Table of contents for August/September 2018 in Nadia

Lucky us! We escaped the cold for a couple of weeks and headed over to Malaysia (to visit my 90-year-old gran) and tagged on a trip to Sri Lanka as I’ve always wanted to go there. Fortunately it coincided with being in a good stage of my pregnancy; at 24 weeks the awful morning sickness had passed and I didn’t quite yet feel like a whale in a bikini. Having spent six years of my childhood in Malaysia, it feels like a second home. I love the humid air, all the tropical fruit, the sound of the little lizards and frogs at night and, of course, the food (you’ll find some of the spicy recipes inspired by our trip on page 54). If you’ve just completed Dry July, good on…

“The number one regret of the dying is wishing they’d had the courage to live the life they wanted to live, not the one others had expected of them” Bronnie Ware, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying After talking with thousands of people, I believe living without a purpose, however big or small, can lead to deep dissatisfaction and ultimately affect our mental health. What kind of life do you really want? What’s your passion in life, unfettered by the expectations of anyone else? This rather large question isn’t easy to answer, but it’s worth trying. Play hard Giant tech companies are famous for using play to spark creativity. You may not be able to swap your staircase for a slide à la Google, but you can definitely add…

“I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 13. I don’t think I’d ever heard the word ‘dietitian’ at that time. Of all the people I met on my journey, it was the dietitian who really stood out. I was fascinated by the idea that food could be medicine. Now, I’ve been a dietitian for longer than I’ve not been one! Like most dietitians, I’m passionate about food. But my real interest is helping people make sense of the minefield of health. As a freelance health writer I get to indulge my love of helping people make great food choices. Most of my days are spent researching, reading and sorting out the facts from the fiction, so that others can have great health that helps them fulfil their…

1 Brainstorm all the activities or hobbies you liked to do as a child, or that you dreamed of doing in your future. Anything from fencing to salsa, rock climbing to mountaineering. Circle all the active ones (leave out stamp collecting!). 2 Answer a few questions that could lead to some new fitness ideas for you: > Are you an indoor bunny or an outdoor adventurer? > Extroverted or introverted? > Do you prefer high-intensity or low-intensity exercise? > Do you like the idea of developing strength or endurance, or both? > What is your work environment like? Loud or quiet? Active or sedentary? Stressful or boring? > Do you like music? If so, what kind? Do you prefer loud dance music or listening to the sounds of nature? TURN…

1 NAMA-STAY IN THE BATH ALL DAY. Whether you’ve been on your feet all day, sitting in an office chair or simply something in between, fill up the tub, set your phone to DND and let the healing power of water soothe you right through to your soul. Yoga practitioner Kelly Baker recommends epsom or pink Himalayan salt for the perfect pamper bath and magnesium salts if you’ve been extra active at spin class or hot yoga. A fan of Doterra aromatherapy oils, she says adding lavender oil, rose quartz crystals, rose petals or seasonal petals to your soak will work wonders. 2 INDOOR HEAT AND OUTDOOR CHILL CAN WREAK HAVOC WITH YOUR HAIR, sapping strands of moisture and leaving them brittle and susceptible to breakage and frizz. To combat…

Fiona Ralph has adopted eco-friendly, sustainable habits into as many aspects of her lifestyle as possible. The features editor for NADIA and Your Home and Garden magazines prides herself on being a conscious consumer, and is always sharing her achievable tips with friends and colleagues. In her spare time, the 34-year-old Aucklander enjoys scrapbooking, vintage shopping, yoga, travelling, camping and spending quality time with her husband C.P. and adopted cat Bruce. After finishing her fashion design studies, Fiona and C.P. spent over a year living in their house truck and have recently fitted out their van with a bed so they can enjoy intrepid weekends away. We asked Fiona to share a few of her favourite eco-conscious tips. Vintage vibe “I shop secondhand or buy ethically made pieces to try…

