Category Archives: Date Night

The Mommy Manicure

I love having my nails painted!  For some reason, I feel like even if I haven’t showered, and have no make up on…painted nails signify that I tried haha.  Weird, I know, and most days…I don’t try 😉

However, I swear even after a professional manicure, I’m lucky to get one day out of it before it chips.  Plus, who has time for that??!  It’s an rare extravagance to go into a salon for me.  I did try the gel manicure for my friends wedding, and I LOVED how long it stayed on, but hated the removal process!

Then, I saw the Sally Hansens Miracle Gel polish at Target.  And because it wouldn’t be a trip to Target without me tossing a few random things in my cart, in it went!

It boasts-

  • 2 Steps (true!)
  • Up to 14 Days of Color & Shine (the most I’ve gotten is 5, but still…FIVE?!!  I wash my hands about 87 times a day, so total win in my book!)
  • Easy Removal (you can use regular nail polish remover!!  It takes a little longer than normal polish, but still SO much better than buffing and then soaking in acetone like salon gels)
  • No light needed (Meaning no magic lamp, but you do need to dry your nails in sunlight.  I did the first time, when I got the 5 day result.  My second attempt only lasted 2 days, but then I realized I had just let it dry inside the house with no sunlight.  So…I wouldn’t skip this step)

Oh, and if you are wondering.  You can’t just use the Miracle Gel top coat on regular polish and expect it to last as long.  I tried.  It didn’t work haha.

Below, I’m wearing “Wine Stock”, which is appropriate for most Moms 😉Blog Sally Hansen Miracle GelStill…most days, I don’t have time to do this.  Mainly it’s the dry time.  Just sitting and waiting for nail polish to dry…not happening.

SO, what I’ve been doing lately?  I call it my “mommy manicure”.  I use Sally Hansen Insta-Dri (this isn’t a sponsored post, I’ve just found both of these products work and they happen to both be by Sally Hansen :))  It dries in 60 seconds, and you only need one coat!  That means you can literally paint your nails and then run out the door, pick up your toddler, wash your hands, wash their hands, make everyone lunch, scarf lunch, or any of the other 100 things that you need to do during the day.  It usually chips a little after a day, but it comes off in about 60 seconds too because it’s only one coat!  So…for those days or nights when you want to add a little extra fun, you can do it!  Truth be told, I wear it for about 3 days haha.  I’m still waiting for the “chipped nails” to become totally fashionable.  Let’s all band together and make it happen, no?!  Who’s with me?!! 🙂

Below, I’m wearing “Grease Lightening”Blog Elliott Lauren Buffalo Plaid Jacket Zara Asymetrical Tee DL1961 Joy Flare Jeans Joan David Boots-1With the time I saved NOT doing my nails, I actually had time to do my hair for an impromptu date night last weekend.  Woo hoo!  Maya was still napping, so no shots of her 😦

This would be my “Oh, hi Mom and Dad!”  They just walked up to start Maya duty, so me and the Huz could go out. 🙂Blog Elliott Lauren Buffalo Plaid Jacket Zara Asymetrical Tee DL1961 Joy Flare Jeans Joan David Boots-2I’d love to hear if anyone else has any time saving beauty tips!  Mine usually are just…throw my hair in a bun and run, so I could use some help haha.

On Me

Jacket- Elliott Lauren (eBay for $2.80!!!!! similar here)
Watch- Michele (old, similar here)
Top- Zara (similar here)
Shoes- Circa Joan and David (thrifted, similar here)
( all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod 🙂 )

dit-elle-Lauren

My search for the perfect black leather pants is OVER!

 I’ve mentioned many times my search for the perfect leather pants.  I think we all know there is NO WAY IN &%$$ that I’m forking over $900-$1500, so of course my search has been limited to eBay, thrift stores, and Nordstrom Rack.

I’ve settled for really cool coated jeans (these are my favorite thus far!!!).  I’ve even tried faux leather, but nothing has fit just right.

  Until now…

I talked about the perfect pair of marbled copper ones I scored over the holidays on eBay for $50 that I wore here.  Yes, $50!!!!  Granted nothing will compare to that deal…

Then…I came across a listing for one of my favorite denim brands on one of my favorite sellers site.  The going price was $49 up until a few hours of them ending.  I was hopeful!!  And then, I got into “must.win.these.pants.” mode.  I think all serious eBayers will know what I mean here. hahaha It really is sad how the adrenaline and competitiveness kicks in.  But…it does.  And I set an alarm in my calendar. :}

