This weather feeds my outfit indecision…

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I’m not saying I’m complaining about the weather lately.  That would be stupid.  It’s not raining!!  However, the freezing cold mornings, followed by total sunshine, then rapidly dropping temps again makes it hard to dress accordingly.  So…sometimes there’s a midday outfit change!

Started off wearing this…

(Don’t mind the silly grin.  This was another self timer day, and Maya was singing to a frog sculpture haha.)Blog Black Orchid Tie Dye Doma Leather Jacket J Crew Sweater-1Then of course she wanted to get in a few 🙂 Blog Black Orchid Tie Dye Doma Leather Jacket J Crew Sweater-2These shoes are beyond comfortable!  I have a black pair that I wear when I’m on my feet 8+ hours shooting a wedding.  Ok, I have two black pairs 🙂 Blog Black Orchid Tie Dye Doma Leather Jacket J Crew Sweater-3 Blog Black Orchid Tie Dye Doma Leather Jacket J Crew Sweater-4It hit me that I don’t do any close ups of Maya’s clothes.  These boots are one of my favorites!  Hers too!  I love that they can be worn up or down… Blog Black Orchid Tie Dye Doma Leather Jacket J Crew Sweater-5 Blog Black Orchid Tie Dye Doma Leather Jacket J Crew Sweater-6THEN…I had a shoot later in the day.  I knew I would be too hot in that sweater, so I changed. Blog Black Orchid Tie Dye Doma Leather Jacket J Crew Sweater-7 Blog Black Orchid Tie Dye Doma Leather Jacket J Crew Sweater-8 Blog Black Orchid Tie Dye Doma Leather Jacket J Crew Sweater-9 Blog Black Orchid Tie Dye Doma Leather Jacket J Crew Sweater-10On me…

Look 1…

Jeans- Black Orchid  (similar less expensive on sale here)
Sweater- J Crew (Old, but similar here and less expensive here)

Shoes- Soho Lab (Sold out (boo!!).  Similar here and if $ were no object *sigh* here.)

Leather Jacket- Doma (similar here and less expensive faux leather here)
Jeans- Black Orchid  (similar less expensive on sale here)
T shirt- Free Press (bought at Nordstrom Rack.  Similar here)
Shoes- Converse
On Maya…
Jeans- Gap (eBay, but similar here)
Top- Gap
Vest- Janie and Jack (thrifted, but similar here)
dit-elle-Lauren

Red, white, blue and.. yellow!

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We had an unseasonably warm day in October and I finally got some shots of this dress – one of my fav “mom uniforms” this summer. I wore it often with a sports bra or as a bathing suit cover-up during the day, with a necklace and some fun shoes at night. You know.. on all those date-nights enjoying good food and quiet conversation at our favorite local Italian restaurant with outdoor seating. And by date-night I mean tag-teaming on feeding the kids, and by Italian restaurant I mean preparing spaghetti-Os in the microwave.. and by conversation, I mean trying to remember what it was like to actually finish a meal.. We’ve been adjusting to life with two, and it’s been a wild but incredible summer! 🙂

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This sweater is one of those incredibly light-weight merino wool sweaters that wraps you in warm & cosy the second you put it on!

1Blog Blue Striped Dress-51Blog Blue Striped Dress-61Blog Blue Striped Dress-81Blog Blue Striped Dress-91Blog Blue Striped Dress-101Blog Blue Striped Dress-111Blog Blue Striped Dress-12blog Blue Striped Dress-37On me…

Dress- this is a soft jersey summer 2013 dress from GAP, similar on eBay by JCREW here
Necklace- Vintage plastic beads from my Grandma 🙂
Sweater – Banana Republic, similar from JCREW on eBay here
Shoes- Enzo Angiolini, many cute red sandals here
On Ava…
Dress- Summer 2013 collection from Tea
Shoes – Rachel Shoes “Lil Giselle” Found at Nordstrom Rack or on Amazon.com
dit-elle-Esther

