The End of Summer in Oz

Welcome!

Wow it is the beginning of March already & the end of Summer in the Southern Hemisphere! Once again another year is starting to gain momentum very quickly.

I want to acknowledge all of the amazing Firefighters & Volounteers who jumped at the opportunity to help distressed fellow Australians. It was just heart wrenching watching the daily news of the many stories of heart ache & tragedy caused from the destruction of fire. And to think that some of those horrific fires were deliberately lit is just beyond comprehension. It is at times like this when you see National pride at it's best with everyone rallying around to help in any way they can. And to hear so many stories of bravery certainly gives you goose bumps. It will be a February that is going to be etched in Australian history forever now.

February proved to be both busy & at times challenging for me for all the right reasons in the end.

The month began with me being able to see Victoria & Valaya Boutenko talk on their Raw food journey live in Bondi which was so awesome. I thought Victoria is a true Earth Mother & very passionate about spreading the word of a Raw Food lifestyle. Considering her whole family were each cured of some pretty nasty diseases it is no wonder she wants everyone to know how easy it can be to make some changes to your diet that can save your life. They are Russian & were used to a diet filled with meat, potatoes, bread & fat & she believes that if they can make changes to their diet then anyone can. Let's just say she really knows her stuff & has researched & researched food & nutrition so you know you are in safe hands.

Victoria touched on a sensitive subject about one day how we could evolve to the point of eating insects for extra Vitamin B. Well that certainly got one audience member completely wound up! However, she handled him with dignity & respect the best way anyone could. Can't say I think I'll ever be a deliberate insect convert but swallowing the occasional fly is something that happens so now I know how good it is for me I'll try not to spit it back up so quickly!

February also included a trip to the Sunshine Coast for a few days with a Mastermind Group led by Sandy Forster & Dymphna Boholt. Wow what a weekend packed full of incredible information & people. I must say the added bonus of being in paradise added to the experience too!

Oh and February is also the month of my birthday, yes yet again!

The last couple of months have certainly been a huge learning curve & a journey that I am totally embracing. My first ebook, Wholesome Juices and Smoothies is finished now & I will be uploading it very soon. Or should I say once I learn how to do that!

So here is a recipe from the book for you to enjoy.

Until next time stay safe & I look forward to sharing another incredible month ahead.


With love, warmth and radiance


Julie-Ann xo


Mixed Berry Zinger

¼ cup fresh or frozen strawberries
¼ cup fresh or frozen raspberries
¼ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
¼ cup fresh or frozen blackberries
½ lemon, juiced
2 mint sprigs
¼ cup soaked almonds or almond meal
¾ cup still or sparkling water, or your desired consistency

Place all the ingredients into the blender & liquidize fro approx 45 sec.
This is lovely & refreshing any time.

Strawberries are such delicious Summer and Autumn fruit. Like other berries they have a high content of anti-oxidants. They contain high levels of folate which is necessary during conception and pregnancy because it reduces the risks of spina bifida. Strawberries contain fibre to keep you regular, potassium which helps regulate blood pressure and reduces chances of a heart attack or a stroke.

Blackberries have a high content of tannins which is good for your digestive system. They have a slightly bitter taste which is a tonic to the liver. Blackberries have a high fibre content helping to keep cholesterol levels down. Blackberries contain Vitamin C which helps to repair and replenish cells in the body and keeps any potential cold at bay.