Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Gluten Free Zucchini Bread

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Remember how great it felt to be signed out of school early? Seeing the world as it existed mid-day, like you were getting away with something when, really, you were probably off to see the doctor or dentist. Zucchini bread will always remind me of that feeling. Ritual is a funny thing. We all have ours, whether we're aware of them or not, they sneak their way into our subconscious, begging to be repeated or calling to mind certain deep-seeded memories. When I was a kid, from middle school and on through high school, whenever my mom would need to pick me up mid-day, we'd always stop at the same country store for a juice and a slice of their homemade zucchini bread.

With zucchini season here, I felt inspired on a recent Sunday to recreate this old favorite using (I'm assuming) healthier ingredients. Oat flour is my favorite gluten-free, whole-food flour to bake with these days and while it doesn't work with every recipe, it was perfect for this recipe. Combined with the applesauce, it made for a super moist and dense quickbread that just begged to be toasted and covered with good quality butter. Chris even liked it, which is saying something. Enjoy!

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Gluten Free Zucchini Bread

1 cup grated zucchini, packed (about 1 small-ish zucchini)

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup applesauce

1 tbsp melted coconut oil

1/4 tsp grated fresh ginger

1/4 tsp grated fresh orange peel

1  3/4 cups oat flour (to make oat flour, place oats in a blender or coffee grinder and blend until powdered)

1/2 cup dry sweetener (sugar, coconut sugar)

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp cinnamon

generous pinch of salt

1/4 cup raisins (optional, you could also try adding nuts or chocolate chips)

Sunflower seeds

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Generously grease bottom and sides of a loaf pan. Line the bottom with a square of parchment paper and sprinkle in a few sunflowers seeds.

2. Add all wet ingredients to your food processor and pulse until well mixed.

3. In a medium mixing bowl, mix together all dry ingredients, except for raisins and sunflower seeds.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix with a wooden spoon until just incorporated. Toss in the raisins and mix lightly.

5. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and sprinkle sunflower seeds over top. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Serve warm and slathered in (preferably grass fed) butter (I like Kerrygold but really, any kind of butter will do).

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Saturday, June 27, 2015

Here & There 6.27

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Happy weekend! What a fantastic end to a long week, am I right? Seriously, how great was yesterday? While I realize there's so much more to be done and we as a society have a very long way to go, after so much heartache and sorrow filling the news lately, having something happen that will bring joy to so many is... amazing. Amazing is an understatement.

So, what are you up to this weekend? It's raining in Philly today, but tomorrow we're headed to the Poconos and praying for sun. For now though, my couch, a glass of wine, and a few movies are doing the trick.

Swooning over these perfect vintage silver and turquoise earrings

And the perfect thing to wear with those earrings? Definitely this vintage jacket

FYI - Free People sale is on sale right now for an extra 25% off! love this cute striped tank dress. And I just picked up this pretty top.

Made me laugh... "scourge of naps," haha

A beautiful (and affordable) dress for a summer bride and a lovely dress for a wedding guest. Ugh and how lovely is this boho wedding dress?

"We tried on Victoria's Secret bathing suits and this is what happened"

Love this pretty tapestry - would be perfect for the beach. How sweet is this pretty striped dress too?

This story is fascinating

What a gorgeous maxi skirt

Oh I want a portrait of Zephyr like this!

Found: Affordable gladiator sandals

Important words to remember

Ugh - this necklace!

I'm making this cake tomorrow - yum!


Wednesday, June 24, 2015

All The Basics

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A sunny (and hot) Saturday afternoon, one that called for rain but instead delivered sweltering humidity. Breezy tank, vintage jeans, and hair gloriously thrown up into heidi braids. Glorious because it's finally long enough to do so again. Hallelujah.

Get the look: Free People top (similar) // Vintage Levis (similar) // Birkenstock sandals // Vintage choker & bag // Studebaker Metals cuff // Aero strappy back bra

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Here & There 6.20

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Happy Saturday! What are you up to today? I kicked off my morning with a much-needed pre-breakfast run, ending at Honey's on South Street where I convened with two of my favorite ladies. After breakfast I meandered through the Rittenhouse farmers' market and up to where Chris works to meet up with him at the close of his shift. Yes, I sure do love how walkable/runable this city is, it makes discovering new places so much more fun. 

So far the rain is holding out on us, a great thing since we're headed up to Manayunk today to explore the arts fest happening this weekend. And tomorrow? Tomorrow I hope to replace those old ass running shoes up there with something new and knee-friendly. Because, man, I have the knees of an elderly person. Sadly the Asics I ordered were too small, so fingers crossed I find the perfect pair. Exciting stuff, friends. What are you up to?

Are you looking for the perfect fringe jacket? Because I found it for you.

A pretty little vintage Navajo ring to finish off your look.

This story from Angela got me thinking about all my old apartments - the good and the bad!

My new favorite bra - so comfy!

