fbpx
ADVERTISEMENT
More
    Home Blog Page 3

    Review: Aquaviva IV Lounge – Parnell

    Monique Bradley
    -
    0
    Review: Aquaviva IV Lounge – Parnell

    Review: Aquaviva IV Lounge in Parnell

    Let’s face it: If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur, busy parent or work in a high pressure environment, you’re probably like me: living in a hyper driven world of high expectations and sleep deprivation which we all know can lead to a whole lot of stress, potentially leaving us is a state of ‘dis-ease’. Burning the candle at both ends is not a great place to be and can lead to complications with our health, impaired judgements, bad eating habits, nutrient deficiencies and of course, burn out. Been there, done it and just quietly, I knew I was on the brink of it again.

    I, by nature, am a super over achiever.

    I’m never focussed on one project because I always have a 20 on the go. My brain doesn’t stop and as I’m ageing, I’m starting to see AND FEEL the effects of doing too much for too long, so when gorgeous Editor of Eye Magazine and all round goddess Vanessa Bennett looked at me and said ‘you need an IV infusion’ part of me freaked (due to my needle phobia) while the other part of me almost cried with gratitude. With a family history of Vitamin B deficiencies, anaemia, diabetes, weight issues and other concerns, I’ve tried my best to live well and eat well, however most mornings it takes a good cup of coffee to get me going.

    Intuitively, my body was crying out for attention and this was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.

    I’d read about these treatments online.

    I subscribe to a lot of international magazines and IV treatments have long been the secrets of celebrities, so in my aim to live the boujie celebrity lifestyle I knew it had to be done. For someone who is challenged with needle phobia and a touch of anxiety, how was I going to cope? That’s where this place is different.

    Aquaviva Medical Center and IV Lounge provides a ‘holistic’ patient-centred approach to medicine, focusing on prevention and root cause. Lead by DR Ulrich Doering, this family owned and run business oozes calm and tranquility, much like the good doctor himself.

    My first port of call was the consultation room where I shared my own wellness journey and my hyper driven lifestyle challenges, and while a weight loss treatment was on my list of interests, it became clear that an infusion of B vitamins, liver support and energy boosting supplements were exactly what the doctor ordered. Literally.

    Exclusive IV infusions

    Their infusions are exclusive to their IV lounge, personally sourced from world class labs in Europe with more than 40 years of research and development undertaken. Treatments have been designed to support your immune system, anti-ageing and cell regeneration, energy, mood, stress, your metabolism and so much more and there is literally something for anyone who is feeling ‘sub par’: Not necessarily sick, but less than optimal.

    FYI: they also have infusions designed to support those going through treatment protocols or patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, dementia and cancer therapies, ‘providing thorough evaluation and treatment of acute and chronic medical problems using anthroposophical and conventional approaches as appropriate and in accord with the patient’s wishes.’ Brilliant.

    After consultation, I moved into the IV lounge – a super classy environ with comfy leather seats and stylish decor – and that’s when Christian, a qualified paramedic, talked me through the process. His manner, much like Dr Ulrich’s, was calm and informative with his paramedic training shining through. Even for a nervous Nelly like me, he managed to talk me through calming breathing exercises and before I knew it, we were all done. A tiny scratch and we were ready to go with the infusion!

    Over the course of the treatment, I sipped on a gorgeous green tea blend and was checked on several times as I chatted to others or zoned out watching instagram reels. 45 minutes flew by and the removal of the IV drip, well……. I didn’t feel a thing! No pain, no anxiety: just time out and a top up. Love it.

    Immediate results

    The first thing I noticed about 30 minutes into my treatment was a lift in my general brain fog. With all the stress I’ve experienced recently I also felt a lift in my mood and could sense glimmers of my old ‘energiser bunny’ self returning. This is good news and I look forward to experiencing more of the benefits over the coming days as these super nutrients make their way around my body. For now, for formerly needle phobic me, this has been a great success. I thank both Dr Ulrich and Christian and their calming manner for that.

    To find out more about their full range of services, head to their website: https://www.aquaviva.nz/

    Top tips for a healthy digestive system

    Gail Matthew
    -
    0
    Top tips for a healthy digestive system

    Look after your digestive system and it will look after you – naturopath and Kombucha City founder Gail Matthew tells us how.

    Top Tips For A Healthy Digestive System

    Digestion is one of the body’s most important processes – food is our body’s fuel and we can only keep going if our digestive system can extract the nutrients we need for energy, growth and cell repair.

    When we are talking about digestion, we are not simply looking at what happens in our stomachs – our digestive system starts in the mouth and ends at the anus, and it impacts almost every organ and system in our bodies as it breaks down carbohydrates, protein and fats, removes toxins and extracts nutrients, then eliminates waste.

    In fact, 80 per cent of our immune system lies within the gut, and our digestive health can even impact our mood and mental health.

    So, how can we best support our digestive system? Here are a few simple tips that you can incorporate into everyday living.

