Lamb Lettuce Wraps with Feta Sauce

Tasty seasoned lamb patties wrapped in lettuce with cucumbers, tomato and yogurt feta sauce – these are great prepared on the BBQ or simply in the broiler of your oven. Yum! 🙂

Blog lambpattiesfeta

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 Tbsp sherry vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/8 tsp ground allspice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 lb lean ground lamb

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 English cucumber, sliced
  • 10 romaine lettuce leaves
  • 1 1 tomato, sliced

Directions

  • Combine first 8 ingredients – herbs and spices, add lamb and combine
  • Shape into 10 small 1/4 inch thick oval patties
  • Place on a broiler pan (or BBQ) and broil ~2 minutes on each side or until done
  • Combine cheese and yogurt in bowl
  • Serve lamb patties with cucumber and tomato slices on lettuce with a dollop of yogurt/cheese mixture

dit-elle-Esther

Consignment Stores = Getting clothes for FREE! :)

 I love going into Funky Jane’s, my local consignment store, to drop stuff off, and having her tell me I have a credit to spend.  Some times I’ll take the check, but I like the idea of giving the business back to her too.  Then…I get clothes for free (kind of ;))

I love this shirtdress by Joe’s Jeans.  So easy to just throw on in the summer.  I wasn’t sure if it was too short, but I think I like it with the slip underneath?  I might just tie it and use it as a shirt too.  Or…unbutton a few on the bottom and wear it as a long tunic over white skinnies!  Retailed for $138, consignment price $19, my price $0 😉Blog Joes Jeans Shirtdress Steve Madden Genevvaa Rafe Purse-1 Blog Joes Jeans Shirtdress Steve Madden Genevvaa Rafe Purse-2Got this bag too, for less than $20 (I mean free! :)).  Retailed for probably $300+ Blog Joes Jeans Shirtdress Steve Madden Genevvaa Rafe Purse-3 Blog Joes Jeans Shirtdress Steve Madden Genevvaa Rafe Purse-6And these shoes???  How fun!  I probably wouldn’t have spent full price on these, because they are a little too trendy, but for $9/Free, I was all over them.  And, honestly, now I totally love them! Blog Joes Jeans Shirtdress Steve Madden Genevvaa Rafe Purse-7 Blog Joes Jeans Shirtdress Steve Madden Genevvaa Rafe Purse-8 Blog Joes Jeans Shirtdress Steve Madden Genevvaa Rafe Purse-9Seriously, is Maya the only toddler that in 2.3 seconds dumps out all the bubbles? Blog Joes Jeans Shirtdress Steve Madden Genevvaa Rafe Purse-10 Blog Joes Jeans Shirtdress Steve Madden Genevvaa Rafe Purse-11 Blog Joes Jeans Shirtdress Steve Madden Genevvaa Rafe Purse-12 Blog Joes Jeans Shirtdress Steve Madden Genevvaa Rafe Purse-13 Blog Joes Jeans Shirtdress Steve Madden Genevvaa Rafe Purse-14My mom got her this headdress, and she loves it!  “Look, it’s like a horse!” Blog Joes Jeans Shirtdress Steve Madden Genevvaa Rafe Purse-15 Blog Joes Jeans Shirtdress Steve Madden Genevvaa Rafe Purse-16And…haha.  I tried a little something fun.  Seriously, when did she become a teenager!!? Blog Joes Jeans Shirtdress Steve Madden Genevvaa Rafe Purse-17On me…

Slip- Old
Purse- Rafe NY (sold out)
On Maya…
Top- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)
Jeans- Rock & Republic (thrifted, but similar here)
Shoes- Minnetonka (thrifted, similar here)
Keeping it Real…
Maya’s been fighting a cold the last few days, and has been a bit of a cranky pants.  The only thing that makes it even remotely worth it is all the extra sleepy snuggling…
(all pictures of me and me with Maya taken by my Mom and Dad :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Spicy Cilantro Pineapple Margarita

A variation of the Perfect Margarita – with spicy jalapenos, sweet pineapple juice and chopped cilantro!

Blog margaritacilantropineapple3 blog margaritacilantropineapple2 Blog margaritacilantropineapple1

Ingredients

  • 1 oz. Lime juice
  • 1 oz. Triple Sec
  • 1 oz. Pineapple juice (fresh or from a can)
  • 2 oz. Tequila (something good like Patron)
  • Cilantro, chopped
  • Jalapeno pepper, a couple of slices, chopped

dit-elle-Esther

Let’s be honest, I mainly want you to see my backside ;)

Ok, not THAT backside, but obviously I am drawn to tops that have interesting backs.  I also love taking pictures from behind, so maybe there’s a thing going on there?

