Mothers Day: Reach out to someone you know struggling to conceive

I have this great need to write a blog post on mothers day, to pay special tribute to those who have and are struggling to become mothers  either naturally, through ivf, surrogacy or adoption; because it's an unspoken truth that 1 in 6 couples that you know at this very moment are struggling to conceive.  This quote sums up the core of this struggle so eloquently -  " There is a unique pain that comes from preparing a place in your heart for a child that never comes. "

Sam and my journey fails in comparison to the hardships others face to become what I believe is a basic human right- a parent.  We've had a bit of bad luck trying to eradicate an error in our offspring's genetic coding, whilst working around scarring from abdominal surgery I had when I was 7 years old (who thought?),  and recently suffered a  6-week miscarriage.. . It's nearly 2 years down the line of countless hormones, scans, testing, acupuncture and more; and we've had it easy! You're probably thinking how is this having it easy?  Because it's been our choice and many people don't even get to make this choice, because financially they cannot afford it, or lack the physical resources to do so...

Today I would like to honour all the women in the world who have either fought hard to bring a child into this world and those struggling for life's greatest privilege of doing so... Many of whom suffer in silence each and every day. Take a moment to reach out to them and show them the love, support and more importantly understanding they so desperately need in this hard time. It will be emotional for them, but being understood is one of life's greatest gifts we can give to another. Don't offer advice, and don't try fix anything, just let them know that you understand how hard it is  for them today (or any other day) and let the know that you are thinking of them.  They will be grateful for your brave attempt to reach out, as they'll no longer need to suffer alone, and sharing their struggles will lead to greater understanding from others and so this beautiful cycle will continue :-)

Happy Mothers Day to mothers, grandmothers furry kid mothers, godmothers, and those on the journey to becoming a mother.  And for those struggling on this  journey, a women who I admire deeply once said to me- "Be brave, strong and true. If you can stick to this you will make it through."

Do you have a story you want to share?

The person you really need to marry... yourself

A happy new year to you all, its been quite a while... It's now that time of year to get serious about stuff. I think 2015 is going to be a particularly awesome year, which started off on a very good note when I came across this extremely honest and sincere TED Talk by Mad Men writer Tracy McMillan. The title of the talk "The person you really need to marry" made me a bit skeptical at first; it sounded like a self help how-to get hitch type of talk and I was intrigued to hear what she had to say about the topic. Luckily it turned out that the title of her talk was very misleading and for good reason... The TED talk is actually about marrying and accepting oneself, which she references as- "walking yourself down the aisle exactly where you are." 

Tracy McMillan is a television writer (Mad Men, United States of Tara) and relationship author who wrote the book Why You're Not Married...Yet, based on her viral 2011 Huffington Post blog. She also appeared as a dating coach on the NBC reality show Ready For Love.

Whilst I'm often unsuccessful I really do try hard to be mindful and love myself every day, yet I have never thought about making a deliberate commitment to myself using the same vows I made when I married my husband. Over the past few days I've been agonising over this very fact, however, I have decided to accept and love myself for where I am right now and rather do something about it by writing this blog article. Powerful stuff really.   

The vows explained by Tracy are the most important set of vows we can ever make to anyone EVER. Why? Firstly, we are the small portion of the population who are privileged enough to worry about concepts such as "being whole", our "best self"  aka self actualisation, so lets make it count for ourselves and for others. By loving, helping and accepting ourselves we can wholly accept others and help them get to a place where the concept of  "self worth" becomes tangible. Inevitably this leads to more love, and so the cycle continues ( as cliche as it sounds, it's true). Tracy makes reference to this in multiple instances.

And as Tracy puts it so clearly- "The only relationship you’ll ever have with another person is the one you’re already having with yourself.”  So, I have decided to put a ring on it, walk myself down the aisle and make these vows to myself (with the intention of those closest and dearest to me holding me accountable. You know who you are ;-) :

1. I vow to love myself unconditionally everyday (even when I feel insecure, directionless, physically awkward or overwhelmed). To love myself as I expect my family, good friends and husband to love me, and to love myself for both my positive and negative character traits. 

2. I vow to accept that I will make mistakes and to understand that I will get thrown the same challenges until I learn from them... and then actually learn from them (with the understanding that it is in the face of the hardest challenge that I have the most to give.)

3. I vow to love others right where they are and for who they are right now, and to be purposeful in the relationships I nurture (in an unselfish way). 

What vows are you going to make to yourself in 2015?