    • Aim to eat balanced meals offering a wide variant of nutrients and a good variety of fermented food so you can replenish your gut from a variety of probiotic sources. Delicious Kombucha City kombucha is one way to add fermented foods to your diet but you can also try cultured yoghurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, sourdough bread or fermented sausage. Get nutrients from a variety of protein sources – don’t forget about nuts and seeds – and make your plate a rainbow with as many different-coloured foods as possible
    • Ensure you are getting enough fibre. Your body needs two different types of fibre. Soluble fibre creates a gel as it dissolves which can help digestion in a number of ways including reducing blood cholesterol and sugar. It’s found in apples, citrus fruits and psyllium – in fact, all fruits and veges have some portion of soluble fibre in them. Insoluble fibre (found in wholewheat flour, wheat bran, rice bran, nuts, fruit and vege skins) supports bowel health and regularity by drawing water into your stool, making it softer and easier to pass without strain.
    • Stay hydrated. The digestive enzymes in our bodies need water to work effectively and liquid also helps everything move through your system, reducing the risk of constipation. But you don’t want to flush out the nutrients, so it’s best to drink half an hour either side of eating or limit the amount you drink with meals.
    • Eat slowly and mindfully. In order for our digestion system to work properly, we need to trigger our parasympathetic nervous system, which is also known as our rest and digest response. For that to happen we need to be calm and relaxed. So don’t watch TV, look at your phone or work while you’re eating – activities that can raise your stress levels will make it harder for your body to digest food.
    • Chew your food well – this not only produces smaller chunks of food for your body to digest, it also acts as a trigger to the digestion system that food is on the way so it kick-starts all those important digestive processes.
    • Don’t eat late at night. When we sleep, our digestion naturally slows down as our metabolism enters a resting state. Heading to bed soon after you have eaten can cause issues such as acid reflux or indigestion/heartburn.
    • Keep moving. Exercise is essential when it comes to bowel transit – the time it takes for food to move from the mouth to the anus. Ideally, transit time should be about 24 hours. If it takes longer than that, waste material can build up in your body and you can have issues such as constipation and bloating. Moderate exercise such as walking is great – you don’t need to get your heart rate up to get your digestive system working. But your body can’t do its job if you are sedentary all day.
    • Reduce your alcohol intake to support your liver. The liver has to process the toxins we ingest, such as fragments of pesticide that may remain on the fruit and vegetables we eat, so they can be removed by the bowel. If we overtax the liver by drinking too much alcohol, it becomes less efficient.
    • Get a good night’s sleep. Digestion is one of the processes that takes place while we rest. If you are trying to survive on a few hours of sleep, your digestive system will not have enough time to work its magic.

    Making a few simple changes to support your digestion will improve your overall health and wellbeing.

    Click this link to check out the Kombucha City products

    How To Co-Ordinate The Colour Scheme Of Your Home

    Monique Bradley
    -
    0
    How To Co-Ordinate The Colour Scheme Of Your Home

    How To Co-Ordinate The Colour Scheme Of Your Home

    Brought to you in association with beds n lounge direct

    Is your home feeling a bit ‘tired’? Perhaps it’s time to consider a makeover! And sometimes it can be as simple as a fresh coat of paint or some new furniture that can really make a difference!

    Creating cohesion

    We know that creating a colour scheme for your entire home can seem like a daunting task – choosing a colour scheme for one room can be very difficult, so choosing a colour scheme for your entire home takes a lot of thought and effort. 

    Using an entire house colour scheme along with some room colour psychology and tips for choosing the right paint colour can help you choose the right colour to transform every room, every time. Not only will having a complete home palette with colour transitions make decorating decisions easier, but using the colours in the palette will create a beautiful transition from room to room. 

    For example, if you’re looking for a warm palette and your default neutral is beige, you can use shades of orange or brown for curtains, rugs, single armchairs, and more. Preset neutral colours will match your home and make your work – if you’re still working from home – more comfortable.

    The Bounty 3 Seater Recliner Sofa + 2 Seater Recliner Sofa + Single Recliner
    Click here find out more about this Lounge Suite

    Continuity and colour pops!

    You don’t have to use the same colour scheme in all rooms, but you should match the colours throughout your home, especially if it has an open floor plan. The ‘least complicated’ way to combine colours throughout your home is to use the same three or five colours in every room. It seems more obvious to use consistent colours in an open space or small space, but even in a house with separate rooms, you don’t want to turn a corner and get the jarring effect caused by an out of place colour. If you want all of the individual rooms, like the bedrooms and bathrooms in your home, to have a different colour and your home doesn’t look like a circus, expand on the existing colours by adding colour accents. Cushions are a great way to do that!

    The Cypress 4 Seater Corner Chaise with Sofa Bed
    Click here to find out more about this Corner Chaise

    Tone on tone

    If you want your room to have a subtle yet elegant colour scheme, you can use colours next to each other and apply them to the different furniture and decorations in the space. You can then work on the finer details for the rest of the room, tie the decor together, and ensure consistency across the colour scheme. If you’re looking for a way to more easily decorate the perfect room, try a free online colour generator OR add the name of your favourite colours into a search engine and add in the words ‘colour palette’ and you’ll find loads of images turn up with a bunch of different combinations incorporating your preferences. 

    The Parklane Ultra Euro-Top Latex Rubber 7 Zone Pocket Spring Mattress Queen Size
    Click here to find out more about the Parklane Ultra

    Creating cohesion

    The colours you use in your home should not be chosen individually, in isolation, but with your entire home in mind. You may not want to start painting every space, but look for fabrics or fabrics that use your colour and decide which colour will look best on the walls. Since paint is cheap and can match almost any colour, it’s best to start your colour search with less flexible elements of the room, such as furniture, textiles, tiles, or wallpaper. 

    The Pinegate Coffee Table
    Click here to find out more about the Pinegate Coffee Table

    Build your palette

    One of the best ways to build a palette is to find ways to use the same colour in different shades and hues. It is believed that only complementary colours or harmonious shades can be used together for the whole colour scheme of a home, but as long as they work tonally, unusual colour combinations will work and most importantly can be adjusted to suit the room according to the natural light that the space receives and the time of day the room is used. 

    If you’re not sure where to start, consider taking photos of your space and bring them over to the team at beds n lounge direct

    The Rosa Accent Chair
    Click here to find out more about the Rosa Accent Chair

    Cited Sources

    https://www.homesandgardens.com/news/reasons-why-designers-use-whole-house-colour-schemes 0

    https://homemadelovely.com/how-to-use-a-colour-wheel-for-decorating/ 1

    https://homeguides.sfgate.com/connect-colours-through-house-28300.html 2

    https://www.fromhousetohome.com/whole-house-colour-scheme/ 3

    https://www.roomssolutions.com/how-to-colour-coordinate-your-rooms/ 4

    https://schoolofdecorating.com/2014/05/7-steps-to-create-your-whole-house-colour-palette-worksheet/ 5

    https://www.heytherehome.com/how-to-create-a-whole-home-colour-palette/ 6

    https://www.bhg.com/decorating/colour/basics/how-to-pick-interior-colour-schemes/ 7

    https://www.wolferizor.com/coordinate-colours-in-a-room 8

    https://www.thespruce.com/online-help-for-interior-colour-schemes-451977 9

    https://theturquoisehome.com/whole-house-colour-palette/ 10

    Restaurant Review: Fish

    Monique Bradley
    -
    0
    Restaurant Review: Fish

    Restaurant Review: Fish

    ‘Fish‘ on Princes Wharf is Hilton Hotels sparkling gem of a restaurant, delivering both a next level dining experience, as well as unrivalled views of the Waitematā Harbour that will literally make you feel like you’re living your best celebrity life. 

