Photographic Memory

This might be the last weekend of the season that I go up to my family cottage. As a long weekend, it's the perfect oppotunity for my best friend and I to get away from the city and get out on the water. The weather is supposed to be amazing so I should be coming back well rested and with a strong summer glow.

Make it a memorable weekend and make sure you get out and do some of those summery things while you can. 

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Current Crush: Warm Neutral Interiors

My Current Crush this week is Warm Neutral Interiors. I am preparing to paint my bedroom and although I am set with the furniture that will remain (all white is what's existing), I needed to warm up the room to make it a soft and relaxing space. My paint choices were Cabot Trail and Litchfield Gray by Benjamin Moore.  

Below are some inspirational images showcasing warm neutrals within the home.  


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A touch of glamour with the oversized headboard and mirror.

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Warm Wishes

Also linking up with Loves on a Thursday and My Favourite Things Thursday.

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Oh, How Pinteresting! & Tempting!!!

Source: blogs.babble.com via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

An amazing recipe for a berry-licious smoothie with creamy avocado. See also my Morning Smoothie with Mango, Avocado & Banana.

If you're looking to do something other than smoothies with your bananas, I'm definitely going to try this banana "ice cream". Just blend frozen bananas, add in a splash of vanilla extract and voila! Top it with pecans, walnuts or drizzle with chocolate. That natural chocolate, riiiiight.

Source: greenlitebites.com via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

Since frozen berries are amazing on their own or mixed in a dessert, freeze some of those fresh local and in-season fruits and they just might last you through the winter. These frozen bluberry yogurt popcicles would be super easy and tasty.

Source: onegoodthingbyjillee.com via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

Since my sweet tooth got the best of me this week, here's a dessert version of the double-baked potato. Yeah, I know! This would be amazing at the end of a lighter meal or as a side with your pork and apple chutney.

Source: laurenslatest.com via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

Linking up for Oh, How Pinteresting!


Happy Pinning and Bon Appétit! 

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Photographic Memory

Today is one of those days were I am realizing I need to demand more for myself. I cannot wait for life to happen, I need to work at it and push myself through risk and uncertainty. I don't want to have regrets, especially about something that is in my control. I like routine, I like schedule, I like to know what will be happening when and where, while at the same time I have so much creativity that gets lost in all that. In turn, I lose a little bit of myself.

Today is a brand new day, as will be tomorrow. I've got some thinking and soul searching to do this weekend, and will be spending both Saturday and Sunday with family. I am thankful for everything that I have and will push myself to find just a little bit more happiness that I know I deserve.


Make it a memorable weekend and I wish you all the happiness in the world. You might just have to go out and get it for yourself.  

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Current Crush: Nautical Fashion

My Current Crush this week is continuing my nautical theme of the past few posts. I know this isn't anything new however I didn't wear anything nautically inspired this past weekend sailing and I thought this might open my eyes to what is out there. I don't tend to theme my outfits, however I do like to add a little flair with different details. Here are a few findings that I'm loving in the nautical theme. They can stand alone or be paired.

Current Crush: Nautical by michaela-elizabeth featuring platform heels

A little while back I found the cutest DIY Anchor Stamp Tank Top. I love the navy with a pop of turquoise!

Source: drawingsunderthetable.blogspot.ca via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

 

Hope you're crushing too!

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Oh, How Pinteresting / Pin-spiration

Source: houzz.com via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

Source: elledecor.com via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

I've found some simple and elegant Interior Design trends on Pinterest. This herringbone backsplash in white is soft and subtle, while the black and off-tones is bold and masculine. Which do you prefer? I am typically one for soft neutral spaces however there always needs to be a 'pop' of something, whether it be shapes, colours and beautiful details. 

Loving the Black, White and Grey Neutrals.

Source: thezhush.blogspot.com via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

Source: home-designing.com via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

Source: whereisthecool.com via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

Oh, and I said something about a pop of colour. Piet Mondrian, a classic.

Source: touchofmodern.com via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

Linking up for Oh, How Pinteresting! and Pin-spiration.

What are you pinning?

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Sail-in Cinema with Chocoberry

There was so much excitement going on this past weekend with more sailing at the Sail-in Cinema held at the Toronto Harbourfront Thursday, Friday & Saturday.

My good friend Hilary is the mastermind and creator of Chocoberry, specializing in fresh and natural smoothies. The slogan is Chocolate and Health meet at last. Enough said. Well, not quite enough said. She makes amazing smoothies using fresh cut Fruit, Organic Coconut Milk, Organic Raw Cocoa Powder and Organic Raw Agave Nectar to make ice cold smoothies with substance. These were perfect for a warm summer's night at the movies.