Postcards? Tick. Party invites? Tick. Ballet exam, rubbish day, dentist appointment… tick, tick, tick. This ingenious timetable-cum-display board will help all the fam stick to the plan and stay organised. Just don’t forget to schedule some fun time! YOU WILL NEED Measuring tape, pencil and eraser Long ruler, level and set square Painter’s masking tape Small paint roller and tray 500ml Resene Magnetic Magic base coating 500ml-1 litre Resene Blackboard Paint in black Chalk and soft cloth or duster 1 Make sure your chosen wall area is clean and smooth. Decide on the size of your wall planner then draw the rectangular outline on the wall in pencil. 2 Mask it off with masking tape. 3 Using a roller, apply two smooth, even coats of Resene Magnetic Magic, letting it…

Fried chicken Ready in 45 minutes plus brining and marinating time | Serves 4 This chicken in a spicy, crunchy coating makes a delicious treat every once in a while. Start at least 5 hours ahead. 2½ Tbsp sea salt 1 litre water 1 chicken, cut into 8 pieces on the bone 200ml buttermilk, well shaken 150ml hot sauce, plus extra to serve 100g coarse polenta (eg Ceres brand; available at organic shops or specialist food stores) ⅔ cup (100g) self-raising flour ½ tsp smoked paprika, plus extra to serve Pinch cayenne ½ tsp dried thyme Vegetable oil or lard, for shallow-frying Thinly sliced spring onion, to serve Tangy coleslaw, to serve 1 Stir salt and water in a saucepan over medium-high heat until salt dissolves, set aside to cool,…

We’ve taken classic Kiwi lollies and given these sugar-laden sweets from our childhood a healthier twist – upping the fruit quotient, cutting back on refined sugar and saying ‘adios’ to (almost) all the additives. Jaffa bliss balls Ready in 30 minutes | Makes about 30 | DF | GF 1 cup soft dates (about 10) 1/3 cup cocoa 1¼ cups roasted cashews Zest 1 orange 1 Tbsp honey 1-2 Tbsp orange juice Freeze-dried strawberry powder Freeze-dried mandarin, crushed 1 Place dates, cocoa, cashews, zest and honey in the food processor. Pulse to roughly chop then blend until fine. Trickle in enough orange juice to make a tacky, rollable mixture. 2 Mix strawberry powder and crushed mandarin in a shallow bowl. Roll date mixture into tiny balls then toss in freeze-dried…

Naturally sweet and joyfully yellow, Dole Tropical Gold pineapples are just the thing for a fruity treat as springtime draws near. Pineapples are rich in vitamin C and Dole Tropical Gold pineapples are especially succulent because they have lower acid levels than regular pineapples. They’re also Rainforest Alliance certified, which means Dole produces them sustainably and actively works to help conserve natural resources – so keep your eyes peeled for the Rainforest Alliance’s little green frog emblem when you’re choosing a pineapple. Pineapple curd mille-feuille Ready in 50 minutes plus cooling time | Makes 8 mille-feuille ½ Dole Tropical Gold pineapple, peeled and chopped (around 1¼ cups) 30g butter 1/3 cup sugar 3 egg yolks 2 Tbsp cornflour 2 sheets puff pastry, defrosted 1¼ cups cream ½ cup icing sugar,…

> Alcohol can be high in sugar, so when you cut back you may feel the need for sugar. Prepare a big bowl of sliced fresh berries/apples/melon to satisfy the craving. This will also improve your health and wellbeing. > Instead of pouring that glass, pamper yourself in different ways, such as a long aromatherapy bath, a massage or that movie you’ve been meaning to watch. > Setting yourself up to not drink for a week may cause more anxiety and then a binge. Instead, plan a few alcohol-free days when you are not going out. > Avoid friends who like a drinking partner for a few weeks. People who encourage heavy drinking will want you to drink with them to avoid dealing with their own issues. > Put down…

