Superfood Watermelon Chia Fresca

One of our amazing readers, Julie Morris, is an employee for Navitas Naturals and just came out with her very own recipe book, Superfood Cuisine. She kindly sent me a copy of the recently published book, and I have to say, it’s amazing. The whole concept is cooking delicious cuisine with high-energy, nutrient-rich ingredients – superfoods. She defines superfoods as natural food with an exceptionally high nutrient density (nutrient:calories). They are ingredients that help to rejuvenate the body and keep the mind sharp. The funny thing is that most of these ingredients (mostly fruits, roots, seeds, plants, and berries) were discovered long ago by ancient cultures, but have since lost their popularity. The book is packed with info on superfoods. If you’re interested in learning more on why they’re so good to incorporate into your diet, I suggest picking up a copy.

I decided to recreate one of the many delicious looking recipes in Julie’s book for this week’s recipe. Watermelon Chia Fresca is made using the superfood chia seeds. These tiny seeds were originally used by the Aztec, Incas, and Mayans to increase stamina on a long journey. They are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber (1tbsp = ¼ daily fiber needs), and important minerals like calcium and iron. Another fun fact about Chia seeds is that they can absorb 9x their own weight in water which means that once in the stomach they will expand and increase your feeling of being full. Check out this delicious fresh beverage using the powerful superfood, and stay tuned next week for another of Julie’s recipes.

Ingredients:

1 Cup of Water

2 Teaspoons of Chia Seeds

2 ½ Cups of Chopped Watermelon Flesh

1 ½ Tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice

Stevia or Agave Nectar to taste (I used Agave)

Directions:

Combine water and chia seeds. Stir.

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Place into the fridge for 10 minutes. After ten minutes, take out and stir. Then place back into the fridge for another 10 minutes. This allows the chia seeds to plump up.

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Place chia mixture and remaining ingredients into a blender and blend.

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Chill and then serve.

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Gypsy Thief

A friend sent this to me the other day to check out and I thought it was such a neat concept – a photographer and textile designer collaborated on this shoot and it showcases both of their talents so beautifully! I love the juxtaposition of the fabrics alongside the photos of nature, they complement each other so perfectly.

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Designs and Artwork by Tara Bromham.
Photography by Bohie Palecek.

View in its entirety here.

Weekend Getaways: Camping

I have this sudden urge to go camping… I think its this time of year, it’s a little bit cooler out and I just want to wander, lose myself among tall trees, write in my journal, and wake up to watch the sun rise.

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Photography by one of my favorites, Jess Gough.

What’s your favorite thing to do on a beautiful weekend in the fall?

Trend Spotting: we LOVE polka dots

Such a playful print is running through our minds lately, we can’t quite get enough of this adorable look. It’s a look that made a very popular fashion statement, especially for women’s dresses and blouses during the 1920, 1940’s and 50’s and now it has made its way back and is at the forefront of everyone’s minds.

We like this look either worn full blown retro, like our muse Alexa Chung, or dress it down with casual items, jeans or cutoffs to give the look a relaxed, cool vibe.

Are you happy to wear polka dots?

 

Photos: Marc Jacobs, Yohji Yamamoto, Alexa Chung

From left to Right: Elizabeth Taylor struck a glamorous pose in a blouse with a polka dot yoke in 1944, the same year she appeared in the award-winning movie National Velvet. Studio headshot portrait of American singer and actress Alice Faye (1915-1998) wearing a polka-dot dress. 1970 London policewomen.  Marilyn Monroe circa 1951.

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dotted lace tee, mesh panties, mesh dot ankle socks, polka dotted boho blouse

Style File: Senior Sweaters Designer

Funky jewelry – check. Little black boots – check. Great floppy hat – check again…

Our senior designer for sweaters here at Free People has a modern day rock star style. She’s a master of textures, and knows how to rock a great sweater outfit (as she should).  Just by looking at her style you can tell she’s an expert.

Although you’ll often find her in sweaters which are soft and cozy, there’s a great grunge quality to the way she dresses.  She’ll mix in tattered pieces and vintage tees while piling on jewelry for that right amount of edge. I especially love the feather earrings that she often wears. Not only are they sweet pieces, but she will only wear one at a time, and it looks awesome.

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She has a great tattoo that says “feed the good” above a wolf. The words were inspired by a Native American folktale:

An old Cherokee told his grandson, ‘My son, there is a battle between two wolves inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, inferiority, lies, & ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy, & truth.’ The boy thought about it, and asked, ‘Grandfather, which wolf wins?’ The old man quietly replied, ‘The one you feed.’”

Such a good lesson for us all to remember!

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Store Events this Weekend!

It’s looking like it will be a beautiful (almost)fall weekend in Philly! We have fun events going on in a few of our stores, including one at our nearby Ardmore store with a prize that involves yours truly… ;)

Cozy up to Fall at Free People Suburban Square!

