Female Inspiration: Katharine Hepburn

Banana-Berry Smoothie with Maca and Chia Seeds

Recently, this has been my breakfast in the mornings and one of the highlights of my day. It's convenient, light and Super! It's portable (if you have one of those carry cup things) and tastes fantastic. My sister gave it her taste bud tick the other day :-) Since having my newborn, I find that my morning schedule is a bit out of whack and fitting in a decent breakfast can be difficult. This smoothie has saved me! It gives me all the good stuff you need for an ample start to the day including energy, it's better for you than a cup of coffee, and it only takes 3 minutes to make! (Trust me, I've timed it.) 
So! If you're a new mum, working mum or a career girl on-the-go, try this Super Smoothie to start your day…you won't regret it. Promise. 

Ingredients

(Serves 1)

1 x Organic/Locally Grown Banana

3 x Tablespoons Mixed Berry Natural/Greek Yoghurt

5 x Organic/Locally Grown Strawberries

1 x Half Handful of Organic/Locally Grown Blueberries

1 x Half Handful of Organic/Locally Grown Rasberries

1 x Tablespoon Organic Raw Honey

1 x Teaspoon Maca Powder
2 x Teaspoons Chia Seeds

250mL Milk

Cinnamon

Ice

* Please Note: Berries are interchangeable depending on the season. They are not essential if your yoghurt has a fruit puree component added to it. 

Method

1. Peel ripened banana and put in the blender along with the assorted berries, yoghurt, milk, honey, Maca powder, cinnamon and Chia Seeds. Blend.

2. Once all the ingredients have blended in together, stop machine and add ice. Blend.

3. After ice has reached your desired state, stop machine, pour and enjoy your Banana-Berry Super Smoothie!

Image: http://veganforeveryone.com

Super Food: Bananas

Bananas are high in fibre, vitamins B6 and C, potassium, manganese, are a good source of riboflavin, folate, magnesium, copper, and they contain antioxidant phenols; making them an invaluable snack on-the-go, all year round (apart from their skins). For women on their monthly, a banana a day will help ease PMS symptoms, thereby assisting in the maintenance of irritable moods and sugar cravings which are a result of a lack of vitamin B6 in the body during the menstrual cycle.

Image: http://romanlosangelez.files.wordpress.com/

Facts/Serving

(1 medium = 118 g)

Calories: 105 (438 kJ)

Protein: 1.3 g

Total Fat: 0.4 g

Saturated Fat: 0 g

Carbohydrates: 27 g

Fiber: 3.1 g

Origin: Southeast Asia

Season: Year-round

Home Garden: Moderately difficult. Climate must be warm or tree will not produce fruit.

Remember to always opt for locally grown produce over organic produce and certified organic produce over generic, modified produce. 

Class Before Ass, Ladies!

When dressing oneself, always remember…

Dress To Impress - Apple

Apple-shaped celebs: Drew Barrymore, Queen Latifah, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Hudson

• Apple Body Traits: Most of your weight accumulates above the hips, which are narrow. Your back, ribs and shoulders are broad, and you may feel wider than other body types. You have a prominent bust and a bigger tummy. Slim hips and thighs.
• Your Best Asset: Those legs!
• Your Fashion Goals: Elongate the torso, show off your legs and use fashion to create the illusion of a waist.
• Your Best Jeans: Apple-shaped ladies need their denim to provide a little more “give” in the waistline, because they tend to carry their weight around the middle. Choose a fit that has a straight leg so that it shows off your assets, but without making you look middle-heavy. Steer clear of a super skinny, tight fitting and avoid high-waisted trousers–which will draw negative attention to your middle area.

Self Styling Tips

If you have an apple-shaped body like Jennifer Hudson's, then you want to elongate your midsection and create the illusion of a smaller waist.

• Accentuate your great bust line.
• DO choose garments with open necklines to draw the eye to your face.
• DO go for monochromatic looks.
• DO go for v-neck tops to create the illusion of a longer torso.
• DO wear a bra that offers good lift and support.
• DO wear belts at the smallest part of your waist.
• DO conceal tummy bulge by wearing empire tops and dresses. Use soft draping and ranching that skimp not clings to the tummy.
• DO wear boot cut and flared jeans to create an even line from the shoulders down.
• DO go for clean tailored lines to streamline your body and show off your slim legs.
• DO wear shorter skirts to show off your legs and draw attention away from your midsection.

