WALNUT VEGAN PARMESAN KALE CHIPS

January 15, 2015

Kale chips can add flavour, crunch and texture to a simple dish in need of a little something extra. I think they work especially well added to a pasta dish like the Zucchini & Soba Noodle Spinach Basil Pesto. Lately I have been experimenting with different dressings and playing around with spices, herbs, and other flavourings. One of the more versatile and popular recipes of the bunch is the Walnut Vegan Parmesan Kale Chips. This vegan treat gets its cheesy parmesan flavouring from one key ingredient- nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that is jam-packed full of vitamin B's, protein, low in fat and sodium, free of dairy and sugar and most importantly, naturally tastes cheesy! If you don't already have this bulk good in your kitchen, pick some up and start tossing it on everything.

WALNUT VEGAN PARMESAN KALE CHIPS:

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup bunch of kale
1/4 cup walnuts
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tbsp olive oil
a couple pinches sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Using a mortar and pestle, crush the walnuts until they are mostly in fine little pieces. Don't worry about a few larger pieces throughout, as this will actually add fantastic texture to this delicious topper.

2. De-stem kale, wash and dry. Once the kale is completely dry, toss in olive oil and lightly massage the oil throughout.

3. In a large bowl, mix walnuts, nutritional yeast, and a few pinches of salt with the kale.

4. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. While oven is heating, line baking sheet with parchment paper and evenly disperse kale onto baking sheet in a single layer. Ensure to get all the nutritional yeast, sea salt and walnut mixture from the bottom of the bowl after you have dumped the kale out- this is the best part. Put kale in the oven for 10-15 minutes, watching carefully and rotating the pan once. Once crisp, set aside to cool.

Kale chips store extremely well in a Tupperware so consider making a double batch and have some ready and available to top other dishes throughout with the week.

Enjoy!

KATE MOSS UNRETOUCHED FOR VOGUE ITALIA

January 15, 2015

Kate Moss is as gorgeous and fierce as always in these unretouched photos for Vogue Italia. The iconic supermodel worked with photographer Peter Lindbergh to create a stunning set of black and white photos that give a behind-the-scenes feel and a raw grainy look reminiscent of a shoot they did together in the early 90's.

What I love about these photos (and every other photo of Kate Moss) is that when you look at them, you think, "Yup, that's Kate Moss just being Kate Moss." And now, at 41, with minimal makeup and an unretouched and unphotoshopped approach, we can really say, "Yup, that's Kate Moss,"

It's about time this trend has taken off and started a movement. At the end of the day, don't we all just want to see the real thing?

Found on- trendland

SMALL APARTMENT WITH CLEVER USE OF SPACE

January 14, 2015

I love this small apartment for its clever use of space and simple and pared down approach to decor and living. The white painted floors brighten and open the space up, while the broken in leather chair, antique kitchen table and light fixtures add subtle character.

Found on- stadstem.se

7 MORNING RITUALS TO ADOPT FOR A BETTER DAY

January 13, 2015

I will admit that in the past I have been guilty of mornings that lack structure. Not one thing was ever the same as the morning before, and overall they lacked flow and routine. However, recently I have come to appreciate what a good morning ritual celebrates- a clean slate. Each day we get the chance to start over and have an impact on the outcome of the new day. From the minute we get out of bed our actions begin to impact the events to come. So with a few right moves in the morning, each and every day, we have the opportunity to set ourselves up for success and let the day unfold with ease and balance.

1. MAKE THE BEDROOM A NO PHONE ZONE:

Let yourself have a peaceful rest without interruptions and temptations by placing your phone in another room before sleep. Get an old-school clock or use another device (with less temptations) to set an alarm on. Those initial moments upon waking are possibly the most clear headed you'll be all day- don't spoil this moment with the clutter of emails and social media. After your alarm goes off, give yourself five minutes to lay in bed with your own thoughts. Check in with yourself asking: how did I sleep? how am I feeling? and set an intention for the day. And if that intention doesn't get you out of bed, having your phone in another room should.

