Vegan Banana Bread Recipe:

This is a super simple recipe for banana bread that also happens to be vegan. Sometimes I add chocolate chips in as well for chocolatey goodness. You only need one mixing bowl - less cleaning up, woo! Also you’ll never see me put banana on the top because I actually really dislike the taste after baking.

Ingredients:

3-4 medium, ripe bananas
1/4 cup vegetable oil (I’ve tried both sunflower and coconut with success)
1/4 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract 
2 cup plain flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 170C/350F. Use baking paper to line a loaf pan (or use nonstick spray).

2. In a large mixing bowl, roughly mash bananas. Add sugar, oil, vanilla, and almond milk, and whisk to incorporate.

3. Sift in flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, and use a wooden spoon or similar to mix.

4. Transfer batter to loaf pan.

JANUARY BOX

1. Raw C: Coconut Water

Once again they have added in a coconut water (they previously had one in the November box). I'm not a fan of coconut water, but without wanting things to go to waste I added it to smoothies instead. While I don't have much to say on this, it tasted better than the Nakula coconut water.

RRP 330ml $2.95

2. Simply Raw Superfood Bar: Coconut Rough

I'm definitely a fan of coconut rough and this did not disappoint. It's made up of medjool dates, cacao, lucuma, coconut flakes, coconut oil, vanilla bean and salt. I would purchase this but it is a bit expensive - I'll try make my own!

RRP 50g bar $4.90

3. Food For Health: Muesli Pod - Coconut, Cacao & Chia

Because this has milk powder in it, all you need to do is add water. Great for people on the go. It was also low in sugar - which was a good sign. Unfortunately for me, I didn't like the taste one bit. That's just me though, I'll stick to my overnight oats that literally take me a minute to make the night before. Without throwing this product out the window, I can definitely see that some people will love this item.

RRP 50g $3.00

4. Goodness Superfoods: Roasted Cracked Wholegrain Freekeh

"Freekeh is made from wheat grain harvested while young and green" (Goodness Me box card). I've heard of Freekeh before but have never tried it. I still haven't but I'm looking forward to it. If it tastes similar to rice, I'll be happy.

RRP 350g $3.99

5. Luv Sum: Almond , Seed & Spirulina Naked Superfood Shot

They had the Chocolate, Chia & Nut flavour in the November box which was so delicious! This one wasn't as good, but I would have it again if given it. At the moment, I think you can only get them online (not sure). If you're looking for something similar try 'Bounce' Natural Energy Balls, I've seen them in Flannery's and also one flavour in Coles.

RRP 42g $3.50

6. 12Health: Vanilla Protein Pancake Mix

Sounds yum and comes in nice packaging. These pancakes have a massive 30g of protein per serve and a small 6g of carbohydrates. However, I did not like these one bit. If you're going to have pancakes you should enjoy them, not force yourself to try and eat them and then end up throwing the rest out (hmm, sounds like me). Sorry 12Health, I'd try out one of your other products though and hopefully they'll be better.

RRP 200g $9.99 - Pricey!!

7. Your Tea: Skin Magic Tea

The prime ingredient in this tea is aloe vera - known to be great for your skin. I had this last week and found it easy to drink and I enjoyed the taste however, I won't be purchasing this due to it's price and I also have plenty of tea in my cupboard to drink.

RRP 60 pack $35.00

8. Bite Smart: Primal Performance Bar

This bar is made up of Australian grass fed whey protein, almonds, coconut, coffee and cocoa - sounds alright to me. I haven't yet tried this product, I feel like I have to have it before going to the gym but I keep forgetting about it. Perhaps, I'll remember now that I've written about it.

RRP 25g $2.95

9. Nature's Way: Super Chia Fusion

They have three different flavoured 'Super Chia Fusions': Greens, Berry and Cacao. I haven't tried the Cacao one yet, but the other two were actually really tasty. You only have to add water (cacao add water or milk) and the sachet to a glass, give it a stir and you're ready to enjoy. These sachets are packed with chia seeds, which seems to be the main aim of the product.

RRP 7 x 15g sachets $19.99

FEBRUARY BOX

1. Simply Raw: Paleo Vanilla Energy Bar

From the same brand that brought the coconut rough bar into the January box, is the Paleo Vanilla Energy Bar. If you don't like paleo bars (like me), don't eat it - I didn't like at all. If you like/don't mind paleo bars (like my boyfriend) then you probably will like it.

