No Bake Almond Joy Bars | Gluten Free + Paleo

Ever since finding out that Maya can’t eat a LOT of foods, baking has become a lot harder…

BUT!  My mom found this amazing Raw Almond Joy Bar recipe from Rawmazing , and it was a HIT with everyone!!

It’s SO hard to decipher recipes that LOOK good from bloggers, but…don’t really taste good.  THESE TASTE AMAZING!!

GREAT for the holidays for those that are allergy challenged…or for special occasions 🙂

Crust:

  1. Whisk all ingredients together and pour into oiled, parchment lined 8 x 8-inch glass pan. Set in refrigerator aside making topping. The bottom layer should be set up (but not completely hard) before adding the next layer.

Coconut Layer

  • 2 cups of dried, unsweetened, raw coconut
  • 2/3 cup coconut butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons raw agave nectar (or liquid sweetener of choice)
  • 1-2 teaspoons organic almond flavoring (not raw)
  1. Place coconut in medium bowl.
  2. Whisk coconut butter (not the same as coconut oil), agave and almond flavor. Pour over coconut and mix well.

Topping

  • 1/3 cup almonds, coarsely chopped
  1.  Sprinkle these on top of the coconut layer

Ganache:

  • 1/2 cup raw cacao powder
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut butter, softened
  1. Drizzle ganache over the top and refrigerate to set!

Enjoy!dit-elle-Lauren

#TMEStyleCHallenge “Style a White Button Down”

Pictures originally taken 2/8/2021 (playing catch up!)
Words written on Instagram on that day…
Day 8 of @TheMomEdit #TMEStyleCHallenge

“Style a White Button Down”
🤍
Is there anything more classic than a white button down with jeans? I’ve worn a variation of this SO many times!!
🥰
I wanted to try a different silhouette this time, so I did a tighter fitting button down with some high waisted paper bag jeans. I’m so obsessed with anything with a paper bag waist, and just recently scored these off @ebay NEW for $17!!
🤗
Man…I cannot WAIT to be able to go out again and rock this look somewhere other than my backyard!
🤣😭
#DateNight or #GirlsNightOut #MamasNightOut
💃
I’m READY!!
🙌🏻

Blog Vintage WIlsons Leather Jacket White Button Down DL1961 Susie Paper Bag Jeans Paul Green Booties-1Blog Vintage WIlsons Leather Jacket White Button Down DL1961 Susie Paper Bag Jeans Paul Green Booties-2Blog Vintage WIlsons Leather Jacket White Button Down DL1961 Susie Paper Bag Jeans Paul Green Booties-3Blog Vintage WIlsons Leather Jacket White Button Down DL1961 Susie Paper Bag Jeans Paul Green Booties-4

On me…

Leather Jacket- Wilsons (thrifted)
Top-   (thrifted)
Jeans-DL1961 (thrifted)
Boots- Paul Green (ebay)
Keeping it Real…
When it’s just me, there aren’t as many hysterical outtakes, but…the poses and facial expressions aren’t always nailed 🙂
Blog Outtake-1Blog Outtake-2Blog Outtake-3Blog Outtake-4
(all pictures taken with a shutter release and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

#TMEStyleCHallenge “Wear Giant Earrings”

Pictures originally taken 2/7/2021 (playing catch up!)
Words written on Instagram on that day…
Day 7 of @TheMomEdit #TMEStyleCHallenge

“Wear Giant Earrings”

Well….I don’t really own any “giant” earrings, but I sure do LOVE these earrings that @thekirstyfiles hand makes! Of course my hair is constantly covering them!!
🙈
I decided to get REALLY fancy and take these pictures in my living room… It went really well as seen in the behind the scenes video we took.

I swear the outtakes from this shoot are the best, so I’m including those as well. #LKKeepingitReal

I wear these earrings and their sister pair of smaller discs a LOT! You can find them locally at her store @queenanneframe or on her Etsy site “Lucia K Jewelry” #NOTsponsored just love them.