2. WAKE UP EARLIER:

We aren't talking about hours here. Simply fifteen minutes earlier each day will allow for a more mindful morning with less stress. How you start your day can truly set the stage for the events to come. By allowing yourself the time to sip your tea and collect your thoughts, you will be better mentally prepared to handle whatever happens to come your way that day.

3. DRINK A LARGE GLASS OF WATER FIRST THING:

This is the one I struggle with the most. I live for a hot beverage in the morning, so drinking a glass of water is more often than not interrupted once the kettle boils. Although hot lemon water and herbal teas are hydrating, use the first few vertical minutes of the day to immediately flush your body and awaken the senses with a tall cool glass of water. We lose control over the day the minute we step out of the house and sometimes this means we get behind on our water intake. Set yourself up for success by knocking one of those eight glasses a day off the list first thing in the morning.

4. LEMON FIRST. COFFEE LATER:

Stimulate the digestive system and prepare the body for the food to come with a warm lemon water. This is not to replace your love affair with coffee (although with time maybe it will). You can still enjoy that cup of joe, later. Let your insides be gently awakened with a cup of warm lemon water to aid digestion and kick start your metabolism. If you are anything like me, and lemon water becomes a bit of a bore, try my Ginger Lemon & Turmeric Tea- this immune boosting concoction will wake up and warm your entire body inside and out. While using fresh ingredients is always best, you can also grab yourself a good quality tea that includes lemon and/or ginger for similar results when pressed for time.

5. EAT BREAKFAST:

This won't be the first time you've heard "breakfast is the most important meal of the day". While true, many still choose to opt out of this simple and easy meal. Not only does eating breakfast give you the energy you need to start your busy day, it jumpstarts your metabolism, and helps curb cravings throughout the entire day. So blend a smoothie, have an egg on toast, eat some yogurt with fruit and nuts or at the very least, a power bar and a piece of fruit (caution: take note of the sugar content in your powerbar and purchase wisely).

6. BREATHE & STRETCH:

Start the day energizing your body with a few deep breaths and light stretches. Whether it be on your yoga mat, or just in front of your bathroom mirror, take five minutes to stretch out those tight spots and release some of the previous day's tension before starting a new day. Don't make this feel like a work out, just take a few deep breaths in and out, listen to your body and work on the areas that are calling for some attention. It might seem like a bit of an effort at first, but before you know it you'll look forward to this part of your day.

7. MAKE YOUR OWN RITUAL:

Allocate at least ten minutes of each morning for something of personal enjoyment. Just the thought of this ritual should motivate you to get up and out of bed. Be religious about this time each and every morning. Take the time to write in a journal, sit down and read your favourite newspaper or blog, tend to your plants, sing and dance, or sit down and play with your kids. Whatever it is, make it your time and own it.

STORIES COLLECTIVE

January 9, 2015

Stories Collective is an innovative online platform which features fashion editorials that are as much about art and graphic design as they are about fashion. Weekly updates come in the form of themed issues created by photographers, stylist, art directors, film makers, designers and models.

"Inspiration for our bi-monthly issues come from subjects that permeate our daily lives, logical and precise study of form, a critique, a tribute, or simply a succession of beautiful imagery. Simple or complex, mundane or extraordinary, analytic or artistic - all human expressions are explored. We commission creatives all around the world to build visual narratives that fill our issues."

This web magazine has quickly become my new addiction. Each issue weaves stories that have a different aesthetic creating an overall experience akin to visiting exhibits at an art gallery.

Visit- storiescollective.com

NOTED: MARBLE

January 7, 2015

stories.com

SPINACH & QUINOA GRAPEFRUIT POMEGRANATE SALAD

January 6, 2015

I adore the warm cooked dishes prepared for Christmas - it really wouldn't be Christmas without them! However, the rich traditional holiday foods can leave one feeling a little, shall we say, heavy?? So when it comes time to getting back to reality and into a routine again, I always crave an abundance of fruits and vegetables (particularly greens) and find myself making fresher foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

The first meal I made for myself after the holidays was this Spinach & Quinoa Grapefruit Pomegranate Salad. Pomegranates are still in season and I have been looking to incorporate them into other meals besides breakfast. So with a few whole grains, nuts, superfoods and some fruits and vegetables I managed to satisfy everything my body was craving and kickstart a healthy new year.

