Last week, I was working at home and mid morning I headed out to a meeting.  I left my one year old Mini Schnauzer, Billie gazing longingly out of the window at the front door, cross that I was leaving her ALONE.

To be fair, this is progression from incessant barking, constant attempts to escape the backyard and chewing everything in sight as soon as her people leave the house.

I returned from the meeting around an hour later and sneakily looked through the front door window to see what she was up to.

You can imagine my surprise when I saw that Billie was sitting on the couch watching Call The Midwife.  I mean, she is super clever but really?

After checking that no-one else in the family had come home while I was out, I deduced that Billie had jumped on the couch, hit the remote and boom, one of MY favourite shows came on. I did initially wonder how a dog could navigate to iView but realised that it just happened to be on the TV that day. She has clearly been listening to recommendations.

I laughed for so long and it reminded me that pets are so good for our health in a myriad of ways, no matter who or what they are.

Wishing all you lovely people a very happy and safe Easter with just the right amount of chocolate  – whatever that may be

Something to Think About

 

“If you throw stones at every dog that barks at you, you will never get anywhere.” Winston Churchill

 

Something to Make

Rice Cooker Risotto 

Cooking risotto in the rice cooker is sheer genius as far as I’m concerned.  The original recipe was in the booklet that came with my very first rice cooker and I have adapted and changed since.  It is also a recent favourite with my football lads and we cooked it up just last week to rave reviews. It’s the risotto recipe that does not require stirring – enabling you to do the 25 other things you need to do while cooking dinner! If you can’t find the cup that came with your rice cooker (quite likely), use 3/4 of a metric cup instead.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

3 rice cooker cups Arborio or risotto rice

4 rice cooker cups vegetable or chicken stock

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 leek, well washed and thinly sliced OR 1 medium onion, diced small

2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced

2 cups butternut pumpkin, cut into smallish cubes

10 mushrooms, sliced

Finely grated Parmesan

Method

1. Place onion or leek,  garlic and oil in the bowl of the rice cooker. Cover with lid and click onto COOK. Let the mixture cook for 5 minutes. 
2. Add the pumpkin and mushrooms and stir to combine ingredients. 
3. Add the rice and stir again. Pour in the stock, stir and replace the lid. Check that the rice cooker is still on COOK.
4. Leave to cook until the lever automatically clicks onto KEEP WARM. This is your chance to go do the other 25 things you need to do.
5. When ready, top with grated Parmesan and serve with steamed broccoli or green peas (you could put these in the steamer tray if you have one of these in your rice cooker).
6. Congratulate yourself on whipping up a super easy dinner.

There is a slightly different version I did for HBF here too.

Something to Do

I have two questions. One – how often do you sit on the floor?  Two – can you stand back up again without using your hands to lever yourself?

According to experts in mobility (in other words, how we move), it is very important to sit on the floor or the ground for at least 5 minutes a day but equally essential to get back up again without using our hands.

I’ll wait while you all try it………  Was it tricky? It is surprisingly difficult to get up without using your hands isn’t it?

The trick is leaning forward on your ankles, while engaging your core and glute muscles to move your whole body upwards.

All you need to do now, is practice, practice, practice.  Check out this podcast to find out why we should be doing this.

The post Risotto Rice-Cooker, Dog Watching and No Hands appeared first on Julie Meek.

I joined renowned coach Tony Popovic, whom I have worked with previously at both Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory A-League clubs.  Within two weeks of securing the job, the Socceroos were on the road to Adelaide and then Japan.  November took us to Melbourne and onto Bahrain and in the past two weeks, we smashed Indonesia in Sydney and dominated China in China.

It has been an exciting whirlwind to say the very least. LOTS of hard work but so very rewarding to now find ourselves in the position of just (!) winning one more game in Perth in June against Japan, and the Socceroos have automatic qualification for the World Cup 2026. You can check out what some of the players have to say about being part of this exciting team here.

It has certainly sparked reflection on the fresh out of the box Dietitian that I was,  doing her very first sports nutrition presentation to the local rugby team at the Cootamundra pub all those years ago. Don’t worry that they are all drinking gallons of beer while you are trying to teach them nutrition – there are exciting things ahead my friend.

