Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,
I'm heading home with weekend with The BF for some quality time with the rents. I hope you have a great weekend too!


Warm Mexican Corn Salad
c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

4 large fresh cobs of corn

2 tbsp light mayonnaise

2 tbsp fat-free Greek yogurt

1/2 tsp chili powder (more or less to taste)

1 tbsp fresh lime juice (from half a lime)

1 tbsp minced cilantro

2 tbsp scallions, minced

1/2 cup (40 g) cotija cheese, grated

5 lime wedges for serving

Directions
Boil corn in boiling water for 5 minutes, remove from heat. When cool enough to handle, cut corn off the cobb. (makes 4 cups).


In a large bowl combine mayonnaise, yogurt, chili powder, and lime juice; mix well.Add corn, cilantro, scallions and cheese and toss. Serve with lime wedges.


Baked Huevos Rancheros with Spicy Tomato Sauce
c/o Kitchen Bellicious

Ingredients
4 eggs
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp salt and pepper each
1 tsp Mexican adobe powder
1/2 onion, chopped
1 TBSP olive oil
2 TBSP canola oil
4 tortillas
1 cup of shredded cheese ( of your choice )

Directions

First prepare the spicy tomato sauce. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan and cook the onions and garlic for 5-6 minutes. Add in the can of diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, adobe powder, cumin and oregano. Cover and turn to medium-low. Cook for 10-15 minutes. Set aside.

Meanwhile, heat the canola oil in a large skillet and lightly fry the tortillas one at a time until slightly brown on each side. Set aside.

To assemble, place the tortilla in the bottom of each ramekin and push down to make a bowl shape. Place a heaping spoonful of the spicy tomato sauce in the bottom. Next add in some cheese then crack the egg on top. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Remove and place remaining shredded cheese on top and a spoonful of the spicy tomato sauce. Return to the oven and turn oven to broil-bake until cheese is melted- 1-2 minutes.

Strawberry Dumplings

c/o The Bitten Word

Ingredients

    * 1 qt strawberries, trimmed and thickly sliced (about 4 cups)
    * 2/3 cup sugar
    * 1 cup all-purpose flour
    * 2 teaspoons baking powder
    * 1/4 teaspoon salt
    * 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
    * 2/3 cup whole milk


Directions

Stir together strawberries and sugar in a 4-qt heavy saucepan and let stand, stirring occasionally, until juicy, about 15 minutes. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Blend in butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until mixture resembles coarse meal with some roughly pea-size butter lumps. Stir in milk until just blended, then add mixture to boiling berries and stir once or twice. Tightly cover saucepan and reduce heat to low. Cook, undisturbed, until dumpling looks dry on top, 15 to 18 minutes. Let stand off heat, uncovered, 5 minutes before serving.

Hold Your Breath

We're going scuba diving! In fashion of course. The scuba trend is huge for the warmer weather and everyone from Michael Kors to Topshop is getting on board (pun intended) with this great style. The super stretchy fabric and clean lines, make this trend for any style.

Topshop, Peplum Scuba Dress, $96

This crisp, clean dress is just perfection. Add a great drop earring, I'm thinking something Amrita Singh for some color.

Charlotte Russe, Scuba Knit Open Blazer, $36

I haven't seen an open blazer, just an open cardigan but I like the idea of it over a dress for a little something extra.

Nordstrom, Trouvé Colorblock Scuba Dress, $44

I think this is so sleek. The colorblocking really defines the curves.

Rare London, Scuba Dress with Zip Front, $23

Very sexy. This also comes in hot pink.

Have you tried scuba? It's certainly a braver trend for those who are feeling very comfortable with their curves. That fabric hugs tightly.

Be fabulous today!

Minty Fresh

Happy humpday! Goodness, this week seems to be dragging. How about a little burst of energy, a little burst of color, I'm talking about mint. Some people call it seafoam, but however you label it, its a great color to try in this hot weather!

Target, Mossimo skinny ankle pant, $24

Obsessed with these pants. I'm eyeing them in peach currently but I can't find them anywhere. The mint is a great substitute for jeans.

Tinley Road, Colorblock drawstring dress, $59

Oh I love this dress, let's pair it with a delicate Jess LC necklace and call it a night. 

Anthropologie, Gold rung earring, $34

Simple, light and easy to wear with a dress, shorts of jeans.

Modcloth, Fresh mint and chocolate top, $37

I love the handkerchief hem paired with the sweet bow belt.

Mint, seafoam, whatever you want to call it; it's a great pastel to wear this summer. I also love a ballet flat in this color.

Be fabulous today!

Rough and Raffia

Hi lovebugs,
Today I wanted to look at a great accessory material for summertime; raffia. Whether a purse, shoe or jewelry, raffia is a fun and beachy way to accessorize a look.

