Small Talk with Free People's Julia Keim

Her style epitomizes the Free People look. Her DIYs inspire creativity. Her photos speak a thousand words. Julia Keim of the Free People blog does it all. In addition to writing, she takes amazing pictures, runs the FP events and is pretty darn crafty. I had the pleasure of meeting Julia at the FP Upper East DIY ornament making event and was pretty impressed. Despite working "behind the scenes," her style is right on with the FP look. It was so interesting to hear her story about how she got to where she is now. I made sure to take notes because I'd love to follow in her footsteps. 

"I see every day as a new chance to be inspired – by the weather, a song I hear, a person I meet on the street or talk to at work, or anything else that may cross my path." -JK

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You have my dream job. What advice would you give to those  with similar aspirations?

I have my dream job too! This sounds like really cliché advice, but the best advice I can give is to not give up until you make it happen! I have always wanted to be a writer, but it’s a tough industry to find work in. I did freelance writing for a few various websites that basically paid nothing-  I did concert reviews, and I wrote for an environmentally friendly online publication, to build up a resume, and applied for a million jobs! I actually didn’t get the job I originally applied for at FP, but they thought I’d be a good fit for the blogging position and contacted me.

 Where do you get your inspiration for your DIYs?

 I surf the web a LOT for inspiration, but a lot of times it comes to me! I’ll just see something, like a photo of a rad pair of studded denim shorts, and it sparks an idea for a project J being around so many creative people helps too!

It's no secret that FP is an awesome brand. What's the best part of working for them?

The best thing about working for Free People is the people. Everyone is so friendly, passionate about what they do, and creative. It’s really inspiring to be amongst them. And the dogs!

What's your favorite item from the new catalog?

My favorite item from our January catalog are the destroyed jeans in the pinkish color. They are blowing out though! I hope we get more in because I want them!

Where do you see yourself in 5? 10 years?

In 5 years I want to be working on my first novel, in a home I own with someone I love. In 10 years I want to be a published author!

2012 Golden Globe Awards

Let me first point out the obvious, my favorites are very similar to each other. Unfortunately, these best dressed ladies were caught in a rough sea of bad choices and huge disappointments on the red carpet. Nevertheless, they look stunning!

Best Dressed:

Claire Danes in J. Mendel // via

Elle Macpherson in Zac Posen // via

Jessica Biel in Ellie Saab // via

Kate Beckinsale in Cavalli // via

Uggie // via

Worst Dressed:

Sara Michelle Gellar in Monique Lhuillier // via

Nicole Richie in Julien Macdonald // via

Madonna in Reem Acra // via

Disappointments:

Natalie Portman in Lanvin // via

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace // via

December Birchbox

I am still recovering from the holidays, so this post is a little late! Nevertheless, I'm going to dig into my December Birchbox:

Ahava Mineral Body Lotion I'm a little lost on the Ahava products. They are overly scented for my taste and are thinner than I'd prefer. I like my lotions to be thicker so I really feel moisturized while this lotion left me feeling like I had just dampened my hands. I first discovered Ahava last year when I was at the Dead Sea in Israel and received so many samples. Since then, I've gotten a couple items in my Birchboxes and don't really use them. 

 

Amika Obliphica Hair Treatment I completely stay away from oil products like these because I have oily hair and don't need any help. Again, another product wasted on me. :(

EBOOST Orange Natural Energy Booster This was a nice surprise and it tasted pretty good. Energy boost? Not really.

Incoco Nail Polish Appliqué I was so excited when I found these in silver in my BB. Sadly, I've yet to use them but I can't wait! I've heard nothing but great things about them!

Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss Another product I was so excited to receive. I've been dying to try out Jouer and this lip gloss is really great. It's tiny so I don't feel guilty carrying around yet another lip gloss in my make up bag and the color is so pretty. Apply sparingly for a little sheen or add some more for Birchbox pink lips.

Showstoppers Designer Fashion Tape I haven't had a use for these yet but I'm happy to have them on hand because, well, you never know!

Stay tuned for my January Birchbox which I just received yesterday! It was filled with some of my favorite things so far. Also, if you'd like to subscribe to Birchbox, click here!

All photos via birchbox.com

/Christmas

I can't believe this year is almost over! I am very much so looking forward to what 2012 brings. My Christmas was amazing - I really couldn't have asked for a better time with my family and boyfriend.

A "before" picture of my sister's tree.

Also, note the difference in picture quality! Above was taken with an iPhone and below, with my crappy Blackberry. I can't wait to upgrade!!!

The aftermath at my boyfriend's house. We went a little nuts.

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: product reviews.

Nars Blush in "Orgasm"

I've been in desperate need of a new blush. During the summer months, I stick to bronzer. But for some reason, I lean more towards blush when it's cold out. I knew my little sister would come through for me since she is such a make up guru. Can I say how much I love this??

EOS Lip Balms

I'm seriously addicted to Aquaphor. And finally, I've found a competitor: EOS lip balm. I was interested in trying it when I saw Ingrid aka Miss Glamorazzi raving about it. Since then, I've acquired quite a few of them. I keep one in my purse, in my desk at work, and on my vanity at home. I just can't get enough of them! I've been using Summer Fruit but just got Sweet Mint in my stocking from my boyfriend and they are both so yummy!

