Weekend Getaway…

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The Huz and I were SO lucky to get away for a few days this past weekend.  My parents watched Maya, and we flew down to Southern California for some sun (what is that?!) and relaxation (again…what is that??!)

It was SO nice to feel the sun on our faces and walk barefoot in the sand…

Blog StyleMint Current Elliott-1 Blog StyleMint Current Elliott-2 Blog StyleMint Current Elliott-3 Blog StyleMint Current Elliott-4I was kind of obsessed with these funny little birds… Blog StyleMint Current Elliott-5Until….DOLPHINS!!!  They were SO close!! Blog StyleMint Current Elliott-6Then, not to leave her out!  I took these of Maya the morning we left for an Instagram daily challenge that was “Scarves and Boots”.  I mean, I couldn’t NOT do that one!!Blog Maya 109 weeks scarf boots-1sm Blog Maya 109 weeks scarf boots-2sm Blog Maya 109 Weeks Scarf Boots-3 Blog Maya 109 Weeks Scarf Boots-4 On me…

Shirt- StyleMint (sold out, but similar here)
Tee- Current Affair (Similar here)
Jeans- Current Elliott (sold out, but similar here)
Flip Flops- Havaianas
On Maya…
Jeans- Gap
Top- Vintage Dress (thrifted)
Sweater- Old Navy (thrifted) similar here.
Scarf- Mine 🙂  (thrifted)
Shoes- Faded Glory (Thrifted, but similar here.  Dying over these!

dit-elle-Lauren

Classic pumpkin pie

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So it wouldn’t be fall without pumpkin pie and I couldn’t wait till Thanksgiving to try out a gluten free (GF) version of this traditional pie! I made some minor tweaks to the classic Libby’s Pumpkin Pie recipe (the one on the back of the cans) and it turned out great! First, I substituted a gluten free (GF) crust and second, I used coconut palm sugar (1:1 ratio to regular white sugar) since that’s what I had in the house. The pie was a little darker in color, but it was EXCELLENT!

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup sugar (I used coconut palm sugar – which has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar cane sugar)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 can (15 oz) 100% pure pumpkin
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 unbaked 9″ deep-dish pie shell (I used a gluten free pie crust from Wholly Wholesome)

Directions

  • Mix sugar, salt, spices in a small bowl
  • Beat eggs in a large bowl and stir in pumpkin and sugar/spice mixture
  • Gradually stir in evaporated milk
  • Pour into pie shell
  • Bake in preheated 425* oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350* and bake 40-50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean
  • Cool n wire rack for 2 hours.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate
  • Top with whipped cream! 🙂

Super mom tip: Don’t keep that many spices stocked? Save a step and use 1 3/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice instead of the cinnamon/ginger/cloves.

dit-elle-Esther

Paleo BBQ pork in the crock pot

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BBQ pork is one of the few recipes that does very well in the crock pot. Pair with *polenta (or riced cauliflower for a paleo alternative) and some sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli.

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Ingredients

  • 2 pork loins
  • 1 onion, sliced in rings
  • 2 c ketchup (or contents of a 24 oz bottle) – HFCS/sugar free
  • 1/2 warm water
  • 1/4 c apple cider vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp coconut sugar or brown sugar (optional and omit if paleo)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 1 tsp Tabasco sauce (optional)
  • salt as needed

Directions: place meat into the stoneware with onion rings. Stir ketchup, warm water, vinegar, sugar, and sauces. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until meat shreds easily with fork.

*Nothing says comfort food like polenta! Especially with parmesan cheese. So not paleo, but so yummy. Polenta is super easy to make. 1 cup polenta to 3-4 cups water, a dash of salt, bring to boil, constantly stirring, simmer for 20-30 minutes or so. At end whisk in some olive oil or butter and parmesan cheese. Serve hot.

Love BBQ pork and want more recipes to try? Lauren posted an awesome looking Pulled Pork Sandwiches recipe as well!

