#iamunique

Hello my dears its been a while since I’ve posted anything that wasn’t a strictly fashion post. Yes this one will have to do with fashion but I promise it will be so much more than that.

One of my favorite companies in the world: Unique Vintage has started a campaign I could not be more pleased with. The #iamunique  campaign encourages people to really love themselves for who they are. Basically you use the hashtag and talk about what makes you different and why you love yourself for it…Sure it sounds simple enough but openly stating your truest self and your rawest emotions can be a little scary especially on the interwebs, where kindness, understanding, and acceptance aren’t exactly a common theme. But I felt called to take the plunge and put myself out there.

Basically I used to wear what was “in” and pretend to enjoy the things that “everyone else” did and in turn was miserable, truly miserable. By wearing what was “in” I felt ugly because #iamunique I have a less than common figure and most clothes aren’t designed to flatter someone with short yogi legs, a ridiculously long torso, and line backer shoulders. I only wish I could go back in time and talk to little Sarah who was crying in dressing rooms wishing to be like everybody else and tell her how happy she would become the moment she embraced her truest self.

I have loved the pinup style for most of my life, even at the age of 4 I worshiped Audrey Hepburn and her flawless glamour. But since pinup was considered over the top by so many I had resigned myself to boring socially acceptable clothes for far too many years. I was denying who I really was everytime I bought myself a pair of skinny jeans and a graphic t-shirt. But all of the denial stopped the very moment I slipped on my Unique Vintage wiggle dress “just for kicks”. Needless to say I bought the dress, but honestly it was so much more than that, it felt like I had bought myself the freedom to be ME.
My first real pinup dress changed everything for me.

By realizing how right I was about my fashion choices I carried that same confidence into other areas of my life. I no longer pretended to enjoy the music that everyone else was listening to, I would unashamedly tell people my big plans for the weekend consisted of  of staying home baking, marathoning Doctor Who, and and snuggling my dog, and if I found something funny I would laugh my witchy cackle and maybe snort a little too. I was no longer ashamed of who I was. I loved me and I didn’t have to fit societies rules to do so.

 Going steady dress

Brenda Dress.

I’m not like everybody else and that’s okay, in fact its more than okay, Its fan-freaking-tastic! By being my truest self I have had so many opportunities open up to me, I’ve become bolder, braver, happier and the people who have chosen to love me for the real me are absolutely irreplaceable. In all honesty I probably wouldn’t have half the friends I do now if I hadn’t started dressing pinup. I discovered myself, and a community of so many beautiful hearts and minds. I just want to extend a huge thank you to Unique Vintage for starting this campaign of self love as well as to my wonderful pinup community that inspires me daily and reaffirms me. Like I said in my #iamunique insta post “yes I am unique but that doesn’t mean I don’t belong”.

Redmond Goodies!

Well folks we are in the middle of “Holiday Tango” as I like to call it, we just finished with Thanksgiving and might still be living off of leftovers and we’re prepping for Christmas, the most wonderful/stressful time of the year. With all that stress and craziness happening might I suggest Redmond to help calm your nerves?

I’ve been fortunate enough to collaborate with the incredible company that knows being natural and organic doesn’t mean sacrifice. In fact they have some of the most luxurious products around.

Let’s start with their personal care products, the mud based toothpaste may sound less than appetizing but it leaves your teeth fresh from the dentist fresh and the flavor is stellar, I know the lemon is probably meant for the kiddies but why let the kids have all the fun ya? Seriously this stuff tastes like lemon drops. But if you like a more classic minty flavor the wintergreen is perfectly invigorating. The facial mud far surpasses any conventional face mask I’ve ever used, the hand and body soap isn’t drying but you can definitely tell your hands are clean. The bath salts are well incredible. I mean what beats a nice long soak in the tub this time of year? And Redmond has a wonderful raw clay powder that can be taken supplementary as well as used in making your own face masks, or if you’re amazing like my mother toothpastes, soaps, deodorants, etc… So when it comes to personal care Redmond has got you covered.

