Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Hey guys!

Do you ever just wish you could have a little pop of bread-y carbs without all the added junk you get from pastries, muffins and cookies? Sometimes there’s nothing better than a lightly sweet muffin that you can throw in your bag for a snack, nibble at with tea, or have for breakfast. These soft and fluffy apple cinnamon muffins have zero flour of any kind! I know, right?!  NO flour?? How is that even possible? It must be magic! :P

You’ll love how they look, feel and taste just like regular muffins that use flour. You can try using peanut butter or almond butter, but cashew butter really is the best! It’s got a mild sweetness to it and a very neutral flavor, which allows the subtle apple notes to come through. You can also try these as a banana version by using mashed banana in place of the applesauce. The level of sweetness is really up to you. If you’re using a concentrated sweetener like stevia, you don’t need much at all; you don’t want to add too much and have them taste bitter. If you use a granulated sweetener, such as monk fruit, you’ll need about 2 tablespoons. If you use honey or maple syrup, it’s also about 2 tablespoons. Muffins like these allow us to un-process our diets one little recipe at a time! Definitely give these a try so you can make your days just a little easier, brighter and tastier!

GLUTEN-FREE APPLE CINNAMON MUFFINS 

Yield: 8 servings

Serving Size: 1 muffin

Prep Time: 5 min

Cook Time: 18 min

Ingredients:

•  1 cup cashew butter
• 2⁄3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• Stevia, monk fruit extract, honey or maple syrup to taste*

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Coat 8 muffin liners with cooking spray (foil liners work best with no sticking).
3. In a medium bowl, add the cashew butter, applesauce and eggs. Whisk well, or use beaters set to low speed. Add in the vinegar, baking soda, cinnamon, and sweetener of choice, and mix until combined (don’t over-mix).
4. Spoon batter 3/4 full into the liners and bake for 17-18 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

*The amount of sweetener you use will depend on the type you use. Start conservatively, as these muffins have a wonderful natural sweetness from the applesauce.

Nutrition Info (with stevia)

Calories: 188 | Protein: 6.5g | Fat: 15g | Net Carbs: 9g | Fiber: 1.3g

Comment below if you give these a try, and let me know which kind of muffins I should healthify next!

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Get Out of Your Mind & Into Your Life

By: Kevin Rose

“Get Out of Your Mind & Into Your Life: The New Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” is a highly-recommended workbook written by Steven C. Hayes and Spencer Smith. It’s also a helpful phrase to remember and remind us all to … Read the rest

The post Get Out of Your Mind & Into Your Life appeared first on Steadfast Counselling.

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Why I love my polytunnel | Kim Stoddart

Polytunnels are cheaper than a greenhouse, yet they still offer a haven from the weather for you and your plants

As the seasons change and even sunnier days arrive with that familiar autumnal nip in the air, I’m reminded of how my polytunnel really comes into its own. This structure covered in a thin layer of plastic is now invaluable to my growing efforts, providing protection against the lashing rain we had last week in West Wales and affording greater resilience in the battle against extreme weather that faces us for the foreseeable future.
It’s no wonder that polytunnel growing is on the rise. They are a lot cheaper to buy than a greenhouse and relatively easy to put up yourself. If you can fit one in, they really do take your fruit and veg growing onto a whole new level, widening the range of what you can grow successfully in the first place: you’ll be able to grow grapes, melons, cucumbers, peppers, aubergines and chillies. Plus it provides a delightful haven from the worst of the weather outside.

If you’re feeling tempted, spring is the best time to construct one in your garden or on your allotment, although there seem to be lots of discounts around now, so out of season may be a cheaper time to buy. You’ll need to situate your polytunnel carefully: a sunny spot on a level area with some protection from wind is preferable. As long as it isn’t more than 3m tall and doesn’t take up more than 50% of your garden, or cause an issue for your neighbours, planning permission is not normally required. If in doubt though, do check with your local planning department first.
Here are just some of the ways you will stand to benefit:

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On Anonymity, Identity and Elena Ferrante

There are many reasons why authors may choose to publish their work anonymously or pseudonymously. Historically, this has primarily been due to the threat of persecution or prosecution if the material produced was controversial and/or illegal. More recently, however, it has often stemmed … Continue reading →

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The Hazards of UV Radiation

Although ultraviolet (UV) radiation can come from a number of sources, the sun is the most common. Excessive exposure to UV radiation is known to cause problems like skin cancer, sunburns, eye irritation and even blindness. As such, people working with UV-emitting devices like welders, arc lights, water filtration systems and tanning beds must take the necessary precautions to safeguard themselves from excessive exposure.

Image Source: Flickr

How Does UV Exposure Occur?
Quite a number of occupations carry the risk of UV exposure. People working in outdoor jobs in sectors like construction, farming and road maintenance fall under this category. But indoor workers aren’t immune from exposure; those who work in foundries, health facilities and tanning salons are also at a high risk.

Potential Risks
Because every individual has unique traits, response to UV radiation will vary significantly across the population. While a number of people can withstand short-term exposure with no noticeable consequences, others may not be so lucky. Skin cancer is one of the biggest risks of short-term exposure. Additionally, people with light-colored hair, eyes and skin as well as those who stay in the sun for long durations are more prone to skin cancer. Other factors that raise the vulnerability include the use of medication that raises sensitivity to UV light.