    While the restaurant is billed as a ‘casual dining experience’, this is the place to go if you’re craving something a bit special to share with friends, or if you’re planning to impress a first date. The wine list is extensive and thoughtfully curated to suit the menu, and the menu itself is a delightful performance of flavours and textures.

    So here’s a tip: if you want the full experience, order the ‘Taste of Fish’ Menu with wine pairings. It’s an incredible showcase of culinary delights that just kept on giving. Do it. You’ll thank me later.

    The opening act

    Starting with house made focaccia, goats cheese beignets with thyme honey (for the non-seafood eaters among us) and platters of bluff oysters, each dish was paired with the perfect wine, described in detail by both culinary director Des Harris and our sommeliers. For me, it was a complete fusion of art, creativity and personal stories, making it a unique and extra special experience. 

    Act 2

    fish restaurant scallops

    The next act was a selection of Blackfoot Paua fritters, citrus cured Ora King Salmon, scallops, or Taupo Beef Carpaccio (for the non seafood eaters), which for me was one of the stand out dishes. I’ve never experienced beef with such a creamy texture, and the egg yolk jam and greens that accompanied it, I can only compare to that moment when you find a matching shoes and handbag set. They were made for each other and my life is complete. 

    FYI: The pictures above are paua and scallops. It was only after I demolished the beef that I realised I had forgotten to photograph it for you. Apologies, however I can confirm that it was damn good and you need to try it.

    Act 3

    But wait, there’s more! This menu went over and above my expectations. Non seafood options included a delicate mix of sweet and savoury with a gorgeous cured butternut squash or lobster tails on risotto cleverly re-engineered with sunflower seeds replacing the rice. It was a brilliant reinvention of this dish and a delightful surprise. The risotto was also served as its own dish for the non-seafood eaters and even after all the courses we’d had, I noticed that every plate was devoured. 

    The wine pairings also took us on a journey, weaving in and out: from champagne to whites, to reds, to whites, to champagne, leading us to the final act………..dessert. 

    The finale

    fish restaurant dessert

    This exquisite performance sent me over the edge. 4 words: hokey pokey and mandarin ice cream. OK: technically 5 words.

    Decadent. Crunchy. Creamy. Brilliant.

    Now, I’m not one to gossip but I will share that one of our diners may have scoffed 2. IT WAS THAT GOOD. 

    Final thoughts

    Fish Restaurant - Des Harris
    Fish Restaurants Culinary Director Des Harris

    As I sit here writing this, I’m filled with emotion. Don’t be fooled by the name. While Fish is the perfect haven for seafood lovers, it delivered over and above for the non seafood eaters amongst us as well.

    To also have the Culinary Director describing both his experience and his art was incredibly special, and a great reminder that many hours of blood, sweat and tears goes into creating what was so much more than just a dinner out.

    This was an experience of joy. A show of brilliant performances perfectly delivered in many acts, and in my opinion, is a show best experienced with good friends who ‘get’ food. Do it.

    Check out their website: https://www.fishrestaurant.co.nz/

    Chocolate Coated Coffee Beans? Yes Please! – Cocktail Collective Review

    Phoebe Su
    -
    0
    Chocolate Coated Coffee Beans? Yes Please! – Cocktail Collective Review

    Chocolate Coated Coffee Beans? Yes Please! – Cocktail Collective Review

    Let me start this off by saying: I don’t drink coffee.

    I’ve never been a fan. I don’t usually like the taste or how strong the flavour can be in my mouth. That’s why I was extremely hesitant when I was gifted a couple jars of the Cocktail Collective’s Chocolate Coated Coffee Beans.

    These are intended to be used as garnishes in cocktails, such as an Espresso Martini or a Black Russian, or even complement a coffee itself.

    I LOVE chocolate, so of course I had to give these a go. And now?

    I can’t stop eating them.

    For someone who doesn’t drink coffee, the taste of coffee in these chocolates are surprisingly not overpowering! The chocolate coating MELTS in your mouth before you even bite into it, and the coffee bean gives it some texture with an added CRUNCH in your mouth. The chocolate complements the coffee bean, giving a sweet, yet bitter concoction of flavour, without the long-lasting aftertaste of regular coffee. I’ve been snacking on these recently whenever I’ve been craving a sweet treat.

    My final word? BIG FAT YES.

    You can find these little treats on The Cocktail Collective’s website.

    coffee beans , chocolate , chocolate coffee, chocolate coated coffee beans , cocktail collective , snacks , sweet , sweets , treat

    Guide To better Living Episode 13

    Monique Bradley and Pete Ward Social Broadcaster
    -
    0
    Guide To better Living Episode 13

    This weeks episode 13 is the final episode for season 1 of Guide To Better Living.

    This week we have Simon Gault with a recipe, we take a look at a couture event with Fashion Club Inc. Art and finish up with an interview with Charles George from Colonial Hot Tubs on how your wellness and house price could benefit from having a traditionally made cedar based hot tub, made the old fashioned way.

    Guide To Better Living Episode 12

    Monique Bradley and Pete Ward Social Broadcaster
    -
    0
    Guide To Better Living Episode 12

    Welcome to episode 12 of the Guide To better Living TV Show

    This week we have another tip from Simon Gault from Gault’s Deli, mortgage advice from Rachael Thompson – The Smarter Mortgage Lady – landscaping tips from Darrell Smith, dry brushing from Rengora and how to cook Juicy Chinese dumplings using the pan fry method with Monique Bradley, your host.