Found: Gorgeous (and affordable) linen bedding... swooooon

More pretty home decor - love this cactus pillow

The perfect shoes for summer

This is possibly the cutest bunny I've ever seen (and such a sweet little interview)

So in love with this pretty hat

"The everything bagel of storm photography"

Nordstrom is having a huge summer clearance sale - including the most perfect dress

Yum - what a great looking cookbook

Pretty summer essentials

This would have been really helpful to have in art school - but still makes me laugh

Shop the $15 and under sale at F21

The perfect denim jumpsuit for summer

The cutest skirts - love this vintage-inspired mini

I would happily live here

Etsy faves: These cute pins, these incredible stained glass pieces, this whole shop

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Easy Chia Breakfast Bowl

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Can we all agree that breakfast is the best meal? After a particularly rough day, sometimes I even fall asleep anticipating what I'll make for myself the following morning. It sets the tone. I've been on a smoothie kick since the start of the year, I love experimenting with them and tweaking my recipes to make them the healthiest I can. But...

...Woman can not exist on smoothies alone, and there are days when I crave something different. I almost always have a simple chia pudding in the fridge, usually just to add a scoop to my smoothies, but on a recent weekend morning I found myself craving something akin to oatmeal... but not oatmeal... and so this chia breakfast bowl was born:

Easy Chia Breakfast Bowl

for the chia pudding:

1/4 cup chia seeds

1 cup unsweetened coconut or almond milk

1/2 tsp vanilla

shake or two of cinnamon, ginger, & tumeric

for the breakfast bowl:

Large scoop chia pudding

Splash of unsweetened almond milk

1 scoop hemp protein powder

1 ripe banana, cut in half

Toppings: berries, toasted coconut, mango, sunflower seeds, etc.

You can make the chia pudding a few days in advance, but be sure to prepare it at least the night before. Add all ingredients for the pudding to a mason jar, close the lid tightly, and shake. Place in the fridge overnight.

In the morning the pudding should be very thick. Add a large scoop of the chia pudding to your blender with a splash of unsweetened almond milk, a scoop of protein powder, and half the banana. Blend until smooth and creamy, it should be the consistency of Greek yogurt. Top with the other half of the banana, nuts, seeds, and whatever else you have in the pantry. Enjoy!

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Saturday, June 13, 2015

Here & There 6.13

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Happy weekend! What are you up to? I spent this morning picking strawberries, the afternoon at a flea market, and this evening watching OINTB, so... a pretty solid day. Are you watching the new season? What do you think? So far the highlight for me was Rebel Girl by Bikini Kill at the end of ep.6. Tomorrow we're headed to Delaware to go to the beach, it's been so hot this week, I can't wait to jump in the water.

Excited to welcome Bella & Chloe as a sponsor - how gorgeous is this vintage barrette? Vintage turquoise heaven.

How beautiful is this vintage Edwardian camisole? It would look amazing with high-waisted flares and clogs.

Always love reading other blogger's life lately posts - this was a great one from Angela.

The perfect color for summer - love these blue wedges (options here).

Summer denim in pretty colors - love this dress.

I've been following this story and think the tattooer was in the right- thoughts?

My favorite summer shoes.

Things to worry about.

Such a pretty top.

Joan Didion keeping it real, always

Yup - these look delicious.

Love these classic swimsuits for summer.

Pretty haircolor.

How cute are these cute shorts - so sweet with an eyelet tank.

Meet Louisa Wendorff

The perfect pillow for your summer decor

Can't wait to try this cookbook


Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Your True Self Shines Through

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When it comes down to it, I'll always be a jeans and teeshirt woman. As much as I love fashion, I can't escape 16 year old me and her penchant for what's easy. Every day spent in heels is tempered with two days (or five) wearing Birkenstocks. For every day spent in a dress, there's the relief that comes with slipping on the most amazing pair of jeans, a favorite jacket, the perfect pair of boots, and a hat to cover up a week's worth of unwashed hair (really). Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to lead that Instagram-worthy life of clean lines and white space. Peonies, while I love them, just aren't feasible with a cat who insists on tasting everything in sight, the walls in my small apartment aren't stark white, and I prefer secondhand furniture to new. I'm not knocking those who have these things and live that life, but rather, I've come to accept that that's not me. The undone and eclectic is my destiny, and that's entirely OK.

On this particular day, I had had a rough day at work but loved how I felt in this outfit, which is why I asked Chris to take my picture. This is how I choose what to photograph for my blog... it all depends on how I feel. Sometimes I feel great, and sometimes I feel as though the bags beneath my eyes would need to be checked. I think we can all relate to that.

Get the look: Free People Top (from a sample sale) // Citizens Jeans // Schott Jacket // Frye Boots (check out a few more favorite boot options here) // Vintage Justin Belt // UO Ring // Vintage Hat // Heyoka Leather Earrings

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Here & There 6.6

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Happy Saturday! What do you have planned this weekend? We're headed up to the Poconos to go hiking tomorrow, but today is free and clear. After what turned out to be a weirdly stressful week at work with lots of changes taking place, I'm happy to just have a day to myself. The clouds are rolling in, which means I might just take this day to work on my space indoors, read a little, and maybe cook something good. Have a good one!

