26/09/24
Lessons from a sea swim – goal seting and motivation
Towards the end of September I have been able to really put in some great miles in the water. Being by the sea and having the time to swim has been glorious and I have loved every minute of swimming outside. For me swimming is pure meditation. As the season starts to shift to Autumn and the water temperature begins to drop it becomes harder and harder to keep that habit going. The impermanence of great swim conditions is part of the beauty of open water swimming and I always have a strong pull to keep that September swimming feeling going, even though I know it can’t last. The water temperature gets too cold and the choice is to either squeeze into a wetsuit or you stay in your skin and don’t stay in as long. I will always choose the latter. (more…)
These treats blend sweet and savoury, featuring tender dates filled with a unique cookie dough made from almond flour, miso paste, tahini, maple syrup, and vegan chocolate chips. The rich, umami notes of miso complement the sweetness of the dates and the creamy, nutty flavor of the tahini, while a sprinkle of sea salt adds a delightful finish. These stuffed dates are an ideal snack or dessert, offering a twist on traditional flavours.
Aimee’s blackberry beetroot smoothie recipe is a nutrient-packed blend that marries the earthy sweetness of cooked beetroot, with seasonal fruits – sweet blackberries and apples – enhanced with the subtle heat of fresh ginger. Blend with your choice of water, coconut water, or apple juice this is a colourful way to enjoy wholesome ingredients.
This is a vibrant and healthful drink that combines the tangy notes of apple cider vinegar with the floral essence of rosehips and dried hibiscus flowers. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup or honey, this cider offers a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, with an optional kick of fresh ginger root for added warmth and spice. Enjoy chilled or serve hot. With the antioxidant-rich benefits of hibiscus and rosehips, this cider is as nourishing as it is delicious.
With the comforting flavours of autumn this is a simple yet delicious dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with a warm, spiced granola filling. Aimee uses Pink Lady apples – but any juicy sweet eater will work well. Her granola is a blend of oats, pecans, coconut sugar, and cinnamon which adds a crunchy texture and a nutty richness, perfectly complementing the tender baked apples. Serve warm, paired with a dollop of creamy yogurt for a dessert that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Ideal for warming up after a swim session this dish is sure to become a retreat favourite.
I have spent the past twenty years chasing health. Health comes in many forms; mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and your health is tested at every different stage of life. There was a period when I had to lean heavily into physical healing after my broken back and that in turn led to a spiritual healing path. After a relationship break up, even though it was hard, I knew I had to focus on my emotional healing in order to move on. Worrying set backs in work have encouraged me to focus on my mental resilience and post giving birth has been an explosive dive into healing all of the above. 
Aimee’s chicory coffee smoothie blends the robust flavor of chicory coffee with the natural sweetness of cherries and the creamy richness of almonds – a lovely fusion of banana, cherries, almond milk, and vanilla protein powder, all enhanced by a touch of almond butter. You can also use regular or decaffeinated coffee. Serve it over ice for a cool, invigorating treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a post-workout boost, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
The summer holidays are in full swing. If you don’t have children or your children have grown up, the summer holidays might be a time to relax and have fun, but as a parent of three young children, it’s a period of time where anything other than looking after your children has to fall by the wayside and your every focus is on entertaining them. For the children it’s idyllic, 6 weeks of no school, but for the parents it’s another endurance event. It can honestly start to feel like quite a strain. 
Discover our new favorite, topped with vegan cheese, this gluten-free vegan quiche is delicious, wholesome and satisfyingly hearty. The crust, made from a nutritious blend of rice flour, buckwheat flour, and gram flour, is bound with flax seed ‘egg’, creating a crisp and golden base. The creamy silken tofu filling and mix of vegetables – we’ve included onions, squash, green beans and mixed herbs – can be customized with whatever you have on hand. Served warm for brunch or cold as a light dinner, it’s a delightful and versatile dish.
This refreshing and flavorful dish has a balance of tangy, creamy, and crunchy elements. Tender courgette slices are marinated in a zesty garlic vinaigrette, infused with fresh mint for a burst of herbal freshness. Paired with a creamy homemade vegan tofu ricotta and topped with a crunchy, savoury granola, this dish offers a delightful harmony of textures and flavors. Perfect as a light appetizer or a vibrant side, this recipe showcases the best of seasonal ingredients, making it an ideal addition to any summer spread. 