The Happiness Hunter & me…

Dear Happiness Hunter

You could well be the Messiah.

After only my second inspirational walk this morning along our sunny but rugged shoreline , I have emerged like a chrysalis from a long winter inside my toasty cocoon – with a few significant realisations…and I thank you for that.

There were only three of us on our intrepid journey of discovery today…a discovery that at times was both challenging and emotional but supportive. The Universe saw fit to have only the three of us today – because we needed it.

Who would have thought that so much ‘stuff’ could be covered whilst walking during that short amount of time? It’s amazing how the action of walking allows you to just let go of all of your ‘stuff’ …walking somehow makes it feel like its not permanent, that once you’ve got it out and walked on – its been left behind for good. Hell we covered everything today and I walked away feeling I had learnt, shaken off and gained something all in one moment – if that’s possible?

So here are my realisations from todays jaunt….

Realisation 1: Everyone needs a Happiness Hunter walk at least once a week. Everyone needs energetic connections with other inspired individuals if success, health and world peace is to be achieved. Connecting and building each other up is so important – we need a revolution of positivity with real action.

   

Realisation 2: I miss connection. I miss human connection. I miss the type of human connection and emotion that I had when I massaged. Its a deep, deep soulful connection that comes with vulnerability and trust. I don’t want to massage again – but I want to feel like I have helped, healed and connected with the human soul. How I facilitate that now…is the new challenge. I’m driven by a desire to make a difference – so this is my new focus.

   

Realisation 3: Everyone is fighting their own battles, demons and fears but its about what we give our attention to that matters the most and creates the paths we take.  Gratefulness is at the heart of EVERYTHING and I will be practicing it, in every moment  I can. When my mind wanders I will gently steer my rudder back on course and see the gratefulness again. It comes down to how you look at life in every single moment.

     

…and that’s it.

I look forward to our next encounter along our sandy shores.

I look forward to more.

Love J x

The saddest man in the world…count your blessings

I saw the saddest man I had ever seen yesterday…

He was an elderly gentlemen, sitting in the passenger seat of a car – waiting. Waiting for whom and what…I don’t know.

I’ll never forget the look on his face, the sadness in his eyes – all hope had drained out of him and it took my breath away. I wanted to rush over, pull open the door and hug him tightly and say it’s all going to be alright…

But how did I know that.

Perhaps he had just lost his wife, perhaps he’d been evicted from his home, maybe he had just put down his beloved faithful dog or maybe he had learned his was ill. All I know is that even as I right this – the memory of his sadness makes my eyes water. His sadness filled the whole car and oozed out of the crack in the window and touched me as I walked past him. It sent shock waves through me that unsettled me all day.

I thought of him for the rest of the afternoon, that sad elderly man. He was young once – with the world at his feet and now look at him. My little heart ached for this stranger.

I sent an angel blessing to him. I asked that my angels wrap their huge wings around him and comfort him in any way they could.

I sat quietly in the afternoon and counted my blessings as I thought of this elderly man…I loved my puppies more, and spoilt my husband when he arrived home.

I hope I see him again. If I do – next time…we will talk. Next time I will look him in the eye and connect with him. Next time I will be more human and I WILL throw open that door and try and make a positive difference…

 

We can all make a difference – when given the opportunity and the simple desire to want to help another soul…

Love Jess

X

{ S P I R I T } I Hunted Happiness, found it and then shared it…

 Have you ever felt like a Sunbeam before?

You know that feeling where you glow from the inside out – emitting pulsating warm light from your heart…leaving a trail of glitter as you go?

Well today was one of those days for me, as I walked with an enlightened group of expectant women on our first Happiness Hunter walk with Fiona Redding, along the beautiful Mornington foreshore. It was a momentous occasion and the heavens rewarded our bravery by bestowing sparkling sunlight and a gentle breeze, as we walked in the very crisp morning air.

Our little group of entrepreneurial women – determined to change the world with their own unique  ideas and businesses, all came from Bloom Networking. This networking group really is unique, wonderful and filled with love and professionalism. Very rare in this day and age…

Bloom Networking is: ‘where women in business on the Mornington Peninsula come to learn, connect and grow a thriving business. Offering uplifting conversations, light-bulb moments and a level of connection that can only be achieved by meeting with people face to face.’

