Reading 1 – the GREATEST HEALING often HAPPENS in the most ORDINARY WAYS
When you begin your healing journey, you will be searching for epiphanies. Life-changing, soul-opening, mind-bending truths. Drastic changes, rapid uprooting, the fierce releasing of what you can no longer stand and the obsessive need to find something that makes you feel a little better, even just for a moment.
One of the most subtle challenges will be that the thick of it often happens in the most ordinary ways.
It's about setting an intention to heal. Writing it down on a piece of paper somewhere you see often. Realizing that no-body knows what to do at the beginning, so sometimes the most powerful way we can begin is by making a statement to the universe about what we're going to do.
It's about carving out space for deep rest. The deepest rest you've ever given yourself. It's about realizing that your body knows what to do, and your job is to support it, to step out of the way.
It's about changing your environment, both in big ways and small. This might mean moving. It might mean cleansing Your space of relics, so you are no longer living in a museum of the past. It's about realizing that you will adapt to, and so you must choose wisely. You must create even just one corner of peace within your own little world recognizing finally that "home" was never a place that exist anywhere outside of your own heart.
It's about doing the practical things, the budgeting and the blood tests. The doctor's appointments and the making of plans. The calendars and the emails. The supplements and the exercise routines, however simple they may be at first. These things are often the first to be cast aside when we are hurting, and yet they are also the most vital.
It's about finding the kind of support that's right for you – the trainer, the therapist, the life coach — whatever is needed for your own unique journey.
It's about rediscovering the little joys of life — the long baths, the page-turning novels, the quiet Saturday mornings, the clean sheets, the stars, the city lights, the ocean — and realizing that they were the big things all along.
It's about choosing not to give your mental attention and emotional energy to things that will not grow into experiences you want to be having. It's about realizing that you can construct a new dream. It's about releasing who you are, in the smallest ways, and realizing that sometimes, the most ordinary things are the most defining, the most saving, the most soothing, the most important, the most overlooked, and the most real.
Reading 2 – You Have to PRACTICE LETTING GO
Almost every last one of us lives with the assumption that if something is not, right, for us, it will simply be pulled away in time. We linger, we wonder, we grasp onto what's so clearly not a match and we wait for the universe to do the dirty work and feel devastated once it's done.
We think of letting go as a last ditch effort to our own progress and sanity we will let go only if we have to, only if we are forced, only if the world truly proves to us that some-thing is not meant to be.
There is an easier way.
Letting go is not an event, it is a practice.
It is something we learn to do with the small stuff, so when the big stuff comes around, we know how.
We have to learn to let, go of thoughts, of moments.
We have to learn to let go of acquaintances, care for others' opinions, so many petty arguments and fights we can choose not to pick. We have to learn to let go of the items that serve only as relics of a time that has passed, the clothes that dressed the people we no longer are. We have to learn to let go of the dreams we chose for the people we eventually outgrew, we have to learn to let go or the idea that other people are meant to live up to our expectations of them, rather than their own unpredictable truths.
We have made the process of letting go seem like this superhuman feat we have attainable for the truly enlightened. We find so many ways around it. Revenge bodies, gaining closure, proving them wrong. We find many ways to at once make it seem as though we have moved on completely, and yet remain precisely where we used to be — living through the gaze of what we imagine someone else might see.
Letting go is as effortless as an exhale.
You do it all the time.
Reading 3 – WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU an OPPORTUNITY to CHANGE, PLEASE don’t LET IT PASS YOU BY
When life offers you the opportunity to change course, you should take it.
You should take it because what ends up on our doorstep is almost always what's meant for us, even if we didn't anticipate its arrival. You should take it because the number of opportunities you'll be given to deeply change your life are far fewer than you think. You should take it because just the hunch that you should is an indicator that you want to.
But more than anything else, you should take it because when life gives us an opportunity to change, it's almost always because change is needed.
It's easy to romanticize what's comfortable. It's normal to prefer what’s familiar. You've spent so much time convincing prefer Yourself that where you are is where you want to be, you've extolled every virtue and sought every explanation to justify why you need to stay precisely where you are.
