Fall gray and black palate with day to night shoe options

Those days when you look at your wardrobe and don’t feel inspired? That’s when I reach for my black skinny jeans, a soft gray sweater, and boots, flats or kitten heel wedges. I’ll usually add some jewelry to complement the shoes – most often, I’ll do something with silver tones and subtle sparkle, but this is a great neutral palate to add some crazy colorful or fun jewelry to. Not shown here, a sparkling red ruby necklace, bright pink crystals or other gems that pop work great.

Blog Esther Day to Night-1

Blog Esther Day to Night-2

Blog Esther Boots

Blog Esther Day to Night-4

This is the day Lauren and I did our super fast whirlwind photoshoot in the park between rain showers and wind storms.. I was calling to my kids to “stay where you can see me and I can see you”..!

Blog Esther Day to Night-3

Blog Nene Shoes Emma Flats in Pink -2

On me..

  • J.Crew Toothpick Jean here
  • Boden Relaxed Merino Silk Sweater here

Shoes..

  • Banana Republic slip-on sneaker like this one
  • Timberland Savin Hill Tall Boot, found on Amazon
  • Rockport Alika pump on Zappos
  • Shoes- Nene “Emma Flats” with Pink and Taupe here

dit-elle-Esther

Soft Boiled Eggs + Bacon on Avocado Toast…Breakfast for dinner!

Breakfast for dinner, you say?  Yes, please!  It’s healthy, easy, and delicious.

When the Huz is out of town, and we don’t have the boys Maya asks for this a lot, and I couldn’t be happier to make it 😉

I honestly think soft boiled eggs, bacon, and avocado each on their own make any dish better, so putting them all together in one dish??  Y-U-M-M-Y!Blog Soft Boiled Egg Bacon on Avocado Toast-1 Blog Soft Boiled Egg Bacon on Avocado Toast-2I don’t think there’s any big secret on how to make this, except maybe how to soft boil an egg.  I like doing it this way sometimes vs over easy in the frying pan.  There’s less mess to clean up, and it’s easier to cook multiple eggs.

  • Bring water to a boil.  Lightly place all eggs into the water and let boil for 7 minutes.  Remove all the eggs that you want to have a runny yolk, and run cold water over them.  If you have a toddler or anyone else that wants their eggs a little more cooked, leave those eggs in the water, but remove it from the heat.  While you are peeling your soft boiled eggs, they will continue to cook in the water.  Take the other ones out after another minute or two and you’ll get a yolk like this.

Blog Soft Boiled Egg Bacon on Avocado Toast-3Enjoy!dit-elle-Lauren

Nene Ballet Flats for Mom and Daughter

Ava and I have matching pink ballet flats thanks to Nene Shoes, a new company we discovered because they discovered us (through this blog, dit-elle)! I guess it never occurred to me to wear matching shoes (or even look for them), but Ava was pretty thrilled for us to be shoe twins! The shoes are very well made, leather, comfy slip-on ballet flat types, and cute cute cute! 🙂

Also, see Lauren and Maya’s matching shoes here.

Blog Nene Shoes x3 Blog Nene Shoes Emma Flats in Pink -6 Blog Nene Shoes Emma Flats in Pink -5 Blog Nene Shoes Emma Flats in Pink -4 Blog Nene Shoes Emma Flats in Pink -3 Blog Nene Shoes Emma Flats in Pink -2

On me..

  • J.Crew Toothpick Jean here
  • Boden Relaxed Merino Silk Sweater here
  • Shoes- Nene “Emma Flats” with Pink and Taupe here

On Ava..

  • Gray shirt, found on ThredUP
  • Black leggings
  • Shoes – Nene “Emma (matching mini) Flats” with Pink and Taupe here

dit-elle-Esther

Popcorn Ball Snowmen!

Blog DIY Paleo Healthy Popcorn Ball Snowman-1I posted last week how to make these Healthy Popcorn Balls.

To be honest, I always had these envisioned in the back of my mind.  Weird?  Yes, but that’s me!

This was one of those times that I actually thought of an idea, and it ended up turning out pretty close to what I envisioned!!  Because obviously…that doesn’t always happen-proof here. 😉Blog DIY Paleo Healthy Popcorn Ball Snowman-2What you need…

  • Healthy Popcorn Balls
  • Pretzel Sticks
  • Chocolate Chips
  • Baby Carrots (cut into tiny slivers)
  • Seaweed (you could also use fruit leather!)

What to do…

  • Tightly pack 3 balls in varying sizes.  Stick all the various body parts in, and then pray he doesn’t fall over or fall apart hahaha.  Truth be told, mine kept falling over, and eventually fell apart.  Maya didn’t care!  She thought it was super cool and fun…so I’m still counting it as a WIN!!

