Photographic Memory

I'm off to Calgary for a few days on business but hope to get some sights in while I'm there.

I should be seeing some mountains...

...similar to my French Alps trip.


Make it a memorable weekend and experience the world we live in!

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Current Crush: Greys

Yeah, that's right. Alright fine, I can wait until tonight.

  1/2

Here is what I'm really crushing...soft greys.

Current Crush: Greys by michaela-elizabeth featuring grey scarves

Fall/Winter Maxi

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

Belted Sweater

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

Grey on Grey

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

So delicate...

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

Grey and Pink!

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

Source: palookaville.no via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

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

Linking up for my Current Crush and Loves on a Thursday.
 

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Oh, How Pinteresting!

Beautiful Fall Fashion

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

Source: Uploaded by user via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

Cozy DIY Projects

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

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

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

Irresistable (and healthy) Treats

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

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

My latest creation in the kitchen; Roasted Parmesan Green Beans

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

Linking up for Oh, How Pinteresting!

 

 

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Roasted Parmesan Green Beans

 

I recently made Roasted Parmesan Greens Beans as a delicious side dish to my Roasted Red Pepper Infused Chicken Meatballs. The combination was perfect and I could not believe how easy this was. Gourmet made easy.

Wash and trim your Green Beans.

Melt a small amount of Coconut Oil to dip your Green Beans into.
Grate enough Parmesan Cheese to coat Green Beans.

Preheat oven to 350 and bake until Green Beans are tender. Parmesan Cheese will be melted and possibly crispy at that time. You can sprinkle some fresh Parmesan Cheese on top just before serving.

Other recipes might call for salt, pepper, garlic, etc. however my sister recommended the coconut oil and the flavour was beautiful.

Bon Appétit!

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Photographic Memory & ECF Team Challenge

This weekend marks the 4th Annual Team Challenge held by Element CrossFit (my sister and Alex's awesome gym...read about their success story here) and UG Series. This will be the largest CrossFit event to date in Canada.

This will be the first year that I don't compete (so sad). I will however be volunteering and judging the events, as I'm just trying to get back to full strength since my fluke accident. I already regret not doing it because it is always an awesome opportunity to push myself and just have fun with it (there is both a competitive and recreational division) but I know I would push myself a little too hard for what I know I can truly handle at this point.

Either way there will be hardcore workouts with even more hardcore competitors and I will be pushing them to their limits.

The sense of accomplishment you get from training is truly far greater than any of the physical and health benefits, and I think that's what gets me going back. Don't get caught up in dress sizes, those skinny jeans lurking in the back of your closet or the number on the scale. I hear so many people try to motivate themselves with, 'I can do it' but nothing ever really happens. I want to hear you say, 'I DID THAT!'. Whether you're trying to run 5k or do a real pushup, how are you going to feel when you get it? I think that running 5k means a lot more than 5lbs on the scale, especially if you're depriving yourself the entire time and then just have to worry about them sneaking back.

I challenge you all to go out and do something this weekend that makes you feel good, something that you're proud of. No matter how big or how small, every step counts.

Make it a memorable weekend and push hard for what you want to accomplish.
 

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HOLY CHIC Fashion Week

Alright, I will admit I am not 100% fashion savy. I did not partake in the Fashion Week festivities (shame on me). What I do know is that I wear what I like, what makes me feel good about myself and I usually try to have fun with it. Being the youngest person in my office, I take advantage of the fact that no one else really knows what's in style for us fashionable young ladies and I sometimes wear what no one else could get away with. Hilarious.

I am however inspired by current trends, fellow bloggers and now Pinterest.

My new favourites are the HOLY CHIC and CHIC HAPPENS tees seen lately in NYC.

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

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

I personally like the HOLY CHIC version better, what about you?

Natalie Merrillyn shared this design in her post about her Street Style Faves From NYFW. It is available for sale for about $225.00 and when I saw that...all I could think was Holy Chic! When I finally stopped laughing, I thought this would be an awesome DIY designer tee.

I did find that Daria Burkova from All This Fashion made this one here.

The original has a hand embroidered beaded slogan so I can appreciate the details and the price tag.

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

I really would like to make one that is sharp enough so that is does in fact look chic. Wish me luck.


Linking up for my Current Crush and Loves on a Thursday. 
 

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Roasted Red Pepper Infused Chicken Meatballs

Now that is a mouthful, literally.

I love naturally infusing my meats with fresh flavour. There's no fresher or truer flavour than fresh herbs, spices or in this case, the sweet taste of roasted red pepper.

Meatballs are a great go-to dish because they are so versatile. Aside from the traditional spaghetti and meatballs, you can make a meatball salad, Asian style with rice, use them as an appetizer, dip them in a sauce...the possibilities are endless and the best part is, you can make them in large batches to make different meals during the course of the week or freeze some for later.

Roasted Red Pepper Infused Chicken Meatballs

2 lb Ground Chicken (or other meat/combination)
1 Large Red Bell Pepper
1 Large White Onion
3+ Cloves of Garlic
1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
Salt & Pepper to taste

Note: I used the cayenne to create a sweet and spicy combination with the red pepper.

Place Red Pepper, Onion & Garlic into food processor for fine chopping. Mix all ingrdients in a large bowl with hands and make meatball rounds. Preheat oven to 350 and bake for 20-30 minutes, checking regularly.

