We wanted to share with you a few of the things we discovered this year and really enjoyed.
We hope you like them. If you try any of them out please let us know!
Also known as "custard apple", Cherimoya is a delicious fruit. It's like eating a dessert. The flesh is sweet and soft, the name "custard apple" is an apt description
We found these at our local grocers, so you might have luck in your area. Or they're available online, such as Exotic Fruits. Also keep a look out at your local supermarket, we found some at Sainsbury's!
Mind you don't eat the seeds as they are poisonous! They are also very big and hard to miss, so no chance of accidental swallowing.
Don't be put off by the name. Despite the ingredients this smoothie is absolutely one of the best tasting things on the planet. It tastes like fudge, not cauliflower, and the cacao nibs add a delightful crunch.
Chop up the cauliflower and boil for 10 minutes, then put it in a bag in the freezer overnight.
Put everything but the cacao nibs in a blender and blend until completely mixed and smooth.
Serve into glasses and sprinkle cacao nibs on top.
Since wanting to reduce added sugar, Chris has been searching for an alternative to cookies from the shops. Here is the recipe for very quick, easy, and delicious (sugar-free) cookies.
This year we've put a lot of focus on our health and fitness. We wanted to share a few of the things that we've found and like to use to feel really good.
We started doing yoga over 2 years ago and it's become something that we always come back to when things are tough and we need to regroup and relax. The best resource we've found is a YouTube channel called Boho Beautiful. Don't let the name put you off. This channel is run by a couple who have a huge variety of very high quality yoga and fitness videos for any situation and focus. Their style and language does take a bit of getting used to, but their content is always just what we need.
Here is a small selection of videos that are perfect for getting started and feeling the benefit of yoga straight away.
Juice and Toya produce really good workout videos. They are simple and easy to follow with no distractions, so you can set them going and listen/watch something else while you do it.
Madfit is a good channel for all sorts of work out videos both with and without equipment. She has very good advice and often gives helpful tips for keeping good form.
The workouts done by Boho Beautiful are very creative and very engaging. These are tough workouts but they challenge you in a good way. Most of the work outs require no equipment. Chris likes to do this one when we are on holiday.
We've been using protein powder for a while now and it really
does wonders to overall health and fitness. Chris likes to
have it in his cereal every morning and Maria uses all sorts
of different protein powder in her recipes.
However it is very difficult to find the right one. We've
tried several different brands and they've all either had
a weird texture, not mixed well, had an after taste, etc.
However this year we finally found the perfect one, at least
for us, as a shake (or to have in cereal).
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder is the
best we've seen. It mixes super easily, it has a great taste,
and it comes in a bunch of flavours. If you're on the look
out for some protein powder we highly recommend this.
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A gritty fantasy steampunk show loosely based on the video game League of Legends. This show has a really engaging story and beautiful art style.
Even if you're not a Star Trek fan, this show is packed with loveable characters and fun light hearted humour.
Warning: occasional animated violence and "mature" humour.
We couldn't help but mention the most amazing thing that happened in tennis in 2022. Right at the start of the year in one of the biggest tennis tournaments of the year, The Australian Open, was coming to a close. Two giants of the sport Daniil Medvedev and Rafael Nadal were set to play it out in the finals with what would prove to be the most gruelling and entertaining match of the year. We don't want to spoil it for you if your haven't seen the results. So if you did want to talk about it or hear our thoughts then let us know. It gets pretty crazy!
We both really enjoy listening to podcasts. Here are is an episode that really impacted us this year.
We both love music and we've discovered a few new bands and songs that we fell in love with this year. Here is a small selection, though it was very difficult to narrow it down.
We've really enjoyed finding new and interesting things to do this year. Here are a few ideas for days out that we loved.
These parks are everywhere and full of beautiful sculptures. You can take however long you like to walk through and admire all the art.
Do a search for "sculpture park" in Google Maps to find some close to you.
With plants from all over the world you can really feel like you're being transported to all sorts of tropical paradises. We both absolutely love nature, and having the opportunity to see so many rare and unique plants (and in some cases animals) is very very special.
Often these gardens will put on shows throughout the year which can be so incredibly beautiful.
We have a shared love of stand up comedy and have seen several shows over the years. We can't recommend it enough. Take a look at your local theatre and see who's touring. It pays to book ahead both for the excitement and the guaranteed good seats.
Some comedians we've seen this year and hope to see again:
Merry Christmas and a happy new year!
Lot's of Love Chris and Maria
