watermelon slushie.

the thing you need to know about me is that i will drink (and enjoy) almost anything that comes out of a blender. that being said, after a hot and sticky summer day... this treat really hits the spot:

watermelon slushie
serves 2
 

3 cups frozen watermelon cubes

1 lemon, squeezed (lime juice also works)
1 banana
optional: lots of rum 

blend and garnish with a watermelon slice. serve, sip... and then run and jump into the lake.

wellness wednesdays: whole wheat banana bread

...also known as the post where i justify eating baked goods.

i am not one for food rules. i feel like they give people unnecessary anxiety and guilt. but here is one rule that i can get behind: "eat as much junk food as you want, as long as you make it yourself." (michael pollan)

really? ok! here's the reasoning... could you (would you even want to?) make your own twinkie? or french fries? that sounds like a lot of work to me.

the theory is that as long as you're making your own junk food, you're taking the time to see where your food comes from. you're putting together whole ingredients, and you're avoiding preservatives. the bottom line: no person on this planet is going to whip out their deep fryer for every meal, every day. (ahem, i hope.) 

so, you're in the mood for banana bread? make one, but make it from scratch. as an added health bonus, throw in some whole wheat flour (go fiber!) instead of white flour, or apple sauce or plain, non-fat yogurt instead of canola or vegetable oil. 

easy, right?

without further ado, here is my delicious, wholesome, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside, i made it myself! banana bread:

ingredients:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup flaxseed meal
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup mashed ripe banana
2/3 cup sugar
3/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt

• directions:
  preheat oven to 325°. combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl. then combine banana and yogurt in a separate small bowl. add together until moist. spoon the batter into a 9 x 5–inch greased loaf pan. bake at 325° for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. cool on a wire rack, and remove from pan. slice and serve warm.voila!

* * *
now, i'd love to hear... what's your favorite home-made junk food? and do you have any other genius, healthy baking substitutes?

house hunting.

in a few short weeks, simon and i will begin our house search. this is super exciting, albeit a little daunting.

in order to keep our wits about us, (mostly me) i've set out the following criteria* for staying focused on the important stuff:

1. is there a working fireplace?
2. can i picture drinking coffee in the kitchen every morning and solving crosswords in the living room at night? 
3. is there a backyard that a dog would want to run through?
4. is there a special little nook, or random detail about the house, that is weird and therefore, awesome? :)
5. is there a space for crafting and mess making?
6. is there a guest room or space where my beloved friends and family can stay, and where i can leave them little notes and fresh garden flowers?
7. and last but not least, does the house feel right?

what else am i forgetting? i'd love to hear your ideas and experiences in house hunting.

* we've also got location, cost, age of the house, etc. etc. on the list... but those things are well... boring.

(photo credit: buttons magee)

a little love note.

 

i am an aunt to two nieces, a nephew, and another nephew on the way. lately, i've been so smitten with them, i feel like i'm wearing heart holographic glasses when i look at them.  

sometimes i want to eat your toes. instead, i eat the slobbery, soggy, mushed up food you offer to me, because you're a good sharer and i love you so. 

sometimes i watch how you crawl, and play, and talk, and am in awe of how smart you are already. and sometimes, i think about the fact that before you came along, i had no idea how much i would love being an aunt.

when you get bigger, i hope you'll come over to my house and i can teach you about yoga, and norway and child-friendly things like how to make the perfect espresso. and we'll practice cartwheels in the backyard, and watch inappropriate disney movies. 

mostly, i just hope that some day you'll know just how lucky you are to have the parents you have. they are awesome. (almost as awesome as you.)

love, 

aunt nina

p.s. your uncle simon will teach you about spreadsheets, quantum physics and driving fast. he's really good at all of those things.

(photo credit: krmmnn)


 

summer weekend.

what are you up to this weekend? simon and i are planning a quiet evening in, (since we splurged last night and devoured beef stroganoff at a french restaurant). i'm also looking forward to getting things done, going swimming in the lake and sleeping in on sunday.

have a wonderful weekend, and in the meantime, here are five things that i am loving right now:




1. this perfect summer song: mat kearney's hey mama

2. eco-friendly cork-topped nail polish bottles from megan miller

3. tina fey's book bossypants: interesting and funny.

4. lightweight summer shawls like this one.

5. and lastly, yogurt that tastes like red velvet cake. yes, seriously.




