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Homemade Sun-Kissed Tomatoes: A Taste of Portugal’s Coastal Delights

sun kissed tomatoes

There’s something truly magical about the flavours of Portugal – the sun-drenched landscapes, the salty sea air, and the vibrant culinary traditions that celebrate the bounty of the land and sea. And one dish that embodies the essence of Portuguese coastal cuisine is homemade sun-kissed tomatoes. These delightful treats are not only a favourite snack for my son, a sea captain who treasures his visits to our little home near Tavira, but also a taste of the love and care that goes into every jar.

The recipe for homemade sun-kissed tomatoes is simple yet sensational. Fresh, ripe tomatoes are transformed into sweet, savoury delights with just a few key ingredients: sea salt, oregano, extra virgin olive oil, and crushed garlic. After dehydrating the tomatoes overnight in a dehydrator or on a very low setting in the oven, they emerge sweet like candy, ready to be infused with the flavours of the Mediterranean. Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of these star ingredients:

Fresh Tomatoes

Bursting with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, fresh tomatoes are a nutritional powerhouse. They’re rich in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Tomatoes also contain fibre, which supports digestive health and helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Sea Salt

Harvested from the pristine waters of the Atlantic ocean, sea salt is packed with essential minerals, including magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Unlike highly processed table salt, sea salt retains its natural flavour and nutrients, making it a healthier choice for seasoning your dishes. In moderation, sea salt can help regulate fluid balance, support nerve and muscle function, and enhance the flavour of your favourite foods.

Oregano

Not just a flavourful herb, oregano is also a nutritional powerhouse. It’s rich in antioxidants, including rosmarinic acid and thymol, which have been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Oregano also contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, manganese, and calcium. Adding oregano to your diet can help boost your immune system, support bone health, and reduce inflammation.

Sun Kissed tomatoes

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

A staple of the Mediterranean diet, extra virgin olive oil is renowned for its heart-healthy benefits. It’s rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Extra virgin olive oil is also a good source of antioxidants, including vitamin E and polyphenols, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Incorporating extra virgin olive oil into your diet can promote cardiovascular health, improve cognitive function, and support overall well-being.

Crushed Garlic

Not just a flavour booster, garlic is also packed with health-promoting compounds. It contains sulfur compounds, such as allicin, which have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Garlic is also rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C and selenium, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Adding garlic to your diet can support immune function, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and improve circulation.

Versatile & delicious

Once you’ve combined these wholesome ingredients with your sun-kissed tomatoes, the result is a jar of culinary gold that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Spread them on toasted bread for a delightful breakfast, toss them with pasta for a simple yet satisfying meal, or simply enjoy them straight out of the jar as a flavourful snack.

But perhaps the best part of homemade sun-kissed tomatoes is the love and care that goes into making them. As I prepare each batch for my son, I infuse them with the warmth and affection that a mother’s hands can provide. And when he takes a bite of these savoury-sweet delights, I know that he’s not just tasting the flavours of Portugal – he’s tasting the love of home.

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Every Day is a Special Occasion

To all the incredible midlife women out there – this one’s for you. It’s time to reclaim your sparkle, embrace your unique beauty, and treat each day as a special occasion. Whether you’re juggling career demands, family responsibilities, or simply navigating the ups and downs of life, remember that you deserve to feel fabulous every single day.

Life is too short to save your best dress and lippy for special occasions. Why wait for a fancy event or milestone celebration to indulge in a little glamour and self-care? Today, right now, is the perfect moment to slip into your favourite frock, swipe on some lipstick, and step into the world with confidence and grace.

As midlife women, we’ve earned our stripes – quite literally, in some cases! We’ve weathered storms, overcome obstacles, and emerged stronger and wiser on the other side. But amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget the magic that resides within us. It’s time to reignite that spark, to embrace the beauty of who we are, and to celebrate each and every day as a gift.

Putting on a beautiful dress and a smidgen of lipstick isn’t just about looking good – it’s about feeling good, too. It’s a reminder that you are worthy of love, joy, and all the good things life has to offer. It’s a declaration of self-love and self-expression, a celebration of the woman you’ve become and the journey that has shaped you.