All that to say.  This Ella Moss sweater is nice from the front…Blog Ella Moss Genetic Denim The Twig Me Two Sandals-1But, then…Blog Ella Moss Genetic Denim The Twig Me Two Sandals-2 I thrifted these super comfy, yet fun shoes for $3.50!  I’m kind of excited whenever I find a pair of shoes that I can wear to shoot a wedding.  I ran errands and was on my feet most of the day in these, and my feet never hurt!  Love that they have a tiny bit of a heel too 🙂Blog Ella Moss Genetic Denim The Twig Me Two Sandals Blog Ella Moss Genetic Denim The Twig Me Two Sandals-3 Blog Ella Moss Genetic Denim The Twig Me Two Sandals-5 blog Maya 138 weeks Osh Kosh Red Floral Zulily Coated Gray and Pink Sandals-1 blog Maya 138 weeks Osh Kosh Red Floral Zulily Coated Gray and Pink Sandals-2Yes, I think she is soooo ready for dance class, and so am I!!  I cannot wait to get her in a leotard!! :} blog Maya 138 weeks Osh Kosh Red Floral Zulily Coated Gray and Pink Sandals-3 blog Maya 138 weeks Osh Kosh Red Floral Zulily Coated Gray and Pink Sandals-4 blog Maya 138 weeks Osh Kosh Red Floral Zulily Coated Gray and Pink Sandals-5On me…

Top- Ella Moss (Nordstrom Rack-sold out, but loooooving this one!)
Jeans- Genetic Denim “Twig” (ebay, similar here)
Shoes- Me Too (thrifted)
On Maya…
Top/Dress- Osh Kosh (thirfted)
Jeans- Zulily (Crystal Vogue)
Keeping it Real…
Isn’t this what most of us Moms look like 90% of the time?? 😉Blog KIR ella moss space needle
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))
dit-elle-Lauren

Turkey Spinach Zucchini Casserole

This is similar to the South of the Boarder Turkey Loaf. Stuffed with veggies, this is a “one dish meal” and great for large groups! Anders (who just turned ONE!) has been eating so much, I can barely keep up with lunches and dinners for him (oh and not to mention the rest of us). Starting to realize why my Grandma was an expert at making casseroles.. she had a big family to cook for! 🙂

Blog turkeycasserole2

Blog turkeycasserole1

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground turkey
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 zucchinis, finely sliced (use the slicer blade on your food processor)
  • 1 cup frozen chopped spinach (you can use fresh, but keep in mind that frozen spinach is denser)
  • 1 carrot, shredded (grater blade on your food processor)
  • Cheese, grated (Mexican blend works well) (omit for dairy free and paleo)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

  • Combine all ingredients (except cheese) and mix well
  • Fill large 9×13 greased casserole dish
  • Top with cheese
  • Bake at 350* for 1 hr or until center is hot and bubbling and cheese is melted and golden brown

Super Mom Tip: This casserole freezes well! Freeze in serving size portions for reheating when there’s no time to make dinner. 🙂

 

dit-elle-Esther

Nordstrom Rack // Clear the Rack haul :)

 I love Nordstrom Rack on any given day, but when they have their “Clear the Rack” where all red tag clearance is an additional 25% off?  DANGEROUS!!  Plus, I had $20 Nordstrom Bucks to spend from the last one.  Basically, I had to go and buy some stuff :}

This Free People top?  $12!!Blog Free People Top Current Elliott Skinny Destroyed SixtySeven Booties-1 Blog Free People Top Current Elliott Skinny Destroyed SixtySeven Booties-2 Blog Free People Top Current Elliott Skinny Destroyed SixtySeven Booties-3These booties?  $26, down from $180!!! Blog Free People Top Current Elliott Skinny Destroyed SixtySeven Booties-4She’s obsessed with jumping off things.  I’m trying to teach her that she has to say “I’m jumping!  Catch me!!” before she jumps, mainly because I’m the only one that knows she’s going to jump the minute she gets to the edge of something.  She’s done a face plant a few times when she caught other people unaware, but THANKFULLY they weren’t that high up… She’s jumping off a little rock here. The Huz got this pic 🙂Blog Free People Top Current Elliott Skinny Destroyed SixtySeven Booties-13 Blog Maya 137 Weeks BW Gap Yellow Sevens Sperry-1 Blog Maya 137 Weeks BW Gap Yellow Sevens Sperry-3 Blog Maya 137 Weeks BW Gap Yellow Sevens Sperry-4Flirting with our neighbor 🙂Blog Maya 137 Weeks BW Gap Yellow Sevens Sperry-2 Blog Maya 137 Weeks BW Gap Yellow Sevens Sperry-6Blog Maya 137 Weeks BW Gap Yellow Sevens Sperry-5 On me…

