Icy Melbourne to Sunny Cairns + My Fast Foodies Interview on Being The Tree of Life

Woo Hoo! Back in sunny warm Cairns after 4 amazing yet freezing cold days in Melbourne! If you follow me on twitter or facebook, or get my newsletters, you would have known I flew down last Thursday morning for 4 days of girl-fuelled wining, dining, shopping, laughing, resting, and pillow fights - yep. We had one. My sisters and our mum all went down for a surprise get-together (my older sister had no idea we would all be there). Needless to say, we had a ball. Even if we did freeze. Going from 28 degrees here to 8 degrees there when we landed... whoo!

Since getting back to Cairns after 10pm last night, exhausted but unable to fall asleep, I can say this morning has been slow. But not that delicious slow of mulling about with a cup of tea and a good book. I was not wanting to get out of bed. Not wanting to do anything. My body wanted yoga but my mind was racing with the million things I need to get done today - I won't bore you but I'm sure you've been in this place once or twice before. Getting yourself into a total tizz for no real reason. Who care's if my blog is posted later than I'd like? If I have to miss college tonight to get a bunch of things done, AND have a couple of hours to myself to really ground, mellow out a bit and bring myself back to here and now then I'll do that. My sanity (in bed with my journal, tea, choccie and candles) comes over 3hrs of solid college anyday - if it's needed.

In writing all this... only now I realise and can see that I'm already worrying about getting to college, and the stuff I might not have done by then. Instead all I should be 'worrying' about is now - and by that I mean 'not worrying'. Focusing on posting this blog. Once that's done I'll tackle that assessment. Maybe. We'll see.
For now it's blogging and lunching. College is later so who knows what will happen later...

Do you have days or moments like this?

This is a total un-planned ramble Monday post if you hadn't already cotton-ed on.



Moving along... I'm going to be editing a few happy snaps from my Melbs trip for some inspiring picture blogging post coming to you on Wednesday, but in the mean time, you can check out my interview with the gorgeous Carlee Modra from Being The Tree of Life.

Carlee is a Holistic Wellness Coach, a Naturopath in training and absolutely passionate about, Health, Wellness and Spirituality, and she asked me all about my life surrounding these things.

Find out:

+ what wellness means to me

+ what kick started my journey

+ my vital non-negotiables to a life of wellness

+ the big turning points

+ my can't-live-without superfood

+ a huge food myth I'm dispelling


Have a read over at Carlee's blog here

And comment below with what you think! I'd love to know :)

Christie xx

Simply Raw Desserts

Hands up if you've tried Simply Raw in Sydney yet? May I suggest that if you have not, you seriously need to get your butts down to Taylor Square Markets this Saturday!
Simply Raw offers a range of delicious and nutritious 100% organic raw vegan desserts (amongst other goodies) that are absolutely amazing!! All hand-made with love by these beautiful girls, my bet is that they're gonna be the next big best thing to hit the raw scene in Sydney (and about bloody time)!! I did a short interview with Janine from Simply Raw so you guys could know a little more about her...

Tell us the story of how your business Simply Raw was born. And what sparked your inspiration to do this?

The idea of 'Simply Raw' came about 2 years ago. My weak point has always been on sweets. Once I moved further away from processed sugars, additives, and chemically sprayed food it got harder and harder to find desserts that had the ingredients I wanted and the flavours I love. I found that most vegan food I could buy were lacking in flavour, which I didn't want to compromise. I found myself making more and more desserts at home and experimenting with food. I found all my joy and passion in making desserts, experimenting with food and nutrition and seeing the happiness in peoples faces enjoying my food. It makes me so happy! 
Then from August last year there was no doubt surrounding it anymore; this is what I want to do with my life. Educating the world about nutrition, healthy food and their benefits. And on top of that showing people that vegan food is not just healthy, but is absolutely and uncompromisably delicious!

What is the first thing you typically reach for to start your day?

I always start the day with a delicious super-smoothie or a fresh pressed fruit and veg juice. They give me the energy I need for a great start in the day.

How did you first find out about raw foods?

I've always preferred raw veggies over cooked veggies. I love a big salad of fresh cut fruit and veg (whatever I can get my hands on), throw it all in a bowl with a beautiful dressing and enjoy! I started learning more about the nutrition of raw food compared to that of cooked food once I turned vegan. I've learned the most about raw food nutrition from David 'Avocado' Wolfe through his amazing books and newsletters.

How much raw food do you include in your diet?

My diet is about 90-95% raw. I usually start my day with a fresh juice, have some fruit/veg/snacks throughout the day and a big salad at night. I have rice or stir fried veg once or twice a week - whenever my body tells me it's craving some Thai Food or Sushi :)


Do you have any "must haves" that you enjoy every day?
My "must have" is my juice in the morning. I don't feel the energy to get going with it. Come dinner time, I'm craving a big bowl of fresh salad and a bucket full of 'Luv Bites xox' chocolate as dessert. Yummo!

What have you experienced and noticed in regards to your health since incorporating more raw foods in your diet? 

My life has changed significantly ever since I changed my diet. I don't get sick anymore, I am much more relaxed, my skin is so much smoother, I feel energised, I feel happy, I feel balanced and the most important part: I feel healthy! Note: There is a significant difference from organic food and non organic food. Vegan is not = Vegan. It is a lifestyle choice. To get the best result: 1. Buy organic  
2. Eat as much raw as possible 3. Keep fit  4. Keep your nutritional levels up  5. Find your balance and happiness 6. Make sure you focus on 'Number One' (YOU)

Can you give us your most creative and delicious vegan snack idea?

My favorite snacks are fruit and chocolate desserts, preferably with super-foods. They are perfect as an "on the go" snack or whenever you feel the urge. They are delicious, packed with nutrition, energising and healthy. I always have some in my pocket. In regards to fresh fruit and veg: I love anything that's fresh and raw. Absolute favorites: Coconut, Avocado, Mango, Apples and Carrot.

When you first went vegan, what was the most challenging aspect of your new lifestyle? How did you overcome those obstacles?

When I first went vegan, the biggest challenge was to understand ingredients, understand their effect on your body, read all the labels on products you buy and getting to know the variety of amazing food that's out there in the world to explore. You need to face the challenge and start listening to your body. Your body will tell you what food it's craving. Follow and listen to as many like-minded people as possible and share experiences. I've been vegan for 6 years now, read a lot of books and follow a lot of inspiring raw vegan people all over the world; and I'm still learning every day. There is so much out there!

Have there been any books or people that have been of great inspiration to you on your journey?

I first began reading books from various vegan authors; the main person that inspired me and taught me the most I know about nutrition, raw food and its benefits is David Wolfe. He taught me to appreciate and enjoy the treasures that are full of delicious nutrition our earth is spoiling us with. 

Words to live by…

Happiness, Passion, Love, Friendship, Dreams, Support, Sharing. 

About Janine:
Janine is the founder of delicious organic raw vegan desserts 'Simply Raw', which focuses on high nutrition, and the amazing benefits of raw food without compromising flavour. Janine has been vegan for over 6 years. Inspired from vegan enterpreneurs all over the world, her focus is on educating and sharing her knowledge about vegan goodness and its benefits through her delicious food.


If you'd like to get your hands on some of these, pop down to Taylor Square Markets this Saturday and mention 'eat-more-plants' for a 10% discount. Or choose your poison  here and email the girls for your special order.