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As Coachella 2017 draws to a close for yet another year, we have pulled together our favourite looks at the world renowned Palm Springs festival. From glitter and braids to boho crochet, we loved it all.

Our friends @dutchessgummybuns_ and @sam_sharpe took Ete Swimwear to Coachella.

Our favourite trend this year is crochet. @dutchessgummybuns_ wears our Lucia Crochet top paired with a crochet skirt and tassel vest.

You'll also need a bikini for all the pool parties...

(Pictured: Ete Swimwear Serenity bikini top & Eliana bottoms)

When it comes time to head to the festival there's no need to change, simply throw on a mesh or lace dress and you are Coachella ready!

Sara Sampaio looking amazing in a bikini and mesh dress at Coachella.

Our Ophelia Mesh cover up is a perfect addition to your festival wardrobe.

 

As the sun sets on the Palm Springs desert for one more year, the weekend's antics are just a distant memory... until next year!

Thanks for taking Ete Swimwear to Coachella!

Shop the looks here:

Lucia Crochet Bikini Top

More Crochet Bikinis

Ophelia cover up dress

All bikinis

For more style tips read our previous blog, How to get the Perfect Boho Beach Waves

We recently caught up with Kristina Temelkovski, Founder & Director of Raw Complexions, to chat beauty, health and travel.

Tell us a little about yourself

I started Raw Complexions fresh out of university. I was working as a skin nutritionist helping people with skin conditions work on their diet to fix their issues. The more research I was doing between the link of skin health and nutrition, the more my idea to create a product to help with most skin concerns for women blossomed. The majority of my clients were women insecure with their acne, congestion, eczema and psoriasis.

What does Raw Complexions stand for?

Raw Complexions stands for women to feel comfortable in their skin and own it. Own the stretch marks, the lumps, bumps and imperfections. I wanted to create a community for women to feel empowered by their insecurities and grow stronger and more comfortable in their skin.

What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty to me is all about your self confidence in one's abilities, which shines through in their personality.

What does your beauty routine consist of?

I do a double cleanse, a hydrating serum and moisturiser twice a day. I use Raw Complexions Beauty Foods most mornings in my protein shakes, smoothies or yoghurt.

How important is nutrition & diet in your beauty routine?

Beauty comes from the inside. Nutritional status plays an important role in the maintenance of healthy skin. Macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids) and micronutrients (vitamins and nutritionally essential minerals) work together to maintain the barrier functions of skin in the face of everyday challenges. Changes in nutritional status that alter skin structure and function can also directly affect skin appearance. 
 
Balanced nutrition complements the host of internal factors that preserve skin health. Moreover, skin that functions properly has aesthetically pleasing properties, giving skin a healthful appearance and feel. Therefore, conditions that adversely affect the biological functions of skin often correspond to a less attractive appearance of skin.

How do you stay healthy in your busy life?

It is definitely all about organisation. I find when I am the least organised with my shopping and food prep I tend to fall off the wagon. Keeping plenty of healthy, low sugar snacks around you at all times.

One thing you can’t live without?

My poodle Ziggy

Guilty pleasures?

Champagne

Tips/advice for girls

1. You can have everything you want in life, just not at the same time.

2. Compliment yourself in the mirror everyday about something. Anything.

3. Don’t compare yourself, what you have or what you don’t have with anyone. Especially people on social media.

Favourite travel destinations?

My favourite destination would have to be Croatia. I would love to see Iceland in the near future.

Packing essentials when heading on holiday?

• SPF 30+

• Moisturising body lotion

• Comfy pants for the plane

 

See more from Kristina and Raw Complexions here:

raw-complexions.com.au

@rawcomplexions

For more beauty tips & tricks read our blog on keeping your skin fresh & dewy during the colder months.

We all know when the cooler months are here, we can't leave the house without a jacket, the days get shorter, and worst of all, our skin gets really dry and makeup sticks to every fleck of dried skin in the most unflattering way. Not sexy. So what's a girl gotta do? 

1. HYDRATE

We tend to forget our 8 glasses a day when it's cold out. Unlike summer days we don't get hot and sweaty, so we feel thirsty much less. This tricks us into thinking we don't need to drink, when in reality our bodies are actually parched. When we're dehydrated, our skin suffers first. Water really does solve it all. So drink up, ladies and watch your skin transform. 

