LATE POST: New love of reading!

I never thought the day would come.. The day I finished reading a whole book! Not just any book but an amazing novel! I can't tell you how many times I have started reading a book and never finished it. I have a stash of unread books sitting under my bed side table waiting to be read. I normally collect and read cookbooks and wellness articles it's my hobby and guilty pleasure. And when I do read I read them before bed. I find it calms and relaxes my mind, bringing me to the present moment and focusing on the words. Anyway back to the book I fully read! (You can tell I'm proud of myself). Last weekend during Easter mum, my sister and I headed up the sunsunshine coast for a short getaway to lay in the sun, swim in the beach, realax, nourish and replenish ourselves from the busy stressful city life. Previous to the trip I found myself in a book store where I found not 1 but three books I was eager to read! I went cray and spend around $70 on books! This is really rare for me as I normally spend my extra cash on cafe dates and clothes. I bought Sarah Wilson's new cookbook "quit sugar for life", gabby bernsteins "spirit junkie" and john greens "the fault in our stars!". Ok so two out of three of these are wellness/ motivational books, the kinda books I normally buy, both amazing and I absolutely love! But the other was an actual novel which I would neve ever choose. It attracted to me because I had heard that is going to be movie... and WOW it is the most amazing book I have ever read.. it legitimately made me cry!!! please I recommend you read this book especially before it comes out in the cinemas... as the movie never does the book justice!!

Loving.. my new love of books

love you all
Maddy xx

WHATS HAPPENING in my life?

Hi everyone! long time no speak! These last couple of months have been crazy busy! Uni is awesome but lots of work, the school is filled with such like minded and passionate people! such amazing and knowledgeable teachers and everyone is so supportive and helpful! IM LOVING IT!

well apart from uni, over the easter break I went to Noosa for a weekend with the fam and spent the time relaxing by the beach, climbing mountains, visiting markets, eating delicious food, and just clearing my mind ! I love getting away from the busy Brisbane city, and the beach feels like my second home! As well as that, I turned the big 18 a couple of weeks ago and spent the day/ evening catching up with close family and friends, eating awesome food and I even had my first drink! SANGRIAAAAA!!

Last week was even more exciting, as my sister, my friend Dem and myself won a competition with Adidas which included a night in Sydney, a personal training session with Isabelle Cornish (FROM PUPERTY BLUES!!) & $500 worth of Adidas clothing each! It was seriously AMAZING and so much fun, and I will treasure those memories for the rest of my life. I will post pictures and more information on the trip soon!

Well this week Im on Study break which means I should be studying but instead I'm finding everyway possible to not be.. I've been super sick with a horrible cold so I've been in bed most of the time.  I'm drinking tons of lemon/ginger/honey tea, juices and raw garlic to help boost my immune system and help fight off this cold!

The next couple of months are exciting.. my family from NZ are all coming over to visit! I cant wait to see them as we only get to see them once every 1-2 years. In September Ive also planned a trip to Melbourne, my fav city in Australia, where I will spend the week shopping, eating and discovering new places !

I must write on the blog more often.. Ive forgotten how much I love to write and I guess life has just gotten in the way of that. Ive also promised myself to start getting more creative and experimental in the kitchen! So stay tuned, as I will start to post more recipes, health tips etc.. in the next couple of weeks!

Love you all
xoxoxo

Maddy Lahey

THE BEST RAW CARAMEL SNICKERS SLICE EVER!

Hi beautiful souls! This afternoon I got home from being out all day and was really craving something chocolaty, dense and sweet for afternoon tea. I wanted to make cacao/nut balls but only had 2 dates left in the fridge, so I fiddled around with the thew ingredients that I had and came up with an unintentional snickers slice! It tasted exactly like snickers it was insane, then even better I remembered I had some Loving Earth raw caramel chocolate left in the fridge and decided to melt that and layer it on top of the slice <3 absolutely bloody delicious! Unfortunately I didn't measure anything out so I'm just gonna guess but feel free to tweak the ingredients to your taste, this ones super easy!

makes 2-4 small slices (just double to make more!

Ingredients
2 dates
a handful or two of mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, Brazil, hazelnuts)
2-3 Tbsp of Hulled Tahini
1 heaping tsp of Raw Honey
1-2 tbsp of Cacao Powder

For Topping : 4 Squares of Loving Earth Raw caramel chocolate (like below)






Method:
Simply process nuts in a processor until chopped, combine all other ingredients and process till well blended. Get a small rectangular/square container and layer some foil or baking paper inside and with the snickers mixture press down (1 cm thick) and make a square/rectangular brownie shape. Place mixture in the freezer.
Then for the caramel simply melt the caramel chocolate on the stove with a little coconut oil (optional) not for long otherwise it will melt. Then spread the caramel on top the slice in the freezer and let set for about an hour.