But all of that mental chatter might be clouding your vision.
When you have to try so hard to convince yourself that something is right, it’s almost always because deep down, you know that something is wrong.
When we're on the right path, it simply is.
We don't have to do mental gymnastics to convince ourselves that we're in the right place at the right time, it’s just obvious and even if doubt does creep in now and again.
Sometimes, we get caught in the grey area for a while.
We find ourselves stuck between knowing we’re outgrowing where we are, and yet not seeing the next stone to leap on. If we're not mindful, the opportunity that we're craving might just pass us by, because our focus is to fixed, too shortsighted.
Giving into life is trusting life.
Reading 4 – THIS IS what it REALLY MEANS to be KIND to YOURSELF, BECAUSE it’s not AS EASY AS YOU THINK
When we think of kindness, we often confuse it for niceness, and the two are not the same.
When we are being nice, we are being placid and non-responsive. We are not aggravating, we are not triggering, we are not pointing out anything important, we are not addressing what needs to be said. We are washing over our natural and essential reactions for the sake of not disrupting someone else's waters, even if in all honesty, that's exactly what they need.
We behave this way because it's not always our place to tell someone what they need to hear.
It is always our place to maintain that type of honesty with ourselves.
Being kind to yourself is often doing the thing you least want to do.
It is very often prioritizing your future needs over your current wants. It is awakening yourself to your destructive habits, it is recognizing your self-defeating patterns, it is learning how to self-heal, it is setting boundaries first with ourselves and then with others, it is recognizing our power and remembering how we have neglected to use it.
That is kindness. Everything else is a distraction.
Reading 5 – There are 3 TYPES OF LOSSES in our lives, and each TEACHES US SOMETHING DIFFERENT
For as many things as we grow into and gain in life, in equal proportion, we lose, outgrow, and gravitate away from others.
But we don't respond to every loss in the same way. There's a reason why we are so absolutely devastated in the face of some breakups, but neutral if not grateful for others. There's a deep psychological current running beneath the surface of these events in our lives, one that we often aren't conscious of.
There are ultimately three different. types of loss that we experience in our lives, and each is meant to teach us some-thing about ourselves.
Heartbreak
Heartbreak is painful, but it doesn't make us suffer. Heartbreak is when we get ghosted, when we have a casual boyfriend or girlfriend who moves on. It’s when we lose a family member but feel grateful that they are at peace. Though it stings, heartbreak is not an inherently unhealthy thing. is is a natural response to loss. Heartbreak actually teaches us what it means to love, and makes us appreciate what it means to have someone in our lives, because we are now aware of how easy it is to lose them.
Attachment
Attachment ultimately teaches us who we really are, because in the process of trying to keep the relationship intact, we sacrifice a lot of our own values and sense of self. The extreme the pain of a loss of attachment is not the actual loss of the person as it is the loss of what we thought our future would be.
Detachment
Detachment teaches us how to love ourselves first. It teaches us how to be resilient. It is a sign that our goal in life is no longer just to remain comfortable. It is the greatest display self-love. Detaching from a relationship when we know isn't right is a sign that we no longer rely on others for our sense of stability and self, and it is often the first sign we are more mentally strong and emotionally free than ever before.
Reading 6 – SIGNS YOU’RE ACTUALLY MAKING PROGRESS in LIFE, EVEN if it doesn’t FEEL LIKE YOU ARE
You're starting to care more about how you feel as opposed to what other people think.
You're no longer content to live a life designed to appease everyone but yourself.
Sometimes, this can emerge as a sort of anger or aggression. You find yourself completely fed up with everyone's judgements and shortcomings, and you might feel like you want to lash out or cut ties with those people so that you can relieve yourself from some of the pressure.
There are boundaries to be set here, and first and foremost, that begins with you.
You have to start by making decision for your life, not your parent’s lives, not your friend’s lives, not your partner’s life, not your peers' lives.
When you start stepping forward in your full truth, give people a chance to respond to you instead of just assuming how they’ll react. You can make a call about your relationship from there.
