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Filtering by Category: Lifestyle
Welcome to February, angels. A fresh blog post has been a long time coming, but 2021 left me feeling defeated and just overall… uninspired. Now that we’re back in the swing of things, the sun is finally shining and I'm moving my body again, I'm feeling a little more invigorated and energized, so we're back with a fresh February vibe check.
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Well, it wouldn’t be December if we didn’t have any gift guides, now would it?? If you’re feeling anything like me, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed with all the sales and gift options all over the place, so my hope with these guides is to make it a *little* easier for you to shop for everyone on your list.
If you have any specific gift ideas you’re looking for, I’m happy to help, just let me know! Without further adieu, let the holiday shopping begin!
Gilles & Bassier | Trudon Candle | Croissant Hoops | Fizz Glassses | Beast Health Blender | Diptyque Philosykos eau de parfum | Sculptural Vase | Move Diffuser (promo code vitruvixlinnea) | Ganni Toque | Onyx Bookends | Vintage Breadboard | Matte Black Cutlery (promo code LINNEA10OFF)
Baloo Weighted Blanket | Le Labo Room Spray | Interiors Atelier AM | Belgian Linen Dining Set (promo code LINNEA10OFF) | Electric Kettle | Diamond Letter Pendant | Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm | Slip Silk Pillowcase | Glass Vase Set | Bach Dof Glasses | Fluted Candlesticks
Our Place Home Cook Duo | Wavy Vase | Assorted Bud Vases | Cheese Knife Set | Laneige Sleeping Lip Mask | Holiday Essential Oil Kit (promo code vitruvixlinnea) | Amber Coupe Glasses | Pave Signet Ring | Rose Stone Diffuser (promo code vitruvixlinnea) | Golden Light | Dinnerware Set (promo code LINNEA10OFF)
Happy gift giving!
xo
Linnea
Over the past year and a half, the importance of prioritizing mental health has become more and more apparent. For some, that looks like making more time for themselves, building stronger relationships, or rediscovering what actually serves them and brings fulfillment.
Pictured: The Jordan Bouquet
Over the past year and a half, I’ve embraced this time to get to know myself - to find out what I truly enjoy, what I love doing the most, who I love spending time with, where I want to be, and I’ve worked on weeding out the noise that doesn’t serve me. It’s been a time of self reflection, gratitude for the life I have, and appreciation for all of the incredible people I get to surround myself with.
Passions have come to the forefront, and I’ve been lucky enough to combine my passion for design with some of my previous skills, and have ultimately been able to create a role that perfectly aligns with my 'do-it-all' zodiac.
Of course, with discovery and hard work comes exhaustion and burn out. There have been many times throughout this year and a half where I’ve burned the candle at both ends, especially while I was working full time and going to school, and I’ve had to take a moment to just breathe.
To help with this, I now prioritize time for myself (hellooooo self dates!), my sleep, and my workouts, and I've also realized how important it is to treat myself to the things I love (good food + dessert, quality time with friends, time outside, you name it). I've accepted the fact that it is okay to rest - my body and my mind crave it, so it’s only fair to ensure I’ve received enough down time.
What’s one of the ways I treat myself, you ask? Hands down, one of my favourite mood boosters is fresh flowers. Maybe it has to do with the fact that my name originates from a flower, but there’s something special about fresh blooms that soothes me. Whether it’s the scent, the bright colours, the texture, or the life they bring to my home, they always seem to boost my mood that much more.
To find fresh, high quality blooms that last, one thing I’ve found is that there aren’t many great florists where I live. Believe it or not, I literally have to drive at least 30-40 minutes to find beautiful blooms that aren’t from a grocery store! Because of this, I’ve relied heavily on Bear’s Blooms. If you haven’t heard of them, they’re a floral delivery service that allows you to choose the bouquet you like (which are ALL so beautifully curated), choose a delivery day, and they deliver them right to your door!
Besides the curated bouquets, the thing that I love most about Bear’s Blooms is that they send you cut stems before they’ve actually bloomed. This means that if you’re not home to receive your delivery, there’s nothing to worry about, because the blooms will come to life as soon as they hit the water. This also ensures that the blooms will last a lot longer than flowers typically found in stores, that are already in bloom. If sustainability is important to you, they also work directly with local farmers to ship in-season flowers, and waste less flowers by buying exactly to order. Talk about flowers that are worth the investment - and trust me, you're worth it.