Now on to my first love, the creative outlet I always come back to, and get obscenely excited about…Food. I love food and cooking  (most days) and nothing makes cooking more exciting than having wonderful seasonings. I have already been enjoying the heck out of my Redmond seasonings. Salt is an obvious staple for any cook, but what sets this brand apart is that they provide you with a pure salt, no anti clumping agents that are actually Cyanide (kind of scary what a little research uncovers). Oh and now that Christmas is right around the corner you’ll probably be hosting dinner parties, or attending potlucks, and the seasoning salt, garlic salt, and onion salt really add a whole new life to your run of the mill dishes. I’ve especially been loving the garlic salt on popcorn, its so good!So whether you’re in need of a little pampering or want to add some variety to your cooking I highly suggest you check out Redmond, and when it comes to gift giving I’ve never known anyone to dislike gifts that are practical and luxurious, and to help with the gift giving Redmond has variety packs to choose from.

Hope I was able to help you get through the Holiday tango with a little brand recommendation, and I’ll try to get some fun recipes on the blog for you to use too. Cheers and Happy Holidays!

 

Best Ever Egg Sandwich

Hello my loves I thought a might share a fun recipe with you all. I’d consider myself a foodie and I really love unique eats and fussy french dessert recipes and the like, but sometimes you just gotta step away from the frills and fuss. Some days you just don’t feel like tackling a 20 ingredient 3 hour recipe. Sometimes you just want something you can throw together and have it taste amazing, and in my opinion this sandwich fits the bill.

• Ingredients
• Eggs
• bread
• salt & pepper
• olive oil
• butter
• tomatillo salsa
• cheddar cheese
• garlic clove

I start out by prepping with the most important aspect of any sandwich, the bread! As you can see I was cooking for 3. Drizzle a little olive oil on one piece of bread, then on the opposite piece place your cheese. Now set aside while you cook your eggs.
I used to have the hardest time making a fried egg, it seemed absolutely impossible and I always ended up with a scrambled mess. Turns out I never had enough oil in my pan and I had the heat up way too high! So oil your pan with whatever you prefer butter, olive oil etc… my family and I love Kerrygold, and heat your pan to low. Now its time for the eggs! I understand that not everyone can afford to eat naturally or you just don’t buy into the crunchy mother earth image it brings to mind. But I can honestly say when it comes to eggs the more natural the better. Caged chickens who scarcely see the sun and eat a diet of nothing but corn produce some really gross eggs, in fact I used to think I didn’t like eggs because of that.But I have recently been converted to an egg eater when my family and I started buying eggs from Vital Farms.  What makes these eggs so delicious is that their hens are pasture raised, not to be confused with pasteurized, I actually saw another brand advertise pasteurized eggs and was rather confused…are they heating these eggs up? Is that what they’re saying? Vital Farm’s chickens are eating precisely what nature intended, as well as being provided with best dark leafy greens year round, so even during these upcoming fall and winter months you’re still guaranteed to have the most beautifully rich orange yolked eggs ever! Turns out I just wanted my eggs to taste like real eggs, I urge you to give this brand a try, they’re so good. Who knows you may be converted into an egg eater like me?

Okay now that you’ve got your egg in your heated skillet (preferably cast iron) its time to season. Just a little salt and pepper is all you need. Speaking of salt I just recently discovered that the old brand of Kosher Salt my family and I had been using had trace amounts of cyanide in it. CYANIDE In our food!!! Needless to say that was remedied quickly by switching over to Real Salt. No cyanide just honest to goodness flavor.

I never want to come across as that judgmental crunchy hippie type, but I do want to encourage you to be an advocate for your health and research your food. Yes this does mean you might have to make sacrifices and stop using your favorite brands, and even buy more expensive alternatives, but I bet you’d rather pay it at the grocery store than the doctor’s office.Okay well after a while your egg will start looking like the picture above and now it is time to turn your oven onto broil, toast your bread, and flip that egg over! Cook to your desired yolk hardness. I like my yolk a little runny for this particular sandwich, it really adds a whole other level of flavor!After the cheese has melted and your bread is a golden brown take your toast out of the oven, and rub a clove of garlic on the oiled pieces of bread. Now finish off with a couple of spoonfuls of tomatillo salsa and you’re done! Voila! The Best Ever Egg Sandwich!

