Sweet Savory Potato Pizza

* a post in 12 minutes or less * 

When in doubt over dinner, I rummage through my pantry to almost always find a sweet potato or two. And in my fridge, I can always depend on some fresh (or wilting) herbs to spruce up a salad, stir fry, or in this case..quick n' easy flatbread pizza. It's sweet, savory, and hits all the right flavours. 

Sweet potatoes are loaded with Vitamin A, C, magnesium, fiber, potassium, and so much more. They're the perfect winter comfort food (I think I'm finally adjusted to the opposite season thing). 

Sweet n' Savory Sweet Potato Pizza

Ingredients

• 1 sweet potato
• 1 small red onion (I used 1/2)
• 1 whole wheat pizza shell, flat bread, pitta, or homemade dough
• 1 small handful fresh parsley 
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 dash nutmeg
• 2 dashes of chili powder (use as much or little as you like)
• Pepper to taste

Method: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, line a tray with baking paper and set aside. Next, peel and chop your sweet potato into medium sized cubes (don't worry if they're not perfect), and set aside in a medium bowl. Chop 1/2 of one red onion and try not to cry (I did). Add your onion to the bowl of sweet potato and toss with coconut oil, minced garlic, and spices. Pour mixture onto your prepared tray and bake for 15-25 minutes, or until fork tender. 

For the pizza base, simply massage with a little olive or coconut oil. Once your sweet potato mixture is done, top the pizza (don't forget your parsley!) and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the pizzas edges are nice and crispy. Slice however which way you like and enjoy! 

Life update: I'm gonna dive right in... I've completed two essays (a total of 7, 200 words) and have two more to go (another 5,000 words or so). I can do it! 

Yoga, yoga, TRX, and more yoga to keep me balanced, fit, and happy. I had a TRX session this evening which really rocked my triceps. I can't wait to take some photos for you guys! It's a pretty cool workout. 

I received a few boxes of fruit n' nuts from Harvest Box, which came in handy for quick library snacks. Some of the selections were better than others, but I would have preferred to pick exactly what I wanted. 

Classes are officially over, which is nice, so tomorrow I have a full day planned at the library (yippie).

But most importantly, it's my birthday on Wednesday, June 1. I bolded it, in case you forget. I suppose it's too bad that birthday falls smack in the middle of essay madness, but I don't really mind. It'll still be the perfect day. I'm working at Lululemon in the morning and then have a lunch date with a friend. Alex has the evening organized with a dinner of some sort...restaurant TBD. I love to hate surprises. I'm celebrating with my family when I'm home on the 17th.

Well, 10pm and I'm off to bed. My brain needs a full rest for tomorrow.

And there you have it...an update in exactly 11 minutes.

How are you enjoying the last week of May? Excited for June?

Busy Busy Bee

The past few weeks have kept me on my toes, jogging from one activity to the next and juggling everything from essays, research, a brand spanking new job, to yoga and TRX (obsessed) training. I apologize for the lack of blogging (believe me, I've missed it), but in short, I've been busy ;)

First, I want to share some exciting news! Remember my goal setting a while back? Well, I'm thrilled to announce that I've joined Lululemon! A few weeks ago I joined the team as an Educator, at my lovely neighbourhood Bourke Street store, here in Melbourne. I completed training last week (which was incredible) and hit the floor this morning. I can't wait to share photos and tidbits about my new journey with you all. Yippie!

Source

I have so much to share, but instead of rambling in a million and one different directions I'll be brief (because as my High School drama teacher would say, brevity is beautiful) and say that life is good. Life is busy and full - of good health, happiness, and friendships.

I can't believe it's May, let alone 7 days until my birthday. How time flies.

Now go soak up the last days of May, 2011 to its absolute fullest.

xo

PS: Photos, delicious recipes, time management tips, and TRX training workouts coming soon! Promise ;)

Baby, it's cold outside

Winter is in full effect. May in Melbourne feels like a typical Canadian October, or early September on a good day. I've definitely climatized to the Aussie weather, shivering when it's 10 degrees on a cool morning or late evening (as if I've never lived through a Canadian winter in my life). How quickly I forget that I've braved -30 weather in London, Ontario. I'm a wuss. Alas, it's kinda nice to cook warm stews and wear layers again :)

I've also been enjoying my warm and cozy breakfasts as well!