So, go ahead – treat yourself to a little pampering, a touch of glamour, and a whole lot of fabulousness. Whether you’re heading to the office, running errands, or simply enjoying a quiet day at home, make it a point to show up as the best version of yourself. Let your inner light shine bright, and don’t be afraid to let the world see just how fabulous you truly are.

And remember, feeling fabulous isn’t just about how you look on the outside – it’s about how you feel on the inside, too. Take the time to nourish your body, mind, and soul with healthy food, exercise, rest, and self-care. Surround yourself with positive people who lift you up and inspire you to be your best self.

Every Day is a Special Occasion

So, my fellow midlife queens, I leave you with this: embrace each day as a special occasion, an opportunity to shine bright and radiate your unique magic. Put on your best frock, swipe on that lippy, and step into the world with confidence, grace, and a whole lot of fabulousness. Because you, my dear, are absolutely worth it. Cheers to you, to us, and to the beautiful journey ahead!

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#positivevibes #positiveaging #over50style #ootd

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Clementine blueberry jam

Nourishing Your Body: A Celebration of Simple and Wholesome Foods

In a world filled with processed snacks and convenience foods, there’s something truly special about preparing and enjoying simple, natural, and wholesome meals. Today, I want to share with you a delightful recipe that celebrates the beauty of whole ingredients: a simple and delicious clementine, blueberry chia seed jam. But before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the health benefits of each ingredient and why it’s important to prioritise plant-based foods in our diets.

Blueberries:


These tiny, vibrant gems are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that offer a plethora of health benefits. Blueberries are renowned for their high levels of anthocyanins, which give them their rich blue colour and help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, they’re a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and fibre, which support immune function, bone health, and digestive regularity. Incorporating blueberries into your diet can promote heart health, improve cognitive function, and even aid in weight management.

Clementine Juice:

Freshly squeezed clementine juice adds a burst of sweet, citrusy flavour to this recipe, along with a healthy dose of vitamin C. Clementines are a type of mandarin orange known for their juicy, easy-to-peel segments and bright, refreshing taste. Vitamin C is essential for immune function, collagen production, and wound healing. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. By including clementine juice in your diet, you can boost your immune system, support healthy skin, and enhance iron absorption.

Chia Seeds:


These tiny seeds may be small in size, but they’re mighty in nutritional value. Chia seeds are loaded with fibre, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various micronutrients. When mixed with liquid, chia seeds swell and form a gel-like consistency, making them perfect for creating creamy puddings and smoothies. The fibre content in chia seeds promotes digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness and satiety. Meanwhile, the omega-3 fatty acids support heart health, brain function, and inflammation management. Adding chia seeds to your diet is an easy and delicious way to boost your intake of essential nutrients.

The Importance of Eating Lots of Plants:
Now, let’s talk about why it’s crucial to prioritise plant-based foods in our diets. Plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that nourish our bodies and support overall health. Research consistently shows that diets rich in plant foods are associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Additionally, plant-based diets are more environmentally sustainable and promote animal welfare.

By incorporating more plant-based foods into your meals, you not only support your own health and well-being but also contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate food system. So, let’s celebrate the abundance of nourishing plant foods available to us and embrace the simple pleasure of preparing and enjoying wholesome meals.

Screenshot

Now, without further ado, here’s the recipe for our delicious clementine blueberry jam:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1/3 cup freshly squeezed clementine juice
  • 4 teaspoons ground chia seeds

Instructions:

  1. Mix all the ingredients in a pan.
  2. Simmer for 15 minutes or until thickened
  3. Allow to cool.

Enjoy this simple and nourishing clementine blueberry jam as a wholesome breakfast on yoghurt, smothered on scones as a snack or for afternoon tea, or as a base for a dessert. May it fill you with joy, vitality, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of natural, plant-based foods. Here’s to nourishing your body and soul with every delicious bite!

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Embracing Age with Confidence: Why Anti-Aging is a Myth

As women over 40, we’re bombarded with messages about staying forever young. From “miracle” creams to invasive procedures, the beauty industry seems determined to convince us that ageing is something to be feared and fought against at all costs. But let’s pause for a moment and challenge this narrative.