If you’d like to give Bear’s Blooms a try for yourself, feel free to use my code LINNEACARMEN for $15 off your first bouquet!
It’s time to stop and smell the roses.
Xo
Linnea
This post was in collaboration with Bear’s Blooms. All opinions are my own.
It wouldn’t be 2020 without a switch up during the holidays, now would it? This year, we likely won’t be able to spend much time with our loved ones… and some of us may even have to spend the holidays alone. I realize that I am very lucky to have my immediate family so close by - something I definitely don’t take for granted! But because of these circumstances, whether you’re a gift person or not - gifts may be a little more important than usual to show our appreciation for our loved ones.
This year, I’m doing what I can to support small businesses - both local and across North America. To help you do the same and spread the word about these businesses, I thought I’d share a gift guide, with a focus on shopping small (read: let’s try to spend less on Amazon)! Below you’ll find everything you need to mail or give to your loved ones.
Waffle Knit Throw | Uncle Studios Crewneck | Olive Beanie | Charcoal Diffuser | Fable Ceramic Mug Set | Magnetic Knife Block | Unbreakable Glass-Lined Waterbottle
Let me know what other gifts you’d like to see - I’m always happy to create more guides throughout the month! In the meantime, happy gift giving!
xo
Linnea
Black Friday is pretty much here, and you know what that means! Holiday shopping should be top of mind - especially this week, so you're able to take advantage of all the incredible sales. As usual, here are a few of the sales happening right now from some of my favourite brands, with a focus on shopping small as much as possible.
Mejuri – Their only sale of the year is back, and as always, it's a GOOD ONE! Until December 2, use my link and get one piece for 10% off, 2 pieces for 15% off, or 3 or more pieces for 20% off!! I'm an avid gold jewelry lover, and cannot recommend Mejuri enough for everyday pieces - it's time to invest in yourself!
Vitruvi – If you were looking for a new (or first) diffuser, now is the time to get it! Why not treat yourself to a Terracotta colour, or maybe even a Charcoal Diffuser! Whatever you choose, it's time to pull the trigger, because the entire site is 30% off with my link until November 30th! Some of my favourite Vitruvi essential oils include Pacific, Dusk, Boost, Sleep, Lavender, Grove, Peppermint and Geranium.
The Ordinary – Get ready to shop slow during KNOWvember! Enjoy 23% off sitewide until November 30th. Time to stock up on what your skin really needs!
Well.ca – Up to 50% on over 1000 items!
Summer Fridays – 20% off sitewide with code FRIDAY
Paula’s Choice – From Nov. 25th to Dec. 2nd, get 20% off glowmakers plus free shipping on orders $49 or more.
Fable - Take 10% off $200, 15% off $300, and 20% off orders of $500 or more. Discounts will be applied at checkout!
CF Interiors - It’s very hard to find great furniture in Canada, but CF has some of the best!! Save up to 20% on some of their best products, now until November 30th with promo code BLACKFRIDAY.
Xasmin Interiors – Some of my favourite cushion covers are going on sale!! You better believe I'll be treating myself to a few I've been eyeing. Enjoy 20% off sitewide with code BF20OFF from November 25 to 30, 2020.
Our Place - I’ve been dying to have this Always Pan that literally does it all, so I finally bit the bullet and made the purchase! Get yours for $50 off with code SUPERSALE. Other dining sets are also on major sale!
Hudson & Oak - My favourite planters are on sale!! Shop their planters on sale, and remaining products for 20% off with code PLANTLOVER.
Indigo - Cyber Monday starts on November 30, 2020!
McGee and Co. – Shop one of my faaave stores 20% off sitewide with code SOVERYTHANKFUL until November 30, 2020.
Everlane – Everlane’s annual Black Friday Fund is here! They’re partnering with Feeding America® with the goal to help provide two million meals to people in need, starting off by donating $100K. From Friday through Sunday, they’ll donate $1 for every Everlane order placed.
Girlfriend Collective – Cute, sustainable workout wear - need I say more? Up to 50% off leggings for Black Friday - no code necessary.
Aritzia - Up to 50% select styles in store and online.
