Friday Foodday

Oh thank goodness.  Friday.  Any good recipes for me?  I think I've found a few you'd like!

Don't forget to enter the Rosy+Tart giveaway! Monday is the last day!

Chicken and Cashews

c/o Cooking Light

Ingredients

3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, divided 

2 tablespoons dry sherry

4 teaspoons cornstarch, divided

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth

2 tablespoons oyster sauce

1 tablespoon honey

2 teaspoons sesame oil, divided

3/4 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup chopped green onions (about 3 green onions)

1/4 cup chopped unsalted dry-roasted cashews

Directions

Combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, sherry, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and chicken in a large bowl; toss well to coat. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, remaining 2 teaspoons cornstarch, broth, oyster sauce, and honey in a small bowl.

2. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken mixture to pan; sauté 3 minutes. Remove from pan. Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in pan. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper to pan; sauté 2 minutes. Add ginger and garlic; sauté 1 minute. Return chicken mixture to pan; sauté 1 minute. Stir in broth mixture. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with green onions and cashews.

Rice pilaf: Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup chopped onion and 2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger to pan; sauté 2 minutes. Stir in 1 cup water, 1/2 cup long-grain rice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 12 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat; stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro.

Stuffed Chicken Divan

c/o Food Network

Ingredients

Cooking spray

2 cups (4 ounces) fresh broccoli florets

1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated Gruyere cheese

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

4 (6 to 8-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breast halves

2 teaspoons olive oil

2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cup low-fat evaporated milk

1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

       1/4 cup dry sherry

       1 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

       2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

       1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

      Directions

Preheat the broiler. Mist a shallow rectangular baking dish with cooking spray. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook until bright green and crisp tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well and run under cold water until cold. Drain well again and squeeze dry in paper towels.

Chop the broccoli and toss in a bowl with the Gruyere and garlic. Insert a paring knife into the thickest part of each chicken breast to make a 3-inch deep pocket. Stuff each chicken breast with equal amounts of the broccoli mixture. Rub both sides of the chicken breasts with oil and thyme and season with salt and pepper.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, about 5 minutes. Put the chicken in the pan and cook until golden brown and just cooked through, about 6 minutes per side. If the chicken begins to brown too quickly, turn the heat down to medium to finish cooking through. Transfer to the baking dish.

Meanwhile, combine the milk and stock in a small pot, season with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir the sherry and cornstarch until smooth and pour, whisking constantly, into the sauce. Cook until just thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan. Top each chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of sauce and place under the broiler. Broil until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes.

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes and then cut each breast in half on an angle. Whisk the mustard into the remaining sauce and spread a few tablespoons on each plate. Top with a halved chicken breast.

  

Raspberry Summer Sensation

c/o Kraft

Ingredients

2 cups raspberry sorbet, softened

1 pkg.  (1 oz.) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Fat Free Sugar Free Instant Pudding

1 cup cold fat-free milk

1 tub  (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Sugar Free Whipped Topping, thawed

1 cup fresh raspberries

Directions

1.       Spoon sorbet into foil-lined 9x5 inch loaf pan; freeze 10 minutes

2.       Beat pudding mix and milk in medium bowl with whisk 2 minutes.  Stir in Cool Whip; spread over sorbet.

3.       Freeze 3 hours or until firm.  Unmold onto plate; remove foil.  Let stand for 10 minutes.

  

The It List!

Happy Friday!  I can't believe April is over... hopefully all this rain and storms are as well.

I am ready for some May flowers!

• lady M is celebrating her birthday... stop by and wish her a happy day and also check out her fun wardrobe inspiration for the big day!
• rose a la mode is sporting an adorable new floral dress... even on a chilly spring day she perfectly accessorizes it! (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
• mama loves papa hosts a simply adorable little blog party for your stylish little ones - stop by to play along or just 'oooh' and 'aaah.' (find mama loves papa on twitter!)
• meet virginia design layers gorgeous neutral pieces for an ethereal feel to this casual outfit.  These colors are so on trend right now too! (find meet virginia design on twitter!)
• a little dash of ash has a delicious looking smoothie recipe to share with us. I always love to see what others' smoothie concoctions are - this one looks yummy and healthy! (find a little dash of ash on twitter!)
• rebecca with an R is definitely beach ready in this gorgeous maxi dress and oversized hat - I am seriously loving this outfit! (find rebecca with an R on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style is looking gorgeous in this drapey feather printed dress - it's just her style! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• baby shopaholic had this super sweet little doll custom made for her daughter for Easter.  What a fun keepsake and toy for a little one, my daughter would love this!
• the capital barbie is giving away sassy shoe themed note cards on her blog this week - you must stop by and enter quickly! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
• good tots features the artwork of modern pops - these bold graphic prints make for great nursery artwork!
• the stylish housewife sports a floppy sun hat and a chevron dress, quite possibly the most perfect summer combo ever. I am in love with this look! (find the stylish housewife on twitter!)
• good clean fun made these margarita flavored cupcakes for Easter - but I think they would be perfect for any summer day! Yum! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy is sick of the rain... and quite frankly, aren't we all!?!? But rain never looked this good before... I promise! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• good life for less has a casual but chic outfit for Easter.  Check it out! (find good life for less on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life for less - check out how you can be involved here!

