When you use the best organic fruit and veg, you want to get the most out of it- nothing should go to waste!

There are so many ways to use leftover fruits, vegetables and nuts; and not all of them how you'd expect.

Play with these suggestions- don't be afraid to experiment in the kitchen!

So many of my clients are scared to make mistakes when they cook- so I remind them that there are no mistakes- just lessons on what NOT to do again. Worst case, you throw it out and try something different! 

What are your fave ways to use leftovers? Share your ideas at the bottom of the page! We'd all love to know!

1: I love making extra roasted vegies, and then blending them with a can of chickpeas, some tahini, garlic and lemon: bam! Roasted veg hommus.

2: Same as above- except use kidney beans instead of chickpeas- perfect quesadilla filling.

3: You know stewed apples? Make extra, and pop them in ice cube trays. Then you can pop them out and store in them in freezer bags, ready to add to your winter porridge, or even some non-dairy ice cream.

4: Buy bulk saucing tomatoes. Make a homemade passata (there is a recipe here- scroll down) and freeze what you don't need in ice cube trays. Again, pop them out and store in freezer bags. Perfect to add to a pasta or curry. Ditto if you make a bulk amount of curry pastes (Thai/Indian etc) and even just sautéed onions and garlic.

5: Make leftover vegies into a burrito- add coriander and lime infused rice, some salsa, and wrap it!

6: Pop all of your leftover vegies into a pie dish, top with a delicious tomato based sauce, add cooked brown lentils, spoon mashed sweet potato on the top; Vegie Head Vegetable Pie!

7: Or use the same vegies, extra passata cubes or a can of tomatoes, curry paste- get it INDIA ya! (get it?)

8: I use the WHOLE brocolli- stem and all. The stem holds so much goodness- nutrients galore! I either add it to a stir fry or a soup, or blanch it for the puppies to eat.
 
9: Make soup. Use everything (well, pretty much everything you have)- think roasted pumpkin, potato, carrot and onion, add peas, beans, broccoli, tomatoes-canned/fresh or even pasta sauce, water, season and serve!

10: Make my fave Ribollita soup!

11: When you juice and have tonnes of pulp:
-Carrot; simple, add to muffins and cakes. It makes your baked goods moist and a pretty colour. 
-Mixed pulp- add some almond meal, spices, and dehydrate or bake on a low temp- crackers!

12: For almond/nut meal:
-After I have made my own Almond milk, I use some for a body scrub (add coconut oil and essential oils of your choice)
-Use some in smoothies and freeze the rest for a later date
-Charlie and Hank like it mixed through their vegies
-Dehydrate it at a low temp and use it in baking
-I use it to make any sort of superfood ball I'm in the mood for 

13: Shred and/or grate any vegies that are on the 'uglier' side, and turn them into mash, with sweet potato/pumpkin.

14: Or add them to cooked quinoa and make this bake!

And here are some of YOUR ideas! 

15: "I use left over carrot pulp to make raw falafel balls.....then make a yummy tahini dressing" - Vanessa

16: "Any left over fruit (and some veggies) I will throw in smoothies. If the veggies are on their way out and I'm not planning to serve them that day, I will blend them up in my Vitamix and pop it in ice cube trays to save it as veggie stock in soups, casseroles etc. Same with fruit, only I keep it for smoothies." - Milica

17: "I make a mean Vegan Bolognese, yep converted from our special family recipe. But I only know how to make it in massive family size batches (which is fine by me of course!). With some of the leftovers I like to make some pies and freeze them for a rainy day." -  Trent

18: "Add pumpkin soup, or any soup for that matter to pasta (healthy variety of course!) or homemade gnocchi! Top with cheezy sauce or nutritional yeast and bake in the oven.. you could even add some chickpeas, mushrooms, etc. Yum!" - Holly

19: "I make pizza with my leftover chilli black bean posole. Homemade base, baby spinach layer then vegan cheese sprinkled or dolops of toffiti soy cream cheese and baked in the oven. Tastes great" - Carolyn
 
20: "I do this with my leftovers!!! http://kidtestedfirefighterapproved.com/2013/03/17/leftovers-lasagna-with-veggie-pasta/" April

21: "My son in law used some almond pulp I gave him in his Chick pea patties. My daughter said they were delicious!" - Deborah (could work in these Sesame Bean Burgers!)

22: And this, donated kindly from Leigh-Ann, owner of Enthralling Beauty:

Have juicer, will glow…

There are many things you can use juice pulp for in the kitchen, but you can also utilise its benefits in the bathroom too. Juicing can give your skin a beautiful healthy glow, whether reaping its beautifying properties for within or without.

By combining your pulp with plain, natural yogurt, here’s a few simple ways you can use your juice pulp to assist you in attaining beautiful, healthy skin -

Cucumber pulp

Rich in natural silica.  Simply add one teaspoon of pulp to two tablespoons of plain, natural yoghurt to soothe irritated, dry, or wind burnt skin.

Apple pulp

Rich in malic acid; a natural alpha hydroxy acid. Simply add one teaspoon of pulp to two tablespoons of plain, natural yoghurt to gently exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells and giving the skin a beautiful, healthy glow.

