Category: Uncategorized

Links I’m loving

32 weeks pregnant and wearing nothing but black dresses or workout clothes- so, I’ll spare you my boring wardrobe and instead give you some things I’m loving that I’ve found!


1. Even when pregnant, shoes still fit. They are the only thing that makes me still feel cute hah being honest- so these flats, and these caught my eye. Who doesn’t love some sparkle?! Plus, these heels I’m coveting.

2. This sweater is cute, but simple and definitely something I could use post baby this winter. Or, maybe this one!

3. Oh swimsuits- why are you all so cute and so expensive … this one and this cute one are catching my eye. Oh ya.. this one too.

4. Gorgeous LBD. Enough said.

5. This top is amazing – and part of the Nordstrom sale! I might have to snag this one, too.

Happy shopping! Let me know if you snag anything!

Xox
Aj

ajLeave a comment

healthy, vegan (gf!) brownies

I always have a stash of these in my fridge. My kiddos beg for them after all meals and have no idea they are actually good for them! My Hershey’s chocolate loving mom was in town this week and made a face at the thought of a brownie that was healthy and without sugar/flour/eggs etc while I was making them; however, I kept catching her in the fridge sneaking them once they were finished  😉 She later admitted they were delicious and needed the recipe!

5E7F2208-6B1F-466D-8162-0F94C837B5AA.JPG

Healthy, vegan, gf BROWNIES!

Ingredients:

Brownies:

  • 425g (approx 2.5cups) Medjool dates, pitted (if dry, soak them in warm water for 10minutes, then drain) **Must be Medjool dates!
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1 cup almonds
  • 3/4 cup cacao powder unsweetened cocoa powder

Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup coconut oil- melted
  • 1/4 cup cacao or unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/4 cup roughly chopped walnuts

Directions

  1. For the Brownies: Place the 1 cup of almonds and 1 cup of walnuts in a food processor and process until finely ground.
  2. Add the cacao powder and pulse to combine. Transfer this mixture to another bowl and set aside.
  3. Put the dates in the food processor and process until only small bits remain. Remove and set aside.
  4. Add the almond/walnut/cacao mixture back into the food processor- now, while processing, drop small handfuls of the dates into the food processor. This part is key- only process until a dough consistency is achieved. You DO NOT want it too sticky. You only want to add enough of the dates so that the mixture will hold together when squeezed in your hand or fingers. A brownie like pebble consistency. You probably will not use all of the dates. If you get it too moist, it will become more of a fudge like texture/taste than a brownie..
  5. Add the brownie mixture to a small parchment lined 8×8 dish. Press down with your hands until it is flat and firm. Then, lift the parchment paper to remove brownies from the dish and use your hands to slightly squeeze in the sides to create a smaller square- this will make the brownies a little thicker and more dense.
  6. Place back into the dish and put in the fridge to chill while you make the frosting.
  7. For the Frosting: Melt the coconut oil and mix with remaining ingredients EXCEPT for the walnut pieces. Once smooth, let it cool slightly so it thickens up. Once slightly thickened, spoon and smooth over the brownies. Sprinkle with the walnut pieces. Then return to fridge to set.
  8. Once set, remove from dish and cut! Store in an air tight container in the fridge for the small amount of time they last before everyone eats them!

enjoy!

xox

aj

ajLeave a comment

Maternity Essentials

Being that this is my third pregnancy – I have down to a science what I like and don’t like during pregnancy and immediately post pregnancy. I thought I would share some of my tried and true basic must- haves.

IMG_8922.JPG

Almost 28 weeks and still wearing one of my favorite dresses for pre/during/and post pregnancy! What makes it even more amazing–it has POCKETS! Oh…and it’s on sale for $35.

