, have refallen in love with her crystals- even got a few new ones- who's REconnected!

I'm not saying it's at all easy- it's really hard to really listen and care for yourself- it effects others, but you really have to stay true to yourself and emabrace the craziness of you.
It's a journey and everythings a lesson. No matter what you believe- YOU have the power to choose what you make of each lesson. It's there to learn from- not beat you down.

I realize I sound like a high hippie dooo daaah skippoing through a rainbow- It's dark, it's hard, it's scary- IT'S LIFE. EMBRACE IT!!

Love yourself so you can really, properly love others and our beautiful Earth and Universe. May not seem like it at times- but it has our backs.      

I must say, I feel so much better already- but it's definately only the beginning, but I really feel the importance now of self care.

Here's a recap from this weeks posts. Happy weekend.

Peace X

Monday http://apurplecarrot.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/papaya-and-purple-kale.html
Tuesday http://apurplecarrot.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/purple-kale-and-brussel-sprouts.html
Wednesday http://apurplecarrot.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/breakfast-for-dinner.html
Thursday http://apurplecarrot.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/my-guilt-free-creamy-creamy-soup.html

Enjoy re reading this weekend!

super duper things for winter

So lovely people, here's a list of goodies for keeping happy and well through the winter months.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
ACV is so so so good for you. It's great for keeping your guts healthy and woring well, it's great for eliminating the acid levels in your body, which will prevent you from getting sick. It's great for your skin and has heaps of minerals and nutrients found in 'the mother' which is the cloudy sedement in the bottle. Make sure you buy raw, cold pressed, organic ACV and make sure it still contains the mother. A great brand is BRAGG, they have glass bottles which is also much better for your bod and is found in almost every health food store and organic grocer.

2. Excercize
I know it gets really hard during the colder months to excercize- but it's so important for our health. It get our circulation and Qi running well which will prevent energy stagnation and blockages. It's also so good for our minds. The western world puts so little emphisis of physical health via the mind- This is the MOST important thing to look after- It might sound silly to some, but it has been scientifically proven that you can cure or encourage dis-eases through thoughts alone. This brings me to number 3:

3. Meditate
Meditate meditate meditate. It doesn't have to take hours of your day- you also don't just have to sit and clear your mind... you could take a walk, listen to music, take a bath, go to yoga or even find guided meditaions if theres something specific you want to work on. The main thing though is that you detatch from your over stimulated mind, judgements, any tension and certainly any negativety, so you can breathe, be and connect to your body, spirit and nature- embrace winter allowing yourself to mirror the hibinating animals and trees and rest.

4. Vitamin D and Zinc
Since the sun will be hiding away for a while, we need to make sure we get our vitamin D from somewhere. Head to the local health store and ask after a good quality Vitamin D suppliment. We need vitamin D to help prevent depression and cancer- also the common cold.
Zinc is also an amazing suppliment that you can easily lack if you excercise alot or if your body is often under a lot of pressure. It's great for your skin and prevents you from getting really run down and sick.

5. Goji Berries
Goji berries are amazing for protection of the liver, improving your eyesight and boosting your immune system. They contain all essential amino acids and have the highest concentration of protien of any fruit. They are packed with vitamin C, have 21 trace minerals and are high in fiber. They contain 15 times the amount of spinage as well as calcium and zinc.

6. Coconut
Coconut contains electrolytes, vitamin C, antioxidants and saturated fats- which are very good and we need- especially if you eat a whole food vegan diet. Coconut helps to control weight, aids digestion, stops sugar cravings and boosts your metabolism. The water is hydrating, detoxifying and amazing to have when your on set or performing!

7. Spirulina
Spirulina is a simple one celled microscopic algae found in fresh water. It's a high sorce of vitamin B12,  protien, iron and calcium. It gives you energy, is anti ageing, promotes cell rejuvination, healthy hair, skin and nails.

8. Raw Cacao
Cacao!! health benefits from cacao are recieved when its in raw from. Thing 'Loving Earth' chocolate and you'll be happy. Cacao contains sulfur which builds strong nails and hair, is great for your skin and detoxifies your liver- mmm I'm eating some now!! It also contains the chemicals phenyl ethylamine (PEA) and anandamide. PEA is an adrenal related chemical that you create naturally when you're happy, excited and in love- no need to be cold and blue this winter... mmmmm

Look after yourself and be happy.