I know how perfectly this brand fits, and I read the reviews online of this particular pair-I wanted them!  And then the countdown began.  I may or may not have put off dinner “things are still cooking!!!” while I ran downstairs and hovered over my “confirm bid” to be able to hit it in the last 5 seconds, because my phone sometimes delays.  Sad???  ABSOLUTELY!!  But…I ended up getting these GORGEOUS leather pants that were regularly $995 for…$89!!!  New with tags!!  I’m not going to lie.  My bid was A LOT higher than this, because I wanted them so bad!!  When it ended, I had to do a double take.  Then I practically skipped upstairs to make dinner!!! 🙂Blog Levis Jacket Free People two to tango Top Genetic Shya Leather Pants Superga-1 Blog Levis Jacket Free People two to tango Top Genetic Shya Leather Pants Superga-2 Blog Levis Jacket Free People two to tango Top Genetic Shya Leather Pants Superga-3 Blog Levis Jacket Free People two to tango Top Genetic Shya Leather Pants Superga-4 Blog Levis Jacket Free People two to tango Top Genetic Shya Leather Pants Superga-5Oh, and I’ve mentioned before that they are the perfect mom pants.  Maya’s boots were so muddy, but a little wipe with a wet wipe, and my pants were good as new!  Then there’s the fact that they suck you in (WIN!!!).Blog Levis Jacket Free People two to tango Top Genetic Shya Leather Pants Superga-6 Blog Levis Jacket Free People two to tango Top Genetic Shya Leather Pants Superga-7She kept twirling on her own, and then getting dizzy.  I totally remember doing that all the time as a kid…Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Gap Denim Vest Cyrillus Dress Baby Quiz Boots-1Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Gap Denim Vest Cyrillus Dress Baby Quiz Boots-2Then she kept getting into my purse.  First for Tic Tacs, and then she found a protein bar.   I told her she couldn’t have it, but for some reason she thought it was hilarious to balance it on her head 🙂Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Gap Denim Vest Cyrillus Dress Baby Quiz Boots-3Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Gap Denim Vest Cyrillus Dress Baby Quiz Boots-4 A lot of times the bright sun can be your worst enemy for pictures.  And then…it’s your best friend.Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Gap Denim Vest Cyrillus Dress Baby Quiz Boots-5Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Gap Denim Vest Cyrillus Dress Baby Quiz Boots-6Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Gap Denim Vest Cyrillus Dress Baby Quiz Boots-7Blog Levis Jacket Free People two to tango Top Genetic Shya Leather Pants Superga-21 Blog Levis Jacket Free People two to tango Top Genetic Shya Leather Pants Superga-22On me…

Jacket-Levi’s (thrifted, similar here)
Top- Free People  “Two to Tango” (Nordstrom Rack, sold out, similar here)
Pants- Genetic Denim (eBay sold out, similar here and here)
Shoes- Superga (thrifted)
On Maya…
Jacket- Amy Coe (thrifted, but similar here)
Denim Vest- Gap DIY fron a jacket 🙂  (thrifted, but similar here)
Dress- Cyrillus (thrifted, but similar here)
Tights- GapKids (thrifted, but similar here)
Boots- Baby Quiz (thrifted, similar here)
Keeping it Real…
90% of the time we really do have as much fun as it looks like we are having.  Then there’s the other 10%.  When Maya is just full of sass, running away from me, not listening, etc.  I walked to the car at the end of this adventure SO ready to put her down for a nap.  On the way home, she was all slumped over in her car seat, and I asked
“Were you being difficult because you were tired?”
One word.  “Yes.”
And then I laughed.  And she laughed, and all the crankiness was forgotten.
Blog Outtake
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Leather + Animal Print for the holidays…

Truth be told, I’m not really sure I like this outfit on me.  Ok, I don’t.  I kept trying to make these pants work, but I’ve had them for over a year and have never worn them.   I put them up on eBay, and someone asked to see pictures of them on.  Well, if I was going to bother taking pictures of them, I might as well blog it haha.  So, I dressed Maya up and this is a take on a holiday look. blog Charles Gray Leopard Jacket Vince Blouse Milly Leather Ankle Zip Pants Via Spiga Pumps-1blog Charles Gray Leopard Jacket Vince Blouse Milly Leather Ankle Zip Pants Via Spiga Pumps-2blog Charles Gray Leopard Jacket Vince Blouse Milly Leather Ankle Zip Pants Via Spiga Pumps-3blog Charles Gray Leopard Jacket Vince Blouse Milly Leather Ankle Zip Pants Via Spiga Pumps-4blog Charles Gray Leopard Jacket Vince Blouse Milly Leather Ankle Zip Pants Via Spiga Pumps-5Blog Baby Gap Silver Holiday Dress And Velvet Coat Nordstrom Toddler Patent Boots-1Blog Baby Gap Silver Holiday Dress And Velvet Coat Nordstrom Toddler Patent Boots-2Blog Baby Gap Silver Holiday Dress And Velvet Coat Nordstrom Toddler Patent Boots-3Blog Baby Gap Silver Holiday Dress And Velvet Coat Nordstrom Toddler Patent Boots-4Blog Baby Gap Silver Holiday Dress And Velvet Coat Nordstrom Toddler Patent Boots-5Blog Baby Gap Silver Holiday Dress And Velvet Coat Nordstrom Toddler Patent Boots-6Blog Baby Gap Silver Holiday Dress And Velvet Coat Nordstrom Toddler Patent Boots-7Blog Baby Gap Silver Holiday Dress And Velvet Coat Nordstrom Toddler Patent Boots-8Blog Baby Gap Silver Holiday Dress And Velvet Coat Nordstrom Toddler Patent Boots-9Blog Baby Gap Silver Holiday Dress And Velvet Coat Nordstrom Toddler Patent Boots-10On me…

Jacket- Charles Gray (thrifted, similar here)
Top- Vince (eBay, similar here)
Pants- Milly (old, similar here)
Heels- Via Spiga
On Maya…
Jacket- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)
Dress- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)
Boots- Nordstrom (thrifted, but similar here)
Keeping it Real…
Not really a keeping it real, but I took holiday pictures of Maya in this dress last year, and LOVED IT.  I was so sad when she outgrew it.  Then I found it in a bigger size at the thrift store-SCORE!!!
Amazing the difference a year makes!blog-joie-silk-dress-9Gah!!!  Her little fingers kill me! blog-joie-silk-dress-10
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

