Madge's secret garden

Want to know the secret to Madonna’s eternal youth and rocking hot bod? She’s an ‘intestinal gardener’.

By following a macrobiotic plan, her diet encourages the growth of intestinal flora and bacteria in her bowel which staves off illness and keeps her insides in Super Diva condition. Madonna follows a macro map laid out by her former chef Mayumi Nishimura, consuming daily requirements of healthy edibles — thus planting the ‘flowers’ (or probiotics) that allow other flora to flourish, ensuring that ‘weeds’ don’t grow.

So… what does the Material Girl eat? No meat, dairy, coffee or sugar but plenty of sea vegetables and fish, fermented foods, vegetables, whole grains and cooked oats for breakfast.

Not famous for singing feint praise, Madonna loves this way of eating so much she penned the foreword for Nishimura’s cookbook, saying ‘I feel better than I did 20 years ago, I am very grateful to you for this.’

When she does feel like being naughty she tucks into one of Nishimura’s macro-brownies, thus confirming that even her Madgesty can fall for something sweet…

Mayumi’s Brownies
Mayumi says ‘These brownies proved incredibly popular with Madonna’s back-up dancers, whom I sometimes made snacks for while on tour. Brownies have since become a favorite birthday treat.’

Makes one 20 × 20-cm pan.

Dry Ingredients

•     1 cup (110 g) unbleached white flour or barley flour
•     1/2 tsp baking powder
•     1/2 cup (80 g) maple sugar
•     1/4 cup (20 g) cocoa powder
•     1/2 cup (90 g) sugarless chocolate chips

Wet Ingredients

•     2 Tbsp unsweetened soy milk
•     1/2 cup (120 ml) rapeseed oil or other vegetable oil
•     1/2 cup (120 ml) maple syrup
•     1 tsp vanilla
•     Sea salt, to taste

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

Oil a Pyrex or other square oven proof pan. Or, for easier cleanup, line the pan with baking paper.

Place all DRY INGREDIENTS in one bowl and all WET INGREDIENTS in another. Mix well separately, then add the WET INGREDIENTS to the DRY INGREDIENTS and mix just enough to blend, using a spatula to prevent lumps.

Transfer to the pan, place on the middle rack of the oven, and bake for 20 minutes (time may vary depending on the oven; test for doneness with a toothpick). When a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean, remove from oven.

Allow to cool before cutting into squares and removing from the pan. 

Wordless Wednesday: J'adore Dior's Versailles - Secret Garden...

‘Secret Garden - Versailles’  A film by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, starring Daria Strokus, Melissa Stasiuk and Xiao Wen Ju in La Galeries Des Glaces - Château de Versailles.  Music by Depeche Mode: ‘Enjoy the Silence’.

Trending - WHITE JEANS alert!

Hot on the heels of floral and jelly bean coloured denim comes the white jeans revival. Those of us still burnt by memories of Liz Hurley’s white jean phase circa 1994 have trouble confronting this particular item. But take heart. A little look back in history at the likes of Jackie O and Marilyn donning white denim chicly, should put all sartorial fears aside.

We are also looking for styling inspiration via our current day fashion goddessess. Vogue Editors past and present including Carine Roitfeld, Emanuelle Alt and Anna Dello Russo have all picked white denim as their seasonal staple as has Goop who is translating hers in different ways daily.

J Brand 814 mid-rise straight-leg jean, Citizens of Humanity Ava low-rise, straight-leg jean, Karl mid-rise straight-leg jean, TopShop Moto white Baxter jeans, Alexander McQueen mid-rise straight-leg cropped jean, Mother boyfriend-fit jean

some images via jak&jil

Kitchen Covets

A Real Hoot Canister, Palmer’s Cove Lobster Dishtowel, Kylie Johnson Musings Plate, Le Chasseur Sky Blue Low Round Casserole, Very Fond of Food: A Year in Recipes by Sophie Dahl, Literary Correspondence Napkin Set, Nordic Ware Covered Aluminum Brownie Pan, Stainless-Steel Spice Box With Spoons, Bolero Hot Smoked Paprika

Snap! FFF is reading...

WHAT: Tucked in: For Everyone Having a Doona Day By Meredith Gaston
WHERE: Order your must-have copy from the Book Depository
WHY WE’RE FFF’ING LOVING IT: Who doesn’t love an excuse to stay in bed? Well you have one with this deliciously illustrated ‘how-to’ book!

Whether young or old, nimble or wobbly, tucked into bed on the doctor’s orders or on your very own whim, Australian artist and author Meredith Gaston encourages you to use precious time in your doona cloud to explore your creativity and heal your soul. Simply snuggle back, relax, and be guided through a world of tea cup cosies, shadow puppets, favourite bed socks and eclectic sleepy facts. Sold!

FFF note: Pair this book and Donna Karan’s double-layered chiffon nightgown for an extra special gift for a BFF.

For more information on Meredith Gaston visit www.meredithgaston.com

The marvellous Met and a chat between two iconic designers....

Known as the East Coast’s answer to the Oscars, The Met Ball heralds the opening of the year’s most important fashion exhibition. This year it is “Impossible Conversations”, a study of two of history’s most iconic designers Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada. Whilst they lived in different eras, the exhibit focuses on their many similarities, both personal and artistic.

Here we give you a red carpet round-up of our FFFave frocks, a glittering mix of precious metallics, vampy pouts and, most appropriately, Schiap pink. What did the Devil wear this year? Prada of course darling.

But even more delicious than the fashion is the exhibition’s short introductory video by Baz Luhrmann and wife Catherine Martin. It features Miuccia Prada enjoying dinner and a v. entertaining conversation with the late Elsa Schiaparelli (portrayed by the wonderful Australian actress Judy Davis). Pull up a chair, pour yourself a champagne and join the party people!

pics via vogue

Adieu Premiere Dame!

As we bid adieu to our fave First Lady, we salute her chic and classic super-madame style. Look, listen and shop it up FFFs (quietly we’re slipping into our flats and rocking a pill box hat and guitar as we type).

Merci beaucoup for ‘le fab stylespiration’ Madame Sarkozy. Rock on x

Victoria Beckham blue gown, YSL skirt, Lanvin shoulder bag, YSL square toe ballet flats, Bottega Veneta cashmere coat, YSL jacket, Victoria Beckham sunglasses, Bottega Veneta draped gown, Equipment silk shirt.

Quick Bites: Coffee for the crew, the Un Bout, the $48,000 bag, magic Met moments, rockin' socks, superfood burrito, makeup mania, In-N-Out Burgers & stylish cola

• Nicole Kidman shouted the Australian Harpers Bazaar crew a coffee van during her recent NSW country shoot for the mag. Loving the cover shot, fuelled by caffeine, with baby Faith. hb

• We would almost give up coffee for Christian Louboutin’s Un Bout 100 patent and pvc pumps. net

• Got a spare $48,000 lying around? You’ll need it if you covet Chanel’s shell bag, hot off the Spring 2012 runway. That’s a lot of purse…. purseblog & style

• With the Met Ball but days away, check out some its most fabulous fashion moments over the years. Our fave? Florence, Colin and Stella in 2011. Oh what a night… vogue

• Do you do them or do you mock them. We love this pictorial tribute to the white sock. another

• We are LOVING all things Mexican right now, but sour cream and cheese can be a wicked witch on our waistlines. What to do? Fix this fabulous Superfood Burrito 
(in a jar) complete with kale, zesty black beans, quinoa and sunflower sprouts. eatlifewhole

• We are shopping for Nars, Laura Mercier, Kiehl’s and Smashbox at ridiculous prices at our new fave online beauty store. Get on it….kissandmakeupny.com

• We are hankering for a cold Coca-Cola X Jean-Paul Gaultier… with a twist of lemon! colette

• To go with that Coke, we’d like an In-N-Out Burger please! Never heard of In-N-Out? It’s the burger of choice for Hollywood celebs, and we dream of their juicy goodness often. Can’t wait to get to LA? Check out this handy MYO version. Delish! seriouseats

