the style du jour

a dash of thrift, a sprinkle of stripes and a whole lot of lovely

Collagen Key Lime Pie Smoothie

With the refreshing flavor of fresh limes, velvety richness of avocado and sweetness of dates, this smoothie is not only delicious, but packed full of nutrition powerhouse ingredients.

This smoothie was inspired by a simple homemade lime yogurt I’ve make at home for years. Simply adding fresh lime zest and juice to vanilla or plain Greek yogurt creates a full- flavored taste reminiscent of key lime pie.

In addition to the obvious ingredients for this smoothie – lime zest and fresh lime juice – I also added some (perhaps) surprising ones: dates and frozen banana for sweetness and avocado for some heart-healthy fats (and nice green hue). I also added a collagen protein boost which you can easily not include if you’d rather and will have no impact on the delish taste of this smoothie!

What’s with all the buzz about collagen??

Collagen has been showing up on everything from beauty products to supplements. Not sure what it is exactly? Collagen is a protein our body naturally makes that acts like the glue or scaffolding for our skin, joints, hair and nails. When it comes to the skin, collagen provides that volume which helps keep skin looking plump and wrinkle-free. With age, there’s a gradual loss of collagen so the idea is that supplementation like in powder form can help replenish what’s lost and improve the look of skin. When it comes to the research, results on the effectiveness of collagen supplements are mixed.* But, if you’re like me and open to trying easy add-ons in my diet to see how they may benefit your skin, then you may want to give it a try!

There are a TON of collagen powders out there, but I’ve been using one my sister recommended and it’s been the perfect fit.** It’s flavorless (I don’t care for flavored protein powders), can dissolve in both cold or hot foods (I also add it to oatmeal) and is one of the more affordable choices (a 7 oz container is $10 at Trader Joe’s).

Collagen Key Lime Pie Smoothie

Makes 2 servings, 250 calories each (14 grams of protein)

Ingredients:

1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt

1 cup reduced fat milk (or milk of choice)

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 dates, without pit

The zest and lime juice from one lime

1/3 avocado (about 2-3 slices)

1/2 frozen banana

2 scoops collagen (I use Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolsate available at Trader Joes or Amazon)

Shredded coconut and graham cracker crumbs (optional toppings)

Directions:

  1. Combine and blend first four ingredients.
  2. Add remaining ingredients (lime zest and juice to collagen). Blend until smooth.
  3. Pour into two cups, top with shredded coconut and graham cracker crumbs and enjoy!

Like all smoothies, you can customize this recipe to your liking. If you prefer more sweetness, try adding a whole frozen banana and/or honey. Like more citrus? Add more lime juice and zest and a splash of orange juice.

Have you tried adding collagen powder to your diet? If so, what’s your favorite way to eat or drink it?

XOXO,

Emily

P.S. If you’re looking for more detailed info about collagen, here are excellent science-based articles that I’ve referenced recently:

*Collagen: ‘Fountain of Youth’ Or Edible Hoax?”

*Can Collagen Supplements Make Your Skin Younger?

**The Best Collagen Powders for Women, According to a Nutritionist

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Baked “Old-Fashioned” Doughnuts with Lemon Glaze

When a Polar Vortex keeps you indoors, you end up with dozens of delicious, “old fashioned” baked doughnuts topped with a lemony glaze. Fluffy with just the right amount of spice, these doughnuts were difficult to photograph because we kept gobbling them up! The lemon glaze adds just the right amount of tart and fresh flavor – a hint to warmer days we can only daydream about at this point.

A few months ago I picked up a bagel + /doughnut baking pan on a Target run. I thought it would be fun to make homemade doughnuts and sweet treats with the kids.

A little comfort food was just what we needed last week as temps started to dipped below zero. Yes, I am a registered dietitian, but I love me a delicious doughnut and I’ve eaten more than I’d like to admit in the last year. While I was pregnant with Bash, I had serious doughnut cravings.

