Healthy Living: Green Goodness

As many of you may have noticed, juicing is all the rage right now. Thanks in part to many a cleanse diet and documentaries like Fat Sick and Nearly Dead {which is fantastic and very inspiring if you haven't already seen it} the many positive aspects of juicing have been widely expounded upon. As one who has incorporated juicing into my everyday life, I thought I would share my experience with you all.

I started as I knew I wanted to incorporate more veggies into my diet and attempt a cleanse to get rid of all the toxins I'd collected over the past few years. I've now been juicing for well over a year, and I love it. I started initially with the Blueprint Cleanse, and have incorporated juicing into my lifestyle since completing it as the the results are pretty phenomenal. I didn't order their ship to you program, I bought the book and a Breville Icon juicer and did it at home. I knew I'd want to keep up with juicing after the cleanse. If you are super busy, or don't have a good source of organic veggies locally, I'd certainly recommend their program. Today, I currently try to start every day with a large glass of green juice. It keeps all the bodily systems moving {if you know what I mean...} gives me energy, and helps to keep my skin clear.

Here is my favorite recipe for green juice. It makes 2-3 12oz servings, so juice accordingly! ☺

Green Goodness Juice

2 large organic cucumbers
2 medium sized organic apples or pears
2 lemons
1" piece of ginger
1 good sized head of organic lacinato kale
1 bunch organic flat leaf parsley

Toss all this into your juicer, and enjoy the green goodness. If you don't have a juicer, you can also process this in a heavy duty blender and press it through a fine mesh strainer. You get the most benefits from your green juice if you drink it on an empty stomach and wait 20 minutes before eating any "real" food.

I also enjoy a veggie packed smoothie post workout a few times a week. This smoothie also make a great breakfast.

Vanilla Kale Smoothie


8 oz Unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup non fat or 2% plain greek yogurt
1/2 an organic apple or pear, chopped
1/2 frozen banana
1 cup frozen organic blueberries
1 to 1 1/2 cups chopped organic kale (tough stems removed) you can also use spinach!
1 Tbs raw organic almond butter
1 Tsp agave nectar
1/2 Tsp vanilla extract


Toss all ingredients into a blender and process until smooth. If a thicker consistency is desired, toss in a few ice cubes made with filtered water. Enjoy!

EVERY time I make this smoothie, little one begs me to share it with her. And she doesn't like anything "green." Its just that good. The bottom line is, whether you go all out on a two week cleanse, or just throw some green goodness into your life a few days a week, the more healthy, organic, whole food goes into your mouth and the less processed and refined foods you consume, the better you will look and feel. And who wouldn't want that?

If you are interested in doing a cleanse, or reading up on your juicing techniques here are a few links with lots of resources to help you start your green journey.

Reboot Program
Just Cleansing
My Juice Cleanse

♥Jen

Crafty and Creative: Glamorous Fall Decor

When I opened my mailbox to yet another Pottery Barn catalog over the weekend, I actually had to stop myself from immediately dumping it in the recycle bin as I was captured by this cover image:

What a great way to use pumpkins, and the empty annual planters I've got sitting around now that the gloomy Seattle weather has killed the plants off. Then I recalled seeing this shot on Martha Stewart's Website awhile back...

Then I came across this

and this via pinterest

and that pretty much decided it. The little one and I are totally having a craft day this weekend. We are going to glitterize and glamorize some pumpkins. Yeah. And of course I'll take pictures of the glitter mayhem to share with all of you. And in case you would like to get going on some glittery fall goodness, Martha has a simple how to here.

So thanks for the inspiration, PB. I guess all those catalogs can be good for something after all! 

♥ Jen

photo credits: 1. Pottery barn via jen-uinelyinspired.blogspot.com 2. Marthastewart.com 3 & 4 via pinterest.com

Getting it All Together...

I seem to be on an organizing kick as of late. This was probably prompted by the craziness of the last few weeks, with school starting for both little one and I. I struggled to get it all done: the homework, research for papers and class discussion, dropping off and picking up little one, grocery shopping, meal times, working out, keeping up with blogging, ect. I simply am not able to do it all without a plan. I quickly discovered that I was in desperate need of a time management makeover. So here goes...