Hope you guys enjoy!,

Maddy
xxxx

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY + RAW chocolate decadent avocado mousse!

Happy Valentines Day beautiful souls! Today is a day to share or express your love to your family, friends and your loved ones! You don't need to buy chocolates, flowers or fancy expensive gifts to gain your love for someone, just tell them how much they mean to you and how grateful you are to have them in your life. Or maybe even go out to the movies, go out for dinner or even better cook a beautiful meal from love to share with that someone special. So I hope your day is filled with love and happiness and that you continue to share this connection and love everyday. Here's my favourite chocolate dessert recipe that I almost have at least once a week, personally I always feel so happy and love within myself after eating it! ITS AMAZING AND SO EASY!!

RAW CHOCOLATE AVOCADO MOUSSE (serves 2)

Ingredients

1 Avocado
2 Tbsp Coconut oil
4 Tbsp Cacao powder
2 Tbsp Raw Honey, Coconut Nectar, Maple Syrup or sweetener of choice.


Method
Simply combine all ingredients in a food processor and whip until fully mixed through.
Add or take away the amount of ingredients to suit your taste buds, you may not like as much cacao as it can be quite strong for some people, but I find it gives that real decedent chocolate taste.

Once processed scoop into small bowls or tea cups and place in the freezer for a couple of minutes, top with fresh berries and desiccated coconut. MMMM delish Im getting hungry just thinking about it!

New Segment - Tasty Tuesdays!!!

Hi everyone, I've decided that instead of a foodie Friday I have replaced it with Tasty Tuesdays just to mix it up a bit ;) so this week I have experimented with Mung Bean fettuccine an amazing pasta in which the only ingrediants is pure mung beans! you can find this product in almost all health food stores and they suppliers also sell a variety of gluten free pastas such as chickpea, black bean and azuki bean pasta. I love the mung bean as it has a nice texture that works well with a lot of pasta dishes.

Roast vegetable mung bean fettuccine 

Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free 

Ingrediants  

1/2 a packet of mung bean pasta

2 zuchinni sliced diagonally 

1 eggplant chopped into cubes 

1/2 cup pumpkin chopped into cubes

2 small red onions sliced

1/2 cup mushrooms sliced

Tomato Marinara

4 tomatos chopped into chunks 

2-3 garlic cloves

1 brown onion

1/4 cup of chopped oregano

Olive oil

First combine tomatoes, garlic, onion, oregano and oil onto a pan and roast in a 220 degrees oven for 45- 60 mins. Once roasted remove and let cool for 5-10 mins. Place all ingrediants in a blender (vitamix), food processer or stick blender and blend until everything is combined. Set sauce aside.

For the vegetables simply combine with olive oil and let roast for around 20-40 mins until thoroughly cooked. 

Follow instructions on pasta packet and cook pasta.

Once all components are done simply combine the pasta, roast vegetables and marinara in a bowl and serve with fresh spinach or herbs. And Bellissimo! A delicious bht helathy Italian inspired dinner! 

The Power of LOVE

When I was on my walk this morning, I admired an old couple walking together side by side, hand in hand and oozing with pure love. I then thought these soul mates have been through so much together and yet they still have that compassionate love for each other even when their on a morning walk.

COMING BACK TO LOVE! is one of my mottos for 2014, I've decided that whenever Im in a negative or good situation or deciding on something, I ask myself..

Am I acting from a place of  LOVE or FEAR?

In everything we think and do there are only two positions that we are intending and acting on.
Fear or Love?

All out intentions and actions that are FEAR based serve to accumulate power over others.
Whereas..
All out intentions and actions that are LOVE based serve to love with power.

FOR EXAMPLE

When you are at work, school or even in your own home, Do you try and do everything on your own insisting you don't need help? Do you try hard to control things rather then getting input and taking advice? or Do you hold onto things/information rather than sharing it? If so, you are acting out of FEAR.

When you open up and share to the world your talents, passion, knowledge or wisdom. When you do things because you want to and LOVE them. And when you make a decision you are 100% confident and proud about. You are acting from a place of LOVE.


So I encourage you to start acknowledging your everyday jobs, actions and situations and analyse yourself if you are acting from a place of LOVE or FEAR? and things will start to become for clearer and flowing in your life.