I was excited to try a homemade and healthier spin on one of my favorite sweet indulgences. Sloane was happy to be my baking buddy for our first batch and we used Ina Garten’s Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts recipe. Ina is one of my favorite chefs and, on most weeknights, it is likely our dinner is inspired by one of her recipes (which always includes Weeknight Bolognese once a week!)

The spiced flavor of the dough – including cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla – creates the flavor of an “old fashioned” doughnut. Ina’s recipe includes a butter and cinnamon/sugar topper which was delicious.

For our second batch, we made a few adjustments to the recipe based on what we had on hand and added a flavorful lemony glaze which added just the right amount of tart and fresh flavor – a welcomed hint to warmer days we can only daydream about at this point while we’re housebound for a couple days (The current temperature is -24, but feels like – 50 degrees!).

Baked “Old Fashioned” Doughnuts with Lemon Glaze

(Makes 18-24 doughnuts)

Ingredients:

  • Baking spray
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 1/4 cups 2% milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Lemon Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 3-4 teaspoons lemon juice (juice from one small lemon)
  • 1-2 teaspoons of water (as needed for desired glaze thickness)
  • 2 teaspoons of lemon zest

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Liberally spray your doughnut pan (s). (Note: I only have one pan, but would recommend using two at a time)
  2. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl (use a sifter if you have one). In a measuring glass, combine wet ingredients. Pour the milk/egg mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Stir until all ingredients are combined (Similar to muffins, don’t over mix the batter).
  3. Use a small spoon to fill each doughnut section (about 2-3 tablespoons of batter or about 3/4 full).
  4. Bake for 15-17 minutes (depending on your oven and batter amount). While the doughnuts are in the oven, prepare the lemon glaze adding lemon juice and water until desired glaze consistency. Remove doughnuts from oven and cool for about 10 minutes. Use a thin plastic spatula (or something that won’t scratch your non-stick pan) to carefully remove each doughnut and place on a cooling rack. Glaze and enjoy warm! Store remaining in an airtight container.

These easy, baked doughnuts are a lighter version than their fried counterparts that deliver on taste! I challenge you to have only one. 🙂 Plus, it’s a fun recipe to involve your little ones especially on these cold, winter days!

XOXO,

Emily

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Closet Cleanout Guide: How to Minimize Your Closet and Make Money

January is synonymous with organizing and I’m all about it. Whether it’s the influx of new stuff from the holidays or the release of Marie Kondo’s new “Tidying Up” show, I feel like my closet is overflowing with all the things and I’m itching to streamline, organize and keep only what “sparks joy.” (Thanks, Marie!)

I spent last weekend happily clearing out my closet and separating my clothes, handbags and accessories into piles: giveaway, sell and toss (this is the smallest pile typically designated for solo socks). The “sell” pile is by far my favorite – who doesn’t want to make a little bonus money while organizing at the same time? Plus, it’s important to me how the act of donating or selling my clothing has a positive eco-impact.

It’s no secret that I love to shop at Crossroads Trading to find both on-trend and investment pieces (I talk about this in my recent post, “5 Ways to Buy Designer on Discount), and I’m not alone. I read recently that about 1/3 of women shop secondhand for clothing. As a seller, there’s a huge market to make a little money by selling your previously loved clothing and accessories. Crossroads Trading has a sell by mail option that makes it possible to do that without even leaving your home. I’ve always sold my items in person at a store location, so I was excited to give this a try.

It was so easy to request a Sell By Mail bag online. I received it in the mail days later with a pre-paid shipping return label. Next up: Fill it up, mail it back and wait to receive a shopping credit or check (it’s your choice!). I’m opting for a check this time around.

“When you buy something old and previously-loved, you’re extending its lifespan and reducing its carbon footprint.”