(photo credit: aivilo)

wellness wednesdays.

something happened when i turned thirty. 

out of nowhere, i started craving more exercise in addition to yoga, (running! dancing! biking!) and i really wanted to sweat. i also began noticing just how icky i felt after eating certain foods. (for instance, i can't stomach fried food anymore. it's actually rather sad.)

so, today i'm excited to start a new series on the blog called wellness wednesdays, where i will share little tidbits about health, recipes, fitness (including yoga), self-care and more. 

believe me when i say, i know how hard it is to eat right, move our bodies, and take care of ourselves when there are a million other things to do. (i mean, seriously... we're supposed to be flossing too?) so, how can we balance wellness with all of the other demands in our lives?
 
my goal is to focus on the little things. 

this series will not be about running marathons (although i do think that's cool) or becoming a vegan (also cool). but it will be about manageable, inventive and fun ways to stay healthy involving smoothies, spontaneous dance parties, organic wine, raw nuts, spas, kale, and moderation. 

is there anything in particular you'd love to hear about? please let me know. next week i'm going to kick off the series with a healthy banana bread recipe. woo! xo.

(photo credit: racchell)

maine, in blue.

 

call me crazy, but i'd be perfectly happy if i woke up tomorrow and it was august.

don't get me wrong... i love the summer: new freckles, corn on the sob, water that looks like the color of blueberries... but july is going to be a crazy busy month, and honestly, i'd rather just skip it. what can i say? i'm a wimp.

the other night, simon and i went canoeing, and i let my fingers dip into the water as we floated along. it was such a refreshing, calming feeling; i suddenly realized just how precious these little moments are, and i'm crazy to wish my life away.

so, let me start over. july, nice to see you... but please go easy on us, okay? and to all you americans out there, happy fourth of july!

on my bookshelf: the happiness project.

about a month ago, a friend sent me a text message that read: "stuck at chicago airport, bleurgh. just picked up the happiness project and it made me think of you. have you read it?"

i was instantly flattered. never mind that i hadn't actually read the book, i had heard amazing reviews and it warmed my heart that my friend thought of me and happiness together.

needless to say, i picked it up, and read the whole thing in a matter of days. and i loved it.

as someone who believes that happiness is a choice, and requires daily effort, the book really resonated with me. that being said, i am, at my core, a generally happy person, so i loved that the premise of the book was that nothing needed to be particularly wrong in order for someone to seek more happiness.

the set up of the book is that author, gretchen rubin, spends a year experimenting with different happiness resolutions, and shares her insights along the way. they include singing in the morning, taking more pictures, meditating, eating more real food, and much more.

i loved the book so much, i'm even toying with the idea of starting my own happiness project... it would include resolutions such as spending less time online, (and also spending more time outside), being more patient, reading more non-fiction books, going (indoor) rock-climbing, and enhancing my dinner making repertoire. 

now i'm curious, have you read the book, or started your own happiness project? i'd love to hear about it.

maine living.

as i type this, the sun is setting over the lake (and confession: we are also watching a christmas episode of community. we are addicted.) anyway...  today, two pictures. 

one: this amazing little house is where we are temporarily living while we look for our own house.  it belongs to simon's parents. so, while we can't stay forever, we are loving it. where else can you go canoeing after dinner and roast marshmallows on a week night?

two: speaking of dinner, this was one of the first meals we ate in the lake house: lobster, avocado, tomato, and mango salad. i am not exaggerating when i say it was "summer in a bowl". 

conclusion: nina is officially a maine girl.

i belong among a field of wildflowers. i belong in a boat out at sea.

moving is a little unsettling. cardboard boxes take over your surroundings, and shit, where are your favorite worn-out, soft sleeping pants? (they could be anywhere.)

despite my valiant efforts to stay sane, which include listening to the good music while packing, and spontaneous bouquets of wild flowers, i've had a couple of melt downs. this is normal, no?

what are your secrets for staying balanced during times of transition?  

summer solstice.

the summer night is like a perfection of thought. --  wallace stevens

 

please join us, won't you?

the way life should be.

… and i’m back! how have you all been? what did i miss? can i tell you how much i appreciate that you're still here? oh so much.

my time away from this space was busy, but in the best possible way. we have some news! over the past month, simon and i have made the move from our bustling, urban lifestyle in boston, to living on a lake in maine. we are still getting our bearings, and adjusting to the quieter lifestyle. (i am also learning how to drive slower. ahem.)

in the evenings, we sit by the water and build a fire. it's hot and still, and the bugs are a welcome reminder that we are, in fact, in a whole new place.

as with any big life transition, there is some bittersweetness. boston is where we met, fell in love and where some of our family and friends still live. but we've been dreaming about making this move for a while, and it feels like the perfect adventure at the perfect time. together, we are figuring it all out... even how to drive on bumpy dirt roads with a car that is packed to the brim with boxes.

over the next few weeks, i am excited to share more about this new place we call home, and get back into the groove of using my camera every day. 

logging on here today felt like coming home, and i am so happy to be back.

post script:  while i was away, i also spent some time thinking about why i blog… or more importantly, why i want to keep blogging. a friend of mine said it best when he said: "life only throws you a handful of magical moments. some are big and obvious like weddings, graduations, births, etc. other times, those moments are quiet, subtle, and easily missed.”  blogging reminds me to step back and pay attention. hopefully, many years from now, i can read this blog and remember with equal gusto, the little things that happened as the days went by.