2. EXFOLIATE

At least twice a week give your skin a deep cleanse by exfoliating. This removes dirt, dead & dried skin cell build up and helps promote cell renewal. The result? No more dried bits, less breakouts and super smooth skin.

Our Pick 

Baking Soda

Plain ol' baking soda is one of the best things you can use on your face. It's gentle yet packs a punch with its exfoliating power. Start with wet skin and rub the baking soda in circular motions gently.

3. MOISTURISE

Dry skin in the winter is the worst. Your skin feels tight, parched, itchy and sometimes even the wind hurts. If you forget to moisturise just one day you'll feel it the next. Use a moisturiser that's heavier than your summer time one, and if you have naturally dry skin, pump it up a notch at night. If you're in a pinch or run out of moisturiser at the last minute, coconut oil is your best friend. Slap it on at night and wake up with perfectly hydrated skin. 

More about the benefits of coconut oil for your skin.

4. BLUSH & HIGHLIGHT

Makeup can sometimes look dry and flat in cold weather. To achieve that dewy, rosy cheeked look perfect for autumn/winter, swap your powder blush & highlighter with a liquid based one. Nothing brightens up winter skin more than a few dots of blush blended on the apples of your cheeks and some liquid highlighter on the high points of your face.

Our Pick

Mermaid Body #Sunglitter Liquid Highlighter

It's made with a blend of facial oils that hydrate the skin, and adds a luminous glow to your complexion. Say goodbye to dull skin, and hello to a glow that rivals Bella Hadid. Bonus points, it's super easy to apply. Just drop, blend by tapping your fingers and you're good to glow.

 For more beauty tutorials read our blog on How to get the Perfect Beach Waves.

Easter is on its way and we all know how tempting eating a ton of Hot Cross Buns is, so we have teamed up with @Coconutandbliss to bring you this deliciously healthy Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Bun recipe.

Makes 10.

Buns

• 1 cup almond meal
• 1 3/4 cup spelt flour
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar
• 1/2 cup warm cashew milk
• Pinch nutmeg
• Pinch cinnamon
• Pinch cardamon
• Pinch vanilla bean powder
• 1 organic free range egg
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted (+ 1 tsp)
• 100g dark chocolate
• 1 tsp yeast

Cross

• Cashew cream or CoYo

Method

1. Combine yeast, coconut sugar and warmed cashew milk in a large mixing bowl.
2. Cover and set aside for 5 minutes.
3. Add flour, spices, vanilla, coconut oil, egg, roughly chopped chocolate and mix well using a wooden spoon.
4. Briefly knead the dough using a floured board.
5. Lightly grease a mixing bowl with 1 tsp coconut oil and place the dough in the bowl.
6. Cover and set aside for approx. 1 hour (this allows the mixture to expand).
7. Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius, fan-forced.
8. Divide into 10 equal portions and roll into balls.
9. Arrange on a tray lined with baking paper and sit for about 10 minutes.
10. Place in the oven and bake for approx. 10-12 minutes or until slightly golden and risen.
11. Remove from oven and set aside for a few minutes.
12. Place the coyo or cashew cream in a piping bag and draw crosses on the buns.
13. Serve and enjoy!

We caught up with our girl Michaela and she shared some of her top tips for travelling Western Australia. 

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am Michaela and am 23 years old. I am from the beautiful West Coast of Australia a hidden gem that is often looked past by tourists and travellers. I am based in Perth however spend most Australian summers down the south of Western Australia (WA) and can be found chasing the sun in Europe and Asia during our winter holidays. Growing up with a mother as an Air Hostess and surf obsessed father and brother it was inevitable that I would quickly develop a passion for travel and the ocean. In my spare time I love using my Go Pro to capture salty afternoons with friends and family at the beach collecting shells in my Ete Swimwear.

What areas of Australia have you travelled to most?

Since the age of 6 weeks old I have spent most Christmas holidays venturing between Rottnest Island (a small Island off Perth) and Down the south west of WA (a 3-hour drive from Perth) particularly Eagle Bay and Yallingup. As I grew older I explored the East Coast of Australia spending most of my time in Avoca, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise and the Whitsundays (all beach destinations, can you tell I love the beach!).

Where can we find the best beaches?

Well that’s easy of course Western Australia! No matter how many destinations I have travelled to whether it’s the beaches in Croatia, Indonesia, Bahamas, Hawaii or Byron Bay nothing compares to the incredible coast line of WA.