FBOMs of the Week: Emily, Lauren & Anja

WHO: Emily Blunt
WHERE: The Five Year Engagement Premiere Opening Night Party during the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival, New York
WEARING: Jason Wu dress, Alice + Olivia shoes, Valentino clutch, Lorraine Schwartz earrings
WHY WE ARE FFF’ING LOVING IT: So lady-like and simple, but with enough va-va-voom to make us positively green with envy! Love the fuchsia lip with the emerald earrings and dramatic eye.
FBOM RATING: 9/10 (the shoes juuust miss the mark here)

WHO: Lauren Santo Domingo
WHERE: The Art Production Fund’s Urban Hoedown, New York
WEARING: Alexander McQueen
WHY WE ARE FFF’ING LOVING IT: Love love love this look! The fabric is to die for, as is the cut. This is classic NY chic — understated, elegant and not overtly styled. Lauren is proof that simple is best!
FBOM RATING: 10/10 (we dream about those cutaway peep-toes)

WHO: Anja Rubik
WHERE: The Fifth Annual Spring Ball Hosted by the Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Gucci, New York
WEARING: Gucci
WHY WE ARE FFF’ING LOVING IT: Gucci is totally ticking all our boxes right now, and Anja is rocking this look like a pro. It’s super now yet harks back to the OTT 80s when gold and power dressing ruled the world. Blonde coiff, golden tan and that scarlet red mani-pedi — Anja is a modern day Dynasty Diva.
FBOM RATING: 10/10 

images via vogue

Quick Bites: Glass Louboutins, Noma number one, Tommy Ton snaps Sydney, beet dumplings, Kate Moss is gold!

• Christian Louboutin, the magical Godfather of sole, is teaming up with Disney to design a pair of glass slippers to celebrate the (re)release of Cinderella on DVD. A match made in heaven no doubt! wwd

• Noma restaurant in Copenhagen has been named the best restaurant in the world for the third year in a row by Restaurant magazine’s World’s 50 Best list. Want to dine with the best? Check the rest at www.theworlds50best.com

• Down Under Divas… Check out street snapper Tommy Ton’s off-catwalk shots from Sydney Fashion Week. style

• We can’t get enough dumplings down our gullets at the moment, so these Beet Dumplings with Feta make for a blushing twist on their paler Asian cousins. purevege

• Kate Moss has rocked it again. Wearing nothing but a pair of glimmering gold trousers, she has ensured the National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children auction in London will be a roaring success by gifting the organisation a photograph of her looking SUPER HOT! dm

Snap! FFF is reading...

WHAT: Crazy Sexy Diet: Eat Your Veggies, Ignite Your Spark, and Live Like You Mean It! by Kris Carr

WHERE: Buy the book at The Book Depository

WHY WE’RE FFF-ING LOVE IT: Author of the best-selling Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips and Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor, Kris Carr takes on the crazy sexy subject of what and how we eat, drink, and think. Karr is sassy and smart and makes you want to juice everything green and leafy to get that healthy in-the-know glow. Inspiring and amazing — we are cheerleaders for the Carr Crazy Sexy Movement!

For more information on the fabulous Kris Carr visit crazysexylife.com

Want to know what started Kris Carr’s Crazy Sexy Life?
Diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2003, then 31-year-old actress Kris Carr refused to let despair overwhelm her and mounted a personal crusade not just against the ravages of the disease, but for an optimistic outlook and the mission to find meaning in demystifying the illness for others. In this intimate, irreverent documentary, Carr chronicles her journey with rare candour and humour.

New week, new luxe lust list!

Isabel Marant chain heels, Herve Van Der Straeten 24-karat gold-plated clip earrings, Vera Wang peplum top, Bottega Veneta cotton and linen corset, Paco Rabanne dress, Christian Louboutin Artemis fringed textured-leather shoulder bag, Givenchy bag, spun gold lingerie, Marc Blackwell Northern Hemisphere flute, Fornasetti plate, Mepra Due “Ice Oro” flatware.

FFF Guide to Life: Madeleine Eastoe, The Australian Ballet

“Her dancing is fearless and utterly assured”—Herald Sun

And so is her FFF Guide to Life! We are officially in awe of of those glorious creatures — The Ballerina — and Madeleine Eastoe of the Australian Ballet is one of our favourites.