X

The return of A Purple Carrot with her 'Flu Shot'!

FRIENDS- It has been an age since I last blogged! I've a whole trip to LA and back, moved house, worked on heaps of different projects and ridden the roller coaster of life and emotions (came out winning of coarse!) since I posted last. I started to get inquiries about A Purple Carrot, wondering if I was still doing it and when my next post will be- here it is- although very late, It's back!!!!

With the change of seasons I've noticed so many people in my world are suffering with health plummets, either from a colds and fevers or emotionaly and mentally having mega blues.

I've been going through it too guys, believe me! I experienced the lowest lows, darkest moods and negative thoughts- for no reason!!
I spent a couple of days in bed, not leaving my room, crying my eyes out for no reason because I was sad.

But you know what? It's ok. It's ok to go through the darker moments of our journeys- it's all part of it. We just really need to make sure that we really spend time to love and care for our healing selves without judgement and labeling, taking a bit of time out to tend to our colds our sad thoughts. We need to move on to heathier and brighter lives. Reconnect with meditation, body scrubbing and keep excercizing through the cold months- I know it's harder, but it's essential to keep your thoughts and body's happy and healthy.

Winter is here!!!

Lets think of all the awesome cuddly things about winter-
soups, stews, hot chocolates (healthy ones!!) movies in bed, big cups of tea, cuddles and big jumpers.

EMBRACE THE CHANGE!!!

Winter is the time where we need to sleep longer, cuddle, comfort and recharge. The foods we crave are different and so are the things we crave to do.

Over the next few posts I'm gonna send you some winter love with amazing warming food and also my 'flu injections'!

Let's do this together!

Here's my FLU SHOT... an amazingly powerful, energizing and beneficial super smoothie that will conquer any cold and warm any bod! It's intense, so be aware that you don't have to make it as hot when you make it.... this will make more sense now::

FLU SHOT

WHAT YOU NEED:

2 inches ginger chopped
1 green chilli (with seeds) chopped
1 green apple chopped
1 lime chopped
1/2 lemon chopped
handfull of herbs (I used parsley and corriander, but any herb will be amazing for your health)
1 tblsp chia seeds
1 cup of mixed greens (I used kale and silverbeet, but I love spinage, boc choy, cucumber, broccoli etc)
1 cup coconut water (or any nut milk/filtered water. you can add more or less depending on how thick you want your smoothie)
1/2 cup of frozen mixed berries

GARNISH
coconut
loving earths coco buckinis and gogi berries!!

WHAT YOU DO:
 put everything in the blender- blitz and serve in a bowl, top with treats.

It's quick, effective and amazingly full on!!
Raw cacao would be amazing in this- chilli chocolate.

X

Apple Cider Vinegar Rocks

Im guessing some of you are needing more assistance with feeling great after christmas and new year... yes/no?  Well even if you're feeling fine and are wanting to get even healthier.. read this!!

Apple cider vinegar is such a wonderful friend for you to make. Its great for detoxifying, alkalising, clearing up skin ailments and is an awesome cancer preventer and wards off common illnesses.
You can eat it (salad dressing), drink it or dab it on your skin for either easing the sting of sunburn or using as an astringent for your face. It helps clear eczema, acne and worts! (for wort removal, cover a cotton balls with ACV, then place on top of the wort and cover with a band aid. Leave overnight and continue process until the wort buggers off!)

If you're wanting to really get your detox on, have a bath with a cup of ACV and a cup of epsom salts- then top yourself up with a green smoothie!
ACV is rich in natural minerals, vitamins and enzymes. It binds to toxins which aids the detoxification process. It breaks up the mucus in your body which helps flush lymph nodes, increasing circulation in the body and lymph system. It also helps to purify the blood.

If you suffer from gastric reflux or any trouble with digestion- take 1-2 teaspoons of ACV in warm water half an hour before a meal, this will heal your tummy and greatly aid your digestion. This also aids in weight loss- but make sure you have a healthy and balanced diet to keep your body working at its best.
ACV helps to stabilise our blood sugar levels which is great for people with diabetes! Yay.

So, make sure you get certified organic cold pressed ACV along with the 'mother'- the cloudy stuff thats a living mixture of amazing bacteria, minerals and enzymes!! Also make sure its not packed in a plastic bottle.

Apple cider vinegar a day keeps the doctor away!

X