The creative magic behind mindful spaces

When we think Mindfulness, it’s not only about living in the moment but also about where you find yourself in that moment.

Bianca Boas is a multi-functional Fashion and Interior designer and advisor who's designed everything from Sheikh’s palaces to a McDonalds. In the latest Mindful Living podcast, she shares her story with Izelle Hoffman - explaining where it all began; why mindful spaces matter and how you can create your own mindful space at home.

Listen below.

BELOW: Check out the recipe from Izelle's book that Bianca chose in the interview: Lamb and fig skewers with minty apricot glaze

Lamb and fig skewers with minty apricot glaze

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 8-10min
Servings: 6

600 g lamb, cut into chunky cubes
12 spring onions, cut into 4 cm pieces
6 figs, halved
1 Tbsp olive oil
Fresh Mint for Garnishing

Glaze

200 g dried apricots, chopped
2 cups hot water
2 Tbsp raw honey
zest of 1 lemon
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp chilli flakes
1 tsp crushed garlic
1 tsp Oryx desert salt
handful of chopped fresh mint

1.      If using wooden or bamboo skewers, soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes – this will prevent the glaze from sticking and burning during cooking.

2.      Thread the skewers starting with a piece of lamb, followed by spring onion, half a fig and spring onion again. Repeat.

3.      Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and cook the skewers for about 3 min on each side. Alternatively, drizzle the skewers with olive oil and cook on the braai.

4.      In the meantime, combine all of the glaze ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and allow some of the liquid to evaporate until you get a relatively thick sauce.

5.      Once the skewers are cooked, pour over some of the glaze and cook for a further 30 seconds.

6.      Garnish with fresh mint and serve immediately with the leftover glaze on the side.

Why do we make use of these ingredients:

Oryx Salt

What is the purpose of adding salt during cooking? It’s to enhance flavour, right? So why not start by using a good-quality salt to do the job? Sun-dried and unrefined with no additives will bring out the best in your food in the healthiest way possible.

Raw Honey

Salt needs sweet and vice versa to enhance taste and flavour. So when you add sweetness, choose a sweetness that has a healing effect on your body and health. Raw honey is antiviral and anti-fungal, and contains powerful antioxidants. Its helps ward off allergies, stabilise blood pressure and balance blood sugar levels. It also boosts the immune system and promotes digestive health.

Garlic

Antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory, garlic assists in detoxification and boosting the metabolism, and is a natural dewormer that kills parasites. I use both black and white fresh garlic, and keep dried garlic powder and flakes in my pantry.

Olive Oil

We all have our reasons why we prefer certain oils, but without a doubt my oil base of choice is olive oil, specifically for its amazing health benefits. Olive oil helps reduce inflammation and prevent osteoporosis, and is essential for bone health because it assists in the absorption of calcium and the mineralisation of bones, all of which are qualities I look for in a product, given my hip dysplasia and related joint pain.

Onion

Onions are a natural antibiotic and antiseptic, so are a big YES, especially in winter. They purify the blood, regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion. They are also anti-inflammatory. In addition to fresh onions, in my pantry you will find dried onion powder and flakes.

Lemons

Although themselves acidic, citrus fruits such as lemons and limes have an alkalising effect on the body. They are also loaded with vitamin C. Vitamin C content is always highest when the fruit is freshly cut. A squeeze of love in the shape of a lemon or lime, who knew?

Chilli flakes

Anti-inflammatory and immune boosting

Mint

One of my favourite herbs. Antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory, it improves digestion. 

Figs 

Great source of calcium, and magnesium to help support & strengthen bones. Also rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins & minerals for a strong immune system.

Meanwhile, last week Izelle Hoffman chatted to well-known Personal Trainer and sports-injury rehabilitation provider Kyle Taylor about mindfulness and how a healthy mind – healthy body connection is the key to a much happier life. Listen below.

ALSO LISTEN TO: Health food guru meets junk food lover

Find more episodes from Mindful Living with Izelle Hoffman in the channel below.

More about Izelle:

Lifestyle chef and cookbook author Izelle Hoffman is a rising star in South Africa's culinary firmament. Raised in a farming environment that placed great importance on good food, she’s convinced that eating correctly adds significantly to a life of overall wellness.

Izelle is well known to local television audiences as the lifestyle chef on a number of programs and she has also been food editor on a range of fitness magazines. She is author of Mindful Eating.

Follow Izelle on social media:

@IzelleHoffman on Instagram
Izelle Hoffman Lifestyle Chef on Facebook