Blog Lucia K Jewelry Large Tag Earrings-1jpgBlog Lucia K Jewelry Large Tag Earrings-2Blog Lucia K Jewelry Large Tag Earrings-3Blog Lucia K Jewelry Large Tag Earrings-4

On me…

Keeping it Real…
OHMYGOSH… the taking of these…not even remotely indicative of what we captured…thank you close up shots and black and white editing….all by me, because….DUH!!!!
Behind the scene video can be scene in the original IG post…OMG. I’m DYING!!  This is such a true depiction of trying to capture something for social media when you do NOT have your shit together!!
Blog Outtake-1Blog Outtake-2

Blog Outtake-3

I mean….can I get a KISS???

Blog Outtake-4

Clearly not haha

(all pictures taken with a shutter release and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

#TMEStyleCHallenge “Wear Something Colorful” ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Pictures originally taken 2/6/2021 (playing catch up!)
Words written on Instagram on that day…
Day 6 of @TheMomEdit #TMEStyleCHallenge

“Wear Something Colorful”
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
Not going to lie…I wasn’t feeling this one. I am really not a “colorful” person…
🙈
BUT, I gave it a shot with these super fun pants (that I had NO idea were this unflattering with this sweater 😳 I destroyed most of the evidence-you’re welcome) and this pop of color with my bag.
💙
Who remembers using PURSES?? It’s been soooo long!
😭😂
Maya doesn’t have much color in her wardrobe either, but this jacket was super fun and so cuddly!
💙💙💙
Truth be told, this shoot was a bit of a bust… My remote trigger stopped working, so we took all these with a 10 second timer. For those of you that have seen Maya on video…she doesn’t like to stand still. 😏 SO…there were a lot of outtakes. I had to include some at the end, because if I can’t laugh at us…
🤷🏼‍♀️🤣🙈
Oh well. As I always say…We only need ONE!!
🙏🏻💃

Blog Free People Crop Sweater Amanda Uprichard Colorful Pants Rachel Comey Studded Clogs Be D Blue Suede Purse-1Blog Free People Crop Sweater Amanda Uprichard Colorful Pants Rachel Comey Studded Clogs Be D Blue Suede Purse-2Blog Free People Crop Sweater Amanda Uprichard Colorful Pants Rachel Comey Studded Clogs Be D Blue Suede Purse-3

Blog Free People Crop Sweater Amanda Uprichard Colorful Pants Rachel Comey Studded Clogs Be D Blue Suede Purse-4

I do LOVE this bag…sadly, it hasn’t seen the light of day.

Blog Free People Crop Sweater Amanda Uprichard Colorful Pants Rachel Comey Studded Clogs Be D Blue Suede Purse-5

Blog Free People Crop Sweater Amanda Uprichard Colorful Pants Rachel Comey Studded Clogs Be D Blue Suede Purse-6

Gah! LOVE this one! LOVE HER!

Blog Free People Crop Sweater Amanda Uprichard Colorful Pants Rachel Comey Studded Clogs Be D Blue Suede Purse-7

Blog Free People Crop Sweater Amanda Uprichard Colorful Pants Rachel Comey Studded Clogs Be D Blue Suede Purse-8

So her…

Blog Free People Crop Sweater Amanda Uprichard Colorful Pants Rachel Comey Studded Clogs Be D Blue Suede Purse-10

On me…

Sweater- Free People  (ebay)
Pants- Amanda Uprichard (ebay)
Purse- BE&D (ebay)
Clogs- Rachel Comey (ebay)
On Maya…
Jacket- Patagonia (thrifted)
Top- Gap Kids (thrifted)
Jeans- Hudson Kids (thrifted)
Boots-  (thrifted)
Keeping it Real…
Clearly…she LOVES the phone and wants to make videos.
Blog Outtake-1Blog Outtake-2
(all pictures taken with a shutter release and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Style Challenge- Workout Gear as a Real Outfit