I really hope you all enjoyed this post and that you try the sandwich for yourself. If you do, be sure to let me know, how did you like it? Did you add your own spin on the recipe? What are some of your favorite easy go to dishes? I’d love to hear from you.

Happy Wednesday!

Fashion Friday Featuring Onzie’s Summer Line

You guy’s I have been anxiously waiting to share this post with you all! I’m so excited about Onzie’s new Summer line.

I tend to be the kind of person who samples all sorts of products and I wouldn’t really consider myself a strict brand loyalist, except when it comes to Onzie. How did they earn my loyalty you may ask? Well Onzie is a 100% made in the USA company which will always get me onboard, their clothes are stunningly beautiful, with their unique structure and effortlessly chic prints and colors, and their clothes use Free Flow Fabric Technology which means your garments move with you, breathe with you, and keep you supported. The best way I know how to describe it is like a second skin! What more could you possibly want in athletic gear? Onzie is my yoga clothing of choice, but it isn’t limited to the yoga mat, Onzie clothes can be worn while running, biking, hooping, pilates, and even during swimming and surfing because of its fast drying technology and the fact that it can be worn in both salt water and chlorine. Really you could replace your entire wardrobe with Onzie if we’re being honest 😉

I loved this company ever since I first came across them (past features on Onzie can be read here) but I have to say I’ve grown even more in love as time has gone on. While I was in California a couple months back I actually had the honor of doing a little tour of Onzie and met the people who truly makes this company great! The minute I walked through the doors I felt incandescently happy! Everyone was so incredibly kind and I’ve never seen so many smiling faces on people who were working haha. Of course it makes complete sense that their clothes are as beautiful as they are when see the beautiful souls of the people behind the scenes. I’m now more loyal than ever, give me a great quality product and wonderful people who run the show and you will earn my love and loyalty.

 

Here is look 1.

Sun Ray Bra Top: Onzie All hail the Onzie sports bra! I’ve tried on many a sports bras and have yet to find one more comfortable and supportive than a Onzie, also can we take a moment to appreciate how gorgeous the back detailing is? Not only does this detailing give a fabulous visual but I also felt like this particular design gave even more support, so if you need a little more strength in your yoga tops you can not go wrong in picking the Sun Ray.

Full Coverage Short: Onzie Quite literally the best yoga shorts I have ever worn! They don’t roll or ride up but they manage to still move with you, the cut is incredibly figure flattering, and the Sedona print is just so lively and happy! Why can’t all shorts be as perfect as Onzie shorts? Heck maybe I’ll take my own advice and just have a wardrobe of Onzie 😉

 

Look 2.

Pretty happy about the pockets 😉

Sun Ray Bra Top: Onzie

Pure Vida Tank: Onzie I have a feeling  this tank top is going to be worn quite a bit this summer. When the average temp during our Texas summers is usually about 105 you can bet I am going to be beyond thankful this tank is feather light, fast drying (sweat marks are not sexy), and the back detailing is more than decorative, it will help keep me cool!

Gypsy Pant: Onzie Waist band that folds over, pockets, stunning print, and the just the right touch of harem style without going full fledged MC Hammer. These pants are so cute I will not restrict them to just athletic wear! From everyday outings, hangouts with friends, to travel Onzie is always there to keep you cool and comfy but also incredibly stylish!

I hope you all enjoyed this post as much as I did and that you get yourself some Onzie! Happy Friday and Happy Independence day!

Fashion Friday Onzie Spring Collection

This week I have quite the treat for you, two looks in one post! I couldn’t contain my excitement, I absolutely had to share the brilliance that is the Onzie spring collection.

For those of you who don’t know, Onzie is my all time favorite yoga apparel brands. They are 100% made in the USA, their clothes always come in the most flattering cuts and colors, and these beautiful clothes just so happen to be the most comfortable clothes you will ever have the fortune to wear. The last thing you want to deal with is constricting/uncomfortable clothes while trying to workout, and clearly the people of Onzie understand this. Their clothes move and breathe with you, its like a second skin…a super beautiful second skin. If you have been searching for great yoga gear your journey has ended, once you have experienced Onzie nothing else will compare. Start your addiction here 😉 http://www.onzie.com/

Look 1.

