Exhausted? Stressed? Anxious? My Tip For Instant Relief

CREDITS

Sports bra: Victoria's Secret | Leggings: Mara Hoffman

We live in a world where trying to have it all is commonplace -  one filled with an early a.m. workout, a healthy desk lunch that was made from scratch, a career that requires you to be on call 24/7,  children that need your love and support, (not forgetting the husband/wife/girlfriend/boyfriend) and a failed attempt at meditation on a crowded subway. It's no surprise that we're burnt out and left feeling stressed and anxious. So what's the solution? Ideally it would be to take a step back and give yourself a little love and space, but that's easier said than done and personally I'm still working on it. In the mean time, I've discovered Yoga with Adriene: Adriene's fun, upbeat and detailed sessions are on YouTube, they're accessible to all levels and obviously super convenient, because you can practice anytime and anywhere (for free!). I'm currently throughly enjoying her 30 days of Yoga Revolution (I'm on day 12) but what I also love is Adriene's multiple yoga sequences for anxiety and stress that I can testify to providing excellent relief - she even has a 'virtual class' on Self Care (see i told you I was working on it). So, the next time you come home exhausted by the days' events, put on your comfiest pair of yoga pants and try Yoga with Adriene's Yoga for Anxiety.

Ph: The cutest Adriene

How To Poach The Perfect Egg

I am a horrible cook. If it wasn't for my husband the whole family would have starved by now. But the one thing I can do and fairly well (if I do say so myself) is poach an egg, I realise I'm not going to win any awards with this culinary skill but breakfast is the still most important meal of the day no? I also believe in self-improvement of said skill, which is why I was excited to see, on my favourite wellness site wellandgood.com, a feature with Nick Korbee, the chef at the always-mobbed New York City brunch destination Egg Shop on "How to poach the perfect egg" and well I just felt the need to share!

They also included a fab recipe for Smashed avocado and poached egg (my second go to dish - crazy I know) from Korbee's soon to be released Egg Shop: The Cookbook so make sure you scroll to the end! 

1. Get the water temperature right

According to Korbee, it should be between 175 and 180°F. “You should be able to see tiny champagne-like bubbles,” he says.

2. Add some acid

“Two tablespoons of vinegar, lemon juice, or ACV all work,” he says. “Just don’t use one that’s too colorful, like red wine vinegar, or it will make your eggs look weird.” Once you land on your add-in, mix it into your almost-boiling water.

3. Crack the egg

“The idea is that the closer to the surface you can release it into simmering water, [the better],” Korbee says. If you go for a dramatic drop, he adds, “the whites will immediately separate and gravity will rip it apart.” (Hello, #yolkfail!) Korbee likes to get his fingers as close to the surface as possible and forgoes using a cup or extra tools to assist in the cracking.

4. Test it

Korbee says that this is the most crucial part of the whole poaching process. In order to tell when your egg is ready, raise it gently out of the water. “You can test it by wiggling to see if it’s set to your liking,” he says. “And whatever you do, please don’t cook the yolk!”

5. Scoop it out

Once it’s passed the jiggle test, carefully scoop out your poached egg from the water—it’s ready to serve!

Smashed avocado and poached egg

Makes 1 sandwich

Ingredients
1 avocado
Juice of 2 lemons, plus 1 lemon wedge
1 tsp kosher salt
2 sliced multigrain bread, toasted
3 slices heirloom tomato
1 poached egg
1 tsp olive oil
1/4 tsp fresh lemon zest
Fresh mixed herbs of your choice (Suggested: parsley and dill)

1. Halve, pit, and peel the avocado.

2. In a large bowl, use a fork to mash the avocado. Remember, you aren’t making guacamole—the smash should have some funky chunk to it, with some smooth parts, some baby bits, anda few big mama bits.

3. Add the lemon juice and salt. (This will last for about two days in an airtight container, with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface of the smash to prevent oxidation. Press down to eliminate any air pockets that might also cause the pesky brown spots.)

4. Spread avo smash on both pieces of toast. Cut one slice in diagonally in half and top the other with tomato slices and the poached egg.

5. To serve, slightly separate the halved avo toast and place the other half with the tomato and poached egg on top. Finish the toasts with the herb salt, lemon oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Top with a little fresh herb salad.

Elle's Edit: The Best Kids Essentials from The Old Navy Sale

I do love a bit of Old Navy for Kids, if you shop it right you can find some real gems and you cannot beat the prices - especially when they're on sale!!!  

