Ever since we walked into one of our local restaurants last month and saw this on the menu “Blue Cheese Scotch Fillets”, we thought; “Blue Cheese where have you been all our life?” In fact, it was our friends that invited us out for dinner that night (those on Snapchat may recall it) our friend ordered this amazing combination of flavours that are so delicious, I'm drooling as I type.
Don't get me wrong if you're not used to the smell of this funky cheese you might get put off – but don’t! It is an absolute match made in heaven with a delicious steak and vegetables - it's become one of my all time favourites now!
Let me introduce you to my first ever cooked epic scotch fillet steak (served with blue cheese) recipe. Not only does it taste absolutely delicious, it is packed with nutrition for you and the whole family! Beef is one of the best sources of iron in the Australian diet – beef has twice the iron of pork and four times the iron of chicken, so I'm glad beef is a food we as a family eat often to keep healthy.
Blue Cheese and Mushroom Sauce Scotch Fillets
Ingredients
6 pieces of scotch fillet steaks
Salt and pepper
1-2 cloves of crushed garlic
Olive oil
1 pkt Blue cheese (any brand will do from your deli section)
1 bunch of baby carrots & green beans
A drizzle of honey
1 cup of cooked Quinoa
Method
Such a simple dinner that only requires you to season the scotch fillets, heat up your BBQ or hot grill plate and cook your steaks the way you like them.
Serve with steamed baby carrots
https://youtu.be/8cOmCuhWyMw
Green beans
https://youtu.be/9K_vtJrBhQI
(or your other favourite veggies!), blue cheese which I simply melted on a warm frying pan.
Accompanied with my beautiful Tabouli Bean Salad.
I also made another favourite mushroom sauce classic to serve with the beef – perfect if blue cheese is not to your liking.
This is one meal that will bring smiles to your families faces. It’s proof you're better on beef as I get to create these epic recipes, my inspiration is endless with this extra protein power! Plus it provides all the goodness our bodies need with rich vitamins and minerals, we love eating beef 3-4 times per week.
How about you? What's your favourite beef recipe?
XxDani Your 365 Fitness Food Motivator
It’s Friday and I’m feeling some fun in the air. Mexican food has always been a huge hit with our family, in particular Noah.
So I created these two delicious recipes with my friends at Macro for you to create some OLA action in your kitchen too!
Dairy Free Cheesy Sauce
SERVES 4
Ingredients
5 tbsps Woolworths Free From Gluten Plain Flour
4 cups plant based milk of choice (I use soy)
1/2 cup Macro Nutritional Yeast Flakes
6 tbsp vegan butter or Macro Certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tbsp dijon mustard
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
1. Heat butter or oil in a saucepan and allow to bubble before sprinkling in flour.
2. Stir continuously as the flour begins to cook and change colour, add the milk slowly and stir vigorously to avoid any lumps.
3. Continue to stir until the sauce begins to thicken. If too thick add more milk.
4. Stir in the mustard, onion powder and nutritional yeast. Season with salt and pepper
Nacho 3 Beans Mix
Ingredients
5 tbsps Woolworths Free From Gluten Plain Flour
4 cups plant based milk of choice (I use soy)
1/2 cup Macro Nutritional Yeast Flakes
6 tbsp vegan butter or Macro Certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tbsp dijon mustard
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
1. Heat butter or oil in a saucepan and allow to bubble before sprinkling in flour.
2. Stir continuously as the flour begins to cook and change colour, add the milk slowly and stir vigorously to avoid any lumps.
3. Continue to stir until the sauce begins to thicken. If too thick add more milk.
4. Stir in the mustard, onion powder and nutritional yeast. Season with salt and pepper.
I hope you enjoy making this as much as we do and please share it and tag me #danistevens. Have a sensational weekend.
xxDani
Who would’ve thought coconut base pizzas??? In my life if you never try, you’ll never know. So here goes a classic pizza base I typically use wholemeal flour but substituted it with Macro coconut flour and flaxseeds.
Another original recipe I created for my wonderful Woolworths friends.
Coconut Flour Flaxseed Pizza Base
Ingredients
2 cups Macro Coconut flour
½ cup Macro Linseeds (ground)
1tsp salt
1-2 cups of water
Method
Mix all dry ingredients with wet and you instantly have yourself the quickest pizza base ever! If it’s too dry simply add more water. Too wet, sprinkle more coconut flour and mix into a dough consistency and roll out to your favourite pizza shapes and sizes.
I use a frypan to cook the base as I place the toppings eg: crushed garlic tomato basil sauce with pineapple, cheese and basil.
Once the base is crunchy and cooked I place it in a preheated oven grill and bake the toppings for 5-10 minutes until cheese has melted and everything is golden brown.
You can watch the girls make it here.
Enjoy!
XxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
Every year I’m blown away by various ways I can treat our kids with nutritional Easter egg treats and this year is no exception.
Let me introduce you to my two favourite Samantha’s! One’s based in Melbourne Australia and the other ex-Melbourne but living the dream with her family in the gorgeous land of Greece.
They have created these delicious recipes that I cannot wait to make for Easter Sunday.
Which one is your favourite?
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
Follow Sam from Wholesome Patisserie for more incredible recipes.
Easter isn’t the same without a small vegan Easter egg, right? These healthy alternatives are totally gluten-free, dairy-free and 100% vegan! No more searching for the perfect vegan egg!
Ingredients
Chocolate Coating
Toppings
Instructions
In a small bowl soak the medjool dates with hot water for approximately 5 minutes.
