Thursday, September 26, 2013

Places We'd Love To Go: Yosemite

Hot Springs
California's Yosemite Hot Springs has been said to be the utopia of the west coast. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls. Within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can also find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more source

This makes for the perfect road trip adventure with your friends, family or loved one! 

Take journey :)








Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Inspiration: Nature Meets Civilization

The Roots

For centuries our man-made world has evolved into a technological concrete jungle that has conquered most of the earth's grounds. It is our shelter, way of life and engine behind our culture.  

But is it also a veil that blinds us more and more from the significance of nature as innovations advance? 

Will humanity grow accustomed to nature being an extinguished part of the earth's past? 

Global warming, chemical pollution in our water systems, endangered species and other nature-threatening occurrences may make us lose hope in preserving our mother planet. However, nature's beauty is still more alive and radiant than ever. We have the power to respect, save and coexist with what's left of our natural home. 

Inspiration thrives from nature within fashion, health and more (even technology). It is the root of our existence and the air we breathe. 

With that being said, it’s only necessary that our concrete jungle be-friends the jungle ;)

How? 

By incorporating nature into our daily way of life! The possibilities are endless. Add your favorite houseplants as part of your home decor. Plant a lemon tree, a raspberry bush. Ditch the plan to renovate your backyard into a pool-Jacuzzi-BBQ-lounging- mini golf contraption and grow a garden. It’s simple. It’s important. 

It’s important for our understanding of how vital natural life is to our inner and outer being. 

Below is a hunt+gather collection of the mesmerizing beauty of nature and its placement in our modern world. It's a fascinating combination to get lost in: a tribute to our roots- Mother Nature.

Enjoy :)












*only because this was too cute not to share



















Monday, September 23, 2013

Fashion Inspiration: A Thousand Words

Picture This
It goes to show that the phrase "a picture says a thousand words" is more true than ever. Art and fashion create a mesmerizing mixture when brought through the lens of photography, leaving us inspired. Each photo could tell an endless amount of stories when using your imagination. Each has a purpose and a feeling :)

We've rallied up a small collection of our favorite fashion+art photos to share the inspiration and deep thoughts. 

Enjoy!









Sunday, September 22, 2013

Recipe of the Day: Squash


Squash Soup with Sage and Orzo




2 medium butternut squash (about 3 lbs)
1 large onion, diced
4 cups vegetable stock
1 tbs vegan butter
2 tbs olive oil
2 tsp ground coriander, divided
1 tsp white pepper
2 tbs fresh sage, chopped, plus additional for garnish
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups orzo, cooked
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°. Peel and halve both squash, scooping out the centers. Coarsely chop three halves of squash and set aside for the soup. Dice the remaining half, into large pieces for roasting (approximately 3/4” squares). Toss the cut pieces with 2 tbs olive oil, 1 tsp coriander, and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. Roast the squash on two baking sheets for 30 minutes, flipping the pieces, and rotating the pan halfway through. When squash is done roasting, set aside for serving on top of the soup.
In a large dutch oven, heat 1 tbs vegan butter over medium heat. Cook the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the coarsely chopped squash, vegetable stock, 1 tsp coriander, sage, white pepper and generous shakes of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes. Remove soup from heat and either using a stick blender or working in small batches in a convention blender, puree until smooth. Depending on the size of your squash, your puree may be very thick. If this is the case, thin soup with water, adding one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
To serve, place 1/2 cup of cooked orzo in bowl and top with roasted squash. Pour the squash soup around the orzo and garnish with fresh sage and freshly cracked pepper.


Source: Squash Soup with Sage and Orzo | Free People Blog http://blog.freepeople.com/2013/09/squash-soup-sage-orzo/#ixzz2ffnrc9fx


Inspiration: Words To Remember

Don't Forget!
Keep these words in mind as you go about your daily routines to keep a positive mindset. Although it's easy to get wrapped up in the duties of life, it always helps to be reminded by what's truly important. 

Enjoy!