Feature: Market Colors

I've had the privilege to get to know Lizzie, CEO of a nonprofit organization here called Market Colors. I was instantly intrigued in her organization, when she told me she would be working with African craftsmen, specifically in an area where I had been and loved so much- Malawi! 

She took the call God placed on her heart seriously, and started Market Colors. Read more about their mission, her heart and ways you can buy the amazing products the craftsmen have been working on here. They have their first product launch September 9th, and will also have the items available for purchase online starting September 10th. I can't wait to see all of the different items for sale, and know they will be one of a kind! 

A little background- when I was in Malawi over 6 years ago with COTN, I was able to spend time with and see how some of these craftsmen (specifically the widow group) worked. I wanted to bring home a piece of Africa with me, obviously to remember my time there, but also because of the uniqueness and skill they put in making each item. I had them make handbags for me and my friends, which I still use and get compliments on. NOW because of Market Colors, you can  have a taste of that yourself, but with a variety of items to choose from and from other areas of Africa! 

As mentioned earlier, their first product launch is happening in Orlando Sunday September 9th, and I'm also excited that Newfashioned can play a very small role in supporting this night and their vision. Come out and support too if you're local or buy online the following day, and know that by purchasing one of their awesome items, it will go such a long way! 

diy: paint sample frame

I was waiting for my car to be fixed the other day, and wondered around the paint department at a store near by. The paint samples looked so pretty, and I just started grabbing a few of my friends wedding colors because I'm kind of obsessed with them. Because I get in crafty moods several times a day, I turned them into a picture. It's an easy decor addition, or it can make for a wedding countdown frame as well, in case you were looking for one. All you need is a frame, glue and paint samples and have at it!

scarves!

Today, I had to make a stop at Walmart on my way home from work, because the closest Target was 10 miles away.* But I'm glad my drive forced me to stop there, because I found all of these amazing scarves (after deciding to just peek at their clothing section as a reward for stopping there)- and the best part, they're between $3.80-$5.00 EACH. I had such a hard time deciding, I texted my sister and had her decide for me between a couple (we text each other in these kind of crises more than not). So I ended up with these:

The grand total was $9.00, and now I'll be set for Orlando's fierce winter. So next time you're contemplating a Walmart stop, maybe give it a try. You may go in to get toilet paper & markers and come out with 2 stylish scarves. 



*Don't be offended, I'm not a total Walmart hater. It's just..this.

adjectives vintage market

A few weeks ago, Randy and I both had a random day off together and each picked an activity we wanted to do. One of us picked trying out this new vintage market and the other picked the new batman movie- I'll let you decide who picked what. 

Ok I picked the local vintage market called  Adjectives, but Randy thoroughly enjoyed himself too (especially the doll section). Here are some pictures from our visit there:  

 
   

       

This place was filled with fun, unique items and basically a glorified indoor flea market. I ended up leaving with the ring pictured up there in my professionally manicured hands. But it was for my sweet friend Laura, and that's ok because she loved it and I love her and here she is on her birthday when I gave it to her: 

So you can read about it here or go walk around and see it for yourself. If you're a vendor, just know that there is a pretty large waiting list, but maybe one day you'll see NF there.. 

monday mixup: sheer

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Mixing a little vintage with modern, which is clearly my thang,I wanted to start showing how to incorporate vintage (specifically newfashioned pieces) into a wearable, modern day outfit. A lot is drawn from inspiration, mood, etc. But also good for people like me who are on a budget, and need to work with what you've got. 

So today, I wanted to discuss sheer. It may be a tricky thing because sheer is sheer. But pulled off right and in the right setting, I think it can add a nice elegant touch. (See below, used with picture #4). And it can be yours! 

        Shirt: nf, Shorts: Forever21, Blazer: Urban Outfitters, Booties: Target

This is the dressed-up-but-not-really-look and a good transition into fall. Throw a little blazer on or wear it by itself, and you're good to go! 

1. theberry 2. pinterest 3. theberry4. 5.nf

Homemade VitaMuffins

Well. With all of this hurricane Isaac talk, rain, dreary weather, homework ADD, etc., it naturally put me in the mood to bake something. Trying to continue to make healthy choices even with dessert, I stumbled upon this recipe and because it is a ketterman fave, had to try: 

And couldn't believe how they really taste just like these:

So by making them yourself, you could save millions $$$. And here is the recipe:

Triple Chocolate Chunk Muffin Knock-Offs/VitaTop Muffins

adapted from this blog

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 c oats
• 3 egg whites
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular plain low fat yogurt)
• 1/2 tsp cream of tartar (or 1-1/2 Tbsp. vinegar)
• 1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1-1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 cup sugar substitute (like Splenda granular) OR 1/4 cup + 2 tbs stevia (I used Stevia). 
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or use white chocolate or peanut butter chips!)

