I haven't posted in a while as my one year old toddler Anabela decided to stop sleeping through nights so I am living on 2-3 hours of sleep per day for weeks now. However I did manage to prepare a quick cookbook with simple baby recipes for ages 0-2 and a DIY educational quite book I have been working for weeks now one page at the time. Both will be posted next week.
Today I am jumping right back to posting with this simple Spring one pan recipe! It makes it so much easier when you don't have to use and get dirty to much dishes. I didn't use to cook pork very often but since I explored some new, fruity recipes I add organic pork chops to our menu once per month for sure.
I prepared this dish for dinner tonight. It was quick and super easy, using foods and spices most of us always have at home. Total prep and cook time was 20 minutes at the most. My side dish today was mashed potatoes which I peeled and set to cook first. When potatoes were cooked I just added a tad of butter, milk and added some salt, pepper and fresh cilantro.
INGREDIENTS
-2 tbsp olive oil- 4-6 boneless pork chops
- 3/4 cup of low sodium chicken stock (I added beef stock but you can also use vegeta in hot water)
- 2 medium apples (thinly cut)
- 1 small red onion (thinly cut)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh or dry sage
- 1.5 tsp of rosemary chopped (or a couple of branches of fresh)
- 0.5 tsp of freshly thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. If you decide to do mash potatoes as a side dish, start with cooking potatoes. Thinly slice red onion and apples.2. Season pork chops on both side with salt and pepper. Warm 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet or a pan over medium heat.
3. Add pork chops and sear them 3-4 minutes each side depending on thickness. Set pork chops aside on a warm plate.
4. Wish together chicken stock and mustard. Set it aside.
5. Add 1 more tbsp of olive oil to the pan and add apples and onion, cook until soft for about 5 minutes, steering gently over medium high heat. Season with all the spices: salt, pepper, sage, rosemary and thyme. Poor in mixture of stock and mustard.
6. Add pork chops back in the pan. Cook for about 3 more minutes until there is half less liquid then you started with. Serve with mash potatoes.
Bon appetite ladies! :)
 |
| A defiant girl statue in front of Wall Street's iconic charging bull |
feminism
ˈfɛmɪnɪz(ə)m/
noun
- the advocacy of women's rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes.
MY STORY
Although I grew up in war torn country in rather traditional environment I stubbornly held my own and fought my way through life against many odds that would usually affect a little girl in my shoes.At friends birthday party in elementary school I told my friends mom I started playing basketball, she told me that I can hurt myself and that it's a boys game.
I started playing for first, professional team when I was 16.
When I was 15 I told my grandparents that I am planning to go to university in US on basketball scholarship, I was told I am 'dreaming' and that I will never get married.
I was on a plane to US university alone 3 years later with full academic scholarship.
When my parents were spending beyond their means for great quality basketball shoes, our extended family commented that they are spoiling me and that I am having to many activities.
Years later these same family members were collecting media articles about me.
Days after graduating my academic advisors were telling me to stay 'close to basketball' because fashion industry is to competitive and New York is expensive.
I got a job and moved closer to New York a week after graduating.
Few years into working a several jobs I earned a lot. The gossip was that I had money cause I dated a guy from Wall Street.
I left that guy because he was emotionally abusive and he failed me way to many times.
I worked my ass off, built my self-esteem and leadership skills through playing and excelling in sport all while maintaining my Vogue subscription (so no, your daughter will not become manly from playing sports), I spoke up even when I was scared and when it wasn't appropriate, I left abusive relationship, I spent way to much money to maintain long distance relationships, loved to much and made many mistakes, some of which have marked me for life but I would do it all again because it was very much worth of it. I feel like I am equipped now to raise my daughter Anabela to be strong, happy, fearless and independent women.
WHY DO WE FIGHT FOR WOMEN RIGHTS TODAY?
I know many well educated and independent women who frown upon the word feminist. They usually say they feel like they live happy fulfilled lives and don't see why they should be vocal or protest for rights of women 'somewhere else'. So let's see why today, in 21 ct. many women feel like they are not treated and considered as equally valuable part of this society as man are:
- 1 in 3 women across the world experiencing violence
- Over 700 million women alive today were married when they were under 18, and of those some 250 million were married before they were 15
- Around 1 in 10 (120 million) girls worldwide have experienced sexual violence at some point in their lives
- Over 1/3 of women have experienced physical/sexual violence by a partner and/or sexual violence by a non-partner in their lifetime
- Globally, women make up just 22% of parliamentarians
- In most countries earning on average 60 - 75% of men’s wages
- Women are spending twice to ten times more time a day on unpaid care work than men
THE FUTURE IS FEMALE
The original “The Future Is Female” T-shirt design was made for Labyris Books, the first women’s bookstore in New York City, which was opened in 1972 by Jane Lurie and Marizel Rios.