Not So Vanilla

Great news guys, it's almost Friday.  Do you have any plans for this weekend? The BF and I will be going to watch the Nationals most likely get beat this weekend but hey, we have fun!

Today's post is about neutrals that shine.  I got some inspiration from Loft  and I thought it's a great way to get into spring with some basics and embellishments.

Loft, Sequin Tank, $59

This shirt is so decadent but in the airiest way possible.  I just love the thick straps too!

Talbots, cuffed sash shorts, $48

I really like the pintucks here right underneath the double belt loop.  The sash makes these shorts so special.

Nordstrom, Alexia Admor metallic rosette hammered satin dress, $88

Hello summer wedding.  Such a classic piece for day or night.

Target, Merona collection adelle skirt, $27

The light floral pattern on this champagne pencil skirt is perfect for the work day or date night.

So remember, neutrals don't have to be boring.  Add some metallic sheen to it, or a great sequin.  Stand out in your neutrals!

Be fabulous today!

Chain Link and Confident

Sometimes hardware can be just that: hard.  But sometimes it can offer a certain sense of weight that gives an accessory a confident presence.  We see this most often with large jewelry- take for instance the larger masculine style watches that are in right now.  When you look at them, they seem hefty, but still sleek and sophisticated on a woman.

Today I want to feature a similar situation with a type of jewelry style that is popular right now: chain link.

Blue Fly, Danielle Stevens ellipse link bracelet, $66

SO sophisticated.  But it demands some confident attention. 

Piperlime, Hive & Honey chain link bracelet, $28

I really like the mix of metal here, makes the piece eye catching.

Juicy Couture, Convertible chain bracelet, $30

I really love this double duty necklace/bracelet! So fun with jeans or a white button down.

Banana Republic, Fringed link earring, $35

These are so feminine but in a 'I just threw these on' kind of way.

Some jewelry is meant to be delicate while other styles aim to make a harsher statement.  Chain link style is definitely making that a priority.  Try mixing it with silk or softer colors to contrast the metal.

Be fabulous today!

Ikat's Meow

Ikat.  What is it? Well it's weaving pattern that uses resist dyeing similar to tie dye.  It probably originated in Central America but now we are seeing a similar type of pattern pop up in today's styles.

This pattern is busy, colorful, and just beautiful.  Take a look!

Macy's, Cha Cha Vente dress, $68

Some of my favorite colors and a great kimono sleeve.  I love this with gladiator sandals.

Forever 21, Ikat romper, $11.50

Ok, I'm still not sure if I can pull off a romper- but for $11 it's worth a shot!

Ann Taylor, Feline ikat print shell, $78

This ruffle necline is beautiful and I really like this pattern for under a suit or with skinny jeans.

Nordstrom, Sequin large ikat enamel bangle, $42

Just gorgeous.  A little bohemian, a little dressy, perfect.

Anthropologie, Liquid Rhombus Scarf, $19.95

Great spring piece to add to your collection.  Comes in two other colors as well.

I'm really loving the ikat style print for spring and summer.  It feels very sunny and breezy.  And the jewelry is versatile.  

Be fabulous today!

My Very First Giveaway!

I don't think you understand how excited I am for this.  I consider a giveaway to be one of the few signs of a legit blogger.  So please enjoy this fantastic giveaway from Rosy+Tart

Have you guys checked out Rosy+Tart? She just opened a beautiful Etsy shop and has graciously agreed to do my very first giveaway on the blog!!!!  I chose this shop because I have a love for handwritten cards.  They are such a fabulous way to brighten someone's day and these cards are bright and sassy.  