Pictures originally taken 2/5/2021 (playing catch up!)
Words written on Instagram on that day…
Day 5 of @TheMomEdit #TMEStyleCHallenge

“Workout Gear as a Real Outfit”
💃
Well, if there was ever a challenge we can all kill right now, it’s this one!
🤣
The biggest challenge was picking which workout gear to wear!
🤔
I have these @lululemon “Om” pants in a bunch of different colors and they are SO comfy! They don’t make them anymore, so I scoop them up on @ebay whenever I see them for a good price. I wear them all the time when I travel.
😭
And they’ve been a staple since we’ve been staying home these last 11 months.
😏
Maya has totally embraced the athleisure look this last year too, so she was IN for this challenge too!
👯‍♀️

Blog Veda Blue Leather Jacket Lululemon Hoodie Om Pants Ash Silver Platform Shoes-1Blog Veda Blue Leather Jacket Lululemon Hoodie Om Pants Ash Silver Platform Shoes-2Blog Veda Blue Leather Jacket Lululemon Hoodie Om Pants Ash Silver Platform Shoes-3Blog Veda Blue Leather Jacket Lululemon Hoodie Om Pants Ash Silver Platform Shoes-4Blog Veda Blue Leather Jacket Lululemon Hoodie Om Pants Ash Silver Platform Shoes-5Blog Veda Blue Leather Jacket Lululemon Hoodie Om Pants Ash Silver Platform Shoes-6Blog Veda Blue Leather Jacket Lululemon Hoodie Om Pants Ash Silver Platform Shoes-7Blog Veda Blue Leather Jacket Lululemon Hoodie Om Pants Ash Silver Platform Shoes-8Blog Veda Blue Leather Jacket Lululemon Hoodie Om Pants Ash Silver Platform Shoes-9Blog Veda Blue Leather Jacket Lululemon Hoodie Om Pants Ash Silver Platform Shoes-10

On me…

Leather Jacket- Veda (ebay)
Hoodie- Lululemon  (thrifted)
Pants- Lululemon (thrifted)
Shoes- Ash (ebay)
On Maya…
Jacket- Blank NYC (ebay)
Sweatshirt- Fila (thrifted)
Leggings- Ivivva (thrifted)
Socks- Hanna Andersson
Shoes- Ash (thrifted)
Keeping it Real…
Blog Outtake-1Blog Outtake-2Blog Outtake-3Blog Outtake-4Blog Outtake-5
(all pictures taken with a shutter release and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Vintage Plaid Flannel + White Tee + High Waisted Distressed Jeans + Clog Boots = Transitional Dressing!

Pictures originally taken 2/3/2021 (playing catch up!)
Words written on Instagram on that day….
Day 4 of @TheMomEdit #TMEStyleCHallenge“Button Down as a Jacket”

I didn’t really recreate the wheel here…
😂🙈
I grabbed a vintage flannel that I thrifted over a basic tee. It’s a little tricky with plaid flannels to not look like a lumberjack, so I added some dressier clog boots.

Comfy…classic…done!

Tomorrow is-

“Workout Gear as a Real Outfit”

If there was ever a challenge that EVERYONE can get behind right now…
🤣
I just have to narrow down which one to wear!
🤔🤔🤔

Maya didn’t want to partake in this one, and honestly…I’m just so happy for the ones she DOES want to do with me!Blog Vintage Flannel Nation LTD Tee Mother Denim TomKat No 6 Store Clog Boots-1Blog Vintage Flannel Nation LTD Tee Mother Denim TomKat No 6 Store Clog Boots-2Blog Vintage Flannel Nation LTD Tee Mother Denim TomKat No 6 Store Clog Boots-3Blog Vintage Flannel Nation LTD Tee Mother Denim TomKat No 6 Store Clog Boots-4Blog Vintage Flannel Nation LTD Tee Mother Denim TomKat No 6 Store Clog Boots-5