Guacamole

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This is my basic, go to, never fail- guacamole recipe. Enjoy with tortilla chips, tacos or fresh cut veggies.blog guacamole2

Ingredients

  • 5-6 ripe avocados
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed and divided
  • 2 tomatoes, diced and divided
  • Bunch of cilantro, finely chopped
  • Lemon juice and/or some lime juice
  • Salt to taste

Directions

  • Heat some olive oil in skillet
  • Add onion and sauté until mostly done
  • Add garlic (careful not to let it brown as it turns bitter) and half of the diced tomatoes and sauté for 30-60 seconds more
  • Remove from heat
  • Peel/core avocadoes and mash coarsely with a fork
  • Add the sautéed onion/garlic/tomato to the avocados along with the rest of the fresh chopped tomatoes, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, salt
  • Add some additional fresh crushed garlic if desired, salt and more lemon juice to taste
  • Mix to desired consistency, serve fresh or let sit and flavors will meld

Serve with tortilla chips or cut fresh vegetables!blog guacamole 1

Super mom tip: don’t have time to chop onions and tomatoes and cilantro? Get some Pico de Gallo and save a step or three!dit-elle-Esther

Coated denim…day to night.

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You know all those weekends where you play with your kids during the day and then get to go out with your husband at night?  Yeah…me either.  However, it does happen on occasion, and a lot of times it’s a short notice offer from my parents that we jump on.  Here’s an outfit that lets you run around during the day, then swap out the shoes for night.Blog J Brand Agnes Coated HM Chunky Sweater-1 Blog J Brand Agnes Coated HM Chunky Sweater-2These are so comfy, and I love the added bling of the glitter.  So not me, but fun!  I think Maya is rubbing off on me haha. Blog J Brand Agnes Coated HM Chunky Sweater-3 Blog J Brand Agnes Coated HM Chunky Sweater-4 Blog J Brand Agnes Coated HM Chunky Sweater-5 Blog J Brand Agnes Coated HM Chunky Sweater-6 Blog J Brand Agnes Coated HM Chunky Sweater-7Then a little bootie for night!  Haha, just reread that.  And, yes to that too 😉 Blog J Brand Agnes Coated HM Chunky Sweater-8 Blog J Brand Agnes Coated HM Chunky Sweater-9Funny story.  I’ve had these boots for probably 10 years!  That is the upside to buying quality leather… I used to wear them under my long bootcut jeans.  You never even saw how cute they were.  Love that it’s in fashion to let them show now!  Remember-hoarding, I mean holding onto quality classics, is good 🙂 Blog J Brand Agnes Coated HM Chunky Sweater-10 Blog J Brand Agnes Coated HM Chunky Sweater-11These were all done with the self timer again.  Maya was a little sad she wasn’t in them all! Blog J Brand Agnes Coated HM Chunky Sweater-12 Blog J Brand Agnes Coated HM Chunky Sweater-13

On me…

Sweater- H&M (On sale for $15!)
Shoes (1) – Shoes- Superga (on sale!).
Booties (2) – Paul and Joe (From Shopbop old, but fun different color here here, similar here and less expensive here)
On Maya…
Jeans-Old Navy striped skinny jeans (thrifted, but similar idea here)
Top- Children’s Place (thrifted)
Sweater- H&M (thrifted, but similar non cardigan here)
Shoes- Zulily
dit-elle-Lauren

Paleo Pumpkin Pancakes

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Pancakes for breakfast, lunch or dinner! These high protein cakes will fill you up AND leave you energized!

