For the love of Pumpkins & Picnics

PUMPKIN DIP WITH CHILLI & GINGER
A lovely Autumn starter for an Easter picnic or BBQ, equally good warm or cold    

Drizzle pumpkin / sweet potato & crushed garlic, with olive oil, season with salt & pepper in a
preheated oven (200c) and roast for about 20 minutes, turning once until tender. 

Process with (to taste), chopped ginger, seeded red chilli and juice of lime until just blended. 
Serve with crackers or French baguette that's been sliced and toasted after being drizzled 

with olive oil and rubbed with garlic.

A word on DIPS
A dip or dipping sauce is specific to being able to be scooped up with a cracker or likewise, so 

needs to be more substantial and less liquid, but not too chunky. Unlike other sauces, instead 

of applying the sauce to the food, the food is typically dipped, or added into the dipping sauce. 

10 years younger Dominique Sachse style

How come I've never heard of this amazing lady?  She has so many fabulous yet practical ideas to explore.

Can't wait to catch up!

Clara

ps - Just like to add fresh produce to the food aspect. 

For the video - highlight link then select 'Go to view the link from the dropdown menu'  

https://youtu.be/7Mz1_LzzJcc


Description - Dominique Sachse 

Throughout my 25 years in TV news, and having to take care of my own hair, makeup and wardrobe, not only did I learn to be camera ready, but I also developed creative self-expression along the way. 

I believe in the power of sharing and empowering others to enjoy their best self yet. 

Here, it's not just about the right concealer and smokey eyes, although I love both and enjoy producing the latest in make-up videos. I also dive into questions from viewers about organization, confidence, creating a happy and beautiful home and getting outside the comfort zone, all while blending in a little faith and encouragement along the way. My plate is full, just like yours. I'm a wife, mother of one, bonus mother to five, career-oriented, charity-minded and wanting to make a difference. Won't you join me on this journey?

These are my top 10 tips to look 10 years younger and they are almost all free! Combine them together to not only look youthful but feel better as well.

Overview of the video

1. Add layers to hair, to add bounce and lift - go shorter

2. Soften makeup 💄

3. Good night's sleep 😴
4. Exercise - cardio, weights
5. Posture - stand tall, roll tissue
6. Lose weight - cut back on whites - flour, sugar & refined carbs
7. Hydrate, exfoliate
8. Youthful trend clothing eg a bomber jacket
9. Practice your Faith - Hope
10. Nurture your relationships

Good friends are to be cherished

My birthday broom

To Rita

Happy birthday!  You are a wonderful friend
and I'm grateful to have you in my life.  

I hope this birthday year will continue
to bring you happiness and fulfilment 

with some moments of joy in every day  

You deserve it.

with love Clara

Timeless Beauty Icon - Sophia Loren shares a secret

Sophia Loren at age 52 




Who can forget Sophia Loren?

If you can believe it, the legendary Italian actress is now 83 years old — and we still look to her as an example of poise and confidence. Even after five decades in the spotlight, she walks the red carpet with grace and class seeming almost immune to the passage of time.

In her 1984 book “Women & Beauty,” she talked about taking pride in your own unique features, whatever they may be: "If you have the strength to appreciate your idiosyncrasies, the rest of the world  may come to agree with you.”

On ageing…, “There is always something to look forward to in life. Whatever age you have.”

True to her roots, she credits her youthful appearance to the Italian habit of using lots of olive oil in her diet. It turns out, olive oil is full of antioxidants that fight free radical damage. It’s rich in vitamins A, D, K, and especially skin-nourishing vitamin E, contains a powerful compound called squalene — which naturally hydrates our skin and even helps support collagen levels. 
In fact, she is famous for applying olive oil directly to her skin to moisturise.  Apparently, our skin will absorb only as much as it needs… leaving it both protected and hydrated.  

Most Italians will agree that olive oil holds powerful anti-aging properties — 

it seemed to work for Sophia!

“Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. 

It is not something physical."

  

Tuna with penne, tomatoes and olives ticks all the healthy / delicious boxes

Equally good hot or cold but for picnics, either prepare at home
or add grilled tuna to a prepared penne salad.

TUNA:  Heart Friendly, Lowers Blood Pressure, Improves the Immune System, Helps with Weight Loss, Strengthens Your Bones, Improves Skin Health, etc; is delicious and quick to prepare.

Cook 2 cups penne in a large pan of lightly salted boiling water according to the packet instructions or until al dente. Drain well.

Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add 500g tuna steak, cook, stirring occasionally, for 2—3 minutes until seared. Remove from the pan, cut into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Return the pan to high heat and cook  2 garlic cloves, very thinly sliced; 2 long red chillies, seeded and finely chopped and 4 chopped anchovies.  Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.  Add a punnet of grape tomatoes and a handful of black olives and cook, stirring occasionally, for a few minutes, or until the tomatoes are slightly softened.