We’re snuggling up to this crisp Fall weather, and want you to join!

Stop by Free People Suburban Square on Saturday September 17th – Sunday September 18th, and any COZY item you purchase gets you a raffle ticket! What’s the prize??? A tour of the Free People Home Office in Philadelphia with FP Julia and lunch at our amazing cafeteria! (local residents only, transportation will not be provided to and from the office).

More info on their Facebook page. Can’t wait to meet the winner! :)

Free People Topanga Fall Fashion Show!

Stop by Free People Topanga on Saturday September 17th at 2pm for their back to school fashion show! There will be music from DJ Takara and the blogger from Electric Raspberry will be there giving fashion tips!

Plus – get a sweet limited edition tie dye FP bag with purchases over $250!

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More info on their Facebook page.

Free Your Mind With Free People Brentwood

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Finally, this Saturday September 17th Free People Brentwood we will be hosting a FREE YOGA CLASS from 9AM-10AM in our store! We are ELATED to have Yoga Extraordinaire–Brigitte Bedi of Maha Yoga teaching the class. Just bring yourself, some comfy clothes and a yoga mat! There will be refreshments to follow…and of course time to SHOP!

Please RSVP if you can on their Facebook page.

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September Catalog: Behind the Scenes with the Dogs!

As you may have seen by now, we had a very special cameo by one of our beloved home office pups in the September catalog – Toby! I caught up with Toby the other day to ask him about his experience shooting his first Free People catalog :)

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Were you nervous about being a part of our September catalog shoot? I was a little nervous, but once we started shooting, I relaxed.

What did you do to prepare for the shoot? Well, I’m a natural so I didn’t do much. I had a bath and made sure my paws were extra clean.

What did you think of Bambi, the model you posed with? She was great! I think we complimented each other well. At first, she was a bit scared of me, but after she realized I was a gentle giant, she had fun.

What was your favorite part of the shoot? Being showered with cookies and attention from all the ladies :)

Do you get stopped on the street now that you’re a famous catalog model? Not so much…

Will you be doing any more modeling in the future? I hope to. I am available :)

Do you have a favorite item from the September catalog? I love the Americana Sweater Jumper.

What’s your favorite thing about Fall? Boots and the cooler weather!

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Toby wasn’t the only pup on set at the September shoot! He had a bud to hang out with – Ace!

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Ace lives on the farm in New Tripoli where our catalog was shot. He lost his leg when he was hit by a car but he is doing just fine now! He had a blast during the shoot and LOVED all the attention from the ladies :) He is one happy dog!

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Office Style

Everyone showed up ready for work and looking good this week. Femme lace and preppy elements like classic stripes and trousers seemed to have a big role in how we were feeling. The classic touches were accented with funky bellbottoms and cheetah print punches throughout.  On top of it all there were some great maxi dresses and fun pops of lipstick. I have to say, this week in office style there was much for the eyes to enjoy. Check it out…

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Thursday Poll: High-Heeled Ankle Boots

I can’t help but notice all of the great new ankle boots we have up on the Free People site. I’m especially loving a bunch of the heeled/wedged styles. I think that my wardrobe could benefit from one or two pairs of the following. What do you all think? Any favorites?

Avila Ankle Boot

Darla Platform

Dustin Wedge Boot

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Ponderosa Boot

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Saffi Lace Bootsaffi lace boot

[polldaddy poll=”5506643″]

Street Style: Sweater Dressing

Fall is creeping in, bringing with it crisper air, crunchy leaves and sweater season! We love the trend of sweater dressing from head-to-toe, outfitting yourself in bulky knits, cozy leggings, cute little sweater shorts and trading in summery maxis and rompers for sweater maxis and overalls. Our senior photographer captured some great sweater dressing street style inspiration right here at the Navy Yard!

I could live in the Americana Sweater Jumper all fall and winter long! It looks awesome over a seamless layering top with boots.

Here the comfy Poconos Sweater Legging and Easy Days Off-The-Shoulder Sweater are dressed up with a pair of funky platforms!

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Double up by wearing the Vermont Knit Sweater Shorts over a pair of cozy leggings! Worn here with the lovebug thermal, fringe crossbody and Jonesy Heeled Hiker Boot.

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We love layering a sweater maxi dress over a pretty, lacey maxi skirt! Worn with a bib necklace and platforms.

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Love this casual-cool look of striped sweater shorts over tights with an oversized sweater and tall boots!

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A look I will be wearing a lot this fall and winter – denim cutoffs over the Poconos Sweater Legging! Worn here with the flannel cuff thermal, crocheted plaid button down, brit boot and weekender bag (and a seriously rad van).

Shop all sweater dressing.