Enjoy!dit-elle-Lauren

Leather Jacket + Silk Romper + Booties…Gearing up for the Holiday Parties!

 So, this is my first post without Maya in a loooooong time!  Feels a little weird…

I have a few parties coming up, and I’m determined not to save my outfit for the last minute (like I ALWAYS DO!!!)  I usually have an idea in my mind of what I want to wear, and then when I put it on the night of, I always change my mind!  Insert tornado of clothing in my bedroom, about 5 outfit changes and usually a LOT of cursing…all in the span of about 30 minutes.  The poor Huz…

And I swear when I blog something, I either think “Huh…yes, that’s good!”  or… “OMG, I WORE THAT??!!”  So, I’m using this blog as my test haha 🙂

One party I’m going to is next weekend in Austin.  My husband’s new company is based there, so I’m flying down there with him for a little weekend of fun!  Added bonus?  It’s been in the 70’s during the day!!!  I can’t wait!

Invitation said “Austin Chic/Dressy Casual”

Ugh…there is SO much leeway with that!!

Here’s my first option…Blog Doma Leather Jacket Joie Silk Amara Romper Lola Kiem Booties-1Yeah, right about now, one of my neighbors came home.  Don’t mind me in shorts…while it’s 50 degrees.  Oh and this tripod?  Yeah…don’t ask.  AWKWARD! ;} Blog Doma Leather Jacket Joie Silk Amara Romper Lola Kiem Booties-2I’m thinking if I DO go with this outfit, I need to adjust the drawstring, because from the back????  NOT GOOD!  Again…things I can’t really see when trying it on in my room.  YAY blog! Blog Doma Leather Jacket Joie Silk Amara Romper Lola Kiem Booties-3Add New The fact that this romper has pockets is a solid mark in it’s favor!!!  All the tiny buttons up the front when I’m sure there will be drinking and much needed trips to the bathroom…not so much.  Things you need to think about!! 😉Blog Doma Leather Jacket Joie Silk Amara Romper Lola Kiem Booties-4 Blog Doma Leather Jacket Joie Silk Amara Romper Lola Kiem Booties-5 Blog Doma Leather Jacket Joie Silk Amara Romper Lola Kiem Booties-6On me…

Jacket- Doma” (similar here)
Romper- Joie “Amara B Dotted Snake Print” (eBay, sold out, similar in all black here)
Boots- Lola Keim (thrifted, similar here)
Keeping it Real…
Oddly enough, no keeping it real pics when it’s just me.  I literally took 4 minutes from the first shot to the last haha.  GET IT DONE! 🙂  Oh, and yes…I plan on testing out self tanners if I go with this haha.  Don’t want to be blinding the Huz’s co-workers!
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod)

dit-elle-Lauren

Classic Ricky

This is a super simple cocktail. With the rich orange flavor of Cointreau, balanced with tart lime or lemon juice, and topped off with some sparkling water, it’s a great holiday drink to serve!

classic ricky drink blog

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Cointreau
  • 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • 4 oz Club Soda

Directions

  • Pour Cointreau and fresh lime juice into a glass and add ice.
  • Top with club soda and stir.
  • Garnish with a lime and orange zest.

Thanks Cointreau for the recipes and bartending tips!

dit-elle-Esther

Healthy Popcorn Balls

I’ll admit.  I didn’t think anything could replace ooey gooey sticky sugary marshmallows for popcorn balls, BUT….these are so dang good!  No refined sugar, yet naturally sweetened with Raw Honey-YUM!!  Oh, and 3 ingredients for the WIN!!Blog Paleo Healthy Popcorn Balls-5 Blog Paleo Healthy Popcorn Balls-6 Blog Paleo Healthy Popcorn Balls-7What you need… (made 15 balls)

  • 10 Cups of Popcorn (ok, so I cheated and used Skinny Pop)  Yes, I could have easily popped my own, and it’s SO unlike me to pay more for something I can do myself.  This is the exception.  I eat it everyday, and being able to just pour some into my bowl in 15 seconds?  WORTH EVERY PENNY!  And, it only has 3 ingredients too, so… :))  Oh, and 10 cups is a rough guestimate when you have a toddler reaching in and eating as we went… 😉
  • 1/4 Coconut Oil
  • 1/2 Raw Honey