Rottnest Island features some of my favourite and versatile beaches, whether your looking for a beach to snorkel amongst coral reefs or sunken ships, relaxing on a completely deserted beach, swim with wild seals or surf an epic surf break, Rottnest is the place to be. The Island is accessed by a 20-minute ferry and features a bike or walk only mode of transport which makes the Island such a unique and family fun destination. Not to mention is home to the happiest animals on earth... Quokkas, if you haven’t heard of them go ahead and google image search quokkas right now you wont be disappointed!

Another one of my West Coast hidden gems that is only known to locals and needs to be added to your bucket list is Injdup’s natural spa, found in Yallingup down the South West of WA. No need to worry about booking yourself into a day spa, Injdup Natural Spa provides visitors a spa like experience as the waves crash through the rocks the surf blasts through the rock pool cracks creating a bubbly refreshing natural spa treatment. To find your way to his piece of heaven you will need to head all the way down Wyadup road until the dead end and venture down the rocks until the spa appears on the right. 

Where can we find the best views?

Oh that’s a hard question, but I would have to say Cannal rocks in Yallingup if you’re interested in a beach sunset view. This area contains several bridges that cross over the crashing waves between huge rocks and is a well known destination to get the perfect sunset photo or Go Pro time-lapse. 

However, if your looking for a skyline view, Kings Park is the place to be. The park is full of botanical gardens, parkland and bushland and is the largest inner city park in the world, larger than New Yorks Central Park!

 Where are your favourite places to eat and drink? 

1.    Laurence Winery – The most beautiful winery not only home to grape vines but beautiful gardens of roses and the famous “chick on a stick” statue – Yallingup, WA

2.    Hotel Rottnest– Wood fire pizzas and ciders overlooking the beach… do I need to say more – Rottnest Island, WA

3.    Eagle Bay Brewery – Great view and home brewed beer - Eagle Bay, WA

4.    Bib and Tucker – Instagram worthy breakfasts over looking the beach and is owned by Australian Olympians – Leighton Beach, Perth WA

5.    Peko Peko – Home made sushi and noodles – Dunsborough, South West of WA

What are your top 5 activities to do whilst in Western Australia and where can we do them?

1. Wine and Brewery Tour – Margaret River region, South West of WA

2. Snorkelling at the Basin – Rottnest Island, WA

3. Picnic at Cottesloe beach to watch the sunset – Cottesloe, WA

4. Road Trip to the South West of WA – Perth, WA

5. Flight over Rottnest Island – Rottnest Island, WA

Packing tips?

WA is known for its hot summer I always carry around a frozen water bottle in my bag when I’m sight seeing, there is nothing worse than drinking warm water in 35-degree heat! Make sure you pack a lot of sunscreen, bikinis and your camera.

5 Tips for others travelling around Australia? 

1. Make sure you have a map or know exactly where you’re going, Australia is huge and many people underestimate how far destinations are from one another.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask locals for advice or directions, they are happy to help and often lead you to some awesome destinations you wont find on trip advisor or google.

3. Don’t be afraid to explore, most of Australia’s beauty is found away from the tourist and city areas. Hire a car and go exploring you won’t regret it.

4. Download an epic playlist to play in the car, there will be a lot of travel time spent in the car and there is noting worse than listening to the same five songs.

5. Take plenty of pictures, make friends, live in the moment and enjoy!

Where is next on your travel bucket list?

Over the New Year period I will be heading over east to spend time with friends on the Gold Coast, Queensland. Then I am off to Singapore on a family trip, but I am definitely saving my money to head off to somewhere warm in the winter months!

For more Australia travel tips read our blog Australia Travel Guide - East Coast.

2017 is upon us and we all know how New Years resolutions never last long so our friend Zsuzsa from Zeditation has a great new approach to the new year to help us make 2017 the best year yet!

New Year Resolutions stifle us. Set Intentions instead to help you grow into your best self.

Many of us have been focused on holiday parties, family festivities, summer loving and good vibes but there is another tradition looming: New Year's Resolutions. Rather than let this tradition sneak up on us, I suggest we take some time to reflect, look at what we really want and how we want to feel.

The New Year

Taking in the challenges, lessons and big wins of the year we can dive into 2017 with more motivation if we ease into what we truly desire. The new year is a great time to look at what you’ve experienced in 2016. I encourage that we bypass the anxiety inducing “all or nothing approach” that New Year Resolutions bring and step into setting loving intentions for the New Year.

