Update with Claire

I'm sure you've noticed that it's been a little quite around here for the past couple of months. Life has thrown us a few curve balls this year and we've been trying to take them in stride. Personally, I've been dealing with an overwhelming work schedule and a few minor unresolved health issues so recently, my focus has been on restructuring aspects of my life to better both my mental and physical health. This was a hard decision for me to make, but I have decided to step away from Foxtail + Moss for the time being. I have enjoyed so many aspects of blogging - from creating new projects and learning new skills to meeting and forming relationships with amazing people that I've met along the way. It's been a blast working side by side with Lauren and experiencing this journal together. I will miss it so!

I hope to be back blogging at some point in the future, but for right now I'm taking some time to refocus and rejuvenate my soul and spirit. Foxtail + Moss will remain strong with Lauren at the helm. Stay tuned for some exciting summer projects and upcoming workshops. I know I will!

-Claire

A quick note from Lauren //

It absolutely breaks my heart to officially say see you later to my blogging partner in crime! It's been such an amazing creative journey building this little blog with Claire and I'm going to miss like crazy all the laughs and doses of inspiration that we shared working together. I hope you'll join me in wishing Claire all the best and more as she embarks on this new (and calmer) season of her life. It's a bittersweet goodbye, but I'm so inspired by and proud of her for focusing on self-happiness and I can't wait to see what that brings about for her. Love you, CJ! 

Using Essential Oils

I was introduced to essential oils a few years back by a friend who recommended them to me after I was experiencing some sleepless nights. When the idea of a natural remedy came to light, I jumped at the idea and immediately dove into research mode to learn everything I could about this ancient form of healing. I got my hands on a diffuser, bought a few oils, and slowly figured out what helped me rest and relax. My collection and knowledge of essential oils has grown and now I don't think a day goes by that I don't turn on my diffuser and benefit from aromatherapy.

Have you heard of essential oils? Probably. The rapid growth in popularity over the past few years has much to do with this natural medicines lack of side effects. Full of powerful antioxidants, essential oils are created by extracting liquids from different parts of the plant - including the seeds, bark, leaves, steams, roots, flowers, and fruit - and have been used for centuries in various cultures for holistic health care. Essential oils embody the immune-strengthening properties of each plant and are so highly concentrated and potent that a single drop can be equal to multiple teaspoons of the dried herd (example - one drop of peppermint oil equals 25 cups of peppermint tea!) Along with aromatherapy, oils can also be ingested and used topically*. So next time your feeling restless, have a headache, low on energy, or feeling a bit under the weather - give essential oils a try!

*As with anything you put in and on your body for medical reasons, do your research before using essential oils. A great resource is Modern Essentials.

{Claire}

A Vegetarian Thanksgiving

From top left to bottom right
Baked Feta Stuffed Sweet Potato  //  Chard Gratin  // Roasted Vegetable Galette  //  Imam Bayildi

In order to be a bit more health conscience, this year I've been experimenting with my eating habits - trying to be more aware of what foods I put in my body and how it's affecting my mood and physical well being. I've introduced more plants and vegetables into my diet, experimented with The Whole 30, and recently decided to cut out meat and poultry. That means this Thanksgiving there will be no turkey on my plate. When it comes to everyone's favorite food holiday, I am a traditionalist. You'll always find turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, stuffing, and green bean casserole piled on my plate, so when I realized I wouldn't be eating some of my favorite dishes - I panicked ever so slightly. Lauren has been a vegetarian for 6 years so I pumped her for ideas and scoured the Pinterest for a vegetarian entree options. Little did I know, there are a ton of great autumnal dishes that sound incredibly appetizing and I can't wait to try! 

{Claire}

10 Random Things / 02

10 Random Things about Claire //

1. I have only gone to one hairstylist my entire life until this year! Not a huge fan of change, can you tell? Lauren recently started styling my hair and I couldn't be happier. Maybe blondes really do have more fun.
2. My favorite movie is Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Harrison Ford, duh! Yep, I'm a total child of the 80's.
3. I love the big city life, but I always daydream about buying land in Montana and living in sky country forever.
4. Are you a twin? My sister and I wish that we were, so whenever we go out together, we always try to convince people that we really are twins.
5. My favorite ice cream flavor is vanilla.
6. I carry a crystal around with me in my purse and constantly rub it searching for positive vibes.
7. When I can't sleep, I rub my feet together for a couple minutes and it knocks me right out.
8. My car's name is Herbert.
9. I've known my husband for over 15 years and we've spent a majority of that time together.
10. I have an unhealthy obsession with chorizo. You guys, I can't stop eating it!

