THE NEW YEARS EVE OUTFIT

"What are you doing for New Years Eve?" If you haven't already been asked this question, get ready for it because people are starting to consider where they will be, who they will be with, and what they will be wearing when the ball drops.  

If you don't have a clue what your New Years Eve plans are, don't stress it- I don't  either! But one piece of the puzzle that should be fun and easy enough to figure out is your attire. For inspiration, have a look at the following festive outfits currently in stores from Noul, OAK + FORT, and ZARA. 

 

NOUL

1. Necklace A43  2. Knit Dress C03 3. Dress C17 4. Dress 3038 5. Beaded Clutch 6. Dress 3040 

 

OAK&FORT 

A GUIDE TO A SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS

When it comes to Christmas decor, I like to take tips from the Scandinavians. With their Northern Lights, vast amounts of snow, winter sports and Christmas markets, they seem to really know how to make the most of this time of year. Staying true to Scandi-design, Nordic Christmas decor is simple, clean, and fresh, with warm and rustic touches. Minimalism is always the key, which allows one to really focus on the seasonal holiday details.  

A few tips to help you bring a Scandinavian Christmas into your home: 

  1. Keep things simple, less is always more. Take a pared down approach to everything including the tree and decorations (with the exception of candles). 
  2. Choose a natural palette of black, white/cream, and grey with touches of red, silver, and gold.  
  3. Introduce fresh greenery throughout the house, bringing life to a dull time of year. Fresh pine tree clippings placed in a water vase, or made into wreath. 
  4. Candlelight is essential in the Northern Hemisphere where the days are very short this time of year. Place a variety of lanterns, and candles sporadically throughout the home to bring warmth, luscious scents and mimic this nordic decor detail. Don't be afraid to use candles in abundance. 
  5. Add wool blankets and animal skins for texture and warmth. 
  6. Scandinavian homes are tight on space, so bigger is not always better when it comes to the Christmas tree. Use little pine trees, or make a bare branch tree for a low maintenance approach.  
  7. Make homemade ornaments from things in natures or of raw materials, and place them sparingly on dinning room tables, fireplace mantels, and the Christmas tree. 
  8. Keep the gift wrapping simple by using solid or simple patterns, and twine and/or simple embellishments such as rosemary clippings or a photo.  

 

CANDLES & FRESH PINE CLIPPINGS IN WATER 

1.thehousethatlarsbuilt.com 2.minted.com 3. Flickr.com 4. awakebysunrise.tumblr.com

 

BARE BRANCHES WITH FEW ORNAMENTS 

CRANBERRY CACAO ENERGY BITES

I created this recipe a few years ago when a friend had expressed concerns that her two young girls were becoming extremely active with extracurricular sports and equally stubborn about what they did not want to eat. I took this as a challenge and developed these energy bites to please a six year old's tastes, and a worried mother's common sense. To my delight, these bite size, protein and fiber packed treats were a hit! The girls call them D' Bites (D for Dani), but we'll call them Cranberry Cacao Energy Bites. Their name seems to have a better ring to it, don't you think? 

CRANBERRY CACOA ENERGY BITES: a protein and fiber packed energy treat for on the go. 

INGREDIENTS: 

  • 8 dates pitted and chopped 
  • 1/2 cup almond butter 
  • 1/2 cup dried organic oats 
  • 1/2 cup raw walnuts 
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries diced 
  • 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
  • 1/4 cup raw cacoa nibs 
  •  1/4 cup + 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
  • 6 tbsp chia seeds (3 tbsp in recipe, 3 tsp roll the balls in) 
  • 3 tbsp cacao powder 
  • 2 tbsp raw shelled hemp hearts 
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil 
  • 1 tsp organic maple syrup 
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon 
  • 1/4  tsp fine sea salt 

INSTRUCTIONS: 

1. Place pitted dates in food processor or Vitamix (add 1 tbsp of water if using the Vitamix) with coconut oil, and process until it's a smooth paste. 

2. Take date paste and mix into a mixing bowl with all the other ingredients. 

3. Once all the ingredients are mixed together well, place in the fridge to cool for 30 minutes. 

4. Roll the mix into bite size balls, and then roll each ball through the chia seeds to cover surface entirely. 

5. Store in freezer.  

 

THE TUSCIAO VALET STAND

 "Tusciao" is a bedroom rack or "valet stand" made for neat and functional hanging of clothes and accessories. The geometric stand is designed by Italian designer Andrea Brugnera, who took inspiration from traditional Italian architectural landscape. 

I love the design and function of this elegant structure, and can imagine it benefiting a man with a suit jacket and tie to hang each night. I fear my personal struggle with the Tusciao would be my own neglect and it's reoccuring disappearance under a mound of laundry.  

