We've been a "slow carb" household since the beginning of the year, which basically means no flour, no sugar, and no processed foods for 6 days of the week. On the 7th, you go crazy and eat whatever you like! For us, that's usually donuts, nachos, indulgent pastas, Ben & Jerry's, and sweet lattes. It makes for a fun Saturday!
Smoothies have been a welcome addition to my mornings since I'm not a huge breakfast person (with english muffins out of the equation - why bother?). This recipe is so, so good, makes you glow, and I promise you can't taste the spinach :)
Ingredients:
2 cups of spinach
1 cup blueberries
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (we use this one!)
1 tbsp almond butter
3 dates (no swiping necessary)
Directions:
Blend the spinach with 1/2 cup of water first to liquify. We have a vitamix so it blends easily, if you have a regular blender you might need to give it a little time!
Add the blueberries, vanilla protein, almond butter and dates.
Blend on high until it's super smooth and a cloudy shade of purple.
Why I call it a Face Mask For Your Insides:
Spinach is super high in folic acid and vitamin C - two ingredients front and centre on the labels of the anti-aging products I'm always bringing home from Sephora. And the blueberries help your body up its antioxidant game! Antioxidants fight "free radicals" which, despite their name, are not that rad at all and cost your skin its glow. Free radicals are molecules your body makes when it's trying to fight off toxins from pollution or radiation. Left to their own devices they'll start destroying your cells, so it's important to send in the antioxidant-clean-up-crew (one cup of blueb's has over 13k antioxidants)! Lastly, the scoop of almond butter is full of vitamin E to protect you skin, which kind of makes it an internal sunscreen (you still have to wear sunscreen, this just helps).
Happy blending :)
]]>We’re not gonna pretend you asked WHY we sage all of our vintage, but we are gonna offer you our unsolicited answers anyways.
1.) Saging is basically a spiritual laundry mat.
Sage has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties! One study found that burning it for an hour decreased the bacteria in the air by 94%. So when we sage our vintage, we're clearing out any germs the garments may have picked up. We also steam everything for a double whammy.
2.) Baggage not included.
Germs are one thing. But taking on years of built up (potentially negative) energy every time you get dressed?! Not on our watch. Burning sage creates smoke that is thought to cleanse any negative history and energy from our vintage goodies.
3.) We're just witchy like that.
At the end of the day, sage is a spiritual tool. Smudging has been used for a long time to connect to your higher self and enhance your intuition. If you ask us, sage is basically just flammable good vibes™. Some types of sage is even known to be a little psychoactive... do what you will with that information.
“I feel like I’ll never be funny in French - the cultural references, getting the timing right, etc. I’m able to do that in English, but it’s really hard in a different cultural context. My entire relationship with my sister-in-law has been formed in French. There are parts of myself I’d love her to know.”
I’ve never considered that I myself might not be funny in another language. Humour is so deeply ingrained in my personality and makes up a big part of how I connect with other people! I’m taking a second to be extra grateful to be able to make people laugh today, and am also super curious - what is your favourite personality trait, and what would you lead with if it was off the table?
There's a quote I like that says, "If you choose to go looking for something, you'd better be ready for whatever it is you find." I've typically only referenced this when asked for my philosophy on snooping through your boyfriends phone, but on Tuesday I found it so relevant in a different way!
Lately I've been getting messages from my inner myself when I'm super quiet, usually during yoga, that my current relationship with alcohol isn't sustainable. It's not that I have any kind of drinking problem, and I definitely don't mean to trivialize alcohol addition for those who are truly suffering - but it's become clear weekend after weekend that my mind and body can't process a third glass of wine (or honestly even a single IPA) quite like they used to.
After I spent a little time looking for a podcast or video on the topic that would hold my attention, I found Leeor Alexandra, a YouTuber who talks about the law of attraction, spirituality and self development. She wrote "Ending my love affair with alcohol is what my soul needed for transformation and transcendence," and coupled it with a video called Why I Stopped Drinking Alcohol & What Alcohol Does to Our Manifesting Abilities. I was so fascinated! Watch it and let me know what you think. Here's a couple of takeaways the piqued my interest:
On the belief that alcohol makes things more fun:
"Alcohol doesn't raise your vibration, it's your intention to have a good time that is raising your vibration."