What about you -what’s your news this week?

Something to Think About

“Be happy in this moment, this moment is your life.” – Omar Khayyam

 

Something to Make

Dessert Style Greek Glamorous Yoghurt 

This yoghurt hack is really easy to produce and changes plain yoghurt into something else entirely. You can top with freshly grated cinnamon stick and a drizzle of honey, any fruit compote, my Roasted Strawberries or  Blueberry Chia Jam.

Ingredients (Serves 5)

1 kg thick Greek yoghurt

Pinch of salt

Method

1. Place a sieve (with fine mesh or tight weave) over a medium sized bowl. Line with a new large Chux cloth or muslin, making sure that equal part  of the cloth are hanging over the edge of the sieve on all sides.
2. Pour the entire kilogram of yoghurt into the lined sieve, add the salt and stir a little to combine.
3. Using the excess cloth, tie into a knot as best as you can and place a heavy object on top to assist the liquid draining.
4. Place the bowl and sieve into the fridge overnight.
5. When ready, discard the liquid and tip the yoghurt mixture into an air tight container.
6. Use as above and enjoy!

Something to Do

When was the last time you saw your GP or had a medical check-up?

If you can’t remember, now is definitely the right time.  All of us should be visiting our GP at least once per year to make sure that our health is tip top and to look at those annual blood test markers, blood pressure and any other age relevant check-ups required.

I know that it is another thing to add to the never ending list but this one needs to go right to the top. Without good health, we have nothing.

Pinky promise you’ll check in with your GP stat?

The post Socceroos Smash Them Up, Glamorous Yoghurt and The Doc appeared first on Julie Meek.

If this statement speaks to you, you will love today’s quick, easy and scrumptious Sussex Spaghetti recipe. Perfect for those nights when you are out of energy and time and the hounds (aka children, teenagers, partners) are nipping and yipping at your heels.

And what are your thoughts about the older kids in the household paying board?  Some whingeing in my house initiated a little exercise that was very enlightening indeed. This activity helped enormously and took me just an hour.

Would love to hear if you try it and whether it shut down the ‘unfairness of it all’ complaints……

Lastly, don’t forget that the best days go the fastest and eating well will help you keep up!

Something to Think About

“Life is a combination of magic and pasta.” – Federico Fellini

 

Something to Make

Sussex Spaghetti 

Some of you may have watched the new series, With Love, Meghan.  I know that some of you will be fans and others will not, but it was a super easy relaxing watch on a Saturday afternoon with one of my girls. The Duchess whipped up an all in one pan spaghetti, which looked delicious and super easy. I modified the recipe a bit, made a new name, served it up to the family and it was a total HIT.

Could not recommend this more. 

Ingredients (serves 4)

5 garlic cloves, chopped roughly 

3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

2-3 shortcut bacon rashers, chopped (omit if vegetarian)

1/2 cup chopped or sliced sun-dried tomatoes (plus a little oil from the jar)

375g (3/4 x 500g packet) dried spaghetti 

Handful of finely grated fresh parmesan

Handful of fresh basil leaves, torn

Several large handfuls of baby spinach

2 cups vegetable or chicken stock + 2 cups boiling water

Method

1. Heat a large deep frypan and pour in a little of the sun-dried tomato oil.
2. Add the fresh and sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and bacon (if you are using).
3. Stir-fry for 5 minutes (maximum) and then spread the uncooked spaghetti on top of the mixture, until flattish.
4. Pour over the stock and the water and place lid on the frypan.
5. Cook for 10 minutes on medium heat and then gently move the spaghetti a little in the pan but don’t be tempted to stir. Test if spaghetti is mostly cooked.
6. Gently fold in the spinach, parmesan, basil and a little more water if needed and cook for a further 5 minutes.
7. Make sure the spaghetti is coated with the sauce and serve out with a salad. 

Once you have tried this one, you might like to check out my Pesto Pasta too.

