LITTLE GREENHOUSE X GLOBE-TROTTERS COLLECTIVE

I'm very excited to share my recent collaboration with The Globe-Trotters Collective! This wonderfully illustrated travel guide only features locals' recommendations from San Fran to Singapore, and its where you'll now find the "Bangkok Green Edition" - a selection of the best of the Big Mango's green side, curated by yours truly.

What are you waiting for....? Trot on over!

BEST VEG RECIPES ROUND-UP

I'm a little behind on new recipes for the weekly Meatless Mondays series. Instead, this week, I'd like to offer you a round-up of some of the best vegetarian and vegan recipes I've tried from fellow plant-based bloggers.

(1) Sprouted Kitchen: While not exclusively vegetarian, Sprouted Kitchen celebrates wholesome foods in a beautiful, delicious way. Not only has every recipe I tried become a keeper, but the food photography is a feast for the eyes! I particularly like the lentil "meatballs", which are adaptable and versatile.

(2) Oh She Glows: A trove of creative and tasty all-vegan (often gluten-free) recipes, particularly comfort foods. I was really impressed with Angela's lentil-walnut taco "meat" and almond "tuna" salad.

(3) Smitten Kitchen: Easily one of the most entertaining food blogs out there, SK has an impressive array of vegetarian and vegan options. In addition to amusing anecdotes, the recipes are easy to follow and demonstrate someone dedicated to helping you make mouth-watering dishes whatever your dietary preferences may be. The shakshuka is worth adding to your weekly rotation. 

Check these out if you want to mix things up a little in the kitchen. You won't be disappointed!

(Photo above by Hugh Forte for Sprouted Kitchen)

HAPPY FRIDAY

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, 
nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly." 
- Gautama Buddha

THIRSTY THURSDAYS

We returned to Bangkok on Sunday morning, after a wonderful week exploring the French Riveria. It's good to be home, but I'm having major withdrawal from the endless walking, glasses of crisp rose and fresh, cool evenings.

More on Nice shortly. For now, here are a few links for your viewing pleasure this week...

The sweetest, juiciest strawberries were available everywhere in Nice last week. I would have loved to try a few of these variations on fresh strawberries and cream.

Could The Game of Thrones be an allegory for climate change?

Are you pro- or anti-clutter? I just started reading this recently hyped book and can't help feeling inspired.

A fascinating article on bibliotherapy in which the author perfectly articulates my feelings about reading: "In a secular age, I suspect that reading fiction is one of the few remaining paths to transcendence, that elusive state in which the distance between the self and the universe shrinks."

BRB

Off to Nice for a week of vacation with the family. Will be back in Bangkok in early June. Until then, ciao!

AVOCADO POMELO 'YUM'

What is 'yum' you ask? Why, Thai salad of course!

Thai cuisine has more than one fruit-based salad, or yum as they say in Thai. Mostly widely known is som tum, a spicy concoction of shredded green papaya, long beans, peanuts and tiny, salty shrimp or crabs. Other versions are made using green mango. One of my favorites however, is yum som-o, made with the "Asian grapefruit" called pomelo. The bursts of citrus are wonderfully refreshing, not to mention a great way to get some nutrients. Pomelos are powerful sources of vitamin C (an entire pomelo has about 600% of your daily vit. C requirement), potassium and fiber to help boost your immune system, support digestive health and lower blood pressure.

If you're looking for something light that packs a nutritional punch, try this avocado pomelo salad with pineapple lime dressing.

AVOCADO POMELO SALAD

Serves 2-3.

Ingredients:
1 pomelo or grapefruit, peeled and supremed
1 avocado, sliced
1 large handful red grapes, halved
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons pineapple vinegar
1 tablespoon palm sugar
1 generous pinch of sea salt
1 red bird's eye chili, deseeded and sliced (optional)
One handful crushed, salted peanuts (optional)
Small handful mint leaves (optional)

Method:
1) Break the segments of pomelo (or grapefruit, if using) into chunks and mix gently with the avocado slices and cut grapes.
2) Whisk the lime juice, pineapple vinegar, sugar, salt and chili (if using) together. Taste test and adjust seasoning as needed. Next time, I'll probably try with some tamarind juice. If you're not vegetarian, you can use fish sauce instead of salt to get a really authentic flavor.
3) Gently dress the fruit and top with crushed peanuts and torn mint leaves.

BEAUTY DIY: COFFEE BODY SCRUB

This is one DIY that's easy, energizing and eco-friendly. Not only does the coffee stimulate your skin (and tackle cellulite, they say), the coconut oil is an all-natural moisturizer that will make your skin glow. I particularly like to use it right before shaving my legs, to keep them lasting smoother longer!

Combine 5-6 tablespoons of finely ground coffee grinds with 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Adjust oil based on preference. You can even add in sugar (though beware of attracting bugs to your shower!) or salt to amp up the exfoliating power, or some cinnamon for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. If you make this with used coffee grinds, be sure to completely dry out the grinds first. Store any leftover scrub in an airtight container.

Et voila, no need to ever buy store-bought body scrub again.

p.s. - I think the coffee grinds can be a bit harsh for facial skin, so I usually stick to using this on my body and use something gentler for my face.

(Photo from Free People)