thermomix raw protein bliss balls

It's the second day of winter here in Australia and already my body wants to hibernate under a heavy feather doona and fill it's tummy with not so healthy treats. In the past these treats consisted of anything potato but this year I've been craving sweets. But not just any sweet. Chocolate. Yes, you heard right. Chocolate of all things!

So to satisfy my new chocolate cravings and tame the veteran chocoholic in the house without compromising our health journey, I made my own version of the ever so popular bliss balls. We still get our chocolatey fix while jam packing all of this natural goodness into our bodies!

  
I like to use a variety of nuts and seeds to jam pack as many vitamins as possible, but if you don't have all of the nuts or seeds on hand, use any combination that you have in your pantry. And if you're allergic to nuts, use only seeds and add some coconut. The variations are endless and will suit any taste and diet!

 Try them for yourself, they're SO easy and SO SO addictive...

NB. Use the gram directions if using your Thermomix and the cup/spoon directions if using your food processor:

 Add the following ingredients to your Thermomix or food processor:

120g pitted organic dates (about 6 large dates)
40g raw organic almonds (1/4 cup)
40g raw organic cashews (1/4 cup)
40g raw organic walnuts (1/3 cup)
35g organic sunflower seeds (1/4 cup)
35g organic pumpkin seeds (1/4 cup)
60g organic sultanas (1/2 cup)
2 tbsp raw organic cacao (not cocoa)
1 tbsp organic chia
1 tbsp ground organic linseed/flaxseed

Thermomix speed 9 for 45 seconds or process in your food processor until the mix is ground and dough like.

Roll into balls and then roll through organic coconut or more cacao. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.  

And last but not least, enjoy and don't forget to share them!

Makes 20-24

Michelle xo

saying goodbye to 2012

In the blink of an eye and 2013 is here! Of course I have no complaints about 2012... It was a crazy busy year for sure and it passed far too quickly but it was a year I will never forget and wouldn't trade for anything!

2012 was the year of more adorable babies born to some of my dearest family and friends, particularly my sweet niece Maxi. The year of many more friends marrying the loves of their lives and one particularly beautiful and magical wedding in Bali. It was a year of escapes - Bali, Tasmania, Lakes Entrance, Ocean Grove and countless more escapes of the day dreaming kind! Lots of talking about renovations but little time to get enough of it done! More quality time with my family, particularly with my sister(s) and my adorable nephew and niece. New friendships forged and old friendships strengthened. There were time management challenges like never before. Balancing a full-time job while building a new business. Working early... And late. And there were the weekends too. Work was crazy busy and momentous changes were on the horizon. Lil' feet found its feet and was busy with more parties, more invitations and lots more baking. There were tremendously difficult moments but God heard our prayers and miracles were made. It was the year of making mistakes but also the year for reflection, discovery and acceptance. 2012 certainly was a fantastic year!

Now it's 2013. A new year. A new beginning. Blessed with another chance to love more, rest more, create more and do everything a little better than last year. And maybe work toward these resolutions... 

Strengthen my connection and trust in God. Be grateful for my blessings and express my appreciation to those I love. Even more quality time with my partner and my family. Learn to let go (in so many ways). Try new things. Learn to trust myself and my abilities. Put myself first when it matters and know that I deserve it. Exercise a little (actually, a lot!) more. Finish the renovations (all of it!). Get organised. Build my business. Make more time to blog. Be a better version of me. And wherever I go, go with all my heart.

They're lofty resolutions but they're important to me. So I say, why not give it a go! 

 What are your resolutions for 2013?

Michelle xx