Step 1: Organization

I've had various forms of planners or some planning app in my life forever, but they were hardly ever used as they just weren't functional in some facet. The dayplanner was too big to fit in my purse, so it never came with and I wasn't able to jot down notes or new to-do's and appointments as they came up. Running outlook on my blackberry is touch and go, and doesn't transfer information half the time. So I did some research online over the weekend and came up with this:

The myAgenda mini Dayplanner by momAgenda

momAgenda has some excellent downloadable printables that mimic their unique week at a view format, as seen below. So I was able to actually try out the format to see if it worked for me. And it did. I needed something with enough space to plan out my day to day mommy business and study time, as well as space to track all my assignments so nothing is ever lost in the mix. The myAgenda mini is also the perfect size for tossing in my purse: 5" x 7".

I think this well help dramatically with my time management... We shall see!

Second on the organization to-do list is meal planning. I've been meaning to do this for awhile, but it just hasn't happened. My recipes are all over the place, in various books and files on my computer and it just seemed like to much work to pull it all together. Enter ZipList.com. This AWESOME app has both mobile (iphone and android) versions and its main online platform. ZipList allows you to search and save recipes from over 100 different online sources, which you can easily organize by various categories. Then with the click of your mouse, you can add all or individual items from the recipes to your weekly shopping list. This makes me one happy momma! So, menu planning and shopping are all super simplified! In honor of ZipList, I'm committing to a new series, Menu Plan Monday, in addition to my regular Monday post. I'll be sharing with all of you, and the readers of orgjunkie.com, my weekly meal plans.

So, I'll keep you all posted and share my progress on this getting it all together project. Next up: getting rid of the clutter. So excited for that!

♥ Jen

photo credits: momagenda.com

Green Living: Eco-Friendly Beauty Buys

As I mentioned in my post yesterday, the one thing you will always see in makeup trends is flawless skin. This Fall, the look tends to lean towards satin matte. Not quite dewy, not quite matte. Today I'm going to share with you some of my favorite Eco-Friendly cosmetic finds. In case your not quite up on the green lingo, Eco-Friendly as it pertains to cosmetics typically means something that is friendly to both the environment and your skin. Eco-Friendly products are generally made with naturally derived ingredients, many of which are organic. These products will not be tested on animals. Eco-friendly cosmetic products typically contain higher quantities of beneficial and naturally occurring antioxidants,vitamins, and minerals as well as good for you botanicals, essential oils, and fruit or marine extracts.

Eco-friendly products typically do not include many of the potentially carcinogenic ingredients which are commonly found in commercial cosmetics and skincare products. Some of these potentially harmful ingredients are GMO's (genetically modified organisms), parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic dyes and fragrances.

Many of the companies that produce eco-friendly products also tend to be more environmentally conscious in general. They tend to use recycled or biodegradable packaging and manufacturing processes with a lower carbon footprint.

Now that you've got a bit of a background on Eco-friendly products, without further adieu here are some of my personal faves in the beauty category for achieving that flawless skin look:

Primer

Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Primer

Silicone-free, skin-perfecting face primer that helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and instantly provides an even and perfected skin surface for long-lasting make-up wear. 

Tinted Moisturizer

Tarte Smooth Operator

This weightless, oil-free base comes in a variety of shades and blends seamlessly into skin.  It provides light, sheer coverage to hide minor imperfections and discoloration, with an even natural finish.

Concealer

Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Concealer

This waterproof full-coverage concealer combines the calming properties of vitamins A & E, and the soothing quality of Amazonian clay to nourish while completely masking discolorations and imperfections for better looking skin. Love this!

Powder/Foundation

Alima Pure Satin Matte Mineral Foundation

This mineral foundation is super smooth and very finely milled. Their shade range includes over 60 colors in a variety of undertones. It evens out your skin tone and texture, smoothing right over pores and fine lines. And it is completely natural. Best of all, the Portland based company sells samples sizes of every single powder product in their line {which includes their foundation, color correcting powder, powder primer, finishing powder, concealer, bronzer, blush, and shadow} for $1.50, so you can try before you commit to buying the full size. All of their packaging is recyclable and they ship in eco-friendly biodegradable and recyclable packaging. This product line blows all other mineral foundations out of the water in quality. LOVE.

So there you have it. My personal favorites. All of which I use on a regular, if not daily basis. You can wear just the tinted moisturizer and concealer where needed for a super-natural no make-up look, or finish it with the powder to achieve that satiny matte complexion. These four items are really all you need to beautify your complexion, conscientiously. Of course this post wouldn't be complete without reminding you that you also need to keep a solid skincare routine {more on that to come!} and wear sunscreen daily, as well as take care of your beautiful self on the inside by eating a healthy diet {including lots of leafy greens! They help to alkalize your body which keeps skin clear and glowing- more on the greens later this week} and {sigh} exercise. 