Reducing the Risk of Exposure
For starters, familiarize yourself with the outdoor UV index, to know when the sun’s ultraviolet radiation levels are high. During such periods, it’s crucial to avoid working outdoors (if possible) or reduce the time spent working in the sun.
You should always make use of UV protection, even when it’s cloudy or foggy. Although air temperature sinks when the sun is blocked by haze, fog or clouds, these things won’t block dangerous UV rays. Additionally, working in environments containing sand, water or concrete will increase exposure. This is due to the reflection of the rays by these elements.

How to Make Occupations Safer
Around the workplace, there are certain measures to take to minimize exposure. Wear sunscreen and work in the shade, if possible. Raise the awareness of your employees and help them to avoid the sun’s harmful rays when the UV index is high. Although UV rays can penetrate clothing hats, sunglasses, long pants and long sleeve shirts can help protect a person from the sun as as well.

Contact:
Working Safety Solutions
#200-4170 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, B.C.
604-320-7850

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Diary of a wildlife garden: the robin's return | Kate Bradbury

The sight of a robin lifts the heart of Kate Bradbury as she works on her new wildlife garden

In the darkest days of January, after I had taken up the decking and dug a hole to plant my apple tree, a robin became the first visitor to my newly-made wildlife garden.

She appeared in a flash on top of the fence, flew to the wall and then spotted me and darted off again. She had been here before, I realised, perhaps lured by the recently unveiled earth and its unearthed worms, or the new compost heap, or even the hanging feeder with its diminishing quantity of sunflower hearts. (Robins have only recently learned to use hanging feeders. And you can tell – they look ridiculous.)

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Joshua Tree Adventures & Photoshoot!

Hey there guys!

This past weekend Jackelyn, Sam and I drove to Joshua Tree National Park, 2.5 hours away from LA! It was Jackelyn’s last weekend in LA so we wanted to do something special for her. My sister has become quite the outdoors-woman in the past few years and she’s all about rock climbing, bouldering, hiking and everything REI!!! She got into it as she was training for American Ninja Warrior. That upper body strength doe!

For the first time I learned how to “scramble”. No, not eggs. Scramble means to “make one’s way quickly or awkwardly up a steep slope or over rough ground by using one’s hands as well as one’s feet.”

And awkward it was!!!

At one point, as I launched my body forward to grab onto a rock, I slipped and landed belly flat onto the boulder which was angled at around a 30 degree decline. Then I started sliding, down, slipping, lower, and lower….my raw belly making contact with the frictiony granite surface of the slope, hands sliding too, skin…scraping…

Sam held my heels as Jackelyn grabbed my hands and they helped me onto my feet and back to safety.

It. Was. Scurry.

But somehow, fun??? Adventurous?

I liked it, so we ended up scrambling more! Up higher boulders! I scraped up my knee and bled a little, but no worries, I’m ok!

Here’s a wonderful shot of me and my sister after we scrambled. What could we be looking at?

I was so not prepared for the dryness and heat of Joshua Tree. I brought a big bottle of water and drank the entire thing before we even started any of of real activity. Luckily Jackelyn brought this Camelbak contraption that looks like an IV bag with her in her backpack. I felt bad for drinking from her water source but I was so dehydrated that I could not even function.

After about 3-4 hours of hiking and scrambling, it was time to prepare for our photoshoot! Golden hour was approaching!

You must have been thinking…but weren’t you sweaty and disgusting? Well, ya know, when you gotta shoot, you gotta shoot!!! In addition to our lovely gowns, I brought a bunch of wet wipes to clean the dust off our bodies and feet. We did our makeup in the car and changed in there too. Heatless hairstyles.

 

Not bad huh? :)

I am IN LOVE with my dress from The Jet Set Diaries. This emerald teal color is everything to me. And the fluidity of that skirt? It’s a fairytale.

Here’s baby sis in a gorgeous skirt from Anthropologie and my crop top from Brandy Melville. I’ve been saving that skirt for like a year now. Never knew the right occasion for it. But I think what we’ve all been waiting for was for sis to sit on a rock in the desert and pretend like she was in an Anthro catalogue. PERF.

I decided I wanted to try sitting on the rock too.

Look at those Joshua Trees!  Don’t they look alien like!? The trees are scientifically referred to as the Yucca brevifolia. 

Sam told us to turn around and smile candidly.

Check out the back of this dress. And that skirt flow is just ON POINTTTTT!

My sister is headed back to the Bay Area today after a month of living with me, and to be honest, I am sad. She is a ball of light and laughter. I have not gone home yet, I’m still blogging from my desk at the Blogilates HQ, but I am afraid that when I get there and see her empty room, that my heart too, will be empty. I’ll keep you updated on whether baby sis decides to come live in LA with me or if her heart takes her far away. Whatever she decides, I know that her adventures will be epic.

Oh and I forgot to say…that night when we were driving back from Joshua Tree, I saw my first ever meteor while on the freeway. It was the MOST INCREDIBLE THING I HAVE EVER SEEN. It was just magic. SO MAGIC!!! White and blue with a super long trail of sparkles…and soooo big!!! I don’t know what it means, but for sure, I will never forget seeing that for the rest of my life. I am going to wish that you will get to see a meteor one day too.

I hope you enjoyed these photos! And big thank you to Sam for always being such an amazing photographer!

 

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