Too much cooking and not enough blogging

Sho! Its been a while since I've written a blog post. I've literally been making, baking , shaking and all that good stuff. Strangely enough I've also discovered yoga which has taken some of my blogging time. I wouldn't call myself a yogi by any means! Not just because I'm curvy but because I'm one of those uncoordinated dorks who places my mat at the back of the class hoping no one will see me, when actually I should go for the middle row to see what everyone else is doing! I think this is the first time in my life that I am actually on time for anything as I simply HAVE to be to join in. Late equals no entry! Even then I'm still late in 'yoga time'- huffing and puffing my way up the stairs to the studio. Theres just nothing zen about it. By the time I arrive it looks like I ran to class from home (which I probably should do as it is around the corner). Anyway, I will keep you updated on how long the yoga lasts for, but I have a feeling this is a long term maintenance thing for me.

 Oh, and we have a new puppy called Raffa. That makes not just one but two crazy pooches to deal with. On second thought I think this adjustment ( putting it ever so mildly) has taken up a lot of my time whilst trying to fit in my GetSmarter course work.  

So here are few things I've managed to cook over the past few weeks:

Orang souffle's, chocolate fondants with ginger, vegan chocolate-avo tarts, red velvet cake, angry duck pancakes, tom yum soup, salmon-pear thai red curry, butter chicken (with Naan of course) and buttermilk aubergine!  Notice a bit of  an asian trend by any chance? Well here are some pictures or more like excuses for not writing enough posts over the last 2 months...

I'm going to write a few separate posts about my top favourite dishes soon, so watch this space for some asian inspiration.  

Yummy and healthy home-grown take away options in the southern suburbs

I’m not one to get Take-away very often. I think it also has a lot to do with how I was brought up. Take-away’s were never an option in our household and eating out was a big occasion, which we would get excited about for days. (Some things never change though- I still get excited days before trying out a new restaurant or cooking a new recipe). 

When I was young the Tomblin household would make use of the Spur Kids Club membership where you get a free burger meal and a chico the clown for your birthday. (Not sure if it still exists but I guess I will find out when I have kids). This guaranteed both my sisters and I at least three Spur outings a year! Score :-)

My taste buds have 'grown up' since then yet some things never change- Spur is still one of my favourite happy places. I’m not sure if it is the nostalgic feeling of eating food we weren’t allowed at home, the smell of Spur’s basting sauce, or leaving home with helium balloons which we would suck the life out of to impersonate Alvin and the Chipmunks.

But moving along to my blog post… There comes a time when I feel completely uninspired to cook dinner and I really don’t feel like going out for dinner or missioning in general. The only option is to not eat which is not an option, or get  a healthy home-grown take-away option. I choose the latter.

Here are some options in the southern suburbs area where you can get healthy home made tasty food from.

1.    Eat out the box:

Based in Wynberg and Rondebosch they deliver throughout the southern suburbs for free. Menu options include burgers, salads, pasta’s, pizzas, ribs and whole chicken meals for the family. The owners Deon and Marius whom I‘ve both worked for back in my waitressing days (circa a decade ago) started this yummy alternative to regular take away food.  I can vouch they are both awesome chefs who really care about their end product and people in general. (And no they have not asked me to write this post they have no idea.)

What do I love about the concept?

All their food is fresh and hand made using locally sourced ingredients sans preservatives and the packaging used is 100% biodegradable.  They also provide a carb-free banting option for pasta’s using courgette noodles.  Their pizza menu comes with a gluten-free option, which you pay a meagre extra R10 for. And did I mention the food is delicious and oozes wholesomeness?

My menu favourites:

• My favourite meal is the Fetamari Pasta- succulent tubes of calamari with creamy feta, roasted cherry tomato’s and freshly tossed spinach – its yummy with the carb-free courgette noodle option.
• My favourite burger is the Rhino burger with bacon, avo and feta. You simply cannot go wrong with his option- Bacon and avo the two most inseparable ingredients in the world and R5 goes to The Saving Private Rhino Organisation .
• And finally the Castaway salad is divine and it comes with an awesome dressing on the side. Whatever you chose you won't be disappointed. 
• Download a PDF of their menu here.

How to make an order?

You can call to make an order depending on where you are located Rondebosch: 021 674 0813 Wynberg: 021 761 9831 or better yet just hop online where you can place and pay for your order here www.eatoutthebox.co.za.  The system keeps you updated with sms’s and emails. Great service, excellent food and it’s easy!

2.     SushiBox Newlands

SushiBox in Newlands which is quite easy to miss, is tucked behind the corner near Melissa’s. This sushi establishment does incredible sushi at an incredible price. You can collect orders; eat at the simple asian set-up or request delivery.  To indulge try the fusion box, not far from Willoughby’s 4 x 4 platter. And if you are a salmon junkie try the Omega 6 box. I especially love how they package their sushi. Call: 021 674 0820 or visit www.sushibox.co.za for more info.