Add the hot pasta and tuna to the pan and gently toss. Add a handful of basil leaves and season with salt and pepper.

Take care - they think they know - but...

Hi there D   I've been given the job of asking you if you know how to revert one's computer from Mandarin back to English.    Let me preface this by saying I cannot imagine why my darling husband allowed an 8 year old to show him how to do it or more importantly, 'why'??  in the first place 'cos I wouldn't go there.   Every time a 'clever' grandchild has shown me his/her expertise re IT / social media, I have ended up in enormous trouble.   So now to solve the problem - G thinks the only way forward is to appeal to the Mandarin teacher to give him an idea of the steps required to revert this action.    Please don't reprimand your lovely daughter for this, as we are the adults and she was only showing off her skills.   Cheers Claire

ps Just realised that our said 8 year old had her red folder re Year 3 Mandarin'  with her when she came to spend 'Time with Claire'.  It's amazing how influential this can be and it's a good omen for the future of powerful women.  Just have the trappings and the confidence and it will lead you there?? ... xx

Sometimes the goin' gets tough, when playing the voucher game!

I had had enough of it today, after a social drought due to G being away, so I did what women do - "When the goin' gets tough, the tough go shopping." I still had some credit on a gift card, and I received some vouchers by email for special discounts so I set off to redeem my bargains.


I looked around for a garment which would make a difference to our Europe trip, and still work seasonally now, and found a casual multi-functional khaki top which could work with or without a layer underneath. It takes ages to choose, as you know, but finally I returned to try it on again, and decided to go for it. Then I collected a jeans belt I had selected in order to pay for the two together.


Nothing worked - you had to purchase to the value of $75 in order to get a $20 dollar discount; I had printed off a few vouchers, so thought I was in front. But no. You have to read the copious small print - what it boiled down to was there were a few dull Myer only brands to which this applied, but the top I had chosen was excluded, as were all of the other decent brands. Then because the belt cost less than $75 I didn't get any discount there either. I felt in "Why bother with voucher mode" but since I now wanted the Khaki top, and the belt, and had spent hours choosing them, I bought them at original price.

They got me! All part of the game. But I have to say they won't next time.


Clara


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‘ALFRESHCO - foreshore flavour’ finally delivered

Hi

There’s a saying that writing and publishing a book is like giving birth, especially at the end of the process when you just want to cross the finish line.  It has been a challenging journey with many hiccups, to say the least, but I’m happy that ‘ALFRESHCO  -  foreshore flavour’ ( my last book)  has finally been delivered. 

Celebrating the ‘produce providers’ of yesterday & today along our abundant foreshores and the innovators who have refreshed the Australian cuisine.
Foreshore flavours are explored, expressing the changing nature of today’s cuisine,with a focus on shared platters and eating alfresco.

I'm excited to say that it will be launched in late November, just in time for Summer alfresco eating.  In the meantime I'll be posting about some of the fresh food ideas from it.

 Clara

Steve Jobs' last words

"True inner happiness doesn't come from the material things" 

Hi there

I'm passing on Joseph Panzarella's post because coming from a man, Steve Jobs, who had everything which many call 'success', his words are both poignant and powerful.   Claire

 Steve Jobs' last words

He died a billionaire at 56yrs of Pancreatic Cancer and here are his last words on the sick bed:

"I reached the pinnacle of success in the business world. In others’ eyes my life is an epitome of success.

However, aside from work, I have little joy. In the end, wealth is only a fact of life that I am accustomed to.

At this moment, lying on the sick bed and recalling my whole life, I realize that all the recognition and

wealth that I took so much pride in, have paled and become meaningless in the face of impending death.

You can employ someone to drive the car for you, make money for you but you cannot have someone to bear the sickness for you.

Material things lost can be found. But there is one thing that can never be found when it is lost – "Life".

When a person goes into the operating room, he will realize that there is one book that he has yet to finish reading – "Book of Healthy Life".

Whichever stage in life we are at right now, with time, we will face the day when the curtain comes down.

Treasure Love for your family, love for your spouse, love for your friends...

Treat yourself well. Cherish others.

As we grow older, and hence wiser, we slowly realize that wearing a $300 or $30 watch - they both tell the same time...

Whether we carry a $300 or $30 wallet/handbag - the amount of money inside is the same;

Whether we drive a $150,000 car or a $30,000 car, the road and distance is the same, and we get to the same destination.

Whether we drink a bottle of $300 or $10 wine - the hangover is the same;

Whether the house we live in is 300 or 3000 sq ft - loneliness is the same.

You will realize, your true inner happiness does not come from the material things of this world.

Whether you fly first or economy class, if the plane goes down - you go down with it...