Top- Free People (Nordstrom Rack-sold out, similar here)
Jeans- Current Elliott (ebay, similar here)
Boots- SixtySeven “Blake” Bootie (Nordstom Rack)
On Maya…
Top- Gap (gift, sold out, but similar short sleeve here)
Jeans- 7 For All Mankind (boys 🙂 ebay)
Shoes- Sperry Top Sider (thrifted)
Keeping it Real…
Maya is in a total hitting phase.  NOT GOOD!!  Thankfully (I guess), she mostly only hits me… Usually it’s when I try and pick her up to take her away from something/to something.  Or, if she wants to get down, then that’s how she says it.  I hope she outgrows this phase SOON!!! 😦 Blog Maya 137 Weeks BW Gap Yellow Sevens Sperry-7
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Paleo Chocolate Cupcakes with (not so paleo) Mocha Frosting

Need some sweet inspiration? We think a four day week is reason enough to celebrate!

Totally awesome paleo and nut-free cupcakes! Add some mocha frosting (not quite paleo) but so yummy!

blog chocopaleocupcake blog chococupcakemochafrosting3 Blog chococupcakemochafrosting2  Blog chococupcakemochafrosting1

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 cup cacao powder
  • Dash of sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 8 eggs
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup agave syrup

Directions

  • Pulse together dry ingredients in a food processor
  • Pulse in wet ingredients
  • Line a muffin pan (12) with paper liners and scoop batter into each
  • Bake at 350° for 15-18 minutes
  • Cool and serve

Thanks Elana’s Pantry for the cupcake inspiration!

For the Frosting

  • 1/3 stick melted butter
  • 1/4 cup strong drip coffee
  • 1 Tbsp cocoa
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • Powdered sugar (1-2 cups)

Directions

  • Mix melted butter, coffee, cocoa and vanilla
  • Start adding powdered sugar while stirring constantly
  • When desired consistency has been reached, frost the cooled cupcakes
  • Top with sprinkles or M&Ms immediately if desired

dit-elle-Esther

Grilled Chicken, Sweet Pototato, and Onion with Basil Guacamole // Paleo // Whole30

Here’s another super simple healthy Paleo and Whole30 recipe for you.  I don’t know why, but I always feel so bada$$ when I grill on my own!  Am I the only female that feels that way?  Sounds totally sexist, but usually it’s such a nice excuse not to cook break to have the Huz do the grilling.  It’s so easy, less dishes to cook, and I swear everything tastes better off the grill… This dinner was no exception!Blog BBQ Paleo Whole30 Chicken Sweet Potato Grilled Onion with Basil Guacamole-1Ingredients (Would serve 4)

For the Guacamole

  • 10 grape tomatoes (cut in half)
  • 1 large avocados
  • 1 inch cut of red onion
  • Salt and pepper to to taste
  • 5 Fresh Basil Leaves // Honestly, I didn’t have any cilantro, so I used basil (I had it) and LOVE the change of flavor from the usual guacamole!
  • Sea salt and Pepper to taste

Pulse all this in a Cuisinart or blender until chunky.

For the BBQ

  • 1 large sweet onion
  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 2 Sweet Potatoes cut in half
  • Olive Oil
  • Sea Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Dried Rosemary

Directions

  • Light your grill to medium heat
  • Cut the sweet potato in half and pierce with a fork, lightly coat with Olive Oil, S&P, and dried rosemary.
  • Once preheated, Place Sweet Potatoes on the grill first, because they take longer to cook.  Make sure they cook for 15 minutes before you add other items to grill.  I placed them directly on the grill-no tinfoil.
  • Lightly coat chicken in olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt, pepper, and rosemary.  Set aside.
  • Peel and cut the onion into 4ths (about 3/4″ slices), then lightly coat with olive oil, S&P, and rosemary
  • Once sweet potato has cooked for 15, add chicken and onion.  Cook both of those for 8-10 on each side (depending on size of the chicken)
  • Layer sweet potato, guacamole, chicken, a little more quacamole, with onion on the side.