@motivationali @wellingtum @motivationali @nutritiousmum @kkateoliviaa @teagancooks KITCHEN DISASTER Cupcake capers I’ve had many disasters because I like to make up the recipes! But the first was when I was about 6 and my 4-year-old sister and I made cupcakes. Mum got the ingredients out for us and we were then left alone to do everything ourselves. We measured out everything perfectly and then realised Mum hadn’t got us the salt. I boosted my sister up on the bench to get it but then we misread the measurement and, instead of half a teaspoon, we added half a cup of salt. The cupcakes looked perfect when Mum took them out of the oven, but the look on her face when she took a bite told us otherwise! The dog enjoyed his…

Having the mental energy to be passionate and motivated isn’t always easy. Try these helpful habits: 1 HAVE A VASE OF ROSEMARY ON YOUR DESK Research shows that inhaling the compounds found in rosemary can improve cognition, specifically speed of thought, concentration and memory. You could also add rosemary essential oil to your moisturiser or a diffuser. 2 EAT LIGHTLY You know that sluggishness and brain fog that engulfs you after Christmas lunch? It’s not just the festive excitement to blame, it’s the hefty meal. Eating more calories than needed, all at once, makes extra work for our digestive systems. The mechanism isn’t well understood (it probably involves blood-sugar levels) but brain fog after a large meal is common. So if you’re brainstorming or having a creative thinking session, a…

Take stock Sometimes we get so caught up in the everyday hustle that we forget what it is that fuels our passions. Take the time to tune in and remember what it is that fills you up. Ask yourself: what would you do if you had all the money and time in the world? What could keep you happily occupied for hours on end? Now, how can you work this into your daily life? Go back Children are the most passionate people I know. Think back to what made your eyes sparkle. Was it going to the zoo to see the animals or having a box full of new crayons and a blank piece of paper? Whatever it was, your passion won’t have left you, so go back and see…

Not just for bulking up smoothies, superfoods – such as medicinal mushroom powder, antioxidant-boosting cacao, hormone-balancing maca, anti-inflammatory turmeric, nutrient-dense beetroot and iron-rich blackstrap molasses – make a wonderful addition to a steaming mug of something hot and wholesome. Spiced turmeric tonic Ready in 40 minutes | Serves 8 | DF | GF 6cm piece fresh turmeric, thinly sliced (or 1 tsp ground turmeric) 4cm piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced Juice and peel (peel thinly) 4 lemons 4 cinnamon quills 2 star anise 1 tsp black peppercorns 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar ¼ cup manuka honey 2 litres water 1 Place all ingredients in a large pan, adding the water last. Bring to just below the boil then set aside for 30 minutes. 2 Strain (or leave as it is…

Master the art of dumpling-making with our fool-proof guide. From perfect pleats to crunchy crescents and plump poached parcels, you’ll be rapt with how simple it is to make these beauties at home. Prawn & coriander steamed dumplings Ready in 1 hour | Serves 6 | DF 250g raw prawn meat, defrosted 1 shallot, finely diced 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 Tbsp finely chopped ginger 2 Tbsp fresh chopped coriander 1 tsp lime zest Sea salt At least 24 dumpling wrappers (also called dumpling pastry; from specialist food stores or Asian supermarkets) Your favourite dipping sauce, a few greens and limes halves (optional), to serve 1 (NB: You’ll need a bamboo steamer for this recipe.) Place first six ingredients in a food processor with a pinch of sea salt.…

Sobriety is trending – and there are a number of Kiwis saying ‘Cheers!’ to that. Whether you want to cut down for your health or wallet, or address a drinking problem, there are a growing number of support mechanisms and non-alcoholic beverage options available. Around the world, dry bars and sober groups are popping up, while campaigns such as Dry July and Say Yeah, Nah are helping to change attitudes locally. The stigma around sobriety is slowly lessening; however, non-drinkers still find themselves in an obvious minority when socialising in our alcohol-fuelled world. No Beers? Who Cares! is one group seeking to change that, by providing a sober socialising space. The group’s events offer an alcohol-free environment for those giving up alcohol for three months, a year or more –…

