As a journalist I travel the world in search of stories and one of the embarrassments of visiting in some parts is their need for you to take off your shoes before entering a family home. Tights with holes or unscrubbed feet are two of the pitfalls I’m always dodging, as are the homely but unbecoming slippers I’m sometimes offered at the door. The answer, obviously, is to take your own indoor shoes and slip them on unasked. Indeed, the question of what constitutes a decent pair for the job of padding around the home is just as valid here as abroad: shoes shaped like a gentleman’s slippers are actually fashionable right now but schlepping around with a pair for these moments is impractical.

The answer, I’ve discovered, is Butterfly Twists – fold-away ballet pumps which combine all the portability and sleek elegance that impresses my international hostesses. As everyday outdoor shoes for women in the perpetual search for flat and flattering shoes as a stand-in for the highest heels, they’re a dream. Light and  colourful, they’re also the thing to whip out on a plane in lieu of the throwaway ones offered by airlines. I have become addicted and their relative cheapness means I’m fast building an impressive collection. Whether you’re visiting a home or a hotel, these are a must-pack in my book.

Yoga and Pilates vests and circle scarf, all by Wellicious
Summer has to end and the whole thing is made so much easier but the thought that the shops are starting to fill with the rich, luxurious colours of autumn. Over the last few years, yoga and Pilates clothes have become seasonal in the same way and there are few companies as adept at making sure fashionistas look their best in the studio as Wellicious. This London-based company is no less serious about yoga and Pilates but it always manages to produce a collection which reflects beautifully the turn of the seasons.

Headed by its Founder and Creative Director, Heike Schnell, each seasonal collection is designed and developed by the very experienced and highly skilled design team at Wellicious. Each and every detail carefully evolves to create an eco-friendly yet stylish and glamorous collection infused with the latest fashion and colour trends. Since its launch in 2007, celebrity fans of the luxurious yoga, Pilates and loungewear have included singer and actress Dannii Minogue and top model Erin O’Connor. More significantly, many star yoga teachers such as Tara Lee, Katy Appleton and Gabriela Bozic advocate the brand for its comfort and quality.

Sustainability is a core issue for Wellicious and it uses only carefully sourced fabrics such as Organic Cotton, Lyocell and Tencel. Rain-fed Organic Cotton ensures less water is used for its growth than for regular cotton. Tencel and Lyocell are soft, lightweight breathable, shrink-resistant and durable materials created from natural cellulose found in wood pulp. They are also biodegradable.

For 2012, deep and luxurious colours such as merlot are blended with muted highlights for a flattering yet modern take on the classic yoga vest and leggings combo. Stand-out pieces include a ruched vest which borrows the sweetheart neckline and seaming from an evening dress to make a top that properly supports the figure throughout practice. Leggings get yet another Wellicious makeover with fabulous jodhpur styling added to the classic fold-over Wellicious stirrup pants.

This yoghurt parfait recipe from our new book, LUNCHBOX SOLUTIONS is an exquisite, healthy snack. It’s easy to make and within minutes you will have a sweet treat that everyone will love! You can use either homemade yoghurt or a biodynamic, additive-free brand. As for the toasted muesli or granola, you can make up your own or use your favourite, high quality brand.We have included bee pollen because it is an incredible superfood—a highly absorbable source of protein that is rich in amino acids, vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals, enzymes and other micronutrients. It works well with these fresh ingredients (bee pollen cannot be cooked as it destroys its medicinal strength). Please use certified organic ingredients whenever possible.

Serves: 4

Ingredients: 1-1½ cups plain biodynamic yoghurt, ¼ – ½ cup agave syrup or honey, to taste, 2 teaspoons bee pollen (optional), 1 cup toasted muesli or granola, 2 ripe mangos, peeled, pitted and cubed, Pulp of 4 ripe passion fruits, ½ cup flaked almonds or chopped macadamia nuts, a few chia seeds (to sprinkle on top).

1. In a medium bowl gently mix the yoghurt, agave syrup (or honey) and bee pollen until well combined. Check for sweetness and add a little more if needed.

2. Place a little of the yogurt mixture in the bottom of each serving container (for a great presentation, use glass tumblers). Add a small layer of toasted muesli or granola, followed by a layer of mango, passion fruit pulp and nuts.

3. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients have been used, finishing with the passionfruit pulp, nuts and a sprinkle of chia seeds for decoration.

Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

Kate McAloon is a personal chef whose client list includes Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr, Tracy Anderson and Gwyneth Paltrow. Her recent ebook LUNCHBOX SOLUTIONS includes 70 easy and tasty recipes that the whole family can enjoy. Written alongside her two friends as co-authors, Therese Kerr (mother of Miranda Kerr and General Manager of Kora Organics skincare) and Dr. Jennifer Barham-Floreani, (award winning best selling Family Health author), it is filled with videos and an extensive “click-through” glossary, which enables you to learn about the nutritional benefits of ingredients. Visit Chef Kate’s website www.chefkate.me and the Kora Organics blog www.koraorganics.com (under Chef Kate) for more healthy organic recipes and articles.