I have a bone to pick with the phrase “anti-ageing.” Who could truly be against getting older? Each year brings wisdom, experiences, and growth – things to be celebrated, not erased. Yet, large corporations spend billions trying to convince us that their latest potion, pill, or powder will magically turn back the hands of time. But let’s be real here: those highly marketed anti-aging face creams often deliver nothing but fairy tale false dreams.

Embracing Age with Confidence: Why Anti-Aging is a Myth

Personally, I couldn’t care less about how old I look. What truly matters to me is how old I feel. I believe in embracing my age with confidence and celebrating the journey that has brought me to where I am today. Sure, I wear makeup – not to hide my age, but because it makes me feel good. It’s a form of self-expression, a way to enhance my natural features, and yes, it helps cover up some scarring from when I was burned in a fire.

For me, lipstick is my go-to cosmetic. There’s something empowering about swiping on a bold shade and facing the world with confidence. Whether it’s a classic red or a playful pink, my lipstick is my daily reminder that I am strong, resilient, and unapologetically myself. I’ll be wearing my lippy until my expiry date – and even then, who’s to say I won’t rock it in the afterlife?

So, my fellow fabulous women, I want to hear from you: what’s your favorite cosmetic that you simply cannot live without? Whether it’s mascara that makes your lashes pop or a moisturizer that leaves your skin glowing, let’s celebrate the little luxuries that bring us joy and make us feel like the fierce queens that we are.

In a world obsessed with youth and perfection, let’s reclaim the narrative and embrace ageing with open arms. After all, wrinkles are just reminders of a life well-lived, and grey hairs are badges of honour earned through years of laughter, tears, and everything in between. So here’s to growing older, wiser, and more fabulous with each passing day. Cheers to the beauty of ageing gracefully and unapologetically!

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Need variety? Tired of toast?

If you’re looking for variety, there are over 20,000 edibles plants but most people only eat about 9. In a world filled with fad diets and conflicting nutrition advice, one thing remains clear: the importance of a varied diet rich in plants. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan, a flexitarian, or simply someone looking to improve their overall health, incorporating a diverse range of plant-based foods into your meals is key to thriving.

So, why is it so crucial to eat a variety of foods each day, and why should we focus on different food combinations? Let’s delve into the reasons behind the importance of embracing diversity on our plates.

  1. Nutritional Balance: Each plant-based food brings its own unique array of nutrients to the table. By consuming a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, you ensure that your body receives a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. This diversity supports overall health and helps prevent nutrient deficiencies.
  2. Gut Health: Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and even mood regulation. A varied diet promotes a diverse microbiome, which is associated with better gut health. Different plant foods contain different types of fibre, which nourish the beneficial bacteria in your gut and promote a healthy digestive system.
  3. Reduced Risk of Chronic Disease: Research consistently shows that a plant-based diet is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Eating a variety of plant foods provides a wide range of protective compounds that can help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol levels, and support overall cardiovascular health.
  4. Enhanced Flavour and Enjoyment: Eating the same foods day in and day out can lead to flavour fatigue and boredom. Incorporating a variety of flavours, textures, and colours into your meals not only makes eating more enjoyable but also stimulates your senses and encourages mindful eating.
  5. Environmental Sustainability: Embracing a plant-based diet is not only beneficial for your health but also for the planet. Plant foods generally have a lower environmental footprint compared to animal products. By diversifying your diet with a variety of plant-based foods, you can help reduce the strain on natural resources and contribute to a more sustainable food system.

When it comes to food combinations, mixing and matching different plant-based ingredients can create meals that are not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced. For example, combining beans with whole grains creates a complete protein source, while pairing vitamin C-rich fruits with iron-rich leafy greens enhances iron absorption.

In conclusion, a varied plant-based diet is essential for optimal health and well-being. By embracing diversity on your plate and experimenting with different food combinations, you can nourish your body, support your health, and delight your taste buds. So, let’s celebrate the abundance of plant foods available to us and savour the vibrant flavours of nature’s bounty.

This morning’s breakfast kitchen creation took just a couple of minutes to assemble. I made the granola yesterday for the ‘peach crumble smoothie bowl’, so check that video out too.

I’m here to encourage you to eat more plants with every meal and to make little changes which add up to improved wellness and a healthier lifestyle. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube for the vibe! It keeps me motivated to make more videos.

Thanks for stopping by, have a beautiful day.