Coral

Lovebugs, today is my mom's birthday. She is turning 14 and doesn't look a day over. Today's post is going to look at her favorite color to wear: coral. Such a warm, classy and easy to wear color.

Ralph Lauren, Coral Bay Teardrop Cabochon Necklace, $78

This necklace makes me want to go on vacation to somewhere warm, but I could also pair this with a deep v purple sweater.

Vivienne Tam, Applique Tee, $35

Oh how much fun is this tee! I'd wear it as is in the summer and for the colder months, layer a white oxford underneath!

Modcloth, Coral Beliefs Dress, $74

Before you write off this dress as matronly, look at the fantastic thick waistband giving a defined teeny tiny waist, and the great gathering by the neck, the light fabric on the skirt. This dress is gorgeous.

Bloomingdales, Aqua three color block pleated, $68

This skirt! Oh my word this skirt. Heavenly.

So happy birthday mom, you look fabulous in coral or any color for that matter!

Be fabulous today!

Fill Me Up

I'm a sucker for a great dress, and these days, there's so many options. Right now though, I'm craving something a little fuller. A little girlier. The full dress fits the bill.

Asos, Lipsy Dress with Cutout Back, $85

This beautiful dress has so little going on but it makes such a statement. The belt is a great definer of the waist while the high neck gives it a great vibe.

Urban Outfitters, Cooperative Knit Twill Dress, $59

The long sleeve aspect of this dress makes it perfect to wear in the chillier weather.

Kohl's, Striped Mixed Media Dress, $44

Hello pattern. Just wonderful blend of colors. The thicker straps is also nice for us girls who need straps on their bras.

Topshop, Structured Sleeveless Skater, $92

Think of the accessorizing opportunities with this number. Belts, bib necklace, chandelier earrings, the options are endless!

Sometimes super fitted needs to stay in the closet, there is something so special about a fuller skirt to a dress. Not just for special occasions.

Be fabulous today!

Strapped In

Happy Monday lovebugs,
The last week in February, can you believe it? It just flew by. Soon we'll be talking about sundresses and flip flops.


But today we're looking at a great trend for flats- the ankle strap. Check out these picks.

Asos, Chinese Laundry Areyouin Flat Shoes, $45

I love these rocker flats! Such sass and easy to match.

Gabrille Rocha, Neve 2, $48

This saturated purple is so perfect for this flat. I would pair this with a black skirt and tights for work and bf jeans for the weekend.

Hive and Honey, Yvonna, $69

I really like the black and brown contrast. The thicker ankle strap gives the shoe more definition.

Adi Designs, Misbehave, $33

I really like the pointy toe on this shoe, give a little bit more edge to the sweet flat.

I really like the ankle strap flat because its a little more detail to you're average flat. It's not ballet, loafer, or skimmer, it has its own vibe.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes from the week!


Cajun Chicken Pasta
c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked linguine (I used Dreamfields)

1 pound chicken breast strips

1-2 tsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced

8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced

1/2 red onion, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium tomatoes, diced

1 cup fat free low sodium chicken broth

1/3 cup skim milk

1 tbsp flour

3 tbsp light cream cheese

fresh cracked pepper

2 scallions, chopped

salt to taste

Smart Balance cooking spray

Directions
Prep all your vegetables. In a small blender make a slurry by combining milk, flour and cream cheese. Set aside. Season chicken generously with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder and salt.
Prepare pasta in salted water according to package directions.
Heat a large heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; spray with cooking spray and add half of the chicken. Sauté 5 to 6 minutes or until done, set aside on a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken. Set aside.
Add olive oil to the skillet and reduce to medium; add bell peppers, onions, and garlic to skillet, sauté 3-4 minutes. 
Add mushrooms and tomatoes and sauté 3-4 more minutes or until vegetables are tender. Season with 1/4 tsp salt, garlic powder and fresh cracked pepper to taste.
Reduce heat to medium-low; add chicken broth and pour in slurry stirring about 2 minutes.
Return chicken to skillet; adjust salt and Cajun seasoning to taste, cook another minute or two until hot, then add linguine; toss well to coat. Top with chopped scallions and enjoy!


Black beans and rice
c/o Table for Two Blog

Ingredients
1 large onion, diced

1 red pepper, diced

1 green pepper, diced

2 garlic cloves

1 bay leaf

1 tbsp. ground cumin

2 (15 oz) cans of black beans, drained and rinsed well

1 (14 oz) can of diced tomatoes, drained

2 jalapenos, seeded and diced

Directions

1. In a large pot, saute onions, peppers, and garlic until the onions and peppers start to get soft. Then add in the bay leaf and cumin.
2. Add in tomatoes, jalapenos, beans, and vinegar. Let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add water to cover your mixture.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the bean mixture starts to thicken.
5. Prior to serving, discard bay leaf and add salt & pepper to taste.
6. Serve over a bed of rice.