What we wore for our holiday pictures…

I’ll preface this to say…our family pictures were more along the lines of those viral forwards that everyone laughs about and says “thank GOD that wasn’t us”.  And just wait for it.  The truth is in the pudding.  Really, I don’t even know what that last phrase means, but…it sounds better than the truth is at the end 😉

And yet… I’ll start of with what we wore, because well…that’s what this blog is mostly about 🙂Blog Oxford Trunk White Top DL1961 Emma Cellar Joan and David Booties-1I scored this top from The Oxford Trunk for $10 (!!!) when they had a big sale.  I got it in both white and black, and I looooove them!!  A post with me wearing the black version is coming soon.Blog Oxford Trunk White Top DL1961 Emma Cellar Joan and David Booties-2 Blog Oxford Trunk White Top DL1961 Emma Cellar Joan and David Booties-3These next two are a little out of focus (we missed our mark in the excitement), but I don’t care 🙂 Blog Oxford Trunk White Top DL1961 Emma Cellar Joan and David Booties-4 Blog Oxford Trunk White Top DL1961 Emma Cellar Joan and David Booties-5She’s been extra into giving kisses lately, and I’m not complaining!! Blog Oxford Trunk White Top DL1961 Emma Cellar Joan and David Booties-6 Blog Oxford Trunk White Top DL1961 Emma Cellar Joan and David Booties-7Blog Baby Gap Jean Jacket Gray Dress Link Boots-1Blog Baby Gap Jean Jacket Gray Dress Link Boots-2Blog Baby Gap Jean Jacket Gray Dress Link Boots-3Blog Baby Gap Jean Jacket Gray Dress Link Boots-4Blog Baby Gap Jean Jacket Gray Dress Link Boots-5Blog Baby Gap Jean Jacket Gray Dress Link Boots-6Blog Baby Gap Jean Jacket Gray Dress Link Boots-7And…here’s our holiday card 🙂  Not at all what I had planned, but it’s what we got.  And…I kind of think it’s perfect 🙂Blog Christmas Card 2014-1SO….keeping it real ahead of the real “Keeping it Real” at the bottom.  All of the above pics of me and Maya were taken a few days ago.  The holiday card…3 weeks ago…

I have a list of suggestions for clients before we take family pictures, and I absolutely LOVE when they put some time and effort not only into what they wear, but how they want their pictures to look.  That said, my number one goal is to make sure everyone has FUN…and then I capture that.

Well….none of that usually happens for us haha.  What’s the phrase “The cobblers children have no shoes”??

I’ve been insanely busy doing everyone else’s holiday pictures, and we’ve had a LOT of stuff going on personally so I honestly wasn’t sure we’d even have time to take ones for ourselves.

ANYWAY.  I had a last minute cancellation about 3 weeks ago, the weather was actually clear, so we scoured everyone’s clothes to find things that were clean and somewhat went together, I grabbed the tripod and away we went.  Maya is always so excited when her brothers are in the back seat with her, so she was chatting and laughing the whole way there.  I was getting hopeful that we would get some great shots of everyone…

We all get out, and I get a few pics of the boys with the Huz.  Again thinking  “This is going to be great!!”  Maya was just running around happy as a clam, playing and then trying to get in their shots.   As I’m getting the tripod set up to get a group pic, Maya starts howling.  Like a hysterical crying that I’ve never heard before.  I make sure she’s not hurt (she’s not).  All she wants to do is have me rock her on the bench.  Um….are you kidding me?!  The kid that gets her picture taken almost every day of her life, and is totally used to having it taken with a self timer and tripod is now flipping the F out!  Inconsolable even??!  I tried taking a few and playing with her like I always do.  NOT WORKING.  At this point, I’m losing my patience and am getting totally frustrated.  Tears may have been shed from both of us.  Honestly, I really just wanted to get ONE picture of all of us, and a few of Maya with her brothers!  It sounds like something that would be easy to get, but with teenage boys and us all being so busy.  It just isn’t… Oh well.  I Photoshopped two images together to get the one for our card, and honestly, that’s all we needed.  I got a few of the 3 of the kids at Thanksgiving, and that is better than most…

On me…

Top- The Oxford Trunk (sold out, but similar here)
Jeans- DL1961 Emma in “Cellar” (thrifted, but similar on sale here)
Boots- Circa Joan & David “Kirstin” (thrifted, similar here)
On Maya…
Jacket-Gap  (thrifted, but similar here)
Dress- Gap (thrifted, but love this one here)
Tights-H&M (old, similar here)
Boots- Zulily (search Link Boots)
Keeping it Real…
This is what really went down… hahaha.  I can somewhat laugh about it now :{Blog outtake Family Pic 2014And here’s the Huz finally calming her down, and honestly my favorite picture of the entire shoot… She looooves her Daddy!!  Sadly, it was too late to get all of us into this moment.  I don’t care though, because THIS…was all worth it for me 🙂Blog Family Christmas Card Pics 2014-43
 (all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya and her Daddy :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Little Black Dress from day to night…

 I feel like I keep saying I’m not a dress girl, yet whenever I make myself wear them, I love them!  They are so easy, and comfortable.  At least they can be… Yet, for some reason I think they are more work than they are?  I don’t know why that is, but I’m happy Dressember spurred me onto thinking differently.  I for sure didn’t make it on the wearing a dress for each day in December, but a few days for the month already is a big step, and I’m planning on trying for more!