    Why life will be sweeter without sugar

    Gail Matthew
    -
    0
    Why life will be sweeter without sugar

    Put down that donut or slice of cake – a growing body of research is making it very clear that our sugar-laden diets could be setting us up for some serious health problems.

    Why is sugar the new evil?

    Sugar has a negative impact on so many of our body’s organs, it’s hard to know where to start. But let’s begin with the brain. When we eat sugar, our brains produce huge surges of dopamine, a feel-good chemical. It’s similar to the way our brains react to substances such as heroin and cocaine. This makes us crave more sugar, potentially amplifying its negative health risks.

    It can also impact our mood – when we eat sweet foods such as lollies or biscuits, our blood sugar levels rise quickly. This gives us a burst of energy – sometimes referred to as a sugar high. The problem occurs when those blood sugar levels drop, leaving us feeling jittery and anxious. If this happens repeatedly, it can have an effect on our mood. Some studies even suggest that high sugar intake can lead to an increased risk of depression.

    And it turns out your mother was right – sugar will rot your teeth. The bacteria that cause cavities thrive on the sugar that lingers in your mouth after you have eaten sweet foods.

    But the biggest issue with sugar is that it can increase inflammation throughout the body, causing a host of reactions that are potentially damaging for our health.

    Sugar stimulates the production of free fatty acids in the liver. When the body digests these free fatty acids, the resulting compounds can trigger inflammatory processes. Inflammation is not all bad – it’s part of our body’s healing process. But chronic low-grade inflammation has been linked with heart disease, diabetes, cancer and allergies.

    For example, the extra insulin caused by too much sugar can affect your arteries, causing their walls to thicken and become more inflamed, increasing your risk of heart failure, heart attacks and strokes. One study indicated that people who get 25 per cent of their calories from added sugar are twice as likely to die of heart disease than those who get less than 10 per cent of their total calories from added sugar.

    Insulin is made by your pancreas when you eat. But if you eat too much sugar, your body stops responding correctly to the insulin and your pancreas has to produce more. Eventually your overworked pancreas will break down and your blood sugar levels will rise, setting you up for type 2 diabetes and, you guessed it, heart disease.

    Diabetes that is not kept under control can result in kidney damage.

    Too much sugar can also lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (an excess fat build-up in the liver), inflammation and scarring of the liver. This could cut off blood supply to the liver, which can develop into cirrhosis. In the worst cases, this could leave someone needing a liver transplant.

    Excess inflammation can also exacerbate joint pain and make your skin age faster. Plus, excess sugar can even impact a man’s ability to get an erection, having a negative impact on your sex life.

    What sugary foods do we need to watch out for?

    Most of us are aware that foods such as cakes, chocolate, lollies, soft drinks and ice-cream are laden with sugar. But it’s a sneaky substance – it also hides in places people don’t expect it to be.

    It pays to look at the sugar content of concentrated fruit juice, sweetened yoghurt, cereals, canned and packaged food, sauces, energy bars and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

    Low-fat foods are another trap – often the sugar levels have been increased to compensate for the lack of flavour caused by cutting down the fat. Don’t be fooled by this tactic – the sugar is worse for your health than the fat it replaces.

    Also beware of trading sugary foods or drinks for those made with low- or no-calorie sweeteners. Consumption of sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose have been linked to weight gain, not weight loss. They were also tied to a higher risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart attacks and stroke.

    It’s important to learn to read the nutritional panel of the foods you choose.

    Read food labels

    Ingredients are listed on labels by order of weight, which means the closer an ingredient is to the start of the list, the more of it is included in the food. Sugar can come under a variety of labels on the ingredients list. Manufacturers might use names such as glucose, sucrose, fructose, corn syrup, golden syrup, maltose, maltodextrin or disaccharides, just to name a few.

    Food that has 15g of sugar or more per 100g is considered high in sugar. Anything under 5g of total sugar per 100g is low.

    The World Health Organisation recommends people eat no more than six teaspoons of added sugar every day. To put that into context, a 330ml serving of Coca-Cola has 7.3 teaspoons of sugar and the same-sized serving of Red Bull has 6.6 teaspoons.

    Is all sugar bad?

    Everyone needs some sugar in their diet – it is the main source of energy for your cells. Your blood normally contains about 5g or a teaspoon of sugar dissolved in it.

    So not all sugar is bad – it’s the added sugar we are trying to reduce. Added sugar is different from the sugar that occurs naturally in foods such as fruit or milk. Natural sugar comes with vitamins, minerals and nutrients that help offset some of the negative aspects of the sugar content. For example, fruit has fibre that causes our body to absorb sugar at a slower rate. The sugar in wholefoods, such as fruit or vegetables, don’t cause the brain to release such big surges of dopamine so are less likely to cause sugar cravings.

    Sugar is a key ingredient in many of the fermented foods that are so beneficial to our health. When making kombucha, it feeds the scoby (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast). The scoby breaks down sucrose into fructose and glucose, which feed the yeast, which feeds the bacteria, which feed us!

    Kc Kombucha low in sugar

    The small amounts of residual sugar left in the kombucha after the fermentation help to make the healthy acids palatable and provide food for the good bacteria that are still alive in the bottle. Without the sugar, there is no fermentation, and without fermentation there is no good bacteria to feed your body.

    When it comes to sugar, like most aspects of good health, the key is balance. Rather than trying to eliminate it from your diet completely, look for ways to reduce those added sugars that do far more harm than good.

    Click this link to check out the Kombucha City products

    The Body Shop’s Nourishing Coconut Body Butter – Product Review

    Phoebe Su
    -
    0
    The Body Shop’s Nourishing Coconut Body Butter – Product Review

    The Body Shop’s Nourishing Coconut Body Butter – Product Review

    Do you have dry, cracked hands? Dull, and rough legs?

    Well, look no further!

    This is the most delicious Body Butter you will ever try!

