29 July 2011
Gimme! of the day: Meadowlark studded ring
I forget where I first stumbled upon Meadowlark, but let's just say I bookmarked it straight away and "mentally purchased" a fistful of favorites shortly after. Haven't heard of them? New Zealand-based Meadowlark is "a collection of covetable and precious jewellery in silver & gold. Sometimes playful, sometimes dark, Meadowlark creations are always beautiful with an edge". The Meadowlark journey began in 2006 when Claire Hammon and Greg Fromont (husband and wife) combined an excess of useful skills and "creative verve" to launch the jewellery line they’d always dreamt of. Fine, yet edgy jewellery is my absolute weakness. A real passion. So a 9ct yellow gold band of Pyramid studs? Yah. That was always going to end up on my (dry and winter-y) finger!
(above) shown on Table Tonic Cherry Chevron Ikat cushion (45cm)
(above) shown on Table Tonic Turquoise Ikat cushion (45cm)
Click to buy Meadowlark's Studded Ring (also available in sterling silver), and click to visit Meadowlark's online store. Oh, and you can also buy Meadowlark on Superette, which is one of my all time fave fashion-y online stores. Happy weekend Tonic-ettes!
Stylish Homes: Minnie Mortimer
Fashion designer/socialite and upper east side-er Minnie Mortimer shares this gorgeous Malibu home with her husband (Academy Award-winning screenwriter Stephen Gaghan) and their daughter Tuesday. This chic abode is a stunning example of what books (oh, and plants/flowers) do for an interior - they make it look loved and lived in and enjoyed. Let's take the tour - It's a goodie!
PS Found via super cool blog House of McNairy.
"Oils and Fats: The facts behind industry misinformation"
Chapter Six in Elaine Hollingsworth's book Take Control of Your Health and Escape the Sickness Industry (buy it here) covers "Oils and Fats - The facts behind all that industry misinformation". Here is an overview from Elaine...
"Don't be seduced by the glossy ads; eating polyunsaturated oils is like injecting liquid plastic into your veins. For the sake of your health, stay away from margarine. During the many chemical processes used to manufacture this product, hexane and carbon tetrachloride are used as solvents, and traces remain. To achieve a butter-like consistency, hydrogen gas is bubbled over a nickel catalyst, saturating the fat and rendering it more artery-clogging than butter. Amazingly, many doctors still recommend this stuff for prevention of heart attacks!
These chemical insults create an odoriferous black goop which must be bleached and deodorized with even more chemicals. Then artificial flavours, dyes and preservatives are added. The result is a plastic, chemical, non-food which your body does not know how to deal with or detoxify.
What you will read regarding oils in my book is not what the food chemists want you to know about, or what the expensive ads postulate. This information flies in the face of the "conventional wisdom", which may be conventional, but certainly isn't wise: all of the oils which are now promoted as healthful, are not. In fact, they are dangerous. In order to maintain your health, shun these hyped, manufactured, oxidized, chemicalized products"
"Don't be seduced by the glossy ads; eating polyunsaturated oils is like injecting liquid plastic into your veins. For the sake of your health, stay away from margarine. During the many chemical processes used to manufacture this product, hexane and carbon tetrachloride are used as solvents, and traces remain. To achieve a butter-like consistency, hydrogen gas is bubbled over a nickel catalyst, saturating the fat and rendering it more artery-clogging than butter. Amazingly, many doctors still recommend this stuff for prevention of heart attacks!
These chemical insults create an odoriferous black goop which must be bleached and deodorized with even more chemicals. Then artificial flavours, dyes and preservatives are added. The result is a plastic, chemical, non-food which your body does not know how to deal with or detoxify.