For most of us, the daily grind means traffic, the office, work stresses, family commitments. For Savour brand creator Auda Finan the daily grind is literal. Hers involves just that – puréeing nuts every day for the ‘milk’ needed to make her range of organic, aged nut cheeses. ‘Savour’ is a word that comes up a lot in our conversation, and not just when we’re nibbling on one of her eight incredible products (seven cheeses and a butter). It’s a concept she likes to incorporate into all aspects of her life, from her morning meditation – “I find it’s almost like savouring; it’s very energising” – to mindful eating and moments with her family and friends. She does admit that with the business as busy as it is, sometimes finding…

Cloud Workshop provides a spot of light in a dark place. A few necessary hours of fun, creativity and support for bereaved children and teenagers, or those with life-threatening illness in the family. Photographer and teacher Deborah Smith founded Cloud Workshop with fellow artist and teacher Melissa Anderson Scott 10 years ago. The free art workshops, held most months in association with Mercy Hospice, are about to become more regular, thanks to a new studio gifted by musicians Neil and Sharon Finn. The permanent space will mean Deborah, who now runs Cloud Workshop without Melissa, can offer more workshops and weekly after-school drop-in sessions and will be able to “plaster the walls with the kids’ work”. This wild and wonderful work ranges from Joseph Cornell-inspired dioramas to masks, handmade books,…

To be in the draw to win one of two Breville kitchen appliance sets, worth $1259 each, simply visit nowtolove.co.nz/LuxeKitchen to enter your details. Competition closes 1 October, 2018. Breville Smoked Hickory Updating your kitchen for a fresh, new-season look can be as easy as rethinking your appliances. For a simple, stylish aesthetic, look no further than the latest chic colourway from Breville – Smoked Hickory. This subtle, yet effortlessly striking colour will complement any kitchen. With a luxurious brushed metal finish and premium chrome accents, the Smoked Hickory range is the perfect way to add understated style to your home. The new colourway is available in three classic, high-performance Breville appliances – the Soft Top Luxe Kettle, Bakery Boss and Toast Select Luxe Toaster. Each product combines Breville’s innovative…

What inspired you to launch Bonk Lube? As organic followers we are on the continual search for beautiful, organic alternatives to everyday products. When it came to sex, we were simply not satisfied with the range of personal lubricant products available. We found nasty chemicals, funny flavours, cheap packaging and a distinct lack of appreciation for the sensitive world down under. We recognised an opportunity to change this and produce a beautiful, certified-organic product that we and our customers could rely on. “If you don’t have it all figured out, that’s okay. All you need to be aware of is finding meaning in what you do, and at the same time you will find joy” New Plymouth artist Paul Rangiwahia, whose work focuses on mental health. paulrangiwahia.com…

“CHOOSE A JOB YOU LOVE AND YOU WILL NEVER HAVE TO WORK A DAY IN YOUR LIFE” ANONYMOUS What if we applied this to exercise? Instead of slogging through exercise that thrashes your body and bores your mind, why not do something that stokes your imagination, gets you fired up and lets your mind wander to new heights? If you feel stuck on a hamster wheel (aka the treadmill) or dread the thought of an exercise class, maybe it’s time to switch things up. The key to successful exercise is finding an activity you are PASSIONATE about. And to do this you need to discover what drives you and what suits your personality.…

If you are a teacher, spending the day on your feet walking around a classroom full of kids, you might prefer to do a virtual pump class at home. Or perhaps you are a receptionist stuck at a desk and a dance aerobics class may be your jam? AN EXTROVERT WHO LIKES EXERCISING OUTSIDE may thrive on social sports such as soccer, netball, volleyball, group cycling or going to bootcamp. OUTDOOR OPTIONS FOR MORE INTROVERTED PERSONALITIES include climbing, mountain biking, trail running, tennis, paddleboarding, skiing or surfing. THERE ARE A PLETHORA OF INDOOR OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE WHO FIND WINTER IS JUST A BIT TOO DARK OR ICY Social activities include pump class, aerobics, Pilates, martial arts, dancing or group training. FOR THOSE NEEDING TIME ALONE, try tai chi, swimming, housework,…

