In my humble opinion, homemade granola is far superior to any store-bought variety. Which is why we’ve been making our own for a couple years now. Making granola at home allows you to eliminate the extra preservatives and sugar and get right down to the good stuff. Plus it’s so, so easy! We’ve experimented with many recipes over time, had some trial and error for sure, but earlier this year we finally settled down to our favorite basic, go-to recipe. This is my husband’s creation, so all credit goes to him for the perfect simplicity of this granola. The hearty dose of cinnamon gives this granola just the right flavor, and it becomes the perfect base for mixing in your ingredients of choice—my favorite combination is dried apricots with toasted, unsweetened coconut flakes. A few other pairings we’ve done that I recently snapped in the making—dried cranberries with slivered almonds and dried currants with hemp seeds. But you can load in whatever you like!
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Put oats in a large mixing bowl. Combine honey, syrup, and oil in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Stir in the cinnamon and salt. Pour the honey mixture over the oat mixture in the bowl, tossing until the oats are thoroughly coated. Spread the oat mixture evenly onto baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake 30-35 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes. Cool completely; granola will harden as it cools. Stir in your choice of nuts and chopped dried fruit. Store in an airtight container (we use large mason jars) for one week.
Last week I took you inside Istanbul’s famous Blue Mosque, so this week it only seemed appropriate to walk you directly across the main square to the city’s other famous landmark–the Hagia Sophia (also called Saint Sophia in Latin and Ayasofya in Turkish). With a rich history — first a Greek Orthodox church for 916 years, then converted into a mosque for 482 years — the Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum in 1935. It’s one of the most prominent monuments in the world in terms of art and architectural history and rare in its importance to both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. In fact, many historians have nominated it as the 8th wonder of the world.
You can’t help but linger here to absorb the massive dome, the rich mosaics and marble pillars, the countless chandeliers, and the striking Islamic calligraphic panels. What’s really interesting is to see the mix of religious features due to the Hagia Sophia’s long history and conversion from church to mosque–bells and altars were removed and many of the mosaics plastered over and replaced with Islamic features like the mihrab, minbar and minarets. Today many of the mosaics have been slowly uncovered, but the restoration team is also balancing not destroying all the Islamic art that covered those mosaics in the process. In places the plaster has been left peeling, revealing just a hint of what lies underneath…it kind of adds to the Hagia Sophia’s charm. Scroll through above to see inside!
These Stuart Weitzman boots are my new obsession. Scratch that, they’ve been my obsession for months and months, as I debated making the investment. I tried them on during the holidays, found out my girlfriend had bought a pair and loved them, and attempted to try them on again a few weeks ago in Chicago. But the Stuart Weitzman store on Michigan Ave. was sold out in my size! But as fashion fate would have it, there they were in all their glory, in my size, never worn, and at a fraction of the price last weekend at the Bop winter sale (Shopbop’s only store). Mega score! But despite the fact that I managed to snap up a pair on sale, I’d pay full price because these are the perfect over-the-knee boots. The leather is buttery soft, the slight heel incredibly wearable, the fit like a glove, and they add effortless polish to leggings and an oversized sweater. Totally timeless, always on trend, they’ll live on forever in my closet. Stuart Weitzman released this signature 5050 style boot 20 years ago—I’d say that’s good proof that these will stand the test of time. And with spring weather seemingly months away, I’ll be living in these for a while.
Note: Since I’m short, I opted for the Reserve version of the 5050 Boot for a slightly taller heel. You’ll also want to size down a whole size for the snuggest fit, as they run large.
I first heard rumblings about Tata Harper‘s line of luxurious, all-natural beauty products early last fall. Since then, it seems Tata Harper is on everyone’s radar and popping up everywhere–from magazines to the Sephora website. And for good reason: These are the first completely natural (free of synthetic and chemical ingredients) products I’ve tried that actually work. They’re admittedly on the pricey side, but like any good product, a little goes a long way. I had been looking to change up my skincare routine because my skin was feeling dull and dry again, which it tends to do. It’s a constant cycle. And since I don’t like to wear too much makeup, I’m always trying to achieve that elusive, healthy glow through my skincare. So I decided to give a few Tata Harper products a try. I pretty much became a brand loyalist from my first use of the Regenerating Cleanser and have been dying to share my thoughts here, but I wanted to wait a few months of using the line to be sure. Well, sure I am! Here’s a little about the three R’s–Resurface, Regenerate, Replenish–that I now count as part of my daily and weekly facial regime.
Resurfacing Mask: I use this mask once a week for an instant glow. The thick gel tightens and brightens as it sits on your skin for 30 minutes, and after a quick swipe with a warm washcloth, my skin is left super soft with a subtle glow.
Regenerating Cleanser: I’ve found most exfoliating cleansers to be very drying and tough on my skin, but this concentrated, fine formula is gentle with an energizing citrus scent. I scrub a dime-sized amount into my face each morning, rinse, and am left with clean and radiant skin to start the day.