What’s the difference?

New Year Resolution’s suggest that we need to overhaul ourselves in order to make a difference. Has this ever really worked? When we put intense pressure on ourselves to change most of the time we throw in the towel before we’ve even felt the progress. Intentions are powerful and subtle, but it eases it’s way into your life when you allow it to flow. Setting your intention based on what you truly desire and where you’re at gives you the best chance on realising them.

Setting Intentions

1. Focus on how you want to feel and visualise how you want your intention to form before you write them down.

• Eg. Think - are you wanting to feel energetic and lighter rather than looking a certain way?
• Think - are you wanting to feel free rather than adding more things to do?
• Visualisation is key as we gain more clarity the more we understand how we want our intention to look and feel in our lives.

2. Be clear in your statements.

• Eg. My intention is to feel energetic and lighter in my physical body.
• My intention is to make more space in life for freedom and meaningful connection.
• My intention is to allow for stillness and rest to rejuvenate my body regularly.

3. Choose 3-4 intentions that you want to focus on in the New Year.

• Too many and you’ll find it hard to put energy into all of them.

4. Have them written down somewhere you can see often.

• Write them down in a journal, a poster and pin it up in your bedroom or office. Bathroom mirror is a cheeky spot and other places like having it as your phone background or desktop background is great too.

Check in Regularly

Intention setting isn’t about being perfect. You will fall. Expect that. It’s about noticing when you fall out of your desired intention back into old habits. Remember, incremental progress is still progress and its important to celebrate and honour the small wins. Over a longer period of time you will find that your intention has been realised slowly but surely. Long lasting change doesn’t happen over night. It’s about everyday action that supports your intention.