Ben Amun, raffia bangle, $20

This bangle will give an earthy feel to your sundress. 

Anthropologie, Contrasting weaves belt, $48

A great belt to add to a cotton skirt. I love the hammered gold link.

Madewell, market weaver bracelet, $5

I love these colorful bracelets. They're made by women from the West African country of Togo.

Coldwater Creek, Links necklace, $79

This is a dressed up version of raffia. A beautiful addition to a black maxi dress.

Raffia is a light and airy way to add some casual chic to your outfit. It's a nice break from a heavy metal.

Be fabulous today!

Take it High and then Get Low

The weather in DC has been horrendous and all I want to do is throw on a light and breezy dress to go to work. I really like the idea of a pleated high-low dress.

Forever 21, Embellished High Low Dress, $29

Bet you wouldn't have guessed this to be Forever 21 and under $30. The blush color is perfect for summer.

Nordstrom, Kenneth Cole Pleated Ikat Dress, $69

A little ikat perhaps? I would add a metallic belt to this dress but I love the neutral canvas. 

Modcloth, Roof Garden Party Dress, $41

I think Modcloth aptly named this dress. Give me a beautiful roof and a glass of sangria and this dress.

Asos, Chiffon Dress with High Low Hem, $66

This is one of my favorite colors and the fact that I can wear a good bra and a great necklace is good enough for me. 

High low dresses are a great way to mix up your standard summer dress staples. Add some pleating to make it more work appropriate.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

We made it! Happy Friday lovebugs! Here are some of my favorite recipes for this week.

Peppery Punch
c/o The Bitten Word

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/4 cups orange juice
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 2 cups gin
• 1/2 cup elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)
• 2 cups champagne
• Sliced lemons, quartered strawberries and freshly ground pepper, for garnish

Directions

Make the simple syrup: Bring the sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves; let cool.

Combine the orange juice, lemon juice and 1/2 cup simple syrup in a punch bowl. Add the gin and elderflower liqueur and stir. Fill with ice, then add the champagne. Garnish with lemons, strawberries and pepper.

Sweet Corn Risotto

c/o Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients

4 cups chicken stock
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried minced onion
1 cup arborio rice
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup fresh corn, or frozen (thawed)
3/4 cup freshly grated pecorino romano cheese
1/2 tbsp herbs de provence


Directions
1- Heat the chicken stock in a pot and keep warm over a low simmer.
2- Meanwhile in a large skillet heat the oil and onion. Stir well. Add the rice, and stir, until lightly golden.
3- At this point add stock, 1 cup at a time, and simmer over low heat until all of the liquid absorbs. Repeat until all liquid is used. Season with salt and pepper.
4- Once the final cup of stock has been added mix in the corn, cheese, and seasonings. Stir well. Once most of the liquid is absorbed, serve hot. Top with additional herbs if desired.


Chocolate Eclairs in a Jar
c/o Kitchen Bellicious

Ingredients
1-2 sleeves Graham crackers
1 tub chocolate frosting

2. For the Pudding:
3. 2 2/3 cups whole milk
4. 1/2 cup sugar
5. 1/4 cup cornstarch
6. 1/4 teaspoon salt
7. 2 tsp vanilla extract
8. 2 tsp vanilla sugar
9. 1 large egg
10. 8 ounces of whipped cream

Directions

1. Break graham crackers into small pieces and line the bottom of jars with them.

2. Mix up the cream.

Bring 2 cups of the milk to a boil in a medium saucepan. While it is heating, combine sugar, cornstarch, salt and vanilla sugar in the bottom of a medium, heatproof bowl. Gradually whisk in the remaining 2/3 cup whole milk, a little at a time so lumps do not form, then whisk in the egg. Once milk is boiling, very gradually add it to the cornstarch mixture in the bowl, whisking the whole time.

Return the mixture back to the saucepan, stirring constantly with a silicon spatula or wooden spoon. Once it comes to a simmer, cook it for one minute longer (which will cook the cornstarch and egg fully). Stir in vanilla extract and whipping cream. Divide cream mixture among jars. Fill about 2/3 to ¾ full.

3. Top with another layer of grahams. Break up here and cover entire surface as well as possible.

4. Finish off with a thick layer of frosting spread across the top like a lid.

5. Refrigerate for 8 hours with no lid then cover with lid for another 10 hours.

Hot and Unbalanced

And I'm not just talking about myself! Today, we're looking at one shoulder maxi dresses; I love maxis, and we looked at some maxi skirts last week, but today we're taking the maxi dress and cutting off a shoulder.

Willow & Clay, Zig Zag Belted Maxi Dress, $84

This flirty and fun maxi is perfect for day or night with the appropriate shoes.

Hive & Honey, Maxi Shirred Dress, $49

This also comes in navy. I think either color is the perfect neutral canvas to add some big and colorful jewelry.