Protein packed creamy-style oats

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup organic steel cut oats
• 1/2 cup almond milk + 1/4 cup water 
• 1/4 banana, sliced
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp mesquite powder (optional)
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional, but adds a nice nutty flavour)
• 1 tbsp almond butter
• Topping ideas: coconut, cacao nibs, a few walnuts, 1 energy ball crumbled into bits

Directions: Mix your oats and desired spices in a small pot. Add your almond milk and water and cook on medium heat. Add your sliced banana and almond butter, stirring often until the mixture becomes thick and creamy. Finally, add a few toppings of your choice. I used coconut, a few cacao nibs, and one homemade protein ball (almonds, walnuts, dates, cacao). Yum. 

I enjoyed this alongside a pot of chamomile tea.

This afternoon I walked to the Melbourne Aquarium to hang with the penguins, naturally. 

Despite being born and bred in the Antartica, these little guys looked like they could use something warm. Perhaps a bowl of my oatmeal? =)

Ice cold water. Shivers.

 Alex came too. 
I kept hoping they'd slide down on on their bellies, but no such luck.

Aquariums are neat. The Sydney aquarium is much bigger, but I like Melbourne's because of the penguins and hammerhead sharks! Something different to see. 

The aquarium wasn't too busy either, which was nice. Not too many kiddies running around, pointing and smudging-up the glass with their little hands.

While I don't have the heat on (many houses here don't have heating), I'm curled up in cashmere and fuzzy socks. Send me some spring tulips, will ya? 

Least it doesn't snow ;)

Have a wonderful weekend!

xo

Eating Healthy on Vacation (and on airplanes)

Eating healthy on vacation is not always easy, especially if you have specific dietary requirements or food allergies. You don't necessarily know what oils, sauces, and how much salt has been used, and you certainly don't know how long something has been sitting under a buffet heat lamp :/ Different countries equal different farming, agricultural regulations, pesticide use, and imported products. Needless to say, vacations often bring exciting, delicious, and sometimes bewildering foods.

I love eating in new cities and different parts of the world. Nothing beats Dominican Republic pineapple, pure Canadian maple syrup, or authentic green curry in Thailand. However, travelling for business or pleasure, should neither take away from eating healthy or hinder your very dining experience.

Salty bugs aren't your thing? Ditto. So bare with me...

When I arrived in Bangkok everything at first glance appeared to be deep fried, slathered in oil, and fried again. However, after further investigation I discovered an incredible range of fresh tropical fruits including papaya, pineapple, mango, and coconut! Cold fresh coconuts were ideal when exploring the streets of Bangkok in 40 degree heat.

I was also blown away by the selection of vegetarian Thai food. On several occasions I enjoyed vegetarian green curry with tofu or veggie pad thai. The curry often got my sinuses running, but I devoured it anyway. The flavours were incredible!

After some consideration, which included reminiscing the pad thai in Thailand, I came up with my top three tips for eating healthy on vacation and top three tips for eating healthy on airplanes. Enjoy :)

Tips for Healthy Eating on Vacation

1. Eat fresh and local (if you can):
   Once you arrive at your destination, pop into a grocery store or local market and see what fruit and veggies are in season. Fruit such as bananas and oranges pack well and are a perfect on-the-go snack. It's also a good idea to pack some fruit if you have any long day trips planned. Cities like Bangkok and New York have fruit stands or stalls on the streets, making it super easy to enjoy something healthy.
   In addition to coconuts I also enjoyed these lychee type things..or perhaps they were lychees? Either way, they were delicious and juicy.
   
   
2. Pack a few favourites:
   
   No matter where I travel I always ensure to pack a handful of larabars. Having a healthy and familiar snack on hand is key, especially when visiting a foreign country. 
   
