Summer is kicking my arse…

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Don’t get me wrong. I love summer!! I absolutely love that it stays lighter later, and…ok, that might be the only thing I like right now haha.

I’m a true Northwesterner in that I hate being hot! The idea of going outside to play in the middle of the day, sweating my butt off, and taking 2-3 showers a day. Well, it doesn’t get me very excited.

I’ve also put Maya in camps almost every week, just so I can catch up on client work, BUT…between the travel times on either end, I only really have 2 hours to cram as much as I possibly can in. Maya’s usually pretty tired after camp, because we either play for a few hours after or we’ve gone to the gym for a few hours beforehand. Doesn’t leave much time or energy for our usual “outings”.

A lot of times, it’s just a little walk around our neighborhood after dinner, and that’s ok 🙂 Blog Gap Denim Shirt Ooberswank Cami Goldsign Frontier Leopard Vans-1 I love her little dance kick in the background!!! See her tongue out? Yeah, she kept licking my back…

“Mom, you taste kind of salty!” Um…yeah, sweaty!! ;} Blog Gap Denim Shirt Ooberswank Cami Goldsign Frontier Leopard Vans-9 POOP!!! hahaha. Blog GapKids Tunic Checkered Vans-1

On me…

Shirt- Gap (thrifted)

Top- Ooberswank (Nordstrom Rack, sold out, similar here)

Jeans- Goldsign “frontier” destroyed by me (similar here, similar look here)

Shoes- Vans (thrifted for $6!, sold out, similar here)

On Maya…

Top/Dress- GapKids (thrifted)

Leggings- Children’s Place (thrifted)

Shoes- Vans (thrifted)

Keeping it Real…

And…she just wanted to sit on my leg 😉 Blog Outtake-1

Maya’s new thing is “ROARING!!!” It’s really neat…

But seriously. Every time we see someone (on a walk, on the street, on the way to the gym)

It’s either…”You know I’m the princess of the world” quickly followed by…

“I’m also a vampire.”

And…after we leave said people she says…

“Mom, you know we can’t talk to the humans, because we are creatures (or vampires)”

She really has the best imagination ever. And thankfully…is NOT scared of vampires 🙂 Blog Outtake-2

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

Frozen Strawberry Lime Coconut Margaritas

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Nothing says summer like a Frozen Strawberry Lime Coconut Margarita! Totally delicious and I made mini frozen slushies for the kids with the ingredients (except alcohol!). It was a nice cool treat for them, and you could serve this as a fun (non alcoholic) and festive dessert drink for grown-ups as well!

strawberry lime coconut margarita blog (3)

Ingredients

1 cup coconut milk (full fat)
1/4 cup Simple Syrup
Zest from 1 lime
1/4 cup lime juice
2 cups strawberries
3 Tbsp lime juice
3 oz tequila
Lime and shredded coconut for garnish

Directions

Combine first four ingredients in blender, blend until smooth and then pour into ice cube tray or a large Ziploc bag and freeze for 2-4 hours
Combine strawberries and 3 Tbsp lime juice in blender and blend until smooth
When ready to make margaritas, put frozen coconut lime mixture in blender and puree. At this point you can remove some for the kids. then add in tequila and blend until smooth.
Pour coconut lime mixture into four margarita glasses, add some strawberry puree to each glass and garnish with lime wedges and shredded coconut
Serve! Enjoy!

Inspired by Tequila Avion’s mini video on Instagram.

dit-elle-Esther

Salmon Avocado Mango “Tacos” | Paleo // Whole30

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This was a leftover meal from the already ridiculously easy Salmon Avocado Mango Salad with Soft Boiled Egg that I made a few weeks ago. I meant to do a follow up post right away, but…

You know….LIFE! Summer has been kicking my arse lately!

In any case! This is a great two-fer meal. Make one and then the other the next day. Isn’t that the mom holy grail???!!

Adjust the measurements as needed! 🙂 Blog Whole30 Paleo Salmon Avocado Mango Lettuce Tacos-1 From the original post (makes both meals!)

Ingredients (Would serve 4)

3 6oz cans of wild Alaskan Salmon
10 grape tomatoes (cut in half)
1 large avocados
1 Mango diced
1/2 and inch slice red onion diced (or a scallion)
1/3 cup diced pickles
Sea Salt and Pepper to taste
Head of Butter Lettuce
For garnish and a bit of heat- my favorite…Garlic Hot Sauce

Directions

Drain Salmon, place in large bowl, and break it up.
Dice tomato, avocado, mango, and onions and stir into salmon
Salt and Pepper to taste
Scoop into butter lettuce cups, and pierce with a toothpick and an extra tomato for garnish

Enjoy!

