In focus is a fortnightly, online update on things that the focus team has loved. New places we have discovered, food we’ve enjoyed and events that have made us happy – here’s a glimpse into our lives from the past two weeks.
Fresh bread from Plum Organics
No matter how often we visit Plum Organics health store in Fashion Island Papamoa, there’s always something new to discover! In case you missed our article about this amazing hub of healthy living, here’s a link to read it online.
Last week our gaze fell upon a mouthwatering loaf from Mount Sourdough. The original recipe for this bread consists of just three ingredients – flour, salt and water. We tried the flax and sunflower seed sourdough loaf and have to say it was super delicious and so easy to digest. The long fermentation process breaks down the gluten which is good news for those in search of yummy products for restrictive diets.
There are quite a few flavours of Mount Sourdough available at Plum Organics Papamoa. Those with a sweet tooth will love the Sultana & Fennel one, whereas the flavourful Olive & Rosemary loaf, spread with lashings of butter, would make a perfect picnic meal.
Whataroa Falls
Whataroa Falls is one of many beautiful waterfalls located in the Bay of Plenty. It’s roughly a half hour drive from Tauranga, has convenient parking and is easily accessible. Well, if you’re prepared to walk three kilometres one way, that is!
The route through the native bush towards the waterfall is really flat and very scenic. The first part of it winds through the legendary Rimu Tree Loop track that, with its giant trees, looks more like a fairy-tale than a casual bush walk.
Whataroa Falls is a cascade of three waterfalls but only the top one of them is easily accessible. Trust us, you won’t even want to go any further! This is a beautiful spot with refreshing, crystal-clear water and lush greenery all around. Bring your snacks, have a swim, relax and soak in the magic of New Zealand’s nature.
Makeup-free Alicia Keys at Grammys 2019
Singer and songwriter Alicia Keys hosted this year’s Grammys.
A few years ago Alicia announced she wouldn’t wear makeup anymore, including when she was on stage as it wasn’t the way she wanted to express herself. She wanted to look raw and natural for her fans, just the way she does for her family.
But, of course, everyone was wondering whether she would stick to this decision for the posh Grammys especially when other celebs would be spending hours getting ready. Alicia Keys didn’t disappoint! She indeed went makeup-free for the entire ceremony and looked absolutely fabulous!
The Zoë Journal™ by Tee Gardner
We always love journals, especially when we’re updating our goals for the year.
Tee Gardner has brought out The Zoë Journal™ which covers a period of 30 days. The idea is to use the journal each day to record five things you are grateful for, things that you have done to get you closer to your goals, the highlights and low point of your day. You also track your meals for the day, number of glasses of water you have drunk as well as what effort and time you have put into your fitness for the day. Each day you must find an affirmation that resonates with you and repeat it for seven days.
The whole premise behind the Journal is the importance of routines and how they can improve overall health, wellbeing and productivity. Research shows that action needs to be repeated at least 21 times before it becomes a habit so by disciplining yourself to record your daily achievements for 30 days you’ll be able to add value to your life and become the best version of yourself.
Tee’s aim with the Journal is to inspire others to realise the power that we all have within.
The Zoe Journal retails for $34.99 and can be purchased online.