This vintage tooled leather belt would look gorgeous wrapped around the waist of a breezy white maxi dress

Dreaming of cream lace dresses for summer parties - love these beauties

Wow - can you believe this bathroom remodel from Angela? So gorgeous

This blanket would be perfect for summer picnics

27 Things teenage girls in the '90s did (I had all those albums!) #Nostalgia

Beautiful handmade sandals for summer - love these too

Made me laugh

How amazing is the print on this cute summer dress? I'm obsessed!

Love these illustrations - don't they remind you a bit of Daria?

Do you watch GOT? This is funny

I want these! The perfect size for a little summer treat.

Everything you need for the beach in one place - love those patterned towels!

Yum!

What a beautiful dress

Solid advice: Forget about being likeable

The perfect hat for summer - love this and this too

My new favorite smoothie

The perfect summer maxi dress for all those weddings on your calendar (I have three to go to!)

Thursday, June 4, 2015

The Summer of the Maxi Dress

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The way this dress moves... there's nothing quite like it. With climbing temperatures comes the need for lightness and air, something that cutoffs just don't provide the same way the perfect dress does. Yes, I believe this will be the 'Summer of the Maxi' for me. I've fallen in love with this beauty and have been on the hunt for the perfect pair of sandals to wear with it, because the days of wearing boots comfortably are numbered. Bring it on summer.

I'm ready for ya.

Get the look: Free People Dress // Vintage Lee Jacket // Vintage Hat // Frye Boots // My Vintage Spirit large ring // Vintage Jewelry & 'Oh Shit' Pin

(because everyone needs an 'Oh Shit' pin)

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Overnight Bircher Muesli

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Breakfast is by far my favorite meal. It sets the tone for the hours ahead and has the power to make or break the way you feel throughout the remainder of the day, plus I love that hour or so in the early morning that is just mine. Just me and Zephyr, and something tasty to start the day with. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy a doughnut or croissant from time to time, usually at work, but too much processed sugar and heavy ingredients tend to leave me feeling starved, sluggish, and strung out as soon as I get to work; to me, the best breakfasts are the ones packed with healthy, from-the-earth ingredients, with plenty of protein and fiber to charge up your body for what lies ahead. 

For the past few months I’ve been on a solid smoothie kick, but all that may change now that Bircher bowls have entered my life. What’s a Bircher bowl you might be asking? A close cousin to overnight oats, the name Bircher comes from 19th century physician, Maximilian Oskar Bircher-Benner, who invented muesli cereal and played a major role in changing 19th century eating habits. An early advocate for a mostly raw and plant-based diet, he encouraged healthy eating in his patients as a means for healing and held a strong belief that harmony must be struck between people and the natural world around them. While today’s muesli differs greatly from the original, the idea is the same: the Bircher bowl combines homemade muesli with fruit, milk or juice, and other toppings for an easy breakfast that tastes amazing and packs a nutritional wallop. Think of the Bircher bowl as the Swiss version of the Acai bowl: Beautiful, easy, healthy, and so versatile.

If you’re looking for something new to add to your breakfast rotation, check out my version below… and then go wild. This is merely a template for you to discover the tastes and textures that you like best...
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Muesli Mix 

2 cups rolled oats 

1 cup dried fruit of choice (chopped apricots, chopped dates, dried cherries, raisins, etc.) 

1/2 cup shredded or flaked unsweetened dried coconut 

1/4-1/2 cup ground flax seeds 

Handful of chopped or slivered almonds, or cashews, or hazelnuts… or some combination of the three

Orange or lemon zest Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, etc.) 

Spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, etc.)

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and store in an air-tight container for up to two weeks. 

Muesli is amazing because you can basically throw any dry ingredients that catch your eye together and the result will likely taste great. Experiment with nuts, seeds, dried fruit and zest combinations to find out what flavor you prefer. 
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Overnight Bircher Muesli 
Makes 2 servings

1.5 cups dry muesli mix

1 cup apple juice (traditional) or almond milk

Optional: 

1/2 cup fresh fruit (try mango or berries)

1/2 cup Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt

Topping:

1 peach, halved, pit removed, broiled until bubbling and hot

Dollop of chia pudding

Sprinkle of sunflower seeds

Shredded apple (traditional)

For the overnight Bircher, add all ingredients to a jar, seal, and shake well. Store in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready for breakfast, give it a stir and divide into two bowls. Stick the peach halves under your broiler for a few minutes until they’re hot and bubbling.

Top the Bircher with the chopped peaches, shredded apple, a spoonful of chia pudding and a sprinkle of seeds. Enjoy!
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This post was originally published here as part of my full time work with Free People