Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Canvas Wedges!

Hey lovebugs!
How was everyone's weekend?  Any BBQs or brave bikini bods? I hope you enjoyed, and this week will be a quick one, I promise!

Today I want to dive into a fabulous pair of summer shoes.  Not just the wedge but the canvas wedge.  Canvas along with linen are the two staple mediums of summer fashion.  So what better way to dress up a sundress or a pair of madras shorts then with a great pair of canvas wedges?

 Urban Outfitters, Cooperative Canvas Wedge Heel, $49
Summer? I'd like you to meet my feet, feet please meet summer.

I love this khaki color because it is so versatile.  How cute are these with a white eyelet dress OR a saturated green pair of ankle pants.

Tom's, Red canvas wedges, $69
I have yet to get on the Tom's bandwagon, but these beachy wedges could change my mind!

Michael Kors, Meg Wedge, $68
It's rare you find a wedge that is downright sexy.  This is so simple, to the point, and just that.

What do you think? Worth a try this summer?  I think they are a great pair to mix in to your summer wardrobe.

Be fabulous today!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Friday Foodday

Oh hey! Happy Friday! I hope you all have a fabulous long weekend! TCB will be off on Monday, but fear not, I'll be back on Tuesday!


Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
c/o Stephanie Cooks
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp. poppy seeds
1¼ tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
8 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup yogurt (plain or vanilla)

Directions
1- Preheat the oven to 350˚ F.  Line a muffin pan with paper liners.  Combine the flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.  
2- Stir briefly to combine.  In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.  
3- Beat in the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition.  Mix in the lemon zest and the vanilla extract.  With the mixer on low speed, mix in the dry ingredients in two additions alternating with the yogurt, beating each addition just until incorporated.
4- Divide the batter between the prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full. 
5- Bake 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  
6- Let cool in the pan 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.



Chicken with White Bean Enchiladas with Creamy Salsa Verde
c/o Skinny Taste
Ingredients
Chicken and White Bean Filling:
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup minced white onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (4.5 oz) chopped green chiles
  • 15.5 oz can Navy beans (or Cannellini beans)
  • 8 oz cooked shredded chicken breast
  • 1/3 can water
  • 1 chicken bullion
  • 1 tsp cumin
Green Chile Enchilada Sauce:
  • 1 tsp butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped white onion
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 cup fat free chicken broth
  • 7 oz can chopped green chile
  • 2 jalapeƱos, chopped (I used jarred)
  • salt
  • 1/2 cup light sour cream
  • 3/4 cup reduced fat Mexican cheese
  • 8 medium low carb tortillas
  • chopped fresh cilantro or scallions (or both!)
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°.

For the Filling:
In a medium pan, heat olive oil on low. Add onions, garlic and saute until soft, about 2-3 minutes. Add green chiles, beans, water, bullion, and cumin. Mix well and cover.Simmer on low 15 minutes. Remove cover, add chicken and cook an additional 5 minutes, or until it thickens and liquid boils down. Set aside.

Green Chile Enchilada Sauce:
In a large nonstick pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and starts to turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add flour and stir well. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth. Whisk until the sauce becomes smooth. Cook over medium heat until the sauce boils and thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Add green chiles, jalepeƱos, and salt to tatse. Cook another minute then remove from the heat. Stir in the sour cream.

Spread about 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13" baking dish.Fill each tortilla with 1/3 cup of the chicken/white bean filling. Roll the tortillas and place seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Continue filling remainder of the tortillas.

Pour the enchilada sauce over the top of the enchiladas. Top with cheese. Cover with aluminum and bake 20-30 minutes, until the enchiladas are hot and the cheese is melted. Remove from oven and top with fresh cilantro or scallions.

Sugar Donut Muffins
Ingredients
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup milk (low fat is fine)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar, for topping

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray (I used a mini-muffin tin).  In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and egg until light in color.  In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.  Pour into egg mixture and stir to combine.  Pour in vegetable oil, milk and vanilla extract.  Divide batter evenly into the muffin cups (I used a small ice cream scoop), filling each about 3/4 full.  Bake for 12-14 minutes (15-18 minutes if using large muffin tins).  When muffins are done, lightly brush the tops with the melted butter and dip into a bowl of sugar.  Cool on a wire rack.

It list!!

theitlist

Happy Friday ladies! Can you believe it is the final Friday of May - summer is here!  
Celebrate this weekend by taking some extra time to peruse these fabulous blogs!