On me…

Flannel Jacket- Vintage (thrifted)
Tee- Nation LTD  (ebay)
Jeans- Mother “Tomkat” (thrifted)
Clogs- No 6  (ebay)
Keeping it Real…
There aren’t as many outtakes when I only takes pics of myself…mostly because I am efficient and want to just get things done!  BUT….
I don’t always plan the shutter clicks haha.
Blog Outtake-1
(all pictures taken with a shutter release and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

#TMEStyleChallenge “Channel Moira Rose”

Pictures originally taken 2/3/2021 (playing catch up!)
Words written on Instagram on that day…
Day 3 of @TheMomEdit #TMEStyleCHallenge

“Channel Moira Rose”
🥰
Ok, so…if you are the .05% of the population that has NOT watched Schitt’s Creek, you NEED TO!
🤍🖤
My style is definitely more Alexis, but I was still excited about this one. I got even more excited when I realized Maya had to most perfect outfit! And so began my plot to convince her to take pics for it!
🤗
Actually…all I had to do was show her some images of Moira, and she was totally in!
😂
I didn’t want to make it too “costume-y”, and really wanted to stay true to my style while “Channeling Moira”…
💁🏼‍♀️
Insert this amazeballs (does anyone ever say that anymore??) jumpsuit by one of my favorite lines. La Vie by @rebeccataylornyc
🥰
I scored it on @ebay a while ago, and was just waiting for the chance to go out in public again! Well….that’s still not happening. Unless you consider Maya and I driving around for 30 minutes to find a spot that looked relatively vacant… And we of course brought our masks to grab whenever someone walked up (swipe to see!)

Anyway…it got a bit competitive on “who wore it best”
🤣🤣
See the video where Maya just tries to eliminate me from the running, and some shots that captured her doing it because…outtakes are my favs.
#LKKeepingitReal
😳😳
Again…so happy for this challenge, because it’s invigorated the reason I started this page. Having fun with fashion, and capturing moments of US!
❤️
So….who wore it best??
🤷🏼‍♀️
I think Maya. She thought me.
👯‍♀️

Blog La Vie Rebecca Taylor Jumpsuit Prada Patent Booties Zac Posen Bag-1

Could she be any cuter??!!

Blog La Vie Rebecca Taylor Jumpsuit Prada Patent Booties Zac Posen Bag-2Blog La Vie Rebecca Taylor Jumpsuit Prada Patent Booties Zac Posen Bag-3Blog La Vie Rebecca Taylor Jumpsuit Prada Patent Booties Zac Posen Bag-4

Blog La Vie Rebecca Taylor Jumpsuit Prada Patent Booties Zac Posen Bag-5

I scored this AMAZING purse for $26!! It retails for $475!! Sadly missing the cross body strap, but oh well!

Blog La Vie Rebecca Taylor Jumpsuit Prada Patent Booties Zac Posen Bag-6Blog La Vie Rebecca Taylor Jumpsuit Prada Patent Booties Zac Posen Bag-7Blog La Vie Rebecca Taylor Jumpsuit Prada Patent Booties Zac Posen Bag-8Blog La Vie Rebecca Taylor Jumpsuit Prada Patent Booties Zac Posen Bag-9

Blog La Vie Rebecca Taylor Jumpsuit Prada Patent Booties Zac Posen Bag-10

Had to document the masks…

On me…

Jumpsuit- “La Vie” Rebecca Taylor  (ebay)
Bag- Zac Posen  (TOTAL SCORE!) (thrifted)
Boots- Prada (Another amazing thrift score!t)
On Maya…
Jacket- Patagonia (thrifted)
Dress- Milly (thrifted)
Leggings- Ivivva (thrifted)
Pearls- Mine, old.
Bag- (Thrifted)
Boots- (thrifted)
Keeping it Real…
(all pictures taken with a shutter release and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Vintage 80’s “Snazzy” Cardigan + Geometric Jumpsuit + Checkered Slip Ons…Mixing Prints!

