Fashion: Volatile Morocco Sandal

Volatile sandals are known for their great style and comfort.  The easy-going style of the Morocco sandal is no exception. This sandal features a snake-embossed synthetic upper with rhinestone detail, a foot-bed with arch support and breathable padding, and a comfortable, true-to-size fit.  Available in sizes 6-10, $48, and available from +LDesigns Boutique at +Frisco Mercantile.

Photo form Volatile/PalosVerdesFootwear

Fashion: Sleeveless Dress with Sharkbite Hem

This is a great dress for warm summer nights. It's made out of 100% breathable soft cotton, has a front button placket, and a fashionable sharkbite hem.  Easy to throw on but looks classy and effortless.  Sized S-M-L and available from +LDesigns Boutique at +Frisco Mercantile.

Photo from monoreno.com

Fashion: Texas Tank

As the saying goes...I was not born in Texas but got here as fast as I could!  This is a super comfortable red tank with the state of Texas in brushed gold.  High quality fabric with a soft hand, v-neck, and a great fit makes this the perfect summer tank!  Available from +LDesigns Boutique at +Frisco Mercantile!  Sized S-XL; $38.

Photo from HummingbirdApparel

Food: Blueberry Bars

I have to admit that I do love to bake, but it's hard to find recipes that won't completely sabotage a healthy diet and lifestyle.   When I do find a good recipe that can satisfy both the baking process and the "need" for baked goods, yet still keep you on the healthy side...I just have to share!

I found this recipe from primalpaleo.  It's easy to assemble and very tasty.  Although I could not pass them off to my children as "regular" blueberry muffins, I enjoyed them myself for an occasional sweet treat!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 2 tbsp coconut flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 3 tbsp coconut sugar
• 2 tbsp coconut oil melted
• 1  orange juiced and zested
• 2  eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups blueberries

For the complete recipe, instructions, and more you can go to primalpaleo.  Happy Baking!

Photo and recipe from primalpaleo

Fashion:Crochet Lace Panel Top

Lightweight, 100% Cotton Teal Top with Crochet Panels and 3/4 Sleeves with tie detail.  Looks so cute with white shorts or denim.  Sized S-M-L and available from +LDesigns Boutique at Willow Cottage in Grapevine, TX!

Photo from monoreno.com

Fashion: Long Sleeve Hi-Low Top

I love this long sleeve, kelly green top, with a hi-low hem and self-colored embroidery.  The fabric is a beautiful rayon/viscose and the sleeves have a slight bell opening.  This top fits true to size and runs S-M-L. Available from +LDesigns Boutique at +Frisco Mercantile.

Photo from monoreno.com

Food: Oatmeal Jars

Breakfast is definitely my favorite meal of the day.  After a good morning workout I always want something easy, fast, and healthy.  These make ahead oatmeal jars fill all of those categories.  I purchased a set of mason jars for $8.99 at Target, and bought the gluten free rolled oats and freeze dried fruit from Market Street.  I used Stevia for my sweetener but did not even use one entire packet for 6 different oatmeal/fruit combinations.  I used a combination of freeze dried bananas, blueberries, unsweetened coconut flakes, and walnuts and I added cinnamon to each different combination.

Here is the link to the complete instructions and fruit/nut combinations: http://cleanfoodcrush.com/instant-oatmeal-jars

Thanks cleanfoodcrush for another great recipe idea!

Photo, recipe, and idea form cleanfoodcrush.com

Fashion: Striped Maxi Dress

A great Maxi Dress is always a must have for summer.  The best part about them is that you feel like you're wearing jammies but you look like you're ready for a night out - now that's the perfect scenario!  This blue and grey striped maxi is super soft rayon/poly/cotton and proudly made in the USA!  Will be available Monday at +Frisco Mercantile from +LDesigns Boutique.  Sized S-L; $38.

Photo from shoplovein.com

Fashion: Coral Striped Dress

Effortless Fashion: A No-Brainer for Summer!  Love this cap-sleeved, banded, drawstring dress in coral.  Soft rayon with 5% spandex for a little bit of stretch and best of all it's made in the USA! (I always forget to mention when items are US made so I will try to make sure that it is noted).  Dress coming next week from +LDesigns Boutique and will be available at +Frisco Mercantile; Sized S-L; $38.

Photo from www.shoplovein.com

Food: Blueberry Baked Oatmeal

I found this clean eating site that I really love called cleanfoodcrush.com.  I have made several recipes from the website and all have proven to be delicious and easy to prepare.