Skullcandy Pipe

This is not a new product for me, but I am still raving about it. I bought one a few years ago and lost it some how during a move last year. My older sister was kind enough to replace it for me for Christmas. I love all Skullcandy's items. This iPod dock is small and convenient but packs a lot of sound. It runs on both power and batteries and comes with a remote. Loving it!

UGGS

This is not something that needs any kind of introduction but I am super excited about this gift. I've been dying for black Uggs in the worst way and my boyfriend finally made my wish come true! That is all. :)

Friday Favorites



Favorite Look // via



Favorite Quote // via



Favorite DIY // via



Favorite Home Design // via



Favorite OMFG! // via



Happy Friday!!

Tuesday Travels

The boyfriend took me to my doctor's appointment this morning and instead of going home afterwards, I tagged along for "take your girlfriend to work day." This meant spending a lot of time in the car with his new iPhone. And in case you were wondering.. iPhone > BlackBerry.

Ridin' Dirty

Please.

Kew Gardens

Central Park

Free People's Out With the Old... In With the New

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I've become borderline obsessed with Free People's blog and the DIY stuff they post. They also host some pretty awesome workshops at various locations. And FINALLY! one in New York was scheduled for yesterday. My sister and I made plans to meet at the shop in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. While I waited for her, I just took it all in. This brand is amazing. It's not just a store, it's well, a very successful brand. The clothes are beautiful, wispy, and give that flower child feeling. You'll find anything from lite and airy dresses to loosely knitted sweaters and beautifully handcrafted cuffs and jewels. I was also fascinated by the decor of the shop. They are so creative! They make so much (if not all) of their holiday display and I took home some great ideas.

Onto the DIY ornaments we went and I was overwhelmed with the amount of supplies they had! I literally didn't know where to begin. I had to sit there for a minute to take it all in and decide what I was going to do. The crafts were also nicely complimented by From Graduate to Gourmet's delicious display of chocolate covered strawberries, mini cupcakes and cookies, gold fish crackers, chocolate covered pretzels, and more! They were so yummy! Just as I was telling my sister how good the chocolate chip cookies were, a girl sitting next to me, crafting away, said "really?" As it turns out, it was Aly, the blogger/baker of From Graduate to Gourmet! I was so excited to get to tell her how good everything tasted. To top it all off, the kind staff of Free People served us warm apple cider and provided great company. It was really fun to do something different with my sister while getting to meet such nice people and enjoy Manhattan on a beautiful Fall, I mean Winter day.

Never-ending shopping

This is the first year that I'm not doing typical mall shopping. Instead, I'm making and designing most of my gifts while only purchasing small gifts to compliment them. I've been scouring blogs, sites, shops for ideas. Here are some other things I've come across that I've either ended up purchasing, would thoroughly enjoy receiving, or would made great gifts.

 

(01) Tom's (02) Hamsa Necklace (03) SITE Pillow (04) Guitar String Ring 

(05) Scout & Catalogue (06) Buxom Lip Gloss (07) Scentsy Warmers 

(08) 2012 Blue Sky Planner (09) Minimergency Kit  

Monday Mourning // Stuffed 'Shrooms Recipe

Holiday shopping is officially in effect. As inspired by my boyfriend, I'm approaching gift giving a little differently. And as much as I hate to admit it - he was right! My family and I always provide lists to each other and while I never questioned because it's how I grew up, it does made it a little less surprising. So this year, I'm not accepting any lists and I've been doing just fine! I'm so excited with the ideas I have and I hate that I can't share them. Until then, I'm going to share some holiday recipes.

One of the dishes that I brought to my sister's house for Thanksgiving was stuffed mushrooms. These little 'shrooms are a new dish for me - inspired by a party we went to a few weeks ago. My boyfriend wasn't satisfied with the amount we ate from stalking the servers so I made some the next day. And if I may say so myself, they came out incredibly delicious.

Disclaimer: If you're not a fan of funky cheeses, I would suggest substituting the Gorgonzola for a cheese, well, less funky.

What you'll need:
6 oz. pancetta or bacon
2 tbsp. butter
3 cloves or garlic, minced
1 cup of freshly cut spinach
1 cup Gorgonzola cheese
3/4 cup bread crumbs
salt & pepper
24 baby Portobello mushroom caps

Preheat the oven to 400°
In a medium skillet, saute the pancetta until crisp, break into pieces and set aside in a mixing bowl
Discard fat from skillet and melt butter, add onion and garlic and saute for 3 minutes
Stir in spinach until slightly wilted
Add everything to the mixing bowl with pancetta and allow to slightly cool
Stir in bread crumbs and cheese and season with salt and pepper
Hold one mushroom at a time over the bowl and stuff with a spoon and pack it down
Set on a baking tray
Once all mushrooms have been stuffed, bake in oven for about 8 or 9 minutes

Friday Favorites

Favorite 'OMFG!'

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Favorite Inspiration



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Favorite High Fashion



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Favorite DIY



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Favorite New (to me) Blog



Honestly... WTF

Favorite Fall Boot

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Just SIX more days until Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for?