For a side dish, I wanted something that would be fresh and cut the spice of the cayenne. I decided to test out the Roasted Parmesan Green Beans I've been hearing so much about. My sister told me to dip them in coconut oil, then parmesan cheese and they'd be ready for the oven. It was that easy. I'll share more details and photo in an upcoming post.

Bon Appétit!

 

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Mani Monday: Elephantastic Pink

As I sat outside this weekend I realized that my tan will soon fade. In my last attempt to savour these sunny days, I painted my nails Elephantastic Pink by OPI.

I'll be looking fantastic all week.

Happy Monday!


Linking up with Mani Monday.

 

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Photographic Memory

Getting out into nature is so relaxing and peaceful. I'm always looking at the natural beauty to be found and all the little miracles of life. Watching flowers bloom, seasons change, knowing that there is always growth, always forward motion. With so many uncertainties in life, I can always find reassurance in God's plan.  

Make it a memorable weekend and always look on the bright side.

 

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Current Crush: Organic Knits

One thing that I'm super excited about this fall is knits. Christine from Mavy May posted about her Pinterest Fall Fashion finds and I definitely agree with her style.

Source: street-fashion.tumblr.com via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

Source: pearlsprepandpickuptrucks.tumblr.com via Christine on Pinterest

Getting even more fashion inspiration from fellow bloggers, Meg at For All Things Lovely posted about her casual self in this knitted top. I love the belted look too.

I always make an effort to at least look for more 'natural' options and materials. Wool or Cotton versus a polyester blend. Rather than quantity, I find myself looking more and more for quality pieces.

Via

 

What are your favourite knit details? Is it the scarf to add to any outfit, the big warm button-up sweater or are you going to try and find a way to dress it up a little?

 

Knit Fashion by michaela-elizabeth featuring a cableknit sweater

Linking up for my Current Crush and Loves on a Thursday.

 

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Oh, How Pinteresting! Pastels

The transition from Summer to Fall has begun and there are dramatic visual changes everywhere, especially in the wardrobe department. Brights and neons are fading away and I'd like to turn to pastels for Fall, since I'm not quite ready to pull out my brown leather jacket.

 

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

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

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

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

Source: farm8.staticflickr.com via Michaela {au naturel design} on Pinterest

Source: angkclaxton.polyvore.com via Christina on Pinterest

 

Have some fun with pastels!

What are your favourite Fall COLOURS?


Linking up with The Vintage Apple for Oh, How Pinteresting! and Covered in Grace for Pin-spiration.

 

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Mom's Homemade Raspberry Squares

I have to give full credit to my mom. She's the best. Even though I'm now trying to lean towards gluten-free and the most natural and organic ingredients, my mom has always made the best homemade meals and treats. Let's just say, store bought salad dressings are almost unheard of for me. Anything homemade (even with white flour and white sugar) is going to be better for you than anything you'll buy. You'll be able to pronounce all of the ingredients and yours will have been the only hands involved (unless you have helpers or samplers).

My mom made her famous Raspberry Squares and I felt I had to share the recipe. It is very simple and can be modified to suit your particular preferences.

RECIPE

2 Cups Flour (1 Cup All-Purpose, 1 Cup Whole Wheat...or flour of choice)
1.5 Cups Oats
1 Cup Sugar (White or Brown Sugar)
1 Cup Butter
1 Cup Chopped Cashews (or Almonds)
1 Cup Raspberry Jam (more if desired)
 
Mix flour, oats and sugar. Melt butter in 9"x13" pan (in oven) then add in the flour mixture. Remove 1/2 Cup of mixture to use as topping. Spread and flatten the remainder in the baking pan. Spoon the jam on top of the pressed mixture. Sprinkle the remaining flour/nut mixture on top. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.



Bon Appétit!


 

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Photographic Memory

This week's Photographic Memory is a little different. I Heart Faces is having a photo challenge (ending today, sorry folks. I just found out yesterday from The S.I.P Project). The challenge was to capture a moment this summer, with a focus on faces. Who better than my little cousins to give me the perfect performance while fooling around.

This is them out sailing a few weekends back. It's playful, bright and their faces show it all. I love it! They are so much fun :)  


I hope you all had a beautiful and fun-filled summer and that you're still making the most of your time.

Make it a memorable weekend and remember to SMILE!

 

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Current Crush: Zen Garden Sink

 

The Zen Garden Sink is a more earthy take on the traditional bathroom sink. Trying to maximize the use of our natural resources, Gau Designs & Concepts has constructed a sink which would use the excess water from washing your face or brushing your teeth to water a living plant. I'm not quite certain if some species are recommended versus others. I do know there has been some controversy as to the chemicals that might be washed down the drain, and how they would not in fact help such plant grow. What I do think is that this would be a great opportunity for people to try and live a little greener themselves, aiming to use the most eco-friendly products, for themselves and the environment. Also, wouldn't you love a little bit of green as you splash your face, trying to get ready to face the real world each morning.


Via

Plants are natural air purifiers and boost positive energy indoors.
Brighten up your day!


Linking up for my Current Crush with Kristen from The Wright Stuff and Imprintalish for Loves on a Thursday.

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