  • thought and musing looks amazing in layered neutrals... her scarf/belt/necklace combination is very inspiring - I want to try that!
  • lady M breaks down the color grey with all the inspiration you would ever need to completely fall in love with this color. From a gorgeous dress to your favorite celebs rocking the color - she has it all! (find lady M on twitter!)
  • 100 inspirations has an Angelina Jolie inspired outfit in a gorgeous nude hue - THE color for spring!  Check it out!
  • good clean fun takes a classic summer combo, strawberries and rhubarb, and mixes them up into a fabulous summer cocktail... just in time for the holiday weekend! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
  • the stylish housewife sports a classic outfit inspired by the one and only Olivia Palermo - check out her spin on the look! (find the stylish housewife on twitter!)
  • the capital barbie is loving bright orange for summer - this nail polish caught my eye!  Check out her other bold and bright picks! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
  • rose a la mode found the perfect outfit for the long drive back from vacation and I love it! (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
  • a spot of whimsy is crushing on the interior stylings of Ralph Lauren.  You will be too after you check out these ultra classic and ultra comfortable digs! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
  • sweetie pie style features the Tribeca loft of Erin Featherston - it's superbly feminine!  The girly girl in you will love it! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
  • alisha of alisha & brandon is bringing back a pair of old wide leg jeans to her closet and is also dishing on style versus fashion. (find alisha & brandon on twitter!)
  • infashuation had my heart skipping a beat with stripes, leopard print and white jeans. This is the ultimate in summer outfit combos! (find infashuation on twitter!)
  • the fancy red boots is letting her readers choose her new handbag for her - how fun!?!? I am loving one bag in particular... which one are you loving? (find the fancy red boots on twitter!)
  • a lucky fifth rounds up her favorite drugstore beauty finds. Who doesn't love a peek into others' makeup stash?
  • along abbey road brings us her top fashion picks from the Cannes Film Festival.  There are so many gorgeous celebrities and dresses!
  • good life for less is passionate for pink this summer - check out her fun picks from shoes, to clothes to accessories! (find good life for less on twitter!)
the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life for less - for information on how to be involved, click here!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Gold Watch

Yep, nothing cute or creative from that title, but that's just what I wanted.  Gold watch.  A simple, clean, and weighted sentence and piece of jewelry that is truly timeless. Ok that was a little funny. Watch, timeless, ok fine, I laughed.

I bought myself a Michael Kors watch two months ago and while I was skeptical of the large face at first, now I won't take it off.  It goes with everything!  While you can splurge like I did and go for the $200 version.  Here are some picks for under $100.



American Apparel, Vintage Seiko Watch, $100
Simple, elegant, and vintage.

Urban Outfitters, wraparound watch, $38
This is so interesting.  Usually a wraparound is only seen with a leather band.  Love this!

Timex, easy reader watch, $29
I love this watch- its very old school in a journalist or editor sort of way.

A little more casual with the gold ceramic band but perfect for everyday wear.

So are you feeling the gold? I think it is very ladylike and professional.

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Essie Inspired Orange Picks

Today I was inspired by one of Essie's new colors for summer "Meet me at Sunset"

It's a vibrant orange that I'm picturing on my toes already!  But what about some fashion inspiration from this fabulous color?

Anthropologie, filtered rays top, $68
Gorgeous deep v-neck and the float away sleeves are perfect for day or night.

Kate Spade, Date Night Ring, $55
This is the summer version of a cocktail ring!

This dress is perfect for summer, a light jersey material, thick straps, a nice waistline. 
Banana Republic, sasha patent clutch, $98
I'd wait for this one to go on sale, but what a great date night bag!

What do you think of this shade of orange? It's not too neon and not too pastel.  Great mix for summer.

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The Belt Question

Sometimes belting goes beyond its usual holding-up-the-pants purpose.  Recently they've been used to define a waistline or breakup a pattern.  What gets confusing is what size, shape and color to use when it's not going through a belt loop.

My general rules are:
-skinny belt for over a cardigan
-thicker belt for shirt dress
-skinny belt for more dressy outfits
-metallic goes with everything


I'm pairing this with a fuchsia cardi.  Example

So chic and girl-powery.  I'd wear this with shirt dress over top of the tie.

White House Black Market, patent skinny belt, $38
I love a skinny belt with a sweet detail like this.  I'd pair it with a crisp white dress.