What you will read regarding oils in my book is not what the food chemists want you to know about, or what the expensive ads postulate. This information flies in the face of the "conventional wisdom", which may be conventional, but certainly isn't wise: all of the oils which are now promoted as healthful, are not. In fact, they are dangerous. In order to maintain your health, shun these hyped, manufactured, oxidized, chemicalized products"
Read more about oils and fats in Take Control of Your Health and Escape the Sickness Industry. I owe it to you to share what I've learned from this unbelievably eye opening book (an absolute must-read). You owe it to yourself to be healthy. The book costs just $30. Postage anywhere in Australia is $9 (worldwide shipping available). You can buy it here.
28 July 2011
A day in the life: 28.07.11
The success story: Would you believe me if I told you Orson and Blake was 20 years old? Sheesh. I can almost remember the day they opened that gorgeous little Woollahra store - there was nothing like it at the time, and to this day, I thoroughly enjoy a browse whenever I'm in the area. Natalie Walton has done a great interview with Orson and Blake founder, David Heiman over at Daily Imprint. Well worth a read.
The DIY: How beautiful is this "tree of magic wonders" Heidi Middleton made for her daughters! As seen on the Sass & Bide blog, which is lovely by the way.
The DIY: How beautiful is this "tree of magic wonders" Heidi Middleton made for her daughters! As seen on the Sass & Bide blog, which is lovely by the way.
The footwear: It's a known fact that the effectiveness of a new exercise regime is greatly enhanced by shiny new footwear. I bring you Exhibit A: My Nike LunarEclipse+ running shoes! The guy in the shop told me that basically, the more you pay for sports shoes, the more cushioning you get. Which is possibly why, for $239 (yikes!), I feel like I am walking on a trampoline - they truly are astonishingly comfy! PS I bought them at The Athletes Foot.
The magazines: Architectural Digest August 2011 is in the house! Click to see what's inside this issue.
(below) Australian Country Style's August 2011 issue is also on sale now.
The online magazine: RUE issue six is live!
The camera: For those of you who have asked which camera I use, it's this one (below) - a Nikon D40. I'm fairly sure they don't sell this model anymore, but anything similar will be just as awesome. And my best tip? Learn how to use it - read the manual or do a quick photography course. PS I also use my iPhone a lot for photos, but if you want to know my real secret to getting gorgeous blog images, it's Photoshop. I almost always sharpen, bump up the contrast and saturate the colour a little before I upload anything.
Happy Thursday, my Tonic-ettes!
27 July 2011
Food glorious (and organic!) food
Since I finished reading Take Control of Your Health by Elaine Hollingsworth (after seeing it so highly recommended on Miranda Kerr's Kora blog), my life will never be the same again (click to buy the book). And I am so SO grateful for it. Slowly but surely, I have begun making a number of lifestyle changes - Aluminium free deodorant (we are meant to sweat, people!), a glass water bottle, sodium lauryl sulphate-free shampoo/soap/cleanser... The list goes on. But the one thing I'm enjoying the most is cooking healthily (nothing processed) with organic produce. Yes, it's more expensive, but the taste of organic makes me realize how far gone supermarket produce is. Bland, thick-skinned, pesticide-laden nothing-ness. Do me a favour - In the next few days, if you are able to, go buy one organic apple, sit somewhere quiet, and eat it. You'll be amazed. But back to food, here are a few beautiful things I've made over the past week - Delicious, healthy, good for the planet, easy on the eye and truly satisfying. Mr Tonic even claims he's been "fuller for longer" lately.
(above) Roast pumpkin (I roast my veggies in organic Ghee), wild rice, roast spanish onion, chickpeas, shaved fennel, fried pumpkin seeds, tamari almonds. Loosely based on this 101 Cookbooks Roast Pumpkin Salad recipe. This was my first foray into wild rice, and my goodness. It's so good.
Super-awesome stir fry: Pan fry firm tofu in a little ghee and sprinkle with salt. After 3 or 4 minutes, add cashew nuts and toss around for another 2 or 3 minutes until lightly toasted. Throw in sliced brussel sprouts, cauliflower and a little lemon zest, and cook on high heat for a couple of minutes. Drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.