– Emily Farra, Vogue editor

Tips To Help Make the Most from Your Sell By Mail Bag:

  1. Only include pieces you’d want to buy. Check for any missing buttons, snags, holes or broken zippers. Make sure everything is freshly laundered and folded. First appearances count, after all!
  2. Pay attention to the buying guide. Crossroads Trading outlines the styles and trends they are buying this season which, right now, includes denim, silk, plaid prints, metallic, red, slip dresses, embroidery details and neck scarfs.
  3. Keep it on-trend, but don’t forget the classics. Crossroads Trading is known for being a destination for current trends and styles (within a year) so it’s important to keep that in mind when you’re filling your bag. That said, I’ve had success selling classic pieces like a J.Crew blazer with detailing or a BCBG cocktail dress.


I love a good closet clean-out where I can make a little pocket money to reinvest in clothing for the kids. I also feel good knowing that I can contribute to the eco-friendly secondhand solution and help extend the life of my clothing and accessories.

Are you cleaning out your closet this winter? If so, how and where do you donate or sell your clothing?

XOXO,

Emily

*This post is sponsored by Crossroads Trading. All thoughts and opinions shared here are my own.

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Small Spaces Decor Inspiration: How to Create a Pinterest-Worthy Small Office

In looking back over this past year of content sharing here on The Style DJ, it’s interesting to see that, for the second year in a row, my most popular post and most pinned on Pinterest is a decor-centered post, “Small Spaces Inspiration: How to Create a Vanity in Your Closet. ” Since then, I’ve continued to slowly work on projects around our house, but I haven’t really shared many updates. So, in line with “Small Spaces” decor inspiration, here is a glimpse at the before and after journey of a small sunroom located off our main living room which I like to call my “office.” 🙂

  • BEFORE: The sunroom when we first moved in.
  • BEFORE
  • BEFORE
AFTER! This wall, which shares the fire place on the other side, is the only windowless wall in this room. To help break up the white space, I went with this bold banana leaf print paper from Accent Wall Customs a la the Beverly Hills Hotel. I like the contrast of the crisp high-gloss white desk and shag rug with a geometric pattern against this vintage print.
Colorful photos are set in metallic frames from Restoration Hardware. I like how bamboo window shades are neutral and let in a lot of light. They make me feel like I’m in a sunny and warm locale (and not in Chicago in the middle of winter!)
A faux fur stool serves as the resting place for my current projects (e.g., Santa’s Workshop!)
  • Some of my favorite decor inspiration books double as a stage for seasonal decor.
  • I use a gold monogrammed glass from Anthropologie to hold my pens.

I adore this vintage palm print removable wall paper so much that I’ll be using it in my next small spaces decor update – a tiny powder room located on our first floor. I can’t wait to share that room refresh with you in the New Year!

Do you have any decor updates planned for the New Year?

XOXO,

Emily

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20

Holiday Gift Guide For Kids

This holiday, consider these “outside the box” gifts for the kids on your holiday list that will inspire creativity, play and confidence building. From personalized gifts to monthly educational subscriptions to swim lessons, these are some of the beloved gifts we’ve received, given or are on our wish list.

Goldfish Swim Lessons:  We’re huge fans of Goldfish swim programs and their incredible staff. Teddy has improved leaps and bounds since he started less than a year ago: From holding onto the wall to now swimming the full length of our pool by himself. This is the perfect experiential gift for a child who has plenty of “stuff.” Plus, it’s a great activity during the winter months to work on an essential life skill, have fun and boost their confidence. Did I mention the water temp is set at 90 degrees? :)*

Highlights Magazine: We received a subscription years ago as a gift and it’s one of the best presents the kids have received! It’s entertaining, educational and inspires their imagination. It’s always a fun surprise when it arrives in the mail. I always make sure to keep a handful of old copies in our car to entertain Teddy and Sloane on road trips. 

