Simple Pleasures, Everyday Joie de Vivre.

Photo courtesy of unsplash.com This hearty chicken soup recipe is made to warm the heart and soul, and is great for shared dinners at the table. It should make a healthy meal for anyone convalescing, or just trying to keep warm. It is also very tasty. It will take about 4 hours to prepare and tastes even better if cooked the day before the meal. Just try not to overcook the second lot of the veggies if you do it that way. Chicken Soup Ingredients One chicken Soup pack: (chopped) One Potato One Turnip One Parsnip One Onion Garlic five cloves One bunch of Celery. One bouquet garni Two bay leaves Chicken stock powder. Pepper Method In a large soup-pot add the whole (thawed) chicken and half of the soup pack ingredients. Bring to the boil and reduce to simmer. Making sure that the water level stays above the chicken, simmer for an hour to one and a half hours until the chicken is tender. Skim off the scum with a spoon w...

Photo by  Sedki Alimam  on  Unsplash This article is about the power of intention. Intentions are like a seed, that we sow and, later reap. Say that we set our intention, to enjoy our day. So you say to yourself, I intend to enjoy my day. I might later on do this, or that because it will help me to enjoy my day. Or, I might work in the cafe today, because it is nice weather and the time will pass by pleasantly. Or something more specific, I would really enjoy to have lunch with friends, so I arrange that. I intend for the conversation to go well, and all of us have a great time, and we do. Then, maybe a week later, I do like to dance for my exercise but I also like the luxury of the gym, it's just something that I like, so I think I will spend one evening at the gym this week. So Yay! Then suddenly I am quantum leaping, from one enjoyment to another, reaping what I sowed. And this is such a learning experience, because I am experiencing my own power, a...

Photo by  Will Fuller  on  Unsplash Changing your life from blind consumerism to environmentally friendly can be daunting. Whilst separating garbage from recycling is quite simple, there is a lot more to it. With literally millions of tons of plastic, now clogging our oceans, people are becoming aware of the environment, and a lot of people want to do things that help to protect it. Everything we buy, make and do has an impact on the environment. It is complicated and there seems to be plenty of room for sharks to charge extra for products that may or may not be cleaner and healthier. So where do we start? Possibly with less use of your car! Even your clothes play an important role in the environment. Synthetic fibres do not break down in landfill and they enter our waters with dangerous components that end up in fish, seafood and in salt, which we then consume as food. Cotton, although an all natural fibre takes a huge amount of energy and water to grow and...

Photo by  rawpixel  on  Unsplash Making the switch from processed flour and pasta isn't noticable at first, but then you find the point where you get rid of that twinkie effect and your energy is more sustainable so, you will feel more stable. You will also prevent getting sugar diabetes and, it is more filling. Beating the twinkie effect involves cutting down on sugar and processed foods, including changing your bread, flour, cakes and biscuits to wholemeal and wholegrain varieties. The three recipes that follow are made from natural foods based on the mediterranean diet. They are also almost instant recipes that take little preperation and short cooking times, completely suitable for hectic week-nights and singles. Cans of beans can keep in the cupboard for long periods as can packets of uncooked rice and lentils. But if you use the uncooked variety the recipe will take longer. I hope you find these recipes tasty and healthy. Please use organic pro...

Photo by  Tommy Lisbin  on  Unsplash It’s not all about the result, it’s about the journey Being productive and accomplishing things is one of our biggest challenges, and can make us feel really good about ourselves. Nobody's going to feel that great with a grimey kitchen and a full ashtray on the coffee table, in a pipe dream surrounding success. I've been there and it isn't pretty! Prioritising your activities is a way to help you work smarter not necessarily harder. Try these techniques for getting what is important done and out of the way. To Do List . Write a to-do list for the day. Try to numerically order it in terms of importance. Rewrite it, then tick things off as you go. Grid Use this grid to block off your time. You can use it for your main tasks every-day, or you can change it from day to day. Important and Urgent Urgent but not Important Important but not Urgent Not Urgent or Important Work Backwards Work b...

Photo by  Nathan Dumlao  on  Unsplash Photo by  rawpixel  on  Unsplash 'They who have attained perfection, are those who take joy in their work'. Bhaghavad Gita The Tao, means life-force, energy and the universe beyond. It also means the way, or path. Therefore ones vocation is also called their Tao. It is important that you face up to and accept your personal tao. It reflects your chosen vocation, what you are really good and a career path that you can follow and grow. If you already know your tao, then great! Keep going! If you are just working to pay the bills and you dislike your job, getting on the right path might be a bit trickier. If you are unemployed but have other means, it could be as simple as sitting down from 9-5 to paint, write, program, design etc. Then you will be surprised at how everything falls into place. Otherwise maybe your parents can support you while you get on your feet. Or you could support you...

Sport “Previously I always thought it was just tactical and technique, but every match has become almost mental and physical—I try to push myself to move well. I try to push myself not to get upset and stay positive, and that's what my biggest improvement is over all those years. Under pressure I can see things very clear”.               Roger Federer (Tennis star), Post match press conference after winning Dubai Open 2007 The Australian Sports Association recommends that people get at least half an hour of moderate exercise (such as walking or wheeling your chair) at least five times a week. But at the same time around half of all people worldwide do not get enough exercise. Physical exercise does all of the following: Enhances fitness Increases strength Hones Athletic skills Boosts the immune system Improves symptoms of depression Increases mental health and well being Enhance...