Grated Apple for Little Tummies

Remember the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away?” My daughter was recently complaining about a stomach ache. I remembered my mom grating an apple, letting it turn a little brown and then giving it to us for stomach upset, so I tried this first. Grated apple, by the way, is super yummy – juice is released and so it’s a nice mix of crunchy and juicy, but different than just eating an apple. Anyway, there were no more complaints (that day) about stomach ache. I’ve heard this can help against acid reflux as well! Enjoy and take care and be well!

Blog shredded apple

What kind of apple? Any kind will do. Gala Apples are my favorite.

I founds some other great natural remedy tips here! Natural is always a great place to start.

http://www.purplesage.org.uk/treatments/KitchenPharm.htm

dit-elle-Esther

Kale, Broccoli, Brussel Sprout Salad with Blueberries and Avocado topped with a Fried Egg

If it sounds like I just threw a bunch of random stuff that was in my refridgerator, it sounds correct haha.  When the Huz is out of town, and we don’t have the boys I like to keep dinners pretty simple for Maya and me.  I love tossing a fried egg on salads.  The runny yolk acts as a dressing, and it’s a super easy quick healthy protein-WIN!Blog Paleo Kale Broccoli Brussel Sprout Salad with Blueberries Avocado topped with a Fried Egg-1 Blog Paleo Kale Broccoli Brussel Sprout Salad with Blueberries Avocado topped with a Fried Egg-2 Ingredients (for 2)

  • Large handful of Kale, broccoli, brussel sprout salad per person.  They carry it at Costco and Trader Joe’s.
  • 1/2 Medium avocado diced
  • Handful of blueberries per person
  • Drizzle olive oil over the top
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Top with fried eggs!

Dinner all done in under 15 minutes!  YESSSSS!  I’ll be posting another rendition of this soon!

Enjoy 🙂dit-elle-Lauren

Summer White and the Lion Tote

I recently made this “Lion Tote”, a large faux fur purse for my sister because she loves everything fur. She picked the fabric, I cut two squares, sewed them together, added a faux leather panel for the bottom and a faux leather panel, lined with faux suede, for the strap. It took some wrestling with the very furry fabric and I almost broke my sewing machine.. but good news, the purse and I both came out each in one piece!

I rarely do fashion posts (I’m a little camera shy and it’s just so much easier to take food pics), but before I sent this piece off to my sis, I had to get some shots of it!

I thought the purse would pair well with a white cotton summer dress and sandals or boots, but it would go equally well with darker fall tones.

Blog DIY Lion Faux Fur Tote Bag-5 Blog DIY Lion Faux Fur Tote Bag-4 Blog DIY Lion Faux Fur Tote Bag-3 Blog DIY Lion Faux Fur Tote Bag-2

Blog DIY Lion Faux Fur Tote Bag-6 Blog DIY Lion Faux Fur Tote Bag-7

On me..

  • Dress: Sheer cotton sleeveless dress from GAP (purchased a few years ago). If you love to thrift shop but don’t have much time to go and search in stores or you don’t have Lauren’s amazing good luck or thrifting super powers.. https://www.thredup.com is a great online thrift store that you can browse from the comfort of your home. 🙂
  • Jewelry: Stella & Dot

dit-elle-Esther

Boho Top + Skinny Distressed Boyfriend Jeans + Leopard Booties (Oh MY!)

 I really hope you caught the Wizard of Oz reference in the title.  I am sorely lacking in the title area, so forgive me please 😉