Something to Do

Over the past couple of years there has been discussion with our kids about the concept of paying board.  For the brief moment I stayed at home after high school, I paid board (too much in my opinion, sorry Mum xxxxxxxx).

One daughter took the gap year (s) option and has just started uni. She paid board for the last year of the past two but now has a board break while studying. Another daughter has just begun grown-up work in her degree qualified field, and commenced paying board a few weeks ago. Third child is embarking upon a gap year after finishing school last year, so paying board will cross his path later in the year.

My husband and I agreed that these children of ours needed to be either working or studying after leaving high school. If working, then a small financial contribution needed to be made each week. We discussed this with them all. We agreed on $100 per week on a full-time salary and pro-rata on part time work.

Immediate complaints went like this. “Mum, I don’t mind paying SOMETHING but that is a LOT.” If you are an adult dealing with the daily cost of living right now,  you will agree that $100 per week is merely scratching the surface.

This discussion could have gone back and forth indefinitely but then I thought, where is the concrete data? I printed out three months worth of bank statements and highlighted groceries, all the utilities, streaming services and the internet. I averaged all the numbers across the 3 months, adjusted for the bills that only come quarterly or annually and arrived at the cost per person per week to live in this house.

Well, without giving any personal data away, let’s just say that $100 per week is most definitely a drop in the ocean. I then presented this carefully calculated data and asked the boarders which amount they would prefer. End of complaints!

This was such a good exercise to do for budget purposes. We used to do this regularly but life gets busy and these routines drop away don’t they?

What are your thoughts about paying board? Got any complaints for your own parents??

The post Spaghetti in Sussex, A Little Magic and Doing The Numbers appeared first on Julie Meek.

A good pancake is loved by all in my household. This is probably the only time that Nutella makes an appearance…. and given this is occasional, I don’t mind a bit. What are your favourite pancake toppings?

The pancake recipe I share with you today is a little different but still delicious, while being high in fibre, protein and of course, taste.

Would love to hear what you think.

Something to Think About

“Whether it is the best of times or the worst of times, it is the only time we have.” – Art Buchwald

 

Something to Make

Banana Pancakes

These scrumptious little pancakes or pikelets (you decide on the size) are SO easy and quick and everyone loves them. If you don’t have any protein powder in the cupboard, you can sub in skim milk powder for the extra protein. These little beauties are inspired by my fellow Sports Dietitian, Em. Perfect for breakfast, a snack at anytime or before and after training.

Ingredients

1 cup quick or rolled oats

2 x bananas, mashed

3/4 cup milk of choice

4 x eggs

1 scoop protein powder

Method

1. Combine all ingredients until mixture is smooth
2. Spray a small frypan with cooking oil and place on a moderate heat.
3. Place heaped tablespoons of the mixture into the hot frypan and cook until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook on the other side for around a minute.
4. Once cooked, serve with some thick yoghurt and extra sliced banana or your favourite fruit.

Something to Do

It is getting to that time of the year, when it has become glaringly obvious that the summer holidays are behind us. It is also the time when we start casting around for the next little holiday or break to look forward to. Am I right?

I might be able to help.

I’ve been running wellness retreats in Italy since 2017 and in the south of WA for four years – each with their own unique charms. Holding space for others to relax and unwind is one of my great passions and I have loved each and every one of them.

This year, due to lots of travel with the Socceroos, I am running just one retreat on the south-coast of WA at the gorgeous Yungarra Estate. 

This Autumn Recharge Retreat will be run from Thursday 8th until Monday 12th May and registrations are now officially open! 

For all details, just drop me a line or for the brochure just click HERE.

“Thank you so much for the most beautiful retreat weekend.  You created a wonderful blend of relaxing, active, informative, mindful, connected, energising, nourishing and altogether blissful experience, which was incredibly special.  Everyone absolutely loved it and we all felt really blessed to have the opportunity to step away from the day to day, focus on our wellbeing (instead of others…..but which, of course, benefits others) and recalibrate for the future.  Cups definitely full!” Lizzie

The post The Pancake, Only Time and Retreat While Relaxing appeared first on Julie Meek.