RRP 50g $4.90

2. Nature's Way: Magnesium Powder

I have put a reminder on my phone to have this tonight. Magnesium helps support stress, muscular cramps & spasms and relaxation & sleep - it's like they were living in my shoes for a week and decided to put this in just because of me. Just kidding, I'm sure many people will relate to this too. This was one of the products that not everyone received - I have seen that others have received a Vitamin C powder and I'm very happy that I received this one.

RRP 120g $29.99

3. Leda Nutrition: Gojo's

As I was typing the product name I was trying to remember what it was, so I looked at the picture and literally just got it out of the cupboard so I could eat it. It's pretty much an oreo (yum, yum, yum). It's also gluten and dairy free.

RRP 120g pack $4.95

4. Stolen Recipe: Ice Tea - Wild Berry Pomegranate

So apparently this is Australia's only ice tea made from freshly brewed loose leaf tea and not tea extract. It sounds pretty delicious (haven't yet tried) however, the sugar (from fruit juice) I just can't handle. I definitely won't be drinking this all at once and will add it to smoothies most likely.

RRP 300ml $3.80

5. Orgamix: Cacao Crackle

This product is made up of pure raw cacao nibs with coconut nectar. It recommends adding it to smoothies, desserts or eating it on it's on, though I've been adding it to my cereal - yum! I will definitely consider purchasing this product in the future.

RRP 75g $6.95

6. Chai: Organic Rooibos Chai

Not much to say here - I'll drink this and more than likely enjoy it.

RRP 20 pack $7.50

7. Protein Supplies Australia: PeaPro Chocolate

I've never tried vegan protein before but I can't imagine it'll be that different. This one is low in fat and carbohydrates - always a must for me! They come in one serving sachets, which I guess could be handy for some (?). Hopefully will get round to trying this soon.

RRP 30g $3.49

8. Isowhey: Brown Rice Protein Balls

I almost ate these today then realised I should be eating lunch and not just a snack, so these will have to wait a few more days. Vegan friendly. I'm looking forward to them!

RRP 40g $3.95

9. Rosehip Plus: Night Cream (Bonus Product)

Obviously not food. I will need a new night cream soon, so this definitely came at the right time. I like using oils/oil moisturisers at night time as my skin can get dry patches and it's easy to lather it up just before bed!

RRP 50ml $29.95

So there you have the items in my January and February Goodness Me boxes. Like I said earlier, these are my last two as I have cancelled my subscription. I've definitely enjoyed this subscription box and am really happy overall with the products that I received. If anyone is interested in this box click here.

If anyone has requests on what they'd like to see here on my blog, feel free to comment below or contact me on Facebook or email.

Take care! :)

Email: erenabennett@hotmail.com

Instagram: erena_b

Twitter: erena_bee

Pinterest: erenabennett

1. First of all, you're going to want to wash all those jars and let them dry.

2. Decide what food is going into what jar and place the appropriate sized tag next to it.

3. Start with any one you choose and measure out some lace or ribbon for the top of the jar *Allow some extra ribbon so you can tie it easily* Tie it loosely around the top of the jar.

4. With your marker, write the name of the food on the tag in your neatest writing.

5. Measure out a small (but enough to tie) piece of string to then thread through the hole of your labelled tag and tie around the ribbon that is around the top of your jar. You can then tighten the first ribbon you put around the jar.

6. Repeat with the rest of your jars and put your food in them!

*Optional: On the back of your tag write the best before/use by date if it has a shorter shelf life.



 I hope you enjoyed this DIY, if you would like to see more in the future then let me know!
Take care :)

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Pinterest: erenabennett

I thought it would be nice to share my holiday with everyone, as it was not only incredibly fun but I also did some pretty exciting things that you may be jealous of.

So, the basics: I went with my mum and two sisters (one older and one younger than me). I went from the 22nd March to the 29th March, 2014. It was with P&O on the Pacific Dawn ship. I went to the islands Noumea and Lifou of New Caledonia, and Port Vila in Vanuatu.

Day 1 - March 22:

Cocktails at the Sail Away Party

We left Brisbane around 2pm and they had a 'Sail Away' Party where there was lots of music and dancing whilst drinking cocktails - yum! We left after a little while and started exploring the ship and finding out what was where. There was time spent in between doing various things before dinner in the 'Waterfront Restaurant' and then continuing on to the 'Welcome Show' in The Marquee. It had singing, dancing, comedy and a little bit of talking. A great first night! The swaying of the boat whilst sleeping was quite relaxing too.

