Saturday, October 29, 2011

weekend catch up

Usually, when the distractions of daily life deplete our energy, the first thing we eliminate is the thing we need the most: quiet, reflective time. Time to dream, time to think, time to contemplate what's working and what's not, so that we can better make changes for the better." 
- Sarah Ban Breathnach, Simple Abundance


One thing I do to keep me sane and organized is making lists. To-do lists, like lists, must make lists and the lists goes on. This weekend I have had the opportunity to rest. I focused on getting all of my lists completed to enjoy a moment of rest. 
I think rest is so underrated. We feel like we have to be going and going to fill some shoes, feel productive, successful and important. But we are called to rest. To enjoy the moments around us and the simple blessings. 
Take some time for a facial mask, hot tea a little pedicure and a good book. Wrap yourself up in a cozy blanket and stay in for the night. Rest. Try it. It might make a difference. 


Thursday, October 27, 2011

pop of plaid

Most of my fall/winter wardrobe consists of neutrals. Adding pops of color through accessories and lip color has come as second nature recently. A new fascination has come to me this fall through plaid. I love its laid back effortlessness. As a bonus it brings a little pop of color and interest to an all neutral look. Paired with leather accessories it becomes a perfect midwest fall to winter look. 
Now I just have to search for the perfect plaid shirt. (Thrift stores are perfect for this) 



Tuesday, October 25, 2011

stud love


image via India Rose
A simple way to add a little jazz to any outfit, and many DIY opportunities. I love adding them to cozy knits, with neutrals, and on just about anything. They're the perfect amount of edge without going over the top. 

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

comfy, cozy and relaxed

Here is my take on soft knits mixed with "hard core" leather. I'm one of the last people you'd consider to be hard core, that's why it's comforting to add the soft layers and relaxed fits with leather accents. A pulled back bun and red lips finishes the look and I'm ready to go for one of the many chilly days to come. Through on some boots and a thick scarf and the unspoken season to come won't intimidate me. 




(jacket: Zara / sweater: J.Crew / t-shirt: Gap / pants: J.Crew / shoes: Gap / necklaces: Tiffany & Co. / glasses: Foster Grant) 

Sunday, October 16, 2011

closet contentment

One of the hardest parts about blogging is the constant feeling of a need to buy more things. It's easy to come across a beautiful jacket, pair of shoes, or accessories and "have to have it". The challenge for me is to realize that I do not "need" anything more. I have a full closet, so why not just shop there? 
For the past few days I have been pulling inspirational "lusts" and going back to my closet to see what I have that resembles those pieces. Shopping your own closet when it's organized and clean is more fun and helps you realize that there is no "need" for anything else. 
Here are a couple of images I liked and found to resemble a few pieces I already have. Creative juices are flowing. 




images via Carolines Mode 

Monday, October 10, 2011

home inspiration: kate spade

Lately I have been trying to find some inspiration to tie my living room together. Right now I am dying over kate spade's London store. It's perfectly cheerful and classy. My favorite part, the touches of green and stripes! 
Take a look: 








For more check it out here

Thursday, October 6, 2011

guilty pleasure # 2: detox edition

From the time I was a little girl I remember my mom making us cookie dough and then eating it together. Not cookies, cookie dough. It was our little way of breaking the rules and spending time together. 
So today whenever I see cookies or cookie dough I am tempted to break the rules and grab a little scoop of the dough. Good news for us today! We don't have to feel that guilty about it anymore. I found a recipe that's semi-healthy and fun to scoop with friends.  

No Sugar Cookie Dough Dip - from Chocolate-Covered Katie 

Ingredients: 
  • 1 1/2 cups chickpeas (1 can, drained) (250g)
  • heaping 1/8 tsp salt
  • tiny bit over 1/8 tsp baking soda
  • 1 T plus 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup nut butter (You can get away with using only 3 T)
  • 1 and 1/4 cup pitted dates (I used SunMaid, from a regular grocery store)
  • 1/3 cup chocolate chips (see link below, for sugar-free option)
  • 2 T oats (You can omit)
  • nondairy milk as needed (depending on the consistency you want. I used a few T.)
Directions:
In a bowl, cover the dates with 1/2 cup water. Let this sit for at least 8 hours. Then add all ingredients (including the dates’ soaking liquid), except chocolate chips, to a food processor and blend until very smooth.



Wednesday, October 5, 2011

guilty pleasure: detox edition

This week I've been going through a detox. It involves simple, simple foods and a lot of water. So because I cannot indulge in the wonderful sweet tastes of desserts this week I thought I would help you all drool along with me.
I'm sharing with you some "healthy" indulgences that are great alternatives to a detox, el natural.   

First on the list "Raw Brownies" brought to you by The Glitter Guide and Sarah Britton of My New Roots 
They say it's "Truly, a recipe we can all enjoy; simple, healthy, and delicious!"  


The Raw Brownie Recipe (courtesy of My New Roots)
Ingredients:
2 cups whole walnuts
2 1/2 cups Medjool dates, pitted
1 cup raw cacao
1 cup raw unsalted almonds, roughly chopped
1/2 tsp. sea salt
Directions:
1. Place walnuts in food processor and blend on high until the nuts are finely ground.
2. Add the cacao and salt. Pulse to combine.
3. Add the dates one at a time through the feed tube of the food processor while it is running. You should end up with is a mix that appears rather like cake crumbs, but that when pressed, will easily stick together (if the mixture does not hold together well, add more dates).
4. In a large bowl, combine the walnut-cacao mix with the chopped almonds (I used my hands). Press into a lined cake pan. Place in fridge until ready to serve. Store in an airtight container.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

more textures

I am really loving mixing up different textures together. It's easy to do this with pieces found at thrift stores mixed with new pieces in your own closet. Here are just a few shots of inspiration for some fall texture mix ups.


distressed denim 




flowy tops


leather soles 


chunky knits





touches of gold 




Images via:
The Sartorialist 
Modern Hepburn