What to do…

  • Melt coconut oil and honey together in a saucepan.Blog Paleo Healthy Popcorn Balls-1
  • Drizzle over the bowl of popcorn, stirring as you go.  Then get down and dirty with your hands to make sure all the popcorn is evenly coated.Blog Paleo Healthy Popcorn Balls-2
  • Put the bowl into the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to let it cool/solidify a little.
  • Scoop out in 1/2 scoops and really pack them into the balls.  They are still a little crumbly, and you need to reeeeeeally pack them.  I tried to let Maya help, but it really was more for her to feel included.  Hers just kept falling apart…aka…she ate as she packed. 😉Blog Paleo Healthy Popcorn Balls-3
  • Refrigerate until you eat, and enjoy!! Blog Paleo Healthy Popcorn Balls-4Check back, because I made the cutest little DIY edible craft out of these.  I honestly couldn’t believe it turned out exactly like I pictured in my head-that RARELY happens haha! 🙂

Enjoy!dit-elle-Lauren

These boots are made for..

You know those boots that you could practically live in? Boots that are super comfy, that don’t mind a puddle and some dirt, and that are also cute? These are my “made for walking” boots. I was in Barcelona last week and I’m glad I brought them with me. I skipped around cobble stone streets, wore them out to dinner, and even ran through an airport to get to a connecting flight.

Blog Esther Boots-1

Blog Esther Boots-2

Blog Esther and Kids-1

On me..

  • Timberland Women’s Savin Hill Tall Boot, found on Amazon in color “Tobacco Forty”
  • Faux Fox Fur purse here
  • J.Crew Toothpick Jean here
  • Boden Relaxed Merino Silk Sweater here
  • The last photo here is from another post, see this and more details on kids outfits here

dit-elle-Esther

Cozying Up in a Vintage Plaid Blanket Scarf and Minnetonka Booties…

 I love scarves in the winter!  They keep you warm (duh! ;)), but they can also add a fun pop of color texture to a pretty basic outfit!Blog Plaid Blanket Scarf Zara Sweater J Brand Skinny Minnetonka Booties-1 Blog Plaid Blanket Scarf Zara Sweater J Brand Skinny Minnetonka Booties-2 Blog Plaid Blanket Scarf Zara Sweater J Brand Skinny Minnetonka Booties-3Trying to see if she’ll share her popcorn with me.  I got a kernel 😉 Blog Plaid Blanket Scarf Zara Sweater J Brand Skinny Minnetonka Booties-4 Blog Plaid Blanket Scarf Zara Sweater J Brand Skinny Minnetonka Booties-5 Blog Plaid Blanket Scarf Zara Sweater J Brand Skinny Minnetonka Booties-6Blog Levis Hanna Andersson Little Boogaweezin Lands End Minnetonka-1 Blog Levis Hanna Andersson Little Boogaweezin Lands End Minnetonka-2 Blog Levis Hanna Andersson Little Boogaweezin Lands End Minnetonka-3 Blog Levis Hanna Andersson Little Boogaweezin Lands End Minnetonka-4 Blog Levis Hanna Andersson Little Boogaweezin Lands End Minnetonka-5 Blog Levis Hanna Andersson Little Boogaweezin Lands End Minnetonka-6 Blog Levis Hanna Andersson Little Boogaweezin Lands End Minnetonka-7 Blog Levis Hanna Andersson Little Boogaweezin Lands End Minnetonka-8Blog West Seattle Sunset View 11-28-15-2

Sorry.  No time for links to our clothing/similar items!!

On me…

Scarf- Vintage (thrifted)
Sweater- Zara (last year)
Jeans- J Brand (thrifted)
Boots- Minnetonka (thrifted)
On Maya…
Jacket- Levi’s (thrifted)
Sweatshirt- Hanna Andersson (thrifted)
Top- LIttle Boogaweezing
Skirt and Leggings- Land’s End (thrifted)
Boots- Minnetonka (hand me down from a friend)
Keeping it Real…
I am so slammed with work and LIFE right now, so not much time left for taking pics, and truth be told…as many fun outtings 😦  I’m so looking forward to the last few weeks of December when I only have a few shoots scheduled!  So looking forward to some down time with the family!!!!
Oh, and normally, Maya finishes her popcorn in record time, but the last time she was here she spilled it and a bunch of seagulls swooped in to gobble it up.  This time she dragged this baggie out for a good 20 minutes haha.  So….most of the pictures look like this 🙂
Blog Outtake
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Flares + Flats…and stormy sunset on the beach.