Happy shopping!
xo
Linnea
October, I’ve missed you! I feel like October is generally a good month - it’s officially Fall, new routines are in place, and pretty much everyone is in a good mood. I’m looking forward to working with another design client, getting back into the swing of things after a few road trips, and simplifying my home a little bit this fall. I just came back from a fall girls trip, so I’m feeling inspired, refreshed, and just so appreciative of the life I have. One thing I kept saying during the trip, in awe of the beauty of it all, was,
If this is what life looks like, I’m pretty damn lucky, and it’s not to be taken for granted. To have as many loving, supportive friends by my side, experiencing so many of life’s joys at the same time - it’s pretty incredible. Lately, I’ve been drawn to warmer tones, crisp fall flavours, new routines, more DIY projects, and trying new things. I wish you the best month ahead - happy almost Thanksgiving!
xo
Linnea
With September comes fall, and you know what that means. Pumpkin s p i c e everything! I’m a huge pumpkin fan - not only for the flavour, but for the health benefits too. It’s incredible for your skin with a ton of Vitamin A, great for your immune system, and my dog loves it too! I’ve included some of my favourite fall drinks below - both hot and cold - and trust me, you’re going to want to try these! So. much. yum.
For the coffee
1 Iced Nespresso pod (I like Freddo Delicato)
Ice
For the oat milk cream
1/3 cup unsweetened oat milk of your choice
1 tbsp organic pumpkin puree (canned)
1/2 tsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp of pumpkin pie spice
Dash of fine Himalayan pink salt
Directions
Brew your cold brew or iced espresso as you like it. Some add maple syrup to their coffee, but I prefer it black, as the foam is sweet enough for me. Make sure it’s cold enough before you move onto your foam.
Place all of your cream ingredients into your milk frother and froth on the cold setting. I’m absolutely obsessed with my electric frother, because it works like a charm for hot or cold foam, and it’s sooo aesthetically pleasing!
Top your iced coffee with your cold pumpkin cream, and garnish with a little more pumpkin pie spice. Throw a straw in, and prepare to sip your new favourite drink!
Ingredients
1 Nespresso pod of your choice (brewed latte size)
1/2 cup oat milk
1.5 tbsp organic pumpkin puree (canned)
1 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Dash of Himalayan pink salt
Directions
Brew your espresso as usual, then place remaining ingredients into your milk frother on the hot setting.
Once frothed to your liking, top your espresso with your hot milk, and garnish with extra pumpkin pie spice.
Ingredients
1/2 cup organic pumpkin puree
1/2 cup oat milk
1 scoop Cookies and Cream or Vanilla protein powder (unflavoured if you like it less sweet)
1 frozen banana
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Ice
Let me know if you try these recipes - I’d love to see your creations!
xo
Linnea
Hi guys!! I haven’t been on here as often as I would like, and I apologize, but that will change - I’ll be posting on here a lot more regularly again. To be honest, with this roller coaster of a year, I think I just needed an extra long break after school, especially with the side gigs occupying the majority of my time outside of work… I’ve just been drained all around. But all good things! With the arrival of September, it always feels like it’s a fresh start, a clean slate, and the perfect opportunity to reset your goals, check in with yourself, and reach for the stars. I’m already taking on e-design clients on the side, and I’m really excited to bring you along during the process!
If you need to update your space or have no idea where to begin in terms of selecting furniture and decor, that’s exactly what my e-design service can provide. I can create everything from floor plans to furniture selects, mood boards and everything in between. Feel free to email me at linneacarmen@gmail.com if you’re interested, and I can walk you through the full process/answer any q’s you have!
In other news, I had a great time getting away to the Okanagan and forgetting about work for a weekend! It was just what I needed, and we felt completely safe the whole trip (and trust me, I was so scared about covid!!). This month, I’m feeling inspired, refreshed, and very ready to just chill out indoors for fall. Nothing like sipping on one of my 827392 bottles of wine I brought back and a great TV show to binge! I hope you all have a promising fall transition - sending lots of love your way.
xo
Linnea
The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is almost here, and there are some amazing things on sale! I’m sharing my home and beauty favourites from the sale preview in shoppable images below. For non-card members, the sale starts on August 13th. Ready, set, shop!