So today the girls from Bloom Networking joined forces with the ever effervescent Fiona Redding aka The Happiness Hunter, on her first walk down our neck of the woods…

These walks are: ‘an uplifting and positive space for connection & well-being. The intention of the walks is for everyone who attends to leave a better person than when they arrived.

The walk was fabulous.

Lots of converations, moments of contemplation, laughter and a connection.  It was a wonderful opportunity to step outside our businesses, be ourselves and listen to others…

 At the end of our walk, we drank coffee and sipped tea and spoke about the importance of a glowing heart – one filled with actualised dreams and taking action. We all departed with glowing hearts and minds, a list of to do items and a feeling that we had all helped one another in some small way.

I left with a full heart.

I left with the sunshine inside of me

 I then ventured up the road and plonked myself in my favourite café to have my favourite Almond Mylk Mochas – at Store Fifteen.

No sooner had I sat down and ordered, than two women ducked in out of the cold, looking for a warm place to shelter and feast. I was glowing with happiness – in fact filled to the brim. I lent across and mentioned to them that I was happy to share my table and that I didn’t talk a lot…why would I say THAT – I’m an over communicator, bursting with happiness who wanted to share my wisdom!!! Boy were they in for a ride…

Two hours later I left. I had an incredible conversation with two complete strangers and I shared my happiness…they also shared their happiness.

It’s amazing what happens when you’re open.

It’s amazing what happens when you see life from a different perspective.

It’s amazing who you attract into your life.

We all went our separate ways – but we also left a tiny piece of our happiness with each other.

It was good day – a really good day.

Big fat love to my Bloom sisters and to Fiona Redding – The Happiness Hunter…I so dig you guys

xx

{ R E C I P E } Apple Compote for ‘The Queen’

[ RECIPE: APPLE COMPOTE FOR THE QUEEN ]

Great for breakfast, lunch and dinner…I think!

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I love a good simple compote.

I love eating it for breakfast and for a dessert. In fact I often snack on a bowl of this goodness when the mood takes me…

The word compote means ‘mixture’ in French and I love that – a simple fruit mixture that adds a little hula to any dish!

One of my favourite ones is apple, pear and raisin. I serve it with tart plain yoghurt and sprinkle it with warm toasted nuts and coconut…heaven in a bowl!  I went home to Mum’s in the country for a week and made this dish while I was there. I call Mum ‘The Queen’ – so I decided to dedicate this little ditty to her…

This compote is NOT fancy but it tastes delicious and I’ve served this little number to many guests when they stay at our little beachside home or as a little treat at nigh time for my Marky. Somehow though I know he’d like a block of chocolate instead! Anyway as the food Nazi in our house – that’s his treat! Nasty, nasty wifey!

Here is the recipe…

[ THE INGREDIENTS ]

• 3 x apples – cored and cut into slices or chunks (whichever you prefer)
• 3 x pears – cored and cut into slices or chunks (whichever you prefer)
• 1/2 x cup soft raisins
• 1/4 x cup water
• 1 x zested lemon and its juice
• 1 x teaspoon of vanilla essence or 1 vanilla bean, seeds scrapped out and pod kept
• 2 x teaspoons of sweetener – either honey or maple syrup
• 1 x teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Pinch of cloves

[THE METHOD ]

Prepare all the ingredients.

Dice or slice the apples…I know feet and food are not meant to go together but I thought my nail polish kinda’ matched the skin tones of the beautiful apples…

Next, in a large saucepan add the lemon zest, juice, sweetener, vanilla, water and spices. Gently bring this mixture to the boil and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Next add all the fruit and combine well. Increase the heat – bring back to the boil and then let simmer gently, stirring regularly for 10 -15 minutes, until the fruit collapses and becomes translucent.

I made another batch a couple of days later and this time I sliced the fruit…and I must say I always like the texture better this way – its a little more delicate.

To serve, I place some plain tart yoghurt in a bowl, add my fruit (and some of the delicious juice), sprinkle it with warm toasted nuts and coconut and eat every last bit!

I not only eat this cold, but I love it slightly warmed with my yoghurt…or custard…I know you’ll become addicted like me! So enjoy this Apple Compote for ‘The Queen’ folks…

Remember food is YOUR fuel

Love J x

{ R E C I P E } Simple Autumn Lunch

[ RECIPE: SIMPLE AUTUMN LUNCH ]

Vegetarian…and delicious!