Day 2 - March 23:
I tend to wake up fairly early, which I think is a plus on holiday - more things to fit in my day! I had breakfast with my mum in the same restaurant as dinner last night (my two sisters were still sleeping), which I didn't enjoy that much actually, but oh well. We both decided we would go to the gym afterwards too, we didn't have much going on in the morning and felt it was a good idea. I should mention now as well, each night you receive a schedule for what is going on the following day - super handy to plan out your day! Like I said earlier, we didn't have much going on in the morning so we only went to charades before going to lunch. Lunch and dinner offer a three course meal - which is incredibly hard to turn down because everything is so delicious! Afterwards, my older sister, mum and I attended 'Martini Masters' where we had to pay extra and we get to learn how to make four different martinis (but not make them) and the main reason we were there - to drink them! It was very entertaining and delicious - except maybe that first one - a standard martini!
More relaxing was done - I particularly liked this one deck that was 18+ and quiet and right at the back, overlooking the great big ocean, complete with strawberry daiquiris.

Yummy Strawberry Daquiris

Many times throughout the cruise, my family and I took part in Trivia; we never won but always fun, funny and we learnt so many new things! After dinner we watched the comedian 'James Bustar' in his Comedy/Juggling show - which was hilarious.

Day 3 - March 24:

In Noumea with my sisters

Spinning the wheel and ball at roulette

I had a very similar morning to day 2, the exception being I had breakfast in the buffet restaurant. I actually enjoyed breakfast more in there than the waterfront restaurant, mainly because I could small amounts of all the foods I like. Breakfast is probably my most favourite meal of the day and I love having lots of options! After lunch today, I joined my mum in The Marquee for Bingo. I didn't play (it costs money because you win money), but I helped my mum and it was so entertaining! Before arriving in Noumea (New Caledonia), my younger sister and I made some origami, chilled out a bit then made our way off the ship. I'll be honest with you, Noumea isn't that interesting. But because they are French, all I was interested in was getting a pastry, I succeeded with a delicious chocolate croissant. After dinner on the ship and more trivia, my younger sister went off to our room and the rest of us went along to 'Ladies Night at the Casino'. This was one of my favourites parts of the cruise. We got free mimosas and learnt how to properly play roulette. Because we weren't actually paying, it was super fun to just bet whatever on anything. What was even more fun, both my older sister and I got to deal and spin the wheel and ball! Lots of fun, without paying a cent!

Day 4 - March 25:

Snorkelling in Lifou

We arrived in Lifou (New Caledonia) nice and early and were super stoked to get out there as we were going snorkelling! We paid $15 each as we had our own gear (thanks Beau!) and away we went. It was so...pretty. The coral and all the different types of fish - it was so amazing to watch over them. My favourite was this neon blue one, though I wouldn't be able to tell you what kind it was. My mum and older sister went for an adventurous walk after that, and I shall tell you now I definitely would have gone with them if not for the rubbing of my thongs (Australian flip flops or whatever) on my feet. So instead, my younger sister and I walked back to the beach and looked at all the markets with all the money we didn't have! After getting back on the boat, we went in the spa overlooking Lifou; this was also the only time that I went in any spa or pool on the ship. After lunch, relaxing and more cocktails, my mum and I went to 'Flower Making' and made flowers with crepe paper - awesome! It was 'Pirate Night' and I didn't actually bring any piratey things with me on the ship, but we still attended Pirate Trivia and The Pirates Show.

Day 5 - March 26:

Zip Lining - Suspension Bridge

Zip Lining

We have arrived in Port Vila - Vanuatu! The night before, Mum actually won a single ticket for a helicopter ride in Vila - rad right? It was worth $100 too! So while she did that, the rest of us had our breakfast and got ready for...... ZIP LINING!! Super excited on the car drive there up to the tree tops. Was so much fun and something I have never done before, and have never even thought of doing! When I got back, people were asking how my holiday was and I would say "I WENT ZIP LINING IN VANUATU!" hehe. Anyways... After that super exciting midday trip, we had a look at the markets they put up for when the cruise ships come in. I bought a cute little bag for myself and a stubby cooler for Beau (the boyfriend). I actually had a much needed nap in the afternoon as well - my only one during the cruise - zip lining exhausted me. After more trivia and dinner, I watched The Hobbit:The Desolation of Smaug in the marquee.

