I was just home for the weekend, where I got the chance to spend some solid time with my dad. We shared a few drinks, good laughs, and bantered back and forth about our dreams. Dreams including living on a boat in The Keys and one day building the perfect cabin. I was surprised to find out that we appreciated so many of the same things in architecture and design, and even a few interior design ideas. Like a couple of kids sharing youtube videos, we sat letting hours pass by, searching the internet and sharing images of little cabins from all around the world. This cabin in Norway was just one of those sources of inspiration from that night.
CREAMY LEMON GARLIC HEMP SAUCE
I have to admit, this Creamy Lemon Garlic Hemp Sauce was a beautiful accident one day while experimenting in the kitchen. An accident that I now make weekly, eat daily and work into a variety of dishes including salads, noodles, and veggie-grain bowls. It's a great sauce to have handy to add to meals, and can also be used as a dip for snacking!
Hemp seeds, once blended, add a creamy, smooth texture to things like smoothies, dressings and sauces. Which is just one of the reasons this superfood is so well loved by vegans and health nuts. So although "buttery" in texture, this sauce is packed full of antioxidants, vitamins, essential fatty acids and really couldn't be any better for you. So go ahead, make up a batch of this sauce and indulge with pleasure and without guilt.
CREAMY LEMON GARLIC HEMP SAUCE: a healthy, detoxifying, versatile sauce.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/2 cup lemon, juice
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup hemp seeds
- 2 tbsp water
- 1.5 tbsp tamari
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 garlic glove, minced
Place all ingredients in blender and blend until thick and smooth. Store in a jar or glass container in the fridge.
HEALTH BENEFITS:
LEMON: a natural detoxifier, rich source of vitamin C, and contains limonene that promotes immunity and helps fight infection.
GINGER: anti-inflammatory, contains antioxidants, and clears microcirculatory channels of the body which include the sinuses and throat. Also, ginger is a warming agent and promotes sweating, which is healthy when sick.
RAW HONEY: contains antioxidants, and a rich source of minerals and B vitamins that help support the function of the heart, muscles and nervous system.
OLIVE OIL: anti-inflammatory, contains antioxidants, lowers cholesterol and promotes heart health, rich source of vitamin E which is good for the skins and has an anti-aging effect.
HEMP SEEDS: 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.
I will be sharing a variety of recipes that include this sauce, so make sure to tune back in for those soon!
HEALTHY KITCHEN ESSENTIALS
Having the right items stocked in your kitchen is the first step to eating clean and maintaining healthy routines. It's so easy to get off track and off balance if you don't have the proper items to work with when it comes time to eat.
Cleanse your kitchen of the items that are holding you back, taking up space, and making the kitchen difficult to navigate. Then set yourself up for success by stocking the cupboards and fridge with these nutrient rich, whole foods items that are versatile and easy to incorporate into snacks, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
HEALTHY KITCHEN ESSENTIALS:
1. GRAINS + NOODLES: steel cut oats, rolled oats, quinoa, brown rice, wheat berries, buckwheat groats, buckwheat soba noodles, brown rice pasta, Sprouted Whole Grain Ezekiel Bread, white popcorn kernels (helpful for late night snacking)
2. FRUITS + VEGETABLES: tomatoes/cherry tomatoes, avocado, pear, apple, orange, grapefruit, frozen blueberries, lemon, broccoli, celery, cucumber, zucchini, carrot, sweet potato, napa cabbage, kale, arugula, red or yellow pepper, beet, green onion, garlic, ginger root
3. SOY: tofu, tempeh
4. SWEETENERS: raw local honey, pure organic maple syrup
5. MILK, YOGURT + EGGS: almond milk, coconut milk, goat yogurt, free-range eggs
6. DRIED HERBS + SPICES: cinnamon, cayenne, chili flakes, turmeric, marjoram, bay leaves, sage, oregano, basil, rosemary, black peppercorn, sea salt, Japanese Seven Spice, nutritional yeast (not a herb or a spice but used for flavouring like one)
7. NUTS + SEEDS: raw almonds, raw walnuts, raw cashews, raw brazil nuts, hemp seeds, chia seeds, raw pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds
8. DRIED FRUIT: goji berries, apricots, dates
9. BEANS + LEGUMES: black beans, white beans, lentils, chickpeas
10. OILS: olive oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil
11. VINEGARS: apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, rice vinegar
12. SPREADS + SAUCES: almond butter, hummus, tamari, tahini, dijon mustard, seeded mustard
13. TEA: green tea, matcha powder, mint tea, dandelion tea and powder
14. CHOCOLATE: raw and/or organic dark chocolate
All of my recipes are based on some combination of the above ingredients- click here for a few of those and check back in for weekly clean eating inspiration.
NOTE: This is a personal list of items that work for me. This list has not been developed for sensitivities to wheat, dairy and/or soy.