If, on the other hand, you're looking back on instances in you didn't set boundaries that you should have and are regretting your lack of self-respect, write it all down, Put it in a drawer and come back to it tomorrow. Is there any-thing there worth sharing with the people involved? Would it bring you peace to approach them and let them know how you feel, or would it just bring more stress?
That's a decision you can make for yourself, but first, just know that it's a great sign of growth that you're actually angry enough to stop living by an invisible set of rules set forth by people who do not have to walk in your shoes.
Reading 7 - Freeze Negative Energy
Police officers often say "Freeze!" when they want someone to stop, when they want to protect themselves. We can do the same thing. We can learn to freeze unwanted energy that comes to us from others.
Health professionals agree there are many causes of stress in our lives, from toxins in the air to problems related to love, money, self-esteem, or work. One subtle problem that can cause undesirable stress — an area we often overlook — is when people direct negative energy at us. We can learn to become aware of, and protect ourselves from, undesirable negative energy that others may unconsciously, or even consciously, be directing toward us — whether they're feeling angry, resentful, jealous, or downright hateful. We don't have to absorb the impact of that energy, and let it harm us.
We can freeze negative energy. We can mentally tell it to stop and refuse to take it in and make it ours. If something is really bothering us, try this trick one healer taught me. Draw a picture of the person or write a description of the problem, then stick it in the freezer underneath the bottom tray.
People are energy. Thoughts are energy. Part of loving ourselves is not ingesting toxins. Negative energy is toxic. Don't stress others out by sending negative energy to them. Learn to tell when negative energy is stressing you, and then learn to tell it to freeze.
Reading 8 - Awaken Your Life Force
The Chinese call it chi. The Japanese, ki. It refers to energy, the life force, the Divine spirit of life that permeates all that is. That permeates you.
Awaken your life Force. Do things that stimulate it, bring it alive. Walk on the ground with your bare feet and let the earth's energy surge through you. Reach your hands toward the heavens and let Divine energy come down to you. Move around. Release the blocks. Feel. Love. Sing. Shout.
Come alive. Discover what it means to become vital and fully alive. Feel the life force surge through you, up through your legs, your spine, your head. Feel it wash down upon you through your arms, your torso, down through your toes and into the ground, rooting you to this planet like a tree. Know you have roots. Know you have branches.
Fill yourself with chi. Fill yourself until you feel vital, alive. Feel it until you become happy and joyful, grateful to be alive on this planet. Feel it until you know you are one with God, one with life, one with love. Feel it until you see how connected you are with all that lives.
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Freshly made granola is simple yet fulfilling as you get to add your favorite nuts and guarantee a healthy snack, all it takes is is 30 mins and you’re all set. Give it a go and let me know how you get on.
Recipe
Instructions
Yogis came from around the world with one intention in mind, to look after themselves, to heal, to learn, to reconnect with nature and to find their roots. That one thing in common, created such a great bond within the group. Read a day by day journal from one yogi observer from the week X
]]>A day by day journal of the weeklong Fall Foliage Yoga Retreat at Masseria Potenti, Puglia
The yoga retreat has been planned with meticulous attention to details. Kudos to May for her creativity in setting up the refreshing flower bath as a symbolic ritual of cleansing the body and mind during the opening circle. The yin & soundbath session that followed was just the right mix to ease the yogis into the practice for the next 6 days.
Waking up at the crack of dawn, May sets off to the secluded yoga shala nestled in the olive groves for some prep work and warming up before the 8am yoga session starts. As the morning vinyasa yoga session ends, a delightful surprise awaits the yogis at the breakfast table.
The breakfast spread is a healthy selection of fruits or vegetable juices, fresh fruits platter, the all time favourite granola made by May herself, biscotti, bite-sized sandwiches with hot coffee served as well. A most satisfying and nutritious meal to start the day’s activities.