Happy New Year from all of us at Ete Swimwear and Zeditation xx

See more from Zsuzsa and Zeditation on Instagram  and at zeditation.com

<p style="text-align: center;">We caught up with our girl Rachel (<a href="http://instagram.com/life.with.three" target="_blank" title="@life.with.three instagram" rel="noopener noreferrer">@life.with.three</a>) and she shared some of her top tips for travelling on the East Coast of Australia.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Tell us a little about yourself </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1175/6730/files/Snapseed_1_large.jpg?v=1482317616" alt="Great ocean road australia travel guide" /></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I’m Rachel and I am 28 Years old. I am based in Adelaide but my partner and I try to travel at least twice a month. My love for travel was epitomised by my partner and I walking away from our jobs at the start of 2016, packing our bags and embarking on a six-month caravan trip up the east coast of Australia. Our love of both travel and photography had us quickly absorbed into the world of Instagram. I believe each destination holds a new story and this is something I always try to capture within my photos.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">One of my favourite things to do is spend time with my partner and my Chihuahua Poppie. If there is anything that I am obsessing over, it’s her haha!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>What areas of Australia have you travelled to most? </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As a child every holiday was spent travelling Australia so I have actually been to most places, even most of the outback! Most recently, I have explored the beautiful East Coast.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Where is your favourite place in Australia that you’ve been to?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As soon as my partner and I drove into Byron Bay I knew it was somewhere special to me. It just has this aura about it that makes you feel whole and happy and healthy. We only visited Byron again a few weeks ago and I just miss it so much. If someone were to offer me the opportunity to move there it would be an instant yes!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1175/6730/files/IMG_1687_large.JPG?v=1482316804" alt="Byron Bay - Australia travel guide" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Where are the best beaches?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I am a little bias as I live in South Australia and we have some incredible beaches but I don’t think anything compares to the eastern beaches in Australia as here the greenery, cliffs and hills come right to the waters edge, making them so spectacular.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sunny Queensland is home to some amazing beaches including Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays, which if you haven’t been you must put it on your bucket list. This location is a dream. The water is the clearest you could imagine and the brightest aqua blue. The sand is white and because it is silica sand even on the hottest days it is cool to the touch.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1175/6730/files/IMG_5712_large.JPG?v=1482317418" alt="Whitsundays Australia travel guide" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hyams beach in New South Wales boasts the whitest sand in the world and is such a magical little spot tucked away from the business of life.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Byron Bay wouldn’t be one of my favourite places without having gorgeous beaches either.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1175/6730/files/IMG_1757_large.JPG?v=1482317553" alt="Byron Bay Australia travel guide" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Wategos is really something special and here you’ll see dolphins swimming amongst the surfers. Just around the corner is Little Wategos and this is such a beautiful little spot to spend the day lounging around if you want someplace a little quieter.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Where are the best views?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This is just so hard to choose, as there are so many stunning places. I think I will have to say the Great Ocean Road and the Whitsundays. The Great Ocean Road is so rugged and raw and the cliffs turn the most incredible colours at sunset. The Whitsundays are really something special where I think you’ll see some of the bluest waters you’ll ever lay your eyes on.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Where are your top 5 favourite places to eat and drink?</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>
<p style="text-align: left;">Road House Byron Bay – Amazing for breakfast.</p>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">
<p>Woods Bangalow – The most delicious breakfast bowls.</p>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">
<p>Milk Bottle Lorne – The best burgers, even vegan J.</p>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">
<p>The Grounds Sydney – Magical! <img src="//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1175/6730/files/IMG_6712_large.JPG?v=1482317780" alt="The Grounds Sydney Australia travel guide" /></p>
</li>
<li>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Little Larder Port Douglas – Brilliant lunch food and so fresh! </p>
</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>What are your top 5 activities to do whilst in Australia and where can we do them?</strong> </p>
<ol>
<li>
<p style="text-align: left;">Taking the Sea Plane and landing on Whitehaven Beach – Whitsundays, Qld<img src="//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1175/6730/files/IMG_5369_large.JPG?v=1482317044" alt="Whitsundays sea plane - australia travel guide" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
</li>
<li>
<p style="text-align: left;">Hot air Ballooning for sunrise – Mareeba, Qld</p>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">
<p>Sunset Cruise – Port Douglas, Qld</p>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">
<p>Bondi to Coogee Walk – Sydney, NSW</p>
</li>
<li>
<p style="text-align: left;">Climbing Mt Cooroora – Noosa, Qld</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1175/6730/files/IMG_9893_large.JPG?v=1482317141" alt="Noosa Australia travel guide" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Packing tips?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Pack light; you will never use everything you bring! I suggest bringing a comfortable backpack that holds everything you need for day trips without being too heavy. Portable chargers are life savers and we wouldn’t have gotten by without ours. Of course sunscreen and a hat.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>5 Tips for others travelling around Australia? </strong> </p>
<ol>
<li>
<p>Plan your trip. Instagram is one of the best places to look for inspiration and you will find places here you never knew existed!</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>If you’re going for an extended holiday or travelling over a few months, make a budget. This way you will be able to fit in all the things you wanted to do, even at the end of your trip.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Take your time. Sometimes the best places are hidden away down that untravelled road. This is where we found some of the best beaches and rainforest hideaways.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Be in the moment. Experience travel for what it is and take in all that is around you.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Have fun! There is so much to see and do, no matter where you go.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1175/6730/files/Snapseed_2_large.jpg?v=1482318040" alt="@life.with.three" /> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Where is next on your travel bucket list?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">On Christmas Eve we are heading off to London and Paris for the first time together, where we will spend the festive season. Although it will be cold, I’m really excited to explore the city in its winter time glory. We have planned to see lights, fireworks and of course taste delicious foods!</p>
<meta charset="utf-8" />
<p class="p3" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1">To see more stunning travel inspo check out <a href="http://instagram.com/life.with.three" target="_blank" title="life with three instagram" rel="noopener noreferrer">@life.with.three</a> on Instagram!</span></p>
<p class="p3" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1">If you enjoyed this, check out our other blog <a href="https://www.eteswimwear.com/blogs/blog/western-australia-travel-guide" target="_blank" title="Western Australia travel guide" rel="noopener noreferrer">Western Australia Travel Guide</a></span></p>

Our latest shoot with @_chloesmithphotography_ and @emilyeverettt have us feeling like a summer adventure!

Location: Victoria, Australia

Photographer: Chloe Smith @_chloesmithphotography_

Model: Emily Everett @emilyeverettt

Shop the looks here!

Christmas is well on its way and @coconutandbliss have a recipe that'll get you in the spirit. This Ginger Loaf with warm caramel sauce is delicious and the best part is, it's guilt-free!

Ingredients

Loaf

• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted

• 2 organic, free-range eggs (or 2 chia eggs if vegan)

• ¼ cup coconut sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 ¼  cup almond meal

• ¼ cup buckwheat flour

• 2 tsp ginger spice

• 1 tsp mixed spice

• ¾ cup coconut milk

• 1 tsp vanilla bean powder

• 1 tsp mesquite

Caramel

• ½ cup coconut sugar

• 3 tbsp coconut milk

Method

1.     Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius.