If you follow us on Instagram, you know that I just SCORED these leopard print booties (along with a few other goodies) for less than $10!!!  And what’s even better?  They are super comfy!!  And I seriously think that leopard is a neutral that goes with everything, so…SCORE!!!Blog Zara EMBROIDERED BIB FRONT TOP 7FAM Josafina Destroyed Crop Leopard Kimchi Blue Booties-1Blog Zara EMBROIDERED BIB FRONT TOP 7FAM Josafina Destroyed Crop Leopard Kimchi Blue Booties-2LOVE the details on this top! Blog Zara EMBROIDERED BIB FRONT TOP 7FAM Josafina Destroyed Crop Leopard Kimchi Blue Booties-4Blog Zara EMBROIDERED BIB FRONT TOP 7FAM Josafina Destroyed Crop Leopard Kimchi Blue Booties-3Blog Zara EMBROIDERED BIB FRONT TOP 7FAM Josafina Destroyed Crop Leopard Kimchi Blue Booties-7Blog Zara EMBROIDERED BIB FRONT TOP 7FAM Josafina Destroyed Crop Leopard Kimchi Blue Booties-8 Blog Zara EMBROIDERED BIB FRONT TOP 7FAM Josafina Destroyed Crop Leopard Kimchi Blue Booties-5 Blog Zara EMBROIDERED BIB FRONT TOP 7FAM Josafina Destroyed Crop Leopard Kimchi Blue Booties-6 She kept running back and forth…back and forth.  🙂Blog Petit Bateau Cardigan Hanna Andersson Slip Dress Naartjie Leggings Saltwater Sun San Sandals-4Blog Petit Bateau Cardigan Hanna Andersson Slip Dress Naartjie Leggings Saltwater Sun San Sandals-Blog Petit Bateau Cardigan Hanna Andersson Slip Dress Naartjie Leggings Saltwater Sun San Sandals-1Blog Petit Bateau Cardigan Hanna Andersson Slip Dress Naartjie Leggings Saltwater Sun San Sandals-2Blog Petit Bateau Cardigan Hanna Andersson Slip Dress Naartjie Leggings Saltwater Sun San Sandals-5Blog Petit Bateau Cardigan Hanna Andersson Slip Dress Naartjie Leggings Saltwater Sun San Sandals-6Blog Petit Bateau Cardigan Hanna Andersson Slip Dress Naartjie Leggings Saltwater Sun San Sandals-7Blog Petit Bateau Cardigan Hanna Andersson Slip Dress Naartjie Leggings Saltwater Sun San Sandals-8Blog Petit Bateau Cardigan Hanna Andersson Slip Dress Naartjie Leggings Saltwater Sun San Sandals-9This is her new thing…great. 😉Blog Petit Bateau Cardigan Hanna Andersson Slip Dress Naartjie Leggings Saltwater Sun San Sandals-10Blog Petit Bateau Cardigan Hanna Andersson Slip Dress Naartjie Leggings Saltwater Sun San Sandals-12Blog Petit Bateau Cardigan Hanna Andersson Slip Dress Naartjie Leggings Saltwater Sun San Sandals-13Blog Petit Bateau Cardigan Hanna Andersson Slip Dress Naartjie Leggings Saltwater Sun San Sandals-14Pretty sure she jumped off these stairs 30 times.  “Ooooone more time Mama!!”Blog Petit Bateau Cardigan Hanna Andersson Slip Dress Naartjie Leggings Saltwater Sun San Sandals-15Blog Petit Bateau Cardigan Hanna Andersson Slip Dress Naartjie Leggings Saltwater Sun San Sandals-16Blog Petit Bateau Cardigan Hanna Andersson Slip Dress Naartjie Leggings Saltwater Sun San Sandals-17Blog Petit Bateau Cardigan Hanna Andersson Slip Dress Naartjie Leggings Saltwater Sun San Sandals-18On me…

Top- Zara (on mega sale!)
Jeans- 7FAM (old, similar here)
Boots- Kimchi Blue (sold out, similar here)
On Maya…
Cardigan- Petit Bateau (thrifted, in white here)
Dress- Hanna Andersson (thrifted)
Leggings- Naartjie (thrifted, but similar here)
Shoes- Saltwater “Surfer” Sandal  (thrifted for $1.50!!)
Keeping it Real…
No caption needed 😉
Blog Outtake
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Unexpected pairings…

 I love pairing things that don’t seem to go together upon first look.