Tinley Road, One Shoulder Maxi, $29

This is a little bridesmaid worthy, but also lovely for an outdoor dressy wedding.

KAS New York, Sue Bead-Neck Maxi, $98

Want to feel like a Grecian goddess? Throw this on and be ready to turn heads.

I love the idea of a dramatic neckline created by a one shoulder dress. These beauties really are a tall glass of water.

Be fabulous today!

Vent Sesh

Do you ever feel, like a plastic bag, drifting through—no I’m kidding, come on, this is for real guys.

Thank you to Alyson who let me be a part of this week’s Vent Sesh. I think it’s a really great and honest way for bloggers to tell readers more about themselves instead of ‘omg I love those shoes’, which, don’t get me wrong, I love to do, but this is a great opportunity.

Today’s sesh was open-ended which I found a little daunting. Just to pick something out of the blue that I was cranky about. Generally I’m a pretty happy person and thanks to loyal friends and loving family members, I’m able to keep that mood, but sometimes it’s exhausting and you just need a break.

I’m tired. I’m just worn out a little bit guys. Nothing specific has happened to make the sky fall but just the constant merry-go-round of days is a bit of a bummer recently. Right now I categorize my life into two categories, work and not work. I have found this to be an easy way to keep things organized but I’ve realized this system leaves no time for Kelsey. Let me break it down.

Work- I work 9-6 and I work hard. I do a good job and I aim to please. By 6:00pm I’m spent. It’s usually been a long day of multi-tasking, conference calls and creating things and even after that, sometimes I feel like I wasn’t good enough that day. I could have done something better.

Not Work- This is everything after 6:00pm. The two most important things are my friends and family and my dog. You all know a little bit about The BF-going strong after four years last week- and I have a handful of very close friends that I do my best to keep in touch with and make sure they’re happy. My family lives in Philadelphia so when they call, I answer, no matter what. Sometimes it’s hard to be away from them. I try my very best to talk to at least one of them everyday. Then there is Norman. My one year old joy. The BF and I got him in September and since then he has been a fluffy bundle of energy, love, half-eaten remote controls, vet bills, accidents and happiness. Having a puppy is no small task and while there is nothing in the world I’d rather do than come home to that little man wagging his tail, it makes it difficult to go to a happy hour with a friend or decide to be spontaneous with The BF.

I’m having a hard time expressing my frustration because it seems selfish. Who am I to bitch about not getting any me time? I have a great job, a loving boyfriend and family, a fabulous pup, a beautiful apartment and a great support network. Sometimes I just want to tell myself to man the eff up and deal with it, but putting on an act and what you’re really feeling are two different things.

I think I need to add a category. I’m not sure what I will call it yet but it will be the ‘Take Care of Kelsey’ category. It will be my space to break the cycle of work and not work. Doesn’t have to be big or expensive or time consuming but it needs to happen.  I know I'm not the only one who feels this way - we live in an incredibly busy and demanding world, and often times the last person that we take care of is ourselves. But it is so important. I'm going to make a better effort to make some 'me' time more often - I hope you do, too.

Sneon

I've decided to invent a word today: sneon. It is defined as a neon sandal. Say it with me, sneon. I've seen so many great sandals this summer already and I love the neon trend, so I've made the executive decision to combine them. Let's have a look.

Endless, Madden Girl Sambo Slingback, $49

I love these sandals, the gold toe and a great buckle make it easy to wear all day long.

Urban Outfitters, Cooperative Patent Sandal, $19

Gotta love the price of these sandals. Green neon is hard to pull off but perfect for some lighter wash bf jeans.

Nordstrom, Jeffrey Campbell Eddy, $84

Ok, $84 is a little aggressive for a sandal, but if you need a solid neon flat, this is perfection. For me, I'm waiting until the go on sale.

DSW, Dirty Laundry Beka Sandal, $34

These have a bit of a more beachy feel to the, but I love the fabric instead of leather.

Sneon is going to be huge this summer, I can feel it. How are you styling your neon this summer?

Be fabulous today!

Featured Store: Alex & Ani

Hey lovebugs,
Happy Monday. Did you celebrate Father's Day and call your dad or spend the day with him? I missed being at home, but calling him always helps.

Today we're taking a look at a great jewelry store: Alex and Ani. Their eco-friendly pieces are really beautiful and unique.

Alex and Ani, Ladybug Bangle, $28

As you probably have guess by now, I'm a sucker for a ladybug aka lovebug. 

Alex & Ani, Tiger Endless Hoops, $68

What an easy accessory to add to any Saturday night outfit. Simple and chic.

Alex and Ani, NY Subway Token Necklace, $48

How cool is this? A made in America piece of history.

Alex and Ani, Kingston Wrap, $48

I love the intricate detail of these hollow beads, so expensive looking.