But in order to make it really count, I thought I’d go for a twofer 😉  Day to night dressing is honestly a Mom’s best friend.  Although…I rarely do anything at night, so whatever.  BUT…if I DID have plans, this would be a great transition outfit! 🙂Blog Rhyme Black Wrap Dress Day to Night-1 Blog Rhyme Black Wrap Dress Day to Night-2 Blog Rhyme Black Wrap Dress Day to Night-3 Blog Rhyme Black Wrap Dress Day to Night-4 Blog Rhyme Black Wrap Dress Day to Night-5 Blog Rhyme Black Wrap Dress Day to Night-6 Blog Rhyme Black Wrap Dress Day to Night-7Blog Yo Baby Dress Gap Leggings Zulily Boots-1 Blog Yo Baby Dress Gap Leggings Zulily Boots-2 Blog Yo Baby Dress Gap Leggings Zulily Boots-3 Blog Yo Baby Dress Gap Leggings Zulily Boots-4 Blog Yo Baby Dress Gap Leggings Zulily Boots-5And then for night…remove a few layers, add a classic pump, apply a little make up, go from a no shower top knot to a twisted side bun, and voila….ready to go to holiday party!Blog Rhyme Black Wrap Dress Day to Night-21Blog Rhyme Black Wrap Dress Day to Night-22Blog Rhyme Black Wrap Dress Day to Night-23On me…

Dress- Rhyme (old, but loving this here here)
Leggings- Forever21 (similar here)
Shoes- Converse (thrifted, similar here)
Heels- Via Spiga
On Maya…
Dress- Zulily (search Yo Baby)
Leggings- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)
Boots- Zulily (search Link Boots)
Keeping it Real…
I could lie and say we went to some fancy party, but truth be told I just ran outside to take the “Night” pictures after I put Maya down for her nap.  The Huz (who also works from home), came upstairs and was like
“WOAH!  Where are YOU going?!!”
“Oh, you know…party on the sidewalk.  Whoop whoop!” 😉
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

One of my favorite posts…Because I can’t think of a title…and it is :)

 I envy anyone who has a way with words.  Someone that pulls you in with their story.  One that can make you feel as if you were there by the way they describe what happened to them.  Witty titles.  Heart wrenching stories that pull you in, and make you ache from what you read or make you laugh out loud.  Or…just a recounting of their day (good or bad) that makes you think of a day you similarly had that makes you connect to them.

I follow people’s blogs or on Instagram that have this gift, because they inspire me and leave me in awe, but I will never be that person.  I’ve never had that special way with words.  I’ve always used another medium to express myself.  Right now…it’s pictures.  And, honestly, I feel blessed to be able to do that for other people, and honestly…for myself.

I’ve never been good at story telling.  I always forget 75% of what I’m trying to tell.  I’d never be able to accurately recount to Maya all the fun we had in her childhood, but through this blog…I can.  And I am forever grateful for that.  Zero followers or a bunch of followers.  It doesn’t really matter.  The end result is that I can show her this later and show her how much fun we had and how much I love her.  Because by the time she actually reads this, she will “hate me” for telling her she can’t wear this or that I’m sure haha :{

I’m sure it isn’t a secret that I don’t really feel comfortable in dresses.  I love them, buy them, but never wear them.  One of the pages I follow on Instagram is CoastToCoastCentral.  Not only do they have great fashion posts and challenges, but they are very involved in raising awareness around sex trafficking.  It literally makes my shudder to think about this being a reality, but is sadly it very much is.  They recently partnered with Dressember in order to raise awareness of human trafficking.  Honestly, I can’t wear a dress for the entire month (ugh, maybe I could, but…this year, I will try to commit to wearing them MORE! Baby steps).

Sooo, day 1 (or, in reality Day 8 by the time I post this)!  Honestly, this dress would be indecent on a 40 year old mom (who’s 5′ 8″!), so I paired it with some skinny jeans and boots and I was happy as a clam!  Extra bonus?  Totally hides all the holiday indulging-WIN!!

Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-1 Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-2 Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-3 Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-4 Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-5And then the sun went away… In case you were wondering 😉Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-6OMG, loooove that I captured this!!  Usually, I only capture the after math (ginormous hug), but this is what leads up to it, which…is almost just as good 😉 Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-7Ok, this is better 🙂 Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-8 Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-9“Maya, can you stand like a flamingo?” haha.  Because she’s obsessed with flamingos, and there’s no way she would follow “Can you do what I’m doing?”  Hey…whatever works, because…how cute, right?? 😉 Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-10 Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-11Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-1Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-2I cannot tell you how much I love it when she just busts a move!! 🙂Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-3Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-4Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-5Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-6Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-7OH MY GOSH, I have no words.  She is so freaking cute I can hardly stand it.  And no, I’m not biased (haha ;)) SHE IS!!!Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-8Looove this one too.Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-9Does anyone remember Geoffrey?  Yeah, he disappeared, and no other stick has lasted past the walk we are on.  This stick stayed on the path.  For those that don’t remember Geoffrey, he came with us everywhere for…a month?  Broke twice, had bandaides all over, and kept on going until…he was lost. 😦Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-10Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-11Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-12On me…