It’s hard to tell by these pictures, but this top is actually made out of a somewhat stiff taffeta like material.  I can totally see it paired with a high waisted full ball gown like skirt and heels!!  Or…distressed mid rise denim and super comfy wedge heels-HA!Blog Zara Striped Cami Citizens of Humanity Carlton Retro High Rise Born Wedge Sandals-1 Blog Zara Striped Cami Citizens of Humanity Carlton Retro High Rise Born Wedge Sandals-2I am attempting to do a closet purge, but instead I keep finding things that I forgot I had-and LOVE!  I bought these wedge sandals 6+ years ago for a trip to Greece.  I wanted something cute to wear, that would also be uber comfortable.  You can always count on Born shoes to fit that description!  I walked all around Greece in these comfortably, and easily ran after Maya all night!Blog Zara Striped Cami Citizens of Humanity Carlton Retro High Rise Born Wedge Sandals-3(Truth-I totally photoshopped out my ginormous bandage from my surgery.  It’s NOT pretty!)Blog Zara Striped Cami Citizens of Humanity Carlton Retro High Rise Born Wedge Sandals-4 Blog Zara Striped Cami Citizens of Humanity Carlton Retro High Rise Born Wedge Sandals-5 The Huz has been out of town since Monday, and won’t be home until Sunday night-let the countdown begin!  He usually travels during the week, but this is the longest he’s been gone for.  Maya has been SO good and helpful to to me all week.  Even helped change my bandage on my back!!  So unbelievably proud of the little girl she is becoming!  In return, we’ve done a bunch of fun stuff.  🙂Blog Zara Striped Cami Citizens of Humanity Carlton Retro High Rise Born Wedge Sandals-6And…Maya just wants to wear pink or purple twirl dresses every.single.day.  It’s probably pretty obvious that I’m not really a pink girl, and only started wearing purple since I met the Huz (it’s his favorite color, and I now see the appeal ;))  So…I try to add a little fun edginess with her shoes whenever I can 🙂 Blog Pink Heart Mignone Dress Floral Link Lace Up Boots-1 Blog Pink Heart Mignone Dress Floral Link Lace Up Boots-2 Blog Pink Heart Mignone Dress Floral Link Lace Up Boots-3 Blog Pink Heart Mignone Dress Floral Link Lace Up Boots-4This next sequence KILLS ME!!  There are actually twice as many as I’m posting, but…that smile!!!  That laughter!!!  It’s so infectious, and I’m soooo lucky I get to see and hear it every day! Blog Pink Heart Mignone Dress Floral Link Lace Up Boots-5 Blog Pink Heart Mignone Dress Floral Link Lace Up Boots-6 Blog Pink Heart Mignone Dress Floral Link Lace Up Boots-7 Blog Pink Heart Mignone Dress Floral Link Lace Up Boots-8 Blog Pink Heart Mignone Dress Floral Link Lace Up Boots-9 Blog Pink Heart Mignone Dress Floral Link Lace Up Boots-10 Blog Pink Heart Mignone Dress Floral Link Lace Up Boots-11I think that in any relationship, there are ups and there are downs.  That is not different in the relationship between parent and child.  There are times when you want to lock them in their room/or YOU in the bathroom.  And there are times when you cannot fathom that YOU made this amazing little person who lights up the lives of so many, is wicked funny and smart, and really is just a great little person to hang out with. I’ve had plenty of the former thoughts, but SO glad that most of my days are the latter…I couldn’t be more proud to be this little ones Mama. Blog Pink Heart Mignone Dress Floral Link Lace Up Boots-12This next shot, I hid behind a bush to get a different perspective.