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with foil cupcake liners, or spray muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
In a blender, (or food processor), mix all of the ingredients together, except for the chocolate chips. Blend until oats are ground and mixture is smooth.
Place mixture in a bowl and gently stir in 1/2 of the chocolate chips (set the rest aside). Scoop mixture into prepared muffin pans.
Place muffins tins in the oven for 10 minutes.  After 10 minutes, remove muffins from the oven (but don’t shut oven off), and distribute the other half of the chocolate chips on top of each muffin.
Place  the muffins back into the oven and bake for an additional 2-5 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. *Note, you could skip this step by putting all of the chips in the batter, and baking the muffins for 12-15 min straight, but this method gives the muffins the traditional ‘VitaTop Muffin’ look with the chocolate chips on top!Cool muffins before removing from pan. ENJOY!!!
Servings: 12 Big Muffins or 24 Smaller Muffins
Calories: 116 Calories Per Muffin or 58 Calories Per Muffin 

Bleach Denim Project

Last week, I tried a little experiment with a couple of my vintage denim pieces, and I quickly became addicted to it. I bleached anything denim I could get my hands on, and recruited friends and family to do theirs too- so watch out, I may be after you. Here are a couple inspirational pictures (and a couple items I have for sale- your lucky day). 

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I love the different variations, I think that's why I like this trend so much. And you can really pair it with anything- dressed up or down, etc etc. I have pretty much worn my vest-styled top with everything daily, and here is one way I've worn it (and wanted people to see how messy I am- just trying to keep it real). Mines a little more bleached than others I've tried.

(Dress: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: H&M, Vest: thrifted, Background mess: target sandal's explosion).

So, if you're diggin it and in the market for a piece to add to your own wardrobe, I have a couple options for you as mentioned above (annnd NF is currently offering 10% off using Back2school code good until this Friday- So hurry).     

                          

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1.Pinterest/unknown 2.honestly wtf 3.i spy diy 4.urban outfitters 5.shorts- NF 6.ombre top-NF

a bff engagement!

                                     

This is how my bff sister got engaged. Her awesome fiance Jared planed the sweetest engagement (after mine duh), and me and Rands were so honored to be a part of this amazing day. Watch/laugh/cry/etc.  (Shout out to brother Stinson and his sweet videograping skillz).

And that's the bling. 

      

    Because I took so much time off, there is so much to catch up on. But I have to start with this, because I couldn't be more excited. My BFF Sister Sarah got engaged towards the end of this summer as shown above, and I really couldn't be more excited for someone. We've known each other forever, and joke that God forgot to make us sisters at birth that's why our siblings married each other so we could almost be sisters (it makes sense in our heads). 

  Those are just a few rough shots of the magical day (and me being a stalker/paparazzi), which took some amazing planning on her fiances part, major lying leading up to the event on my part (and other key players), and of course so much love on their part. Yay Sarah & Jared, I am so happy for you & can't wait to be part of your day! 

(I accepted). 

3 day cleanse, again

So, I'm finally back in the blogosphere after a summer hiatus and a little revamping of the blog, and just in time to share some super interesting news. Randy & I just got done with a 3 day cleanse, and some of yallz have been asking me about it (it's one we've done a couple times before, whenever we feel like we couldn't be any more unhealthy). It is also one I posted about before which you can find here and it is still my favorite one for a few reasons listed below (but it is definitely not for everyone).

1)You aren't starving, you still eat as much as you want (from selected items on the guideline list and recipe sections), you're not just drinking lemon water and maple syrup 25 times a day.

2)It is meant to reset everything, not meant for you to lose weight. But you usually do from releasing stuff that shouldn't be there. 

3)It makes us both feel lighter and not bloated all the time from coke zeros and other horrible things we probably consume.

4)Makes you realize, again, that when you're busy people you forget to slow down and make healthy choices. Randy and I are such foodies and love trying new restaurants and foods together, which will never stop. But this helps create a regular lifestyle at home for us when we aren't indulging in gluttony. 

5)My not favorite part and the worst part is the caffeine, mainly coffee and chocolate. I can't really be a human without coffee, so the past 3 days I have taken several naps, went to bed at 10:00 at the latest from exhaustion and haven't formulated a complete sentence. But other than that it's great.

6)Finally, the menu items are quite delish for a cleanse. See pictured sweet & sour chicken below and failed attempt at chocolate scones on right (tempting I know). It can be a little confusing if you like things spelled out and planned, but this one offers you recipes you can choose for whatever meal you want. Just start off the day with one of the shakes they recommend and don't stop drinking water. (PS if you do the green machine or whatever shake pictured above, beware that spirulina tastes absolutely horrible so throw an apple in there and only use a teaspoon instead of a tablespoon and you're good to go).   

Fave dish- sweet & sour chicken

If you're looking for a quick way to jump start yourself into eating healthy, feeling lighter, and reset your digestive system, this may be the cleanse for you! 

*If you're a regular reader, just know that the blog is under a little construction so please be patient if things/tabs don't work. Randy husband/miracle worker is in the process of perfecting it.