Autumn in the country – images from our retreat
What a treat it was to once again escape to Foragers in Pemberton for our Autumn 2013 weekend retreat (especially as my parents were kind enough to look after our kids!)
Here’s a little taste of what was on offer…
Sophie and Chris Zalokar welcomed us with the wood-fired oven lit for our arrival late on Friday afternoon. To accompany our wine tasting, we were treated to spelt crust flat-bread style pizzas with delicious vege toppings like Maris Piper potato, broccoli and kale, plus an assortment of tasty condiments. Read the rest of this entry »
{Real} Life in Balance
This year i’m keen to explore the concept of BALANCE a little more in-depth, particularly how it relates to food, exercise and health in general, and how we can use it to bring back a little more sanity in an overcomplicated world.
I thought it might be an interesting exercise to interview a few local women I admire and feel have achieved some level of balance in their lives. Each manages it in a different way, using a unique approach and style of their own, often while juggling many different hats. I also happen to know that they are all passionate food lovers and keen cooks!
I’m curious to know more though. What inspires them? What do they love to cook? How do they stay fit and healthy? Do they really think balance is the key?… I’m looking to uncover some really open, honest and enlightening answers, and hope you will enjoy learning from them along with me. If you know someone you think deserves to be interviewed, let me know!
To get things started, I think it’s only fair that I go first! So, here are my responses to the questions i’m going to pose to my interviewees, plus a few snapshots from my everyday life…
Retreat to the country for fun, food & fitness
We’re super excited about our first retreat weekend for 2013!
It’s happening again at the exquisite Foragers, Pemberton in the Southern Forests region of WA, from the 10th-12th May (Mother’s Day weekend). You can find all the details on our Special Events page, and if you’d like to join us, get in touch quickly, as places are filling up. We’re especially delighted that several of our guests from last year had such a fabulous time that they’ve re-booked to come again – we think that says it all!
It’s probably timely to share some photos and insights from last year’s Spring Retreat - but don’t just take our word for it – have a peek at the deliciously foodie blog, Carolanne’s Kitchen for a review from one of our guests (she’s also kindly agreed to share some gorgeous pics of the weekend in this space, so thank you to Carolanne – currently cooking up a storm back in Ireland!)
Pascal’s Daily Reminders for a New Year
Let me start by introducing myself, my name is Pascal and i’m the other half of Équilibre – the ‘exercise’ half! Read the rest of this entry »
Fitness for Foodies – is 2013 your year?
New year, new opportunities, fresh thinking. Are you ready to benefit from a healthy new perspective on eating and exercise?
We’re excited to announce that our first Fitness for Foodies program for 2013 starts 21st January and just wanted to take a few moments to reflect on the year that has been and what the program means to us…
Équilibre Christmas Gift Guide – For Foodies
I think Christmas gift giving should be all about that little something special. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just thoughtful, unique and something the receiver wouldn’t usually buy for themselves. New tastes and gourmet treats are a good choice and can be truly savoured and enjoyed over the holidays – a chance to slow down and really appreciate the good things in life. Homemade goodies fit the bill nicely, but when you don’t have time to cook or create, here are some favourite local picks to satisfy and surprise the foodies in your life…
Équilibre Christmas Gift Guide – Cookbooks
Christmas has crept up on us once again (as it tends to do these days) and I thought it might be fun to put together a few gift ideas that resonate with our food and fitness ethos. Cookbooks today, followed by foodie and fitness ideas, finishing with some homemade gift inspiration. (Don’t let anyone stress you out with the term ‘last minute’, there’s still plenty of time!)
I love cookbooks, and over the years they have become my all time favourite thing to give (and receive!) I like to think that not only am I gifting something aesthetically lovely to look at, it can also be used to provide culinary inspiration for the recipient and may even help them to create new memories and food experiences with their loved ones.
These days, there are so many beautiful cookbooks from all over the world that would be worthy additions to any collection, however, I wanted to focus on a couple of new local publications that I have a soft spot for…
Sweet & Wholesome – a winning combination
There must be hundreds of recipes and variations for granola bars on the internet. Thousands even. Do we really need another? Most likely not… But then again, there is something about this enticing combination of simply good ingredients that deserves the opportunity to shine whenever possible, and i’m proud to have it here in my little space on the internet! Read the rest of this entry »
Eating as an art
{Image by Jessica Shaver Photography for Équilibre}
I read an interesting opinion piece recently on how food has replaced art as high culture. While I agree that food should not replace art altogether, I don’t believe that the whole ‘foodie’ movement has necessarily been a bad thing. Read the rest of this entry »
Celebrating with food (and wine!)
{Images above from Équilibre}
It was a special milestone birthday in our household last weekend. Pascal turned 40. Sounds old, doesn’t it? But then again, isn’t 40 the new 21? Read the rest of this entry »