I have been studying for a few years now and theoretically getting to the pointy end of my results. Things should look something like this – Step 1 – collect all the data – tick. Step 2 – analyse the data – no tick. The problem is, there does not appear to be a section in my brain for statistics. I have searched but so far any brain cells that may have had any ability to understand this are currently AWOL.

Of course, statistics inform so many things that we do everyday and it is very interesting to read about some historical statistical errors that have significantly impacted the health and well-being of many. In the health arena, we have known about these errors for some time but it takes an even longer time for these messages to get out to those who really need to know.

Hormone replacement treatment, serving spoons and Popeye all have a story to tell. You can read about these statistical surprises right here.

See you in March! 

Something to Think About

“Either run the day or it runs you.” – Jim Rohn

 

Something to Make

Miso Eggplant

Eggplant aka aubergine is just delicious.  Purple is one of my favourite colours and maybe that’s where it all started. They are just so shiny and gorgeous and extremely versatile. Think Eggplant Parmigiana, Moussaka, grilled eggplant and so many other dishes that feature this vegetable. Full of vitamins, anti-oxidants and a great source of fibre, Miso Eggplant is a go to side dish in my household.

Ingredients

2 medium eggplant, sliced in half lengthways and flesh scored diagonally

Olive oil

Your choice of nigella, pepitas or sesame seeds

Miso Glaze

1 tablespoon miso paste

1 tablespoon maple syrup

2 tablespoons olive oil

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees and line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Drizzle some olive oil onto the tray and rub the cut side of the eggplant into the oil. Place in the oven to cook (cut side down on tray) until soft.
3. Combine glaze ingredients in a small bowl.
4. Remove from oven, flip each piece of eggplant over and brush with the miso glaze. Put back in the oven for another 10 minutes until the miso is caramelising.
5. Sprinkle with your choice of seeds and serve.

Something to Do

Watching your own vegetables grow is SO satisfying. There is something quite magical about watching a baby leaf emerge and develop into something you can actually eat. The best thing is, even if you live somewhere with limited garden space, there are plenty of plants you can grow in pots on verandahs, balconies and even a windowsill.

Spinach or silverbeet is my pick at the moment, because within two weeks the leaves are big enough to cut and use. You could plant seeds ($1.39) or alternatively buy a small punnet with 6-8 small seedlings ($4.49). If you compare this cost to the price of buying bags of ready to eat spinach, there is a money saving tip right there.

A small bag of baby spinach retails for around $2.50. This might seem quite cheap but the reality is, all or some of the bag might end up languishing in the bottom of the crisper. 

Check out some ideas on incorporating spinach into salads and some handy tips on growing this bright green vegetable here.

So how about it? Want to try growing some spinach and have it on fresh on hand whenever you need it? 

The post Eggplant With Miso, Run The Day And Popeye appeared first on Julie Meek.

This past week has been all about graduation in my world.

We have a newly graduated Occupational Therapist in the household (very proud) and my students at Murdoch University, graduated with their Nutrition and Food Science degree (also very proud).  There has been a lot of clapping, a lot of adjusting of mortar boards and plenty of wonderful photos.

It is always positive to be reminded what a privilege it is to have such high quality education in Australia, and that persistence and endurance are very underrated. It is no small feat to complete any training or study and I commend all that do. 

If you have someone in your world that has been swanning about in a gown and stylish hat over the past few weeks – well done indeed!

Something to Think About

“Chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.” – Warren Buffet

 

Something to Make

Roasted Carrots Salad

Love, love, love carrots! Full of vitamins A and C and a great source of fibre, this carrot dish is one of my absolute favourites.

Ingredients

1 bag carrots or 1 large bunch multi-coloured or 1/2 bag orange plus 1/2 bag purple carrots 

2 x red onions, quartered 

1 cup plain Greek yoghurt

1 bunch fresh dill, chopped finely

1/2 cup currants

2 tsp cumin

1 tsp honey

Olive oil

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
2. Wash and trim carrots (but keep whole) and peel and quarter onions. Place all onto a lined baking tray, drizzle with olive oil and roast for approximately 40 minutes or until tender.
3. While the vegetables are cooking, combine the yoghurt, cumin and honey.
4. Using a large platter, spread the dressing over the base of the platter and top evenly with the currants and dill.
5. Arrange the roasted carrots stylishly over the dressing and enjoy!