(photo credit: weepy hollow) 

a wee break.

my dear friends,
it's a thursday night, and i'm snuggled up under a blanket, thinking about this little blog of mine. as you've probably noticed, i haven't posted much lately.

it's hard to believe, but it's been three years since i started blogging. wow! this space has been such a gift in my life. it's provided me with a creative outlet, a community of so many amazing women (many of whom i consider to be my friends) and a place to document my life through words and photographs. it's been so special sharing so many moments with all of you.

that being said, somewhere in the last few months, something inside of me has shifted. perhaps it's the fact that when i close my laptop, i find myself being more present to what is happening in my life. instead of thinking about how to document everything, i soak it all up. or perhaps, it's just that my life off-line is oh-so-good, and i want to spend every free moment i have with my amazing husband.

or perhaps it's just that i need a little holiday. :) i'm not quite sure. either way, i've decided to take a little blog sabbatical. i hope you will all understand. i promise to be back some time soon (although i'm not sure when) and let you all know what i decide to do with this space.

in the meantime, know that i adore you all! and i'm so grateful that you've been here with me for so long.  all my love,
nina

(photo credit: marcos rivas)

markets of new england.

there is no doubt about it. i have the coolest friends. 

one of them, christine chitnis, recently published her first book, and i couldn't be more proud. it is a detailed overview of the fifty best farmers' and artisan markets in new england. 

as you all know, it is a subject i wholeheartedly believe in.* not only that, but markets of new england is the kind of book that catches your eye when you're strolling through anthropologie. when you get closer and start flipping through it, you realize you have to have it... the photographs are magical. 

on a personal note, christine is in many ways a role model to me. through hard work, determination and grace, she has created the life of her dreams, including this big one: becoming a successful, published author. she continually inspires me with everything that she accomplishes, especially because she stays grounded, humble and grateful in the process. 

christine has generously offered to give a copy of the book to one lucky reader of naturally nina. to enter to win, please leave a comment on this post, (tweet about it for extra entries!) and a winner will be chosen randomly on friday morning. 

* why are farmers' markets important? i look at them as a societal win-win. when we buy produce, dairy products, or bread directly from local producers, we allow them to maximize their profits (by skipping the middle men), we avoid processed food that is over-packaged and unhealthy, we can obtain locally grown, seasonally-appropriate organic vegetables, (which is better for the environment), and we can "shop" in a way that is more human, more interactive, and more fun. what's not to love? 

p.s. i wrote an official review of the book here, if you'd like to read it.


(photo credits: christine chitnis)

things i love thursday (the farmcoast edition.)

last week i took a little road trip to the quaint coastal villages of tiverton, westport and little compton. despite the rain, it was one of those perfect days. below, a few highlights.


flowers in bloom. everywhere. i love the moodiness of this photo. (thank you, big clouds.)

antique chairs in sweet little jewelry shops. this photo makes me want to learn how to upholster.

an artist at work. so inspiring.

behind the scenes at a flower shop. be still my heart. these colors are some of my all-time favorites.

an amazing old cash register at the cottage. (yes, i snuck behind the counter to get this photo. rebel.)

an adorable consignment shop called rummage. and rummage i did. :)

to see more photographs, you can visit my flickr account here.

farmcoast, i will be back soon.

afternoon.

i'm currently sitting in a comfy chair and the rain is pouring down outside. i decided it was time for a little break, so i brewed a pot of decaf and watched this amazing video. if you're in the mood to be inspired, check it out. 

my favorite line is: "i collect bad wines. because if the wine is ready and the person is there... i'm opening it. " isn't that great? :)


(photo credit: stephanie cb)

kitchen tulips.

when life gets really busy, i like to run away from my to-do list and head straight to the nearest flower shop. (who am i kidding? the first stop is actually a coffee shop. then, the flower shop.) 

as soon as i saw these sweet two-toned tulips, i knew i had to have them. i even spent time needlessly arranging them. oh, the simple pleasures. 

now, back to my to-do list. :) i hope you all have a beautiful, simple monday.

organic wine tasting.

as you know, i love wine. (simon and i went wine-tasting on our honeymoon and we also typically drink a glass or so every day... for the health benefits of course.)

so, i recently collaborated on a delicious new project... an organic wine tasting with fellow boston blogger, sara from more than merlot.

sara is a certified sommelier, amazing foodie, and an a+ friend. together with our husbands we taste-tested two organic wines* and one sustainable one. all three are less than $12 and easy to find in your local wine shop. 