♥Jen

The Sultry Shades of Fall

The Metallic Smokey Eye at Roberto Cavalli...

Dior 5 Couleurs Couture Colour Eyeshadow Palette in Mitzah via Sephora.com

A Bold Red Lip at Pamella Roland...

Laura Mercier Lipstick in Sangria

Deep Wine Polish at Chanel....

Essie Nail Polish in Carry On

Graphic Liner at D&G...

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liner Pen

Flushed Peach Cheeks and Lips at Jenny Packham...

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Cabo Coral

Many of you who know me personally know my weakness for make-up. I was a freelance artist for several years before the little one was born. So naturally, along with following the fall runway fashion trends, I'll also keep you up to date on the beauty trends as well. The latest and greatest beauty trends for fall 2011 run the make-up gamut: from bold metallic smokey eyes in shades of gunmetal and bronze to lush bold brows, graphic liner, flawless skin, and deeply coloured nails. The bold looks borne of the 1960's and 1970's are an obvious influence this fall season. Extremes from bold and deep hues for eyes and lips to nude shades for skin, eyes, and lips are all trending for fall.

What I love most about all of these looks though is this: they are all wearable on everyone. {Yes, my dears... that means even you too should gutsy up and pull out that bold lipstick!} My favorite looks are probably the bold lip and nails and the flushed peachy blush and lip. However, if I have an occasion to rock a bold metallic charcoal eye this fall you better believe I'll jump right on it. The one unifyer in all of the looks was this: a satiny, flawless complexion. Not quite matte, definitely not dewy, but flawless nonetheless. So grab your concealer and some perfecting powder, because regardless of what look you choose to wear this fall making sure your complexion looks fresh and even is going to be essential. If your still on the search for your perfect make-up match, I just got my hands on some fantastic new goodies which I'll share with you later this week. 

♥ Jen

Monday Love...

Beginning every week with a bit of inspiration...

"You can do everything... 

                       Because you don't have to do everything perfectly."

~Jenna Lyons

This is my new personal mantra. After a somewhat hectic first week of classes for myself {Boy, do I wish I was studying butterflies! And apologies for the lack of posts}personal/family commitments, normal mommy stuff (cooking, cleaning, shopping, ect) all the while with one car in the shop, I can certainly say that having a little bit of healthy perspective definitely makes it all seem a little more doable. 

Have a great week!

♥Jen

photo credit: pinterest

    

Club Monaco Fall Collection: Exclusive Sneak Peak via The City Sage

Love. Club Monaco. My sister and I used to drive 3 hours to Vancouver to shop there. Now they have a store in Seattle, so it saves me some gas. But not any money. Because they are closer- And I tend to imagine the store as an extension of my closet. I may have to hide my wallet from myself.

Ann from the City Sage happened to get an exclusive first look at the second wave of Club Monaco's fantastic Fall 2011 collection. View it here. Drool with me. I'll feel better.

Thanks for the sneak peek Ann.

♥ Jen

Homemade: Organic Muesli Bars

Yup... I found a recipe, and they came out amazing. So simple and so good {and good for you, but don't tell the munchkin!} I finally came across this recipie on a fantastic organic food and lifestyle blog, Easy Peasy Organic. And don't go blog cruisin' hungry because all of her recipes sound fantastic! Plus the author is pretty hilarious and has a great, inspiring backstory. Follow the link for the whole recipe!

Super-Dooper Homemade Muesli Bars via Easy Peasy Organic

Enjoy!

♥Jen

Monday Love

Some true words to start your work week right.

Make sure through all the hustle and bustle of life, to take the time to treasure your little moments.

♥ Jen

photo credit: Pinterest via Rue Magazine 

Red, Red, Wine...

As the days get cooler by the minute, I'm noting that I am definitely being drawn to the gorgeous, deep red tones of fall. From lush burgundy flowers, to a full glass of Bordeaux, to an intoxicating plum room, to the perfect red lip... The depth and richness of that deep, dark, perfect shade of crimson is definitely right on, right now.

 Definitely Love.