Orange pulp

Rich in natural Vitamin C. Simply add one teaspoon of pulp to two tablespoons of plain, natural yoghurt to gently exfoliate, renew the skin, reduce excess oil, and help lighten the appearance of scars and/or pigmentation.

This pulp can also be used to rub directly onto nails to help whiten them.

Watermelon pulp

Rich in Vitamins A, C and B. Simply add 1 teaspoon of pulp to two tablespoons of plain, natural yoghurt to beautifully hydrate and freshen the skin.

Kiwi fruit pulp

Rich in natural Vitamin C. Simply add one teaspoon of pulp to two tablespoons of plain, natural yoghurt to gently exfoliate the skin, reduce excess oil, and help reduce the appearance of pigmentation.

Carrot pulp

Rich in natural Vitamin A and antioxidants. Simply add 1 teaspoon of pulp to two tablespoons of plain, natural yoghurt to renew and rejuvenate the skin, and help reduce the appearance of pigmentation.

Parsley pulp

Rich in Vitamins A, C and K. Simply add 1 teaspoon of pulp to two tablespoons of plain, natural yoghurt to help clear congestion, reduce the appearance of redness or visible capillaries, and gently exfoliate the skin.

APPLICATION-

Apply to cleansed, dry skin, avoiding your eyes and lips.

Relax and allow your pulp mask to feed your skin for 10 to 15 minutes. If lying down to rest, lay a small towel down to avoid any drips or runs. Do not leave mask on longer than suggested time.

 After 10 to 15 minutes, remove with tepid water and a gentle cloth.

Always follow with a toner, moisturiser and eye cream.

Masks can be used weekly.

PLEASE NOTE

·       Always patch test any mask prior to use to ensure no skin sensitivity or allergies.
·       The information contained above should not replace consultation or advice from a qualified health or     skincare professional.
·       Do not use any mask on broken skin.
·       As you are making each mask fresh, use immediately, and discard any left-over.
·       Coconut yoghurt was used in all suggestions provided, but no particular type or brand is recommended.

Don't forget to share this if you know someone who would love some ideas of what to do with their leftovers!

Have fun in the kitchen!

 VH <3 

In the interest of being completely transparent about who I am and what I do, I wanted to share this little exercise with you!

I've done something similar in the past, but it's time again!

Here is 20 things you don't know about me....

8: I started working in nursing homes and aged care facilities when I was 16 as a personal carer, and I learnt to speak and read fluent Italian there (Don't ask me now though, ora è troppo difficile!). I loved working there and have such a soft spot for the elderly.

9: On that note, wiping bums and washing saggy body parts don't bother me, and never has. I don't get grossed out by anything- I have a super strong stomach. The only thing that really bothers me now is to watch people be operated on - ever since my operation I just can't stand it.

10: I am probably very hard to live with most of the time. I like my space, and when I am on a mission, watch out. They don't call me 'Hurricane Delzie' in my family for nothing. I will go on a rant, needing the house spotless THIS SECOND but can then neglect doing the washing for two weeks as it's down the bottom of my priority list. Sorry Paul! I also put the business first (something I'm balancing out now) so will go for days without really connecting with my poor husband (again, working on it). Bless him, he's so good for me.

11: I was really uncool when I was younger. I was a nerd, read lots of books, and did things differently than most other kids (they all worked at Maccas- I was already in the nursing home by then!) I wore glasses (totally cool now, but when I was younger, braces were the cool thing!) and didn't have my first boyfriend until I was 18. I remember being in year 7, and this boy who had a bit of a crush on me 'asked me out' and then I was too shy to even talk to him. He held my hand near the cricket nets and I was so embarrassed I sat there with my hair covering my face the whole time. He reads the news for Channel 7 now! Hi!

12: Speaking of being uncool, I used to love Hanson. The band with the guys that looked like girls? Yeah. They were the 1997 version of One Direction. Don't judge me.

13: I have 2 books that I swore black and blue I returned to my local library, only to find them a few years later when I moved out of home. The freaking late fees would have covered the cost of the books (plus some) so I decided to keep them. 

14: Until I was five, I used to hide behind the couch and poop in my undies. Yes, you heard it here first. Mum and dad have it on video- I would pull this face, like I was REALLY concentrating, and let it out. Classy Adele. So classy.

15: I lived in Germany with my mum and dad when I was a little baby, and there is photo of mum and I at the airport which I just love- she had this cute little red hat on. She was so young- I don't think I could ever be as brave as she was.

16: When I was 7, dad told us that we were going to have a little brother or sister. Well, did I crack the shits!
I didn't want to share a room with a girl. I didn't want to have a sister or brother to take the attention away from me! So when I was 7 and Scottie was 5 (that's us below with Dad) we plotted to 'flush him down the toilet' and still have the 'plan' at mum and dads. Lucky we didn't, as I love Andrew (or Boogie, as we've always called him) to death. <3 P.S Scottie, this is photo where you look like an alien lollipop.

17: I got my first tattoo when I was 16. It's on my hip and is a tribal style unicorn. I still love it. I now have 6 and just love them- I love them on anyone! I also had a nose ring, 9 piercings, and started colouring my hair when I was 15. 10 years later, the piercings were all gone (I don't even wear earrings much anymore), as was the hair dye. 

