Friday, April 29, 2016

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

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

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

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

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

Monday, April 25, 2016

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!


Tuesday, April 19, 2016

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

Saturday, April 16, 2016

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

Thursday, April 14, 2016

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!

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

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

Saturday, April 9, 2016

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

Thursday, April 7, 2016

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

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

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

Monday, April 4, 2016

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

Sunday, April 3, 2016

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

Saturday, April 2, 2016

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

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Fabulous Find: Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch


It's not often that you get a "free sample" of a product that ends up being something you actually love.  But that's exactly what happened when I tried out the little gift with purchase sample I received of Instant Smooth from Clarins.

I had to go to their website to see what it was and how it was used then decided to give it a try.  It's actually a primer that you use over your moisturizer but under your foundation and it acts as a veil over your skin's surface filling in fine lines.

I am an admitted product junkie so it's not often I try out a new product and instantly love it but this primer made my skin instantly feel more soft and smooth and made foundation application quick and easy.  It's definitely a keeper!


Photo from clarinsusa.com


Fashion: Washed Linen Peasant Top

Lightweight and flowy, this washed linen peasant top features statement bell sleeves, an adjustable tie front neckline, and a tiered silhouette.  Perfect in soft blush and will look great with your spring fashions!  S-L with a generous cut and will be available from +LDesigns Boutique at +Marketplace Boutiques!

Photo from easelonline.com

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Fashion: Cotton Gauze Top


No other fabric says summer like a beautiful, lightweight cotton gauze.  This natural, oversized, cotton gauze top is perfect for a summer night out or a day by the beach.  It has a generous cut, statement bell sleeves, and front button placket.  Say hello to summer!  Coming this week from +LDesigns Boutique and will be available at +Frisco Mercantile S-L $38.

Photo from easelonline.com

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Fashion: Ruffle Tank Dress



Love this sleeveless, double ruffle, slate tank dress.  The soft rayon/spandex fabric is so comfortable and the color is on trend for spring summer fashion.  This cute tank dress has a generous cut and can be worn over a top as a layered look, with a cardigan, or by itself, and will look great with your new summer white skinny jeans!  Available from +LDesigns Boutique at +Frisco Mercantile; S-L $24. Can also be ordered and shipped directly to you!

Photo from easelonline.com

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Food: Avocado Chicken Salad


I recently have been experimenting with the Paleo way of eating.  I am more of a follower of eating a healthy, balanced diet, with a few cheats (pizza and wine) but I defiantly keep my carbs to a minimum. With that being said, I have been researching different Paleo recipe sites to get some easy, new recipes in my repertoire.  Yesterday I came across the site PrimalPaleo.Com and found this super easy and delicious chicken avocado recipe.  I highly recommend it.  I didn't have any Bibb lettuce but I had a Costco kale salad mix and just put a scoop of the chicken salad on top of a bowl of the kale salad and had a great, quick, healthy lunch!

Recipe: Easy Avocado Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Photo from primalpaleo.com

Fashion: Pretty in Pink


The fact that I am so happy to use the title of one of my all time favorite movies for this blog post probably makes me seem a little bit daft, and it for sure ages me as well.  But, hey, John Hughes was a writer/director genius, was he not?

On to the fashion...this super soft cotton slub top has 3/4 bell sleeves and double layer crochet trim. It runs S-M-L with a generous fit.  Will look so great this spring/summer with white skinny jeans, capris or shorts.  A fashion must have!  Available from +LDesigns Boutique at +Marketplace Boutiques and can be ordered and shipped to any location.

Photo from easelonine.com

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Fashion: Slouchy Pullover Sweater


This super soft slouchy pullover sweater with rolled 3/4 sleeve hem is perfect for breezy spring days. It has a cute contrast fabric ruffled hem and adjustable tie in the back neckline.  So cute!  Sized S-L with a generous fit; $44 from +LDesigns Boutique and available at Willow Cottage Boutique in Grapevine.

This super cute top is available to ship to any location!

Photo from easelonline.com

Food: Bulletproof Coffee

I could not decide to post this under food or fabulous finds - It was a tough decision.  After-all, I consider coffee one of the food groups, but I also consider Bulletproof Coffee a definite fabulous find.

 A co-worker of my husband mentioned this brand of coffee to him and knowing that I was a big coffee lover, he passed the information on to me.  I looked it up and considered ordering it right away but since I had succumbed to the convenience of a Keurig, the thought of having to grind my own beans and actually brew my own cup of coffee each morning seemed way too time-consuming in my super busy morning schedule. But, I kept thinking about this coffee and decided to give it a try and now I can't believe what I had been missing out on for so long!

This is the smoothest, best tasting coffee I have ever had and I can't imagine going a morning now without it!  I don't even mind taking the time to brew a cup each morning between getting kids fed and out the door - I look forward to my cup of coffee so much it's more than worth the few minutes it takes!  I have even purchased a Bialetti to make it on the stove-top and get that super fresh taste (I'll dive more into that one later).