COPENHAGEN'S ANN VEST
I recently stumbled across this SS 2015 collection by Ann Vest, a contemporary designer from Copenhagen. I was taken by the moody spread filled with structural lines and contrasting organic flow. A combination of things Ann describes as:
"A definition of a femme, proud and composed: Emotions lead us to interaction… Expression and mixing styles is encouraged, to challenge sartorial mannerisms within our modern wardrobes."
Minimalissimo points out how, "Anne Vest’s designs blend very natural and sometimes even classic material with contemporary and avant-garde silhouettes...In the end it all comes together in a perfectly coherent collection."
VALENTINE'S GIFT GUIDE: FOR HIM & HER
With Valentine's day a week away, it's easy to get distracted by all the commercial noise and struggle to choose a gift for the one we love. I've put together the following Valentine gift guides for both him and her to hopefully make this process a little easier this year. I've included some luscious, some indulgent and all quality crafted goods. With one of these simple gestures, we might just realize this holiday isn't so terrible after all.
Tune in next week for a gift giveaway filled with essential oils and aphrodisiacs from one of my favourite brands- Province Apothecary!
FOR HIM:
1. Worker Crew Sweatshirt Grey- $165
2. Province Apothecary Sex Oil- $28
3. German Steel Precision Knife, Red- $67.70
4. Brown Butter Bourbon Caramels- $36
5. Dillion's Cherry Gin- $24.95- 49.95
6. English Cotton in Liberty Multi Berry Floral- $88
7. I Love You A Yacht Card- $4.50
8. Brooks Leather Bicycle Saddle, Brown- $155.24
9. Chemex Coffee Maker- $40- $48
10. Souplove Recipe Book- $14
11. Sketchy Heart Boxers- $21.50
12. Hand-Forged Brass Tie Clip- $52.52
13. Arborist Arrows Valentine's Socks- $10
14. Mexican Hot Chocolate Gift Set- $85
FOR HER:
1. Province Apothecary Lover's Oil- $20
2. Silk Camisole, Light Grey- $55
3. Gold-Dipped Seashell Pinched Bowls, Set of Two- $55
4. Russian Rose Small Notepad w/ Pocket- $7
5. Coco Rose Body Polish- $28
6. Cambie Grey & White Blanket- $100
7. Embroidered Sheer Bra- $26.92
8. Embroidered Sheer Knickers- $17
9. Indego Africa Bowl- $70
10. White Seashore Whipped Honey- $30
11. Juniper Ridge Sweet Grass Braid- $16
12. You're The Cat's Meow- $4.50
13. Fat and the Moon Lip & Cheek Stain- $14
14. Another Feather Crest Cuff- $64
YEH Wall Table by Kenyon Yeh
I LOVE this YEH Wall Table designed by Kenyon Yeh, for danish design company MENU. It's the perfect table for small bedrooms with big beds and little space for a night table. The table top surface folds upwards so that it sits flush against the wall surface, and only requires two legs to stand on. It would also work well in a narrow hallway or in a small living room beside a sofa. With simple, clean and functional design, the YEH Wall Table is a total hit in my books.
MATCHA GREEN SMOOTHIE
I recently started adding matcha green tea powder to my morning smoothies. Not only is matcha packed full of nutritional benefits, it also contains caffeine and other properties that boost energy. So on mornings when I'm tight for time, adding a little bit of matcha to my breakfast feels like I'm killing two birds with one stone.
So what is "matcha" anyway? Matcha is green tea leaves finely milled to form a fine powder. For centuries the Japanese have used matcha in part of a traditional tea ceremony that includes the preparation, serving, and drinking of matcha. Buddhist monks have also relied on this powder to keep them awake and focused during long days of meditation.
A few benefits of matcha:
- high in antioxidants
- detoxifies the body by removing heavy metals and toxins
- increases metabolism and helps the body burn calories
- improves cognitive abilities and concentration
- contains cancer fighting properties
- increases energy levels
- boosts immunity
- helps relieve stress
MATCHA GREEN SMOOTHIE: a healthy and energizing breakfast or snack on the go.
INGREDIENTS: (yields 1 serving)
- 1 cup of spinach
- 1 banana
- 1 cup of water
- ½ granny smith apple (core removed, chopped)
- ½ kiwi (skin removed)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds (I added these in at the last minute so they didn't make the ingredients picture above)
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- ½ tsp matcha green tea powder
- 2-3 ice cubes
Wash and prep fruits and vegetables and add to your blender. Add water, chia seeds, matcha green tea powder, and ice cubes. Blend until smooth, pour and enjoy.
CURRENTLY MUSING
Just a few things that have caught my eye lately.
Happy weekend everyone!
The idea of living in this loft space with these tall windows and a little fireplace.
