Friday, March 29, 2013

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs! And a very Happy Birthday to my Dad! I'm looking forward to spending the weekend with him and the rest of my family this weekend for Easter.

Silver Fizz
c/o Art of Drink
Ingredients
1½ oz Gin
1 oz Lemon Juice
1 tsp Sugar 
1 egg white
Top Soda Water


Directions

In a cocktail shaker combine gin, lemon juice, sugar and egg white. Shake vigorously and then add ice. Shake again. Strain shaker into an ice filled glass and fill with club soda.
Shaking the egg white with the other ingredients, before adding the ice, helps to emulsify the egg white better, making a more stable foam. What makes the Silver Fizz interesting is that it is substantially smoother than something like a Gin Fizz or Tom Collins. The egg white provides a subtle viscosity that makes the drink feel smooth as it flows across your tongue. It also takes the edge off the acid and alcohol. If people weren’t so dam squimish about raw egg whites this could very well be a popular drink and also a transition drink into other, more flavourful cocktails.

Southwestern Egg Rolls
Ingredients
2 cups frozen corn, thawed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups reduced fat shredded Mexican cheese blend (I used Weight Watchers brand)
1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
4 scallions (green onions), chopped
1 (4 oz) can of green chiles, drained
1 t ground cumin
½ t chili powder
1 t salt
½ t black pepper
¼ t cayenne pepper
24 egg roll wrappers (1 package)
Directions
1.    Preheat the oven to 425. Lightly mist two baking sheets with cooking spray and set aside.
2.    In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients except the egg roll wrappers and stir to thoroughly combine.
3.    Pour some water into a small dish and set aside. On a flat surface, place an egg roll wrapper, corner facing toward you (like a diamond) and put ¼ cup of the mixture from the bowl on the center of the wrapper. Spread the mixture in a horizontal line from the left corner to the right corner of the wonton wrapper, leaving ½ inch or so of space on each side. Fold the bottom corner closest to you up over the ingredients and give it a 90 degree roll. Fold the side corners in and tuck them as you give the filled section another 90 degree roll. Dip your finger in the dish or reserved water and lightly wet the edges of the remaining top corner of the wrapper. Finish rolling the filled egg roll over the wet corner so that it adheres. Place wrapped egg roll onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
4.    When all of the egg rolls are wrapped and on the baking sheets, lightly mist the tops with cooking spray. Bake for 14-15 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the wrappers are golden brown. Serve with salsa for dipping.

World Peace Cookies
Ingredients
    •    1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
    •    1/3 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
    •    1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    •    11 tablespoons (1 stick plus 3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature
    •    2/3 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
    •    1/4 cup sugar
    •    1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    •    1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
    •    5 ounces extra-bittersweet chocolate
Directions

    •    Sift flour, cocoa, and baking soda into medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until smooth but not fluffy. Add both sugars, vanilla, and sea salt; beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add flour mixture; beat just until blended (mixture may be crumbly). Add chopped chocolate; mix just to distribute (if dough doesn't come together, knead lightly in bowl to form ball). Divide dough in half. Place each half on sheet of plastic wrap. Form each into 1 1/2-inch-diameter log. Wrap each in plastic; chill until firm, about 3 hours. DO AHEAD Can be made 3 days ahead. Keep chilled.

    •    Preheat oven to 325°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Using thin sharp knife, cut logs crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Space 1 inch apart on prepared sheets. Bake 1 sheet at a time until cookies appear dry (cookies will not be firm or golden at edges), 11 to 12 minutes. Transfer to rack; cool. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Plum Luck

It's been too long since we've done a nail polish inspired post. And I'm feeling plumy. Look at this gorgeous OPI Plugged in Plum color.


Originally $117. You can't beat this girly peplum top!

I don't think this model will ever need to understand "stretch" jeans but for the rest of us, these rock.

Yes plum! Do you have green eyes? Try purple mascara for an extra kick!