This slogan has lasted through the decades and is reemerging as an empowering statement for all, as female-identified bodies and rights remain under attack. Inflexible and compulsory sexual and gender binaries are used to oppress and deny people their humanity and agency.
Now this shirt is sold by Otherwild to benefit planned parenthood. Otherwild believes in an inclusive, expanded and fluid notion of gender expression, identities and feminisms.
FEMINIST FASHION
Feminism in fashion is not a new concept to promote, fashion has been used as art form to express, promote and support female rights for centuries.
In recent years as the world is pedaling backwards (unfortunately) and basic human rights and help have been denied and questioned to the least protected of us, women around the world are again using fashion as one of the means to protest and remind that even now in 21ct. women are still not fairly treated by laws and society overall in cases of equal pay, work life balance when they choose to be mothers, right to abortion when it's needed, legal and all other protection when exposed to violence etc.
In today's day and age, the way I see it, every decent human being should be proud to be a feminist.
Shop feminist fashion, sales out of many of which are going towards female non-profit organizations:
After a short posting break I am excited to share photos of a fabulous, one of a kind (really, no other like it, the designer made one piece) handmade sweater by Slovenian designer based in Barcelona - Miro Misljen. With the weather we had in Barcelona last few weeks it really is starting to feel like Spring so this post is absolutely appropriate with so much vivid colors.
I already wrote about Miro's pieces in my recent posts where I wore green-floral vest with unfinished lining from his Fall collection.
This sweater is somewhat an homage to designer who made it. It has plastic numbers 1987 marking the year of his birth as well as dozen hand knitted flowers, butterflies and beads hand stitched up front along with word Love symbolizing mantra behind each of his collections.
Miro is a true slow fashion ambassador and a maker, he makes unique pieces by hand-painting, embroidering or knitting them. He aims to design and produce sustainable slow fashion pieces of a high quality for women who don't mind standing out with their fashion choices.
The sweater has a bottom front pocket with article about the designer printed on fabric and recycled, then made into a small pocket.
All photos by Andrina Peric
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My feelings about preparing fish were similar to those I had about preparing pork which would very often came out to dry. Since I had Anabela I got motivated to incorporate more fish and less meat into our weekly menu and I learned that preparing fish is simpler and quicker then preparing any other meat!
It will take you 20-25 minutes all together to prepare and finish this healthy meal! 😃
Basic tips for baking, sautéing or pan frying fish fillets
- Rinse fish and pat it dry with paper towels (important step!)
- Always use non stick frying pan
- Place fish skin side down when baking or frying
- For crispy skin pan fry the fish over heated 1tbsp olive oil 2-3 min each side until golden brown
- Bake fish in preheated oven on baking paper on 230 C or 450 F for 10 min per inch of thickness
- Tuck in thinner parts of meat (toward the tail) so they don't burn
- The fish is well baked when you can seperate the meat in flakes
INGREDIENTS
2 Ibs/1 kg of white fish (cod, tilapia etc.)3/4 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup of drained olives or capers
1 lemon (zest cut into thin strips)
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes / powder (optional)
1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley
salt & pepper to taste
Side dish:
1 cup brown rice
1 cup green beans or other vegetable
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 200 C/400 F.2. Place 1 cup of brown rice and 2 cups of water in wide pot, add salt to taste and set timer to cook for 15 min.
2. Place the fish in the small glass roasting pan, poor white wine into the pan (to reach up to half hight of the fish).
3. Use vegetable peeler to grate lemon zest stripes. Scatter olives or capers along with lemon zest around the fish. Drizzle with olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bake fish for up to 20 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
5. Serve over brown rice with a side of steamed vegetables of your choice, we usually go with green beans.
How often do you prepare and eat fish?
Over here in Barcelona people it fish very frequently and prepare it wonderfully.
Unless your bridesmaids happen to be exactly the same age, height and body build, it is difficult to find a universally attractive dress to flatter all of them. If you feel strongly that all bridesmaids need to wear the same exact dress, stylists generally agree that an A-line silhouette that starts narrow at the waist and flares towards the hem is the most universally flattering. They are the best compromise, but must be fitted properly to make sure they do not pull at the hips. Floor-length A-line dresses are generally the easiest to make look good on all figure types.
That said, the days when bridesmaids had to wear the same exact gowns have passed. It is now very common to see a bridal party wearing the same or similar color dresses in several different styles.
Which gowns best fit each body type?
Petite bridesmaids can wear many styles including A-line, sheaths, empire waists and trumpets as long as they are structured. Stylists recommend petite bridesmaids wear open, sexier necklines that are strapless or off the shoulder. If they wear sleeves, they should be ¾ length to make the arms appear longer.
