Beetroot Salad with Pistachio Sauce

I generally prefer ‘cooked’ cookbooks to raw ‘uncooked’ cookbooks. There, I’ve said it. It’s not that I don’t relish uncook books, simply that I glean more ideas from standard cookbooks (over time, as confidence grows, I’ve found it easier and easier to make the conversion tweaks from cooked to uncooked). I am also, more often than not, seduced by atmospheric, beautiful pictures and the quality of writing. I was given the Moro East cookbook for my recent birthday, and have eaten the salad pictured above almost daily since. It’s that good. The book is not just a cookbook but a homage to the Manor Garden allotments. Despite being bequeathed ‘in perpetuity’ and a vocal campaign to have the allotments incorporated as part of the 2012 Olympic site, like so many other urban allotments their fate has been sealed in a less than happy way ...

Sun, Sea, Sand (and the other)

We went on our annual summer holiday almost this time last month. We were lucky enough to have the best week of the English summer in deepest Kent (with the occasional foray into East Sussex) indulging in all the things I like best – sun, sea, sand (and the other). We walked at least 10km each day (yes, I ran too!), visited lots of lovely gardens for inspiration (although sad to see how many owners let their fruit just drop and rot to the ground, especially the not so easily available quinces and mulberries), and ate raw fruit and veggie goodies from local farms and farmers’ markets. I bought several chocolate mint plants and some organic microgreen/sprouting seeds from a specialist herb nursery, near the fabulous Sissinghurst. Pineapple Mint and Eau de Cologne Mint (which smelt like Savile Row gentlemen) were enticing, but the chocolate mint smelt like After Eights and won me over. I can’t wait to pulverise a couple of leaves and add them to my next batch of raw chocolate...

All Sewn Up

A sewing pattern from the US arrived recently, and whilst the pattern is all well and good, it was the packaging that really caught my eye. Heavy-duty recycled paper secured together with a zig‑zag stitch on a sewing machine rather than glue or tape. Such a smart green idea.

Festival of Life

I felt the opposite of ‘up’ a fortnight ago making my way to Red Lion Square for the Festival of Life. However, what’s not to like about a gathering which was pervaded by the smell of durian, sold the best raw sweeties I have ever tasted (beetroot based from Rainforest Creations), and where everyone looked so inspirationally healthy? I’m not sure of the stallholder’s name but I ate a raw burger from the main hall which was worth the price for the onions alone (marinated in blended dates and tamari), bought some Raw Chocolate Company choc for Jenny who is mulberry obsessed, and a copy of Doug Graham’s 80/10/10 for myself. The light didn’t just sparkle through the trees during the Barefoot Doctor’s talk, it re-ignited in me too. I came away feeling truly rejuvenated.

Shopping is not my thing

I don’t like product placement in blogs (naming a lip gloss here, perfume there or woollen cap wherever is so not my thing). I like to read (or see) about the person and their life, rather than their shopping habits (although I do love a good book recommendation). However, Stella McCartney’s latest collection for Adidas has entranced me so much that I hope you’ll indulge me (just this once). I don’t make my own exercise clothes, but if I did, I’d love it if they looked like this ...

All photographs © Stella McCartney for Adidas 2008

Run and Become

There are many raw transformation stories out there, but Matt’s is a particular favourite of mine. His story and site so inspired me that last year (or was it the year before?) I went out and bought some running shoes and socks. I had flexibility and strength but cardiovascular fitness was my weak point in the sports triad. Instead of ignoring this I faced it head on. I’d never thought of myself as a runner, but if the raw vegan diet is life-changing then running is too. Even with the smallest of baby steps I have ‘run and become’ someone else entirely.

Buddhist Beads

A recent post by Rebecca Walker got me thinking. Two decades as a Buddhist. Me too (almost). Over the years there have been cushions, candles, incense and bells. They’ve served a purpose, but just recently it’s simply been about the beads, the floor and the breath. This summer has been particularly dreamy, but it’s time to let go and breathe into the incoming season. Autumn: I’m ready.