3.     Make an Omelette

If you have a little bit of energy- make an omelette. This is the best way to use up leftover ingredients in your fridge and all you need is egg to add to it! Which reminds me- you can get amazing organic free-range eggs from Gogo’s very close to SushiBox in Newlands. Their meat is fantastic too. I only buy my fillet from there these days… Visit their Facebook page to find out more: https://www.facebook.com/GogosDeli

Poaching an egg the fancy way (and a recipe)

After running the Two Oceans Half Marathon on Saturday I made a new carb-free concoction of eggs bacon and spinach.  It's not like I'm on the Noakes' LCHF diet or anything but I had no bread in the house. Damn this was tastier than most breakfasts I've had in a while. Maybe it's time to turn to the other side?

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Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Bacon ( shoulder bacon rounds are preferable)
• Spinach
• Greek yoghurt
• Red chilli- medium to hot
•  2 cloves Garlic 

Method:

1. Firstly make the chilli oil: chop up some chilli removing the seeds. Place in a small ramekin and add olive oil to cover the chilli. Add salt and pepper and a bit of crushed garlic and let it marinate while you whip up the rest of the breakfast. 

2. Fry the bacon rounds until brown and crispy. Shoulder bacon has less fat than other cuts so it wont go crisp-cripsy if you know what I mean...

3. Wipe out the pan with roller-towel and add a dash of butter or olive oil. Fill the pan with fresh baby spinach and toss lightly with a clove of garlic on top to infuse a little bit of the flavour. It shouldn't take more than 2 minutes- you don't want it to be too soft.

4. Fancy Poached Eggs: To Poach the eggs bring a  medium sides pot of water to a rapid boil. Make sure that there is enough water to cover the egg. Add a dash of white spirit vinegar. (If you don't have its not a biggy- not sure how much of a difference it makes but hey mine have worked every time doing this.) 

5. Crack en egg into a small pyrex jug. Slowly pour the egg into a serving spoon resting on the inside edge of the pot which helps shape it and keep it all together. It may look  a bit messy but give it 15 seconds or so to settle. If the white isn't sticking together carefully push the white toward the yolk. Cook for 3 minutes for a soft egg and a bit longer for a medium egg.  Repeat the above for each poached egg. I'm usually able to do 3 in a pot at a time.  It's really not that difficult and it looks so professional. I find it harder to fry and egg to be honest- I break it every time....

6. Now that the main ingredients are ready you can start stacking!  Start with bacon rounds, add spinach and then the poached egg on top of this. Layer a tablespoon of Greek yoghurt on top and add a half a teaspoon of the chilli/garlic oil. 

7. Top with salt and pepper to your taste. 

Devour.

Healthy Banana Flapjacks

A while ago an email went around going on about an easy 'Carb-Free' Banana Flapjack Recipe, ever since I have been making these as a healthy alternative to the real thing. The truth is that Banana's are filled with sugar- hence their lovely sweet taste, so the name isn't entirely accurate and certainly not suited to  Noake's LCHF diet.  However the recipe is gluten, wheat and dairy free which is a pretty good start!

Banana's are low in salt and loaded with potassium which is particularly good for sportsmen to prevent muscle cramping. Potassium also aids metabolism and lowers blood pressure. These yellow jacketed guys are also packed with fibre. Green unripened banana's are even better as they contain less sugar and a natural pro-biotic bacteria which helps with good colon health. How awesome? 

Enough about the health benefits and on to the yumminess of it all!  So, here is the recipe. I can't really call two ingredients a recipe but I will also suggest some healthy and not so healthy toppings ;-)

Healthy Banana Flapjacks:

1. All you need is one medium sized banana and one egg to make approximately 3 flapjacks. You can add a tablespoon of oats or psyllium  husks if you would like more bulk but I tend to leave it as is.

2. Mix the two together to form a batter. You can whisk it in manually using small slices of banana and then mashing it up with a potato masher OR use a handheld blender of some sorts to get it even smoother. 

3. Once the batter is light and fluffy you can heat up a pan with coconut oil (or any other kind). It's totally fine if there are banana lumps in the batter.

4. Spoon in two tablespoons of the batter to make a 6cm flapjack. These guys can be a bit tricky to turn, but flip it over carefully and you shouldn't have too much trouble. I usually don't put more than 3 in at a time.

5. Top with a topping of your choice.

Healthy version: 

Berries, strawberries with low fat or double cream greek yoghurt, drizzled honey, home-roasted cashews or almonds with a dash of cinnamon. 

My Healthy Banana Flapjacks: with berries, greek yoghurt, honey, home-roasted cashews and cinnamon. Yummmm

The not so healthy version:

Roasted figs, Marscapone cheese, and bacon drizzled with syrup or honey. (There 's just something about bacon and banana together....)

Or do both for a big group...

A weekend away with friend. Hemel and Aarde `Valley. Stylist: Sam Paddock :-)