Jacket- Levi’s (thrifted)
Sweater- Inhabit (ebay, LOVING this one here)
On Maya…
Hat- (thrifted, but similar here)
Sweater- (thrifted, but similar here)
Vest- Old Navy (thrifted, but similar here)
Top- Little Boogaweezin (sold out, but the SS15 is preview is AMAZING!)
Shoes- Vans (thrifted, but similar here)
Keeping it Real…
Ok, this first one…hahaha.  I was trying to show the movement of the dress and in my mind I wanted a graceful twirl.  What I got instead! HA-NOT GRACEFUL!  Hey…you try twirling for 10 seconds and have it time it just right 😉  Totally cracked me up when I saw it though!!  I look like a tween line dancing (no offense to line dancers!!)blog outtake-And, this next one wouldn’t be an outtake if there wasn’t a guy walking his dog (I probably could have removed him in photoshop), and the voluminous dress didn’t look soooo unflattering when I bent over :{  But…it happens, and I still love it, so it’s an outtake! 🙂
blog outtake-1
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Leather + Coated Denim…again :)

 So, in my quest to wear things that I love but that I wasn’t wearing, I’m now on repeat haha.  Hey, there are worse things.  Plus, these coated denim are basically like spanx, so you’re lucky you don’t see these on me every single day.  Although, these pictures were taken a few weeks ago before the holiday binging, so they might not even fit me right now ;}Blog Doma Leather Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan J Brand Coated Skinny Leopard Vans-1 Blog Doma Leather Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan J Brand Coated Skinny Leopard Vans-2 Blog Doma Leather Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan J Brand Coated Skinny Leopard Vans-3 Blog Doma Leather Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan J Brand Coated Skinny Leopard Vans-4 Blog Doma Leather Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan J Brand Coated Skinny Leopard Vans-5 Blog Doma Leather Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan J Brand Coated Skinny Leopard Vans-6“C’mon Mom, this way!!” Blog Doma Leather Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan J Brand Coated Skinny Leopard Vans-7 Blog Gap Green Parka Old navy Star Dress HM Tights Zulily Link Navy Boots-1Love, love love these next three.  I couldn’t decide which one to post, so I’m posting them all…because I can 🙂 Blog Gap Green Parka Old navy Star Dress HM Tights Zulily Link Navy Boots-2 Blog Gap Green Parka Old navy Star Dress HM Tights Zulily Link Navy Boots-3 Blog Gap Green Parka Old navy Star Dress HM Tights Zulily Link Navy Boots-4 Blog Gap Green Parka Old navy Star Dress HM Tights Zulily Link Navy Boots-5 Blog Gap Green Parka Old navy Star Dress HM Tights Zulily Link Navy Boots-6 Blog Gap Green Parka Old navy Star Dress HM Tights Zulily Link Navy Boots-7On me…

Jacket- Doma (old, similar here)
Sweater- Inhabit (ebay, LOVING this one here)
Jeans- J Brand
Shoes- Vans (thrifted for $5!, similar here)
On Maya…
Jacket- Gap (thrifted, but similar here although, hers is a boys jacket :))
Dress- Old Navy (thrifted, but similar here)
Tights- H&M (similar here)
Boots- Zulily $9.99! (search Link)
Keeping it Real…
Maya had gotten up earlier than normal on this day.  She’s actually been pretty good about sleeping in until 7:00-7:30.  She goes to bed at 9:00.  Has since she was a baby.  I’ve tried to put her down earlier, because I always just assumed kids slept from 7-7 (like my brothers kids and friends kids did).  Hey, I would have been excited about 8-8 or 9-9.  BUT…I really l can’t complain, because she’s always been (and still is) and amazing napper.  That’s when I get all my work done, so I really wouldn’t trade that for anything!  Plus, it’s nice that she gets to stay up and see and hang out with all of us vs going to bed right after dinner.
ANYWHO…she got up around 6ish on this day (if I remember correctly), and we had time to kill before preschool.  So…we took pics.  Disregard the bags under both of our eyes, and the fact that I didn’t shower.  At this point, the fact that I haven’t showered isn’t really “keeping it real” anymore :}
Here she is eating an after breakfast/before preschool snack.Blog Outtake
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Leather Jacket + Sequins + Coated Denim….Holidays are coming!

I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving surrounded by ones you love!  I’m listing some of the things I’m most thankful for in the “Keeping it Real” at the bottom 🙂

The holidays are coming, and that means parties!  Well, for some of us.  It used to mean a few parties for me, but now…not as much haha.  That said, there are still times when we do go out, and I want to make sure I’m ready!  So….I thought for the next month, I’d do a post a week that wasn’t really as much “mom friendly” as it was “get me out of the house and party” friendly 😉

I wish it meant a fun dress (I have a ridiculous amount of them waiting to be worn!), but I really just don’t feel comfortable in dresses.  I LOVE them, buy them, and then 30 minutes before we are about to leave…rip them off and change in a panic!!