Poached Chicken

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This is a staple recipe in my house and a great way to prepare chicken. I like to make a big batch and freeze in small containers. Hungry toddler? No problem! Heat up the chicken and some veggies or make a chicken and cheese quesadilla.. and you have a quick and healthy dinner.

I also like this as a base recipe for tacos – poach the chicken, shred it, and then add taco seasoning!

poached chicken blog (2) poached chicken blog (1)

Ingredients

Whole chicken or 4 large chicken breasts
1 onion, roughly sliced
Water

Directions

Put everything in a pot and add water till it almost covers the chicken
Bring to a boil and let simmer for 45-60 minutes
Remove chicken, put on a plate and let cool
Once cool enough to handle, de-bone the chicken and remove skin
Shred meat with a fork and put back in a new pot
Add 1/2 cup of the chicken stock back and bring to a simmer – add additional spices as desired
As for the rest of the liquid (in original pot), remove onions, but save the liquid as this is excellent chicken stock that you can freeze and use later

dit-elle-Esther

Happy Birthday to me! {42}

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I don’t know about other Mom’s, but usually on the rare occasion that I go out at night- I’m still sitting in my sweats, hair a frizzy mess, no make up on, and NO idea what I’m wearing…about 20 minutes before we are due to head out the door.

So, of course, there are rarely pictures of me all done up in my “going out” clothes here.

#momlife

This past Friday, we went out early on a double date with my parents, and we actually got home before 9! It was the first time we left Maya with her youngest (oldest brother 15) as her babysitter!!

Honestly, it was perfect! We had an amazing time, ate a LOT of delicious food, drank some amazing wine, and rode the bus home (um, so fun and way cheaper!!)

AND…another total upside? I could run outside and take a few pictures while it was still light!

blog Ella Moss Geometric Silk Dress Ugg Espadrilles-1 And then, Maya all ready in her jammies, came out for a few!

I swear it’s a toss up between what’s better…

Going out and having your kid put to bed when you get home…

AND…

Having them still up when you get home, so you can hug and kiss them before they go to bed.

BOTH = HEAVEN.

I happened to capture the latter, and I’m so glad that I did! blog Ella Moss Geometric Silk Dress Ugg Espadrilles-4 Oh, and her nightgown is a 9-10 hahaha. I knew she’d love it, so I thrifted it for $3!!!

I kid you not, she’s picked it out of a stack of (I’m too embarrassed to say) 75% of the time since… So, clearly. Nightgowns for the win as far as Maya is concerned! Blog Mini Boden Night gown-1 I can’t even… Blog Mini Boden Night gown-2 Blog Mini Boden Night gown-3

On me…

Dress- Ella Moss (thrifted)

Sandals- Ugg (thrifted, similar here)

On Maya…

Nightgown- Mini Boden (thrifted, but similar here)

Keeping it Real…

Of course the minute I go out to take pictures, my neighbor walks by with is dog…

AWKWARD!!

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

Thrifted Crop Flare Overalls (!!!) + Twirl Dresses Forever {and another Low Tide Adventure}

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I will always love overalls! I think I actually owned this pair in a couple of colors back in the 90’s! I just recently thrifted them for $6, so I have no idea from what era they originate. I love that they are a little cropped (not sure if they are supposed to be??), and they are beyond comfy! Blog Gap Crop Flare Overalls Gold Salt Water Sandals-1 I’m not 100% sure how I found Crew & Lu, but I’ve been following her on Instagram for a while now. Uyen is freaking hysterical, and she makes the most adorable clothing!! A few weeks ago, she had 60% off almost her entire inventory, and I jumped at the chance to get a few things for Maya.

When we opened the box, Maya “Ooooohed and aaaaaaahed!” She kept saying “Oh, THANK YOU MOMMY! These are amazing!” I may have gotten a couple of dresses… 🙂 Blog Crew and Lu Cloud Grey Everyday Dress Salt Water Sandals -1 LOVE the back on this dress!!And the twirl factor is off the charts. A total win in Maya’s book 😉

On me…

Overalls- Gap (thrifted, similar here and here)

Sandals- Salt Water Sandals

On Maya…

Dress- Crew & Lu (sold out, but so many other cute dresses)

Shoes- Salt Water Sandals “Surfer”

Keeping it Real…

Normally when we go to the beach, she just runs, plays, FALLS, and splashes around. She was so nervous about getting her dress dirty though that she kept holding it up.