She has an incredible lineage to boot. “My great uncle Herbert Sachse invented the Pavlova dessert. He was a chef at the Esplanade Hotel in 1935 and was asked by the opera singer Dame Nellie Melba for a nice light dessert. Inspired by the dancer Anna Pavlova who was performing in Perth at the time, he named it after her for the ‘light and fluffy’ qualities it’s so famous for.”

Thank you Madeleine for sharing your delectable FFF Guide to Life with us. Enjoy…

HOLIDAY/CITY DESTINATION: My husband and I travelled to the Greek Island Kefalonia to a beautiful spot by the name of Assos. It was like being straight out of the film Shirley Valentine … delightful food, beaches, friendly locals and afternoon naps!

HOTEL: Qualia on Hamilton Island — the most luxrious and relaxing hotel I’ve ever experienced. Pure indulgence.

RESTAURANT/BAR: Jimmy Liks in Sydney and Movida in Melbourne. Experimental, delicious food combining adventurous tastes.

GALLERY: National Gallery of Victoria because we can take Ella, my three year old daughter and make an excursion of it where she’s involved and having fun too. Plus I love the gift shop!

SHOP: I’m surrounded in Fitzroy by some wonderful eclectic shops. Smith Street, Gertrude Street and Brunswick Street are all fabulous. Industria is a great shop to check out unusual furniture ideas as well as selling some really funky second hand clothes.

BOOK, FILM AND MUSIC: I just went to see the documentary dance film about Tanja Leidkte called Life in Movement … a beautiful but sad recollection of a creative genius. 

I’m reading Eugene Onegin as we’re about to start performing Onegin the ballet, and I always have a soft spot for Jeff Buckley music.

KITCHEN ITEM: Green’s Golden Butter Cake mix!

BEAUTY ITEM: Aesop deodorant (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE)!

MANTRA: No worries! 

For more information on the Australian Ballet visit www.australianballet.com.au. The Australian Ballet will perform Romeo & Juliet in Madeleine’s hometown of Perth from October 10 – 14.

Quick Bites: Jean jackets, Tom Ford outlet store, foodies to pin down and Zucchini & Almonds.

The jean jacket is back! We are tossing ours over silk Equipment shirts, cocktail frocks and hooded sweatshirts. How will you wear yours? vogue.us

Tom Ford will open an outlet store at the Woodbury Commons mall in Central Valley, New York. The store, to open July 15, will sit along other chic outlets including Balenciaga, Chanel, and Michael Kors. Lucky

Pin this! The Top 10 Pinterest foodies to follow. huffpost

This may be the easiest side dish to pull together in the history of dinners. Zucchini and almonds makes it to our table at least a couple of times a week. It’s a maker. Love it! smittenkitchen

Wordless Wednesday: VB + RR = FFF'ing Fabulous!

FFF Guide to Life: Jessica Ainscough, The Wellness Warrior

Jessica Ainscough — aka ‘The Wellness Warrior’ — is our go-to-girl for all things healthy and holistic. A few years ago, she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Rather than take the news lying down, Jess stood up and is fighting head on… drastically changing her life in the process. She is a writer, blogger, certified holistic health coach and a ‘super greens’ goddess with a great story to tell. For more about Jess (and her cookbook Make Peace With Your Plate) visit her at The Wellness Warrior. She has kindly shared her FFF Guide to Life, so take it away Jess!

HOLIDAY: Byron Bay.

HOTEL: The Atlantic, Byron Bay.

RESTAURANT & BAR: My favourite restaurant is The Spirit House. It’s an amazing Thai restaurant here on the Sunshine Coast. It’s not organic, unfortunately, but that is where I plan on heading for a celebratory dinner when I’m a little further along the healing path. I don’t go to bars anymore, but my boyfriend owns a bar called Lot 104 – best bar on the Sunshine Coast!

DRINK: The Wellness Warrior smoothie: kale, cos lettuce, frozen banana, coconut water, spirulina, maca, bee pollen, lime juice. Delicious!!

SHOP: Goddess of Babylon or Spell And The Gypsy Collective.

BOOK & FILM: Book: A Return To Love by Marianne Williamson, Film: Anchorman.