  1. Palmers Cocoa Butter Stretch Mark Lotion & Cream. There is nothing better than this stuff. I have slathered it on myself for all of my pregnancies and it moisturizes my skin without breaking it out or giving me any kind of weird pregnancy reaction. I swear by this stuff. Every time I take a shower I slather it on. It’s a process to cover all the new surface area 😉 but I promise, it’s worth it.
  2. Belly Support Belt. There are two that I like and love- this one that I can wear under my clothes any time I’m needing just a little extra support- and this one that I wear when I’m working out because it gives me enough support for running etc.
  3. Body Pillow. Let’s be honest- sleeping is tough while pregnant. Between the aches and pains, constantly having to get up to go to the bathroom, and someone kicking you from the inside- anything to help me fall asleep and stay asleep is well worth the $. This pillow is dreamy. It supports in all the right places.
  4. BeMaternity BeBand. This is great for several reasons- while you still may be able to fit in to some of your pants, you may not be able to button them. Slip this on and it takes care of that problem! It’s second purpose is- later on when you belly button likes to show through clothes… wear this and it smooths out any lumps and bumps under a tighter fitting top or dress!
  5. Old Navy & Target Tanks. These are simple and cheap. I wear these under kimonos, over bikinis, with my workout shorts – you name it, it’s my go-to maternity top. They are comfy, stretchy and cheap. Plus, they come in a million colors…however, I seem to own just the black and grey ones.
  6. Tote Savvy. Now these are just amazing. I hate having to buy stuff just for one purpose – i.e. a diaper bag – these amazing things turn any bag into a diaper bag! I can use any of my oversized bags or backpacks and have them perfectly organized for baby! Now… I don’t have one YET- they weren’t around when my first two were born- but my sister has one and uses it daily. I can’t wait to get the mini one for my backpack and the original for my totes!
  7. Post baby support. Ok. I can not say enough about this- and because of that, I’m just going to say, for now, you need to purchase this. I will do more on post baby girdles/binders once baby is here but until then, if you are expecting, just take my word for it and buy yourself these two. The first is the Belly Bandit Bamboo wrap. I wear this one immediately after baby- when I am still in the hospital. I have csections and tell every mama I know that is having a csection how necessary this sucker is. The second one is for a few weeks after when my swelling has gone down a bit and I’m feeling a little more comfortable. It is the Bellefit Postpartum Corset and I wear it morning and night for a couple months (I do take it off from time to time just for a breather- obviously) I know it is pricey but it is well worth it. I promise.

I promise that you will love ALL of these items. They are sure to make your pregnancy and post-pregnancy better/easier! Enjoy!

IMG_8923.JPG

xox

aj

aj1 Comment

Goat cheese dip


Ingredients: 

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup part skim ricotta
  • 1 (8 ounce) log goat cheese
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 lb yellow cherry tomatoes- or to your liking 
  • 1/4 lb red cherry tomatoes- or to your liking 


Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350F. Spray a small dish- about a 6″ baking dish- with nonstick spray. 

2. In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, ricotta, goat cheese, feta, garlic, salt, lemon juice, and basil. Mix it all together. Once combined, gently stir in half of each of the tomatoes.  

3. Pour mixture into baking dish and top with remaining tomatoes! Bake for 30-40 minutes until it is bubbly and slightly browned. 

4. Serve with crackers or sliced bread! Such a simple and super yummy dip! Enjoy! 

aj3 Comments

Pineapple salsa

This is the perfect summer salsa! I’m not normally a fruit salsa fan, but this one hits the spot every time- plus it’s super showy and cute for any summer party! 


Ingredients:

  • 1 cup diced pineapple
  • 1 cup diced peppers- any color!
  • 1 cup diced Roma tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup minced purple onion
  • 2-4tbsp lime juice
  • 1tbsp diced jalapeño 

Directions:

  1. Make the pineapple bowl bycutting  about 1/3 of the pineapple off while leaving the stem attached to that larger piece. Then using a knife around the edges, cut out the pineapple so that it’s a nice, empty bowl. Make sure to drain the juice from the bowl once all the pineapple has been removed. Dice the pineapple for the salsa- 1 cup- I sometimes use a little more. Save the rest, or eat it right then!
  2. In a bowl, mix together everything. 
  3. Transfer to the pineapple bowl and enjoy! (If you’re not eating right away, store it in the fridge  with some cling wrap over it)

Happy eating!

xox

Aj

ajLeave a comment

Back in stock!

Two of our best selling items, our Premium V tee and our Ruche long sleeve tee are back in stock- in all sizes! These are the best basic tees- but with a little extra detailing to make them amazing. They are the perfect fit- without being too fitted to show more than you want- am I right!? 😉 The premium V tee is my go-to daily top (when I’m not 6 months pregnant!) I wear it with everything.

long sleeve tee in grey & white | premium v tee in green & white

hailey skirt | hadley sweater

Make sure to snag yours today before we sell out again!

ajLeave a comment