Old Navy, Braided metallic belt, $12.50
I LOVE this belt! I'm thinking of pairing it over a jean jacket like this one.

The short answer is there is no wrong answer to pairing belts with outfits.  Try to keep your proportions flattering by trying the belt higher on the torso or lower around your hips.

Be fabulous today! 

Monday, May 23, 2011

Do you Degas?

Recently, a friend of mine said she has been inspired by Degas dancers and their skirts.
So I thought we should look at some beautiful skirts that are Degas-esque!  These skirts have an A-line structure and have just a little "poof" to them.  Not always tutu-like but think more ballerina inspired.

 Banana Republic, ruffle hem skirt, $45
This skirt is so delicate and graceful, especially in this soft pink color.

This mini is perfect for a twirl.  I really like the print on it.

Modcloth, Special Guest Skirt, $50
Oh you know I'm a sucker for dots.  And the pin tuck pleating by the waist line is just beautiful.

Ann Taylor, Salient pintuck skirt, $88
A great white skirt for summer.  Perfect with flats, heels, or sandals.

Has anything inspired your fashion lately? I'm really loving the light nature of these skirts.  

Be fabulous today!


Friday, May 20, 2011

Friday Foodday

Hey kids! Happy Friday to you!  Today I'm featuring some great recipes! Do you have one? Send me an email and I'd love to feature it!


Crispy Chiptole Chicken Fingers
c/o kitchen bellicious

Ingredients
1.5 pounds of chicken tenders, thawed
1-2 chipotle peppers in adobe sauce, minced
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp pepper
1 TBSP chipotle powder
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp cajun seasoning
Directions:
Place the buttermilk, chicken tenders and the minced chipotle peppers in a large glass bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Meanwhile, prepare your breading. Mix together the flour with the remaining seasonings in a large brown or plastic bag. Shake well to distribute evenly and set aside.
Heat your oil in a large dutch oven or deep fryer to 375 degrees. Using tongs, gently lift 3-4 chicken tenders at a time from the buttermilk (shaking to remove excess buttermilk) and place in the bag of flour. Seal the bag and shake for 1-2 minutes until each chicken tender has been thoroughly coated. Place the chicken tenders in the hot oil and cook 4-5 minutes on each side. Drain on a paper towel and repeat the process with the remaining chicken tenders.

Orange Chicken
Ingredients
For the marinade and sauce:
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
6 tablespoons white vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar (dark or light)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 lbs. boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
8 thin strips orange peel (optional)

For the coating and frying:
3 large egg whites
1 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cups peanut or canola oil 
Directions
To make the marinade and sauce, combine the chicken broth, orange juice, orange zest, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger and cayenne pepper in a large saucepan; whisk to blend well. Measure out 3/4 cup of the mixture and transfer it to a large zipper lock plastic bag. Add the chicken pieces to the bag, pressing out the excess air and sealing well. Refrigerate and let marinate 30-60 minutes, but no longer.

Place the saucepan with the remaining mixture on the stove and heat over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the mixture to the saucepan with the sauce. Continue simmering until the sauce is thick and translucent, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the strips of orange peel, if using.

To prepare the coating, place the egg whites in a pie plate and whisk until frothy. In a second pie plate combine the cornstarch, baking soda and cayenne pepper; whisk to blend. Drain the chicken in a colander and pat dry with paper towels. Place half of the chicken pieces in the egg whites and turn to coat. Transfer the pieces to the cornstarch mixture and coat thoroughly, shaking off the excess. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.

To fry the chicken, heat the oil in a Dutch oven until the oil reaches 350 degrees. Carefully place half of the chicken pieces in the oil and fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through cooking. Remove from the oil with a skimmer or slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.

Reheat the sauce and toss with the cooked chicken pieces. Serve over rice.

Chocolate Pizza
Ingredients
1 pizza dough
2 tablespoons buter, melted
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread like Nutella
Your favorite toppings I used mini marshmallows and dark chocolate M&M’s

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Dust a clean, flat surface with flour. Dust the pizza dough with flour. Roll out dough into the shape you desire. Brush the dough with melted butter. Bake in oven on a cookie sheet, pizza pan or pizza stone until the dough begins to become golden, approximately 17-20 minutes
Spread the chocolate hazelnut spread all over the pizza dough. Top with your favorites toppings. Place pizza back in the oven and bake for 3 minutes or until the chocolate begins to melt and marshmallows puff up.