SPINACH & QUINOA GRAPEFRUIT POMEGRANATE SALAD: a meal or a beautiful side to breakfast, lunch and/or dinner.

INGREDIENTS: (yields 2 servings)

3 cups spinach
1/2 cup quinoa
1 cup grapefruit
1/2 cup pomegranate
1/2 cup cauliflower
4 tbsp hemp seed
4 tbsp raw walnut

DIJON VINAIGRETTE DRESSING INGREDIENTS: (yields 1/2 cup. more than needed for recipe)

1/3 cup olive oil
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

Rinse quinoa, add 1 cup water to a pot along with rinsed quinoa. Bring quinoa and water to a boil, once it has reached a boil, dcrease temperature to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 min. Remove from heat, fluff and cover again.
While quinoa is cooking whisk oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper together in a bowl and set aside.
Wash spinach and cauliflower, grate cauliflower and set aside.
Cut pomegranate in half and remove the seeds from 1/2 of the fruit. Cut grapefruit into cubes and remove the peel.
In a large bowl or plate directly to plates dividing ingredients, layer spinach, quinoa, grapefruit, pomegranate, cauliflower, hemps seeds walnuts and dress lightly with dressing.

Enjoy!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE TO: MAGAZINES

December 18, 2014

A few of these magazines were already featured in our Holiday Gift Guide for: The Modern Woman, The Modern Man, and The Host. However, I believe a magazine subscription is one of the best possible gifts one can give and therefore the magazine deserves its own entire Holiday Gift Guide.

I love the entire experience of having a magazine delivered to me in the mail- from anticipating its arrival and finding it in my mailbox, to slowing life down and enjoying a hot cup of tea while reading the magazine from front to back, and then back to front. Quality magazines live on to make excellent coffee table art for your guests to enjoy, as well.

Magazines give us the opportunity to put our feet up and indulge in time for ourselves- time to forget about our busy schedules, and time away from our screens. What gift could be better to give than that?

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1. DARLING:

A magazine from Los Angelos, US, set on redefining femininity, challenging unrealistic ideals women are held to, and providing deeper wisdom and advice to women who long for more in life. A moditvational read for the modern woman.

Categories: Fashion & Lifestyle

Subscription: Quarterly

2. GATHER:

A recipe-driven, publication from the UK, dedicated to evoking the spirit of gathering- cooking, eating, laughing, and the rituals that come from being together. Oh, and the photography- delicious!

Categories: Food & Wine / Culinary Arts

Subscription: Bi-annual

3. CEREAL:

A magazine based out of Bristol, UK, about travel and lifestyle, includes thoughtful articles and a minimalist aesthetic appeal. The editors of Cereal believe, "the enjoyment of food and travel are two significant elements of a good life". Written in literary style, with chapters focusing on expositions of food, travel destinations, as well as profiles on products, people and places. An inspirational publication that might just have you booking your next flight across the globe.

Categories: Food & Wine / Travel

Subscription: Quarterly

4. KINFOLK:

From Portland, Oregon, US, this magazine is likely the most well known and popular of the bunch. Kinfolk offers dreamy, simple, rustic imagery that romances the idea of "slow living". They say, "Every element of Kinfolk- the features, photography, and general aesthetics- are consistent with the way we feel entertaining should be: simple, uncomplicated, and less contrived. Kinfolk is the marriage of our appreciation for art and design and our love for spending time with family and friends." The New York Times calls it "Prairie Porn".