Super mom tip: You guessed it – BBQ pork freezes well. Polenta does NOT though! 🙂

dit-elle-Esther

My favorite leather jacket + Vans…sure they go together :)

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 I’m a big believer in putting things together that you like, and that look good on you.  Rules schmules (to some extent!).  Then…fingers crossed they work.  And if they don’t, oh well.  At least you like what you’re wearing.  If you feel good, chances are you look good too 🙂  I can’t tell you how many times I tried to make something work that I liked on someone else, but felt so uncomfortable all day that I hated it/couldn’t wait to fling it off when I got home.

Now, there’s really nothing odd about this outfit.  At least I don’t think there is?  haha.  The Pink Polka Dot Vans are a little playful (totally remind me of my childhood), and the jacket is a little edgy.  Not exactly the “perfect fit”, but I was comfortable, so it was a win 🙂Blog Doma Leather Jacket Twenty8Twelve Jeans Vans-1 Blog Doma Leather Jacket Twenty8Twelve Jeans Vans-2 Blog Doma Leather Jacket Twenty8Twelve Jeans Vans-3 Blog Doma Leather Jacket Twenty8Twelve Jeans Vans-4LOVE the details in this Doma jacket.  I bought it when I worked at Sway and Cake for a year on the weekends (9 years ago??).  Yeah, THAT was dangerous… Anyway, it still totally current and still looks great! Blog Doma Leather Jacket Twenty8Twelve Jeans Vans-5 Blog Doma Leather Jacket Twenty8Twelve Jeans Vans-6 Blog Doma Leather Jacket Twenty8Twelve Jeans Vans-7Baby Bear is back again… He makes her so happy, that if he’s in every shot from here on out, I don’t care!Blog Doma Leather Jacket Twenty8Twelve Jeans Vans-8 Blog Doma Leather Jacket Twenty8Twelve Jeans Vans-9 Blog Doma Leather Jacket Twenty8Twelve Jeans Vans-10 On me…

Jacket- Doma (old, but similar here less expensive here.)
Top- Zara (old, but similar here)
Jeans- Twenty8Twelve by Sienna Miller “KES” (sold out :( , but similar here)
Shoes- Vans (thrifted, but LOVE these original ones and these are fun too.)
On Maya…
Jeans- Gap (thrifted)
Top- Carter’s (thrifted, but similar here)
Sweater- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)
Shoes- Converse

dit-elle-Lauren

It was a comfy cozy cape kind of day…

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 I had to take Maya back to Children’s Hospital on Tuesday for a test that took up two parts of the day.  What sounded perfect, was to be wrapped up in a cozy blanket.  Truth be told, what sounded perfect was not having to do it at all!  Well, this cape/wrap did the trick…for making me feel cozy, that is.

My mom got these next few of Maya and me…

Blog Cream Cape DL1961 Emma Frye Boots-1After every visit, they give her a stuffed animal.  She is now OBSESSED with “baby bear”.  You will be seeing a lot of him, I’m predicting… 😉 Blog Cream Cape DL1961 Emma Frye Boots-2 Blog Cream Cape DL1961 Emma Frye Boots-3Jumping for joy, because the test is over haha 🙂 Blog Cream Cape DL1961 Emma Frye Boots-4 Blog Cream Cape DL1961 Emma Frye Boots-5I completely forgot to get pics of just me until it was almost dark.  I grabbed the tripod, ran outside, and did not care AT ALL that all my neighbors driving home from work were wondering what I was doing 🙂 Blog Cream Cape DL1961 Emma Frye Boots-6 Blog Cream Cape DL1961 Emma Frye Boots-7 Great news- The scan showed no kidney damage-WOO HOO.

On me…

Cape/Wrap- Thrifted, but similar here and less expensive option here.
Top- Nordstrom Rack.  Similar here.
Jeans- DL 1961 (these are the Emma Leggings)
Boots- Frye old, similar here.
On Maya…
Jeans- Gap (similar here)
Vest- Janie and Jack (thrifted, but similar here)
Sweater- Cherokee (similar here)

dit-elle-Lauren

Legends of the Fall..