And so are all the other meals of the day. Beautiful tablescape set up for scrumptious lunches outdoor, the perfect setting to soak up the sun’s warmth. And the candle-lit dinners are always so magical and charming with just the right ambience for congenial conversations and sharing experiences over fine wines and the best of pugliese dishes. Then winding down the day’s activities for the most peaceful slumber in a countryside farmhouse.
As the retreat progressed, the yogis got into their ryhthm during yang yoga sessions in the early mornings, flowing into the various asanas as they follow May’s clear cues. The more relaxed yin yoga sessions at the shala are a welcome restorative practice in the evenings. Readings of inspirational messages by May at the end of each yoga sessions are food for thoughts.
Besides the nutritious food served every meal, 1 on 1 consultations with Raoul offered advice on a diet suited to one’s gut health. So much for food for the body, there’s food for the soul as well in the therapeutic and soothing soundbaths by Joseph.
Puglia is famed for the primitivo wine produced here, so it is the natural thing to host a wine tasting session at the vineyard. A special treat much anticipated by everyone. Walter introduced the Masseria’s house wines of Bianco, Rose and Primitivo as well as some other local wines. Everyone enjoyed not only the wines but the cheeses and delicious meatballs, lingering on even after sunset.
As part of an authentic farm experiience, a herb and harvest workshop conducted by the matriach of the Masseria, Maria Grazia showed how to preserve peppers, cherry tomatoes, aubergine and dried figs harvested in the farm within the Masseria. So then the summer’s harvest can be enjoyed through to winter.
Another interesting workshop on basket weaving was also held to introduce this handcraft of making baskets from local plant materials. It’s an eye opener that the stem of a plant found in abundance here can be used to make robust baskets that last.
To enjoy Puglia’s countryside, day trips were organised for outings to Maisia Potenti for lunch and to watch the flamingoes in the nearby reserve. Everyone could not resist taking a dip in the refreshing, cool, crystal clear waters of the Ionian sea. Exploring Porto Selvaggio in kayaks is another extra activity not to be missed.
As the finale to the retreat, a pyjama party was hosted and all the yogis look lovely in the beautiful Cara Mia May pyjamas which were gifted to them. Before dinner, a closing circle at the trullo was held. At the centre, a beautiful meaningful mandela which is a symbol of balance and equilibrium, was layed out on the floor. Yogis shared their thoughts about the retreat and how the week’s practice has affected and transformed them. After which everyone had so much fun making a pizza of their choice for dinner.
Connections and new friends were made and some were so happy with their experience in the Fall Foliage Retreat and stay at the Masseria, they have started making plans to return for the next retreat!
May and Walter together with Joseph and Raoul as collaborators deserve a big thank you for such an awesome yoga retreat! The success of the retreat is a result of much careful planning and team effort of the hosts and the support from the yogis. What a rejuvenating week it has been for all!
Namaste🙏🏼
An observer’s review, all images are credited to Fabio Fiselli
To join our next retreat, click here.
]]>Welcome to my blog post about the life-changing seven-day retreat I recently attended in Puglia, Italy. This wellness trip was an incredible experience, filled with self-discovery, relaxation, and cultural immersion. The group of individuals I traveled with came from all over the world, bringing unique perspectives and personalities that made the trip even more memorable. From daily yoga and meditation sessions to exploring the stunning beaches and historic towns of Puglia, every moment of the retreat was truly transformative.
The retreat I attended was hosted by May, the founder of Cara Mia May, a design-led brand that draws inspiration from her love for travel and handicrafts. The brand's name, "Cara Mia May," which means "Dear Beloved May" in Italian, was conceptualized and inspired by May's farm stay in Puglia, Italy.
Cara Mia May offers a unique collection of vintage-themed designs, with a focus on attention to fine details. Each piece is created with utmost care and is a thing of beauty to be cherished. The antique pieces offered by Cara Mia May are rare and priceless, making them an exquisite addition to any collection.
The brand's collection includes luxurious pyjama sets and linen collections that exude elegance and comfort. The designs are inspired by May's love for travel and are a true reflection of her passion for creating unique and sophisticated pieces.
In this post, I will share my personal reflections on the trip and the ways in which it has positively impacted my life. So sit back, relax, and join me on this journey to Puglia.
The seven-day retreat not only provided me with a transformative experience but also gave me a routine that has stuck with me long after the trip ended. If you're looking for a way to jumpstart a healthy lifestyle, attending a yoga retreat could be just what you need!
The first day of the yoga retreat was a truly magical experience that set the tone for the rest of the trip. After meeting the team and indulging in freshly baked tarts, we were given a tour of the stunning 16th-century property, Masseria Potenti, by the owner Maria Grazia. It was a great opportunity to get to know everyone and soak in the history and beauty of the region.
Later that evening, May, the host of the retreat, led us in a candlelit yin yoga session that left me feeling relaxed and centred. May's expertise and guidance were evident throughout the practice, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to learn from her. We then had the pleasure of experiencing Joseph's gift for sound bath healing, which left me feeling rejuvenated and energized. Joseph's use of sound and vibrations was truly remarkable, and I felt fortunate to have witnessed it firsthand.
The evening continued with a relaxing dinner, during which I couldn't help but notice the meticulous consideration that had gone into the food choices for this trip. It was evident that each ingredient had been thoughtfully selected to perfectly capture the essence of spring, creating a dining experience that was both delicious and harmonious with the season.
The first day of the retreat was a beautiful introduction to what would become an unforgettable experience.
The second day of the yoga retreat was a perfect start to a day of serenity and rejuvenation. We commenced the day with an early morning yoga session that left us feeling energised. After the practice, we enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast, and I must say it was a culinary delight. During the break, I took a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Masseria and was mesmerized by the stunning pool. The crystal-clear waters and the tranquil ambiance made me feel calm and peaceful.
At lunchtime, we all gathered in the dining room to reflect on the retreat thus far. It was a moment of profound gratitude as we shared our appreciation for the beauty around us and the enriching experiences we were having.
During my own time, I discovered a new way to capture the beauty of the Cara Mia May linen shirt collection by photographing them in flat layouts. With an eye for detail and a love for aesthetics, I carefully arranged the shirts, creating stunning compositions that showcased their unique patterns and textures. It was a creative outlet that allowed me to combine my passion for photography and fashion in a unique and satisfying way.
In the evening, we had an engaging ceramic workshop that allowed us to unleash our inner creativity. It was an unforgettable experience to design our very own plates that would be served for us when we leave. The workshop was followed by a delectable dinner that was both nourishing and mouthwatering.
The second day of the retreat was filled with opportunities to connect with ourselves, others, and the breathtaking surroundings. It was a day of creativity, relaxation, and indulgence, and I was excited to see what the rest of the retreat had in store for us.
As I woke up on the third day of my photography trip, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and comfort. It was hard to believe that just a few days ago, I was a nervous young woman traveling alone to embark on this adventure. However, I felt at home now, and my shoulders had dropped as a sign of the relaxation that had set in.
Despite the mixed emotions of joy and sadness that I had felt on this trip, I was convinced that it was healing me from fears that I had been harbouring. It took some getting used to waking up early to face a group of people, especially since I had isolated myself for some time. However, I forced myself to participate in everything and wake up every day with a positive attitude.
Participating in yoga sessions had changed my mood completely, and I felt like a new person every time I left the practice. I also realised that everyone on the trip was in the same position as me and that it was a safe space to communicate our feelings without judgment. It was perfect.
Lunch was always delicious, and I was getting used to trying new foods that I had never tasted before. After Lunch, I walked around the local area with a few ladies and particularly enjoyed admiring the poppy fields and tall trees.
We had a second yoga practice in the afternoon, followed by a wildflowers workshop where we made our own dried flower posters. The creations where special enough to frame and so, that’s what I did.
The workshops during the retreat were an absolute delight, with tea and cakes prepared for us to enjoy. One particular cake that stood out was at the flower workshop - it was truly exceptional and full of zest! The cake was moist, flavorful, and an absolute delight to the taste buds. Each bite was pure bliss, leaving me craving more.
