OOTD: Chambray & Boho

XoXo

Homemade Pancakes and Hello Whole 28

 Ugh hate to admit but moving to California has accentuated my curves and my appetite for yummy but not so great for you foods. I blame eating out more often, my compulsive baking and Coffee Bean. Oh and instead of hitting the gym 6 days a week; I'm down to 4-- if I'm lucky. But about that Coffee Bean... Don't get angry but Starbucks confectionery drinks are kind of gross- coming from a dessert junky-- they are just too sweet! Shocking, I know. However, Starbucks serves me on the regular with the strongest kick in yo' butt iced coffee occasionally with the extra shot- <wide awake>

But Coffee Bean makes my knees weak and my taste-buds sing. All sweet in all the right ways and no strange after taste- pure perfection when you want a sweet sipper. Interestingly enough my timing is not because of the New Year "resolution" fad, but a realization that the healthy eating habits need to be reinforced. So my girl J and I agreed that once we returned from CES paleo would start THAT Monday. Since this pact to do paleo was more for healthier eating habits and feeling an overall sense of well-being versus weight loss- we decided to do the Whole 28 instead of 30 ( plus it was in honor of February- being a short month and all <wink>!)
Sunday morning I had one last small indulgence, homemade blueberry pancakes topped with fresh fruit and maple syrup from my family's farm in Vermont. See below for the recipe- and if you want to order some syrup shoot me a line!

Want to know more about paleo? I did it before and it was one of the best things I could have done- and to be completely transparent I modified it for me- at the end of the day you know yourself the best so don't follow these guideline to the T- however you definitely should not be consuming sugar, processed foods, or dairy products (just saying). I previously did a post at my last company on the book It Starts With Food <click here for my synopsis>- and that's what inspired me to accept the challenge. Maybe you will too?

So see you later sugar- I'll catch you on the flip side.

{Ready to reset and keep being awesome}

Homemade Blueberry Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour ( make it even better with 1 cup all purp. and .5 whole wheat flour)
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• pinch of cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups milk (I use skim)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla (or substitute and use lemon juice and some zest)
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 cup of fresh and washed blueberries

Directions:

Sift dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Pour wet ingredients (milk, egg, vanilla, and melted butter) into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined and smooth.
*If the batter is thick and you don't like your pancakes "cake-y" add more milk (or water) two tablespoons at a time until you reach desired consistency.

Over Medium-High heat- heat your pan or griddle- add spray or a small bit of butter to "grease" the pan. Pour batter to desired amount (do you want large pancakes or small medallions?- the choice is yours!) Drop in as little or as many blueberries into the poured pancake- my magic number is usually

Cook until you see bubbles, then flip- make sure both sides are golden brown and that centers are cooked through!

Enjoy!

OOTD: Stripes With a Pop of Red

Living in sunny, Southern California has been absolutely amazing. Nearly every day is gorgeous without a single cloud in the sky. The one downside? I'm so jelly of all the lovely ladies on instagram and their gorgeous coats and stunning oversized scarves. I mean, I feel left out of a whole season of shopping because it just isn't practical for my current zip code. Not that I'm complaining, I ADORE this place-- I'm just feeling some closet envy at the moment. Oh and not to mention, what do I do with all of my fab fall/winter pieces that I've accumulated from years of East Coast living? Maybe my insta closet will be making a comeback soon!

Dress: Gap, Old- Similar Here

I digress! It's finally been cool enough here to bust out this striped beauty! I got her on super duper clearance during one of my last visits to my home sweet home. This dress has literally been sitting in my closet tags attached and patiently waiting to see the light of day.

Belt:Vintage Paquette, Similar Holiday Holly Version Here

I scored this red belt at a resale shop for 5 bucks! And the shoes, I'm almost too excited to even type about them.

Kitten Heels: TJMaxx, Issac Mizrahi, Similar Slingback Style Here

The shoes were a fab find at TJMaxx and this is how it all went down...in case you really care to know.  I was wearing my Red Sox hat with the Red socks on it and a pair of jeans-- super causal, right? Then I spotted these low heeled beauties. The popping red of the socks and the shoes and the denim-- it was just too perfect! Not only could I envision these dressed down, but also dressed up. SWOOON!

This bag is an Emma Fox, my first one EVAH was from TJMaxx-- yeah, yeah I obviously love that place. I scored a black one and this was maybe 4.5 years ago, there was hardly anything coming back on google from searching "Emma Fox"-- which was awesome because I don't like to always have what the next person does. Anyway, shortly after moving to Virginia, I was browsing around the local TJ's and low and behold there was beige & navy!! I couldn't decide-- so shamefully or would it be shamelessly?- ha! I bought both.

Handbag: TJMaxx, Emma Fox, Similar Here

Good news for you! You can buy these lush dressage style and fabulously oversized bags at Macy's and even HSN.com. So, happy shopping!

My Little Love: Thumballina aka Thumbs

XoXo

Baby Gift Giving 101

I am slightly obsessed when it comes to buying baby gifts. Fashion in miniature is hands down one of the most adorable aspects of baby gift giving!

This post focuses on the co-worker or acquaintance that's having a baby. You usually don't know them as well as a bestie so putting in uber personal touches is a bit more difficult. However, creating a special and fun gift for their impending arrival is easy!

