Summertime...and the livin' is easy

Well here we are a couple of weeks into January already! We are in the midst of summer holidays here in Australia, so I thought it might be nice to share a little of what summertime looks like for me. We spent a lovely New Year's Eve at my nephew's, overlooking the beautiful city of Melbourne. From his deck, we watched the gorgeous fireworks display.

We ate amazing paella by the beach...

Explored incredibly beautiful beaches...

Hiked (in thongs no less) to the top of this mountain where the views were amazing!

Had picnics on the beach...

Drank green smoothies everyday...they just make me feel so good! I like to mix them up everyday, and use whatever fruits are in season. I always throw in some chia seeds and a little organic raw honey. I like to toss in a handful of spinach or kale and a tablespoon of coconut oil for healthy fats. It's nice to buy fruit that's in season and chop it up in little bags to pop in the freezer. Makes morning smoothies so easy and delicious. Bananas are a favourite for me, because they fill me up, and I usually find I don't need anything else for breakfast. They are also delicious with some almond butter thrown in. The past few days I have been enjoying banana, pineapple, strawberries, passionfruit, honey, chia and spinach - yum! The Christmas before last, I was lucky enough to receive a Vitamix, and honestly, I use mine everyday! 

I've also been experimenting with chia puddings...these are so easy, and really yum (and oh so good for you). This one has a punnet of organic strawberries, a handful of blackberries, a tablespoon of organic raw honey, two tablespoons of chia seeds and around 1/4 cup of almond milk. Whizzed up in the Vitamix and chilled for a couple of hours, then topped with extra fruit, toasted slivered almonds and a drizzle of honey. A healthy and delicious dessert. The chia seeds expand in liquid, giving a thick consistency. The possibilities are endless. 

Eating nachos at the beach house (cos sometimes you just gotta be naughty)

Spending summer nights on my back deck, sipping wine and watching the sun go down behind the gum trees.

Finding beautiful places in nature to meditate...

Visiting quirky bars and listening to live music. Have I told you before that my youngest daughter Abby is a singer? This is her performing at her first jazz gig.

We still have a couple of weeks left before school starts again, but it's off to work for me this week. Yes, I begin yoga teaching this week! 

Last night was the first new moon of 2013, and I set some intentions for the year (I much prefer doing this than new year's resolutions). This year, I hope to continue learning all I can about yoga and meditation, and then sharing that knowledge with others. I hope to shine my light to as many people as I can. I really would like to learn Reiki, which I feel will only enhance my teaching. I wish to continue my own personal journey of growth and awareness and inspire those around me. I open myself up to new experiences and new friendships. I hope to spend lots of time in the kitchen, experimenting with new, healthy recipes, and learning all that I can about nutrition (another area I have always been passionate about). I would really like to travel, so I also put that intention out into the universe. 

What are your intentions for the year? What are you going to do with this one beautiful life you have been given?