3. Get a recommendation:
   If friends or family members that have been to where you're going don't hesitate to reach out and get their recommendations. My best friend lived in Bangkok last year and she told me about this gourmet grocery store, which had a yummy and fresh salad bar. Jackpot. I enjoyed a brocoli packed salad and purchased a few things for the plane ride home, including raw almonds. It was perfect! It's also a good idea to hear what your hotel concierge has to say too! ;)

Tips for Healthy Eating on Airplanes

I'm obsessed with staying hydrated on airplanes. When I flew to Melbourne (27 hours) all I consumed was fruit, veggie sticks, 3 individual Vega smoothie packets, and a lot of water and herbal tea. Every hour or so I'd mist my face with Pure + Simple hydrosol and get up to stretch and pee. I'll never forget the fellow sitting beside me as he turned to me - watching as I pulled up some fluffy slipper-type socks - and said "you're pretty hard core, eh?". Why, yes...yes I am ;) 

1. Eat hearty and hydrate pre-flight:
   If you're anything like me and can't stand recycled airplane air then I highly recommend avoiding drying foods such as bread, crackers, and granola. If you can, boycot salty nuts and meat. These foods dry out your intestines, skin, and might make you feel bloated and uncomfortable for the flight. I got this great tip from Kristen at Holistic Vanity and it's helped a lot on my long flights. Instead, before you fly, enjoy a hearty stew, bowl of oatmeal, or something moist and hydrating. Depending when you go through customs, you may be able to bring fruit/veggies with you!
   
   
2. Drink a lot of water: Hopefully this is a no-brainer when it comes to travelling. Either pack your water bottle ahead of time and have the flight attended refill it every so often or buy a couple litre water bottles before you board the plane. Either way, drink up! Keep in mind that you can't bring drinks or liquids over 100ml through security, so ensure to buy your water supply after security.
   
   
3. Request a special meal ahead of time: On longer flights I always request either the vegan meal or fruit plate option ahead of time! Why not dodge the runny eggs and mushy vegetables and eat a meal that you actually might enjoy? When I flew to Thailand I happily enjoyed a large fruit plate, complete with papaya and lime, pineapple, grapes, and melon. Yum!

You don't have to feel trapped on an airplane, subjected to yucky airline food. You simply have to do a little planning ;) Hopefully the next time you fly, you arrive feeling fresh and ready for whatever awaits you at your destination.

Happy, healthy, and hydrated travels!

Goal Setting

In addition to a healthy glow and peaceful mind, I returned from Thailand feeling invigorated and full of energy. I felt inspired, as if a bright light lit up within me flashing go. And then it hit me - it's time to reflect on my goals.

Daunting? Can be. Exciting? Always!

I turn 23 years-old in 26 days, finish my first semester in 32 days, and am proudly claiming May - goal-setting month. Even though flowers aren't blooming and the leaves are turning redish-brown (it's Autumn in Melbourne, not Spring. Strange, right?), I feel new beginnings in the air.

Care to join me? Please do.

Here are my five favourite go-to tips for getting started:

1. Let your values guide you
Before you fall into a trap of "I want to make X dollars by the time I'm 35" take a moment to pause and reflect on what really matters to you. What do you enjoy? What stimulates you? What are your values?

2. Take baby steps
If you've never run 5k before, then you ain't gonna run a marathon tomorrow. Acknowledge where you are right now, in this moment, and start from there. Enjoy the journey and embrace your day-by-day progress.

3. Write them out, set a date, and don't lose sight of them 
Jot down your goals in a journal or type them up on your computer. However you write them out, post them on your fridge or on your bedroom mirror so you can make eye contact with them each and every day.

4. Share them with a trusted friend or loved one
I think opening up to a trusted loved one can add value to your "goal pot of inspiration", if you will :) That trusted person may offer insight on how to take a step closer to your goal or maybe they'll simply listen, nod, and support your every decision. Either way, sometimes it helps to confide in someone.

