Small protein bars are usually quite expensive in organic stores and juice shops. I really like them as they make a wonderful quick and healthy meal for a young mum who never stops. I often just grab a protein bar and run out with Anabela to park as she rarely lets me eat full meal sitting down while we are home alone (which is often).
Today I tried (and seems like succeeded) to make my own protein bars with no baking and fancy ingredients. I actually had all of the ingredients at home and you can really use any oats and nuts you like in the amounts you like. The important thing is that you add enough 'wet' ingredients to keep grains and nuts together into a bar.
These bars are baby friendly (14 months +), make sure you already tested nuts on your child before and that they aren't alergic to any of the ingredients! I gave Anabela small pieces (with no whole nuts) to try and she absolutely loved it!
INGREDIENTS
1 cup of oats
Handful of walnuts
Handful of hazelnuts
Handful of almonds
Half handful of pistachios
Handful of sliced almonds
Handful of cranberries
Half handful of sunflower seeds
2 big spoons full of almond or peanut butter
2 big spoons full of coconut oil
1 cup of dates (presoak during night in a bowl of water)
1 spoon full of honey or agave syrup
DIRECTIONS
0 - Presoak the dates in the bowl of water night before.
1. Spread the nuts and grains over baking paper evenly edge to edge in a small square pan about 1cm in hight (or as tall you want your bars to be).
2. Remove the pits from the dates and mix them with blender with a spoon full of honey or agave syrup until it looks like a smooth paste.
3. Melt coconut oil and almond or peanut butter over medium to low heat stirring continuously so it doesn't burn.
4. Combine dates paste and melted oil mixture and spread it over the nuts and grains in the pan. Press with spoon and make sure all is evenly coated and there are no spots where grains are not covered with wet mixture.
5. Place in freezer for 30 minutes or in fridge for a couple of hours. Cut the firm bar into even square pieces, wrap individual bars with baking paper and tie them around for a quick and healthy bite on the go.
Let me know how you like this ladies if you decide to try it! :)
When we were deciding on which country and city to move to a number of years ago now, being close to the beach along with the fabulous weather and world known charm Barcelona was an obvious choice. Being at or close to the beach cures my soul I feel. It brings the tranquility to my body and mind and it clarifies it better and quicker then any spa treatment or yoga class. This is why, whenever I can I do my weekend planning session at the beach.
Before having Anabela I used to just take my dog, a blanket, my planner and some water and drove to the Gava Mar beach early in the morning on Saturday. Out of season there is barely anyone there, especially if it's windy. I don't mind wind at all (although my hair and my hat did at this particular shoot 😃 ).
I recently got this beautiful, airy white off shoulder midi dress with frills by Uterque and it made a perfect 'back to beach planning' outfit for this shoot. I combined it with my super old Rugby Ralph Lauren belt and leopard print espadrilles for the first look.
For the second look I combined Zara head scarf and Miyuu Barcelona custom pink leather bucket bag with chain belt. I ordered this handbag from designer and it's one of a kind. She made it with a piece of Moroccan carpet which gives it a pop of color and unique texture.
Last Summer I got this fabulous wide rim custom hat from Talliya Couture , but since my toddler tries to play with it often I spent all Summer straightening the rim with books in order to be able to wear it again! Although super gentle, this is my favorite beach hat. I wear it with head scarf bellow to prevent it from flying away on a windy day.
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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.
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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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