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR THE MODERN WOMAN

I will be the first to admit that I can be particularly difficult to shop for. I have extremely vivid ideas of the things I need in my life and what I don't, the quality and functionality of these items, and of course their aesthetic appeal. Sounding a little hard to please eh? 

Knowing this about myself, and having met a couple of the same breed, I have put together the Holiday Gift Guide For The Modern Woman. Classic, fun and purposeful gift ideas, including a few sophisticated upgrades of things we already own- intended to please even the most difficult to shop for.  

1. Arnan Fisherman's Sweater- $50

2. The Transport Weekender- $298

3. Darling Magazine, single issue- $20, three pack- $55

4. Zip Leather Gloves- $63.78

5. Geo Stands, set of three- $60

6. Spotted Clutch- $130

7. Sugar Lip Polish- $26

8. High Low Belt- $40

9. Cashmere Scarf and Hat Set, Tan- $174.30

10. Herringbone Striped Planter- $29.99

11. Parsley Seed Cleaning Mask- $39

12. New Balance 410, Burgundy- $60

13. Soma Water Filter- $60

14. Passport Brown Leather w/ Copper- $61.09

15. Long Distance 1.0 Gold Watch- $365.74

16. Copper Hangers, set of five- $14.24

17. Rope Trivet- $28

18. Danica Necklace- $52

19. Parfum Botanique NO. 7- $46

20. Bralette- $19.20

21. Notebook- $9

22. Boy Short- $19.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VADBAEK HOUSE IV

A fresh white home with tan, soft grey and sharp black details, simple vignettes, brilliant light fixtures and charming fireplaces. 

found on normcph.com

found on normcph.com

POMEGRANATE SEED YOGURT PARFAIT

The yogurt parfait is a regular on my roster of breakfast combinations, packed full of fibre, protein and enough fuel to keep me energized until lunchtime. However, every couple of weeks it becomes monotonous, and requires some new flair in the fruit department. With a regular rotation of banana, apple, pear, and grapefruit, inevitably one fruit becomes boring. Thankfully pomegranates are in season! These lovely little seeds are crunchy and tart, packed full of antioxidants and vitamins, and scream of holiday cheer this time of year, making them a delightful addition to the yogurt parfait. 

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POMEGRANATE SEED YOGURT PARFAIT: aids digestion, promotes health and increases energy 

INGREDIENTS: (yields 1 serving)

  • 3/4 cup goat yogurt 
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds 
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • 2 tbsp hemp seeds 
  • 2 tbsp raw pumpkin seeds 
  • 1 tbsp raw walnuts 
  • pinch of cinnamon 

Place yogurt in a bowl and top with the remaining ingredients. Mix and enjoy. 

HEALTH BENEFITS

GOAT YOGURT: rich in calcium, high in fatty acids, immune booster, contains agents that help metabolize iron and copper. 

POMEGRANATE: anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, promotes heart health, rich source of vitamins A, C, E and folic acid. 

CHIA SEEDS, HEMP SEEDS, WALNUTS & PUMPKIN SEEDS (combined): anti-inflammatory, contains antioxidants, packed with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, rich source of vitamin B complex and vitamin E and high in minerals, promotes heart health and circulation, high in fibre, and contains tryptophan which helps regulate sleep and improve mood. 

CINNAMON: contains antioxidants, high levels of manganese, controls blood sugar, aids in cancer prevention, and reduces LDL cholesterol levels.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR THE MODERN MAN

In the second edition of the Holiday Gift Guide, we present to you the guide for The Modern Man. Fun, stylish, and useful gifts ideas that should please at least one or two of the men on your holiday list.  

THE TURTLENECK SWEATER

This winter is off to a cold start, and consequently I find myself lusting for an entirely new wardrobe consisting of a whole lot of knitwear. Thankfully the turtleneck is having a huge comeback this W14/15, offering us one more reason to crawl into wool.

And if there is anyone winning the turtleneck game (owning the style and rocking it)- it's FIGTNY. With a natural affinity for sweaters of any kind, this woman effortlessly makes a garment often not seen as cool, cool. These beautiful pictures from her blog are part of her OUTFITS series. 

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HOCKERBANK BY JOHANNA DEHIO

I'm always particularly drawn to an object when both function and design has been taken into consideration. Therefore it came as no surprise that I was taken by the Berlin based designer Johanna Dehio's "Hockerbank" (meaning stool-bench). Inspired by makeshift seating, this series consists of several stools that are supplemented by a plank with round cut outs and round tables which can also be transformed into a long table.

Johanna Dehio, "creates objects that are characterized on a functional level by open and accessible structures that provoke interaction. On an artistic level the inspiration through improvisation leads to a form-language that combines various materials and surfaces with a plain and clear design." 

The Hockerbank has me wanting to order a set, throw a party, and play a game of musical chairs.