Super-awesome cauliflower & potato soup: Fry onions and garlic in organic ghee until soft, add chopped potatoes and cover with chicken stock (I like this Campell's Real Stock paste). Season with salt and pepper, and when potatoes are soft, add cauliflower and cook for a further 5 minutes. Puree and serve with a drizzle of olive oil and chopped chives. We had ours with Sonoma bread and butter. Soup is proving to be a great way to get veggies into the kids!
(above) On Sunday morning, I made "Baked Oatmeal with Pears". It's super filling and a rare treat to have something baked for breakfast! I swear it's from 101 Cookbooks, but I can't for the life of me find the link. But here's the recipe from the email I sent myself to print out (and lucky I did!):
Baked Oatmeal with Pears (Serves 4-6)
Baked Oatmeal with Pears (Serves 4-6)
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
1/4 cup pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds), toasted
1/4 cup hazelnuts, toasted
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground clove
pinch of fine sea salt
1 egg
2 cups almond milk
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 ripe pears, diced
1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted, plus more for greasing pan
Preheat the oven to 190˚C (375˚F). Grease the bottom of a 10×8-inch baking dish with the coconut oil, set aside. Place the rolled oats, nuts, baking powder, spices, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. In a separate bowl beat the egg. Add to it the almond milk, maple syrup and vanilla, stir well to combine. Spread the chopped pears into an even layer in the baking dish. Pour the oat mixture to cover the pears, then slowly pour the wet ingredients over the oats so everything is evenly soaked. Drizzle the melted coconut oil over the top and bake for 30-35 minutes. When it’s done the oatmeal should be set and lightly browned on top and your kitchen smells like cinnamon. Let cool slightly before serving.
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
1/4 cup pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds), toasted
1/4 cup hazelnuts, toasted
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground clove
pinch of fine sea salt
1 egg
2 cups almond milk
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 ripe pears, diced
1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted, plus more for greasing pan
Preheat the oven to 190˚C (375˚F). Grease the bottom of a 10×8-inch baking dish with the coconut oil, set aside. Place the rolled oats, nuts, baking powder, spices, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. In a separate bowl beat the egg. Add to it the almond milk, maple syrup and vanilla, stir well to combine. Spread the chopped pears into an even layer in the baking dish. Pour the oat mixture to cover the pears, then slowly pour the wet ingredients over the oats so everything is evenly soaked. Drizzle the melted coconut oil over the top and bake for 30-35 minutes. When it’s done the oatmeal should be set and lightly browned on top and your kitchen smells like cinnamon. Let cool slightly before serving.
Note: I left out the walnuts (I'd run out), pepitas (I forgot) and hazelnuts (didn't have any) and substituted almonds. I also left out the clove (didn't have any) and ginger (wasn't too sure about it) and it was still really delicious. I also used organic oat milk instead of almond milk (which is over $8 a litre!!).
(above) Super-awesome salad: Fennel, continental parsley, borlotti beans, chickpeas, cashews, hummus, caramelized onions, olive oil, apple cider vinegar.
Soon, I'll show you a few of my favourite ingredients for yummy-ing up healthy food. I just have so much to share, it's not funny. But it's good. I just need a few more hours in the day! I hope you are inspired to try some of these dishes and consider switching to organic produce, if only for the taste. Happy cooking (and eating!). PS I wanted to switch to a glass water bottle for my desk (plastic = chemicals) and wasn't sure where to get one, so I popped into Thomus Dux (fancy, but gorgeous green grocer) and grabbed a 1 litre bottle of Antipodes water ($4.99), which I will reuse. Ta-daa!
26 July 2011
Gimme! of the day: This kitchen!
People often ask me why I haven't shown any pictures of our kitchen or bathrooms on this blog. Let's just say there's a good reason - they are the ultimate "before" shots!! For now though, looking at pictures like this will do nicely *insert sigh*.
25 July 2011
Bonus Kiehl's product for (all) Table Tonic readers!