Stuffed Pork Chops with Mushrooms and Mozzarella

c/o Great Eats with Petes

Ingredients

8 oz white mushrooms, sliced
1 shallot, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 bone in center cut pork chops
4 slices of smoked mozzarella
Salt
Pepper
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup white wine

Olive Oil

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large oven proof pan that will fit 4 pork chops heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add in mushrooms. When they begin to brown add in shallots. When the mushrooms are almost fully cooked and the shallots are translucent add in garlic. Cook for 1 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.

Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Cut a slit into each of the pork chops, creating a pocket. Place a piece of mozzarella in each of the pork chops. Then stuff each pocket with the mushrooms. Close the pockets using toothpicks. Salt and pepper both sides of the pork chops.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in the pan you used for the mushrooms. Add in the pork chops. Brown on both sides (about 3 minutes on each side). Add in white wine, chicken stock and any remaining mushroom filling. Place pan in oven. Bake for 15 minutes. Until pork chops internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.

Remember to remove the toothpicks. Drizzle pan juices over the pork. Serve and Enjoy!

It List

Happy Friday!

Take some time to enjoy these amazing links!

• good clean fun has the key to getting your favorite Girl Scout cookies all year long - a recipe to the oft sought after Samosas!  They look amazing! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
• here and now finds the perfect mint colored jeans.  She will clue you in on how she found them and  compare other options out there for you.  These are so cute! (find here and now on twitter!)
• gs lillian scored these darling cat-eye sunglasses for a steal!  Check out where! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style is obsessed with color blocked sandals for spring.  I am loving these styles too and can't wait to add a pair to my wardrobe. Check out her picks! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• rachael really is looking just adorbs in double stripes! I love this look for spring.... (find rachael really on twitter!)
• along abbey road pairs a pink blazer with a leopard print top!  I'm absolutely in love with this combo! (find along abbey road on twitter!)
• the capital barbie rounds up the best kitten heels.  I love this shoe silhouette, it's perfect for a busy lady! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
• one hundred inspirations recreates a classic and bold Olivia Palermo look for less!
• the tiemann girls have another round up of Austin eats - for all you gals heading to the Texas Style Council.  Check out their picks and make note! (found the tiemann girls on twitter!)
• live a lot sports some super cute patterned tights!  A great way to add some fun to your outfit as the winter comes to a close. (find live a lot on twitter!)
• suze wears clothes has three great outfits featuring your favorite boots - but I love that these outfits have a hint of spring in them.  The best of both seasons! (find suze wears clothes on twitter!)

Fancy Sweats

Happy almost Friday lovebugs!

I'm feeling comfy today, but who wants to tell themselves they feel chic in sweats? Right. But what about a dressed up sweatshirt? Check out these fun and fancy sweats.

Bloomingdales, Velvet and Graham Sweatshirt, $28

The scoop neck is chic, the color is dark and the fit is a little retro.

Lands End Canvas, Slub funnel neck sweatshirt, $15

I'm all about the layering that the model is sporting. A little preppy with a sweatshirt!

Love Sam, Heather Grey Jersey Sweatshirt, $62

This is on major sale right now, I love the detail, a little rock and roll.

J crew, Spindrift sweatshirt, $65

The thicker stripe give this sweatshirt a rugby feel, and the color is so saturated. I love it.

Would you sport a sweatshirt out? And I'm not talking taking the trash out.

Be fabulous today!

State Pride

I love personalized jewelry. And the state trend is one I'm totally loving. So sweet and fun! Now I just need DC get in on that and I'll be all set!

Nordstrom, Kris Nations State Pendant Necklace, $48

These come in both silver and gold. I love the way the name is spelled out in the state.

Etsy, Virginia State Pendant, $55

I think the heart cutout makes this one a great moving gift. So simple.,

Etsy, CA state necklace orange, $16

The orange enamel is a little more casual. And this one comes with a nice long chain.

Etsy, Arkansas State Necklace, $30
Simple, perfect, easy to pair with anything.

How sweet and personalized are these pendants? I think they're so easy to throw on with jeans or layer up with other necklaces.

Be fabulous today!

Kitten Heels

You know my favorite type of high heel? A not so high heel. The kitten heel, and while I hate the term (sorry guys I'm a dog girl) kitten heels are my favorite thing to wear when I'm not in ballet flats.

Urban Outfitters, BDG Suede Kitten Heel, $49

How fantastic is this color? Wear with blue, black, jeans, anything.

