EAT // Ricotta Gnocchi

Fresh made gnocchi would have to be one of my all time favourite meals and this ricotta gnocchi recipe is so simple and delicious - anyone can pull off Italian mama!

You'll need (serves 2 hungry gnocchi lovers):

• 250g ricotta cheese (drained)
• 1/2 cup plain flour sifted
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup lightly grated parmesan cheese
• Additional plain flour for dusting

What you need to do:

1. In a medium sized bowl place all ingredients and mix until well combined
2. Lightly roll all ingredients into into ball-shaped dough, being careful not to overwork the dough
3. Place gnocchi dough onto a lightly dusted surface and separate into 4 even pieces
4. Roll each piece into long 'sausage' shape
5. Using a sharp knife, cut 2cm sized pieces and place on a plate dusted with plain flour
6. Place gnocchi into fridge for around 30 minutes

To cook:

1. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil
2. Carefully drop the gnocchi, 1 at a time, into the water.
3. Once each gnocchi rises to the surface, remove with a slotted spoon and set aside
4. Add cooked gnocchi to your favourite sauces - I find nothing beats pan fried gnocchi in a burnt butter & sage sauce with sauteed mushrooms and goats cheese

A BLISSFUL LIFE // Margaret River

Last weekend was beautiful! I set off with 7 gorgeous ladies who I have met over the last 8 months since moving to Narrogin, for a girls getaway in the stunning Margaret River.

Margaret River is a town in the South West of Western Australia, 277 kilometres south of Perth.

Well known for it's stunning wineries, beautiful beaches and country charm meets cosmopolitan lifestyle, Margaret River is a favourite getaway for many West Aussies & visitors alike.
 

We made the most of our weekend visiting some of the many boutique shops, wineries, restaurants and beaches.

What we loved //

• Providore for exquisite boutique ingredients - Voted one of Australia's Top 100 Gourmet Experiences by Australian Traveller Magazine, Providore is a food and wine lovers paradise.
• The Margaret River Chocolate Factory
• Ciders by the sea & sunset
• Lunch at Lamont's Smiths Beach
• Coffee & and admiring view at Will's Domain

 

Highlight of the trip was definitely our relaxed Saturday night which started with ciders, yoga moves and sunset views on the beach, followed by a night of laughs & Pictionary at our holiday house.

In moving from the city to the country, I am so grateful to have met this group of girls! Last weekend proved that it doesn't take long to form wonderful friendships. Thank you girls!

A BLISSFUL LIFE // Diy Yoga

I have recently started practicing Yoga and have fallen more and more in love with it. Yoga is filled with a bunch of health benefits and always leaves me feeling amazing and re-energized.

According to the State Government of Victoria Better Health Channel, practicing Yoga has a range of benefits including improving cardiovascular and digestive system health, strengthening muscle, increasing flexibility, improved posture and general feeling of wellbeing.

Living in a small country town, I head to my weekly class however have recently felt I would like to practice Yoga more often. So after a bit of a Google I have discovered my own DIY Yoga and I love it.

I downloaded the Pocket Yoga App and set up my iPad with my mat and a bottle of water. I love practicing outside or light a candle if I am practicing inside. 

Namaste. x

EAT // Spicey Hummus

I love hummus! It’s one of my favourite dips and a great accompaniment to some freshly baked crusty bread. So I thought I’d give making some myself a go. I love a bit of spice, so this one has some bite!

  You’ll need:

• 400g can chickpeas
• 1T Tahini Paste
• 1T Natural Yoghurt
• 3 cloves garlic peeled
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 2 small chilli's 
• 1t cumin seeds
• ¼ cup good olive oil
• 1t olive oil (to serve)
• Pinch of paprika (to serve)

 

 What you need to do:

1. Place all ingredients minus the olive oil and paprika in a StickMaster or blender
2. Blend all ingredients till well mixed
3. Add 1/4cup olive oil and blend till smooth
4. To serve, make a small well in the serving of hummus. Pour 1t olive oil into well and sprinkle with pinch a paprika. Serve with crusty bread.

 

INSTALIFE // February

Highlights of the last month through Instagram

1 // Skiing in the beautiful Wheatbelt
2 // Summer fun in Kulin
3 // Volunteering at the Swisse Colour Run
4 // Promoting the Wheatbelt at Pan Pacific Perth
5 + 6 // Perth happy snaps
7 // Little weights keep the new year resolution rolling
8 // A gorgeous setting for a family celebration
9 // Late summer sunshine

INSTALIFE // January (with a little bit of december)

Highlights of the last month through instagram...

1 + 2 // Bremer Bay getaway
3 + 6 // became a smoothie addict
4 // two of our besties said 'i do'
5 // discovering the Wheatbelt {York}
7 + 12 // new year resolution in action
8 // still love Perth
9 + 10 // blogshop creative inspiration
11 // Kitsch Bar {one of my fave Perth eats}

A BLISSFUL LIFE // Bremer Bay Getaway

One of the best things about living in the Wheatbelt is the access to some of WAs more isolated regional areas. This Australia Day long weekend we packed the ute and headed south to the stunning Bremer Bay.

Bremer Bay is a coastal town situated on the south coast of Western Australia in the Great Southern region between Albany and Esperance, at the mouth of the Bremer River.

 

With stunning beaches and rugged 4WD tracks, Bremer is the perfect destination for those looking for a bit of adventure - whether that be fishing, 4WDing, Jet-skiing, Scuba Diving (the list goes on). 

We headed south with two of our closest mates and their Kelpy in tow, all set for a relaxing Australia Day weekend.