Happy Monday, Tonic-ettes! I come bearing definitely excellent news: The lovely people at (cult skincare brand) Kiehl's are giving all of you Table Tonic readers a free, full size Pear Essence Oil (valued at $48) when you spend $80 or more at kiehls.com.au. I know.
And if you think that's a bit smashing for a Monday morning, wait until you smell it, because it is abso-lutely beautiful (and also very relaxing!). I even wear mine to bed. True story. Sometimes I mix Pear up with Vanilla for a smoothie-on-your-wrist type deal (trust me). And bonus points for being small enough to carry in your handbag! See:
The other 9 scents are equally as dreamy - check it:
And if you think that's a bit smashing for a Monday morning, wait until you smell it, because it is abso-lutely beautiful (and also very relaxing!). I even wear mine to bed. True story. Sometimes I mix Pear up with Vanilla for a smoothie-on-your-wrist type deal (trust me). And bonus points for being small enough to carry in your handbag! See:
(above) My Jerome Dreyfuss "Carlos" bag from Shopbop
MUSK: "This is Kiehl’s first essence oil and still today, most beloved by customers who often refer to it as the Original Love Oil". AMBER: "Kiehl’s customers have always been drawn to Amber for its warm, sweet and long-lasting scent". CORIANDER: "Coriander was first used at the original Kiehl’s Pharmacy as medicinal oil for its soothing and healing properties. This aromatic stimulant and spice has been cultivated for over 3,000 years and used by the Egyptians as an aphrodisiac". GARDENIA: "Gardenia was first offered at the original Kiehl’s Pharmacy in the early 60s and was an instant classic for its exotically sweet, creamy and floral scent". CHINESE FLOWERS: "Chinese Flowers is a blend of multiple fragrance oils - a blend of violet and rose (such a precious ingredient in previous centuries that it was used as legal tender) as well as more exotic flowers of Lotus and Ylang Ylang". VANILLA: "Many Kiehl’s customers have shared their layering suggestions over the years, but an overwhelming majority mix Vanilla with Musk". CUCUMBER: "Avid Kiehl’s users enjoy the uniquely refreshing scent of Cucumber essence – especially since it’s known for its calming properties". GRAPEFRUIT: "A customer favorite for decades, Grapefruit delights with its fresh and citrusy scent". POUR HOMME: "Includes oils of Cistus, Patchouli, Fir Needle and Vetiver. To this day, Pour Homme is instantly recognizable and remains a favorite among Kiehl’s customers for its complex concentration of woodsiness".
If you're wondering how to spend your hard earned 80 clams, these are a few of my favourite Kiehl's pproducts - yes, I've used them all:
Gently Exfoliating Body Scrub
Creme de Corps (no surprises there)
Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
Double Strength Deep Wrinkle Filler
Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak
Musk Eau de Toilette Spray (below)
If you're wondering how to spend your hard earned 80 clams, these are a few of my favourite Kiehl's pproducts - yes, I've used them all:
Gently Exfoliating Body Scrub
Creme de Corps (no surprises there)
Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
Double Strength Deep Wrinkle Filler
Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak
Musk Eau de Toilette Spray (below)
Keep up to date with Kiehl's offers and freebies (sometimes these are exclusive to Facebook!) by becoming a fan of the Kiehl's Australia Facebook page.
PS Did I mention Kiehl's Creme de Corps comes in a 1 litre pump bottle ($98)? Oh my giddy aunt, yes it does. So good. PPS In 1647 Peter Stuyvesant, the governor of the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam brought back a pear tree from his native Holland and planted it on his farm. For 220 years, the tree thrived at the location that would form the intersection of Thirteenth Street and Third Avenue in the East Village – today fondly known by New Yorkers as “Pear Tree Corner” and outside the original Kiehl's Pharmacy. Out in front of the apothecary, Governor Stuyvesant’s historic pear tree shaded patrons and employees alike until 1867. Declared by Harper’s Monthly as “the oldest living thing in New York City” in 1862, the venerable pear tree bore fruit nearly until its demise, when it was struck in a most fateful wagon accident. On the 12th of November in 2003, Kiehl's re-planted a pear tree at the same location in honor of the community, officially marking “Pear Tree Corner” once more and received a declaration from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, designating November 12th “Kiehl's Day.” - How cool is that story!
