Create your own happy space

The way my apartment looks and feels is an integral part of shaping my mood. A messy space equates to a disorganised day; I just don't feel as in control of my environment, which tends to lead to wayward diet habits and neglectful exercising philosophies. The first picture of this post is of my little living room, my favourite happy place. While the second picture attached to my post is not that of my apartment - sadly - (it is pictures of Megan Hess's gorgeous home and an accompanying illustration from her collection), the look does inspire me on how to decorate my own home.

Adding lighting, candles, vintage frames, fresh blooms, rugs and artwork are a way to make your space looked 'lived in' and stylish. I fill my apartment with scented candles, my fave cooking and fashion books, kitchy colourful pieces, vintage crockery, old Hollywood prints and faux flowers in hand-me-down vases.

When I have spent an hour dedicated to sprucing up my space, it really puts a kick in my step for the day when I am proud of my own little piece of the world. A happy home translates to a happy you, which is an important part of taking care of yourself. This weekend, think about a few little touches you could add to your home; pop down to your local antique store, make a day trip to Ikea (is a work-out in itself!), travel to the markets for some cheap and cheerful blooms, or rip out the vacuum - yes it really can make all the difference! You will be surprised how good it can make you feel.

Gluten-free low-fat turkey lasagna

I made this delicious turkey lasagne for dinner with gluten-free mini lasagne sheets and ricotta and spinach sauce. So nutritious, I felt healthier with every mouthful. Make this on a Friday afternoon (it doesn't take long I promise) and have a go-to-meal after a night out. A much better choice than greasy pizza or nutrition-less two-minute noodles.

Ingredients:
500 grams of turkey mince
4 sheets of gluten-free lasagna sheets
1 large bottle of pasta sauce
10 mushrooms, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopeed
1 small sweet potato
1 packet of frozen spinach
1 packet of ricotta cheese (low-fat or extra light)
1/4 cup of parmesan
1 tablespoon of brown sugar
1/4 cup of white wine
1/2 cup of hot water
1 teaspoon of dried basil

Method:
Pour one teaspoon of oil into a deep pan and add mushrooms and carrots. Cook on high heat until browned then turn the heat down to simmer until soft, add a little water to prevent burning. Add the turkey mince, slicing with a knife to seperate the strands on meat before adding to pan. When all meat if browned, add the pasta sauce, water, wine, salt and pepper, sugar and basil. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Microwave the frozen spinach for 4 minutes and drain. Mix this with the ricotta and season to taste.

Prepare a wide and deep lasagna dish with a layer of lasagne sheet. Add 1/2 of the sauce mix. Cover with half the spinach and ricotta mixture and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Layer again the lasagna sheets, the remainder of the meat sauce, ricotta mixture and parmesan cheese.

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a moderate oven for 45 minutes.

Serve with a green salad if desired.

Unrealistic image, unrealistic diet

Victoria's Secret model Adriana Lima is regretting spilling her diet and exercise regime to prepare for the catwalk. It only confirms to me that the bodies these girls display are not achievable by the average girl. Adriana works out intensely for months before the event and follows a strict diet, consuming only liquids nine days before the show. She also won't have any liquids including water for 12 hours before the show to lose a few pounds quickly, similarly to that of a body builders program.

I understand that Adriana doesn't live by these rules for the whole year but in doing this preparation, this is the body she will display to millions of viewers. Young girls feel the pressure to emulate this body and the fact that she has gained this physique through unrealistic measure does equate to an unrealistic figure.

While girls like Miranda Kerr will emphasise they live by a healthy lifestyle, it does pay to remember these bodies are not what most can achieve. Remember to eat healthy, treat yourself a few times a week and exercise for 30 minutes a day. Be accepting of what your body is when you do your best.

5 easy steps to make your own pecan pie

I made pecan pie for a special treat after Sunday night dinner (which was gorgeous fresh salmon sashimi with salad). It was rustic looking and very rich in flavour, everyone loved it. I served it with organic honey yoghurt. Just stick to one piece. Unless you are having a serious meltdown (think Sookie Stackhouse devouring her Gran's pecan pie), then maybe you can have two pieces.

In fact, a recent medical report claimed visualising gorging yourself on an entire pie, packet of lollies or bar of chocolate can ward off your craving. That might not help your mental state though.... in any case, here is my recipe!

Ingredients:
1 quantity of short-crust pastry
250 grams of pecan nuts
50 grams of brown sugar
50 grams of caster sugar
60 grams of malossas
200 grams of rice malt syrup
50 grams of butter
3 eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Method:
1. Defrost the frozen pastry and roll out on a floured board using a rolling pin. I try to make the pastry thin as it reduces the fat content. Unfold this rolled pastry into a flan dish or pie tin. Chop 2/3 of the pecan nuts.
2. Beat the 3 eggs and two sugar together until pale and creamy (this takes a few minutes in an electric mixer).
3. Melt the butter in the microwave and add the syrups. Slowly add this mixture to the eggs and sugar, continually beating. Add the cinnamon and vanilla. Gently mix in the pecan nuts.
4. Pour this mixture into the pie shell and arrange the left-over pecan nuts (1/3 cup) around the top of the pie.
5. Bake in a 180 degree oven for 50 minutes or until nuts are crispy and pie shell is golden.

Sarah Michelle Gellar workout routine

My favourite vampire slayer has moved on to have a beautiful daughter Charlotte and reaching almost 10 years with her husband Freddie Prinze Junior. Now she has matured, she has reached a point where she doesn't want to put as much pressure on herself as she once did on maintaining a perfect body.

She said in Self Magazine; 'You can't live your life by the scale. We don't even have one in our house. I've never believed in them, because your weight fluctuates,' she told the magazine.

'I still work out, but not five days a week. I do Pilates, I run on the treadmill, I walk to the soundstage rather than taking the cart,' she says.

'I wish I could say I was in the best shape of my life right now, but I don't put the same pressure on myself that I used to. So I don't rock a bikini on Wilshire Boulevard... but I don't know many people who do!'

'I think when I was doing Buffy I was a little bit thin, actually, because even though I was working out constantly, it was just the time and the age.

'But I was happy being pregnant, too. I’m not as critical as I used to be about my body.'

'It's more about how my clothing fits than a number.'

'Besides, if you deny yourself everything because you're so focused on the mirror or the scale, then when do you get to enjoy life?'

Nicole Richie perfect summer style

Summer doesn't have to mean scary skimpy clothes that give you a panic attack as the cooler months draw to a close. Nicole Richie shows that floaty dresses are the most gorgeous summer option and don't involve needing to douse yourself in cellulite cream, fake tan and forgiving shimmery bronzer. I like to pair a maxi dress of this style (my fave brand for stunning pieces is naturally Nicole's own line - Winter Kate) with another Nicole trend, the vintage denim jacket. I recently bought a cute pale blue Wrangler jacket that dresses up summer outfits instantly, paired over a floral dress or even to walk to the gym.

As my gym is in the middle of the city, I like to feel more put together than wearing a singlet and shorts when I venture in to do a workout. I roll the sleeves of my jacket up, put of some bright Napolean lipgloss (I love pink) and braid the side of my hair to make my ponytail look a little more special. That way I can run errands after my work out without feeling like a sweaty betty!

Anna Kournakova gym secrets

You can't hate this girl for the way she looks because I guarantee she works for it. Anna has had a disciplined schedule of exercising and eating healthily since she was 12 years old. Growing up in a strict Russian family, Anna learned to stay on schedule to get the results she wanted. Even though she does not play tennis on the professional circuit, Anna is still a role model for fitness. Read her impressive bio on her website and get inspired.