For me, that means black or coated denim, something a little fun/sparkly on top, and a leather jacket.  Oh…and HEELS!!  Becuase…those really only come out for special occasions and they make me feel like I’m stepping it up (HA, literally and figuratively) 🙂Blog Doma Leather Jacket Velvet Sequin Top Paige Edgemont Coated Paul and Joe Booties-1I don’t know about you, but I’m thinking that if you are reading this blog that you are either my family (haha) or that you like fashion, food, or ridiculously cute little girls (ha!)  Anyway, for those of you that are fashion minded, you will appreciate this.  I coveted these jeans for soooooo long, as I talked about here and when I finally scored them from Nordstrom Racks “Clear the Rack” here,.  And yet…I’ve only worn them ONCE!  What the heck??!!!  They are comfy, repel toddler gook, I LOVE THEM, yet…I save them/never wear them?  I need to get over it!!  I really have been trying to work things into my wardrobe that I’ve been “saving” aka…most of my clothes, but this blog is actually making me stick to it a little more…little by little.  I still tend to wear the same jeans 3 days in a row when we are not taking pictues (for whatever reason)  In the beginning, I was all about taking pictures every day to show what a day in the REAL life of a mom was, but…A) who wants to see that??  and B) I just don’t have time for that!  So…now, it’s a mix of boring reality and fun 🙂  By the way…I’m TOTALLY open to suggestions of what you might want to see if anyone has any!!!Blog Doma Leather Jacket Velvet Sequin Top Paige Edgemont Coated Paul and Joe Booties-2All that said.  Leather + Fun Top + Coated Denim = My Happy Place/Comfort Zone Blog Doma Leather Jacket Velvet Sequin Top Paige Edgemont Coated Paul and Joe Booties-3And THIS…is our happy place 🙂Blog Doma Leather Jacket Velvet Sequin Top Paige Edgemont Coated Paul and Joe Booties-4 Blog Doma Leather Jacket Velvet Sequin Top Paige Edgemont Coated Paul and Joe Booties-5 Blog Doma Leather Jacket Velvet Sequin Top Paige Edgemont Coated Paul and Joe Booties-6Blog Amy Coe Hanna Andersson BW Tiered Dress Zulily Faux Leather Leggings DIY Glitter Shoes-1Um, yes.  She is the cutest thing in the world.  Just in case anyone was wondering! 🙂 Blog Amy Coe Hanna Andersson BW Tiered Dress Zulily Faux Leather Leggings DIY Glitter Shoes-2 Blog Amy Coe Hanna Andersson BW Tiered Dress Zulily Faux Leather Leggings DIY Glitter Shoes-3 Blog Amy Coe Hanna Andersson BW Tiered Dress Zulily Faux Leather Leggings DIY Glitter Shoes-4 Blog Amy Coe Hanna Andersson BW Tiered Dress Zulily Faux Leather Leggings DIY Glitter Shoes-5 Blog Amy Coe Hanna Andersson BW Tiered Dress Zulily Faux Leather Leggings DIY Glitter Shoes-6 Blog Amy Coe Hanna Andersson BW Tiered Dress Zulily Faux Leather Leggings DIY Glitter Shoes-7On me…

Jacket- Doma (old, similar here)
Top- Velvet “Vonnie Sequin Top”  (similar here)
Jeans- Paige Edgemont coated (Nordstrom Rack)
Boots- Paul & Joe (Old, similar here and less expensive option here)
On Maya…
Jacket- Amy Coe (thrifted, but similar here)
Dress- Hanna Andersson (thrifted, but similar here)
Leggings- Zulily
Shoes- (thrifted, and DIY glitter toe shown here)
Keeping it Real…

I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving!!  Things have been a bit crazy in our life lately, so it was even more special and nice to just relax, overindulge, and be thankful.  It’s so easy to focus on the daily grind and get overwhelmed with what’s not going the way you want.  That’s the best thing about Thanksgiving.  Hopefully, you have the day off from work, are surrounded by loved ones, eat way more amazing food than you every should, and…reflect on what you are thankful for.

This is what I’m most thankful for…

1- Family– I am so incredibly blessed the have an amazing family.  They say you can’t choose your family, but if I had to pick mine out of a ginormous book, I’d choose mine in a heart beat!  Which…is kind of my 2, 3, and 4 🙂

2- The Huz- I not only married my best friend, but I married the yin to my yang.  We have enough in common to understand each other and have fun, but also have completely different strengths, that allow us to navigate through this crazy life in a way I never even dreamed was possible.

3- My Parents- Before the Huz, they were my best friends.  Still are… I’m so lucky that they now live only a few blocks away and that both Maya and I get to see them almost every day.

4- Our kids– Two teenage sons and a toddler… It can be tough at times, but we are so lucky to have 3 genuinely good, caring, NICE, kids that truly all love each other.  What more could you want?

4- Life– It can be crazy at times, but I am soooo lucky to be able to do something that I love to do while getting to spend the majority of my day with my favorite partner in crime (and play!).

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Kimonos + Black Ripped Skinnies (and a video!)

 I LOVE the look of kimonos!  They can be a little tricky to wear though.  At least for me.  I see them on other people, and pretty much love however they are worn.  But then I try it, and I end up taking them off haha.  LOVE this one from Free People.  Really, anything Free People makes, I love lately.