Dress To Impress - Ruler

Ruler-shaped celebs: Natalie Portman, Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson, Hilary Swank

• Ruler Body Traits: The waist, hip and shoulder widths are similar and are usually on the slim side. Thicker waist with a flat tummy. Slender rectangles have an athletic look about them. Small to medium bust. Slim legs and arms.
• Your Best Assets: Your arms and legs — and you don't have to minimize any body features.
• Your Fashion Goals: Create curves and show off slender legs and arms.
• Your Best Jeans: Tapered Skinny Jeans. A low rise emphasizes the hips, and the snug fit plays up the legs. If creating curve is what you're after then I would suggest a bootcut or flared jean that is fitted around the thighs and bum, but a little more relaxed around the calves and ankles. This will balance a boyish silhouette while offering the illusion of a curvier figure.

Self Styling Tips

If your body is ruler-shaped like Natalie Portman's, then you want to create curves where they don't necessarily exist.

• Show off your lean limbs.
• Skirts can be lean pencil shapes or A-line.
• DO wear scoop neck and sweetheart tops to create curves.
• DO wear long jackets to create a lean look.
• DO wear tops with collars, ruffles and details to flatter your chest.
• DO wear a good bra that will make the most of what you have.
• DON'T wear overwhelming styles.
• DON'T wear styles that have wider shoulder lines as this will make your waist appear narrower.
• DO layer to add more dimensions.
• DO wear dresses with ruching. Cinches on sides are ideal.
• DO wear styles that can be wrapped or tied to create a waistline.
• DO have fun with colorful bottoms... feel free to experiment.

Dress To Impress - Hourglass

Hourglass-shaped celebs: Beyonce, Salma Hayek, Scarlett Johansson, Halle Berry, Vanessa Minnillo

• Hourglass Body Traits: Your shoulders and hips are similar in proportion and set off by a tiny waist. Curvy bust and hips. Narrow waist. Medium width shoulders. Slim or shapely thighs.
• Your Best Assets: Curves, curves, curves!
• Your Fashion Goals: Show off your curves... without going overboard.
• Your Best Jeans: This figure can wear almost any cut, but it’s important to show off your curves the right way, and skinnies will highlight your curves. A pair of wide-legged trouser jeans will work wonders for enhancing your waist. Try to find jeans that are cut higher in the back to fit over your seat and keep you covered. Also, since an hourglass shape is known for a small waist, look for a contoured waistband (you’ll notice a seam that indicates the waistband was cut on a curve and sewn together instead of being one piece of fabric); this will help reduce gaping.
   

Self Styling Tips

If your body is hourglass-shaped like Beyonce's, then you're a lucky girl! Your shape is all about tastefully showing off those curves: not too baggy, not too tight.

• Show off your slender waist.
• If you have a fuller bust or are a larger size, keep your look streamlined with tailored panels or simple silhouettes.
• DON'T wear anything that is roomy in the waist.
• DON'T hide your curves with baggy clothing. Look for styles that fit to your curves.
• DO wear a good bra and showcase your bust.
• DO wear fitted dresses.
• DO wear a belt at the waist to enhance your hourglass shape.
• DO try wrap dresses.
• DO go for high-waisted skirts to show off your hips. Lean pencil or A-line skirts are most flattering.
• DO pick thin, lightweight styles and fabrics.
• DO wear skinny or straight leg jeans.

Dress To Impress - Cone

Cone-shaped celebs: Naomi Campbell, Demi Moore, Renee Zellweger, Teri Hatcher

• Cone Body Traits: Also known as the inverted triangle, this body shape features a broad chest and wide shoulders which are larger in proportion to a narrow waist and hips.
• Your Best Asset: Your legs
• Your Fashion Goals: Accentuate your lower body while softening your shoulders and upper body.
• Your Best Jeans: A wide leg fit will help balance out your bust so you don’t appear top-heavy. Choosing a lighter color wash will also draw the eye downward and away from your chest. Go for low-rise, boot-cut or wide leg trousers that show off your thin legs and tiny hips. Embellished pockets around your derrière and hip areas will add volume to help even out the proportions of your shoulders. 