One of my favorite places to go is T.J.Maxx. You can score so much more when you have a budget to stick to while creating a complete and perfect gift!

Tips:

• Instead of wrapping or gravitating to the good ol' stand by of a gift bag, buy something that the parents can re-purpose in the baby's nursery. I found this wooden crate for $9.99. I'm not sure of their nursery's color scheme, (this is for a co-worker of my fiance's) but I choose a neutral color that could just as easily be stored in the baby's closet to hold toys or books.                                           

• I always like to include a toy, it just adds some whimsy and sweetness to any gift. This Bunnies by the Bay chickie was only $4.99, they generally retail at boutiques for much more.

• Always pick up a book, after all, reading is fundamental! When one of my dear friends had her baby shower I took it a step further and tracked down my favorite book from my childhood (which they still print!) and wrote a personalized note to her sweet little munchkin.

Toys & Book

• If you're going to buy clothes, size up! Likely the parents are well stocked on newborn gear and you never know if this baby might weigh-in a little above average. I like to buy a neutral blanket and an outfit, however this time I went with two outfits instead. Absorba is one of my fave brands for the littles- super cute and great quality!

Absorba: T.J.Maxx

Heirloom: T.J.Maxx

A little something for the Dad-to-be!

Final Product (minus personalized gift tag)

Baby Shower Gift w/ Wheelie Ladybug

1st Birthday Book Themed Gift

What's your go-to baby gift?
XoXo

OOTD: Lace, Lace-ups & Ripped Denim

My Tiny Dancer: Thumballina

Every part of my outfit was one kind of a bargain or another.  My top from Anthropologie was a clearance rack score during the "take an additional 20% off--how can you say no sale." I have always been a big fan of the layered look and when it comes as one piece- I say thank you for not making me struggle with fitting a tight sweater over a bulky button-down- whew!

Sunglasses: Gucci, Old

Vintage Louis Vuitton Speedy: Consignment Score

Next up on this OOTD: distressed, torn and patched denim from American Eagle. Let's just say I haven't stepped foot in one since college and boy did I feel out of place. That being said, I mustered up the confidence to get what I came for, some truly fab jeans at an amazing price ((plus with tunics no one would know where I got them from-- until now)).

Charles Albert Wedges: Old, Similar: Here & Here

My lace-up faux suede wedges are from the forever addicting Hautelook for only $18! I linked two similar pairs in the caption above. Oh and in case you were wondering, I kicked the Hautelook habit back in February.

I grabbed my scissors for a little DIY to these jeans. I appreciate the modesty of the patches but wanted a little more skin exposure, so I cut out some of the patches to get the desired look. I didn't hesitate with the shears because these jeans were 1. under 30 bucks and 2. they were already "destroyed".

This adorable vintage Louis Vuitton Speedy was a consignment score at a fraction of the original retail. Re-sale is a great way to procure the designer handbag of your dreams on a budget.  Just be sure that you've done your homework on the brand and are purchasing from a reputable shop. Nobody likes a fake. Check out this article by Forbes on details to look for when purchasing a designer bag second hand. It pays to be an informed fashionista!

XoXo

Let's Jam! {Strawberry Style}

On a recent visit to my Aunt's house (BTW she's an amazing baker)- she shared with me some of her Homemade Strawberry Jam. Then she told me it was EASY! Now that I'm back home and we recently purchased some beyond delish strawberries, I just had to try it.  Oh, and I ran out of my fave Crofter's Organic Strawberry AM essential.

Available at most Whole Foods & Wegman's

My Aunt recommended the less sugar version of pectin- which these strawberries were already naturally sweet, so it made sense.

What you need to make "Freezer Jam"

• Gobs of Ripe Strawberries
• Freezer Safe Jars (washed & dried)
• A Box of Pectin (instructions inside)
• 3 Cups of Sugar

This jam is referred to as freezer jam because it isn't made in the traditional canning way- these jars of sweetness are perishable and thus have to be stored in your freezer not your pantry. When ready to use you take one out of the freezer and into the fridge- it will keep for about 3 weeks ((if it lasts that long!)) Click Here for the recipe I used.

For recipes, including other variations: Click Here

This jam is vibrant and sweet with an abundance of fresh fruit flavor. Enjoy!
XoXo

Bauble Storage

Pictured: Thrift Store Scores, TJMaxx, Windsor, J.Crew & Hautelook

I have a collection of costume jewelry that ranges from boho to girly to pure glam and sometimes it's hard to keep it all organized. I'm a huge fan of being able to see my jewels, however with the overabundance of thrift store scores, gifts, and purchases here and there my collection has gotten a little too large. I adore the simplicity of being able to see it all displayed in acrylic boxes and necklace stands but my collection does not allow for that. So, here is my solution for storing all the costume jewel baubles: The IKEA MALM Jewelry Chest!

Comes in FOUR finishes: Click Here

I don't utilize the top storage with the mirror- though I should. Maybe store empty boxes and pouches? For now the top has a cute pink box and a cutesy ring holder from target and my collection of body sprays.

What do you use to store your baubles?

XoXo!

Psssst: Don't forget to enter my Instagram Giveaway to win these little beauties below!

For official Rules: Click Here