As the day turned into night, we gathered by the fire for dinner, and the crackling ASMR noises sent me into a deep state of relaxation. The warm flames danced before my eyes, and I savored every bite of my delicious dessert.
As the night drew to a close, I eagerly made my way to my bedroom, ready to jump into my cozy bed. The soft and inviting pillows embraced me as I snuggled in and closed my eyes, feeling grateful for the day's experiences and the comfort of my surroundings.
The fourth day of the retreat was undoubtedly the most challenging and rewarding experience for me. Being a person who loves walking, I was eagerly anticipating the hike, but little did I know that it would involve a lot of climbing. Despite the initial discomfort, I welcomed the challenge as I knew it would push me out of my comfort zone. I have to say, it was an experience that I will never forget.
May, our guide, was a passionate being who loves to push boundaries, and this was evident in the hike. We trekked until our bodies could handle it, taking breaks in-between to enjoy some picnic food close to the sea. The view was breathtaking, and it was just the break we needed before continuing our hike into the pine reserve.
Once in the reserve, Joseph, our sound bath specialist, sent us into a trance with his sound bath instruments. It was such an otherworldly experience, and it was the perfect way to end our hike. We then headed back to the Masseria to freshen up for dinner and a movie night.
The movie night was cozy, and the setup made it even better. We had some gelato and great company to boot. It was the perfect way to unwind after such an intense day.
Day five started with an invigorating yoga session that awakened our senses and refreshed us for the day ahead. After a satisfying breakfast, I geared up for a long day of photoshoots that included capturing the linen collection, the upcoming villas at Masseria, and some precious moments with Maria Grazia and her daughter, Chiara.
Upon returning to our rooms, we were greeted with a beautiful display of freshly steamed pyjamas gifted to us by May from her Cara Mia May collection. These pyjamas were for the famous pyjama party that May hosts on her retreats, and ours was scheduled for the fifth night. I received a stunning white set that complemented my skin tone and hair perfectly. We had the freedom to style our pyjamas into elegant evening outfits, and I must say, I had a blast doing so, as you will see in the pictures!
Later in the evening, just before the pyjama party and pizza night, Joseph gifted us with his last sound bath healing session. It was a Yoga Nidra session with crystal bowls, and it was hands down the most relaxed I had felt during the entire trip. Yoga Nidra is a meditative state of consciousness between waking and sleeping, and Joseph's guided meditation induced a sense of peace that allowed me to release a lot of emotions.
After the session, we headed back to our rooms to get ready for the much-anticipated pyjama party night and pizza feast, prepared by the talented chef. The night brought together the Masseria family and friends and transformed into one big celebration filled with love and laughter. We even had a lovely lady who taught us traditional Puglian dances, which was fantastic and got everyone to let loose and have a great time to the beat of the music.
On the sixth and final day of our retreat, May guided us through our last yoga session. As the days went by, the sessions became more intense and lasted for around an hour and a half. May's focus was on posture, breathing, and muscle-strengthening moves, which left our bodies feeling energised and ready for the day ahead.
After the yoga session, I took some time to explore the Masseria's vintage shop, where I picked up some beautiful ceramics and delicious olive oil. As an avid lover of all things Italian, I couldn't resist!
I also had a couple more photoshoots to complete for Cara Mia May and the vintage shop, which were an absolute pleasure. The models were fantastic, and shooting in natural light is always a dream come true.
At this point in the retreat, I had built a strong connection with everyone, and the Masseria felt like home. I spent some time exploring the grounds on a bike ride, indulged in a delightful massage at the spa, and relaxed by the fire with a cappuccino in hand.
On our final evening at the retreat, May's husband Walter gave a wine tasting class for all the guests. Although I'm not usually one for drinking, I couldn't resist trying the delicious chili jam nibbles that were served alongside the wine. They were simply divine!
Walter's wine tasting class was an excellent way to end the retreat on a high note. It was fascinating to learn about the different wines and their origins, and I found myself appreciating the complexities of the flavors and aromas more than ever before.