Maya said “MOM!!  You’re camouflaged!!  But I can still kind of see you!!”  Pretty sure “camouflage” was the “Word on the Street” recently 😉Blog Pink Heart Mignone Dress Floral Link Lace Up Boots-13Time to go home…wahn, wahn, wahn… Blog Pink Heart Mignone Dress Floral Link Lace Up Boots-14 But then back outside for a walk around the neighborhood with our popsicles.Blog Pink Heart Mignone Dress Floral Link Lace Up Boots-15 I mean…this is so her hahahaBlog Pink Heart Mignone Dress Floral Link Lace Up Boots-16 Blog Pink Heart Mignone Dress Floral Link Lace Up Boots-17On me…

Top- Zara (on mega sale!)
Wedges- Born (old, similar in gold here)
On Maya…
Dress- Mignone (thrifted, but this is super cute for fall here)
Boots- Zulily (enter “Link” in the search bar)
Keeping it Real…
Let’s go this way.  No let’s go THIS WAY!!! 😉
Blog OuttakeAnd….this was where I first thought we’d take pictures.  Maya had other plans haha.Blog Outtake 2
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Guacamole Deviled Eggs

A great variety of deviled eggs that adds yummy avocado to a protein rich appetizer!

Blog Guacamole deviled eggs-1

Ingredients

  • 6 large hard boiled eggs, cooled and peeled
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon celtic sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • chili powder, for garnish

Instructions

  • Cut eggs in half and remove yolks
  • In a bowl, mash yolks and avocados
  • Stir in cilantro, chives, lime juice, salt, and red pepper flakes
  • Scoop filling into egg whites with a 1 tablespoon ice cream scoop
  • Refrigerate until serving
  • Sprinkle with chili powder and serve!

Thanks ElanasPantry!

dit-elle-Esther

Someone needs to hide my cut offs…

 It’s funny, that I don’t necessarily realize that all I’ve been wearing lately is cut offs, until…I look back on all the pictures I take of me in them.  I could lie and say that all the days that we don’t take pictures, I’m wearing something totally different, but alas…it would be a lie.

So, NEXT post won’t be in cut offs, I promise!!  But until then… 🙂Blog Basil Hearts Lola Split Back Sweater DL1961 Lola Cut Offs Gray Checkered Vans-1 Blog Basil Hearts Lola Split Back Sweater DL1961 Lola Cut Offs Gray Checkered Vans-2LOVE the back of this sweater!! Blog Basil Hearts Lola Split Back Sweater DL1961 Lola Cut Offs Gray Checkered Vans-3 Blog Basil Hearts Lola Split Back Sweater DL1961 Lola Cut Offs Gray Checkered Vans-4 Blog Basil Hearts Lola Split Back Sweater DL1961 Lola Cut Offs Gray Checkered Vans-5 Blog Basil Hearts Lola Split Back Sweater DL1961 Lola Cut Offs Gray Checkered Vans-6 Blog Basil Hearts Lola Split Back Sweater DL1961 Lola Cut Offs Gray Checkered Vans-7 Blog HM Red Striped Dress Fire Checked Vans-1 Blog HM Red Striped Dress Fire Checked Vans-2 Blog HM Red Striped Dress Fire Checked Vans-3 Blog HM Red Striped Dress Fire Checked Vans-4 Blog HM Red Striped Dress Fire Checked Vans-5 Sometimes we just sit and watch the sun go down…Blog HM Red Striped Dress Fire Checked Vans-6 Blog HM Red Striped Dress Fire Checked Vans-7And try and pick dried up blackberries 😉 Blog HM Red Striped Dress Fire Checked Vans-8 Blog HM Red Striped Dress Fire Checked Vans-9 Blog HM Red Striped Dress Fire Checked Vans-10Me-Maya do NOT cross that street without me!

Aaaaaalways testing.  NO idea where she gets it 😉Blog HM Red Striped Dress Fire Checked Vans-11 Blog West Seattle Sunset 8-11-15-1 Blog West Seattle Sunset 8-11-15-2On me…

Sweater- Basil Lola (thrifted, similar here)
Shoes- Vans (thrifted)
On Maya…
Dress- H&M (thrifted, but love this for fall)
Shoes- Vans (thrifted, but similar here)
Keeping it Real…
The focusing stand I use to take our pics 😉Blog Outtake
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Classic Deviled Eggs

Do you love deviled eggs? This is a classic recipe – a bit art and a bit science – but with the promise of a super delicious appetizer!