    The Body Shop’s Coconut scented Nourishing Body Butter will leave you skin feeling silky smooth and hydrated. This absolutely creamy texture just melts in your hands and absorbs into your skin without the sticky, soapy residue that some lotions leave behind.

    body butter lotion cream moisturiser body shop beauty review coconut

    Not only does the lotion glide onto your skin, but the smell is incredible! The delicious coconut scent will leave you smelling sweet and nutty, and induce a never-ending feeling of peace and simplicity in your mind.

    If you want to go even further, use this lotion in massages! This butter smoothes out hand callouses and is incredibly relaxing to use.

    And the best thing about it? It’s super affordable! No need to spend hundred of dollars on a disappointing body lotion, when you can pick this one up at your local mall for just $30!

    body-shop-coconut-nourishing-body-butter

    Restaurant Review: Bodrum Market

    Monique Bradley
    -
    0
    Restaurant Review: Bodrum Market

    Restaurant Review: Bodrum Market

    There’s nothing I love more than the hearty, tasty goodness of a Turkish platter. Growing up in Wellington, the ‘strip’ – also known as Courtney Place – and its nearby streets were littered with Turkish inspired eateries that bought food enthusiasts and late night party goers a lot of joy. To find those flavours in the heart of Newmarket brought back both happy memories and a whole lot of joy.

    Bodrum Market is set in the bustling brilliance of the recently made over Westfield Shopping Centre in Newmarket, affectionally known by many of my chums as ‘277’. They claim to ‘bring the tastes of the world to the heart of Auckland, with an interior inspired by Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and the streets of Bodrum City.’ While I haven’t been to Bodrum City, based on the quality of the food and the experience, I’m totally picking up what they’re putting down!

    While there’s plenty of ‘in restaurant’ seating amidst fun and detailed decor, the place to sit is in the Atrium style eatery just outside (pictured) which gives you both the perfect place to be seen, while giving you a great locale for people watching. It’s a fascinating experience to see foodies move from menu to menu as they float between eateries, looking for the ultimate dining experience, something that Bodrum hit the mark for me and my companion today. So: let’s talk FOOD.

    The menu is extensive with a vast array of flavours and tasty treats that are perfect for individuals, or for sharing. From classic mediterranean pizza style dishes, through to specific breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes with a deliciously exotic twist, there is literally something for everyone.

    Even for someone like me who is carb sensitive, the shared meat platter was an absolute delight – full of flavour and super tasty – filled with a mix of classic chicken skewers, iskender lamb and beef meatballs supported with some freshly made flatbread, chickpeas and pilaf rice and some gorgeous dips that were the perfect blend of aromas and flavours. (Pic of our platter below.)

    It’s also good to note that they’ve got a great cocktail menu and extensive wine list which was certainly appreciated even over our lunchtime getaway from the office (don’t judge me) and with 3 hours of free parking in the facility (download the Westfield App to access that) it was all just super easy. Of course, I must remind you to drink responsibly etc etc, or take a driver and relax.

    The food is hearty with good sized portions, the atmosphere authentic (not that I’ve been to Bodrum City, but I can only hope it was as lovely as the restaurant and surrounding area) and the location was super easy to get to. Find them in the upper Atrium area on the top floor of Westfield Newmarket and take friends! It’s a good place to share platters, enjoy the flavours and create great memories.

    Cardamon and Orange Brulee Recipe

    Chef Kevin Blakeman
    -
    0
    Cardamon and Orange Brulee Recipe

    Cardamon and Orange Brulee Recipe

    Looking for something simple, but a little bit fancy to finish your dinner? This Cardamon and Orange Brulee Recipe is sure to impress!

    Ingredients

    • 700ml Cream
    • 150g Sugar
    • 1 Vanilla pods
    • 3 Large Egg yolks
    • 20g Cardamon pods deseeded
    • 1 Orange

    Method

    1. Preheat an oven to 155°C

    2. Deseed the vanilla pod and set seeds aside.

    3. Boil the cream with the emptied vanilla pod, and once boiling switch off.

    4. Meanwhile cream the sugar and egg yolks together along with the vanilla seeds and cardomon seeds.

    5. Strain the cream.

    6. When the cream has cooled for 10 minutes add half of the cream to the yolk and sugar mix. Mix.

    7. Add the rest of the cream and then orange zest and juice.

    8. Fill ramekins up to the first line. (Just below the rim)

    9. Put the ramekins in a deep tray and fill the tray with boiling water so it reaches half way up the ramekins. (You may want to do this at the oven!)

    10. Cover the tray with tin foil.

    11. Bake for 35-45 minutes.

    12. Check after 20 minutes and then every 5-10 minutes after that. Trying not to let the oven cool down to much.

    13. Remove from the oven and allow it to sit out of the fridge in the tin foil for 10 minutes.

    14. Don’t worry if they are not completely set they will set when cooling.

    15. Remove tin foil but not the water and cool in the fridge.

    When you are ready to serve do so with sugar and a blowtorch at hand!

    Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

    Chef Kevin Blakeman
    -
    0
    Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

    Cauliflower cheese

    Here’s my Chef’s secret recipe for a family favourite: Cauliflower Cheese!

    Ingredients

    Preparation method

    Preheat your oven to 190C

    Chop cauliflower into florets and put into boiling salted water until just tender. (stick fork or knife through) 

    Drain thoroughly.

    For the sauce – Melt the butter and stir in the flour. Slowly add warmed milk whisking all the time.

    When all the milk is added and it is hot again add the mustard and melt in the cheese.

    Season.

    Put the cauliflower into a dish and cover with sauce.

    Add extra cheese and bake until the top cheese is golden.

    Creating The Perfect Dinner Party

    Chef Kevin Blakeman
    -
    0
    Creating The Perfect Dinner Party

    Creating The Perfect Dinner Party

    I’m Kevin Blakeman, a private chef so it might seem strange sharing tips on how to create the perfect dinner party, however I want you to have the best experience possible!