Self Styling Tips

If you have a wedge body like Audrina Patridge's, then you want to draw attention downward to the narrower parts of your body, such as your waist and hips.

• DO wear bright colors on bottom.
• DO wear wide-leg pants.
• DO wear full skirts.
• DON'T wear spaghetti-strap tops.
• DON'T wear boat neckline tops.
• DO wear tops that call attention to your waistline.
• DO wear belts around your waist.
• DO experiment with high-waisted styles.
• DO look for clothes that create the illusion of a waist.

Dress To Impress - Pear

Pear-shaped celebrities: Kim Kardashian, Eva Mendes, Jennifer Love-Hewitt, Katherine Heigl

• Pear Body Traits: Small shoulders. Your lower body is wider than your upper body — in other words, your hips are wider than your shoulders. Neat bust & waist. Your bottom is rounded and your thighs are curvy. Shapely calves. 
• Your Best Assets: Shoulders, torso and flat stomach
• Your Fashion Goals: Emphasize your waist and arms, add volume to your shoulders and upper body and minimize your hips.
• Your Best Jeans: A mid-rise, balanced style will flatter your shape because it will elongate your legs. Ideally, you should search for pair of moderate skinnies. This streamlined fit creates a sleek look that will flatter your curvy zone. Be sure to stay away from super high-waisted jeans at all costs–they will shorten your legs and create a disproportioning effect.

Self Styling Tips

If your body is pear-shaped like Kim Kardashian's, then you want to minimize your lower half and focus attention upward.

• Emphasise a slim upper body.
• Create a wider shoulder line using sleeve detail or bare shoulders in a strapless or halter style to balance out the hips.
• DON'T wear clothing that draws attention to hips and thighs, such as cargo pants or print skirts.
• DO try a-line skirts that skims hips and thighs.
• DO keep hems of pants, skirts and dresses wide to balance the hips. Hem length should be on the knee or below calf. 
• DO experiment with light coloured tops and dark coloured bottoms for contrast.
• DO look for boat neck tops, square and cowl necklines.
• DO wear strapless dresses to show off arms and even out proportions.
• DO try styles with ruffles on top.
• DO wear jackets that hit right above the waist.
• DO opt for pointy-toed shoes to elongate your legs.

Hey, Body Shape! Let's Embrace...

I don't know if the latest fashion is to blame, or if it's just the Gold Coast, but I am recently seeing a whole lot more of a woman's skin then I'd like my eyes to be exposed to outside of a fitness changing room. That famous saying 'less is more' does not apply in everyday fashion. Seriously! Ladies, have pride in your body and respect its mystery. Not every man out there needs to feast their eyes on your secret cracks, crevices and contours. As much as the extra male attention may be desired, in no way should it be attracted by skimpy outfits. Use your charm. Your charisma. Your intelligence. We all have it. Like the ladies before us, know the seducing power of your shoulders, your back, your silhouette or the provocative glance of your eyes. Sexuality is not only exuded from you butt, boobs and midriff. Those are the home run areas. (Let's leave those areas for the men we actually care about and plan on introducing to our friends and family.)

I truly believe in dressing for your body type. Not everything that comes into trend will suit your body, but that's okay. Dress to suit what your mamma gave you and no one else's. We're lucky that there are many options these days in fashion, so regardless of your shape, there will be something out there that will flatter you.

The way to determine what shape you are is the Hips, Shoulders, Waist ratio. Where you measure the length of where your shoulders sit in relation to your hips and then see the contour of your waist in relation to your shoulders and hips. Determining your shape is not measured by the size of your breasts, but, stomach or thighs.

In my next posts, I will go through every individual body type separately and try to give the best DO's and DON'Ts for each possible type. Remember, regardless of what body type you are Accept It. Embrace It. Make the Most of it. Don't go wishing you are something you're not. This is your body, it's beautiful and you love it.

http://lulaland.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/5-body-shapes.jpg

Female Inspiration: Sofia Loren

True beauty has always been from within. Open your mind, nourish your soul and give love to your heart. Respect yourself and the foods that you eat. Listen to your body. Treat it like a temple, not a theme park. Accept your unique differences and embrace them. Be kind. Believe in yourself. And smile.