Every human thought word or deed is based in one emotion or the other. You have no choice about this because There is nothing else from which to choose. But - you have free choice about which one of these to select.”
~Neale Donald Walsch





Cheers to Health,
Maddy Lahey xx

What a week! + Foodie Friday - VEGAN COCO-NUTTY GRANOLA

Happy Friday everyone! This week has gone so quick and has been both extremely busy and exciting! I have been interested in studying in the Natural Health field for a couple of years now and have been researching, reading and figuring out which course and what school would best suit me and that will help me achieve my dream. 

Last weekend I visited an Open Day at Endeavour College of Natural Health in Brisbane with my close friend Demi (happylittleveganmite). We had both been wanting to apply for this college for some time as the school offers a variety of natural health courses which seem to appeal to me! 
After visiting the open day I just knew Endeavour was the perfect place for me, the lecturers, the classrooms, the lessons, everything! just seemed right. I met with Cathy, the enrolment advisor today to talk about an enrolling into A Bachelor of Health Science (Nutritional Medicine). She guided me through timetables, booklists, VET FEE Help and everything to suit my learning needs at Endeavour.  Hopefully by this time in 3 weeks I will be walking through the doors of Endeavour, and starting my journey as a Nutritional medicine practitioner. This is my passion and I cannot wait to start to learn everything to regarding health and food! 

Other then that I have had so much fun this week, on Tuesday night I went to an amazing dinner party at Demi's and met some amazing girls who all share a passion for animals, health and wellbeing. On Wednesday I went to the first Jan Powers Farmers Markets in the city and visited all the stalls I had been missing over the Christmas break. And on Friday I ventured out to Maleny with Demi and my family, where we had an amazing lunch at The Kind Living Cafe. And on the way home we stopped off at an amazing fruit & veg shop on the side of the road.

SO.. so far its been an amazing week filled with fun, friendship and future opportunities! 

I decided to start a Foodie Friday where I will share with you a yummy recipe from either myself or someone else! This week I have shared my favourite muesli in the whole world! I have adjusted the recipe from other mueslis to suit my taste buds and has been an awesome hit with my friends and family. 

Feel free to change or adjust the ingredients to suit what YOU like. I don't measure the ingredients so this is just an estimate, be creative and enjoy :)

MADDYS YUMMY COCO-NUTTY GRANOLA  

Ingredients:

• 2-3 cups Gluten Free Oats 
• 2-3 cups Chopped mixed nuts such as almonds, walnuts, brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts (whatever you like) 
• 1 cup Pepitas/pumpkin seeds 
• 1 cup coconut flakes 
• 1-2 tbsp coconut nectar
• 1/4 cup Coconut oil 
• 1/4 tsp Vanilla bean/ extract

Method:

1.  Heat oven to 180 degrees.

2.  On a baking tray or bowl mix all ingredients together until well combined. Bake in oven until lightly brown, you may want to flip over muesli halfway in-between baking to cook through each side.

3.  Once cooked let cool for 20 mins until transferring into a container.

4.  Serve with yummy coconut yogurt sheeps yogurt or your choice of milk with berries, banana, papaya and any fruit you like!

NUTRITION FOR SOUL & MIND + My Story

I can not stress enough how having a positive, loving and healthy mind is the most important step on living your healthiest and happiest life. 

Now Im gonna get deep.. and share with you some of my experiences that I know some of you may have already experienced/ experiencing as well so get ready.. 

Two years ago I suffered from terrible acne and skin issues. I had tested and tried every product on the market (seriously!) from ProActive, ASAP, clearasil , Clean & Clear, antibiotics, the pill and so many more. Some products helped a bit but never got rid of the fiery redness completely. I dealt with the pain everyday and felt disgusting, I just wanted it gone! I felt self conscious and looked like an ugly monster (well so i thought). I visited my doctor and she insisted my best and last option would be to put me on Roaccutane, a medication that is supposedly get rid of acne for good. 

I was put on the medication by a specialist skin doctor and was told all the various systems such as dry eyes and lips, sore muscles, high energy and even depression. At the time I didn't care about the symptoms I would of done anything and everything to get rid of the horrible pimples that were taking over my face and life. 


After 2-3 months on the medication nothing seemed to be working, so the doctor doubled my intake so the medication had a more powerful effect on my skin. I began to experience the symptoms such as dried eyes and cracked lips and I would never leave the house without lip balm. A few months past and I was not feeling my usual happy self, the emotional side of me was just not right. I began to feel sad, lonely and more self-conscious then ever. I didn't want to see or be around friends anymore I felt like they hated me because I was 'Ugly, Fat and Not good enough' (well so I thought). I then started to focus my thoughts on becoming prettier and skinner, which led me to obsessing over calories and exercise. I started to control my life around what I ate and losing weight without realising I was pushing away some of my best friends and family. It was like my life had become worthless and I had nothing else going for me. 