Pictures originally taken 2/2/2021 (playing catch up!)
Words written on Instagram on that day….
Day 2 of @TheMomEdit #TMEStyleCHallenge

“Mix Prints”

Whew…this one was kind of hard for me… I’m not much of a print person, unless it’s stripes or animal print, and honestly…I feel like those are just neutrals!
😻
I decided to stay in my comfort zone and just go with the same color family.
🖤🤍🖤🤍
AND…all the stars aligned and I convinced Maya to run out and take some pics during her school lunch break! I literally just threw a printed dress and leather jacket over what she was already wearing!
🖤❤️🤍
I guess there are a few perks to distance learning…
🥰
I’m honestly bummed that I’m not leaving the house and that nobody will see this! Well, except for here.

I can’t wait to see other creative print mixes! I definitely need help in this area!

Tomorrow is- “Channel Moira Rose”

I’m REALLY hoping to convince Maya into doing this one, because she has the most epic feather trimmed dress that just screams Moira! I’m more Alexis, but I’m going to give it my best shot.

Blog Vintage 80s Oversized Cardigan Parker Jumpsuit Miss KG Slip Ons-1Blog Vintage 80s Oversized Cardigan Parker Jumpsuit Miss KG Slip Ons-2Blog Vintage 80s Oversized Cardigan Parker Jumpsuit Miss KG Slip Ons-3Blog Vintage 80s Oversized Cardigan Parker Jumpsuit Miss KG Slip Ons-4Blog Vintage 80s Oversized Cardigan Parker Jumpsuit Miss KG Slip Ons-5Blog Vintage 80s Oversized Cardigan Parker Jumpsuit Miss KG Slip Ons-6Blog Vintage 80s Oversized Cardigan Parker Jumpsuit Miss KG Slip Ons-7Blog Vintage 80s Oversized Cardigan Parker Jumpsuit Miss KG Slip Ons-9
I really didn’t think I’d like mixing prints, because it’s just not in my comfort zone, but I loved it.
🖤🤍
AND…it was so freaking comfy that I did wear it around the house too!
🙌🏻
I convinced Maya to shoot with me again today after school for day 3

“Channel Moira Rose”
🥳
The outfit I picked out it more just an inspiration, but Maya is going to kill it-SO excited!

🤗

On me…

Sweater- Vintage  (thrifted)
Jumpsuit- Parker NYC   (ebay)
Shoes- Miss KG (ebay)
On Maya…
Faux Leather Jacket- Zara Kids (thrifted)
Top- Thrifted
Dress- Gap Kids (thrifted)
Boots- Hunter (thrifted)
Keeping it Real…
OH….this thing IS working….haha.
Blog Outtake-1Blog Outtake-2Blog Outtake-3
(all pictures taken with a shutter release and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Duster Cardigan + White Cotton Button Up (Or not) Maxi + Leather Leggings + Booties

Pictures originally taken 2/1/21 (playing catch up!)
Words written on Instagram on the day I posted…
I took a few months off from taking pics and posting on here…

More to follow after the pics…
Blog Nation LTD Duster UO White Day Dress Vintage Belt Frye Booties TME Style Challenge-1

Back when…if it was raining…I still got dressed!

Blog Nation LTD Duster UO White Day Dress Vintage Belt Frye Booties TME Style Challenge-2Blog Nation LTD Duster UO White Day Dress Vintage Belt Frye Booties TME Style Challenge-3Blog Nation LTD Duster UO White Day Dress Vintage Belt Frye Booties TME Style Challenge-4Blog Nation LTD Duster UO White Day Dress Vintage Belt Frye Booties TME Style Challenge-5

Honestly, I barely had the mental bandwidth to get through the day sometimes, much less get dressed in something other than sweats.
🙈
The funny thing is that getting dressed for me is a total mood booster! Yet, I just couldn’t do it….
😕
SO thankful for @TheMomEdit and their #TMEStyleCHallenge 🙏🏻 I feel like they always do these RIGHT when I need them! The minute they announced it, I felt myself getting excited. I started brainstorming outfits, which may seem trivial, but for me…it’s just FUN!
🤗
Today is the first day, and it was “Layer a House Dress”.
🤔
First off….what IS a house dress? Well….ever so helpful google says-
😆
“A house dress is a type of simple dress worn informally at home for household chores or for quick errands.”