♥ Jen

photo credits: all via pinterest.com

For Mom

There are not enough words to express how thankful I am to have you in my life. I'm incredibly blessed to have you as both a Mother and best friend. You are the most amazing Mom {and Mimi.} I love you so much. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! ♥

The Greater Good

I think its clear to anyone who knows me, or who has spent anytime browsing through this blog, that I love pretty things. Clothes, shoes, furniture, food... stuff. Why do I love pretty things? Because I was blessed to be born into a country, a family, and a culture where my everyday basic needs: food, shelter, physical safety and security... all of these were a "given;" Ever-present to the point that such essentials are easily taken for granted. And then, every so often... very gently and simply, I am blessed with a reminder of all that I have already been given. I remember to not only be thankful for what I have, but of how important it is to share of those blessings.

I came across one of those reminders in the site simple mom while searching for a recipe today. A recipe to make organic snack bars for my beautiful little girl, who hopefully will never know what it means to truly want for anything. While I didn't find the recipe here, I was inspired by this authors purpose. She works with a christian ministry called Compassion International who's purpose is to advocate for children to release them from physical, social, economic, and spiritual poverty. While Compassion is a Christian mission and every child who participates in a program is given the opportunity to learn about Jesus and discover how to develop a lifelong relationship with God, they do not require that any child subscribe to their religious beliefs in order to receive aid. Their commitment is to model their ministry after the true ministry of Jesus Christ, and Jesus healed, fed, clothed, and loved without discrimination, period.

So while I appreciate you taking my word on how touching reading through her site was, I would highly encourage you to read through this interview exchange  with Third World Symphony, a band also involved with the Ministry. Here are some excerpts which definitely spoke to me:

"...I'm not talking about intentionally living in poverty because of guilt- It's that contentment that contentment of just having enough. Not always wanting the next, the better, the newer. I'm learning daily to reconcile who I am as an American-it's not my fault I was born here-yet not buying into our culture that what we have isn't quite enough for our family. I still struggle with it. I love our tiny home and our one bathroom and our little living room, until we go to a friends house for dinner and they've got twice as much space and newer everything. And then I feel lame for a few days. I shake it off, rinse, repeat..."

"…I’ve told you before, my favorite song on this new album is Enough. Obviously it comes from Proverbs, about finding that sweet spot between poverty and riches. I’m pretty sure one of the reasons I love this song so much is because this particular verse… drives a lot of my decisions as I run SLM to be a blessing to both my family and the other editors’ families. I don’t write and write and write for gold-plated toilet paper and an out-of-control mortgage.

I write and work alongside Kyle so that we can have enough. To live in that sweet spot where our work doesn't rule us, but where we can eat our daily bread and thank God for warm beds while still remembering Who it is that daily provides...” 

 "...the song Enough is based on Proverbs 30:7-9. Those verses changed my life by changing the questions I ask myself. I stopped asking ‘How much is enough?‘ and started asking ‘Is God enough? If God and food for today are enough to make me happy, then I can give up anything God wants to make someone else happy. To give them food, medicine, education, a vocation, freedom, an opportunity to hear about God’s love for them.

 I didn’t build a ginormous house because 1400 square feet wasn’t enough for me. I didn’t own a dozen pair of $300 jeans made by slaves because the three pair of secondhand ones weren’t enough for me. I did it because daily bread and God weren’t enough for me. I’m ashamed to admit it, but some days that’s still true..."

"Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I befull and deny you and say, "Who is the LORD?" or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God." -Proverbs 30:7-9

Enough by shaungroves

Lots to think about I know, but pretty simple to take action on. Relate what $40 a month can do or buy in your own everyday life. Can you skimp on a latte here or there, or not buy that new shirt? I think its completely achievable, and I know that small contribution every month can make a much bigger impact elsewhere. Today, Isabella and I are both going to pick out a child to sponsor. For her, hopefully it will put a face to the reality of poverty, and hopefully help her to better understand her responsibility in the need versus want equation ever present in our sheltered American lives. If you'd like to join us, simply click here or the on the link in the sidebar. 

With that, I wish you all an excellent {hopefully sunny}weekend. Spend some time enjoying your world, family, and friends, or just some quality time with yourself. Just be sure to fit some joy and gratitude in there somewhere. 

♥Jen


photo credit: simplemom.net

I've Got a Crush On...

To start your Weekend on a pretty note... Take a gander at Blake Lively in Chanel's current handbag campaign. Seriously, could she {or those handbags} be anymore gorgeous?

I sincerely think not...

Happy Friday!