CHARITY: I am an ambassador for The Warwick Foundation, which is an amazing charity that supports young adults with cancer. I also sponsor two pigs and a cow at Edgar’s Mission and donate monthly to Animals Australia.

MUST HAVE WARDROBE ITEM: Dark Ksubi skinny jeans in winter, denim shorts in summer.

MUST HAVE KITCHEN/PANTRY ITEM: My juicer!

MUST HAVE BEAUTY ITEM: Coconut oil. It can be used as a moisturiser, hair mask, deodorant, eye make-up remover, and so much more.

AND FINALLY, WHAT IS YOUR MANTRA: Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but by how we react to what happens to us.

Pop over and visit Jess at thewellnesswarrior.com.au

Snap! FFF is eating...

WHAT: Steamed bun with twice cooked pork, hoisin sauce, pickled cucumber and shallot.
WHERE: The Bun Mobile, Brisbane.
WHY WE’RE FFF’ING LOVING IT: We first tried these little beauties at Momofuku in New York, and were smitten from the first bite. Thank goodness Brisbane has jumped on the now famous mobile food truck trend, with The Bun Mobile our first cab off the rank (so to speak). Super soft buns hug melt in the mouth pork with sharp pickles and sweet hoisin. Be warned! These are addictive…

Want to try The Bun Mobile?
As is the MO with food vending trucks, The Bun Mobile is always on the move! Visit their website for details of their menu and schedule, or follow them on twitter and facebook for updates.

FFF Friday Flashback: Beatlemania

Just like Elvis, One Direction have officially left the building … or the country to be precise. The mega-mania of teen girls over the last few weeks has been at fever pitch, and we have to admit to being a tad jealous — we wish we could turn back the clock and join them!

There is nothing quite like the devotion, hysteria and elation of a gaggle of girls as the practise one of the oldest tricks in the book — teen idol adulation. We have fond memories of the days when Duran Duran plastered our walls and occupied our every thought. There’s nothing like it, and to all the party poopers out there we simply say: let this band and their frenzied fans enjoy it all to the very last drop!

But if you want to talk about the Masters of Mania, we have to go back to the originators of the movement. Before Yoko, before THAT trip to India … their were four boys, they were in a band and their very existence coined the phrase Beatlemania. While the Boy Bands that have come after them can’t hold a torch to the Beatles, we bet The Fab Four would graciously tip their hats to the 1D boys and say ‘Enjoy it lads, it’s your ticket to ride’. Happy Friday FFFs!

Wordless Wednesday: Fashion Fit 101 (and a questionably fashionable workout flashback!)

Victoria Beckham track pants, Zoe Karssen bat-print cotton-blend fleece track pants, Adidas by Stella McCartney run hooded lightweight shell jacket, Clu terry track pants, Alexander Wang shorts, Alexander Wang sneakers, Alexander Wang windbreaker, Karl high-top sneakers, Adidas by Stella McCartney hot pink nylon vest, Reek Krakoff gym bag

FBOMs of the Week: Lily, Liya & Charlotte

WHO: Lily Wong
WHERE: Launch of Claiborne Swason Frank’s book, American Beauty in NYC
WEARING: Reed Krakoff, Tod’s bag and dripping in Ruby Kobo jewellery
WHY WE ARE FFF’ING LOVING IT: Like a vanilla slice, Lily is a dream in layers of nude, vanilla and palest cream with a pop of citrine fluro. It’s modern behaviour people!   
FBOM RATING: 10/10

WHO: Liya Kebede
WHERE: Premiere of Sur la Piste du Marsupilami, Paris
WEARING: Isabel Marant
WHY WE ARE FFF’ING LOVING IT: It’s Victorian-meets-80s-meets-fierce-heels and it is hot hot hot. Particularly with those legs! Effortless, easy and FFF-ing chic!
FBOM RATING: 8/10

WHO: Charlotte Casiraghi
WHERE: The Swinging London Monaco Rose Ball, Monte Carlo
WEARING: Chanel
WHY WE ARE FFF’ING LOVING IT: Charlotte is most definitely the belle of the ball in this dreamy hue of smokey blue. The transparent skirt allowing a peak at those regal pins gives it a tres naughty edge.
FBOM RATING: 10/10