Something to Do

Australian statistics show that 96% of children and adolescents aged 2-17  and 94% of adults aged 18 and over do not eat the recommended servings of vegetables each day.

We REALLY need to do better. Eating more vegetables reduces the risk of almost of all of our major lifestyle diseases. So simple and yet, so apparently difficult.

For a reality check, if you are not consuming at least 2.5-3 cups vegetables and salad each day, then you are one of these statistics. The fact is, having vegetables only at dinner time will not be enough for anyone.

Some easy ways to increase your vegetable intake:

• Think about grabbing whole carrots, baby cucumber, handful of cherry tomatoes or a sliced sweet red capsicum as a snack to go with some cheese or hummus.
• Keep a stash of frozen vegetables as a quick, easy and nutritious alternative to fresh.
• Grate and chop vegetables into sauces and casseroles.
• Add legumes to meat dishes to extend the meal and boost the fibre.
• Use the portion plate model when preparing your meal to ensure that vegetables are a feature.
• Use a little delicious dressing to make your vegetables and salad interesting.

The post Carrots Galore, Chains Of Habit And Veggie Up appeared first on Julie Meek.

With the end of January knocking on the door, it certainly feels like the year is really starting. How would you rate the first month of this year?

February marching in means that school is BACK.  This is the first year in 18 that our household will have no kids at school. I have a lot of FEELINGS about this. Just can’t quite explain what they are though. There is certainly relief that money will be saved, sadness that the this part of our lives are over and some anticipation around what will be in this next chapter of ours as a family. Anyone else in the same boat?

It is 100% a good time to remind oneself about life seasons, and an article written by Kimberley Gillan entitled ‘Are you in tune with your life season? really puts it all into perspective.

For everyone about to launch into prepping those lunchboxes, may the force be with you. Don’t forget that you are doing a great job fuelling the next generation, you really are.

Something to Think About

“Big global events can make it feel like the world is falling apart, but there are a million acts of kindness still holding it together .” – Twisted Doodles

 

Something to Make

Zucchini Muffins

Is anyone growing zucchini at the moment? If you are, no doubt you are being inundated with them as they would have to be the fastest growing vegetable in the world! There are plenty of recipes around that include zucchini but this one is quick, easy and delicious.

Ingredients

1 large zucchini, grated

2 cups self-raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese + 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 egg

1/2 cup olive oil

1 cup milk

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees 
2. Combine zucchini with flour, baking powder and cheese
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk and olive oil
4. Add to the zucchini mixture and gently combine
5. Spoon mixture into a 12 hole muffin tin lined with paper cases and bake in a moderate oven for 1 hour or until a skewer can be removed without any mixture attached.

For those who prefer a sweeter alternative (with the added benefits of vegetables), check out my Chocolate Cupcakes here.

Something to Do

This week I discovered a very cool organisation by the name of Food for Everyone.

Food for Everyone produces gorgeous culinary posters, that transform recipes into artworks. They collaborate with renowned chefs, cooks, restaurateurs and artists and produce very gorgeous affordable art. 

Every poster that is purchased from Food for Everyone, goes on to directly support people experiencing food insecurity.For every poster that is bought, Food for Everyone donates the equivalent of 10 meals through their charity partner, SecondBite.

The art and recipes are diverse, great gifts and you can try their recipes available on their site at Food for Everyone.

The post Food For Everyone, Zucchini Muffins And Kindness appeared first on Julie Meek.

2025 has plonked itself down and is already gathering speed isn’t it?

For me, 2025 has a jaunty feel to it and huge potential for some smart taglines to go with it. I received an email just last week from a supplier and his sign-off was “May you feel alive in 2025.” What a great thought to start the year right?