On who's at the wheel when you black out:
"It's said that there are spirits that hang around bars and clubs waiting for drunk people so they can take a joyride in their body."
Now listen, I don't necessarily subscribe to demons taking over our bodies. I need to get a little more grounded in my spiritual beliefs before I can speak to that - but for now, what I do know is that I definitely don't subscribe to falling short of my manifestations due to consciously lowering my own vibration. I'm not cutting myself off of alcohol entirely, but I am taking a break from getting drunk and focussing on being really intentional when I do choose to have a drink.
Cover image via @overtaxing
]]>I tend to shift my self-care focus every season or two - last winter I was in the hair salon getting my bob trimmed what felt like every other week, and throughout the spring I focused on getting extra bendy with 4-5 yoga classes a week. This summer my focus was my skin! I established a new go-to serum, spent hours watching Bravo with mud drying on my face, and tried a new sippable collagen supplement to make myself glow from the inside because apparently sangria doesn't have the same effect? Moving right along.
Constanza is a Mexico City based filmmaker. Her energy is pure sunshine and her skin stunning, so we had her share her favourite products and beauty routines that keep her self-love tank full.
What inspired you to kick up your skin care routine?
C: For the past couple of months I was working full time on a TV Series - and when I say full time, I mean 15 hours shifts. That’s how the film industry rolls. By the time I got home I was always so tired, and I never made time for myself. I would skip my night and morning skin routine and my skin got so upset. My forehead was filled with tiny pimples and my skin felt so oily during the day. So I learned my lesson and I took the time to treat my skin with love!
C: When I wake up I wash my face with a light cleanser called Let The Good Times Roll (also by LUSH!), and moisturize it with a very light serum called Vino Perfect Radiance by Caudalíe.
I'm sensing big love for LUSH.
C: I always recommend them! All their products are handmade and contain all natural ingredients. Also, going to the store is such a magical experience and the staff are super nice and willing to help you find the products that suit your type of skin.
What other LUSH products do you use?
C: I highly recommend their fresh masks! Mexico City is pretty dry, so I usually put on face masks that hydrate my skin twice a week to keep a natural glow. Don’t Look At Me leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated, Rosy Cheeks helps reducing redness on skin, and Cosmetic Warrior helps with pimples and black heads.
How do you feel self love and skin care are connected?
C: Giving your skin some love is a good way to start to treat yourself, because you do it twice a day. Make sure you feel gratitude every time you’re doing your routine, I promise you you’ll feel even better!
Any other self love routines?
C: There’s so many others I like to treat myself to! My self love rituals include a mani and pedi once a month, hot coffee in the morning, gardening to clear my mind, and a haircut when needed. Make sure to take some time to relax and thank yourself for all the hard work you do everyday!
Thanks Cons! Follow her on Instagram here and checkout her gorgeous photography here.
Cover image via Henry Domke
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Sometimes we labour over an idea for weeks, and sometimes it comes together two days after sending a text that says "omg - let's make the Malibu mac and cheese". If you're ever passing through Malibu, stop by Vintage Grocers for a takeout box of their hot bar mac and cheese, and then devour it on the beach in the best company you can find. You won't be disappointed. But in the meantime, here's our take on it with a few inspired additions: champagne, flowers, and a healthy dose of soul-cleansing sage.
I swear champagne is the secret ingredient mac and cheese has been begging for. It gives it juuust a touch of sweetness (there's only 1/4 cup!) and makes for such a fun and celebratory dish. Plus, the rest of the bottle is yours to enjoy while you finish cooking!
INGREDIENTS:
1 bunch sage leaves
2 cups macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2/3 cup milk
1/4 cup champagne
1 cup white cheddar
1/2 cup gruyere
1/2 cup parmesan
edible flowers
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Pinch off leaves from your bunch of sage. Heat oil in a small pan over medium-high heat until hot. Fry 6–8 sage leaves at a time until crisp, 2–3 seconds. Transfer with a fork to paper towels.
- In a large pot of boiling (salted!) water, cook pasta according to package directions.
- Begin making your cheese sauce by melting the butter in a sauce pan and sprinkling in the flour. Stir until a paste has formed. Pour in the milk and champagne and stir until the mixture has thickened and there are no lumps.
- Remove from heat and add in all three cheeses. Stir to melt until the sauce is smooth!
- Pour over drained pasta and top with fried sage, edible flowers and fresh cracked pepper.