10 Random Things about Lauren //

1. My favorite Spice Girl was/is Ginger.
2. I've never traveled outside the country. (Unless you count a day trip to Windsor, Ontario. And I don't!) That's got to change in 2016!
3. I knew my husband was "the one" after dating him for a week.
4. I've seen every episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation at least twice.
5. Black is my favorite color.
6. I have a bunch of nicknames. Most of my friends and family call me Lola, Lolo, or Lo. But my Mom calls me Annie.
7. I wrote a love letter to Christian Slater when I was 8 years old. He stole my heart in Robin Hood!<3
8. My spirit animal is a fox (shocker, eh?)
9. Mustard is the best condiment.
10. I'm not sure I have a celebrity dopplegänger but I've been told I look like a young Linda Ronstadt.

Now it's your turn. We want to know a random thing or two about you!

Sweater Season

What does your Autumn wardrobe look like? Lauren shared her plaid obsession for the season a couple weeks back, and it got me thinking - what's my Autumn must have. This year, it's definitely a billowy sweater. Hello warmth and comfort! Two weeks ago, I did my usual Fall closet swap - switching out my Spring / Summer clothes with my Fall / Winter outfits (living in an apartment you aren't always blessed with large closets). I've been rediscovering old sweaters and purchasing a few new. Autumn fashion - you are my favorite!

On Claire:  BDG Knit Beanie // Easy Sweater // Be Awesome Today tote // Levi's 721 Jeans // Shoes - Thrift

What's a regular in your Autumn style rotation?

{Claire}

INSPIRED // Heading West

Spicy Sweet Nut & Seed Mix // Mountains Are Calling shirt // Photo Transfer Journal // Mountain Tattoo

(from top left to bottom right - All images via Pinterest)

My husband and I are planning an upcoming trip to hit the open road and head west. I can't tell you how excited I am to get out of my every day routine and into vacation mood! Recharge, rejuvenate, and get inspired by this beautiful country is my goal. We'll be visiting cities, small mountain towns, the country, and a couple national parks. Variety is the spice of life and I can't wait to see what we'll be cooking up!

The perfect road trip wouldn't be complete without a delicious homemade trail mix, the perfect vacation tee, a journal, and a commemorative tattoo to celebrate your amazing trip.

Follow us on Pinterest and check out what else we're diggin' lately.

From the Garden // Pico de Gallo

Last year I fell in love with jalapeño poppers, so this planting season I decided to plant two jalapeño pepper plants in my garden so I could have poppers all summer long. Last week, I went out to my garden, picked a bowl full of jalapeños, and for the first time I was not excited to make poppers. Every time we have guests over - poppers. Every time we made dinner and I didn't know what side to make - poppers. You guys, I'm totally burnt out! I looked at the peppers and didn't know what to do. My mind went blank. I put the jalapeños in the fridge and what caught my attention out of the corner of my eye - an almost empty container of pico de gallo my husband purchased earlier that week. "I can totally make that!" I thought. I got excited - whipped together a delicious bowl of pico de gallo using fresh jalapeños from my garden, grabbed some chips, and started chowing down. My neighbor joined in and before I knew it, the bowl of pico was gone. YUM! Below is my simple and spicy pico de gallo recipe.

Pico de Gallo //

6 roma tomatoes

2 jalapeno pepper

juice of 1 lime

1 red onion
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1 cloves garlic, minced
salt
pepper

Finely chop all ingredients, combine, and mix.


Did you catch our other "from the garden" recipe from earlier this month? It's a delicious kale salad that is currently on my list of favorite summer recipes. Check it out!