Criss Cross Bra top: Onzie I love this top, it is the perfect low impact sports bra, it keeps you decent, but is doesn’t squish you into oblivion like so many sports bras can. Plus its beautiful! I’d like one in each print please 😉

Black open back top: I also got this from Onzie but it’s from their fall collection so its no longer available. However I happen to think this top works beautifully for spring. I love the sexy open back details.

Pure Vida Pant: Onzie Oh my goodness! Are these not the most beautiful pants you have ever seen? They are bohemian perfection, you can either wear them untied for an extra flowy romantic look, or tie them at the akles for a fun harem like appearance. These pants are so beautiful I will be wearing them outside of my yoga practice too!

Look 2.

Flower Clip: Claires

Bustier Top: Onzie Oh yes floral, polka dots, and comfort this top has everything I could possibly want out of a sports bra! Its the perfect balance of girly and playful, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with it!

High Waist Shorts: Onzie Because why should I have to choose between being a yogi and being a pinup? I cannot even express how much I love these bottoms. Their construction is perfect, they glorify your shape all the while being flattering to what most people consider their number one problem area. Plus I’ve never been able to turn down a polka dot print 😉

I hope you all enjoyed this post and that you get yourself some Onzie gear as soon as possible. Happy Friday my lovelies!

Fashion Friday Featuring Onzie’s Fall Line

Hey guys sorry I didn’t post a Fashion Friday last week. I was feeling awful. But I am feeling much better now, I think part of my feeling better is due to the fact that I am in love. I am in love with Onzie’s new fall line! The prints, cuts, colors its all so perfect! You can check out their entire fall collection here http://www.theonzie.com/ and here are the goodies I received from Onzie

as always its all giggles during the shoot

I am completely obsessed with my top, the back detailing is so feminine and fun!

Always laughing!

Criss cross sleeve top: Onzie http://www.theonzie.com/criss-cross-sleeve-top/

Criss Cross Bra Top: Onzie  http://www.theonzie.com/criss-cross-bra-top/

Sport Short: Onzie http://www.theonzie.com/criss-cross-bra-top/

Yoga Mat: Affirmats http://www.affirmats.com/collections/all-products-1/products/look-how-pretty-you-are

I hope you all enjoyed this post and that you get yourself some Onzie gear. I cannot sing enough praises for Onzie, they are an all American made company which is very hard to find these days, the clothes are just as comfortable as they are beautiful, not to mention very well made, and their customer service is incredible. They are so sweet and helpful you feel like you’re talking to a friend not a business person. So I encourage you to show this company some love and I hope you all have an incredible weekend!

Fashion Friday Featuring Affirmats

Today’s Fashion Friday is featuring Affirmats. A wonderful company that specializes in eco friendly biodegradable jute yoga mats. Now one might think how could a yoga mat be featured in a fashion post? Well admittedly I would probably think the same thing if I hadn’t seen the beauty that is Affirmats. These mats are not only functional (non slip, nothing worse than a mat that makes you feel like Bambi on ice) but they are beautiful and in turn make oneself feel beautiful. Its hard enough to get the urge to workout but having a mat “tell” you “Look how pretty you are” “I am wonderfully made” or “I am healthy I am wealthy I am love” is just the encouragement you need when trying to tackle “that impossible” pose you’re dying to accomplish. I have never loved a mat so much and I encourage you to check out this rad company http://www.affirmats.com/Home.html
I call this face “Keeping eye on the wild squirrel” 😉

backbends make me smile

I hope you all enjoyed this post and that you all check Affirmats out!

Sports Bra: Onzie http://www.theonzie.com/criss-cross-bra-top/

Yoga Pants: Old Navy http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=84254&vid=1&pid=633125032

Mat: Affirmats http://www.affirmats.com/Store/Products.php?id=8