All that said.  I realized as I was going over these images that I looked totally pregnant in this outfit- I’m NOT!  I definitely learn things after posting outfits.  There’s only so much that you can see when you look in the mirror.  Especially when you take all of about 2 minutes to get dressed!  I thought all loose and flowey would be good on top with the skinny jeans on the bottom, but…I’m thinking a tighter shirt might have been a better idea.  Oh, well! 🙂  All that said, if I were pregnant, I would TOTALLY rock this outfit as well!  Although, I still might do a tighter shirt to showcase the bump 🙂Blog Free People Printed Duster Scarf Kimono J Brand Skinny Leg Shadow Destroyed SixtySeven Booties-1 Blog Free People Printed Duster Scarf Kimono J Brand Skinny Leg Shadow Destroyed SixtySeven Booties-2But ooooooh, that cascade of flowing fabric??  LOVE!! Blog Free People Printed Duster Scarf Kimono J Brand Skinny Leg Shadow Destroyed SixtySeven Booties-3This next one cracks me up haha.  Kind of an outtake, but too funny not to include!  Maya’s face, and the side karate kick-love it!  Again…NOT PREGNANT!! :{Blog Free People Printed Duster Scarf Kimono J Brand Skinny Leg Shadow Destroyed SixtySeven Booties-4I’ve been wanting to do a video of how I take our shots with a self timer and tripod.  I’ve done a post about it, but I really want to do one that goes over the entire process, because I really want to show Maya’s role in it (here’s a video of Maya doing it all by herself 🙂), and how much fun she has.  But haven’t had the time yet.  I did manage to capture this video of me doing the thing Maya loves the most.  Flying in the air-aka working out with your toddler :).  I am SO glad I finally did it-LOVE IT!  I may or may not have already watched this about 827 times 😉

 And here’s the image I took in the video!  Honestly, all the stars aligned in that I got this shot the one time I shot the video.  I would have just posted another one that wasn’t videoed had I not hahahaha (just keeping it real ;))Blog Free People Printed Duster Scarf Kimono J Brand Skinny Leg Shadow Destroyed SixtySeven Booties-5sqThe dress Maya is wearing is SO ADORABLE!!  The only problem is that it’s 100% silk (aka is a wrinkle nightmare) and it’s short sleeve.  But, she’s been asking to wear it every since I bought it (for $1.50!!!!), and I kept putting her off.  Finally, I gave in and just layered her up.  🙂  It cracks me up how opinionated she already is (insert snicker from my dad!!)  She is her mother’s daughter 🙂

Blog Old Navy Leopard Coat Crew Cuts Silk Dress Kids Feet Brown Boots-1 Blog Old Navy Leopard Coat Crew Cuts Silk Dress Kids Feet Brown Boots-2 Blog Old Navy Leopard Coat Crew Cuts Silk Dress Kids Feet Brown Boots-3 Blog Old Navy Leopard Coat Crew Cuts Silk Dress Kids Feet Brown Boots-4 Blog Old Navy Leopard Coat Crew Cuts Silk Dress Kids Feet Brown Boots-5 Blog Old Navy Leopard Coat Crew Cuts Silk Dress Kids Feet Brown Boots-6 Lion in hand… She has to be holding a toy at all times 🙂Blog Old Navy Leopard Coat Crew Cuts Silk Dress Kids Feet Brown Boots-7Are you kidding me with that look???  🙂Blog Old Navy Leopard Coat Crew Cuts Silk Dress Kids Feet Brown Boots-8And then THIS?  I just wanted to scoop her up and smother her with kisses!! Blog Old Navy Leopard Coat Crew Cuts Silk Dress Kids Feet Brown Boots-9 Blog Old Navy Leopard Coat Crew Cuts Silk Dress Kids Feet Brown Boots-10 Blog Old Navy Leopard Coat Crew Cuts Silk Dress Kids Feet Brown Boots-11 Blog Old Navy Leopard Coat Crew Cuts Silk Dress Kids Feet Brown Boots-12On me…

Kimono- Free People “Printed Duster Scarf” (Nordstrom Rack, can still buy it here)
Top- Mod’Land Paris (thrifted, similar here)
Jeans- J Brand Skinny Leg Shadow Destroyed (ebay, not destroyed here and less expensive here)
Boots- SixtySeven “Blake” Bootie (Nordstom Rack, sold out, loving these)
On Maya…
Jacket- Old Navy (thrifted, but similar here)
Dress- CrewCuts (thrifted, but similar drop waist style here)
Leggings- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)
Boots- Kids Feet (Consignment Store credit used, similar here)
Keeping it Real…
Here’s a few outtakes I took before I had the thought to video it.  What’s really funny is that I’ve always performed better under pressure-HA!  I had to totally laugh when I saw this next on the back of the camera.  Where’s Maya??!  hahaha  And then…I flipped the camera to portrait vs landscape ;).Blog OuttakeAnd one that I caught on the way down vs up…Blog Outtake 2
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Winter Whites + Leather Jacket + Lace Up Boots

I love wearing white jeans in the fall/winter!  Wearing them near a muddy cuddly toddler maaaaay not have been the best choice, but thank goodness for stain remover 😉

