Cold rainy days in July…yes, please!

Am I the only one that likes when the weather takes an unexpected turn?  Like a super sunny day in February or a rainy day in July.  By the end of winter I’m sick of all my sweaters and coats, but it was nice to revisit them for a few days 🙂

And the wind was nice enough to cover the fact that I didn’t have any make up on 😉Blog StyleMint Parka HM Striped Sweater Genetic Denim the Shane Black Linea Superga-1 Blog StyleMint Parka HM Striped Sweater Genetic Denim the Shane Black Linea Superga-2I love Superga shoes!  When I saw these platform versions on ThredUp, for $10, I thought they’d be perfect!  Once again (high fives for ThredUp ) , when I got them they looked like they’d never been worn.  Love that!  Plus, they add a little height to my short legs and are totally comfy.  What I didn’t realize is that they are SO SPRINGY!!  I wanted to do a jump shot to show how springy they were, and I have to admit…I was kind of impressed when I came home and saw this one!!  I have 6 outtakes that are ridiculous, but love this one!  I’m a total shoe shot nerd…love them!  And no, no Photoshopping was done to this!!  Insert “hi five emoticon” if there was one :}Blog StyleMint Parka HM Striped Sweater Genetic Denim the Shane Black Linea Superga-3 Blog StyleMint Parka HM Striped Sweater Genetic Denim the Shane Black Linea Superga-4 Blog StyleMint Parka HM Striped Sweater Genetic Denim the Shane Black Linea Superga-5 Blog StyleMint Parka HM Striped Sweater Genetic Denim the Shane Black Linea Superga-6That look!!  Little glimpse into the teenage years…Blog Old Navy Green Parka Pumpkin Patch Boho 7fam Grey Toddler Skinny Jeans Pink Plaid Converse-1Blog Old Navy Green Parka Pumpkin Patch Boho 7fam Grey Toddler Skinny Jeans Pink Plaid Converse-2Love me some sunflare…Blog Old Navy Green Parka Pumpkin Patch Boho 7fam Grey Toddler Skinny Jeans Pink Plaid Converse-3Blog Old Navy Green Parka Pumpkin Patch Boho 7fam Grey Toddler Skinny Jeans Pink Plaid Converse-4Blog Old Navy Green Parka Pumpkin Patch Boho 7fam Grey Toddler Skinny Jeans Pink Plaid Converse-5Blog Old Navy Green Parka Pumpkin Patch Boho 7fam Grey Toddler Skinny Jeans Pink Plaid Converse-6She never met a puddle she didn’t like… :{Blog Old Navy Green Parka Pumpkin Patch Boho 7fam Grey Toddler Skinny Jeans Pink Plaid Converse-7Blog Old Navy Green Parka Pumpkin Patch Boho 7fam Grey Toddler Skinny Jeans Pink Plaid Converse-8Blog Old Navy Green Parka Pumpkin Patch Boho 7fam Grey Toddler Skinny Jeans Pink Plaid Converse-9On me…

Jacket- StyleMint (from winter-sold out)
Sweater- H&M
Jeans- Genetic Denim “The Shane” (ebay)
Shoes- Superga (ThredUp)
On Maya…
Jacket- Old Navy (thrifted)
Top- Pumpkin Patch (thrifted)
Jeans- 7 For All Mankind (eBay)
Shoes- Converse (thrifted)
Keeping it Real…
I mean…I wasn’t even close on any of the ones leading up to the shot I finally got!!!  The little blinking light gets faster and faster as it’s about to go off, and I just couldn’t time it right!  Thank GOD there was nobody else on the playground hahaha.  I was about to throw in the towel, and then got the one I posted above.  Thank goodness for digital cameras and stubborn determination 🙂Outtakes
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Five Ingredient Baked Chicken Curry

OK, this recipe was inspired because my cupboards were (almost) bare one day and I did not have many ingredients available. This turned out DELISH! The sweet raisins balance with the heat of the curry, creaminess of the coconut milk and tomatoes. Yum!