Blog deviled eggs-3 Blog deviled eggs-2 Blog deviled eggs-1

Ingredients

  • Eggs
  • Mayonnaise
  • Chives, chopped
  • Parsley, for garnish
  • Paprika, for garnish

Directions

  • Bring pot with eggs and water to a boil and then simmer eggs for about 15 minutes
  • Peel under cool water
  • Cut each egg in half and remove the yolks into a separate bowl
  • Stir in mayonnaise until desired color and consistency is reached (this is the art part.. you’ll need to try your way forward)
  • Stir in chopped chives
  • Scoop yolks back into egg-whites and top with chopped parsley and a dusting of paprika
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve
  • Enjoy!

dit-elle-Esther

Summer Boots ( Fall on my mind! )

 I’m definitely one of those people that associates the seasons with what I get to wear!  I’ve been missing my boots, so….I thought I’d break them out!Blog Zara Brown Crochet Top Blouse Wrangler DIY Cut offs Rag and Bone Moto Boots-1 Blog Zara Brown Crochet Top Blouse Wrangler DIY Cut offs Rag and Bone Moto Boots-2 Blog Zara Brown Crochet Top Blouse Wrangler DIY Cut offs Rag and Bone Moto Boots-3 Blog Zara Brown Crochet Top Blouse Wrangler DIY Cut offs Rag and Bone Moto Boots-4Oh, hey-there’s my ASS!  😉  Never in a million years would I have thought I would post a picture of my butt.  BUT, really…I never would have thought I’d post a pictures of me PERIOD!  The beauty of the anonymity of this blog 🙂  All that said, I had to show a close up of these jeans.  I found these Wrangler jeans while thrifting, and they are SO COMFY!  I think most people (me included!) think of Wranglers as being cowboy/cowgirl jeans.  Well, like Levi’s, there’s a reason they started with people that needed to work and move in their denim.  And…the Huz liked them on me, so… 🙂Blog Zara Brown Crochet Top Blouse Wrangler DIY Cut offs Rag and Bone Moto Boots-5 Blog Zara Brown Crochet Top Blouse Wrangler DIY Cut offs Rag and Bone Moto Boots-6 Blog Zara Brown Crochet Top Blouse Wrangler DIY Cut offs Rag and Bone Moto Boots-7I scored these Dr. Martens for Maya for less than $5!!  And this little vintage dress was a less than $2!  I’ve been dying to pair this outfit together for a while, and it was just as good in reality as it was in my mind haha!

Oh, and…I Photoshopped out my ginormous road rash on my knee from falling while running.  I had to.  I was too lazy to do it on ALL of the rest of them, but this close up?  I couldn’t force you to look at it!Blog Zara Brown Crochet Top Blouse Wrangler DIY Cut offs Rag and Bone Moto Boots-8 Blog Zara Brown Crochet Top Blouse Wrangler DIY Cut offs Rag and Bone Moto Boots-9 Blog Vintage White Apron Dress Dr Marten Lace Up Boots-1Blog Vintage White Apron Dress Dr Marten Lace Up Boots-2Blog Vintage White Apron Dress Dr Marten Lace Up Boots-3Blog Vintage White Apron Dress Dr Marten Lace Up Boots-4Blog Vintage White Apron Dress Dr Marten Lace Up Boots-5DYING!!!Blog Vintage White Apron Dress Dr Marten Lace Up Boots-6Blog Vintage White Apron Dress Dr Marten Lace Up Boots-7Blog Vintage White Apron Dress Dr Marten Lace Up Boots-8Blog Vintage White Apron Dress Dr Marten Lace Up Boots-9Blog Vintage White Apron Dress Dr Marten Lace Up Boots-10Blog Vintage White Apron Dress Dr Marten Lace Up Boots-11Blog Vintage White Apron Dress Dr Marten Lace Up Boots-12We walked over to my parents to say hi, and then they walked back home with us to see Charlie’s Quad in action that he got for his birthday.Blog Vintage White Apron Dress Dr Marten Lace Up Boots-13Blog Vintage White Apron Dress Dr Marten Lace Up Boots-14Blog Vintage White Apron Dress Dr Marten Lace Up Boots-15And then…my dad took these of us, because the swinger gets dizzy, but the swingee does not 🙂Blog Zara Brown Crochet Top Blouse Wrangler DIY Cut offs Rag and Bone Moto Boots-23Blog Zara Brown Crochet Top Blouse Wrangler DIY Cut offs Rag and Bone Moto Boots-22Blog Zara Brown Crochet Top Blouse Wrangler DIY Cut offs Rag and Bone Moto Boots-21Blog Vintage White Apron Dress Dr Marten Lace Up Boots-21Blog Vintage White Apron Dress Dr Marten Lace Up Boots-22Blog Vintage White Apron Dress Dr Marten Lace Up Boots-23Blog Vintage White Apron Dress Dr Marten Lace Up Boots-24Blog Vintage White Apron Dress Dr Marten Lace Up Boots-25Blog Vintage White Apron Dress Dr Marten Lace Up Boots-26On me…