Hey guys, it’s been a while. Now that we’re 10 days into a new month, I thought I’d pick up where I left off and share some of the scenes that have been inspiring me lately. I had a few days off from school before my final semester (which started yesterday… the workload expected in 4 weeks is insane, so see you in 4 weeks!), so I tried to take advantage of my free time and enjoy the few sunny summer days we had in Vancouver during the break. I must say though, I’ve only been downtown once, and I did not feel comfortable at all. I totally understand we’re in phase 3, but no one’s really living like we’re in a pandemic anymore, so I’ll probably be staying home in my bubble a little longer… I mean I don’t have time to go out anymore anyway :)
Since turning 30, I’ve realized so many things… it’s like a switch has gone off in my life and my entire perspective has changed. In my twenties, I remember dreading the day I turned 30, hanging onto my twenties for dear life. Looking back on that twenty-something girl, there were still a lot of unanswered questions and unguided decisions. But now that I’m here, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’ve never been more content with my life, more comfortable in my own skin, more certain of what I want in life and what’s valuable to me, and I’ve never had so much confidence. I’m in tune with my body, I’ve been prioritizing my health and wellness, and I feel more empathy and compassion than ever before.
We’re growing up, and honestly, it’s a great feeling - it really does mean growing wiser. I’ve been continuing to educate myself about issues happening around the world, and if anything, this time in quarantine has grounded me, and released so much gratitude. I am very lucky for all the beautiful people and love in my life - having their support during this pandemic has been incredible.
If you told me that this year would include my dog being attacked twice during a pandemic, that my Grandma would be diagnosed – then free of cancer months later, all while a global revolution was taking place, I probably wouldn’t believe you. But although it’s been a tough year, it’s producing a huge wave of growth for everyone. Like I said in my manifestation post, be thankful for these little moments - they’re what build resilience, strength, and make you the beautiful human that you are.
Thanks for reading, I’m so grateful you’re here.
xo
Linnea
My herb garden is up and running, and you know what that means… mojito season! I had a book club hangout on Zoom the other night, so it was the perfect opportunity to make a fresh “skinny” cocktail. It turned out so delicious that I thought I’d share it with you!
For 1 Cocktail…
Handful of fresh mint (roughly 10 leaves)
1.5 tsp monkfruit sweetener
1 lime, cut into wedges (save 1 for garnish)
2 oz. New Wave Distilling Bride’s Tears (or clear liquor of your choice)
Ice
Sparkling water (SodaStream is where it’s at!)
Since we’re only making one cocktail, you can skip the cocktail shaker and make your drink directly in your glass. Muddle lime wedges, fresh mint, monkfruit sweetener and Bride’s Tears. If you wanted to add additional flavours to your Mojito, this is the step to do it! Fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries are delicious ideas.
Fill your glass with ice, and finish with sparkling water. Give your drink a good stir, garnish with lime, and you’re set! Cheers.
If you give this recipe a go, let me know! I’d love to see what you create.
xo
Linnea
Hello, May! Although we’ve all been living in this weird limbo mode at home, I’m actually starting to get used to the routine, and I’m not minding it to be honest! It’s given me the opportunity to have my brother as a roommate again, to spend time in my childhood home, to spend copious amounts of time with Dash, and to save some money! To be as productive as possible, I’ve been breaking down my days by the half hour to keep me accountable and make sure I get everything crossed off my list. School is in full swing, and things are starting to pick up again with homework. I’m hoping to be able to share more of my work with you as the weeks pass. Things that are inspiring me lately include fresh branches, round shapes, bold, veiny marble… and cane - all the cane! I wish you all a fun, light-hearted month, with lots of positivity and growth, wherever it is you’re spending it.
xo
Linnea
Ok guys, I’ve tried various different versions of this coffee, and I finally found one I like! I’m not a fan of sweet coffee, so I wanted to get away with as little sweetener as possible for this recipe. But to make the right “whipped” consistency, you do need some type of sugar in your base. Here’s what worked for me.
1 tbsp instant coffee (my favourite is Four Sigmatic with Lions Mane and Chaga; it’s a great way to make this drink better for you, and tastes so delicious)
1 tsp organic coconut sugar
1 tbsp water
Ice cubes
Oak milk or almond milk
Cinnamon
Fill a glass with ice cubes and some of your favourite non-dairy milk. Whisk the ingredients together until it forms a whipped consistency. Spoon over top of your milk, sprinkle with cinnamon, stir and enjoy!