18: I've always wanted to be on TV, and I used to practice my news reading voice (which is pretty bloody good if you ask me!)

19: I hardly sleep. I like sleeping in the mornings, and struggle to wake up, but I go to bed really, really late each night. I think I was an owl in one of my past lives.

20: We've always had animals around us. We grew up with chickens as pets. This is Boogie with our favourite bantam, Ginger. She was so sweet, and would sit on your shoulder and peck your face. Dad would find stray dogs on the road and bring them home, then we would all get so upset when we had to take them back to their owners. We had a peacock in our backyard once, a sugar glider who was blind (my dad rescued her and looked after her for two years until she died), and mum and dad also had a wombat, a wallaby and so many dogs. We are a family of animal lovers!

Well, there are 20 things you (probably) didn't know about me!! 

I hope you had a bit of a giggle, and remembered things that you used to do when you were younger. Don't cringe too much, they make for great blogs! <3 
 xxxx

I just want you to know, that I have felt your pain before.

I have felt your indescribable feelings, your numbness, your lack of direction and your fear.

I have been you.

I have rolled over in the mornings, not wanting to get out of bed and do the mundane 9 to 5.

Sick of dealing with people who don't inspire me.

I have sat in meetings, bored to tears, my foot jiggling, my hands twitching, dying to get out.

I have felt like a bird with her wings clipped, a dog without a tail, a fish out of water.

I have been there.

So low the sun couldn't reach me. Wanting to hide away forever.

Regretting things I'd said and done.

Regretting old jobs, thinking what a waste of time it all was.

Angry at old loves, for treating me how they did. How could they?!

Holding onto grudges 100 years and 100 lifetimes old. Thinking the worst about every situation and every person I met.

Filled with judgement, anger, disbelief that MY life was SO AWFUL!

How could life fail me so?


How could this have happened to ME??

Why am I the only person in the World that feels this way- everyone around me has got it together!

A major disconnect in all areas of my life.

Now I didn't feel like this consistently (and if you do feel serious depression or anger, I urge you to speak to a person you trust, a medical professional or counsellor) but it was this dull ache in my soul, that surged through my body, pulsating with every ebb and flow of my heart, filtering out to every part of my being.

It was the old 'fork in the road'.

That fucking fork in the road.

It has caused people distress, heartache, discontentment and unfulfillment ever since someone stole the sign pointing in the right direction.

People stand at that fork- to the left; 'The Safe Option'.

This is where we are led to believe we should walk.

A boring, safe 9-5 job, surrounded by familiar faces, a mortgage hanging over your head, bills appearing every month, 2.5 children (I never understood the .5 part!), with the inevitable mid-life 'crisis' (which isn't a crisis at all, it's just you have woken up to see what you should have been doing all along..). 

This is 'normal'. 

Or to the right; an overgrown tunnel of bushes and vines, no path visible. 'The Road Less Travelled'.

This path- while it may look scary, dark and uninviting is actually perfect.

This is where you are right now. If you are reading this, chances are, you are standing at the crossroads in your life. 

You may be 18, 24, 35, 56, or 99.

It doesn't matter.

That path is a tad overwhelming if you have never walked it before.

Believe me, I know. 

I have been down that path.

It is scary!

But it's also wonderful, exciting, and filled with adventures and people (natives walking along this path as well) that you have never even dreamed of.

And when you are on the path Vegies, amazing things happen. 

Things that don't happen on the other path.

That path is fine for some- in fact, most people will choose it because they believe they have no other option.

But not you.


No, not you at all.

There is something in store for you, and it is bigger than what you have ever believed.

I know! I am here!! I am walking this path- and I'm almost through those bushes myself- about to embark on a new journey!

I am here.

I hear you.

You are not alone in this World, in this life.

Cry if you need. Sob.

Close your eyes and scream at the sky.

Then open your eyes and listen hard.

This is simple. 

This is YOUR LIFE.

And if you want someone to walk down the path with you, here I am.

I'm waiting for you.

I can see you standing there at that fork- don't be scared or confused.

We can sort anything out.

I have been working with a number of women over the last few weeks- guiding them, mentoring them and helping them realise that there is more to their lives than they think.

The joy and pleasure I have gotten from helping these incredible souls realise their full potential has been the most fulfilment I've had in a long time.

We talk, we breakthrough old beliefs and emerge, empowered in ourselves and our abilities.

I use my intuition to guide us to do whatever needs to be done.

And you should hear what these women are up to (and next week, my first man!).

I am opening up my doors, and taking in some more clients.

We are having a blast.

Know that nothing you tell me isn't anything I haven't been through myself.

Know there is no judgement here- never has been and never will be.

Work with me one on one, and you won't have to navigate that path alone.

I have the compass.

email adele@vegiehead.com for more info 

xxx

I have written many times about my journey with meditation, and every thing that is presenting itself to me lately has meditation as a theme within it.

My journey with meditation has been a volatile one- years ago I dabbled, tried to strengthen my meditation muscles, but just couldn't focus.

So when stress became an overwhelming factor in my life I made a radical decision. That I would meditate daily, no matter where I was or what i was doing; it would become a non-negotiable just like brushing my teeth or cleansing my skin.

And what a journey it has been.