{Claire}

We're Loving...Na Nin Fragrance

My current favorite perfume oil is Landslide from Na Nin. Over the past couple years, I have tried numerous perfumes and am constantly looking for a scent that compliments my natural body oils. When I can across Na Nin, I fell in love. The clean and crisp packaging caught my eye but it was the incredible aroma that lured me in. These natural fragrances are created by Kate Jennings of Richmond, Virginia. Kate's scents are inspired from "the feeling that you get from listening to a certain song that reminds you a favorite memory." Landslide is an earthy scent with notes of patchouli, cedarwood, rosewood & sandalwood. When I found out the fragrance is inspired by my favorite gypsy Stevie Nicks, I knew it was meant to be!

Do you have a favorite perfume or body oil that you've been wearing lately? 

{Claire}

*This is not a sponsored post. We just genuinely love this product!

From the Garden // Kale Salad with Chickpeas, Tomatoes, + Feta

Having a garden in my backyard is one of the many things I love about my apartment. This summer it seems like every day I am going out back, picking a handful of veggies, and creating new recipes with fresh ingredients. I couldn't be happier! During this Spring planting season, I decided to mix things up a bit and plant a couple new vegetables instead of my usual over abundance of pepper plants. One that made the list - KALE! It's sad to say, but I came late to the kale party and only recently started to eat and enjoy this hearty green. Better late than never, right? Not only do I put kale in my smoothies every morning, but I've also become quite fond of a variety of kale salads that make a delicious light summer meal. Combing through all the recipes on Pinterest has become a daily obsession. This tasty salad is one of my favorites.

KALE SALAD WITH CHICKPEAS, TOMATOES AND FETA  //
4 cups cooked chickpeas
Chipotle Chili Pepper
3 cups packed green curly kale
1/3 cup crumbled feta
1 clove garlic, minced
5 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
black pepper to taste
1 pint heirloom tomatoes, halved
6-8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 avocado (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Drain and rinse chickpeas. Place on sheet pan, drizzle 1-2 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle chipotle chili pepper (to your liking) over chickpeas. Toss and cook for 20 minutes. Let cool.

Combine cooked chickpeas, kale, feta, garlic, red onion in a large bowl and toss together. Next stir in the remaining olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper - adjusting to taste. Gently mix salad. Lastly, add in tomatoes, fresh basil, and avocado (optional) - mixing a final time. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe adapted from in pursuit of more


{Claire}

Learning to sew a dress

Recently I bought a simple oversized black dress. Nothing fancy, it's very casual and incredibly comfy but still super cute. Because it's so easy to throw on, it's become a staple in my summer wardrobe and I always get a million compliments when I wear it. Basically I never want to take it off and wish I had a dozen more just like it. So the other day I happened to glance at the simple stitching on the seam of this plain ol' dress and thought to myself, hmmm...could I make something like this!?

I've owned a sewing machine for years and am handy when it comes to sewing a hem or creating basic pieces...curtains, a pillow case, a scarf...but that's pretty much where my skill set ends. I've played with the idea of making my own clothes for a while now. It seems like such a romantic idea, very slow-living and harkening back to a different time. So I did a little research and brushing up on my skills. Using my dress as a guide, my plan is to create a pattern and assembling the garment. Wish me luck!

I'll keep you all posted and let you know how the dress turns out. Fingers crossed!

Have you ever made an article of clothing? Did you create it from a pattern or replicate it from an existing piece? I'd love to hear your tips and secrets as I'll most likely need all the help I can get! ;)

{Claire}

A No-Spend Month

This year I've spent a lot of time working on redecorating and reorganizing my home. It's been a lot of fun and definitely much needed. Although I am trying to keep the cost down, doing any home improvements cost money. With that and trying to save for an amazing road trip my husband and I are planning this autumn, we're trying to spend less and save more.

Have you heard of the No-Spend Challenge? This challenge is an easy way to reset your spending habits and introduce yourself to a budget that is practical and works for your family. There's just one simple rule; don't spend money on anything expect necessities (bills, groceries, etc.) I'm kicking off this challenge next week and I'm excited to see how much I save (and a bit scared to see how much I spend!) I'll check back in after the 30 days are up and let you know how it went.

Interested in joining me for this no-spend month but the thought of curbing your cash flow sounds like a bore? Here are a couple tips on how to stay entertained...for free!