Nordstrom, Classique Entier Tamara Pump, $79

Oooo these are decadent! The velvet! I just love it!

Target, Merona Euna Pump in Cheetah, $25

A nice rounded toe adds a touch of sweetness to the sassy print.

Bandolino, Shelley, $47

A little peep toe? Don't mind if I do.

Are you a sky high heeled girl or do you downsize from time to time?

Be fabulous today!

Not Straight Edge

Lovebugs! Happy Monday. I hope you're enjoying a day off from school, work, or life in general.

Today, as it is the first day of the week, some of us are planning our outfits for the week. My go to is a pencil skirt because it's standard, chic and works with everything. But today we're looking at some not so run of the mill pencil skirts. Pattern, color, sass.

J Crew, No. 2 pencil skirt, $89

Hello glamour. This skirt fits so well, and the coloring of the leopard is very simple and elegant.

White House Black Market, Colorblock pencil skirt, $88

Doesn't this skirt look like a piece of art? I love the front vertical panel, very elongating.

Asos, Ponte Fishtail Pencil Skirt, $27

One, the price. Two, the color. Three the structure. 

NY and Co, Deep navy and white polka dots skirt, $47

Oh come on, you know I had to put in a dotted skirt. 

What's your go to work staple? If it's the pencil skirt, would you abandon the black for something a little sassier?

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Thank goodness! Here are my have recipes from this week.


Peanut Butter Carmel Corn
c/o Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients
 3 bags natural popcorn, popped (standard size bags, not mini)
1 2/3 cups brown sugar
1 2/3 cup light colored corn syrup
5 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tsp vanilla

Directions:
1- Preheat the oven to 250.
2- Grease 2 9x13 dishes with cooking spray. Pour the popcorn evenly into the dishes and set aside.
3- In a small saucepan heat the sugar, syrup, butter, and salt. Cook about 3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla, stirring until completely melted.
4- Pour the peanut butter sauce evenly over the two pans of popcorn. Gently stir to coat.
5- Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Once done allow it to cool completely, then break the popcorn into pieces.

Asian Dumplings

c/o Annie Bakes

Ingredients
1/2 pound ground pork-cooked
2 large Napa cabbage leaves-finely diced
2 green onions-diced
2 tablespoons bamboo shoots-finely chopped
1 teaspoon powdered ginger
1 tablespoon garlic-finely chopped
2 tablespoons lite soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons cornstarch


Directions

Mix the pork, cabbage, green onions, bamboo shoots, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil and cornstarch together.

Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center of the wrapper, wet all four sides with a little water, fold two sides over the center and pleat the edges to seal in the filling, adding more water if you need to make sure it is closed tightly.

Boil the dumplings in lightly rolling water for about 3-4 minutes or until they float to the top.

Serve with soy sauce mixed with sliced green onions.

Buffalo Mac and Cheese

c/o Table for Two 

Ingredients

6 tbsp. unsalted butter, divided

Salt, to taste

1/2 pound elbow macaroni

1 1/2 cups shredded chicken (I used a rotisserie chicken)

1 clove garlic, minced

3/4 cup Frank’s hot sauce, divided

2 tbsp. flour

1 tsp. dry mustard powder

1 cup milk (I used 2%)

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded

1/3 cup sour cream

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

1/2 cup crumbled bleu cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a large casserole dish.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil, season with salt, and add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In the meantime, in a large skillet over medium high heat, melt 2 tbsp. of butter and stir in the chicken and garlic. Cook for a couple minutes then add 1/4 cup of the hot sauce and mix it all together until well combined. Put the chicken mixture in a bowl and set aside. Quickly rinse out your skillet and return to stove.
4. Melt 2 tbsp. butter in the skillet over medium heat and whisk in the flour and mustard powder until smooth. Then whisk in the milk and cream and add the remaining 1/2 cup of hot sauce and stir until thick. Whisk in the cheddar and pepper jack cheese until melted and smooth then whisk in the sour cream until all combined.
5. In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the macaroni in the bottom of the dish then top with the buffalo chicken mixture and then the remaining macaroni. Pour the cheese sauce evenly on top.
6. Put the remaining 2 tbsp. of butter in a small bowl in the microwave to melt. Stir in the panko and bleu cheese then sprinkle over the macaroni.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly. Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving.

It List

Happy Friday ladies!

Take some time to enjoy these links!