Check out my edit from baby to big kid:

Baby Boy (or Girl)

How cute is this little road map tee?! Pair it perfectly with versatile stripes,

Baby Girl

I love a Liberty style floral print and this sweet collared blouse is adorable! Pair with soft neutrals and add a pop of colour with shoes (or socks).

Toddler Boy

Add a bright statement tee to easy and comfortable basics.

Toddler Girl

Vintage inspired floral prints are not only gorgeous but they're perfect for hiding stains when they drop half their dinner down themselves! I also wish the cat shoes came in my size!

Big Boy

Statement sweatshirts brighten up cool skinny jeans and skater sneaks.

Big Girl

Mix prints: Treat graphic prints like neutrals (yes that includes leopard) and pair together for a fresh look that could work for any age.

Should Parents Let Kids Design Their Own Bedrooms?

It's not everyday that your little girl is quoted in The Wall Street Journal as a home decor expert. What are your thoughts? Should your kids be involved in their bedrooms?

Read the article  below:

Parents, children, designers and psychologists weigh in on what can become a very contentious family drama.

GIRL BOWER From mom-edited options, 6-year-old Honor Dimmock chose Cath Kidston wallpaper and bedding from John Lewis in London for her Brooklyn room.

 PHOTO: ADAM FRIEDBERG FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

By

DEBRA JO IMMERGUT

Updated Jan. 19, 2017 11:10 a.m. ET

Yes, having their own space imparts a sense of security in children.

Decking out her new Brooklyn bedroom gave 6-year-old Honor Dimmock a rare opportunity to call the shots, noted her mom Elle Strauss, fashion director of Brides magazine. Ms. Strauss showed opinionated Honor some preselected options, then let her choose. (“I wanted flowers and my bunny family,” said Honor. And apparently a pink castle.) Psychologist and design consultant Sally Augustin approves. Allowing children buy-in imparts a sense of ownership, she said: “We feel more relaxed and comfortable in our own territory.” And if your kid demands a palette inspired by Spiderman’s spandex? “[Paint] an accent wall or use decals to bring in color without overcommitting,” suggested Danielle Kurtz, creative director at retailer the Land of Nod. If a child wants what’s shiny and new, you can temper it with an heirloom quilt, advised Los Angeles designer Frances Merrill. Embrace a layered (read: cluttered) aesthetic; that way, scattered toys will look purposeful. Finally, approach kids’ wishes with an open mind, suggested Northampton, Mass., designer Sally Staub. When her 14-year-old coveted a string of kitschy star-shaped lanterns for her bedroom, Ms. Staub caved. Hung around the bed, “they actually looked sweet. And at some point you’ve just got to let go a bit.”

TOP-DOWN DESIGN The boy who lives in this San Francisco room, designed by Anne Hepfer, had little to do with creating its nautical theme (note the surfboard-shaped headboards). PHOTO: VIRGINIA MACDONALD

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No, children can be capricious, which can lead to overspending and truly bad décor.

Some parents don’t like to let their little tenants drive the décor, and plenty of interiors pros applaud their stance. “I see some horrible mistakes because kids are given too much power,” said Los Angeles designer Andrea Putman. “After we installed some beautiful rose-embellished wallpaper in one little girl’s room, she threw a fit and said that actually, she hated the color pink.” The parents allowed her to paint three walls a deep purple color. “The end effect looked disconcerting.” New York designer Ariel Ashe is also loathe to cede too much say to the underage set. Often, their input is a little too whimsical, said Ms. Ashe. “Creativity is a good thing but can lead to frivolous spending.” She has been favoring black-and-white themes for children’s rooms, which “feels very modern and not too cute.” While Dr. Augustin cautioned that an overly sophisticated room may never give a child that comforting sense of refuge, she does believe in setting some limits on kids’ design demands. A bedroom first and foremost should foster slumber, she said—a convenient truth that lets design control-freaks nix that eye-searing yellow paint upon which their budding Nate Berkus just set his heart.

Elle's Edit: Crewcuts (24 hour!!) Sale

Who seriously doesn't love Crewcuts?! And for 24 hours Crewcuts has a 50% off sale! Use code THEBEST at check out.  Here's an edit of some of my faves for the little girls and boys in your life.

CREDITS

Fur coat | Velvet dress | Chelsea boot | Camel Hoodie | Elephant bag | All Crewcuts

CREDITS

Toggle coat | Grey sweater | Glow in the dark Star Wars t | Fleece lined corduroys | Monster ski mask | Dinosaur Vans | All Crewcuts