Alex and Ani reminds me of a cross between House of Harlow and Dogeared. I really like the vintage feel with the simple jewelry. 

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs! Here are my favorite recipes for the week.

Chicken Pasta Pesto Bake
c/o Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients
1/2 pound pasta, cooked al dente
1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, chopped small
2/3 cup pesto
1/2 cup grated parmesan or pecorino romano cheese

Directions
1- Combine the pasta, chicken, and pesto. Toss until evenly mixed. Pour into a baking dish. Top with the cheese.
2- Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.




Clam Pizza
c/o Great Eats with Petes

Ingredients

2 dozen little neck clams

1 pizza dough

Flour for dusting

Olive Oil

1-2 garlic cloves, minced

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Directions

Place clams on a baking sheet. Place clams in the oven and bake for 2-3 minutes or until the clams begin to open. DON’T WALK AWAY! This is only to open the clams a little so you can shuck them not cook them. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Once cool remove the clam from the shell along with the clam juice and set aside in a bowl.

Dust a clean, flat surface with flour. Dust the pizza dough with flour. Roll out dough into the shape you desire.

Brush with olive oil. Sprinkle the dough with garlic. Sprinkle the cheese over the pizza dough. Top with shucked clams and some of their juice. Sprinkle with parsley. Bake in oven on a cookie sheet, pizza pan or pizza stone. Allow approximately 17 minutes for the pizza to cook. Remove from oven.

Slice the pizza and Enjoy!

Breakfast Nachos

c/o Lauren's Latest

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
5 eggs
1 tablespoon cream {optional}
salt & pepper
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups baked tortilla chips
any desired toppings: avocados, tomatoes, salsa, cilantro, sour cream, beans, onions, etc.


Directions

Preheat nonstick skillet over medium low heat. Melt butter in pan. Crack eggs into a small bowl and whisk with salt, pepper and cream {optional}. Pour into hot pan and stir constantly until eggs scramble and are cooked to your liking. Remove from pan. Wipe pan out with paper towel. Spread tortilla chips on the bottom of the pan in an even layer. Top with scrambled eggs and cheese. Place under the broiler until cheese is completely melted. Remove. Top with any desired toppings and serve.

Chambray Anyone?

Happy almost Friday! Thank goodness. I'm ready for a weekend. Today we're looking at some fantastic chambray dresses. Denim is so old school, chambray is somehow chic and great for summer.

Gap, 1969 Chambray tiered dress, $79

The tiers are so feminine on this dress and the bit of a drop waist is very unexpected.

Hive and Honey, Chambray Tulip Hem Dress, $39

Very sexy and breezy for an evening out. I would add a colorful or metallic skinny belt to break things up.

Levi's, Sunday Dress, $59

A great scoop neck dress for summer. I would pair this with some platform sandals.

The Limited, Crossover Chambray Dress, $39

I really love this dress because you can dress it up or down and for the price, you really can't go wrong.

Chambray is beautiful for summer. Just add colorful, blingy, or chunky jewelry to it. 

Be fabulous today!

Jungle Fever

Hey lovebugs! Happy humpday. Today we're taking a peek into the wild, I'm talking about animal print bottoms.

J Crew, Wild animal print linen canvas shorts, $65

J Crew knows how to do a great print on something bigger than an accessory. 

Calvin Klein, Skinny Animal Print Ankle Pants, $59

A subtle print, this is perfect for maybe an evening out with parents.

Loft, Animal Print Drapey Shorts, $49

The drape effect on these shorts dresses them up without the bulkiness of pleats.

Calvin Klein, Sequined Zebra Shorts, $34

OK, I usually try not to post the same designer twice in the same post, but I hope you'll forgive me. Sequined, zebra, shorts. Just yes.

So give your stripes, paisley, polka dots and ikats a rest and step into the wild side.

Be fabulous today!

Wrap it in a Pattern

Wrap dresses have always and will always be the best work dress ever. They are easy, comfortable and come in a color or pattern to fit any style. Today's we're checking out some fantastic patterned wrap dresses.

Nordstrom, BCBG Elia Striped Wrap Dress, $95

These colors are amazing. I love the half and half style, very geometric and graphic.

Ann Taylor, Graphic Wrap Print Dress, $69

Black and white never looked so sophisticated. Beautiful neck line and 3/4 length sleeves.

Modcloth, Bold You So Dress, $49

So can we see this on a 60s sitcom? I love it. I want it.

Nordstrom, Donna Ricco Blouson Sleeve Jersey Dress, $79

Well hello lovely! Check out this fantastic pattern. And those sleeves add a little something extra.

A pattern wrap dress is pretty much the easiest thing to throw on in the morning. No major accessories to think about and you can even throw your hair in a pony tail because of the great necklines.

Be fabulous today!