Blog five ingredient curry chicken

Ingredients

  • 4 Chicken breasts or 6 thighs
  • 2 Tbsp curry powder
  • 1 can coconut milk (full fat)
  • Handful of raisins
  • 1 can diced or crushed tomatoes

Directions

  • Heat tomatoes, coconut milk and curry powder in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • When warm and combined pour over chicken and raisins in glass baking dish
  • Bake (covered in tinfoil) for ~45-60 minutes or until chicken registers done on your cooking thermometer
  • Serve with shredded carrot or other salad and fresh cut cucumbers. Voila!

dit-elle-Esther

Summer sweater + Fringe Booties

 I scored this sweater for $10 from Twice a few weeks ago!!  It’s been SO hot lately though (I mean upper 80’s/90’s is HOT for Seattle), so I haven’t been able to wear it.  Finally we had a slight break in our heat, so I threw it on.  It’s the perfect amount of warmth, but air conditioned :).  I’m not really sure how age appropriate a see through sweater is, but I took these when I was still in my 30’s (albeit the very last day), so maybe it’s ok haha :}Blog Joie Loose Knit Sweater Vintage Levis 501 Cut Offs Fringe Suede Booties-1And can we talk about these fringe booties I thrifted for $5?! Blog Joie Loose Knit Sweater Vintage Levis 501 Cut Offs Fringe Suede Booties-2 Blog Joie Loose Knit Sweater Vintage Levis 501 Cut Offs Fringe Suede Booties-3 Blog Joie Loose Knit Sweater Vintage Levis 501 Cut Offs Fringe Suede Booties-4I’m really not a fan of jumping shots, but Maya is… And, honestly, I’ll do anything to make sure she enjoys taking pics with me 😉 Blog Joie Loose Knit Sweater Vintage Levis 501 Cut Offs Fringe Suede Booties-5 Blog Joie Loose Knit Sweater Vintage Levis 501 Cut Offs Fringe Suede Booties-6Yeah, this will be the last time Goffrey2 flies.  I was a liiiitle worried he’d poke my eye out! Blog Joie Loose Knit Sweater Vintage Levis 501 Cut Offs Fringe Suede Booties-7 Blog Joie Loose Knit Sweater Vintage Levis 501 Cut Offs Fringe Suede Booties-8“Where’s Maya?!”  I swear it’s her favorite game to play.  She will even close her eyes, and say “Where’s Maya??” if there’s nothing to hide behind haha.  I wish I could bottle up her joy and drink it.   With that said…yes, I’m about to overpost, but can you blame me??Blog Old Navy Denim Dress Plaid Converse-1 Blog Old Navy Denim Dress Plaid Converse-2 Blog Old Navy Denim Dress Plaid Converse-3hahaha.  Because half an eye…still can’t see you! Blog Old Navy Denim Dress Plaid Converse-4 Blog Old Navy Denim Dress Plaid Converse-5 Blog Old Navy Denim Dress Plaid Converse-6 Blog Old Navy Denim Dress Plaid Converse-7 Blog Old Navy Denim Dress Plaid Converse-8 Blog Old Navy Denim Dress Plaid Converse-9 Blog Old Navy Denim Dress Plaid Converse-10 Blog Old Navy Denim Dress Plaid Converse-11 Blog Old Navy Denim Dress Plaid Converse-12 Blog Old Navy Denim Dress Plaid Converse-13 Blog Old Navy Denim Dress Plaid Converse-14 Blog Old Navy Denim Dress Plaid Converse-15 Blog Old Navy Denim Dress Plaid Converse-16OMG, that little smirk.  It was all I could do not to throw the camera aside and eat her up! Blog Old Navy Denim Dress Plaid Converse-17 Blog Old Navy Denim Dress Plaid Converse-18On me…

Sweater- Joie (from Twice Online Resale Store)
Jean Shorts- Vintage Levi’s
Boots- Thrifted
On Maya…

 

Dress- Old Navy (thrifted)
Shoes- Converse (thrifted)
Keeping it Real…
Not much to keep real.  I’ve been trying really hard to not get consumed by work lately, and enjoy spending time with Maya, the Huz, and the boys.  It’s so hard as shoots and editing pile up, but I know I still turn things around faster than most.  I’m just letting the guilt go and enjoying my family, then cramming as much as I can in during nap time as I possibly can haha.
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Greek Salad with Roasted Chicken

Love greens, veggies and chicken! This is really a variation on the classic Greek Salad but adding chicken makes it a wonderful meal in and of itself! And paleo!

Blog greek chicken salad

Dressing

  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tsps. tahini (sesame-seed paste)
  • 1 tsp minced garlic (fresh or bottled)
  • salt & pepper, to taste

Salad

  • 1 lb chicken breast, roasted & cubed
  • 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup peeled chopped English cucumber
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes (grape tomatoes halved work well)
  • 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (minus the cheese for dairy free and paleo)

dit-elle-Esther

Vintage dressing…

 When I was in my 20’s, I’d say about half of my wardrobe was vintage.  I would wear vintage 50’s dresses to work, and had more vintage cardigans and coats than anyone in their right mind should have.  Oh, and beautifully embroidered vintage blouses?  Yeah, I had my fair share of those too.  Over the year I got rid of most of the dresses and shirts, although I still wear most of my vintage coats.  This dress is actually a nightgown (I think?!), but it’s so easy to just throw on with flip flops and head out the door.  Plus…Maya said “Mommy, you’re a PRINCESS!” when I put it on, which is basically a win no matter what 🙂Blog Vintage Dress Sand Jewel tie Sandals-1 Blog Vintage Dress Sand Jewel tie Sandals-2Um…someone wasn’t so sure about looking at the camera haha.  Honestly, I’m always so surprised by how often she smiles at a camera on a tripod!  And, yes, she has rain boots on. Or, as Sesame Street calls them “Galoshes” Pretty much her favorite boots, and even thought it was mid 80’s, with no rain in site…she wanted to wear them.  And, obviously, I let her. 🙂Blog Vintage Dress Sand Jewel tie Sandals-3Maybe the tripod was giving her the stink eye HA! Blog Vintage Dress Sand Jewel tie Sandals-4“Tickle me??!!”  She’s obsessed with being tickled, and I’m always happy to oblige 🙂 Blog Vintage Dress Sand Jewel tie Sandals-5 Blog Vintage Dress Sand Jewel tie Sandals-6 Blog Vintage Dress Sand Jewel tie Sandals-7“Mom, LOOK, LOOK!!!  It’s a ladybug!”Blog Maya 145 Weeks Gymboree Lime Dress Galoshes-1And, then the ladybug flew! 🙂Blog Maya 145 Weeks Gymboree Lime Dress Galoshes-2“Mom, LOOK, LOOK ‘Cars coming!!'”  Yes, I’m always saying that to her, so she’s always pointing them out to me.  Right after, she started counting them.  “One…two….three…”  The best is when we are IN the car driving down the street.  “MOM!  Car’s coming!!”  🙂Blog Maya 145 Weeks Gymboree Lime Dress Galoshes-3Blog Maya 145 Weeks Gymboree Lime Dress Galoshes-4I don’t even know what was going on here, and I tried thinking up something funny to go along with this, but…I drew a blank.  It’s funny enough on it’s own though!  I welcome any captions 🙂Blog Maya 145 Weeks Gymboree Lime Dress Galoshes-5On me…

Dress- Vintage
Sandals- Sand (old, similar here)
On Maya…

 

Dress- Gymboree (thrifted)
Boots- (thrifted)
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Paleo Warm Peach Salad with Apple Cider Dressing

I used the dressing from the Warm Butternut Squash Salad recipe, and basically just threw some perfectly ripe peaches in there instead of the butternut squash.  It was easy and delicious!Blog Paleo Warm Peach Salad-1

Ingredients

  • 1-2 Ripe Peaches (depending on their size and how many people you need to feed)
  • Kosher Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 3/4 C Pure no sugar added Apple Cider
  • 2 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 Diced Shallots or I’ve also used 1/3 C diced red onion
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 4-5 cups (or really, you choose depending on how many mouths you have to feed!) of spinach or arugula.  I personally LOVE arugula, but our boys don’t.  When I make this for friends, it’s arugula.  When I make it for the family-spinach.  It wilts down a little when you pour the warm dressing over it, so put in more than you think you need.

Directions

  •  Combine cider, vinegar, onions/or shallots, and a little salt and pepper in a small sauce pan.  Bring that to a boil and stir for about 6-7 minutes so that it reduces.  Take off heat and whisk in mustard.  (original recipe calls for adding a 1/2 a cup of olive oil now, but I forgot to do that once.  It tasted fine, so I’ve left it out ever since :))  You choose!
  • Place salad greens in a large bowl.  Toss in peaches and dressing.  Pepper to taste.
  • You can also toss in nuts of your choice and sprinkle with a cheese of your choosing.
  • dit-elle-Lauren

Zara Sale aka…Happy Birthday to ME! :)

 I’d had my eye on a few things at Zara for their sale, but felt guilty pulling the trigger.  Then…they went down a little more in price, and I totally justified it as a birthday present to myself!!  Btw, if you ever need help justifying just about anything…I’m your gal 🙂

Blog Zara Boho Top J Brand Skinny Karma Zara Leopard Tie Sandals-1Um, is it bad to be in love with a pair of shoes??  Because, I LOVE THESE!!!  Shh, don’t tell the Huz.Blog Zara Boho Top J Brand Skinny Karma Zara Leopard Tie Sandals-2 Blog Zara Boho Top J Brand Skinny Karma Zara Leopard Tie Sandals-3 Blog Zara Boho Top J Brand Skinny Karma Zara Leopard Tie Sandals-4 Blog Zara Boho Top J Brand Skinny Karma Zara Leopard Tie Sandals-5 Blog Zara Boho Top J Brand Skinny Karma Zara Leopard Tie Sandals-6“Mom, you jump too!!?”  I swear I caught WAY more air than what’s shown haha 🙂Blog Zara Boho Top J Brand Skinny Karma Zara Leopard Tie Sandals-7And then she’s off! Blog Zara Boho Top J Brand Skinny Karma Zara Leopard Tie Sandals-8Goffrey2 sadly got broken in half, but a little Gorilla tape and a band aid, and he’s good as new! 🙂

Maya was so funny about it.  Her friend accidentally broke him, and at first we all waited in shock of how she would react.  She said “Oooooh, no!  He’s broken.  Mommy, take him to the Dr and fix him??  He needs a band aid.”  And there you go.  All better 🙂 Blog Zara Boho Top J Brand Skinny Karma Zara Leopard Tie Sandals-9 Blog Zara Boho Top J Brand Skinny Karma Zara Leopard Tie Sandals-10 Blog Zara Boho Top J Brand Skinny Karma Zara Leopard Tie Sandals-11 Blog Zara Boho Top J Brand Skinny Karma Zara Leopard Tie Sandals-12 Blog Zara Boho Top J Brand Skinny Karma Zara Leopard Tie Sandals-13On me…

Top- Zara (on sale now!)
Jeans- J Brand “the skinny leg” in Karma (thrifted)
Shoes- Zara (on sale now)
On Maya…
Dress- Sweet Girl
Shoes- Old Navy (thrifted)
Keeping it Real…
I remember thinking 40 sounded so old.  Like it was this major dreaded age.  Honestly, it’s no big deal.  I don’t really feel that old, minus the aches and pains haha.  I’ve been gray since high school, so I’m kinda used to that… Life really couldn’t be any better right now.  I’m super lucky.
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Baked Orange Rosemary Chicken with Sweet Potatos // Paleo and Whole30

Ok, so….I may or may not have forgotten to write the recipe down after I made this, but it really was so easy that I’m fairly certain this is it haha. :}

The Huz introduced me to bone in chicken.  I mean, I’d had it before, but I think I thought it was harder or not as good-what was I thinking??  When you cook things with the bone in, they are so much moister and more delicious!!  I personally don’t eat the skin, but I was told it pretty darn tasty too!  AND…because it’s so moist and delicious all on it’s own, you really don’t have to do much to it-WIN!Blog Paleo Baked Orange Rosemary Chicken-1Ingredients

  • 4 bone in chicken breasts
  • 2 Tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 Tsp garlic
  • 6 clementines or mandarin oranges
  • 1 medium sized onion
  • 2 sweet potatoes (there is some debate on whether sweet potatoes are “paleo”, but since some websites say they are, I’m going with them 🙂 )
  • 4 sprigs of rosemary
  • Sea Salt and Pepper to taste.

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees
  • Peel and cube the sweet potatoes.  ( I asked the Huz to get them, and he came back with the “white” ones.  I always get confused on what the orange ones are (yams), and I do believe it’s different depending on what part of the country you live in… Anywho, the ones in the picture look like regular potatoes, but they are sweet 😉 )
  • Dice the onion
  • Melt the coconut oil
  • Peel 3 of the oranges, and squeeze the juice from them into the melted oil
  • Add garlic to the above liquid
  • Toss the potatoes and onions in the above liquid.
  • Place the chicken breasts in a 9×13 baking pan and spread potatoes and onions around them, letting them get coated with the oil/garlic/orange juice liquid.
  • Grind a little salt and pepper over the entire dish-I don’t use much.
  • Peel the last 3 oranges and place pieces as well as the rosemary sprigs around the dish.
  • Bake uncovered for an hour, or until potatoes and chicken are fully cooked (time will vary depending on the size of the breasts you get).

Enjoy!!

dit-elle-Lauren

Living in Levi’s cut offs…

 These are a pair of cut offs that I’ve had since college.  20+ years I’ve had them.  So, basically, they feel like pajamas. 🙂Blog Michael Stars Tee Vintage Levis 501 Pink Leather Converse-1There was an amazing fog layer over the city today.  It gave us a brief reprieve from the heat we’ve been having, and looked super cool too 🙂 Blog Michael Stars Tee Vintage Levis 501 Pink Leather Converse-2 Blog Michael Stars Tee Vintage Levis 501 Pink Leather Converse-3 Blog Michael Stars Tee Vintage Levis 501 Pink Leather Converse-4 Blog Michael Stars Tee Vintage Levis 501 Pink Leather Converse-5

On me…

Top- Michael Stars
Jeans- Vintage Levi’s (thrifted)
Shoes- Converse (thrifted)
On Maya…
Top- Peek (thrifted)
Jeans- Levi’s (thrifted, and cut off by me)
Shoes- Converse (thrifted)
Keeping it Real…
Sorry, not doing links today.  Again, not sure if anyone really cares 🙂  Knee deep in wedding edits while Maya naps!  We had a great day today though!  Went for our morning run, back down to the beach to enjoy the fog, and then swimming.  Kind of wish I could take a nap… 🙂
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Blueberry Paleo Muffins

Yum yum yum. I love that these are dairy free, gluten free, and nut free! Oh, and delicious!

Blog blueberrypaleomuffins2 Blog blueberrypaleomuffins1

Ingredients

  • ½ cup coconut flour, sifted
  • small dash of sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 6 eggs
  • ⅓ cup agave nectar
  • ⅓ cup grapeseed oil (I used coconut oil, butter is great as well)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine coconut flour, salt and baking soda
  2. In a large bowl, combine eggs, agave, grapeseed oil and vanilla and blend well with a hand blender
  3. Mix dry ingredients into wet, blending with a hand mixer
  4. Gently fold in blueberries
  5. Place batter into a paper lined muffin pan
  6. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes
  7. Cool and serve

Thanks Elana’s Pantry!

dit-elle-Esther