5. No justification needed
You do not need to justify your goals. In your heart you know the reason you want achieve something and that's what matters.

I typically frame my goals under three separate categories - health, career, and personal, but this is totally up to you. Some people bucket their goals into time frames i.e. three months, six months, etc. I set a time frame for each specific goal instead ;)

My Health Goals

1. Practice yoga two to three times per week: I recently rediscovered my yoga practice and couldn't be happier about it! I want to increase my flexibility in the next six months
   
2. Record a food journal for two solid months: In tracking my meals, snacks, and liquids throughout the day, I can better monitor any sugar cravings, hunger spikes, digestion, etc. Ultimately, I want to improve my workout recovery and maintain balanced hormone levels and think physically writing it down will be a great help. Note: I'm connecting with a holistic nutritionist and look forward to soaking up all the advice, constructive feedback, and wellness tips that I can!
   
3. Meditate for 10 minutes everyday: Dedicate more time to silence, stillness, and self-awareness. 

My University/Career Goals

1. Land an internship: In my third and final semester of University I want to work as an intern in the realm of communications for a health/wellness brand or corporation.
   
2. Maintain a high average
3. Work parttime at lululemon: In the next four to six months I hope to join the lululemon team, here in Melbourne! I've connected with some lovely people at my neighbourhood store and am in the interview process. Time will tell, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

My Personal Goals

1. Enter a recipe contest or baking festival: I want to connect with fellow holistic cooking-lovers
   
2. Volunteer with people who are seeing impaired 
   
3. Publish a book: I definitely want to publish a book one day..perhaps a collection of non-fiction stories or veggie friendly recipes!

I believe I will accomplish all of my goals and I believe that you can achieve yours too. 

Best wishes and happy goal-setting

xo

Islands of Bliss - Adventures in Phuket

After a few days in Bangkok we flew to Phuket and vacation mode really kicked in. As soon as I wiggled my toes into the smooth sand and busted out my selection of bikinis I felt right at ease, or should I say home? :P

With the baby elephants of course. Cutie pies.

We stayed at the Sheraton Grand and had a lovely view of a massive lake, which circulated and intertwined with the hotels grounds

Within a couple days, we were tanned (well, more so Alex. I'm diligent with sun protection.) and relaxed.

From Phuket we did a couple day tours as well. Our first was a half-day trip to Kai island where we snorkeled, swam, and ate a picnic lunch. Our second was a full-day tour of Phi Phi island, where we explored Monkey Island and saw where The Beach (movie with Leo in 2000) was filmed. We also had a picnic lunch, swam, and snorkeled at two difficult coral reefs.

Monkey Island held true to its name. They were jumpy little critters! A lot of people fed them bananas, but I was too afraid. Call me chicken.

The water was clear enough to see coral and fish from our boat.

The boat was the perfect tour boat - it was fast, clean, and held a comfortable ten people. The tour staff also provided us with endless cold refreshments, fresh fruit, and a pre packed picnic lunch (which we specified ahead of time). The lunch was quite tasty - grilled veggie sandwich, salad, and a cookie!

If you've seen The Beach then some of this scenery may look familiar! At one point I felt at though Leo (my crush) was near..but he didn't find me. Shucks.

Waking up around 6:30am to a sky like this felt wonderful, especially now that winter is approaching in Melbourne.

This is the cove at Phi Phi island. Neat, huh?

Phuket itself was delightful. We relaxed on the beach and swam in the ocean every single day. The water was like a giant warm bathtub. Surprisingly, the waves broke incredibly late. On our very last day, a strong and high wave knocked me under and my fold-up Ray Band sunglasses. My bikini bottom fell down and sunglasses swooshed off my face. Lost in the sea. I was momentarily sad, but relived it wasn't my new sunglasses, which I purchased before moving to Aus. Alex joked my sunnies would end up on a beach hut table for 100 baht. Probably true. 

I think my favourite part about Phuket was the beach, the ocean, and 90 minute spa massage I got at the end of the week ;)

Wading in bliss..