Categories: Lifestyle & Culture / Popular Culture

Subscription: Quarterly

5. THE GENTLEWOMAN:

A magazine from the Netherlands, featuring inspirational women including cover models as diverse as Beyonce, Angela Lansbury, Adele and Inez van Lamsweerde. This magazine combines ambitious journalism with a sartorial perspective on personal style. Offering a fresh perspective and a clever approach to fashion, while exploring the way women actually look, think and dress.

Categories: Fashion / Couture & Designer

Subscription: Bi-annual

6. INVENTORY:

A Canadian, magazine focused on featuring inspiring and talented people in the world of design, craftsmanship and culture, with emphasizes on accomplished journalism and beautiful imagery. A well rounded publication for the design loving and cultured man.

Categories: Fashion / Urban Fashion

Subscription: Bi-annual

7. ACNE PAPER:

A timeless and distinguished, theme based magazine from Sweden's creative collective and fashion label- Acne. Acne Paper has created its voice, with its ambition to to unite creative minds. "Because of its seriousness in content and originality of style the magazine is being recognized all over the world as an intelligent and glamorous publication unlike any other."

Categories: Fashion / Urban Fashion

Subscription: Bi-annual

8. SO IT GOES:

A magazine with original voices in the form of chapters: The Actors, The Directors, The Artists, The Collection, The Musicians, The Places and The Writers. This magazine lets you see familiar faces like you've never seen them before.

Categories: Arts & Current Affairs

Subscription: Bi-annual

9. HABITUS:

An Australian magazine for readers who are passionate about design. A cross-cultural publication that covers the South-East Asian and Australasian region of architecture and design and globally focuses on design products for the home.

Categories: Architecture & Design / Home & Interior Design

Subscription: Quarterly

DANDELION COCONUT ALLSPICE LATTE

December 16, 2014

Where would we be in the winter without a hot cup of something to get us through it? Coffee, tea, apple cider and hot chocolate are a few treats that warm the soul and can bring a little joy to an otherwise cold and dreary day.

This holiday season I'm looking forward to sharing a cup of Dandelion Coconut Allspice Latte with my friends and family. Dandelion is loaded with health benefits including stimulating the appetite and promoting good digestion, which, with all the food that is presented over the holidays, we could all use a little assistance. Arguably, the best part of this drink is the combination of allspice, cinnamon, cloves and ginger brewing on the stove top. Your entire entire house will smell like Christmas spice!

ALLSPICE DANDELION COCONUT LATTE: a festive warming detox and digestive aid.

INGREDIENTS: (yields 1 serving)

2 cup water
1/4 coconut milk
1 tbsp dandelion
1 tsp grated ginger
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp cloves
3 cinnamon sticks
pinch of nutmeg

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Grate ginger and put in a tea basket or cheese cloth tied at one end.

2. Place water, allspice, cloves, cinnamon sticks and grated ginger (in basket or cheese cloth) in a pot and bring to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer for 20min.

3. Place dandelion in mug, then add strained simmered spice water and mix. Ensure to leave an inch of space in the mug for coconut milk to be added next.

4. Warm coconut milk on stove top stirring continuously and ensuring to not let the milk burn. Once warm, pour into mug along with the spice water. Stir and top with nutmeg.

Enjoy!

DANDELION HEALTH BENEFITS:

Vitamins/Minerals- rich source of vitamin A, B complex, C, D and potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus.

Digestive Aid- promotes digestion and is a mild laxative, promotes good cultures in the gut, and stimulates appetite.

Liver/Kidney- is a diuretic that helps detox the kidneys and clear out toxins.

Cancer/ Antioxidants – rich in antioxidants that prevent free-radical damage to cells and DNA, slowing down the aging process in our cells and prevents and fights cancer.

High Blood Pressure – As a diuretic dandelion increases urination which then lowers blood pressure. The fiber and potassium in dandelion also regulate blood pressure.

Cholesterol – studies have shown that dandelion lowers and control cholesterol levels.

Gallbladder – increases bile production and reduces inflammation to help with gallbladder problems and blockages.

Inflammation – contains essential fatty acids and phytonutrients that reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Immune System –immune boosting functions and fights off microbes and fungi.