In A Day With... Sarah Darling
All images of Sarah & family are her own x
Firstly, are you able to tell us a little about you; where is your hometown, where are you living at the moment and what do you do ?
I grew up in Wollongong but have been travelling between Sydney and the northern rivers for quite some time, with lots of overseas adventures along the way. Right now I live in Lismore.
How do you usually start your day ?
I usually start my day with a coffee now that I have a baby ha ha then it’s some beach time or yoga or a swim at the local pool.
What does your dream day look like ?
A dream day for me is usually a day when I get to spend time at the beach with the family when the waves are pretty. Then we would head home and cook together something yum! Some time for yoga in there as well.
What is your beauty routine ? Do you have any favourite natural products or skincare rituals ?
I am a minimalist when it comes to beauty products however I do like a nice skin oil and a natural sun cream that doesn’t feel sticky.
Do you have a favourite scent ? If so, where does it take you ?
I love jasmine. It just takes me straight to those first few warm days leading up to summer.
Are there any food or health philosophies that guide how you and your family eat ?
We shop locally and eat with the seasons. We also try not to waste food, so often that means sharing and swapping with friends. I am also vegetarian and Angus pescatarian so that influences the way we cook.
Has becoming a mother changed your views on health and “wellness” at all?
I think that it has changed lots of aspects of my life. Right now because Sandy is little and I am in the thick of it I haven’t had time to follow all my wellness practices that I once did daily. My yoga and meditation sessions are shorter and my focus has shifted for now. I still try to fit in some type of movement and mindfulness but what ever I can get I take! It might just be ten minutes of breath work as opposed to 90 minutes asana.
What has been the transition into motherhood like for you ? Do you feel like there was something you wish someone had told you about being a mother?
I think it is a huge adjustment and anybody who says otherwise is lying lol.
I think that at the beginning of my mother hood journey I was reading lots of mainstream mothering advice and I wish I had of been pointed in the direction of information more aligned to who I am earlier on to save me feeling like the odd one out.
What is your favourite way to move your body ? Does movement play a part in your everyday routine ?
It does! It gives me more energy and affects my mood in the most positive of ways. I love yoga, surfing and swimming. Pilates as well.
When do you feel your most beautiful and happy ?
I feel the most beautiful and happy when surrounded by the ones I love.
You are a beautiful artist! If you are feeling stagnant energy-wise, uninspired or just tired, how do you come back to yourself ?
I am still working on this one as I often have days where I feel uninspired. I often head to books, podcasts, art history to try and freshen the way that I am thinking and seeing.
Are there any old-school natural remedies that you always have on hand for you and your family ?
Whenever I need a remedy I talk to my herbalist friends Jana and Erin and they always seem to fix me with a recipe! I’m lucky like that!
Is there a mantra or particular quote you live by ?
The Buddhist concept, ‘Annica’
If you were to choose 5 ingredients to have in your kitchen, what would they be ? (Practical or impractical !)
Chocolate, yum
Spices
Herbs (for cooking and teas)
Pasta
Almond milk
To part, are you able to leave us with a favourite recipe of yours ?
Sri Lankan Dahl !
Serves 2
Ingredients:
1 cup red lentils
1/2 white onion (or brown), diced
1/3 cup coconut cream or milk
1/2 green chilli, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp salt
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp chilli powder
6-8 curry leaves
Method:
Place the lentils in a pot and rinse them a few times until the water isn’t cloudy.
Drain then add all the other ingredients and squish together.
Add 2 cups of water
Place a lid on and put on high heat.
Bring it to the boil then turn down and simmer for 10 minutes or until the lentils are cooked.
Add the coconut cream/milk. If it is looking too thick before it’s cooked, add a little more water.
When cooked to desired consistency, take off the heat and serve!
Find more of Sarah and her artwork here (@saramariadarling) x