Nugget Comfort: This is a great group gift for siblings. These four-piece couches with washable covers in bright and bold hues can be stacked and folded a zillion ways to create forts, spaceships, castles galore. We have the navy Nugget and we all adore it! I love it’s modern look and have used it in our finished basement/play room, the kids’ room and, where it now rests, our family room. The kids love lounging on it and, even better, building forts. We’ve also used it to make two cozy sleeping beds when we have a house full of houseguests. Check out their Instagram feed for some serious home decor inspiration, too!

Wonderbly Personalized Books: They offer a variety of personalized books that make for really touching presents. My kids each have the “Lost My Name” personalized book and I have the “Where Are You…?” book on my radar for when they’re a little older. 

Silly Street Character Builders – This is the latest from one of our favorite game brand (it always makes my holiday gift list!) It uses a theater-themed set with cute animal characters to help little ones explore emotions in a creative way. For little ones who love playing with small characters, this is a fitting gift to inspire their creativity!

Little Passports – This is a monthly subscription that helps your child learn about the world through monthly adventures and activities. I don’t think it’s ever too early to inspire a love for travel and learning about different places and cultures. 

Do you have a great gift idea that inspires creativity, play and imagination? Please share if you do! I’m always looking for new ideas. 

XOXO,

Emily

*I am a Goldfish Swim Partner which means I currently receive complimentary lessons in exchange for sharing my honest opinion. 

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20

How to Create A Holiday-Worthy Cheese Board

Whether you call it a cheese board or a charcuterie tray, it can be agreed that a flavor-packed spread of cheese, meat and other fixings is the perfect prelude to a holiday feast. Or simply a feast in itself! More than 9 out of 10 of you told me on Instagram recently that you’re likely to enjoy a cheese board as the main meal. Count me in that mix! 

My kind of cheese board looks a little like this. It varies depending on what I have on hand, but I try to include a variety of hard and soft cheeses, a couple of cured meats, and a combination of complementary flavors, textures and colors. We eat with our eyes, after all.

A butcher block or large cutting board is my go-to serving tray. Once the cheese and meats are placed, I add seasonal fresh fruits, a variety of dried fruit, mixed nuts, olives or pickled vegetables and sweet or savory jam. Add a combination of crackers, pita or baguette slices to pile high with fixings.

A must for a crowd-pleasing cheese board is an aged cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano. (Hint: Look for the pin-dots on the rind to make sure you are getting the real deal made in and around the province of Parma in Italy. It’s the best!) Fun Fact: When I studied abroad in Italy, I got a first-hand look at how Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is made. You can read all about it here and get my family’s recipe for Carbonara).

For the holidays, you can add seasonal and festive accents like fresh rosemary twigs, a bowl of sugared cranberries or slices of sugared citrus (which add a nice touch to holiday cocktails as well!).


What are you favorite fixings for a holiday-worthy cheese tray??

XOXO,

Emily

*I was gifted Parmigiano Reggiano for this post. 

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Holiday Gift Guide For Your BFF

Here are a few trinket ideas for the lovely ladies on your holiday list this year who seem to have it all and definitely deserve it all.  From faux fur details to glittery baubles, these gifts and stocking stuffers are the kind of things they’ll want to receive and all for less than $100.

Velvet Bow Scrunchie

Luxe Faux Fur Robe with Hood

Agate Coaster Set (4)

Lacquer Metallic Square Tray 

2019 Desk Calendar   (I love a fresh, pretty calendar for the New Year! I often save my favorite prints from old calendars to use in frames and collages around the house)

Gold Stacking Ring Set

Kate Spade NY Belt Bag

Cozy Leopard Print Slippers

Monogram Mugs (These are my all time favorite! I’ve both given and received these as a gift and love them.)

Ombre Faux Fur Throw (Another favorite! You can never have enough of these throws. One for every room in my opinion.)

Faux Fur Fingerless Gloves 

Multistripe Socks

Monogram Wrap-Around Ring

Lip Gloss Set

Faux Fur Earmuffs

Have a fantastic gift you’ll be giving your BFF this holiday? Please share!

XOXO,

Emily

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