Replenishing Nutrient Complex: This multivitamin concentrate is a bit of magic in compact form. The rollerball applicator ensures you don’t waste any of the oil, and after using at night before bed, I wake up to noticeably brighter, more hydrated, and better toned skin in the morning. It’s kind of a serum and moisturizer in one.
Did I mention that each of these products have the most natural, slightly floral or citrus scents? Even though they’re part of my daily routine now, it still feels like a treat each and every time I use them. Have you tried any of Tata Harper’s line? Let me know if you have any favorites I should try next!
I’m finally getting through the last photos from our fall trip to Greece & Turkey, and the images of Istanbul are filling me with a serious case of wanderlust. Usually my travel itch is to explore somewhere new, but I would hop on a plane back to this magical city in a heartbeat. Steeped in ancient history and contrasting cultures, Istanbul is truly one of a kind. Part of its allure is the impressive array of architectural monuments that dominate the city’s skyline, so I’ll take you inside each one and give you a sense for the city through its most-famous sites.
The Blue Mosque, also called Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historic Islamic place of worship known for the intricate blue tiles that adorn its ceiling. 260 windows illuminate the domes inside. It’s a stunning and mesmerizing effect. We spent at least an hour inside quietly looking upward (and snapping just a few pics)! The mosque is still a working mosque, so at any given time you’ll find both worshippers and tourists, who enter through separate designated doors. Somehow, the atmosphere when you’re inside still feels sacred despite the mass of tourists. Around the call to prayer each day, it’s closed to non-worshippers, so you have to plan your visit accordingly.
Outside, the mosque is best viewed by walking toward the Hagia Sophia across the main square so you can take in the unique six minarets (most mosques have just one or two) and cascading domes. It’s an incredible example of classic Ottoman architecture, and an absolute must-visit for any trip to Istanbul.
Blazer and jeans. One of the easiest, pulled-together looks for work or evening. This particular blazer is the coziest thing ever–structured yet super soft in a creamy white fleece. I’m loving it thrown over an equally soft white tee and paired with skinny dark indigo denim. By the way, FRAME Denim is my new go-to for perfect skinny jeans–they have the most flattering fit with just a hint of stretch.
I went to lunch with a girlfriend last week, and we both ordered the same salad we always do. It’s super fresh, incredibly tasty, and so satisfying for lunchtime. The next day, I was craving it like crazy. So I stocked up on all the ingredients to recreate the salad at home, and we ate it for lunch on Sunday and again for dinner one night this week. I shared it on Instagram and thought I’d give you the details here in case you want to add this salad to your rotation like I have. It’s so simple! You can also alternate the chicken with salmon, or leave the meat off altogether. It’s equally as good.
Chickpea & Avocado Salad
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder
Mixed greens
Handful of sweet cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, sliced
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Balsamic glaze (find it by the balsamic vinegar at your store) or balsamic reduction (recipe below)
Olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
If making the balsamic reduction, heat 2 cups of balsamic vinegar and ½ cup of brown sugar in a saucepan. Stir and heat until the sugar dissolves, then reduce the heat to low and cook down for 20 minutes until it becomes thick. Butterfly the chicken breasts and season them generously with the spices, coating each side. Grill or cook the chicken in a sauté pan. Let the chicken cool, then slice each breast into thin strips. To make the salad, top the mixed greens with the tomatoes, chickpeas, and grilled chicken. Drizzle with olive oil and a splash or two of red wine vinegar. Add the sliced avocado, then drizzle everything with the balsamic glaze/reduction. Finish with salt and pepper across the top.
*Store the remaining balsamic reduction in a jar in the fridge and drizzle on salads, chicken, and veggies.
I occasionally get pedicures, but I never get manicures. I have a drawer with a handful of polishes (OPI Bubble Bath is my favorite) that never get used. I’m just too low-maintenance to deal with the upkeep, and I’ve managed to smudge or chip almost every manicure I’ve ever had within an hour. That’s before I even get to cooking or doing dishes. But I still like my hands and nails to look nice. Particularly in the winter, they start to get a little rough looking—beat up, really—between super dry cuticles and snagged nails. And while bathing my hands in lotion helps, it doesn’t resolve the cuticle issue. But a few weeks ago I discovered the solution for an understated, polished nail.
The first step is hydrating those cuticles. Dior’s Crème Abricot Fortifying Cream For Nails does exactly that and more. It’s a rich, creamy salve that nourishes and conditions cuticles and also improves nail growth and strength. I noticed a difference instantly after the first use. This stuff is magic! It goes on sticky, but a little goes a long way, and you just let it sink in. I massage it into my cuticles before bed. Then there’s Dior Nail Glow. It enhances the color of your natural nails for a shiny glow. The pinks of your nails become a bit pinker, and the whites become a bit whiter. It’s subtle but good. It also dries super fast and lasts a week. A perfect quick fix for everyday, nice-looking nails.
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