ENJOY!

dit-elle-Lauren

High Waisted Skinnies

 And…this entire outfit cost less than $35!!  Yay for thrift store shopping!!  Honestly, I spent more on these jeans that I normally would at a thrift store ($21!), but I was intrigued by the high waist.  They are currently selling for over $200, and I have zero regrets!  I had doubts at first, but then realized they are basically jean spanx, and you don’t have to worry about flashing anyone when you bend over!  Which…as a mom, I do about a kazillion times a day.  Overall-WIN!

And, can we all pretend that I took a shower/put make up on before these pictures?  Ok, thanks 🙂Blog AE Chambray J Brand Maria Nine West Booties-1These Nine West booties are ridiculously comfortable too!  Total steal for less than $10 🙂Blog AE Chambray J Brand Maria Nine West Booties-2 Blog AE Chambray J Brand Maria Nine West Booties-3 Blog AE Chambray J Brand Maria Nine West Booties-4Blog AE Chambray J Brand Maria Nine West Booties-5 Blog Maya 137 Weeks Little Boogaweezin Milk Drunk Gap Tutu Rain Boots-1 Blog Maya 137 Weeks Little Boogaweezin Milk Drunk Gap Tutu Rain Boots-2 Blog Maya 137 Weeks Little Boogaweezin Milk Drunk Gap Tutu Rain Boots-3 Blog Maya 137 Weeks Little Boogaweezin Milk Drunk Gap Tutu Rain Boots-4The tide was out, so I let her have at it.  It was so fun to watch her frolicking around!  I cannot believe her boots didn’t get stuck in the sand.  I was fearing a total face plant, but she stayed up!! Blog Maya 137 Weeks Little Boogaweezin Milk Drunk Gap Tutu Rain Boots-5 Blog Maya 137 Weeks Little Boogaweezin Milk Drunk Gap Tutu Rain Boots-6 Blog Maya 137 Weeks Little Boogaweezin Milk Drunk Gap Tutu Rain Boots-7 Blog Maya 137 Weeks Little Boogaweezin Milk Drunk Gap Tutu Rain Boots-8 Blog Maya 137 Weeks Little Boogaweezin Milk Drunk Gap Tutu Rain Boots-9This is when I said we had to go home haha.  Look at how wet she is!! Blog Maya 137 Weeks Little Boogaweezin Milk Drunk Gap Tutu Rain Boots-10Ok, one more frolic…Blog Maya 137 Weeks Little Boogaweezin Milk Drunk Gap Tutu Rain Boots-11 Blog Maya 137 Weeks Little Boogaweezin Milk Drunk Gap Tutu Rain Boots-12 Blog Maya 137 Weeks Little Boogaweezin Milk Drunk Gap Tutu Rain Boots-13And she made it count 😉 Blog Maya 137 Weeks Little Boogaweezin Milk Drunk Gap Tutu Rain Boots-14On me…

Top- AE (thrifted, similar here)
Jeans- J Brand “Maria” (thrifted, similar here)
Belt- Vintage
Boots- Nine West (thrifted, similar here)
On Maya…
Skirt- Gap (thrifted)
Boots- (thrifted, but similar here)
Keeping it Real…
Honestly, there’s no keeping it real.  It was as good of a day as it looked 🙂  Hope you all had a great long weekend!
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Perfect Margarita

So simple, so perfect.. Forget heavy margarita mixes with dye and sugars, this is a basic and made from scratch recipe. This is the best margarita recipe we’ve tried and shared with friends. So far, it’s a winner! Tequila, tart lime juice and sweet triple sec are shaken and chilled to perfection! Paleo? Umm… not really. But some claims tequila as the purest alcohol (it’s made from agave) and if you have to drink something, then go with tequila. Call it paleo’ish and say cheers! 🙂

Great with tortilla chips and guacamole!

Blog perfectmargarita

Ingredients

  • 2 oz. Tequila (like Patron. It’s worth it!)
  • 1 oz. Triple Sec
  • 1 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice
  • Ice
  • Salt for glass (optional)

Directions

  • Salt the rims of glasses if desired. To do so, pour salt onto a small plate, rub the rims of the glasses with lime and press them into the salt.
  • Put all ingredients in a shaker with ice
  • Shake up and strain into a glass

 

dit-elle-Esther