Here's how to play:

Visit the Etsy shop and pick out your favorite card set.  Let me know which one you'd like in the comment section below!

Extra Entries (please comment a new time for each one you do!):

-Follow Rosy+Tart blog on Google Friend Connect
-Follow The Capital Barbie on Google Friend Connect

-Follow Rosy+Tart on Facebook

Contest ends on May 2 so get to it!

Friday Foodday

Its that time lovebugs! Friday Foodday.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  And if you're celebrating, Happy Easter to you!

The Humble Cupcake

c/o Nikki from Cupcakes for Breakfast

Ingredients

Banana cupcake

4 ripe bananas, mashed

2-1/2 cups sugar

3 eggs

1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup canola oil

1-1/2 cups milk

3 cups flour

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1-1/2 teaspoons salt

Peanut butter cream cheese frosting

     1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature

     4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

     1 cup creamy peanut butter

     1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

     Directions

Cupcake

 Preheat oven to 350°. Line enough muffin tins with paper liners for 30 cupcakes.  Mix the ingredients in the order listed in a large bowl, starting with the wet ingredients and moving to the dry ones.  Bake for twenty minutes, rotating the pan mid-way.

     Frosting

     Beat the cream cheese and the butter together. 

     Add the peanut butter and vanilla and continue to mix well.   

     Slowly add the sugar and beat until incorporated.  Pipe on to cupcakes

Bruschetta Pizza

     c/o Stephanie Cooks

 Ingredients:

1 batch of pizza dough

1/4 cup pesto sauce

3 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced

2 tbsp. chopped red onion

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

3 tbsp. olive oil

2 tbsp. red wine vinegar

Salt and pepper

Shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1- In a small bowl combine the tomatoes, red onion, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Season with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Set the bowl in the fridge and allow it to marinade for at least an hour.

2- Preheat the oven to 450. Place your pizza stone in the oven while it preheats.

3- Prepare your dough (either on parchment paper or on a cookie sheet/pizza peel coated with corn meal).

4- Top the dough with the pesto sauce, spread evenly.

5- Top evenly with the bruschetta mix, careful to drain the tomatoes from the olive oil/vinegar to prevent the pizza from being too moist.

6- Sprinkle the mozzarella over the pie, until evenly covered (about 1/2-3/4 of a cup of cheese).

7- Transfer to the pizza stone and bake 10-12 minutes, until golden.

     Tortellini Lasagna 

     c/o Annie Bakes

 Ingredients:

     1 package fresh tortellini
     2 tablespoons olive oil
     1/2 onion-chopped
     2 cloves garlic-minced
     1 1/2 pounds beef
     1-28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
     1 fresh mozzarella ball-sliced thin
     Parmesan cheese-grated

Directions

     In a large sauce pan bring water up to a boil and boil the tortellini as directed.  

     Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees.  

     In a large skillet, heat oil to medium-high and saute the onions and garlic for 3-4 minutes.  

    Add the beef and brown.  Add the tomatoes and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.  

    Spray the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.  

    Add the cooked tortellini, pour the sauce over the top and layer with slices of mozzarella.  

    Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.  

    Bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.

It list!!

Happy Friday ladies... I hope you all have a fabulous Easter weekend, whatever it brings to you.  "Hop" on over to these fab blogs for plenty of spring inspiration!

• strong sense of style gives color blocking a try... it's so fun and easy!  And really? What feels more properly spring than pink and green together?
• a spot of whimsy has some fabulous eye-candy from the movie Water for Elephants.  Please tell me you have read this book... if not, do it stat, the movie opens this weekend and it looks to be amazing! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• thought and musing wears a simple and elegant maxi skirt for some wine tasting... a perfect outfit for what looked to be the perfect day!
• good clean fun shares her favorite childhood cupcake recipe... angel food cake with strawberry frosting.  These look SO good and definitely what childhood memories are made of! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
• the capital barbie finds some fun accessories with bold angles... this bracelet stood out as a favorite for me.  Pop on over and see her other finds! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
• good tots rounds up maternity poolside looks for summer, including this adorable peach polka dotted maternity swimsuit!
• rose a la mode sports this fun yellow and white striped dress and seriously has me craving more stripes. Is that possible? (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
• a spoonful of dish reminds me that flowers never disappoint in the inspiration department. Just looking at them I can feel that summer is closer!
• a little dash of ash will brighten your day with some good old fashion gorgeous guys.  Good looks never get old (sigh). (find a little dash of ash on twitter!)
• lady m says what we are all thinking lately: we can't get enough of Zara.  Check out the inspiration and some of their (very interesting) backstory over at her blog!
• meet virginia design is sure to put some spring pep in your step with this fun mix of bold colors and florals.  This outfit just screams sunshine! (find meet virginia design on twitter!)
• mama loves papa's daughter is quite the fashion prodigy!  Just look at these adorable items she (or her mama, either/or) picked out for herself! (find mama loves papa on twitter!)
• rebecca with an r proves that blazers never, ever get old... at least in my book!  I just love the simple sophistication of this look! (find rebecca with an r on twitter!)
• good life for less is color crushing on purple + blue + white for spring. It's such a simple color combo - check out her looks! (find good life for less on twitter!)