For the past five years I have chosen a word of the year and a list of intentions that match the number of the year. Yes, this is going to get more and more challenging as the years go on! This yearly project was originally inspired by Gretchen Rubin from The Happiness Project and you can check out her website, books or the podcast for a summary on how this works. For example, this year I have 25 intentions (not goals) and they can cover any aspect of your life. Each intention could be finite and a task that can be ticked off quickly or it could be a something that will take you all year to achieve.

On average, I’ve been able to tick off around 60% of them at the end of each year. Without a doubt, I would have completed much less without that list of intentions. You can take a look at some of my thoughts a few years back on this here, they all still apply.

What’s in store for you this year? Would love to hear your plans and thoughts -whatever they may be.

Very much looking forward to sharing recipes, quotes and nutrition tips with you all, my tribe in 2025 (see what I mean!).

Something to Think About

“Rome wasn’t built in a day but they were laying bricks every hour. You don’t have to do it all today. Just lay a brick.” – James Clear

 

Something to Make

Deluxe Fruit Cake

What foods would you rather not live without in 2025? Two of my top picks would be cheese and Christmas fruit cake. Specifically my mum’s fruit cake, that she makes months in advance and then ‘allows’ myself, brother and sisters to have a little piece now and then. It’s like dealing in little rectangles of gold. Hi Mum

This recipe is actually just so easy and you can cut into pieces and freeze too.

Ingredients

1kg dried mixed fruit

2 cups self-raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

600ml choc milk

Method

1. Place fruit into a container and pour the choc milk over the top. Give it a stir and refrigerate overnight.
2. Transfer to a mixing bowl and add the flour and baking powder, mix thoroughly.
3. Grease and line two small round or loaf tins with baking paper.
4. Pour mixture into the tins and bake in a moderate oven for 1 hour or until a skewer can be removed without any mixture attached.

Something to Do

If you are yet to see the National Geographic documentary, Blink, you must check it out on Disney.

This film follows the Canadian Pelletier family and their journey, when three of their children are diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a rare and incurable disease that leads to severe visual impairment. Following this life altering news, parents Edith and Sebastien decide to set off around the world, for a year to experience all they can while their children can still see and bank visual memories.

Such a moving story of love, connection and resilience and one that will have you reflecting on your own life experiences.

The post Feel Alive in 2025, Intentionally Happy and Blink appeared first on Julie Meek.

Hello Lovely People!

It is currently school holidays in my neck of the woods and as our youngest is currently in Year 12, it is officially our last ever school holidays. This coming term will be a series of ‘lasts’ for us and this will no doubt bring sadness and happiness all at the same time.  Is anyone with me on the Year 12 journey? Love to hear your thoughts.

For me, school holidays look a lot different to what they did a few years ago, but there is no doubt they bring challenges for parents as well as a break for the kids.  Sourcing activities is always a must and a popular outing is the movies. If you happen to be going with your little chickens or grand chickens, you can check out my thoughts on movies snacks here.

The next week brings International Coffee Day (yay) and World Heart Day but luckily not on the same day. May each of them bring either a reminder or something to look forward to.

Something to Think About

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

 

Something to Make

Lemon Fluff Up

My Nan probably wouldn’t have described herself as an expert cook but some of her signature dishes were seriously good. Chicken and vegetable soup, fried rice, coconut biscuits, hot cheese plate (not sure I will ever be able to share this one) and an English roast dinner are just some to name a few.

Desserts at Nan and Pop’s house were quite simple yet delicious and this recipe I am sharing today is a perfect example.  I made up the name, because it was nameless during my childhood but I do believe that lemon and fluff describe it perfectly. You tell me?

This little lemon treasure is an excellent source of calcium (225mg per serve) and protein (7.5g per serve) and could be a snack or dessert.