Oh how comfy does this maxi look? The beautiful waistband is a little boho-chic.

As you may know by now, purple is my favorite color; and these saturated version like plum are just beautiful. 

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Stud Cuffin

Happy humpday lovebugs, we're getting there.

Let's add some edge to this dull Wednesday. I'm thinking studs. Studding has been huge this season it and it won't be going away soon. Today we're looking at some studded cuffs. A simple accessory with some kick.

Urban Outfitters, AV Max Studded Enamel Cuff, $68
There is something Grecian Goddess about this cuff. Also comes in orange and black.

This cuff is just screaming for an arm party. Layer on those bangles ladies!

BaubleBar, Glam Cone Cuff, $48
I feel as though this cuff should come with a warning, but wow, is it fabulous.

Ok, picture this: you're wearing a simple black crewneck top and then you go to lift up the groceries/laptop/kid/puppy/etc and BAM, everyone sees this bad boy. Quiet, yet demanding.

Studding is a great way to add some bling to an accessory or even piece of apparel. Add it to a simple cuff and it's a whole new piece. 

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

So Tab Your Asked

I love a blouse that can go from pencil skirt to skinny jeans with ease. I'm finding this type of top in the tab sleeve variety. There is a certain casual cool with this top that makes it easy and versatile.

Lord and Taylor, Liberty Silk Rolled Sleeve Top, $71
Just a stunning hue of blue. This will go with just about anything you want to pair with it.

The details on this blouse are very well thought out. Great Mandarin collar, shoulder epaulets, and a shirttail hem line.

This is a great upgrade to a plain white shirt, but it's simple and easy to layer.

I love the continuation of the stripes on the sleeves, give a much broader shoulder.

What do you wear that pairs for day or night? These simple but interesting blouses make it so easy to add one accessory or shoe for a completely different look.

Be fabulous today!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Heavy Metal Floral

Hey there lovebugs,
Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend. As spring inches it's way here, I'm feeling floral. But we've covered the floral patterns not so long ago. Let's look at some floral jewelry. But not just any floral, I'm thinking some heavy metal. Something not so sweet and a little more structural.

This bracelet is just beautiful. I love the different textures of chains as well as the various sizes of flowers.

White House Black Market, Crystal Flower Necklace, $98
I'm sure this will go on sale, but if you need a statement necklace that's a bit understated, this is your go to. Suit, LBD, or button down. Goes with it all.

I really love the lack of bling in this ring, it has an antique but expensive feel to it.

A great piece for under $30. This would go well with a high neck sleeveless spring dress like this.

Floral=sweet. So why not change up the medium and go for something a bit chillier. Skip the neons, the pastels, and the bling and try on something with an edge.

Be fabulous today!

Friday, March 22, 2013

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!
Here are some great recipes for this week.

The Breakers 75
Ingredients
Champagne, about 3 to 4 ounces
1 ounce gin
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions
Pour gin and lemon juice into the bottom of a champagne flute. Top with your bubbles. Down the hatch.
Tasting Notes: In addition to using the best gin and capital-C Champagne you’ve got, I highly suggest shaking the lemon juice and gin together in an ice-filled shaker tin to get them nice and chilled before building your drink.
Chicken Marsala Casserole
Ingredients
2 tbsp butter
10 oz sliced mushrooms
1 1/2 tbsp flour
1/2 cup marsala wine
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups chicken broth
1tsp dried parsley
Salt and pepper
1 cup long rain rice, uncooked
2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken (or any cooked chicken)
2 tbsp parmesan cheese
Directions
1- Preheat the oven to 350.
2- Melt the butter in a large skillet. Add the mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the flour and stir well to coat.
3- Stir in the marsala wine and cream, allowing to cook and thicken, about 3 minutes. Stir in the broth, parsley, and season with salt and pepper.
4- In a 9x 13 dish, spread the rice in an even layer over the bottom of the dish. Top with the chicken.
5- Pour the mushroom gravy over the chicken and rice mix. Cover tightly with foil.
6- Bake 35 minutes, until bubbling.
7- Remove foil, sprinkle on parmesan cheese, and bake 5 minutes uncovered.