    You’re having a dinner party…. you’re getting stressed with the pressure of the occasion…..you’re slaving away in the kitchen while constantly worrying about cleaning the house……It’s a lot to deal with as you panic wondering: ‘Have I got this? Have I got that?’

    My advice? Don’t stress!

    woman comparing information in notebook and carton box
    Photo by Liza Summer on Pexels.com

    Step 1: Make a list

    Firstly: the golden rule is make a list….For everything! I imagine here in Millwater there are a lot of housewarming dinners at the moment, and now that everyone is starting to go out and socialise, the pressure to be the host or hostess with the ‘mostess’ is ON, so if you make a few simple lists you can’t go wrong!

    Most people just focus on the food they’re going to serve, however here’s a tip from me: Remember to list all the table settings, equipment and other party bits you need too. Don’t forget the drinks – both alcoholic and non!

    Design your menu

    When it comes to designing your menu, include items that can be made the day before. As an example, pork belly can be slowly braised then pressed overnight to get that real ‘restaurant look’ and then simply roasted just before eating. Try it. You’ll thank me later.

    Pro tip: When it comes to your food, often something that is overlooked is writing and printing menus. It elevates your event and your menu to look just that little bit more stylish by having something printed and placed at each table setting.

    chef kevin blakeman canapes

    Prepare your ingredients

    Make a list of all your ingredients, when each recipe should be prepared and limit the amount of items that need to be cooked during the dinner. A cold starter is also highly advisable.

    Prepare your event plan

    I cannot stress enough how important planning is, so I’m saying it again: list the rest of your preparations, write a timeline for yourself and ensure you have a clear list of when you’re going to the shops, what you need, what needs to be cleaned, what needs to be prepared etc.

    This will also stop you over spending and over stressing as well!

    Open Strong: impress with canapés

    If you think about all those times you’ve been to a wedding, you’ll recall 2 things: 1. What the bride wore and 2. THE FOOD.

    Start as you mean to go on and open strong to create impact with your event. Rather than mundane chips and dip why not attack some simple canapés like the ones listed on the menu above? You can do it and these can be prepared in advance, reducing your stress and allowing you to mix and mingle with food in your hand.

    I have these and many more canapé and dinner party recipes coming your way, so follow me on Facebook or here on Guide To Better Living to ensure you grab those recipes for yourself!

    Finally

    If you can’t keep calm and carry on despite all the lists and pointers then yes, hire a chef! Speaking for myself I come, I cook, clean and even design your menu for you and you just sit and relax!

    Check out my website: www.chefkevinblakeman.com or click the button below to get in touch.

    Get in touch with Chef Kevin Blakeman

    Restaurant Review: Morell Bar & Bistro

    Monique Bradley
    -
    0
    Restaurant Review: Morell Bar & Bistro

    Restaurant Review: Morell Bar & Bistro

    If you’re looking for something a little bit fancy without the pretence, Morell Bar & Bistro is an exquisite hidden gem, quietly nestled into the inner sanctum of Remuera’s Upland Road.

    Hosted by husband and wife superstars, Daniel and Sarah Morini, the venue, the decor and vibe are a perfect reflection of the duo, showcasing Sarah’s vibrancy and love of people, with Daniels’ exquisite dance of flavours, textures and culinary experience.

    Daniel and Sarah Morini

    From the moment you step inside, the greeting is brilliantly warm, with a team of eloquent, knowledgeable and passionate foodies manning the floor. You’re treated like one of the locals and it was no surprise that even on a ‘school night’, the place was packed. It’s what you would expect from your local eatery – the place where everyone knows your name…..But this is no average ‘bar’ or local restaurant.

    Tuna sashimi with crispy squid ink tapioca wafers, wasabi mayo, sesame dressing

    For fish and seafood lovers, you’re in for a treat. Fresh caught snapper, cockles, scallops and even whitebait fritters filled the menu, bringing joy to many of our companion diners at other tables. The crayfish ravioli is a family sized starter with a chive butter sauce and truffle salt, and was literally an emotional experience.

    morell bar and bistro
    Grass-fed eye fillet, parsnip puree, mushroom agliata, tarragon succo, snowpeas

    Being classic meat eaters, we opted for the lamb rump and the eye fillet and both declared that if we never ate another meal, we could rest happy. It was spiritual, perfectly delivered and was accompanied with a symphony of exquisite flavours that danced around our palates.

    All ‘bougie’ food writer descriptions aside, it was damn good. So good in fact that there were many times when my companion and I were speechless. That’s a big deal.

    Whether your roll up in your jandals or your Versace, this is the place for everyone. A little bit fancy with none of the pretence: just good people and great food.

    This place has to be experienced to be believed.

    Morell Bar & Bistro

    [email protected]

    91 – 95 Upland Road

    Remuera, Auckland

    (09) 600 3259

    Guide To Better Living Episode 11

    Monique Bradley
    -
    0
    Guide To Better Living Episode 11

    Guide To Better Living Episode 11: Food hacks, mortgage advice, hot tubs, food and wine!

    Looking for a little food, mortgage or lifestyle inspiration? Then this episode is exactly what you need!

    In this episode we learn some amazing food hacks from Chef Simon Gault.

    Click here to watch Simon Gault

    We chat with Rachael Thompson – the Smarter Mortgage Lady – on how she’s helping first home buyers get into their own homes.

    Click here to watch Rachael

    We get the insights on how to transform your backyard with Charles George from Colonial Hottubs.

    Click here to learn more about Colonial Hottubs

    We check out an amazing Waiheke Island Wine Tour with Ananda Tours.

    Click here to learn more about Ananda Tours

    Finally we take a look at Gerome Restaurant in Parnell.

    Click here to learn more about Gerome Restaurant

    Smartlife Home Automation: Helping People Live Better

    Monique Bradley
    -
    0
    Smartlife Home Automation: Helping People Live Better

    Smartlife Home Automation: Helping People Live Better

    There comes a time in all of our lives where we need to consider how to keep the older members of our families living as independently as possible, for longer, while keeping them safe. 

    Thankfully, pioneering company Smartlife care have launched their customized smart home technology solutions. Check out this inteview with Smartlife CEO, Rob Wilcox.

