Three Things We Love This June: Soup, Sea, and Sky

Winter has settled in on the South Coast, bringing with it a slower rhythm and a call to nourish ourselves deeply. At Delicious Vibrant Beauty, we’re embracing the season with rituals that warm the body, invigorate the spirit, and remind us of the beauty that surrounds us. Here are three things bringing us joy this June.

DELICIOUS; Nourishing Pumpkin Soup by Jody Vassallo

A slow, nourishing soup from Jody Vassallo, whose beautiful cookbooks we proudly stock in-store. Roasted pumpkin, cinnamon, bay and nutmeg — the kind of recipe that brings your senses home. Jody’s approach to food is deeply intuitive and seasonal, and her recipes feel like an invitation to slow down. 

Nourishing Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 roasted Kent or butternut pumpkin
  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  

• 1 leek, white part only, thinly sliced
  

• 1 onion, chopped
  

• 1 cinnamon stick
  

• 1 bay leaf
  

• 4 cups (1 litre) homemade vegetable or chicken stock

• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  

• ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  

• 2 tablespoons gomasio
  
  

Method:

1. Scoop the flesh from the roasted pumpkin.
   

2. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add leek and onion; cook for 10 minutes until softened.
   

3. Add cinnamon stick, bay leaf, stock, nutritional yeast, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
   

4. Remove cinnamon stick and bay leaf. Blend the soup for a creamy texture or leave it chunky, as preferred.
   

5. Serve hot, sprinkled with gomasio.
   

This soup is a bowl of warmth and comfort, perfect for chilly evenings.

VIBRANT; Embracing Contrast Therapy

Cold ocean swims at first light. The kind that make you forget your to-do list and remember your breath. It’s become a small ritual, in, out, wrap up warm. A kind of reset. And always, the sun waiting, soft on salt-stung skin. Nature’s hot and cold therapy, simple and free.

The invigorating practice of contrast therapy (alternating between hot and cold environments) has been gaining popularity for its health benefits. This can enhance circulation, reduce muscle soreness, and promote relaxation

Benefits of Contrast Therapy:

• Improved blood flow and circulation
  

• Reduced inflammation and muscle soreness
  

• Enhanced recovery post-exercise
  

• Boosted immune function
  

• Elevated mood and stress reduction
  
  

For those new to this practice or seeking guidance, The Heal Zone in Milton offers a supportive environment. Their beautiful space (just above our store in Milton) include sauna and ice baths, with options for guided sessions to help you safely experience the benefits of contrast therapy.

BEAUTIFUL; Witnessing the Southern Aurora

Recently, the Eastern South Coast was graced with the ethereal beauty of the aurora australis. 

Did you see it yourself?

The aurora, glowing quietly across the South Coast sky, felt otherworldly. A green ribbon stretched across stars, caught on camera by local photographer Trenny M. One of those rare, luminous moments that remind you beauty still finds its way in.

You can see more of Trenny’s work or purchase prints at trennym.com.

As we continue to navigate the colder months, we invite you to find comfort in nourishing meals, invigorate your body with mindful practices, and seek beauty in the world around you. Stay tuned for more seasonal inspirations and offerings from us at Delicious Vibrant Beauty.