It list!!

theitlist

Happy Friday everyone! I am ready for another weekend... 
take some time to check out these amazing links!
  • a spot of whimsy features Jess LC's new handbag line... you will fall in love with these bags!  Be sure to check them out! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
  • good clean fun never disappoints with tasty and simple recipes.  These Oreo cheesecake bars look SO good! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
  • fancy red boots is wearing a simple but adorable outfit that I now deem to be my "uniform" this summer!  (find fancy red boots on twitter!)
  • alisha of alisha and brandon is looking fabulous in this striped maxi dress (stripes seem to be the theme today!)... a maxi dress is such a great summer staple. (find alisha on twitter!)
  • along abbey road has a great makeup video tutorial featuring her favorite MAC products - be sure to check out her tips and favorites!
  • rose a la mode is looking particularly happy in this great outfit... check out the great deal she got on this top! (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
  • the capital barbie is loving lime lately - what a fun color for summer! This scarf is a certain favorite. (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
  • the stylish housewife is sporting a perfectly layered look!  What a great look for spring and it's inconsistent temps. (find the stylish housewife on twitter!)
  • baby shopaholic goes out on the town with some girlfriends - check out the fun beetle ring she is wearing.  How fun! (find baby shopaholic on twitter!)
  • infashuation brings some in-your-face color to you with this amazing outfit. I am loving the bold accessories and bright yellow! (find infashuation on twitter!)
  • lady M's maxi skirt looks so comfortable and stylish. If you need a simple look for summer - take notes! (find lady M on twitter!)
  • good tots pulls together sweet and simple summer maternity outfits for all those summer pregnancies!
  • thought and musing looks dashing with a simple bow in her hair. Plus, check out her adorable blazer!
  • good life for less is loving the color navy lately... inspired by the lovely Kate Middleton, of course! (find good life for less on twitter!)
the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life for less - for information on how you can be involved, click here!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Summer Plaid

Hey lovebugs!
Happy almost Friday to you!  Any plans for the weekend? I am traveling to Orlando to help with my parents' annual meeting.  Tough life I know.

Today I wanted to share a pattern that I love because it's traditionally a winter trend.  Plaid.  Here are some of my picks this pattern summer-worthy.

I really like the laid back coolness of this shirt.  Perfect for summer.

Forever 21, Picnic Plaid Dress, $20
I love the modified sweetheart neckline on this little frock.  I would belt it to break up the pattern.

Preppy and fabulous for work or play.

How perfect would these be with shorts, bf jeans, or a white sun dress?

Vintage, flattering and fun! This one piece is perfect for any shape or size.

When picking out plaids for warmer weather find lightweight materials like linen or look for bright colors like oranges and yellows.  This will help lighten up what is usually a cold weather pattern.

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

The anti-cotton dress

Sun dresses are usually cotton, spaghetti strap and machine washable.  And while all of those qualities make them fantastic pieces to own, it doesn't say much for the dressiness of the look.  Today I want to look at summer frocks in dressier mediums like chiffon and silk.  A little more care is involved but the look is totally different.

Modcloth, Place in the sun dress, $63
Pretty rosettes and a matching tie belt really make this dress wonderful.

I love the draping on this dress. Perfect for a summer wedding.

Hands down, this is my fave dress of the season thus far.  The pattern is bright, the diagonal cuts in the skirt are flattering, and the waist is high!
Love!

This dress is kind of rocker in it's own sweet coral way.  I love the mix of cuts and the mini length.

Really fun little dress for a summer date.  I like the ruffle hem and the v-neck.

So maybe you can't throw these in the washing machine, but they do have a certain sense of lovely to them don't they?

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Lime!

If you were looking for a creative post title, I'm sorry, but that's what I came up with today.

Bright colors are easy to wear when the weather is warm.  Today let's look at some great pieces in lime!

I really like the relaxed look of this scoop neck tee and the cap sleeve is adorable.  

Fossil, enamel summer stack, $45
An adorable alternative if the Kate Spade idiom bracelet isn't your taste.

I really like the mini-wedge heel on this sandal, makes it dressier.

Banana Republic, Lightweight wrap, $55
This is perfect for a long day adventure that goes into the evening.  It matches everything.

How sweet is this top? Sometimes you don't need structure and darting, just soft and silky.

How do you like lime? I think yellow and lemon are a much more common color trend, but try throwing this in the mix!

Be fabulous today