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Who can resist the heady combination of tomatoes, fresh bread and fetta – not me!

I found some amazing Rye Sourdough and an assortment of tomatoes locally, so I had to buy them…and create some tasty magic.

My friend Danni came to visit so I whipped up this number and it was deeeeelicious!

[ THE INGREDIENTS ]

• 1 x loaf of fresh bread, sliced toasted and rubbed with garlic when pipping hot
• 1 x clove garlic
• a selection of tomatoes – red, green and yellow, thinly sliced
• 100g x soft fetta
• 2 x tablespoons of good quality mayonnaise
• 1/4 x lemon, zest
• 1 x dessert spoon lemon, juiced
• 2 x tablespoons chopped chives
• pepper to taste
• lemon oil
• fresh herbs for garnishing – thyme, lemon thyme & chives

[ THE METHOD ]

Slice the bread and toast it. Straight from the toaster/grill, rub the toast lightly with a clove of garlic and set aside on a serving plate.

Next mix the fetta, mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice and pepper in a small bowl. Once mixed add the chopped chives.

Combine the mixture well.

Next using the prepared toast, spread a heaped teaspoon of the fetta mixture onto the toast. With the back of the spoon roughly spread the mixture. If your bread is larger – add more of the mixture, it’s meant to be generous.

Next layer the fetta mixture with the colourful tomatoes, ensure the colours are arranged beautifully.

Next drizzle with oil, sprinkle with fresh herbs and cracked pepper.

I serve two per person which makes a perfect Simple Autumn Lunch…

Enjoy!

Remember food is YOUR fuel.

Love Jess x

{ R E C I P E } Seafood Paella for Mark

[ RECIPE: SEAFOOD PAELLA FOR MARK ]

Gluten Free, Dairy Free with lots of vegies and seafood!

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There’s a quaint little joint by the beach…nestled up in the second storey of a corner building that looks over the ocean and is eclectic, filled with gastronomic delights and they serve my favourite drink – Hugo Sparkling Elderberry with ice & mint…its Mr Curtis of course…

On special occasions they do a killer Paella…the smell dances around the room and then meanders between people sitting on the veranda overlooking the bay – it’s divine. Everyone gathers for a rustic plate of this deliciousness. Served piping hot, with a mound of parsley on top, a juicy wedge of lemon and a prawns proudly balancing on top. Heaven.

Inspired by a recent visit and with the weather taking a cool dive in the last couple of weeks as we hit Autumn – I decided to make a Seafood version for my long suffering husband Mark, who is forced to eat vegetarian food most days. Occasionally I eat seafood – so technically I’m a Pescatarian…tonight was one of those nights.

With my new Paella pan in hand I decided to create some magic…I gathered what I had and remembered what I knew and created a new little ditty!

[ THE INGREDIENTS ]

• 1.3 litres x good quality fish stock
• 1/2 x tablespoon saffron
• 1 x tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/4 x cup oil (of your choice)
• 3 x garlic cloves, crushed and chopped
• 1 1/2 x brown onions, chopped
• 10 x sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 1/2 x capsicums, sliced
• 1 x cup peas
• 1 x 400g can crushed tomatoes
• 2 x teaspoons smoked paprika
• 400g x Paella rice  – I used ‘Carnaroli’ from local gourmet food store
• 350g x fresh calamari, sliced thinly
• 400g x barramundi fish – or any other fish of your choice, cut into small chunks
• 250g x fresh prawns, tails on
• 1 x bunch fresh flat leaf parsley
• 1 x lemon, cut into quarters
• Salt & Pepper

[ THE METHOD ]

Firstly, pour the stock into a saucepan and heat gently. Add the saffron.

Next add the tomato paste and stir well to combine. Heat the liquid until it begins to boil and then take off the heat and set aside.

The fun part now starts…to a Paella pan heat the oil, add the garlic, onion and thyme sprigs. Cook for 5 minutes until the onion is translucent.

Next add the capsicum and cook for a further 5 minutes.

Next add the tomatoes and the smoked paprika – cook for a further 5 minutes.

Next add the rice. Stir well to combine and heat gently for 5 minutes.

Put the stock mixture back on the heat. Once nearly boiling, add half of the liquid to the pan ensuring that the rice mixture is spread across the Paella pan so that cooking is even.

Cook the rice until it is nearly tender and the liquid has almost absorbed. Add additional 1/2 cups of the stock liquid when needed – but wait till it absorbs.

Next add the peas, calamari and fish. Also add the remainder of the liquid.

Continue the cooking process until the liquid has been absorbed. Test the rice to make sure it is cooked. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Next add the fresh parsley, prawns and cover the Paella for 5 minutes to cook the prawns. After 5 minutes, turn the Paella off and leave the dish for a further 10 minutes.

Serve the Paella on a plate, with more fresh parsley to garnish and a wedge of lemon on the side. The lemon is essential and makes the dish sing!

I hope you enjoy this dish – my husband sure did. He had to two large servings and said ‘It was one of my best creations’…that’s why I love him!!!! Bless his cotton socks x

Remember food is your fuel…

Love J x

{ R E C I P E } Tasmanian Devil Nutella Bliss Balls

[ RECIPE: TASMANIAN DEVIL NUTELLA BLISS BALLS ]

Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free…and damn delicious!

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We went to Tasmania for the weekend with 9 other ‘funsters’ – and it was lovely. We celebrated our business partner – Graham’s, auspicious 40th birthday in Launceston – where he is currently working and has been for the last 5 months. He’s building the Launceston Seaport Boardwalk – its massive and we were keen to see what he had done in person. It’s an amazing part of the world – so steeped in history. Everywhere you look is a historic building or a picture perfect outcrop. Tassie really is a treat for the eyes. Only 45 minutes from the mainland and with countryside that could rival England – it’s breathtaking.

       

We did an unexpected road trip from Hobart to Launceston…it was the only way we could get there as all the flights had been cancelled. We hired a minibus and then in record time made it to Launceston where our birthday boy excitedly waited for the weekend celebrations! He just beamed with excitement (that’s him in the last photo)! We meandered through hills, drove up and down dales, visited wineries, ate exquisite food, were inspired by sommeliers, wandered along the newly built Launceston Seaport Boardwalk, drank coffee, feasted on Mexican delighhts, devoured hearty breakfasts and did a hell of a lot of laughing. It was a fabulous weekend celebrating with old and new friends.

I was very good though. My normal sugary-sweet intake was almost non existent and by the time we arrived home I was CRAVING a little sweet treat. So with beautiful Tasmania on my mind I made these Tasmanian Devil Nutella Bliss Balls that are deeeeelicious! Quick, easy and consisting of only 4 ingredients – they’re a fabulous ‘healthy’ treat.

[ THE INGREDIENTS ]

• 1 x cup hazelnuts
• 1/2 x cup fresh medjool dates – stones removed
• 1/4 x cup cocoa
• 1/4 x cup maple syrup
• Extra cocoa, hazelnuts and other toppings

[ THE METHOD ]

Place all the ingredients into a blender or Thermomix and mix until well combined. I try and ensure there is a ‘texture’ to the mixture.

Once combined well – take large teaspoons of the mixture and roll into balls. Once rolled – then decide on your toppings.

For some, I used whole hazelnuts pushed into the top, others I rolled in extra cocoa and lastly – the rest had a dollop of Pure Harvest Coco2 Original – Coconut & Cocoa Spread. How decedent and wonderful – just what the sugar Doctor ordered!!! Such a pretty and delicious treat for whenever you need a healthy sugar fix! Marky & I will absolutely devour these little morsels tonight…YUM

Remember food is your fuel…

Love J x

{ R E C I P E } Happy Lunch

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[ RECIPE: HAPPY LUNCH ]

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Close to the beach, a short walk from the ocean is a wonderful new café that I frequent often. It’s filled to the brim with raw food delights, brightly coloured smoothies, house-made nut ‘mylk’, gorgeous treats and sublime coffee. Their juices to go and made in clear jars with black lids – the straw attached to the jar by a sticker of their logo – clever dicks I say!

Each time I go there with my trusty friend Danni – we feast on food that makes us go silent…that in itself is a feat as we are both yappers!!! We always go back for our favourite – a half serve of avocado smash…

The combination of the flavours will always be a winner – seeded sour dough, fresh avocado, crumbling fresh fetta, dukkah, oil and some chilli…bloody amazing.

So yesterday, whilst tapping away on my computer I had a hankering for this exact little dish but this little café is closed on Mondays so I went down the street purchased the ingredients and made my  own as I often do.

For a quick, nutritious lunch that will always make you happy – try this little dish… you’ll soon be in heaven.

[THE INGREDIENTS]

• a loaf of your favourite fresh bread, cut into thick slices
• 1 x perfectly ripe avocado
• Lemon olive oil
• crumbling fetta
• your favourite herb, nut and spiced dukkah
• 1 x fresh tomato, sliced
• a wedge of lemon

[THE METHOD]

Toast the bread and place it on your serving plate.

Scoop out 1/4 of an avocado for each piece of toast, mash this onto the bread roughly and drizzle with the lemon oil. The oil softens the bread and has a party with the avocado!

Next add the tomato slices, sprinkle with your favourite dukkah and crumble the fetta over the top.

Season generously with salt and pepper. Serve with a wedge of fresh lemon.

DEVOUR!

Every time I made this, my puppies gather around…they always know I drop morsels of this deliciousness…

No sooner do you make and serve this and it’ gone!

Have a wonderful day…and try and have this Happy Lunch whenever you need it most

Love J x

{ H E A L T H & W E L L B E I N G } Bacteria Buster Blend

[ HEALTH & WELLBEING: BACTERIA BUSTER BLEND ]

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As the days begin to cool, we’re spending more time indoors.

However I do like my house to smell clean and ‘outdoors-ey’, so I tend to burn essential oil blends in my beautiful Moroccan inspired oil burner that I used in my clinic. I use to love to watch the candle dance through the intricate pattern carved into the ceramic form. It was hypnotic as it cast moving shadows across the wall when the lights were dimmed.

These days, I leave my oil burner near a slightly opened window, so that the gentle Autumn breeze  can carry the scent throughout my home.

I’ve used this blend often – being predominantly top notes,  these oils are also uplifting as well as being anti-bacterial and anti-microbial. For an energetic pick-me-up as well as a wonderful deodoriser – this Bacteria Buster Blend is a winner.

[ THE RECIPE ]

• 4 x Lemon essential oil
• 4 x Bergamot essential oil
• 2 x Tea Tree essential oil

Simply drop the oils into your burner – then add the water. Light the candle and you’re done. Make sure you extinguish the candle when you’re finished.

Whilst flicking through my product recipe archives, I came a cross an old email I had sent some friends back in 2005, with one of my favourite quotes attached…so I thought I’d send it on again!

‘Happy thoughts create happy molecules and healthy thoughts create healthy molecules’

– Deepak Chopra

Enjoy the blend…

Love j x

{ H E A L T H & W E L L B E I N G } Healthy Washing Powder

[ HEALTH & WELLBEING – HEALTHY WASHING POWDER ]

Jump on board – its amazing and it works!

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When I was younger I always wanted to ‘play house’…and it dawned on me the other day as I was doing my washing – I got my dream!

I can’t remember when the dream turned to reality, but all of a sudden I felt all grown up! Being responsible, making choices and doing what grown-ups do seemed so exciting when I was a small human and now I’m doing it. I smiled at my naivety and the fact that I was HAPPILY doing washing…

I was happy for a reason. One single little reason – I found a non toxic, inexpensive product that actually works!!! I totally love the smell of it – it permeates my laundry and leaves a faint smell on my clean freshly dried clothes…its wonderful!

I’ve been asked many times before, in my clinic – could I recommend a non toxic, cost effective washing powder and I always struggled. That was until 2 months ago when I discovered this little ditty…

The Australian Eucalyptus Company – Laundry Powder…1KG for $10.00

It’s a natural mineral based powder. It contains no fillers, no enzymes, no phosphorous, no whitening agents or synthetic fragrances – just 100% Pure Australian Eucalyptus Oil. It cost effective and it bloody well works. I TOTALLY love it.

My lovely friend Jac (who is a lot like me) visited us recently and I subjected her to my sales pitch on this amazing product – she ended up buying a whole heap of products in the range and she now loves them too…Your vibe does attract your tribe!

               

For all of their amazing products – jump on The Australian Eucalyptus Company website for more information on other products in their range.

Happy washing folks – if you’re anything like me, making better choices as an adult sure is more fun than I ever expected!!!

Make better choices for you and your family & love our planet

Jess x