We recently visited Sri Lanka and Malaysia where I got to indulge in all those spicy dishes I love so much, and discover some new ones which I’ve been busy recreating back at home. Here are some of my recipes inspired by that trip, full of heat and flavour to keep you warm till summer. Spicy fried noodles Ready in 35 minutes | Serves 4-5 | DF This dish is similar to mee goreng. Ideally, use a large wok so everything can fit in easily. Add more or less chilli sauce and fresh chilli depending on how hot you want your noodles! 1-2 Tbsp hot chilli sauce (I used sriracha), plus extra for serving 2 Tbsp oyster sauce 1 Tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp brown sugar 2 Tbsp oil 4…

Having a good breakfast sets you up for the day, but not all of the choices available are equal when it comes to healthy nutrition. While taste is important, the other key factors to look out for are: fibre – aim for 2g per serve salt (sodium) – less than 400mg per 100g wholegrains – at least 8g per serve A great way to add more wholegrains to your diet can be found in the delicious UNCLE TOBYS PLUS range of cereals blended with purple wheat. Purple wheat is a type of wheat with a brownish purple outer layer. The wheat gets its colour from a natural pigment similar to those found in purple grapes, berries and dark-coloured fruit. An ancient grain grown in many regions of the world including…

A cornerstone of Japanese cooking, miso is much more than just a warming cup of soup to wash down your sushi. Traditionally used as a seasoning, this flavour bomb is also full of gut-friendly bacteria that are great for your digestive health. Add to noodles, beef or chicken or whisk into a salad dressing. 1 Miso chicken & soba noodle soup Ready in 45 minutes | Serves 4 | DF | GF 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 onion, diced 1 clove garlic, diced 2 chicken legs (thigh and drumstick) or 4 drumsticks, skin removed 3 litres chicken stock* ¼ cup miso paste* Soba noodles* 1 stalk celery, finely sliced 1 carrot, peeled and sliced into thin strips 2 small bok choy, leaves separated and sliced into strips Black sesame seeds…

All Auda’s cheeses are great as part of a cheese platter, to be enjoyed on their own or with wholesome bread or crackers. (There is also a butter in the Savour range that is unbelievably tasty just melted on toast!) SOME SERVING SUGGESTIONS CHEDDAR Perfect with gherkins as part of a ploughman’s platter. BEER-INFUSED EL BORACHO Try it on sourdough with thin slices of apple. ASHED SMOKEY CHEDDAR Goes well with candied pecans. TOASTED CUMIN & PEPPER Lovely on a dark bread. CASHETA A vegan feta. Auda recommends it in quesadillas. We’ve tried it in a vegan shakshuka – divine. SMOKEY CHIPOTLE Great on pizza. SEASONAL BOTANICALS A herby treat; pairs well with semi-dried tomato or slices of radish.…

FOR MORE HEALTHY DAYS, NATURALLY Lifestream Ultra Immunity Response, with fast-release Plantcaps® and six key immune-boosting herbs, supports rapid recovery from ills, chills and allergens. It provides fast-acting, triple-action support for sinuses, throat and lungs when the immune system is under attack. Available at pharmacies, health stores and online. RRP $29.90 for 30, $49.90 for 60. lifestream.co.nz YOUR MORNING NUTRITION BOOST UNCLE TOBYS PLUS is a range of great-tasting, wholesome cereals with the nutrition essentials you need to start each day well, and more. Made with a delicious combination of crispy flakes, nuts, seeds, fruits and clusters, it is high in wholegrain, a source of fibre and contains an extra nutrient boost. Available from leading supermarkets in three delicious flavours: Cranberries & Blueberries, Cashews & Nutty Clusters, and Peach, Sultanas…