I made this baked oatmeal yesterday and it was so easy - I think it took less than 10 minutes to assemble and baked for about 25 minutes.  I mostly followed the recipe but used honey as my sweetener, added a pinch of cinnamon, and used 1 large egg.  Here is the recipe and the link to the website:

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup dry rolled oats
• 4 egg whites or 1 whole large egg
• 8 Tbsp unsweetened almond or coconut milk
• 1 Tbsp sliced almonds
• 1/8 tsp vanilla or almond extract
• 10 drops liquid stevia, a pinch of granulated stevia, OR sweetener of choice (YOUR personal preference).

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients, pour into a larger cereal sized glass(oven safe) dish, coated with coconut oil.
2. Add 1/2 cup frozen wild blueberries, on top. (You can also sprinkle 1 additional Tbsp sliced almonds on top)
3. Set the dish on a flat sheet pan.
4. Bake for 23-25 minutes in your preheated 375 degree oven.

Recipe, picture, and website information: www.cleanfoodcrush.com

Fashion: Off The Shoulder Top

I love everything about this top: the color, the off-the-shoulder styling, the wrist ties.  It just screams effortless fashion!  Perfectly paired with white denim and nude sandals - you are ready for any occasion in this perfect summer outfit!  Top coming soon from +LDesigns Boutique and will be available at +Frisco Mercantile.

Photo from shoplovein.com

Fashion: Tank with Floral Ruffle Hem

These lightweight tanks with mixed fabrication are perfect for that summer day when you want to be casual and comfortable but still look super cute.  The tank is a super soft knit fabric, with a v-neck opening, and a printed ruffle hemline with side-slits.  Available from +LDesigns Boutique at +Frisco Mercantile. Sized S-L with a roomy fit and only $32.00!

Photo from oddiclothing.com

Fashion: Lake Life Tank

Ahhh...summer at the lake.  What more can you ask for?  These cute, soft, navy tanks say it all!  They are sized a generous S-L and only $18.99 from +LDesigns Boutique and available at Willow Cottage In Grapevine, TX!

Food: Siracha Turkey Wraps

I got this recipe from CleanFoodCrush and made it last night.  It was really easy and so good!  I didn't have the aminos so I used low sodium soy sauce.  I also used extra lean ground turkey and a regular white onion.  It was super good and I plan to make it again! I wanted to share...

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 8oz baby bella mushrooms, finely minced
• 1/4 cup celery sliced on a diagonal
• 4 green onions, sliced on diagonal
• 2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp avocado, olive or coconut oil
• 1/4 cup Braggs liquid aminos, coconut aminos, GF tamari, or low sodium soy sauce
• 1-2 Tbsp Sriracha sauce (optional, leave out if you do not want the spice)
To serve:
• Butter Lettuce leaves (romaine hearts or iceberg lettuce work well)
• Cilantro (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a medium sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Add Turkey and cook until lightly browned.
3. Add mushrooms, celery, green onions, ginger, and garlic.
4. Cook until fragrant and cooked through-just a few minutes.
5. Add liquid aminos and Sriracha--- stir to coat.
6. Scoop mixture onto lettuce leaves.
7. Top with cilantro, or extra green onions if desired, & your favorite dipping sauce.

Photo, recipe, and more instrucions from cleanfoodcrush.com

Fashion: Layered Sequin Top

Effortless fashion: Loose fitting, off-white tank with mini sequins, layered over a 3/4 sleeve soft tunic.  So pretty with side pockets and crochet detail on the back.  Looks amazing as pictured with gladiator sandals or for the more modest (I fall into that category) over leggings or skinny jeans. Runs a generous S-L and is $44 for both pieces.  Available from +LDesigns Boutique at Willow Cottage Boutique in Grapevine, Texas!

Photo from easelonline.com

Fashion: Sheer Henley Top

This classic tunic has sheer fabric, raw cut sleeves and neckline and embroidery - looks great over a regular cami or a dress extender as pictured.  Perfect with skinny jeans or leggings.  Perfect weight for summer.  In stores now from +LDesigns Boutique at +Frisco Mercantile.  S-L; $38.

Photo from monoreno.com

Fashion: Lake Life

This is the perfect summer casual tank: soft rayon/spandex so it has a little bit of stretch, a-line for a great fit, and a saying that pretty much speaks for itself!  Perfect for those hot summer days...especially if you spend them on the water!  S-L $18.99 and will be available from +LDesigns Boutique at Willow Cottage Boutique in Grapevine, TX!