As our time at the Masseria came to an end, I reflected on the incredible experience I had. The yoga, the food, the people, and the surroundings all came together to create a truly unforgettable retreat.
On my final day of the retreat, I had the whole day to soak up the last of the incredible experiences and create even more memories. While most of the guests had left in the early hours, I had the opportunity to fill my day before my evening flight.
The day commenced with a peaceful walk, followed by a calming meditation and photography session with Joseph and May at the yoga shala. After that, I ventured to the monastery in Nardo, and later made my way to the charming fisherman village located in the town of Porto Cesareo.
There, I had my first taste of sea urchin, relishing the delicate and delicious flavor while admiring the crystal clear waters. In the afternoon, I dined at a beautiful restaurant, where I ordered a pasta dish with prawns that was simply unforgettable.
As the day drew to a close, I felt a tinge of sadness at leaving this beautiful place and the wonderful people I had met. However, I was also filled with a sense of pride and gratitude for everything I had experienced and learned on this trip. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will cherish forever.
For anyone considering a retreat in the near future, I can confidently say that this is the place to be. As a young woman who values safety and being taken care of in a nurturing environment, I can attest that the Masseria and May Koh's retreats are top-notch. I would like to extend my deepest thanks to Maria Grazia, her family, and May Koh for allowing me to document this incredible journey.
Everyone has a smell and taste that reminds them of something special, and this year at our Spring Blooms Yoga retreat, the zesty orange cake is the one!
Made with fresh orange from the gardens of Masseria Potenti, this one is soft, smooth, and packed with citrus juice, perfect for an afternoon tea. It's so simple and easy, you'll be making these all the time now, here's sharing with you Maria Grazia's special recipe.
Ingredients
Steps
Enjoy, let me know how you get on X
]]>Earlier this Spring we were blessed with lovely weather as we hosted a new group of yogis in our home in Puglia.
Spring symbolises so many things: the end of winter and the beginning of budding flowers and bright sunny days. We get to explore the coast, dip into the inviting sea and feast with strawberries! This year, in between yoga practice, we learned how mozarella, buratta & straciatella are made by our family friend whose family has been making cheese nearby for 4 generations. The process starts at 5am daily and it’s no easy craft. But it’s far more delicious from the ones that are store bought. We took a day off midweek and packed a picnic for our hike at Porto Selvaggio, a pine tree reserve delightfully wild in nature. Talking about nature, what’s a spring blooms retreat without learning about the abundant wild flowers that we found that very morning by the beach and countryside surrounding the Masseria? Maria Grazia shared with us her skills as a graceful host: the secret in making a flower bread basket for a table centre piece for hosting a warm, hearty meal (just in time for Easter).
Every meal is carefully curated with ingredients that are in season. We shared recipes and ideas of important foods to consume as part of our diet including homemade granola , green juices , matcha pancakes and lots more. One of our fav sessions is the Herbs Masterclass where we had our friend Sasha, owner of Glowbar share different Asian and Western herbs that we can add to our lattes daily.
In the evenings, we snuggle up in comfortable embroidered stylish pyjamas and it’s a pyjama party the last night. For something new and invigorating, we invited a local pizzica dancer to teach us a Salento tradition with tambourines, an exhilarating dance that gets your heart pumping in just 10 minutes as we shake off of the poison of a tarantula.
Many nights we danced, laughed and shared joyful moments that we create. Being in the moment during the week was such a joy.
Come join us for the next yoga retreat - info@caramiamay.com X
]]>Camomile tea, flowers, candles…you name it. Let’s make this pretty flower shine in your next cocktail! Known for calming nerves and soothing souls, this drink will definitely wake you up.
INGREDIENTS
8 servings:
PREPARATION
Mix chamomile and 6 Tbsp. very hot water in a medium bowl. Let stand for 1 minute. Stir in honey; mash chamomile with a wooden spoon. Let cool slightly. Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing on solids to release liquid. Discard solids in a sieve. Add gin, lemon juice, and 4 cups of ice to the pitcher.
Stir until ice is melted. Divide among chilled coupe glasses.