Lean and straight figures look great in almost everything. Mermaid dresses are not forgiving on other bodies, but were made for the straight, lean ones. High necklines look excellent with full a-line skirts, and this is the one body type that generally looks amazing in crop tops with many different kinds of skirts. Most sleeve types and necklines work for lean and straight bodies, primarily dependent on height.
Plus size and busty bridesmaids need to choose gowns that accentuate the areas where they want attention and de-emphasize those that they’d rather conceal. Structured fabrics that don’t cling are best, but can have an embroidered or sheer overlay. As previously mentioned the A-line dress is best for plus-size figures with an empire waist as the next best option.
THE FABRICS
Most bridesmaid dresses are primarily made of one of three fabrics: taffeta, chiffon or satin. Taffeta is the most structured but also the warmest to wear, so it is commonly chosen for cooler weather weddings. Airy chiffon, like all three fabrics, can be worn any time of year, but is cooler and thus popular in late spring and summer. Satin is classic and associated with formality. It can be extremely unforgiving in photos, though, so it should only be worn on any figure when properly fitted.
Other fabrics that contribute texture and style to bridesmaid dresses include organza and tulle. Embroidery, lace and beading can enhance (and sometimes hide!) figure features. And of course, design elements like rushing, pleats and folds can work to some bridesmaids’ advantage.
THE COLOR
The most universally flattering colors are monochromatic and deeply saturated – navy blue, burgundy, black and coral for example. In the lighter shades, mint green and blush tones like champagne, ivory and pale mauve look great on most folks. You can just pick one that you love and allow your attendants to choose a shade of that color that works best for them. Six bridesmaids in tones that complement your palette and styles of gowns that make them feel beautiful and confident could be your wedding day dreams come true.
Photo source Christa Rae Photography
For the location of this shoot I choose a unique concept store in my neighborhood Luzio. Luzio was opened in 2006 by MarÃa José Gómez and Maximiliano Zigart so last year the shop celebrated 10 year anniversary.
Luzio is a first luxurious concept store in Barcelona with over 800 m2 of space in exclusive Turo Park neighborhood with unique experience which represents a delight to all five human senses: sight , touch, hearing and smell.
The venue includes a luxurious home decor and furniture shop, flower shop and a Brooklyn style restaurant Iluzione opened on shop's 10th anniversary.
If you get a chance to visit Barcelona be sure to visit and experience this exquisite shop where you can buy high quality home-wear and accessory carefully curated by Luzio's experienced team of buyers.
MIRO MIÅ LJEN DESIGN
As a base of my outfit I choose Miro Mišljen Design vest with unfinished seems.The front of the vest is flared outwards and it ties in waist with a ribbon with two side front pockets. The vest is made out of two different materials, front one is soft dark green checkered material while the back is made out of thicker carpet like wool in floral print, resembling embroidery.
Miro Misljen is one of the most popular Slovenian fashion designers, he studied interior design but fashion was his love since the early childhood.
Miro opened his first boutique when he was only twenty years old and since has been favorite designer of Slovenian celebrities. He is known as a 'bad boy' of fashion as his shows are often shocking and designed to carry a social or artistic message. He is known as an extravagant and somewhat eccentric designer.
Miro is forever inspired by love and people living on margins of society, he always searches for new ways to combine fashion and art.
I purchased the vest as I loved this carpet floral material on the back and I saw myself wearing it with white bell sleeve blouses or grey t/shirt and high waisted black jeans.
ACCESSORY
Hats are one of the accessory I wear the most! I got lots of hats and I choose them carefully. The green wool hat I am wearing in this post is by MIYUU Barcelona . Handbag I am wearing is a super-hero handbag by Croatian brand Hero4Heroes. My ID bag saids my super power is being Anabela's mum which is really the truth as this 'job' takes more energy then anything else I ever have done!Whenever I wear this handbag I see people sitting next to me reading from an ID card that is on the front of the bag and smiling! 😃
The brand Hero4Heroes is based in Rijeka, Croatia. It represents a positive fashion spirit for true everyday heroines dressed up from head to toe. Designer Marijana Hero mostly designs unique, one of a kind pieces that are partly or fully hand painted on silk.
Her designs are embellished with pearls and faux gemstones. The brand is known for it's bright and cheerful spirit and using colors and fabrications in full rainbow color pallet.
When it comes to jewelry I wear necklaces the most but I also like statement rings like the Trendcy ring I have on the photo bellow.
I decorated the vest with vintage pins I collected over years, most of which I purchased on various yard sales and in antique shops in New York, each has it's own story. For example, this long wooden needle pin is from my grandmother and it was worn as a pin on red checkered Scottish pleated skirt.
For the past 2 years since I found some fabulous ear cuffs I wear those whenever I am going somewhere without Anabela as she always pulls it when I carry her. The bronze color floral ear-cuff I am wearing on the photo bellow is from H&M, I got it in late 2015.