Let me know if you try it! Hope you’re enjoying your time at home.
xo
Linnea
Well folks, after the longest month of all time (and we thought Jan was long), it’s finally April! Hopefully, that means warmer weather, flowers blooming, brighter colours, and ideally, more cheer and positivity. I know I haven’t been as active on the blog as of late, but to be honest, I haven’t found that much “extra” time to spend on here! I’ve been working from home, finished school just last week, and it starts back up again this weekend with my next semester (no disruptions, crazy!). During the free time that I do have, I’ve been decluttering/reorganizing my parents’ entire house, doing at-home workouts with my family, and taking turns cooking homecooked meals everyday for the fam.
Things that are inspiring me and helping me stay positive throughout all of this:
Laughing at TikToks (and learning all the dances with the fam)
FaceTime dates with my friends and fam, who I miss dearly!
At-home workouts, sometimes on Zoom calls with friends
Rewatching a series I love, like Lost. Omg, I forgot how good it was. Amazon, please don’t take it off Prime… pleeeease.
Cleaning everythinggggg
Cherry blossoms
Free IG Live concerts from your favourite artists
Simple interiors, and a simpler life
I wish you all a safe, productive month everyone! Please continue to do your part, staying safe at home, planning out your meals for at least a week at a time, and cooking as many of your meals as possible! Let’s limit the time we spend outside of our house, and remember, be mindful of your traffic. You should definitely be able to count where you’ve been on one hand in the last two weeks.
xo
Linnea
Hey guys, I know it’s been a few weeks since I last wrote a post, but I’m sure it’s pretty obvious as to why. Not only was I approaching the last few weeks of school (so I was extremely busy with final projects), but there were (and still are) a lot of unknowns. I’m not taking this virus lightly - I’ve taken it extremely seriously. After school last Thursday, that was the last time I was “out” taking transit and in a crowd besides work.
Since then, I only leave my house to walk Dash, and to go to my parents house to have dinner with with my family. I realize those dinners may not necessarily be “allowed” in the coming weeks, so I’m cherishing them while I have the freedom to spend time with them. Some may think I’m overreacting, but based on the science, I’m not. Slowing down the spread of this virus is a group effort - something I can’t stress enough. The best way to slow it down is by staying home. Leave the house for walks and groceries, and that’s it. And no, that doesn’t mean “let’s go grocery shopping everyday”. It means it’s time to plan out your meals for the week(s), make a very long list, and do a big grocery shop so you’re prepared and stocked for a few weeks at home. No, you don’t need extra toilet paper... this virus does not have that side effect!
We should all be keeping to ourselves, and finding what brings us joy. I repeat: finding what brings us joy. WHAT A BLESSING… to finally have the time and permission to be with yourself, in silence (or among the ones you love/live with), and discover who you are, what you love, what you like to cook, what you’d like to learn, what you’d like to watch, how you’d like to grow as a person. WHAT A TIME. We’re not being asked to evacuate our homes, or worry about unnecessary violence. It’s a silent enemy, but for now, we’re so blessed to be able to slow down its speed by spending time at our favourite place on earth. Now that I got that off my chest, here’s my self isolation bucket list to inspire a few ideas:
Since social distancing, I’ve been doing at-home workouts everyday on the Nike app, or through live streams from some of my favourite fitness studios. I’m not the best “at-home” workout person - I’m a class person, but these live streams are helping me feel like I’m right there in class, and for that, I couldn’t be happier.
With this time “off” of school I have a whole slew of hours after working that I didn’t have before! I plan on spending this time learning something new, or a few things. I’ve already taught myself quite a few new Photoshop tricks and shortcuts, and I’m looking forward to learning way more in terms of rendering the floor plans I’ve made in AutoCAD! Hopefully with this extra time, you too, will be able to learn something new - whether that be from YouTube, Skill Share, or a podcast, your resources are endless.
The virus may be airborne, but you should still be inhaling some fresh air and moving your body. I’m still going on multiple walks with Dash, but I know in other countries that are ahead of us, walks are limited, and you MUST walk alone. I’m trying to take advantage of the weather and giving Dash as much exercise as I can, while I can.