 I’ve mentioned before my love of flares.  It’s such a nice change from skinny jeans all the time.  However, usually they are super long, and I have to wear heels.  So…usually I just save them for the occasional date night or girls night out.  Well, I thrifted this pair last Friday for $5!!!  And…even better they are the perfect length for me to wear flats-SCORE!!Blog Free People Ryanne Sweater 7FAM Ginger Nene Shoes Emma Gunmetal-1 Blog Free People Ryanne Sweater 7FAM Ginger Nene Shoes Emma Gunmetal-2 Blog Free People Ryanne Sweater 7FAM Ginger Nene Shoes Emma Gunmetal-3 Blog Free People Ryanne Sweater 7FAM Ginger Nene Shoes Emma Gunmetal-4 Blog Free People Ryanne Sweater 7FAM Ginger Nene Shoes Emma Gunmetal-5 Blog Free People Ryanne Sweater 7FAM Ginger Nene Shoes Emma Gunmetal-6 Blog Free People Ryanne Sweater 7FAM Ginger Nene Shoes Emma Gunmetal-7 Blog Free People Ryanne Sweater 7FAM Ginger Nene Shoes Emma Gunmetal-8 Maya said she wanted me to throw her.

Me- “How high?”

M- “Way high up in the sky!!”  Blog Free People Ryanne Sweater 7FAM Ginger Nene Shoes Emma Gunmetal-9 She’ll have to settle for above my head haha.  I swear it still surprises me when I capture these with the self timer.  I actually caught a few this time!Blog Free People Ryanne Sweater 7FAM Ginger Nene Shoes Emma Gunmetal-10 Blog Free People Ryanne Sweater 7FAM Ginger Nene Shoes Emma Gunmetal-11 Blog Free People Ryanne Sweater 7FAM Ginger Nene Shoes Emma Gunmetal-12 Blog Free People Ryanne Sweater 7FAM Ginger Nene Shoes Emma Gunmetal-13 Blog WeatherProof Faux Leather Jacket Lemon Loves Lime Dress Joseph Allen Brandon Boots-1“Mom, you chase me and try to tickle me!”  Ok… 🙂 Blog WeatherProof Faux Leather Jacket Lemon Loves Lime Dress Joseph Allen Brandon Boots-2 Blog WeatherProof Faux Leather Jacket Lemon Loves Lime Dress Joseph Allen Brandon Boots-3And then….truth be told.  I took these next ones over a month ago.  We had tried to catch the sun before it went down, but since we can never leave the house without about 20 delays, we got down to the beach after the sun had set.  At 4:30pm mind you 😦  So, I didn’t even bother trying to take picks of me or me with Maya, and let her just run around and have fun.  I’ve been dying to blog them, but never got around to it!  THEN the other day, Maya decided she wanted to wear this dress again, so I figured I merge the two posts!! 🙂 Blog WeatherProof Faux Leather Jacket Lemon Loves Lime Dress Kamik Boots-4 Blog WeatherProof Faux Leather Jacket Lemon Loves Lime Dress Kamik Boots-5 LOVE her little smile!!!Blog WeatherProof Faux Leather Jacket Lemon Loves Lime Dress Kamik Boots-6 Blog WeatherProof Faux Leather Jacket Lemon Loves Lime Dress Kamik Boots-7And…she’s off!Blog WeatherProof Faux Leather Jacket Lemon Loves Lime Dress Kamik Boots-7-Right after this one, she took off running again….into the water.  Lovely. 😉

As I went to look up this dress for this post, I found out it retails for $84!!!  SAY WHAT!?!?!?!  I knew when I found it, that it was SUPER well made.  The fabric is so thick, yet soft and stretchy.  And all those ruffly details??  But…I had NO idea how expensive it was.  Kind of regretting letting her wear it to preschool and to play on the beach, BUT…I only paid $1.50 (YES!!!!!), so I guess it really doesn’t matter.  One of the many reasons I love thrifting!! Blog WeatherProof Faux Leather Jacket Lemon Loves Lime Dress Kamik Boots-8 Blog West Seattle Sunset Sept 2015

On me…

Sweater- Free People “Ryanne” (sold out, loving this striped one here)
Top- American Eagle (thrifted, similar here)
Jeans- 7FAM “Ginger” (thrifted for $5!!)
On Maya…
Jacket- Weatherproof (thrifted, but similar here)
Hat- H&M (old, but similar here)
Leggings- Hanna Andersson (thrifted, but similar here)
Boots-Joseph Allen (thrifted, similar here) then Kamik Stomp Rain Boots (thrifted, similar here)
Keeping it Real…
Once Maya is outside, she loves to run, play, and have fun.  BUT….sometimes getting her outside requires a bribe.  Thank you Tic Tacs 😉Blog Outtake-1 Didn’t quite catch this one in time 😉Blog Outtake-2
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren