Lemon Chia Seed Muffins

I've always been a bit skeptical about baking without the usual wheat flour and butter. I never really believed that a gluten and wheat free cake would taste any good.  Today though, I proved myself wrong, thanks to a recipe I saw on a blog called Slim Palate, which is written by a very inspiring 17 year old. These Lemon Chia Seed Muffins are made with coconut flour instead of wheat flour and coconut oil instead of butter.  In fact, pretty much every ingredient has some kind of health benefit:

• Coconut Flour - high fibre, gluten free, fairly high protein
• Coconut Oil - eases digestion, supports immunity, boosts metabolism, strengthens skin tissue
• Chia Seeds - richest source of plant-based omega-3 fats, high in fibre, high in protein, rich in calcium
• Apple Cider Vinegar - aids digestion, aids detoxification
• Almond Milk - cholesterol-free, lowers blood sugar levels
• Lemons - antibacterial, anti-viral and immune-boosting properties
• Honey - lower GI than sugar (ok, this one's stretching it - honey is still sugar! But a cake has to have some naughtiness!)

Although they don't taste exactly as a cupcake made with butter and wheat flour would, these were soft and fluffy and delicious nonetheless.  I think my only tweak for next time would be to reduce the amount of honey as they were  a  tiny bit too sweet for my taste. Overall though, I'm quite excited to have found a relatively guilt free way of having my cake and eating it! Recipe can be found here.

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Coasters by The Coastal

Is it weird to feel this excited about coasters?!  I discovered these beauties by The Coastal on Etsy this week and I literally want one set of every design (they have a wide selection so yes, this would lead to a somewhat unreasonable number of coasters in my home!). Each one is hand painted using eco-friendly, water-based paint and non-toxic sealants. They are heat and water resistant and backed with recycled cork. The crisp, geometric designs  are just what I like and on top of this, they make to order so you can email and select exactly the colour combinations you want. The only downside for me is that The Coastal is based in California so the postage is rather expensive to Australia, but these are so cute I can let that slide. Here are a few of my favourites...

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Colour Inspiration

While flicking through August's edition of Real Living magazine, this page caught my attention.  I like the contrast of the cool greens, blues and greys against the warmth of the yellow and the shot of black gives it a bit of edge. I might try and adopt this colour scheme in our living room.  Being in a rental rules out the option of recreating the geometric wall paint design in the magazine, so I've put together a little round-up of accessories inspired by these colours to get my ideas rolling!

| 01. Moth Origami Lampshade Autumn Yellow by Studio Snowpuppe, Etsy | 02. Mint Julep Art Print by Lisa Argyropoulos, Society 6 | 03. Glaze Vessel 25cm in Mint, Freedom | 04. Tyrik Small Vase, Country Road | 05. Smoke Grey Ikat Polka Dot Cushion by WhitlockandCo, Etsy | 06. Pixelate Mint Throw Pillow by Gypsy Luxe, Society 6 | 07. Acapulco Ceramic Vase, Exhibit Interiors | 08. Glansig Tealight Holder, Ikea |

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Loving Leif

I recently discovered a company called Leif, which, according to its website, "celebrates the unique flora of Australia with ingredients that demand attention."  Its products are free from artificial skin nasties and presented in beautifully simple, recyclable packaging.  I bought this  'Body Double' Body Cleanser and Body Balm set thinking it would make an ideal gift for a friend or maybe a family member back in the UK. The thought was there, but in reality the packaging seduced me and I thought it best to test it out before bestowing it on anyone else. I like to think of it as quality control - but really, I just have zero will power! It passed the 'test'. The scent is subtle but soothing, the body cleanser gets nice and foamy and the body balm leaves my skin silky soft.  Definitely loving Leif.   

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Bedroom Wish List

| 01. Arc Table Lamp, Domayne | 02. Pineapple Art Print by Basilique, Society 6 | 03. Moi+Toi=Nous Print by theloveshop, Etsy | 04. Midcentury Bedside Table in Acorn, West Elm| 05. Wise Math Large Print by Michelle Armus | 06. Cushion by WhitlockandCo, Etsy | 07. Vase, Freedom | 08. Australian House and Garden White Resin Lamp, Myer |

Since we moved into our unit over a year ago, the bedroom has been left a little neglected. Seeing as no one really sees it but us, it was always last on my list of home-sprucing priorities. We've been treating it badly - it's less of a restful retreat and more of a giant dumping ground for those 'in between' clothes that you haven't committed to washing yet but that don't seem fresh enough to go back in the wardrobe. I think it's high time this room got some care and attention, so I've compiled a little wish list of items that would help pull it together, centred around a lovely  (and affordable) Michelle Armas print. Time to save those cents and get shopping!

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