Blog Coconut Flower Pancakes

Makes about 6 pancakes

Ingredients

  • 3 Eggs
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (canned pumpkin)
  • 2-3 Tbsp butter or coconut oil + extra for cooking
  • 1 1/2 tsp honey or agave nectar (I tried each of these in a batch and both were equally good – honey is a little sweeter)
  • 3 Tbsp coconut flour
  • 2 tsps cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • Dash of sea salt
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk and water as needed to adjust batter consistency

Instructions

  1. Whisk together eggs, melted butter, milk, honey or agave, and sea salt
  2. Mix baking powder and coconut flour and add to the wet ingredients while whisking
  3. Heat butter or coconut oil in a skillet on a medium heat
  4. Spoon batter into pan and a note of caution, coconut flour and coconut oil both brown quickly, so watch these careful and cook on low heat, with a lid helps! Carefully flip to cook on each side.
  5. Serve with fresh fruit or berries

dit-elle-Esther

Paleo Pumpkin Bread

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Can’t get enough pumpkin recipes this fall? I know! October is pumpkin month around here.

This bread is a special paleo version. And for those new to paleo, this may not taste very sweet or like the classic pumpkin bread you are used to! But it is delicious served hot with butter or with a bowl of soup, such as Chicken Chili! 🙂Blog Paleo Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients

  • 1 cup blanched almond flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • dash of sea salt
  • 1 Tbsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp cloves
  • 1/4 tsp ginger
  • ½ cup pumpkin (roasted or canned)
  • 2-3 Tbsps honey or agave syrup
  • 3 large eggs
  • Handful of raisins and/or chopped nuts (optional)

Directions

  • In a food processor combine almond flour, salt, baking soda and spices
  • Add pumpkin, honey or agave and eggs and blend for 2 minutes
  • Scoop batter into a mini loaf pan
  • Bake at 350° for 35-45 minutes
  • Cool and serve

Super mom tip: Slice and freeze individual portions for easy retrieval and reheating

Paleo what? What’s up with the whole Paleo thingy? Read more about my journey and some great resources on my food blog, Les Petits Pois!

Inspired (and slightly modified) from one of my favorite gluten free masters Elana’s Pantry

dit-elle-Esther

Chicken Chili

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First of all – what’s easier than awesome Chicken Chili? I don’t know.. Little prep, super easy, slow cooker Chicken Chili! This is a fantastic slow-cooker/crock pot recipe! And let me say that I haven’t always been a huge fan of the crock pot (let’s just say we have a love/hate relationship). I’ve had many recipes turn out as just a pot of mushy vegetables (well what do you expect after 8 hours of cooking?). BUT – there’s hope – some recipes lend themselves very well to the crock pot and you can rest assured that I’ll be sure to try them before posting here! I also put them to the toddler/husband test and will give options for adjusting spices, etc. 🙂 blog chicken chili

Ingredients

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 2 c chicken broth
  • 2 green, yellow or red peppers, seeded and chopped
  • 2 tsps ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder or cayenne (careful, as this adds heat!)
  • 1 can diced fire roasted tomatoes
  • 1 Tbsp chopped jalapeno (careful, this also adds heat)
  • If you are not doing the paleo thing, a can of corn and one of cannellini beans are an excellent addition

Garnish/topping

  • Shredded cheese
  • Sliced avocado or guacamole
  • Chopped cilantro

Directions

  • In the slow cooker, combine onion, chicken, chicken broth, tomatoes, peppers, and spice
  • Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours
  • Once cooked shed the chicken with two forks
  • If you are adding corn and beans, do that now
  • Return lid and let the soup heat
  • Sprinkle desired toppings on individual bowls of soup and serve hot

So easy, so yummy!

Super mom tip: the recipe above makes a large batch. Ladle into freezer containers and store for easy re-heating!

Paleo what? What’s up with the whole Paleo thingy? Read more about my journey and some great resources on my food blog, Les Petits Pois!

dit-elle-Esther

Wellness Remedies

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It’s the season – coughing and sneezing everywhere! And then suddenly YOU are coughing and sneezing and feeling miserable.

