Weekend Wear

memorialday

Sun Hat // Striped Bikini // Gold Bangles // Raffia Cross Body Bag // Espadrilles {on sale!} // Mason Jar Glass // American Flag Scarf // Tortoise Sunnies // White Skort // Striped Top // Sandals // Floral Shorts // Pocket Tee // Giraffe Necklace

Memorial Day is just around the corner {May 27th!}  Kick off the official start of summer in style.  Add some things on your to do list next weekend- have a picnic, host a barbecue, make a bon fire, jump in the ocean and be excited for the arrival of summer.  Hello sunshine and swimsuits!

Shop the look:

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Sweet + Spicy

grapefruit_jalapeno_margarita

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo this Sunday with this fresh Grapefruit Jalapeño Margarita.  Use pure ingredients with minimal amounts of sweetener for a healthy buzz.  A refreshing way to celebrate this popular holiday of Mexican heritage and pride- don’t forget a sombrero gringos!

Grapefruit Jalapeño Margarita 

{Makes 4}

1 cup tequila {Patron Silver is best}

1/2 cup Cointreau

Agave Nectar to taste {start with 1/4 cup}

1 cup fresh grapefruit juice

1 cup fresh lime juice

Sugar in the Raw or Salt

{For an extra citrus kick add 1 teaspoon grapefruit zest + 1 teaspoon lime zest}

Line rim of glass with sugar or salt.  Shake it up and pour over ice.  Add sliced jalapeños and enjoy.  Pairs well with this Mexican Corn Salsa.  Happy Cinco de Mayo!

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May 12

mothersday

 

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A gift guide for any mother in your life.  A little something feminine and sweet goes nicely with a thank you for being you.  Mother’s Day is May 12th, be prepared!

shop the Mother’s Day gift guide:

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Natural Tan + Giveaway

madflowers Sunless tans have become a staple in a lot of beauty routines, especially in the warmer months.  It gives confidence in a bikini and takes some of the negative- “ughhh I am so pale” thoughts away.  I have tried many products from gradual lotions, towels, mousses, spray on {from a can or booth or by hand}.  I’ve also been left orange, streaky, smelly, and looking just plain silly- although at the time I thought I looked good.  After learning about DHA {the chemical in all sunless tanners that activate the “tan”} and its potentially harmful effects, I decided to forgo the fake bake and embrace my own skin.

Thank goodness for MadFlowers: An All Natural Henna Bronzing Oil.  A delicious smelling blend of lavender oil, talia cordata flower extract, rosewood oil, and helichrysum extract that work together to create a natural glow while moisturizing, healing and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Henna Oil comes from a flowering plant and has been used since the Bronze Age to dye hair, skin and nails.  It also serves as a natural sunblock- yet your skin will get more bronzed with each use.  Isn’t that a win-win!

And the best part. . .  It actually works!  It goes on smooth, hydrates skin, adds a subtle and natural glow with a hint of shimmer.  Live the natural life to reveal your inner beauty.  Every woman is a MadFlower.

Want to try some for yourself?  There are 6 samples up for grabs- totally free!  All you have to do is Like Elle Lush and MadFlowers on Facebook.  6 lucky winners will be announced next Wednesday at 5 PM PST.

   Leave a comment | Posted in Beauty, Health, Uncategorized

J.Crew Sale

Savings alert!  25% off every purchase, use code: SPRINGBEST at checkout.

This jewel colored statement necklace would be a great staple to brighten up any basic tee, as would this floral sparkle bib necklace!  Hurry because the sale is only good until 4/28.  Happy Shopping!

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Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

fudgy-chocolate-brownies-fore296

Another winner from Gwyneth Paltrow and her new cookbook, It’s All Good.  It’s been my main source of cooking inspiration these past couple weeks and I’m still not tired of it.  These brownies were originally featured in her first cookbook, My Father’s Daughter, but are back for a second time with a few adjustments  They are one of the healthiest brownies you could make that actually taste good (and don’t contain black beans or tofu, yes I’ve tried those too)

Ingredients:

2 cups white spelt flour {or gluten free flour}

1 cup high-quality cocoa powder

1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder

A pinch of fine sea salt

1/2 cup Vegenaise or vegetable oil

1 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup brown rice syrup

1/2 cup brown rice syrup or light agave nectar

1/2 cup strong brewed coffee

1/2 cup soy milk or rice milk

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons oil

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided

Instructions:

  1. Heat oven to 350°. Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and a pinch of salt into a bowl. Whisk vegenaise or oil, maple syrup, brown rice syrup, coffee, soymilk and vanilla in another bowl. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Pour half the batter into a greased 9″ x 11″ baking dish; top with half the chips. Pour remaining batter into dish and top with remaining chips. Bake until knife comes out with crumbs adhering to it, 30 minutes. Let cool.

The Result:

348 calories per brownie, 15 g fat (3 g saturated), 53 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 5 g protein

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happy weekend

friday

 

h.a.p.p.y:::w.e.e.k.e.n.d

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shopbop.sale

 Today is the last day for some big savings at Shopbop!  Simply enter code: WEAREFAMILY13  at checkout to receive 20% savings on your order.  Now would be a good time to shop for that perfect bikini and beach tote I’ve been telling you about!

 

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Beach Totes

beachtotes

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Swing from Spring to Summer with the perfect tote.  Whether you prefer relaxing poolside or oceanside, these bags will carry all the necessities and then some.  A great bag transitions from day to night, like no. 4 with spare clutch.  You can’t beat the durability of the waterproof neoprene option {no.8}.  The light as air fold up floral tote is great for keeping the wet and sandy items separate from your other beach needs.  Wherever you find yourself as temperatures rise, be prepared!  Always have a bikini {or two} on hand for those glorious sunny days ahead.

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Mount Pleasant

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This homeowner in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina wanted a light filled, lofty space.  And that is exactly what he got.  Architect Heather A Wilson turned his vision into a reality by turning an old classic bungalow on a high lot into something much more livable for a young family.  Located in the charming area of Old Village, just a few short miles from downtown Charleston.  The home wraps around the pool and welcomes entertainment in the outdoor cabana and kitchen.  And how cool is the outdoor shower, complete with a toilet!  This home is like a vacation retreat, except it can be enjoyed all year round.

Architect: Heather A Wilson

 Interior: Jen Langston

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   1 Comment | Posted in Decor, Uncategorized