"I hadn't seen my friends in weeks, I felt like they hated me and I hated myself. "

I amped up my workouts at the gym by going everyday, and slowly decreased my calories to 1200 a day. I loved the control I had! and I loved that I was getting skinnier. I was happy with myself that I had lost some weight. Although I was never overweight and never worried about what I ate, as I was always quite a slim and active girl. I just got competitive with myself and wanted to feel good in my own body. What I didn't realise was I was doing more damage then good and depriving my body from essential nutrients. 

During the 2011 Christmas holidays my family and I visited New Zealand were we went on a road trip and spent time with other family. It was on this trip my mum realised how distant I had become, how little I was eating and the dramatic weight I had loss. When we got home she immediately took me to a doctor where she did some physiological & BMI tests. I was severely underweight and was diagnosed with depression/anorexia. It was then that I was taken off Roaccutane and sent to a psychologist and Nutritionist to help me recover from what could have potentially gotten worse. 

Today I thank my mum for forcing me to go to that doctor’s appointment, as I would probably still be on Roaccutane and potentially be in a worse place. It took time, effort and eventually determination to enable myself to get back to a healthy weight. A long year of shifting my mind set and realising I am beautiful, I have amazing friends, my life is worth living and I am happy & healthy. I also thank my Nutritionist Trish Russell for motivating me as she inspired me and help developed my loving interest in healthy food and cooking! So today I live an extremely happy life, I’m surrounded by amazing souls everyday, I nourish myself with healthy delicious food and I am so grateful for everything that has happened, as I would not be the person I am today. 


If you have any questions about depression, anorexia/eating disorders or health do not hesitate to ask me! I am here to help and give as much advice and guidance I can to help you get through this difficult journey. I will also be posting more tips, advice and helpful techniques to getting through dark times and becoming the happiest and healthiest you! 

Email me at: maddylahey@hotmail.com 



Cheers to Health, 
Maddy Lahey 
xx

Sticking to those New Years Resolutions!

We all made our list of resolutions and goals we want to achieve at the start of 2014, but have you still sticked with yours? Usually by the end of January, we sometimes tend to forget about the resolutions we set and can become lazy and unmotivated.  I just wanted to check in and remind you of the goals you set and share some tips that will help you get on top of your resolutions and make them happen!

My top personal goals for 2014 are:

• To let go of FEAR
• Stop comparing/ judging myself to others
• Open up more with the universe

I also have other smaller and adventorous goals such as:

• Meditate daily
• Sky dive!!!
• Travel to Japan (or somewhere new)

And so far I havent achieved any of them. But thats ok! most of them and most of your goals will take time and patience to achieve.

1) Re Write them down. 
Readjust or rewrite your goals down in a journal, diary or notepad. This will reaffirm the existence of these goals and will remind you what you need to achieve.

2) Write down Smaller Steps.
If your goals are very adventurous and BIG (which I hope they are) then try writing down smaller goals that will help you arrive to the main goal.
For example my goal is... I want to travel to Japan. 
I would write a smaller goal such as... Save money for the flights. 
Achieving smaller steps will help you get to the finish line.

3) Remind yourself. 
Stick your goals every where! buy some sticky notes and write daily reminders, quotes or inspirational pictures and vision boards and place them where you will see them. This means you are constantly reminded of the main goal.

So I hope this helps and reminds you to not throw away those new years resolutions just yet, and its not to late to set some! 2014 has just began so get going and make those dreams happen!

BRING ON 2014!

Cheers to Health,
Maddy Lahey
xx

From Earth and Water - Burleigh Beach

From Earth and Water is the most amazing vegan delight cafe, located in Burleigh Heads Beach down the Gold Coast. The small but gourmet restaurant specialises in serving all Organic, Raw and Vegan food and is by far some of the best food I have ever tasted.  The quality of the meals are of something you would be served at a 5 star restaurant with a tempting menu full of delicious high quality and flavoursome meals. You would never know the meals were raw, vegan nor healthy as each dish is packed with so much flavour, and the chefs have replicated the dishes identically with a unique twist. The cafe has a breakfast and lunch menu offering a variety of rotating meals filled with goodies such as raw ravioli, raw tacos, harvest salads, vegan brioche burgers, raw wild rice sushi and the most decadent amazing desserts! 

Walking into From Earth to Water has such a unique and welcoming feel. The walls are painted are bright white which opens the small space and has a clean and quirky look. The interior desgin of the space is filled with the cutest furniture and decorative features. The table setting is set up so nicely like you were at a high tea, featuring little vintage plates, forks and knifes and small jars of fresh native flowers.