    Watch the interview below

    New Zealand owned and operated Smartlife is launching a solution for aged care, improving the lives of dementia patients using smart technology through Smartlife Care. 

    Smartlife Care Subscriptions

    Smartlife announced the official launch of the Smartlife Care subscription service, aimed at families caring for elderly members who are still living independently but need extra support. This solution includes a set of features that would allow family members to keep an eye on older parents and other loved ones — with their permission — and could be altered to certain activities, like if the family member had called out for help, for example. 

    This is a more privacy-conscious way of monitoring someone, without using intrusive technologies or revealing exactly what they are doing. For example, the caregiver can see there was an interaction but not what it was specifically. Another feature is that Care Solution can alert a caregiver if there has been no activity by a certain time, so they can know to check-in. 

    Smartlife Care: helping people live independently for longer

    The subscription service is offering an expansive three-month free trial to allow customers to determine if the solution is a good fit for them. In the future, Smartlife says it will roll out the ability for Care Solution to detect the fall, support multiple caregivers, including family, friends and even neighbours, among other features. 

    Smartlife Founder & CEO Rob Wilcox was determined to find a solution that allowed for both independence and security. Smartlife Care’s ageing-in-place passive monitoring offers both, providing families and carers with notifications and in-app communications for peace of mind. 

    “I knew that this technology could have a significant impact on society and, in particular, the aged care sector. My mother has dementia and so I can empathise with New Zealanders struggling to find the right solution – for themselves and their loved ones,” says Rob Wilcox. 

    “Smartlife Care can help you look after those you love with an intelligent and comprehensive solution. We connect to the widest range of smart devices in the market and our software platform provides unique technologies to support elderly people and their families.” 

    A customised solution for your loved ones

    This customised smart home technology helps families ensure their loved ones are taken care of while also helping them stay in their own home, for longer. Family and friends can be connected to the Smartlife Care technology that provides a safe, private environment and enhances independent living. 

    Smartlife Care provides passive monitoring services, panic buttons or sensors as well as the ability to remotely assist with lighting, entertainment control, heating and more. Smart security options include cameras, door locks, alarms and sensors. It can also be integrated into Amazon Alexa as a means to call for help and provide voice control for your lights, front door, music, TV and much more. 

    Users also have a range of other solutions through the app, from help mode, controlling the garage door to schedules for TV, lighting, smoke detection as well as cooling and heating. 

    Smartlife Care: keeping people connected

    “The pandemic has changed the world in which we live. Seeing our friends and families is not as easy – whether it’s closed borders, isolation period or fear of passing on a form of the coronavirus. Smartlife Care is designed with safety, monitoring and convenience in mind – providing peace of mind for yourself or your loved one who needs that little extra care,” says Wilcox. 

    Equipping an entire home with smart devices enabled by artificial intelligence, both from Smartlife Care and others, can cost less than one year of in-home care or one month in a care home. Combined with significant advances in telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, the smart home could become a crucial part of how we look after our elderly loved ones today and, one day, ourselves. 

    Click here to find out more about Smartlife Care

    Should your cat stay inside?

    Monique Bradley
    -
    0
    Should your cat stay inside?

    Should Cats Stay Inside? With Anne Batley Burton

    Have you got a cat? Are you concerned as to whether it should stay inside or be left free to roam outdoors? In this interview Anne Batley Burton (Real Housewives Of Auckland) the founder of The NZ Cat Foundation shares some wisdom on how you can best look after the wellbeing of your cat.

    What is the NZ Cat Foundation?

    There are so many unwanted and abandoned cats and kittens in our Community and it’s the aim of the NZCF to de-sex all community/stray cats.

    It is their hope that one day all cats are cared for in a loving home. Education of the community, particularly the young is paramount, with regard to its responsibility and care of its cats. This issue is not a “Cat Problem” but a “People Problem”.

    The NZCF offers a sanctuary to unwanted stray cats in a protected environment where all their needs are met in an indoor/outdoor environment.

    Importantly they practice T-TNR in areas where there are stray cats. This involves many nights of trapping by their volunteers, vet visits where they are health checked, de-sexed, vaccinated, treated if necessary and microchipped. Where ever possible these cats and all kittens are re-homed.

    However, for those who are too timid they return them from whence they came, as long as the property owner agrees, and they set up a feeding station with volunteers to feed them.

    If not, the NZCF takes them into their beautiful purpose built sanctuary, affectionately known as “The Pussy Palace” which has predator proof fencing and is situated in a rural environment set in the midst of an olive grove where they can enjoy both indoor and outdoor living.

    Help the helpless

    The NZCF receives many calls for help daily. Cats behind shops, factories, under an old villa. A vet phoning because the children want to put down a healthy cat when their mum goes into a retirement home! The police – a woman in women’s refuge leaving mum cat with 4 kittens, a landlord threatening to bring in pest control because his tenants were feeding homeless cats. The list goes on and on.

    The sanctuary is now home to more than 200 stray, elderly or unwanted cats and they need your help! Not only are they helping these poor defenceless cats, but they are doing a community service which benefits everyone. To donate, head to their website.

    Visit The NZ Cat Foundation Website Here

    If you have a cat, should you get a companion pet?

    Monique Bradley
    -
    0
    If you have a cat, should you get a companion pet?

    If you have a cat, should you get a companion pet? With Anne Batley Burton

    If you already have a cat, is it a good idea to get a companion pet, like a puppy? In this video from animal welfare expert Anne Batley Burton (Real Housewives Of Auckland), creator of the NZ Cat Foundation shares her thoughts on companion pets.

    What is the NZ Cat Foundation?

    There are so many unwanted and abandoned cats and kittens in our Community and it’s the aim of the NZCF to de-sex all community/stray cats.

    It is their hope that one day all cats are cared for in a loving home. Education of the community, particularly the young is paramount, with regard to its responsibility and care of its cats. This issue is not a “Cat Problem” but a “People Problem”.