             

a blend of merlot, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and zinfandel 

sara says: a good wine, but after seeing bonterra all over the place i was expecting more. granted, this is a table wine and not one of their pure varietal wines, so you should not expect it to be super well defined. of all three this is probably the one i would be least likely to buy again. 

nina says: i liked it, although i agree with sara. this was my least favorite of the evening. 

a blend of carignane, zinfandel and syrah  

sara says:  this wine was great!  i would buy this wine again, it is soft and easy to drink.  i would most likely drink it on its own, because with food i felt it got a little washed out. lovely wine with bright, ripe fruits and a touch of floral/herbal notes.

nina says: yummy! i loved this one. it tasted like a spring day. my favorite.

a blend of zinfandel, syrah, cabernet sauvignon & carignane

sara says:  big and beautiful - a wine after my own heart!  this was my favorite of the three.  it really held up against the food we were eating but super smooth and delightful on its own. i will be buying this again for sure! it also pairs well with a blue cheese.

nina says: i liked this one too, but it is definitely bold. simon's favorite.

and finally, a few more photos from the event:

sara and her husband have an exquisite dining room. note the pretty tulips!

sara also taught us to look at the color of the wine in the candlelight.

it was a wonderful evening and i learned so much. we are planning many more future collaborations, so stay tuned. and cheers to a happy weekend!

*what makes a wine organic? it is made from grapes grown on organic farms, which means no chemicals, no pesticides and no unnatural flavor enhancements. organic and sustainable wines also reduce their environmental impact during production and are said to be healthier for you. 

my stitch book.

remember this post? well, at long last, i am excited to share my latest crafty project.

a stitch book is a soft, hand-bound book (i made mine out of felt.) where you can store little pieces of fabric, old cherished buttons, pretty trim, embroidery samples and ribbons for safe keeping.

i had so much fun putting mine together. christine kindly let me dig through her huge stash of supplies, and i felt like a kid in a candy store.

i picked out vintage buttons, part of an old tape measure, and even added a place to write a special note.

i also used a whole page just to practice some stitches.

finally, on the back of the book, i made a little pocket to store a tiny knit heart. :)

it's a fairly easy project, and i am looking forward to adding to it and continuing to make it special in the years to come.

if you're interested in making one for yourself, you can buy a pdf tutorial here... or you can just come on over to my house and we'll make one together! i'll make tea. :)

multiple choice.

 

i have been a bad blogger lately. this is because:

a) i have been watching trees blossom in our neighborhood. (also known as, spying on the neighbors.) 

b) i have some exciting projects in the works. (i cannot wait to share!)

c) simon and i have been spending lots of time in quiet, beautiful maine (which often reminds me of home).

d) there are not enough hours in the day. (universe, just a couple more?)

e) i have been craving time offline.

f) i've been eating watermelon every day.

g) all of the above.

p.s. loves, i'm sorry my posts have been sporadic. the good news is i have some great things lined up for the next couple of weeks. thank you for sticking around. :) gros bisous.

(photo credit: emma louise)

happy earth day!

i've been glued to my computer lately working on some new projects, but i just wanted to pop in today and wish you all a fun weekend.

simon and i will probably end up working a lot this weekend, but i'm planning to make us mojitos later today in celebration of earth day. (the truth is, we have an abundance of fresh mint in our fridge and that seems like the most responsible way to use it.)

do any of you know of any great mojitos recipes?

(photo credit: half girl)

big, little things.

after a yoga class this morning, i confessed to a fellow teacher that i still get nervous before teaching sometimes. i finish each and every class and think to myself: "wow, i pulled it off again! phew."

he reassured me that if i love it, (which i do) i have to just accept my nerves and show up anyway.

so i've been thinking... how much of our lives is just about showing up and doing our best?

all of it, actually. right?

"we show up, burn brightly, live passionately, hold nothing back, and when the moment is over, when our work is done, we step back and let go." - rolf gates

(photo credit: xanthe berkeley)

bottoms up.

it may have been a thursday... but we didn't care. more on our organic wine tasting party coming soon! have a beautiful weekend, friends.

making a mess.

on tuesday, i drove to providence to visit one of my favorite people, christine. we spent the afternoon in her beautiful studio, rummaging through boxes of fabric, sewing things, picking out adorable buttons, listening to music, playing with her sweet baby, and talking about being brave. our goal was to make me a stitch book, and i can't wait to share the final product with you soon.

the funny thing was - i kept wanting to clean up. christine can attest, i couldn't quite handle the fact that we had covered her studio floor in thread, felt, scraps and ribbons. but half way through the project, i realized i was going to have to let go of my urge to tidy and just embrace the process.

it turns out, messy is good when you're letting your creative juices flow. and unsurprisingly, i'm finding this to be true of life in general. my journey as a yoga teacher, writer, and photographer has definitely been bumpy, messy and chaotic. but without it, i wouldn't be where i am today.

so, here's my question for you. what can you do to make a mess today? i promise it's crazy fun.


(first photo by christine chitnis)