Nutella Cream Cheese Turnovers
Ingredients
1 sheet Puff Pastry, thawed
¼ cup Cream Cheese, softened
2/3 cup Nutella, divided
2 Tbsp Flour, for dipping fork to crimp turnover edges
1 Egg
1 Tbsp Water
2 Tbsp Powdered Sugar
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
On silicone baking mat, or floured surface, roll out puff pastry into a 12x12 inch square. Cut into 9 equal square shapes.
In bowl, whisk together cream cheese and ½ cup of Nutella until smooth and evenly mixed.
Drop 1 Tbsp of cream cheese/Nutella mixture into the corner of puff pastry. Leave a small edge on the puff pastry so when you fold the squares over the edges can be crimped together. Fold opposite side of the square over the Nutella/cream cheese mixture. Using a fork dipped in flour press the edges of the turnovers with the tines of the fork to seal the edges together.
Places the turnovers onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone baking sheet. In small dish, whisk together egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush each turnover with the egg wash.
Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool on a wire rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and drizzle with additional warmed Nutella. Serve warm.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Flowers, for Me?

Floral is so easy for spring, we looked at some just a little while ago. Today we're searching for floral pumps. I love this trend because it combines the sometimes severe stiletto with the soft pattern and colors of a floral.

Look at how the patten continues down the heel. This is perfect with jeans or a sundress.

The Limited, Patterned Mid-Heel Pumps, $69
I LOVE these colors. Tan legs or pale legs, it works with them all.

A little Grease sock hop but in a Cha Cha DiGrergorio kind of way. Hot.

This pattern should be stretched onto a canvas. Just lovely.

Floral pumps, a little sexy, a little girly, a lot easy for any style. Pick a hue, pastel, purples, reds, you name it, you will find something in your taste for this trend.

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Shifting Gears

Shift dresses are the epitome of simple. They can be boxy, which is a great look paired with some stacked heels, or you can belt the dress to accentuate the waist. So many of these dresses are sleeveless though, and that's not always work appropriate. Today let's look at some shift dresses with short sleeves.

Loft, Placed Floral Print Dress, $79
I love this cascading floral pattern, I would dress it down with a denim jacket.

Express, Short Sleeve Colorblock Shift, $29
These peachy colors are perfect for spring. It also comes in a navy hue!

Modcloth, Camp Get Enough, $89
Check out this adorable graphic landscape! This is just asking for a skinny braided belt and some flat sandals.

The Limited, Colorblock Dress, $79
A work appropriate shift that is needing some red pumps. I love placement of the black band.

Shift dresses can be styled to fit any shape or size. The short sleeve adds just a bit of class vs the sleeveless option.

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

The Quirky Animal

Yesterday we did girly, today, we're going on safari. Leopard print is always an easy go to, even zebra. But what about giraffe? Yep, you heard me, that not so graceful, awkward and gangly animal that has a fantastic big print. Not sold? How about we ease you into it with some jewelry?
Fossil, Giraffe Pendant, $58
How cute is this? A little blingy, a lot unique. Perfect for layering.

OK, you can pay $99 for a similar bracelet here or $12 for this one.

Sweet, simple, easy, and quirky.

This tiny pendant is a great gift or a great add on for your weekend outfit.

See? Giraffes are sweet! They're lovely creatures so why not try them? Also, fun fact, giraffes sleep approximately 30 minutes per day. You're welcome.

Be fabulous today!

Monday, March 18, 2013

Lace Up!

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. With spring around the corner, I wanted to take a look at some great light and girly pieces. And since I'm not that much for pastels, I look for other ways to integrate the pretty into my outfit. Today we're looking at lace trim.