2.     Combine all ‘loaf’ ingredients in a bowl. Mix until well combined.

3.     Pour into a loaf tin lined with baking paper with dimensions of 20 x 13cm.

4.     Bake for 30 minutes or until golden on top and a skewer comes out just clean.

5.     For the ‘caramel’, place ingredients in a small saucepan over medium to high heat. Stir until dissolved.

6.    Pour the caramel over the loaf and serve immediately.

Serves 8

 

Enjoy! xx

Read Coconut and Bliss' Christmas Healthy Chocolate Truffle Recipe here.

More from Coconut and Bliss:

@coconutandbliss

https://coconutandbliss.com

Christmas is well and truly on its way! We have some treats to get you in the spirit from @coconutandbliss. These deliciously healthy chocolate truffles will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients 

Brownie Balls
1 ½ cups almond meal
1/4 tbsp buckwheat flour
2/3 cup cacao powder
2 tsp baking powder
4 organic, free range eggs (or chia eggs if vegan)
2 tsp bean vanilla powder
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
1/3 cup coconut sugar
2 tsp mesquite (optional)
3 tbsp almond (or macadamia) but­ter
½ cup coconut milk (or milk of choice)
½ cup hot water
2-4 tbsp water, extra
 
Cashew Cream
½ cup cashews, soaked for an hour
½ cup macadamias, soaked for an hour
¼ cup coconut milk
1 tbsp water (if required for consis­tency)
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tsp beetroot powder
Mint leves, to serve

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 160 de­grees celsius.

2. Place all ‘brownie’ ingredients into a mixing bowl (except for extra water). Stir until well combined.

3. Pour into a small to medium rectangular tin lined with baking paper.

4. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until just cooked.

5. Once cooled, crumble and place in a food processor with the extra water. Add a little at a time until the mixture comes together.

6. Roll into balls (about 2 ta­blespoons per ball) and place in the fridge.

7. For the topping, place the cashews, coconut milk, water and maple syrup in the blender. Blend on high speed until very smooth.

8. Remove about 1-2 tbsp of the mixture into a small bowl and stir in the beetroot powder to make a ‘red’ cashew cream.

9. Place a teaspoon of the ‘white’ cashew cream over each individual truffle and place back in the fridge.

10. Using the end of a spoon, place a dot of the ‘red’ cashew cream on top of the truffle and some mint. Alternatively use chopped up goji berries.

Makes 12- 14 

Enjoy! xx

More from Coconut and Bliss:

@coconutandbliss

https://coconutandbliss.com

Our favourite beach babe from Australia’s Next Top Model 2016, Daisy Davies, spent some time chatting with us about her experience and love of tropical destinations.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm from Sydney Australia and was lucky enough to grow up by the ocean. My favourite hobby is surfing but I also love playing video games!  

2. How was your recent experience on Australia’s Next Top Model?

It was a roller coaster experience! I didn't like it some days as it was hard being away from home but looking back on it I'm so glad I did it! 

3. What was it like making it to the top 3? Did you expect to make it that far?

I was amazed! So happy and thrilled I made it so far. I thought I was going home half way through the competition so I got much further then expected. 

4. What were your expectations before going on Australia’s Next Top Model? Were they different to the actual experience?

Completely different I thought it would be easy!

5. What is your biggest takeaway/learning from this experience?

Drop your chin and open your mouth to make it look less tense.

6. What are your plans after the show and for your modelling career?

My biggest dream is to walk in the Victoria secrets run way show!! 

7. We know you love the beach lifestyle, what’s your favourite beach?

Amazing Gordon's bay, New South Wales!

8. What do you love most about the beach lifestyle and summer?

I love the warmth of the sun on my skin and hanging with friends all day lazing around on the beach.

9. Where is your dream vacation destination?

Bora bora OMG.  

10. What are your beach day essentials?

Sunscreen, cute swimmers and sunnies. 

11. If you had any advice to other girls out there with dreams of being a model (or anything else) what would you say to them?

Never give up, even when the going gets tough. That's how life tests how much you want it!

Shop Daisy's look Lucia crochet top and Athena bottoms.
See more from Daisy on instagram @daisy.davies

Photos by @lolahubner.photos

For more beach babes that we love check out our blog post: 

10 beach babes you should be following on Instagram