Top- Zara (on sale now!)
Jean Shorts- Wrangler DIY cut off (similar here)
Boots- Rag and Bone (Nordstrom Rack for $111!!, in all black here)
On Maya…
Dress- Vintage (thrifted)
Boots- Dr. Martens (thrifted, but similar here)
Keeping it Real…
The shoe shots I get of us are some of my favorites, but they aren’t exactly the easiest.  This is what happens when I’m trying to wrangle her back to where I need her to be 🙂
Blog outtake-1And….every once in a while she says “NO PICTURES!!!!” Thankfully, it’s more of a rarity than a common occurence!!!  hahaha  It should be noted that the time between this image and her smiling HUGE up above…3 minutes 😉Blog outtake-2
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Paleo Spiralized Peppers with Tomatos, Mango, and Avocado Salad over Grilled Chicken

My parents bought me a spiralizer for my birthday, and I’m in LOVE!  I can’t wait to make “pasta” out of various veggies, but first, I tried it on some peppers.  It literally took me less than a few minutes to spiralize 3 peppers!  At first, I was just doing it to get them all pre-cut for the week, but then they looked so pretty, I decided to make a little salad out of them for dinner!  Eat as is or add chicken or fish for a delicious meal!Blog Paleo Spiralized Peppers with Tomatos, Mango, and Avocado Salad over Grilled Chicken-1 Blog Paleo Spiralized Peppers with Tomatos, Mango, and Avocado Salad over Grilled Chicken-2 Blog Paleo Spiralized Peppers with Tomatos, Mango, and Avocado Salad over Grilled Chicken-3 Blog Paleo Spiralized Peppers with Tomatos, Mango, and Avocado Salad over Grilled Chicken-4 Blog Paleo Spiralized Peppers with Tomatos, Mango, and Avocado Salad over Grilled Chicken-5 Blog Paleo Spiralized Peppers with Tomatos, Mango, and Avocado Salad over Grilled Chicken-6 Blog Paleo Spiralized Peppers with Tomatos, Mango, and Avocado Salad over Grilled Chicken-7

Ingredients

  • 1 Each of a red, yellow, and Orange Pepper Spiralized (or diced if you don’t have one)
  • 1 Mango cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1 medium avocado cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • A handful Cherry tomatoes diced
  • 1 shallot diced
  • 4 chicken breasts marinated in the same ingredients used for the dressing. (omit for a delicious vegetarian salad!)

Dressing

  • Juice from 1/2 a lime
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Ginger
  • 1 Tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar
  • Sea Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

  • After you spiralize the peppers they will be in one continuous cut.  I loaded them all onto a cutting board and just cut the pile into 4ths.
  • Cut everything else up and toss in a bowl!
  • Put all ingredients for the dressing in a bowl and whisk til blended.  Pour over salad and toss to coat.
  • Serve over grilled chicken (or fish would be yummy too!)  Grilling on medium heat 8-10 minutes per size depending on the size of the breast.

ENJOY!

dit-elle-Lauren