Into a food processor place the walnuts and almond meal. Pulse a few times until it resembles “wet sand”.
Add in the cacao powder and ground coffee. Pulse again a few times, until just blended. It will resemble brownish sand!
Next, add the medjool dates and sea salt. Pulse until the mixture turns into a dough consistency and starts riding the “S” blade. (The medjool dates have absorbed water and will give the mixture the right amount of liquid and sweetness).
Take 1 Tablespoon of dough and roll into an oblong or “egg” shape between your palms. Place onto a plate. Repeat. Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes or refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill. For best results, place in the fridge overnight.
Chocolate Coating
Get to mixing bowls the of the same size. Fill the lower bowl with a small amount of boiling water. Place the other bowl into the bowl with boiling water. The top bowl (will have the chocolate in it) shouldn’t touch the hot water. Stir frequently until the chocolate is just melted and dip away.
Decorate
Use your favourite toppings to decorate with. Have fun!
Happy Easter to you and your beautiful family from all of us.
XxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
Loaded with goodness and a delicious taste - none of our kids even knew I placed broccoli in them! You heard right!
I keep a packet in my pantry and add it to my green smoothies, frittata’s and bolognese sauce. It’s genius!
I even had Oscar follow my recipe during the week, that’s how much he loved these broccoli brownies.
Broccoli Brownies
Ingredients
3/4 cup Woolworths Free From Gluten Plain Flour
1-2 tbs. Macro Broccoli Powder
1/2 cup Macro Organic Cacao Powder
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
1/3 cup Maple Syrup
1/3 cup packed coconut sugar
2 chia eggs or 2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
Method
1. Preheat oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, combine the Woolworths Free From Gluten Plain Flour, cacao, Macro Broccoli Powder, baking powder and salt.
2. Set a medium bowl, stir together melted butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until smooth.
3. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir by hand until combined and blended.
4. Pour into a pre-greased slice pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are springy to the touch.
5. Do not over bake these brownies, cool them on a wire rack for kids school lunches or indulge ASAP.
I have so many more broccoli powder recipes to share with you. I can’t wait. Stay tuned until next time and I’ll see you over on Instagram.
Happy Friday!
XxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
I love it when my Meatless Monday recipes move over to Tuesday’s :-) it’s hard to believe what you can substitute these days when it comes to feeding your body with nutritional meals that don’t harm our beautiful animals. Not to mention obtaining healthy sources of protein our family needs living a busy and active lifestyle.
That’s why I love working with Quorn as we share the same philosophy in life. Inspiring families with delicious and irresistible recipes, packed full of flavour and bursting with new taste experiences from around the world. It’s all about eating food that's better for us and better for our planet. Did you know Quorn has 90% less saturated fat, 90% lower carbon footprint than lean mince beef and uses a 10th of the water needed and 1/8th amount of land to produce!!! I love being a part of this movement and love their vision for Sustainable Nutrition™ which is so informative, including this video.
We recently opened up a new cafe THE PALM and I have been experimenting with the menu. I am trying to find fun ways to educate my local and online community about ways we can reduce our carbon footprint and introducing other meat alternatives. Hence loving this Quorn mince alternative as I have used this product to experiment with my traditional Stuffed Serbian Roast Peppers, Spaghetti Bolognese, Burgers and of course the famous Mexican Tacos.
To me its all about exploring and eating various cuisines and feeling better. As an active family and mother to four young children, I want to teach them how we can make a difference in the world and save our planet. So its great to be doing this with quality foods like Quorn that make my life easy as a mum when I want to share foods we used to eat when they traditionally had meat in them.
Quorn is a protein-rich meat substitute that is healthy for not only us but our wonderful planet as well – it’s so easy to cook with and its versatile range tastes delicious. If you lead an active lifestyle that requires a good amount of protein, then Quorn is a great option as it’s so easy to switch in place for regular meat. You can still eat all your favourite meals – whether that’s fajita wraps, burgers or sausages – just by making an easy switch.
Here is a mid week favourite of ours!
Tasty Taco Tuesdays at THE PALM
Serves 6
Ingredients
2 packets Quorn mince
1-2 cans of diced tomatoes
1 chopped onion
1 minced garlic
1 tsp cumin
1tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper
1 avocado mashed
1-2 diced radishes
½ cup of chopped chives
2 cups of chopped kale
2 tablespoon dukkah
1-2 lemons cut in wedges
1-2 packets of soft tacos
Method
Heat pan with a splash of water, saute onions with garlic until soft, add Quorn mince and simmer. Mix diced tomatoes with cumin, smoked paprika and add to the pan and simmer for 2 minutes. Add some water if the sauce thickens. Preheat oven and place soft tacos to warm up. Wash kale or use any type of green salad and chop to bite sizes. Remove taco shells and mixture from stove, create a taco base station and get everyone to place their very own toppings from smashed avocados to radishes, onions etc… Serve with some yoghurt and tomato salsa. Enjoy!
Here are some of my other favourite Quorn creations;
Burger With The Lot
This would be one of the best tasting burgers I’ve had in a long time. The quality of this burger mix is next level. Jam packed with flavors you will need to experience it yourself next time you come visit us at THE PALM.
Not to mention falafels, they are one of my fave’s! I mix my chick peas with the Quorn mince for that added goodness and texture! Check out the end result. So delicious and jam packed with vitamins and protein.
Its so great to see brands embracing the recycle path and cutting the amount of packaging they use. It’s all about taking baby steps, which is where it all begins in our home and I know together we can have a massive impact in the world. How good are these recyclable pouches?
These pouches are available at your local supermarket in the freezer section so make sure you give them a go next time you go shopping. Please let me know what you think as I know you will love creating delicious Quorn recipes that you and your family will love.
Tag me on social media #danistevens as I would love to see more of your creations.
Happy Tuesday!
xxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
George was all about his fans and connected with us all personally through his music. Even to this day....
Forever in my heart GM. Here are some of my fave live performances and songs.
Killer (Papa Was A Rolling Stone) Fast Love What A Fool Believes If I Told You That Love Is In NeedI could keep going and I think I will keep adding so feel free to come back and visit anytime.
So Amazing. One of my favourite animals and singers in the world.
I love you George Michael and miss you like you wouldn't believe.
XxDani
]]>Nothing beats a warm soup on cooler days and as winter approaches us here in Australia, I love making this soup especially with these healthy noodles!
Did you know Mung beans;
Are a high source of nutrients including: manganese, potassium, magnesium, folate, copper, zinc and various B vitamins.
They are also a very filling food, high in protein, resistant starch and dietary fiber.
With 3 milligrams per cup, noodles provide iron necessary to carry oxygen to cells
A good source of selenium and provide about 20 percent of the recommended dietary allowance per cup.
Vegetable Mung Bean Noodle Soup
Ingredients
2-4 Carrots
2-3 Zucchini’s
2-3 Handful Spinach
1-2 Onions
2-3 Garlic cloves
Water to fill your desired pot
NB: Any vegetables you have in your fridge and pantry are fine eg: sweet potato, broccoli etc.. even carrots with some spinach leaves would suffice.
Method
Wash, chop roughly all your seasonal vegetables (there are no limits to what vegetables you have) and add to a pot of water with vegan chicken stock, salt and pepper and boil until tender.
At the last 2 minutes before serving add mung bean noodles and cook until tender. Add your favourite fresh herbs from parsley to coriander and basil to infuse some more delicious flavors. I love to add some fresh chilli as well, it's like my herbal flu remedy.
Enjoy!
Let me know when you make this soup or my other soups and tag me #danistevens or #ds365 as I would love to share it across my social channels.
xxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
Who loves a good orange and poppy seed cake? If ever you want to covert this classic recipe with plant based ingredients, the below recipe teaches us how to do it.
Vegan Orange and Poppy Seed Cake
Ingredients
2 cups self-raising flour
1/4 cup vegan butter
1/2 cup fine sugar
1 cup soy milk
1/4 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1/4 cup poppy seeds
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
Icing on the cake 😉
3 tablespoons vegan cream cheese
1 tablespoon vegan butter
1 tablespoon orange juice
1/2 cup icing sugar
Method
Big love and thanks to One Green Planet for allowing me to covert this family classic cake into a more healthier alternative.
Downlaod my Dani Stevens 365 app for more recipes in the one stop shop and I look forward to sharing our life with you on my Instagram stories.
XxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
I persoanlly have my eye on this recipe:
Eggplant Jerky
Ingredients
700g eggplant
Ingredients - Sauce
1/4 cup tamari
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tsp bbq seasoning (tumeric and cumin)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayene pepper
1/2 tsp salt
Method
Slice the eggplant into even strips.
Watch this video to see the magic happen. This recipe totally blows my mind! Who ever said eating a plant based diet was boring hasn't tried these babies. I cannot wait to make these!
I can't wait to create and share more delicious recipes with my new dehydrator and BIG love and thanks to Tommy and the Raw Blend team for all your amazing products and endless recipes and inspiration.
* * * SPECIAL $200 SAVING * * *
USE MY "DANI" PROMO CODE TO RECEIVE $200 OFF YOUR VERY OWN SEDONA DEHYDRATOR AT CHECKOUT.
For more special offers, VIP discounts, fitness, food, family fun and motivation download my latest Dani Stevens 365 app. I want to share everything I have access to so you and your family can live a healthy and happy life.
I can't wait to see you there.
xxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
]]>Nothing beats a fresh cold press juice at home. Loaded with antioxidants and vitamins to keep you energised all day.
Most mornings I juice 1-2 carrots and 2-3 apples with fresh ginger.
Carrot, Apple and Ginger Juice
Tastes amazing and the kids love it before they head out the door. I also teach them why it’s good for them, so today they learnt;
🧡 Carrots are the richest plant source of vitamin A, and a good source of potassium.
💚 Apples contain antioxidants that help protect “good” cholesterol levels in the blood.
💛 Ginger root reduces nausea, pain and inflammation, and provides heartburn relief.
What’s your favourite juice?
HAPPY MONDAY! See you over on my Dani Stevens 365 app. Download it today.
XxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
March is always a great month for me, not only do I get to celebrate my 44th birthday but I also get to make an impact in this world and share the WaterAid's challenge for a third year in a row. I am all about supporting the world’s poorest people to gain access to safe water while also encouraging YOU to improve your health.
Here's a snippet from my WaterAid interview, supporting this amazing cause and why we should keep hydrated;
"One of the main ingredients of beautiful body health is simple – hydration! – and that comes from giving our body pure, fresh, water. It’s my favourite drink. I turn on the tap and there it is – something that helps me feel refreshed after a big work-out and something that I know my kids are benefiting from so much as they grow too (way better than fizzy, sugary drinks that harm their teeth and actually make them thirstier).
But imagine not having access to clean water? Imagine your child being thirsty and sick and you not being able to provide this one, basic relief!
When I found out a few years ago that WaterAid ran a Water Challenge each March, I was passionate about supporting and sharing it with you. It’s a fun challenge that really makes a difference – not just for your own better health but the improved health of people all over the world.
It’s all about raising awareness that more than 800 million people around the world don’t have access to clean, clear water. 800 million! This blows me away. It is also about raising money too – WaterAid’s Water Challenge in March is all about closing the gap on the heart-breaking world water inequality.
I love it when things are easy to support and tell your friends about and this one is as easy as it gets. With World Water Day coming up on March 22, WaterAid Australia is challenging Australians just like you and me to take the Water Challenge to improve their health and help raise money to provide life-saving, safe water in some of the world’s poorest communities.
You can either choose to Drink Just Water for the whole month of March – or you can get more active and Walk For Water, between 19 Mar - 23 Mar 2018. You’ll find all the details here.
When you help raise funds for WaterAid’s Water Challenge, you feel good in more ways than one – you know that you’re doing something that matters.
The money raised will help local partners set up practical and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene solutions that meet the real needs of some of this planet’s poorest and most marginalised communities.
Did you know that even $70 can give a child access to clean water and help them avoid life-threatening illness? Plus – and this bit really got to me – when children don’t have to spend hours of each day just walking and looking for water, then carrying it back to their communities, they actually have more time to do the things healthy, happy kids SHOULD be doing. Playing, going to school and just being kids.
Seems hard to give up your daily latte fix? But think of people with no water and how your commitment to stick to this March challenge for just a couple of weeks can really make a difference. If you’ve been following me, you’ll know that I LOVE using technology for food and fitness inspiration. There are so many cool apps that help you keep your health on track and you can use the timer on your phone to remind you to keep your water consumption up while you’re on the challenge to keep you on track and your donations flowing in.
You CAN do it! Water rocks!
What are you waiting for? It is free to register for the Water Challenge (sign up at www.waterchallenge.org.au) and choose your challenge; Drink Just Water or Walk For Water.
I’d love to hear how you’re going. Tag #WaterChallengeAU to show me how you are keeping hydrated! How amazing that we can all make a difference together – and improve our own health at the same time! Drink up, people! Let’s get moving! It's all about being creative!
Check out this watermelon and berry infused water, yum.
Watch my LIVE daily Instagram stories to see how we stay hydrated everyday.
xxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
I love it when I meet people over on Instagram especially when I come across their amazing recipes. This dish is no exception. I asked the beautiful Mikhaela Antoon from Rawly to create an awesome Christmas mud cake for us and she did not disappoint.
Introducing the epic, decadent, no added refined sugar, raw, vegan, gluten, dairy and egg free.....
Chocolate Cherry Mud Cake
MUD CAKE
2 cups raw almonds or 1 cup almonds 1/12 cups walnuts
2 cups desiccated coconut
2 large beetroots grated finely
¾ cup raw cacao powder
1 cup of medjool dates, pitted
1 tbs vanilla extract or 1 teaspoon vanilla powder
CHERRY JAM
3 cups of cherries, pitted
1 cup medjool dates, pitted
2 tbs rice malt syrup
½ tsp vanilla extract
FROSTING
1 ½ cups coconut cream
1 cup cashews (soaked for 3+ hours or overnight)
1 cup cacao powder
3 tbs coconut oil
1 tbs vanilla powder
Pinch of salt
METHOD
1. Place all cherry jam ingredients into a food processor and process until well combined and smooth. Place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
2. Place all almonds, coconut, dates, cacao powder and vanilla into the food processor and process until well combined. Add the grated beetroot and process further until a smooth mix is formed. In a pan, place half the mixture in and press firmly into the pan. Pour half the mixture of the cherry jam on top of this layer and even it out. Set in the freezer.
3. Place all frosting ingredients into a high speed blender and blend until a smooth consistency is formed. Pour half of the frosting over the cake, spreading it evenly. Place bake in the freezer.
4. Repeat the end of step 2 with the remaining mud cake mixture, cherry jam. Place back into the freezer for 1-2 hours.
5. Remove cake from tin and decorate with the remaining frosting, raw chocolate, fresh cherries, coconut or whatever you please. Place back into the refrigerator until ready to be devoured.
How gorgeous is Mikhaela???? THANK YOU SO MUCH! I can't wait to make this.
ABOUT MIKHAELA ANTOON
"Hi, I am 20 years old and the owner of Rawly. I remember finishing high school with the ultimate goal of going to university and studying medicine. Yep, I know it sounds too good to be true. It wasn’t until the end of my first year that I felt I was lacking something, my heart just wasn’t there and thought maybe I wasn’t doing it for myself but rather the thought of pleasing others on what their expectations of me were. So I took action and differed my course and took 1 year off. In that time period I was constantly playing around with making raw desserts. I would get excited about re-creating unhealthy treats and feeding healthier versions to my family and friends. It wasn’t until then that I that I knew that’s exactly where my passion laid, o from that day I simply started my business, Rawly and wouldn’t be here today without the support from my family, friends and loyal customers for all the feedback I’ve received.
For as long as I can remember I’ve had a passion for health and fitness so by being able to offer healthy, wholesome and nutrient dense treats to individuals is what makes me jump up and down. Knowing that I’m able to provide individuals with wholesome treats that are full or REAL ingredients, whilst providing their bodies with loads of nutrients is what drives me to continue doing what I do. After turning vegan myself I struggled finding options at cafes and shops which was also and still is a driving point in my business."