We got all of our mac and cheese ingredients (including the edible flowers!) at Whole Foods, and used Henkell sparkling white wine for the recipe. If you make this recipe, we'd love to see! Tag @shopstudiorsl on Instagram.
Food Styling by Hannah Prince
Photos by Dakota Barber
As an organized and highly detail-oriented woman, Hannah is well versed in the art of maximizing efficiency and creating harmony in any given space. We're walking you through her sunny, seaside studio apartment and showing you how she transformed a blank canvas to a warm, inviting, spiritual haven.
What drew you to this apartment?
I found my apartment while I was living with a not so compatible roommate (to put it lightly). Although stress and desperation lead me to start my search, I truly believe everything happens for a reason. I never would have found my little home on Craigslist at 3am on a Tuesday if it wasn’t for my roommate's very timely antics. I was really set on staying in my neighbourhood, so when I came across a studio two blocks over, I drafted my email by the light of the moon and sent it off promptly at 8am. Over the next 5 days, I visited the building with crystals in my pocket, completed my reference checks, signed the lease and just like that it was mine!
How would you describe your space?
Organized, clean and cared for! This is the first time I’ve lived alone and I felt so much creative freedom when it came to organizing the space. I was surprised to find that a lot of things from the old apartment ended up staying in boxes. I only kept items that really inspired me and tried to avoid clutter. One of my favourite pieces, dark blue glassware from my parents' house, really spark inspiration for the apartment’s colour palette. They're such a nice reminder of home and the colour weaves its way throughout the space. Although little, I love how it feels like there are different areas I can retreat too. I often forget that my bed’s in the middle of the room (laughs).
What song would we most likely hear blaring from your apartment?
On the Sunny Side of the Street by Billie Holiday. I feel that it perfectly encompasses my apartment glow-up.
What do guests find surprising about your space?
The elevator ride on the way up! It definitely has a noticeable jolt when it reaches my floor. I would suggest the stairs for those who aren’t theme park enthusiasts.
What's your best memory living here?
One of the best memories was a night when my Mom was visiting from Ontario. It was her first time seeing the apartment and I had only been living there for a couple of months. We had spent a long, emotionally tumultuous day at Ikea (we’re talking 3 trips) picking out furniture. Asking for a friend, can you go to Ikea without having at least one meltdown? Late that evening, with everything assembled, the apartment officially felt like home. Dakota came over and met my mom for the first time. Just as we raised our glasses in a toast I got a text saying I was officially off my old lease and free of the negative energy I had carried forward from my old apartment. I hadn’t felt that light in months and I got to celebrate with the people I loved the most!
Tell us about move-in day!
It was a dark and stormy Saturday when I officially got the keys. (*queue horror movie soundtrack*) Despite the dreary weather my excitement was palpable. Since my new apartment was only two blocks away, I was set on moving as many boxes as I could on my own by foot before a friend came the next day with his truck. In the end, I made 23 trips back and forth. In the beginning, I thought it would get old, but every time I walked through my new entry, I was overcome with gratitude and a sense of pride in myself. I knew then and see now that I attracted the best space to nurture and grow the newest iteration of myself in.
What's next?
This summer I’m setting my sights to the balcony! It’s such a pretty space nestled behind a big maple tree. It almost feels like a tree fort. I’d love for the magic that I’ve cultivated inside to effortlessly trail outside. I’m envisioning olive green tones, dark wood, and plants hanging on the dividing wall.
I had a major revelation this week that I had entirely boycotted all of my self-care routines in June. The small things (face masks, afternoon baths, real housewives episodes, yoga!) make such a difference in how I show up in the world, so I've spent this week making up for lost time. I even salt-bathed after the eclipse to cleanse out mucky energy! Ryan and I were travelling last week to see my little brother graduate (!!) and while a trip down memory lane is fun for a while, I returned home feeling pretty heavy. Walking a mile in my old shoes felt strangely far. Has anyone else experienced this after moving away from your hometown? Anyhow, getting back into my routines and seeking out inspiration always helps, so today I'm sharing 5 seventies inspired images for your Pinterest board that embody the RSL spirit. Protecting love, spreading light, and embracing counterculture. Have a great weekend!
