Hi my friends,
Whoa what a week it's been.
I don't remember the last time I felt this busy, excited, energised, exhausted, emotional, productive, behind, overwhelmed and calm all at the same time. Actually, I've never had a week this full on before.
To sum up just a portion of events that occurred in this short space of time, I had a birthday and my huge annual birthday sale which is always exciting and mega busy, my bestie threw us the most incredible and emotional gender reveal party (more on this next time), I took Tanya’s Cafe and book signing on the road for the first time ever, our dear friends and travel buddies got engaged, my first published book was officially released all over the UK, the massive competition with an insane amount of entries came to an end, prep for The Uncook Book launch was in full swing, followed by the exhilarating launch party itself and ending with travel outside of London for uncooking demonstrations and book signings.
Sounds super fun (and it really really was), but during all the celebrations, my inbox nearly exploded and I’m now weeks behind replying to everyone (if it’s you, now you know why, love you!), my sister’s flight was so delayed that she missed the gender reveal party which she was looking forward to since the moment she learned she was going to be an aunty, the wheels on my giant suitcase broke off on the way to the Birmingham demo which made the 30kg of equipment not only too heavy for helpful strangers to drag, but especially for me with a growing baby bump, which brought on a meltdown even I didn’t anticipate, and meanwhile ‘interesting’ events kept occurring at our cafes which needed my immediate attention.
The last thing I wanted to do is to write a post full of what sounds like complaints, but I hope you can see that I am just like everyone else 
I cry, I get tired, I experience stress, I forget to drink water, I worry, I think too much and I take off my cape when it needs a good clean.
Amazing how just one day, sometimes even one moment, can remind you that you do live the best life ever and that there’s nothing in the world which would have you trading it for another.
For me that moment was last Thursday…
The Uncook Book launch party with some of my favourite people in the world, at my very own happy place, with my dream publisher, blessing my pride and joy into the world, may have just topped all the best nights of all time!
Aaaand finding out that during the first week of its release, The Uncook Book has already gone into its SECOND printing. Just wow.
Thank you so so much, it's all because of YOU!
Here are some of the pictorial highlights from my best night ever...
The Uncook Book ready to party
Peanut Butter Cups from the Kid's Section (really, Adult's section, but it was going to sound strange if I had an 'Adult's Section' in the book)
Prep in full swing. Vodka Lavendade (less the vodka for a non-alcoholic version) and Pina Colada (scroll down for recipe), both from the Party Section
Here I am with my book baby and a 5 months baby bump
See? There really is a bump. I love it!
The adorable Hay House team, from left: Jo, Alexandra, Jessica, Julie (the incredible and talented editor), Karen and Ruth (the hard working cutie responsible for this awesome night). But where's Amy?
Here she is! My sweet editor Amy and her bright smile as always. Fab and Lauren in deep convo
No uncooking party without a cold-pressed organic green juice
And another super adorable Amy. I've come to a conclusion that the best and cutest humans are named Amy
Sister Party! From left: my soul sister (and the one responsible for introducing me to Hay House) Michelle, my sissy-in-law Saskia and my own sister-face Alissa
The stunning Nikki Salamony, PR for Tanya's Cafe
Serious chocolate talk with Kris from The Raw Chocolate Company and Richi Qi from The Wellbeing Now Conference
The always gorgeous Christy, American Girl in Chelsea
Food glorious raw food from various sections in the book
Alkalising Cucumber Rolls from the Party Section
My sis of Universe + Chorus , a Pina Colada (scroll down for recipe) and a summer roll
Luigi and my Goji Berry Trifles from the Party Section of the book
A few words turned into such a long gratitude list, you couldn't stop me talking
That little muffin inside was all blissed out and still with so much gratitude pouring though my body
The love squad. Thank you all so so much for your support
Happy times with the lovely Maxine there in the back ground and Bronwen from NZ Biz Women's Network here to support too
A tad proud of my cake, made using a combination of recipes from the book, especially having had my sister rolling the cute energy balls, my chef Eddie decorating the cake and Rebecca Campbell blessing it
The amazing Linda Barker of BBC's Changing Rooms
The Uncook Book launch
Blogger and co-creator of Plant-based Picnic, Natasha Lipman
The Uncook Book launch
My favourite human, personal recipe taster and loving husband, Elliot
And the prize for THE BEST goodie bag goes to... Can you believe how much goodness is in here? And all in support of the book launch! Thank you so much for such generous gifts: Superfoodies, Dr. Organic, Hay House UK, Neal's Yard Remedies, Udo's Choice, The Raw Chocolate Company, Planet Organic and Seasoul & Snow
And because I believe that every successful party post deserves a recipe, here is one you will LOVE...
It was a hit and a half at The Uncook Book launch (above), it's the first recipe of the Party Section in the book and it includes my favourite ingredient combination EVER. Introducing...
Pina Colada
(serves 1)
45ml (1.5fl oz) light rum
120g (4.25 oz) ripe pineapple, peeled and chopped, reserving leaves from the crown to garnish
90ml (3.25fl oz) fresh apple or pineapple juice (6 apples or 1 pineapple will usually produce enough juice for 4-6 servings)
2 tbsp coconut butter
2 tbsp manuka honey
handful of ice
-Blend all the ingredients, except the ice and garnish, in a blender until creamy, then add the ice and blend again.
-Pour into a chilled highball glass or a goblet, garnish with the pineapple leaves and serve with a pretty straw.