Fashion: Stripe Tunic with Contrast Fabric

Heather Grey is a color I can not get enough of.  There is something soft and feminine about the color giving the wearer an understated elegance. I love this heather grey and off-white striped tunic with contrast fabric and decorative bow on the back.  The fabric is rayon/spandex giving just a bit of stretch and best of all, this top is made in the USA.  Available now from +LDesigns Boutique at +Frisco Mercantile; S-L; $34.

Photo from easelonline.com

Fashion: Mixed Print Summer Top

This mixed print, pink and white top is so cute and perfect for summer!  The front of the top has pink and white stripes and the back is a pink floral print on a light green background.  The cap sleeves and a-line cut add to the great styling and cute factor of this top!  Will look great with your favorite jeans or white denim.  A summer must have.  Available from +LDesigns Boutique at +Frisco Mercantile and +Marketplace Boutiques!

Photo from pskate

Fashion: Embroidered Peasant Top

Nothing says a day strolling on the beach like a great navy, bohemian style top, paired with white denim.  This cute top is 100% cotton, has a scoop neckline, and flattering embroidered bell sleeves. And to top it off, the fabric is a super soft gauze with an easy, breezy fit.  Now in stores from +LDesigns Boutique at +Frisco Mercantile.  S-L $48.

Photo from monoreno.com

Fashion: Flowy Gauze Top

If I was trying to pick the perfect summer fabric, a lightweight, flowy, gauzy fabric is the first to come to mind.  I love this 100% cotton, tie front, peasant-type top in raspberry.  It says style with a casual feel and would great with white shorts or white jeans for a night out.  This top has a regular fit, runs S-L, and is $44.  Now available from +LDesigns Boutique at +Frisco Mercantile.


Photo from monoreno.com

Fashion: Textured Bell Sleeve Top

At the March Dallas Apparel Market, I found shades of mint and sage to be popular colors for spring/summer 2106 fashion.  I love this mint green, textured, bell sleeve top.  It has a babydoll cut which is figure flattering, 3/4 sleeves, and a soft fabrication.  It runs S-L and is $38.  Now available from +LDesigns Boutique at +Frisco Mercantile.

Photo from easelonline.com

Food: Muffins in a Blender?

This recipe came across my Facebook feed and I was immediately interested in trying it out.  There are only 9 ingredients, all of which are pretty much stables in my kitchen, so on a whim I decided to whip these up.  For a gluten free, healthier option, I was pleasantly pleased with the end result, and more importantly, they passed the husband test!

I found this recipe to be super easy.  You put all of the ingredients in your blender (I have a Vitamix so it only took a few seconds to combine everything, pour the mix into a muffin tin and bake for about 15 minutes.  There were several topping ideas but I used organic frozen blueberries and unsweetened shredded coconut.  Since there is no sugar in the recipe they are definitely not as sweet as your run of the mill muffins but for a gluten free, no flour, no sugar (except for a little honey) option, they are pretty good.

Here is the recipe from Cooking Light:

Ingredients 

2 cups rolled oats, 2 ripe bananas, 2 eggs, 1 cup 2% Greek yogurt, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, dash of salt.

Topping Suggestions

– cinnamon and apple chunks
– strawberries and blueberries
– chocolate chips and almonds
– strawberries and chocolate chips
– unsweetened coconut
– anything your heart desires

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Place 12 pieces of parchment paper or muffin-cup liners in muffin cups, or spray tin with cooking spray.

2. Throw all of the ingredients in the blender; blend until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.

3. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle with toppings of your choice.

4. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool muffins in pan 5 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely on a wire rack.

Photo from cookinglight.com

Food: Sweet Potato Casserole

This is one of my favorite sweet potato recipes.  It's pretty easy and always a favorite around holidays:

Ingredients:

2 Large Sweet Potatoes, Peeled, Cooked, and Mashed

½ Cup Sugar

2 Eggs

1 TLB Vanilla

4 TLB Butter

½ Cup Low Fat Milk

¼ tsp Nutmeg

½ tsp Cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together and pour into a buttered casserole dish. Proceed to make topping mix.

Topping:

½ Cup Brown Sugar

1/3 Cup Wheat Flour

1/3 Cup Chopped Pecans

1/3 Cup Chopped Walnuts

3 TLB Melted Butter

1 TLB Water

Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle on top of casserole.  Bake at 350 for 40 minutes or until cooked through..

Fashion: Washed Linen Layered Top

This is such a beautiful top.  It features soft washed linen, double color-blocked layers, and 3/4 ruffled, double layered sleeves.  The fabric is super soft and I love the muted sage mixed with cream.  It runs S-L with a very generous fit.  Available from +LDesigns Boutique at +Frisco Mercantile and +Marketplace Boutiques.  In stores now.

Photo from easelonline.com