Tag: mom blogger

Pretty Knit and Levi’s For Fall

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When the temps drop, I become obsessed with being cozy ALL THE TIME, which means I am constantly on the hunt for pretty knits. They are easy to pop on and go, since mornings in the fall are always rushed. This beautiful light purple sweater is so cute with high waist jeans and simple sneakers, but looks equally cute with this tunic underneath and skinny jeans + booties…lots of options!Read More

Chunky Knit, Lace and distressed denim + giveaway {closed}

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Laid back looks have my heart (and a good hunk of my wardrobe). This boxy, chunky knit is so comfy and looks awesome layered with my favorite lace tunic (you see me in a lot). Pair with distressed denim or skinny jeans for daily errands and school drop offs. My jeans are in constant rotation and right now they are buy one, get one 50% off. I linked some other excellent fit pairs from Nordstrom below. I also have a giveaway!Read More

Favorite Jean Shorts

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I’ve tried a lot of jean shorts. A LOT. They are usually too short, or too frayed, or not the right wash. This pair is exactly what I was looking for (and are on sale!) – cuffed with a little fray, sit on the hips and are a good length. I’ve worn them just about every day this past week and cried when they were in the wash.Read More

Vegan Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Ice Cream

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On a recent stretch of 90-something degree days I found myself craving ice cream around the clock. If I could have brought myself to eat ice cream for breakfast, I probably would have (but I have a teeny tiny bit of will power). Since I didn’t want to eat real deal ice cream several times a day, I thought I would research vegan options and use a little coconut milk because its a little healthier, right? Right?! At least it made me feel better about indulging more often than normal in ice cream bliss.

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Visions of 50 different ice cream flavors danced in my head, but this option stood out. It had me at cookie dough and sealed the deal with peanut butter. Of course making ice cream takes a little a lot prep work, so you aren’t going to be able to eat it immediately. You may need to freeze your ice cream bowl, if that is the type of maker you have or purchase. You will need to soak the cashews for at least 6 hours or overnight and chill the cream base. Once you make the ice cream, it needs to harden a little in the freezer. It’s a process, but once you have the cone you’ve been dreaming about, it’s all worth it. Just keep that in mind and anticipate a hot summer night with the wind in the trees and a waffle cone in your hand with the ice cream you churned (at the press of a button or move of a lever).

*True story – I was given an ice cream bowl attachment for my Kitchen Aid stand mixer at one of my showers 6 YEARS AGO and never broke it out of the box. It seemed like one of those really fun things to scan for my bridal registry, but since we lived in a smallish apartment, the ice cream maker was stored at my parent’s until we moved into a house. Fast forward to now when I realized I had it hidden away in a cabinet and should probably give it a go. If you are looking for ice cream maker options, here are my top picks. My Kitchen Aid attachment is not on there. It refused to work after two batches and I still haven’t figured out why. An all in one machine seems like a much better option and they aren’t too pricey, but I’ve listed a splurge maker as well.

ice cream maker 1 // ice cream maker 2 // ice cream maker 3 // old fashioned ice cream maker

Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream

for the ice cream:

  • 1 1/4 cups raw cashews, soaked overnight (or at least 6 hours), then drained
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 15-ounce can full fat coconut milk (reserve 2 tablespoons for cookie dough)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
for the cookie dough:
  • 3 tablespoons vegan butter (such as earth’s balance soy sticks)
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup unbleached all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup dairy free mini chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life chips)
  • About 1-2 tablespoons coconut milk
How To:
Very important! The night before follow these two steps:
1. Place your ice cream churning bowl in the freezer to properly chill (according to manufacturer’s instructions) and soak your cashews (cover with about an inch of water). Drain before proceeding with recipe.
2. Add all ice cream ingredients to blender and blend until creamy and smooth using the puree setting. I used my ninja and it worked great. Process through a fine mesh strainer into a glass bowl to get rid of any cashew bits or grains. This helps to make the ice cream super smooth. Chill the mixture a few hours or overnight.
Add the chilled mixture to your churning bowl and and process (again, according to manufacturer’s instructions) anywhere from 20 – 45 minutes. While it is churning, make the cookie dough (keeping an eye on your mixture – once it looks like soft-serve it is ready!)
For cookie dough, use an electric mixer to combine vegan butter, peanut butter, brown sugar and vanilla in a medium bowl. Add the flour a few tablespoons at a time until the dough becomes thick and a little crumbly. Add coconut milk to add a little moisture and to help it stick together. Add chocolate chips and stir until dispersed. Freeze (chill) for a bit if you want the cookie dough to remain in chunks in your ice cream, otherwise you can keep it on the counter until ready to add.
Once the ice cream is thick like soft serve, add in 1/2 to 3/4 cup cookie dough, crumbling into chunks as you add. Smooth ice cream into a loaf pan lined with parchment. Cover well and freeze for a few hours until firm. When ready to serve, set out for about 15 minutes to soften. I prefer to serve my cookie dough ice cream on waffle cones with a sprinkle of more cookie dough. Best when fresh but will keep in your freezer for 7-10 days.

Cargo Vest + Feminine Tank

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Something about mixing utility clothing with ruffles feels so right. It gives off an edgy vibe with the most lady-like of manners, and it’s a good combination. Read More

June Wish List – Shein.com

I am moderately obsessed with maxi skirts at the moment. I decided I need a dramatic, flowy, fabulously colored version I can pair with a fancy top for a shower or wedding this summer. This green maxi won and since it is under $23, I can make this dream outfit a reality. The palm print crop top is absolutely stunning in person with a flattering neckline- show off those sun kissed shoulders ladies! I love these beautiful stacked heel shoes and since they are nude, they will go with so many outfits. A pink bag is so fun, and this one picks up the pretty pink in the crop top. What better to pair with palm print than leaf earrings? So pretty and under $3. No outfit is complete without sunnies, and these cat-eye glasses go hand in hand with the dramatic skirt. Happy Friday everyone and cheers to the weekend!

skirt // top // shoes // bag // sunglasses // earrings

xo (2)

Perfect Summer Blouse + Farm Views

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In the summer I find myself gravitating toward yellow- I wear it (this top), I drink it (lemonade) and I bask in the sun’s rays. This perfect summer blouse is a happy mellow yellow, and makes me think of tie dye without all the swirls and cliche- and it is on sale for under $8.Read More