]]>I want to start regularly sharing my inspirations, so I'm calling this series Just Good Art. This shoot is by Andrea Pons of Olio e Pepe. She's a food and prop stylist based out of Seattle (hi, neighbour!) and honestly, a styling genius! I've gone back to these images several times for colour and composition inspiration. Are these not the dreamiest tones?
Check out Olio e Pepe here and follow her on Instagram.
As lifelong HGTV enthusiasts, we're always eager to get an inside look into other peoples homes. You learn a lot about someone by the space they keep! Up first is our founder, Dakota. With just 441 square feet to work with in her downtown Vancouver apartment, she filled it with numerous plants (13, to be exact!), an assortment of colourful mugs, and her 6-year-old pomeranian.
What drew you to this apartment?
Interestingly, the summer before I moved in I was on a walk through Yaletown and stopped to take a photo of the outside of this building. I loved the location and the super cute cafe right underneath! When winter rolled around I had to move, I found a listing for the same building and jumped on it. As soon as I walked in for my viewing, I knew I wanted to live here! I love the brightness and the nestled view of the city among the high rises - I have a view of the sunrise from my bed every morning.
How would you describe your space?
Tiny, but functional! I love that despite it being a studio apartment I was able to tuck my bed into the flex space and create a cozy nook. It's the literal definition of a bedroom - the room is full of bed. I feel like I sleep in the clouds.
What song would we most likely hear blaring from your apartment?
Chameleon - PNAU. This song always gets me dancing first thing in the morning!
What do guests find surprising about your space?
There is a designated "wooftop" - aka, a puppy patio for dogs. None for humans though haha! You can see where my priorities are. Emmy loves zooming down there and I love not having to leave the building to take her out - perfect for two city slicking gals.
What do you keep on your fridge?
My fridge space is strictly for positivity and inspiration! No bills or to do's live on there. I've got winning lottery tickets, a photo of my best friend and boyfriend, a pink sticky note that reminds me "you can't suffer your way to what you want" and a $100 bill to keep my money mindset in check.
What's your best memory living here?
When I moved in, I had nothing but a pomeranian and plants. Living alone for the first time was an inspiring and empowering period of my life. I insisted on building all of the furniture I ordered without help, and spent so many cozy mornings wrapped up in a blanket on the couch just staring out at the city. I'll always treasure my time here and look forward to telling my future kids about their mama's time living in the big city all by herself.
What's next?
The secret is out - I signed a lease to start a new adventure with my boyfriend Ryan! We found a gorgeous condo in Olympic Village that suits our lifestyle and I can't wait to get it all unpacked. Stay tuned for a second apartment tour in the coming months!
Our Airbnb came with a stocked lemon tree in the backyard and we took full advantage every day for our happy hour rituals. When you're on vacation, you're looking to indulge and amplify feelings you often don't get enough of in your everyday life, (like adventure or relaxation). Similarly, when you're manifesting, you're looking to attract an experience or a feeling that you could benefit from, and feel is currently lacking.
In LA, our manifesting talisman was one particular cocktail: the North Orange Driver.
Sipping with good intentions:
Start by choosing your favourite glass and putting on music that gets you excited about your trip. Assemble the cocktail ingredients and let your mind wander and play in the endless potential of the adventure ahead of you. How do you want to feel on the trip? What do you want to see? How will you be changed? Get excited with every sip!
Manifesting a dreamy vacation is really all about letting go. Make your plans, set your intentions, and then actively surrender to the adventure - and keep the butterfly effect in mind! Everything that comes your way is there to send you to your next destination. Cheers!
I'm over-the-moon to finally have the site live! It's been a labour of love since October and has been reinvented about a million times along the way. After over a decade of faithfully following a handful of different blogs to get my fix of design, fashion inspiration, relationship musings, and astrological intel, I wanted to create a one-stop shop (literally, in the case of our vintage goodies) where you can come to read, relate, and get inspired.
Around the same time I was dreaming up Studio RSL, my therapist introduced me to the concept of reparenting. "Give your younger self what she didn't get," she said. I loved the idea of putting the power back in my own hands and rewriting my new stories as I let go of the old ones.
When I consider who I am in contrast to who I was 5, 3, and even 1 year ago, the word "reborn" comes to mind. I'm still me, but I feel new to myself. So thanks for being here while I re-raise myself and work to give new life to the vintage clothing on the site. I hope you'll love the pieces as much as I do... whether it be for a reason, season or lifetime.