A wrap tweed jacket.
This pair of classy 3.1 Phillip Lim loafers.
This long wavy hair.
A brushed silver watch to add to the collection.
How brass and leather come together in these elegant stools.
A beautiful set of ceramic tumblers and plates.
A functional oblique clothing rail.
A playful confetti credenza.
Some fresh looking sheets.
This little bear and those blue eyes.
ALEXA CHUNG FOR AG DENIM
I have always admired Alexa Chung for her intelligence, humour and confidence. For a girl who wears many hats- model, DJ, TV presenter, author, and fashion designer, this British babe always manages to remain true to herself. This fact is evident in her new retro inspired Spring 2015 collection designed for L.A. based AG Denim.
"I just wanted to make clothes that I would be really happy wearing. As well as making my dream skinny jeans, I wanted to make vintage-inspired jeans that felt comfortable like modern-day jeans do, taking old-school silhouettes but making sure that the modern technology that we have today would make them wearable." And big denim no-nos? "Awkward camel toes, holes in the bum or unflattering back pockets and things like that."
Alexa rocks style inspired by sixties icons such as Brigitte Bardot, Francoise Hardy, and admits to seeking the advice of the internet by Googling "Jane Birkin". Despite the french influence, she has proudly represented British style while living abroad.
"Having lived in New York for half of my twenties the only thing that I think it has served to do is make me fonder, or at least more romantic, about British dressing. I made a conscious effort when I got here not to dress like a downtown New Yorker and I made sure I had a lot cable-knit jumpers and schoolgirl skirts in my wardrobe."
For me there is a lot to love about this photo shoot- from the foliage, to the oversaturated colours, the vintage car and bike, and of course the bonafide "it girl" herself- Alexa.
Found on- whowhatwear.com
A GUIDE TO DISPLAYING WALL ART
This post may make a few of my friends chuckle considering the largely barren walls of my apartment. Although I have taken a minimalist approach to displaying art (simply due to the fact that I don't own any, yet), I have spent enough time analyzing wall art arrangements to understand the different directions one can take.
Hanging art is often overwhelming due to the copious amount of rules surrounding the "art of hanging art" and the commitment level involved. But for a moment, let's throw out all the rules and understand the only thing one needs is inspiration. The following guide is broken down in a way meant to inspire and allow us to take a less serious and more fun approach, so that we all can all enjoy a little (or a lot of) of art on the daily.
THE GALLERY WALL-
FULL GALLERY WALL- stagger art across the entire span of a wall from top to bottom and wall to wall.
SMALL GALLERY WALL- a gallery wall also works well with small wall or space between two doors or windows.
desiretoinspire.net
LEVEL GALLERY- stagger art work at eye height, each level with the other.
GRID GALLERY- for a more structured look, hang art work in rows and columns. This approach works well with photography.
WRAP GALLERY- stagger art work across the wall and around fixed objects like a door frame, T.V., or a large piece of furniture.
CORNER GALLERY- bring life to a lonely corner by hanging art work on either side of the walls that meet the corner in a cluster formation.
STAIRWAY GALLERY- make use of the stairway by hanging art on the walls that follow the staircase.
THE LEANING GALLERY-
FULL WALL LEANING SHELF GALLERY- install shelves along an entire wall from high to low and play around with the placement of art and other objects. The best part about this approach is having the liberty to change it up from time to time.
SINGLE SHELF LEANING GALLERY- a single shelf with a small gallery works well over a bed or alongside a dining room table.
FLOOR LEANING GALLERY- for an effortless display, lean art along a wall using the floor like a shelf.
LEANING GALLERY ON FURNITURE- make use of surface space and display art on top of your furniture.
THE FRAMELESS ART-
FRAMELESS ART- frameless art gives off a simple and casual look, allowing you the opportunity to change up the artwork from time to time. Get creative with hanging these pieces using clips, pins or a good tape.
FRAMELESS ART CLUSTER - a cluster of pictures, sketchings, clipping or postcards instantly beome art by displaying them together on a wall. The cluster formation lends itself nicely to this type of artwork and works especially well above a kitchen table or a desk.
SINGLE FRAMELESS PIECE- a single frameless art piece, big or small, can make for an alluring display.
ART IN NUMBERS-
SINGLE LARGE ART- go for the minimalist approach and only hang a few charming pieces here and there. One large piece of art has a bold impact on any space.
SINGLE SMALL ART- don't overthink where or how the art should be hung. Let a small piece of art sit alone and speak for itself.
ODD NUMBERS- as a rule of thumb, things in odd numbers are always more interesting. Three pictures could be hung asymmetrically or symmetrically (as shown above).
EVEN NUMBERS- hang an even amount of art close together to create the illusion of one display, oppose to multiple individual pieces. You can hang these symmetrically or offset for more interest (as shown above).