Happy baking (not really) thank you so much Mikhaela for taking time to share your amazing recipes and for being totally being rawesome at what you do. You are such a talent.
For more delicious recipes you can order directly from Mikhaela on her Instagram page.
xxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
I love it when I hear the sound of the front door knock and I see a smiling delivery man handover a HelloFresh box or when I arrive home from work and this magical box appears. The HelloFresh service is a dream come true. As a mother of 4 kids (managing a household of 6 people and 1 new puppy) I want to stress less and spend more time with my beautiful family. I hate the supermarket queues at that mad rush hour after work. This HelloFresh box has all the ingredients ready to go, all you have to do is wash, chop and cook.
Use my HelloFresh 50% discount off your next purchase and please feel free to share my DANI50 code with your family and friends.
The kids are also helping prep the food and love all the different recipes we have been creating.
Why I love HelloFresh so much
So do yourself and your family a favor and grab a box today. Use DANI50 at checkout.
"Fresh food is the ingredient that binds us together."
xxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
Where have you been all my life? This dish is so delish. Super easy and if you soak your legumes and grains the night before they are super quick to boil or better still do what I do over the weekend and meal prep your legumes and grains so you have super duper quick dinners like tonight.
Leek and Mushroom with Pearl Barley
I was going to type out the ingredients and method but as I'm packing for our trip tomorrow thought I would show you the convenient recipe card that comes in the box with all the recipe items. It's brilliant!
Ingredients & Method
The house smells amazing. It's super quick to prepare as you slice all your veggies as the barley cooks.
Once everything is in the pan, all you do is cook it to your preference. I love them crunchy and not too soggy and over cooked - 5 minutes max. I also managed to keep this recipe within my 15 minute time frame. I think my induction cook top helps speed things up as well.
You're going to love it as this month I'm working with these amazing Hello Fresh people who have seriously made this Mama of 4 life super easy!
Check out more on my Instagram stories.
Happy hump day!
xxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
This habit formed when I went down to the beach playing with the kids and building sand castles, bang! 10 push ups right there on entrance of the water front princess castle Mietta and Zali were creating.
Here's some reasons why you should be doing push ups everyday!
Push up Benefits
Even if you can't do a complete military style, do what I do and lay down and try lifting your body up and then rest your entire body back down.
Happy push ups day! Tag me #ds365 when you do yours.
xxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
I have fallen in love with "me time" recently where I just jump on my bike and go for a ride to feel the wind in my hair and sun kiss my face. I'm especially loving meditation. It has truly enabled me to connect with my spirituality and helped me with my emotional awareness and how to be more mindful in my day.
How do we meditate? I know when I used to do it several years ago, I found it too frustrating and got distracted with my surroundings, constantly thinking I had to put another load of washing, fold the clothes, go food shopping, start on dinner, clean the house the "brain-ticking" list was endless....so I simply gave up.
Not now. Even if I simply sit still for 5 minutes to hear my heart beating and concentrate on my breath, I feel it gets me in the zone and prepare for the day ahead or throughout the day if I need to refocus.
A quick way to meditate if you are a novice, is find a comfortable position wherever you are (in the office, at home, outside in a park etc...) you can either sit or lay down. Start with a slow inhale and exhale of a few deep breaths, breathing deep into the belly, to help you relax and bring you to the present moment. Then close your eyes and be present to what is being experienced with your eyes closed. Notice how your body is feeling, what activity is going through your mind and emotions. Allow this experience of whatever is present without resisting anything or trying to change it. Do this for about a minute.
If you learn just this today, I assure you it is a start of something pretty meaningful and has impacted my life in a positive way and I love to meditate daily. Especially when I have a view like this everyday. Ommmmmm....
Just like riding a bike. I love it! I get stopped all the time with my latest environmental friendly kkdu plum hot wheels. You would have noticed on my Instagram stories that we take this little buggy everywhere we go eg: down the beach with all our fun beach items, farmers market or sports field.
My new Melbourne friends Astrid and Haydn have done such an amazing job creating the award-winning, most innovative and coolest bike trailer in the world. Plus if you don't want to ride around with it on the bike, you simply click it off and it converts into a 3-wheeled cart in under 10 seconds and you can wheel it around town!
Built for the country, designed for city, the name is inspired by the Northern Territory 'superfood' fruit called the Kakadu Plum – It’s available in 6 colours – all inspired by Australian flora. These are Kakadu Plum, Black Apple, Snowberry, Little Ruby, Lilli Pilli and Blue Marble. But I am sure if you asked for a Dani customised "black handles" Snowberry (I had my handles done in black tape) my kkdu plum friends would get this one done for you as well.
Sharing the love is what I am all about and these guys are simply genius! BRAVO!!!! I'm so proud of you.
We love taking the buggie around instead of driving, we love the healthy aspect, greener and more convenient way to travel as a family of 6. Even though my electric Tesla Model X is still on my inspiration board, I had to get a kkdu plum in the mean time to save the planet! (wink with a smile) It's all about taking baby steps.
I remembered our early days, carrying baskets of food, kids toys, the beach umbrella etc... huffing and puffing taking it all down to the beach when now we simply ride to the beach and pull the buggy onto the sand with everything on board and enjoy our family times together.
That's what we are all about and if we can share how we
I want to encourage YOU too, to cycle more with your family, spend fun times together and reduce those millions of unnecessary car journeys being done every day, simply because there is no other way to carry your ‘stuff’ by bicycle. Cities around the world are so congested and polluted, and we all need to be looking after ourselves and the planet so much better than we are. If widely adopted, I truly believe the kkdu plum can play a major role in reducing car journeys, make people happier and keep them healthier by getting out and more active through increased cycling.
So make sure you get outside, meditate and ride a bike today!
xxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator ]]>Travel is in my blood. Being a tourist and tour guide is something I live for everyday. I love when our friends visit our paradise home and I am truly blessed to have made this amazing coastal lifestyle change for our family of six.
Hence the inspiration behind our family travel brand name Nomadz6 (Noah, Oscar, Mietta, Adrian, Dani and Zali) pretty cool huh?
The school holidays have kicked in so we have been having fun in sun and catching up with our beautiful friends.
Waking up to colourful and magical sunrises like this is what makes me feel alive. It's what motivates and inspires me each and everyday. Often I have people ask me how I manage a household of six people, stay so positive and full of happiness, now you know my secret.
Hence the thrill of chasing this around the world and waking up in a different place. I have booked a few getaways over the next couple of months as I'm partnering with my amazing airbnb friends again (remember this Sydney trip) and visiting lovely Noosa, Byron Bay and Stradbroke Island as we love exploring our beautiful Australian islands.
One of our favourites is Hamilton Island.
Let me know if you have the travel bug like me and where you plan on travelling next? I can't wait to take our Nomadz6 to Brazil one day very soon.
Happy Wednesday and catch you over on Instagram.
XxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
It's official. My new Time Saver Program powered by Voome is here. Everything you need from 15 minute meals that taste terrific along with workouts you can do in the comfort of your own home in 20 minutes.
My most popular question I get asked daily is how I manage a household of 6 people and stay so motivated and positive.
Life can get a little hectic but I've placed all my advice and life learnings into this program to help you live a happy and healthy life too.
Time Saver Launch
What a brilliant morning in Sydney! Thanks to everyone that came, ate, laughed and worked out. It was so lovely meeting you.
Standing beside this massive self poster of mine.
All these delicious recipes are available on the Voome program. With 4 weeks of jam packed regular and plant based recipes combined with my home based workouts with lifetime access for only $39.95.
Our panel of experts Co-Founder Amelia Phillips (co-founder of Michelle Bridges 12WBT) Tim and Steph Prem winter Olympic snowboard champion.
You've gotta make these super simple bliss balls with all your favourite nuts and dried fruits.
BIG love and thanks to Mandy from Diamond Kicks for my amazing rockstar Nike BLING runners! Check out her Instagram page for more bling runners. There's no runner she can't bling!
So many delicious breakfast meal options all regular and plant based recipes available in my Time Saver Program too.
Smile, it looks good on you and doesn't cost a thing. I couldn't stop smiling all day.
An awesome Pilates session by Steph Prem.
For more fun and smiles watch my day here.
Keep an eye out in this week's newsletter as I announce 5 lucky winners to try out my 4 week Time Saver Program.
Good luck!
xxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
This is delicious. I love whipping up nutritional and delicious dishes that only take 15 minutes to make.
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Broccoli
To receive my delicious 365 recipes in your inbox please subscribe to my fitness, food and loads of motivation Dani updates.
XxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
I did it! Perfected it! Nailed it! This is a Serbian Croatian dish I have grown up on and never thought I could make it without meat and egg. Boy! Was I wrong. My brother is going to love me for this one!
Vegan Meat And Egg Free Burek
Ingredients
1 cabbage finely sliced
1 onion finely diced
1 packed Veggie Delight mince
2 crushed garlic
1 tsp smoked paprika
Drizzle of olive oil
1 tsp all spice
Salt and pepper to taste
1 packet of Filo pastry thawed
Method
Gently fry onion and garlic and add cabbage (you can also add celery, carrots etc...) fry until soft.
In a oven tray drizzle olive oil and layer 2 filo pastry sheets and 2-3 tbs of mixture.
Repeat this process and place in preheated 200C degree oven and cook until golden brown.
Better still, come check it out in action here;
Happy Thursday and World Forgiveness Day! Come on over to my Instagram to watch more of our stories.
Otherwise you can watch the replays of our 365 days on our YouTube channel.
XxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
What a whirl wind. I'm not a newbie when it comes to having my IP (Intellectual Property) tampered with but I sure do know how to handle myself better the second time around.
IT (Information Technology) isn't one of my strengths but believing and loving what I do everyday is.
How I have managed and coped with my Instagram page being hacked.
Don't panic! After all, 6,000,000 million people had their Instagram pages hacked this week so patience is the key!
Karma keeps receipts. So don't over react and do anything offensive to those that cause you obstacles. I had one follower say;
"Why did this happen to you Dani?"
To which I replied;
"Why not? It's something I'm good at and keeps me on my toes and sharing my story is what I love doing everyday. Plus it will help others. That's why I'm here."
Reconnect with your community as they have your back and will find you in this amazing social media world.
Keep being amazing at what you love doing everyday. My daily 365 mantra is Dream Big, Believe, Make It Happen. Never give up.
Report the Instagram page and get your community and friends to report the renamed page. Big thanks to all my friends and community that reported the hacker impersonating my page.
So my original page was DaniStevens365 which they renamed to hea1hymotivation and posted random pictures which didn't reflect my tone of voice or my style of pictures.
Then the hacker had the audacity to write to my personal DM (Direct Messages) contacts within the app that I had with personal friends (conversations, negotiations with brands and my partners with my residential postal address!) and was asking for a shoutout!
Then they had the courage to post on Instagram stories that my family lifestyle page Nomadz6 was hacked!