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite parks to go to.  It’s so pretty, and Maya ran around for an hour-WIN!1 Blog Doma Leather Knit Jacket Free People Sues Swinging Peplum Top Linea Pelle Gold Studded Belt DL1961 Amanda Milk ShoeMint Lily-1 1 Blog Doma Leather Knit Jacket Free People Sues Swinging Peplum Top Linea Pelle Gold Studded Belt DL1961 Amanda Milk ShoeMint Lily-2 1 Blog Doma Leather Knit Jacket Free People Sues Swinging Peplum Top Linea Pelle Gold Studded Belt DL1961 Amanda Milk ShoeMint Lily-3Dying over this next one one… She’s actually eating a bowl of grapes 🙂 1 Blog Doma Leather Knit Jacket Free People Sues Swinging Peplum Top Linea Pelle Gold Studded Belt DL1961 Amanda Milk ShoeMint Lily-4 1 Blog Doma Leather Knit Jacket Free People Sues Swinging Peplum Top Linea Pelle Gold Studded Belt DL1961 Amanda Milk ShoeMint Lily-5 1 Blog Janie and Jack Faux Fur Vest Hanna Andersson Tee DL1961 Harper Jeans Zulily Link Alyson Floral Boots-1 1 Blog Janie and Jack Faux Fur Vest Hanna Andersson Tee DL1961 Harper Jeans Zulily Link Alyson Floral Boots-2 1 Blog Janie and Jack Faux Fur Vest Hanna Andersson Tee DL1961 Harper Jeans Zulily Link Alyson Floral Boots-3So in love with these boots that I scored from Zulily’s blow out sale!  They still have some in different colors, if you search for Link Boots! 1 Blog Janie and Jack Faux Fur Vest Hanna Andersson Tee DL1961 Harper Jeans Zulily Link Alyson Floral Boots-4I just want to eat her up… 1 Blog Janie and Jack Faux Fur Vest Hanna Andersson Tee DL1961 Harper Jeans Zulily Link Alyson Floral Boots-5 1 Blog Janie and Jack Faux Fur Vest Hanna Andersson Tee DL1961 Harper Jeans Zulily Link Alyson Floral Boots-6 1 Blog Janie and Jack Faux Fur Vest Hanna Andersson Tee DL1961 Harper Jeans Zulily Link Alyson Floral Boots-7 1 Blog Janie and Jack Faux Fur Vest Hanna Andersson Tee DL1961 Harper Jeans Zulily Link Alyson Floral Boots-8 1 Blog Janie and Jack Faux Fur Vest Hanna Andersson Tee DL1961 Harper Jeans Zulily Link Alyson Floral Boots-9 1 Blog Janie and Jack Faux Fur Vest Hanna Andersson Tee DL1961 Harper Jeans Zulily Link Alyson Floral Boots-10 1 Blog Janie and Jack Faux Fur Vest Hanna Andersson Tee DL1961 Harper Jeans Zulily Link Alyson Floral Boots-11 1 Blog Janie and Jack Faux Fur Vest Hanna Andersson Tee DL1961 Harper Jeans Zulily Link Alyson Floral Boots-12 1 Blog Janie and Jack Faux Fur Vest Hanna Andersson Tee DL1961 Harper Jeans Zulily Link Alyson Floral Boots-13She kept running down the hill and tackling me with a hug.

“Again!!!” 🙂2 Blog Doma Leather Knit Jacket Free People Sues Swinging Peplum Top Linea Pelle Gold Studded Belt DL1961 Amanda Milk ShoeMint Lily-12 Blog Doma Leather Knit Jacket Free People Sues Swinging Peplum Top Linea Pelle Gold Studded Belt DL1961 Amanda Milk ShoeMint Lily-22 Blog Doma Leather Knit Jacket Free People Sues Swinging Peplum Top Linea Pelle Gold Studded Belt DL1961 Amanda Milk ShoeMint Lily-32 Blog Doma Leather Knit Jacket Free People Sues Swinging Peplum Top Linea Pelle Gold Studded Belt DL1961 Amanda Milk ShoeMint Lily-42 Blog Doma Leather Knit Jacket Free People Sues Swinging Peplum Top Linea Pelle Gold Studded Belt DL1961 Amanda Milk ShoeMint Lily-52 Blog Doma Leather Knit Jacket Free People Sues Swinging Peplum Top Linea Pelle Gold Studded Belt DL1961 Amanda Milk ShoeMint Lily-62 Blog Doma Leather Knit Jacket Free People Sues Swinging Peplum Top Linea Pelle Gold Studded Belt DL1961 Amanda Milk ShoeMint Lily-72 Blog Janie and Jack Faux Fur Vest Hanna Andersson Tee DL1961 Harper Jeans Zulily Link Alyson Floral Boots-1 2 Blog Janie and Jack Faux Fur Vest Hanna Andersson Tee DL1961 Harper Jeans Zulily Link Alyson Floral Boots-2 2 Blog Janie and Jack Faux Fur Vest Hanna Andersson Tee DL1961 Harper Jeans Zulily Link Alyson Floral Boots-3 2 Blog Janie and Jack Faux Fur Vest Hanna Andersson Tee DL1961 Harper Jeans Zulily Link Alyson Floral Boots-4 2 Blog Janie and Jack Faux Fur Vest Hanna Andersson Tee DL1961 Harper Jeans Zulily Link Alyson Floral Boots-5On me…

Jacket- Doma Leather (eBay, similar here)
Belt- Linea Pelle (Old, similar here)
Jeans- DL1961 Amanda (the not distressed version-on sale now!)
Shoes- ShoeMint “Lily”
On Maya…
Vest- Janie and Jack (thrifted, but similar here and less expensive here)
Top-Hanna Andersson (thrifted)
Jeans- DL1961 “Harper” (C/O)
Shoes- Zulily $9.99! (search Link Boots)
Keeping it Real…
I’ve been dying to shoot in “good light”, but it’s so hard in the fall.  Maya takes her nap between 3-6, so it’s dark when she wakes up.  We usually go for a long walk with my parents in the morning or Maya has preschool twice a week, so morning shoots are usually out.  This morning, my parents were out of town, and it was a gorgeous fall morning!  So, we put off the morning walk and went to the park!  No time for showers though, but hey…I can only fit in so many things haha.