M.Y.O. Oatmeal

Organic Sugar and Spice Oatmeal

http://www.foodchannel.com/

Ingredients

1/4 - 1/2 cup Organic Oats

1 x Organic Kiwifruit (chopped)

4 - 5 x Individual Organic Strawberries (chopped)

1 x Handful of Organic Blueberries

Ground Cinnamon

1 tsp Raw Organic Honey

Milk (if desired)

1. With your desired oatmeal portion, add filtered water until it just passes the oatmeal line. Give the bowl a swirl as so all the oats are soaked.

2. Heat in microwave on HIGH for 1 minute.

3. Remove oats and stir.

4. Add chopped kiwifruit, strawberries and the handful of blueberries.

5. Sprinkle or shake ground cinnamon as desired and drizzle on the teaspoon of organic raw honey.

6. If desire, splash a little milk over the oatmeal to make it extra creamy. Enjoy!!

This is a great oatmeal recipe for pumping up your vitamin C. Kiwifruits and strawberries contain more vitamin C than oranges! When you feel yourself getting sick, or you're feeling a little rundown, then have this version of Sugar and Spice Oatmeal for breakfast to give you a fibre, vitamin C and antioxidant boost!

Super Oatmeal

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/

Ingredients

1/4 - 1/2 cup Organic Oats
5 x Individual Pitted Prunes (dried plums)

1 x Handful Goji Berries
1 tsp Maca Powder

1 tsp Raw Organic Honey

Ground Cinnamon

Milk

1. With your desired oatmeal portion, add filtered water until it just passes the oatmeal line. Give the bowl a swirl as so all the oats are soaked.

2. Heat in microwave on HIGH for 1 minute.

3. Remove oats and stir.

4. Add handful of goji berries and pitted prunes, then sprinkle on Maca powder and ground cinnamon, before drizzling on the teaspoon of organic raw honey.

5. If desire, splash a little milk over the oatmeal to make it extra creamy. Enjoy!!

This recipe is full of Super Foods and is great for giving yourself a healthy boost any day of the year! Goji berries are one of the most potent antioxidant foods out there, alongside the many benefits of Maca powder which will both give you an energising boost for your day. Prunes (dried plums) also have many health benefits, one of which is that they are high in soluble fibre thereby helping to keep your blood sugar levels stable ultimately preventing over eating and subsequent weight gain. Yes Please!!

I use to switch between both of these recipes whilst I was pregnant and found that I never got sick or constipated or get overweight throughout the course of my pregnancy. I did, however, cease to use the Maca powder until I had stopped breastfeeding as I already had a lot of lovely hormones coursing through my system. Upon stopping breastfeeding, I began using Maca powder again in my breakfast or smoothies to aid my hormone levels to get back on track to where they were originally.

http://forestsuperfoods.com.au/

http://www.shape.com/

Benefits of Maca

• Promotes sexual function of both men and women.
• Rich in Protein
• Rich in calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and amino acid.
• Balances hormones and increases fertility.
• Relieves menstrual issues and menopause.
• Alleviates cramps, body pain and hot flashes.
• Increases stamina.
• Aids anemia and cardiovascular diseases.
• Keeps you bones and teeth healthy.
• Clears blemishes and acne.
• Increases mental energy and focus.
• Plant-based source of vitamin B-12.

Super Food: Oats

With the Winter season coming in, Oats are a great, warm start to any day. Low in G-I, high in fibre, protein, thiamine, manganese, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper, and iron; a good source of pantothenic acid and potassium; containing beta-glucans and antioxidant polyphenols; They will keep you going for the entirety of your morning! I use to eat oats every morning when I was a dancer and also when I was pregnant. They were light enough for me to get up and move, yet substantial enough for me to feel satisfied. As plain as oats are as a base, there are a lot of various toppings you can put with them- which can almost feel like you're having a different breakfast each morning. (I'll put some of my favourites up in my next post!) Make sure to purchase either steel-cut or rolled oats.

http://blog.bobsredmill.com//

Facts/Serving
(1/2 cup/41 g)

Calories: 153 (642 kJ)
Protein: 5.3 g
Total Fat: 2.6 g
Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 27.4 g
Fiber: 4.1 g

Origin: Europe
Season: Early Autumn
Home Garden: Can be grown in the home garden.


A 2009 review published in Nutrition Reviews discussed the health benefits of oats. The author cited studies showing that oats reduce total plasma cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels, both risk factors for heart disease. This benefit is usually attributed to the avenanthramides, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects.*

* Superfoods: The Healthiest Foods on the Planet, Tonia Reinhard, MS, RD

Hello Skin! Nice To Meet You

Beautiful skin is not just an Asian thing. I believe it is attainable by any Lady. All you need to do is figure out which skin type you are. A strong foundation is where it all begins! Use the descriptions below in conjunction with the illustrations to determine which skin type you truly are. Regardless of the outcome, don't judge. Accept. This is your skin and it is lovely. It may just need a pick-me-up. Work with what you've got, Ladies! 

The Basics of Skin Care

These tips will help your skin stay healthier no matter its type.

• Use a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Avoid direct sunlight and wear a hat and sunglasses.
• Don't smoke.
• Stay hydrated.
• Wash your skin thoroughly every day and never wear makeup to bed.
• Moisturise your skin.

Image: http://cdna.tid.al

* I apologise for the illustrations being male but it was the best example I could find.

Normal Skin Type

Normal skin is not too dry and not too oily. It has:

• No or few imperfections
• No severe sensitivity
• Barely visible pores
• A radiant complexion

Combination Skin Type

A combination skin type can be dry or normal in some areas and oily in others, such as the T-zone (nose, forehead, and chin). Many people have combination skin, which  may benefit from slightly different types of skin care in different areas.

Combination skin can produce:

• Overly dilated pores
• Blackheads
• Shiny skin

Dry Skin Type

 Dry skin can produce:

• Almost invisible pores
• Dull, rough complexion
• Red patches
• Less elasticity
• More visible lines

When exposed to drying factors, skin can crack, peel, or become itchy, irritated, or inflamed. If your skin is very dry, it can become rough and scaly, especially on the backs of your hands, arms, and legs.

Dry skin may be caused or made worse by:

• Genetic factors
• Aging or hormonal changes
• Weather such as wind, sun, or cold
• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning beds
• Indoor heating
• Long, hot baths and showers
• Ingredients in soaps, cosmetics, or cleansers
• Medications

Here are some tips for taking better care of dry skin:

• Take shorter showers and baths, no more than once daily.
• Use mild, gentle soaps or cleansers. Avoid deodorant soaps.
• Don't scrub while bathing or drying.
• Apply a rich moisturizer right after bathing. Ointments and creams may work better than lotions for dry skin but are often messier. Reapply as needed throughout the day.
• Use a humidifier and don't let indoor temperatures get too hot.
• Wear gloves when using cleaning agents, solvents, or household detergents.

Oily Skin Type

Oily skin can produce:

• Enlarged pores
• Dull or shiny, thick complexion
• Blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes

Oiliness can change depending upon the time of year or the weather. Oily skin can be caused or made worse by:

• Puberty or other hormonal imbalances
• Stress
• Exposure to heat or too much humidity

To take  care of oily skin:

• Wash your skin no more than twice a day and after you perspire heavily.
• Use a gentle cleanser and don't scrub.
• Don't pick, pop, or squeeze pimples. This prolongs healing time.
• Use products labeled as "noncomedogenic." They tend not to clog pores.

Sensitive Skin Type

If your skin is sensitive, try to find out what your triggers are so you can avoid them. You may have sensitive skin for a variety of reasons, but often it's in response to particular skin care products.

Sensitive skin can show up as:

• Redness
• Itching
• Burning
• Dryness

Now that you've determined which skin type you are, make sure to use products that compliment it's structure. Most labels will tell you what skin type their product works best on. If not, just ask a trusted skin teller or Google it. Thank you, smart phone! Also, try to use products that are cruelty free and as harmless to the environment as possible. I don't know about you, but I feel guilty about making myself look and feel great if I'm damaging the environment or some poor bunny had to get hurt in the process. It's not very Holistic Baby!

 

                                                  With Love and Positive Karma...