Welcome to Bangkok - Vacation in Thailand

I'm back! I returned to Melbourne late last night and woke up this morning running. It's May! Oh my goodness it's MAY! Well, Happy May!

After two hours of class, four loads of laundry (yes, four), groceries, errands, and photo loading, I eagerly pressed "new post". Blog time. But wait, where to begin?! I could dedicate each and every photo (over 200) to a post of its own, from our boat ride to Monkey Island, snorkeling at Kai Island, swimming at Phi Phi island, The Four Seasons, Tuk Tuks, Thai dining (which will get a post of its own), and the locals. Every photo frames an emotion, discovery, memorable meal, or bewildering observation.

Instead of attempting to dissect my vacation day by day, moment by moment, I'll do my very best share the highlights, beginning with Bangkok.

We arrived in Bangkok around 9pm. Customs was friendly and the airport was packed! After a 25 minute taxi ride through a congested and lively city, we arrived at paradise, The Four Seasons. The Four Seasons welcomed us with fruit, smiles, and a gorgeous room (with quite possibly the most comfortable in the world).

I slept like a baby and wanted to take the pillows back to Melbourne with me.

Every morning Alex and I would workout, eat breaky, and then explore the city. I wish I took photos of the breakfast spread because it was to die for! I typically had a bowl of muesli with rasins, sliced banana, and soy milk as well as a plate of fresh papaya and pineapple, and pot of chamomile tea. My belly was full, happy, and well sustained for a full day of explorations. 

I'm not the best with directions, let alone maps, so Alex was the chief navigator. I was the photographer and everything else girl ;)

We took the public ferry to the Golden Palace and saw many things along the way..

 buildings, boats, neighbourhoods, and people. lots of people.

The royal architecture was absolutely stunning, even from a far.

Once our ferry docked, we stumbled across a mini market and spotted some peculiar salted foods, mainly fish and insects. I'm sure it's delicious to some, but I squealed and held my breath.

We then hopped into a Tuk Tuk and the adventures really began. We went to a temple where I made a special wish, by lighting three inscents and bowing to a golden buddha, surrounded by flowers and candles. A Thai man, with very good English whom we met in the temple, then tapped my palms with a closed tulip and said "good luck to you, good luck to you". I gave him a silly band and told him the same in return.

After the temple we hopped back into our Tuk Tuk (our driver waited for us) and drove to the golden palace. Once inside, we were presented with a word of caution.

The palace grounds were busy and hot. I was melting and a little uncomfortable so we only lasted about 45 minutes.

I felt better once we arrived at the standing buddha, ten minutes from the palace.

The area was less crowded and we were able to refresh with some coconuts.

Happy and rehydrated on a 40 degree day!

For only 20 baht (less than a dollar) our Tuk Tuk driver drove us from the ferry to the temple, golden palace, and back to the ferry. He waited for us in between. His English wasn't very good, but he smiled the entire time and did his best to ask questions.

Unlike Australia, Starbucks appears to be popular in Bangkok. They had a Muan Jai blend, which I haven't been before. Mum, Dad, have you tasted this?

Since Nadine lived in Bangkok last year, we were able to get some inside tips and must-sees. We took her advice and went to JJ Market, Mo Chit. This market covers roughly 35 acres of land with over 15,000 stalls. It's massive and a little overwhelming. I'm actually surprised Alex and I didn't get lost!

I liked the flower stalls and traditional Thai decorations the best.

There was also an incredible amount of food, from coconuts to everything (and anything) deep fried. Alex and I observed in wonderment, but comfortably sipped our waters until supper time. Like I mentioned above, Thai dining will get its own post ;)

Our accommodations at the hotel were stunning. The Four Seasons felt like a resort as opposed to a hotel. The grounds included a beautiful outdoor pool, five restaurants, and wonderful hotel staff. We were spoiled.

I treated myself to a few special cocktails and enjoyed each and every sip.

Bliss...but then we flew to Phuket. Double bliss? 

I hope you all had a wonderful week and Easter holiday! Happy May! It's good to be back ;)

xo