Chicken with Sauteed Spinach and Gingery Peanut Sauce

This is another crowd pleaser at my house.  Even though I sneak spinach in there!  Hey, what’s not good smothered in a peanut sauce??

I originally got the recipe from Real Simple’s “10 things to do with rotisserie chicken”  It’s the last one “Gingery Peanut Noodles with Chicken”, but made a few changes.  One of which is that I don’t use a rotisserie chicken.  I’m not a big fan of the dark meat, so I only use the breasts.  To each his own though!Blog Chicken With Sauteed Spinach and Peanut Sauce-1Ingredients

    • 1/2 cup peanut butter
    • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
    • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (I cheat and use this)
    • Box of Pasta or use Quinoa or…nothing at all.  It’s great on it’s own!  This time I used quinoa.
    • 4-6 Chicken Breasts.  Depends on how many people you have and how soupy you want it.  I use 6 and either cube it and then cook or have the Huz grill them on the BBQ and then cube after (this is obviously my preferred choice :))
    • 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
    • Salt and Pepper to taste
    • 5-6 cups of spinach.

2 green onions sliced (optional)

Directions

  • Either cube the chicken breasts and cook in a large pan with a little olive oil, salt, and peopper or toss the breasts in olive oil, salt, and pepper and BBQ it and then cube.
  • Start to cook the pasta/quinioa/whatever you want to use/not use.
  • While all of that is cooking…
  • In a blender, combine 1 cup water with the peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger. Blend until smooth.
  • Add the peanut mixture to the cooked chicken, and toss in the spinach.  Serve over the pasta, quinoa, rice or serve alone!  Garnish with the green onions.  DELICIOUS!  I add Siracha on mine too~mmmmm.Blog Chicken With Sauteed Spinach and Peanut Sauce-2dit-elle-Lauren

Paleo Spaghetti.. before the Italians even invented Spaghetti!

I was inspired by Elana’s Pantry’s post on how to EASILY make Spaghetti Squash. It IS super easy, super fun, and makes super awesome paleo noodles! 🙂 Yes it takes a while to bake, but plan ahead, throw this squash in the oven while you are doing other things and the actual preparation part (scraping out the flesh into noodles takes <1 minute)! Serve with a hearty Bolognese meat sauce, like this Paleo Sloppy Joe’s sauce, or simply as a dessert with some butter (or coconut butter) and cinnamon! 🙂

Blog spaghettisquash2 Blog spaghettisquash1 blog spaghettisquash_cinnamon3 Blog spaghettisquash_cinnamon2 Blog spaghettisquash_cinnamon1

Ingredients

  • One large spaghetti squash (~3 lbs)

Directions

  1. Place whole (uncut) spaghetti squash on a parchment paper lined baking sheet
  2. Bake at 350° for 60-80 minutes
  3. Allow to cool
  4. Cut squash open (long side) with a knife
  5. Scoop out seeds
  6. Scrape the flesh out of the squash into stringy noodles
  7. Voila!

dit-elle-Esther

Sharing a hat, and looking like Santa’s elves?

 The title will make sense as you scroll down, I promise 🙂

I’m wearing two total thrift store scores here.  This top $4.20, and it’s totally authentic western with the snaps-love it!  And these Born boots??  SO COMFY!!  $7!  Please don’t hate me 🙂

Blog Doma Leather Jacket Plaid Top AG Jeans Boots-1 Blog Doma Leather Jacket Plaid Top AG Jeans Boots-2 Blog Doma Leather Jacket Plaid Top AG Jeans Boots-3It has bee REALLY cold here in Seattle, which means hats are a must if you are going to be out for a while… Blog Doma Leather Jacket Plaid Top AG Jeans Boots-4A lot of times I just put my hats on Maya.  They’re handy, and she tends to keep them on more than her own hats.  The whole what’s yours is mine theory…?Blog Doma Leather Jacket Plaid Top AG Jeans Boots-5She is SO into balancing on anything and everything! Blog Doma Leather Jacket Plaid Top AG Jeans Boots-6 Blog Doma Leather Jacket Plaid Top AG Jeans Boots-7On me…

Jacket- Doma (old, but similar here less expensive here.)
Top- Vintage thrifted (similar here)
Jeans- Adriano Goldschmied (sold out :( but similar here)
Boots- Born (similar here)
Hat- H&M (last years, but similar here)
On Maya…
Sweatsuit- Juicy Couture (old, but similar here)
Top- Carter’s (similar solid color here)
Hat- H&M (Mine from last years, but similar in toddler version here)
Boots- Thrifted (similar here and love these here)

dit-elle-Lauren

{Winter} White Jeans…a no no? I think not! :)