Now that school’s pretty much off my plate for the next few weeks (or who knows how long), I finally have the time (and enough hours to sleep) to read before bed, daily. This is a game changer for me, and I definitely feel that I’ll be able to read at least a book a week. Book club, are you ready for bi-monthly Face-times?!
Have you always been scared to cook or bake a certain dish? Now’s your time to give it a shot! Include the ingredients in your meal prep list, and you’re set. For starters, try my Mediterranean Linguine!
I know, I know, with all the hand washing, you may think it might not be worth it to do your nails, but manicured nails are clean nails, and if you have a gel polish that lasts longer than regular polish, now is the time to use it. I’ll be setting time aside to set up a mini spa for myself, foot spa and all!
I’ve tried before, but now’s the time to try again. I’ll be using the Balance app to incorporate meditation into my mornings, because we all know our mental health needs to be a priority during this time. Stay calm, breathe, and think positively.
You’ll be using your kitchen more than you’ve ever used it before - what a blessing!! Take this time to ask yourself what you really need, and what you actually use. Does it make sense where it lives, or should it live somewhere else? Organize your kitchen into zones, such as: everyday items, cooking essentials, pantry items, appliances and items for special occasions.
Now’s your chance to catch up on all that sleep you’ve been deprived of, no excuses. Sleep is the key to everything: health, healing, youth, energy, weight, so much! Try to create a morning routine and wake up early, so your body will naturally be tired by the evening, giving you signs that it’s time to go to bed. I’ve been tracking my sleep on my phone, and it’s so gratifying to see when I sleep 8 hours or more!
Poshmark makes it SO easy to sell your items, it’s unreal. You literally take a photo, describe it, and list it. Couldn’t be easier! Now, you will have to leave the house to go to the Post Office if it sells, so, only list it if you feel it’s worth leaving your house.
Lastly, fire up that travel bucket list. Don’t lose hope on visiting destinations you’ve never been to, and have been dying to visit. They’ll be that much more lively, more colourful, less polluted, maybe less crowded, when you do!
Continue to dream, and focus on what you’d like your life to look like after all of this is said and done. This is a great time for all of us to sit and reflect on what we can and can’t live without. Once we cut off those things we can live without, let’s focus on the things we can’t. They’re what we should be taking with us moving forward.
I know this was a heavy post, but feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below!
xo
Linnea
Spring, ahhh what a breath of fresh air. All of February, I’ve been trying to get out of a very restrictive mindset - it seemed like no matter what I did, I prevented myself from doing more. Going forward into a fresh month, I hope to find every opportunity to do more, give more, be more… without the burnout.
First on the agenda: prioritizing my sleep. I just finished “Why We Sleep” for my book club, and let’s just say… it all comes down to sleep—everything you do is affected by it. Sleep should hands down be your #1 priority!! In other news, my final classes have been secured, and I’m well on my way to graduation in a few months! I cannot wait to have more of my life back, start designing, and be productive on my own time. I’m already used to the side hustle life, so bring. on. the. projects!
Things inspiring me lately;
Cherry blossoms, and bright, natural light
Sunshiiiiiiine
All the loving, supportive people in my life
Surprise messages and visits from old friends
Pistachio green
Dramatic stone countertops
London, baby ♥️
Have a great month, lovelies!
xo
Linnea
Organization… an industry that’s taking the world by storm - quite literally! With Pinterest-worthy pantries and closets deserving of their own IG account, it’s no wonder that everyone’s crazy about organizing. I mean, it does make you feel better about your space, especially when you give every item a home, and take note of exactly what you have. To help you out on your organizational journey, here are just a few of my favourites to organize my home!
Jute Basket | 2. Spinning Makeup Organizer | 3. Two-Tier Organizer | 4. Lazy Susan Tiered Tower | 5. Banana Fibre Basket | 6. Wire Basket | 7. Magnetic Spice Jars | 8. Glass Bamboo Containers | 9. Lazy Susan Divider | 10. Stackable Makeup Drawers | 11. Box with Lid
Happy organizing!
xo
Linnea
Once an Earls girl, always an Earls girl. Having worked there for over 5 years, one of my faaavourite dishes of all time is Mediterranean Linguine. I used to eat this pasta way more than I’d like to admit, so once I left the restaurant industry, I tried to master the craft of making it at home. And to this day, I still love to make it, so I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to share the recipe!