Thankfully, she had her swim suit on underneath 😉 Blog Outtake

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

Blackberry Jalapeno Margaritas

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Blackberry season is upon us and so is Margarita season! Stir up some Blackberry Jalapeno Margaritas for a spicy and delicious summer drink! 🙂

blackberry jalapeno margarita blog (3)

Ingredients (serves 4)

¾ cup tequila
½ cup triple sec or grand marnier
½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 cup blackberry Jalapeno Syrup (see below)
Ice cubes
Fresh blackberries and lime wedges for garnish
Blackberry Jalapeno Syrup (recipe here)
Blackberries, lime wedges and jalapeno slices for garnish
Sugar for the rim

Instructions

Rim 4 glasses with a lime wedge and then dip them into a dish filled with sugar. Upright the glasses and fill them with ice.
Fill a cocktail shaker with the tequila, triple sec, lime juice and 1 cup of the Blackberry Jalapeno syrup, plus a handful of ice. Shake vigorously and strain the margaritas into the prepared glasses.
Garnish with fresh blackberries and lime wedges and serve.

Inspired by Heather Cristo’s Blackberry Jalapeno Margaritas.

dit-elle-Esther

Low tide + Adorable Rash Guards

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Having had two skin cancer diagnoses in the last year, I’m pretty fanatical now about sun screen or covering up both Maya and myself.

I stumbled upon Swim Zip a few years ago when we were heading to Hawaii for a family vacation. I got Maya a few sets, and DIED when we got them. SO CUTE!!

I’ve been buying them ever since, and we always get compliments! Btw, this is not a sponsored post!! I just really love them!

That little ruffle on the butt??!! Blog Purple Swim Zip Cutie Cruiser Rufflle Bottom Low Tide Alki-1

I didn’t get a good picture of the front, because she was constantly running away from me haha. BUT… the thing that initially sold me was the fact that they zip all the way up the front!!! It makes getting them on (and more importantly OFF) super easy! Even soaking wet-SCORE! Blog Purple Swim Zip Cutie Cruiser Rufflle Bottom Low Tide Alki-2

Blog Purple Swim Zip Cutie Cruiser Rufflle Bottom Low Tide Alki-2

Blog Purple Swim Zip Cutie Cruiser Rufflle Bottom Low Tide Alki-3

Blog Purple Swim Zip Cutie Cruiser Rufflle Bottom Low Tide Alki-4

Blog Purple Swim Zip Cutie Cruiser Rufflle Bottom Low Tide Alki-5

Blog Purple Swim Zip Cutie Cruiser Rufflle Bottom Low Tide Alki-6

Blog Purple Swim Zip Cutie Cruiser Rufflle Bottom Low Tide Alki-7

Blog Purple Swim Zip Cutie Cruiser Rufflle Bottom Low Tide Alki-8

On Maya…

Top- Swim Zip “Cutie Cruiser” in Purple

Bottoms- Swim Zip “Ruffled Bikini Bottom” in Purple

Shoes- Salt Water Sandals “Sun San” in Silver

Keeping it Real…

Over the last few weeks, Maya has tried on several occasions to play with various groups of kids who didn’t want to play with her. Last weekend at a street fair, it got downright cruel. She went up to a girl that she went to school with. She was so excited to see someone she knew, but the little girl happened to be with a few older girls (friends? relatives? siblings?) All the other kids ganged up on Maya and were telling her she wasn’t the little girls friend and started yelling at her to go away. Maya just stood there shocked and kept saying she WAS the girls friend. I honestly stood there shocked for a while, and then ran over to get her. I brought her back with me to stand in line, and the kids kept yelling at her and taunting her until she started crying. Truth be told, I started crying too (ugh, I’m tearing up as I write this!!). It was a few minutes before I could calm us both down. She kept crying “Why are they being so evil to me?!” and she wanted to go yell back at them. I kept telling her that we were there to have fun, and we were about to go on a really fun ride. That she needed to just forget about them, because THEY were the ones not having fun, and we needed to not be around people that didn’t want to be nice. So, we went to another ride, and she met new kids that wanted to play with her. Such a hard cruel world we live in, and I hate that it starts so young. We talked a number of times about how it made her feel when the other kids were mean to her, and to make sure that she never made anyone else ever feel like that. I kept trying to tell her that there will always be people that are mean, but that there are ALWAYS people that are nice too. That she should always try and choose to be the nice person, and to try and always choose to be around the nice people and walk away from the mean ones…

On this day, she tried going up to a few older kids and got shunned again. They were fairly nice about it, but the message was clear.

