Be You, Tea Full

I wake up, stroll to the kitchen and turn the kettle on. As I wait for it to finish with a quiet ding, I sleepily prepare my morning cup of tea. Placing the tea leaves in a strainer the smell of cinnamon, cardamon and aniseed surround me, calming me. 

My morning ritual is my meditation. A period of 15 minutes where I am by myself and enjoying the small things that life has to offer. The world is quiet, the rest of the house is asleep and I just sit there and watch the sun rise with my cup of tea. Perfection.

Hoping to share my love of tea with you, below are several of my go to teas throughout the day,why I love them and a range of health benefits that they offer. 

After reading this, I hope you too start your day with a delicious pot of beautiful tea. 

CHAI TEA

Benefits: It is made from a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and nutmeg that contain antioxidants and phytochemicals known to reduce the risk of certain cancers. The antioxidants and phytochemicals within Chai tea benefit the immune system, gut health and facilitate energy production.

I love: My dog is named after this tea, that’s how much I love it! The best way to drink it is by brewing a wet chai mixture over the stove, with soymilk and a dash of honey. Delish!

MINT

Benefits: It improves digestion, reduces pain, eliminates inflammation cures bad breath and aids the immune systems. Mint tea is the perfect cuppa to sip on when it’s that time of the month as it eases nausea and stomach cramps.

I love: A warm cup of peppermint tea is my go to when I am feeling nauseas or off in the stomach. It also aids digestion, which makes it the perfect ‘after-dinner-mint’ to help relax and unwind after a big meal.

CHAMOMILE

Benefits: It promotes sleep, eases stomach-aches and can help in calming muscle spasms. This non-caffeinated herbal tea is the perfect solution for people looking to relax, unwind and enjoy a cosy evening ahead.

I love: drinking a hot mug of chamomile tea right before bed to relax me and put me straight to sleep. My only problem is that I always wake up in the middle of the night busting to go to the bathroom (eek).

GREEN

Benefits: It contains lots of antioxidants (catechins) and nutrients that are said to boost the metabolism, aid weight loss and improve brain function. Catechins are an important antioxidant present in green tea, known to assist heart disease, cancer and overall cell damage.

I love:  I would say that green tea is an acquired taste, one that has not come so easily to me. Due to green tea’s well-known benefits I do try and drink it several times a week however it has nothing on a scrumptious pot of chai.

LIQUORICE

Benefits: The liquorice root has long been used to treat ulcer like symptoms, digestive problems, heartburn and upper-respiratory ailments.  Liquorice root can however cause several side affects when used for a long period of time. 

I love: I regularly drink a liquorice tea infusion that contains only 44 per cent liquorice root. I am obsessed with this tea at the moment as it has the perfect combination of sweet, spicy yet subtle flavours.

BLACK

Benefits: Made from the same plant as green tea, black tea assists in lowering cholesterol as well as containing caffeine to give you a burst of energy throughout the day. Perfect for people like me who are trying to stay away from coffee.

I love:  A slug of boiling water and a dash of milk is how I like my black tea. Everyone is different, but this bad body gives me an extra oomph of energy I need to get up and attack the day ahead.

What is your favourite type of tea? Share below

Journey to self love

Society has taught that worth is defined by wealth, status, beauty, sex and power. Without such things a person is made to feel worthless or less than those who do. When defined by such materialistic and vain barriers it can remove all forms of positive self-perception. If the mind begins to start filling the body and soul with negative self-talk and emotions, the body will begin to outwardly show those feelings. 

So hear this now. Vain, materialistic possessions and achievements will only bring temporary happiness. To achieve lifelong happiness - that must be found within. In order to achieve this, self-perception needs to be shifted and focused on the core nature of the being. Who am I? What makes me happy? How can I love myself? 

To begin this journey the most important thing is to start listening to your thoughts. Thoughts that are controlling, self-doubting or negative. Recognise when you are thinking a certain way and why. Instead of moving away from these thoughts and feelings try and understand them. Start to be aware of what the mind is doing through negative self-talk, self-abandonment, judgment, various addictions or coping mechanisms. 

When feeling this way there are two pathways that can be taken. The first is to protect against the pain and use negative coping mechanisms, such as addictive and controlling behaviour, to temporarily forget such thoughts. The second option is to understand these feelings. Learn why the mind is feeling this way, why it is reacting to a circumstance in this manner and why it seems to be causing pain? Whether it be pain through self-infliction or blame, understand why it is happening and how action can be taken to improve on the current, destructive methods being implemented. 

If the second option is taken on board (fingers crossed it is), know that these types of changes don't happen overnight. This will be a continuous journey of self- development, self-healing and positive thinking. It will be one of the hardest journey's to go on because it is challenging the way thoughts are processed and it is tackling a massive opponent. That opponent is the all-consuming, negative self.

After commitment, consistency and connection with oneself there will be change. A change for the better. A self-discovery that by loving yourself everything in your life improves. Relationships with others, outlooks on life, wellbeing and so much more. 

Love yourself for who you are right now! Every person is a constant work in progress so be present and enjoy the journey. Whilst loving who you are keep aiming to better yourself physically, mentally and emotionally to continue striving to be the best version of yourself possible. Create a passionate, fulfilled and joyful life, you won't regret it. 

Tips to takeaway

• Begin your day with love. Get out of bed and do something beneficial for your body. Go for a walk, drink a delicious cup of tea and just be at one with your mind. 
• Language is so important so talk yourself happy. Use affirmations to change your mind to become more positive
• Be honest. If you are feeling upset express it. Burying emotions and thoughts will fix nothing. Talking and resolving feelings will.
• Be patient. Changing years of negative emotions and self talk doesn't change overnight. Enjoy the journey and look forward to the result 
• Appreciate the small things
• Breathe
• Forgive yourself 
• Last but not least stop comparing yourself to others. You are beautiful just the way you are 

Moist Banana Caramel Muffins

My long work hours have been taking there toll and I often find myself mid-afternoon reaching for the work lolly jar. Firstly, this is not looking too good on the old waist line. Secondly, these quicks spikes of artificial sugar are only acting as a quick fix. Instead, I need to focus on a solution to the problem - I need to start feeding my body with the right fuel to get me through my day.

So I decided to make some delicious, healthy muffins that will act as the perfect snack to get me through the 3pm slump. Bring on moist banana caramel muffins. Trust me, you wont feel like you are missing out when you take a bite out of these bad boys. The recipe is courtesy of the amazing Sophie Guidolin from her Eat Clean, Live Lean recipe book. 


Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut flakes
• 125g coconut oil - 100g for the banana caramel, and 25g to the wet mix 
• 3/4 cup honey
• 3 ripe bananas 
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups of wholemeal self raising flour
• 2 tablespoons of soy milk
• 1 teaspoon organic vanilla essence
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions 

• Preheat oven to 180 degrees
• Using a nonstick pan, over medium heat, add 100g of coconut oil, the honey and the chopped banana
• Let the mixture simmer
• Whilst combine the eggs, soy milk, 25g of coconut oil, vanilla essence and cinnamon together in a bowl
• Once mixed, stir in the flour and coconut flakes to the mixture
• Ensure the banana mixture is soft and caramel-like. Once the banana have turned into almost a paste, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly
• Add the caramel banana mixture and mix until smooth and well combined
• Poor the mixture into prepared muffin tins and place in the oven for 20-35 minutes
• Once cooked through take them out of the oven
• Enjoy warm or cool for a tasty, artificial-sugar free treat 

Flynn Skye

Flynn Skye - Look-book Fall 16 Basics 

Photographer: Jorden Keith

Model: Meredith Mickelson

Makeup: Nia Hicks 

Hair: Marley Gonzales 

Stylist: Analisa Siegel 

Images sourced here.

You&Me

~ Maybe the journey isn't so much about becoming anything. Maybe its about un-becoming everything that isn't really you, so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place ~

Unknown 

~ Like wildflowers; you must allow yourself to grow in all the places people thought you never would ~

E.V.

Outfit Details:

Jacket, slip dress and hat - Op Shop finds

Shoes - Diana Ferrari 

Photographer - H.Landford