 I’ve mentioned before that I have an odd obsession with white jeans.  The thought of not wearing them in the winter just never occurred to me.  Then…I found some for Maya!  So, yes, we are twins today.  Oh, well.Blog DL1961 Kate Striped Aqua Sweater Boots-1 Blog DL1961 Kate Striped Aqua Sweater Boots-2I’m not sure how I feel about the chambray shirt layered under the sweater.  I LOVE it when I see others layering up, and I wanted to try it.  I felt a little preppy, so I thought adding destroyed jeans and boots would make it more “me”.  That’s what I love about fashion.  Taking things you like from others and making it your own! Blog DL1961 Kate Striped Aqua Sweater Boots-3 Blog DL1961 Kate Striped Aqua Sweater Boots-4I could just eat her up! Blog DL1961 Kate Striped Aqua Sweater Boots-5I told you I was obsessed with these boots 🙂  Blog DL1961 Kate Striped Aqua Sweater Boots-6 Blog DL1961 Kate Striped Aqua Sweater Boots-7 Blog DL1961 Kate Striped Aqua Sweater Boots-8On me…

Sweater- Aqua Cashmere (old, but love this here and less expensive option here)
Top- StyleMint (on sale!!)
Jeans- DL 1961 Kate Slim Straight (old, but denim version here.  Similar style (on sale!) here.
Boots- Cafe Noir (thrifted, but similar here and less expensive version here.)
On Maya…
Jeans- Joe’s (similar here)
Striped Top-Carters (similar)
Chambray Shirt- Gap (similar)
Vest- Carters (similar)
Shoes- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)

dit-elle-Lauren

Feeling thankful..

It’s been an amazing year. Baby Anders joined our family and he is a sweet, happy, easy going boy. Ava is such a dear, loving big sister. And then there’s Adam who is my rock and love.

Cooking (or just figuring out what food to put on the table) used to be super stressful for me because I would come home every day and have “NO IDEA what to make for dinner.” So I started a food blog to create an arsenal of recipes to have at my fingertips. Over time I built a quick list of go-to dinners, and much more. Dinners no longer seem quite as daunting.. I had to learn to be much more creative when I discovered gluten intolerance, and paleo inspired meals have become a big part of our lifestyle.

Lauren took this of Anders when he was 8 days old!

Lauren took this of Anders when he was 8 days old!

My latest obsession is food photography (which often takes place with one of the munchkins in my arms). I’m still working on my fashion photography which is just a little harder between (lack of) daylight hours and hands being free, but I am thankful for the creative partnership with Lauren through this blog!

It’s been big year for me outside of the home as well, as I joined a new, global team about a year ago, and am in an intense but gratifying role and work with wonderful and brilliant people every day.

So yeah, there’s a lot to be thankful for, I think about that every day, but wanted to take a moment to blog about it too during this holiday season.

dit-elle-Esther

Faux Leather Leggings…I can’t quit you!

Ok, so a while ago I showed two different attempts at wearing these.  I wasn’t sold on either one, but they are SO comfy that I thought I’d try again.  I think I like this look the best, but again…it could be their comfort level that is swaying my thinking 🙂blog Faux Leather Leggings HM Parka Booties-1 blog Faux Leather Leggings HM Parka Booties-2 blog Faux Leather Leggings HM Parka Booties-3 blog Faux Leather Leggings HM Parka Booties-4 blog Faux Leather Leggings HM Parka Booties-5 blog Faux Leather Leggings HM Parka Booties-6I took the images up top with my tripod and self timer while my parents were watching the Peanut.  Then, my mom got this one of us together when I went to pick her up 🙂 blog Faux Leather Leggings HM Parka Booties-7She still loves going up and down stairs! blog Faux Leather Leggings HM Parka Booties-8 blog Faux Leather Leggings HM Parka Booties-9 blog Faux Leather Leggings HM Parka Booties-10On me…

Jacket- H & M (On sale now! LOVE IT!! Runs a little small though)
Top- J Crew (bought at Funky Janes similar here and  here)
Scarf- Thrifted (I actually use it for newborn shoots haha)
Leggings- Forever 21 (similar here)
Boots- Ann Taylor (thrifted, but similar on sale here)
On Maya…
Jeans- Gap (similar)
Jacket- Crazy 8 (thrifted, love these here and here)
Boots- Zulily

dit-elle-Lauren

What we wore for Thanksgiving…

 This is what we wore for Thanksgiving.  I don’t know why, but for me, Thanksgiving usually means brown and big shocker-COMFY!  😉  No idea why on the brown, but the comfy is a no brainer.  Anyway…this is waht we wore.  For me-minus the shoes.  We hosted, which means no shoes required 🙂Blog StyleMint DL1961 Emma Coated Leopard flats-1 Blog StyleMint DL1961 Emma Coated Leopard flats-2I’ve mentioned it before, but these DL1961 jeans are beyond comfortable.  They have a 4 way stretch fabric that moves with you and then bounces back without sagging! Blog StyleMint DL1961 Emma Coated Leopard flats-3 Blog StyleMint DL1961 Emma Coated Leopard flats-4 Blog StyleMint DL1961 Emma Coated Leopard flats-5Ok, truth be told.  I didn’t have time to photograph what I was wearing on the actual day, so I redressed and photographed it the other day haha.  I was too busy making pies!!  Oh, and photographing the Peanut 🙂  THIS (below) was actually on Thanksgiving.  It was totally foggy.  My favorite to shoot in! Blog StyleMint DL1961 Emma Coated Leopard flats-6And it was chilly!  I had to get ONE picture of her dress before layering her up! Blog StyleMint DL1961 Emma Coated Leopard flats-7I got these Gap boots for $2.75 at a thrift store last week.  I was worried that they wouldn’t go with much, but they go with everything!  You will see these A LOT in the next week or so :). Blog StyleMint DL1961 Emma Coated Leopard flats-8On me…