My dear meditation teach Sara and I attended a Shamanic Healing Circle on the weekend, hosted by Beata Alfoldi, from Wild Heart Awakening. I had been looking forward to it all month, unsure of what it was, what it meant and what would come of it. There are some parts of my experience that I am compelled to share with you, and others that are so private that I just cannot. Needless to say, it was certainly a life changing day.

Beata started off the day with her background and journey- in her journey I heard my own. In her pain I felt hers. And in her joy I rejoiced mine.

She read this to the Healing Circle, and it was absolutely perfect;

As humans (and especially women) we tend to only show our 'highlight reel', something I have mentioned a number of times. We are then susceptible to Comparisonitis. We ignore the 'dark night of the soul', our deepest and darkest fears and emotions, such as anger, pain, jealousy, hatred, sadness.....yet acknowledging and releasing these feelings is integral to becoming stronger; letting them go and moving forward. 

As Jeff mentions above, "I am interested in 'enrealment'..", meaning that being REAL, authentic, and stepping up in your life are things that will and should rise above all others.

When I shared the story of my ectopic pregnancy, it was only then that I could move forward, release the pain and open myself up to a greater life and experience.

When Beata took us into our healing journey, we used a rock (I used a citrine crystal) and performed an ancient ritual, drawing out all of the dark, black, icky, sticky, feelings; and mine were all centered around my operation. 

It was releasing; sadness, anger and pain were absorbed into my crystal. My hand knew where to place it and what to do instinctively. 

It was a beautiful closure, the ending of a very long and painful chapter of losing people I loved, dealing with death and fear, learning from my mistakes and coming into my own power and potential. Closing that chapter has been a long and often painful process. But this just felt right.

The day moved on, meditations, rituals and sharing.

The women all had incredible experiences; some filled with pain and trouble, others with happiness and joy. We listened, acknowledged, shared. 

Whatever came up, came up. If we cried (I openly had a big teary) then it just happened. No one judged. It was just meant to be.

Beata then took us on our Shamanic Journey. Where mine began I cannot say; as the journey to the Lower World is a very private one and the entrance there is mine, and mine alone. We have access to three Worlds- the lower, middle and upper. The Lower World in Shamanic healing is where we go to meet power animal spirit guides/totems, the Middle is the realm where we reside now (in one way or another), and the Upper World is where our spirit guides/angels/divine are. 

We all have access to them, but have just forgotten where to go.

This is where the Shamanic healing comes in.

My journey bought me to the desert; and the 'me' I am talking about would have been a projection of a number of my different lifetimes; at least this is my belief. I was a warrior. Tall and powerful, strong and cunning. In the desert I ran, feeling intense fear of 'I'm not meant to be here'. Looking around, feeling the anxiety bubble up inside of me, looking for cover and running from invisible dangers.

Through a small village with a bon fire burning. I ran.

The drums were beating, steady and loud, 'boom, boom, boom, boom' ; the beating of my heart, my soul, the collective energy and spirit, the heartbeat of Mother Earth. 

It propelled me forward into the woods. Dark and damp, I kept running. 

Light filtered through the canopy above and the temperature was dropping. I heard noises; owls hooting, big cats growling, birds singing, yet no animal presented themselves.

Then it was silent. I dropped into the snow.

The arctic perhaps?

All white, as far as I could see- frozen water and peaks.

Then she came out to present herself.

All white, beautiful fur, strong limbs and ears alert- an Arctic Wolf.

I asked her; 'Are you my power animal? Are you my spirit guide?'

And she looked at me, and motioned that I follow her.

We ran, the drums still beating, my blood pumping and pulsing, heartbeat, soul, spirit all connected. 

The drums got louder and louder.

We ran up a rock face and entered into a small cave.

There was light in the cave; and I was so cold wearing only warrior clothing- and she knew that.

She told me (I don't know how- all I know is that our minds were connected and I understood her) to lay down with her cubs and her mate to keep warm. They engulfed me, and folded into my body, then we became one.

All six of them- her tribe, her family, morphed into me.

We left the cave, running. The drums were changing pace and I knew it was time to leave her. And as I write this I am sad that I had to go. I didn't want to leave her behind.

But I had to go home.

I said goodbye, and that I would see her again soon- and as I reached down to hold her, she showed me. Everything. Before my eyes, I saw what I needed to do- as her.

Back through the snow, the woods, the desert.

Back to my portal. 

And there I was. Home again. Middle World home.

And it hit me. She, my power animal is just that- power. 

She nurtures. She has a family that she protects. She is strong, fast, powerful; a survivor. She provides for those she loves, hunting and gathering, the innate animal instinct to fight bubbles below the surface; fighting for her loved ones, her cave and territory. 

I love her.

It was the most beautiful experience.

It just felt right.

I ritually threw away my crystal, as who wants to hold onto that dark?

Since the healing, I have had a profound sense of 'it's meant to be'. Nothing is rattling me, nothing is getting in my way. I've had two extremely exciting emails that six months ago I would have jumped at the chance to be a part of; now I am listening to myself/my guides and will most likely turn these offers down.

And that's ok.

I am fearless; a warrior with a family of wolves in her.

And if I get scared, thats ok too. The ancient wisdom and power of them will guide me and tell me what to do.

My heightened sense of what is happening around me and the messages coming through are more powerful than ever. 

Now it's not just for me; I am attracting people who are asking me for guidance and help. While I am in no way a meditation teacher, I can point you in the direction of those who I trust. 

But I seem to have a little gift for chakra clearing and messages. And in the last three days I have had nine people contact me, wanting guidance, power and clarity around this. I wonder if my beautiful arctic friend is trying to tell me something?

Beata is based in Sydney, and when I am there in two weeks I'm going to visit her so we can go in a little deeper. She is also running a retreat in Bali that I must go to- all of the info is in the hyperlink. 

She is sending me another message now; retreat today Vegies, it is a day where Wolves will often hibernate, only to emerge refreshed, renewed, and hungry. So that's what I will do.

Howling at the moon,

VH 
<3

Well, it's official.

Our family of three has become a family of four.

And what an experience it has been so far.

I have looked deep inside myself to find the lessons in every situation the last two years; and this is no different.

I look to my two little ones, and see so much of myself in them.

These are the lessons we can learn from our dogs.

Shake it off

Life will throw shit at us.
We can end up in situations, with certain people, in all kinds of trouble that do not serve us.

We can end up in hot (or freezing!) water, sometimes fighting against the tide and sometimes treading water for what seems three lifetimes.

Shake it off.

Don't take anything personally.

Know that nothing sticks (unless you let it). 

So shake. Shake hard.

Move on.

Shake it off.

Help each other out

It doesn't matter who you are or what you do.

We are all equals, all breathing beings, with a heart and a brain, spirit and soul.

We all ache, fear, hurt, love, struggle, rise, fall....and sometimes it is that little person next to you urging you on that makes all the difference. 

Be that person. Be that person for someone else.

Let them know you are there

Pick up the phone.

Offer your time, your advice, your ear or shoulder.

Help each other out.

Don't judge anyone by how they look- even if it's very different to you

I will say it again; We are all equals, all breathing beings, with a heart and a brain, spirit and soul.

No matter if you have one arm, three eyes, pink hair, no teeth, webbed toes, or the colour of your skin is green I will treat you how I want to be treated: kindly, compassionately, with love, knowing that we all have a place on this Earth, lessons to teach and to learn- and equally.

We are all reflections of each other. So look into others as you would look inside yourself.

Learn from them, knowing that they are learning from you also.

Don't judge anyone.

Sleep, rest, recover

Be kind to your body.

Know that your mind and body do an amazing job each and everyday; and needs time to regenerate.

Rug up, sprawl, snuggle, curl up, splay- or pull a pose similar to The Exorcist.

Whatever.

It's all good.

Sleep.

Open your heart

Live with your heart open; you may get hurt, but at least you have loved.

You will get out of life what you get back.

If you go through life expecting the worst, then hey, that's what life will give you lovely.

Wear your big heart on your sleeve and be proud of it.

Tell people that you love them- authentically and genuinely.

Know that your love can move mountains, make the stars sparkle and the sun shine.

Love yourself. Open your heart to your own magnificence. 

After all; if you can't love you, how can anyone else?

Don't forget to seek comfort in the arms of your family. 

The arms that hold you are the arms that will always surround you with love and light.

Open your heart.


Dogs are the best people in the World.
Be the kind person your dog thinks you are.

Learn everyday Vegies- look around, lessons are everywhere.

<3 VH, C and H x

The other night I teased you all on my Facebook page- giving you a hint about a special event coming up.

The status said "........ I'm going to leave you with a hint..... do you know that there is a food that we eat that is also something we can wear? (NOT body chocolate, although that's tasty too!). And that is just the tip of the very large ice-berg....."

There were so many guesses; hemp, coconut, lettuce, cabbage.....all really valid guesses!

But no one guessed it correctly.......

Want to know what it is?

Not peas!

Still not sure?

Not blueberries!

Acai!

Yes, Acai!

You all know I love it, use it and eat it.

But I also wear it!

I am so excited to be an ambassador for Melko; a Melbourne Boutique, with sizzling clothes, gorgeous jewellery, bright colours and beautiful cuts. Totem is their leading brand straight from Brazil, and I have been wearing their clothes for years, so I was so excited when they asked me to be their ambassador!!

Of course I said yes!

Sustainable, hand printed, made ethically and its all so pretty.

Loving this at the moment....

Even more exciting, I am going to be a part of a Brazilian night with Melko; with Acai nibblies (made by me!), music, prizes and drinks! 

Here is the press release:

"Imagine cooking and eating awesome vegie goods.

Now imagine that what you cook can also be used as fashion accessories.

That's exactly what Melko and Vegie Head will do when they prepare the Brazilian Acai berry in a cookout! 

This event will take place on 
Thursday 9 May at 5.30pm at Shop 3/232 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. 
It is strictly RSVP - very limited spaces are available.

Straight from the Amazon rainforest, Acai berries have been harvested by the South American indigenous population as part of their diet for hundreds of years.

Adele (the brains behind vegiehead.com) will be the cook and host of this fantastic event.

Adele’s blog was recently crowned the 2012 Vegan Blog/Website of the Year. She also has a new book of recipes that will be released and sold in 40 countries by the end of 2013.

Melko’s acai necklaces are handpicked and made by indigenous Brazilians, Colombians & Peruvians.

This holistic approach is close to both Melko and Vegie Head’s hearts. This will be a fantastic interaction between the two worlds of fashion and healthy eating.

So come along for some Acai (as food or fashion) along with DJs, nibbles and drinks in what promises to be a memorable evening."

Spaces are super limited, so email your RSVP by the 6th of May to eleanor@melko.com.au

Spaces are **FREE** and we would love you to come along!
Drop by after work, unwind and relax!! 
It will go until late, so don't stress if you finish work at 5.30!

Meet me, try some yummy food, learn about Acai Berries and get some great little freebies (and try some Acai powder thanks to Power Super Foods!)

And some more of their gorgeous things that I have worn over the years...

Can't wait to see you there! <3 <3 

On Monday, we welcomed Hank into our home on a trial.

15 months old, big, goofy and sweet, he has turned our whole World, and home upside down.

He has been completely unexpected, and perhaps, just what our little family needed.

I have never understood how parents could love their children equally. 
They always claim to, but I've always had my doubts.

I tease my parents incessantly about loving my brother, Scott; 'the golden child', more than Andrew and I.

He could do no wrong. He never cried (except when I was being mean to him), he was a brilliant sleeper while I was a constant insomniac. He played sports, I read books. He was always happy and smiling, a stark contrast to the moody little shit I was.

If you have even been following me for a DAY, you would know how crazy I am about my dog, Charlie.
You know she is my World- the part of me that was missing for so long, the little furry face that healed my heart and filled the void where a child should have been.
In my eyes she can do no wrong, even when she does. 

We have talked about getting her a brother for a long time, and just hadn't taken the plunge yet.
And then Hank fell into our laps.

Last Monday I met with my friend Lauren from Madame Leash.
Lauren had been fostering a dog who needed a home. 
That dog was Hank.

So we met for a play date- him and Charlie played and ran, swam and barked, sniffed and wee'd everywhere together.

We decided to bring Hank home for a week to see how Charlie reacted. And she reacted exactly how I knew she would- like a moody little shit.

Like the child I was. 
Jealous that a new child was in the house. 
Worried that her mummy, who showered her with attention and affection every second of everyday wouldn't anymore. 
That the hand that would stroke her soft little head goodnight wouldn't be so loving anymore.
Her toys, her space, her spot in mummy and daddy's bed would be filled with someone else.

Typical only/eldest child syndrome.

So I stressed out. 
I won't lie, I curled up in a ball, in the foetal position, holding Charlie so tight and cried. I whispered to her, my face buried in her warm little body and I swore to her that no-one, and nothing would ever stop her being the number one in my life. 
I told her that I was scared of how upset she was and that I hated that she was so mad at me.
I begged her, and pleaded with her to give him a chance.

She is my little person.
She is me.

It was hard. She ignored me, then Paul, then Hank, then all of us. She would retreat to her (our) bedroom and sleep for hours. I would go and try and wake her, in return receiving a raised eyebrow and a huff. 

She was not happy. 
She was really, really pissed off.
Just how I was with the birth of both of my brothers.

The dilemma. 
What to do?

Have Charlie be an only child, alone and possibly lonely?
Wait until she gets older to find her a little friend?
Bite the bullet and deal with the pain of her anger until it subsided and became forgotten?

Looking into her chocolate coloured eyes I knew the answer.

I wouldn't be the person I am today without my brothers.

I wouldn't know what it was to protect someone other than myself, and to stand up for them when they needed me.
I wouldn't know what it meant to share secrets, fears and embarrassing stories that only we know.
To know we had special games, and make believe stories, 'What if's?' and "Imagine if....".

To be thrown into a situation we have no control over is the hardest thing in the World; but how we react and rise above speaks volumes of the person that we are. 

It may have been a shock to her system, but it was one she sorely needed. 
It was also a reminder to me.

In my opinion, 
Parents don't love us equally.
Parents love us DIFFERENTLY.

The reasons I love Charlie are many and varied.

I love how she knows exactly what to do at the right time.
How when I am tired she will come and curl up beside me, resting her head near the small of my back and falling asleep. I can feel her warmth all night. 
I love how she wags her WHOLE body when I get home.
When she puts her paw on my arm, letting me know she would like my attention, please mum.
How she barks and runs in her sleep.
The way her cheeks puff out when she breathes.
Her beautiful face, that I shower with kisses everyday.
How I taught her to swim, helped her come out of her shell (a little bit) and how fragile and vulnerable she is.
How she will walk ahead of me, then turn and wait until I catch up. 

And Hank. Who has wormed his way into our hearts.
His big puppy paws, which also touch my arm to gain my attention.
His little head, floating above the water while he swims and swims.
The sad-looking eyes, filled with curiosity and wonder- everything is so new and fresh. There is no damage there.
I love how brave and fearless he is- running up to anyone and everyone, wanting to say hello and get a pat.
How he follows Charlie around, adoringly, wanting to do what she does and go where she goes.
His little puppy bark, letting me know that he wants to play.
How he rolls over, off the couch, slipping on the hardwood and tripping over; his coordination still developing. 

Two polar opposites.
Totally different personalties with different things to love.

And isn't that what a parent has to uncover?
The beauty and wonder in each of their children?

Dogs teach us many lessons in life.
To love.
To be patient.
To be understanding.
To play.
To have fun.
To walk.

And these two are no different.

More on the lessons dogs teach us later....

For now, enjoy laughing at these two dorks!

Today, we are off to the beach, and on Monday we will make our decision about Hank.

<3 VH, C and H x

Like I said, Hank doesn't really have control over his legs yet....

There are so many ways to unwind and de-stress; here are 5 of my favourite ways to switch  off.

'Switching off' is something that has taken me a long time to master. 

But by god it's easy to do when you know how.

Get on the wavelength with me Vegies.

It has been a matter of trying different things to see what works best; I have written about stress before and have maintained everything I said I would- daily (usually twice daily) meditation, regular exercise, eating well, walking twice a day, herbal tea and acupuncture.

These things have been instrumental in ensuring that my mind, body and spirit are rejuvenated and balanced.

There are a few other things I do that I wanted to share with you; completely easy, they take no time and cost nothing to do.

I turned off my Facebook notifications months ago, as it was a constant source of anxiety for me; knowing that there were people waiting to hear from me would stress me out no end.

I turned off my Instagram notifications the other day, after my brother was watching my phone light up a million miles a minute, and said "Del, that would drive me crazy!".
So off it went.

I leave email's on; but only those flagged by Liz as highly important reach me on my mobile- the rest wait until I am back in the office.

This has been amazing. I cannot even tell you that just turning off Instagram has been a blessing in disguise.

Just doing this has already opened up time I forgot I had; and has kept me on a positive wavelength all day.

This is not to say that you need to become a bitch or an arsehole and say no to everyone.

Be kind.

It has taken me a good year to master this- and I am still learning.

I now say no to the many things that come my way; not because I don't like the person, or the event, but because my time and space is very precious (as is EVERYONE'S!)

If I said yes to everything my life would be a constant party, event, protest, birthday, breakfast, dinner....you get the idea.

I love my friends, and choose them wisely.
I choose friends that uplift, inspire and support me; and allow me to do the same for them.
I don't have time to hear about how your "mum's uncles friends brother's wife is a bitch" because I just don't care. 

What I DO care about is YOU and how you are changing your life for the better.

Struggling with saying no? 

Don't stress, I did as well.

Firstly, do NOT make up a bull-shit excuse.
Lies have short legs.

Secondly, thank them, say no, and let it go.
That easy.

What is the point in being in a situation that does not serve you or them? How can that possibly bring you closer to the happiness and ease you seek in your life?

It won't!

I have copped some slack for this: I don't watch the news.

I'm not interested. 

Call me ignorant, but whatever.

Knowing about some royal baby is not going to improve my life.

Hearing about death and destruction only adds to my stress.

I choose wisely what I hear and read; I can heal the World in my own way, and being bogged down in news filled with hatred and violence does not get me, nor keep me on the wavelength I need to be on to create my most amazing life.

Imperative to building the life you want.

Here are my priorities at the moment (in no particular order)

-Walk Charlie twice a day
-Meditate
-Reply to as many emails in 30 minutes as I can
-Sleep for 8 hours
-Exercise 3 times a week minimum 
-Spend time with people I love, every single day 

Everything else can wait.

Seriously, it can.

I am a big believer in clearing space for the old and bringing in the new.
Like a wardrobe clean-out; I can only buy more clothes when I have more space.

Life is fun, and funny!

Find something to make you smile- play games, run with the dog, smile, smile when you answer the phone, smile at strangers, smile at yourself in the mirror- take a bloody selfie if you are smiling in it! 

Laugh at things (not people!) ; jokes, cartoons, movies, books, anything.

Be kind and polite to everyone you meet.
Right then for example, I went and bought a cook book in Myer (you know, the big hardcover ones) and I was talking to the lady at the counter, and lo and behold, she knocked $15 off the price and said I was the nicest customer she'd had all day. 

All I did was be kind to her.

Costs nothing Vegies.

Spread that goodness like peanut butter xxx

As the new website creeps ever so closer I am filled with excitement, anxiety, fulfilment and gratefulness. 

I have cried; filled with sadness that I am going to be saying goodbye to the old website- a big part of my life (pretty much ALL of my life) for 2 years, and cried with fear; after all, there are no certainties in life are there?

Hmmmmm.

Or are there?

Can we bank on anything at all?

Isn't worth the risk, just to say 'Screw it. I did what I wanted to do, and nothing and no one stopped me'?

I think so.

So, back to certainties and their existence in (my) life.

I am certain of a number of things. 

I'm certain that at 6am, when it is cold and dark, my persistent bladder will make me stumble down the hallway, bumping my elbow on the kitchen door. 

I'm  certain that at 10am I need a cup of herbal tea. I need the warmth.

I'm certain that come 2pm I need a nana nap- unless I have a big gulp of spirulina to keep me going.

I'm certain that at 5pm, Charlie will be there, waiting for me to take her for a walk- rain, hail or shine. So we walk and breathe.

So maybe there are certainties. 

And I'm certain now- I know- I FEEL it, with every cell and fibre and microbe and atom and drop of life in my body and soul that this website is going to change the World. 

It will perhaps touch you in a way that you didn't expect. 

It will change your World.

You may read a blog that resonates so greatly with you that you start to meditate. 

It may change your view on people with Autism and Aspergers (I have a submitted blog that will reduce even the strongest person to tears). 

It may get you in the kitchen, making your own skin care products. 

And it may even (hell, it bloody well better!!!) inspire you to cook some delicious, hearty, enticing, healthy, scrumptious, drool-wrothy and every-other-food-description-in-the-dictionary dishes!

It's changed my World, and the beautiful emails I receive everyday from people sending me love is a testament that I'm on the right path. Thank you so much!

I have been working like a mad woman.
I'm not even kidding you- I can't ever remember being so busy in my life. 
But I love it.

Here are a few of the yummy things that are waiting for you at the new website. 

And this. 

This ladies and gents, is my new baby. She's amazing.

I shared a little sneak peek with my bloggers, but wanted to show you all as well. 

Nothing is final- it is still in construction mode, and has a while to go, but I am in love with baby number two.

She's got a bit of growing up to do before we let her run free, but just you wait World. 

You won't know what hit you.

She's one in a million- just like all of you my darling Vegies.

Love love xxx

I'm going to brag a little bit here. 

I always win competitions. 

I have won mobile phones, shopping vouchers, money, a $9000 Spa Holiday across Victoria (through Donna Hay Magazine) and - my fave - I got to drive around in a brand new Subaru Blitzen for a month.

People always ask "how are you so lucky?"

I manifest things.

I manifested my book contract. I manifested my website. I manifested my kitchen, my dog, my life. I've created everything I have done from nothing, except the belief that I could do it.

Winning competitions and winning in life are EASY.

But how? I get a lot of questions about this.

First things first.

What do you want?

Be VERY clear.
There is no power in asking for 'money'.
The Universe will answer and give you money- maybe a few dollars, but not what you had in mind.
If you need $10,000 to start a business, then ask for it. If you want love and romance, ask. If it's a blue car with pink polka dots, or a trip across the Mojave Desert, ask. Nothing is too big, or too small.  

See it in your mind.

Picture it, see it, imagine it. Write it down, draw it, have a vision board. Have it in your face. Post it on your toilet door if that's where you do your thinking. Talk about it- even to your dog. Charlie and I talk all the time.

Know it will happen.

Believe it will come in a timely fashion.
Know that you have asked and you will receive.
The Universe has no limits, no boundaries and no timeline.
Feel it- the joy, the power, the excitement of your wish.

Let it go.

Like a bird stretching it's wings and flying into the distance, do the same with your wishes. It will arrive to you- it may be in a day (my book contract came two days after I manifested it), or it may come when it is ready (my TV career has been brewing and bubbling away inside me for years, but the Universe had other plans- it didn't want me to present the news at 6pm, it wants more of me. For that, I have waited and it's not far away now. I can feel it.). Know that whenever it arrives is perfect, and meant to be.

Be open.

Receive your gift with love, open arms, an open heart and a big grin. Express gratitude, and be ready for magic.
It may not LOOK or BE exactly what you wanted, but it will be exactly what you need (or perhaps you weren't clear on your wish?) Receive it graciously, and know that you deserve it. When I won the car, it was timely- as my car was in for repairs and I had nothing to drive. It's always perfect.

Give back.

Give with love. In any way you can. Help those who need it. Offer assistance wherever you can. Give your time, your knowledge, and money with a loving heart. Pay it forward. Pay it ALL forward. Don't ever stop giving. Get on the wavelength and never get off.

It seems too simple and too good to be true huh?

That's cause it is. Everything is in creation. What we speak about we bring about.
If you were living under a rock 8 or 9 years ago you would have missed 'The Secret'.

This was old information presented in a new and exciting way. I'd always thought like that inadvertently, but when I read the book I understood why, and was able to fine tune my desires.

The thing that I had been missing was belief. The belief in myself and my worth that all of this could come true.

But it did, it has and it will continue to come true.

So.....#winning. It's freaking awesome. I want you all to win in life.
I want you to have everything your heart desires. 

But you know the best thing that I manifested Vegies?

YOU.

Having you with me on this journey is amazing- you are all here for a reason, to learn, to teach, to grow and share. 
The power in a group of people is like nothing in this World. 

I manifested each and every one of you, and I express my gratitude every single day for the wonderful people that you are.

<3 VH xxx


ps. What's the best thing you have ever manifested? Please share your story! Bragging rights allowed xx


pps. I have been through heartache. I have fucked up, made mistakes, thought I was at the end of the road and hurt people I love. I have had a major operation, been so fatigued I couldn't get out of bed, lost people I love and been so scared and lonely that the only thing I could do was run away. So did I manifest all of that you ask?


 Everything happens because I needed it to happen. My operation- taught me to listen to my body and ignore the medical industry. My fear and loneliness taught me to change the way I see the World and to not be scared of the unknown. My heartache and loss taught me to love the people around me every single moment, and to forgive and forget. To not hold onto anger. And my mistakes have taught me many ways NOT to do things. 
There is always a silver lining to every cloud.
 Look for the lesson, learn from it, and move on. 
There is no power in pain. Let it all go xxx