Which then made me realise where was my DaniStevens365 page? I quickly switched my family Nomadz6 account (100k followers) over to secure back my DaniStevens365 name which thankfully they weren't clever taking away from me!
Then I created a new Nomadz6 page (as I didn't want that to be hacked, reported or the name stolen with 100k followers) and is the account sitting in limbo until IG restore all the 137k beautiful community I lost this week.
So what now? I wait. Patience is the key. One thing I have learnt in social media is you can't be a fly by the night success. I've been in this game for 5 years, so I know things happen and things get resolved.
I have had numerous friends and colleagues connect me with people they know at Facebook but they don't have direct contacts within Instagram. But they're trying while I wait for an email response back from Instagram as they did email me back saying I should log back into the app with the original user name but they don't realise that's the one that got hacked and I have no clue what the username or password would be?
This is the location of the device that got into my email associated with my Instagram account.
The puzzling thing is when I received this unusual login attempt my gmail account sent this security email to verify the email name change.
When I pressed the link to revert the change, I was sent multiple emails with different account names and a different 2-step verification mobile code was uploaded so I was totally locked out!
Then I placed a quote image on my Instagram DaniStevens365 page as a hopeful "call to action" to all my celebrity friends who had any direct links into Instagram to help me. The reward? I'm buying them drinks next time I see them ;-)
I'll keep you posted. As far as the IG app reports are concerned, I've submitted several which have looped me to a page I'm unable to report my unique situation.
Having said that, I do have an email that is directly from The Instagram Team which I'm hopeful will be resolved as soon as all the other 6,000,000 million people have had their accounts restored.
Wishing you an amazing weekend and see you over on my DaniStevens365 Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter pages for more fun, food, motivation and loads of fun!
Thanks for being so amazing in my life. I love you beyond words.
XxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
You know me. KISS (keep it simple sweetie) and when I find ingredients that I don't have to stand over the stove to stir, I fist pump the air!
This one is pretty much in an oven tray set and forget.
Cauliflower Rice With Satay Tofu
Ingredients
1 cauliflower head cut in florets
Cumin and curry powder
Soy sauce
Vegan fish sauce
1 block of firm tofu
Corriander
Peanut butter
Crushed garlic
Sliced onions
Method
Chop tofu into small cubes and place in baking tray. Drizzle soy, fish sauce, crushed garlic, onions and scatter peanut butter. Bake in preheated oven until all the flavours absorb.
Set tofu aside.
Place cauliflower florets in the same baking tray with all those amazing juices and sprinkle cumin and curry with a splash of water and corriander sprigs.
Bake in 170C oven until just soft and golden. Then mix all of these amazing flavours together until it resembles rice. I made it more chunky style tonight as I was too lazy to get my blender out!
Let me know how you go and please tag me over on Instagram with #ds365vegan and #danistevens.
Here's some Monday Motivation for you....
How lucky we are to have you x
"Dad you always make time for each of us, even if you have 4 children." - Noah
"I love that you play footy with me and tickle me so much!" - Oscar
"I love you Dad so much, thanks for tickling me, being silly and making me laugh so much." - Mietta
"To the most famous Dad in the whole world. I love you with all my heart." - Zali
Words cannot express how grateful I have met the love of my life. Living the dream life and loving each and every minute of it. Truly blessed.
HAPPY FATHERS DAY
" Every day of my life is perfect because it starts and ends with loving you every day of my life."
xxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator ]]>This is a meal you can prepare under 30 minutes with whatever pantry and produce staples you have left over the weekend. Last night I mixed up the below and it was a hit!
Curry In A Hurry With Coconut Tofu
Ingredients
Olive oil
Vermicelli noodles (soaked in boiling hot water)
Bunch of bok choy and spinach
1 chopped onion
3-4 celery sticks sliced
2-3 crushed garlic
2-3 sliced carrots
2 fresh corn kernels
10 mushrooms sliced
1-2 cubes of vegetable or vegan chicken stock
1-2 litres of water
Infused Coconut Tofu
1 block of tofu
1 can coconut milk
1tbs curry powder
1tsp kaffir leaves
1tbs vegan fish sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Drizzle olive oil in a pre heated deep pot, sauté onions, garlic, celery and carrots until golden brown. Add corn, bok choy, spinach and 4 cups of water and stock. Allow to simmer while you infuse the tofu.
In a small pre-heated frypan, add curry powder and allow heat to infuse then splash coconut milk, add kaffir leaves and vegan fish sauce. Add cubed tofu pieces to absorb these divine flavours and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Pour coconut tofu into big pot, simmer together for a further 10 minutes and serve on a bed of vermicelli noodles.
Enjoy!
Please tag me #ds365vegan over on Instagram , Facebook and Twitter or Pinterest under my Vegan Recipes. I love seeing your plant based recipes as I keep experimenting and exploring something new everyday!
Happy Monday!
What's on for this week?
xxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
I've tried a lot of detoxes in my life but never an underarm one. So I googled and looked at the ingredients I had in my pantry and gave these guys a bit of a mix. Big thanks to Stella from Naturalista Australia who inspired my cleanse today.
Armpit Cleanse and Detox
Lemon
This guy has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties which fight harmful bacteria, fungus, and virus that cause diseases and infections. Its antioxidant property helps eliminate toxins from the body.
Bicarbonate Soda
For under two dollars you can buy a box of this if you want to avoid the parabens and aluminum found in many deodorants and antiperspirants. This alkaline substance has antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a powerful medical tool effective at combating everything from colds to oral problems to skin issues.
Turmeric Powder
This natural powerhouse powder is used in innumerable ways and it has a lot of benefits for skin and hair. Turmeric has been known to contain numerous antioxidants as well as antibacterial properties. Giving you amazing benefits for your skin, hair, and health.
Coconut Oil
Not only does it taste and smell amazing but coconut oil is also has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. It's great for our skin, an excellent moisturizer and penetrates into our skin and hair better than other oil.
Method
Simply mix all of the ingredients together until you get a paste.
Other ingredients you can use are apple cider vinegar, lemon, or witch hazel. Healing bentonite clay, apple cider vinegar, water. Or just use some lemon juice or bicarb soda and mix with some water until you get a paste consistency.
You can watch more on my Instagram stories or below.
Why we should do an underarm cleanse and detox;
So go on! Give your underarms so loving today. Especially for those of us who have been wearing conventional antiperspirants or deodorants for quite some time. It feels great and I'm feeling refreshed and odour free as I type.
Make sure you stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to flush out your toxins!
xxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
We had such a quick and tasty dinner tonight. Vegetable sausages on the bbq which hasn't been turned on for six months! Served with herbed potatoes.
Did you know potatoes have more potassium than bananas? Jam packed with vitamin C, loaded with antioxidants, magnesium and contain no salt or cholesterol.
Herb Potatoes With Cashew Horseradish Cream
Ingredients
1kg potatoes
Olive oil
2-3 crushed garlic
Handful of rosemary & fresh parsley
1-1/2 cups of water
Method
Finely slice potatoes, add to preheated pan with olive oil, season and add crushed garlic. Allow to cook for a couple of minutes to allow garlic to infuse, add water and place lid to steam and cook potatoes quicker. Keep mixing until potatoes are cooked through.
Meanwhile, sausages are on the BBQ, potatoes are cooking quickly blend this delicious cream.
Cashew Horseradish Cream
Ingredrients
3/4 cup soaked cashews
1/2 cup of plant based milk
3 tbs horseradish
1 tbs Dijon mustard
2 tbs white wine vinegar
Squeeze of half a lemon
Salt and pepper
Method
Blend all ingredients into a high speed blender and serve with golden brown potatoes.
Watch our Sunday;
How was your weekend? Here's a gentle reminder and motivation for tomorrow....
xxDani
365 LifestyleMotivator
I know. It's kinda bad but soooo good. Forget the cookies. We made an entire slab of this stuff. And it's ohhhhh soooo good! Less the dairy, egg and added refined sugar. Win win!
Corn Flake Vegan Slab
Ingredients
4 cups of corn flakes
1/2 cup flour (your choice)
1/2tsp baking powder
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1 cup of vegan butter (melted)
1tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup of sultanas
Method
Mix dry ingredients with wet until you get a sticky consistency.
If you find the mixture too wet add more cornflakes, if too dry add a touch of milk.
Bake in a preheated 180c degree oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
It's such an easy recipe to make but be warned there's no left overs. We ate it all.
How was you weekend? Check out our Saturday.
xxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
Apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Here's Zali 5 years ago sipping on her Shrek and Fiona green juice as she was a big fan when that movie came out.
Shrek and Fiona juice
Ingredients
1-2 cups of raw spinach
2 bananas
2-3 cups of coconut water
2tsp spirulina
2tsp chia seeds
drizzle of maple syrup (optional if you prefer it sweeter)
Method
Place all ingredients in blender and mix until combined. If too thick add liquid if you running add another banana or chia seeds.
YUM!!!
Some things never change. If you start them young, they will see what you drink and want some. We still have our daily green smoothies and if you join the list you receive my FREE Green Smoothie recipes loaded with goodness.
So what is Spirulina?
This blue-green, absurdly healthy but often overlooked or misunderstood; Spirulina is renowned for its intense flavor and even more powerful nutrition profile! It grows in our version of that magical moon, Hawaii, along with other exotic locations around the globe.
What are the benefits of Spirulina?
Spirulina is a natural and miracle micro “algae” (cyanbacteria) powder that is incredibly high in protein (60-70%) helps you stay focused and nourished as it's got a good source of antioxidants, B-vitamins and amino acids which quickly absorbs into our bodies.
I'm a huge fan of Spirulina as it contains natural iron (a huge bonus since I'm all plant based these days) that my body loves! It supports our brain function and energy metabolism without any tummy troubles.
Here's what happened on hump day;
Let me know how you're going with our daily steps and tag me over on Instagram #ds365. I went off the hook with over 20,000 steps as I decided to take my meetings for a "walk and talk."
XxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator
I can't remember the last time I had these. The butter, flour and sugar. Yummo. Add the sultanas, cornflakes and the rest is history.
Actually it's not. I'm creating new history substituting my old style of cooking to healthy plant based choices. Check these babies out.
Rock and Roll Cakes Vegan Style
Ingredients
Flour (gluten free)
Almond flour
Baking soda
Vegan butter
Coconut sugar
Corn flakes
Sultanas
Nutmeg
Cinnamon
Plant based milk
Method
I'll be sending the actual recipe and quantities in my next newsletter. So please ensure you have subscribed here.
I made a huge batch so I could freeze them for kids lunches and after school snacks.
You can watch more of my day here. Beware of my lip syncing singing, I really think I'm a rockstar on the inside.
Happy Thursday. Let me know what you got up to. I had a little Throw Back Thursday moment today. Check it out on Instagram.
XxDani
365 Lifestyle Motivator