Even though I have the Earls cookbook, I actually prefer this version of the recipe better, if I do say so myself. Plus, this one has vino in it, so… is it even a competition? This recipe yields about 4-6 servings.
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped
3 1/2 cups whole tomatoes (I use either Hunts Heirloom Tomatoes or San Marzano Tomatoes)
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 ½ cups grape tomatoes
¼ cup thinly sliced jarred roasted red peppers
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
3/4 pound linguine
1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley
1/2 cup chopped basil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon chili flakes
Heat olive oil in a skillet, and add a little bit of the garlic. Next, in your blender of choice, blend 2 cups of your whole tomatoes, the white wine and remaining garlic in a blender. Add your puree to the fragrant oil, and simmer until it becomes a thick sauce - about 5 minutes on medium-high heat (I like reducing it rather than adding a starch to thicken it)!
While that’s simmering, let’s boil some pasta! Because I like to save time, I actually use my SMEG kettle to boil water a little faster than the stove… it really does save time! Follow the directions of your favourite linguine, and some salt to your water, and cook until el dente - tender but firm.
Next, add the olives, tomatoes, peppers, parsley, basil, and balsamic vinegar to the sauce in the skillet over medium-high heat. Crush the remaining whole tomatoes with your hands, and add them to the sauce, along with the lemon zest, chili flakes, and half of the feta. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Add your cooked pasta, and toss in sauce. Feel free to add reserved pasta water to the sauce if it’s too dry.
Finally, serve your pasta mounded high in a bowl, and top with remaining feta and parsley. Mangia! Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!
xo
Linnea
I’ve always had a love of smoothies, dating back to my ill-equipped Magic Bullet days when it was the best smoothie blender on the market (my how times have changed)! To make them as satiating as possible, always make sure to include Kelly LeVeque’s Fab 4: greens, protein, healthy fat, and fibre. Also try to avoid fruit, but if you must include it, keep it to 1/4 to 1/2 cup per smoothie (I’m guilty of breaking this rule all the time). If you have those elements, there’s no reason this can’t be your entire meal!
I usually stick to a simple Banana Cacao Spinach smoothie, but lately, this recipe has been my go-to, and it’s hands-down my favourite smoothie of all time. The combination of flavours is so incredible!! Somehow the protein mixed with the sour lemon and raspberry just kicks it up 5 notches and bam... smoothie of your dreams. Here’s what you need:
1/2 cup or handful of frozen raspberries (this is key for the tartness)
Optional 1/2 frozen banana (for creaminess; omit for lower sugar)
1 cup fresh or frozen spinach (or as much as you want)
1/2 lemon, squeezed
1 tbsp almond butter (your healthy fat)
1 scoop vegan vanilla protein powder (your protein)
1 tbsp organic spirulina powder (extra greens with more vitamins, yay!)
1 tsp organic chia seeds (your fibre)
2 tbsp collagen
1/2 cup cold water
Blend everything up, top it off with your favourite toppings (I like chia, hemp, cacao and lavender), and you’re good to go! Let me know if you try this - I can’t get enough!
xo
Linnea
Welcome, February. It seems like everyone’s been waiting for you for a long time, but I’m not mad at that – I could get used to January’s pace. It was a tough month, but it’s prepared me to have an even greater month with you.
The month confirmed that if I want to succeed, sacrifices have to be made, but not at the expense of taking care of myself. I’m so close to my goal, so I’ll be putting my head down and focusing on reaching it. One of the non-negotiables for reaching my goal is wellness and making time for my mental health.
I went to a beautiful Jaybird class yesterday (think Oxygen, but in a pitch black room like Ride, it’s the best), and something the instructor said really resonated with me.
You are you when you are still.
The only you that counts is the one you are when you’re still. How comfortable are you with that you? What do you need to work on to get to a place of contentment and love with that you? The busy you is part of your life, yes, but those things you’re “busy” with are just things. They’re not you. Learn to get comfortable with who you are in silence, embrace it, and enjoy the still.
Current obsessions…
The Crown on Netflix
Bouclé furniture
Vintage Turkish rugs
Classic cafés (all the Parisian influence)
Sunlight (I’ve missed you)
Motivational podcasts
Manifestation (and just being a light in the world in general)
Let’s get it, February! ♥️
xo
Linnea