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I love fall! So much color! We live in a beautiful place that is green pretty much year round. The rain and damp have arrived, but the trees are still brilliant.

A favorite fall table decoration is a bowl of water with leaves and tea lights. I know, so simple right!

The bowl could be a piece of thrifted crystal or porcelain (something fire proof!). I get the tea lights in bulk at IKEA, and then add your favorite fall leaves or flowers! Gorgeous when lit, adding coziness to fall evenings. And I’m all about coziness. 🙂

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dit-elle-Esther

Good Denim Shirt + Cowboy Boots, and you’re always good…

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 I may have just snagged this Gap shirt at a thrift store for $6, but I’ve had a version of this outfit for the last…um 20+ years? :}  There are certain things you should just never get rid of.  Cowboy boots=1.  Good fitting denim shirt=2.Blog Gap Denim Shirt Blank Cargo Skinny Pants Cowboy Boots-1 Blog Gap Denim Shirt Blank Cargo Skinny Pants Cowboy Boots-2Blog Gap Denim Shirt Blank Cargo Skinny Pants Cowboy Boots-3Blog Gap Denim Shirt Blank Cargo Skinny Pants Cowboy Boots-4Blog Gap Denim Shirt Blank Cargo Skinny Pants Cowboy Boots-5Has she perfected the blogger look over the shoulder pose?  I think so 🙂Blog Gap Denim Shirt Blank Cargo Skinny Pants Cowboy Boots-6On me…

Shirt- Gap (similar)
T Shirt- Addison (sold out, but love this long sleep peplum top here)
Jeans- Blank NYC (old, but love this newer version!)
Boots- Nocona
On Maya…
Jeans- Joe’s Jeans (similar)
Top- Genuine Kids Osh Kosh (from this summer)
Sweater- H&M (last year, but cute elbow patch sweater here)
Shoes- Converse

dit-elle-Lauren

A little Boho influence…

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I was born in the mid(ish :)) 70’s so I think there’s always a part of me that’s drawn to the bohemian look.  Let’s face it…flowy usually equals comfort, so that’s a win 🙂blog Karoo Cashmere Cardigan Ella Moss Silk Top Joes Jeans-1 blog Karoo Cashmere Cardigan Ella Moss Silk Top Joes Jeans-2 blog Karoo Cashmere Cardigan Ella Moss Silk Top Joes Jeans-3 Blog Old Navy Chambray dress Sweater-1 Blog Old Navy Chambray dress Sweater-2 Blog Old Navy Chambray dress Sweater-3

On me…

Sweater- Karoo by Mark Eisen (old, but similar here)
Top- Ella Moss (sold out, but similar idea here)
Jeans- Joe’s Jeans (similar here, and less expensive here)
Shoes- Nine West (thrifted, but similar here)
On Maya…
Dress- Old Navy (thrifted, but this is adorable!)
Sweater- Old Navy (thrifted) similar here.
Leggings- Gymboree (thrifted, but similar here)
Boots- Children’s Place (Thrifted, but similar here.)

dit-elle-Lauren

Roasted Root Vegetables with Pesto

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The sweet flavor of carrots and parsnips balance out the bite of Brussels sprouts and turnips. Hot and roasted and tossed with pesto – yum!Blog pestoveggies-1

Ingredients

  • 2 cups carrots (cut in 1″ slices)
  • 2 cups parsnips (cut in 1″ slices)
  • 2 cups turnip slices, 1″ cubes
  • 2 cups trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts
  • 1 shallot, peeled and quartered
  • 1 onion, cut in 8 wedges
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • Salt/pepper to taste
  • Pesto

Directions

  1. Oven to 425*
  2. Toss vegetables with olive oil
  3. Sprinkle w/salt and pepper, toss
  4. Bake @ 425* for 1 hour or until browned
  5. Toss vegetables with basil

Super mom tip: Make pesto in a big batch and freeze in 1/3-1/2 cup portions. Pull out and defrost in the fridge or microwave a day in advance for this type of recipe.

dit-elle-Esther