Strawberries are in season! Invite your friends and create a Strawberry Gin Smash pitcher for a fun and cooling drink.
INGREDIENTS
For a pitcher:
INSTRUCTIONS
Muddle the sugar and limes in a pitcher that holds at least 8 cups (64 ounces). Set aside 6 to 8 small strawberries and make a small slice in their tips. Hull and slice the remaining strawberries and muddle the slices lightly with the sugar and lime juice.
Stir in the gin and club soda and pack the pitcher full of ice. Add mint sprigs to garnish. Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with a strawberry, slotted onto the edge of the glass.
et voila! Happy summer X
]]>Strawberry Smoothie with Chia Seeds
At FitFoodieFinds Linley has developed this incredibly tasty breakfast recipe with the main ingredient being chia seeds. As its packed with high amounts of fiber, protein, Antioxidants and Omega- 3 fat acids there’s no reason not take advantage of it.
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
Place all ingredients in a blender or Magic Bullet and blend until smooth! Let sit for a few minutes so that the chia seeds can do their magic (expand and get slimy). Enjoy!
Matcha Smoothie with Spinach
This recipe is created by Yummy Mummy Kitchen. Matcha is a versatile and powerful ingredient, in fact 137 times more powerful than regular brewed tea. Dense in vitamins, fiber and antioxidants this matcha smoothie kicks off the day in the best way possible.
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
Pour the almond milk into the blender. Top with banana, matcha powder, spinach, and chia seeds. Place the blender lid on and blend. Stop and scrape down the sides (with blender off) as needed. For a thick smoothie bowl add just enough liquid to turn the blender blade and be patient. For a thinner, drinkable smoothie, add more liquid. Blend until all green spinach bits are gone. Transfer to a glass or bowl. Top with fruit and coconut if desired and enjoy right away!
Homemade Granola
To go with the smoothies above, this homemade granola by Martha Stewart fits like a hand in a glove.
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1 Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. In a large bowl, stir together oats, almonds, pecans, cherries, coconut, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2 In a small saucepan, combine oil, honey, and sugar. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Drizzle syrup over oat mixture; toss with a wooden spoon. Pour granola onto sheet pan and spread evenly. Bake, stirring occasionally, until golden (about 25 minutes). Let granola cool completely on a wire rack. Break it into chunks and store in an airtight container.
Matcha Muffins
Prep time: 5 min. Cooking time: 20 min
justinesnacks.com provides the best matcha muffins and you need to try them. Fit for St. Patricks day, Earth Day or just about any day you feel like having something tasty.
INGREDIENTS (6 muffins)
INSTRUCTIONS
Matcha Tea Pancakes
Prep time: 15 min. Cooking time: 20 min
Pancakes for breakfast is delicious but nothing new. Switch it up with the Japanese ingredient to add flavour and health benefits. Cucchiaio.it gave us the perfect recipe, now let’s get this pancake started!
INGREDIENTS (6 pancakes)
INSTRUCTIONS
Add a spoonful of Glow Herb mix from our Masterclass, courtesy of Glow Bar London in your lattes, smoothies, and a little yoga grove and have a fabulous one X
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A picture speak a thousand words and here's what we got up to. Delicious mediterranean fare with a cooking class with Maria Grazia, with homemade and local ingredients from the farm, pizzas from the ancient oven, fresh seafood at the beach next to the flamingo reserve, and long lunches in the terrace enjoying each other's company.
Waking up every morning to a soulful practice and a nutritious breakfast spread in the most magical and picturesque places is so refreshing. Yoga in different locations offer a wider perspective and vibes to the practice: in nature, in our wine cellar, and our yoga shala surrounded by baby olive trees - a real secret sanctuary.
We moved from vinyasa flows to yin and gentle strength yoga practices. We spent time lounging at the pool in the day and watched a film The Biggest Little Farm. In the afternoons, we had tea and homemade cakes. When night falls and under the glittering stars, we dine on fine meals with charming company, lively conversations and joyous laughter in beautiful surroundings. What more can you ask for!