Therefore.. I hope you realize, when you have mates, buddies and old friends, brothers and sisters, who you chat with, laugh with, talk with, have sing songs with, talk about north-south-east-west or heaven and earth, .... That is true happiness!!

Five Undeniable Facts of Life :
1. Don't educate your children to be rich. Educate them to be Happy. So when they grow up they will know the value of things not the price.

2. Best awarded words in London ... "Eat your food as your medicines. Otherwise you have to eat medicines as your food."

3. The One who loves you will never leave you for another because even if there are 100 reasons to give up he or she will find one reason to hold on.

4. There is a big difference between a human being and being human.
Only a few really understand it.

5. You are loved when you are born. You will be loved when you die. In between, You have to manage!

NOTE: If you just want to Walk Fast, Walk Alone! But if you want to Walk Far, Walk Together!

Six Best Doctors in the World
1. Sunlight
2. Rest
3. Exercise
4. Diet
5. Self Confidence and
6. Friends

Maintain them in all stages of Life and enjoy a healthy life.

Joseph E Panzarella

Follow · 15 June · 

On renewing old friendships



So many beautiful destinations

 Dear Babyboomers

The extra time available after retirement offers opportunities to renew old friendships.  We are fortunate enough to be invited to visit friends in beautiful places and wonder at magnificent sights and sites, but it's not just about amazing scenery.  To me, what is ultimately more important is the engagement I feel in the activity and the friendship aspect.




Noosaville



Old friendships renewed

Since our 'Raison d etre' - 'Reason for Being' somehow becomes more similar to others in the retirement boat, it is an ideal time to renew and refresh old friendships, share creative ideas, old times and most importantly, have a good laugh together. G and Ian certainly had many of these in one of our visits to Noosaville.  So important and healing.

Clara

A Leunig slant for a Happy New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR 

A few images and sentiments borrowed from Michael Leunig 

to herald 2018

 Best wishes and a few added thoughts  

With love    Claire and Graham

Reading

(Many good books)

Getting there

(Happy journey - maybe change direction to go with the tide?)

The night we lost our marbles

(Hopefully not on New Years Eve!)

(Bottom line)

To view or add comment, click on "no comment" - you can comment as 'anonymous' if you don't have a google account; or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au or visit my website at www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Babyboomer loves finger limes

Hi there Babyboomers

  I won't go into explaining yet- enough to say " Hi again and it's good to be back to being a blogger."

So I'll leave it at that and hope you have had a meaningful day.

Finger lime pearls from The Lime Caviar Company, winner of the Outstanding Innovation

at the delicious. Produce Awards

I'm actually really excited about finger limes. 
They are often referred to as ‘citrus caviar’ due to the delicate ‘crystals’ of pulp contained within the fruit releasing fresh bursts of citrus. 

More to come from NSW, Australia.

Cheers Clara

To view or add comment, click on "no comment" - you can comment as 'anonymous' if you don't have a google account; or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au or visit my website at www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Planks Pushups Groans!

A Wednesday selection of our 'Older Adults' Class of 2016
with our valiant leader, Clinton  (Front Centre)

Here we are at our last session at 'Fitness First, Mosman' for 2016 as we follow Clinton's instructions and benefit from his expertise and encouragement.  He tailors his classes to suit a wide diversity in fitness goals and physical ability levels and the participants, including myself, have expressed improvement in functional fitness. 

Often supported by TRX 's  we perform mainly strengthening and balancing exercises, with other mat exercises such as 'plank' and push-ups "groan", all of which assist in maintaining fitness and flexibility.  

He will often explain why a particular movement relates to daily life such as enabling good balance if you trip, making the movement more meaningful; partnering up occasionally in an activity adds to the important social aspect.

Most of us have been attending the 3 half hour a week sessions all year and intend to continue next year, hopefully with Clinton, but we are confident that if he is unable to take the class that he will ensure that we are looked after to continue our good work.

At the same time we enjoy the company of other people and afterwards often share viewpoints over a cup of coffee. 

There are many thoughtful and caring people around Mosman; our group was fortunate to have such a motivated instructor. Thanks Clinton.

To view or add comment, click on "no comment" - you can comment as 'anonymous' if you don't have a google account; or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au or visit my website at www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Cicret Bracelet technology is a blast!

 Hi Babyboomers

I'm coming back with a blast of technology!

They keep coming up with amazing ideas.   Not quite sure we want it or can cope with it but, nevertheless it's here!

This is the coolest bracelet going and will be very marketable soon.

Are we ready for this? And it's waterproof too.

Look what they have developed in Israel.

Forget everything you think technology can do. This goes beyond that!!

This will be available next year.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/9J7GpVQCfms

Could be good and may fit in well in the future.

Claire



To view or add comment, click on "no comment" - you can comment as 'anonymous' if you don't have a google account; or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au or visit my website at www.babyboomerconnections.com.au