• gs lillian is inspired by coral and aqua for spring... stop by to check out this gorgeous color combination and you will be inspired too! (check out gs lillian on twitter!)
• the capital barbie shares this chocolate cream cheese cupcake recipe - as if we haven't had enough chocolate this week!  But this looks too good to pass up! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
• rachael really found the perfect sweater - don't you love it when that happens? Check out where she found it and how she styles it! (find rachael really on twitter!)
• suze wears clothes lays out three fun outfits featuring a simple red top... I especially like this dressed-up/dressed-down look featuring classic All-Stars! (find size wears clothes on twitter!)
• stay in the lines styles up a perfect winter outfit featuring a great pair of red skinny jeans - see how she styles them and what her perfect winter day is! (find stay in the lines on twitter!)
• good clean fun makes champagne cake pops and they look amazing and delicious!  Check out her handy work and the recipe! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
• here and now snags the uber-popular leopard print skinnies that are all the rage these days for a great price!  See her secret source! (find here and now on twitter!)
• live a lot somehow finds a way to look amazing when she isn't feeling great - I think the cozy scarf and sunglasses have something to do with it!
• sweetie pie style has gorgeous garden inspiration... I know it's just what I need on these gloomy winter days.  Check out her finds and get inspired to start working in your own garden very soon! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• along abbey road is looking stylish yet casual in simple gingham - stop by her blog to commiserate with her "first world blogger problems." We've all been there! (find along abbey road on twitter!)
• the tiemann girls round up their favorite eats in Austin - just in time for Texas Style Council.  I am for sure taking notes here! (find the tiemann girls on twitter!)
• 100 inspirations features an Ali Larter look for less (and lesser!) - check out how you can get the bold red look for yourself! 

the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life, for information on how you can be involved, click here!

Waves

Let's continue the print trend I seem to be hooked on this week and look at a specific pattern: waves.

Forever 21, Wave Striped Sweater, $22

This is a great dual season sweater; wear as is in the summer and when it gets cold layer under a crisp white button down shirt.

Modcloth, Weave 'em Breathless, $69

I think this is the definition of 'va, va, boom'.

Nordstrom, Gold Water Texture Bangles, $32

The light wave of these bangles are quite light and airy, great for layering.

Asos, People's Market Blouse with Velvet Print, $62

Vertical waves. How fresh!

This is a very specific pattern but one that is so different than your average stripe, don't you think?

Be fabulous today!

Graphic Prints

Hey lovebugs,
On Monday we looked at romantic prints but today we're going a little bit bolder and trying out some graphic prints. Bigger, brighter and definitely attracting more attention.

Ann Taylor, Crossing Paths Skirt, $49

I really like how this print weaves and wraps your shape, very fitted.

Anthropologie, Mitte Loop, $68

The busyness of this print really meshes with the color pairings.

Modcloth, Burst of Light Dress, $48

I love this piece because it's all you need. You can throw this on a pair of heels and just walk out the door.

Nordstrom, Marc Jacobs Hot Dot Bangle, $68

Oversized graphic, mod and generally fabulous.

There is something so punchy and fun about a great graphic print. It's a great pop to mix into your day to day wear.

Be fabulous today!

Why Yellow

Yellow is sometimes put in the back of your closet in these colder months because it's too bright. But I say, embrace the color and the temperature and flaunt some yellow!

Loft, Modern Straight Leg Cords, $45

This is such a warm shade and so easy to pair with any color or print.

Asos, Rare Peplum Pencil Dress, $87

This is dress is screaming for an event to strut into. I just love the peplum detail.

Gap, Short Duffle Jacket, $69

For the warmer days as we move into March. Great collar and toggles.

Old Navy, Penny Loafers, $29

I must own these. Talk about a versatile shoe and color! Dress, casual, jeans, work pants, you name it!

How do you style yellow? Are you sporting it when there is snow on the ground?

Be fabulous today!

Romantic Prints

Hey lovebugs,
Happy Monday. I hope you had a great weekend. Today I thought we'd dip into a little bit of V-day mentality and look at romantic prints. These prints are softer in illustration and the entire garment gives off a more weightless feeling.

Dillard's. DKNYC Chiffon Tie Waist Dress, $48

The blurry dot pattern of this dress isn't busy at all and the texture of the dress with it's ribbon waist and tiered skirt is so flowy.

Nordstrom, Casual Studio Pleated V-Neck Blouse, $79

This print reminds me of a watercolor and the almost tuxedo shirt pleating is a great twist.

Modcloth, Glamour Power to Your Dress in Blossoms, $74

Would you look at this beauty? It is the definition of romantic. Beautiful print, light colors, great neckline and a defined waist.

Forever 21, Pleated Garden Skirt, $16

Are you picturing this on a warm Saturday afternoon with some fantastic espadrilles? No? Just me? Ok then.

Romantic prints don't have to be super girly and they certainly aren't sexy. This print has it's own cool confidence and it takes a certain type of woman to pull it off.

Be fabulous today!