Frusi News - Eire / English

Want food in a hurry that’s good for you? Then look no further. Each month we’ll give you a healthy recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes.

[March recipe]

Linguine with black olive pesto

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp pine nut kernels
• 1⁄2 pack fresh parsley, stalks removed
• 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
• Finely grated zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon
• 2 tbsp black olive paste
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 40g freshly grated Parmesan, plus some extra to serve
• 350g dried linguine or 2 x 250g bags fresh egg linguine
• Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

1. Lightly toast the pine nut kernels in a dry frying pan over a gentle heat until golden brown. Transfer to a food processor with the parsley, garlic, lemon zest and black olive paste. Switch on and drizzle in enough olive oil to form a thick paste. Transfer to a large bowl, stir in the Parmesan and season to taste.
2. Cook the pasta according to the pack instructions. Drain, reserving a little of the cooking liquid and toss with the olive pesto. Check the seasoning and stir in lemon juice to taste. Serve with extra Parmesan.

Source: Tesco

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Our everyday wellbeing is influenced by the way we think about things and how we manage different aspects of our lives. Science shows us that people who always appear in a good mood often have higher levels of hormones called endorphins, and of neurotransmitters called dopamine and serotonin.

These are released by the brain and make us feel good when we’re enjoying ourselves or when something pleasant happens.

So here are a few suggestions for keeping that feel-good factor alive and kicking:

• Relax
• Eat a healthy diet
• Express your feelings
• Set yourself achievable goals
• Make time for the things you enjoy
• Do a sport or exercise you enjoy
• Spend time with friends and family
• Find a balance between work and leisure

Got any tips of your own?

When it comes to handbags, it can be a struggle to keep the contents to a minimum. So here are our top five tips on preventing yours from turning into a clutter terminal.

1. Don’t carry a big bag. The bigger the bag, the more you put in it. This might explain why small bags are back in fashion.
2. Compartments are a must. Just make sure you remember which items you put in which compartment!
3. Only carry essential make-up items. We understand that looking good is essential, but are you really going to use all four shades of lip gloss?
4. Put all your toiletries in a (small) wash bag. This is especially effective for preventing tampons falling out while searching for your purse.
5. Clean your bag out every night. There’s nothing worse than finding a forgotten about squashed banana stuck to your diary!

Got any tips of your own?

Acupuncture is increasingly used around the world to treat various conditions, including stress, anxiety, infections and even grief. Gwyneth Paltrow has said that acupuncture helped her to cope with her father’s death, and Kate Winslet received acupuncture treatment during the birth of her child.

So what exactly is acupuncture and how does it work?

According to traditional Chinese philosophy dating back thousands of years, our health is dependent on the body’s motivating energy - known as qi - moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of channels beneath the skin.

By inserting fine needles into these channels of energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body’s own healing response and help to restore its natural balance. The overall effect is a refreshing and energising lift.

Have you tried it? If so, tell us all about it.

With all the hustle and bustle of modern day life, it can be hard to find time to relax. So here are our top five quick fix tips to stay feeling good.

1. Give yourself some me-time and schedule a monthly treat like a massage, facial or pedicure.
2. Play your favourite record and sing along as loud as you can (this is best done in private!).
3. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress, so go for a little fast paced stroll around the block.
4. Call a friend and have a good chinwag. It will help put things in perspective.
5. Have a night in with a feel-good movie and some tasty, wholesome food.

Got any tips of your own?

The arrival of spring is nature’s way of telling us that it’s time for a new start. So here are our top five tips to help you follow suit.

1. After months of dark, cold and windy weather, treat yourself to a refreshing facial scrub and bid those old skin cells farewell.
2. Unworn clothes will block-up your wardrobe. So in order to stay in fashion, say goodbye to the things you don’t wear.
3. Giving your home a good spring clean can be very uninspiring. But look at it this way: you’ll probably find that missing earring you’ve been searching for all year.
4. If your work desk is starting to resemble a paper mountain, it’s time to get filing. You’ll feel good at the end of it, as well as inspire your colleagues.
5. And finally, give your relationship a spring boost and book dinner for two at your favourite restaurant. A perfect way to celebrate all your hard work.

Got any tips of your own?