I hate being sick. When I do get sick I’m a grouchy patient. Who isn’t? So I’m super motivated to stay well. Here are some wellness tips for cold season!Blog StayHealthy

  • Fresh garlic, crushed and served in a bowl of hot broth or soup at the first inkling of a cold
  • Honey – it’s antiseptic and sooths sore throats
  • Ground turmeric in some hot milk – love this one – turmeric looks like ginger root in its fresh form, but is smaller and usually is found in powder form as a spice. I learned about it from an Indian friend who gives it to her children regularly to strengthen immunity. In our house we take some every day.
  • Fresh ginger root – freshly minced or in powder form. Peel some fresh ginger root, slice it up and boil it in water and drink as tea. This is also excellent for your digestion.
  • Vitamin C – plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year, some fresh lemon juice in hot water with honey can soothe a sore throat
  • Salt – mix hot water and salt and gargle – this will soothe a raw throat and is also antiseptic. Maybe that’s why salty soups taste good when you have a sore throat.
  • Water, plenty of it!
  • Hot shower and steam bath – helps clear sinuses and feels good for achy limbs and head

As a proactive measure you can use “Four Thieves Oil” – not ingested – but a drop or two on wrist/neck before going on an airplane or if around a sick people may ward off germs. The smell is kind of refreshing (ingredients include wormwood, thyme, rosemary, peppermint, cinnamon, clove, lavender, sage, camphor, juniper, pine..)

Probably the most important healing and wellness remedy is SLEEP.. with or without a furry dog laying on your feet to keep them warm. Socks will also do. 🙂

Super mom tip: if you are nursing there’s not a whole lot of medicine you can take without interfering with either milk supply or passing ingredients to baby, but by all means keep nursing. Your body creates powerful antibodies when you are exposed to germs and passes these on to baby. When you have a cold chances are that baby may avoid it! Yay!

dit-elle-Esther

Carrot Soup with Avocado, Lime and Cilantro

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It’s a damp October evening in Seattle. Get your cozy on with this hot soup that is so bright and cheery you will forget about the rain!

Fresh ginger, lime, cilantro, coconut milk and carrots.. create a delicious fusion of flavors! I won’t say this is super easy as there are some steps to prepare this soup, but it’s worth the effort!Blog Carrot Soup-1 Blog Carrot Soup-3

Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp ginger, finely chopped
  • 2 lbs carrots
  • 1 lime, divided – grated (for zest) and squeezed for the garnish
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • salt, pepper
  • 1 quart vegetable or chicken stock
  • 1 avocado
  • Cilantro
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk or heavy cream

Preparation

  • Melt butter in large pot
  • Chop the onion and the ginger into small pieces and grate the lime zest, and add to pot
  • Sauté the onion, ginger and lime zest in a pan with the butter
  • Add the carrots and some pepper and then sauté for another 2 minutes
  • Add the broth and bring to boil. Simmer for 20 minutes
  • Puree the soup with a hand blender and add the cream

Garnish

  • Cut the avocado into pieces, chop the cilantro add some lime juice, salt and pepper and toss together lightly. Set aside.
  • Serve soup w/2-3 spoons of avocado mixture in each bowlBlog Carrot Soup-2

Paleo tip: use coconut milk, not cream, that’s it!

Super mom tip: Use a 2lb bag of peeled baby carrots – who has time for peeling or scrubbing carrot skins anyway? If you are peeling them, consider that there are good nutrients in carrot skins and just scrub them with a vegetable brush to clean.

Comfy cozy sweater + Boots = My winter uniform

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During the fall and winter, my uniform changes from jeans, t-shirt, and flip flops to jeans, boots, and sweaters.  I’m pretty simple like that 🙂 blog Brown Chunky Theory Sweater Community Denim Frye-1 blog Brown Chunky Theory Sweater Community Denim Frye-2 blog Brown Chunky Theory Sweater Community Denim Frye-3Maya likes cozy sweaters and boots too!1MayaEliseSept2013-2c

On me…

Jeans- Community Denim (Old, but similar here, and less expensive here.)
Tank Top- Fresh Laundry (similar here, less expensive here.)
Sweater- Theory (Old)

Boots- Frye (ebay!) old, but similar here.

On Maya…
Jeans- Gap.
Top- Children’s Place (thrifted)
Sweater- vintage
dit-elle-Lauren