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

Be gentle with yourself

It sometimes amazes and exhausts me how self-critical we have become. I say 'we' because I do not distinguish myself from this statement. I too critique myself, put myself down and  pick on my imperfections. Is this healthy? No. Do I do it even though I know it is unhealthy? Yes. The answer we all need to ask ourselves is why do we do it? 

I find that I often put myself down or criticise myself and others when I am stressed, scared, threatened or insecure. In a sense, it becomes a fight or flight reaction. We are reacting to something negatively to protect ourselves. 

For instance, in every single one of these photos I look happy, energetic and lively. Little do you know that I am showcasing one of my biggest insecurities - my stomach. Am I fat? Nope. Do I have a chiselled six pack, most definitely not. I have a flat, very pale little belly and this little belly has caused me many tears and upsets of the years. 

I uploaded a photo to my Instagram and in the caption I made a joke about my stomach, making fun of myself before others could get in first. Why? Well I have come to realise that whenever something is going wrong in my life - stress at work, lack of motivation, a fight with a partner - I take it out on myself. There have been days where I have focused so much on the negatives that I have not left the house, cut out my friends and family all to make myself feel worse. I guess I am so used to it now that I get in there and self-critique before others can. A form of self-punishment and preservation all at the same time. 

Where did this get me? Absolutely nowhere. 

Sadly, only through experience have I learnt that this kind of reaction, self-critique and self-punishment never works. It has never made me feel better about myself or lead me to combat what is truly bothering me. 

Time, multiple tears and a few Bridget Jones movie nights later have I come to realise that right now is the best possible version of myself that I can be. Beating myself up and not accepting me for who I am leads to a sad, lonely and unhealthy life. 

Don't get me wrong, I am sure I will still have moments where I am extremely self-critical but my focus now is to remember that I am doing the best that I can do. To make sure I actually do this I am going to focus on daily mantras that will trigger positive thoughts. I will leave you now with my mantra for the day, I hope it triggers beautiful thoughts for you too.

~ Be gentle with yourself you're doing the best you can ~

XOXO

 A little shoutout to my photographer and general happiness maker Mr Hickey (check out his bearded magic on Insta, I dare you). Thank you for being you and taking photos of me in front of giant blue walls. 

Mid-Week Mood

All images are sourced from Straight into Style, Borrowed Heaven and Better Tomorrows