05 September, 2018

Quick "Better" Brownies [Modern Day Feminism?]


Feminism is the belief that men and women are equal; a principle that we are all quite familiar with. It has echoed itself around mainstream media in an attempt to dispel man-hating feminist culture. Equality has and always should be at the forefront of feminism. But is this what the feminists of today truly believe?

Equality vs. the preferential treatment of women is often a heated debate when it comes to the topic of feminism. Katie Hopkins argues that if women actually achieved equality they wouldn't be able to "handle" it. She argues that they are simply seeking validation and legitimisation for their gender.

What hurts me most is how we approach feminism in Western countries. Equal pay is a bullshit issue. I'm sorry, but I really believe that it does deserve the coverage it receives - although a lot of people will argue with me that it doesn't receive enough. To put your priorities into perspective, there are women being burnt by acid for turning down men in India, Pakistan etc. If we funneled our efforts into helping those abroad we would move leaps and bounds as humankind. Influencers such as Jennifer Lawrence and Meryl Streep should be boycotted for calling out unequal pay at the Oscars. I think its absolutely ridiculous that we as women in a Western society are privileged enough to even have a conversation about equal pay when there are women - and men - being systematically raped, tortured and enslaved by religious groups or by their husbands. We harp on about white women recognising their privilege. Yes, intersectional feminism is a point of heavy discussion which needs to be fleshed out. But why are we focussing so heavily on issues which almost seem trivial? We need to look outside of our Western privilege. By all means, those issues must be addressed. But, where on earth are our priorities? Instead of being so ridiculously liberal all the time and maintaining our PC image so we aren't called out for being "sexist", we need to really wake up. There are harrowing stories which need to be told. 

I'm not saying feminism is not brilliant. I AM a feminist but I only stand by the equal treatment principle. It's very obvious that many of the feminists of today merely hide behind it rather than stand by it. They do this by subtly man-bashing. I can't speak for everyone, but on my Instagram feed, the majority of feminists usually mock men. Not a good look for privileged women of society (us) who want to close the pay gap. Which I need to make another post on bc there's too much to be said on that.





Shed light on women's stories but do it in the right way.I feel like the past couple of years have made me want to have a purpose in life. Not the study, get a job, make money and retiring type of purpose. But a purpose where I can give back and make a change. A purpose where I can help those suffering abroad, or even within the country. But to do that you need time, money and resources sigh. So frustrating. Have to follow the path and collect those things on the way before I can even dream of venturing into work like that.I want to drop everything here, and travel around and document my interesting journeys with a cameraman in tow. I want to tell women's stories in third world countries. I want to talk about women's stories here; Indian women. I want to talk about colorism and racism. I want to challenge masculinity and feminity. 

People here as so absorbed in their own lives. The dramas or deepest conversations they have usually revolve around relationship issues or issues with other people. It's so frustrating to sit there and hear it time and time again. The same trivial bullshit that contributes nothing to anyone. Yes, its great to vent; get it out by all means. But don't have those conversations be your only conversations. Like, there are people who are in dire need of medical help. There are men and women being raped. There are children being killed by their own families. There are people being gunned down. 


--

I love my boyfriend more than he will ever know. Every day I am swept off my feet and I will be for the rest of my life (I'm marrying you, K). 


"Better Brownies"                                         Makes 16 slices

Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup plain flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Method
Preheat oven to 175 degrees Celcius and grease and line a 9x9 baking tray. 
In a medium bowl, mix together the oil, sugar, and vanilla. Beat in eggs. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt; gradually stir into the egg mixture until well blended. Stir in walnuts, if desired. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake for 20-25 mins or until edges pull away from the pan. Cool on wire rack and cut when cool. 

26 February, 2018

Vegan Wholemeal Blueberry Muffins


love love. I couldn't live without it. There is so much power in what it does to you. And when you feel quietly powerful, you're halfway there.

When you fall in love with someone and its done completely organically, with no pressure put on you by your family and friends, it's magical. When it happens by chance it feels like an Audrey Hepburn film. You lead life at your own pace. You feel in control and you feel entirely comfortable and happy with your existence. That's what we're all chasing. 

If they don't feel like your SOULmate then you gotta gtfo asap. Don't try to make it work. Don't try to focus on their positives to numb the thought that you have daily: that deep inside, you know that out of the SEVEN BILLION people in this world, there are others who are better suited to you. 

It's sad seeing people "fall" in love based on an insecurity or a fear of being alone. A love based on convenience is not pure. It's formed eventually to fortify your relationship which you are so desperate to have work out. But it only "works" out because you know that life will be easy when you follow that pathway. What's the point? Life's too short. Travel the world - there's so much to see and so many cultures to explore. Take the time to be by yourself and figure out who you are. Build a security where you only need yourself. 




I would much rather be completely alone and find my love by chance... than have fear and insecurity determine the rest of my LIFE'S trajectory.  Don't die knowing that you haven't experienced love by chance in its fullest, most beautiful form. If you have yourself then what is there to be scared of? Why can't you decide your own narrative? 


Find someone will accept your opinions on religion, family or politics, support your emotional needs, get super drunk w you, eat you out in public and finger you in the backseat of the cinema until you can't walk. (Because you're committing urself to one person's genitalia they also gotta be v kinky. My horn levels are abnormal). 

I feel like Dua Lipa on a rant. But I hope it helps someone, somewhere. 
- - - -
I have never felt a more profound bond like this before. My love isn't contingent upon mine or others' expectations... it's instinctive. There's a reason that both of our names are mentioned together. Thank you God for giving me such a gift. I'm a lucky gal.




Vegan Wholemeal Blueberry Muffins
                                                                                        Makes 12ish

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 wholemeal flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup brown packed sugar
- 1/2 cup oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup soy milk
- 2 Tb white vinegar
- 1 cup blueberries (frozen or fresh. I used frozen)

Method:
Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees celsius and line a muffin tray.

Combine all dry ingredients and stir. Add oil, extract and milk.
Gently fold in blueberries and finally, add white vinegar.

Drop 2 heaped tablespoons into muffin holders and bake for 25-30 mins or until golden brown or a butter knife comes out clean.