Bulletproof has a whole science behind it's coffee and serving suggestions that you can look up on their site - as for me - I just love a good cup of Joe! www.bulletproof.com

Photo from bulletproof.com

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Fashion: Sheer Striped Sweater


Beautiful sheer striped sweater with long sleeves.  This lightweight sweater has a ruffled bottom hem and looks great worn over your favorite tank or cami.  Available in Oatmeal and Light Grey.  Sized S-L; $44.  Available from +LDesigns Boutique at +Frisco Mercantile and +Marketplace Boutiques.

Photo from easelonline.com

Fashion: Floral Print Top

Romantic and feminine, this easy to wear print tunic can be worn on or off the shoulder.  This ruffle bottom tunic features 3/4 bell sleeves and an adjustable draw string front.  Sized S-L; $44 and available from +LDesigns Boutique at Willow Cottage Boutique and Soapery in Grapevine, TX.


Photo from easelonline.com

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Fashion: Spring Paisley Print Dress

Just in time for some great spring weather: This multi-color paisley print dress has a relaxed fit, 3/4 sleeves, and crochet fringe trim on the sleeve hem.  Can be worn on or off the shoulder and looks great alone or worn with leggings.  Available from +LDesigns Boutique at +Frisco Mercantile.  Sized S-XXL and only $34!  A great spring find!

Picture from: lashowroom.com

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Fabulous Find: Good Works Blessing Key Necklace

A great big message in a little package: Good Works zinc alloy and crystal Blessing Key Necklace is engraved with the words: "Be Strong" and "Fearless".  It's not only fashionable but has a strong message.  Not to mention that every purchase of the Blessing Key Necklace gives a person access to clean water by building wells through the charity Generosity.org.  So when you get something little for yourself (or as a gift for others) you are helping out in a very big way.  Available from +LDesigns Boutique at +Frisco Mercantile.

Photo by: goodworksmakesadifference.com
Charity: Generosity.org

Monday, March 7, 2016

Fashion: Blue & White 3/4 Sleeve Plaid Top

I can't say enough about how great these plaid tops are from BeachLunchLounge!  This 100% rayon herringbone fabric is so soft you won't know whether to wear it out or to hop back in bed.  This 3/4 sleeve top has a gentle drape, one front pocket, and is the perfect fit.  You'll never want to take it off! Available from +LDesigns Boutique at +Frisco Mercantile and Willow Cottage Boutique in Grapevine, TX.  Sized S-XL.


Photo from BeachLunchLounge

Fashion: Softest Top - Ever!

These new plaid tops from BeachLunchLounge are a must have for spring.  In the softest 100% rayon herringbone plaid, they are stylish, great fitting and on-trend for spring 2016.  In a variety of plaid colors and sized XS-XL - a must have staple for your wardrobe! Available from +LDesigns Boutique at +Frisco Mercantile!


Photo from beachlunchlounge.com

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Fashion: Keyhole Print Dress


A great fitting plus size dress in a pretty blue and tan mixed print.  This A-Line dress has long sleeves, a keyhole neckline, and will look great by itself or paired with leggings.  Available in plus sizes XL-2XL from +LDesigns Boutique at +Marketplace Boutiques!


Photo from UmgeeUSA.com

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Fashion: Print Baby Doll Dress


This stylish, super cute plus size dress has 3/4 bell sleeves and a plunging v-neck with vanity placket and covered buttons.  It is a wonderful light-weight poly/cotton crepon with a mixed print border hemline.  Sized XL-3X, this dress can be worn alone or over leggings and is perfect for springtime fashions!  Available from +LDesigns Boutique at +Marketplace Boutiques!

Friday, February 26, 2016

Fashion: Vintage Cardigan

Vintage with a romantic feel...this mint blue cardigan has long sleeves, lace side panels, and a cinched back waist.  Has a wonderful soft and feminine feel and looks great over a cami or dress. Perfect for spring fashion and fits right in with spring 2016 color-trends.  Available from +LDesigns Boutique at Willow Cottage Boutique in Grapevine, TX.

Fashion: Super Soft Spring Tunic

I love this feminine, light-weight tunic with long sleeves.  It has an overlap hem, and super soft textured melangie fabric with just a little bit of stretch.  Perfect with skinny jeans or white capris.  Sized S, M, L  with a generous cut.  Available from +LDesigns Boutique at both +Frisco Mercantile and +Marketplace Boutiques $28.

Monday, February 22, 2016

Fabulous Find: The Invisibelt!

I discovered this great find after getting fed up with the "back-gap" in my jeans and not having a slim fitting belt to go under my tops and tees.  After much searching I found this genius little product: The Invisibelt!  It literally could not be more simple -It's a flat, undetectable and adjustable belt that instantly gives you a sleeker, slimmer look!  After I bought my first one at retail - I loved it so much I started selling them in my stores as well!  I love the simple things that make life (mainly fashion) easier!  Available from +LDesigns Boutique at +Frisco Mercantile and +Marketplace Boutiques!

Picture from invisibelt.com