    The NZCF offers a sanctuary to unwanted stray cats in a protected environment where all their needs are met in an indoor/outdoor environment.

    Importantly they practice T-TNR in areas where there are stray cats. This involves many nights of trapping by their volunteers, vet visits where they are health checked, de-sexed, vaccinated, treated if necessary and microchipped. Where ever possible these cats and all kittens are re-homed.

    However, for those who are too timid they return them from whence they came, as long as the property owner agrees, and they set up a feeding station with volunteers to feed them.

    If not, the NZCF takes them into their beautiful purpose built sanctuary, affectionately known as “The Pussy Palace” which has predator proof fencing and is situated in a rural environment set in the midst of an olive grove where they can enjoy both indoor and outdoor living.

    Help the helpless

    The NZCF receives many calls for help daily. Cats behind shops, factories, under an old villa. A vet phoning because the children want to put down a healthy cat when their mum goes into a retirement home! The police – a woman in women’s refuge leaving mum cat with 4 kittens, a landlord threatening to bring in pest control because his tenants were feeding homeless cats. The list goes on and on.

    The sanctuary is now home to more than 200 stray, elderly or unwanted cats and they need your help! Not only are they helping these poor defenceless cats, but they are doing a community service which benefits everyone. To donate, head to their website:

    Visit the NZ Cat Foundation Here

    Understanding Non Verbal Communication With Elizabeth Herr

    Monique Bradley
    -
    0
    Understanding Non Verbal Communication With Elizabeth Herr

    Understanding Non Verbal Communication With Elizabeth Herr from The People Toolbox

    Do you want to make a great impression during a presentation, meeting, job interview, or your next networking event?

    Do you struggle to confidently present the most authentic and best version of yourself to the world?​

    Are you ready to recreate your identity and empower yourself to step up as a leader or entrepreneur?

    Meet Non Verbal Communication Expert, Elizabeth Herr

    Elizabeth Herr is a Speaker, Trainer and Author and is a specialist in non-verbal communication and human behaviour. She empowers people to define their identity, communicate with confidence, and look for the signs and signals to create win/win solutions in all areas of our lives: from the workplace, through to your business and your sales process, and even in their home!

    We recently interviewed Elizabeth for Guide To Better Living and she shared some AMAZING insights into how we perceive the world and the impact of how we show up.

    Watch the interview below.

    She does this by teaching some of the most powerful communications tools in existence, enabling anyone to communicate more deeply and more authentically.

    “When you come across as confident, you come across as more competent which helps build trust, credibility and better interpersonal connection and relationships.”

    Reinventing workplace culture and communication

    Miscommunications are common in the workplace so Elizabeth teaches leaders and their teams the fundamentals of open communication, based on scientific principles that incorporate both human behaviour and tried and tested strategies to bring enhance interpersonal relationships and increase productivity.

    Rediscovering your identity and personal empowerment

    For many women, solopreneurs, mumpreneurs or entrepreneurs, it’s easy to lose yourself and your identity. In her ‘Reinventing YOU’ workshops, Elizabeth helps you find your authentic empowered self, teaches you tools for better communication in your home and your business, while incorporating strategies for success and empowered self-management.

    Empowering teens to become great adults

    For most parents, communicating with teenagers can be a challenge, especially when your teen is working to try and understand themselves and where they fit in the world. In these workshops, Elizabeth helps teens uncover their greatness while enabling parents support their teens into creating empowered and autonomous personal and professional lives!

    To learn more about the tools in Elizabeths’ Toolbox, check out her website

    Visit The People Toolbox Website here

    Demystifying Wellness With Nutritionist Sean Robertson, 4 Wheels Of Health

    Monique Bradley
    -
    0
    Demystifying Wellness With Nutritionist Sean Robertson, 4 Wheels Of Health

    Demystifying Wellness With Nutritionist Sean Robertson, 4 Wheels Of Health

    Have you been struggling with your energy levels, your weight, your sleep or your general wellbeing? To help demystify what may be happening for you, co-creator of the 4 wheels of health, health Program Sean Robertson recently joined us in the studio.

    Sean, a Metabolic Nutritionist, Epigenetic coach, Personal Trainer, and all round Health Guru shared his insights and wisdom around common health symptoms that many people ‘brush off’ as being normal: fatigue, brain fog, bloating and stomach issues. Are they normal? Turns out the answer is NO.

    Watch the video below.

    Inspired by his experiences in the health field to bring about positive change for those who seek it, Sean is a motivated young man on a mission to improve the well being of all New Zealanders and works as the ‘sciencey’ health educator and support throughout the 4 Wheels of Health program.

    What is 4 Wheels of Health?

    The 4 Wheels of Health health program is a science-based 4-week health education course, with emphasis on community and heart. Co-created by Chef Simon Gault and Sean, they combined their drive and passion to create the program in view to creating a healthier New Zealand.

    Sean says: “Coming from a love of science throughout school and natural enthusiasm for seeking answers, I was lead into Biochemistry in University. Realising I didn’t want to be stuck in a lab everyday and I wanted to do something practical, I got into the science of Nutrition and Exercise instead. By the end of my degree, it was clear that what we were being taught was ruining our health. The science didn’t match the education. Now I’m taking the real science of health directly to the people, not the rusty nutrition I was taught, but the newest research in the health field.”

    The best part about it is, it works.

    Participants receive the 4 Wheels of Health framework which acts as a reference and go-to guide about sensible and thoroughly enjoyable Nutrition, Gut Health, Sleep, and Timed Eating. These are a simple to follow set of guidelines which includes an assortment of delicious recipes to get you started.

    The guide is supplemented by live videos, tips and tricks, education, and support within their Facebook group. This is where they share experiences, struggles, successes, offer motivational support, and get participants enthusiastically involved with this innovative new sensible health-oriented movement!

    Click here to find out more about the 4 Wheels Of Health
    1234...16Page 3 of 16

    Advertisement

    Food & Drink

    Shopping

    Wellness

    Low Carb Recipes

    STAY IN TOUCH!

    Contact us