- Gather some friends and have a bonfire in your backyard.
- Look for free community classes or activities to attend.

- Dig out all those unused craft supplies and make something!

- Pick a local organization and volunteer for the day.

- Visit your local library and check out a book.
- Check and see if the museums in your city offer free days and go.

{Claire}

LIFE/STYLE : Lately...

Winter is in full swing! And while the Midwest has been lucky enough to avoid blizzards and "snowpocalypses", we're still pretty settled in to our routines of snuggling up under blankets and passing the time indoors during these cold weather months. So today, we thought it would be fun to break up the monotony a bit and share what we've been in to lately!

Claire:
Watching // FRIENDS just got added to Netflix in the beginning of the year, so on those blustery winter nights when all I wanna do is curl up on the couch in a blanket and drink tea; I've been in front of my tv watching this classic.

Trending // The L.L. Bean Boot has been popping up on everyone's feet lately and mine are no exception. My pair finally arrived on my doorstep (after ordering them 3 months ago) and they have been glued to my feet ever since. Order yours but be prepared to wait! Word on the street is you'll be behind 100,000 orders (omg!)

Listening // Lately I've been on a quest to find more current artists that catch my interest. My record collection is full of multi decade classics, but my new artist selection is a bit light. Alvvays has hit the spot and this Toronto indie-pop band has been played heavily in my home.

Learning // I've been a lover of ceramics for a long time and I've always wanted to learn how to make my own pieces. I took pottery in high school, but haven't touched clay since. This is the year! Bowls, vases, cups....here I come!


Lauren:
Watching // I'm completely caught up in Peaky Blinders. Have you watched it? The first two seasons are on Netflix now and a third season is scheduled to be released soon. If you're in to period piece dramas, boys with dapper hair cuts and British accents, gangster films, and Nick Cave, (just a few of my favorite things), you're going to love it!

Trending // Claire and I are both in the midst of giving our homes little makeovers. Currently, I'm loving that the color black is popping up everywhere in interior trends. I've been toying with the idea of painting a wall in our bedroom black. It's such a bold look. Here's a list of other trends for 2015. I'm pretty much loving them all!

Listening // I'm utterly smitten with Nikki Lane. She's got this whole outlaw Loretta Lynn thing going on and it's just so good. She's playing a show here in Chicago soon and if you know what's good for you, you'll go!

Learning // So maybe I'm like a year late to this whole calligraphy trend, but I've been toying around with it and hand lettering lately. It's just such a relaxing and repetitive art form, and a totally classic skill to have. I've got my eye on this starter kit for beginners (so lovely!) and am on the look out for local calligraphy or hand lettering workshops. Heard of any? Should Foxtail + Moss host one!? ;)

What are you digging lately? We'd love to hear!

We're Loving...Sunday Suppers

I'm always on the prowl for new cookbooks so when I was gifted Sunday Suppers this holiday season, I couldn't wait to spend an afternoon pouring through the book, cover to cover. A communal cooking center based out of Brooklyn, Sunday Suppers focuses on shared meals and the act of cooking communally and celebrates the traditions of food and community. The cookbook they released back in October is a collection of recipes from across the county inspired by taking small gatherings outside your home and into the outdoors to embrace different environments. It's full of dreamy food photography and simple and creative recipes.

Browsing through the Contents, the first heading that caught my eye was "Winter Brunch". I flipped to the page and found five recipes that made my mouth water. Below I'm sharing the recipe for Warm Citrus Salad. I can't wait to make this for my next Sunday brunch get together!

{Claire}

Warm Citrus Salad //
3 blood oranges
1 lemon
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary (chopped)
1 large pink grapefruit
3 clementines

Grate the zest of one blood orange. Juice the orange, and combine the juice and zest in a saucepan. Do the same with the lemon. Add the wine, sugar, and honey, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, whisking to dissolve the sugar. Lower the heat and simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.

Peel the remaining two blood oranges, the grapefruit, and the clementines, and slice 3/4 inch-thick rounds. Arrange the citrus rounds on a platter and pour warm liquid over them. Serve warm.
Taken from Sunday Supper (page 48) by Karen Mordechai


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