Citrus Inspiration: Tastes, Scents, Sights and Sounds

Over the last couple of months my garden has been bountifully overflowing with citrus. Unfortunately, my grapefruit crop is coming to an end, so I decided to make a huge batch of fresh, pulpy grapefruit juice. 

Tastes: Because they are at the end of their season, the fruit are really sweet, so I didn't need to add any sugar (!). I can safely say its one of the best batches of juice I have ever made. I generally try to incorporate loads of citrus into my diet and grapefruit especially are packed with vitamin C - great for boosting the immune system against colds and nasty bugs. I also learned a interest fact today when reading around. Citrus, helps lower cholesterol levels and has been linked to fighting cancer effectively.

A litre of beautiful homemade, homegrown grapefruit juice

Scents: I hate letting anything go to waste when I am working in the kitchen so I used the leftover peel as a natural air freshener. Put citrus peel in a saucepan with a cup of water, 2 tsp of cinnamon and a few sprigs of lavender or rosemary. Simmer it on a low heat and the whole house will smell spicy, fresh and clean. 

Grapefruit, cinnamon and rosemary - natural aromatherapy

Yesterday I went shopping @ K road in the city. I am going to be really honest and say as much as I loved the quirky and individual shops and their appearance and stock. The service was very disappointing. I went willing to spend but I only really liked one shop. 

Sights: Third Eye has some of the most beautiful ethnic clothing, jewellery and homewares I have seen in Auckland. Situated on K road, Auckland, they have a extensive and colourful stock with a beautiful smelling store (Nag Champa smells like smiles). I didn't buy any metal jewellery from their store this time but I am looking to head back and buy some of these, they also have simple brass and silver stacking rings with beautiful natural cut gemstones - amethyst, turquoise, etc. I was so happy to see they had gold coloured jewellery. Its often hard to track down gold-tone boho chic jewellery.

Art deco influence (<3)

 I did however, buy, my new favourite pair of earrings and a bright, happy scarf. I definitely still had citrus on the brain because I got a yellow scarf (a colour I don't usually buy) and some gold resin earrings. Amber and resin are so underutilized in jewellery, I love their buttery gold colours - wonders for warm colouring. I was so impressed with the shops friendly service, especially after they gave me a complimentary Super Hit incense - I will definately be returning for christmas shopping.

So chuffed with my new buys

Sounds: But wait, theres more! I am currently in love with Trevor Hall's track - Lime Tree . It's like a happy little lullaby, I am been implementing it as my cool down and stretch song at the end of my fitness mix. Enjoy:

Till tomorrow. Q.S.B.