Where we stayed // Bremer Bay Beaches Caravan Park - a great little spot for those looking for a little more luxurious camping

What we did // We only had two full days so we spent most of our time frollicking along the beach, checking out some of the 4WD tracks, fishing and relaxing at camp

Where we ate //  Self catered most meals and a night at the Bremer Bay Resort - a gorgeous building with great food

Hot tip // Make sure you have a 4WD so you have access to Bremer's hidden treasures.

 

A BLISSFUL LIFE // Happy Australia Day

Happy Australia Day to all my fellow Aussies!

I love this country so thought I would list my favourite aspects of being an Australian. Here we go...

• We live in a clean, safe and peaceful country
• We are lovers of travel and seeing the world
• We have great working conditions
• We have endless opportunities
• On the most part...we're a pretty friendly bunch
• We have the world's best beaches
• The best parts of our country are outside the capital cities...
• Our city's are pretty awesome though (especially you Melbourne)
• We are the worlds best BBQ'ers
• Our summers define us and we live for the great outdoors.

Happy Australia Day!

I took the above photo in Broome, WA. I love the contrast between the red rock & turquoise sea.

EAT // Icy Pop!

Baby...it's hot outside! So lets make Icy Pops!

A simple recipe that I adapted from my smoothie recipe (see here and here) and voila, instant frozen treat!

You’ll need (makes four):  

look familiar?

Mango Mix

• 1 Mango chopped
• 3 slices of Pineapple (plus the natural pineapple juice)
• 3T Natural Yoghurt
• 1/2 cup 100% Orange Juice

 Berry Mix

• 1 Banana sliced
• 1/2 cup Frozen Berries
• 3T Natural Yoghurt
• 1/2 cup 100% Orange Juice

 Plus some delightfully coloured Icy Pop molds (mine were $3.50!)

What you need to do:

1. Blend or StickMaster the Mango Mix (Mango, Pineapple, Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice & Natural Yoghurt)
2. Pour the mix about half way up your Icy Pop molds.
3. While your Mango Mix is getting comfy. Blend or StickMaster the Berry Mix (Mixed Berries, Banana, Orange Juice & Natural Yoghurt)
4. Pour the Berry Mix until your Icy Pop mold is filled.
5. Secure the Icy Pop holder and chill in the freezer overnight.

Serve in the sunshine.

This is a great recipe for the kids to indulge in!

EAT // Summer Smoothies (Summer Stone Fruit)

Smoothie number two in the Summer Smoothie Series! A great one for a lazy summer afternoon when you need a 'pick me up'.

 

 Making the most of summer stone fruits...

You'll need (serves two):

• 1 Mango
• 1 Peach sliced
• 1 Banana sliced
• 1 Nectarine sliced
• 2T Natural Yoghurt
• 1 cup 100% Orange Juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 3 - 4 Ice Cubes 
• Mint Leaves to garnish 

What you need to do:
Place all the ingredients in a blender (I use a StickMaster) and 'jooosh' until all combined (make sure all the lumpy bits are gone).

I like to serve with a couple more ice blocks (especially on a hot day) and a mint leaf from my garden.

EAT // Febab

I love Sundays! Especially when you can sit back and enjoy a lazy breakfast.

Remember the old bacon and egg burger? An old favourite and regular at fundraisers and roadhouses? Well I have given it a bit of a makeover, and the result? The Febab (made of Feta, Egg, Bacon, Avocado and BBQ Sauce).

What you'll need:

• 2 Slices Multigrain Bread
• 1 Free Range Egg
• 2 slices of Bacon (fat removed)
• 1/2 Avocado sliced
• 3 slices of Danish Feta
• Squirt of BBQ Sauce

What you need to do:

1. Fry bacon on small frypan (I don't add any oil as Bacon tends to have plenty!)
2. Remove Bacon and place on paper towel
3. Fry Egg to your liking (I tend to keep the yolk gooey)
4. Toast bread
5. Construct sandwich (I usually go Egg, BBQ Sauce, Bacon, Avocado then Feta) 

Serve with a cup of your favourite coffee in bed or out in the sunshine.

EAT // Summer Smoothies (Tropiberry)

Hey it's Summer! And with loads of beautiful fruits around, it's just the perfect time for making delicious fruit smoothies!

I have been experimenting with different flavours and over the next few weeks will bring you a series of delicious recipes - all 100% natural and healthy for all those with new years resolutions!

The first is the adorable Tropiberry, a great kick start to the morning.

You'll need (serves one):

• 1/2 Mango
• 2 slices of Pineapple (I just buy the tinned variety in natural juice as I am not good with big knives)
• 1 Banana (thanks Gwen Stefani for helping me spell that everytime!)
• 1/3 cup Frozen Berries
• 2T Natural Yoghurt
• 1 cup 100% Orange Juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 3 - 4 Ice Cubes 
• Mint Leaves to garnish

What you need to do:
Place all the ingredients in a blender (I use a StickMaster) and 'jooosh' until all combined (make sure all the lumpy bits are gone).

I like to serve with a couple more ice blocks (especially on a hot day) and a mint leaf from my garden.

EAT // Dukkah

Let's make Dukkah...

I love to entertain friends and family, and living in the country you sometimes don't have access to a big range of foods, so I like to make my own. This Dukkah recipe was from my boss who made it for guests at her wedding (how awesome is that!). Anyway it's super simple and will impress your friends.

You'll need:

• 1 cup of Almonds
• 1 cup of Hazelnut Kernels
• 2 T Sesame Seeds
• 2 T Whole Cumin Seeds
• 2 T Whole Coriander Seeds
• 1 T Salt Crystals

(best thing about this recipe is that you can use whatever quantities of ingredients you prefer - just make to your taste!).

What you need to do:

Pile all the ingredients together in a bowl or jug and crush and mix! (I used a stickmaster mixer for my crushing - it took less than a minute).

I like to serve with crusty bread, a good olive oil mixed with balsamic vinegar. Yum!