I’m not going on errands, but I wore it to Instacart my Costco groceries today!
💃
I added a long duster sweater (basically a robe!), a vintage belt, some leather leggings, and fun booties.

Promptly lost the belt, leggings, and shoes right after I shot these, and am now back in my super comfy house dress.
🤣
The challenge goes on for the entirety of February. Who wants to join me??! I’m hoping I can convince Maya to do a few with me 🥰
👯‍♀️
Tomorrow is “Mix Prints”

Editing to add in real time (currently as I’m catching up…3/25/2022-I have a YEAR to catch up on!)  I sooo miss getting dressed.  I honestly miss taking a shower every day (I know…GROSS, but…I can’t be bothered the last 10 months-SPOILER).  I’ll share soon why-If you follow us on Instagram, you know….  Not sure why I think I need to catch up on fashion posts before I share….so..maybe I won’t!  BUT…I will, because, I need things to be in order!  Especially as I look back on this, AS I WILL!!  AND, as I. hope Maya will.  

On me…

Cardigan- Nation LTD (thrifted)
Dress- Urban Outfitters  (sale score)
Belt- Vintage (thrifted)
Boots- Frye (thrifted)
Keeping it Real…
Behind the scenes video  (click here for Instagram link) where I hadn’t hooked the remote up properly  🤣   Clearly out of practice…🙈 BUT…hear that rain?! Yes, it was raining as I took these! I kept waiting for it to stop…it didn’t.
Blog Outtake-1Blog Outtake-2
(all pictures taken with a shutter release and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Chunky Knits + Stripes + Paperbag Pants + Loafers = COMFY cozy outfit…

Pictures originally taken 11/25/2020 (playing catch up!)
Words written on Instagram on that day…
I think Thanksgiving will be looking different for most of us this year…
😭
We aren’t doing anything special tomorrow, except we have vowed to not do any work/housework
🙏🏻🙄🙏🏻🙏🏻
Gotta be honest…THIS is a holiday I can get behind!! Let’s see if we actually do it..
❤️
Until then, I’m wearing one of my dream Thanksgiving outfits. I’m ALL about the paper bag waist pants, because…ELASTIC!!!
🐷🤣
And cozy cardigans. Good at home and even better if you are planning an outdoor get together!
😷
Comfort is key these days…
🙌🏻🙌🏻
Blog Joie Fringe Cardigan Frame Paper Bag Pants Gucci Loafers-1Blog Joie Fringe Cardigan Frame Paper Bag Pants Gucci Loafers-2Blog Joie Fringe Cardigan Frame Paper Bag Pants Gucci Loafers-3Blog Joie Fringe Cardigan Frame Paper Bag Pants Gucci Loafers-4Blog Joie Fringe Cardigan Frame Paper Bag Pants Gucci Loafers-5Blog Joie Fringe Cardigan Frame Paper Bag Pants Gucci Loafers-6Blog Joie Fringe Cardigan Frame Paper Bag Pants Gucci Loafers-7Blog Joie Fringe Cardigan Frame Paper Bag Pants Gucci Loafers-8Blog Joie Fringe Cardigan Frame Paper Bag Pants Gucci Loafers-9

On me…

Cardigan- Joie (ebay)
Top-  Club Monaco (thrifted)
Pants- Frame (ebay)
Shoes- Gucci (ebay)
On Maya…
Sweater- Gapkids (thrifted)
Top-  (thrifted)
Pants- (thrifted)
Shoes- Vans (thrifted)
Keeping it Real…
Blog Outtake-1Blog Outtake-2Blog Outtake-3
Blog Outtake-4Blog Outtake-5
(all pictures taken with a shutter release and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren