Poisoned idea; Swapping my lunchtime Coffee for an Apple

I was recently challenged by a friend to swap my lunchtime coffee for an apple in order to reduce my caffeine, sugar & milk consumption.. 

On an ordinary 'work' day, I'll drink 2 plain coffee's before work, another will be in my hands as I walk through the door & another on my desk just around lunch time. I've cut down!

Anyway, I've been eating an apple after lunch instead of heading to my local Gloria Jeans & have really noticed the difference in energy levels!

Think 'Snow White' thoughts.

Green apples are clearly superior to red ones & there are plenty of benefits to justify making the healthy switch.

Included for just 50 calories of apple is a dose of Vitamin K, C & Potassium, Antioxidants as well as Fibre. Leave skins on of course.

Also a plus is the natural fructose sugar which gives you a well needed buzz to continue working through the afternoon without the chocolate cravings!

Even Disnery preferred Green Apples, & I love this picture..

Perhaps it was the squishy old apples packed for lunch all through school that had turned me off, but I'm definitely re-converted to having apples as a daily snack.

Have a lovely weekend to one & all.

Crunch time ahoy!

x Sianne

Book release; Don't Kill the Birthday Girl! Tales of an Allergic Life

Cover of  'Don't Kill the Birthday Girl'

A few weeks ago I heard mention of a hilarious new book about food allergies & the way they affect our lives.  Don't Kill the Birthday Girl! Tales of an Allergic Life by Sandra Beasley won't be available in stores or online until July, however Beasley's website does have an official description - which sells the book to me already since, being a Coeliac, I can completely relate!

"When butter is deadly and eggs can make your throat swell shut, cupcakes and other joys of childhood are out of the question–and so Sandra’s mother used to warn guests against a toxic, frosting-tinged kiss with “Don’t kill the birthday girl!” Tackling a long-marginalized subject, this book intertwines a cultural history and sociological study of food allergies with humorous and sometimes heartbreaking real-life experience. From a short-lived gig as a restaurant reviewer to the dates that ended with trips to the emergency room, step inside the story of a modern young woman coming to terms with a potentially deadly disorder."

Beasley's book sounds both funny & relatable to all those out there will severe allergies to certain foods.

Although it's becoming more common, being a Coeliac is still widely misunderstood. I find it most difficult to explain to people just why I'm turning down the freshly baked housewarming cupcakes or the very expensive and beautifully decorated wedding cake;
"Try the cake! Just one tiny slice won't kill you!"
"It might not kill me, but I'll be off work for a week & wishing I were dead..."

I'm hoping to find witty one-liners and cute quotes when this book arrives - I'll be passing it straight on to my boyfriend so that he can understand how I feel all the time!

x Sianne

Let's go fly a kite!t

Firstly, let me start by saying that Mary Poppins is by far the best Disney musical of all time. Well, at least it's my personal favourite. Mr Bank's singing 'Let's go fly a kite' is heart-warming end to the film & incredibly cute, so cute in fact, that this weekend my friend Laura & I took off to the park and did just that.

Sunday afternoon delivered nothing less that superb Gold Coast weather & a healthy ocean breeze. There was nothing more fitting to do than have a small BBQ and take Laura's new kite for a test run. Our GF feast of sausages & bread was very tasty indeed, even though our BBQ prowess was lacking. Afterwards though, kite launching exploits began, which involved a remarkable amount of running.

Once we had worked out our tactic & after extending the string a few times, Laura & I managed to get the kite stuck in the upper branches of the tallest tree in the park... It did survive but we'll be keeping a tighter leash on it next time around!

Lovely Laura preparing our feast

The kite is launched

Yours truly playing it safe but having far too much fun

Gentlemen friends taking over kite duties with a much longer string!

Much fun was had by all - and Mr Squid, the worlds greatest kite, will most definitely be making another skyward appearance on Australia Day.

If you don't know the song I refer to above, please do yourself a huge favour & watch the scene now :)

x Sianne

Jen's Cookies: Gluten Free Online!

Jen’s Cookies is one of my favourite brands to buy in store (currently I find them at my local IGA) but I have since discovered a much wider range online – love!

The melting moments treats are simply divine, not dry at all from my personal tasting experience. What I love most about Jen’s is that you don’t need to buy in bulk or pay an excessive delivery/transaction fee.

You can view the range here, from cookies to cupcakes, muesli’s and puddings – there are also savouries which I have yet to try.

If you know of other brands available online that taste decent, please send me a link as I’m always on the hunt for more gluten free goodies to sample!

Sianne