Ingredients

375ml light evaporated milk, chilled

85g packet of lemon jelly crystals (low sugar or regular)

Method

1. Pour the jelly crystals into a jug and add 1 cup (250ml) boiling water. Stir until crystals are dissolved. Pour into a shallow dish and refrigerate until almost set (around an hour).
2. Once the jelly is almost set, pour the chilled evaporated milk into a separate bowl and beat with an electric mixer for around 5 minutes (yes, this is a long time).
3. Once the evaporated milk becomes thicker and increases in volume, add the jelly and beat for another couple of minutes.
4. Pour mixture into a 1 litre capacity large bowl or into four smaller bowls or glasses.
5. If you would like to make these fancy, garnish with curly lemon rind.

Something to Do

What does the word luxury make you think of? A great hotel, a fancy restaurant or a beautiful car? Most likely it is slightly different for us all but luxury is very often associated with wealth and money in some shape or form.

Recently on social media, I came across Jade Bonacolta, who writes about productivity, personal growth and life hacks. She listed her six luxuries in life as:

1. Time
2. Health
3. A quiet mind
4. Slow mornings
5. Ability to travel
6. A house full of love

What a great way to reframe luxury. The interesting thing is, many of these luxuries above, get sacrificed in the pursuit of material possession and perhaps other luxurious items.

Grab a pen/cil, something to write on and a quiet space and list your most valued life luxuries. I’ll wait. Let me know how you go.

The post Lemon Fluff Up, Wind In The Sails and Life Luxuries appeared first on Julie Meek.

Happy Thursday Lovely People!

I think we can all agree that the current weather situation is rather pleasant and certainly puts a spring in the step right?

The thing is, besides the warm sunny days, spring brings the flapping black and white wings of the magpie. For me (and perhaps some of you too) this introduces significant stress because I am bird phobic.  I am not entirely sure when it started but a regular walk many years ago, interrupted by a kamikaze magpie that resulted in a pierced ear did not help. I can admire Willy Wagtails and Kookaburra’s when they have their little sing alongs because I know they are not interested in me (unless I’m holding a sausage in the case of the Kookaburra) but that is my limit.

This means that in spring, my walks can often be a bit longer than usual and potentially zig zaggy, if I need to avoid a potential magpie post. I guess that this helps with the plan to up the steps that we talked about last week. They somehow know that I am around too and you will often find flapping birds if I’m around – go figure.

This week’s quote is a little reminder for me, what about you?

Something to Think About

“If you face the fear it goes, if you run from it, it grows’.” Unknown

 

Something to Make

Sesame Pumpkin

Pumpkin is such a versatile vegetable – it can be made into soup, roasted, put into a salad, grated into muffins, quiches, scones, cake and so much more.

Sesame pumpkin is a delicious side to any protein and literally takes 5 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

Small Butternut pumpkin (or any other you prefer) 

2 tbsp sesame oil

2 tbsp sesame seeds

Sea salt flakes

Method

1. Scrub the pumpkin and thinly slice (about 1cm thick)
2. Place all ingredients into a large lined baking tray and toss to coat the pumpkin
3. Place in oven and roast (tossing once halfway through) for approximately 30 minutes, or until soft

Something to Do

Each week I receive a newsletter from Greg McKeown, an Organisational Psychologist, who teaches people how to focus and simplify.  He often writes about super interesting things and last week he discussed a routine known as The Five Hour Rule, which piqued my interest. This rule dates back to Benjamin Franklin who devoted (at least) an hour a day to learning something new and in his case, he woke early to read and write for an hour each day. The idea is that making use of an hour each day to educate yourself on something, exercises your mind, improves your skills and allows the practice of discipline.

The question is, when and how can we do this? If you work or study during the day, often the last thing you feel like doing is coming home to engage your brain again. Yet, perhaps there are different ways of learning despite this.

For a few years now, I have been learning Italian and each night I spend about 20 minutes doing free Duolingo lessons on my phone.  I am about to hit 1800 days straight of doing this,  only because I can do it without any preparation and in a short period of time. I am so committed to keeping that streak now and I can because it is something I can do anywhere.

Other ways that we can incorporate learning into our day/night is reading before you go to bed, listening to a podcast on your way home, attending a free online lecture or webinar or watching a documentary. The process of learning something does bring joy and it doesn’t need to be related to your job or your expertise.

What about you – are you a fan of the Five Hour Rule?

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