Forever 21, Boxy Lace Trim Top, $24
This top is perfect for under a suit blazer or with bf jeans. The horizontal lace is something new and different. 

The belt and collar on this dress take it from maybe-nightgown to night on the town.

How sweet is this tee? A great scalloped hem with a wide boatneck, just perfect for spring.

The price of this dress really speaks for itself. I lovely sleeveless dress that is easy to layer up for winter or wear alone for warmer weather.

Adding the girly to my wardrobe is easy to do with accessories, but sometimes I like to throw in a little lace to really step it up. Try to look for lace that isn't simply black and white. Add some neon trim!

Be fabulous today!

Friday, March 15, 2013

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs, I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Here are some of my favorite recipes this week.

Spicy Sausage Dip
Ingredients
1 pound spicy/zesty sausage
1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
2 8-ounce packages cream cheese
Hot sauce, to taste

Directions
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the crumbled sausage until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Reduce the heat to medium and mix in the tomatoes, cream cheese, and hot sauce. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is warmed through and the ingredients are well blended. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Serve warm.

Bacon Pierogie Bake
Ingredients
1 (16 oz) package frozen potato and onion pierogies
2 slices center-cut bacon, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup thin sliced green onions
1 small plum tomato, seeded, and diced
Pepper
Cooking spray

Directions
1- Preheat the oven to 400.
2- Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange the frozen pierogies in the dish.
3- In a medium saucepan, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan.
4- Add garlic to the drippings, cook for 30 seconds. Add the cream cheese, stirring until it melts. Add the broth, stir continuously until it's all incorporated.
5- Pour the sauce mixture over the pierogies. Top with the cheddar cheese.
6- Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, top with the tomatoes and bacon, and return it to the oven. Bake for 5 additional minutes.
7- Remove from the oven sprinkle with green onions and black pepper. Serve hot.

Skinny No Bake Peanut Butter Pie
Ingredients
  • 5 oz reduced fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1/3 cup Peanut Butter
  • 8 oz fat free frozen whipped topping, thawed 
  • reduced fat graham cracker pie crusts
  • 3 tbsp Hershey's chocolate syrup
Directions
Beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar together in a medium bowl.  Mix in Better 'n Peanut Butter and beat until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
Spoon into graham cracker pie shell; cover, and refrigerate until firm, at least 2-3 hours. Drizzle with chocolate syrup before serving.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Oh Mary, You Get It

We haven't looked at shoes in a little while, so today I thought we would take a look at some mary janes. They're always in style, and a great style at that. They can be worn with dresses, bf jeans and more. They can be rocker-chic or sweet and playful. Let's take a look.

When do you ever see a green pump that is wearable between 9 and 5? Love this rounded toe.

Obsessed. Just yes. Cropped jeans, an eyelet top, yes.

Nine West, Sheryl, $29
Hello party! These beauties are perfect for dancing all night long. A little Kate Spade-esque?

Modcloth, Craft of Charm Heel, $34
The scalloped edges! Yes! These also come in a carmel brown.

The mary jane shoe can be worked into any wardrobe, and while my choices may be on the preppier side, yours may be styled completely differently. And that's why I love them.

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

A Plus Student

You know what's great about dresses? Everything. I know that doesn't really narrow anything down for you, so I'm going to. Today we're looking at printed a-line dresses under....wait for it...$50. Yep. Simple, sweet, and cheap.

Dorothy Perkins, Damask Printed Dress, $44
The print on this dress makes it so classy and elegant, I might add a red of gold skinny belt.

Modcloth, Interior Designer Dress, $47
We all know I'm a sucker for dots and this springy hue is right up my alley.

Well we all know and love Target and its collaborations, and this dress is one of the more tame ones from Prabal. 

Forever 21, Tribal Print A-Line Dress, $24
I'm not always a fan of the tribal print but the colors in this dress are so light and airy.

Ok, did I deliver? A lines under $50. Guaranteed to flatter just about any shape.

Be fabulous today!