the it list is produced each week by jill of good life for less... click here for information on how you can be involved!

Feeling Flowy

Maybe spring is really in the air or I'm just feeling pent up in my sweaters lately.  I am just loving the flowy blouses that are out right now!  What are you craving for spring?

Ann Taylor, Washed silk camp shirt, $53 with code TAKE40

This shirt is just beautiful.  It comes a a handful of soft colors too.

Modcloth, No more no less top, $38

Ruffles=spring.  This blouse is adorable.  I'm thinking boyfriend jeans.  

Nordstrom, collective concept tie neck silk blouse, $78

The colors here are like a watercolor painting and the tie is such a fantastic detail.

Target, Merona Beverly Crepe Top, $16

I like this top because of the cap sleeves which makes it work appropriate without layering on a cardi.

Those are some of my picks.  I just love the feeling of something silky and flowy right now.  Bring on those May flowers!

Be fabulous today!

The Doctor Is In

Purses are essential.  Some women have one go-to, some women have hundreds.  I would say I'm on the lower end of that spectrum around a couple dozen, but I'm sure The BF would beg to differ as we do share a closet!

One purse style that is a great one to own as a standard bag or to add to your collection is the doctor bag.  It's roomy, lots of pockets, and just the right amount of hardware.

Limited, Exotic doctors bag, $70

This chic little number goes with black or brown and the faux-croc pattern really makes it pop.

Urban Outfitters, Kimichi blue straw bag, $58

I really like this texture for spring and the double handle is a great option too!

Etsy, black leather handbag, $50

I really like the masculine quality of this bag.  I'd pair it with neon or something bold.

What do you think? Would this be your go-to bag?  I really think they're easy and quick when you're running out the door.

Be fabulous today!

Easter Dresses!

Lovebugs, Easter is this weekend.  Remember when it was just Christmas? Wild. Ok, everyone celebrates this holiday differently but one trend is pretty standard in most households: the Easter dress.  Something floral, maybe something pastel, overall it is the outfit that sets the tone for your warm weather wardrobe.  No pressure.

Here are some of my ideas for a great Easter dress.

Modcloth, ready for ranuculus, $53

I love this cheery print and the neckline is so beautiful.

Loft, Watercolor floral shift, $79

I am in love with the colors here.  Just gorgeous.

Banana Republic, Monogram Crinkle Twist Strap Dress, $89

This is very dramatic and trendy. I really love the light color- I would wear pearls with it.

LL bean, Kennebunkport dress, $49

You will be hard-pressed to find a seersucker sheath this cheap.  Add a pink skinny belt to define the waist.

As you can tell I'm all for pinks, yellows, and girly things when picking out an Easter dress.  It's the only holiday when going overboard with ruffles, lace, and even a matching hat is ok!

Be fabulous today!

Angle to the Right

Oh Mondays.  So lame.  I hope you had a good weekend though!

Today I thought we'd jump right into some jewelry.  I was grabbed by a new style I saw in one of my magazines over the weekend.  Angular jewelry.  Gives the accessory some edge!

J Crew, Hazel bracelet, $40

The brass in combination with the bling is so opposing, but it works!

Jess LC, Division Small Octagon earrings, $55

I'm loving the symmetry but also the sharp lines of these earrings.  For me it's like art meets an Excel doc.

Urban Outfitters, UO Geometric necklace, $29

Sharp edges really give definition to this piece.  Subtle, yet statement.

Kenneth Cole, Pyramid Bangle, $32

Kind of industrial no? I like these with a suit!

What do you think? Do you prefer the rounded edge and more feminine jewelry?  I think these are great to mix in when you're in ruffles and silk.  Have fun with it!

Be fabulous today!