♥ Jen

photo credits: pinterest

Look For Less: NYFW

photo credit: The Glitter Guide Tumblr

After flipping through all the photos for yesterdays post, I felt rather inspired to do a look for less ensemble taking a cue from all those street smart fashonistas who rocked their looks last week. Appropriate for dinner out or an evening event, I designed a couple of looks... all with pieces under $150 each. Definitely doable!

Look 1: Golden Glamour

Bright pants and a sequined tee, simple and stylish. 

Cropped Pants by J.Crew $118
Sequined Tee by Reiss $125

Pumps by Ivanka Trump $120

Clutch by Banana Republic $49.50

Bracelet by Lauren Ralph Lauren $50

Look #2 Daytime to Date Time

With suede leggings, a silk top, velvet jacket, and patent pumps, this look is all about touchable texture. 

Hue Microsuede Leggings in Espresso $38

Silk Bookmark Blouse in Bench Green by Madewell $110

Silk Velvet Cowl Blazer by Asos $73

Cara Accessories Round Statement Necklace in Gold $43

Gabriella Rocha Quilla Pumps in Burgundy Patent $59

Rachel Rachel Roy Small Leopard Clutch in Tan $59

I can tell I've been really engrossed in fashion this week. Every night as I lay my weary little head down to sleep, visions of super cute outfits begin dancing in my head... Ah, well... who needs sleep anyway.

♥ Jen

Street Spotting: NYFW Street Style

The blog world has been abuzz for the past week with all that beauty and style that is New York Fashion Week.  While the runways are always a dazzling thing to behold, what I find sometimes even more interesting is what people wear to the shows. So with no further adieu, here are just a few shots of some of the fashonistas who were lucky enough to attend the SS12 shows.

Love these shoes!

and my fave look...

Loving the long and lean look of this ensemble, and the bold blazer is an excellent touch. And its amazing to me that with the obvious black/orange color palette, this outfit still reads as chic... rather than landing a fashion snafu by veering into the Halloween department. I'd would wear the whole look. As you can see from  this little peek into the fashion world, two things seemed to be everywhere: color and animal prints. Fun!

♥ Jen

photo credits: all via pinterest

The IT List: Accessories!

As previously mentioned, I love Fall. I also ♥ me some accessories. Actually, its more like I have a slight addiction to accessories. Particularly shoes... and bags... and jewels... Ah, yeah, pretty much everything. It was hard to whittle this list down to a manageable few... but after much contemplation, here is the result. A tightly edited list of all the Autumn prettiness that I want {need} to add to my wardrobe for fall, and beyond.

1. Very Volatile Wedge Booties in Gray

2. Stella and Dot Starry Night Necklace

3. Mini Rams Horn Necklace by Belle Noel

4. Vince Camuto Bootie in Black Leather

5. Rebecca Minkoff Affair Quilted Handbag

6. Frye Cameron Flap Satchel in Taupe

7. Rebecca Minkoff Red Patent MAC Clutch

8. Vince Camuto Elanie Pumps

9. ASOS Gold Domed Cocktail Ring

10. Betsey Johnson Big Links Chain

11. Lauren by Ralph Lauren La Plage Double-Strand Link Bangle

12. Frye Dorado Riding Boots in Dark Brown

13. J Crew Skinny Patent Leather Belt in Golden Amber

With so much bold color floating around this fall, the accessories need to ground your looks. Accessory silhouettes are classic and streamlined, or strong and architectural. Perfect to mix and match with whatever fabulous fall outfit you have planned for the day. 

I'm picturing the riding boots with a boldly colored shift dress and gray ribbed tights, or jeans and a tee. I'd wear the leopard print heels with just about anything, but they would be a knockout with bright skinny jeans a slouchy white tee, the gold link bracelet, and the mustard yellow belt. Or spin those same accessories for work with a pencil skirt and a button down. 

The gray wedge booties get and A+ for walkability as well as overall versatility. Throw them on with jeans, a floaty floral blouse, the satchel, and add the layered necklaces for the 70's boho vibe. Black leather leggings, a striped tee, and blazer garner you downtown chic. 

The black booties you can wear with anything and everything. The red crossbody/clutch adds the perfect punch of color to your more neutral looks, while the black shoulder bag works hard for your work looks, and  transitions right on into evening. 

Overall, I can't wait to get my hands on some of the pieces here. What are your must have accessories for this fall? 

♥ Jen

photo via here