This time round I was eager to try the Vegan brioche burger with a crusted tofu filling and almond peanut coleslaw, and boy Im glad I did!  the burger was one of, if not the best vegan burger I have ever tasted! The brioche bun was light and savoury with the most amazing texture, the tofu was soft yet lightly crusty on the outside, and the coleslaw and pineapple was fresh, crisp and complimented the dish beautifully. The serving was also big and generous, successfully filling my big appetite just nicely.

My Sister got the raw tacos which I have had previously, and it was hard deciding weather or not to get them again. The tacos had a flaxseed and nut base which was light, crunchy and identical to a normal taco shell. The filling had crisp cos lettuce, cherry tomatoes and an amazing mix of sweet corn guacamole, cashew sour cream and a spicy mexican vinaigrette layered on top.

And last but not least the amazing raw desserts! its hard to go past their most popular and delicious dish on the menu, the raw caramel snickers slice!  Layered with a vanilla creme, chocolate mouse and sweet caramel filing, a crunchy crackle base that will blow your mind ! and an oozing caramel placed in between the mouse and topped with the most decadent thin slice of raw chocolate. It is seriously just worth traveling to Burleigh for this caramel snickers! 

So If your down the Gold Coast or at Burleigh Beach for the day I highly recommend visiting From Earth to Water as you will not be disappointed with the amazing food they serve! 

Cheers to Health, 

Maddy Lahey 

xx 

CREATING NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

Its  the beginning of 2014!!! and New Year’s Eve is often seen as a chance to start, renew or commit to new years resolutions and goals we want to accomplish. We all come up with the regular resolutions for the upcoming year such as losing weight, learn something new, have a successful career or work on our relationships.  But often these ideas of what should change are easier said then done and usually when we commit to such goals they seem to drift away throughout the mid new year.
Instead of focusing on what we should change we should all vow to take a closer look into our lives and make decisions about ourselves rather then setting such massive goals. 

The trick is to start small so that the ultimate goal you are aiming for is easier to achieve. For example..
Instead of committing to lose weight, try committing to eating healthier or moving your body everyday.
This way when you commit to incorporating these small goals into your everyday life the bigger goal will be much more easier to accomplish.  

Dont know where to start?? here are a thew tips to get you started! 

1) Write them down 

A good way to set goals is to write them down in a diary or in a note pad. Write your goals down without over thinking of how your gonna get there or achieve it. Just write them down in no order, big or small it doesn't matter as long as you have some ideas. 

2) Hang them up 

Next hang up a list of your goals on your fridge, bathroom mirror, save it to your phone or anywhere you pass by everyday. By seeing your goals in front of you, even if they are on a list will remind you to keep going and encourage you to commit to the ultimate goal!

3) Make a vision board

My favourite way to set goals is to create a vision board. vision boards are a great way to in vision what you desire in pictures and images. to create a vision board you simply need a piece of cardboard or paper, magazines, scissors and glue and rest is up to you and your imagination! Flick through the magazines and find pictures that attract to you, inspire or relate to the goals you want to achieve. Dream big ! and once finished hang it up in your room so that when you wake up in the morning you see your goals right in front of you, and this gives you the motivation to commit and achieve them. 

I hope these tips help and assist you in creating your best year yet! Remember if you start to lose sight of your goals, just reassess what your ultimate goal is and do what you can to regain that motivation! 

Cheers to health! 

Maddy Lahey

xx 

A DAY IN MALENY

Maleny is truly one of my favorite, most beautiful and treasured places to visit in Queensland. Maleny is a small, scenic town 90 kilometres north of Brisbane on the Blackall Range overlooking the Sunshine Coast hinterland in Queensland, Australia.The drive up from Brisbane only takes about an hour in the car and the scenery is insanely good! Theres not much to do in Maleny but thats exactly why I love it so much! The peaceful rain forests, beautiful mountains and amazing sceanery is a dream for a nature loving hippie. I love going there for a day trip to get out of the busy city life in Brisbane, It brings me back to the simplicity and abundance of nature. If you like your shopping there are many cute home wares, clothes, book shops & cafes along Maple St in Maleny that are worth taking a look in while visiting. Some of favorite shops are Rosetta books, Giddy & Grace,  The Industree & the Maple Street Co-Op.

My favourite cafes in Maleny are The upfront club, The Old Bank cafe & The Kind Living Cafe which serves amazing raw food meals, drinks, coffees and desserts. 

On the drive back home my mum and I love to stop at this amazing fruit & veg shop on the side of the road. The produce is insanely fresh and sell the best pineapples & juice! 

So make your next day trip somewhere special that surrounds nature like Maleny!


Cheers to health,
Maddy Lahey
xx