“We don’t want to play with you.”

UGH. I wish I could always hold her and comfort her, but I know that those days are numbered… Breaks my heart. I love her so… Blog Outtake

(All pictures taken by me)

Blackberry Jalapeno Refresher

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Last week I posted a Blackberry Jalapeno Syrup. It’s a great recipe to make in advance, store in fridge and use when ready. Try this non-alcoholic bubbly beverage for a sweet and spicy, but refreshing drink! Too spicy for kids, but you could certainly make the syrup without the jalapeno for a non spicy version! 🙂

blackberry jalapeno refresher blog (3)

Ingredients

1/4 cup Blackberry Jalapeno Syrup
Carbonated water (plain or lime flavored)
Fresh blackberries and a lime wedge or wheel for garnish
Ice

Directions

Pour syrup into tall glass filled with ice
Fill rest of glass with bubbly water and garnish with fresh blackberries and lime

Inspired by Heather Cristo’s Blackberry Jalapeno Margaritas.

dit-elle-Esther

Faux Fur Vests + Hunter Boots…summer in Seattle.

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We got so spoiled with an amazing May and June. The sun was shining more than it wasn’t, and we kind of forgot what the “norm” was… Now that it’s July, we are all expecting super warm sunny days! And then, the last few days, I’ve had to dig out some winter wear!

Not that I’m complaining. I kind of like the break in the weather. I bought this faux fur vest off eBay for $16 back in April, and I didn’t think I’d get a chance to wear it for a while. I honestly wasn’t sure I’d have the nerve to wear it at atll… I broke it out for the 4th of July, and then turned around and wore it again the next day for this little outing. It’s so fun!! Oddly, it kind of goes with everything, and Maya likes to snuggle up to it, so extra bonus!

Blog Joie Faux Fur Vest Joes Jeans Tunic Goldsign Gray Hunters-1 It was actually pretty cold and windy when we first got to the park. We ate a picnic lunch, and then decided to explore around the low tide. Blog Parka Hanna Andersson Striped Top GapKids Mini Skinny Rain Boots-2 Once again…I had issues with my remote trigger. I made sure to change the batteries right before we left, but didn’t check the batteries. Turns out, one of them had been sitting in our “battery drawer” for a while, and was totally corroded ;{

So, it was back to the self timer, which meant me running back and forth like an idiot. THANKFULLY the beach was pretty empty! Blog Joie Faux Fur Vest Joes Jeans Tunic Goldsign Gray Hunters-4 Blog Hanna Andersson Striped Top GapKids Mini Skinny Rain Boots-6 Blog Lincoln Park Low Tide-8 Then it started getting a little warmer… Blog Joes Jeans Tunic Goldsign Gray Hunters-11 haha. This totally cracks me up. Again….SO glad there weren’t very many people here.

I set up the camera behind Maya, hit the shutter, and then ran out in front to push on her feet. Love that she’s looking back at the camera! Blog Joes Jeans Tunic Goldsign Gray Hunters-12 Maya could literally spend the entire time swinging if I let her. Honestly, in my more honest bad mommy moments, I usually try and go to parks that don’t have swings. She won’t run around and play if they are there.

But…the joy? Hard to say no to that face!! Blog Hanna Andersson Striped Top GapKids Mini Skinny Rain Boots-13 This face is so her. Trying REALLY hard not to smile 😉 Although, this is even MORE her….

LOVE!! Blog Hanna Andersson Striped Top GapKids Mini Skinny Rain Boots-16 On me…

Vest- Joie “Glimmer Faux Fur Vest” (sold out, similar on sale here)

Shirt- Joe’s Jeans (old, short sleeve option here)

Jeans- GoldSign “Mayhem” (old, similar here and here)

Boots- Hunter “Graphite Gloss” (thrifted for $40!)

On Maya…

Jacket- GapKids (thrifted)

Top- Hanna Andersson (thrifted, but similar here)

Jeans- GapKids (thrifted, but similar here)

Boots- (thrifted, but similar here)

Keeping it Real…

hahaha

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

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Ingredients (serves 4)

Instructions

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