So. Here's the drill:
1. Spend $80 or more at kiehls.com.au.
Click to shop kiehls.com.au (don't forget coupon code tabletonic!) Offer ends Sunday 31st July 2011.
PS Did I mention Kiehl's Creme de Corps comes in a 1 litre pump bottle ($98)? Oh my giddy aunt, yes it does. So good. PPS In 1647 Peter Stuyvesant, the governor of the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam brought back a pear tree from his native Holland and planted it on his farm. For 220 years, the tree thrived at the location that would form the intersection of Thirteenth Street and Third Avenue in the East Village – today fondly known by New Yorkers as “Pear Tree Corner” and outside the original Kiehl's Pharmacy. Out in front of the apothecary, Governor Stuyvesant’s historic pear tree shaded patrons and employees alike until 1867. Declared by Harper’s Monthly as “the oldest living thing in New York City” in 1862, the venerable pear tree bore fruit nearly until its demise, when it was struck in a most fateful wagon accident. On the 12th of November in 2003, Kiehl's re-planted a pear tree at the same location in honor of the community, officially marking “Pear Tree Corner” once more and received a declaration from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, designating November 12th “Kiehl's Day.” - How cool is that story!
So. Here's the drill:
1. Spend $80 or more at kiehls.com.au.
2. Enter coupon code tabletonic at checkout (don't forget!)
3. Receive a free (full size) Kiehl's Pear Essence Oil valued at $48.
Click to shop kiehls.com.au (don't forget coupon code tabletonic!) Offer ends Sunday 31st July 2011.
23 July 2011
20 bookmark-worthy sites I (only) discovered this week
goldfish kiss
domestic reflections
viva la resolucion
the littlest blog
crazy sexy life
fit foodie finds
the pretty pink elephant
a pair and a spare
blogs of note
life instyle
jo cooks
i love lollies
philo-sofia
adrienn eats
my american house
natasha the label blog
la-luna-de-coco
fluently different
fountain of youth
domestic reflections
viva la resolucion
the littlest blog
crazy sexy life
fit foodie finds
the pretty pink elephant
a pair and a spare
blogs of note
life instyle
jo cooks
i love lollies
philo-sofia
adrienn eats
my american house
natasha the label blog
la-luna-de-coco
fluently different
fountain of youth
22 July 2011
Bloggy milestone: One million page loads!
My eternal grattitude to each and every one of you, because this little Table Tonic blog has officially clocked up one million page loads! ONE MILLION. Wow you guys. Day = Made. Thank you. x
Have a look at the beautiful interior of the Natasha store in Sydney - complete with a feature wall of timber off cuts and Balinese batik-print stamps.
The heavy use of timber throughout is actually lovely. I think it's a rather smashing example of how you can throw a bunch of things from different genres in the one space (ie an Art Deco cabinet with a Louis style sofa and a "Balinese" wall) when they are in the same tones or colour family. The result is an earthy, homely eclecticism. What do you think? Click to see the full post (with all the furnishing details!) on the Natasha the Label blog - which is fabbo, by the way.
Natasha is located at 27 William Street, Paddington, NSW 2021.
21 July 2011
Take Control of Your Health by Elaine Hollingsworth
One of these books has my jaw literally on the ground, and I'm only at page 21. I almost fear picking it up again, I'm just sitting here staring at it like it's some kind of magic wand with powers way beyond my control. Infinite thanks to Miranda Kerr and her amazing Kora blog for the tip off (PLEASE read her Mum, Therese's posts on it here and here) and buy Take Control of Your Health by (best selling author) Elaine Hollingsworth here. You'll want everyone you know to read it. I PROMISE YOU.
PS Oh, and the August 2011 issue of US Vogue arrived today too!
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