I also own a fair number of choker necklaces and my favorite one are velvet ones, I have a couple of those simple chokers from Asos.
All photos: Andrina Peric
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This has happened to me million times when preparing a grilled chicken for salad or my diet meal of grilled chicken and steamed vegetable until Mrs. Deb whom I babysat for taught me to brine the chicken.
Five steps to making great, moist and juicy chicken breasts are:
1 - Brining & drying
2 - Brushing
3 - Rubbing
4 - Roasting
5 - Resting
I promise you, once you try this simple and fast way of preparing chicken breasts it will make your cooking choices so much easier as you can prepare ahead and use it next day in a salad or switch up the side dish and have several meals ready at once.
INGREDIENTS
Boneless chicken breastsOlive oil or melted butter
Salt and pepper
Powdered sweet red paprika
Optional: garlic powder
The recipe is simple.
DIRECTIONS
1. BRINING: place chicken breasts in warm (not hot) water in which you mixed until dissolved 1 large spoon full of salt and keep it in the water for minimum 15 minutes and maximum 6 hours (if you are preparing it for dinner or day later.
IMPORTANT! Rinse each piece of chicken breasts in cold water and DRY each piece with paper towel on both sides.
2. BRUSHING: brush the chicken generously with melted butter on both sides. If you prefer low calorie version use olive oil instead.
3. RUBBING: Mix together salt, pepper, sweet paprika and powdered garlic. Rub the spice mixture generously on both sides of the each chicken breasts.
For low fat version you can just use salt and pepper and squeeze some lemon juice over the meat and add a couple of slices of lemon around it in the dish while baking. You could also add fresh rosemary or other spices you like.
4. ROASTING: Warm up the oven to 230C/450 F. Line the dish with baking paper and place chicken breasts on it with leaving enough room in between each piece. Bake for 15 minutes.
5. RESTING: Before you dig in, let the chicken breasts rest for 5-10 minutes this will make them soft and moist.
SIDE DISH IDEAS
As a side dish I often serve gnocchi with creamy mushroom sauce. You can also just slice the chicken and add it into a green leaf salad with tomato and brushed Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, you can serve it with steamed vegetables (broccoli and green beans) and if you still don't want to eat chicken without a sauce you can mix honey and mustard and dip chicken in honey mustard sauce. 😃
Earlier this week I went to visit one of the most fabulous places in the city - Bellavista del Jardin del Norte. It is a small town or as here in Spain we would call it El Pueblo hugged together into an adorable restaurant perfect for group dinners and family gatherings. Guaranteed to make a lasting impression with every single little detail well thought off the place looks and feels as if you are walking into a book.
BELLAVISTA DEL JARDIN DEL NORTE - BARCELONA
There are abundant of beautiful restaurants and cafes in Barcelona but Bellavista del Jardin del Norte offers unique experience indeed with a game room, arcades, record player, barbershop, a place to buy and post postcards and oouu not to mention delicious red velvet cake and beautiful green patio on the back.
Instapix Polaroid Camera | LaKatWalk 2017 Planner
DIY DENIM JACKET
Couple of years back I got this basic boxy denim jacket from Zara for Summer and never really wore it much. Now after having Anabela I embroidered a couple of her dresses and denim shirts with her name and various cute patterns and decided to decorate this (now somewhat small on me due to recent pregnancy) jacket I never got to wear and give it a new life!
First I got a number of iron-on patches from various online sites and then I outlined the LaKatWalk logo on the back by using the print out of a decorative font I found online and printed it out in large bold font on A4 paper horizontally. I cut it out precisely with xacto knife and outlined with special pen which disappears in wash, but you can also use a regular white chock pen.
Then, I got a shinny gold embroidery thread, round embroidery frame and started tracing the letters with a thread to create a frame, next I filled it across using cross stitching technique and voila! Few days later I had 'LaKatWalk' embroidered on the back! 😃 I was working on it about half an hour a day when Anabela was sleeping at night but if you have time to sit down and do it, you can certainly do it in one day.
OOTD - DRESS OVER PANTS
Dress over pants is not a look that I would regularly wear but I decided to give it a try given that I live in Barcelona which doesn't really have a true Winter and my closet is packed with cross seasonal clothing like this pin stripped asymmetrical shirt-dress. I am not a fan of wearing heavy Winter coats but I do enjoy layering clothing into interesting outfits so for this casual look I decided to highlight the DIY jacket while underneath I wore coated rose gold skinny ankle length pants, nude camisole and mentioned pin stripe collared dress.
When it comes to choosing accessory I went with pink camera bag from & Other Stories and pink unicorn Startas sneakers. The only jewelry I wore was Trendcy ear-cuff with matching stud earring while I tied dress belt as a neck scarf.
Have you ever embroidered before? How do you give a new life to your old clothing pieces?
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