Day 6 - March 27:
An 'At Sea' day, which is absolutely fine with me! My sister and I went to this 'Musical Murder Mystery Mania' where some employees would read out a script that was to be a crime and the clues were song tunes played on the piano. It was so hard, but hilarious!
At lunch today, I got PEANUT BUTTER ICE CREAM yayah! Unfortunately I found out later that night, they only serve it at lunch time and that was our last lunch as we had other plans the next day. But was still pretty happy about that! We went to 'Liars Club', which was super funny and entertaining. There would be a weird word where they'd each give their own definition and one of them would be right, and the audience had to guess. They were very ridiculous words.
Next comes another one of my favourite things: Mix Academy - Cocktail Mixing (and drinking!). This was super fun and delicious. We learnt how to make four different cocktails: Fresh Grapefruit Cosmo, Pimm's Cup, Caprioska & Berry Cheesecake. We actually got to make them ourselves and drink them of course. We were all meant to make Coffee & Cream instead of Berry Cheesecake however, one girl spoke up saying she didn't like coffee and had previously made the berry one and asked to make that again. I wasn't too fussed, but then the bartender/host pulled out the Chambord and that was it for me - Berry Cheesecake for sure! I wasn't too fussed about the Caprioska, but really enjoyed everything else. Before we left, we took a recipe list each as well - I really want to make some of these! This obviously had a fee, which was $25 - great value!

Champagne Waterfall

Later on, we attended the 'Captain's Party' which is for everyone that has cruised before (Mum). It only lasted 45 minutes, but that's okay - we got a couple of free cocktails!
Tonight, there was a 'Life As We Know It' show, which I thought was actually kind of average, or some of it. Before retiring for the night, we had a quick look at the Champagne Waterfall.







Day 7 - March 28:
The last proper day! I went back to the gym this morning for a little cardio work out. *You feel it's needed with all that food you eat! We attended the Culinary Demo and Galley Tour - which was really great. They were cooking in the marquee: prawn and scallop risotto, barramundi and creme brûlée. Whenever they needed volunteers to try the food, my hand shot up but alas, they did not pick me... Oh well, it was fun to watch and we got the recipe. After we went through a Galley Tour (kitchen) and it was huuuuuuge, and you expect it to be, but it was just intense.

Lunch at Salt Grill

Lunch was at Salt Grill - the Luke Mangan restaurant they have on board. It is extra ($35 per person), but wow, worth it. Each person had one entree, one main and one dessert, because there was four of us we were allowed to order 4 - 5 sides. For entree I had pumpkin soup with grilled prawns, holy delicious - it was a lot more runny than your usual pumpkin soup but I thought it was absolutely perfect. For a main, I had a 250g sirloin steak cooked medium rare with their homemade barbecue sauce - YUM. We ordered five sides: parmesan and truffle oil fries, truffle oil mashed potato, regular fries, some kind of salad I think that I honestly can't remember and curried pumpkin with feta. For dessert I got the chocolate tasting plate - I thought they would be really tiny, but they were not. I tried to finish it, but did not succeed. There was a chocolate fondant, a chocolate fudge cake with coffee cream and a banana and...toffee? parfait. It was all so delicious. When I got back, I searched the menu for my local Salt Grill at the Hilton Hotel and the 200g sirloin steak itself was $49. So, very good value on board and I would definitely go again in the future.

Dessert at Salt Grill

After a divine lunch, my younger sister and I watched most of the Kids Talent Show - which was actually really good. There was this one girl (about 3 or 4) who wouldn't do anything on stage but stare, and she wasn't upset or anything, just chilling and picking her nose - ha!

Comedian Juggler James Bustar

After our last dinner, we watched the 'Starry Starry Night' show, which was full of singing and dancing and the comedian 'James Bustar' - really entertaining and fun. We also watched the Pacific Cirque 'Transformation' doing their awesome acrobatics and scary looking stuff. The last activity we watched was the 'Pacific Popstar' - throughout the cruise there was karaoke and they had the finalists all sing on stage and there would be a winner (who won nothing but praise). Some of them were actually quite good, and the others, well they were entertaining at least.

Zip Lining

And this brings the cruise to a close; the next day we had breakfast and disembarked, that is all.
I really enjoyed myself, and would definitely go on another in the future - perhaps with Beau and other friends! Another highlight* None of us got sea sick!
I understand if you didn't make it the end of this post or skipped parts (sorry), and to those who read it all - thanks!

Stay tuned for more interesting posts coming soon!

Zip Lining

Eating my chocolate croissant in Noumea

Snails for dinner

Noumea in the background

Flower Making

Captain's Party

Vanuatu Markets

The best brownie ever!!

Pina Colada

Baked Alaska Parfait

Bakewell Tart

Display food on the Galley tour

Culinary Demo