Sweater- StyleMint (sold out, but love this sheer look here)
Shoes- (thrifted) but similar here and cheaper here.
On Maya…
Jeans- Gap
Dress- Old Navy (thrifted)
Vest- Janie and Jack (thrifted, but similar here)
Boots- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)

dit-elle-Lauren

Carmelized Onion Tart

This is a delicious onion tart. Not quite paleo with the dairy, but great for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Blog oniontart1 Blog oniontart2

Ingredients

  • 3 onions
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 5 eggs
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, half’n’half, milk or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup Swiss or cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

  • Melt butter in large frying pan
  • Thinly slice onions by running them through the food processor on the slicer blade (takes <60 seconds)
  • Saute onions in butter for 30 mins on medium heat, stirring once in a while, until onions are translucent, soft, and started to brown and caramelize
  • If they have not started to brown, turn up heat and caramelize them a bit, stirring so as not to let them burn
  • While onions are cooking, whisk eggs and milk or yogurt
  • Cover glass pie pan with cooking spray, add onions, cheese, and pour egg/milk mixture evenly over it
  • Bake for 30 minutes on 350* or until golden brown around edges, bubbly and hot
  • Serve warm, great paired with soup and salad!

dit-elle-Esther

Tis the season…for holiday parties!

 I’ll admit.  I didn’t wear this to a holiday party….yet!  I thought it might be fun to do a few posts a week this month on “fancier” clothes, because this is the season when a parties/get togethers could be sprung on you last minute!  I like to be prepared.  That is why I have a ridiculous amount of party dresses on hand “just in case” haha.  I snap up timeless dresses (or not so timeless if the price is right) all the time, because you KNOW that when you are in a bind and looking…there’s nothing to be found.  Funny thing is.  I’m not inherently a dress girl.  My comfort zone is pants.  For some reason, dresses make me feel…vulnerable?  Something I don’t like to be.  Anywho…here’s dress #1 with two shoe options.  I couldn’t decide which one I liked better.

Oddly enough, the Huz readily agreed to take these pictures.  Hmmm, shocking 🙂

Please forgive the ghostly pale legs.  I do live in Seattle…Blog Joie Silk Dress-1I love this dress, because the black and white print is pretty timeless.  You can mix in any number of pops of color, or just stay with classic black. Blog Joie Silk Dress-2 Blog Joie Silk Dress-3 Blog Joie Silk Dress-4Or boots??  This is for sure what I feel more comfortable in, although I LOVE green… Blog Joie Silk Dress-5 Blog Joie Silk Dress-6 Blog Joie Silk Dress-7So, which do you like better?  Heels or boots?Blog Joie Dress-x2Then, like I could leave Maya out!  She had a friend over for a playdate the other day and we got them all dressed up for pictures, because…why not 🙂 Blog Joie Silk Dress-8 Blog Joie Silk Dress-9 Blog Joie Silk Dress-10LOVE these of them doing “ring around the rosie”  SO CUTE!!! Blog Joie Silk Dress-11On me…

Dress- Joie (old, but similar here, here , here and less expensive here)
Shoes 1- Charlotte Ronson (old, but similar here and less expensive here)
Boots2- Faconnable (old, but similar here and less expensive here)
On Maya…
Dress- Gap (thrifted and gifted to me by a friend!) similar here or here.
Boots- Nordstrom (thrifted, but similar here)
Jacket- George (thrifted)

dit-elle-Lauren

Black Friday Scores and Links :)

I am a total sucker for a deal.  In fact, I almost never pay full price for anything!  The thought of fighting the crowds at stores makes me want to poke my eyes out, but sitting online perusing all the fabulous deals?  It’s my weakness 🙂

Here are a few of my finds from this morning.

H&M has a ton of ridiculous markdowns on some simple staples.  Blog Black Friday-1 Blog Black Friday-2Zara very rarely has sales.  I had to check it out… 🙂  Love this fun top.  I was DYING over all their kids stuff, but it’s still more than I’m willing to pay for clothes that Maya will only wear for a few months… Blog Black Friday-3And the best for last!  StyleMint is doing 50% off all regular priced items and they have a ton of other markdowns up to 70% off!!!  Plus, you get a free gift with $50 purchase 🙂  I have a feeling I will wear this jacket with everything!! Blog Black Friday-4And yes, I did score some stuff for the Huz and Maya too 🙂

A few more sites I may or may not have checked out :}

ThredUp (25% off already AMAZING deals!)

35% sitewide at Gorjana & Griffin

Happy Shopping!dit-elle-Lauren