Working her way up the food chain, she is currently operating a mobile booth, with smoothies to be found at major events around the GTA (Greater Toronto Area). She offers her services to catering, corporate and personal events with plans of expanding and setting down roots in the future. Her staple smoothie is the Chocoberry which is a Strawberry-Chocolate mix. The biggest hit so far this summer has been the Piña Colada!

Check out the Chocoberry website and like them on Facebook for up-coming events and promotions. You can e-mail Hilary at info@chocoberry.ca

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Sailing, Sunny Skies and a Sunset

Here's my weekend re-cap out on the water, and then back on land to watch the sunset. It was a beautiful day out on the water with family. I couldn't have asked for anything more.

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Photographic Memory

I'm a sailor, I sail. 

Ok, maybe not quite.

I am praying for clear skies, a warm breeze and good health this weekend as we meet up with family for an annual tradition of setting sail on Lake Huron. I love the feeling of being out on the water without any land in sight, or at least not within swimming distance. Don't get me wrong, I love laying on the beach but being out on the water it such an amazing feeling.

For something a little more daring there's the Catamaran and the speed boat :)

Make it a memorable weekend and I hope you have clear skies and strong sails.

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Pinning, not Winning

I'm so sick that I actaully look like the original badass (aka drugged up) Charlie Sheen.

Video Clip

I really wish I could skip work and stay home to watch Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Aren't those the best days...when you're actually skipping.

That being said, I'm taking the easy way out with my Pinning today. I'm linking up with the Michelle and Brooke, and I'd just like to mention that today would have been Julia Child's 100th Birthday. What a spectacular woman in ability and spirit.

Source: momspark.net via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

Source: goodlifevancouver.com via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

Source: blogs.whatsontv.co.uk via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

Bon Appétit!

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Morning Smoothie...giving you energy until lunch

I love making smoothies. I'm usually the slowest eater of the bunch and it's hard for me to force myself to eat right when I wake up. Smoothies are the perfect way for me to pack in a whole lot of nutrients first thing in the morning. I found that typical fruit and yogurt smoothies just weren't enough to qualify as a meal. Snack, yes. Dessert, yes. For breakfast, I needed more substance to tide me over. I started using ground almonds and flax seeds until I discovered Hemp Hearts. These little seeds pack a big punch.

The recommended serving of Hemp Hearts is 5-8 tbsp in the morning with fresh fruit and veggies. The nutritional benefit is so great that you can expect lasting energy until lunch. No mid-morning cravings. Hemp Hearts contain more hunger-satisfying protein than meat, so they're an amazing protein substitute if that's what you're looking for. They can be sprinkled on yogurt, salads or blended up to boost your favourite smoothie recipe. Give this one a try!

Single Serving;

1/2 Banana
1/2 Mango
1/2 Avocado
1/8 can Coconut Milk (Thai Kitchen Organic) or milk/milk substitute
5 tbsp Hemp Hearts (can replace with almonds and/or flax seeds)
1 scoop Protein Powder (Whey Isolate or other)
Water and/or Ice to achieve desired consistency

To make this a bit more tropical I've often added pineapple or kiwi. The beauty of it is to try different combinations, use what you have, use what's local or in season. If you don't get many veggies in throughout the day, try adding some spinach. 

I love using coconut milk as a milk substitute. It is so creamy and naturally sweet!


What are your favourite smoothie ingredients?

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Photographic Memory

I'm needing some motivation to soar to new heights. The sun is hiding from me today. The sky is a sad grey. I feel as though the rain is spitting on me, rather than cleansing me.

I saw this quote on Brooke's blog Covered in Grace and it is very touching.

Make it a memorable weekend no matter where you are and no matter what the condition.



 

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Current Crush: Living in Lace

Linking up this week with Danielle and Chris for my Current Crush of Lace. I'm also sharing this with Lish, as my Loves on a Thursday. You can find these crushes on my Pinterest, including a few of these DIY projects.

Source: nails-art.fr via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

Source: achieving.tumblr.com via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

Source: pinterestschunt861.blogspot.com via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

Source: blogging2fun8257.blogspot.com via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

Source: latenightfashion.tumblr.com via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

Source: nellecreations.blogspot.com via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

The lovely Katie from Katie's Bliss shared about her DIY Lace Bib Neckalce. Check out her video for the full tutorial.

Source: katiesbliss.com via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

If you're looking for a fun DIY home project, try out these Lace Cement Votives by Claire of Fellow Fellow, featured on Say Yes to Hoboken. These are simple and stylsih with an earthy feel.

Source: sayyestohoboken.com via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

Thanks so much for checking out my crushes. I hope you're crushing too!

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